Content playback device and content playback method

Abstract

To provide a content reproduction device that appropriately reproduces content.SOLUTION: A content reproduction device 100 reproduces contents. The content reproduction device 100 includes a control unit for detecting a user's action of attempting to operate the content reproduction device 100 after finishing the reproduction of a first content, which control unit automatically executes a predetermined action when not detecting the action of attempting to perform the operation, or does not automatically execute the predetermined operation when detecting the action of attempting to perform the operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In a passenger vehicle, a content playback device for playing content such as movies is installed. The screen for playing content may be installed not only in the front seat of the vehicle but also in the rear seat.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Conventionally, when playing content (such as DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) video) having a menu screen with options in a vehicle equipped with a content playback device, there has been a problem that the playback of the content stops on the menu screen and the video does not progress from the menu screen. As a solution, when the content playback device determines that the menu screen is being displayed, a command for selecting the option selected by default on the menu screen is periodically transmitted. However, in this case, when there is a passenger in the rear seat of the vehicle and the passenger is watching the video on the rear seat monitor, there is a problem that the passenger in the rear seat cannot freely operate the menu screen.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a content playback device and a content playback method for appropriately playing content.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention adopts the following means. That is, the first aspect is A content playback device for playing back content, After the playback of the first content ends, it detects an operation that the user attempts to perform on the content playback device. If the operation to be performed is not detected, it automatically executes a predetermined operation. If the operation to be performed is detected, it does not automatically execute the predetermined operation. It is a content playback device provided with a control unit.

[0007] The disclosed aspect may also be realized by a program being executed by an information processing device. That is, the configuration of the disclosure can be specified as a program for causing an information processing device to execute the processing performed by each means in the above-described aspect, or a recording medium readable by the information processing device on which the program is recorded. Further, the configuration of the disclosure may be specified by a method in which an information processing device executes the processing performed by each of the above-described means. The configuration of the disclosure may be specified as a system including an information processing device that performs the processing performed by each of the above-described means. Note that the information processing device is, for example, a computer. A computer may also be called a personal computer or a server.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, a content playback device that appropriately plays back content, and a content playback method can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The configurations of the following embodiments are examples, and the present invention is not limited to the configurations of the embodiments.

[0011] 〈Embodiment〉 (Configuration Example) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a system including a content playback device according to the present embodiment. The system of FIG. 1 includes a content playback device 100, a display device 200, an input device 300, a camera 400, and a vehicle control device 500. The system of FIG. 1 is mounted on a vehicle such as a passenger car having front seats and rear seats. The content playback device 100 includes a control unit 102, a storage unit 104, an input / output IF (Interface) 106, a communication IF (Interface) 108, and an external recording medium reading unit 110. These are connected to each other by a bus. The display device 200 is installed at a position where a passenger in the rear seat of the vehicle can view the screen of the display device 200 。Table The display device 200 may also be installed at a position (such as the rear part of the front seat) where a passenger in the rear seat of the vehicle can view the screen of the display device 200. The camera 400 is installed at a position where it can photograph a passenger in the rear seat of the vehicle. The camera 400 is installed, for example, around the display device 200. The content playback device 100 can be realized by, for example, a car navigation device equipped with a computer, a personal computer, or the like.

[0012] The content playback device 100 reads and plays back content data such as video stored on a DVD or the like. When the playback of one piece of content is completed, the content playback device 100 plays back the next piece of content or waits for an input by the user according to the situation. The content is, for example, moving images (videos) such as movies, audio such as music, etc., each of which is played back over a certain period of time.

[0013] The control unit 102 is a central processing unit (CPU) that controls the entire content playback device 100. The control unit 102 is also called a processor. However, the control unit 102 is not limited to a single processor and may have a multi-processor configuration. Also, a single control unit 102 connected by a single socket may have a multi-core configuration. The control unit 102 expands the program stored in the storage unit 104 into an executable working area and provides functions that meet a predetermined purpose by controlling peripheral devices and the like through the execution of the program. The control unit 102 may include dedicated large-scale integration (LSI) such as a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other digital circuits.

[0014] The storage unit 104 is a recording medium in which the control unit 102 stores programs, data, expands a working area, and stores operation setting information and the like. The storage unit 104 is, for example, a flash memory, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a hard-disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), a flash memory, a USB memory, a Secure Digital (SD) memory card or the like.

[0015] The input / output IF 106 is an interface for inputting and outputting data to / from devices such as the input device 300 and the display device 200. The input / output IF 106 is connected to the input device 300 such as a keyboard, a remote controller (remote control), a pointing device, a touch panel, a video input device such as a camera 400, an audio input device such as a microphone, etc. The input / output IF 106 is connected to the display device 200 that outputs video such as a display, an audio output device that outputs audio such as a speaker, etc.

[0016] The communication IF 108 is a communication interface for communicating with other information processing devices etc. via a communication network or the like. The communication IF 108 is communicably connected to a vehicle control device 500 that controls the operation of a vehicle etc. The communication IF 108 may acquire data of content such as video to be played back by the content playback device 100 from other information processing devices via a communication network.

[0017] The external recording medium reader 110 is a disk drive that reads data of content such as movies (video), music, etc. recorded on an external recording medium. The external recording medium is, for example, a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a Blu-ray ( registered trademark) Disc), etc. The external recording medium reader 110 may be a drive that reads data of a flash memory such as a memory card. At this time, the external recording medium is a flash memory such as a memory card. Content data is stored in advance on the external recording medium. Note that each of the above components may be provided in plural, or some of the components may not be provided. Also, the above components may be included in the components of a device mounted on a vehicle (for example, a car navigation system, etc.).

[0018]

[0019] The display device 200 is a display that presents video and text information. The display device 200 is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an EL (Electroluminescence) panel, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, a PDP (Plasma Display Panel), or the like. The display device 200 can include an audio output device such as a speaker. The display device 200 is communicably connected to the content playback device 100. The display device 200 is installed at a position where the front seat passenger of the vehicle can view the display screen and at a position where the rear seat passenger of the vehicle can view the display screen. A plurality of display devices 200 can be installed in the vehicle.

[0020] The input device 300 is, for example, a device for inputting information when a user operates the content playback device 100. The input device 300 is a keyboard, a remote controller (remote control), a pointing device, a touch panel, or the like. The input device 300 and the content playback device 100 may be communicably connected by wire or wirelessly (such as radio waves or infrared rays).

[0021] The camera 400 is a camera that photographs the user viewing the screen of the display device 200. The camera 400 is installed at a position where it can photograph the user (for example, around the display device 200, on the ceiling of the vehicle, on the door of the vehicle, etc.). The camera 400 captures video or still images. The camera 400 is communicably connected to the content playback device 100.

[0022] The vehicle control device 500 is a device that controls the running of the vehicle in which the content playback device 100 and the like are installed. The vehicle control device 500 outputs information such as the running state of the vehicle (for example, stopped or running) and the state of autonomous driving (whether in autonomous driving or not) to the content playback device 100 according to the request of the content playback device 100.

[0023] (Operation example) FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are diagrams showing an example of the operation flow of the content playback device 100. "A", "B", and "C" in FIG. 2 are respectively connected to "A", "B", and "C" in FIG. 3. Here, it is assumed that the control unit 102 of the content playback device 100 reads out content data such as video stored in an external recording medium by the external recording medium reading unit 110 and plays (displays) one piece of content (for example, video such as a movie) on the display device 200. The control unit 102 may acquire content data from other information processing devices or the like via the communication IF 108 and the communication network.

[0024] In S101, the control unit 102 of the content playback device 100 determines whether a display device 200 for a passenger (user) in the rear seat of the vehicle is connected to the content playback device 100. For example, when the input / output IF 106 recognizes that a plurality of display devices 200 are connected, the control unit 102 determines that the display device 200 for a passenger (user) in the rear seat of the vehicle is connected. Further, the control unit 102 may transmit a signal for requesting information indicating the installation position of the display device 200 via the input / output IF 106. At this time, when receiving the signal, the display device 200 transmits a signal including information on the installation position of the display device 200 (for example, the position where the rear seat passenger can view the screen) to the content playback device 100. Furthermore, the control unit 102 receives, via the input / output IF 106, a signal including information on the installation position from the display device 200. Then, when the information on the installation position included in the signal is the position where the rear seat passenger can view the screen, the control unit 102 determines that the display device 200 for a passenger in the rear seat of the vehicle is connected. Also, the control unit 102 may determine that the display device 200 for a passenger (user) in the rear seat of the vehicle is connected to the content playback device 100 by receiving, from the display device 200 via the input / output IF 106, a predetermined signal indicating that it is installed at a position where it can be seen by the rear seat passenger. The control unit 102 may determine whether the display device 200 for a passenger (user) in the rear seat of the vehicle is connected to the content playback device 100 by other methods. If it is determined that the display device 200 for a passenger (user) in the rear seat of the vehicle is connected to the content playback device 100 (S101; YES), the process proceeds to S107. If it is determined that the display device 200 for a passenger (user) in the rear seat of the vehicle is not connected to the content playback device 100 (S101; NO), the process proceeds to S102.

[0025] In S102, the control unit 102 determines whether a menu screen is being displayed on the display device 200 (display). The menu screen is, for example, a screen that is displayed after the playback of one piece of content has ended. The menu screen is a screen that allows the user to select a desired operation. The menu screen includes options for operations such as ending the playback of content, playing the next piece of content, repeating the playback of the current piece of content, and so on. Also, the menu screen may be a screen that instructs the user to select the next piece of content to be played from among a list of playable content, the content list, and then play it. Here, it is assumed that the content to be played next after the current piece of content is determined in advance.

[0026] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of a menu screen. The menu screen in Figure 4 is a screen that is displayed after the playback of one piece of content has ended. On the menu screen in Figure 4, three options, "Play Again", "Play Next", and "End", are displayed. The menu screen includes at least two or more options. Also, on the menu screen, "Play Next" is selected by default. "Play Again" is an option to play the current piece of content whose playback has ended again. "Play Next" is the next piece of content after the current piece of content whose playback has ended These are options for playing content. "End" is an option to end the playback of content on the content playback device 100. The option selected by default is the option that is preferentially selected. The option selected by default is selected, for example, when the user inputs simply "Enter" or "Execute" using the input device 300 or the like (for example, presses the "Enter" key or the "Execute" key, clicks a button of a pointing device, etc.). An operation based on the selected option is executed. To select an option other than the option selected by default, for example, the user selects a desired option using the input device 300 or the like, a cursor, or a pointing device, and then inputs "Enter" or "Execute" to make the selection. An operation of simply inputting "Enter" or "Execute", or an operation of selecting a desired option using a cursor or a pointing device and then inputting "Enter" or "Execute" is an example of a selection operation.

[0027] The control unit 102 compares, for example, the menu screen stored in the storage unit 104 with the menu screen displayed on the screen of the display device 200, and determines that the menu screen is being displayed when they match. A plurality of menu screens may be stored in the storage unit 104. In this case, the control unit 102 determines that the menu screen is being displayed when any one of the menu screen displayed on the display device 200 and the menu screens stored in the storage unit 104 matches. The control unit 102 may determine that the menu screen is being displayed when the menu screen displayed on the display device 200 has a predetermined feature indicating the menu screen. Also, the control unit 102 may recognize that the playback of one piece of content has ended and determine that the menu screen is being displayed. The control unit 102 may determine whether the menu screen is being displayed on the display device 200 by other methods. When it is determined that the menu screen is being displayed (S102; YES), the process proceeds to S103. When it is determined that the menu screen is not being displayed (S102; NO), the operation of S102 is repeated.

[0028] In S103, the control unit 102 determines whether the vehicle on which the content playback device 100 is mounted is in motion. The control unit 102 requests, via the communication IF 108, from the vehicle control device 500 information that can determine whether the vehicle is in motion. For example, the information that can determine whether the vehicle is in motion is information indicating the speed of the vehicle. Here, the information that can determine whether the vehicle is in motion is assumed to be information indicating the speed of the vehicle. The vehicle control device 500 transmits information indicating the speed of the vehicle to the content playback device 100. The control unit 102 receives, via the communication IF 108, from the vehicle control device 500 information indicating the speed of the vehicle. The control unit 102 determines that the vehicle is stopped (not in motion), for example, when the speed of the vehicle indicated by the information is 0 km / h. Also, the control unit 102 determines that the vehicle is in motion when the speed of the vehicle indicated by the information is not 0 km / h (greater than 0 km / h). If it is determined that the vehicle is in motion (S103; YES), the process proceeds to S105. If it is determined that the vehicle is not in motion (the vehicle is stopped) (S103; NO), the process proceeds to S106.

[0029] In S104, the control unit 102 determines whether the vehicle on which the content playback device 100 is mounted is in an automated driving state. Automated driving is a state in which the vehicle is running under automatic control without the driver performing driving operations. When the vehicle is in an automated driving state, the driver or the like can perform operations other than driving, for example, operations on the content playback device 100. The control unit 102 requests, via the communication IF 108, from the vehicle control device 500 information indicating whether the vehicle is in an automated driving state. The vehicle control device 500 transmits information indicating whether the vehicle is in an automated driving state to the content playback device 100. The control unit 102 determines whether the vehicle is in an automated driving state based on the information. If it is determined that the vehicle is in an automated driving state (S104; YES), the process proceeds to S105. If it is determined that the vehicle is not in an automated driving state (the driver is performing driving operations) (S104; NO), the process proceeds to S106.

[0030] In S105, the control unit 102 waits for a selection operation on the options of the menu screen. The user can select an option for a desired operation from the options of the menu screen displayed on the display device 200 by means of the input device 300, and cause the content playback device 100 to execute the desired operation. The user performs a selection operation of selecting any one of the options displayed on the menu screen by means of the input device 300. The input device 300 receives the selection operation by the user. The control unit 102 receives the information of the selection operation via the input device 300 and the input / output IF 106. The control unit 102 determines the option selected based on the information of the selection operation. The control unit 102 executes an operation (process) based on the selected option. For example, when "Play Next" is selected, the control unit 102 reads out the data of the content that has been determined in advance to be played next to the current content from the external recording medium of the external recording medium reading unit 110. The control unit 102 plays back the read content by means of the display device 200 or the like. For example, when "Play Again" is selected, the control unit 102 reads out the data of the current content (the content for which playback has ended) from the external recording medium of the external recording medium reading unit 110. The control unit 102 plays back the read content by means of the display device 200 or the like. When the data of the content is stored in the storage unit 104, the control unit 10k may read it out from the storage unit 104 and play it back instead of reading it out from the external recording medium of the external recording medium reading unit 110. Thereafter, the process returns to S102. Also, when "End" is selected, the control unit 102 ends the process of playing back the content. The user (such as the driver) can perform a selection operation of selecting the options displayed on the menu screen when the vehicle is stopped or in autonomous driving.

[0031] In S106, the control unit 102 executes an operation based on the option that is selected by default on the menu screen. Here, since the vehicle is in motion and not in the autonomous driving state, it is dangerous for the driver or the like to operate the content playback device 100. Therefore, the control unit 102 automatically executes the operation based on the option selected by default without the user such as the driver performing a selection operation. For example, when "Play Next" is selected by default, the control unit 102 reads out the data of the content that is determined in advance to be played next to the current content from the external recording medium of the external recording medium reading unit 110. The control unit 102 plays the read content on the display device 200 or the like. After that, the process returns to S102. The user (such as the driver) cannot perform a selection operation of selecting an option displayed on the menu screen when the vehicle is in motion and not in the autonomous driving state (when the driver is driving the vehicle). The playback of the next content is an example of a predetermined operation.

[0032] In S107, the control unit 102 determines whether a menu screen is being displayed on the display device 200. The operation of S107 is the same as that of S102. If it is determined that the menu screen is being displayed (S107; YES), the process proceeds to S108. If it is determined that the menu screen is not being displayed (S107; NO), the operation of S107 is repeated.

[0033] In S108, the control unit 102 determines whether there is a passenger in the rear seat. The control unit 102 causes the camera 400 to capture an image via the input / output IF 106. The image may be a moving image or a still image. The camera 400 is directed toward the rear seat in advance. The camera 400 transmits the captured image to the content playback device 100. The content playback device 100 receives the image captured by the camera 400 via the input / output IF 106. The control unit 102 determines whether there is a passenger in the received image based on the received image and an estimation model stored in the storage unit 104 for estimating whether there is a passenger.

[0034] The estimation model (trained estimation model) for estimating whether or not there is an occupant is an estimation model trained (machine learning) using teacher data to estimate whether or not there is an occupant from an image. There is. The teacher data is, for example, a set of an image of the rear seat taken with no occupant in the rear seat of the vehicle and information indicating that there is no occupant, and a set of an image of the rear seat taken with an occupant in the rear seat of the vehicle and information indicating that there is an occupant. As the machine learning, well-known machine learning can be applied. It is assumed that the estimation model has been generated in advance and stored in the storage unit 104.

[0035] Further, the control unit 102 may request the vehicle control device 500 via the communication IF 108 for information capable of determining whether or not there is an occupant in the rear seat. For example, the information capable of determining whether or not there is an occupant in the rear seat is the detection value of a weight sensor installed in the rear seat. The Weight sensor is installed on the seat surface or the like of the rear seat and shows a detection value equal to or greater than a predetermined value when an occupant is present in the rear seat (when the occupant is sitting in the rear seat). The vehicle control device 500 transmits information (detection value of the weight sensor) capable of determining whether or not there is an occupant in the rear seat to the content reproduction device 100. The control unit 102 receives information capable of determining whether or not there is an occupant in the rear seat from the vehicle control device 500 via the communication IF 108. At this time, the control unit 102 determines whether or not there is an occupant in the rear seat based on the information. The control unit 102 may determine whether or not there is an occupant in the rear seat by other methods.

[0036] If it is determined that there is an occupant in the rear seat (S108; YES), the process proceeds to S113. If it is determined that there is no occupant in the rear seat (S108; NO), the process proceeds to S109.

[0037] The operations from S109 to S112 are the same as the operations from S103 to S106. Here, the description is omitted.

[0038] In S113, the control unit 102 determines whether the rear seat passenger is holding the input device 300. Here, if the rear seat passenger is holding the input device 300, it is considered that the passenger (user) is trying to make a selection operation on the menu screen. That is, the control unit 102 determines whether the rear seat passenger is trying to operate the content playback device 100. That is, when the control unit 102 determines that the rear seat passenger is holding the input device 300, it determines that the passenger is trying to operate the content playback device 100. The control unit 102 causes the camera 400 to capture an image via the input / output IF 106. The image may be a moving image or a still image. Since the camera 400 is directed at the rear seat, the rear seat passenger will be captured. That is, the image includes the rear seat passenger. The camera 400 transmits the captured image to the content playback device 100. The content playback device 100 receives the image captured by the camera 400 via the input / output IF 106. The control unit 102 determines whether the rear seat passenger in the received image is holding the input device 300 based on the received image and an estimation model for estimating whether the rear seat passenger stored in the storage unit 104 is holding the input device 300. The control unit 102 may determine whether the rear seat passenger is holding the input device 300 by other methods. The rear seat passenger holding the input device 300 is an example of an operation to try to operate the content playback device. The determination by the control unit 102 here is an example of detecting an operation to try to operate the content playback device. Also, the operation to try to operate the content playback device includes an operation to try to operate the menu screen.

[0039] The estimation model (pre-trained estimation model) for estimating whether a rear-seat passenger is holding the input device 300 is an estimation model that has been trained (machine learning) using teacher data to estimate whether a rear-seat passenger is holding the input device 300 from an image. The teacher data is, for example, a set of an image of the rear seat taken with the rear-seat passenger not holding the input device 300 and information indicating that the passenger is not holding the input device 300, and a set of an image of the rear seat taken with the rear-seat passenger holding the input device and information indicating that the passenger is holding the input device 300. As the machine learning, well-known machine learning can be applied. The It is assumed that the estimation model has been generated in advance and stored in the storage unit 104.

[0040] When it is determined that the rear-seat passenger is holding the input device 300 (S113; YES), the process proceeds to S115. When it is determined that the rear-seat passenger is not holding the input device 300 (S113; NO), the process proceeds to S114.

[0041] In S114, the control unit 102 determines whether the rear seat occupant is moving their body. Here, if the rear seat occupant is moving their body, it is considered that the occupant (user) is looking for the input device 300 and trying to perform a selection operation on the menu screen. That is, when the control unit 102 determines that the rear seat occupant is moving their body, it determines that the occupant is trying to operate the content playback device 100. The control unit 102 causes the camera 400 to capture an image via the input / output IF 106. The image may be a moving image or a still image. Since the camera 400 is directed towards the rear seat, the rear seat occupant will be captured. That is, the image includes the rear seat occupant. The camera 400 transmits the captured image to the content playback device 100. The content playback device 100 receives the image captured by the camera 400 via the input / output IF 106. The control unit 102 determines whether the rear seat occupant in the received image is moving their body based on the received image and an estimation model stored in the storage unit 104 for estimating whether the rear seat occupant is moving their body. The control unit 102 may determine whether the rear seat occupant is moving their body by other methods. The rear seat occupant moving their body is an example of an operation to try to operate the content playback device. The determination by the control unit 102 here is an example of detecting an operation to try to operate the content playback device.

[0042] The estimation model (trained estimation model) for estimating whether the rear seat passenger is moving their body is an estimation model trained (machine learning) using training data to estimate whether the rear seat passenger is moving their body from an image. The training data is, for example, a set of an image of the rear seat taken when the rear seat passenger is not moving their body and information indicating that the passenger is not moving their body, and a set of an image of the rear seat taken when the rear seat passenger is moving their body and information indicating that the passenger is moving their body. As machine learning, well-known machine learning can be applied. It is assumed that the estimation model has been generated in advance and stored in the storage unit 104. Movements of the body are, for example, the movement of shaking the head from side to side and the movement of crawling the arms on the seat surface or the floor surface of the rear seat. These movements are the movements performed when the passenger is looking for the input device 300. By using images taken of more specific movements such as these movements as the training data, a more accurate estimation model can be generated. By using a more accurate estimation model, it is possible to more accurately determine whether the user is trying to operate the content playback device 100. When the passenger is looking for the input device 300, it is considered that the passenger is trying to perform a selection operation using the input device 300.

[0043] When it is determined that the rear seat passenger is holding the input device 300 in their hand (S113; YES), the process proceeds to S115. When it is determined that the rear seat passenger is not holding the input device 300 in their hand (S113; NO), the process proceeds to S116.

[0044] In S115, the control unit 102 waits for a selection operation for the options on the menu screen. Here, it is considered that the user is trying to perform a selection operation on the menu screen. That is, the control unit 102 determines that the user is trying to operate the content playback device 100. The user can select an option for a desired operation from the options on the menu screen displayed on the display device 200 using the input device 300 and cause the content playback device 100 to execute the desired operation. The operation in S115 is the same as the operation in S105. After the operation in S115, the process returns to S107.

[0045] In S116, the control unit 102 executes an operation based on the option that is selected by default on the menu screen. Here, it is considered that the user is not attempting to perform a selection operation on the menu screen. That is, the control unit 102 determines that the user is not attempting to operate the content playback device 100. Therefore, the control unit 102 automatically executes an operation based on the option that is selected by default without the user (occupant) performing a selection operation. For example, when "Play Next" is selected by default, the control unit 102 reads out the data of the content that has been determined in advance to be played next to the current content from the external recording medium of the external recording medium reading unit 110. The control unit 102 plays the read content using the display device 200 or the like. That is, the control unit 102 performs a predetermined operation corresponding to the item "Play Next" included in the menu screen. After the operation of S116, the process returns to S107. The operation based on the option that is selected by default (here, the playback of the next content) is an example of a predetermined operation. Thereby, when the user is not attempting to operate the content playback device 100, the control unit 102 can automatically perform the playback of the next content. The operation based on the option that is selected by default on the menu screen is an example of a predetermined operation. In S116, the control unit 102 automatically executes a predetermined operation. On the other hand, in S115, the control unit 102 does not automatically execute a predetermined operation.

[0046] Thereby, when the user (occupant) is attempting to perform a selection operation on the menu screen, the content playback device 100 can automatically allow the user to select an option indicating a desired operation without playing the next content, and execute the desired operation.

[0047] (Functions and Effects of the Embodiment) The content playback device 100 mounted on a vehicle reads and plays back content data such as video stored on an external recording medium such as a DVD. The content playback device 100 determines whether a display device 200 for the passengers (users) in the rear seat of the vehicle is connected. Also, the content playback device 100 determines whether a menu screen is being displayed on the display device 200. When the menu screen is being displayed, the content playback device 100 determines whether the vehicle is running or in autonomous driving. When the vehicle is stopped or in autonomous driving, the content playback device 100 enables the user (driver, etc.) to select options on the menu screen via a selection operation. When the driver is operating the vehicle, the content playback device 100 disables the user (driver, etc.) from selecting options on the menu screen. This can reduce accidents caused by operating the menu screen while driving. Also, the content playback device 100 determines whether there is a passenger in the rear seat. When there is a passenger in the rear seat, the content playback device 100 determines whether the passenger in the rear seat is holding the input device 300. Also, the content playback device 100 determines whether the passenger in the rear seat is moving their body. When the passenger is holding the input device 300 or moving their body, the content playback device 100 assumes that the passenger is attempting to make a selection operation on the menu screen. When the passenger is attempting to make a selection operation on the menu screen, the content playback device 100 enables the user (passenger) to select options on the menu screen. When the passenger is not attempting to make a selection operation on the menu screen, the content playback device 100 automatically selects the default option on the menu screen. According to the content playback device 100, the passenger in the rear seat can select options on the menu screen even while the vehicle is in motion. According to the content playback device 100, the content can be appropriately played back as desired by the passenger in the rear seat.

[0048] 〈Computer-readable recording medium〉 A program for implementing any of the above functions in a computer or other machine or device (hereinafter referred to as a computer or the like) can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Then, the computer or the like can be made to read and execute the program on this recording medium to provide the function

[0049] Here, a computer-readable recording medium refers to a recording medium that accumulates information such as data and programs by an electrical, magnetic, optical, mechanical, or chemical action and can be read by a computer or the like. Components constituting a computer such as a CPU and a memory may be provided in such a recording medium, and the CPU may be made to execute a program

[0050] In addition, examples of removable recording media from a computer or the like include a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R / W, a DVD, a DAT, an 8mm tape, a memory card, and the like

[0051] In addition, a hard disk, a ROM, etc. are examples of recording media fixed to a computer or the like

[0052] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Various modifications based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art are possible without departing from the spirit of the claims

Explanation of Signs

[0053] 100 Content playback device Position 102 Control unit 104 Storage unit 106 Input / output IF 108 Communication IF 110 External recording medium reading unit 200 Display device 300 Input device 400 Camera 500 Vehicle control device

Claims

1. A content playback device for playing back content, after the playback of the first content ends, if no operation input is made to the content playback device by the user and no operation attempt by the user to operate the content playback device is detected, automatically execute a predetermined operation, and if no operation input is made to the content playback device by the user but an operation attempt is detected, the content playback device includes a control unit that does not automatically execute the predetermined operation.

2. Further comprising a display, the control unit, after the playback of the first content ends, displays a menu screen on the display, and if no operation attempt by the user on the menu screen is detected, automatically executes a predetermined operation, and if an operation attempt on the menu screen is detected, does not automatically execute the predetermined operation. The content playback device according to claim 1.

3. When the operation attempt is not detected, the control unit automatically executes a predetermined operation corresponding to an item included in the menu screen. The content playback device according to claim 2.

4. A content playback device for playing back content, after the playback of the first content ends, based on an image of the user taken, if it is detected that the user is not holding an input device, automatically execute a predetermined operation, and if it is detected that the user is holding an input device, the content playback device includes a control unit that does not automatically execute the predetermined operation.

5. A content playback device for playing back content, after the playback of the first content ends, based on an image of the user taken, if it is detected that the user is not moving the body, automatically execute a predetermined operation, and if it is detected that the user is moving the body, the control unit is provided in the content playback device.

6. A content playback device for playing back content, After the playback of the first content ends, if it is detected based on an image of the user that the user is not shaking their head from side to side and that the user is not crawling on the floor surface or the seat surface, a predetermined operation is automatically executed. If it is detected that the user is shaking their head from side to side or that the user is crawling on the floor surface or the seat surface, a control unit that does not automatically execute the predetermined operation A content playback device comprising the same. **Claim 7** A content playback device that plays back content After the playback of the first content ends, if no operation input is made to the content playback device by the user and no operation attempt by the user to operate the content playback device is detected, a predetermined operation is automatically executed. If no operation input is made to the content playback device by the user but an operation attempt is detected, the predetermined operation is not automatically executed. A content playback method for performing the same.

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