Playback device and playback method

Abstract

To provide a playback device that can highly accurately determine necessity or unnecessity of playback restriction of a video content for each users's situation.SOLUTION: A second playback device 70 includes a second playback control unit 741, a first restriction processing unit 742, and a second restriction processing unit 744. The second playback control unit 741 plays back a designated video content. When the first restriction processing unit 742 determines, based on a first determination criterion, that a user is not in a situation suitable for viewing the video content, and restricts the playback of the video content by the second playback control unit 741. When determining, based on a second determination criterion, that the user is in a situation suitable for viewing the video content in a state where the playback of the video content by the second playback control unit 741 is restricted by the first restriction processing unit 742, the second restriction processing unit 744 releases the restriction by the first restriction processing unit 742.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a playback device and a playback method. [Background technology]

[0002] By using a portable playback device such as a smart device, a user can view video content in various places. However, depending on the situation in which the user is placed, there are cases where it is not suitable to view video content. For example, when the user is walking or driving a vehicle, it is not suitable to view video content. For this reason, there are playback devices that have a function of restricting the playback of video content when an acceleration sensor or the like mounted on the playback device detects that the user is walking or driving a vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-32932 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a playback device having the above-mentioned functions, when the user is in a situation suitable for viewing video content, for example, when walking or driving is finished, the playback restriction is lifted. However, the criteria for determining whether the user is in a situation suitable for viewing video content differ depending on the situation the user is in. Therefore, there is a problem that it may not be possible to properly determine whether the user is in a situation suitable for viewing video content based only on detection information from an acceleration sensor or the like mounted on the playback device.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a playback device and a playback method that are capable of determining with high accuracy whether or not playback restriction of video content is necessary for each user situation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the playback device of the present invention comprises a playback control unit that plays specified video content, a first restriction processing unit that restricts playback of the video content by the playback control unit when a first judgment criterion determines that the user is not in a situation suitable for viewing the video content, and a second restriction processing unit that, when the first restriction processing unit restricts playback of the video content by the playback control unit, lifts the restriction by the first restriction processing unit when a second judgment criterion determines that the user is in a situation suitable for viewing the video content.

[0007] In addition, in the playback method of the present invention, when a playback device having a playback control unit that plays specified video content determines based on a first judgment criterion that a user is not in a situation suitable for viewing the video content, the playback control unit restricts the playback of the video content by the playback control unit, and when the playback of the video content is restricted based on the first judgment criterion, the playback control unit lifts the restriction when the playback of the video content is restricted based on the first judgment criterion and the playback control unit determines based on a second judgment criterion that the user is in a situation suitable for viewing the video content. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the playback device and playback method of the present invention, it is possible to determine with high accuracy whether or not playback restriction of video content is necessary for each user situation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall diagram showing the configuration of a playback system using a playback device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a playback system using a playback device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the playback device according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] A playback system and a playback method using a playback device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0011] Configuration of a playback system according to an embodiment FIG. 1 is an overall view showing the configuration of a playback system 1 according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of the playback system 1. The playback system 1 includes a video content management server 10, a first playback device 30 installed at a home Y of a user X of the playback system 1, a camera device 40, seating sensors 50a and 50b, and a vehicle information processing device 60 fixedly installed in a vehicle Z of the user X, and a portable second playback device 70 carried by the user X. The first playback device 30 is, for example, a television device. The first playback device 30 and the second playback device 70 are connected to the video content management server 10 via a communication network 20. The communication network 20 is, for example, a wide-area information and communication network using IP (Internet Protocol).

[0012] The video content management server 10 stores a plurality of pieces of video content information, and when it receives a delivery request for a specific video content from any of the playback devices, it delivers the requested video content information to the playback device. When playback is paused while the video content management server 10 is delivering the stored video content information to any of the playback devices, the video content management server 10 acquires information on the paused position in the video content information (hereinafter, referred to as "pause position information") together with identification information of the user who performed the pause operation based on the pause operation, and stores the acquired information. In this embodiment, the user identification information is information that identifies the user X who owns the first playback device 30 and the second playback device 70.

[0013] 2, the first playback device 30 has an input unit 31, an output unit 32, a first network communication unit 33, and a first CPU 34. The input unit 31 inputs operation information by a user X. The output unit 32 is composed of a display device and a speaker device. The first network communication unit 33 communicates information with the video content management server 10 via the communication network 20.

[0014] The first CPU 34 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) provided in a general-purpose microcomputer, and constitutes one or more information processing units described below by installing and executing a predetermined content playback program. The first CPU 34 has a first playback control unit 341 as one information processing unit.

[0015] When user X inputs an instruction to play a specific video content from the input unit 31, the first playback control unit 341 transmits a delivery request for the instructed video content information to the video content management server 10 via the first network communication unit 33 and the communication network 20.

[0016] The first playback control unit 341 acquires the video content information distributed from the video content management server 10 in response to the transmitted distribution request, and reproduces the video content information by outputting it from the output unit 32. When the reproduction of the video content information is paused by a user operation, the first playback control unit 341 pauses the reproduction, and transmits pause position information in the video content information together with the user identification information to the video content management server 10.

[0017] The first playback control unit 341 can register information about another playback device, for example, the second playback device 70, connected to the first playback device 30 by wire or wirelessly, in a storage unit (not shown) in the first playback device 30 based on the operation of the input unit 31 by the user X. The first playback control unit 341 may register information necessary for identifying the user X, such as a facial photograph of the user X, in association with the information of the second playback device 70. When the first playback control unit 341 registers the identification information of the user X in the first playback device 30, it transmits the identification information of the user X to the second playback device 70 by wire or wireless communication. When the second playback device 70 receives the identification information of the user X, it registers it in a storage unit (not shown) in the second playback device 70.

[0018] In this way, the process of registering user X's identification information in the first playback device 30, the process of transmitting the identification information from the first playback device 30 to the second playback device 70, and the process of registering the identification information in the second playback device 70 do not need to be performed each time user X views video content. Once these processes are performed, the registration of user X's identification information is maintained in the first playback device 30 and the second playback device 70 unless user X performs an operation to delete the registration.

[0019] When the identification information of user X registered in the first reproduction device 30 is updated by an operation of user X, the first reproduction control unit 341 transmits the updated identification information of user X to the second reproduction device 70. When the second reproduction device 70 receives the updated identification information of user X, it updates the identification information of user X already stored therein with the received information.

[0020] Furthermore, the video content management server 10 may acquire and register the identification information of the user X input by the user X on the first playback device 30 or the second playback device 70 instead of the first playback device 30, and perform account management for each user. By having the video content management server 10 perform account management for each user, playback restrictions, lifting of restrictions, and management of pause position information can be appropriately performed for each user.

[0021] The camera device 40 captures images inside the vehicle Z. The seating sensor 50a is installed in the driver's seat inside the vehicle Z and detects when a user sits in the driver's seat. The seating sensor 50b is installed in a seat in a predetermined position other than the driver's seat inside the vehicle Z, for example, a rear seat, and detects when a user sits in this seat.

[0022] The vehicle information processing device 60 is built into a non-portable device that is fixedly installed inside the vehicle Z, such as a car navigation device or a display audio device, and is communicatively connected to the camera device 40 and the seating sensors 50a, 50b via wired or wireless communication, and is communicatively connected to the second playback device 70 via short-range wireless communication.

[0023] The vehicle information processing device 60 acquires user information indicating the situation of a user who is within a predetermined range, specifically, in the vehicle Z. When the vehicle information processing device 60 is communicatively connected to the second playback device 70 through short-distance wireless communication, it acquires identification information of the user X registered in the second playback device 70. The vehicle information processing device 60 also acquires and analyzes image information captured by the camera device 40, and acquires position information of the user who is carrying the second playback device 70 in the vehicle Z as user information. The vehicle information processing device 60 also acquires information detected by the seating sensors 50a and 50b as user information of the user who is in the vehicle Z.

[0024] The vehicle information processing device 60 may also acquire, for example, information obtained by analyzing a facial photograph of the user X linked to information on the second playback device 70 as the identification information of the user X, identify location information of the user X carrying the second playback device 70 based on the information obtained by analyzing the facial photograph of the user X and the information obtained by analyzing the image information captured by the camera device 40, and acquire the identified information and information on the seat where the user X is seated as user information. The vehicle information processing device 60 transmits the acquired user information to the second playback device 70 by using short-range wireless communication.

[0025] The second playback device 70 is a device having a two-stage restriction function for the playback of video content. The second playback device 70 is, for example, a smart device, and has an input / output unit 71, a second network communication unit 72, a short-range wireless communication unit 73, and a second CPU 74.

[0026] The input / output unit 71 is formed of, for example, a touch panel, and inputs operation information by a user and outputs processing information by the second CPU 74. The second network communication unit 72 performs information communication with the video content management server 10 via the communication network 20. The short-range wireless communication unit 73 performs short-range wireless communication with the vehicle information processing device 60.

[0027] The second CPU 74 is, for example, a CPU included in a general-purpose microcomputer, and configures one or more information processing units as described below by installing and executing a predetermined content playback program. The second CPU 74 has a second playback control unit 741, a first restriction processing unit 742, a user information acquisition unit 743, and a second restriction processing unit 744 as the two or more information processing units.

[0028] When a user inputs an instruction to play back a specific video content, the second playback control unit 741 transmits a distribution request for the instructed video content to the video content management server 10 via the second network communication unit 72 and the communication network 20. The second playback control unit 741 acquires video content information distributed from the video content management server 10 in response to the transmitted distribution request.

[0029] The first restriction processing unit 742 monitors whether or not the user carrying the second playback device 70 is in a situation suitable for viewing video content according to a first judgment criterion using an existing application. The first judgment criterion is a criterion for judging whether or not the user is in a situation suitable for viewing video content, for example, a criterion for judging whether or not the user is in a situation suitable for viewing video content based on a movement movement of the user acquired at a predetermined time interval. When the first restriction processing unit 742 judges that the user carrying the second playback device 70 is not in a situation suitable for viewing video content, it restricts the playback of the video content by the second playback control unit 741.

[0030] For example, when the first restriction processing unit 742 detects that the user is carrying the second playback device 70 while walking or driving, based on measurement information from an acceleration sensor (not shown) or the like mounted on the second playback device 70, it determines that the user is not in a situation suitable for viewing video content and restricts the playback of the video content by the second playback control unit 741.

[0031] The first restriction processing unit 742 may also determine whether or not the user X is in a situation suitable for viewing video content, based on the identification information of the user X acquired from the first playback device 30. The first restriction processing unit 742 may, for example, acquire information obtained by analyzing a face photo of the user X linked to the information of the second playback device 70 as the identification information of the user X, and detect the movement of the user X based on the information obtained by analyzing the face photo of the user X and the information obtained by analyzing the imaging information captured by the camera device 40.

[0032] The user information acquisition unit 743 acquires user information from the vehicle information processing device 60. The second restriction processing unit 744 judges whether or not the user carrying the second playback device 70 is in a situation suitable for viewing video content based on the user information acquired by the user information acquisition unit 743, using a second judgment criterion. The second judgment criterion is a criterion different from the first judgment criterion for judging whether or not the user is in a situation suitable for viewing video content, and is, for example, a criterion for judging whether or not the user is in a situation suitable for viewing video content based on the seating situation of user X recognized from the acquired user information.

[0033] When the first restriction processing unit 742 restricts playback of video content, the second restriction processing unit 744 lifts the restriction when it determines that the user X carrying the second playback device 70 is in a situation suitable for viewing the video content.

[0034] When pause position information in the video content information relating to the user X of the second playback device 70 is stored in the video content management server 10, the video content management server 10 distributes the video content information from the position indicated by the pause position information. The second playback control unit 741 causes the input / output unit 71 to play the acquired video content information.

[0035] In addition, when the first restriction processing unit 742 is not restricting the playback of the video content, the second restriction processing unit 744 determines that the user X carrying the second playback device 70 is in a situation that is not suitable for viewing the video content, and the second restriction processing unit 744 causes the first restriction processing unit 742 to restrict the playback of the video content.

[0036] Operation of the playback system according to an embodiment In the reproduction system 1 according to this embodiment, a process of registering information about the second reproduction device 70 and user identification information in the first reproduction device 30 before the user X views content will be described.

[0037] When the user X performs an operation to register information about the second playback device 70 carried by the user X through the input unit 31 of the first playback device 30, the first playback control unit 341 registers the information about the second playback device 70 in the storage unit in the first playback device 30. When the user X performs an operation to add information about the user X, such as a facial photograph, to the registered information as identification information of the user X, the first playback control unit 341 registers the information about the registered second playback device 70 in association with the information about the user's facial photograph.

[0038] When the first reproduction control unit 341 registers the identification information of user X in the first reproduction device 30, it transmits the registered identification information of user X to the second reproduction device 70 by wired or wireless communication. When the second reproduction device 70 receives the identification information of user X, it registers it in a storage unit (not shown) in the second reproduction device 70.

[0039] When the identification information of user X registered in the first reproduction device 30 is updated by an operation of user X, the first reproduction control unit 341 transmits the updated identification information of user X to the second reproduction device 70. When the second reproduction device 70 receives the updated identification information of user X, it updates the identification information of user X that has already been stored with the received information.

[0040] As an example of the operation of the playback system 1 according to this embodiment, a case will be described in which a user X pauses a video content C that he or she has been watching on the first playback device 30 at home Y, and then moves to a vehicle Z and resumes playback of the video content C from where it was left off on the second playback device 70 inside the vehicle Z.

[0041] When user X inputs user X's identification information into the input unit 31 of the first playback device 30 in his / her home Y to instruct playback of video content C, the first playback control unit 341 transmits a delivery request for the instructed video content information to the video content management server 10 via the first network communication unit 33 and the communication network 20.

[0042] In response to the acquired information, the video content management server 10 distributes information on the video content C specified by the user X to the first playback device 30. The first playback control unit 341 of the first playback device 30 causes the information on the video content C distributed from the video content management server 10 to be output from the output unit 32, thereby playing the video content C.

[0043] When a user X performs an operation to instruct pausing while the video content C is being played on the first playback device 30, the first playback control unit 341 transmits pause position information within the video content C together with identification information of the user X who performed the pause operation to the video content management server 10.

[0044] The video content management server 10 stores the identification information of the user X who performed the pause operation and the pause position information within the video content information C, both of which are obtained from the first playback device 30.

[0045] FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the operation when the user X resumes playback of the video content C, which he or she has watched partway through on the first playback device 30, from the continuation on the second playback device .

[0046] When user X pauses playback of video content C by the first playback device 30, and then carries the second playback device 70 and walks from his / her home Y toward vehicle Z, the first restriction processing unit 742 in the second playback device 70 recognizes that user X is carrying the second playback device 70 while walking. Based on the recognized motion information of user X, the first restriction processing unit 742 determines, according to a first determination criterion, that the user is not in a situation suitable for viewing video content, and restricts playback of the video content by the first restriction processing unit 742.

[0047] The first restriction processing unit 742 may determine whether or not the user X is in a situation suitable for viewing video content, based on the identification information of the user X acquired from the first playback device 30. The first restriction processing unit 742 may acquire, for example, information obtained by analyzing a facial photograph of the user X linked to the information of the second playback device 70 as the identification information of the user X, and detect the movement of the user X based on the information obtained by analyzing the facial photograph of the user X and information obtained by analyzing imaging information captured by the camera device 40 or a camera device (not shown) mounted on the second playback device 70.

[0048] When user X arrives at vehicle Z and performs an operation to select a video content playback function on the second playback device 70 ("YES" in S1), if the second playback device 70 and the vehicle information processing device 60 are connected by short-range wireless communication ("YES" in S2), the user information acquisition unit 743 acquires user information from the vehicle information processing device 60 via the short-range wireless communication unit 73 (S3). The user information acquired here is position information of user X carrying the second playback device 70 in vehicle Z, identified by the vehicle information processing device 60 based on image information captured by the camera device 40, and seating detection information detected by the seating sensors 50a and 50b.

[0049] The vehicle information processing device 60 may, for example, acquire information obtained by analyzing a facial photograph of the user X linked to the information of the second playback device 70 as the identification information of the user X, identify location information of the user X carrying the second playback device 70 based on the information obtained by analyzing the facial photograph of the user X and the information obtained by analyzing the image information captured by the camera device 40, acquire the identified information and information on the seat where the user X is seated as user information, and transmit the acquired user information to a user information acquisition unit 743 of the second playback device 70.

[0050] The user information acquisition unit 743 sends the information acquired from the vehicle information processing device 60 to the second restriction processing unit 744. The second restriction processing unit 744 determines, based on the user information acquired by the user information acquisition unit 743 and a second determination criterion, whether or not the situation of user X who is in vehicle Z and carries the second playback device 70 is suitable for viewing video content (S4).

[0051] Specifically, when the camera device 40 acquires position information on the backseat as position information of the user X and the seating sensor 50b detects that a person is seated in the backseat, the second restriction processing unit 744 determines that the user X is seated somewhere other than the driver's seat and that the situation is suitable for viewing the content ("YES" in S4). When the user information acquired by the user information acquisition unit 743 indicates that the user X carrying the second playback device 70 is seated in the backseat, the second restriction processing unit 744 determines that the situation is suitable for viewing the content based on this information.

[0052] When the second restriction processing unit 744 determines that the user X is in a situation suitable for viewing the content, it determines whether or not the playback of the video content by the first restriction processing unit 742 is restricted (S5). When the second restriction processing unit 744 determines that the playback of the video content by the first restriction processing unit 742 is restricted ("YES" in S5), it removes the playback restriction (S6).

[0053] When the playback restriction on the video content of the second playback device 70 is lifted, the user X inputs the user X's identification information from the input / output unit 71 to instruct playback of the video content C ("YES" in S7). The second playback control unit 741 transmits a delivery request for the instructed video content C to the video content management server 10 via the second network communication unit 72 and the communication network 20 (S8).

[0054] When the video content management server 10 receives a delivery request for the video content C designated by the user X, the video content management server 10 recognizes that there is pause position information in the information of the video content C stored for the user X, based on the obtained identification information of the user X. The video content management server 10 delivers the information of the video content C from the pause position to the second playback device 70.

[0055] The second playback control unit 741 of the second playback device 70 acquires information about the video content C distributed from the video content management server 10 (S9) and outputs it from the output unit 32, thereby starting resume playback (S10).

[0056] When user X finishes viewing video content C ("YES" in S11), the processing of the playback system 1 ends.

[0057] In the above-mentioned step S4, if the second restriction processing unit 744 determines that the conditions are not suitable for viewing the content ("NO" in S4), it determines whether or not the playback of the video content by the first restriction processing unit 742 is restricted (S12).

[0058] For example, when the camera device 40 acquires position information of the user X on the driver's seat and the seating sensor 50a detects that a person is seated in the driver's seat, the second restriction processing unit 744 determines that the user X is seated in the driver's seat and is not in a suitable situation for viewing the content.

[0059] In this situation, if the second restriction processing unit 744 determines that playback of the video content by the first restriction processing unit 742 is not restricted ("NO" in S12), it applies a playback restriction (S13) and returns to step S1. If the second restriction processing unit 744 determines in step S12 that playback of the video content by the first restriction processing unit 742 is restricted ("YES" in S12), it maintains that state and returns to step S1.

[0060] After returning to step S1, the processes of steps S2 to S4, S12, and S13 are repeated until the second restriction processing unit 744 determines that the user X is in a situation suitable for viewing the video content. For example, when the user X moves from the driver's seat to another seat or hands over the second playback device 70 to another user sitting in a seat other than the driver's seat, the second restriction processing unit 744 determines that the user X carrying the second playback device 70 is in a situation suitable for viewing the content, and releases the restriction ("YES" in S4 -> "YES" in S5 -> S6). Thereafter, the user X performs an operation to play the video content C.

[0061] If no operation to select the video content playback function has been performed on the second playback device 70 in step S1 described above ("NO" in S1), and if the second playback device 70 and the vehicle information processing device 60 are not wirelessly connected in close range in step S2 ("NO" in S2), the process returns to step S1.

[0062] Furthermore, when the second restriction processing unit 744 determines in step S5 that the playback of the video content by the first restriction processing unit 742 has not been restricted ("NO" in S5), the process proceeds to step S7.

[0063] According to the above embodiment, by further providing a second restriction processing unit 744 in addition to the functions of the existing first restriction processing unit 742, it is possible to determine with high accuracy whether or not to restrict the playback of video content by the second playback device 70 for each user situation, taking into account the user's operating status obtained from outside the second playback device 70.

[0064] The first restriction processing unit 742, which uses a known application for restricting the playback of video content by a playback device such as a smart device, judges the user's motion status using measurement information from an acceleration sensor, etc., and judges whether playback restriction is necessary based on the judgment result. Therefore, even if the user actually gets into the vehicle and sits in a seat other than the driver's seat, and there is no need to restrict the playback of the video content, the known application may erroneously recognize the user as walking due to vibrations caused by the vehicle running, and restrict the playback of the video content.

[0065] In contrast, in the playback system 1 according to the above-described embodiment, when the user is seated in a seat other than the driver's seat of the vehicle, the second restriction processing unit 744 can reliably release the playback restriction so that the user can reliably view the video content in an appropriate situation. In other words, by combining the first restriction processing unit 742 that determines the user's operating status from information acquired within the second playback device 70 and the second restriction processing unit 744 that determines the user's operating status from information detected outside the second playback device 70, it is possible to determine with high accuracy whether the user is in a situation suitable for viewing the video content.

[0066] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the playback system 1 determines whether or not resume playback is possible using the second playback device 70 after a user carrying the second playback device 70 gets into a vehicle. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a camera device and a seating sensor may be installed in permitted areas such as a cafeteria in a school where viewing of video content is permitted, and in prohibited areas such as classrooms where viewing is not permitted, and the playback system 1 may determine whether or not resume playback is possible using the second playback device 70 in the school based on the image capture information from the camera device and the detection information from the seating sensor.

[0067] Specifically, the playback system 1 determines whether or not the user has sat on a chair in a disallowed area in a classroom using a first judgment criterion, and determines whether or not the user has sat on a chair in a permitted area in a cafeteria using a second judgment criterion, thereby lifting the playback restriction on the video content when the user carrying the second playback device 70 sits on a chair in the cafeteria, and imposing the restriction when the user sits on a chair in a classroom.

[0068] In this way, it is possible to accurately recognize the user's operating conditions, which cannot be determined by existing applications, depending on the situation in which the playback device is being used by each user, and to reliably disable or restrict playback of video content as appropriate.

[0069] Furthermore, the information on the video content played by the first playback device 30 and the second playback device 70 is not limited to being obtained from the video content management server 10, but may be video content information stored in the first playback device 30 or the second playback device 70.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the case where the function for determining whether or not the user X is in a situation suitable for viewing the video content is provided in the second restriction processing unit 744 of the second playback device 70 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the function may be provided in the vehicle information processing device 60. In this case, the vehicle information processing device 60 determines whether or not the user X in the vehicle Z is in a situation suitable for viewing the video content based on the user information acquired, and transmits the determination result to the second playback device 70. In the second playback device 70, the second restriction processing unit 744 determines whether or not playback restriction is necessary based on the acquired determination result.

[0071] A playback system may be configured in which the first restriction processing unit 742, the user information acquisition unit 743, and the second restriction processing unit 744 in the second playback device 70 in the above-mentioned embodiment are provided in the video content management server 10 or another server. In this case, the first playback device 30, the second playback device 70, and the vehicle information processing device 60 each have a means for communicating with this server. The first playback device 30 transmits user identification information to this server, the vehicle information processing device 60 transmits user information to this server, and the second playback device 70 restricts and lifts the restriction on playback by the first and second restriction processing units based on the determination result transmitted from this server.

[0072] By providing the first restriction processing unit 742, the user information acquisition unit 743, and the second restriction processing unit 744 outside the second playback device 70 in this manner, the processing load on the second playback device 70 can be reduced. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1 Playback System 10 Video content management server 20. Communication Networks 30 1st playback device 31 Input section 32 Output section 33 First Network Communication Department 34 1st CPU 40 Camera Equipment 50a, 50b Seat sensor 60 Vehicle information processing device 70 Second playback device 71 Input / output section 72 Second Network Communication Section 73 Near Field Wireless Communication Department 74 2nd CPU 341 First playback control unit 741 Second playback control section 742 First restriction processing unit 743 User Information Acquisition Unit 744 Second Restriction Processing Unit

Claims

1. a playback control unit that plays back designated video content; a first restriction processing unit that restricts playback of the video content by the playback control unit when it is determined that the user is not in a situation suitable for viewing the video content based on a first determination criterion; a second restriction processing unit that, when the first restriction processing unit restricts the playback of video content by the playback control unit, lifts the restriction imposed by the first restriction processing unit when it determines based on a second judgment criterion that the user is in a situation suitable for viewing the video content.

2. the first determination criterion is a criterion for determining whether or not the user is in a situation suitable for viewing video content, based on a movement movement of the user; the second determination criterion is a criterion for determining whether or not the user is in a situation suitable for viewing video content, based on a seating situation of the user; The playback device according to claim 1 , wherein the second restriction processing unit, when detecting that the user has sat down in a predetermined position, determines that the user is in a situation suitable for viewing the video content based on the second determination criterion.

3. 3. The playback device according to claim 2, wherein when the second restriction processing unit detects that the user is seated in a seat other than a driver's seat in the vehicle, the second restriction processing unit determines that the user is in a situation suitable for viewing the video content based on the second determination criterion.

4. when determining that the user is not in a situation suitable for viewing a video content because the user has viewed and paused a predetermined video content partway on another playback device and then performed a moving action, the first restriction processing unit restricts playback of the video content by the playback control unit; 4. The playback device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein when playback of the specified video content is specified after the second restriction processing unit releases the restriction imposed by the first restriction processing unit, the playback control unit plays the specified video content from the paused position.

5. A playback device having a playback control unit for playing back designated video content, When it is determined based on a first determination criterion that the user is not in a situation suitable for viewing the video content, the playback control unit restricts playback of the video content; a playback method, the playback of the video content being restricted based on the first judgment criterion, and when it is determined based on a second judgment criterion that the user is in a situation suitable for viewing the video content, the restriction being lifted.

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