WO2007136138A1

WO2007136138A1 - Content reproducing device and content reproducing method

Info

Publication number: WO2007136138A1
Application number: PCT/JP2007/060943
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ryoma Oami
Original assignee: Nec Corporation
Priority date: 2006-05-23
Filing date: 2007-05-23
Publication date: 2007-11-29
Also published as: JP2009224818A

Abstract

Provided are a content reproducing device and a content reproducing method capable of performing special reproduction control of a content so as to enable a user to easily select an event portion such as a scene change when performing fast feed/fast rewind reproduction. Content reproducing means (10) reconfigures a content signal, outputs it as a reproduction content, and outputs time information on a content being reproduced to event signal generating means (12). The event signal generating means (12) compares the content time information to the event time information and outputs an event signal if the times are near to each other. Event report means (103) notifies a user that the content reproduction time approaches the event time according to the event signal outputted from the event signal generating means (12).

Description

Description Content playback apparatus and content playback method This application is filed in Japanese Patent Application No. 2 0 0 6 _ 1 4 filed on May 23, 2000

Claims priority based on 2 9 8 3 and incorporates all of its disclosure here.

Technical field

The present invention relates to a content playback apparatus and a content playback method capable of special playback control of content such as video, audio, and text. Background art

In general video playback devices capable of special playback control, the method of reducing the playback speed when the scene is reached during fast-forward playback of video is used for the purpose of preventing the user from overlooking the scene change. (For example, see Patent Document 1). Special playback control is a function that allows fast forward and rewind during playback.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of a video playback apparatus capable of general special playback control. Video decoding Z reproduction means 100 is a means for decoding and reproducing the encoded video signal at a speed specified by the reproduction speed control signal. The scene change detection means 1 0 0 1 is means for detecting a scene change from the encoded video signal and outputting the scene change information. The playback speed control means 1 0 0 2 is a means for determining the video playback speed from the special playback request signal and scene change information input by the user and outputting a playback speed control signal for controlling this speed.

Next, the operation will be described. The encoded video signal is encoded on a packet-by-packet basis, and is input to the video decoding Z reproduction means 100 and scene change detection means 1001. Here, the encoded video signal is a video signal compressed by an encoding method such as MPEG-2.

Video decoding Z playback means 1 0 0 0 decodes the input encoded video signal, generates a playback video, and outputs it. At this time, reproduction output from the reproduction speed control means 1 0 0 2 Based on the speed control signal, adjust the decoding method and playback speed to play the video. When the normal playback speed is specified by the playback speed control signal output from the playback speed control means 1 0 0 2, the video decoding Z playback means 1 0 0 0 decodes and plays back all frames. . On the other hand, when special playback such as fast-forward playback is specified by the playback speed control signal, decoding and playback for special playback is performed as described later.

The scene change detection means 1 0 0 1 performs scene change detection on the input encoded video signal in packet units. The presence or absence of a scene change is determined from the size of the bucket included in the packet header and DTS (Decoding Time Stamp) information. Then, the scene change detection means 1 0 0 1 outputs scene change information indicating whether or not a scene change is included in the packet to the playback speed control means 1 0 0 2.

The playback speed control means 1 0 0 2 determines the video playback speed based on the special playback request signal input from the user and the scene change information output from the scene change detection means 1 0 0 1. A playback speed control signal for controlling the video is output to the video decoding Z playback means 1 0 0 0. The special playback request signal is a signal that is generated when the user designates fast-forward / rewind playback, etc., by pressing the fast-forward button or rewind button attached to the video playback device. Includes type (fast forward, rewind, etc.) and playback speed information.

The playback speed control means 1 0 0 2 outputs a playback speed control signal designating a normal playback speed when the special playback request signal is not input from the user. The video decoding Z playback means 1 0 0 0 to which such a playback speed control signal is input performs normal decoding / playback as described above. On the other hand, when a special playback request signal is input, the playback speed control means 1 0 0 2 performs fast forward and winding based on the request and scene change information output from the scene change detection means 1 0 0 1. A signal designating the type and speed of special playback such as return is output as a playback speed control signal to the video decoding / playback means 1 0 0 0 0. Basically, special playback other than fast-forward playback is controlled in the same way as the control for fast-forward playback. The following describes the operation for fast-forward playback.

Indicates that the scene change information does not include a scene change in the bucket. If it is, fast-forward playback is performed at the speed specified by the special playback request signal. When fast-forward playback is performed, the playback speed control means 1 0 0 2 decodes the playback speed control signal that realizes playback at the speed specified by the special playback request signal input from the user. Output to 0. In response to this signal, the video decoding / reproducing means 1 0 0 0 decodes / reproduces only the I picture (intra-frame encoded image) and outputs a fast-forward reproduced video.

On the other hand, when the scene change information indicates that the packet includes a scene change, the playback speed control means 1 0 0 2 plays back at a speed slower than the special playback request signal input from the user ( A playback speed control signal for reducing the fast-forward speed) is output to the video decoding and playback means 1 0 0 0. Upon receiving this signal, the video decoding Z reproduction means 1 0 0 0 decodes not only the I picture but also the P picture (inter-frame forward prediction encoded image) for the corresponding packet, and is designated Plays back at a speed slower than the fast-forward playback speed.

As described above, by playing back the part where the scene change occurred a little slowly, the user can easily select the scene change.

A recording / playback method and a recording / playback device have been proposed in which a bookmark created by one viewer is communicated to the other viewer to share a scene that one viewer wants to see with the other viewer (for example, (See Patent Document 2). In Patent Document 2, when creating a bookmark that records the actual recording time of the scene you want to see in the video, and playing back using the bookmark, the actual recording time associated with the bookmark and the actual recording time of the scene you want to see are recorded. It describes accessing the scene you want to see based on the actual recording time and position information of the reference instant scene closest to the time. With such a configuration, the bookmark is managed as the actual recording time of the scene to be viewed, and can be used in devices other than the device that created the bookmark.

Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2 0 0 4-1 2 9 0 4 0 (Paragraph 0 0 7 4-0 0 7 5) Patent Document 2 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2 0 0 6-6 0 8 6 7 (paragraph 0 0 0 6, 0 0 2 1) The method described in Patent Document 1 makes it easier for a user to select a scene change location than a device that simply performs fast-forward playback. However, only this However, it cannot be said that consideration for users is sufficient.

The first problem is that if the user is not watching the screen, the scene change may be overlooked without noticing that the playback speed has slowed down.

The reason is that during fast forward and rewind playback, if a scene change is detected, the playback speed is reduced, but the user is not explicitly notified that a scene change has been detected. This is particularly noticeable when viewing in a mopile environment and on a small screen on a mobile device. In a mopile environment, the screen is often crowded and people around you are concerned about the line of sight, making it difficult to keep an eye on the screen. As a result, even if there is a slight speed difference, important points are often not fully recognized, and as a result, the user has a hard time making proper heading. Especially in the case of news video, the topic turning point (scene change) is often an announcer shot with little movement, and even if the playback speed slows down during fast-forwarding, it is often not recognized.

The second problem is that the degree of freedom of speed control is small.

The reason is that speed control can be performed only in packet units. In other words, the length of the bucket is uniquely determined by the length of the bucket, and it cannot be adjusted even if you want to adjust the length of the speed reduction. Also, no matter where the scene change is in the bucket のみ, only the speed of the bucket is reduced, so if a scene change occurs at the beginning of the bucket 十分, it is enough for the user to perform cueing operations. The playback speed cannot be reduced for a long time.

The third problem is that the speed of fast-forward playback can only be controlled when a scene change is detected.

The reason is that the playback speed is not detected until a scene change is detected. For this reason, for example, it is not possible to slow down the fast-forward playback speed and make it easier to select the bookmarks given by the user or others.

Further, in the method described in Patent Document 2, only a jump to a bookmark is assumed, and no event notification means is included. I can not. For this reason, if the user cannot fully watch the screen, he / she cannot be notified of the scene change. Disclosure of the invention

Even in an environment where it is difficult to keep a close eye, such as a mobile terminal, the present invention

To provide a content playback device and content playback method that enable special playback control of content such as video and audio, enabling the user to easily select event locations such as scene changes during Z-rewind playback. It aims to.

A content playback device according to the present invention is a content playback device capable of special playback of content, reconstructs the input content signal, plays back the content, and selects one of a plurality of specific positions in the content being played back. An event signal indicating that a specific position is approaching is output when it is determined that the difference between any one and the current playback position satisfies the determination criterion.

In response to a request for special playback, a playback speed control signal indicating a method for reconfiguring content and a playback speed may be output, and a playback speed control signal corresponding to the output event signal may be output. According to such a configuration, it is possible to realize a content playback apparatus capable of special playback control that allows the user to easily select a viewing start point.

The content playback device according to the present invention is a content playback device capable of special playback of content, replays the content by reconstructing the input content signal, and outputs content time information indicating the current playback position. The difference between the content reproduction means to be performed and the event time information indicating a plurality of specific positions in the content being reproduced and the content time information output by the content reproduction means is determined to satisfy the determination criterion. And an event signal generating means for outputting an event signal indicating that a specific position is approaching. Notification means for notifying the user that a specific position is approaching may be provided based on the event signal output by the event signal generation means. According to such a configuration, the user can be notified that the content being played has reached a specific position (event point). The notification means may notify by sound that a specific position is approaching. According to such a configuration, by playing a sound effect such as a special effect sound or music specified in advance or a sound dynamically generated on the spot, the content being played has reached the event point. Can be notified.

The notification means may notify by vibration that a specific position is approaching. According to such a configuration, it is possible to notify that the content being played has reached the event point by vibrating.

The notification means may notify that a specific position is approaching by the brightness or color of the screen. According to such a configuration, by adjusting the power supplied to the backlight or the screen, the brightness or color of the screen is changed, and notification is made that the content being played has reached the event point. Can do. The notification means may notify that a specific position is approaching by lighting the lamp. According to such a configuration, the lighting state of the lamp can be changed to notify that the content being played has reached the event point.

The content reproduction means may reproduce the content with the special effect based on the event signal output by the event signal generation means. According to such a configuration, a user notification function can be realized only by changing the content reproduction means without using a new notification means.

The content playback means may play back content with visual special effects. According to such a configuration, for example, it is possible to reproduce the content by adding an effect of applying a nonlinear transformation to the entire screen or a part thereof, an effect of changing the overall color tone, and the like.

The content playback means may play back content with special acoustic effects. According to such a configuration, for example, it is possible to reproduce content by adding effects such as frequency conversion and fill processing to a speaker's voice signal. In response to a request for special playback, a method for reconfiguring content and a playback speed control means for outputting a playback speed control signal indicating the playback speed are provided. The content playback means is a playback speed control signal output by the playback speed control means. The content is reconstructed and specially played back based on the event signal generation means. Alternatively, it may be determined whether or not a difference between any one of a plurality of specific positions in the content being specially played and the current playback position satisfies the determination criterion. According to such a configuration, even when special playback such as fast-forwarding or rewinding is performed, when the content playback time approaches the event time, it is possible to reliably notify the user of the event point.

The reproduction speed control means may output a reproduction speed control signal based on the event signal output by the event signal generation means. According to such a configuration, it is possible to realize a content playback apparatus capable of special playback control that allows a user to easily select a viewing start point.

The content playback means may include content conversion means for outputting a content signal, and the content conversion means may convert the content signal and output it in response to a request for special playback. According to such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the load on the content reproduction means.

The content reproduction means may reproduce content including at least one of video, audio, and text. According to such a configuration, contents such as video, audio and text can be reproduced.

The content playback method according to the present invention is a content playback method capable of special playback of content, replays the content by reconstructing the input content signal, and selects one of a plurality of specific positions in the content being played back. An event signal indicating that a specific position is approaching is output when it is determined that the difference between any one and the current playback position satisfies the determination criterion.

In response to a request for special playback, a playback speed control signal indicating a method for reconfiguring content and a playback speed may be output, and a playback speed control signal corresponding to the output event signal may be output. According to such a configuration, it is possible to perform special playback control in which the user can easily select the viewing start point.

The content playback method according to the present invention is a content playback method that enables special playback of content, reconstructs the input content signal and plays back the content, and outputs content time information indicating the current playback position. During an event that indicates the content playback step to be performed and multiple specific positions in the content being played An event signal generation step for outputting an event signal indicating that a specific position is approaching when it is determined that the difference between any of the time information and the content time information output in the content playback step satisfies the determination criterion; It is characterized by including.

A notification step of notifying the user that a specific position is approaching may be included based on the event signal output in the event signal generation step. According to such a configuration, the user can be notified that the content being played has reached a specific position (event point).

In the notification step, it may be notified by sound that a specific position is approaching. According to such a configuration, by playing a sound effect such as a special effect sound or music specified in advance or a sound dynamically generated on the spot, the content being played approaches the event point. Can be notified.

In the notification step, it may be notified by vibration that a specific position is approaching. According to such a configuration, it is possible to notify that the content being played has reached the event point by vibrating.

In the notification step, it may be notified by the brightness or hue of the screen that a specific position is approaching. According to such a configuration, the brightness or color of the screen is changed by adjusting the power supplied to the backlight and the screen, and notification that the content being played has reached the event point. You can do it.

In the notification step, it may be notified by lighting the lamp that a specific position is approaching. According to such a configuration, it is possible to change the lighting state of the lamp and notify that the content being played has reached the event point.

In the content reproduction step, the content to which the special effect is added may be reproduced based on the event signal output in the event signal generation step. According to such a configuration, a user notification function can be realized only by changing the content playback step.

In the content playback step, content with visual special effects may be played back. According to such a configuration, for example, the entire screen or a part of the screen is nonlinear. The content can be played back with the effect of adding simple geometric transformations and the effect of changing the overall color tone.

In the content playback step, content with an acoustic special effect may be played back. According to such a configuration, for example, it is possible to reproduce the content by adding an effect such as frequency conversion or file conversion processing to the voice signal of the speaker. A playback speed control step for outputting a playback speed control signal indicating a playback speed control method indicating a playback speed and a method for reconstructing the content in response to a special playback request, and the playback speed output in the playback speed control step Based on the control signal, the content is reconstructed and specially played, and if there is a special playback request in the event signal generation step, one of a plurality of specific positions in the content being specially played and the current It may be determined whether or not the difference from the playback position satisfies the criterion. According to such a configuration, even when special playback such as fast-forwarding or rewinding is performed, when the playback time of the content approaches the time of the event point, the event point can be reliably notified to the user. .

In the playback speed control step, the playback speed control signal may be output based on the event signal output in the event signal generation step. According to such a configuration, special reproduction control that allows the user to easily select a viewing start point is possible.

A content conversion step for outputting a content signal may be included, and the content conversion chip may convert and output the content signal in response to a special reproduction request. According to such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the load in the content reproduction step.

In the content playback step, content including at least one of video, audio, and text may be played back. According to such a configuration, contents such as video, audio and text can be reproduced.

According to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

The first effect is that it becomes easier for the user to select the location of an event such as a scene change during fast-forward Z-rewind playback. The reason is that a means for notifying an event is provided or a special effect for notifying at the time of content playback is added. As a result, users in mopile environments Even if the screen cannot be watched sufficiently, the user can perceive the event and easily perform operations such as cueing. In addition, by reducing the playback speed of fast forward / rewind near the event, the user can more easily select the event location.

The second effect is a large degree of freedom in speed control. The reason is that content speed control is not performed in a way that depends on the configuration of the bucket. This makes it possible to freely adjust the speed control section. In addition, the user can freely customize the speed control method.

The third effect is that control such as fast-forward playback is possible even for events other than scene changes. The reason is that it is configured to accept not only scene change information detected from the content but also event information given from outside and can be used for special playback control. Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of a content playback apparatus capable of special playback control according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of a content playback apparatus capable of special playback control according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a third embodiment of a content playback apparatus capable of special playback control according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a fourth embodiment of a content playback apparatus capable of special playback control according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a fifth embodiment of a content playback apparatus capable of special playback control according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a sixth embodiment of a content playback apparatus capable of special playback control according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a seventh embodiment of a content reproduction apparatus capable of special reproduction control according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows an eighth embodiment of a content playback apparatus capable of special playback control according to the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a ninth embodiment of a content playback apparatus capable of special playback control according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a tenth embodiment of a content reproduction apparatus capable of special reproduction control according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of a conventional video playback apparatus capable of special playback control. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(First example)

Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of a content playback apparatus capable of special playback control according to the present invention. The content playback apparatus shown in FIG. 1 includes content playback means 10, event signal generation means 12, and event notification means 10 3.

In FIG. 1, content playback means 10 reconstructs content from input content signals and outputs playback content. At the same time, the time information of the content being reproduced (information indicating which portion of the current content on the time axis is being reproduced) is output to the event signal generation means 12.

The event signal generation means 12 compares the content time information with the event time information, and outputs an event signal when the times are close.

Based on the event signal output from the event signal generation unit 12, the event notification unit 10 3 notifies the user that the content playback time is close to the event time.

Next, the operation of the content playback apparatus capable of special playback control in FIG. 1 will be described.

The content signal is input to the content reproduction means 10. Here, content refers to all information expressed in multimedia such as video, audio, and text. For example, an edited video such as a broadcast program may be a video, audio, text, or used to generate this content. It may be video, audio, audio, or text of the existing material. In addition, the content does not necessarily have to be created by a human being. For example, it may be a video recorded simply by a camera, such as a surveillance video. The content signal is

It may be a signal encoded by MPEG-2 / MPEG-4 / H.264 / Motion on JPEG2000 or the like, or may be an uncompressed signal. Further, the content signal may be a content signal for reproduction at a normal speed, or may be a content signal that has been converted in advance for special reproduction such as fast-forward Z-rewind reproduction.

The content playback means 10 reconstructs the content from the content signal and outputs it as playback content. At this time, if the content is encoded, the decoding process is performed to reconstruct the content. Further, the content reproduction means 10 outputs the time information of the content being reproduced to the event signal generation means 12. The event time information is input to the event signal generation means 12. Here, an event refers to an event in which some change has occurred in the content, such as signal, meaning (meaning of the content itself, or meaning to the user), and content. This is particularly the point where a change suitable for the user to start viewing has occurred. A topic change point (scene change) is a representative example, but it is not limited to this. For example, it may be a bookmark point given by the user or another person, or a point indicating the start of a highlight scene (for example, the start point of a goal scene in the case of a program relaying a soccer game). May be. Alternatively, it may be when the performer is switched. Events may be automatically extracted from the content by techniques such as scene change detection and highlight detection, or may be manually assigned. Alternatively, it may be possible to automatically collect events manually given by multiple people and extract major events.

The event time information is the time information of the event location, and when there are multiple events, it includes the time information of each event. Further, the event time information does not have to be determined and given before the content reproduction, and may be information that dynamically changes during the content reproduction. For example, it may be time information that is automatically extracted while playing back content, or dynamically from the outside. It may be time information when the update is added.

The event signal generation means 12 compares the content time information output from the content reproduction means 10 with the event time information. Then, when one of the time in the event time information is sufficiently close to the content time information, an event signal is output to the event notification means 103. Various methods can be used as a method of determining whether or not the vehicle is close. For example, an event signal may be output when the time difference becomes smaller than a threshold value. The threshold value at this time may be a fixed threshold value or a threshold value that is adaptively changed. ; ^ Considering the playback speed of the content, if the threshold value is changed in proportion to the playback speed, the time from when the event signal is output until the content actually reaches the event point is made constant. Can keep. For example, if the playback speed of the content is fast (such as fast-forward), the threshold is set to 10 seconds, and the threshold for normal playback speed is set to 5 seconds. If the playback speed in the fast case is twice the normal speed, it will play back as fast as 10 seconds until the event time, so the time to the event is actually 5 seconds.

Therefore, it is possible to give the user a certain grace period for the operation regardless of the content playback speed. For example, if the content signal is a content signal for special playback and the user wants to return to normal playback from the next event point, the grace time for the operation to issue a request to return to normal playback to the content signal transmission side is It can be kept constant regardless of the playback speed.

The event notification means 10 03 notifies the user that the content playback time has approached one of the event times by the event signal output from the event signal generation means 12. For example, if the event is a scene change, the next scene change is approached during short playback. As a result, even if the screen cannot be watched sufficiently, the user is notified that the next scene change is about to be made, and the risk that the user misses the scene change can be reduced. Various event notification means can be considered. Specifically, sound output means for sounding, vibration means for vibrating, screen backlight, or screen status that changes the brightness and color of the entire screen. There are changing means, lamp lighting state changing means to turn on and blink the lamps installed in the equipment. When the event notification means 1 0 3 is a sound output means, an event signal is input, and a special effect sound or music effect such as music that is specified in advance or a sound that is dynamically generated on the spot is played. In this way, the fact that the content being played has reached the event point is notified.

When the content playback terminal has a vibration means, as in the case of a mobile phone, a control signal that drives the vibration means is generated by inputting an event signal, and the content being played is Notify you that you have arrived.

In the case of the screen state changing means, the brightness or color of the screen is changed by adjusting the power supplied to the screen in response to the input of an event signal, and the content being played reaches the event point. Notify Katsutoshi.

If another notification lamp such as an LED is provided in the content playback terminal, the lighting state of this lamp changes depending on the input of the event signal. Blinks / extinguishes or changes color) to notify that the content being played has reached the event point.

Note that only one of the event notification means 10 3 may be operated, or a plurality of event notification means may be operated simultaneously. When multiple notification means are used in combination, the certainty of notification to the user increases. Also, the type of sound and vibration to be notified, or the change pattern of the backlight Z screen Z lamp can be switched according to the event type (scene change, own bookmark, bookmarks of others, highlights, etc.). It may be. In this case, the type of event can be perceived by the user depending on the type. Further, the means for notifying is not limited to the above, and any means may be used as long as it is a means for notifying the user in some form.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the event notification means is provided to the user, and when the content playback time approaches the time of the event point, the event notification means is driven by the event signal. To inform the user of the event point is doing. For this reason, even in cases such as a mopile environment where the crowd is crowded or people around you are concerned about the line of sight and cannot fully watch the screen, the event point is reliably notified to the user. be able to. In other words, the user can easily select an event point such as a scene change.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment of the present invention, event points are not limited to scene changes, and other event points such as bookmarks and highlights can be handled in the same manner.

(Second embodiment)

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of a content playback apparatus capable of special playback control according to the present invention. The content playback apparatus shown in FIG. 2 includes content playback means 20 and event signal generation means 12.

In FIG. 2, content playback means 20 reconstructs the content from the input content signal and outputs it as playback content. However, if an event signal indicating that an event has occurred is input, the content is reconstructed with a special effect and output. At the same time, the time information of the content being reproduced is output to the event signal generation means 12. The configuration of the event signal generation means 12 is the same as that of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1). However, the output of the event signal generation means 12 is connected to the content reproduction means 20.

Next, the operation of the content playback apparatus capable of special playback control shown in FIG. 2 will be described. The content signal is input to the content reproduction means 20. The basic operation of the content playback unit 20 is the same as that of the content playback unit 10 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1), and the content is reconstructed from the content signal and output as playback content. . In addition, there is a means for inputting the event signal output from the event signal generating means 1 2, and when the event signal is input, it is generated or selected at a predetermined special effect or on the spot at random. Special effects are inserted into the content and displayed.

Special effects include, for example, the effect of applying non-linear geometric transformation to the entire screen or part of the screen, and changing the overall color tone (changes brightness, saturation, etc.). Effects, effects of performing fill processing (such as blurring the entire screen or part of the screen) on the playback image, effects of bordering the screen frame, character strings, figures, symbols, etc. indicating that the event point has been reached There are effects such as superimposing some kind of graphics.

The special effect may be an acoustic effect. For example, there are effects such as frequency conversion and fill processing, etc. added to the speaker's voice signal, and effects such as special effects such as gimbal.

Of course, the special effect is not limited to the above-mentioned effect, and any effect that achieves the same purpose can be used. The operation of the other parts of the content playback apparatus shown in FIG. 2 is the same as that in the first embodiment (see FIG. 1).

By using the second embodiment of the present invention, a notification function to the user can be realized only by changing the content reproduction means without using a new notification means. In other words, the user can easily select an event point such as a scene change.

(Third embodiment)

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Referring to FIG. 3, a content playback apparatus capable of special playback control as an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The content reproduction apparatus shown in FIG. 3 includes content reproduction means 1 0 0, reproduction speed control means 1 0 1, event signal generation means 1 0 2, and event notification means 1 0 3.

In FIG. 3, the content reproduction means 100 reproduces the content signal at a speed specified by the reproduction speed control signal. At the same time, the time information of the content being reproduced is output to the event signal generation means 10 2. The playback speed control signal is a signal output by the playback speed control means 100 based on the special playback request signal input by the user, and is information indicating the content reconfiguration method and playback speed. The playback speed control signal is, for example, information indicating the normal playback or fast-forward direction (forward direction), the rewind direction (reverse direction) as a reconstruction method, and the playback speed as normal speed. Includes information indicating whether the speed is double.

The playback speed control means 1 0 1 is based on a special playback request signal input by the user. The speed of the content to be played back is determined, and a playback speed control signal for controlling this speed is output to the content playback means 100. The special playback request signal includes, for example, information indicating normal playback, fast forward, rewind, and the like.

The event signal generation unit 10 2 operates based on the special reproduction request signal input by the user, and compares the content time information that is the time of the content being reproduced by the content reproduction unit 100 and the event time information. When the time is near, an event signal is output. The configuration of the event notification means 103 is the same as that of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1).

Next, the operation of the content playback apparatus capable of special playback control shown in FIG. 3 will be described. The content signal is input to the content reproduction means 100. The content playback means 100 reconstructs the content from the content signal and outputs it as playback content. At this time, based on the playback speed control signal output from the playback speed control means 101, the reconfiguration method and playback speed are adjusted to play back the content. When the normal playback speed is specified by the playback speed control signal output from the playback speed control means 101, the entire content (all frames in the case of video) is played at the normal speed. On the other hand, when special playback such as fast-forward playback is specified by the playback speed control signal, the content for special playback is reconstructed and played back as described later. Further, the content reproduction means 100 outputs the time information of the content being reproduced to the event signal generation means 100.

A special reproduction request signal from the user is input to the reproduction speed control means 1 0 1. The playback speed control means 1 0 1 determines the playback speed of the content based on the special playback request signal, generates a playback speed control signal for controlling the playback speed, and outputs the playback speed control signal to the content playback means 1 0 0 .

The playback speed control means 1 0 1 outputs a playback speed control signal for designating a normal playback speed when a special playback request signal is not input from the user. As a result, the content playback means 100 performs normal content playback as described above. On the other hand, when a special playback request signal is input, content playback means 1 0 0 uses a signal that specifies the type and speed of special playback, such as fast forward and rewind, as a playback speed control signal based on the request. Output to. Basically, special playback other than fast-forward playback Therefore, the following describes the operation for fast-forward playback.

In this case, the playback speed control means 1001 outputs a playback speed control signal for fast forward playback. The content playback means 1 0 0 performs content reconstruction and playback for fast-forward playback according to the playback speed control signal sent. This is because the input content signal is an encoded video signal and consists of an I picture ZV OP (Video Object Plane) and a P and B picture ZV OP as in MPEG-2 and MPEG-4. In the case of the structure, the fast-forward playback content may be reconstructed and output by decoding and playing back only the I picture ZV OP as in the conventional method. Alternatively, P and B cutouts V0P may be partially decoded to adjust the playback speed. However, the method of reconstructing and reproducing by controlling the speed is not limited to this, and any reconstruction and reproduction method that achieves the same purpose can be used.

The event signal generation means 1 0 2 compares the event time information and the content time information output from the content reproduction means 1 0 0 when the special reproduction request signal is input by the user. Then, when one of the times in the event time information is sufficiently close to the content time information, an event signal is output to the event notification means 103. When the special reproduction request signal is not input, the event signal generating means 1 0 2 basically does not operate, but may be operated even when the special reproduction request signal is not input depending on the setting of the user. Note that the operation of the event notification means 103 is the same as that of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1).

In the third embodiment of the present invention, even when special playback such as fast-forwarding or rewinding is performed, the event notification means is driven by the event signal when the playback time of the content approaches the time of the event point. To notify the user of the event point. Therefore, it is possible to notify the user of the event point with certainty. That is, since the content playback speed can be controlled, there is an effect that the user can easily select an event point such as a scene change.

(Fourth embodiment)

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown a content playback apparatus capable of special playback control as one embodiment of the present invention. Has been. The content playback apparatus shown in FIG. 4 includes content playback means 2 0 0, playback speed control means 1 0 1, and event signal generation means 1 0 2.

In FIG. 4, the content reproduction means 2 0 0 reconstructs the content from the input content signal and outputs it as reproduced content. However, when an event signal indicating that an event has occurred is input, a special effect is added during content playback. At the same time, the time information of the content being reproduced is output to the event signal generating means 1 0 2.

The configurations of the reproduction speed control means 1 0 1 and the event signal generation means 1 0 2 are the same as those in the third embodiment (see FIG. 3). However, the output of the event signal generation means 1 0 2 is connected to the content reproduction means 2 0 0.

Next, the operation of the content playback apparatus capable of special playback control shown in FIG. 4 will be described. The content signal is input to the content reproduction means 2 0 0. The basic operation of the content playback means 200 is the same as that of the content playback means 100 shown in FIG. 3, and the content is reconstructed from the content signal and output as playback content. Further, the content reproduction means 2 0 0 includes means for inputting the event signal output from the event signal generation means 1 0 2, and when the event signal is input, a special effect determined in advance, or Randomly generated or selected special effects are inserted into the content and displayed. The operation of the other parts of the content reproduction apparatus shown in FIG. 4 is the same as that in the third embodiment (see FIG. 3).

By using the fourth embodiment of the present invention, a user notification function can be realized only by changing the content reproduction means without using a new notification means.

(Fifth embodiment)

Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown a content playback apparatus capable of special playback control as one embodiment of the present invention. The content playback apparatus shown in FIG. 5 includes content playback means 1 0 0, playback speed control means 3 0 1, event signal generation means 1 0 2, and event notification means 1 0 3. In FIG. 5, the playback speed control means 3 0 1 determines the speed of the content to be played back from the special playback request signal and the event signal, and outputs a playback speed control signal for controlling this speed to the content playback means 1 0 0 To do. The configuration of the content reproduction means 100, the event signal generation means 1002, and the event notification means 1003 is the same as that of the third embodiment (see FIG. 3). However, the output of the event signal generation means 1 0 2 is also connected to the reproduction speed control means 3 0 1.

Next, the operation of the content playback apparatus capable of special playback shown in FIG. 5 will be described.

A special reproduction request signal from the user is input to the reproduction speed control means 3 0 1. The basic operation of the playback speed control means 3 0 1 is the same as that of the playback speed control means 1 0 1 shown in FIG. 3, and the playback speed of the content is determined based on the special playback request signal. A playback speed control signal for controlling the content is generated and output to the content playback means 1 0 0. However, when an event signal is input from the event signal generation means 102, the playback speed is further determined using this event signal. For example, if an event signal is input during fast forward playback, a playback speed control signal is generated to play back at a lower speed than the fast forward playback speed specified by the user. Output to reproduction means 1 0 0. The same applies to special playback operations other than fast-forward playback. The operation of the other parts of the content reproduction apparatus shown in FIG. 5 is the same as that in the third embodiment (see FIG. 3).

By using the fifth embodiment of the present invention, a content playback apparatus capable of special playback control that makes it easy for the user to select a viewing start point by reducing the playback speed in the vicinity of the event notification is provided. realizable.

(Sixth embodiment)

Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Referring to FIG. 6, there is shown a content playback apparatus capable of special playback control as one embodiment of the present invention. The content playback apparatus shown in FIG. 6 includes content playback means 2 0 0, playback speed control means 1 0 1, event signal generation means 1 0 2, event notification means 1 0 3.

In FIG. 6, the configuration of the content reproduction means 200 is the same as that of the fourth embodiment (see FIG. 4). Other means are the same as in the third embodiment (see FIG. 3). However, the output of the event signal generation means 102 is also connected to the content reproduction means 200.

Next, the operation of the content playback apparatus capable of special playback shown in FIG. 6 will be described.

The operation of each means other than the content reproduction means 200 is the same as that of the third embodiment (see FIG. 3). The operation of the content reproduction means 200 is the same as that of the fourth embodiment (see FIG. 4).

By using the sixth embodiment of the present invention, an event can be surely notified to the user by a special effect inserted at the time of reproduction by the content reproduction means 20 0 0 in addition to the event notification means 10 3. (Seventh embodiment)

Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Referring to FIG. 7, there is shown a content playback apparatus capable of special playback control as one embodiment of the present invention. The content playback apparatus shown in FIG. 7 includes content playback means 2 0 0, playback speed control means 3 0 1, and event signal generation means 1 0 2. In FIG. 7, the reproduction speed control means 301 is the same as that of the fifth embodiment (see FIG. 5). Other means are the same as in the fourth embodiment (see FIG. 4). However, the output of the event signal generating means 10 2 is also connected to the regeneration speed raw control means 3 0 1. Next, the operation of the content playback apparatus capable of special playback shown in FIG. 7 will be described.

The operation of each means other than the reproduction speed control means 3 0 1 is the same as that of the fourth embodiment (see FIG. 4). The operation of the reproduction speed control means 301 is the same as that of the fifth embodiment (see FIG. 5).

By using the seventh embodiment of the present invention, an event can be notified without using another notification means, and the user can view and listen by reducing the playback speed in the vicinity. It is possible to realize a content playback apparatus capable of special playback control that makes it easy to select the start point of the content.

(Eighth embodiment)

Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Referring to FIG. 8, a content playback apparatus capable of special playback control as one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The content playback apparatus shown in FIG. 8 includes content playback means 2 0 0, playback speed control means 3 0 1, event signal generation means 1 0 2, and event notification means 1 0 3.

In FIG. 8, the reproduction speed control means 301 is the same as that of the fifth embodiment (see FIG. 5). Other means are the same as in the sixth embodiment (see FIG. 6). However, the output of the event signal generating means 10 2 is also connected to the regeneration speed raw control means 3 0 1. Next, the operation of the content playback apparatus capable of special playback shown in FIG. 8 will be described.

The operation of each means other than the reproduction speed control means 3 0 1 is the same as that of the sixth embodiment (see FIG. 6). The operation of the reproduction speed control means 301 is the same as that of the fifth embodiment (see FIG. 5).

By using the eighth embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the event notification means 1 0 3, the special effect inserted at the time of playback in the content playback means 2 0 0 allows the user to be surely notified of the event, By reducing the playback speed in the vicinity, a content playback device capable of special playback control that allows the user to easily select the viewing start point can be realized.

(Ninth embodiment)

Next, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Referring to FIG. 9, there is shown a content reproduction apparatus capable of special reproduction control as one embodiment of the present invention. The content playback apparatus shown in FIG. 9 includes content playback means 10, event signal generation means 12, event notification means 10 03, and content switching Z special playback conversion means 4 0 1.

In Fig. 9, the content switching Z special playback conversion means 4 0 1 is the user? In response to the special reproduction request signal, the content is switched or converted to special reproduction and output to the content reproduction means 10 as a content signal. The other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1).

Next, the operation of the content playback apparatus capable of special playback shown in FIG. 9 will be described.

Content switching conversion means 4 0 1 outputs a content signal for normal playback when a special playback request signal is not input. On the other hand, when the special reproduction request signal is input to the content switching / special reproduction conversion means 4 0 1 by the user, the content is switched to the content created in advance for special reproduction and output as a content signal. Alternatively, the normal reproduction content signal is converted or re-encoded for special reproduction such as fast-forward and rewind, and the obtained special reproduction content is output as a content signal.

As a conversion method, for example, in the case of fast-forwarding, if the content is a video encoded in MPEG-2 or the like, frames are thinned out from the content for normal playback, or P, B pictographs such as VOP Another method is to drop frames that cannot be decoded alone. In the case of rewinding, for example, reverse the time order of the frames, thin out the frames according to the playback speed, drop frames that cannot be decoded alone, and rewind the content signal for playback. Generate. However, the method of generating the content signal for special playback is not limited to this, and any method that achieves the same purpose can be used.

Note that the content switching / special playback conversion means 4 0 1 may be arranged on the server side instead of the viewing terminal side. In this case, it becomes a client-server type viewing system composed of a server that distributes content and a client that is a viewing terminal.

The rest of the operation is the same as in the first embodiment (see FIG. 1).

In the ninth embodiment of the present invention, the load on the content reproduction means can be reduced. In particular, by implementing it as a client-server system, the processing of client terminals can be greatly reduced. For example, terminals that do not have sufficient processing capabilities, such as mopile terminals, can be easily realized. (Example 10)

Next, a tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Referring to FIG. 10, there is shown a content reproduction apparatus capable of special reproduction control as one embodiment of the present invention. The content playback apparatus shown in FIG. 10 includes a content playback unit 20, an event signal generation unit 12, and a content switching Z special playback conversion unit 4 0 1.

In FIG. 10, the content switching Z special playback converting means 40 01 is the same as that of the ninth embodiment (see FIG. 9). Other configurations are the same as those of the second embodiment (see FIG. 2).

Next, the operation of the content playback apparatus capable of special playback shown in FIG. 10 will be described.

The operation of the content switching Z special reproduction converting means 4 0 1 is the same as that of the ninth embodiment (see FIG. 9). The operations of the other means are the same as in the second embodiment (see FIG. 2).

In the tenth embodiment of the present invention, as in the ninth embodiment, there is an effect that the load on the content reproduction means can be reduced. The content playback apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention reconstructs content from an input content signal and outputs it as playback content, and also outputs content time information (10 in FIG. 1). ) And the event time information and the content time information output from the content reproduction means, and when the content time information approaches one of the times included in the event time information, Event signal generating means for outputting an event signal (1 2 in FIG. 1), and event notification means for notifying a user of an event based on the event signal output from the event signal generating means (1 in FIG. 1). 0 3). Note that reconstructing content means reproducing the original content from the content signal.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, the content playback time approaches the event point time. In particular, the event notification means is driven by the event signal to notify the user of the event point. For this reason, even in the case of a crowded environment such as a mopile environment or when people around you are concerned about the line of sight, it is possible to reliably notify the user of the event point.

The content playback apparatus for playing back the content of the second embodiment according to the present invention, when an event signal is further input, reconfigures the content by adding a special effect to the input content as the playback content. Content playback means (20 in FIG. 2) for outputting content time information, comparing event time information with the content time information output from the content playback means, and the content time information is And event signal generating means (1 2 in FIG. 2) for outputting the event signal when the time approaches one of the times included in the event time information.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, a user notification function can be realized only by changing the content reproduction means without using a new notification means.

The content playback apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention is the content playback apparatus according to the first embodiment, wherein the content playback means reconstructs content based on a playback speed control signal that is a signal for controlling the playback speed of the content. The method and the playback speed can be controlled (1 0 0 in FIG. 3). Further, the playback speed control signal is generated according to the special playback request signal, and is output to the content playback means. It is characterized by having a control means (1 0 1 in FIG. 3).

In the third embodiment of the present invention, when the playback time of the content approaches the time of the event point, the event notification means is driven by the event signal to notify the user of the event point. Therefore, it is possible to notify the user of the event point with certainty. A content playback apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is the content playback apparatus according to the second embodiment, wherein the content playback means reconstructs the content based on a playback speed control signal that is a signal for controlling the playback speed of the content. The method and the playback speed can be controlled (2 0 in FIG. 4), and the playback speed control signal is generated in response to the special playback request signal and output to the content playback means. It is characterized by having a control means (1 0 1 in FIG. 4). In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, a notification function to a user can be realized only by changing the content reproduction means without using a new notification means.

The content playback apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is the content playback apparatus according to the third embodiment, wherein the event speed output from the event signal generation means is further input to the playback speed control means (see FIG. 5). 3 0 1), wherein the playback speed control signal is generated based on the special playback request signal and the event signal, and is output to the content playback means.

In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, a content playback apparatus capable of special playback control that allows the user to easily select a viewing start point can be realized by reducing the playback speed in the vicinity of an event notification.

In the content reproduction apparatus of the sixth embodiment according to the present invention, in the third embodiment, the event reproduction signal is further input to the content reproduction means (2 0 0 in FIG. 6), When an event signal is input, the content is reconstructed by adding special effects.

In the sixth embodiment of the present invention, an event can be more reliably notified to the user by a special effect inserted at the time of reproduction in the content reproduction means 2 0 0 in addition to the event notification means 1 0 3.

The content playback apparatus according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention is the content playback apparatus according to the fourth embodiment, wherein the event signal output from the event signal generation means is further input to the playback speed control means (see FIG. 7). 3 0 1), wherein the playback speed control signal is generated based on the special playback request signal and the event signal, and is output to the content playback means.

In the seventh embodiment of the present invention, an event can be notified without using another notification means, and a special playback control that makes it easy for the user to select a viewing start point by reducing the playback speed in the vicinity of the event. A possible content reproducing apparatus can be realized.

The content reproduction apparatus according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention is the content reproduction apparatus according to the sixth embodiment, wherein the event signal output from the event signal generation means is further input to the reproduction speed control means (see FIG. 8). 3 0 1), generating the playback speed control signal based on the special playback request signal and the event signal, and the content playback means It is characterized by being output to.

In the eighth embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the event notification means 1 0 3, the special effect inserted at the time of playback in the content playback means 2 0 0 can more reliably notify the user of the event and By reducing the playback speed, a content playback device capable of special playback control that allows the user to easily select the starting point of viewing can be realized.

The content playback apparatus according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention, in the first embodiment, further includes content switching special playback conversion means (4 0 1 in FIG. 9), and the content switching special playback conversion described above. When special playback is designated by the special playback request signal, the means switches from normal content to content for special playback, or converts or re-encodes normal content for special playback. The content signal is generated or output as the content signal.

In the ninth embodiment of the present invention, the load on the content reproduction means can be reduced. In particular, by implementing it as a client-server system, the processing of client terminals can be greatly reduced. For example, terminals that do not have sufficient processing capabilities, such as mopile terminals, can be easily realized.

The content playback apparatus of the 10th embodiment according to the present invention further comprises content switching / special playback conversion means (4 0 1 in FIG. 10) in the second embodiment, and the content switching device described above. The special reproduction converting means switches from normal content to special reproduction content when special reproduction is designated by a special reproduction request signal, or converts or re-encodes normal content. The content signal for special playback is generated or output as the content signal.

In the tenth embodiment of the present invention, as in the ninth embodiment, there is an effect that the load on the content reproduction means can be reduced. Industrial applicability

The present invention provides a content playback apparatus and a computer capable of special playback control of content. It can be effectively applied to the number reproduction method.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. A content playback device capable of special playback of content,

Reconstruct the input content signal to play the content,

Outputs an event signal indicating that a specific position is approaching when the difference between one of multiple specific positions in the content being played and the current playback position meets the criteria.

A content reproduction apparatus characterized by the above.

2. In response to a special playback request, outputs a playback speed control signal indicating the method of reconstructing the content and the playback speed, and a playback speed control signal corresponding to the output event signal.

The content playback apparatus according to claim 1.

3. A content playback device capable of special playback of content,

Content reproduction means for reconstructing the input content signal and reproducing the content, and outputting content time information indicating the current reproduction position;

If the difference between any one of a plurality of event time information indicating a specific position in the content being reproduced and the content time information output by the content reproduction means satisfies the determination criterion, the specific position is approached. Event signal generation means for outputting an event signal

A content playback apparatus comprising:

4. Provided with notification means for notifying the user that a specific position is approaching based on the event signal output by the event signal generation means

The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The notification means notifies by sound that a specific position is approaching.

The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The content reproducing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the notifying means notifies that a specific position is approaching by vibration.

7. The notification means notifies the user that a specific position is approaching by the brightness or hue of the screen.

The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 4.

8. The notification means notifies that a specific position is approaching by lighting the lamp.

The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 4.

9. The content reproduction means reproduces the content to which the special effect is added based on the event signal output by the event signal generation means.

The content reproduction device according to any one of claims 3 to 8.

1 0. The content playback means plays back content with visual special effects.

The content reproduction device according to claim 9.

1 1. The content playback means plays back content with special acoustic effects.

The content reproduction device according to claim 9.

1 2. It is provided with a playback speed control means for outputting a playback speed control signal indicating a playback speed and a method for reconfiguring contents in response to a request for special playback.

The content playback means reconstructs and specially plays back content based on the playback speed control signal output by the playback speed control means,

The event signal generation means, when there is a request for special reproduction, Determine whether the difference between one of multiple specific positions in the content and the current playback position meets the criteria

The content reproduction device according to any one of claims 3 to 11.

1 3. The playback speed control means outputs a playback speed control signal based on the event signal output by the event signal generation means.

The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 12.

14. A content conversion means for outputting a content signal to the content reproduction means is provided.

The content conversion means converts the content signal in response to a request for special reproduction and outputs it.

The content reproduction apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 13.

1 5. The content playback means plays back content including at least one of video, audio and text 卜.

The content reproduction device according to any one of claims 3 to 14.

1 6. A content playback method capable of special playback of content,

Reconstruct the input content signal to play the content,

When the difference between one of the multiple specific positions in the content being played and the current playback position meets the criteria, an event signal indicating that the specific position is approaching is output.

A content reproduction method characterized by the above.

1 7. In response to a special playback request, a playback speed control signal indicating the method of reconstructing the content and the playback speed is output, and a playback speed control signal corresponding to the output event signal is output.

The content reproduction method according to claim 16.

1 8. A content playback method capable of special playback of content, including a content playback step of reconstructing the input content signal and playing back the content, and outputting content time information indicating the current playback position; If the difference between one of the event time information indicating a plurality of specific positions in the content in the content and the content time information output in the content playback step satisfies the determination criterion, it indicates that the specific position is approaching An event signal generation step for outputting an event signal,

A content reproduction method comprising:

1 9. Includes a notification step of notifying the user that a specific position is approaching based on the event signal output in the event signal generation step

The content reproduction method according to claim 18.

20. The content playback method according to claim 19, wherein, in the notification step, notification is given by sound that a specific position is approaching.

2 1. Notify by vibration that a specific position is approaching in the notification step.

The content reproduction method according to claim 19.

2 2. In the notification step, the brightness or color of the screen notifies you that a specific position is approaching.

Do

The content reproduction method according to claim 19.

2 3. In the notification step, notify that a specific position is approaching by lighting the lamp.

The content reproduction method according to claim 19.

2 4. In the content playback step, based on the event signal output in the event signal generation step, the content with special effects is played back.

The content reproduction method according to any one of claims 18 to 23.

2 5. Playing content with visual special effects in the content playback step

The content reproduction method according to claim 24.

2 6. Playing content with special acoustic effects in the content playback step

The content reproduction method according to claim 24.

2 7. In response to a request for special playback, includes a method for reconfiguring content and a playback speed control step for outputting a playback speed control signal indicating the playback speed,

In the content playback step, based on the playback speed control signal output in the playback speed control step, the content is reconfigured and specially played back,

In the event signal generation step, when a special playback request is made, it is determined whether or not the difference between any one of a plurality of specific positions in the content being specially played and the current playback position satisfies a determination criterion. Do

The content reproduction method according to any one of claims 18 to 26.

2 8. The playback speed control signal is output based on the event signal output in the event signal generation step in the playback speed control step.

The content reproduction method according to claim 27.

2 9. Includes a content conversion step of outputting a content signal,

In the content conversion step, the content signal is converted and output in response to a special playback request. The content reproduction method according to any one of claims 18 to 28.

3 0. Playing back content including at least one of video, audio and text in the content playback step

The content reproduction method according to any one of claims 18 to 29.