Content reproduction program, recording medium, and content reproduction method

Abstract

The present invention prevents a problem that, depending on an environment under which the content is reproduced, a terminal apparatus reproduces a content by a reproduction scheme that is not intended by a content supplier. 　This content reproduction program causes a processor (16) of a terminal apparatus (1) to execute: an equipment determination process for determining whether or not an audio device (3) connected to the terminal apparatus or included in the terminal apparatus corresponds to the reproduction of the content by a first reproduction scheme; and a reproduction process for causing the audio device 3 to reproduce the content by using data. When it is determined that the audio device 3 corresponds to the reproduction of the content by the first reproduction scheme, the audio device 3 is caused to reproduce the content during the reproduction process by using data of the first reproduction scheme. When it is determined that the audio device 3 does not corresponds to the reproduction of the content by the first reproduction scheme, the audio device 3 is caused to reproduce the content during the reproduction process by using content data of a second reproduction scheme.

Description

Content playback program, recording medium, and content playback method

[0001] The present invention relates to a content playback program, a recording medium, and a content playback method.

[0002] Various techniques have been proposed for viewing Dolby Atmos content using a terminal device. For example, Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a method for distributing and playing back a simulated live broadcast in Dolby Atmos.

[0003] “A thorough explanation of Dolby Atmos! (Part 2),” [online], August 10, 2023, note, [searched April 1, 2024], Internet <URL: https: / / note.com / live_extreme / n / n81c48bfd55bb>

[0004] However, with the above-mentioned conventional technology, if the headphones connected to a terminal device do not meet the requirements for Dolby Atmos playback, the content data is down-converted to Dolby Digital Plus for playback. If the terminal device down-converts the data without permission, the audio of the played content may not be what the content provider intended.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to prevent the problem of a terminal device playing content using a playback method not intended by the content provider, depending on the environment in which the content is played.

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, a content playback program according to one aspect of the present invention causes a processor of a terminal device that receives data of content including audio from a device that manages the content to execute an equipment determination process that determines whether an audio device connected to or included in the terminal device is capable of playing content using a first playback method that can realize spatial audio, and a playback process that causes the audio device to play the content using the data.If the equipment determination process determines that the audio device is capable of playing content using the first playback method, the playback process causes the audio device to play the content using data of the first playback method.If the equipment determination process determines that the audio device is not capable of playing content using the first playback method, the playback process causes the audio device to play the content using content data of a second playback method that is different from the first playback method.

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, a content playback program according to another aspect of the present invention causes a processor of a terminal device that receives data of content including audio from a device that manages the content to execute a device determination process to determine whether the terminal device is capable of playing back content using a first playback method that can realize spatial audio, and a playback process to use the data to play back the content on an audio device connected to or provided in the terminal device.If the device determination process determines that the terminal device is capable of playing back content using the first playback method, the playback process causes the audio device to play back the content using data of the first playback method.If the device determination process determines that the terminal device is not capable of playing back content using the first playback method, the playback process causes the audio device to play back the content using content data of a second playback method that is different from the first playback method.

[0008] In addition, a content playback method according to another aspect of the present invention includes an equipment determination step of determining whether an audio device connected to or included in a terminal device that receives data of content including audio from an apparatus that manages the content is capable of playing back content using a first playback method that can realize spatial audio, and a playback step in which the audio device plays back the content using the data.If it is determined in the equipment determination step that the audio device is capable of playing back content using the first playback method, in the playback step, the audio device plays back the content using data of the first playback method, and if it is determined in the equipment determination step that the audio device is not capable of playing back content using the first playback method, in the playback step, the audio device plays back the content using data of content of a second playback method that is different from the first playback method.

[0009] In addition, a content playback method according to another aspect of the present invention includes an equipment determination step of determining whether a terminal device that receives data of content including audio from an apparatus that manages the content is capable of playing back content using a first playback method that can realize spatial audio, and a playback step of causing an audio device connected to or included in the terminal device to play back content based on the data, wherein if it is determined in the equipment determination step that the terminal device is capable of playing back content using the first playback method, in the playback step the audio device plays back content based on data using the first playback method, and if it is determined in the equipment determination step that the terminal device is not capable of playing back content using the first playback method, in the playback step the audio device plays back content based on data of content using a second playback method that is different from the first playback method.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the problem of a terminal device reproducing content in a reproduction format not intended by the content provider, depending on the environment in which the content is reproduced.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a content distribution system according to embodiment 1 of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a content playback method according to embodiment 1 of the present invention; Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a content distribution system according to embodiment 2 of the present invention; Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a content playback method according to embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0012] First Embodiment Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0013] [Configuration of Content Distribution System 100] As shown in FIG. 1, the content distribution system 100 includes a terminal device 1 and a server 2.

[0014] [Terminal Device 1] The terminal device 1 according to this embodiment includes a communication unit 11, an output unit 12, an operation unit 13, an identification information acquisition unit 14, a storage unit 15, and a calculation unit 16.

[0015] (Communication unit 11) The communication unit 11 communicates with the server 2. The communication unit 11 according to this embodiment communicates with the server 2 wirelessly. The communication unit 11 then receives data of the content from a device that manages the content. The content includes audio. Content based on the content data received by the communication unit 11 according to this embodiment further includes video. The communication unit 11 according to this embodiment is configured as a communication module. Note that the communication unit 11 may also be configured to communicate with the server 2 via a wired connection.

[0016] (Output unit 12) The output unit 12 outputs content. The output unit 12 is composed of a wireless communication module that transmits content data to the audio device 3 that is wirelessly connected to the terminal device 1, a terminal to which a connector of the audio device 3 that is wired to the terminal device 1 is connected, and the like. The "audio device 3" is a device that is connected to the terminal device 1. The "audio device 3" includes earphones, headphones, audio equipment, and the like. Note that if the content further includes video, the output unit 12 may be composed of a display device that the terminal device 1 is equipped with in addition to the wireless communication module and terminal. The audio device 3 may also be a device that the terminal device 1 is equipped with. In this case, the audio device 3 is composed of a built-in speaker, etc.

[0017] (Operation Unit 13) The operation unit 13 is operated by a user. The operation includes a transmission request operation. The transmission request operation is an operation for requesting the server 2 to transmit content desired by the user. The operation unit 13 includes, for example, physical buttons, a touch panel overlaid on a display device, etc.

[0018] (Identification Information Acquisition Unit 14) The identification information acquisition unit 14 acquires identification information for using content. "Identification information" is a serial code (serial number) for identifying content. The identification information includes at least one of alphabetic characters, numbers, and symbols. A single piece of identification information may be associated with one piece of content, or may be associated with multiple pieces of content. "Use" includes downloading and streaming. The identification information acquisition unit 14 may be, for example, an operation unit (keyboard, touch panel, etc.) that reads from a medium or allows a user to input identification information, or may be an input unit (communication module, input terminal, etc.) that receives identification information data. Note that the operation unit 13 according to the first embodiment may also serve as the identification information acquisition unit 14.

[0019] (Storage Unit 15) The storage unit 15 stores an OS (Operating System). The OS stored in the storage unit 15 according to this embodiment provides the terminal device 1 with the function of playing back content including audio in a first playback method. Details of the first playback method will be described later. The OS includes, for example, iOS (registered trademark). Note that the OS may be an OS other than iOS (registered trademark). The storage unit 15 also stores a content playback program (application program). The content playback program causes the processor of the terminal device 1 to execute various processes described later. The storage unit 15 according to this embodiment is configured with a semiconductor memory, a hard disk drive, etc.

[0020] (Calculation unit 16) The calculation unit 16 includes a device determination unit 161 and a playback processing unit 162. The calculation unit 16 according to this embodiment further includes a transmission control unit 163, a channel information acquisition unit 164, and an information determination unit 165. The calculation unit 16 according to this embodiment is configured with a processor. When this processor executes a content playback program stored in the storage unit 15, the processor functions as the device determination unit 161, the device determination unit 161, the playback processing unit 162, the transmission control unit 163, the channel information acquisition unit 164, and the information determination unit 165.

[0021] Transmission control unit 163 The transmission control unit 163 controls the communication unit 11 when the identification information acquisition unit 14 acquires identification information. As a result, the communication unit 11 transmits the identification information to the server 2. The transmission control unit 163 according to this embodiment also controls the communication unit 11 when a transmission request operation is performed on the operation unit 13. As a result, the communication unit 11 transmits a transmission request to the server 2.

[0022] Channel Information Acquisition Unit 164 The channel information acquisition unit 164 executes a channel information acquisition process. In the channel information acquisition process, the channel information acquisition unit 164 acquires channel information from the server 2 (a device that manages content). The channel information is information (e.g., a stream URL) that indicates a data transmission channel. The channel information acquisition unit 164 according to this embodiment acquires channel information that indicates multiple transmission channels set for each playback method.

[0023] Information Determination Unit 165 The information determination unit 165 executes information determination processing. In the information determination processing, the information determination unit 165 determines whether data in the first playback format is being transmitted to the transmission channel indicated by the acquired channel information (whether data in the second playback format is being transmitted). The "first playback format" is a playback format capable of realizing spatial audio. The first playback format is, for example, Dolby Atmos (registered trademark) or Dolby Digital Plus (registered trademark). The "second playback format" is stereo. As described above, the channel information acquisition unit 164 according to this embodiment acquires channel information indicating multiple transmission channels. Therefore, the information determination unit 165 according to this embodiment determines whether data in the first playback format is being transmitted to a target (default) transmission channel among the multiple transmission channels.

[0024] Device determination unit 161 The device determination unit 161 executes device determination processing. The device determination unit 161 according to this embodiment executes device determination processing when the information determination unit 165 determines that data in the first playback format is being transmitted to the target transmission channel. In the device determination processing, the device determination unit 161 determines whether the audio device 3 supports playback of content in the first playback format. The device determination unit 161 according to this embodiment determines whether playback of content in the first playback format is supported based on various information stored in the audio device 3.

[0025] Playback Processing Unit 162 The playback processing unit 162 executes playback processing. In the playback processing, the playback processing unit 162 uses content data to cause the audio device 3 to play the content. If the device determination unit 161 determines (in the device determination processing) that the audio device 3 supports content playback in the first playback format, the playback processing unit 162 uses data in the first playback format to cause the audio device 3 to play the content. Specifically, the playback processing unit 162 first acquires content data in the first playback format from the target transmission channel. Then, the playback processing unit 162 generates an audio signal using the acquired data. Then, the playback processing unit 162 sends the generated audio signal to the audio device 3.

[0026] On the other hand, if the device determination unit 161 determines (in the device determination process) that the audio device 3 is not compatible with playback of content in the first playback format, the playback processing unit 162 causes the audio device 3 to play back the content using content data in the second playback format. Specifically, the playback processing unit 162 first switches the target transmission channel from the default transmission channel to another transmission channel through which data in the second playback format is being transmitted (e.g., channel 2 if the default transmission channel is channel 1). The playback processing unit 162 then acquires the content data in the second playback format from the switched transmission channel. The playback processing unit 162 then generates an audio signal using the acquired data. The playback processing unit 162 then sends the generated audio signal to the audio device 3.

[0027] Furthermore, even when the information determination unit 165 determines that data in the first playback format is not being transmitted to the target transmission channel (data in the second playback format is being transmitted), the playback processing unit 162 causes the audio device 3 to play back the content using content data in the second playback format. Specifically, the playback processing unit 162 first acquires content data in the second playback format from a specified transmission channel. Then, the playback processing unit 162 generates an audio signal using the acquired data. Then, the playback processing unit 162 sends the generated audio signal to the audio device 3.

[0028] In this way, the playback processing unit 162 does not down-convert data in the first playback format even if the audio device 3 does not support playback of content in the first playback format.

[0029] [Server 2] The server 2 is a device that manages content. The server 2 communicates with the terminal device 1. The server 2 according to this embodiment communicates with the terminal device 1 wirelessly. Note that the server 2 may also be configured to communicate with the terminal device 1 via a wired connection.

[0030] The server 2 also acquires identification information from the terminal device 1. As described above, when a transmission request operation is performed by the user, the terminal device 1 according to this embodiment transmits a transmission request to the server 2. Therefore, the server 2 according to this embodiment further acquires a content transmission request from the terminal device 1.

[0031] Furthermore, the server 2 determines, based on the identification information, whether or not to permit use of the content in the terminal device 1 (whether or not to authenticate the identification information). For example, if the acquired identification information is included in a list of identification information (not shown), the server 2 determines that use of the content is permitted.

[0032] Furthermore, when the server 2 permits the use of content in the terminal device 1, it transmits channel information and content data to the terminal device 1. When the server 2 permits the use of content and acquires a content transmission request, the server transmission control unit according to this embodiment transmits channel information and content data.

[0033] [Effects of the Content Distribution System 100] In the content distribution system 100 described above, if the device determination process determines that the audio device 3 is not compatible with content playback in the first playback format, the playback process causes the audio device 3 to play the content using content data in the second playback format. Like the content data in the first playback format, the content data in the second playback format is prepared by the content provider. Therefore, the content distribution system 100 can prevent the problem of a terminal device playing content in a playback format not intended by the content provider, depending on the content playback environment.

[0034] 2, the content playback method S100 includes a device determination step A1 and a playback step A2. The content playback method S100 according to this embodiment further includes an information transmission step A3, a channel information acquisition step A4, an information determination step A5, an information acquisition step B1, a permission determination step B2, and a data transmission step B3.

[0035] [Information Transmission Step A3] In the first information transmission step A3, the terminal device 1 transmits identification information.

[0036] [Information Acquisition Step B1] After the terminal device 1 transmits the identification information, the process proceeds to information acquisition step B1, in which the server 2 communicating with the terminal device 1 acquires the identification information from the terminal device 1.

[0037] [Permission Determination Step B2] After the server 2 acquires the identification information, the process proceeds to permission determination step B2. In permission determination step B2, the server 2 determines, based on the identification information, whether or not to permit use of the content in the terminal device 1. If it is determined in permission determination step B2 that use of the content is not permitted (step B2: NO), the content playback method S100 ends.

[0038] [Data Transmission Step B3] Data transmission step B3 is performed when it is determined that use of the content is permitted in the terminal device 1 (step B2: YES). In data transmission step B3, the server 2 transmits channel information and content data to the terminal device 1.

[0039] [Channel Information Acquisition Step A4] After the server 2 transmits the channel information, the process proceeds to channel information acquisition step A4, in which the terminal device 1 acquires the channel information.

[0040] [Information Determination Step A5] After the terminal device 1 acquires the content data, the process proceeds to information determination step A5. In information determination step A5, it is determined whether data in the first playback format is being transmitted to the transmission channel indicated by the acquired channel information (whether data in the second playback format is being transmitted). This determination may be made by the terminal device 1 or another device.

[0041] [Device Determination Step A1] The device determination step A1 according to this embodiment is performed when it is determined in the information determination step A5 that data in the first playback format is being transmitted to the target transmission channel. In the device determination step A1, it is determined whether the audio device 3 connected to or included in the terminal device 1 is compatible with playback of content in the first playback format. This determination may be made by the terminal device 1 or by another device.

[0042] [Playback Step A2] In the playback step A2, the audio device 3 plays back the content using the content data (A21).

[0043] If it is determined in the device determination step A1 that the audio device 3 is compatible with the playback of content in the first playback format, in the playback step A2, the audio device 3 plays back the content using data in the first playback format.

[0044] On the other hand, if it is determined in the device determination step A1 that the audio device 3 does not support playback of content in the first playback format, in the playback step A2, the audio device 3 plays back the content using content data in the second playback format. At this time, the device (e.g., the terminal device 1) that causes the audio device 3 to output audio switches the target transmission channel from the default transmission channel to another transmission channel through which data in the second playback format is being transmitted (A22). The device then obtains the content data in the second playback format from the switched transmission channel.

[0045] Also, in the playback step A2, even if it is determined in the information determination step A5 that data in the first playback format is not being transmitted to the target transmission channel (data in the second playback format is being transmitted), the audio device 3 plays the content using content data in the second playback format.

[0046] In this way, in the reproduction step A2, even if the audio device 3 does not support reproduction of content in the first reproduction format, the data in the first reproduction format is not down-converted.

[0047] [Effects of Content Playback Method S100] In the content playback method S100 described above, if it is determined in device determination step A1 that the audio device 3 is not compatible with content playback in the first playback format, in playback step A2, the audio device 3 plays the content using content data in the second playback format. Like the content data in the first playback format, the content data in the second playback format is prepared by the content provider. Therefore, content playback method S100 can prevent the problem of a terminal device playing content in a playback format unintended by the content provider, depending on the content playback environment.

[0048] Second Embodiment Another embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail. For ease of explanation, the same reference numerals will be used to designate components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0049] [Configuration of Content Distribution System 100A] As shown in FIG. 3, the content distribution system 100 includes a terminal device 1A and a server 2A.

[0050] [Terminal device 1A] The terminal device 1A according to this embodiment includes a communication unit 11, an output unit 12, an operation unit 13, and an identification information acquisition unit 14 similar to those of the terminal device 1 according to the first embodiment, as well as a memory unit 15A and a calculation unit 16A.

[0051] (Storage Unit 15A) The storage unit 15A stores an OS (Operating System). The OS stored in the storage unit 15A according to this embodiment may provide the terminal device 1A with a function to play content including audio in a first playback format, or may not provide this function (provide the terminal device 1A with a function to play content in a second playback format). Examples of OS include Android (registered trademark). The OS may be an OS other than Android (registered trademark). The storage unit 15A also stores a content playback program (application program). The content playback program causes the processor of the terminal device 1A to execute various processes, which will be described later. The storage unit 15 according to this embodiment is configured with a semiconductor memory, a hard disk drive, etc.

[0052] (Calculation unit 16A) The calculation unit 16A includes a playback processing unit 162, a transmission control unit 163, a channel information acquisition unit 164, and an information determination unit 165 similar to those of the calculation unit 16 according to the first embodiment, as well as a device determination unit 161A. The calculation unit 16A according to this embodiment is configured with a processor. When this processor executes a content playback program stored in the storage unit 15A, the processor functions as the device determination unit 161A, the playback processing unit 162, the transmission control unit 163, the channel information acquisition unit 164, and the information determination unit 165.

[0053] Device determination unit 161A The device determination unit 161 executes a device determination process. In the device determination process, the device determination unit 161 determines whether the terminal device 1 supports playback of content in the first playback format. Specifically, the device determination unit 161 determines whether a function for supporting the first playback format has been added to the OS. The "function for supporting the first playback format" refers to a function for decoding a codec for the first playback format. The device determination unit 161 according to this embodiment determines whether the function has been added based on various information stored in the terminal device 1.

[0054] Playback Processing Unit 162 If the device determination unit 161A determines (in the device determination process) that the terminal device 1A is compatible with content playback in the first playback format, the playback processing unit 162 causes the audio device 3 to play back the content using data in the first playback format. On the other hand, if the device determination unit 161A determines (in the device determination process) that the terminal device 1A is not compatible with content playback in the first playback format, the playback processing unit 162 causes the audio device 3 to play back the content using content data in the second playback format. Furthermore, even if the information determination unit 165 determines that data in the first playback format has not been transmitted to the target transmission channel (data in the second playback format has been transmitted), the playback processing unit 162 causes the audio device 3 to play back the content using content data in the second playback format.

[0055] [Effects of Content Distribution System 100A] In the content distribution system 100A described above, if the device determination process determines that the terminal device 1A is not compatible with content playback in the first playback format, the playback process causes the audio device 3 to play the content using content data in the second playback format. Like the content data in the first playback format, the content data in the second playback format is prepared by the content provider. Therefore, the content distribution system 100A can prevent the terminal device from playing content in a playback format not intended by the content provider, depending on the content playback environment.

[0056] [Flow of content playback method] As shown in FIG. 4, the content playback method S100A includes a playback step A2, an information transmission step A3, a channel information acquisition step A4, an information determination step A5, an information acquisition step B1, a permission determination step B2, and a data transmission step B3, which are similar to the content playback method S100 according to the first embodiment, as well as a device determination step A1A.

[0057] [Device Determination Step A1A] In the device determination step A1A according to the present embodiment, it is determined whether the terminal device 1 is capable of playing back content in the first playback format. This determination may be made by the terminal device 1A or another device.

[0058] [Playback Step A2] If it is determined in the device determination step A1 that the terminal device 1A is compatible with content playback in the first playback format, then in the playback step A2, the audio device 3 plays back the content using data in the first playback format. On the other hand, if it is determined in the device determination step A1 that the terminal device 1A is not compatible with content playback in the first playback format, then in the playback step A2, the audio device 3 plays back the content using content data in the second playback format. Also, in the playback step A2, if it is determined in the information determination step A5 that data in the first playback format has not been transmitted to the target transmission channel (data in the second playback format has been transmitted), then the audio device 3 also plays back the content using content data in the second playback format.

[0059] [Effects of Content Playback Method S100A] In the content playback method S100A described above, if it is determined in device determination step A1A that terminal device 1A is not compatible with content playback in the first playback format, in playback step A2, audio device 3 plays the content using content data in the second playback format. Like content data in the first playback format, the content data in the second playback format is prepared by the content provider. Therefore, content playback method S100 can prevent the terminal device from playing content in a playback format unintended by the content provider, depending on the content playback environment.

[0060] <Modifications> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0061] For example, the server 2 may be divided into a server that authenticates the identification information and a server that manages the content. The server that authenticates the identification information may be configured to transmit a control signal to the server that manages the content when permitting use of the content in the terminal device 1. The server that manages the content may be configured to transmit content data to the terminal device 1 upon receiving the control signal.

[0062] Furthermore, the server 2 may be configured to transmit content without receiving a transmission request from the terminal device 1. In other words, once the content distribution system 100 has authenticated the identification information, the content may be viewable without waiting for a transmission request operation by the user.

[0063] The content playback program may be stored not temporarily but on one or more computer-readable storage media. The storage media may or may not be included in the device. In the latter case, the content playback program may be supplied to the device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0064] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the control blocks can be realized by logic circuits. For example, an integrated circuit in which a logic circuit that functions as each of the control blocks is formed is also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, the functions of the control blocks can also be realized by, for example, a quantum computer.

[0065] [Summary] A content playback program according to aspect 1 of the present invention is configured to cause a processor of a terminal device that receives data of content including audio from a device that manages the content to execute a device determination process that determines whether an audio device connected to or included in the terminal device is capable of playing back content using a first playback method that can realize spatial audio, and a playback process that causes the audio device to play back the content using the data. If the device determination process determines that the audio device is capable of playing back content using the first playback method, the playback process causes the audio device to play back the content using data of the first playback method. If the device determination process determines that the audio device is not capable of playing back content using the first playback method, the playback process causes the audio device to play back the content using content data of a second playback method that is different from the first playback method.

[0066] A content playback program according to a second aspect of the present invention causes a processor of a terminal device that receives data of content including audio from a device that manages the content to execute a device determination process that determines whether the terminal device is capable of playing back content using a first playback method that can realize spatial audio, and a playback process that uses the data to play back the content on an audio device connected to or included in the terminal device; if the device determination process determines that the terminal device is capable of playing back content using the first playback method, the playback process causes the audio device to play back the content using data of the first playback method; and if the device determination process determines that the terminal device is not capable of playing back content using the first playback method, the playback process causes the audio device to play back the content using content data of a second playback method that is different from the first playback method.

[0067] A content playback program according to aspect 3 of the present invention may be configured in the above-mentioned aspect 1 or 2 so as to cause the processor to further execute a channel information acquisition process for acquiring channel information indicating a transmission channel of the data from a device that manages the content, and an information judgment process for determining whether data in the first playback format is being transmitted to the transmission channel indicated by the channel information, and to execute the device judgment process when the information judgment unit determines that data in the first playback format is being transmitted to the transmission channel.

[0068] A content playback program according to a fourth aspect of the present invention may be configured in the first or second aspect above, wherein the content further includes video.

[0069] A content playback program according to aspect 5 of the present invention may be configured in the above-mentioned aspect 1 or 2 such that the first playback method is Dolby Atmos (registered trademark) or Dolby Digital Plus (registered trademark), and the second playback method is stereo.

[0070] A recording medium according to a sixth aspect of the present invention may be configured to be computer-readable and have the content playback program recorded thereon in any one of the first to fifth aspects.

[0071] A content playback method according to aspect 7 of the present invention includes an equipment determination step of determining whether an audio device connected to or included in a terminal device that receives data of content including audio from an apparatus that manages the content is capable of playing content using a first playback method that can realize spatial audio, and a playback step in which the audio device plays content based on the data, wherein if it is determined in the equipment determination step that the audio device is capable of playing content using the first playback method, in the playback step the audio device plays content based on data using the first playback method, and if it is determined in the equipment determination step that the audio device is not capable of playing content using the first playback method, in the playback step the audio device plays content based on data of content using a second playback method that is different from the first playback method.

[0072] A content playback method according to aspect 8 of the present invention includes an equipment determination step of determining whether a terminal device that receives data of content including audio from a device that manages the content is capable of playing back content using a first playback method that can realize spatial audio, and a playback step of causing an audio device connected to or included in the terminal device to play back content based on the data, wherein if it is determined in the equipment determination step that the terminal device is capable of playing back content using the first playback method, in the playback step the audio device plays back content based on data using the first playback method, and if it is determined in the equipment determination step that the terminal device is not capable of playing back content using the first playback method, in the playback step the audio device plays back content based on data of content using a second playback method that is different from the first playback method.

[0073] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Content distribution system 1, 1A Terminal device 11 Communication unit 12 Output unit 13 Operation unit 14 Identification information acquisition unit 15 Storage unit 16, 16A Calculation unit 161, 161A Device determination unit 162 Playback processing unit 163 Transmission control unit 164 Channel information acquisition unit 165 Information determination unit 2 Server 3 Audio device 3 S100, S100A Content playback method A1, A1A Device determination step A2 Playback step A3 Information transmission step A4 Channel information acquisition step A5 Information determination step B1 Information acquisition step B2 Permission determination step B3 Data transmission step

Claims

1. A content playback program that causes a processor of a terminal device that receives data of content including audio from a device that manages the content to execute a device determination process that determines whether an audio device connected to or included in the terminal device is capable of playing content using a first playback method that can realize spatial audio, and a playback process that causes the audio device to play the content using the data; if the device determination process determines that the audio device is capable of playing content using the first playback method, the playback process causes the audio device to play the content using data of the first playback method; and if the device determination process determines that the audio device is not capable of playing content using the first playback method, the playback process causes the audio device to play the content using content data of a second playback method that is different from the first playback method.

2. A content playback program that causes a processor of a terminal device that receives data of content including audio from a device that manages the content to execute: a device determination process that determines whether the terminal device is capable of playing back content using a first playback method that can realize spatial audio; and a playback process that uses the data to play back the content on an audio device connected to or included in the terminal device; if the device determination process determines that the terminal device is capable of playing back content using the first playback method, the playback process causes the audio device to play back the content using data of the first playback method; and if the device determination process determines that the terminal device is not capable of playing back content using the first playback method, the playback process causes the audio device to play back the content using content data of a second playback method different from the first playback method.

3. A content playback program as described in claim 1 or 2, further causing the processor to execute a channel information acquisition process for acquiring channel information indicating the transmission channel of the data from a device that manages the content, and an information judgment process for determining whether data of the first playback method is being transmitted to the transmission channel indicated by the channel information, and causing the processor to execute the device judgment process when the information judgment unit determines that data of the first playback method is being transmitted to the transmission channel.

4. The content playback program according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the content further includes video.

5. The content playback program according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first playback method is Dolby Atmos (registered trademark) or Dolby Digital Plus (registered trademark), and the second playback method is stereo.

6. A computer-readable recording medium on which the content playback program according to claim 1 or 2 is recorded.

7. A content playback method comprising: an equipment determination step of determining whether an audio device connected to or included in a terminal device that receives data of content including audio from a device that manages the content is capable of playing back content in a first playback method that can realize spatial audio; and a playback step in which the audio device plays back content based on the data, wherein if it is determined in the equipment determination step that the audio device is capable of playing back content in the first playback method, in the playback step the audio device plays back content based on data in the first playback method; and if it is determined in the equipment determination step that the audio device is not capable of playing back content in the first playback method, in the playback step the audio device plays back content based on data of content in a second playback method different from the first playback method.

8. A content playback method comprising: an equipment determination step of determining whether a terminal device that receives content data including audio from a device that manages the content is capable of playing back content in a first playback method that can realize spatial audio; and a playback step of causing an audio device connected to or included in the terminal device to play back content based on the data, wherein if it is determined in the equipment determination step that the terminal device is capable of playing back content in the first playback method, in the playback step the audio device plays back content based on data in the first playback method; and if it is determined in the equipment determination step that the terminal device is not capable of playing back content in the first playback method, in the playback step the audio device plays back content based on content data in a second playback method different from the first playback method.

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