JP2007306076A - Network type content play system, content play method thereof and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable another client to play the residual part of content played to midstream. <P>SOLUTION: If a stop button or a resume button of an operation section 22-1 is depressed while a CPU 27-1 of a client 20-1 is playing the content, the CPU 27-1 allows a nonvolatile memory 24-1 to store the play-interrupted content and resume information indicating the interruption point. If a resume button of an operation section 22-N of another client 20-N is depressed, a CPU 27-N searches the resume information to acquire the resume information stored in the nonvolatile memory 24-1. Then, the CPU 27-N specifies the play-interrupted content and the stopping point of the content on the basis of the acquired resume information, and plays the content at this point. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a network-type content playback system that acquires and plays back arbitrary content from a content server, and a content playback method and program thereof.

  Currently, there is known a network type content reproduction system that includes a content server and a plurality of clients, acquires content stored in the content server via a network, and reproduces the content on the client (for example, , See Patent Document 1).

  In this type of system, by storing content in a content server, a user can view one content on a plurality of clients.

Further, in Patent Document 1, when a client plays back content and stops playing the content halfway, the halfway stop information is notified to the content server, and when necessary, the halfway stop information is acquired from the content server. A technique for reproducing the continuation is disclosed.
JP 2004-229035 A (8th and 9th pages, FIG. 1)

  However, in such a conventional network type content reproduction system, when a plurality of halfway stop information by different clients are stored in the content server for the same content, there is a possibility that other interruption position information is erroneously acquired. is there. If the halfway stop information is erroneously acquired in this way, the client may perform reproduction based on the halfway stop information by another client.

  Further, as the number of clients increases, the number of halfway stop information stored in the content server also increases, so a storage area for storing the halfway stop information must be secured in the content server.

  In addition, the content server must also transmit content, and the processing work of the content server increases, and it takes time to acquire necessary halfway stop information. Therefore, such inconvenience will not occur if the stop information can be acquired without going through the content server.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a conventional problem, and even if playback is interrupted, another client can reliably reproduce the continuation from where it was interrupted by the interrupted client. It is an object of the present invention to provide a possible network type content reproduction system, its content reproduction method and program.

  It is another object of the present invention to provide a network-type content playback system, a content playback method, and a program capable of playing back a continuation of content that has been interrupted without going through a content server.

In order to achieve this object, a network type content reproduction system according to the first aspect of the present invention provides:
A content server for storing content; and a plurality of clients for reproducing the content received from the content server,
The content server and the plurality of clients are connected to each other via a communication network,
Each client
Storage means for storing information;
The content identification information for identifying the content to be reproduced and the reproduction stop information indicating the reproduction stop position of the content when receiving the reproduction start or reproduction stop of the content and receiving the reproduction stop of the content, Receiving means for storing in the storage means;
When the accepting means accepts the start of playback of the content, it searches the information stored in the storage means of another client via the communication network, and stores the content identification information and the playback stop information Information acquisition means for acquiring
Content receiving means for specifying the content to be reproduced based on the content identification information acquired by the information acquisition means, and receiving the specified content from the content server;
Content playback means for specifying the playback stop position of the content received by the content receiving means based on the playback stop information acquired by the information acquisition means, and playing back the content from the specified playback stop position. It is characterized by that.

The accepting means accepts the user identification information of the user when accepting the reproduction stop of the content, and stores the received user identification information together with the content identification information and the reproduction stop information in the storage means. And
Accepting the user identification information when the information acquisition means acquires the content identification information stored in the storage means of another client via the communication network upon accepting the reproduction start of the content;
The content receiving unit determines the content specified based on the content identification information when the user identification information received by the receiving unit matches the user identification information acquired by the information acquisition unit. You may make it receive from.

The content reproduction method of the network type content reproduction system according to the second aspect of the present invention includes:
In a network type content reproduction system in which a content server that stores content and a plurality of clients that reproduce content received from the content server are connected to each other via a communication network,
Receiving content reproduction stop input and storing content identification information for identifying content to be reproduced and reproduction stop information indicating a reproduction stop position of the content;
Receiving the reproduction start of the content, searching for information stored in another client via the communication network, and acquiring the stored content identification information and the reproduction stop information;
Identifying the content to be reproduced based on the acquired content identification information, and receiving the identified content from the content server;
And a step of identifying a reproduction stop position of the received content based on the reproduction stop information and reproducing the content from the identified reproduction stop position.

The program according to the third aspect of the present invention is:
On the computer,
A procedure for receiving content playback stop and storing content identification information for identifying content to be played back and playback stop information indicating a playback stop position of the content;
A procedure for accepting the start of reproduction of the content, searching for information stored in another client via a communication network, and acquiring the stored content identification information and the reproduction stop information;
A procedure for identifying the content to be reproduced based on the acquired content identification information and receiving the identified content from the content server;
A procedure for identifying a playback stop position of the received content based on the acquired playback stop information and playing the content from the specified playback stop position;
Is to execute.

  According to the present invention, even if an arbitrary content is interrupted by an arbitrary client and the reproduction of the content is interrupted, another client can reliably reproduce the continuation from where it was interrupted by the interrupted client. it can.

  Hereinafter, a network type content reproduction system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a network type content reproduction system according to this embodiment.
This system includes a content server 10, clients 20-1 to 20-N, and a HUB 30.

  The HUB 30 is for relaying communication between the clients 20-1 to 20 -N and the content server 10, and the clients 20-1 to 20 -N and the content server 10 are connected via the HUB 30.

  The network type content reproduction system according to the present embodiment forms a star type LAN (Local Area Network) via the HUB 30.

  The content server 10 transmits content via the HUB 30 in accordance with requests from the clients 20-1 to 20-N. For example, the content server 10 is arranged in the study 1 as shown in FIG.

  The content server 10 includes a storage unit 11, a communication control unit 12, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 14.

  The storage unit 11 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory), a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and the like, and stores a plurality of contents. The plurality of contents may be images such as still images and moving images, or may be sounds such as music. The plurality of contents may be so-called multi contents. The storage unit 11 functions as a work area for the CPU 14.

  The ROM 13 stores an operation program for the CPU 14, and the CPU 14 executes processing related to the content by executing the program stored in the ROM 13.

  The communication control unit 12 is connected to the HUB 30 and transmits / receives data including content to / from other devices.

  The clients 20-1 to 20-N read and reproduce arbitrary content from the content server 10 in response to user operations. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the clients 20-1, 20- 2, 20-N are arranged in the study 1, the living room 2, and the bedroom N, respectively. The clients 20-1 to 20-N have the same configuration, and here, the configuration will be described by taking the client 20-1 as an example.

  The client 20-1 includes a communication control unit 21-1, an operation unit 22-1, a display unit 23-1, a nonvolatile memory 24-1, a ROM 25-1, a RAM 26-1, and a CPU 27-1. Is composed of.

  The communication control unit 21-1 is connected to the HUB 30 and controls data transmission / reception between the other content server 10 and the clients 20-2 to 20-N.

  The operation unit 22-1 is for inputting data, and includes, for example, a remote controller. As shown in FIG. 3, the operation unit 22-1 includes a power switch 22a, a selection button 22b, a data input button 22c, a resume button 22d, a playback button 22e, a fast reverse button 22f, and a fast forward button 22g. , A pause button 22h, a stop button 22i, a numeric keypad 22j, and a display 22k.

  The power switch 22a is a switch for turning on / off the power of the client 20-1. The selection button 22b is a button to be pressed when selecting content to be reproduced. The data input button 22c is a button to be pressed when inputting a user ID and a password.

  The resume button 22d is a button for interrupting the reproduction of the content and reproducing the continuation of the interrupted content. The playback button 22e is a button for starting playback of content. The fast rewind button 22f is a button for rewinding the reproduction of the content. The fast-forward button 22g is a button for fast-forwarding content reproduction.

  The numeric keypad 22j is a button for selecting a content number to be reproduced when the selection button 22b is pressed, or inputting a user ID and a password when the data input button 22c is pressed.

  The pause button 22h is a button for pausing the reproduction of content. The stop button 22i is a button for stopping the reproduction of content. The display 22k is for displaying input information.

  The display unit 23-1 includes a liquid crystal display and the like, and is controlled by the CPU 27-1 to display various guidance and content to be reproduced.

  The non-volatile memory 24-1 is a memory for storing resume information. The resume information is information for allowing the other clients 20-2 to 20-N to reproduce the continuation when the reproduction of the content is stopped. As shown in FIG. 4, the resume information includes a content ID, a client ID, a midway stop time, a user ID, and a password.

The content ID is information for identifying the content whose reproduction is interrupted when the reproduction of the content is stopped.
The client ID is information for identifying the client that interrupted the content reproduction.

  The midway stop time is information indicating the time at which playback is stopped, and the nonvolatile memory 24-1 stores the frame at which playback was stopped included in the midway stop time. This halfway stop time is also information indicating a playback position when the interrupted content is continuously played back.

  The user ID and password are user identification information for identifying a user who has input resume information. The user ID is information for identifying the user name of the user who has instructed resumption. The password is information for authenticating the user. The user identification information may be either a user ID or a password. The user identification information is not limited to characters, and may be biometric information such as a fingerprint.

  When the content has been reproduced to the end, as shown in FIG. 4, all data is set to 0 and the resume information is cleared (erased).

  Further, the client 20-1 includes a power source (not shown) such as a battery that applies a voltage to the nonvolatile memory 24-1 and the communication control unit 21-1, and each client 20- It is configured to be able to communicate with 2 to 20-N and store resume information.

  The ROM 25-1 stores an operation program for the CPU 27-1. The RAM 26-1 functions as a work area for the CPU 27-1. The CPU 27-1 controls the client 20-1 according to the operation program stored in the ROM 25-1.

  When the power button 22a of the operation unit 22-1 is pressed and the client 20-1 is turned on, the CPU 27-1 executes a reproduction process in response to the operation of each button and the like of the operation unit 22-1. .

  When the playback button 22e of the operation unit 22-1 is pressed, the CPU 27-1 performs normal playback.

  That is, the CPU 27-1 requests the content server 10 to transmit a list for selecting content via the HUB 30, and causes the display unit 23-1 to display this list. Then, the CPU 27-1 requests the content server 10 to transmit the content selected from this list.

  If the list is not received, or if the content selected from the list is not received even if the list is received, the CPU 27-1 performs error processing such as displaying the fact on the display unit 23-1. Do.

  When the content is received, the CPU 27-1 reproduces the received content.

  In response to the pause button 22h being pressed during content playback, the CPU 27-1 responds to pause the content playback, and when the stop button 22i is pressed, the CPU 27-1 stops the content playback.

  When the resume button 22d is pressed, the CPU 27-1 determines that the continuation of the content whose reproduction has been stopped is viewed. In this case, the CPU 27-1 determines the interrupted content and the interrupt position.

  Further, the CPU 27-1 restricts the viewing by a third party, and in order to allow the user to input a user ID and a password, a user ID / password input screen as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display unit 23-1. Display. When the user ID and password are input to the operation unit 22-1, the CPU 27-1 accepts this input.

  Then, the CPU 27-1 sets the client ID of the client that has been played back, the content ID indicating the content for which playback has been stopped, and the midway stop time in the resume information, and stores the resume information in the nonvolatile memory 24-1. To do.

  When the resume button 22d of the operation unit 22-1 is pressed when the client 20-1 is turned on, the CPU 27-1 stores in the nonvolatile memory 24-1 of the other clients 20-2 to 20-N. Search the stored resume information.

  If the resume information stored in each of the non-volatile memories 24-2 to 24-N of the other clients 20-2 to 20-N is all cleared, the CPU 27-1 determines that the new content is to be reproduced. And play back as normal.

  On the other hand, if there is resume information that has not been cleared in any of the nonvolatile memories 24-2 to 24-N of the other clients 20-2 to 20-N, the CPU 27-1 acquires the resume information. And stored in the nonvolatile memory 24-1.

  The CPU 27-1 displays a user ID / password input screen as shown in FIG. 5 on the display unit 23-1. When the user ID and password are input to the operation unit 22-1, the CPU 27-1 receives the input of the user ID and password and determines whether or not the user is valid.

  The CPU 27-1 makes this determination by collating the input user ID and password with the user ID and password of the resume information stored in the nonvolatile memory 24-1.

  If the user is valid, first, the CPU 27-1 stores the original resume information in any of the non-volatile memories 24-2 to 24-N so that the resume information is not used again for the reproduction of the interrupted content. Erase the original resume information.

  Then, the CPU 27-1 specifies the content to be reproduced based on the content ID of the resume information, and requests the content server 10 to transmit the specified content.

  When receiving the content, the CPU 27-1 specifies the playback position of the content based on the midway stop time of the resume information, and plays back the content from the specified playback position.

Next, the operation of the network type content reproduction system according to this embodiment will be described.
When the user presses the power switch 22a of the operation unit 22-1 of the client 20-1, the client 20-1 turns on the power in response to this operation.

  The CPU 27-1 of the client 20-1 reads out the operation program from the ROM 25-1, and executes the reproduction process according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  The CPU 27-1 determines whether or not the resume button 22d of the operation unit 22-1 has been pressed (step S11).

  When the playback button 22e of the operation unit 22-1 is pressed, the CPU 27-1 determines that the resume button 22d is not pressed (No in step S11). In this case, the CPU 27-1 proceeds to step S14 and performs normal reproduction.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the resume button 22d is pressed (Yes in step S11), the CPU 27-1 determines to reproduce the continuation of the interrupted content.

  If it determines in this way, CPU27-1 will search the resume information memorize | stored in each non-volatile memory 24-2-24-N of other clients 20-2-20-N (step S12).

  The CPU 27-1 determines whether or not resume information that has not been cleared is stored in any of the nonvolatile memories 24-2 to 24-N (step S13).

  When it is determined that all the resume information in the nonvolatile memories 24-2 to 24-N has been cleared (No in step S13), the CPU 27-1 determines that the new content is to be reproduced.

The CPU 27-1 requests the content server 10 to transmit a list (step S14).
The CPU 27-1 determines whether a list has been received from the content server 10 (step S15).

  If it is determined that the list has not been received from the content server 10 (No in step S15), the CPU 27-1 performs error processing after a predetermined time has elapsed (step S16). That is, the CPU 27-1 displays an error message indicating that the list could not be received on the display unit 23-1. Then, the CPU 27-1 ends this reproduction process.

  When it is determined that the list is received from the content server 10 (Yes in step S15), the CPU 27-1 displays the list on the display unit 23-1, and when the content is selected, the CPU 27-1 selects the list. Request transmission of the content (step S17).

The CPU 27-1 determines whether or not content has been received (step S18).
When it is determined that the content has not been received (No in step S18), the CPU 27-1 performs error processing (step S16). That is, the CPU 27-1 displays an error message indicating that the content could not be received on the display unit 23-1. Then, the CPU 27-1 ends this reproduction process.

  If it is determined that the content has been received (Yes in step S18), the CPU 27-1 reproduces the content according to the resume information and causes the display unit 23-1 to display the content (step S19 in FIG. 7).

  The CPU 27-1 determines whether or not the content reproduction has ended (step S20).

  When it is determined that the content reproduction has ended (Yes in step S20), the CPU 27-1 ends the reproduction process.

  When it is determined that the content reproduction has not ended (No in step S20), the CPU 27-1 determines whether or not the stop button 22i has been pressed (step S21).

  If it is determined that the stop button 22i has not been pressed (No in step S21), the CPU 27-1 returns to step S19 and continues reproduction.

  If it is determined that the stop button 22i has been pressed (Yes in step S21), the CPU 27-1 stops the reproduction of the content (step S22).

  The CPU 27-1 determines whether or not the resume button 22d of the operation unit 22-1 has been pressed (step S23).

  When it is determined that the resume button 22d has not been pressed (No in step S23), the CPU 27-1 ends the reproduction process.

  When it is determined that the resume button 22d has been pressed (Yes in step S23), the CPU 27-1 displays a user ID / password input screen on the display unit 23-1, and accepts input of the user ID / password ( Step S24).

  The CPU 27-1 stores the resume information in the nonvolatile memory 24-1 (step S25), and ends this reproduction process.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that any non-cleared resume information is stored in any of the non-volatile memories 24-2 to 24-N (Yes in step S13), the CPU 27-1 acquires the resume information. The acquired resume information is stored in the nonvolatile memory 24-1 (step S26).

  The CPU 27-1 displays the user ID and password input screen shown in FIG. 5 on the display unit 23-1, and accepts the user ID and password input to the operation unit 22-1 (step S27).

  The CPU 27-1 determines whether or not the user is valid by collating the input user ID and password with the user ID and password included in the resume information (step S28).

  When it is determined that the user is valid (Yes in step S28), the CPU 27-1 displays information on the interrupted content on the display unit 23-1 (step S29).

  The CPU 27-1 clears the original resume information (step S30). And CPU27-1 performs step S17 and subsequent steps.

That is, the CPU 27-1 identifies the content for which reproduction has been interrupted based on the content ID of the resume information, and requests the content server 10 to transmit the identified content.
When this content is received, the CPU 27-1 reproduces the received content (steps S17 to S19).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the user is not valid (No in step S28), the CPU 27-1 ends the reproduction process without reproducing the content.

Next, the operation of the network type content reproduction system will be specifically described.
When the user presses the power button 22a of the operation unit 22-1 of the client 20-1 in the study 1, the client 20-1 responds and turns on the power.

  When the playback button 22e of the operation unit 22-1 is pressed by the user (No in step S11), the CPU 27-1 performs normal playback.

  That is, the CPU 27-1 requests the content server 10 to transmit a list (processing in step S14).

  The display unit 23-1 displays a content list as shown in FIG. When the user selects the content “C-1” by operating the data input button 22c, the numeric keypad 22j, and the selection button 22b of the operation unit 22-1, the CPU 27-1 sets “C-1” as the content ID. The content server 10 is requested to transmit the content (step S17).

  When receiving the content with the content ID “C-1” from the content server 10, the CPU 27-1 reproduces this content from the top, and the display unit 23-1 displays this content (processing in steps S <b> 18 and S <b> 19). .

  When the reproduction of this content is completed (Yes in step S20), the CPU 27-1 ends the reproduction process.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, when the content is reproduced from time t0 and the content is reproduced until the P frame after the lapse of time T1, the user presses the stop button 22i of the operation unit 22-1 ( In step S21, Yes), the CPU 27-1 stops the reproduction of the content at the time t1 and the Pth frame (processing in step S22).

  When the user presses the resume button 22d of the operation unit 22-1, the CPU 27-1 determines to view the continuation of this content (Yes in step S23). When the CPU 27-1 determines in this way, the display unit 23-1 displays a user ID / password input screen as shown in FIG.

  When the user operates the data input button 22c, the numeric keypad 22j, and the selection button 22b of the operation unit 22-1 and inputs, for example, the user ID “user1” and the password “12345”, the CPU 27-1 displays the user ID “user1”. , The input of the password “12345” is accepted (the process of step S24).

  As shown in FIG. 10, the CPU 27-1 uses the content ID “C-1”, the client ID “20-1”, the midway stop time “t1 (P frame)”, the user ID “user1”, the password as the resume information. “12345” is stored in the non-volatile memory 24-1 (step S25).

  When the user presses the power button 22a of the operation unit 22-N of the client 20-N installed in the bedroom N, the client 20-N turns on the power. When the resume button 22d of the operation unit 22-N is pressed at time t2 illustrated in FIG. 9 (Yes in step S11), the CPU 27-N determines that the user views the continuation of the interrupted content.

  Thus, if it determines, CPU27-N will search the resume information memorize | stored in each non-volatile memory 24-1-24- (N-1) of clients 20-1-20- (N-1). (Step S12).

  Resume information shown in FIG. 10 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 24-1 of the client 20-1. The CPU 27-N acquires the resume information from the nonvolatile memory 24-1 of the client 20-1, and stores the acquired resume information in the nonvolatile memory 24-N (processing in step S26).

  The CPU 27-N causes the display unit 23-N to display a user ID / password input screen as shown in FIG. When the user ID and password are input to the operation unit 22-N, the CPU 27-N receives the input of the user ID and password (processing in step S27).

  When the received user ID is “user2”, the input user ID does not match the user ID “user1” of the resume information. When the user ID is “user1” and the password is “12346”, the input password “12346” does not match the password “12345” of the resume information.

  In this case, the CPU 27-N determines that the input of the user ID and password is not valid (No in step S28), and ends the reproduction process without reproducing the content.

  On the other hand, if the input user ID is “user1” and the password is “12345”, the input user ID “user1”, the password “12345”, the user ID “user1” of the resume information, and the password “ "12345" matches.

  In this case, the CPU 27-N determines that the input of the received user ID and password is valid (Yes in step S28), and the display unit 23-N is interrupted as shown in FIG. 11 included in the resume information. The content information is displayed (processing in step S29).

  When the play button 22e is pressed, the CPU 27-N erases the original resume information stored in the non-volatile memory 24-1 of the client 20-1 (processing in step S30).

  Then, the CPU 27-N specifies the content based on the content ID “C-1”, and requests the content server 10 to transmit the content with the content ID “C-1” (processing in step S17).

  When this content is received at time t3 shown in FIG. 9 (Yes in step S18), the CPU 27-N specifies the playback position based on the midway stop time “t1 (P frame)”, and this playback at time t3. The content with the content ID “C-1” is reproduced from the position “t1 (P frame)” (processing in step S19).

  The user views the continuation of the content with the content ID “C-1” whose reproduction is interrupted in the study 1 in the bedroom N.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, for example, when the CPU 27-1 of the client 20-1 reproduces content and the stop button 22i and the resume button 22d are pressed, the CPU 27-1 Is stored in the nonvolatile memory 24-1.

  When this content is reproduced by another client, for example, the client 20-N, the CPU 27-N of the client 20-N retrieves the resume information and acquires the resume information stored in the nonvolatile memory 24-1. I tried to do it.

  Then, based on the resume information, the CPU 27-1 specifies the playback position based on the content for which playback has been interrupted and the midway stop time of the content, and plays the content from this position.

  Therefore, even if the reproduction of content is interrupted by the client 20-1, resume information can be obtained without going through the content server 10, and the other clients 20-2 to 20-N are interrupted by the client 20-1. Therefore, it is possible to reliably reproduce the continuation without error.

  Even if the number of clients increases, it is not necessary to secure a storage area for storing the interrupt position information in the content server 10, and necessary resume information can be acquired immediately.

  For this reason, even if the reproduction of the content is interrupted and the room is moved, the continuation of the interrupted content can be immediately viewed in the destination room.

  In addition, when playing the continuation of the suspended content, the validity of the user is determined using the user ID and password, so that the content of the suspended content can be viewed without being viewed by a third party. The continuation can be played back.

In carrying out the present invention, various forms are conceivable and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.
For example, the network is not limited to one provided in one house such as the study 1, the living room 2, and the bedroom 3, and may be the Internet.

  In the above-described embodiment, the program is described as being stored in advance in a memory or the like. However, a program for operating this system as all or part of the apparatus, or for executing the above-described processing is a flexible disk, CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read-Only Memory), DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). It may be stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as MO (Magneto Optical disk) and distributed, installed in another computer, operated as the above-mentioned means, or the above-mentioned steps may be executed.

  Furthermore, the program may be stored in a disk device or the like included in a server device on the Internet, and may be downloaded onto a computer by being superimposed on a carrier wave, for example.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the network type content reproduction system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the content server shown in FIG. 1, and a client. It is a figure which shows the example of the operation part shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the resume information which the non-volatile memory shown in FIG. 1 memorize | stores. It is a figure which shows the input screen of the user ID and password which the display part shown in FIG. 1 displays. 3 is a flowchart showing a reproduction process (part 1) executed by a CPU shown in FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a reproduction process (part 2) executed by the CPU shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the list | wrist of the content which the display part shown in FIG. 1 displays. It is a timing chart which shows the specific operation | movement of a network type content reproduction system. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the resume information which the non-volatile memory shown in FIG. 1 memorize | stores. It is a figure which shows the example of a display which a display part displays when reproducing the continuation of the interrupted content.

Explanation of symbols

10 Content Server 20-1 to 20-N Client 24-1 to 24-N Nonvolatile Memory 27-1 to 27-N CPU
30 HUB

Claims (4)

A content server for storing content; and a plurality of clients for reproducing the content received from the content server,
The content server and the plurality of clients are connected to each other via a communication network,
Each client
Storage means for storing information;
The content identification information for identifying the content to be reproduced and the reproduction stop information indicating the reproduction stop position of the content when receiving the reproduction start or reproduction stop of the content and receiving the reproduction stop of the content, Receiving means for storing in the storage means;
When the accepting means accepts the start of playback of the content, it searches the information stored in the storage means of another client via the communication network, and stores the content identification information and the playback stop information Information acquisition means for acquiring
Content receiving means for specifying the content to be reproduced based on the content identification information acquired by the information acquisition means, and receiving the specified content from the content server;
Content playback means for specifying the playback stop position of the content received by the content receiving means based on the playback stop information acquired by the information acquisition means, and playing back the content from the specified playback stop position. ,
A network-type content reproduction system characterized by the above. The accepting means accepts the user identification information of the user when accepting the reproduction stop of the content, and stores the received user identification information together with the content identification information and the reproduction stop information in the storage means. And
Accepting the user identification information when the information acquisition means acquires the content identification information stored in the storage means of another client via the communication network upon accepting the reproduction start of the content;
The content receiving unit determines the content specified based on the content identification information when the user identification information received by the receiving unit matches the user identification information acquired by the information acquisition unit. Receive from the
The network type content reproduction system according to claim 1. In a network type content reproduction system in which a content server that stores content and a plurality of clients that reproduce content received from the content server are connected to each other via a communication network,
Receiving content reproduction stop input and storing content identification information for identifying content to be reproduced and reproduction stop information indicating a reproduction stop position of the content;
Receiving the reproduction start of the content, searching for information stored in another client via the communication network, and acquiring the stored content identification information and the reproduction stop information;
Identifying the content to be reproduced based on the acquired content identification information, and receiving the identified content from the content server;
Identifying the playback stop position of the received content based on the playback stop information, and playing back the content from the specified playback stop position.
A content reproduction method for a network type content reproduction system. On the computer,
A procedure for receiving content playback stop and storing content identification information for identifying content to be played back and playback stop information indicating a playback stop position of the content;
A procedure for accepting the start of reproduction of the content, searching for information stored in another client via a communication network, and acquiring the stored content identification information and the reproduction stop information;
A procedure for identifying the content to be reproduced based on the acquired content identification information and receiving the identified content from the content server;
A procedure for identifying a playback stop position of the received content based on the acquired playback stop information and playing the content from the specified playback stop position;
A program for running

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