Content playback device

Abstract

The present invention provides a content playback device that can adjust the volume of sound according to the surrounding environment. [Solution] The content playback device includes a communication unit that receives cooperation information from a cooperating device, which includes at least one of the information regarding the surrounding conditions of the cooperating device and the information regarding the status of the cooperating device; a sound generating unit that generates sound; and a control unit that adjusts the volume of the sound based on the cooperation information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a content playback device.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, there has been a development of a content playback device that can play back content acquired from the outside based on the operation of a remote controller as a linked device, such as a television receiver.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] According to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 above, the magnitude of the sound emitted by the content playback device is determined by the operation of the remote controller by the user. Therefore, the magnitude of the sound emitted by the content playback device is not adjusted according to the situation of other people present in the same room as the user or the situation around the content playback device in a room different from the room where the user is present.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a content playback device capable of adjusting the magnitude of sound according to the surrounding situation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The content playback device of this disclosure includes a communication unit that receives cooperation information from a cooperating device, which includes at least one of information regarding the surrounding conditions of the cooperating device and information regarding the status of the cooperating device; a sound generating unit that generates sound; and a control unit that adjusts the volume of the sound based on the cooperation information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing a display system comprising a content playback device according to Embodiment 1 and a plurality of linked devices. [Figure 2] This is a functional block diagram showing a content playback system comprising a content playback device according to Embodiment 1 and a plurality of linked devices. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the relationship between the types of linked devices in Embodiment 1, the state to be achieved using each linked device, the processing of each linked device, and the processing of the content playback device. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart illustrating the process performed by the control unit of the content playback device in Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing a display system comprising a content playback device according to Embodiment 2 and a linked device. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart illustrating the process performed by the control unit of the linked device in Embodiment 2. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart illustrating the process performed by the control unit of the content playback device in Embodiment 2. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram showing a display system comprising a content playback device according to Embodiment 3 and a linked device. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart illustrating the process performed by the control unit of the linked device in Embodiment 3. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart illustrating the process performed by the control unit of the content playback device in Embodiment 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The content playback device according to the embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will not be repeated.

[0009] (Embodiment 1) The content playback device 100 of Embodiment 1 will be explained using Figures 1 to 4.

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a content playback system comprising a content playback device 100 of this embodiment and a plurality of linked devices 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. that work in conjunction with the content playback device 100.

[0011] Since the content playback device 100 is, for example, a television receiver, it may be referred to as TV in the specification and drawings of this application. However, the content playback device 100 may also be a radio receiver, a personal computer, a smartphone, a smartwatch, a tablet terminal, an audio device, or a display device, etc. In other words, the content playback device 100 may be any device that can emit sound based on data input from an external source.

[0012] The connected device 1 is a baby camera. The connected device 1 acquires information about its surroundings, such as an image of an infant, and transmits information about the acquired image to the content playback device 100. The connected device 1 also acquires information about its surroundings, such as a sound emitted by the content playback device 100, and transmits information about the sound around the connected device 1 to the content playback device 100.

[0013] Interconnected device 2 is an intercom. Interconnected device 2 includes an outdoor unit 2A and an indoor unit 2B. The outdoor unit 2A and the indoor unit 2B are connected by wire or wireless. The outdoor unit 2A has a video camera, microphone, speaker, and a call button for visitors to call the indoor unit 2B. The outdoor unit 2A transmits to the indoor unit 2B information regarding the visitor's operation of the outdoor unit 2A, as well as information regarding the visitor's image (e.g., video) captured by the video camera and the audio acquired by the microphone. The indoor unit 2B has a display unit, microphone, speaker, and a response button for responding to calls from the outdoor unit 2A. When a visitor presses the call button, the indoor unit 2B displays the visitor's image on the display unit (e.g., video monitor), and when a person inside the room presses the response button, they can communicate with the visitor, and the visitor's voice is emitted from the sound generating unit (e.g., speaker). Furthermore, the indoor unit 2B transmits information about ambient sounds acquired by the sound acquisition unit (e.g., a microphone), such as the voices of people inside the room, to the outdoor unit 2A. In addition, the indoor unit 2B transmits information about the visitor's operation of the outdoor unit 2A, which it received from the outdoor unit 2A, and information about ambient sounds around the indoor unit 2B acquired by the sound acquisition unit (e.g., sounds emitted by the content playback device 100), to the content playback device 100. The information about the visitor's operation of the outdoor unit 2A and the information about ambient sounds around the indoor unit 2B (e.g., sounds emitted by the content playback device 100) are examples of information about the status of the linked device 2 and the surrounding conditions of the linked device 2, respectively.

[0014] The connected device 3 is an air purifier or air conditioner (hereinafter also referred to as "air conditioner" in the specification and drawings of this application). The connected device 3 transmits information regarding the status of the air purifier or air conditioner or the surrounding conditions, such as information regarding the airflow rate, to the content playback device 100.

[0015] The connected device 4 is a washing machine. The connected device 4 transmits information about the washing machine's status or surrounding conditions, such as whether or not the washing machine is in operation, to the content playback device 100.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a content playback system including a content playback device 100 according to the present embodiment and a plurality of cooperation devices 1, 2, 3, 4,... that cooperate with the content playback device 100.

[0017] The content playback device 100 includes a display unit 100A, a sound generation unit 100B, a control unit 100C, a communication unit 100D, an input unit 100E, and a sound acquisition unit 100F.

[0018] The display unit 100A includes a display panel. The display panel is a liquid crystal display panel. However, the display panel may be an OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) panel or a QLED (Quantum-Dot Light-Emitting Diode) panel. That is, the display unit 100A may be any device as long as it can display an image. The sound generation unit 100B may be any device that can generate sound, such as a speaker.

[0019] The control unit 100C is called a controller. The control unit 100C includes a computer, for example, a processor and a memory. The processor executes various processes described hereinafter as processes to be executed by the control unit 100C based on a program stored in the memory.

[0020] The control unit 100C controls the image displayed on the display unit 100A based on the image data input from the outside via the input unit 100E. The control unit 100C controls the sound emitted from the sound generation unit 100B based on the sound data input from the outside via the input unit 100E. The control unit 100C includes, in the image displayed on the display unit 100A, subtitles corresponding to the sound emitted from the sound generation unit 100B based on the signals received from each of the cooperation devices 1, 2, 3, and 4, or causes the sound generation unit 100B to generate sound.

[0021] The communication unit 100D is an antenna that receives radio waves, or a light-receiving element that receives infrared rays, and transmits the signals received from each of the linked devices 1, 2, 3, and 4 to the control unit 100C. For example, the communication unit 100D and the control unit 100C are connected by a wire.

[0022] The input unit 100E is an antenna and tuner. However, the input unit 100E may also be a signal input terminal such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port. The input unit 100E transmits image data and sound data contained in the radio waves received from the radio tower 200 to the control unit 100C. In this embodiment, the image data and sound data are input to the content playback device 100 from outside the content playback device 100, but they may also be stored in the memory of the control unit 100C. For example, the input unit 100E and the control unit 100C are connected by a wire.

[0023] The sound acquisition unit 100F includes a microphone or the like to acquire sounds around the content playback device 100. The sound acquisition unit 100F transmits the acquired information regarding the sounds around the content playback device 100 to the control unit 100C. In this embodiment, the content playback device 100 and the linked devices 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. are assumed to be installed at a relatively close distance from each other. Therefore, the sound acquisition unit 100F is capable of acquiring sounds emitted by each of the linked devices 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. or sounds around each of the linked devices 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. For example, the sound acquisition unit 100F and the control unit 100C are connected by a wire.

[0024] In this embodiment, there are four interconnected devices 1, 2, 3, 4... However, the number of interconnected devices in the content playback system is not limited. Each of the interconnected devices 1, 2, 3, 4... comprises a communication unit CM, a control unit CT, and an operation / acquisition unit OP / OB.

[0025] The communications unit (CM) includes an antenna or light-emitting element, etc. The control unit (CT) includes a computer, such as a processor and memory. The operation / acquisition units (OP / OB) differ for each of the multiple interconnected devices 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.

[0026] The operation / acquisition unit OP / OB of the connected device (e.g., baby monitor) 1 consists of an image acquisition unit (e.g., camera) and a sound acquisition unit (e.g., microphone). The image acquisition unit acquires images (including both video and still images) of the surroundings of the connected device 1. The sound acquisition unit acquires sounds of the surroundings of the connected device 1. As a result, the control unit CT of the connected device 1 transmits information regarding the images of the surroundings of the connected device 1 and information regarding the sounds of the surroundings of the connected device 1 to the content playback device (TV) 100 via the communication unit CM, as information regarding the surrounding conditions of the connected device 1.

[0027] The connected device (for example, an intercom) 2 has an outdoor unit 2A and an indoor unit 2B (see Figure 1). Since the outdoor unit 2A and the indoor unit 2B are connected by wire or wireless, in Figure 2, the outdoor unit 2A and the indoor unit 2B are integrated and represented as a single connected device 2.

[0028] The outdoor unit 2A includes an operation button (also called a call button) or operation panel, an image acquisition unit (e.g., a video camera), and an audio acquisition unit (e.g., a microphone) as the operation / acquisition unit OP / OB. In addition, although not shown in Figure 2, the outdoor unit 2A also includes an audio generation unit (e.g., a speaker).

[0029] The indoor unit 2B includes an operation button (also called a response button) or operation panel and a sound acquisition unit (e.g., a microphone) as the operation / acquisition unit OP / OB. In addition, the indoor unit 2B includes a display unit (e.g., a video monitor) and a sound generation unit (e.g., a speaker), although these are not shown in Figure 2. Furthermore, the indoor unit 2B includes a control unit CT and a communication unit CM.

[0030] The image acquisition unit of the outdoor unit 2A acquires images of the surroundings of the outdoor unit 2A (for example, images (videos) of visitors) and transmits them to the indoor unit 2B. As a result, the display unit of the indoor unit 2B displays the images (videos) of visitors received from the outdoor unit 2A. The sound acquisition unit of the outdoor unit 2A acquires sounds of the surroundings of the outdoor unit 2A (for example, the voices of visitors), converts the sounds of the surroundings of the outdoor unit 2A into identifiable signals, and transmits them to the indoor unit 2B. As a result, the sound generation unit of the indoor unit 2B emits sounds of the surroundings of the outdoor unit 2A based on the signals received from the outdoor unit 2A.

[0031] Furthermore, the control unit CT of the indoor unit 2B instructs the communication unit CM to transmit to the content playback device 100 information regarding visitor operations on the operation buttons or control panel of the outdoor unit 2A, which have been transmitted from the outdoor unit 2A, as information regarding the status of the linked device 2. In addition, the control unit CT of the indoor unit 2B instructs the communication unit CM to transmit to the content playback device 100 information regarding ambient sounds around the indoor unit 2B acquired by the sound acquisition unit (for example, sounds emitted by the content playback device 100), as information regarding the ambient conditions of the linked device 2.

[0032] The control / acquisition unit OP / OB of the connected device (air purifier or washing machine) 3 or 4 is an operation panel or operation button, etc. The operation panel transmits information about the user's operation of the operation button or operation panel on the air purifier or washing machine to the control unit CT. The control unit CT of the connected device 3 or 4 transmits the information about the user's operation of the operation button or operation panel to the communication unit CM, as information about the status of the connected device 3 or 4 or the surrounding conditions, to the content playback device (TV) 100.

[0033] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the types of linked devices 1, 2, 3, and 4, what is to be achieved using each linked device 1, 2, 3, and 4, the processing of each linked device 1, 2, 3, and 4, and the processing of the content playback device 100, as an example in this embodiment.

[0034] The linked device 1 is a baby monitor. The goal of using the baby monitor as linked device 1 is to allow the content playback device (TV) 100 to recognize that the infant is sleeping, thereby preventing the infant from being woken up by sounds emitted by the content playback device (TV) 100. The baby monitor, which is linked device 1, acquires information about the surrounding environment of the baby monitor (linked device 1), such as an image of the sleeping infant, and transmits the acquired image to the content playback device 100. However, as shown in the modified example described later, the baby monitor (linked device 1) may determine from the acquired image whether or not the infant is sleeping, and transmit information about whether or not the infant is sleeping to the content playback device 100 as information about the surrounding environment of the linked device 1.

[0035] Furthermore, the baby monitor (connected device 1) acquires information about the sounds around the infant as information about the surrounding environment of the connected device, and transmits the acquired sound information to the content playback device (TV) 100. However, the baby monitor (connected device 1) may acquire information about the volume of sounds around the infant, and based on the acquired sound information, the baby monitor (connected device 1) may decide whether or not to reduce the sound emitted by the content playback device 100. In this case, the baby monitor (connected device 1) transmits information instructing the content playback device 100 to reduce the sound emitted by the content playback device 100 as information about the surrounding environment of the connected device 1.

[0036] In any case, the content playback device 100 should reduce the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B of the content playback device 100 based on information about the surrounding conditions of the baby monitor (connected device 1). In this case, the content playback device 100 may also display subtitles corresponding to the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B on the display unit 100A, including them in the image.

[0037] The linked device 2 is an intercom. The intercom has an outdoor unit 2B and an indoor unit 2A. The goal of using the intercom as linked device 2 is to allow the content playback device 100 to recognize visitors and to reduce the volume of the sound emitted by the indoor unit 2B so that people around the indoor unit 2B can hear the visitor's voice.

[0038] When the control unit CT of the indoor unit 2B receives information from the outdoor unit 2A regarding a visitor's operation of the operation button (also called the call button) or the operation panel, it determines that a visitor has arrived. Accordingly, the control unit CT of the indoor unit 2B executes a process to transmit information indicating a visitor to the content playback device (TV) 100 as status information for the intercom (cooperative device 2). As a result, the content playback device (TV) 100 reduces the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B to a predetermined value. At this time, the display unit 100A may display subtitles corresponding to the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B. The predetermined value is such that the visitor's voice emitted by the indoor unit 2B can be heard by people around the indoor unit 2B.

[0039] The linked device 3 is an air conditioner or air purifier. The goal of using the air conditioner as linked device 3 is to prevent situations where the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B of the content playback device (TV) 100 becomes inaudible due to the noise level around the air conditioner (linked device 3). In this case, the goal of using the air conditioner as linked device 3 may also be for the display unit 100A to display subtitles corresponding to the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B, included in the image. In other words, the goal of using the air conditioner as linked device 3 is to prevent situations where the content played by the content playback device (TV) 100 becomes difficult to understand due to the noise level emitted by the air conditioner (linked device 3). Therefore, the air conditioner (linked device 3) performs a process to notify the content playback device (TV) 100 of information regarding the airflow, such as increasing or decreasing the airflow of the air conditioner.

[0040] In this case, the information regarding the ambient noise level around the air conditioner (connected device 3) acquired by the sound acquisition unit 100F of the content playback device 100 is identified by the user's operation of the air conditioner's airflow increase or decrease control unit and by the air conditioner's automatic airflow increase / decrease in response to ambient conditions. This information regarding the increase or decrease in airflow can be said to be information regarding the ambient conditions or state of the air conditioner (connected device 3).

[0041] The control unit 100C of the content playback device (TV) 100 adjusts the volume of sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B based on the volume of sound before and after an increase or decrease in the airflow of the air conditioner, as acquired by the sound acquisition unit 100F. For example, when the airflow of the air conditioner is increased by the operation of the control unit by the user, the volume of sound acquired by the sound acquisition unit 100F increases, so the control unit 100C increases the volume of sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B. Also, when the airflow of the air conditioner is decreased by the operation of the control unit by the user, the volume of sound acquired by the sound acquisition unit 100F decreases, so the control unit 100C may decrease the volume of sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B.

[0042] However, if a volume limit exists, the control unit 100C will not increase the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B. In this case, the control unit 100C will display subtitles corresponding to the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B on the display unit 100A, including them in the image.

[0043] This allows users to understand the content through the amplified sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B or through subtitles displayed on the display unit 100A that correspond to the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B. Therefore, it is possible to prevent situations where users are unable to understand the content being played because they cannot hear the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B due to loud ambient noise around the content playback device 100.

[0044] Other examples of air conditioning devices besides air conditioners and air purifiers include humidifiers, dehumidifiers, oil fan heaters, gas fan heaters, or electric fans and air circulators.

[0045] The connected device 4 is a washing machine or dishwasher. The goal of using the washing machine as connected device 4 is to prevent situations where the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B of the content playback device (TV) 100 becomes inaudible due to the loudness of the ambient noise from the washing machine (connected device 4) (including displaying subtitles). The washing machine (connected device 4) transmits information to the content playback device (TV) 100 regarding whether or not it is operating. Based on the information indicating that the washing machine (connected device 4) is operating, the content playback device (TV) 100 increases the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B (does not increase the volume when volume is limited) and displays subtitles corresponding to the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B on the display unit 100A, including them in the image. In other words, the goal of using the washing machine as connected device 4 is to prevent situations where the content played by the content playback device (TV) 100 becomes inaudible due to the loudness of the sound emitted by the washing machine.

[0046] In this case, the information regarding the loudness of the sound around the washing machine (cooperative device 4) acquired by the sound acquisition unit 100F of the content playback device 100 is determined by whether or not the washing machine is in operation. The information regarding whether or not the washing machine is in operation can be said to be information regarding the status of the washing machine (cooperative device 4) or information regarding the surrounding conditions of the washing machine (cooperative device 4). Examples of washing machines other than washing machines or dishwashers include high-pressure washers or vacuum cleaners.

[0047] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the process performed by the control unit 100C of the content playback device 100 in this embodiment.

[0048] The processes in steps S11-S14, S21-S24, S31-S38, and S41-S48 are executed simultaneously in the control unit 100C.

[0049] In step S11, the control unit 100C starts coordinating with the baby monitor (connected device 1). As a result, the control unit 100C receives an image of the infant from the baby monitor. Next, in step S12, the control unit 100C acquires information from the baby monitor regarding the volume of sounds around the infant. In other words, the control unit 100C acquires information from the baby monitor regarding the image of the infant as information about the surrounding environment of the baby monitor, as well as information regarding the ambient sound around the baby monitor.

[0050] In step S13, the control unit 100C determines whether or not to reduce the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B based on information regarding the image of the infant and information regarding the sounds around the baby monitor. Specifically, the control unit 100C determines whether or not the infant is sleeping based on the received information regarding the image of the infant. If it is determined that the infant is sleeping, and the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B is louder than a predetermined value, the control unit 100C determines to reduce the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B to below the predetermined value.

[0051] In step S13, if it is determined that the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B should not be reduced, the control unit 100C repeats the process in step S12. On the other hand, in step S13, it may be determined that the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B should be reduced. In this case, in step S14, the control unit 100C instructs the sound generating unit 100B to reduce the volume. The control unit 100C may also instruct the sound generating unit 100B to reduce the volume and display subtitles corresponding to the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B in the image on the display unit 100A. This makes it possible to prevent the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B of the content playback device 100 from disturbing the infant's sleep while also preventing the infant from being unable to understand the content played by the content playback device 100.

[0052] In step S21, the control unit 100C starts coordinating with the intercom (cooperative device 2). As a result, the control unit 100C determines whether there is a visitor based on the visitor's operation of the operation unit / acquisition unit OP / OB, which is information regarding the status of the cooperative device 2. In step S22, if the visitor operates the operation button (call button) or operation panel of the outdoor unit 2A, and the indoor unit 2B is not being used by anyone inside (i.e., no one inside has operated the response button), the sound emitted by the sound generation unit 100B of the content playback device 100 is acquired by the sound acquisition unit of the indoor unit 2B as information regarding the surrounding conditions of the indoor unit 2B. Specifically, the sound acquisition unit of the indoor unit 2B of the intercom acquires ambient sounds.

[0053] Furthermore, the period during which the indoor unit 2B transmits sound information acquired by the sound acquisition unit to the content playback device 100 is the period during which the indoor unit 2B's handset is not being used by anyone inside the room. This period during which the indoor unit 2B's handset is not being used by anyone inside the room is the period from when a visitor operates the operation button (also called the call button) or control panel of the outdoor unit 2A until a person inside the room operates the answer button on the indoor unit 2B and a conversation between the visitor and the person inside the room begins. One reason for this is that if the visitor has not operated the operation button, etc., of the outdoor unit 2A, a conversation between the visitor and the person inside the room cannot have begun, and therefore there is no need to reduce the sound emitted by the content playback device 100 based on the ambient noise level around the indoor unit 2B. Another reason is that once a conversation begins between the visitor and the person inside the room, the sound acquisition unit of the indoor unit 2B acquires the sound of that conversation, making it impossible to distinguish between the sound emitted by the content playback device 100 and the sound of that conversation.

[0054] In step S23, the control unit 100C determines whether or not to reduce the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B based on information regarding the operation of the control unit / acquisition unit OP / OB of the linked device 2 and information regarding the sound acquired by the sound acquisition unit of the indoor unit 2B of the linked device 2. Specifically, the control unit 100C may determine that a visitor has made an operation on the control unit / acquisition unit OP / OB of the outdoor unit 2A. In this case, if the volume of the sound acquired by the sound acquisition unit of the indoor unit 2B (the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B) is greater than a predetermined value before the handset of the indoor unit 2B is used, the control unit 100C decides to reduce it to a predetermined value.

[0055] In this case, in step S24, the control unit 100C reduces the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B to a predetermined value if the handset of the indoor unit 2B is in use. The control unit 100C may also reduce the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B to a predetermined value and display subtitles on the display unit 100A corresponding to the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B. This prevents the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B of the content playback device 100 from interfering with conversation with visitors, while also preventing the content playback device 100 from becoming unintelligible. On the other hand, in step S23, if the control unit 100C determines that it does not need to reduce the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B, it repeats the process in step S22.

[0056] In step S31, the control unit 100C starts coordinating with an air conditioner or air purifier (cooperative device 3). As a result, in step S32, the control unit 100C acquires information regarding the ambient noise level around the content playback device (TV) 100 via the sound acquisition unit 100F as information regarding the ambient conditions around the air conditioner. Next, in step S33, the control unit 100C acquires information regarding the air conditioner's status or ambient conditions, specifically whether the airflow of the air conditioner has been increased or decreased. Then, in step S34, the control unit 100C again acquires information regarding the ambient noise level around the content playback device (TV) 100 via the sound acquisition unit 100F.

[0057] If, in step S35, it is determined that the volume of sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B should not be increased, the control unit 100C will repeat the process in step S32.

[0058] On the other hand, in step S35, the control unit 100C utilizes information regarding the status of the air conditioner (for example, information regarding increased airflow) and information regarding the surrounding conditions of the content playback device 100 (for example, ambient noise level). In other words, the control unit 100C may determine to increase the volume of sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B based on the information regarding increased airflow of the air conditioner and the ambient noise level of the content playback device 100. In this case, the control unit 100C executes the process in step S36. Whether or not to increase the volume of sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B can be determined, for example, by whether or not the volume of sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B is greater than or equal to a predetermined value than the volume of sound emitted by the air conditioner.

[0059] In step S36, the control unit 100C determines whether there is a volume limit due to the communication information transmitted by the baby monitor (communication device 1) or the intercom (communication device 2), that is, whether it is permissible to increase the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generation unit 100B.

[0060] In step S36, it may be determined that there is a volume limit. In this case, in step S37, the control unit 100C displays subtitles on the display unit 100A corresponding to the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B without changing the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B. This prevents the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B of the content playback device 100 from interfering with the infant's sleep or conversation with the visitor via the intercom, especially when the infant is sleeping or there is a visitor. It also prevents the infant from being unable to understand the content being played by the content playback device 100.

[0061] On the other hand, if in step S36 it is determined that there is no volume limitation due to the communication information transmitted by the baby monitor (connected device 1) or the intercom (connected device 2), then in step S38 the control unit 100C increases the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B. This prevents the content being played by the content playback device 100 from becoming incomprehensible when the sound of an air conditioner or other air purifier becomes louder, by increasing the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B of the content playback device 100.

[0062] In step S41, the control unit 100C starts coordinating with a washing machine (cooperative device 4), such as a washing machine or dishwasher. As a result, in step S42, the control unit 100C acquires information on the sound level around the content playback device (TV) 100 as information on the status of the washing machine or the surrounding conditions of the washing machine, using the sound acquisition unit 100F. Next, in step S43, the control unit 100C acquires information on whether the washing machine is operating or not as information on the status of the washing machine or the surrounding conditions of the washing machine. After that, in step S44, the control unit 100C acquires information on the sound level around the content playback device (TV) 100 again using the sound acquisition unit 100F.

[0063] In step S45, the control unit 100C determines whether or not to increase the volume of sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B based on information regarding whether or not the washing machine is operating and information regarding the volume of sound around the content playback device (TV) 100. Whether or not to increase the volume of sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B can be determined, for example, by whether or not the volume of sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B is greater than or equal to a predetermined value than the volume of sound emitted by the washing machine. If it is determined in step S45 that the volume of sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B should not be increased, the control unit 100C repeats the process in step S42.

[0064] On the other hand, if in step S45 it is determined that the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B should be increased, the control unit 100C determines in step S46 whether there is a volume limit imposed by the baby monitor (connected device 1) or the intercom (connected device 2). In step S46, it may be determined that there is a volume limit. In this case, in step S47, the control unit 100C displays subtitles corresponding to the sound generating unit 100B on the display unit 100A, without changing the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B. This prevents the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B of the content playback device 100 from interfering with the infant's sleep or conversation with the visitor via the intercom when the infant is sleeping or when there is a visitor. It also prevents the infant from being unable to understand the content being played by the content playback device 100.

[0065] On the other hand, if in step S46 it is determined that there is no volume restriction by the baby monitor (connected device 1) or the intercom (connected device 2), then in step S48 the control unit 100C increases the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B. This makes it possible to increase the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B of the content playback device 100 when the sound caused by the operation of the washing machine is loud, and also prevents the content being played by the content playback device 100 from becoming incomprehensible.

[0066] The features of the content playback device 100 of the above-described embodiment 1 and the effects obtained therefrom are as follows.

[0067] The content playback device 100 includes a communication unit 100D, a sound generation unit 100B, and a control unit 100C. The communication unit 100D receives cooperation information from cooperating devices 1, 2, 3, and 4, which includes at least one of the following: information regarding the surrounding conditions of cooperating devices 1, 2, 3, and 4, and information regarding the status of cooperating devices 1, 2, 3, and 4. The sound generation unit 100B generates sound. The control unit 100C adjusts the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generation unit 100B based on the cooperation information. Therefore, when cooperating devices 1, 2, 3, and 4 are arranged around the content playback device 100, the control unit 100C can automatically adjust the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generation unit 100B according to the surrounding conditions of the content playback device 100.

[0068] When the control unit 100C determines, based on the linked information, that it is appropriate to reduce the volume of sound emitted by the content playback device 100, it reduces the volume of sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B. Therefore, when the surrounding conditions of the content playback device 100 are such that it is preferable to reduce the volume of sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B, the control unit 100C can automatically reduce the volume of sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B.

[0069] The content playback device 100 may include a display unit 100A that displays images. In this case, the control unit 100C may reduce the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B and display subtitles corresponding to the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B in the image on the display unit 100A. Therefore, by including subtitles corresponding to the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B in the image, the difficulty in understanding the content caused by the reduction in the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B can be compensated for.

[0070] The control unit 100C may increase the volume of sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B, provided that it has determined, based on the linked information, that it is appropriate to increase the volume of sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B. This allows the control unit 100C to automatically increase the volume of sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B when it is desirable to increase the volume of sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B because the surrounding noise of the content playback device 100 is loud.

[0071] The content playback device 100 may include a display unit 100A that displays images. In this case, even if the control unit 100C determines, based on the coordination information, that it should increase the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B, it may determine that the conditions for increasing the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B are not met. For example, this may occur if there is a volume limit due to another cooperating device 1 or 2. If a volume limit exists, instead of increasing the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B, the control unit 100C may display subtitles corresponding to the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B in the image on the display unit 100A.

[0072] For example, if the surrounding noise around the content playback device 100 is loud, it is preferable to increase the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B. However, there are cases where the conditions for increasing the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B are not met. Such cases may include situations where an infant is sleeping or when there is a visitor. In such cases, by including subtitles corresponding to the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B in the image, the content can be conveyed not by the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B, but by characters (subtitles) corresponding to the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B.

[0073] The communication unit 100D receives multiple pieces of communication information from multiple connected devices 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. The control unit 100C adjusts the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B based on the priority of the multiple pieces of communication information. In this embodiment, the communication information received from connected device 1 (baby monitor) or connected device 2 (intercom) has a higher priority than the communication information received from connected device 3 (air conditioner) or connected device 4 (washing machine). In such cases, the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B can be adjusted according to the priority of the multiple pieces of communication information. This makes it possible to suppress inconveniences that may occur when the priority of the multiple pieces of communication information has not been determined.

[0074] (modified version) In the content playback system of Embodiment 1 described above, the linked device 1 (baby monitor) transmits information regarding the surroundings of the linked device 1 to the content playback device 100 as linked information, specifically information regarding the surroundings of the linked device 1. However, the control unit CT of the linked device 1 may determine whether or not the infant is sleeping based on the image of the infant acquired by the operation unit / acquisition unit OP / OB. In this case, the control unit CT may instruct the communication unit CM to transmit information to the content playback device 100 that can identify whether or not the infant is sleeping, as information regarding the surroundings of the linked device 1.

[0075] Furthermore, the intercom device 2 transmits to the content playback device 100 information regarding whether or not the operation unit / acquisition unit OP / OB was operated by a visitor, as part of the intercom information regarding the status of the intercom device 2. However, the control unit CT of the intercom device 2 may determine whether or not there was a visitor based on the visitor's image or voice information acquired by the operation unit / acquisition unit OP / OB. In this case, the control unit CT may instruct the communication unit CM to transmit to the content playback device 100 information regarding whether or not there was a visitor, as part of the information regarding the surrounding conditions of the intercom device 2.

[0076] In the modified example, the linked device 3 (air conditioner) or linked device 4 (washing machine) transmits information regarding the status or surrounding conditions of linked device 3 or 4 to the content playback device 100, specifically information regarding the airflow of linked device 3 or whether linked device 4 is operating.

[0077] (Embodiment 2) The content playback device of Embodiment 2 will be described using Figures 5 to 7. Note that the same aspects as the content playback device of Embodiment 1 will not be repeated below. The content playback device of this embodiment differs from the content playback device of Embodiment 1 in the following respects.

[0078] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a display system comprising a content playback device 100 and a linked device 1 in conjunction with it according to this embodiment.

[0079] As shown in Figure 5, the connected device 1 is the baby monitor described in Embodiment 1. The baby monitor (connected device 1) acquires an image of the infant as information about the surrounding environment of the baby monitor and transmits information about the infant's image to the content playback device (TV) 100. The baby monitor also transmits information about the sound level around the baby monitor as information about the surrounding environment of the baby monitor to the content playback device 100. The baby monitor may also determine whether the infant is sleeping based on the acquired image of the infant and transmit information that allows it to identify whether the infant is sleeping to the content playback device (TV) 100 as information about the surrounding environment of the baby monitor.

[0080] The content playback device 100 reduces the volume of sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B based on information regarding the image of the infant and information regarding the volume of sound around the baby monitor. Alternatively, it reduces the volume of sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B and displays subtitles corresponding to the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B on the display unit 100A.

[0081] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the process performed by the control unit CT of the linked device 1 in this embodiment.

[0082] As shown in Figure 6, in step S101, the control unit CT of the baby monitor (connecting device 1) starts coordinating with the content playback device (TV) 100. In step S102, the baby monitor acquires information about the infant's condition based on the image acquisition unit of the operation unit / acquisition unit OP / OB. The baby monitor also acquires information about the surrounding environment (ambient sound level) acquired by the sound acquisition unit of the operation unit / acquisition unit OP / OB. In step S103, the baby monitor causes the communication unit CM to transmit information about the infant's condition (for example, information about whether or not the infant is sleeping) and information about the surrounding environment of the connecting device 1 (ambient sound level) to the content playback device 100.

[0083] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the process performed by the control unit 100C of the content playback device 100 in this embodiment.

[0084] As shown in Figure 7, in step S1001, the control unit 100C starts coordinating with the baby monitor (cooperative device 1). The control unit 100C stores information transmitted from the baby monitor regarding the infant's condition as the surrounding environment of the baby monitor (an image of the infant, or information regarding whether or not the infant is sleeping) and information regarding the ambient noise level as the surrounding environment of the baby monitor. In step S1003, based on the information regarding the baby monitor's condition and the information regarding the ambient noise level of the baby monitor, the control unit 100C determines whether or not to reduce the volume of sound generated by the sound generating unit 100B.

[0085] For example, the control unit 100C determines that if the infant is not sleeping, it will maintain the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B. Also, even if the infant is sleeping, the control unit 100C determines that if the noise level around the infant is below a predetermined value, it will maintain the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B. On the other hand, if the infant is sleeping and the noise level around the infant is higher than a predetermined value, the control unit 100C determines that it will reduce the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B to a predetermined value.

[0086] In step S1003, if it is determined that the volume of the sound generated by the sound generation unit 100B should not be reduced, the control unit 100C repeats the process in step S1002. On the other hand, in step S1003, it may be determined that the volume of the sound generated by the sound generation unit 100B should be reduced. In this case, in step S1004, the control unit 100C displays the reason for changing the volume of the sound generated by the sound generation unit 100B on the display unit 100A and reduces the volume of the sound generated by the sound generation unit 100B to a predetermined value.

[0087] Subsequently, in step S1005, the control unit 100C displays subtitles corresponding to the sound emitted by the sound generation unit 100B on the display unit 100A, including the subtitles in the image. In this embodiment, as described above, when the control unit 100C adjusts the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generation unit 100B, it displays subtitles on the display unit 100A indicating the reason for adjusting the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generation unit 100B. This prevents viewers of the content playback device from being confused by changes in the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generation unit 100B. An example of a subtitle indicating the reason mentioned above is, "The volume has been reduced and subtitles are displayed because the infant is sleeping."

[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the linked device 1 is used as a baby monitor and the object of observation is an infant, but the linked device 1 may also be used as a monitoring camera and the object of observation may be something other than an infant (for example, a toddler or an adult).

[0089] (Embodiment 3) The content playback device of Embodiment 3 will be described using Figures 8 to 10. Note that the explanation of whether it is the content playback device of Embodiment 1 or 2 will not be repeated below. The content playback device of this embodiment differs from the content playback device of Embodiment 1 or 2 in the following respects.

[0090] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing a display system comprising a content playback device 100 and a linked device 3 in conjunction with it according to this embodiment.

[0091] As shown in Figure 8, the linked device 3 is an air purifier, which is an example of the air conditioner described in Embodiment 1. The air purifier transmits information that can identify its status, such as increased airflow, to the content playback device (TV) 100, as information regarding the status of the air purifier or information regarding the surrounding conditions of the air purifier.

[0092] Based on information such as an increase in the airflow of the air purifier, the content playback device 100 increases the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B unless there is a volume restriction imposed by another connected device 1 (baby monitor) or connected device 2 (intercom). On the other hand, even if the content playback device 100 receives information such as an increase in the airflow of the air purifier, if there is a volume restriction imposed by connected device 1 (baby monitor) or connected device 2 (intercom), it maintains the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B. In this case, the content playback device 100 displays subtitles corresponding to the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B on the display unit 100A, including them in the image.

[0093] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the process performed by the control unit CT of the air purifier in this embodiment.

[0094] As shown in Figure 9, in step S301, the control unit CT of the air purifier (cooperative device 3) starts coordinating with the content playback device (TV) 100. In step S302, the control unit CT of the air purifier causes the communication unit CM to transmit information about increased airflow acquired by the operation unit / acquisition unit OP / OB to the content playback device 100 as information about the status of the air purifier or information about the surrounding conditions of the air purifier. In step S303, the control unit CT of the air purifier determines whether the communication unit CM has received a setting change notification from the content playback device 100.

[0095] In step S303, if the communication unit CM does not determine that it has not received a setting change notification from the content playback device 100, the control unit CT of the linked device 3 executes the process in step S302 again. On the other hand, in step S303, if the communication unit CM determines that it has received a setting change notification from the content playback device 100, in step S304, the control unit CT of the air purifier changes the air purifier to a silent setting. In other words, the control unit CT of the air purifier controls the air purifier to reduce the airflow to below a predetermined value, for example, to limit the rotation speed of the blower motor to below a predetermined value.

[0096] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating the process performed by the control unit 100C of the content playback device 100 in this embodiment.

[0097] As shown in Figure 10, in step S1011, the control unit 100C starts coordinating with the air purifier (cooperative device 3). The control unit 100C stores information about the state of the air purifier (increased airflow) that has been transmitted from the air purifier and information about the surrounding conditions of the content playback device 100 (ambient noise level) that has been acquired by the sound acquisition unit 100F. In step S1013, based on the information about the state of the air purifier or the surrounding conditions acquired by the air purifier and the information about the surrounding conditions of the content playback device 100, the control unit 100C determines whether or not to increase the volume of the sound generated by the sound generation unit 100B.

[0098] In step S1013, if it is determined that the volume of the sound generated by the sound generating unit 100B should not be increased, the control unit 100C repeats the process in step S1012. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1013 that the volume of the sound generated by the sound generating unit 100B should be increased, in step S1014, the control unit 100C determines whether there is a volume limit due to the communication information received from another communication device 1 (baby monitor) or communication device 2 (intercom). In step S1014, if it is determined that there is no volume limit, in step S1015, the reason for changing the volume of the sound is displayed on the display unit 100A, and the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B is increased. At this time, for example, if the sound emitted by the air purifier is louder than a standard value, and the volume of the sound generated by the sound generating unit 100B is below a predetermined value, the control unit 100C increases the volume of the sound generated by the sound generating unit 100B. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, when the control unit 100C adjusts the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B (for example, by increasing it), it displays a subtitle on the display unit 100A indicating the reason for adjusting the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B. This prevents viewers of the content playback device from being confused by changes in the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B. An example of a subtitle indicating the reason mentioned above would be, "The volume has been increased because the airflow of the air purifier has been increased."

[0099] On the other hand, in step S1014, it may be determined that there is a volume limit due to the communication information received from another communication device 1 (baby monitor) or communication device 2 (intercom). In this case, in step S1016, the control unit 100C maintains the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B and displays subtitles corresponding to the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B on the display unit 100A, including the image. Alternatively, subtitles indicating the reason for displaying subtitles corresponding to the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B may also be displayed on the display unit 100A. This allows the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generating unit 100B of the content playback device 100 to be adjusted so that control caused by communication information received from communication device 1 (baby monitor) or communication device 2 (intercom) is given priority over control caused by communication information received from the air purifier (communication device 3). An example of a subtitle indicating the aforementioned reason is, "Subtitles are displayed because the airflow of the air purifier has increased."

[0100] Subsequently, in step S1017, the control unit 100C sends a notification to the linked device (air purifier) ​​3 to change the setting to silent mode. As a result, the linked device 3 is operated in a manner that reduces the noise it emits.

[0101] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications can be made and implemented without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, some or all of the embodiments of the present invention may be used in combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 100 Content Playback Devices 100A display 100B sound generation unit 100C Control Unit 100D Communications Department 100E Input Section 100F Sound acquisition section

Claims

1. A communication unit that receives collaboration information from a collaborating device, which includes at least one of the following: information regarding the surrounding conditions of the collaborating device and information regarding the status of the collaborating device. A sound-generating unit that produces sound, A content playback device comprising a control unit that adjusts the volume of the sound based on the aforementioned linked information.

2. When the control unit determines, based on the linked information, that it should reduce the volume of the sound, it reduces the volume of the sound. The content playback device according to claim 1.

3. It further includes a display unit for displaying images, The control unit reduces the sound and causes the display unit to display the image along with subtitles corresponding to the sound. The content playback device according to claim 2.

4. The control unit, on the condition that it has determined to increase the volume of the sound based on the communication information, increases the volume of the sound. The content playback device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. It further includes a display unit for displaying images, Even if the control unit determines, based on the linked information, that it should increase the volume of the sound, if it determines that the conditions for increasing the volume of the sound are not met, instead of increasing the volume of the sound, it will display the image on the display unit including subtitles corresponding to the sound. The content playback device according to claim 4.

6. The communication unit receives multiple pieces of collaboration information, including the collaboration information, from each of the multiple collaboration devices, including the collaboration device. The control unit adjusts the volume of the sound based on the priority order of the plurality of linked information. The content playback device according to claim 5.

7. The communication unit receives multiple pieces of collaboration information, including the collaboration information, from each of the multiple collaboration devices, including the collaboration device. The control unit adjusts the volume of the sound based on the priority order of the plurality of linked information. A content playback device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. It further includes a display unit for displaying images, When the control unit adjusts the volume of the sound, it causes the display unit to display subtitles indicating the reason for adjusting the volume of the sound. The content playback device according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The control unit, on the condition that it has determined to increase the volume of the sound based on the communication information, increases the volume of the sound. The content playback device according to claim 3.

Images