JP2014045413A - Content distribution management device, content output system, content distribution method, and content distribution program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a content distribution management device capable of diversifying an output mode of a content in accordance with user needs.SOLUTION: A processing device 102 of a content distribution management device comprises: a corresponding output device storage unit 17 for storing a second output device in association with a first output device; a sub-content extraction/generation unit 13 for obtaining a sub-content from a content specified from the first output device; and a sub-content output unit 15 for outputting the sub-content to the second output device.

Description

  The present invention relates to a content distribution management device, a content output system, a content distribution method, and a content distribution program, and in particular, a content distribution management device, a content output system, a content distribution method, and a content distribution management device that distribute and output content to a plurality of output devices. The present invention relates to a content distribution program.

  Contents such as broadcast and distribution software that are viewed in ordinary homes have high image quality, high sound quality, and multi-channel (full high-definition image quality, 5.1 channel, 7.1 channel, ..., multi-language, multi-angle, etc. )doing.

Along with the advancement of content, home audio systems have become widespread and enriched.
For example, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2010-233302 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1), a first information terminal acquires first information from received information according to a user instruction and transmits the first information to an information management terminal. The second information matching the one information is searched from the database, the third information related to the second information is distributed to the second information terminal associated with the first information terminal, and the second information terminal By acquiring detailed information about the first information from WEB etc. based on the information, it is possible to acquire information related to commercials etc. with a simple method and use it immediately, and it is not limited to live broadcast programs, We have proposed an information provision system that can be applied to recorded programs.

  Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-246570 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 2) discloses a display unit in which a cellular phone device selects a numeric keypad switch for selecting a television broadcast channel according to an operation, a normal reception mode, a two-system reception mode, and the like. When a determination switch for determining one mode in response to an operation and a two-line reception mode are determined, a television broadcast of a channel selected according to the operation of the cursor switch is received. Then, the television broadcast screen is displayed on the display unit, and an infrared signal for selecting a television broadcast channel received by an external television receiver according to the operation of the numeric key switch is transmitted from the infrared communication unit. High-definition and high-definition television broadcasts for fixed-type television receivers with a large display screen and television broadcasts for mobile terminal devices are the same. Has proposed a enjoying a mobile terminal device with high viewing convenient to use to.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-72220 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 3) and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-193515 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 4) disclose that a mobile phone device has an external output device connected to the device body when receiving a television broadcast. It is determined whether or not the external output device is connected, and when the external output device is connected, the video obtained by either one of the TV reception output function and the recording / playback function is sequentially displayed from the external output device. In addition, by sequentially displaying the video obtained by the other function from the main display unit (portable screen) on the apparatus main body side, the first video is displayed by the display unit on the apparatus main body side and the external output device connected to the apparatus main body. Has proposed a device that can realize simultaneous output of the video and the second video.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-61066 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 5) has received and received a plurality of pieces of monitoring data, each of which includes moving image data photographed by cameras installed at a plurality of locations. A plurality of the monitoring data is stored, and at least one of the monitoring data is selected based on the evaluation of temporal changes of the stored monitoring data, and the moving image data included in the selected monitoring data is reproduced and displayed. Thus, a monitoring system is proposed that records a plurality of monitoring images and automatically selects and displays monitoring images that are recognized to be abnormal at that time.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-37070 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 6) discloses a TV program receiving / transmitting apparatus, a Web management server, a cable modem for superimposing / separating Web data, and reception of the TV program receiving / transmitting apparatus. TV program distribution server that performs control and transmission control to a predetermined channel and Web program read and distribution control, Web program control server that performs Web program reception and transfer control, Web program transmission control, customer data management, customer log Terminal receiving server and TV program data, Web program data, TV program time table, Web program time table for receiving operation data, type determination, distribution control to various servers, etc. A database server that stores data and a Web program distribution device that consists of a local communication line. That is, has proposed a distribution system of the WEB program in the CATV, which was sent out to synchronize the Web program in cooperation with the TV program distribution, it is possible to provide a new program services to their customers.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2012-120207 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 7) discloses a digital video in which a remote personal TV service center provides centralized program guide information and a user is connected to the personal TV service center. A graphical user interface installed on the digital video recorder, accessing the personal TV service center through a recorder or through a remote computer terminal or personal digital assistant, selecting program events, Or program a digital video recorder using a similar GUI embedded in a web page that is displayed to a remote user to program into their DVR wherever they are It has proposed a communication system that allows.

  Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2010-148116 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 8) discloses that a network media system is connected to a first hub network including a first server and a first client connected to each other and to a first hub network connected to each other. And a second hub network that overlaps the first hub network, the first client storing the first content bound to the first hub network A method and apparatus for managing devices and content in a network environment by storing second content bound to a second hub network is also proposed.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-114808 (hereinafter, Patent Document 9) receives a terminal device having a function of reproducing a moving image and information related to the moving image transmitted from the terminal device. A moving image identification code distribution server for transmitting a moving image identification code for identifying the moving image to the terminal device, a moving image identification code transmitted from the terminal device, and an audio comment related to the moving image identification code to the terminal device Providing a voice comment delivery server for transmission, a method for sharing voice comment delivery among a plurality of terminal devices is proposed.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2009-260859 (hereinafter, Patent Document 10) discloses that video data of a plurality of AV contents of a video service server is sent to a transmission path, and is transmitted to a terrestrial digital television via a modulator and a transmitter. John broadcast wave is transmitted to the mobile terminal, and when the passenger receives this broadcast wave on the mobile terminal, selects the channel that he wants to watch, watches the video, operates the controller and selects the audio channel attached to the video, Audio data sent from the video service server to the transmission path is output as audio via headphones via the seat terminal, and the passenger listens to this audio to connect to multiple seats in a passenger moving body such as an aircraft. Enables the use of portable terminals carried by passengers in AV content providing systems that distribute movies, sports, etc. over transmission lines It has proposed a law.

JP 2010-233302 A JP 2009-246570 A JP 2008-72420 A JP 2011-193515 A JP 2008-61066 A JP 2007-37070 A JP 2012-120207 A JP 2010-148116 A JP 2010-114808 A JP 2009-260859 A

  However, a consumer viewing environment such as a home is usually an environment in which a single selected channel or the same sound source is viewed by a plurality of people through speakers or earphones. Therefore, for example, there is a problem that it is difficult to separately output different forms according to the user's needs while simultaneously playing the same content, such as viewing the Japanese channel and the English channel independently at the same time. .

  Also, although content with high interactivity has increased due to the spread of game controllers and the like, their viewing environment is basically limited to where the controller is located in front of the screen or in a specific place in the room. There was a problem that it was difficult to obtain optimal viewing at an arbitrary position.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and a content distribution management device, a content output system, a content distribution method, and a content distribution program capable of diversifying content output modes according to user needs The purpose is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a content distribution management device manages distribution of content processed by a content reproduction device to a first output device and a second output device. A content distribution management device, a storage unit for storing the second output device in association with the first output device, and an acquisition unit for obtaining sub-contents from the content designated by the first output device And an output means for outputting the sub-content to the second output device.

  Preferably, the sub-content is content for a sub-channel included in the content specified from the first output device or content generated according to an instruction included in the specified content.

  Preferably, the content distribution management device transmits and receives the synchronization signal to and from the second output device, so that the sub-content is transmitted to the second output device in synchronization with the reproduction of the content in the first output device. Let it play.

  Preferably, the content distribution management device further includes a generation unit for shaping the sub-content acquired by the first acquisition unit into a data format corresponding to the second output device.

  Preferably, the content distribution management device receives a user operation from the second output device, and switches sub-contents according to the user operation from the second output device.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a content output system includes the content distribution management device, a first output device capable of reproducing content, and a second output device.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, content distribution is a method for distributing content to an output device, wherein a sub-content is obtained from the step of receiving designation of content to be reproduced from the first output device and the content to be reproduced. And a step of distributing content to the first output device, and a step of distributing sub-content to the second output device stored in association with the first output device.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, the content distribution program is a program for causing a computer to execute distribution management of content, the step of receiving designation of content to be reproduced from the first output device, and the content to be reproduced , Executing the steps of obtaining sub-contents, distributing the contents to the first output device, and distributing the sub-contents to the second output device stored in association with the first output device. Let

  According to the present invention, the content output mode can be diversified according to user needs.

It is a figure which shows the specific example of the structure of the content output system concerning embodiment, and the structure of each apparatus. It is a figure showing the flow of operation | movement in the content output system concerning embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the specific example of a function structure of the content delivery apparatus contained in a content output system. It is a flowchart showing the flow of operation | movement in a content delivery apparatus.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, these descriptions will not be repeated.

<System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the configuration of the content output system according to the present embodiment and the configuration of each device.

  Referring to FIG. 1, the content output system includes a content distribution device 100 that is a content distribution source, on which a content distribution management device is mounted, a first output device 200, and a second output device 300. The content distribution device 100 is electrically connected to the first output device 200 and the second output device 300, and can communicate therewith. The content distribution device 100 and the second output device 300 perform wireless communication such as WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

  The content distribution device 100 is a playback device such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) player equipped with a content distribution management device, and is connected as a function of processing recorded content and a function of the content distribution management device. And a function of managing transmission of content to the device. In the following examples, the content reproduction apparatus and the content distribution management apparatus are configured as a single apparatus as the content distribution apparatus 100. Of course, the content distribution management apparatus is configured separately from the content reproduction apparatus. May be. In this case, the content distribution management device is connected to the content reproduction device by wired or wireless communication, and controls processing and distribution of content data in the content reproduction device.

  The first output device 200 is a main output device for the content distribution device 100, and corresponds to, for example, a television receiver.

  The second output device 300 is a sub-output device for the content distribution device 100, and corresponds to, for example, a mobile terminal. Examples of the portable terminal include a mobile phone, a small PC (personal computer), a game machine, and a document browsing device.

  Further, referring to FIG. 1, content distribution apparatus 100 includes a content storage / readout apparatus 101 for storing and reading content, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown). A processing device 102 as a content distribution management device for performing processing for separating video, decoding compressed video, and output management of content, and a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a D terminal, etc. A video / audio output interface 103 for outputting information to the first output device 200 as a main output device, and an information for outputting information to a second output device 300 as a sub output device And an external device communication interface 104.

  The content storage / readout device 101 may read out stored data such as a BD (Blu-ray Disc) drive and an HD (Hard Disk) drive, or broadcast in real time like a terrestrial digital broadcast tuner. TS (Transport Stream) data may be read from the wave.

  The external device communication interface 104 is an interface for performing wireless communication with the second output device 300, and is an interface for performing wireless communication such as WiFi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

  The first output device 200 that is the main output device includes a video / audio input interface 201 that is an interface for receiving data transmitted from the content distribution device 100 such as HDMI, and a CPU (not shown). A processing device 202 for performing processing for enabling the output of the video, a display unit 203 such as a liquid crystal display, and an audio output unit 204 such as a speaker.

  The second output device 300, which is a sub output device, decodes the external device communication interface 301, which is an interface for receiving data transmitted from the content distribution device 100, and the data received from the content distribution device 100. A processing device 302 for performing processing for conversion into a format that can be output, a display unit 303 such as a display, and an audio output unit 304 such as a speaker or a connected earphone are included.

  The processing device 302 may generate data in a format that can be output based on the data received from the content distribution device 100.

<Overview of operation>
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an operation flow in the content output system according to the present embodiment.

  First, as a premise, the content distribution device stores a second output device that is a sub output device in advance in association with the first output device that is a main output device. This association may be performed prior to the operation in the content output system, or may be performed during the operation.

  Referring to FIG. 2, when the content distribution device starts distributing content to the first output device (step S1), the content distribution device extracts the sub-content for the second output device from the content data (step S2). ), The content data is output to the first output device (step S3), and the sub-content data is output to the second output device (step S4). In step S2, the content distribution apparatus may create sub-contents from the content data. Therefore, it can be said that the operation here is an operation of acquiring the sub-content from the content data.

  The sub-content refers to content stored in the content data in association with the main content for the sub-channel, or content sequentially generated from the main content in accordance with an instruction included in the content data. Examples of the sub-content include a sound source that is a part of the content.

  Each of the first output device and the second output device reproduces the distributed content and outputs an image or sound (steps S5 and S6).

  When the content distribution device distributes the sub-content to the second output device, the content distribution device exchanges a synchronization signal with the second output device (step S7). As a result, the second output device reproduces the sub-content while maintaining synchronization with the first output device.

  Note that when the user performs any operation on the second output device, the second output device transmits an operation signal to the content distribution device. The content distribution device switches the sub-content to be transmitted to the second output device according to the instruction, or changes the content of the generated sub-content.

<Functional configuration>
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a specific example of a functional configuration of the content distribution apparatus 100 for performing the above operation. 3, a CPU (not shown) in the processing device 102 included in the content distribution device 100 reads and executes a program stored in a memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) included in the processing device 102. By doing so, it is mainly formed on the CPU. However, at least a part may be realized by the hardware configuration shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 3, the processing device 102 of the content distribution device 100 includes a playback instruction input unit 11 for receiving an input of a content playback instruction from the first output device 200 via the video / audio output interface 103. A content data input unit 12 for accepting input of content data of content designated from the content storage / reading device read from the storage device, and for acquiring sub-content by extracting or generating sub-content from the content data The sub-content extraction / generation unit 13, the sub-content generation unit 14 for generating the sub-content by shaping the extracted or generated data into data in a format that can be transmitted to the second output device 300, Sub-contents via the external device communication interface 104 A sub-content output unit 15 for transmitting to the second output device 300, a synchronization signal transmitting / receiving unit 16 for exchanging synchronization signals with the second output device 300 via the external device communication interface 104, a first And a corresponding output device storage unit 17 for storing the second output device 300 associated with the output device 200.

  The corresponding output device storage unit 17 may store the second output device 300 associated with the first output device 200 in advance prior to the content reproduction instruction. The second output device 300 associated with the first output device 200 may be stored after receiving an instruction to reproduce the content, for example, by receiving an instruction.

<Operation flow>
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation flow in content distribution apparatus 100. The operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 is executed by a CPU (not shown) in the processing device 102 included in the content distribution device 100 reading out a program stored from a memory such as a ROM included in the processing device 102. However, this is realized by exhibiting each function of FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 4, when processing apparatus 102 receives a content playback instruction from first output apparatus 200 that is the main output apparatus (YES in step S <b> 101), the content data of the content includes sub-contents. Check if it is. The sub-content here may be content stored in the content data for the sub-channel, or may be an instruction for generating the sub-content.

  If the content data of the instructed content includes sub-content (YES in step S103), the processing device 102 further outputs a second output that is a sub-output device associated with the first output device 200. It is confirmed whether or not the device 300 is stored. At this time, the processing device 102 receives not only the case where the second output device 300 is stored at the time when the content reproduction instruction is received, but also the association instruction by a wizard after the instruction, for example. Even when the second output device 300 is newly registered, it is determined that the second output device 300 associated with the first output device 200 is stored.

  If second output device 300 is stored (YES in step S105), processing device 102 extracts sub-contents from the content data of the instructed content (step S107). Here, the processing apparatus 102 may perform processing for sequentially generating sub-contents in accordance with instructions included in the content data.

  Then, the processing device 102 shapes the sub content into data in a format that can be transmitted to the second output device 300 (step S109), and transmits the data to the second output device 300 (step S111). The processing device 102 exchanges a synchronization signal with the second output device 300 (step S113).

  Further, the processing device 102 transmits the instructed content (main content) to the first output device 200 (step S115).

  In the above operation, the processing device 102 stores the second output device 300 associated with the first output device 200 when the instructed content does not include sub-content (NO in step S103). If not (step S105), the processing related to the sub-content is skipped, and the instructed content is transmitted to the first output device 200 (step S115). This operation is the same as the normal content distribution operation.

  The second output device 300 synchronizes the sub-contents transmitted from the content distribution device 100 by the above operation with the reproduction by the first output device 200 in response to the exchange of the synchronization signal with the content distribution device 100. Reproduce. Then, when the reproduction data of the sub content ends, the reproduction of the sub content ends.

<Modification>
In the above example, an example in which only the second output device 300 is associated with the first output device 200 as the main output device is shown.

  However, a plurality of sub output devices may be associated with the first output device 200.

  Further, in this case, the content distribution device 100 may extract / generate sub-contents corresponding to each sub output device and distribute the sub-contents. This is because the sub-content stored in the content data or the sub-content created based on the included instruction includes information for specifying the corresponding output device in advance, and the content distribution device 100 is suitable based on the information. It may be realized by distributing the sub-contents to the sub output device, or the content distribution device 100 converts the sub-content extracted / generated from the content data into a data format corresponding to each corresponding sub-output device. It may be realized by shaping.

<Effect of Embodiment>
By performing the above operation in the content output system according to the present embodiment, for example, when the content output system shares and views the content among a plurality of people with different native languages and native languages, the content output system follows each language. It is possible to realize a content output method such as projecting / reproducing audio / subtitles on a glass display or speaker. Thereby, each user can enjoy the same content at the same time without feeling a difference in language.

  Also, for example, the content output system can output different video / audio to each participant's mobile terminal in synchronization with the main content, such as in a spectator participation type attraction. Thereby, each participant can enjoy content with higher game nature and higher interactive property.

  For example, the content output system uses video / audio that is synchronized with each exhibit or introductory video, etc. at a tour facility such as a museum, and is recorded according to the age / prerequisite knowledge / language area of the viewing user / An audio stream can be distributed and distributed to each user's portable terminal via a wireless local area network (LAN) or the like, and each user can select and receive the stream with the portable terminal. Accordingly, each user can select and view an arbitrary language and arbitrary content, and can obtain an explanation according to the user's request with the minimum equipment.

  Further, for example, the content output system can output audio or emit light from a portable terminal associated with a specific scene at the time of content reproduction. Thereby, this content output system can easily expand the range of expression of contents (video / audio works) that can be generally distributed. For example, an event such as suddenly ringing a mobile terminal during movie screening can be realized by using a mobile terminal carried by a user who is watching, and a more realistic feeling can be produced.

  Therefore, in the content output system according to the present embodiment, the speaker and the earphone terminal of the mobile terminal as the second output device 300 are used as subchannels with respect to the first output device 200 as the main output device. It is possible to output subsidiary information (sub-contents) of content reproduced by one output device 200. Thereby, the interactivity of content can be increased.

  In addition, the user operation on the second output device 300 is transmitted to the content distribution device 100 and reflected in the processing, thereby further enhancing the content reproduction environment and interactivity without introducing a special dedicated device. can do.

  Further, it is possible to provide a program for causing the processing apparatus 102 as the content distribution management apparatus to execute the above-described operation. Such a program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk attached to the computer, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory), a ROM, a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a memory card. It can also be provided as a program product. Alternatively, the program can be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk built in the computer. A program can also be provided by downloading via a network.

  The program according to the present invention is a program module that is provided as a part of a computer operating system (OS) and calls necessary modules in a predetermined arrangement at a predetermined timing to execute processing. Also good. In that case, the program itself does not include the module, and the process is executed in cooperation with the OS. A program that does not include such a module can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The program according to the present invention may be provided by being incorporated in a part of another program. Even in this case, the program itself does not include the module included in the other program, and the process is executed in cooperation with the other program. Such a program incorporated in another program can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The provided program product is installed in a program storage unit such as a hard disk and executed. The program product includes the program itself and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Playback instruction | indication input part, 12 Content data input part, 13 Sub content extraction / generation part, 14 Sub content generation part, 15 Sub content output part, 16 Sync signal transmission / reception part, 17 Corresponding output apparatus memory | storage part, 100 Content distribution apparatus, 101 Content Storage / Readout Device, 102, 202, 302 Processing Device, 103 Video / Audio Output Interface, 104, 301 External Device Communication Interface, 200 First Output Device, 201 Video / Video Audio Input Interface, 203, 303 Display Unit 204, 304 Audio output unit, 300 Second output device.

Claims (8)

A content distribution management device for managing distribution of content processed by a content reproduction device to a first output device and a second output device,
Storage means for storing the second output device in association with the first output device;
Obtaining means for obtaining sub-contents from the content designated from the first output device;
A content distribution management device comprising: output means for outputting the sub-content to the second output device.   2. The sub-content according to claim 1, wherein the sub-content is content for a sub-channel included in the content specified from the first output device or content generated according to an instruction included in the specified content. Content distribution management device.   The sub-content is reproduced in synchronization with the reproduction of the content in the first output device by causing the second output device to transmit and receive a synchronization signal to and from the second output device. Item 3. The content distribution management device according to Item 1 or 2.   The content distribution management apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a generation means for shaping the sub-content acquired by the acquisition means into a data format corresponding to the second output device.   5. The content distribution management device according to claim 1, wherein a user operation is received from the second output device, and the sub-content is switched according to the user operation from the second output device. The content distribution management device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A content output system comprising a first output device and a second output device capable of reproducing content. A method of delivering content to an output device,
Receiving a designation of content to be reproduced from the first output device;
Obtaining sub-contents from the content to be reproduced;
Delivering the content to the first output device;
Delivering the sub-content to a second output device stored in association with the first output device. A program for causing a computer to execute content distribution management,
Receiving a designation of content to be reproduced from the first output device;
Obtaining sub-contents from the content to be reproduced;
Delivering the content to the first output device;
A content distribution program that causes the computer to execute a step of distributing the sub-content to a second output device stored in association with the first output device.

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