JP2006005415A - Content viewing device, television device, content viewing method, program and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a plurality of viewers to view the same content with the same view setting by synchronizing view setting (view point etc.) of the content on a network. <P>SOLUTION: The content viewing device 10 is provided with a communication management unit 14 for connecting to another content viewing device 10 via the network 23, a content acquiring unit 16 for acquiring the content from a broadcast station 21 or a content DB 22, an input unit 12 for inputting the view setting data (view point etc.) of the content, an output unit 15 for displaying and outputting the content in accordance with the content view setting data inputted, and a view setting synchronizing means for synchronizing the content view setting data with that of the other content viewing device 10. The plurality of devices 10 connected to the network 23 simultaneously display and output the content in accordance with the content view setting data synchronized. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a content viewing device, a television device, a content viewing method, a program, and a recording medium. More specifically, the same content is synchronized by synchronizing viewing settings between a plurality of viewers in a remote place or another room. It relates to viewing technology.

  Until now, various methods have been used to share information among a plurality of users at remote locations using a computer terminal. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system in which a three-dimensional solid model in a virtual space can be shared between a service provider terminal and a user terminal connected via a network.

  In the above system, a user terminal connected via a network includes a display device (CRT, LCD, etc.), a viewpoint input device, and a mobile input device, and displays a CG 3D image or a 3D image taken by a video camera. Then, the viewpoint of the corresponding character on the user terminal can be moved in the vertical and horizontal directions, a predetermined image can be zoomed, and the moving speed of the character can be input. For example, a service provider terminal sets up an electronic store in a virtual space and displays products. When a user enters a character representing the user from the user terminal into the electronic store and operates the mobile input device to move the character around a certain product, a product image corresponding to the position and viewpoint of the character is obtained. It is displayed on the display device. Thereby, the user can see the product as in the case of observing the actual product.

  However, in the above system, when the person on the service side and the person on the user side want to see the object from the same viewpoint, the person who is looking at the other party is expected from the explanation content about the object, or It was necessary to predict from the direction in which the character representing the opponent was facing.

On the other hand, Patent Document 2 discloses a technical consultation support system in which a customer and an engineer share a stereoscopic image of an object to be consulted and operate the object. This defines selectable operation functions, enables technicians to set customer operation authority, controls the customer's viewpoint from the same viewpoint as the engineer, and shifts from the customer's viewpoint to the engineer's viewpoint In such a case, control can be performed so that the transition is smooth, and a series of operations performed by an engineer on an object in advance can be recorded as simulation operations.
JP-A-8-87489 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-91057

  However, the invention described in Patent Document 2 is configured to control the viewpoint of the customer on the engineer side based on the master-slave relationship between the engineer (explaining side) and the customer (side listening to the explanation). Therefore, for example, in a relationship between friends and family, if one person's viewpoint is fixed, it is not preferable because other viewers are dissatisfied.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and allows content viewing settings (for example, viewpoints) to be synchronized on a network so that the same content can be viewed among a plurality of viewers with the same viewing settings. And a content viewing device, a television device, a content viewing method, a program, and a recording medium that can be set to be viewed by an arbitrary viewer.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the first technical means includes: a content viewing apparatus capable of viewing content from any or a plurality of viewpoints; network connection means for connecting to another content viewing apparatus via a network; Content acquisition means for acquiring; viewing setting input means for inputting content viewing setting data; display means for displaying the content in accordance with the input content viewing setting data; A plurality of content viewing devices connected to the network can simultaneously display and output the content according to the synchronized content viewing setting data. It is a feature.

  The second technical means is the first technical means, wherein the viewing setting input means is an arbitrary content viewing setting data such as viewpoint, pan, zoom, zapping, playback, luminance / saturation, volume / sound image localization, etc. Alternatively, data relating to any one or more of viewing setting data operable in a content viewing apparatus capable of viewing content from a plurality of viewpoints is input.

  The third technical means comprises means for selecting, in the first or second technical means, a content viewing device for inputting the content viewing setting data from a plurality of content viewing devices connected to the network, The viewing setting input means inputs content viewing setting data from a viewer of the selected content viewing device.

  The fourth technical means includes means for estimating a preference or interest common to each viewer in the first or second technical means, and the viewing setting input means includes the estimated common preference for each viewer. / Content viewing setting data is input based on interest information.

  A fifth technical means includes means for storing predetermined content viewing setting data in the first or second technical means, wherein the viewing setting input means inputs the stored content viewing setting data. It is a feature.

  According to a sixth technical means, in any one of the first to fifth technical means, the content viewing apparatus is connectable to an illumination device provided at the installation location, and acquires illumination data from the illumination device. Means and means for synchronizing the acquired illumination data with the other content viewing device, and the lighting device on the other content viewing device side can be controlled according to the synchronized illumination data. It is characterized by.

  A seventh technical means is a television apparatus including the content viewing apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth.

  An eighth technical means is a content viewing method for viewing content using a content viewing device capable of viewing content from any or a plurality of viewpoints, and is connected to another content viewing device via a network. A content acquisition step to acquire, a viewing setting input step to input content viewing setting data, a display step to display the content according to the input content viewing setting data, and the content viewing setting data to the other content viewing A plurality of content viewing devices connected to the network can simultaneously display and output the content in accordance with the synchronized content viewing setting data. It is characterized by That.

  The ninth technical means is the eighth technical means, in the viewing setting input step, as the content viewing setting data, viewpoint, pan, zoom, zapping, playback, luminance / saturation, volume / sound image localization, etc. Data relating to any one or more of viewing setting data operable in a content viewing apparatus capable of viewing content from any or a plurality of viewpoints is input.

  According to a tenth technical means, in the eighth or ninth technical means, the content viewing apparatus for inputting the content viewing setting data in the viewing setting input step is selected from among a plurality of content viewing apparatuses connected to the network. The content viewing setting data is input from the viewer of the selected content viewing device.

  The eleventh technical means in the eighth or ninth technical means estimates the preference and interest common to each viewer in the viewing setting input step, and the estimated preference / interest information common to each viewer. The content viewing setting data is input based on the above.

  The twelfth technical means has the content viewing setting data stored in the storage means in the eighth or ninth technical means, and the content viewing setting stored in the storage means in the viewing setting input step. It is characterized by inputting data.

  A thirteenth technical means is a program for executing the function as the content viewing apparatus described in any one of the first to sixth.

  A fourteenth technical means is a computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to the thirteenth aspect is recorded.

Friends in remote locations (or in different rooms) can synchronize content viewing settings (eg, viewpoint) on the network and view the same content with multiple viewers with the same viewing settings. Alternatively, it is possible to realize a viewing environment in which a family is watching content together.
In addition, since it is possible to set the viewing by any viewer, the relationship between friends and family will not be fixed to any one viewing setting (viewpoint, etc.), and dissatisfaction among viewers will be eliminated. , Can promote communication.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration example of a content viewing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 10 is a content viewing apparatus, and the content viewing apparatus 10 includes a storage unit 11 and an input unit. 12, a control unit 13, a communication management unit 14, an output unit 15, a content acquisition unit 16, and a content viewing setting program 20 for executing functions as respective means described later, 21 is a broadcasting station, 22 is a content database ( Hereinafter, contents DB) and 23 indicate networks.

  In FIG. 1, a plurality of content viewing apparatuses 10 are connected via a network 23, and in each content viewing apparatus 10, the content acquisition unit 16 acquires content from a broadcast station 21 that can provide the content or an external content DB 12. Then, the acquired content data is accumulated in the storage unit 11. When acquiring content from the broadcasting station 21, the content acquisition unit 16 may include a receiving unit including an antenna and a tuner. When acquiring content from the content DB 12, it is downloaded from an external content providing server. It is good also as a structure provided with a means, a means to read external recording media, such as DVD. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which combined the said receiving means, the download means, and the reading means suitably.

  The output unit 15 includes a display (for example, LCD, CRT, plasma display, etc.) for displaying various contents, a speaker for outputting sound, and the like, and the input unit 12 is a content in which the viewer includes a viewpoint of the content. Input means such as a mouse, joystick, jog dial, operation keys, and buttons for inputting viewing setting data are provided, and the communication management unit 14 inputs data to other content viewing apparatuses 10 connected via the network 23. The content viewing setting data input from the unit 12 is transmitted, or the content viewing setting data transmitted from another content viewing device 10 is received. The control unit 13 includes a CPU, a memory, and the like (not shown) and controls the entire processing of the content viewing apparatus 10, and the content viewing setting data input from the input unit 12 or the communication management unit 14 (other content viewing apparatuses). 10) Based on the received content viewing setting data, appropriate processing is performed on the content.

  The content viewing setting program 20 according to the present embodiment has a function as a viewing setting synchronization unit that synchronizes content viewing setting data input from the content viewing device 10 with other content viewing devices 10. The plurality of content viewing apparatuses 10 connected in this manner can simultaneously view the same content according to the synchronized content viewing setting data. Thereby, for example, a plurality of viewers can view the same television program from the same viewpoint. As the content viewing setting data, for example, in addition to the above viewpoint, a content viewing apparatus capable of viewing content from any or a plurality of viewpoints such as pan, zoom, zapping, playback, luminance / saturation, volume / sound image localization, etc. It is possible to input data related to any one or more of the viewing setting data that can be operated at.

(Detailed configuration example of the device)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a more detailed configuration example of the content viewing apparatus 10 shown in FIG. The control unit 13 of the content viewing apparatus 10 includes a CPU 1 and a work memory 2 and performs system control in accordance with a system program stored in a ROM (not shown) or the like, and executes the content viewing setting program 20 to execute a processing result on the work memory 2. Create Content viewing setting data such as a viewpoint is input from the input unit 12, processed by the CPU 1, and stored in the storage unit (database) 11. The output unit 15 displays and outputs information (content viewing setting data and the like) stored in the storage unit 11 and the calculation processing result of the CPU 1. The external recording medium driver 3 is a reading device for the external recording medium 4 on which the content viewing setting program 20 is recorded. The content viewing setting program 20 may be stored not in the external recording medium 4 but in the storage unit 11.

  The CPU 1 controls the entire content viewing apparatus 10, reads the content viewing setting data from the storage unit 11 into the work memory 2 according to the system program, executes the content viewing setting program 20, and calculates the work on the work memory 2. Create processing results.

  The working memory 2 is a memory that temporarily stores data related to content viewing settings such as viewpoints, data used for calculation, calculation results, and the like, and stores programs, data, and the like used in the program processing executed by the CPU 1. . This program may be stored in a ROM (not shown) as a system program. In addition, a part of the RAM used as a working memory is backed up by a power supply, or is configured by a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM) or a flash memory, and retains setting conditions even after the power is turned off. . Various setting data, processing data, and the like are stored in the storage area.

  The output unit 15 is composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD) composed of a dot matrix, and displays and outputs information stored in the storage unit 11 and results of arithmetic processing performed by the CPU 1.

  The external recording medium driver 3 is a means for reading the external recording medium 4 on which the content viewing setting program 20 is recorded. The external recording medium 4 is, for example, a memory card, FD, CD, DVD, HD, etc., and the content viewing setting program 20 and the like in each embodiment of the present invention are recorded.

Hereinafter, an operation example of the content viewing apparatus 10 configured as described above will be described.
As described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the content acquired from the broadcasting station 21 or the external content DB 22 is accumulated in the storage unit 11.

  The viewer inputs content viewing setting data such as the viewpoint of the content desired by the viewer from the input unit 12. For example, as a method for inputting a viewpoint, a method using an input unit such as a mouse or a joystick, a method of recognizing an image of movement of a viewer's hand, face orientation, etc. provided with a camera can be used. .

  The control unit 13 performs processing appropriate for the content based on the content viewing setting data input from the input unit 12. In this example, it is assumed that a viewing setting right is given to the viewer of the content viewing apparatus 10.

  In order to notify other viewers that the control unit 13 has executed the content viewing setting such as the viewpoint operation, the communication management unit 14 transmits the executed viewing setting item and its setting data to the other content via the network 23. Transmit to the viewing device 10. The viewing setting item refers to, for example, the type of operation such as viewpoint, zapping, and playback, and the setting data refers to data corresponding to each viewing setting item. Indicates the direction and distance. This viewing setting item and its setting data are transmitted together with time information. And the output part 15 outputs the content (music, an audio | voice, an image | video, etc.) by which the process was performed based on content viewing settings, such as said viewpoint operation.

  As described above, the content viewing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment has a function of synchronizing content viewing setting data for performing viewpoint movement and the like with other content viewing apparatuses 10 connected via the network 23. For example, the present invention can be suitably applied to a television apparatus or a personal computer that can be connected to a network.

  Hereinafter, an example in which the content viewing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment is applied to a television apparatus will be described as a representative example. In this example, two content viewing apparatuses 10 (hereinafter referred to as a television apparatus 10 in this example) connected via a network 23 are installed in two separate houses, and the two houses are connected to each house. An example of controlling the viewpoint by synchronizing content viewing setting data when a viewer is watching the television device 10 will be described.

  In the television apparatus 10 shown in this example, a viewer of a TV program can view his / her favorite viewpoint, for example, a favorite player in a sports program from a desired angle, and panning and zooming can be performed according to his / her preference. These viewing settings can be synchronized among a plurality of television devices 10 so that the viewer's viewpoint and the friend's viewpoint in a remote place are the same, and it is as if watching a TV program together. You can realize that you are.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a usage image of the television device 10 according to the present embodiment. In this example, the two television apparatuses 10 are connected via the network 23 and installed in two separate houses. Viewers living in each house (for example, friends, family, etc.) are watching the same program content (sumo program in this example). Here, for example, one viewer moves the viewpoint of the content so that the face of Sekitori that he / she is obsessed with can be seen. Specifically, the viewer uses the input unit 12 to set a desired viewpoint for the content using an input unit such as a mouse, a joystick, or a jog dial. Of course, a desired viewpoint may be set by a method of recognizing the movement of the user's hand, the orientation of the face, etc. by providing a camera or the like. The content controlled from the set viewpoint is output from the output unit 15. At this time, the viewpoint of the content of the other viewer is also moved and controlled in the same manner. As a result, both viewers will be able to see Sumo's efforts from the same viewpoint, and will be able to obtain a sense of unity and sharing as if they are watching the sumo program together.

  Here, when a plurality of viewers try to view content from a desired viewpoint, the viewer may be dissatisfied if the viewer is fixed at any one viewpoint. Therefore, it is necessary to make appropriate viewing settings so as not to cause dissatisfaction among a plurality of viewers.

As the content viewing setting method, the following methods (1) to (5) are conceivable.
(1) A viewing setting right is given to the earliest viewer who accesses the program. At this time, it is desirable to clearly indicate who the video is from.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the viewing setting right is clearly indicated on the display of the output unit 15. In the above method, the viewing setting right is given to the viewer who has matched the channel first. At this time, as shown in FIG. 4, on the display of the output unit 15, which viewer has the viewing setting right may be clearly indicated. In addition to the above viewpoint, pan / zoom, zapping / playback, luminance / saturation, and the like can be set synchronously as viewing setting data. This allows viewers at remote locations to watch TV programs from the same viewpoint, with the same pan / zoom, brightness / saturation, etc., and can also synchronize zapping and playback. You can improve the sense of unity as if you were watching TV together.

  In addition to the viewing setting data, the volume and sound image localization may be set synchronously. As a result, it is possible to further increase the sense of reality (a sense of unity and a feeling of sharedness in the field). Even if only the viewpoint of the video is the same, if the sound that is heard is different, the sense of unity among the viewers is reduced. Therefore, by synchronizing the sound volume and sound image localization in accordance with the video viewpoint, it is possible to improve the sense of unity as if watching TV together.

(2) A viewing setting right is given to one of the viewers by negotiation between the viewers.
In this method, it is determined to which viewpoint the viewing setting right is to be granted by negotiation between viewers or the like. Negotiating who can set the viewing setting rights, for example, negotiating in a state where each other's audio can be heard via the network, or negotiating in a state where each other's audio and video can be viewed via a videophone, etc. Or the like can be used. As a result of the negotiation, the viewer who has been granted the viewing setting right inputs his / her viewing setting data.

  Further, a list of viewers that can be set for viewing may be displayed on the screen of the output unit 15, and a viewer to which a viewing setting right is given may be selected. In this case, the viewer who selects from the viewer list (may be the person or another person) may be determined by negotiation or may be determined in advance.

(3) An arbitrary viewer designates the viewpoint of another viewer and changes the viewpoint to that viewer.
In this method, each viewer can specify and change the viewpoint of each desired viewer. For example, in a situation where a plurality of viewers are viewing the same program from their respective viewpoints, any viewer can switch from his own viewpoint to another viewer's viewpoint and view the video. . In this case, from the viewpoint of privacy protection, conditions such as group registration for viewing the same program are provided so that any viewer in the group can select from the viewpoint of any viewer. For example, the viewing setting data of each viewer may be stored, and the viewing setting data may be selected from the screen of the output unit 15 or may be selected from the operation key of the input unit 12 or the like. Also good.

(4) A plurality of videos from the viewpoint of the viewers are simultaneously displayed on one screen.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the screen of the television device 10 is divided into two and the same video is displayed from different viewpoints. In the above method, the viewing setting right is given to each viewer, and the viewpoint of each video displayed on the same screen is controlled by each viewer. In this way, by dividing the screen of the television device 10 into two parts and controlling so that the same video can be viewed on the same screen depending on the viewpoint of each viewer, the same video can be viewed while comparing each other's viewpoints. Can do.

(5) A specific viewing setting is made based on a predetermined viewpoint effect algorithm.
In this method, by presenting a video from a viewpoint based on a viewpoint rendering algorithm recommended by an expert such as a producer or director, it is possible to enjoy an expert viewpoint different from the viewer's individual viewpoint. The viewpoint effect algorithm may be, for example, based on a producer's viewpoint provided by a broadcasting station or based on a director's unique viewpoint provided by a network service or the like. The viewer can enjoy the video from the viewpoint of an expert by selecting the producer and the preferred director. The selection right at this time may be given to an arbitrary viewer, or may be fixed to a specific viewer.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a content viewing method to which the present invention is applied. This example describes a case where content viewing is performed by negotiating among a plurality of viewers and determining viewing setting rights based on the content viewing apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 by the method (2) above. To do.
First, the control unit 13 of the content viewing apparatus 10 displays the content stored in the storage unit 11 as initial data on the output unit 15 after the apparatus is activated (step S1). The viewing setting information including the viewpoint at this time is based on data transmitted from a broadcasting station or the like. In this example, which viewer is given the viewing setting right is determined by negotiation between the viewers.

  Next, the control unit 13 receives a viewing setting request from the viewer input from the input unit 12, or a viewing setting request message sent from another viewer via the communication management unit 14 (step S1). S2). The control unit 13 determines whether or not the received viewing setting request is a viewing setting request passed through the input unit 12 (step S3). If the viewing setting request is not a viewing setting request from the input unit 12 (NO), It is determined whether or not it is a viewing setting request from another viewer sent via the communication management unit 14 (step S4), and if it is not a viewing setting request from the communication management unit 14 (in the case of NO), the process goes to step S2. Return and wait in the waiting state for accepting the viewing setting request.

  In step S3, if the request is for viewing setting from the input unit 12 (YES), it is checked whether or not the viewing setting right is set for the viewer (step S5). Similarly, in the above-described step S4, when it is a viewing setting request via the communication management unit 14 (in the case of YES), it is checked whether the viewing setting right is set for the other viewer (step S5).

  Next, the control unit 13 examines items (for example, viewpoint, zapping, playback, etc.) and contents (for example, direction of movement, distance, etc. in the case of viewpoint operation) included in the received viewing setting request (steps). S6). The control unit 13 operates and executes the viewpoint of the content based on the item / content requested for viewing setting (step S7). For example, if the content is moved to the viewpoint for which the viewing setting is requested, or if the requested viewing setting is zapping, processing corresponding to that is executed.

  Next, the communication management unit 14 transmits the viewing setting item / content data executed to the content via the network 23 in order to notify other viewers that the control unit 13 has executed processing based on the viewing setting. Then, the content is transmitted to the other viewer's content viewing apparatus 10 (step S8). The viewing setting item / content data is transmitted together with time information and viewing setting items (for example, viewpoint, zapping, playback, etc.). Then, the process returns to step S2 and waits in a state waiting for receiving a viewing setting request.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a basic configuration example of a content viewing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The content viewing apparatus 10 includes a storage unit 11, an input unit 12, a control unit 13, a communication management unit 14, In addition to the output unit 15, the content acquisition unit 16, and the content viewing setting program 20, a preference estimation unit 17 is further provided.

  In the first embodiment described above, as a means for controlling viewing settings relating to content such as viewpoints and sound images, viewing setting rights are given to any viewer by negotiation between a plurality of viewers. In this second embodiment, content viewing settings appropriate for a plurality of viewers are automatically executed based on the preferences and interests common to each viewer, and a video with less dissatisfaction can be provided to any viewer. It is what I did.

  The preference estimation unit 17 is a means for estimating preferences and interests common to each viewer. Specifically, for example, the preference or interest common to each viewer is estimated by a method of estimation based on learning of viewing history or the like, or a method of inputting in advance through a questionnaire or the like. By the above method, for example, each viewer learns a favorite athlete, actor, singer, or tendency of panning and zooming. This makes it possible for two viewers who are watching at the same time to present their favorite athletes, actors, and singers from a viewpoint that can be viewed from the viewpoint or zoomed in. Without setting, that is, without making a viewing setting request from the input unit 12, it is possible to automatically present a video from a viewpoint that both can enjoy together.

  In the above method, the processing is automatically executed regardless of any viewing setting request from the input unit 12, but the viewer designates the content viewing setting such as zoom-up from the input unit 12. By simply doing, it may be automatically adjusted to the viewer's preferred magnification and presented.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration example of a content viewing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The content viewing apparatus 10 includes a storage unit 11, an input unit 12, a control unit 13, a communication management unit 14, In addition to the output unit 15, content acquisition unit 16, content viewing setting program 20, and preference estimation unit 17, an external device interface (external device I / F) 18 is further provided. The external device I / F 18 can be connected to the lighting device 24, and each content viewing apparatus 10 can control the lighting device 24 at the installation location (for example, a room) via the external device I / F 18.

  The content viewing setting program 20 of the present embodiment has a function as means for synchronizing ambient light data acquired from the lighting device 24 via the external device I / F 18 with other content viewing devices 10. Here, ambient light data refers to the brightness (such as illuminance) around the content viewing apparatus 10 or around the viewer. Thereby, the plurality of content viewing apparatuses 10 connected via the network 23 adjust the lighting device 24 so as to be synchronized with the ambient light data, and the same content can be viewed under the same viewing environment (brightness environment). Can watch.

  Moreover, you may install the environmental sound adjustment means 25 which can adjust the noise which enters a room, a noise, etc. The environmental sound adjusting means 25 has a function of measuring a noise level and cutting or passing a frequency component corresponding to a predetermined sound. For example, a noise filter can be used. As a result, the plurality of content viewing apparatuses 10 connected via the network 23 can view under the same environmental sound (noise level).

  In this way, by allowing the ambient light of the room and environmental sounds (such as noise) to be synchronized, the sense of unity (a sense of unity) is further increased, and viewers at remote locations can watch TV together. A sense of unity can be given.

  As described above, each embodiment has been described mainly with respect to each function of the content viewing apparatus (television apparatus) of the present invention. However, the present invention is a content viewing process as described also as a method for executing each step in the content viewing apparatus. It can take the form as a method. Further, similarly to the content viewing apparatus having each function, a form as a program for causing a computer to function as a content viewing apparatus or a form as a recording medium on which the program is recorded are possible.

  An embodiment of a recording medium storing a program and data for realizing a content viewing function according to the present invention will be described. Specific recording media include CD-ROM (-R / -RW), magneto-optical disk, DVD-ROM (-R / -RW / -RAM), FD, HD, flash memory, memory card, Memory sticks and other various ROMs, RAMs, and the like can be assumed, and a program for realizing the function of viewing content is recorded on these recording media by causing a computer to execute the functions of the above-described embodiments of the present invention. Distribution of the function facilitates the realization of the function. Then, the recording medium as described above is mounted on an information processing apparatus such as a computer and the program is read by the information processing apparatus, or the program is stored in a storage medium provided in the information processing apparatus. By reading, the content viewing function according to the present invention can be executed.

It is a block diagram which shows the basic structural example of the content viewing-and-listening apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the more detailed structural example of the content viewing-and-listening apparatus shown in FIG. It is the figure which showed an example of the utilization image of the television apparatus of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example which specified that the viewing-and-listening setting right was on the display of an output part. It is a figure which shows the example which divided the screen of the television apparatus into 2 and displayed the same image | video from a different viewpoint. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an example of the content viewing-and-listening method to which this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the basic structural example of the content viewing-and-listening apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the basic structural example of the content viewing-and-listening apparatus which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... CPU, 2 ... Work memory, 3 ... External recording medium driver, 4 ... External recording medium, 10 ... Content viewing apparatus (television apparatus), 11 ... Storage part, 12 ... Input part, 13 ... Control part, 14 ... Communication management unit, 15 ... output unit, 16 ... content acquisition unit, 17 ... preference estimation unit, 18 ... external device I / F, 20 ... content viewing setting program, 21 ... broadcast station, 22 ... content DB, 23 ... network, 24 ... Lighting equipment, 25 ... Environmental sound adjustment means.

Claims (14)

  In a content viewing apparatus capable of viewing content from any or a plurality of viewpoints, a network connection means for connecting to another content viewing apparatus via a network, a content acquisition means for acquiring content, and content viewing setting data are input. Viewing setting input means, display means for displaying the content in accordance with the input content viewing setting data, and viewing setting synchronization means for synchronizing the content viewing setting data with the other content viewing device, A plurality of content viewing apparatuses connected to the network are configured to simultaneously display and output the content according to the synchronized content viewing setting data.   2. The content viewing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the viewing setting input means includes any or a plurality of content viewing setting data such as viewpoint, pan, zoom, zapping, playback, luminance / saturation, volume / sound image localization, and the like. A content viewing apparatus, wherein data relating to any one or a plurality of viewing setting data operable in a content viewing apparatus capable of viewing content from a plurality of viewpoints is input.   3. The content viewing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for selecting a content viewing apparatus for inputting the content viewing setting data from a plurality of content viewing apparatuses connected to the network. Means for inputting content viewing setting data from a viewer of the selected content viewing device.   3. The content viewing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising means for estimating a preference or interest common to each viewer, wherein the viewing setting input means includes the estimated preference / interest information common to each viewer. A content viewing apparatus for inputting content viewing setting data based on the content viewing data.   3. The content viewing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising means for storing predetermined content viewing setting data, wherein the viewing setting input means inputs the stored content viewing setting data. Viewing device.   The content viewing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the content viewing device is connectable to a lighting device provided at the installation location, and means for acquiring ambient light data from the lighting device; Means for synchronizing the acquired ambient light data with the other content viewing device, and the lighting device on the other content viewing device side can be controlled in accordance with the synchronized ambient light data. A featured content viewing apparatus.   The television apparatus provided with the content viewing-and-listening apparatus of any one of Claims 1 thru | or 6.   In a content viewing method for viewing content using a content viewing device capable of viewing content from an arbitrary or a plurality of viewpoints, a content acquisition step of acquiring content by being connected to another content viewing device via a network; A viewing setting input step for inputting content viewing setting data, a display step for displaying the content in accordance with the input content viewing setting data, and the content viewing setting data are synchronized with the other content viewing device. A content viewing method, wherein the plurality of content viewing devices connected to the network can simultaneously display and output the content in accordance with the synchronized content viewing setting data .   In the viewing setting input step, as the content viewing setting data, a content viewing device capable of viewing content from any or a plurality of viewpoints such as viewpoint, pan, zoom, zapping, playback, luminance / saturation, volume / sound localization, etc. The content viewing method according to claim 8, wherein data relating to any one or a plurality of viewing setting data operable in is input.   In the viewing setting input step, a content viewing device for inputting the content viewing setting data is selected from a plurality of content viewing devices connected to the network, and content viewing is performed from a viewer of the selected content viewing device. 10. The content viewing method according to claim 8, wherein setting data is input.   The viewing setting input step estimates a preference or interest common to each viewer, and inputs content viewing setting data based on the estimated preference / interest information common to each viewer. The content viewing method according to 8 or 9.   The predetermined content viewing setting data is stored in a storage unit, and the content viewing setting data stored in the storage unit is input in the viewing setting input step. Content viewing method.   The program for performing the function as a content viewing-and-listening apparatus of any one of Claims 1 thru | or 6.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 13 is recorded.

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