Content processing device, content processing method, content processing control program, and recording medium

Abstract

To provide a content processing device, a content processing method, a content processing control program, and a recording medium capable of switching control contents assigned to operation buttons depending on a type of contents being viewed.SOLUTION: A content processing device (100) comprises: an acquisition unit (22) that acquires content information on at least one of video contents and audio contents; and a control unit (21) that performs control related to the contents. The control unit (21), when receiving an operation signal from a remote controller (51), switches control contents assigned to the operation signal received from the remote controller (50) depending on the content information with reference to the content information on the contents being processed at that point.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a content processing device, a content processing method, a content processing control program, and a recording medium. [Background technology]

[0002] A remote control device that can be customized by a user for remotely controlling an appliance such as a television is known as a prior art. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a remote control device that, when a certain function is selected, operates an operation button to which the function is to be assigned and a remote control signal corresponding to the operation button is received, the selected function can be assigned to the operation button to which the function is to be assigned. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2000-197162 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, although a specific function can be assigned to an operation button, the assigned function is fixed, and it is not possible to change the function for each content to be viewed, for example. It would be convenient for a viewer if the control content assigned to the operation button could be switched according to the type of content classified according to the viewer's preference.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention aims to realize a content processing device, a content processing method, a content processing control program, and a recording medium that can switch the control content assigned to an operation button depending on the type of content being viewed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a content processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires content information for at least one of video content and audio content, and a control unit that performs control related to the content, and when the control unit receives an operation signal from a remote control, the control unit refers to the content information related to the content being processed at that time, and switches the control content assigned to the operation signal received from the remote control in accordance with the content information.

[0007] Furthermore, a content processing method according to one aspect of the present invention acquires content information for at least one of video content and audio content, and when an operation signal is received from a remote control, refers to the content information relating to the content being processed at that time, and switches the control content assigned to the operation signal received from the remote control in accordance with the content information. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize a content processing device, a content processing method, a content processing control program, and a recording medium that can switch the control content assigned to an operation button depending on the type of content being viewed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a content processing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 4 is an example of a flowchart of a setting process by a setting unit according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 4 is an example of a content processing control flowchart executed by the content processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a content processing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] [Embodiment 1] An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a content processing device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the content processing device 100 will be described by taking a television having a recording and playback function as an example. As shown in FIG. 1, the content processing device 100 includes an input interface (input IF) 10, a controller 20, an operation signal receiving unit 30, and a display unit 40. The input IF 10 is an interface that acquires content from outside the content processing device 100. The controller 20 controls the content in response to an operation signal. The operation signal receiving unit 30 receives an operation signal from a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as a "remote control") 50 and outputs the operation signal to the controller 20. The display unit 40 is a display and a speaker that display the content input from the controller 20.

[0011] In this embodiment, "content" refers to content related to video and audio. The content processing device 100 outputs or records the content acquired via the input IF 10 in response to an operation signal received from the remote control 50. The content processing device 100 also outputs the content recorded in the internal memory in response to the operation signal received. In this embodiment, "recording" refers to recording video and audio, and "playing back recorded video" refers to playing back the recorded video and audio. Note that "audio recording" refers to recording only audio. In this embodiment, the content processing device 100 is a television, so the case of watching and recording a television program will be described, but the same applies to watching and recording a radio program.

[0012] Each section will be described in detail below. The input IF10 is, for example, an input terminal to which video and audio signals of content received by a television receiving antenna 70 are input, and a tuner that tunes the received signal. Alternatively, the input IF10 may be an interface that receives a signal from an internet line. The input IF10 is an example of an "input section" as described in the claims.

[0013] The controller 20 includes a control unit 21, an acquisition unit 22, a setting unit 23, and a memory 24. The control unit 21 controls content. Specifically, when an operation signal is received from the remote control 50, the control unit 21 refers to content information related to the content being processed at that time, and switches the control content assigned to the operation signal received from the remote control 50 according to the content information.

[0014] Furthermore, when the second control content (the control content set by a setting section, which will be described later) for the operation signal is not set, the control section 21 performs control of the first control content (the default control content).

[0015] The control contents performed by the control unit 21 include, for example, at least one of recording control, timer control, skip control, playback speed control, video control, and audio control. Recording control is, for example, control of the image quality or sound quality of the content to be recorded. Timer control is, for example, control of the time to stop output. Skip control is, for example, control to skip the playback video for a predetermined time. Playback speed control is, for example, control of the playback speed and audio speed. Video control is, for example, control of the image quality, color tone, brightness, contrast, etc. of the video to be output. Audio control is, for example, control of the sound quality, tone, etc. of the audio to be output.

[0016] The acquisition unit 22 acquires content information of at least one of video content and audio content. The content information is information related to the content, and includes, for example, at least one of the program name, program genre, broadcast time slot, broadcast channel, performer names, producer name, and director name. Here, the program genre is, for example, a classification name divided into entertainment, sports, drama, documentary, cultural, etc. The broadcast time slot is, for example, a certain time slot on a fixed day of the week on a certain channel, and it is possible to specify a serial drama or a regular program in that time slot.

[0017] In the case of a television program, the content information can be acquired from SI information provided by a broadcasting station. The SI information includes the name of the program, the genre, the broadcast time period, the performers, and the like. The SI information is transmitted together with the broadcast signal, and can be received when the broadcast is received. In other words, the acquiring unit 22 can acquire the content information via the input IF 10 to which the content signal is input.

[0018] The setting unit 23 assigns and sets a second control content different from the first control content (default control content) assigned to the operation signal in correspondence with the content information. The detailed function of the setting unit 23 will be described later.

[0019] The memory 24 includes, for example, a ROM and a RAM (neither shown), and the RAM stores recorded content and control contents set by the setting unit 23. The ROM stores predetermined information such as content information.

[0020] As described later, the above-mentioned control unit 21, acquisition unit 22, and setting unit 23 may be realized by a logic circuit (hardware) formed in an integrated circuit (IC chip) or the like, or may be realized by software. When the control unit 21, acquisition unit 22, and setting unit 23 are realized by software, each piece of software may be recorded in a ROM, and a processor such as a CPU may load the program into a RAM and execute it.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the content processing device 100 may include a display area 35 that displays the control details performed by the control unit 21. The control unit 21 displays information indicating that content is being output with the control details set by the setting unit 23 in the display area 35. The display area 35 may be, for example, a lamp display unit provided on the front surface of the content processing device 100. Alternatively, the display area may be an area provided in a part of the display surface of the display unit 40 that displays the control details themselves or a mark indicating the control details. When content is being output with the control details set by the setting unit 23, the control unit 21 turns on a lamp in the lamp display unit or displays the control details in a display area provided in a part of the display surface.

[0022] (Settings process flow) Next, the operation of the setting unit 23 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is an example of a flowchart of the setting process performed by the setting unit 23. The setting unit 23 sets the control content (second control content) to be switched according to a combination of an operation signal of the remote control and content information based on a user input. The flow of the setting process (setting method) will be described below. First, in step S10, the user presses a setting start key. Setting may be started by selecting from a menu table, or by pressing and holding a predetermined key. Next, in step S12, the setting unit 23 displays the types of content information on the display unit 40 to allow the user to select.

[0023] Next, in step S14, the setting unit 23 judges whether or not the user has selected a type of content information and pressed the decision key. If the user has selected a type of displayed content information and pressed the decision key (step S14: Y), the flow proceeds to step S16. If the user has not pressed the decision key (step S14: N), the flow returns to step S14. The setting unit 23 repeats step S14 until the user presses the decision key.

[0024] In step S16, the setting unit 23 displays an instruction to press the operation button of the remote control 50 to be set, so that the user can make a selection. The operation button to be set is the operation button for setting the control content to be switched. Next, in step S18, the setting unit 23 judges whether or not the user has pressed the operation button. If the user has pressed the operation button (step S18: Y), the flow proceeds to step S20. If the user has not pressed the operation button (step S18: N), the flow returns to step S18.

[0025] In step S20, the setting unit 23 displays the control content corresponding to the pressed operation button on the display unit 40 to allow the user to select. Next, in step S22, the setting unit 23 determines whether the user has selected the control content and pressed the decision key. If the user has pressed the decision key (step S22: Y), the flow proceeds to step S24. If the user has not pressed the decision key (step S22: N), the flow returns to step S22.

[0026] In step S24, the setting unit 23 records the set control content in the memory 24 in association with the content information and the operation button. This sets the second control content for the operation signal. Next, in step S26, the setting unit 23 displays a message asking the user whether or not to continue the setting. If the user specifies to continue (step S26: Y), the flow returns to step S12. On the other hand, if the user specifies to end (step S26: N), the flow ends.

[0027] Through the above process, the control contents set by the user in response to a predetermined operation signal are associated with the content information and stored in the memory 24. If the user presses the end button during the above setting process, the setting process is stopped.

[0028] The operation button for executing a predetermined control content may be a four-color button. Although a special function is usually assigned to the four-color button, it may be configured so that a completely different control content can be selected and set.

[0029] (Content processing flow) The content processing method of this embodiment obtains content information for at least one of video content and audio content, and when an operation signal is received from a remote control, refers to the content information related to the content being processed at that time, and switches the control content assigned to the operation signal received from the remote control in accordance with the content information.

[0030] The following describes, with reference to the drawings, the content processing control performed by the control unit 21 of the content processing device 100 when the control contents set by the user are stored in the memory 24. Fig. 3 is an example of a content processing control flowchart executed by the content processing device 100.

[0031] First, in step S30, the acquisition unit 22 acquires content information of the content being output on the display unit 40 or the content being recorded on the content processing device 100, and records it in the memory 24. Note that recorded content is also output on the display unit 40. As described above, the acquisition unit 22 acquires content information, for example, from SI information. Note that when the content being output on the display unit 40 is a recorded content or a playback content of a content acquired from another device, the acquisition unit 22 acquires content information recorded in association with that content.

[0032] Next, in step S32, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the operation signal receiving unit 30 has received an operation signal from the remote control 50. That is, the control unit 21 determines whether or not an operation signal has been input from the operation signal receiving unit 30. If the operation signal receiving unit 30 has received an operation signal (step S32: Y), the flow proceeds to step S34. If the operation signal receiving unit 30 has not received an operation signal (step S32: N), the flow returns to step S32.

[0033] Next, in step S34, the control unit 21 judges whether or not there is a control content set corresponding to the received operation signal. Specifically, the control unit 21 judges whether or not the control content corresponding to the received operation signal is recorded in the memory 24. If the control content set is recorded in the memory 24 (step S34: Y), the flow proceeds to step S36. In step S36, the control unit 21 executes the recorded control content with priority according to the content information of the content being output or the content being recorded at the time when the operation signal is received, and the flow proceeds to step S40. On the other hand, if the control content is not recorded in the memory 24 (the second control content is not set for the operation signal) (step S34: N), the flow proceeds to step S38. In step S38, the control unit 21 executes the default control content (the first control content), and the flow proceeds to step S40. The default control content is the control content preset in the content processing device 100.

[0034] In step S40, the control unit 21 judges whether or not the content processing control has ended. If the content processing control has ended (S40: Y), the content processing control ends. If the content processing control has not ended (S40: N), the flow returns to step S30. The content processing control ends when the user presses the end button, when the power supply of the content processing device is turned off, etc.

[0035] In the above content processing control, the position of step S30 is not limited to this. For example, step S30 may be executed as the next step following the result of Y in step S34.

[0036] A specific example of the above content processing control will be described. For example, consider a case where a user has set the control details as shown in Table 1 below. In the case of content information 1 indicating a program that the user likes, the user sets setting 1 as the corresponding control details. In addition, in the case of content information 2 indicating a program that the user does not like very much, the user sets setting 2 as the corresponding control details.

[0037] [Table 1]

[0038] For example, the "skip" button is a button that controls to skip 30 seconds of a recorded program being played back. On the other hand, when the "skip" button is pressed while playing back a content belonging to content information 1, the program skips 10 seconds. When the "skip" button is pressed while playing back a content belonging to content information 2, the program skips 30 seconds. When the "record" button is pressed while watching a TV program, the program starts recording in standard image quality by default. However, when the "record" button is pressed while watching a content belonging to content information 1, the program starts recording in high image quality. On the other hand, when the "record" button is pressed while watching a content belonging to content information 2, the program starts recording in low image quality. Similarly, the time when the "off timer" button (which sets the time until the content processing device 100 is turned off or put into sleep mode) is pressed changes depending on the content information. When the "fast forward" button is pressed while playing back a recorded program, the fast forward speed changes depending on the content information. As shown in Table 1, if the "fast forward" button corresponding to content information 1 is not set, the fast forward speed is controlled to three times the default speed.

[0039] The content processing device 100 according to the above-mentioned first embodiment has been described as a television having a recording and playback function, but is not limited thereto. For example, the source or route of content acquisition is not limited. For example, the content processing device 100 may be any of a television, a radio, a video recording and playback device, a streaming playback device (sequential playback device) or a download playback device using the Internet, and an audio amplifier. The audio amplifier may be a playback device that plays back content recorded on a recording medium such as a DVD, a Blu-ray disc, or an optical disc. In this way, various types of devices can be used as the content processing device, and acquired content can be processed in response to an operation signal.

[0040] As described above, the content processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment can switch the control contents assigned to the operation buttons depending on the type of content to be viewed.

[0041] [Embodiment 2] Other embodiments of the present invention will be described below. For ease of explanation, the same reference numerals are given to members having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0042] 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a content processing device 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The content processing device 200 is, for example, a recording and playback device capable of receiving television broadcasts, and is used by connecting it to a display 60 such as a television.

[0043] The content processing device 200 according to the second embodiment differs from the content processing device 100 according to the first embodiment in that the content processing device 200 according to the second embodiment does not include a display unit 40. Also, instead of the input IF 10, an input / output IF 10A is provided. The input / output IF 10A is an input / output terminal that receives video and audio content signals as input signals and outputs the processed content signals to the display 60, and a tuner that tunes the received signals. Alternatively, the input / output IF 10A may be a transmitter and receiver for transmitting and receiving video and audio wireless signals.

[0044] The setting processing function and content processing control function of the content processing device 200 are the same as those of the content processing device 100. The content processing device 200 processes content acquired from the outside via the input / output IF 10A, and outputs the content to the display 60 via the input / output IF 10A. The display 60 may be of any type as long as it can display video images.

[0045] As described above, the content processing device 200 itself does not have a display device, but can output processed content to the external display 60. Even with this configuration, it is possible to obtain the same effects as the content processing device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0046] [Variation 1] Next, devices or functions that may be included in the above content processing device 100, 200 will be described as modified examples. The content processing device 100, 200 according to the first embodiment acquires content information from SI information. However, the source from which the content information is acquired is not limited to this. For example, the content processing device 100, 200 may be equipped with an image processing device (not shown). An image analysis device can analyze images of a content program to identify performers and acquire them as content information. If the performers are already registered performers, the registered control content is executed. In this way, the content information may be acquired directly from the content of the content.

[0047] Furthermore, the content processing device 100, 200 may acquire content information from the Internet via the input IF 10. For example, keywords in the SI information may be searched on the network, and an attribute of a program having a word with a high frequency of appearance may be registered as content information. For example, if many contributors post on the Internet that a certain program is an interesting "town stroll" program, the acquisition unit 22 registers "town stroll" as an attribute of the program. A user can input "town stroll" as content information and register desired control content.

[0048] [Modification 2] The content processing device 100, 200 may be capable of cooperating with other content processing devices. For example, when there are a plurality of content processing devices, the control contents set in one of the content processing devices 100, 200 may be shared with the other content processing devices. In this case, the input / output IF 10A may be a Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark) transmitting / receiving device, and information can be exchanged via the input / output IF 10A.

[0049] [Software implementation example] The controller 20 (particularly the control unit 21, the acquisition unit 22, and the setting unit 23) of the content processing device 100, 200 may be realized by a logic circuit (hardware) formed on an integrated circuit (IC chip) or the like, or may be realized by software.

[0050] In the latter case, the controller 20 includes a computer that executes instructions of a program, which is software that realizes each function. This computer includes, for example, at least one processor (control device) and at least one computer-readable recording medium that stores the program. The object of the present invention is achieved by having the processor read the program from the recording medium and execute it in the computer. The processor may be, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The recording medium may be a "non-transient tangible medium," such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), tape, disk, card, semiconductor memory, programmable logic circuit, or the like. The computer may further include a RAM (Random Access Memory) that expands the program. The program may be supplied to the computer via any transmission medium (such as a communication network or broadcast waves) that can transmit the program. Note that one aspect of the present invention may also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave, in which the program is embodied by electronic transmission.

[0051] 〔summary〕 The content processing device 100 according to aspect 1 of the present invention comprises an acquisition unit 22 that acquires content information of at least one of video content and audio content, and a control unit 21 that performs control related to the content, and when the control unit 21 receives an operation signal from a remote control 50, the control unit 21 refers to the content information related to the content being processed at that time, and switches the control content assigned to the operation signal received from the remote control 50 in accordance with the content information.

[0052] According to the above configuration, it is possible to realize a content processing device capable of switching the control contents corresponding to the operation buttons depending on the type of content to be viewed.

[0053] The content processing device 100 according to aspect 2 of the present invention may further include a setting unit 23 that, in aspect 1 above, assigns and sets a second control content different from the first control content assigned to the operation signal in correspondence with the content information.

[0054] According to the above configuration, the user can set the control content corresponding to the operation button according to the type of content to be viewed.

[0055] In the content processing device 100 according to aspect 3 of the present invention, in aspect 2 above, the control unit 21 may perform control of the first control content when the second control content for the operation signal is not set.

[0056] According to the above configuration, when the control content corresponding to the operation button is not set, the default control content is executed.

[0057] The content processing device 100 according to a fourth aspect of the present invention may further include a display area 35 for displaying the control details performed by the control unit 21 in the above first to third aspects.

[0058] According to the above configuration, the user can check whether the control content being executed is a newly set one.

[0059] In the content processing device 100 of aspect 5 of the present invention, in aspects 1 to 4 above, the content information may include at least one of the program title, program genre, broadcast time, broadcast channel, performer names, producer name, and director name.

[0060] According to the above configuration, the control contents can be switched in accordance with various content information.

[0061] In a content processing device according to aspect 6 of the present invention, in aspects 1 to 5 above, the control content performed by the control unit 21 may include at least one of recording control, timer control, skip control, playback speed control, video control, and audio control.

[0062] According to the above configuration, various control contents can be switched in accordance with various content information.

[0063] A content processing device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is any of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the acquisition unit 22 acquires the content information via an input unit 10 to which a signal of the content is input.

[0064] According to the above configuration, content information can be easily acquired.

[0065] A content processing device according to aspect 8 of the present invention is, in aspects 1 to 7 above, the content processing device may be any one of a television, a radio, a video recording and playback device, a streaming playback device or a download playback device using the Internet, and an audio amplifier.

[0066] According to the above configuration, various types of devices can be used as content processing devices.

[0067] A content processing method according to aspect 9 of the present invention obtains content information for at least one of video content and audio content, and when an operation signal is received from a remote control, refers to the content information relating to the content being processed at that time, and switches the control content assigned to the operation signal received from the remote control in accordance with the content information.

[0068] According to the above configuration, the same effects as those of the first aspect are achieved.

[0069] A content processing control program according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is a content processing control program for causing a computer to function as the content processing device according to the first aspect, and is a program for causing a computer to function as the acquisition unit and the control unit.

[0070] According to the above configuration, the same effects as those of the first aspect are achieved.

[0071] A recording medium according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is a computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon the content processing control program according to the tenth aspect above.

[0072] At least a part of the controller of the content processing device according to each aspect of the present invention may be realized by a computer. In this case, a content processing control program that causes the computer to operate as each part (software element) of the content processing device to realize the content processing device on a computer, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded, also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0073] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. The technical scope of the present invention also includes embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in the different embodiments. Furthermore, new technical features can be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in the respective embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 10 Input IF 10A Input / Output IF 20. Controller 21 Control section 22...Acquisition part 23. Setting section 24. Memory 30 Operation signal receiving unit 35 Display area 40...Display section 50 Remote control 60...Display 100,200...Content processing device

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires content information of at least one of video content and audio content; a control unit that controls the content, when a new operation signal based on a user pressing an operation button on a remote control is received while the content is being displayed on a display unit, the control unit refers to the content information on the content being processed at the time when the new operation signal is received, and switches the control content previously set by the user that is assigned to the new operation signal received from the remote control in accordance with the content information. Content processing device.

2. The content processing apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a setting unit configured to allow the user to assign and set a second control content different from a first control content assigned to the operation signal in correspondence with the content information.

3. The content processing device according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit performs control of the first control content when the second control content for the operation signal is not set.

4. The content processing device according to claim 1 , further comprising a display area for displaying the control details performed by the control unit.

5. The content processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the content information includes at least one of a program name, a program genre, a broadcast time period, a broadcast channel, names of performers, a producer, and a director.

6. The content processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control contents performed by the control unit include at least one of recording control, timer control, skip control, playback speed control, video control, and audio control.

7. The content processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the acquisition section acquires the content information via an input section to which a signal of the content is input.

8. 8. The content processing device according to claim 1, wherein the content processing device is any one of a television, a radio, a video recording and playback device, a streaming playback device or a download playback device using the Internet, and an audio amplifier.

9. Acquire content information of at least one of video content and audio content; when a new operation signal based on a user pressing an operation button on a remote control is received while the content is being displayed on a display unit, the control unit refers to the content information on the content being processed at the time when the new operation signal is received, and switches the control content previously set by the user that is assigned to the new operation signal received from the remote control in accordance with the content information. Content processing methods.

10. 2. A content processing control program for causing a computer to function as the content processing device according to claim 1, the content processing control program causing a computer to function as the acquisition unit and the control unit.

11. A computer-readable recording medium on which the content processing control program according to claim 10 is recorded.

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