WO2009116128A1

WO2009116128A1 - Content reproducing device, content output device, and content viewing system

Info

Publication number: WO2009116128A1
Application number: PCT/JP2008/054930
Authority: WO
Inventors: 泰典松本; 信哉笹谷
Original assignee: パイオニア株式会社
Priority date: 2008-03-18
Filing date: 2008-03-18
Publication date: 2009-09-24

Abstract

A content reproducing device (10) comprises: a means for acquiring content identification information (d10); a means for, when the user changes a setting on a video or an audio, receiving control information on the setting change from a content output device (20); a means for storing setting information (d20) in which the acquired identification information and the received setting change information are associated with each other; a means for, when reproducing contents, referring to the stored setting information (d20) on the basis of the acquired identification information (d10) and, if setting information to the same contents as the contents to be reproduced exists, transmitting the control information on the setting change on the basis of the setting information (d20) to a content output device (20). The content output device (20) has a means for performing the setting on the video or audio according to the control information on the received setting change.

Description

Content playback device, content output device, and content viewing system

The present invention relates to a content reproduction device, a content output device, and a content viewing system, and can be suitably applied to, for example, a content reproduction device, a content output device, and a content viewing system provided with an HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) interface.

HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) is widely used as a digital interface for AV equipment. Conventionally, multiple cables for video, audio, and control signals were used for connection between devices. However, HDMI requires only a single cable, and control signals are compatible with bidirectional transmission. In addition to being able to connect to each other simply, a single remote controller can control a plurality of AV devices.

For example, when a device based on CEC (Consumer Electronics Control), a control protocol standardized by HDMI, is exchanged between devices connected via the HDMI interface, For example, a device interlocking function that turns on the power of the other device or starts playback has been put into practical use.

In addition, between devices connected via the HDMI interface, the other device automatically acquires predetermined information set by one device, and the other device performs an operation according to the acquired information, A technique for making the handling of the user convenient has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2007-267116 A

By the way, when content (movie content, etc.) reproduced on a content playback device (eg, BD (Blu-ray Disc) player) is displayed on a content output device (eg, plasma TV) and viewed, the user can Depending on the contents, settings related to video and audio may be changed. For example, when viewing the playback video of movie A and feeling that it is too dark, the user changes the setting relating to brightness from the image quality setting menu of the TV.

The user is likely to make the same setting change for the content whose settings have been changed in this way, even when viewing the contents again later. For example, when the same user views the movie A again, since the video feels dark as in the previous case, there is a high possibility that the setting relating to the brightness will be changed. That is, in such a case, there is an annoyance that the user must perform the same setting change work every time the user views the same content.

As described above, between devices connected via the HDMI interface, the linkage between devices is automated to make the handling of the user convenient. However, the setting information reflecting the user's preference is not limited to this. Absent. For this reason, it has been desired to realize a technique for making settings that reflect user preferences by using the above-described device linkage function when viewing content.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and one example of the problem is that the user can view content with optimal viewing settings according to the user's preference without taking the time and effort of the user. An object of the present invention is to provide a content playback device, a content output device, and a content viewing system.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is capable of bidirectional communication between a content playback device for playing back content and the content playback device and control information input from the content playback device. A content viewing system comprising: a content output device that outputs content, wherein the content reproduction device includes identification information acquisition means for acquiring identification information capable of uniquely identifying the content to be reproduced; When a setting related to video or audio is changed for the device, control information receiving means for receiving control information related to the setting change from the content output device, and the acquired identification information and the received setting change information are associated with each other Setting information storage means for storing setting information and when reproducing content Based on the identification information, the setting information stored in the setting information storage means is referred to. When setting information for the same content as the content to be reproduced exists, control information related to the setting change based on the setting information. Control information transmitting means for transmitting to the content output device, the content output device receiving control information related to the setting change from the content reproduction device, and the control related to the received setting change. Content output control means for performing settings relating to video or audio according to the information.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, a content playback apparatus that plays back content, and communication between the content playback apparatus and control information can be performed bidirectionally, and content output that outputs content input from the content playback apparatus A content viewing system comprising: an identification information acquisition unit configured to acquire identification information capable of uniquely identifying the content to be reproduced; and control related to the identification information based on the acquired identification information. Control information transmitting means for transmitting information to the content output apparatus, wherein the content output apparatus receives control information related to the identification information from the content reproduction apparatus, and a user outputs the content Received when settings related to video or audio are changed for the device Setting information storage means for storing setting information in which different information and this setting change information are associated with each other, and when reproducing content, refer to the setting information stored in the setting information storage means based on the received identification information And content output control means for making settings related to video or audio based on the setting information when there is setting information for the same content as the content to be reproduced.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a content playback device that plays back content, a content output device that outputs content played back by the content playback device, and content input from the content playback device to the content output device. A content viewing device that outputs the content information, and the content playback device and the content relay device, and the content relay device and the content output device are each a content viewing system capable of bidirectional communication of control information. The content playback apparatus acquires identification information acquisition means for acquiring identification information capable of uniquely identifying the content to be played back, and control information for transmitting control information relating to the identification information to the content relay apparatus based on the acquired identification information A content output device comprising: a transmission unit; Control information transmitting means for transmitting control information related to the setting change to the content relay device when a user changes a setting related to video or audio to the content output device, and the content relay device includes: First control information receiving means for receiving control information related to the identification information from the content reproduction apparatus, second control information receiving means for receiving control information related to the setting change from the content output apparatus, and received identification Setting information storage means for storing the setting information in which the information is associated with the received setting change information, and when reproducing the content, the setting information stored in the setting information storage means is stored based on the received identification information. If there is setting information for the same content as the content to be Control information transmitting means for transmitting control information related to setting change to the content output device based on fixed information, and the content output device further receives control information related to setting change from the content relay device It comprises control information receiving means and content output control means for performing settings relating to video or audio in accordance with control information relating to setting changes received from the content relay device.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a content reproduction apparatus that reproduces content, and the content reproduction apparatus that can communicate with the content reproduction apparatus bidirectionally, and that outputs content input from the content reproduction apparatus. A content viewing system comprising: an identification information acquisition unit configured to acquire identification information capable of uniquely identifying the content to be reproduced; and the content output device to output the content reproduced by the content reproduction device. When the user changes the setting related to video or audio to the content output device, the acquired identification information is associated with the setting change information set for the content output device by the user. Storage means for storing information and when the content reproduction device reproduces the content; Refers to the setting information stored in the storage unit based on the acquired identification information, and if there is setting information for the same content as the content to be reproduced, the content output device according to the setting information Control means for performing settings related to video or audio output from the at least one of the identification information and the setting change information, wherein at least one of the identification information and the setting change information is communicated between both devices as the control information.

The invention described in claim 7 is a content reproduction device that reproduces content and outputs the reproduced content to a content output device capable of bidirectional communication of control information. Identification information acquisition means for acquiring identification information that can be identified, and when the content output device is outputting content to be reproduced, and when the user changes the settings relating to video or audio to the content output device, Control information receiving means for receiving control information related to the setting change from the content output device, setting information storage means for storing setting information in which the acquired identification information is associated with the received setting change information, and content reproduction The setting information stored in the setting information storage means based on the acquired identification information. And when there is setting information for the same content as the content to be played back, control information transmitting means for transmitting control information related to the setting change to the content output device based on the setting information. Features.

The invention according to claim 8 is a content output device capable of bidirectionally communicating control information with a content playback device that plays back content, and that outputs content input from the content playback device, Control information receiving means for receiving control information related to the identification information for acquiring identification information capable of uniquely identifying the content to be reproduced from the content reproduction device, and when the content reproduction device is outputting the content to be reproduced, When the user changes the setting related to video or audio to the content output device, the setting information storage means for storing the setting information in which the received identification information and the setting change information are associated with each other; Based on the control information regarding the identification information received from the content playback device, Content output control means that refers to the setting information stored in the setting information storage means and, when setting information for the same content as the content to be reproduced exists, content output control means for making settings related to video or audio based on the setting information It is characterized by providing.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a content viewing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is an example of the data structure of the content identification information and setting information used with the content viewing-and-listening system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence diagram regarding the setting change process of the content viewing system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the content viewing system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence diagram regarding the setting change process of the content viewing system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the content viewing system which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence diagram regarding the setting change process of the content viewing system which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1

Optical disk

10,10A, 10B Content reproduction apparatus 11

Content reproduction part

12,22,42

Operation part

13,43

HDMI transmitter

14,24,45 Command creation and

analysis part

15,15A, 25,25A, 46

Storage part

16, 16A, 16B, 26A, 26B, 47 CPU
20, 20A, 20B

Content output device

23, 44 HDMI receiver 27 Display 28 Speaker 30 HDMI cable 31 TMDS line 32 CEC line 40 Content relay device 41

AV amplifier unit

100, 100A, 100B Content viewing system 100
d10 Content identification information d20 Setting information

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
<Configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a content viewing system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The content viewing system 100 is an AV system capable of transmitting and receiving digital signals and control signals compliant with the High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) standard, and a content playback device 10 that plays back content and a content output device that outputs the played content 20 are connected via an HDMI interface. That is, the content viewing system 100 includes a content reproduction device 10 and a content output device 20, and the content reproduction device 10 and the content output device 20 are connected by an HDMI cable 30.

The content playback apparatus 10 is a content playback device (Source) having an HDMI output terminal. Specifically, for example, a BD (Blu-ray Disc) player, a BD recorder, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) player, a DVD recorder, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) recorders, digital cameras, etc. are assumed. In the following, the function will be described as the content reproduction apparatus 10 (for example, BD player) that reproduces the optical disc 1 (for example, BD).

The content output device 20 is a content output device (Sink) having an HDMI input terminal. Specifically, for example, a TV (Television) having a display such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a PDP (Plasma Display Panel). Etc. are assumed. Below, a function is demonstrated as the content output device 20 provided with the display and the speaker.

The HDMI cable 30 transmits a TMDS (Transition Minimized Differential Signaling) line 31 for transmitting a video / audio signal, which is a digital signal, in a differential manner, and a control signal (CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) command) common between the devices. A CEC line 32 which is a bidirectional bus for transmission, and a DDC (Display Data Channel) line (not shown) used for transmission of EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) and HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) authentication Consists of including.

In the present embodiment, stream data including video / audio is output from the content reproduction apparatus 10 to the content output apparatus 20 via the TMDS line 31. Also, a setting change command (which will be described in detail later), which is one of the CEC commands, is exchanged between the content reproduction apparatus 10 and the content output apparatus 20 via the CEC line 32, and the content reproduction apparatus 10 or the content output. The device 20 realizes desired operation control according to the command.

Specifically, the content playback apparatus 10 includes a content playback unit 11, an operation unit 12, an HDMI transmitter 13, a command creation / analysis unit 14, a storage unit 15, and a CPU 16.

The content playback unit 11 reads data recorded on the optical disc 1, extracts video components and audio components from the read data, performs decoding processing, and generates digital video signals and audio signals.

The operation unit 12 receives operation information indicating an operation instruction for the content reproduction apparatus 10 and outputs the operation information to the CPU 16.

The HDMI transmitter 13 temporally multiplexes the digital video signal and audio signal generated by the content playback unit 11 and converts them into digital data that conforms to the HDMI standard. The converted digital data is converted into the TMDS line 31. Is output to the content output device 20 via

The command creation / analysis unit 14 creates a CEC command and outputs it to the content output device 20 via the CEC line 32, or analyzes the CEC command input from the content output device 20.

The storage unit 15 stores a ROM that stores a control program executed by the CPU 16, a RAM that stores temporary data when the CPU 16 operates, a nonvolatile memory that stores various setting information and control information, and various data. Consists of an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk. In addition to being stored in the storage unit 15, this control program can be recorded on AV devices and computer-readable recording media such as portable flash memory, CD-ROM, MO, and DVD-ROM. Distribution via a network is also possible.

In the present embodiment, the storage unit 15 uses the content ID that can uniquely identify the content as the content identification information d10, and stores information related to the user setting change for the video and audio of the content output via the content output device 20. Stored as setting information d20. FIG. 2A shows an example of the data configuration of the content identification information d10, and FIG. 2B shows an example of the data configuration of the setting information d20.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2A, the content identification information d10 is composed of a content ID, and the content ID is stored in the storage unit 15 for content that has been played back by the content playback device 10. It will be memorized. That is, the content identification information d10 is information indicating a reproduction history in the content viewing system 100, and the content reproduction apparatus 10 refers to the content identification information d10 so that the currently reproduced content has been It is possible to determine whether or not it has been reproduced in the above.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2B, the setting information d20 is information in which the content ID and the setting change information are associated with each other. That is, the setting information d20 is information related to a setting change that is created when a user changes a setting related to video or audio to the content output device 20 during content playback. The content playback device 10 Is stored in the storage unit 15 in association with the content ID of the content being reproduced. For example, the setting change information related to video is a setting value related to brightness, contrast, color density, hue, sharpness, etc., and the setting change information related to sound is a setting value related to volume, sound quality, audio DRC, etc. .

The CPU 16 comprehensively controls all operations including the reproduction operation of the content reproduction apparatus 10. For example, the CPU 16 controls each unit based on the operation information so that the operation content is reflected. Further, in the present embodiment, as will be described in detail later, the CPU 16 sets the setting information when playing the content that has been played once by the device and the setting has been changed. Control is performed to obtain d20, create a setting change command based on the setting information d20, and transmit it to the content output device 20 via the command creation / analysis unit 14. Further, when a setting change command is received from the content output device 20 via the command creation / analysis unit 14, the setting change information included in the setting change command is controlled to be stored in the storage unit 15 as setting information d20. ing.

The content output device 20 includes a content output unit 21, an operation unit 22, an HDMI receiver 23, a command creation / analysis unit 24, a storage unit 25, a CPU 26, a display 27, and a speaker 28 in detail.

The operation unit 22 receives operation information indicating an operation instruction from the user for the content output device 20 and outputs the operation information to the CPU 26. Specifically, in the present embodiment, when viewing content, a setting change regarding video and audio is accepted as operation information.

The HDMI receiver 23 restores a digital video signal and audio signal from digital data compliant with the HDMI standard input via the TMDS line 31 and outputs the digital video signal and audio signal to the content output unit 21.

The command creation / analysis unit 24 creates a CEC command and outputs it to the content reproduction apparatus 10 via the CEC line 32, or analyzes the CEC command input from the content reproduction apparatus 10.

The content output unit 21 processes the restored digital video signal and audio signal, respectively, and outputs the video signal to the display 27 and the audio signal to the speaker 28.

The storage unit 25 includes a ROM that stores a control program executed by the CPU 26, a RAM that stores temporary data when the CPU 26 operates, a nonvolatile memory that stores various setting information and control information, and the like. In addition to being stored in the storage unit 25, this control program can be recorded on a portable medium such as a flash memory, a CD-ROM, an MO, a DVD-ROM, or a computer-readable recording medium. Distribution via a network is also possible.

The CPU 26 comprehensively controls all operations including the output operation of the content output device 20. For example, the CPU 26 controls each unit based on the operation information so that the operation content is reflected. In the present embodiment, as will be described in detail later, the CPU 26 sets the settings via the command creation / analysis unit 24 when changing the settings related to video and audio according to operation information instructed by the user. Control is performed so that a setting change command based on the change information is created and transmitted to the content reproduction apparatus 10. In addition, when a setting change command is received via the command creation / analysis unit 24, the content output unit 21 is controlled so as to change the setting related to video and audio according to the setting change information included in the setting change command. .

<Operation>
Next, the operation of the content viewing system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described using FIG. Here, FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram regarding setting change processing of the content reproduction apparatus 10 and the content output apparatus 20 in the content viewing system 100.

(1) When content is reproduced for the first time First, the operation when the predetermined content is first reproduced in the content viewing system 100 will be described.

In response to a reproduction instruction from the user, when the content reproduction device 10 starts reproduction of the content recorded on the optical disc 1 (step S10), the content reproduction device 10 acquires a content ID that is content identification information from the optical disc 1. (Step S20).

Next, the content reproduction apparatus 10 refers to the content identification information d10 stored in the storage unit 15, and determines whether or not the content that has started reproduction has been reproduced on the device in the past (step S30). . Specifically, it is determined whether or not the content identification information d10 having the acquired content ID is stored in the storage unit 15.

When the content is first played back in the content viewing system 100, the content identification information d10 having the acquired content ID is not stored in the storage unit 15 (step S30: NO). ID is memorize | stored in the memory | storage part 15 as content identification information d10 (step S90). Thus, when the content reproduction apparatus 10 reproduces the content again, the content identification information d10 exists in the storage unit 15.

Next, the content output device 20 starts to output the content being played back by the content playback device 10 without changing the settings related to video and audio (for example, with the previous settings or with the default settings) (step). S100). Thus, the user can view the content via the display 27 and the speaker 28 of the content output device 20.

Next, the content output apparatus 20 determines whether or not a setting change relating to video or audio has been received during content output (step S110). Specifically, it is determined whether or not a setting change relating to video or audio has been accepted as operation information in accordance with an operation instruction from the user to the content output device 20. For example, if the user feels that the content displayed on the display 27 is dark and sets the brightness slightly bright, it is determined that the setting change has been accepted.

When the content output device 20 accepts a setting change related to video or audio (step S110: YES), the content output device 20 changes the setting according to the operation instruction (step S120) and creates a setting change command related to the setting change information. Then, a setting change command is transmitted to the content reproduction apparatus 10 (step S130). For example, when the brightness is changed, a setting change command including a setting change, that the item whose setting has been changed is brightness, a setting value related to the brightness, and the like is generated and transmitted to the content reproduction apparatus 10. .

When receiving the setting change command, the content reproduction apparatus 10 analyzes the content of the setting change command (step S140), acquires the setting change information indicated by the setting change command, and acquires the content ID (current reproduction) acquired from the optical disc 1. Content ID) and the setting information d20 in which the setting change information is associated with each other are stored in the storage unit 15 (step S150). For example, when the lightness setting is changed, setting information d20 in which the content ID of the currently reproduced content is associated with the setting value related to the lightness is stored in the storage unit 15.

If another setting change is made during content output (step S160: N0, step S110: YES), the content output device 20 repeats the above-described processing of steps S120 to S150, and the content output device 20 changes another setting. Then, a setting change command corresponding to the setting change is created and transmitted to the content reproduction device 10, while the content reproduction device 10 stores setting information d20 corresponding to the setting change command in the storage unit 15. For example, when the user feels that the volume output from the speaker 28 is low and increases the volume a little, the setting information d20 reflecting the setting value related to the volume is stored in the storage unit 15.

As shown in FIG. 3, the content viewing system 100 according to the present embodiment creates a setting change command corresponding to the setting change whenever the user changes the setting related to video or audio. However, the timing for creating and transmitting the setting change command is not limited to this. For example, a setting change command may be created and transmitted collectively when content playback is completed. That is, a setting change command may be created and transmitted for each of the setting changes related to video and audio that are instructed during the content playback when the content playback ends.

(2) When the same content is reproduced again Next, the operation when the predetermined content is reproduced again in the content viewing system 100 will be described.

Next, the content reproduction apparatus 10 refers to the content identification information d10 stored in the storage unit 15, and determines whether or not the content that has started reproduction has been reproduced on the device in the past (step S30). . Specifically, it is determined whether or not the content identification information d10 having the acquired content ID exists in the storage unit 15.

When the same content is reproduced again in the content viewing system 100, the content identification information d10 having the acquired content ID is present in the storage unit 15 (step S30: YES). It is determined whether or not the setting information d20 associated with the content ID exists in the storage unit 15 (step S40). When the setting information d20 is in the storage unit 15 (step S40: YES), that is, when there has been a setting change regarding video or audio for the content in the past, the content reproduction device 10 acquires the acquired content The setting information d20 associated with the ID is acquired (step S50), a setting change command related to the setting information d20 is created and transmitted to the content output device 20 (step S60). For example, when the setting information d20 having the setting change information related to the brightness of the video is acquired, a setting change command including a setting value related to the brightness is created and transmitted to the content output device 20. When the setting information d20 is not stored in the storage unit 15 (step S40: NO), the setting change command is not transmitted because the setting change related to video and audio has not been made to the content in the past.

Next, when receiving the setting change command, the content output device 20 analyzes the content of the setting change command (step S70) and changes the setting according to the content of the setting change command (step S80). For example, when a setting change command including a setting value related to lightness is received, the lightness is adjusted according to the setting value related to lightness.

Next, when the content output device 20 receives the setting change command, the content output device 20 starts outputting the content being reproduced by the content reproduction device 10 with the setting value changed (step S100). For example, when a setting value related to brightness is changed by a setting change command, content is displayed with the changed brightness. Thus, the user can view the content via the display 27 and the speaker 28 of the content output device 20. That is, the user can view the content in the same state as the setting values related to video and audio that have been previously changed.

On the other hand, if the content output device 20 does not receive the setting change command, the content output device 20 does not change the settings relating to video and audio (for example, the previous setting or the default setting). Output of the content being played back by the playback device 10 is started (step S100).

If the setting is changed while the content output device 20 is outputting content (step S110: YES), the content output device 20 repeats the above-described processing of steps S120 to S150, and the content output device 20 makes a new setting change. Then, a setting change command corresponding to the setting change is generated and transmitted to the content reproduction device 10, while the content reproduction device 10 stores setting information d20 corresponding to the setting change command in the storage unit 15.

As shown in FIG. 3, the content viewing system 100 according to the present embodiment determines the presence / absence of the content reproduction history based on the presence / absence of the content identification information d10. However, it is not always necessary to determine the presence / absence of the content reproduction history. Absent. For example, the content reproduction apparatus 10 may determine whether there is a content reproduction history and a setting change history based on only the setting information d20 without holding the content identification information d10. That is, referring to the content ID of the setting information d20, it may be determined whether there is a reproduction history and setting change history of the same content.

As described above, according to the content viewing system 100 of the present embodiment, it is possible to view content with optimal viewing settings according to the user's preference without requiring the user to perform operations.

That is, according to the content viewing system 100 of the present embodiment, when the user changes the settings relating to video and audio in the AV system capable of exchanging control information using the HDMI interface, the content output device 20 Information related to the setting change is transmitted as control information (setting change command) to the content reproduction apparatus 10, and the content reproduction apparatus 10 associates the content ID of the content being reproduced with the setting change information, and sets the setting information d20. Remember as. When the content reproduction apparatus 10 reproduces the same content again, the content reproduction apparatus 10 transmits control information (setting change command) to the content output apparatus 20 based on the setting information d20. The device 20 can output the content with the setting value that was previously changed. As described above, the content viewing system 100 automatically performs the optimal setting change when the same content is reproduced again, so that the user can perform the optimal setting without performing the same setting change work as the previous time. You can watch the content at.

(Second Embodiment)
<Configuration>
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a content viewing system 100A according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The content viewing system 100A is an AV system that can transmit and receive digital signals and control signals compliant with the High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) standard, and a content playback device 10A that plays back content and a content output device that outputs the played content 20A is connected via an HDMI interface. That is, the content viewing system 100 includes a content playback device 10A and a content output device 20A, and the content playback device 10A and the content output device 20A are connected by an HDMI cable 30.

The content viewing system 100A does not retain the content identification information d10, and the content output device 20A retains the setting information d20 in the storage unit 25A. This is different from the content viewing system 100. Note that in this embodiment mode, only configurations and functions different from those in the above embodiment mode will be described, and with regard to other configurations and functions, the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

The content playback device 10A, like the content playback device 10, is a content playback device (Source) having an HDMI output terminal. For example, the content playback device 10A specifically includes a BD player, a BD recorder, a DVD player, a DVD recorder, an HDD recorder, A digital camera is assumed. In the following, the function will be described as a content reproduction apparatus 10A (for example, a BD player) that reproduces the optical disc 1 (for example, a BD).

The content output device 20A, like the content output device 20, is a content output device (Sink) having an HDMI input terminal. Specifically, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a PDP (Plasma Display Panel), etc. A TV (Television) equipped with a display is assumed. Below, a function is demonstrated as the content output apparatus 20A provided with the display and the speaker.

A content identification command (which will be described in detail later), which is one of the CEC commands, is exchanged between the content reproduction apparatus 10A and the content output apparatus 20A via the CEC line 32, and is thus performed. The desired operation control according to the command is realized.

Specifically, the content playback apparatus 10A includes a content playback unit 11, an operation unit 12, an HDMI transmitter 13, a command creation / analysis unit 14, a storage unit 15A, and a CPU 16A.

The storage unit 15A stores a ROM that stores a control program executed by the CPU 16A, a RAM that stores temporary data when the CPU 16A operates, a nonvolatile memory that stores various setting information and control information, and various data. Consists of an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk. In addition to being stored in the storage unit 15A, this control program can be recorded on AV equipment and computer-readable recording media such as portable flash memory, CD-ROM, MO, and DVD-ROM. Distribution via a network is also possible.

The CPU 16A comprehensively controls all operations including the reproduction operation of the content reproduction apparatus 10A. For example, the CPU 16A controls each unit based on the operation information so that the operation content is reflected. In this embodiment, as will be described in detail later, the CPU 16A creates a content identification command based on the content ID of the content to be played back via the command creation / analysis unit 14 when starting playback of the content. Thus, control is performed to transmit to the content output device 20A.

Specifically, the content output device 20A includes a content output unit 21, an operation unit 22, an HDMI receiver 23, a command creation / analysis unit 24, a storage unit 25A, a CPU 26A, a display 27, and a speaker 28.

The storage unit 25A includes a ROM that stores a control program executed by the CPU 26A, a RAM that stores temporary data when the CPU 26A operates, a nonvolatile memory that stores various setting information and control information, and the like. In addition to being stored in the storage unit 25A, this control program can be recorded on AV equipment and computer-readable recording media such as portable flash memory, CD-ROM, MO, and DVD-ROM. Distribution via a network is also possible.

In the present embodiment, the storage unit 25A stores, as setting information d20, information related to a user setting change for video and audio of content output via the content output device 20A. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, the setting information d20 is information in which a content ID and setting change information are associated with each other. That is, the setting information d20 is information related to a setting change that is created when a user changes a setting related to video or audio to the content output device 20A during content playback. The content playback device 20A includes the setting change information. Is associated with the content ID of the content being reproduced and stored in the storage unit 25A.

The CPU 26A comprehensively controls all operations including the output operation of the content output device 20A. For example, the CPU 26A controls each unit so that the operation content is reflected based on the operation information. In the present embodiment, the CPU 26A, as will be described in detail later, is a setting corresponding to the content ID included in the content identification command when the content identification command is received via the command creation / analysis unit 24. When the information d20 exists, the content output unit 21 is controlled to start content output according to the setting information d20. Further, in the case where a setting change related to video or audio is performed in accordance with an operation instruction from the user, the setting information d20 in which the content ID of the content being reproduced is associated with the setting change information is stored in the storage unit 25A. Is controlling.

<Operation>
Next, the operation of the content viewing system 100A according to the present embodiment will be described using FIG. Here, FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram relating to setting change processing of the content reproduction device 10A and the content output device 20A in the content viewing system 100A.

(1) When content is reproduced for the first time First, the operation when the predetermined content is first reproduced in the content viewing system 100A will be described.

In response to a playback instruction from the user, when the content playback device 10A starts playback of the content recorded on the optical disc 1 (step S210), the content playback device 10A acquires a content ID that is content identification information from the optical disc 1. (Step S220).

Next, the content reproduction device 10A creates a content identification command including the acquired content ID and transmits it to the content output device 20A (step S230).

On the other hand, when receiving the content identification command, the content output apparatus 20A analyzes the content of the content identification command (step S240) and determines whether there is setting information d20 related to the content (step S250). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the setting information d20 having the content ID included in the received content identification command exists in the storage unit 25A.

When content is first reproduced in the content viewing system 100A, the setting information d20 having the content ID included in the received content identification command is not stored in the storage unit 25A (step S250: NO), so the content output device 20A Starts outputting the content being played back by the content playback device 10A without changing the settings relating to video and audio (for example, with the previous settings or with the default settings) (step S280). Thereby, the user can view the content via the display 27 and the speaker 28 of the content output apparatus 20A.

Next, the content output device 20A determines whether or not a setting change relating to video or audio has been received during content output (step S290). Specifically, it is determined whether or not information related to a setting change related to video and audio has been received by an operation instruction from the user to the content output apparatus 20A.

When the content output device 20A receives a setting change relating to video or audio (step S290: YES), the content output device 20A changes the setting according to the operation instruction (step S300), and the content ID included in the received content identification command and The setting change information is associated and stored in the storage unit 25A as setting information d20 (step S310).

If another setting change is made during content output (step S320: N0, step S290: YES), the content output device 20A repeats the above-described processing of steps S300 to S310, and the content output device 20A changes the setting. At the same time, the setting information d20 corresponding to the setting change is stored in the storage unit 25A.

(2) When the same content is reproduced again Next, an operation when the predetermined content is reproduced again in the content viewing system 100A will be described.

In response to a playback instruction from the user, when the content playback device 10A starts playback of the content recorded on the optical disc 1 (step S210), the content playback device 10A acquires a content ID from the optical disc 1 (step S220). .

When the same content is reproduced again in the content viewing system 100A, the setting information d20 having the content ID included in the received content identification command can exist in the storage unit 25A, so the setting information d20 having the received content ID is If there is (step S250: YES), that is, if the setting related to video or audio has been changed in the past, this setting information d20 is acquired (step S260) and set according to the setting information d20. Change is made (step S270).

Next, when the setting is changed, the content output device 20A starts outputting the content being played back by the content playback device 10A with the setting value changed (step S280). Thereby, the user can view the content via the display 27 and the speaker 28 of the content output apparatus 20A. That is, the user can view the content in the same state as the setting values related to video and audio that have been previously changed.

On the other hand, if the content output device 20A has not changed the setting (step S250: NO), it does not change the settings relating to video and audio (for example, the previous setting or the default setting). The content reproduction apparatus 10A starts outputting the content being reproduced (step S280).

If the setting is changed while the content output device 20A is outputting content (step S290: YES), the content output device 20A changes the setting by repeating the processing of steps S300 to S310 described above. The setting information d20 corresponding to the setting change is stored in the storage unit 25A.

From the above, according to the content viewing system 100A of the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the user can view the content with the optimal viewing settings according to the user's preference without requiring the user to perform operations. can do.

That is, according to the content viewing system 100A of the present embodiment, in the AV system capable of exchanging control information using the HDMI interface, the content ID of the content being played back by the content playback device 10A is assigned to the control information (content identification). Command) to the content output device 20A, and when the user changes the settings related to video and audio, the content output device 20A stores the information related to the setting change as setting information d20 in association with the content ID. Then, when the same content is reproduced again by the content reproduction device 10A, the content output device 20A can output the content with the setting value changed last time by referring to the setting information d20. In this way, the content viewing system 100A automatically changes the optimum setting when reproducing the same content again, so that the user can perform the optimum setting without performing the same setting change work as the previous time. You can watch the content at.

(Third embodiment)
<Configuration>
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a content viewing system 100B according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The content viewing system 100B is an AV system capable of transmitting and receiving digital signals and control signals compliant with the High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) standard. The content viewing system 10B and the content relay device that relays the played content. The device 40 and a content output device 20B that outputs content input via the content relay device 40 are connected to each other via an HDMI interface. That is, the content viewing system 100B includes a content playback device 10B, a content output device 20B, and a content relay device 40. The content playback device 10B and the content relay device 40, and the content relay device 40 and the content output device 20B, respectively. It is connected with an HDMI cable 30.

The content viewing system 100B has a configuration in which the content identification information d10 is not held and the setting information d20 is held in the storage unit 46 in the storage unit 46. This is different from the content viewing system 100. Note that in this embodiment mode, only configurations and functions different from those in the above embodiment mode will be described, and with regard to other configurations and functions, the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

Similar to the content playback device 10, the content playback device 10B is a content playback device (Source) having an HDMI output terminal. Specifically, for example, a BD player, a BD recorder, a DVD player, a DVD recorder, an HDD recorder, A digital camera is assumed. In the following, the function will be described as a content reproduction apparatus 10B (for example, a BD player) that reproduces the optical disc 1 (for example, a BD).

The content output device 20B, like the content output device 20, is a content output device (Sink) having an HDMI input terminal, and specifically, for example, a plasma TV or a liquid crystal TV is assumed. Below, a function is demonstrated as the content output device 20B provided with a display and a speaker.

The content relay device 40 is a content relay device (repeater) having an HDMI input terminal and an HDMI output terminal, and specifically, for example, an AV amplifier or the like is assumed. In the following, the function will be described using the content relay device 40 as an AV amplifier.

On the CEC line 32 of the HDMI cable 30, a content identification command and a setting change command, which will be described later, are exchanged with the content reproduction device 10B, the content output device 20B, and the content relay device 40, and the content reproduction device 10B and the content output device 20B. Alternatively, the content relay device 40 realizes desired operation control according to the command.

Specifically, the content playback device 10B includes a content playback unit 11, an operation unit 12, an HDMI transmitter 13, a command creation / analysis unit 14, a storage unit 15A, and a CPU 16B.

The CPU 16B comprehensively controls all operations including the reproduction operation of the content reproduction apparatus 10B. For example, the CPU 16B controls each unit based on the operation information so that the operation content is reflected. In this embodiment, as will be described in detail later, the CPU 16B, when starting to play back content, issues a content identification command based on the content identification information d10 of the content to be played back via the command creation / analysis unit 14. It is controlled to create and transmit to the content relay device 40.

In detail, the content relay device 40 includes an AV amplifier unit 41, an operation unit 42, an HDMI transmitter 43, an HDMI receiver 44, a command creation / analysis unit 45, a storage unit 46, and a CPU 47.

The AV amplifier unit 41 has a function as an AV amplifier for processing video and audio. Specifically, in addition to the audio amplification processing that the pre-main amplifier has, an input / output distribution function for video and audio, and a surround environment construction function that connects multiple speakers such as 5.1 channel / 6.1 channel Have

The operation unit 42 receives operation information indicating an operation instruction for the content relay device 40 and outputs the operation information to the CPU 47.

The HDMI receiver 44 restores a digital video signal and an audio signal from digital data that conforms to the HDMI standard input via the TMDS line 31 and outputs the digital video signal and the audio signal to the AV amplifier unit 41.

The HDMI transmitter 43 temporally multiplexes the input digital video signal and audio signal and converts them into digital data compliant with the HDMI standard, and the converted digital data is sent to the content output device 20B via the TMDS line 31. Is output.

The command creation / analysis unit 45 creates a CEC command and outputs it to the content output device 20B via the CEC line 32, or analyzes the CEC command input from the content reproduction device 10B or the content output device 20B.

The storage unit 46 includes a ROM that stores a control program executed by the CPU 47, a RAM that stores temporary data when the CPU 47 operates, a non-volatile memory that stores various setting information and control information, and the like. In addition to being stored in the storage unit 46, this control program can be recorded on AV equipment and computer-readable recording media such as portable flash memory, CD-ROM, MO, DVD-ROM, etc. Distribution via a network is also possible.

In the present embodiment, the storage unit 46 stores, as setting information d20, information related to user setting changes for video and audio of content output via the content output device 20B. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, the setting information d20 is information in which a content ID and setting change information are associated with each other. That is, the setting information d20 is information related to a setting change that is created when the user changes a setting related to video or audio to the content output device 20B during content reproduction. The content relay device 40 includes the setting change information. Is stored in the storage unit 46 in association with the content ID of the content being reproduced.

The CPU 47 controls all operations of the content relay device 40 in an integrated manner. For example, the CPU 47 controls each unit so that the operation content is reflected based on the operation information. In the present embodiment, as will be described in detail later, the CPU 47 obtains the setting information d20 and reproduces the command when the content that has been reproduced once by the content viewing system 100B is reproduced. Control is performed so that a setting change command based on the setting information d20 is generated and transmitted to the content output device 20B via the analysis unit 45. When a setting change command indicating a setting change is received from the content output device 20B via the command creation / analysis unit 45, the setting change information included in the setting change command is stored in the storage unit 46 as setting information d20. So that it is controlled.

Specifically, the content output device 20B includes a content output unit 21, an operation unit 22, an HDMI receiver 23, a command creation / analysis unit 24, a storage unit 25, a CPU 26B, a display 27, and a speaker 28.

The CPU 26B comprehensively controls all operations including the output operation of the content output device 20B. For example, the CPU 26B controls each unit so that the operation content is reflected based on the operation information. In the present embodiment, as will be described in detail later, the CPU 26B, when changing settings related to video and audio according to operation information instructed by the user, sets the settings via the command creation / analysis unit 24. Control is performed such that a setting change command based on the change information is created and transmitted to the content relay apparatus 40. In addition, when a setting change command is received via the command creation / analysis unit 24, the content output unit 21 is controlled so as to change the setting related to video and audio according to the setting change information included in the setting change command. .

<Operation>
Next, the operation of the content viewing system 100B according to the present embodiment will be described using FIG. Here, FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram regarding setting change processing of the content reproduction device 10B, the content output device 20B, and the content relay device 40 in the content viewing system 100B.

(1) When content is reproduced for the first time First, the operation when the predetermined content is first reproduced in the content viewing system 100B will be described.

In response to a playback instruction from the user, when the content playback device 10B starts playback of the content recorded on the optical disc 1 (step S410), the content playback device 10B acquires a content ID that is content identification information from the optical disc 1. (Step S420).

Next, the content reproduction device 10B creates a content identification command including the acquired content ID and transmits it to the content relay device 40 (step S430).

On the other hand, when receiving the content identification command, the content relay device 40 analyzes the content of the content identification command (step S440) and determines whether there is setting information d20 related to the content (step S450). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the setting information d20 having the content ID included in the received content identification command exists in the storage unit 46.

When content is first played back in the content viewing system 100B, the setting information d20 having the content ID included in the received content identification command is not stored in the storage unit 46 (step S450: NO), so the content output device 20B Starts outputting the content being played back by the content playback device 10B without changing the settings relating to video and audio (for example, with the previous settings or with the default settings) (step S500). Accordingly, the user can view the content via the display 27 and the speaker 28 of the content output device 20B.

Next, the content output device 20B determines whether or not a setting change relating to video or audio has been received during content output (step S510). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the information regarding the setting change related to the video and audio has been received based on the operation instruction from the user to the content output device 20B.

When the content output device 20B accepts a setting change related to video or audio (step S510: YES), the content output device 20B changes the setting according to the operation instruction (step S520) and creates a setting change command related to the setting change information. Then, a setting change command is transmitted to the content relay device 40 (step S530).

Upon receiving the setting change command, the content relay device 40 analyzes the content of the setting change command (step S540), acquires the setting change information indicated by the setting change command, and also receives the content ID ( The setting information d20 that associates the setting change information with the content ID of the content currently being reproduced) is stored in the storage unit 46 (step S550).

If another setting change is made during content output (step S560: NO, step S510: YES), the content output device 20B repeats the above-described processing of step S520 to step S550, and the content output device 20B changes another setting. Then, a setting change command corresponding to the setting change is generated and transmitted to the content relay device 40, while the content relay device 40 stores setting information d20 corresponding to the setting change command in the storage unit 46.

In the content viewing system 100B according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, whenever there is a setting change from the user, the content output device 20B creates a setting change command corresponding to the setting change, and relays the content. However, the timing for creating and transmitting the setting change command is not limited to this. For example, a setting change command may be created and transmitted collectively when content playback is completed. That is, a setting change command may be created and transmitted for each of the setting changes related to video and audio that are instructed during the content playback when the content playback ends.

(2) When playing back the same content again Next, the operation when playing back the predetermined content again in the content viewing system 100B will be described.

When the same content is reproduced again in the content viewing system 100B, the setting information d20 having the content ID included in the received content identification command can exist in the storage unit 46, and therefore the setting information d20 having the received content ID is present. If there is (step S450: YES), that is, if there has been a change in settings related to video or audio for the content in the past, this setting information d20 is acquired (step S460), and settings related to setting information d20 are obtained. A change command is created and transmitted to the content output device 20B (step S470). When the setting information d20 is not in the storage unit 46 (step S450: NO), the setting change command is not transmitted because the setting change related to video and audio has not been made to the content in the past.

Next, when the content output device 20B receives the setting change command, the content output device 20B analyzes the content of the setting change command (step S480), and changes the setting according to the content of the setting change command (step S490).

Next, when the content output device 20B receives the setting change command, the content output device 20B starts outputting the content being played back by the content playback device 10B with the setting value changed (step S500). Accordingly, the user can view the content via the display 27 and the speaker 28 of the content output device 20B. That is, the user can view the content in the same state as the setting values related to video and audio that have been previously changed.

On the other hand, if the content output device 20B does not receive the setting change command, the content output device 20B does not change the settings relating to video and audio (for example, the previous setting or the default setting). Output of the content being played back by the playback device 10B is started (step S500).

If the setting is changed while the content output device 20B is outputting the content (step S510: YES), the content output device 20B repeats the processing of the above-described steps S510 to S550 to make a new setting change. The setting change command corresponding to the setting change is generated and transmitted to the content relay device 40, while the content relay device 40 stores the setting information d20 corresponding to the setting change command in the storage unit 46.

From the above, according to the content viewing system 100B of the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the user can view the content with the optimal viewing setting according to the user's preference without requiring the user to perform an operation. can do.

That is, according to the content viewing system 100B of the present embodiment, in the AV system capable of exchanging control information using the HDMI interface, the content ID of the content being played back by the content playback device 10B is assigned to the control information (content identification). Command) to the content relay device 40, when the user changes the setting related to video and audio, the content output device 20B transmits information related to the setting change to the content relay device 40, and the content relay device 40 The content ID and the setting change information are stored in association with each other as setting information d20. When the content reproduction apparatus 10B reproduces the same content again, the content relay apparatus 40 transmits control information (setting change command) to the content output apparatus 20B based on the setting information d20. The device 20B can output the content with the setting value that was previously changed. As described above, the content viewing system 100B automatically performs the optimum setting change when the same content is reproduced again, so that the user can perform the optimum setting without performing the same setting change work as the previous time. You can watch the content at.

As described above, the content viewing system according to the embodiment of the present invention is capable of bidirectional communication between a content reproduction device that reproduces content and the content reproduction device and control information (CEC command). A content viewing system including a content output device that outputs input content, wherein the content output device outputs a content that is reproduced by the content reproduction device and means for acquiring a content ID of the content to be reproduced In addition, when the user changes the setting related to video or audio to the content output device, the setting information in which the acquired identification information is associated with the setting change information set for the content output device is stored. Means and when the content playback device plays back the content Means for referring to the stored setting information based on the acquired identification information and, if there is setting information for the same content as the content to be reproduced, performing a setting relating to video or audio according to the setting information; I have.

In this case, the setting information may be stored in the content reproduction device, or may be stored in the content output device. Furthermore, a content relay device may be provided separately, and the content relay device may store the setting information. For example, when the content playback device stores setting information, the content output device transmits control information related to the setting change information to the content playback device, the content playback device stores the setting information, and the content playback device stores the content. When reproducing, control information relating to the setting information may be transmitted to the content output apparatus. Further, when the content output device stores the setting information, when the content reproduction device reproduces the content, the control information related to the content identification information is transmitted to the content output device, and the content output device corresponds to the content identification information. What is necessary is just to acquire setting information. When the content relay device stores the setting information, the content reproduction device transmits control information related to the content identification information of the content to be played back to the content relay device, and the content output device transmits the control information related to the setting change information to the content relay. The content relay device stores the setting information and when the content reproduction device reproduces the content, the setting information corresponding to the content identification information is acquired and the control information related to the setting information is transmitted to the content output device. do it.

Therefore, in the content viewing system according to the embodiment of the present invention, even if any device that configures the content viewing system adopts a configuration in which the setting information is held, the user does not have to perform the operation without the user's trouble. Content can be viewed with optimal viewing settings according to preferences.

In a conventional content output device, a preset mode is provided, and brightness, color, speaker volume, etc. can be collectively adjusted according to the content (for example, movies, TV characters, photos, etc.). However, the above-described

content viewing systems

100, 100A, and 100B have a feature that enables optimal settings reflecting the user's preference in each content. For example, regarding brightness, it may be felt that it is optimal for one movie content A but dark for another movie content B. In such a case, the

content viewing systems

100, 100A, and 100B can automatically perform fine and optimal setting changes for each content, instead of making fixed settings for the genre of movies.

<Other embodiments>
In addition, the setting information d20 described in the above embodiment has a data configuration having setting change information for each content. However, the setting information d20 may be set in a further subdivided unit. For example, as shown in FIG. 2C, setting change information may be included for each title, chapter, and playback time of the content. For example, the setting information d20a is configured to hold setting change information for each content ID and title, and is set for each of a plurality of contents even when a plurality of contents are included in one optical disc 1. It is possible to manage information. Further, the setting information d20b holds setting change information for each content ID and chapter. For example, if the optimum value of brightness and volume is different for each chapter even for one content, the chapter information It is possible to manage the optimum setting value for each. The setting information d20c holds setting change information for each content ID and reproduction time. For example, one piece of content is divided into a plurality of time zones, and an optimum setting value for each time zone is set. Can be managed.

The content viewing system described in the above embodiment is an AV system capable of transmitting and receiving digital signals and control signals compliant with the HDMI standard. However, the interface between devices constituting the content viewing system is limited to the HDMI standard. I don't mean. That is, the setting change processing described in the above embodiment includes a digital interface that can output content data in one direction between devices constituting the content viewing system and can exchange control information in both directions. Any interface standard may be used as long as the same operation can be realized.

Furthermore, a content viewing system that can realize the same operation as the setting change process described in the above embodiment by the function of an application program that operates on an AV device or a computer regardless of the interface standard. Good.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made to the embodiments of the present invention without departing from the gist of the present invention. Such modifications and changes can be made, and those accompanying such modifications and changes are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

Claims

A content viewing system comprising: a content reproduction device that reproduces content; and a content output device that is capable of two-way communication of control information with the content reproduction device and that outputs content input from the content reproduction device. And
The content playback device
Identification information acquisition means for acquiring identification information capable of uniquely identifying the content to be reproduced;
Control information receiving means for receiving control information related to the setting change from the content output device when the user changes the setting related to video or audio to the content output device;
Setting information storage means for storing setting information in which the acquired identification information is associated with the received setting change information;
When reproducing the content, the setting information stored in the setting information storage means is referred to based on the acquired identification information. If setting information for the same content as the content to be reproduced exists, the setting information is stored in the setting information. Control information transmitting means for transmitting control information related to the setting change to the content output device,
With
The content output device includes:
Control information receiving means for receiving control information related to the setting change from the content reproduction device;
Content output control means for performing settings relating to video or audio in accordance with the received control information relating to setting changes;
A content viewing system comprising:
A content viewing system comprising: a content reproduction device that reproduces content; and a content output device that is capable of two-way communication of control information with the content reproduction device and that outputs content input from the content reproduction device. And
The content playback device
Identification information acquisition means for acquiring identification information capable of uniquely identifying the content to be reproduced;
Control information transmission means for transmitting control information related to identification information to the content output device based on the acquired identification information,
The content output device includes:
Control information receiving means for receiving control information related to the identification information from the content reproduction device;
A setting information storage means for storing setting information in which the received identification information is associated with the setting change information when the user changes the setting relating to the video or audio to the content output device;
When reproducing the content, the setting information stored in the setting information storage means is referred to based on the received identification information. If setting information for the same content as the content to be reproduced exists, the setting information is stored in the setting information. Content output control means for performing settings related to video or audio based on
A content viewing system comprising:
A content playback device that plays back content; a content output device that outputs content played by the content playback device; and a content relay device that outputs content input from the content playback device to the content output device, A content viewing system capable of bidirectionally communicating control information between the content reproduction device and the content relay device and between the content relay device and the content output device,
The content playback device
Identification information acquisition means for acquiring identification information capable of uniquely identifying the content to be reproduced;
Control information transmitting means for transmitting control information related to identification information to the content relay device based on the acquired identification information;
With
The content output device includes:
Control information transmitting means for transmitting control information related to the setting change to the content relay device when the user changes the setting related to video or audio to the content output device;
With
The content relay device
First control information receiving means for receiving control information related to the identification information from the content reproduction device;
Second control information receiving means for receiving control information related to the setting change from the content output device;
A setting information storage means for storing setting information in which the received identification information is associated with the received setting change information;
When reproducing the content, the setting information stored in the setting information storage means is referred to based on the received identification information. If setting information for the same content as the content to be reproduced exists, the setting information is stored in the setting information. Control information transmitting means for transmitting control information related to the setting change to the content output device,
With
The content output device further includes:
Control information receiving means for receiving control information related to the setting change from the content relay device;
Content output control means for performing settings relating to video or audio in accordance with control information relating to setting changes received from the content relay device;
A content viewing system comprising:
A content viewing system comprising: a content reproduction device that reproduces content; and a content output device that is capable of two-way communication of control information with the content reproduction device and that outputs content input from the content reproduction device. And
Identification information acquisition means for acquiring identification information capable of uniquely identifying the content to be reproduced;
When the content output device is outputting content to be played back by the content playback device, when the user changes a setting related to video or audio to the content output device, the acquired identification information and the user Storage means for storing setting information associated with setting change information set for the output device;
When the content playback apparatus plays back content, the setting information stored in the storage unit is referred to based on the acquired identification information, and when there is setting information for the same content as the content to be played back, Control means for performing settings related to video or audio output by the content output device according to setting information;
With
At least one of the identification information and the setting change information is communicated between the two devices as the control information.
The setting information includes
The content viewing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the setting change information is included for each predetermined unit for subdividing the content.
6. The content viewing system according to claim 1, wherein a communication interface between devices constituting the content viewing system is an interface based on the HDMI standard.
A content reproduction device that reproduces content and outputs the reproduced content to a content output device capable of bidirectional communication of control information,
Identification information acquisition means for acquiring identification information capable of uniquely identifying the content to be reproduced;
When the content output device is outputting the content to be played back, if a user changes a setting related to video or audio to the content output device, control information related to the setting change is received from the content output device. Control information receiving means;
Setting information storage means for storing setting information in which the acquired identification information is associated with the received setting change information;
When reproducing the content, the setting information stored in the setting information storage means is referred to based on the acquired identification information. If setting information for the same content as the content to be reproduced exists, the setting information is stored in the setting information. Control information transmitting means for transmitting control information related to the setting change to the content output device,
A content playback apparatus comprising:
A content output device that is capable of bidirectional communication with a content playback device that plays back content and that outputs content input from the content playback device,
Control information receiving means for receiving control information related to the identification information for acquiring identification information capable of uniquely identifying the content to be reproduced from the content reproduction device;
A setting in which the received identification information and the setting change information are associated with each other when the user changes a setting related to video or audio to the content output device while the content playback device is outputting content to be played back Setting information storage means for storing information;
When reproducing the content, the setting information stored in the setting information storage means is referred to based on the control information regarding the identification information received from the content reproduction device, and there is setting information for the same content as the content to be reproduced. In this case, content output control means for performing settings related to video or audio based on the setting information;
A content output apparatus comprising: