SP263309WO00
Title of Invention
CONTENT REPRODUCTION APPARATUS, CONTROL INFORMATION
PROVIDING SERVER, AND CONTENT REPRODUCTION SYSTEM
Technical Field
[0001]
The present invention relates to a content reproduction apparatus, a control
10 information providing server, and a content reproduction system.
Background Art
[0002]
At present, with the development of communication infrastructure, various
15 services are provided via communication networks such as the Internet. For
example, media contents such as music or moving images are provided via the
Internet in a download or streaming manner.
[0003] 1
In such a content providing service, for example, a list of contents to be
20 provided is usually displayed on a web page. According to most of the related art,
when a user performs an operation of selecting a desired content from thfi, list of the
contents, the selected content starts to be reproduced . A content is usually
configured according to a stream of a single time axis that has one starting point and
one ending point.
25 [0004]
On the other hand, for example, in a game world, a multimedia engine is
mounted on a terminal apparatus and a plurality of streams including a plurality of
time axes are linked and reproduced by executing a program language. When this
reproduction of the streams is applied to contents other than the game, link-type
30 contents using various expressions can be provided.
[0005]
2/56
SP263300WO00
However, when a complex multimedia engine is mounted, cost may increase.
Therefore, high functional expressions provided by a multimedia engine are not
necessary in contents for which complex processing of the game is not necessary to
perform. Accordingly, JP 2008-113247A discloses a content reproduction system
5 that reproduces another content on a reproduction division screen of a moving image
file in response to a user's operation in accordance with a moving image file and a
separate guide file or performing a process of ending reproduction.
Citation List
10 Patent Literature
[0006]
Patent Literature 1: JP 2008-113247A
Summary of Invention
15 Technical Problem
[0007]
However, the content reproduction system disclosed in JP 2008 -113247A
simply defines a user's operation or the like of transitioning one content to another
content. For example, when the content reproduction system is applied to a content
20 in which a plurality of streams are linked complicatedly or one content is operated by
a plurality of providers, there is a problem that the content reproduction system is not
suitable.
[000&.]
The present invention is devised in view of the above-mentioned problem
25 and an object of the present invention is to provide a novel and improved content
reproduction apparatus, a novel and improved control information providing server,
and a novel and improved content reproduction system capable of reproducing a linktype
content which includes a plurality of scenarios formed by content data and
control information used to control reproduction of the content data and to which a
30 scenario is linked.
3/56
SP263309W000
Solution to Problem
[0009]
According to an aspect of the present invention in order to achieve the
above-mentioned object, there is provided a content reproduction apparatus including
5 a reproduction control unit that controls reproduction of a link-type content including
a plurality of scenarios that each include content data and control information
regarding reproduction of the content data, and a control information acquisition unit
that acquires the control information. The reproduction control unit controls the
reproduction of the link type content by reproducing the content data in accordance
10 with the control information including event information used to transition from a
current scenario to another scenario.
[0010]
Further, the event information of the control information may include
information used to acquire control information of a scenario of a transition
15 destination, the control information acquisition unit may acquire the control
information of the scenario of the transition destination based on the information
used to acquire the control information of the scenario of the transition destination,
and the reproduction control unit may control the transition of the scenario by
reproducing content data of the scenario of the transition destination in accordance
20 with the control information of the scenario of the transition destination.
[0011]
Further, the control information acquisition unit may take over
authentication information of a user between the scenarios by adding the
authentication information of the user to an acquisition request message used to
25 acquire the control information, transmitting the acquisition request message, and
acquiring the control information to which the authentication information of the user
is added.
[0012]
Further, the control information acquisition unit may add common user
30 authentication information commonly used in the scenarios of the fink-type content
and user authentication information of each provider given to each provider that
456
SP263309W000
provides the scenario to the acquisition request message used to acquire the control
information.
[0013]
Further, when the control information acquisition unit determines that the
5 current scenario and another scenario are provided by a same provider, the control
information acquisition unit may add the user authentication information of each
provider based on the control information to the acquisition request message used to
acquire the control information of the another scenario.
[0014]
10 Further, the event information may include bridge information that defines a
user interface when the current scenario transitions to another scenario, and the
reproduction control unit may display a bridge screen configured to transition to the
another scenario based on the bridge information.
[0015]
15 Further, it may further include a reproduction processing unit that performs
a production process under control of the reproduction control unit. The bridge
information may include information of a still image to be displayed during a setup
period of the another scenario, and the reproduction processing unit may include a
still image reproduction unit that reproduces the still image, a moving image
20 reproduction' unit that reproduces a moving image, and a selector that switches
between an output image of the still image reproduction unit and an output image of
the moving image reproduction unit.
[00161
Further, the control information may include media-type information of the
25 content data, and the reproduction control unit may perform control such that the
reproduction processing unit performs a process of reproducing the content data in
accordance with the media-type information.
[0017]
Further, when a media-type of the content data is a moving image, the
30 control information may include information regarding at least one of twodimensional
video content data and three-dimensional video content data.
5/56
SP263309W®00
[0018]
. Further, the event information may include information indicating a range in
which the current scenario transitions to another scenario, and the reproduction
control unit may display the bridge screen when a user performs an operation of
5 activating the event within the range.
[0019]
Further, when the scenario of the transition destination is a loop scenario
that returns to a transition point of a scenario of a transition source, the reproduction
control unit may retain information regarding the transition point and the control
10 information of the scenario of the transition source and reproduces the scenario of the
transition destination.
[0020]
Further, when the loop scenario further transitions to still another scenario
and the still another scenario is not a loop scenario, the reproduction control unit may
15 cancel the retention of the information regarding the transition point and the control
information of the scenario of the transition source.
[0021]
According to another aspect of the present invention in order to achieve the
above-mentioned object, there is provided a control information providing server
20 including a communication unit that receives an acquisition request for acquiring
control information regarding reproduction of content data from a content
reproduction apparatus reproducing the content data, and an input/output control unit
that provides the content production apparatus with the control information including
event information used to transition from a current scenario to another scenario based
25 on the acquisition request.
[0022]
Further, according to another aspect of the present invention in order to
achieve the above-mentioned object, there is provided a content reproduction
apparatus including a content reproduction apparatus that reproduces content data, a
30 content providing server that provides the content data, and a control information
providing server that provides control information regarding the reproduction of the
6/56
SP263309W®00
content data, the control information being associated with the content data. The
content reproduction apparatus may include a reproduction control unit that controls.
reproduction of a link-type content including a plurality of scenarios that each
include content data and control information regarding reproduction of the content
5 data, a control information acquisition unit that acquires the control information
associated with the content data to be reproduced from the control information
providing server, and a reproduction control unit that controls the reproduction of the
content data in accordance with the control information. The reproduction control
unit may control the reproduction of the link-type content by controlling transition
10 between the scenarios by reproducing the content data in accordance with the control
information.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0023]
15 According to the present invention described above, it is possible to provide
a content reproduction apparatus, a control information providing server, and a
content reproduction system capable of reproducing a plurality of linked streams.
Brief Description of Drawings
20 [0024]
[Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a content reproduction system
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[Fig. .2] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating the data structure of a link-type content
produced by of the content reproduction system according to the embodiment of the
25 present invention.
[Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating a difference between the configurations of
content reproduction apparatuses.
[Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the content
reproduction apparatus.
30 [Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a VSI.
[Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a diagram for describing definitions of terminology.
7/56
SP263309 W000
[Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a content in which both 2D
content data and 3D content data are provided.
[Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating loop scenarios.
[Fig. 9] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating a connect scenario.
5 [Fig. 10] Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of the connect scenario.
[Fig. 11] Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating a termination scenario.
[Fig. 12] Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating a temporal Event.
[Fig. 13] Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating a spatial Event.
[Fig. 1411 Fig. 14 is a, diagram illustrating a spatiotemporal Event.
10 [Fig. 15] Fig. 15 is a diagram illustrating an auto Event using the termination
scenario.
[Fig. 16] Fig. 16 is a diagram illustrating an auto Event using the connect scenario.
[Fig. 17] Fig. 17 is a diagram illustrating an auto Event using the loop scenario.
[Fig. 18] Fig. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a bridge.
15 [Fig. 19] Fig. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method of mounting a
bridge screen.
[Fig. 20] Fig. 20 is a diagram illustrating another example of the method of mounting
a bridge screen.
[Fig. 21] Fig. 21 is a diagram illustrating one other example of the method of
20 mounting a bridge screen.
[Fig. 22] Fig. 22 is a diagram illustrating one other example of the method of
mounting a bridge screen.
[Fig. 23] Fig. 23 is a diagram illustrating a method of realizing the bridge screens
shown in Figs. 21 and 22.
25 [Fig. 24] Fig. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of a scenario configuration of a
content.
[Fig. 25] Fig. 25 is a diagram illustrating a sequence of operations in the example of
Fig. 24.
[Fig. 26] Fig. 26 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the content reproduction
30 apparatus.
[Fig. 27] Fig. 27 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the content reproduction
8/56
SP263309W000
apparatus.
[Fig. 28] Fig. 28 is a diagram illustrating a sequence of operations when an
authentication token is used.
[Fig. 29] Fig. 29 is a diagram illustrating an example of a content realizable by the
5 takeover of the authentication token.
[Fig. 30] Fig. 30 is a table illustrating an example of detailed specifications of the
VSI (scenario).
[Fig. 31] Fig. 31 is a table illustrating an example of detailed specifications of the
VSI (Event portion)
10 [Fig. 32] Fig. 32 is a table illustrating an example of detailed specifications of the
VSI (bridge portion).
[Fig. 33] Fig. 33 is a table illustrating an example of detailed specifications of the
VSI (branch portion).
[Fig. 34] Fig. 34 is a diagram illustrating an example of a multi-scenario content
15 realizable by applying the content reproduction system according to the embodiment.
[Fig. 35] Fig. 35 is a diagram illustrating an example of an experience-based tour
content realized by applying the content reproduction system according to the
embodiment.
[Fig. 36] Fig. 36 is a diagram illustrating an example of a content realized by
20 applying the content reproduction system according to the embodiment.
[Fig. 37] Fig. 37 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a moving image
content associated with a main moving image content is provided by applying the
content reproduction system according to the embodiment.
[Fig. 38] Fig. 38 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a CM content is
25 inserted and replaced by applying the content reproduction system according to the
embodiment.
[Fig. 39] Fig. 39 is a diagram illustrating an example of a virtual space realized by
applying the content reproduction system according to the embodiment.
[Fig. 40] Fig. 40 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user experience realized by
30 the virtual space shown in Fig. 39.
[Fig. 91] Fig. 41 is a diagram illustrating a scenario configuration of a cinema part of
9/56
SP263309 WO00
the virtual space shown in Fig. 39.
[Fig. 42] Fig. 42 is a diagram illustrating another example of the user experience
realized by the virtual space shown in Fig. 39.
[Fig. 43] Fig. 43 is a diagram illustrating a scenario configuration of one shop of the
5 virtual space shown in Fig. 39.
[Fig. 44] Fig. 44 is a diagram illustrating the overview of reproduction of a content
according to the related art.
[Fig. 45] Fig. 45 is a diagram illustrating a data structure in the reproduction of the
content according to the related art.
10
Description of Embodiments
[0025]
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be
described in detail with reference to the appended drawings. Note that, in this
15 specification and the drawings, elements that have substantially the same function
and structure are denoted with the same reference signs, and repeated explanation is
omitted.
[0026]
Throughout the specification and the drawings, different letters are
20 sometimes given after the same reference numeral of a plurality of constituent
elements having substantially the same functional configuration. For example, a
plurality of constituent elements having substantially the same functional
configuration are distinguished from each other, as in a VSI server 300a and a VSI
server 300b. However, when it is not necessary to particularly distinguish a
25 plurality of constituent elements having substantially the same functional
configuration, the same reference numerals are given. For example, when it is not
necessary to particularly distinguish the VSI server 300a and the VSI servcr 300b
from each other, the VSI server 300a and the VSI server 300b are simply referred to
as the VSI servers 300.
30 [0027]
The description will be made in the following order.
10/56
SP263309 W 000
1. Overview
2. Functional Configuration
3. Terminology Definition
4. Kinds of Scenarios
5 5. Kinds of Events
6. Patterns of Bridges
7. Examples of Operations
8. Takeover of Authentication Token
9. Example c,f Detailed Specifications of Control Information
10 10. Examples of Application Services
[0028]
1. Overview
The overview of a content reproduction system according to an embodiment
of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3, 44, and 45 in
15 comparison to a content reproduction system according to the related art. Fig. 1 is a
diagram illustrating the overview of the content reproduction system according to the
embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating the data structure of a link-type content
reproduced by the content reproduction system according to the embodiment. Fig.
3 is a diagram illustrating a difference between the configurations of the content
20 production apparatus according to the embodiment and the content production
apparatus according to the related art.
[0029]
Fig. 44 is a diagram illustrating the overview of a content reproduction
system according to the related art. Fig. 45 is a diagram illustrating the data
25 structure of a content reproduced by the content reproduction system according to the
related art.
[0030]
First, referring to Fig. 44, the content reproduction system according to the
related art reproduces a content configured according to a stream of a single time axis
30 which has one starting point and one ending point. On the other hand, referring to
Fig. 1, a content reproduction system according to the embodiment can reproduce a
SP263309WO00
content configured such that a plurality of streams of a plurality of time axes are
linked. Such a content is referred to as a link-type content below. The link type
content includes a plurality of scenarios each configured by a stream of a single time
axis. For example, a scenario Si shown in Fig. 1 is linked to a scenario S2 at Event
5 1 and is linked to a scenario S3 at Event 2. That is, one liniktype content is
configured such that a plurality of scenarios are linked. At this time, when the
scenario S1 is reproduced, the scenarios S2 and S3 are referred to as branch scenarios
from the viewpoint of the scenario S I. On the other hand, the scenario S I is also
referred to as a base scenario.
10 [0031]
The scenario Si is an information program content and is a content that
introduces, for example, movie information. At this time, when a branch scenario is
assumed to be an introduced movie content and, for example, a user performs an
operation of viewing the content at a scene (within Event 1) in which a movie is
15 introduced, the scenario S1 is linked to the scenario S2 and content data of the
scenario S2 can be reproduced.
[0032]
Throughout the specification and the drawings, reference numerals are
sometimes given to scenarios to distinguish the scenarios from each other.
20 However, the reference numerals are used to distinguish the scenarios from each
other in the same drawing. Even when the same reference numeral is given in
another drawing, the same reference numeral may not necessarily indicate the same
scenario. In the same drawing, scenarios to which the same reference numeral is
given are assumed to be the same scenarios.
25 [0033]
Next, referring to Fig. 45, when a user selects a desired content from a list
of the contents provided by an HTML document, the content reproduction system
according to the related art acquires and reproduces the content data of the selected
content.
30 [0034]
On the other hand, when a user selects a desired content from a list of the
12/56
SP263309WO00
contents provided by an HTML document, as in Fig. 2, a content reproduction
apparatus of the content reproduction system according to the embodiment acquires
video scenario information (VSI), which is control information of a scenario first
reproduced in the selected content. Then, the content reproduction apparatus
5 reproduces the content data in accordance with the VSI. For example, even when
the scenario SI is linked to the scenario S2, the content reproduction apparatus
acquires the VSI of the scenario S2 with reference to the position of the VSI of the
scenario S2 described in the VSI of the scenario Si, acquires the content data of the
scenario S2 in accordance with the VSI of the scenario S2, and then reproduces the
10 content data of the scenario S2.
[0035]
Thus, one scenario includes one piece of content data and VSI which is
control information used to control reproduction of the content data. The details of
the VSI will be described later.
15 [0036]
Next, referring to Fig. 3, the configuration of the content reproduction
apparatus (link-type content reproduction apparatus) according to the embodiment
will be described in comparison to a client of the related art receiving a delivered
stream and a game apparatus of the related art. An AV player and browser are
20 mounted on a client apparatus of the related art that receives a delivered stream, as
described with reference to Figs. 44 and 45. On the other hand, instead of a
browser, a heavy multimedia engine is mounted on a game apparatus of the related
art, such that various expressions are realized. However, for example, when a
multimedia engine is mounted on an information processing apparatus such as a
25 television receiver, the information processing apparatus is heavy in an operation,
and thus a comfortable operation may not be expected. Accordingly, the content
reproduction apparatus according to the embodiment can be realized by mounting a
light engine (VSI client engine) expanding the functions of an AV player.
[0037]
30 The content reproduction apparatus of the content reproduction system
according to the embodiment can be realized using all lands of information
13/56
SP263309W000
processing apparatuses such as personal computers (PC), household video processing
apparatuses (DVD recorders or video recorders), personal digital assistants (PDA),
and household electrical appliances and portable information processing apparatuses
such as portable telephones, personal handyphone systems (PHS), portable
5 reproduction apparatuses, and portable video processing apparatuses. Further, the
content reproduction apparatus may be realized by game apparatuses such as
household game apparatuses and portable game apparatuses.
[0038]
2. Functional Configuration
10 Content Reproduction System 10
Next, the functional configuration of the content reproduction system will
be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the
functional configuration of the content reproduction system according to the
embodiment.
15 [0039]
A content reproduction system 10 according to an embodiment of the
present invention includes a content reproduction apparatus 100, a web server 200
that provides a content list screen or the like to a user, a VSI server 300 that provides
VSI, and a content sever 400 that provides content data. The content reproduction
20 apparatus 100, the web server 200, the VSI server 300, and the content server 400 are
connected to each other via a network 500.
[0040]
Here, the VSI and the content data are assumed to be stored in separate
servers, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the VSI and
25 the content data may be stored in one server. Here, the single VSI server 300 and
the single content server 400 are provided, but the plurality of VSI servers 300 and
the plurality of content servers 400 may be provided. For example, the content
reproduction system 10 may include the content server 400 provided by a plurality of
providers. Likewise, the VSI server 300 may be also provided by a plurality of
30 providers.
[0041]
14/56
SP263309W000
Content Reproduction Apparatus 100
The content reproduction apparatus 100 is an information processing
apparatus that has a function of reproducing a link-type content. The content
reproduction apparatus 100 acquires the VSI from the VSI server 300 and acquires
5 content data of a content reproduced in accordance with the acquired VSI from the
content server 400. The content reproduction apparatus 100 outputs the link-type
content by reproducing the acquired content data.
[0042]
The content eproduction apparatus 100 mainly includes a communication
10 unit 110 and a control unit 120.
[0043]
The communication unit 110 is a communication interface that connects the
content reproduction apparatus 100 to an external apparatus in a wired or wireless
manner. In Fig. 4, the communication unit 110 is connected only to the network
15 500. However, the communication unit 110 may be, for example, a communication
interface connected to an input/output device (not shown). For example, when a
mouse serving as an input device has a connector that conforms with a universal
serial bus (USB) standard, the communication unit 1-10 may include a port and a host
controller that conform with the USB standard.
20 [0044]
The control unit 120 functions as an arithmetic processing device and a
control device. The control unit 120 controls all of the operations of the content
reproduction apparatus 100 in accordance with various programs. Further, the
control unit 120 may be a microprocessor. For example, the control unit 120
25 mainly includes a display control unit 122, a control information acquisition unit 124,
a reproduction control unit 126, and a reproduction processing unit 130. The
above-described function of the control unit 120 is actually realized by reading a
control program from a storage medium such as a read-only memory (ROM) or a
random access memory (RAM), which stores a control program describing a
30 processing order in which an arithmetic device such as a central processing apparatus
(CPU) realizes the function, and analyzing the control program.
15/56
[0045]
SP263309WO00
The display control unit 122 controls screen display of a display device (not
shown). For example, when a user inputs an operation instruction using an input
device (not shown), the display control unit 122 accesses the web server 200 in
5 response to the operation instruction, acquires a content list screen, and displays the
acquired content list screen on the display device. Further, when the reproduction
control unit 126 reproduces a content, the display control unit 122 displays the
reproduced content on the display device.
[0046]
10 The control information acquisition unit 124 acquires the VSl which is
control information of the content data. The control information acquisition unit
124 acquires the VSI corresponding to a link type content designated by operation
information input by the user using the input device, and then the VSI regarding a
scenario designated by the VSI. At this time, when a scenario is transitioned to
15 another scenario by an auto Event, the control information acquisition unit 124
automatically acquires the VSI of the scenario designated by the VSI. Conversely,
when a scenario is designated not by an auto Event but by the input device operated
by the user, the control information acquisition unit 124 acquires the VSI
corresponding to the designated scenario. The auto Event which is a kind of Event
20 will be described in detail later.
[0047]
The reproduction control unit 126 controls the reproduction of the link-type
content by controlling the reproduction processing unit 130. The link-type content
includes a plurality of scenarios that each include content data and VSI which is
25 control information regarding reproduction of the content data. As shown in Fig. 5,
the VSI is generated for each scenario and is provided, for example, in the format of
an XML document. The VSI includes information (the URL or the like of the
content data of a. scenario) necessary to reproduce and activate the scenario, a
plurality of Event information used to transition from the scenario to another
30 scenario, and token information used to authenticate a user or the like. The Event
information includes bridge information in which at least one of a time range and a
16/56
SP263309 W 000
space range in which the transition to a branch scenario is effective defines a user
interface configured to transition to another scenario and a single or plurality of
branch information indicating another scenario. The branch information includes
information (the URL or the like of VSI of a branch scenario) necessary to transition
5 to a branch scenario divided from the scenario. The VSI of the branch scenario also
includes the same information as the VSI. For example, the VSI of the branch
scenario may include information used to transition to a branch scenario further
divided from the branch scenario.
[0048]
10 The reproduction control unit 126 controls the reproduction of the link-type
content by reproducing the content data in accordance with the VSI. As described
above, the VSI includes URL information of the content data of the scenario and the
URL of the VSI of the branch scenario. Therefore, when the control information
acquisition unit 124 acquires the VSI of the branch scenario in accordance with the
15 VSI of the scenario and the reproduction control unit 126 controls the reproduction
of the content data in accordance with information of the content data included in the
VSI acquired by the control information acquisition unit 124, the reproduction
control unit 126 controls the reproduction of the link-type content.
[0049]
20 The reproduction processing unit 130 performs a process of reproducing the
content data under the control of the reproduction control unit 126. The
reproduction processing unit 130 includes, for example, a decoder that decodes the
content data. The reproduction processing unit 130 has been described as one
function of the control unit 120 in Fig. 4, but the present invention is not limited
25 thereto. For example, a part or the entirety of the reproduction processing unit 130
may be realized by hardware.
[0050]
Web Server 200
The web server 200 is a server apparatus that provides a screen for a list of
30 the contents to be reproduced by the content reproduction apparatus 100. The web
server 200 mainly includes a display control unit 210 and a communication unit 220.
17/56
SP263309WO00
The communication unit 210 is a communication interface that connects the web
server 200 to another apparatus. The display control unit 210 controls display of a
screen provided to the content reproduction apparatus 100. Specifically, the display
control unit 210 generates a screen including the list of the contents provided by the
5 content server 400 and provides the screen to the content reproduction apparatus 100.
[0051]
VSI Server 300
The VSI server 300 is a server apparatus that provides the VSI which is
control informationfor each scenario of the link content. The VSI server 300
10 provides the VSI in response to a request of the content reproduction apparatus 100.
The VSI server 300 mainly includes a communication unit 310, an input/output
control unit 320, and a VSI storage unit 330.
[0052]
The communication unit 310 is a communication interface that connects the
15 VSI server 300 to another apparatus. The input/output control unit 320 controls
input and output of data in the VSI server 300. The input/output control unit 320
analyzes a VSI acquisition request message from the content reproduction apparatus
100, extracts the VSI of a scenario from the VSI information storage unit 330 in
response to the VSI acquisition request message, and provides the extracted VSI to
20 the content reproduction apparatus 100.
[0053]
Content Server 400
.. The content server 400 is a server apparatus that provides the content data of
each scenario included in the link-type content. When the provided content is a
25 normal content, one provider provides one content. However, one link-type content
is sometimes generated by a plurality of providers, since content data of the VSI may
be generated for each scenario by different providers. Therefore, the content server
400 may be a different server apparatus for each provider. The same is applied to
the VSI server 300.
30 [0054]
The content server 400 mainly includes a communication unit 410, an
18/56
SP263300WO00
input/output control unit 420, and a content data storage unit 430. The content
server 400 analyzes a content data acquisition request message transmitted from the
content reproduction apparatus 100 to the content server 400 with reference to the
VSI, extracts the content data of the scenario in response to the content data
5 acquisition request message from the content data storage unit 430, and provides the
content data to the content reproduction apparatus 100.
[0055]
3. Definitions of Terminology
Next, definitions of terminology for constituent elements of the link-type
10 contents will be described with reference to Fig. 6.
[0056]
As shown in Fig. 6, the link-type content includes a plurality of scenarios.
The scenario is established by one time axis and is a part of the link-type content.
The scenario normally becomes one stream. The scenario includes one content file
15 and one VSI file which is a metadata file of the content file and in which the VSI is
described. The link-type content shown in Fig. 6 includes eleven scenarios of TSI
to TS5, LSI to LS4, CS1, and CS2.
[0057]
In the scenario, a temporal location (time range) or a spatial location (space
20 range) at which the scenario can transition to another scenario is referred to as an
Event. Event information which is information regarding an Event includes bridge
information that defines a user interface during the transition from the scenario to
another scenario and information regarding a branch scenario which is another
scenario from the viewpoint of the scenario. For example, scenarios TS2, TS3, TS4,
25 and TS5 are referred to as branch scenarios from the viewpoint of the scenario TS1.
Further, the scenarios LS 1, CS 1, and LS2 are branch scenarios from the viewpoint of
the scenario TS2 which is a branch scenario from the viewpoint of the scenario TS 1.
[0058]
The bridge information includes information regarding user authentication
30 for whether to transition to another scenario, information regarding an operation such
as selection when a plurality of scenarios are linked, and information regarding
19/566
SP263309W000
designation of display of the entire screen.
[0059]
4. Kinds of Scenarios
Next, the scenarios included in the link-type content reproduced in the
5 content reproduction system 10 according to the embodiment will be described with
reference to Figs. 7 to 11.
[0060]
First, a scenario refers to one reproduction unit that is reproduced along a
single time axis. The link-type content reproduced in the content reproduction
10 system 10 according to the embodiment is configured such that a plurality of
scenarios are basically linked. At this time, for example, a moving image, a still
image, a slide show, or an application is used as the content data of each scenario.
[0061]
The reproduction of one scenario continues until the content data of the
15 scenario starts to be reproduced and is divided, stopped, or ended. Examples of
operations of a remote controller during the reproduction of the scenario include a
Stop operation, an Enter operation, a Pause operation, an FF operation, an FR
operation, a Skip operation, and a Play operation.
[0062]
20 The Stop operation is an operation that is performed to stop the reproduction.
When the Stop operation is performed, the reproduction of the link-type content is
stopped and a current screen returns to a screen before activation of the link type
content.
[0063]
25 The Enter operation is performed, for example, to check the division of the
scenario within an Event target temporal range (or spatial range). When the Enter
operation is performed within the Event target temporal range or spatial range, a
bridge screen is displayed.
[0064]
30 The Pause operation, the FF operation, and the FR operation are the same as
those in normal reproductions of a content. That is, when the Pause operation is
20/56
SP263309W000
performed, the reproduction of a content being reproduced is temporarily stopped.
The FF operation and the FR operation. are optional operations. When a content
corresponds to the FF operation and the FR operation and the FF operation is
performed, the content being reproduced is fast forwarded. When the FR operation
5 is performed, the content being reproduced is rewound.
[0065]
When the Skip operation is performed during the reproduction of the
content, a current scene is skipped to a scene at the subsequent Event starting point.
The Play operation is used to resume the reproduction of the content of the scenario
10 being reproduced from the Pause operation.
[0066]
Classification According to Media Type of Scenario
As described above, for example, a moving image, a still image, a slide
show, or an application is used as the content data of a scenario.
15 [0067]
A moving image scenario is a scenario that is configured by a moving image
content of a moving image and an audio. At this time, the moving image
corresponds to at least one of a 2-dimensional (D) content and a 3D content. For
example, in the link-type content shown in Fig. 7, when the content data of each
20 scenario is a'2D content, a reference numeral 2D is added after a reference numeral
of a scenario via a hyphen to indicate a 2D content. Likewise, when the content
data of each scenario is a 3D content, a reference numeral 3D is added after a
reference numeral of a scenario via a hyphen to indicate a 3D content.
[0068]
25 For example, in the link-type content shown in Fig. 7, a scenario Si, a
scenario S2, and a scenario S3 have both 2D data and 3D data. Conversely, a
scenario S4 and a scenario S5 have only 2D data. When the link-type content is
reproduced and the content reproduction apparatus 100 does not correspond to the
reproduction of a 3D content, the reproduction control unit 126 of the content
30 reproduction apparatus 100 normally reproduces the content data with reference to
2D content data. On the other hand, when the content reproduction apparatus 100
21/56
SP263309WO00
corresponds to the reproduction of a 3D content and, for example, 3D content data is
present, the reproduction control unit 126 may automatically select the 3D content
data. At this time, for example, when only 2D content data is present as in the
scenario S4, the reproduction is preferably switched automatically to the
5 reproduction of 2D content data.
[0069]
At present, 2D content data is mainly used. A reproduction apparatus
corresponding to the reproduction of 3D content data is not commonly used.
Therefore, when 3D content data is provided, 2D content data is also preferably
10 provided. The presence or absence of 3D correspondence can be set in a scenario
unit.
[0070]
In the reproduction of the moving image scenario, the final image of the
moving image is displayed, and then an escape from the moving image scenario is
15 preferable, for example, by transiting to the original scenario or ending the link-type
content. Further, when an Event is designated by the VSI, a bridge screen of
another designated scenario is displayed by performing the Enter operation within an
intended time (or intended space) of an Event.
[0071]
20 The'still image scenario is a scenario that is configured in one still image
having the JPEG format or the like. When the still image scenario is reproduced, a
still image which is content data is displayed on the entire screen. The
classification according to the link types of scenarios will be described later, but the
still image scenario can be applied to all link types of scenarios. In the still image
25 scenario, when the user performs the Enter operation during the reproduction of a
scenario, the scenario escapes. Further, when an Event is designated by the VSI of
the still image scenario and the user performs the Enter operation, a bridge screen to
another designated scenario is displayed.
[0072]
30 The slide show scenario is a scenario that is configured by a single or
plurality of still images. When the slide show scenario is reproduced, a still image
22/56
SP263309WO00
which is content data is displayed on the entire screen. Then, the display of each
still image is switched sequentially at predetermined time intervals. When the final
still image included in slide show content data is displayed, for example, the slide
show scenario returns to the original scenario or the link-type content ends, the
5 reproduction of the slide show scenario ends.
[0073]
The application scenario is a scenario that is configured by an application.
Examples of the application used here include widget applications and Java
(registered trademark) applications.
10 [0074]
Classification According to Link Type of Scenario
Scenarios included in the link-type content reproduced in the content
reproduction system 10 according to this embodiment are classified into three types,
a loop scenario, a connect scenario, and a termination scenario mainly according to
15 behaviors when the scenarios end.
[0075]
First, as shown as a loop scenario LS I in Fig. 8, the loop scenario refers to a
scenario that returns to a transition point of the same scenario when the a scenario Si
transitions at a given time point and the reproduction of the scenario ends. When
20 the loop scenario starts to be reproduced, the reproduction control unit 126 of the
content reproduction apparatus 100 retains information (resuming information)
regarding the transition point of the scenario of a transition source and VSI (a main
portion of the VSI or URL information of the VSI) of the scenario of the transition
source and automatically resumes the reproduction of the original scenario after the
25 reproduction of the loop scenario ends.
[0076]
For example, in the link-type content shown in Fig. 8, when the scenario Si
transitions to a loop scenario LS1 during the reproduction of the scenario Si and the
loop scenario LS 1 further transitions to a loop scenario LS2, the reproduction control
30 unit 126 of the content reproduction apparatus 100 retains resuming information at
the transition time point from the loop scenario LS 1 to the loop scenario LS2 as well
23/56
SP263309 W 000
as resuming information and the VSI at the transition point from the scenario Si to
the loop scenario LS1.
[0077]
On the other hand, when transition to a branch scenario other than the loop
5 scenarios is performed, for example, in a halfway Event, the reproduction control
unit 126 may delete the retained resuming information and the retained VSI due to
absence of the return to the original transition point.
[0078]
Next, the connect scenario refers to a scenario different from the transition
10 source when the reproduction of the scenario ends, or a scenario transitioned to
another temporal location of the scenario of the transition source. Fig. 9 shows an
example of a connect scenario CS1 transitioned to a scenario different from the
transition source. Fig. 10 shows an example of the connect scenario CSI
transitioned from the scenario Si and transitioned to another temporal location of the
15 same scenario St. When the reproduction of the connect scenario ends, the connect
scenario is preferably frozen to the screen when the reproduction ends in order to
smoothly transition to the reproduction of a scenario of a transition destination.
Further, the connect scenario is different from the loop scenario in that it is not
necessary to retain the information regarding the transition point and the VSI of the
20 scenario of the transition source in the activation of the connect scenario, when the
connect scenario transitions from another scenario.
[0079]
_ The termination scenario refers to a scenario for which the reproduction of
the link-type content ends when the reproduction of the scenario ends. For example,
25 a scenario TSl that is a branch scenario of the scenario S1 and is a termination
scenario is shown in Fig. 11. As in the connect scenario, it is not necessary to retain
the information regarding the transition point in the activation of the termination
scenario and the VSI of the scenario of the transition source, when the termination
scenario transitions from another scenario.
30 [0080]
Since there is a probability that each scenario is generated separately by a
24/56
SP263309 W®00
plurality of providers, it is important to define operational rules for such a content.
For example, the rule for transition between scenarios is considered as follows.
[0081]
When transition between scenarios is performed by a halfway Event of a
5 scenario, any type of scenario may basically transition to any type of scenario.
However, when a loop scenario transitions in multiple stages from the viewpoint of
management, the limitation on the number of stages is preferably set. When a loop
scenario transitions to another type of scenario, as described above, the information
regarding the transition point and the VSl of the scenario of the transition source are
to deleted.
[0082]
Further, the following rule is preferably applied to transition when a
scenario ends. For example, a connect scenario can transition to a connect scenario
or a termination scenario by an Event when the scenario ends. A loop scenario
15 transitions at a transition time point of the scenario of the transition source according
to the definition, when the reproduction ends. When the reproduction of the
termination scenario ends, a termination scenario does not transition to any scenario,
and thus the reproduction of the link-type content ends.
[0083]
20 5. Kinds of Events
Next, the kinds of Events will be described with reference to Figs. 12 to 17.
First, an Event refers to a partial section of a time or a space of the scenario and
functions as a link of transition to another scenario.
[0084]
25 The Event is classified into three kinds of Events: a temporal Event, a
spatial Event, and a spatiotemporal Event. Basically, the Event is used to transition
to another scenario when a user performs an operation within a section defincd by a
time or a space. However, an auto Event used to automatically transition to another
scenario without a user's operation is also defined.
30 [0085]
First, the temporal Event refers to a time zone partitioned by a starting point
25/56
SP263309WO00
and an ending point on the time axis of a scenario. In the VSI, the temporal Event
is defined by the starting point and the ending point.. For example, when a scenario
S1 is linked to a scenario S2 at Event 1, as in Fig. 12, and a user performs an Enter
operation during the reproduction of the scenario Si, the reproduction control unit
5 126 of the content reproduction apparatus 100 determines whether a time point at
which the user performs an Enter operation is within an Event section designated by
the VSI. When the reproduction control unit 126 determines that the time at which
the user performs the Enter operation is within the Event section designated by the
VSI, the repr^oductioncontrol unit 126 causes the display control unit 122 to display
10 a bridge screen designated by the VSI. Then, the reproduction control unit 126
reproduces another scenario S2 designated by a user's operation.
[0086]
The spatial Event refers to an Event indicated by a region on a screen space
of a scenario. In the VSI, the spatial Event is defined by the upper left coordinate
15 and the lower left coordinate of a rectangular region. The spatial event is mainly
used when a scenario is a still image scenario. Alternatively, when a scenario is a
moving image scenario and an event is effective in the entire time section of the
scenario, the event is referred to as the spatial event. For example, as shown in Fig.
13, two events, Event 1 and Event 2, are defined in a still image scenario Si. When
20 the user performs an Enter operation during the reproduction of the still image
scenario Si, the reproduction control unit 126 determines whether the position of a
cursor at the time point at which the user performs the Enter operation is within a
rectangular region of an event defined by the VSI. When the reproduction control
unit 126 determines that the position of the cursor is within the rectangular region of
25 the event, the reproduction control unit 126 causes the display control unit 122 to
display a bridge screen designated by the VSI. Further, when a scenario is
designated by a user's operation, the reproduction control unit 126 starts reproducing
another scenario S2 designated by the user's operation.
[0087]
30 The spatiotemporal event refers to an event indicated by a rectangular
region on a screen space within a time on the time axis of a scenario. In the VSI,
26/56
SP263309W®00
the spatiotemporal event is defined by the starting and ending points of the time axis
and the upper left and lower right coordinates of the rectangular region on the screen.
The spatiotemporal event is effective only when the scenario is a moving image
scenario having time and space concepts. Fig. 14 shows spatiotemporal Event 1
5 and Event 2 in a scenario S 1. When the user performs an Enter operation during the
reproduction of the scenario S1, the reproduction control unit 126 determines
whether the time point at which the user performs the Enter operation is within a
time range of an event defined by the VSI and determines whether the position of a
cursor at the time point at which the user performs the Enter operation is within the
10 space range of the event defined by the VSI. When the reproduction control unit
126 determines that the time point within time range of the event and the position of
the cursor is within the space range of the event, the reproduction control unit 126
causes the display control unit 122 to display a bridge screen designated by the VSI.
Further, when a scenario is designated by a user's operation, the reproduction control
15 unit 126 starts reproducing another scenario S2 designated by the user's operation.
[0088]
For example, when the reproduction control unit 126 recognizes a spatial
event or a spatiotemporal event in the VSI, the reproduction control unit 126 may
perform control such that the cursor is displayed on a display screen. A method of
20 displaying the cursor is dependent on implementation. However, for example, the
cursor may be configured to be moved on a screen by upper, lower, rigid :, and left
keys of an input device such as a remote controller.
[0089
The temporal event, the spatial event, and the spatiotemporal event, that is,
25 the events used to transition from a scenario to another scenario mainly by a user's
operation, have been described. In addition to the events used to transition from a
scenario to another scenario by a user's operation , an auto event used to
automatically transition from a scenario to another scenario is also defined. Next,
the auto event will be described.
30 [0090]
The auto event refers to an event used to transition a scenario to another
27/56
SP263309WOOO
scenario automatically regardless of a user's operation. When the auto event is
defined by the VSI and the reproduction control unit 126 of the content reproduction
apparatus 100 recognizes that a scenario enters a time range defined by the auto
event, the reproduction control unit 126 interrupts the reproduction of the scenario
5 automatically regardless of a user's operation, displays a bridge screen, and
transitions the scenario to another scenario.
[0091]
For example, Event I is defined as an auto event in a scenario Si shown in
Fig. 15. When the reproduction control unit 126 of the content reproduction
10 apparatus 100 currently reproducing the scenario Si recognizes that the scenario Si
enters the range of Event 1 defined by the VSI of the scenario S1, the reproduction
control unit 126 displays a bridge screen defined by the VSI and then starts
reproducing the scenario S2 automatically. The auto event, Event 1, is used, for
example, when a moving image after a given time point in the scenario SI is desired
15 to be replaced.
[0092]
For example, a scenario of a transition destination of the auto event may be
a connect scenario. For example, when a scenario Si is defined such that the
scenario automatically transitions to a connect scenario CS1 which is an auto
20 scenario from a given time point ti, the reproduction of the connect scenario CS1
ends, and then the connect scenario CSI transitions to the original scenario Si at a
time point t2, as in Fig. 16, a moving image between the time point if to the time
point 12 of the scenario S I can be replaced with the details of the connect scenario
CS1. Such a scenario can be applied to a scenario in which a parental lock is set.
25 That is, only when the parental lock is set, an auto event is configured to be effective
and a content from the time point tl to the time point t2 which includes the details
inappropriate for children can be replaced with the details of the connect scenario
CS1.
[0093]
30 Alternatively, the scenario of the transition destination of the auto event may
be a loop scenario. For example, as shown in Fig. 17, a loop scenario LS1 is
28/56
SP263309W000
defined as an auto scenario at a given time point it of a scenario S1. According to
the loop scenario LS1, for example, a commercial message (CM) content can be
inserted into the middle of the scenario Si. In the link-type content, a content can
be replaced with another content at a halfway time point of a scenario SI without
5 editing the original scenario SI by editing the VSI. Therefore, for example, when a
loop scenario is a CM content, the details of the CM content can be replaced
periodically. Alternatively, different CM contents can be displayed depending on
users when the result of user authentication is used. For example, it can be easily
realized that CM contents can be displayed depending on information regarding
10 preference of users or no CM content is displayed to a user who pays a fee.
[0094]
6. Patterns of Bridges
Next, bridges included in event information will be described with reference
to Figs. 18 to 23. Fig. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a bridge.
15 [0095]
A bridge is a UI in the division of a scenario and bridge information in the
VSI is defined for each event. The bridge information defines a screen used in the
division of the scenario and provided when a user performs an input operation in an
event range or a scenario enters the event range of an auto event,
20 [0096]
For example, when the user performs an Enter operation on an event screen
182 within an event range during reproduction of content data of a scenario S 1 which
is a base scenario in the example of Fig. 18, the reproduction control unit 126 causes
the display control unit 122 to display a first bridge screen 184 defined by the bridge
25 information.
[009'7]
On the first bridge screen 184 in Fig. 18 , two options , that is, an option to
transition to one branch scenario S2 and an option to return to the original base
scenario, are displayed in a screen structure that is defined by the bridge information
30 and includes the UI of a user's operation . Here, when the user performs an input
operation of selecting the option to transition to the branch scenario S2, the
29/56
SP263309 W 000
reproduction control unit 126 causes the display control unit 122 to display a second
bridge screen 186.from which the UI of the option is deleted. When the setup for
starting reproduction of a branch scenario S2 is completed, the reproduction control
unit 126 starts reproducing the branch scenario S2 and the display control unit 122
displays a branch scenario start screen 188.
[0098]
The overview of the display of the bridge screen has been described.
However, several patterns of the method of displaying the bridge screen can be
considered. Therefore, four display patterns of the bridge screen will be described
10 below. The same screen transition operation as the operation described in Fig. 18 is
performed in the four display patterns to be described below with reference to Figs.
19 to 22.
[0099]
First, a first pattern of the bridge screen display will be described with
15 reference to Fig. 19. When the user performs an operation of activating an event on
an event screen 192 of the scenario Si, the reproduction control unit 126 displays a
bridge screen 194, in which an option providing display defined by the bridge
information overlaps with a pause screen of the event screen 192 for the operation of
activating the event. When the user selects the option to transition to the branch
20 scenario on 'the bridge screen 194, the reproduction control unit 126 starts
reproducing the branch scenario. However, a screen display of a setup period until
the activation of the reproduction of the branch scenario S2 is dependent on
implementation of a terminal. In many cases, the display of a screen 196 is
generally set to be in a back image state during the setup period.
25 [0100]
A second pattern of the bridge screen display will be described with
reference to Fig. 20. The second pattern of the bridge screen display is different
from the first pattern in that the option providing display does not overlap with the
pause screen, but the option providing display overlaps with a black image on the
30 bridge screen 204. In the first and second patterns of the bridge screen display, the
screen display of the setup period is set to be in the black image state until the
30/56
SP2,63309WG00
activation of the reproduction of the branch scenario S2. These patterns are
assumed to have an effect that the user can easily view the options by setting the
background of the option display as the black image. However, when such a black
image is interposed during the transition from a scenario to another scenario,
5 continuity of a content view perspective may not be achieved, and thus natural
scenario division may not be realized.
[0101]
Accordingly, when a screen to be displayed is defined even during the setup
period until the activation of the reproduction of the branch scenario S2, the
10 continuity of the content view perspective can be achieved, and thus natural scenario
division can be realized. Thus, a third pattern of the bridge screen display in which
the display of a still image assumed even during the setup period is maintained will
be described with reference to Fig. 21.
[0102]
15 In the third pattern of the bridge screen display, when the user performs an
operation of activating an event on an event screen 212, a first bridge screen 214 is
displayed such that an option providing display overlaps with the entire display of a
still image defined by the bridge information and corresponding to the pause screen
in the operation of activating the event. Then, a second bridge screen 216 in which
20 the overlapping option providing display is deleted from the first bridge screen is
displayed during the setup period in which the user selects the option to transition to
the branch scenario on the first bridge screen 214 and the reproduction of the branch
scenario S2 starts. The background of the first bridge screen 214 and the second
bridge screen 216 are still images such as JPEG. In the example of Fig. 21, the still
25 images are assumed to be images corresponding to the pause screen in the operation
of activating the event. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For
example, an image different from the pause screen may be defined by the bridge
information of a separate VSI.
[0103]
30 A fourth pattern of the bridge screen display in which a background image
likewise forming the bridge screen is defined will be described with reference to Fig.
31/56
SP263309W®00
22, In the third pattern of the bridge screen display, the still image on the bridge
screen is displayed on the entire screen. In the fourth pattern, the still image on the
bridge screen is displayed on a part of the screen. In this pattern, an effect that the
user can easily view the options can be expected by displaying the options against the
5 background of the black image, compared to the third pattern.
[0104]
As described in the third and fourth patterns, a structure for switching
between output images by displaying the bridge screen using the still image is
necessary in order to provide a screen in which the continuity of the content view
10 perspective is achieved even during the setup period. Next, the configuration of the
content reproduction apparatus 100 capable of realizing the third and fourth patterns
of the bridge screen display will be described with reference to Fig. 23.
[0105]
Fig. 23 is a diagram illustrating a partial configuration of the content
15 reproduction apparatus 100 configured to realize the third and fourth patterns of the
bridge screen display. Here, the constituent elements to which the same reference
numerals as those in the configuration of Fig. 4 are given are assumed to have the
same functional configurations as those of Fig. 4.
[0106]
20 The content reproduction apparatus 100 includes a communication unit 110
and a reproduction processing unit 130. Content data acquired from the content
server 400 via the communication unit 110 is reproduced by the reproduction
processing unit 130 that operates under the control of the reproduction control unit
126, and thus a video is output.
25 [0107]
The reproduction processing unit 130 includes a demultiplexer 132, a still
image decoder 134, a video decoder 136, and a selector 138. The demultiplexer
132 is a circuit that demultiplexes one input signal into a plurality of signals in
accordance with a control signal. The demultiplexer 132 inputs still image data
30 demultiplexed from the input signal to the still image decoder 134. Further,
demultiplexer 132 inputs video data demultiplexed from the input signal to the video
32/56
decoder 136.
[0108]
SP263309WO00
The still image decoder 134 has a function of decoding the input still image
data. The video decoder 136 has a function of decoding the input video data. The
5 selector 138 is a circuit that selects one signal from a plurality of input signals and
outputs the selected signal. When a reproduced scenario Si, which is a base
scenario, transitions to a bridge screen, the selector 138 switches an output video
from output data of the video decoder 136 to output data of the still image decoder
134 under the control of the reproduction control unit 126. Then, the selector 138
10 outputs the output data of the still image decoder as an output video during a setup
period in which the reproduction of a scenario S2 is prepared. When the setup of
the scenario S2 is completed, the selector 138 switches the output video to the output
data of the video decoder 136.
[0109]
15 The content reproduction apparatus 100 having such a configuration can
switch the output video to one of a still image and a moving image. When a still
image to be output is defined in addition to the setup period by the bridge
information of the VSI, the still image is displayed even during a setup period of the
content data of a moving image to be subsequently reproduced, compared to a case
20 of the related art in which a black image is generally displayed. Therefore, a
content with the continuity of a view perspective can be provided.
[0110]
The first to fourth patterns described above are merely examples. Other
patterns based on different screen structures may be defined. The display control
25 unit 122 of the content reproduction system 10 defines the layout of a display screen
based on a pattern designated by the VSI.
[0111]
The bridge may not necessarily include a UI for the options selected by a
user's operation. When an immediate bridge is designated, the UI for the options is
30 not displayed and thus a user's operation is not waited for. When a still image is
designated as a pattern, a branch scenario displayed automatically through the
33/56
SP263309WO00
display of the still image starts to be reproduced. In the immediate bridge, the
number of branch scenarios divided from the event of the base scenario is limited to
only one. Therefore, the immediate bridge is assumed to be used when a scenario
may intent to a branch scenario by performing an Enter operation once at the event.
[0112]
The constituent elements of the content reproduction system 10 according to
the embodiment of the present invention have been described. Next, examples of
operations of the content reproduction system 10 will be described.
[0113]
10 7. Examples of Operations
Fig. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of 'a link-type content. Fig. 25
is a diagram illustrating a sequence of an example of an operation of reproducing the
link-type content in Fig. 24.
[0114]
15 The link-type content shown in Fig. 24 includes a termination scenario TS1,
which is a base scenario, and a loop scenario LS1. The loop scenario LS1 is
divided at an event at a given time point of the termination scenario TS1. The
termination scenario TS1 and the loop scenario LS1 are provided by different
providers. The content data and the VSI of the termination scenario TS1 and the
20 content data and the VSI of the loop scenario LS1 are provided from different VSI
servers 300 and content servers 400.
[0115]
First, the display control unit 122 of the content reproduction apparatus 100
requests a content list screen to the web server 200 (S102). Then, the web server
25 200 provides an HTML document including a list of the contents in response to this
request from the content reproduction apparatus 100 (5104). When a user 600
referring the provided content list screen performs an operation of selecting a linktype
content from the list of the contents (5106), the display control unit 122
activates the function of a VSI client 128 (S108). The VSI client 128 is a concept
30 that includes the functions of the control information acquisition unit 124 and the
reproduction control unit 126 in Fig. 4.
34(56
[0116
SP263309W000
The VSI client 128. requests the VSI server 300a to transmit the VSI
corresponding to the link-type content designated by the user 600 in response to the
request from the display control unit 122 (S110). The VSI server 300a requested to
5 transmit the VSI from the VSI client 128 transmits the VSI corresponding to a
scenario TSI to be first reproduced in the link-type content described in the request
message (S112). Then, the VSI client 128 having received the VSI analyzes the
received VSI (S114). The VSI describes information indicating a location in which
the content data of this scenario is stored. The VSI client 128 inputs not only
10 information regarding the storage location of the content data but also a stream
reproduction request to the reproduction processing unit 130 (S 116).
[0117]
The reproduction processing unit 130 requests the content server 400a to
perform streaming activation based on the information received from the VSI client
15 128 (SI18). The content server 400a starts streaming delivery of the content data
corresponding to the designated scenario Si in response to the request of the
streaming activation (S120). When the user 600 performs an Enter operation during
the reproduction of the scenario TSI in the streaming- delivery manner (S122), the
VSI client 128 controls the display of the bridge screen based on the bridge
20 information included in the VSI (S124). Here, an option to transition to a loop
scenario LS1, which is a branch scenario, and an option to return to a termination
scenario TS 1, which is an original base scenario, are displayed on the branch screen.
[0118j
When the user 600 performs an operation of selecting a branch scenario on
25 the bridge screen (S 126), the VSI client 128 requests the VSI server 300b to transmit
the VSI corresponding to the loop scenario LS1 which is the branch scenario selected
by the user 600 (S128). The VSI server 300b transmits the VSI corresponding to
the designated scenario LSI to the VSI client 128 in response to the request message
of the VSI (5130).
30 [0119]
The VSI client 128 having received the VSI analyzes the received VSI
35/56
SP263300WO00
(S 132). Then, the VSI client 128 acquires the storage location of the content data of
the loop scenario LS1, which is a branch scenario, from the VSI and inputs not only
information regarding the storage location of the content data but also the streaming
reproduction request to the reproduction processing unit 130 (S134). At this time,
5 the VSI client 128 retains information regarding a transition time point and the VSI
regarding the base scenario TSI. The reproduction processing unit 130 transmits a
streaming activation request of the loop scenario LS1 to the content server 400b
(S 136) in response to the reproduction request.
[0120]
10 The content server 400b having received the streaming activation request
starts the streaming of the designated scenario LS1 (S138). When the reproduction
of the scenario LSI ends, the VSI client 128 starts reproducing the original base
scenario TSI automatically. Specifically, the VSI client 128 controls the
reproduction processing unit 130 such that the reproduction processing unit 130
15 resumes the reproduction of the base scenario TSi from the transition time point
based on the retained information regarding the transition time point and the retained
VSI regarding the base scenario TSI (S140). In the example of Fig. 25, the VSI
client 128 retains the VSI itself regarding the base scenario TSI. Therefore, the
VSI client 128 can resume the reproduction of the base scenario TS1 without
20 reacquiring the VSI information, after the reproduction of the loop scenario LSI
which is a branch scenario ends. On the other hand, the VSI client 128 may retain
only the information regarding the storage location of the VSI depending on the
performance of the content reproduction apparatus 100. In this case, the VSI client
128 can reacquire the VSI based on the retained infornation regarding the storage
25 location and resume the reproduction of the base scenario TS 1.
[0121]
Under the control of the VSI client 128, the reproduction processing unit
130 requests the content server 400a to perform the streaming activation of the
content data from the transition time point of the base scenario TS1 (S142). Then,
30 the content server 400a resumes the streaming delivery of the base scenario TS1 in
response to this request (S144).
36/56
[0122]
SP263309W®00
The. operation of the content, reproduction system 10 in the example of the
link-type content shown in Fig. 24 has been described. Next, an operation of the
content reproduction apparatus 100 will be described with reference to Figs. 26 and
5 27. Figs. 26 and 27 are flowcharts illustrating the operation of the content
reproduction apparatus.
[0123]
When the reproduction of the link-type content is started by a user's
operation, the operation of the flowchart starts. When the VSI client 128 of the
10 content reproduction apparatus 100 receives an instruction to reproduce a link-type
content, the VSI client 128 acquires the VSI from a designated URL (5202). Then,
the VSI client 128 analyzes the VSI acquired by the VSI client 128 (S204).
[0124]
In the VSI, a media type of the scenario is described. Therefore, the VSI
15 client 128 determines the media type of the scenario based on the VSI (S206). Here,
the media types of the scenarios are four types, that is, an application (App), a still
image (Still), a slide show (Slide), and a moving image (Video).
[0125]
When the VSI client 128 determines that the media type of the scenario is
20 the application in step S206, the VSI client 128 executes a target application (S208).
When the media type of the scenario is an application, the execution of the
application ends due to the fact that the kind of scenario is defined as the termination
scenario, and thus the reproduction of the link-type content ends.
[0126]
25 When the VSI client 128 determines that the media type of the scenario is a
still image in step S206, the VSI client 128 displays a still image of the target
scenario (S210). When the VSI client 128 determines that the media type of the
scenario is a slide show in step S206, the VSI client 128 activates display of the
target slide show (S212). When the VSI client 128 determines that the media type
30 of the scenario is the slide show in step S206, the VSI client 128 activates the
reproduction of streaming of the target scenario (S214). At this time, the VSI client
37/56
SP263309W®00
128 starts the reproduction of the streaming from a designated time position
depending on a situation,
[0127]
When the reproduction of the still image, the slide show, and the moving
5 image starts in step 5210, step S212, and step S214, respectively, the VSI client 128
subsequently determines whether the user 600 performs an upper, lower, right, or left
key operation using an input device (5216). When the VSI client 128 determines
that the user 600 performs the upper, lower, right, or left key operation in step 5216,
the display control unit 122 displays a cursor and moves the position of the cursor in
10 response to the key operation (S218). After the operation of step 5218, the
operation returns to step S216 to make the determination.
[0128]
When the VSI client 128 determines that the user 600 performs the upper,
lower, right, or left key operation in step 5216, the VSI client 128 subsequently
15 determines whether a decision key operation is performed (5220). When the VSI
client 128 determines that the user 600 performs the decision key operation in step
S220, it is determined whether the decision key operation is performed within a
target event (5222). When it is determined in step- S222 that the decision key
operation is not performed within the target event, the operation returns to step 5216
20 to make the determination. Conversely, when it is determined in step S222 that the
decision key operation is performed within the target event, the operation proceeds to
step S228 of Fig. 27.
[0129
Conversely, when the VSI client 128 determines that the user 600 does not
25 perform the decision key operation in step 5220, the VST client 128 subsequently
determines whether the scenario ends (S224). When the VSI client 128 determines
that the scenario does not end in step S224, the operation returns to step 5216 to
make the determination. That is, the determinations of step 5216 to step S224 are
repeated until the decision key operation is performed within the target event or the
30 reproduction of the scenario ends.
[0130]
38/56
SP263309W000
Conversely, when the VSI client 128 determines that the scenario ends in
step S224, the VSI client 128 subsequently determines whether the link-type content
is a termination case of the link-type content (5226). That is, the termination case
of the link-type content refers to a case in which a reproduced scenario is a
5 termination scenario.
[0131]
When the VSI client 128 determines that the link-type content is the
termination case of the link-type content in step S226, the reproduction of the linktype
content ends. Conversely, when the VSI client 128 determines that the link-
10 type content is the termination case of the link-type content in step 5226, the
operation proceeds to step 5228.
[0132]
In step S228, the VSI client 128 displays a bridge. Here, the VSI client
128 determines whether the scenario reproduced up to the current time point is a loop
15 scenario and the production of the loop scenario ends (S230). When the VSI client
128 determines that the reproduction of the loop scenario ends in step 5230, the VSI
client 128 designates a VSI URL of a scenario of a return destination and a resuming
position (that is, a transition time point) (5232) and the operation proceeds to step
5252. Conversely, when the VSI client 128 determines that the reproduction of the
20 loop scenario does not end in step S230, the VSI client 128 subsequently determines
whether the bridge displayed in step S228 is an immediate bridge (S234). This
determination is made based on bridge information of the bridge displayed in step
S228-
[0133]
25 When the VSI client 128 determines that the bridge displayed in step S228
is the immediate bridge in step 5234, the operation proceeds to step' S248.
Conversely, when the VSI client 128 determines that the bridge displayed in step
5228 is not the immediate bridge in step 5234, the VSI client 128 subsequently
determines whether the user performs the upper or lower key operation using the
30 input device (S236). When the VSI client 128 determines that the user performs the
upper or lower key operation in step S236, the display control unit 122 moves the
39/56
SP263309 W 000
cursor in response to the upper or lower key operation (S238). Conversely, when
the VSI client 128 determines that the user does not perform the upper or lower key
operation in step 5236, the VSI client 128 subsequently determines whether the user
performs the decision key operation (5240).
5 [0134]
When the VSI client 128 determines that the user does not perform the
decision key operation in step 5240, the operation returns to step 5236. Conversely,
when the VSI client 128 determines that the user performs the decision key operation
in step S240, the VSIclient 128 subsequently determines whether a selected option is
10 an option to return to the original scenario (5242).
[0135]
When the VSI client 128 determines that the selected option is the option to
return to the original scenario in step 5242, the operation returns to step S206 of Fig.
26 to make the determination. Conversely, when the VSI client 128 determines that
15 the selected option is not the option to return to the original scenario in step 5242, the
VSI client 128 subsequently determines whether the scenario of a transition
destination is a loop scenario (5244).
[0136]
When the VSI client 128 determines that the scenario of the transition
20 destination is not the loop scenario in step S244, the VSI client 128 releases the VSI
(S246). Conversely, when the VSI client 128 determines that the scenario of the
transition destination is the loop scenario in step S244, the VSI client 128 retains the
VSI URL of the cutTently reproduced scenario and resuming information (S248).
[0137]
25 Then, the VSI client 128 designates the VSI URL of the scenario of the
transition destination and a streaming starting position, verifies a token, and sets the
token in the V5I URL (S252). After step 5252, the operation proceeds to step 5202.
[0138]
The operation of the content reproduction system 10 according to the
30 embodiment has been described. In the operation of the content reproduction
system 10, an authentication token described partially in step 5252 of Fig. 27 will be
4.0/56
SP263309W000
described in detail below.
[0139]
8. Takeover of Authentication Token
In the content reproduction system 10 according to the embodiment,
5 authentication information of a user can be taken over between scenarios provided
by different providers by including an authentication token in the VSI and taking
over the authentication token between the scenarios.
[0140]
The takeover of the authentication token will be described with reference to
10 Figs. 28 and 29. Here, the VSI and the content data of each scenario are provided
from a VSI content server 350a of Provider A that supplies both the VSI and the
content data and a VSI content server 350h of Provider B that supplies both the VSI
and the content data.
[0141]
15 First, the web server 200 provides an HTML document of a list of contents
to the display control unit 122 of the content reproduction apparatus 100 (5302). At
this time, the web server 200 transmits not only the HTML document but also a
token used to identify a user. Further, the user 600 is assumed to perform a log-in
operation on the web site provided by the web server 200.
20 [0142]
When the user 600 performs an operation of selecting a link-type content
with reference to the provided list of the contents (5304), the display control unit 122
activates the function of the VSI client 128 to reproduce the link-type content (5306).
[0143]
25 Then, the VSI client 128 transmits not only the token but also a request to
acquire the VSI to the VSI content server 350a (5308). The VSI content server
350a transmits the VSI in response to the request to acquire the VSI (S310). At this
time, the VSI content server 350a includes a common token as common user
authentication information used commonly in the link-type content in the VSI, and
30 then transmits this VSI.
[0144]
41/56
SP263309 WO00
Although not illustrated in Fig. 28, the VSI client 128 may transmit a
streaming activation request to the VSI content server 350a after performing step
5310. In response to the activation request, the VSI content server 350a starts
reproducing the streaming of the content data of the designated scenario (5312).
5 When the user 600 gives an instruction to transition to a scenario associated with
purchase of goods during the reproduction of the content data of the scenario (5314),
the VSI client 128 determines whether the transition instruction is given within the
range of an event and gives a request to acquire the VSI in response to the instruction
(5316). At this time, the VSI client 128 includes the common token in a VSI
10 acquisition request message and transmits the VSI acquisition request message.
[0145]
The VSI content server 350a performs a paying process based on an input of
the user 600 (S318), includes the received common token in the VSI, and transmits
the VSI (S320). When the VSI client 128 performs a streaming activation request
15 based on the received VSI, the VSI content server 350a starts streaming delivery of
the content data of a video confirmed for purchase (S322).
[0146]
When the user 600 inputs a scenario transition instruction to transition to
another provider site (5330), the VSI client 128 transmits a VSI request message to
20 the VSI content server 350b which is a server of another provider site (5332). At
this time, the VSI client 128 includes the common token in the VSI request message
and transmits the V S I request message.
[014]
Here, when Provider B uses the common token and a provider token which
25 is user authentication information of each provider unique to other providers, the VSI
content server 350b generates the provider token (5334), includes both the common
token and the provider token in the VSI, and transmits the VSI to the content
reproduction apparatus 100 (S336). Then, the VSI content server 350b starts the
streaming delivery of the content data of a designated scenario in response to the
30 request of the VSI client 128 (S338).
[0148]
42/56
SP263309WO00
As described above, the content reproduction system 10 according to the
embodiment includes the common token used commonly between a plurality of
scenarios of the link-type content and the provider token unique to each provider
providing the scenarios and the VSI in the VSI, the request message, or the like and
transmits the VSI, the request message, or the like. Therefore, since the token is
taken over between the scenarios, the user authentication is facilitated.
[0149]
The provider token unique to each provider is not taken over and is
destroyed when a scenario transitions to a scenario provided by a provider with a
10 different domain. The common token is taken over even between the scenarios
provided by different providers.
[0150]
By taking over the token, the users can be identified without a separate login
operation or the like. Therefore, for example, when the token is taken over from
15 a given scenario SI to a scenario S2, as in Fig. 29, the VSI server can distinguish the
users from each other based on the token information. Therefore, for example, the
VSI server can provide different scenarios in accordance with the attributes of the
users. For example, when a user 600a is a charged user and a user 600b is a chargefree
user, a scenario S2a including an event can be provided to the user 600a and a
20 scenario S2b including no event can be provided to the user 600b.
[0151]
9. Example of Detailed Specifications of Control Information
The detailed specifications of the VSI which is control information are
shown in Figs. 30 to 33. Fig. 30 is a table illustrating all of the specifications of the
25 VSI.
[0152]
The VSI is generated for each scenario. The VSI mainly includes metadata
regarding a scenario, event information regarding a division event included in a
scenario, and token information.
30 [0153]
The metadata regarding a scenario includes information used to specify a
43/56
SP263309W®00
scenario, information used to identify a provider providing a scenario, information
used to. specify the content data of a scenario, and information regarding the media
types of scenarios. When the information regarding the media type of scenarios is
provided, the content reproduction apparatus can cope with a plurality of media types
5 of scenarios by controlling the reproduction with reference to the information
regarding the media types of scenarios.
[0154],
The event information included in a scenario is defined by the specifications
shown in Fig. 31. The event information includes metadata regarding an event,
10 bridge information used in an event, and branch information regarding a branch
scenario which can transition from the event.
[0155]
The detailed specifications of the bridge information included in the event
information are shown in Fig. 32. The bridge information is information that
15 defines a user interface when an event is activated. Therefore, the bridge
information includes information necessary to display a bridge screen.
[0156]
The detailed specifications of the branch information included in the event
information are shown in Fig. 33. The event information includes a single or
20 plurality of branch information. Information regarding a font size, a font type, a
font color, and the like of each branch on the bridge screen is included in the bridge
information in the embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For
example, the information regarding the font size, the font type, the font color, and the
like of each branch on the bridge screen may be included in each branch information.
25 [0157]
The functions of the content reproduction system 10 and the detailed
specifications of the link-type content according to the embodiment of the present
invention have been described. In the content reproduction system 10, one content
can be produced in a scenario unit by a plurality of providers. Therefore, new
30 contents which have not been produced can be provided. Next, an example of the
link-type content provided by applying the content reproduction system according to
44/56
SP263309WO00
the embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0158]
10. Examples of Application Services
Fig. 34 is a diagram illustrating an example of a multi-scenario drama which
5 can be provided by the content reproduction system according to the embodiment of
the present invention.
[0159]
In the link-type content according to the present invention, different
scenarios can be reproduced in response to an input operation of a user. Therefore,
10 at an event of a scenario SI, it is possible to provide a multi-scenario drama in which
an end is different depending on which scenario is selected.
[0160]
Fig. 35 is a diagram illustrating an example of an experience-based tour
information program provided by the content reproduction system according to the
15 embodiment of the present invention.
[0161]
In the link-type content, a program in which the details are different in
accordance with selection of a user can be provided by reproducing a scenario
selected in response to an input operation of the user. For example, information
20 regarding a tour obtained by the user is different at the first event in response to the
selection of the user. The user selecting a loop scenario LS1 moves to a destination
by bus. Then, the user selecting a loop scenario LS2 moves to a destination by the
Shinkansen.
[0162]
25 Fig. 36 is a diagram illustrating an example of a still image spatial portal
provided by the content reproduction system according to the embodiment of the
present invention.
[0163]
For example, a map of the earth is displayed on a still image of a still image
30 main scenario 362. The still image main scenario 362 has a plurality of spatial
events. When a user selects a location on the map, an event corresponding to the
45/56
SP263309WO00
selected location is activated and the scenario transitions to another scenario. For
example, when the location of Japan is selected during the reproduction of the still
image main scenario 362, the still image main scenario 362 transitions to a still
image branch scenario 364 which is a branch scenario of the still image main
5 scenario 362. The still image branch scenario 364 has a plurality of spatial events.
Therefore, when the user selects a location (here, Tokyo) again on the map of the still
image branch scenario 364, an event corresponding to the selected location is
activated. Here, a bridge screen 368 having a list of a plurality of scenarios
regardinglokyo is displayed. When the user selects one scenario on the bridge
10 screen 368, the reproduction of the selected scenario starts. For example, the
provided scenario may be a moving image branch scenario 369.
[0164]
Fig. 37 is a diagram illustrating an example of a moving image content
which can be provided by the content reproduction system according to the
15 embodiment of the present invention.
[0165]
In this example, by using a loop scenario from the event of a termination
scenarioTS1 which is a base scenario, it is possible to provide a content in which a
loop scenario LS1 which is a CM image associated with the base scenario TS1 and a
20 loop scenario LS2 which is a moving image content associated with the base scenario
TS1 are inserted.
[0166]
At this time, when the loop scenarios LS 1 and LS2 according to auto events
are inserted, a provider can configure the moving image content such that a user
25 viewing the base scenario TS1 necessarily views the associated CM and the
associated moving image content. Here, when the configuration in which the
above-described token is taken over is used, the content reproduction apparatus 100
can perform control such that the loop scenarios LS1 and LS2 are not reproduced to a
charged user.
30 [0167]
Fig. 38 is a diagram illustrating an example of a moving image content
46/56
SP263309W®00
which can be provided by the content reproduction system according to the
embodiment of the present invention..
[0168]
By using the configuration of the link-type content, the CM moving image
5 content which can transition by a user's operation can be inserted into the scenario
TS I which is the main content. At this time, for example, when the user performs a
transition operation once more during the reproduction of the loop scenario LS1, the
user can view a detailed description video of a product introduced by the CM
provided in the loop scenario LS1. The content can be realized by inserting the CM
10 moving image in the loop scenario LS1, setting the loop scenario LS2 which can
transition during the reproduction of the loop scenario LS 1, and setting a product
description video as the loop scenario LS2.
[0169]
Alternatively, a CM can be replaced by setting an event in a CM image 382
15 in the scenario TS1 which is the main content. The content can be realized by
setting an event in the CM image 382 and setting another CM moving image
scenario by a connect scenario. A CM can be replaced by setting the connect
scenario to transition at the time point when the CM ends, when the reproduction of
the connect scenario ends.
20 [0170]
Fig. 39 is a diagram illustrating an example of a virtual space realized by
applying the content reproduction system according to this embodiment.
[01711
For example, a scenario Si which is the main scenario of the virtual space is
25 created by a moving image content for a shopping mall. A plurality of shop
scenarios are provided as the branch scenarios of the scenario S1. Further, a cinema
scenario S2 which is a virtual movie theater may be provided as a branch scenario of
the scenario S1. In the cinema scenario S2, as shown in Fig. 40, an entrance, a
lobby at which a preview video or the like of each movie can be viewed, a ticket
30 booth at which a movie ticket is bought, and a theater at which a movie can be
viewed are prepared. Fig. 40 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user
/117/56
experience realized by a virtual space shown in Fig. 39.
[0172]
SP263309W000
The cinema complex can be realized by, for example, a scenario
configuration shown in Fig. 41. For example, when an event corresponding to the
5 entrance of the cinema complex is activated in a scenario Si which is the main
scenario of the virtual space, the scenario S l transitions to a cinema complex walkthrough
scenario S2. The cinema complex walk-through scenario S2 has an event
for transitioning to a branch scenario which is a moving image scenario of a preview
of a movie and an event for transitioning to a ticket booth.
10 [0173]
At this time, a token is included in the VSI and is taken over between the
scenarios. Therefore, a. user can perform a charging procedure for buying a ticket to
view a. movie using the taken-over token without a complicated procedure.
[0174]
15 Fig. 42 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user experience when the
cinema complex walk-through scenario transitions to a scenario of each shop.
When the user enters the entrance of a given shop, the user can view a show room at
which a plurality of products are exhibited. At the show room, the user can
transition to the product CM scenario of each product or a description moving image
20 scenario that'describes the product in detail. Alternatively, the description of the
products may be provided by a still image scenario that describes the specifications
of the products. Further, the user can actually buy a product exhibited at the show
[0175]
25 The user experience can be realized by a scenario configuration shown in
Fig. 43. When the user enters a given shop from the entrance of the shopping mall
scenario, a scenario can transition to a scenario for viewing a show room. This
scenario can transition to a CM scenario of each product or a product description
scenario. Further, a user can actually buy the product from the product description
30 scenario. Even in this case, since user authentication information can be taken over
between the scenarios by including a token in the VSI, a charging process can be
48/56
SP263309WO00
facilitated,
[0176]
11. Examples of Advantages
The configuration of the content reproduction system and the specifications
5 of the link-type content according to the embodiment have been described. By
applying the content reproduction system, it is possible to include a plurality of
scenarios including the content data and the VSI which is metadata used to control
the reproduction of the content data and provide the link-type content in which the
scenarios are linked.
10 [0177]
In the link content, the content data of each scenario and the VSI describing
the information used to control the reproduction of the content data are separately
configured. Therefore, the scenarios can be linked based on the event information
described in the VSI. In the link-type content, new content data can be inserted by
15 editing the VSI and adding the event information used to transition to another
scenario to the VSI halfway through the content data without editing the original
content data.
[0178]
Therefore, one link-type content can be created by a plurality of providers.
20 By unifying the specifications of the VSI, different providers can easily create each
scenario by apportioning one content.
[0179]
Since the VSI client takes over the token used to authenticate a user, the
user may not perform a log-in operation when a scenario transitions to another
25 scenario between different scenarios and the content reproduction apparatus, the VSI
server, and the content server can identify the user. When provider tokens are used
by a plurality of providers and a scenario transitions to a scenario of another provider,
the provider token is not delivered and only the common token is delivered. The
common token may be delivered even between the scenarios of different providers
30 within the same link-type content.
[0180]
49/56
SP263309W000
The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described in
detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but embodiments of the present
invention are limited thereto. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that
various modifications and corrections are made without the technical scope described
5 in claims and the modifications and the corrections, of course, pertain to the technical
scope of the embodiment of the present invention.
[0181]
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case in which the
content data is one of the moving image content, the still image content, the slide
10 show content, and the application content has been described, but the embodiment of
the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, an audio content such as
music, a lecture, and a radio program may be included.
[0182]
In the specification, the steps described in the flowcharts include not only
15 processes that are chronologically performed in the described order but also
processes that are not necessarily performed chronologically but are performed in
parallel or individually. The processing order of the steps that are chronologically
performed may, of course, be changed.
20 Reference Signs List
[0183]
100 content reproduction apparatus
110 - communication unit
120 control unit
25 122 display control unit
124 control information acquisition unit
126 reproduction control unit
128 V SI client
130 reproduction processing unit
30 200 web server
300 VSI server
400 content server
350 YSI content server

CLAIMS
Claim 1
A content reproduction apparatus comprising:
a reproduction control unit that controls reproduction of a link-type content
5 including a plurality of scenarios that each include content data and control
information regarding reproduction of the content data; and
a control information acquisition unit that acquires the control information,
wherein the reproduction control unit controls the reproduction of the linktype
content by reproducing the content data in accordance with the control
10 information including event information used to transition from a current ,scenario to
another scenario.
Claim 2
The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 1,
15 wherein the event information of the control information includes
information used to acquire control information of a scenario of a transition
destination,
wherein the control information acquisition unit acquires the control
information of the scenario of the transition destination based on the information
20 used to acquire the control information of the scenario of the transition destination,
and
wherein the reproduction control unit controls the transition of the scenario
by reproducing content data of the scenario of the transition destination in
accordance with the control information of the scenario of the transition destination.
25
Claim 3
The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the
control information acquisition unit takes over authentication information of a user
between the scenarios by adding the authentication information of the user to an
30 acquisition request message used to acquire the control information, transmitting the
acquisition request message, and acquiring the control information to which the
52/56
authentication information of the user is added.
Claim 4
SP263300WO00
The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the
5 control information acquisition unit adds common user authentication information
commonly used in the scenarios of the content and user authentication information of
each provider given to each provider that provides the scenario to the acquisition
request message used to acquire the control information.
10 Claim 5
The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, when the
control information acquisition unit determines that the current scenario and another
scenario are provided by a same provider, the control information acquisition unit
adds the user authentication information of each provider based on the control
1.5 information to the acquisition request message used to acquire the control
information of the another scenario.
Claim 6
The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 2,
20 wherein the event information includes bridge information that defines a
user interface when the current scenario transitions to another scenario, and
wherein the reproduction control unit displays a bridge screen configured to
transition to the another scenario based on the bridge information.
25 Claim 7
The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 2, further
comprising:
a reproduction processing unit that performs a production process under
control of the reproduction control unit,
30 wherein the bridge information includes information of a still image to be
displayed during a setup period of the another scenario, and
53/56
SP263309W000
wherein the reproduction processing unit includes a still image reproduction
unit that reproduces the still image, a moving image reproduction unit that
reproduces a moving image, and a selector that switches between an output image of
the still image reproduction unit and an output image of the moving image
5 reproduction unit.
Claim 8
The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 7,
wherein the control information includes media-type information of the
10 content data, and
wherein the reproduction control unit performs control such that the
reproduction processing unit performs a process of reproducing the content data in
accordance with the media-type information.
15 Claim 9
The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, when a
media-type of the content data is a moving image, the control information includes
information regarding at least one of two-dimensional video content data and threedimensional
video content data.
20
Claim 10
The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 6,
wherein the event information includes information indicating a range in
which the current scenario transitions to another scenario, and
25 wherein the reproduction control unit displays the bridge screen when a user
performs an operation of activating the event within the range.
Claim 11
The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, when the
30 scenario of the transition destination is a loop scenario that returns to a transition
point of a scenario of a transition source, the reproduction control unit retains
54/56
SP263309W000
information regarding the transition point and the control information of the scenario
of the transition source and reproduces the scenario of the transition destination.
Claim 12
5 The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, when
the loop scenario further transitions to still another scenario and the still another
scenario is not a loop scenario, the reproduction control unit cancels the retention of
the information regarding the transition point and the control information of the
scenario of the transition source.
10
Claim 13
A control information providing server comprising:
a communication unit that receives an acquisition request for acquiring
control information regarding reproduction of content data from a content
15 reproduction apparatus reproducing the content data; and
an input/output control unit that provides the content production apparatus
with the control information including event information used to transition from a
current scenario to another scenario based on the acquisition request.
20 Claim 14
A content reproduction apparatus comprising:
a content reproduction apparatus that reproduces content data;
w a content providing server that provides the content data; and
a control information providing server that provides control information
25 regarding the reproduction of the content data, the control information being
associated with the content data,
wherein the content reproduction apparatus includes
a reproduction control unit that controls reproduction of a link-type
content including a plurality of scenarios that each include content data and control
30 information regarding reproduction of the content data,
a control information acquisition unit that acquires the control
55/56
SP2 3309W000
information associated with the content data to be reproduced from the control
information providing server, and
a reproduction control unit that controls the reproduction of the
content data in accordance with the control information, and
5 wherein the reproduction control unit controls the reproduction of the linktype
content by controlling transition between the scenarios by reproducing the
content data in accordance with the control information.