US20110239252A1 - Video Contents Display System, Video Contents Display Method, and Program for the Same - Google Patents

Abstract

A video contents display system has a contents information display section that allows pieces of contents information on a plurality of recorded video contents to be displayed along a time axis on a screen, and a video contents display section that displays the plurality of video contents at a specified time on the time axis as motion pictures or still images.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application is a continuation of, and claims a benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 of the filing date of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/526,298 filed Sep. 25, 2006, entitled “Video Contents Display System, Video Contents Display Method, and Program for the Same,” which is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-278738 filed on Sep. 26, 2005; the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention
• The present invention relates to a video contents display system, a video contents display method, and a program for the same.
• 2. Description of the Prior Art
• In recent years, apparatuses which can record video contents such as TV programs for long hours have prevailed. These recording apparatuses include what is called hard disk recorder (hereinafter referred to as HDD recorders) containing hard disk devices, home servers, and personal computers (hereinafter simply referred to as PCs). The prevalence is due to the increased storage capacities and reasonable prices of information recording devices such as hard disk devices.
• With a common HDD recorder, a user uses the functions of an apparatus to select one to be viewed out of a plurality of recorded programs, from a list of program titles and the like. On this occasion, the plurality of programs, selection candidates, are displayed in a list of what is called thumbnails. The user selects a program while viewing the thumbnails.
• Practical use has also been made of apparatuses that contain a plurality of tuners to enable recording of a plurality of programs being currently broadcast. These apparatuses also display a plurality of recorded programs as is the case with weekly program guide tables in newspapers and the like.
• However, to allow one of a plurality of recorded programs to be selected for viewing, the above conventional apparatuses list only a plurality of program names displayed in one screen or only one thumbnail for each program, in one screen. These lists are thus not easy to see for users. Further, the display of a plurality of recorded programs similar to that in weekly program guide tables is not easy to see either. Moreover, users have difficulty in an operation of retrieving a desired one out of many recorded programs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• A video contents display system according to an aspect of the present invention has a contents information display section that allows contents information on a plurality of recorded video contents to be displayed along a time axis on a screen and a video contents display section that allows the plurality of video contents to be displayed as motion pictures or still images at a specified time on the time axis.
• A video contents display method according to an aspect of the present invention includes displaying contents information on a plurality of recorded video contents along a time axis on a screen and displaying the plurality of video contents as motion pictures or still images at a specified time on the time axis.
• A program according to an aspect of the present invention allows computer to execute a function that displays pieces of contents information on a plurality of recorded video contents along a time axis on a screen and a function that displays the plurality of video contents as motion pictures or still images at a specified time on the time axis.
• A video contents display system according to an aspect of the present invention has a still image generating section that, upon receiving a predetermined command, generates a predetermined number of still images from information on recorded video contents, along time elapse from a predetermined time, a still image display section that three-dimensionally displays the predetermined number of still images generated, along a predetermined axis on a screen and a still image information sequential-transmission section that, every time the still image generating section generates one of the still images, sequentially transmits information on the still image to the still image display section.
• A video contents display method according to an aspect of the present invention includes generating, upon receiving a predetermined command, a predetermined number of still images from information on recorded video contents, along time elapse from a predetermined time, transmitting, every time one of the still images is generated, information on the still image, and three-dimensionally displaying the predetermined number of received still images along a predetermined axis on a screen.
• A program according to an aspect of the present invention displays video contents and allows a computer to execute a function that, upon receiving a predetermined command, generates a predetermined number of still images from information on recorded video contents, along time elapse from a predetermined time, a function that, every time the still image generating section generates one of the still images, sequentially transmits information on the still image, and a function that three-dimensionally displays the predetermined number of received still images along a predetermined axis on a screen,
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a video contents reproducing system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of configuration of a processor included in a control section;
• FIG. 3 is a processing block diagram of a video contents reproducing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a basic table according to the embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an extension table according to the embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a highlight scene common-information table according to the embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a highlight information table according to the embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a thumbnail image row information table according to the embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating screen transitions of a GUI screen according to the embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 10 is a plan view of a remote controller according to the embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of genre selection screen according to the embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a contents retrieval screen according to the embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of a contents retrieval screen according to the embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the exemplary flow of a process of generating a screen inFIG. 13;
• FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a scene retrieval screen according to the embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an exemplary display illustrating a difference in angle between the time axis and a line-of-sight direction;
• FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an exemplary display illustrating the difference in angle between the time axis and the line-of-sight direction;
• FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an axis along which images overlap one another and an axis in the line-of-sight direction;
• FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating the axis along which images overlap one another and the axis in the line-of-sight direction;
• FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the exemplary flow of a process of generating a scene retrieval screen according to the embodiment of the present invention; and
• FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the exemplary flow of a process of generating a thumbnail image row according to the embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
• First, with reference to the drawings, description will be given of the configuration of a video contents recording and reproducing system (hereinafter simply referred to as a video contents reproducing system) according to the present embodiment.FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a video contents reproducing system according to the present embodiment.
• A videocontents reproducing apparatus1 that is a video contents display system includes a receiver or areception section3 that receives signals from anantenna2, a network interface section (hereinafter simply referred to as an NWI/F)6 that connects the Internet4 to ahome server5, acontrol section7 including a central processing unit (CPU), anHDD8 that is a recording section in which video contents are recorded, a display device interface section (hereinafter simply referred to as a display device I/F)10 that outputs display signals to adisplay device9, an operation unit interface section (hereinafter simply referred to as an operation I/F)12 that receives operation signals from anoperating remote controller11. Thereception section3, NWI/F6,control section7,HDD8, display device I/F9, and operation unit I/F10 are connected together via abus13. At the same time, the display device I/F10 processes sound signals contained in information on video contents and outputs the processed sound signals to a speaker or the like (not shown).
• A user operates theremote controller11 to transmit a predetermined command to the videocontents reproducing apparatus1. This enables information on a plurality of programs received through a plurality of channels via thereception section3 or NWI/F6, that is, information on a plurality of video contents (hereinafter simply referred to as contents) to be recorded in theHDD8. The user then operates theremote controller11 to transmit a predetermined command to the videocontents reproducing apparatus1. This allows a desired one of the plurality of contents recorded in theHDD8 to be retrieved and reproduced, and causes thedisplay device9 to display the reproduced content for viewing.
• Thereception unit3 includes a plurality of tuners and can receive, through theantenna2, information on contents broadcast through a plurality of channels. The NWI/F6 can receive information on a plurality of distributed contents from the Internet4 orhome server5.
• Various processes in the videocontents reproducing apparatus1 are integrally executed by thecontrol section7, which includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM (not shown). The CPU of thecontrol section7 executes software programs stored in the ROM and others to achieve functions corresponding to various processes such as recording and reproduction.
• The videocontents reproducing apparatus1 also has a recording media drive and reproduction device (not shown) that acquires video information from package media such as a DVD.
• In the present embodiment, the CPU is a processor which has, for example, a multicore multiprocessor architecture and which can execute a real-time OS (Operating System). Accordingly, thecontrol section7 can process a large amount of data, particularly video data at a high speed in parallel.
• Specifically, thecontrol section7 comprises a group of nine processors integrated on one chip and which can execute parallel processes; the processors respectively consist of, for example, a 64-bit CPU core and eight independent signal processing processors SPE (Synergistic Processing Element) handling 128-bit registers. The SPEs are suitable for handling multimedia data and streaming data. Each SPE has an SRAM with a single port that performs pipeline operation, as 256-Kb local memory, in order to execute different signal processes in parallel.
• FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of configuration of such a processor included in thecontrol section7. Aprocessor70 has eightSPEs72, acore CPU73 serving as a master processor, and twointerface sections74 and75, thecomponents72,73,74, and75 being connected together via aninternal bus76. Each of theSPEs72 includes a calculation section72athat is a coprocessor and a local memory72bconnected to the calculation section72a.A load instruction and a store instruction for theSPE72 uses a local address space for the local memory72bprovided in theSPE72 instead of the address space for the entire system. This prevents address spaces for programs executed by the calculation sections72afrom interfering with one another. The local memories72bare connected to theinternal bus76. A DMA controller (not shown) incorporated into eachSPE72 enables data transfers between the SPE and a main memory to be scheduled on the basis of software, in parallel with execution of an instruction by the calculation section72aof theSPE72.
• Acore CPU73 includes a secondary cache73a,a primary cache73b,and a calculation section73c.Theinterface section74 is a DRAM interface for 2-channel XDR which serves as a memory interface. Aninterface section75 is a FlexIO interface serving as a system interface.
• The processors of the multicore multiprocessor architecture which can perform parallel processes enable a user interface data generating section and a contents receiving section to smoothly execute parallel processes; the user interface data generating section and contents receiving section will be described later. The CPU may be a combination of a plurality of processors instead of a single processor.
• Description will be given of the contents of various processes executed by thecontrol section7 of thecontents reproducing apparatus1 configured as described above.FIG. 3 is a processing block diagram of the videocontents reproducing apparatus1.
• As shown inFIG. 3, thecontrol section7 includes a user interface processing section (hereinafter referred to as a UI processing section)21, a user interface data generating section (hereinafter referred to as a UI data generating section)22, acontents receiving section23, a data storing and extractingsection24, and acontents analyzing section25. Each of the processing sections includes a software program executed by the CPU. InFIG. 3, the direction of flow of information is shown by an arrow, and an alphabet (letters in parentheses) shown close to the arrow denotes information described below.
• TheUI processing section21 receives information on command signals (hereinafter referred to as command information) (a1) from, for example, theremote controller11, operated by the user, to execute a process corresponding to the received command information. The command information (a1) is information on commands for generation of a graphical user interface (hereinafter referred to as a GUI) screen displayed by thedisplay device9, movement of a cursor, selection or retrieval of contents, retrieval of scenes, and the like.
• TheUI processing section21 receives video information (c) from the UIdata generating section22 and information (e) such as video information from the data storing and extractingsection24. TheUI processing section21 then generates information required to generate a GUI screen and outputs the generated screen display information (a2) to thedisplay device9. The screen display information (a2) to be generated includes image information for three-dimensional graphic display displayed on the display device, described below. TheUI processing section21 thus executes, for example, a process which displays a thumbnail image row as textures, a process which, for three-dimensional display, synthesizes broadcasting or distribution schedule information data such as an electronic program guide (hereinafter referred to as an EPG) or the like and key frames, and a process which displays the EPG so that it moves three-dimensionally as the time elapses.
• TheUI processing section21 can also execute the normal user interface processes of conventional HDD recorders, for example, recording, recording reservation, playback, and deletion.
• TheUI processing section21 executes a process which transmits control information (b) required for the UIdata generating section22 to generate user interface data (hereinafter referred to as UI data), to the UIdata generating section22. TheUI processing section21 also receives video information (c) from the UIdata generating section22. The control information (b) is required to generate thumbnail images and to add chapter marks to specified video contents. TheUI processing section21 also executes processes such as sorting of various information on contents based on title names, genre names, the cast, and text codes. TheUI processing section21 also executes processes such as a change of displayed contents for each user. The process of changing displayed contents involves, for example, changing the contents of a displayed screen depending on whether the father or a child of a family is to view the screen.
• TheUI processing section21 executes a process which transmits control information (d) for contents analysis to thecontents analyzing section25. As described later, thecontents analyzing section25 analyzes video contents to generate predetermined analysis information, on the basis of the user's instruction. Thecontents analyzing section25 transmits the analysis information to the data storing and extractingsection24.
• TheUI processing section21 executes a process which extracts video information (e) from the data storing and extractingsection24. The video information (e) contains not only video information on the contents but also a basic table, an extension table, and a program guide table. The read information is used to generate various screen information.
• TheUI processing section21 further executes a process which transmits control information (f) required for thecontents receiving section23 to receive various information. The control information (f) contains information such as a channel, a program title, and a time zone which is required to specify contents to be stored.
• TheUI processing section21 further holds information on a GUI screen described below, such as a view point position in a three-dimensional space, the direction of a center axis of a still image row, and the number of still images to be displayed.
• As described below, theUI processing section21 has processing functions that allow itself to serve as a contents information display section, a video contents display section, and a still image display section.
• On the basis of the control information (f) from theUI processing section21, thecontents receiving section23 executes a process which receives contents information on video contents such as EPG data which is distributed from theInternet4, that is, meta information (g1), and video information (g2) such as broadcasting contents received via theantenna2, contents distributed via a network such as theInternet4, and contents read from recording media such as package media.
• Thecontents receiving section23 executes an encoding process on the received contents video information (g2) to compress the data on the basis of a predetermined scheme such as MPEG2 or H.264. Thecontents receiving section23 outputs the encoded video information (h1) to the data storing and extractingsection24 to record the information in theHDD8. Thecontents receiving section23 creates a basic table and the like on the basis of the meta information (g1). Thecontents receiving section23 outputs management information (h2) of as the basic table created and the like, to the data storing and extractingsection24 to record the information in theHDD8.
• The data storing and extractingsection24 executes a process which records the encoded video information (h1) and management information (h2) of the basic and extension tables and the like, which have been received from thecontents receiving section23 inHDD8.
• The data storing and extractingsection24 also executes a process which records key frame images, thumbnail image rows, EPG data, user favor information, and the like in theHDD8. Each key frame image is an image representative of each content and can be read using link destination information in the basic table. A thumbnail image row is a plurality of still images for each content and can be read using link destination information in the extension table.
• The UIdata generating section22 reads encoded video information (i1) from the data storing and extractingsection24 to generate a key frame image and a thumbnail image row. On the basis of the encoded video information (i1), the UIdata generating section22 outputs key frame image information and thumbnail image row information (i2) to the data storing and extractingsection24 to record the information in theHDD8. The UIdata generating section22 generates also data for the extension table and outputs the data to the data storing and extractingsection24 to record it in theHDD8.
• As described below, the UIdata generating section22 has the ability to serve as a still image generating section and a still image information sequential-transmission section.
• Thecontents analyzing section25 receives the control information (d) for analysis based on the user's instruction or setting, from theUI processing section21. Thecontents analyzing section25 executes a process which creates extension table data on the basis of the received control information (d), the video information (j) from the UIdata generating section22, the meta information (g1) and encoded video information (k) from the data storing and extractingsection24. Thecontents analyzing section25 executes processes such as analysis and recognition of video contents, analysis of the user's favors, and processing and generation of videos based on the analysis. Thecontents analyzing section25 then outputs processed and generated video information and user's favor analysis information (l) to the data storing and extractingsection24 to record the information in theHDD8.
• Video details in the video contents are recognized or analyzed by determining, for example, the presence of a change to a particular color, the presence of a change in luminance by a predetermined amount, or the presence of a sound output of at least a predetermined volume, in a video to be reproduced. The recognition or analysis process may be a contents analyzing process which determines the user's favors on the basis of the history of operations of the contents, viewing history, or the like. The recognition of video contents or the like can also be realized by other techniques such as pattern recognition and scene analysis.
• Moreover, a predetermined book mark may be applied to information on a video content determined to be a highlight scene, on the basis of the analysis, a recommended program guide table for the user may be created, or the like.
• The data storing and extractingsection24 outputs information (e) of stored video information, a key frame image, a thumbnail image row, a basic table, an extension table, and a program guide table and the like to theUI processing section21 in response to its request.
• Of the processing sections inFIG. 3, the UIdata generating section22,contents receiving section23, andcontents analyzing section25 are processing programs that can perform a parallel process operation under the control of CPU of thecontrol section7. Accordingly, for example, the UIdata generating section22 can simultaneously execute a plurality of processes for generating key frame images, for generating thumbnail image rows, for decompressing encoded images, or the like. Thecontents receiving section23 can simultaneously execute a plurality of processes for receiving, encoding plural pieces of video contents information or the like. Thecontents analyzing section25 can simultaneously execute a plurality of processes for analyzing and recognizing video contents, for analyzing the user's favors or the like.
• FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a basic table.
• In the present embodiment, the basic table31 is stored in theHDD8 as a table and has a plurality of items including a program identifier (hereinafter referred to as a program ID)31a,achannel number31b,abroadcasting date31c,a time code or a time zone (start time to end time)31d,aprogram title31e,agenre31f,a onekey frame31g,andinformation31hon a link to an extension table.
• The data in the items of the basic table31 are basically determined before or during recording (that is, during distribution of contents). For broadcasting programs, data such as a program title and a channel are extracted from the information in the EPG and determined before or during recording.
• However, some of the data in the items are changed to data such as a recorded image and the actual broadcasting time, after recording. For example, thetime zone31dis a scheduled date and a scheduled time if the program has not been broadcast yet (that is, the program has not been recorded yet). In contrast, thetime zone31dis an actual date and an actual time if the program has been broadcast (that is, the program has been recorded). The onekey frame31gis, for example, the first frame after broadcasting (that is, after recording) and may be a distributed key frame or a pre-registered general-purpose image frame before broadcasting (that is, before recording).
• FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an extension table.
• In the present embodiment, the extension table31 is stored in theHDD8 as a table and has a plurality of items including aprogram ID41a,a contents recording scheme (video encode type/mode or image encode scheme, sound encode type/mode or sound encode scheme, or bit rate)41b,a recognizedgenre41c,alink41dto chapter information, alink41eto a highlight scene table, alink41fto a thumbnail image row, afirst link41gto a further extension information, and asecond link41hto a further extension information.
• The data in the items of the extension table41 basically includes information of data the contents of which are possible to change and information resulting from processes in the system. For broadcasting programs, no data is present in the items before recording. Accordingly, the data in the items are recognized and written on the basis of data such as recorded images and the actual broadcast videos.
• The information including data the contents of which are possible to change is recordinginformation41bsuch as a bit rate and a codec scheme. The information also includes a formal genre distributed during or after recording and casting members.
• The information resulting from processes in the system isgenre information41cresulting from recognition of the user's favors through a learning function. The data in the items of the extension table41 includevarious link information41d,41e,41f,41g,and41hsuch as a link to chapter information. The information resulting from predetermined program processes in thecontents reproducing apparatus1 after recording includes a genre, appearance time marks for performers, highlight marks, chapter information, brightness for image processing, a luminance change line, a volume line, and what is called newness information indicating the topicality of news or the like.
• The link information includes theinformation41don a link to chapter information, thelink41eto a highlight scene table, and thelink41fto thumbnail image row information. The link information also includes information added via an offline process or the like, for example, book mark information added by the user during viewing.
• FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a highlight scene common-information table.
• In the present embodiment, a highlight scene common-information table51 is stored in theHDD8 and has a plurality of items including aprogram ID51a,a recognition method or arecognition scheme51b,and a highlight scene count51c.
• That is, the data in the items of the highlight scene common-information table51 includes a specified recognition process scheme to be executed for each specified program and information on a highlight scene count resulting from the recognition process. Accordingly, the data in the items are information on the user specified recognition process scheme and on the number of highlight scenes resulting from the process.
• When a highlight scene retrieving process is specified by the user, thecontents analyzing section25 subjects video information on the contents of a specified program to a specified recognition scheme, for example, a process program based on a recognition scheme called a “baseball chance recognizing scheme A” as shown inFIG. 6. Thecontents analyzing section25 thus detects highlight scenes in the contents, and creates and records various data required to enable the user to easily retrieve the highlight scenes, in a highlight information table61.
• FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the highlight information table61, stored in theHDD8. In the present embodiment, the highlight information table61, which is generated for each program ID, has a plurality of items including ascene number61a,astart time61b,anend time61c,aclassification61d,adetermination value score61e,and aviewing count61f.
• The data in the items of the highlight information table61 are basically information on highlight scenes resulting from a recognition process as described above. The identification numbers of highlight scenes are recorded in the item of thescene number61a.The start times of videos recognized as highlight scenes are recorded in the item of thestart time61b.The end times of the videos recognized as highlight scenes are recorded in the item of theend time61c.The categories of the contents of the recognized scenes are recorded in the item of theclassification61d.The determined levels of the highlight scenes are recorded in theitem61eof thedetermination value score61e.The number of times that the user has viewed the scene is recorded in theviewing count61f.
• That is,FIG. 7 shows an example of information resulting from recognition of highlight scenes of contents of a baseball program. Scene numbers are added to a plurality of highlight scenes recognized by the recognition scheme specified in the highlight scene common-information table51 inFIG. 6. The information on the start and end times of each scene is then extracted. Moreover, thecontents analyzing section25 classifies the highlight scenes recognized by the specified recognition scheme into scoring, defense and attack scenes (offense scene). Thecontents analyzing section25 further records information on the level of each highlight scene (probability of being a highlight scene) and on the user's viewing count, in the highlight information table61. In the figure, the category of a scoring scene included in the attack scene is given priority over the attack scene.
• The method for classifying the video information on the contents is not limited to identification of highlight scenes based on a change in video color, sound volume, or the like as described above but may be recognition of an announcer's words, learning of the user's favors, or the like.
• FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a thumbnail image row information table71. In the present embodiment, the thumbnail image row information table71 is stored in theHDD8 as a table, is generated for each program ID or channel, and has a plurality of items. These items include animage number71a,internal time code orintra-contents time71b,image information71c,andinformation71don a link to image data.
• The data in the items of the thumbnail image row information table71 are basically information obtained when the UIdata generating section22 generates a thumbnail image row as described above. The identification number of each thumbnail image is recorded in the item of theimage number71a.In-contents time data on that thumbnail image is recorded in the item of theintra-contents time71b.The form, size, color depth or color bit count, or the like of the thumbnail image is recorded in the item of theimage information71c.Image identification data on the thumbnail image itself is recorded in the item of thelink71dto image data and used to read the thumbnail image recorded in theHDD8.
• Description has been given of the example in which the table is stored as it is. However, the table may also be stored in XML or hypertext form in association with videos, images, or meta data. Functions essential to the data storing scheme in the present embodiment include storage of both information determined during recording and information obtained after recording by analyzing or processing videos, and storage of thumbnail images (a row of a plurality of images) as meta data. The above various tables are used to associate video information in various screens with EPG information. TheUI processing section22 can search these tables for information required for screen display specified by the user to obtain linked information.
• Now, a specific description will be given of functions of the above videocontents reproducing apparatus1.
• In the example described below, the user sets thevideo reproducing apparatus1 so that the contents of TV programs and the like broadcast through a plurality of channels are continuously recorded in theHDD8 for, for example, 24 hours. The user then retrieves and reproduces a desired one of the plurality of programs continuously recorded through the predetermined channels for 24 hours.
• In this case, the contents of all the programs on each of the specified channels are recorded. However, not all the programs need to be recorded but it is possible to record only contents selected on the basis of setting information such as a particular time zone, genre, or cast which is set by the user.
• Thecontents receiving section23 continuously receives information on the specified programs, that is, the contents, for 24 hours. The data storing and extractingsection24 records encoded information on the received contents in theHDD8. Thecontents receiving section23 carries out the reception as a parallel process.
• The broadcast or distributed contents are recorded in theHDD8. Predetermined data input, distributed, generated or the like before, during, and after recording are stored in the basic (FIG. 4) and extension (FIG. 5) tables in theHDD8.
• In particular, the following is recorded in the extension table (FIG. 5): information resulting from a recognition process executed on the basis of the user's specification, for example, from the above highlight scene recognizing process.
• Now, description will be given of the case where the user retrieves and views a program from the plurality of contents recorded in theHDD8. To retrieve a desired one of the plurality of contents recorded in theHDD8, the user operates theremote controller11 or an operation panel (not shown) to give the contents reproducing apparatus1 a command causing thedisplay device9 to display a screen for contents retrieval,
• FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating screen transitions of a GUI screen used to retrieve contents or scenes in the videocontents reproducing apparatus1.
• FIG. 9 shows only transitions to screens related to the present embodiment, though transitions from a top menu to various functional screens are possible. As shown inFIG. 9, the user can change the display screen of thedisplay device9 from atop menu screen81 to a genre selection screen101 (FIG. 11) or to a by-channel time series retrieval screen121 (FIG. 13). The user can move through the screens by performing predetermined operations on theremote controller11.
• Similarly, the user can operate theremote controller11 to move from the genre selection screen101 (FIG. 11) to a contents retrieval screen111 (FIG. 12). The user can then operate theremote controller11 to move from each of the contents retrieval screen111 (FIG. 12) and by-channel time series retrieval screen121 (FIG. 13) to a scene retrieval screen131 (FIG. 15).
• Now, with reference toFIG. 10, a plurality of operation keys on theremote controller11 will be described. In the present embodiment, as described later, three-dimensional screen display needs to be operated. Consequently, the plurality of operation keys include not only a normal up, down, right, and left keys but also a key specifying movement in a depth direction.
• FIG. 10 is a plan view of theremote controller11 showing an example of a key arrangement on theremote controller11. A plurality of buttons and keys which can be operated by the user's fingers are arranged on the surface of theremote controller11.
• Theremote controller11 includes apower supply button91, achannel switching button92, avolume change button93, a channel direct-switching button94, a cross key95 used to move the cursor upward, downward, rightward, and leftward, ahome button96, a programguide table button97, asubmenu button97, areturn button98, and a recording and reproductionfunction key group99.
• The cross key95 has two ring-shaped keys (hereinafter referred to as ring keys)95aand95b.The inside ring key95ais used to move the cursor upward, downward, rightward, and leftward. The outside ring key95bhas, for example, a function that specifies a frontward and backward directions in a three-dimensionally displayed screen. An execution key95cfor a selection function, that is, an execution function, is provided inside the inside ring key95a.
• In this case, the two ring keys95aand95bare used to specify the frontward and backward direction in three-dimensional display. However, as shown by broken lines inFIG. 10, independent dedicated buttons95dand95emay be provided on theremote controller11 to specify the frontward and backward directions.
• The user can transmit various commands while viewing the display screen of thedisplay device9 to operate theremote controller11.
• An operation and a process for each screen will be described below with reference to specific examples.
• For example, to select a content from dramas that are movies, the user operates buttons on theremote controller11, for example, ahome button96, to transmit, to thecontents reproducing apparatus1, a predetermined command causing the display of a menu screen from which a movie genre can be selected. Upon receiving the command, thecontents reproducing apparatus1 displays such a screen as shown inFIG. 11, on thedisplay device9. Specifically, the command from theremote controller11 is input to and processed by theUI processing section21. TheUI processing section21 determines that the command causes the movie genre to be selected, and reads data such as the basic table which are stored in theHDD8 to sort the data by genre. TheUI processing section21 then executes a process which generates the screen inFIG. 11.
• In this case, the movie contents are classified according to genres. However, the movie contents may be classified on the basis of information in another item of the basic table or information in an item of the extension table.
• FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a genre selection screen that allows the user to select a subgenre such as a variety, cinema, or drama from the movie genre contents.
• The screen inFIG. 11 shows the number of recorded programs for each genre in blocks. InFIG. 11,12 genres are each shown as a mass shaped like an island comprising a plurality of stacked rectangles. Each island is shown to indicate the number of recorded programs in terms of the number of stacked rectangles. The rectangles are stacked in a 5×5 matrix as well as in the depth direction, that is, in three-dimensional display. The stacking is based on the count calculated during the sorting.
• More specifically, agenre selection screen101 displays a plurality of, in this case,12 genres as a mass of island together with agenre name102 and anicon103 corresponding to the genre. The plurality of islands are shown in, in this case, a 4×3 matrix (4 rows and 3 columns). Each island is three-dimensionally displayed so that the plurality of rectangular blocks are stacked in a three-dimensional space. Moreover, each island is displayed as a set of 5×5×5 (5 rows and 5 columns as well as 5 blocks in the depth direction) rectangular parallelepiped blocks. Anisland104afor the drama genre is displayed as a set of 5×5×5 (5 rows and 5 columns as well as 5 blocks in the depth direction) rectangular parallelepiped blocks.FIG. 11 shows that the maximum depth is 5. However, the number of blocks in the depth direction varies depending on the number of contents in each island. Thus, inFIG. 11, with an increase in the number of contents in an island, the number of blocks in the depth direction is determined by dividing the number by 25 to obtain an integral value and then adding 1 to this value. Ananimation island104bis displayed as a set of 5×5×5 (or 4) (5 rows and 5 columns as well as 5 or 4 blocks in the depth direction) rectangular parallelepiped blocks. Awelfare island104cis displayed as a set of 2×5 (or 2)×1 (2 rows and 5 or 2 columns as well as 1 block in the depth direction) rectangular parallelepiped blocks.
• One block shows one content. When each island has a plurality of contents, the number of contents is shown by a set of blocks in a predetermined matrix (in this case, 5×5). If the number of contents increases and exceeds that in the predetermined matrix (in this case, 5×5), it is shown by a set of three-dimensional blocks stacked in the depth direction.
• In particular, theUI processing section21 displays each island so that it appears like a set of three-dimensional blocks to the user at one point of sight as shown inFIG. 11. Since the number of contents in each genre is shown not only by rows and columns but also by a length d in the depth direction, the user can intuitively determine how many contents have been accumulated in each genre. For example, thedrama island104ahas five blocks in the depth direction da. Theanimation island104bhas four or five blocks in the depth direction db. Thewelfare island104 has one block in the depth direction dc. The user can thus clearly determine a difference in contents amount among the islands.
• As described above, the above genre selection screen is generated by theUI processing section21 by using the genre information read from the basic table (FIG. 4) in theHDD8 to classify the contents recorded in theHDD8. The number of contents in each category obtained by the classification process is counted.
• The number of blocks in each island is determined on the basis of the count. Then, on the basis of pre-specified and stored point of sight information, theUI processing section21 generates an image of a set of three-dimensional blocks for each island and outputs the generated image information for the genre selection screen (FIG. 11) to thedisplay device9.
• Consequently, when a plurality of contents are displayed in a list in the screen inFIG. 11, related contents are grouped on the basis of predetermined information. The number of contents in each group is then three-dimensionally expressed. The user can thus easily understand the number of contents.
• It is assumed that in the genre selection screen inFIG. 11, the user operates the ring key95aon theremote controller11 to move thecursor105 to select thedrama island104a.The command for the selection operation is input to theUI processing section21. TheUI processing section21 then determines that the command causes a content to be selected from the drama genre and reads data such as the basic table which are stored in theHDD8. TheUI processing section21 further generates a screen inFIG. 12.
• FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a contents retrieval screen that allows the user to retrieve a viewing target content from the plurality of contents belonging to the drama genre.
• Acontents retrieval screen111 inFIG. 12 displays a plurality of contents in a list in which each drama is shown as a three-dimensionalrectangular parallelepiped block112. InFIG. 12,25 drama titles are each shown on asurface112aof thecorresponding block112 or close to thecorresponding thumbnail image113. Thecontents retrieval screen111 inFIG. 12 displays a plurality of dramas generally as a plurality of (5×5×5; 5 rows and 5 columns as well as 5 blocks in the depth direction) rectangular parallelepiped blocks. Specifically, a plurality of dramas corresponding to thedrama island104ain the screen inFIG. 11 are displayed in upper two and lower two rows (that is, the first, second, fourth, and fifth rows) of thecontents retrieval screen111 inFIG. 12, as a set of a plurality of (5×5; 5 rows as well as 5 blocks in the depth direction) rectangular parallelepiped blocks. Moreover, for five dramas at a predetermined position on the screen, in this case, in a central row (that is, the third row), not only their titles but also recorded drama videos displayed as motion picture thumbnails are shown. The five thumbnails are two-dimensionally displayed in the central row (that is, the third row). However, this row virtually contains 5×5 (5 rows as well as 5 blocks in the depth direction) drama contents, and the dramas located behind the two-dimensionally displayed thumbnails are not shown. Accordingly, inFIG. 12, only the dramas displayed in thethird row3L as motion picture thumbnails are not shown as three-dimensional rectangular parallelepiped blocks.
• To select a desired one of the plurality of recorded dramas, the user can operate the ring key95aon theremote controller11 to move the cursor in both horizontal and vertical direction of the screen. An operation method for this selection will be described below. In the example below, 125 dramas are recorded and displayed as 5×5×5 (5 rows and 5 columns as well as 5 blocks in the depth direction) rectangular parallelepiped blocks.
• For example, depressing a right or left part of the ring key95aon theremote controller11 moves thecursor114 in the horizontal direction of the screen in association with the key operation. The user can thus change the selected drama in thecontents retrieval screen111 inFIG. 12. Similarly, depressing an upper or lower part of the ring key95aon theremote controller11 changes the row displayed as motion picture thumbnails, in association with the key operation. In the description below, the middle row in the vertical direction, that is, the third row is entirely displayed as motion picture thumbnails. However, in the thumbnail display, all the (in this case, five) contents in the middle row do not need to be in motion picture form but some of them may be still images.
• For example, in the state inFIG. 12, depressing the upper part of the ring key95adisplays the middle row, the third row (3L), as rectangular parallelepiped blocks with the respective titles. The second row (2L) is displayed as motion picture thumbnails. Further depressing the upper part of the ring key95adisplays the first row (1L) as motion picture thumbnails. In this case, the other rows are displayed as rectangular parallelepiped blocks with the respective titles. Similarly, depressing the lower part of the ring key95ain the state shown inFIG. 12 displays the fourth row as motion picture thumbnails. That is, operating the upper or lower part of the ring key95achanges the position of the row displayed as motion picture thumbnails.
• Thus, thecursor114 moves in the horizontal and vertical directions according to the key operations. The user can thus switch among the selectable dramas in thecontents retrieval screen111 inFIG. 12.
• This results in such display as shown inFIG. 12, in which the row containing selectable contents is displayed as thumbnails with the other rows displayed simply as text information such as titles. This enables more contents to be efficiently arranged in one screen, and the user can easily compare the selectable contents with contents located near them.
• Operating the ring key95bon theremote controller11 enables the display of 25 dramas following the current 25 dramas. The screen inFIG. 12 has a page display section indicating, in the upper right in the screen, that the mass in the screen amounts to one-fifth of the 125 dramas.
• For example, depressing the upper part of the ring key95bdisplays a 25-drama page (2/5) located behind the foremost 25-drama page (1/5), on the foremost surface. The 25-drama page (1/5) previously displayed on the foremost surface virtually moves to the remotest surface. Further depressing the upper part of the ring key95bdisplays a 25-drama page (3/5) located behind the foremost 25-drama page (2/5), on the foremost surface. The 25-drama page (2/5) previously displayed on the foremost surface virtually moves to the remotest surface. As a result, the second page (in the depth direction (3/5)) from the initially displayed 25-drama page (1/5) shown inFIG. 12 is displayed on the foremost surface. The initially displayed 25-drama page (1/5) shown inFIG. 12 virtually moves to the remotest surface but one.
• In contrast, depressing the lower part of the ring key95bin this state (in which the page (3/5) is displayed on the foremost surface) displays the 25-drama page (2/5) virtually located at the remotest surface, on the foremost surface. The 25-drama page (3/5) previously displayed on the foremost surface virtually moves to the surface behind the foremost surface. Further depressing the lower part of the ring key95bdisplays the 25-drama page (1/5) virtually located at the remotest surface, on the foremost surface. The 25-drama page (2/5) virtually located at the foremost surface virtually moves to the surface behind the foremost surface. This brings the screen into the initial display state shown inFIG. 12.
• As described above, focusing in six directions can be executed on the screen inFIG. 12; extra contents that do not fit in one screen are contained in the second and subsequent stacked pages, and the focusing is achieved by three-dimensionally expressing the stacked pages to enable virtual movement in the depth direction. Consequently, the user can easily and intuitively understand and easily manipulate page transitions.
• Instead of still images, motion picture thumbnails are displayed in the third row to show the contents. This allows the user to determine the desired content more easily than in the prior art, in which only one representative still image is displayed. In the prior art, in which only still images are displayed, the user must repeat selection and viewing and cannot perform efficient retrieval operations. However, the present embodiment enables the user to perform efficient operations.
• With the screen inFIG. 12 displayed, depressing any of the function buttons on theremote controller11 executes the corresponding function; the functions buttons include playback, reverse playback, fast-forward playback, fast-forward reverse playback, and playback pause. In other words, the plurality of (in this case, five) motion pictures in the third row displayed as motion picture thumbnails are simultaneously changed depending on the depressed function button on theremote controller11, that is, such as playback, reverse playback, or fast-forward playback. Therefore, the user can easily and quickly retrieve the desired content.
• A process of generating the screen inFIG. 12 is executed by theUI processing section21 by reading video information on the contents via the UIdata generating section22 and on the basis of information from the basic table.
• In listing a plurality of contents, the screen inFIG. 12 also three-dimensionally expresses the amount of stored contents, which facilitates the user's determination of the amount of the stored contents.
• The user can then perform a predetermined operation on theremote controller11 to display such a retrieval screen as shown inFIG. 13. This figure shows another example of a contents retrieval screen that allows the user to retrieve a desired one of a plurality of contents. The contents retrieval screen inFIG. 13 is a by-channel time series retrieval screen which lists a plurality of contents and which displays contents by channel according to time series.
• The by-channel timeseries retrieval screen121 is looked as a whole as if a two-dimensional program guide table122 were viewed from a predetermined point of sight (view point). In the present embodiment, in which programs on a predetermined channel are continuously recorded for 24 hours, each by-channel program section displays a plurality programs arranged according to the time series so that programs broadcast later than a certain time T are displayed frontward, while programs broadcast earlier than the time T are displayed backward. The time indicated by the direction of abscissa is the same for all the by-channel program sections. Accordingly, in each by-channel program section, pieces of information on the programs are arranged along the predetermined time axis (extending from back to front) as in the case of a timetable.
• The by-channel timeseries retrieval screen121 has atime display section123 that displays the time T. Thetime display section123 includes a display section that displays year, month, day, time, minute, day of the week, and morning or afternoon. The by-channel timeseries retrieval screen121 has atime display section124 that displays time on the side of the two-dimensional program guide table122, in this case, only the time.FIG. 13 shows time earlier than the certain time T, that is, time returned before the certain time T, for example, 1600 and 1500 hours, along the depth direction.
• The by-channel timeseries retrieval screen121 includes the band-like program sections for the respective broadcasting or distribution channels which are arranged along the abscissa and which extend from back to front of the screen. That is, in a virtual sense, the plurality of band-like program sections are two-dimensionally arranged. The displayed channels (inFIG. 13,channels35 to41) are some of the channels being currently broadcast and recorded. When viewing the screen, the user sees the program sections for the respective channels in which pieces of contents information on the programs, or contents, are arranged so that the time goes back (returns to the past) from front to back of the screen as shown by arrow P. Specifically, the program sections are displayed so that the pieces of information indicating the contents of the programs for the respective channels are shown like bands in the two-dimensional plane along the time axis and in association with the elapsed time. The program sections are also displayed as the two-dimensional program guide table122 as viewed from a predetermined point of sight in a three-dimensional space, from upper front to back of the screen. Consequently, the band-like program sections are displayed like trapezoids such that program contents located closer to the user are shown larger, whereas program contents located further from the user are shown gradually smaller.
• A motion picturethumbnail display section125 is displayed in a central portion of the screen; the motion picturethumbnail display section125 displays, as motion picture thumbnails, the contents of the programs on a plurality of (in this case, seven) channels arranged on the respective program sections in the lateral direction.
• The motion picturethumbnail display section125 displays a plurality of motion picture thumbnail videos on a lateral line LT indicating the certain time T. The motion picturethumbnail display section125 two-dimensionally displays the thumbnail videos, that is, like tiles. Since the certain time T varies with the elapsed time, the two-dimensional motion picturethumbnail display section125 appears to stand on the line LT on the two-dimensional program table122. However, as the time elapses in synchronism with reproduction of the motion pictures in the motion picturethumbnail display section125, the two-dimensional motion picture program guide table122 moves from front to back of the screen (direction shown by arrow P). On this occasion, the position of the motion picturethumbnail display section125 on the screen remains unchanged. However, the contents of time display of thetime display section123, showing the time T, vary.
• In the screen shown inFIG. 13, when the user operates the ring key95aon theremote controller11, thecursor126 moves rightward or leftward depending on the operation. This enables the selectable currently broadcast programs or recording contents to be changed. Similarly, in the screen shown inFIG. 13, when the user operates the ring key95bon theremote controller11, the two-dimensional program guide table122 moves from front to back (direction of arrow P) or back to front (direction of arrow F) of the screen depending on the operation while the position of thecursor126 remains unchanged. At this time, the time corresponding to the line LT on the program guide table122 also varies. The contents of display of thetime display section123 also vary as the two-dimensional program guide table122 moves. In other words, thetime display section123 displays the broadcast time of the videos shown in the motion picturethumbnail display section125.
• Specifically, if the time T is the current time, the motion pictures displayed in the motion picturethumbnail display section125 are being broadcast and recorded and vary with the time. TheUI processing section21 receives information on the currently received programs via the UIdata generating section22. TheUI processing section21 then displays the information in the motion picturethumbnail display section125.
• However, when the upper part of the ring key95bon theremote controller11 is depressed to change the time T so that the time goes back, theUT processing section21 reads programs broadcast at the time corresponding to the changed time T, that is, video information on the recorded contents. TheUI processing section21 then displays the video information in the motion picturethumbnail display section125.
• When the lower part of the ring key95bon theremote controller11 is depressed to change the past time T so that the time advances, theUT processing section21 reads video information on the contents broadcast at the time corresponding to the changed time T. TheUI processing section21 then displays the video information in the motion picturethumbnail display section125. If the time advances beyond the current time, thumbnails accompanying the EPG data or a representative image of similar recorded contents, or arbitrary prepared images in the motion picturethumbnail display section125.
• A change in time T moves the band-like program sections in accordance with the changed time.
• The videos displayed in the motion picturethumbnail display section125 are broadcast and distributed at the same time. The user can retrieve a program while comparing a plurality of programs broadcast at the same time, with one another.
• Still images may be included in the plurality of videos displayed in the motion picturethumbnail display section125.
• FIG. 13 shows the program sections for thechannels35 to41 as bands extending from front to back of the screen. However, depressing the left or right part of the ring key95bon theremote controller11 enables the display of program sections for channels to the left of thechannel35 or to the right of thechannel41.
• With the screen inFIG. 13 displayed, depressing any of the function buttons on theremote controller11 allows the corresponding function to be executed; the functions buttons include playback, reverse playback, fast-forward playback, fast-forward reverse playback, and playback pause. In other words, the plurality of motion pictures in the motion picturethumbnail display section125 are simultaneously changed depending on the depressed function button on theremote controller11, that is, the selected function such as playback, reverse playback, or fast-forward playback. Therefore, the user can easily and quickly retrieve the desired content.
• The by-channel timeseries retrieval screen121 is further provided with a program contentsinformation display section127 that displays EPG data on the contents to which the videos shown by the motion picture thumbnails selected via thecursor126 belong. The program contentsinformation display section127 shows information including the broadcasting channels, broadcasting stations, titles, and time zones of the contents to which the videos shown by the motion picture thumbnails selected belong.
• The program sections also may display thumbnails of stillimages128 as program contents information.
• If the time T is the current time, the videos displayed in the motion picturethumbnail display section125 in the central portion of the screen inFIG. 13 are the currently broadcast or distributed programs as described above. In this case, the by-channel program sections display future programs in the front of the screen. Consequently, even if the user operates theremote controller11 to select the fast forward function or the like, that function is not executed.
• Moreover, if the time T is the current time, then in the screen inFIG. 13, the back of the EPG displays the contents of past stored programs. The motion picturethumbnail display section125 shows the contents being currently broadcast, with the front of the EPG displaying the contents of future programs. Accordingly, the part displaying the contents of future programs is generated on the basis of the information in a broadcast schedule such as the EPG or a distribution schedule. The screen inFIG. 13 thus lists contents, on different days at different times, that can be viewed, on one screen. Therefore, the user can easily retrieve contents to be viewed or reserved for viewing.
• If the time T is the current time, not all of the past, current, and future contents need to be displayed. A combination of display contents may be changed; it is possible to display a combination of the current and past contents or the current and future contents.
• FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of process of generating the screen inFIG. 13. The user gives an instruction for generating a process of the by-channel timeseries retrieval screen121 inFIG. 13. Then, the process inFIG. 14 is executed for each displayed channel on the basis of preset setting information required to display the screen inFIG. 13. As described above, a parallel process is simultaneously executed on a plurality of channels.
• First, theUI processing section21 checks the display time T on the basis of the setting information (step S1). TheUI processing section21 then acquires EPG information on the basis of the information on the time T (step S2). TheUI processing section21 acquires video picture or motion picture thumbnail information relating to the EPG information obtained (step S3).
• TheUI processing section21 then executes a synthesis process of generating the three-dimensional display images inFIG. 13, on the basis of the EPG and motion picture thumbnail information acquired, set point of sight information, and the like (step S4). The synthesis process involves embedding contents information in a two-dimensional program guide table, pasting still-image thumbnails to the program guide table, and establishing a display form in which the program guide table is displayed as viewed from a predetermined point of sight as shown in the screen inFIG. 13. Accordingly, the synthesizing operation in step S4 constitutes a contents information display section that displays contents information along the time axis on the screen. The processes of acquiring and synthesizing the motion picture thumbnail information in steps S3 and S4 constitute a video contents display section that displays video contents as motion pictures or still images.
• The procedure returns to step1 and the process is repeated.
• Further, for the content to which the video shown by the motion picture thumbnail selected in the screen inFIG. 12 or13 belongs, the user depresses thesubmenu button97 on theremote controller11 to display a predetermined submenu. The user selects a “scene retrieval” from the submenu. A scene retrieval screen such as the one shown inFIG. 15 is then displayed.FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a scene retrieval screen that allows the user to retrieve scenes from the selected channel or content.
• The scene retrieval screen inFIG. 15 is also generated and displayed on thedisplay device9 by theUI processing section21 in response to a command input through theremote controller11.
• In response to the command, the UI processing section allows the video information on contents specified by the data storing and extractingsection24 to be read into the UIdata generating section22. TheUI processing section21 then has the UIdata generating section22 generate a thumbnail image row(image series) on the basis of the video information read.
• Ascene retrieval screen131 has a thumbnail imageexample display section132 in which a plurality of images in a thumbnail image row are arranged along the time elapse from front to back of the screen and a contentsinformation display section133 that displays contents information such as the titles of displayed contents. The contentsinformation display section133 includes display portions each of which displays the channels, broadcasting stations, recording dates and times, time zones, or program titles of the displayed contents.
• The types of contents information shown on the screen and required to display thescene retrieval screen131 may be preset in theUI processing section21 by the user or set by default. TheUI processing section21 reads basic information on the contents for which thescene retrieval screen131 is displayed, from the basic table stored in theHDD8, via the UIdata generating section22. TheUI processing section21 thus generates data to be displayed, as part of displayed information.
• Before displaying thescene retrieval screen131, theUI processing section21 previously includes information that defines the display form of thumbnail images, such as a set point of sight position, the inclination of the time axis, the transmittance of thumbnail images, the number of a plurality of thumbnail images contiguously arranged, the position of the thumbnail images, and the inclination of the arranged thumbnail images.
• TheUI processing section21 generates ascene retrieval screen131 on the basis of the plurality of thumbnail images received from the UIdata generating section22, display information, and positional information. Thescene retrieval screen131 shows a plurality of still images as viewed at a certain angle to the time axis.
• The thumbnail images generated by the UIdata generating section22 are converted into texture images by theUI processing section21, which then uses the resulting texture images to generate a scene retrieval screen shown inFIG. 15.
• The thumbnail imageexample display section132 in which the number of thumbnail images displayed as a thumbnail image row is predetermined displays the predetermined number of thumbnail images in a thumbnail image row. InFIG. 15, n (n is an integer) screens132₁,132₂,132₃, . . . ,132_nare displayed. If the number of screens is set at 100, then for example, the recording time for contents that are motion pictures is divided into 100. Still images corresponding to the respective resulting points in time are generated and displayed.
• The plurality of still images may be generated on the basis of analysis information provided by the abovecontents analyzing section25. The still images may be generated, for example, for the respective particular analyzed and recognized highlight scenes.
• The thumbnail imageexample display section132 has avirtual time axis134 along which a plurality of thumbnail images are arranged from front to back of the screen. The plurality of thumbnail images are arranged from front to back of the screen in order of time elapse. Specifically, thumbnail images in the front of the screen temporally precede those in the back of the screen.
• The user can sequentially move the thumbnail images displayed in the thumbnail imageexample display section132 of thescene retrieval screen131, toward the front of the screen, while retrieving a desired scene from that content.
• Specifically, depressing the upper part of the ring key95bwith the screen inFIG. 15 displayed moves the plurality of thumbnail images frontward. The thumbnail image on the foremost surface continuously moves frontward and leftward until it disappears from the screen. Each of the thumbnails in the back moves one position ahead; theimage132₂moves to the position of132₁, while theimage132₃moves to the position of132₂. The image following thefinal image132_nis newly added to the position of theimage132_n. Depressing the upper part of the ring key95bthus changes the display of the thumbnail images so that the time advances. Continuously depressing the upper part of the ring key95bcontinuously moves the plurality of thumbnail images ahead; the plurality of thumbnail images appear to flow. Such a thumbnail image display change is effected by theUI processing section21.
• Even though the plurality of thumbnails appears to flow during movement, at a change in thumbnail image, for example, at a change in scene, the entire image has its colors changed. This enables the user to recognize a change in content.
• Similarly, depressing the lower part of the ring key95bwith the screen inFIG. 15 displayed moves each of the plurality of thumbnail images backward. The thumbnail image on the foremost surface moves backward; theimage132₁moves to the position of132₂. Each thumbnail image moves one position backward; the image preceding theimage132₁appears at the position of132₁. Theimage132_n-1moves to the position of therearmost image132_n. Depressing the lower part of the ring key95bthus changes the display of the thumbnail images so that the time goes back.
• Depressing the right or left part of the ring key95bmay change the inclination of thetime axis134 in the screen. For example, depressing the left part of the ring key95bincreases the difference in angle between thetime axis134 and a line-of-sight direction or a view direction. This separates the axis along which the images overlap one another, from the axis in the line-of-sight direction. Depressing the right part of the ring key95breduces the difference in angle between thetime axis134 and the line-of-sight direction. This allows the axis along which the images overlap one another to approach the line-of-sight direction axis.
• The above independent dedicated buttons95dand95emay be used to change the inclination of thetime axis134.
• FIGS. 16 and 17 are diagrams showing exemplary displays illustrating the difference in angle between thetime axis134 and the line-of-sight direction.FIGS. 18 and 19 are diagrams illustrating the axis along which images overlap one another and the line-of-sight direction axis.FIG. 16 shows an exemplary display in which the difference in angle between thetime axis134 and the line-of-sight direction is smaller than that inFIG. 17. InFIG. 18, the axis along which the images overlap one another is closer to the line-of-sight direction axis than inFIG. 19.
• The exemplary display inFIG. 16 shows a small angle between the axis along which the images overlap one another and the line-of-sight direction axis as shown inFIG. 18. This enables a row of more thumbnail images to be displayed on a projection plane within a limited lateral range. In contrast, the exemplary display inFIG. 17 shows a large angle between the axis along which the images overlap one another and the line-of-sight direction axis as shown inFIG. 19. This precludes a row of many thumbnail images from being displayed on the projection plane within the limited lateral range.
• On the other hand, the exemplary display inFIG. 17 enables the images to be easily seen sequentially from left to right of the screen. However, the exemplary display inFIG. 16 precludes the images from being easily seen.
• Accordingly, the exemplary display inFIG. 16 is suitable for, for example, finding a significant scene change such as an inserted CF (Commercial Film) image or for navigating the contents over a long time. The exemplary display inFIG. 17 is suitable for, for example, searching for smaller scenes.
• Changing the inclination of thetime axis134 in the screen thus enables the display form to be changed as desired.
• Now, a specific description will be given of a process which generates a scene retrieval screen.FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the exemplary flow of a process which generates a scene retrieval screen.
• First, for any content selected via thecursor114 inFIG. 12 or via thecursor126 inFIG. 13, a command for display of the scene retrieval screen is input to theUI processing section21. TheUI processing section21 reads preset information on the number of a plurality of thumbnail images to be displayed, to determine the number of images to be displayed (step S11).
• TheUI processing section21 subsequently reads preset information on the inclination of the plurality of thumbnail images to be displayed, to determine the inclination of the image row to be displayed (step S12).
• TheUI processing section21 further reads preset information on the inclination of the time axis, the transmittance of the thumbnail images, and the like, to determine the display form of the plurality of thumbnail images (step S13).
• TheUI processing section21 then determines the display positions and postures of polygons in the thumbnail image row (step S14). This determines the positions and postures for the display of the thumbnail images received from the UIdata generating section22.
• Although not shown, theUI processing section21 simultaneously acquires information on the selected content from the basic table in the data storing and extractingsection24 via the UIdata generating section22. TheUI processing section21 then acquires information to be displayed in the contentsinformation display section133, from the basic table information acquired.
• TheUI processing section21 then instructs the UIdata generating section22 to generate a thumbnail image row on the basis of video information on the content (step S15). The instruction contains information on the number of thumbnail images to be generated and the time to start generation of thumbnail images.
• TheUI processing section21 determines whether or not a thumbnail image has been received from the UIdata generating section22, which has instructed a thumbnail image row to be generated (step S16). If a thumbnail image has been received, the determination in step S16 is YES and each thumbnail image generated is transmitted to theUI processing section21.
• Every time theUI processing section21 receives a thumbnail image, it generates a texture image. TheUI processing section21 then executes a three-dimensional projection calculation on the texture image generated to generate a projection image. TheUI processing section21 further pastes the projection image at a predetermined position in the thumbnail imageexample display section132 inFIG. 14 (step S16).
• As described above, the process shown inFIG. 20 constitutes a still image display section that three-dimensionally displays a predetermined number of still images generated along a predetermined axis on the screen.
• The process subsequently returns to step S16 to repeat the subsequent operations.
• FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the exemplary flow of a process which generates a thumbnail image row in the UIdata generating section22.
• The UIdata generating section22 receives a command for generation of thumbnail images corresponding to step S15, from theUI processing section21. The UIdata generating section22 executes a process which generates a thumbnail image according to the time elapse from a predetermined time, for example, a contents recording start time (step S21). The UIdata generating section22 determines whether or not one thumbnail image has been generated, that is, one thumbnail image has been completed (step S22). If one thumbnail image has not been completed, the determination in step S22 is NO and no operations are performed.
• When one thumbnail image is completed, the determination in step S22 is YES and the completed image is transmitted to the UI processing section21 (step S23). The UIdata generating section22 then determines whether or not a specified number of thumbnail images have been generated (step S24). If a specified number of thumbnail images have not been generated, the determination in step S24 is NO and the process returns to step S21 to repeat the subsequent operations. If a specified number of thumbnail images have been generated, the determination in step S24 is YES and the process is ended. As described above, steps S21 and S22 constitute a still image generating section that generates a predetermined number of still images from video information, along the time elapse from a predetermined time. Steps S22 and S23 constitute a still image information sequential-transmission section that sequentially transmits still image information to theUI processing section21 every time a still image is generated.
• The predetermined time varies while the upper or lower part of the ring key95bremains depressed. A thumbnail image row is generated in association with the varying predetermined time. Specifically, in response to commands generated and transmitted by depressing the upper or lower part of the ring key95b,the predetermined time is varied to add ungenerated still images to generate a predetermined number of still images.
• Generation of a thumbnail image row allows required information to be recorded in the extension table41 inFIG. 5 and in the thumbnail image row information table71 inFIG. 8. The extension tables41 and the thumbnail image row information table71 are used to read information on a thumbnail image row generated.
• The UIdata generating section22 thus executes, in parallel, a process which generates thumbnail images and a process which transmits thumbnails generated. Accordingly, theUI processing section21 sequentially receives the thumbnail images generated. TheUI processing section21 sequentially converts the received thumbnail images into texture images and pastes the texture images at predetermined positions in the thumbnail imageexample display section132 inFIG. 14. Thus, when the user operates theremote controller11 to instruct thescene retrieval screen131 to be displayed, the thumbnail images are sequentially displayed in thescene retrieval screen131 inFIG. 14 from front to back of the screen. Specifically, inFIG. 14, the images are displayed in order of132₁,132₂,132₃, . . .
• As described above, if the user retrieves scenes contained in a content, thescene retrieval screen131 inFIG. 15 three-dimensionally displays the leading still images of the videos of predetermined units into which the content is divided so that the images overlap one another in the depth direction. This allows the user to intuitively and easily see the picture of that content, thus facilitating scene retrieval. In other words, the user views a plurality of images in the same manner that the user is turning over a plurality of pages, so that a desired scene can be retrieved from the change of the image.
• In the above description, the scene retrieval screen inFIG. 15 is generated for the selected content. However, a channel may be selected so that the scene retrieval screen inFIG. 15 is generated for contents consecutively recorded through that channel.
• Moreover, in the above description, the ring key on theremote controller11 is used to give instructions on the depth direction. However, another input equipment, for example, a joy stick may be used to give instructions on the depth direction.
• As described above, the present embodiment can provide a video contents display system which allows the user to easily see and intuitively understand recorded video contents and to easily perform an operation of retrieving contents.
• A program performing the above operations is partly or entirely recorded or stored in portable media such as a floppy disk or a CD-ROM, a storage device such as a hard disk, or the like. The program is read by a computer to perform all or some of the operations. Alternatively, the program can be entirely or partly distributed or provided via a communication network. The user can easily implement the video contents display system of the present invention by downloading the program via a communication network and installing it in the computer or by installing the program from recording media in the computer.
• The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Many changes, modifications, or the like may be made to the embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims (20)

1. A video contents display system comprising:

a contents information display section that allows pieces of contents information on a plurality of recorded video contents to be displayed along a time axis on a screen; and

a video contents display section that allows the plurality of video contents to be displayed as motion pictures or still images at a specified time on the time axis.

2. The video contents display system according toclaim 1, wherein the contents information display section arranges the pieces of contents information on a two-dimensional plane in association with time elapse on the time axis, and displays the pieces of contents information arranged on the two-dimensional plane in a display form such that the contents information is viewed from a predetermined point of sight direction in a three-dimensional space.

3. The video contents display system according toclaim 2, wherein the contents information display section acquires electronic program guide information on the basis of information on the specified time, acquires information on motion picture thumbnails relating to the electronic program guide information, synthesizes the electronic program guide information and the information on the motion picture thumbnails, and displays the pieces of contents information in the display form.

4. The video contents display system according toclaim 3, wherein the time axis has a direction in which time goes back from front to back of the screen when a user views the screen, and

the contents information at a time later than the specified time on the time axis is based on a broadcasting or distribution schedule.

5. The video contents display system according toclaim 4, wherein the contents information display section displays the pieces of contents information for each of broadcasting or distribution channels for the plurality of video contents, and

the video contents display section displays the plurality of video contents for each of the broadcasting or distribution channels.

6. The video contents display system according toclaim 1, further comprising a genre selection screen generating section which generates a genre selection screen that allows genres to be selected for the plurality of video contents, and the genre selection screen displays the plurality of video contents for each of the genres as a three-dimensional set as viewed from one point of sight.

7. The video contents display system according toclaim 6, further comprising a contents retrieval screen generating section that generates a contents retrieval screen that allows retrieval of one of the plurality of video contents belonging to the genre selected in the genre selection screen, the one being to be viewed, and wherein the contents retrieving section three-dimensionally displays the video contents, and the video content at a predetermined position on the screen is displayed as motion picture thumbnails.

8. The video contents display system according toclaim 1, wherein the specified time is a current time that varies with time elapse.

9. The video contents display system according toclaim 8, wherein the contents information display section arranges the pieces of contents information on a two-dimensional plane in association with time elapse on the time axis, and displays the pieces of contents information arranged on the two-dimensional plane in a display form such that the contents information is viewed from a predetermined point of sight direction in a three-dimensional space.

10. The video contents display system according toclaim 9, wherein the contents information display section acquires electronic program guide information on the basis of information on the specified time, acquires information on motion picture thumbnails relating to the electronic program guide information, synthesizes the electronic program guide information and the information on the motion picture thumbnails, and displays the pieces of contents information in the display form.

11. The video contents display system according toclaim 10, wherein the time axis has a direction in which time goes back from front to back of the screen when the user views the screen, and

the contents information at a time later than the specified time on the time axis is based on a broadcasting or distribution schedule.

12. The video contents display system according toclaim 11, wherein the contents information display section displays the pieces of contents information for each of broadcasting or distribution channels for the plurality of video contents, and

the video contents display section displays the plurality of video contents for each of the broadcasting or distribution channels.

13. A video contents display method comprising displaying contents information on a plurality of recorded video contents along a time axis on a screen and displaying the plurality of video contents as motion pictures or still images at a specified time on the time axis.

14. A program that allows computer to execute:

a function that displays contents information on a plurality of recorded video contents along a time axis on a screen; and

a function that displays the plurality of video contents at a specified time on the time axis as motion pictures or still images.

15. A video contents display system comprising:

a still image generating section that, upon receiving a predetermined command, generates a predetermined number of still images from information on recorded video contents, along time elapse from a predetermined time;

a still image display section that three-dimensionally displays the predetermined number of still images generated, along a predetermined axis on a screen; and

a still image information sequential-transmission section that, every time the still image generating section generates one of the still images, transmits information on the still image to the still image display section.

16. The video contents display system according toclaim 15, wherein the still image generating section generates the predetermined number of still images on the basis of analysis information obtained by analyzing information on the recorded contents.

17. The video contents display system according toclaim 16, wherein the still image generating section generates the predetermined number of still images from still images into which the recorded video content is divided at predetermined time intervals from the predetermined time.

18. The video contents display system according toclaim 17, further comprising a command receiving section that receives a command for time advancement or time delay,

wherein the still image generating section changes the predetermined time according to the received command to add ungenerated still images to generate the predetermined number of still images.

19. A video contents display method comprising:

upon receiving a predetermined command, generating a predetermined number of still images from information on recorded video contents, along time elapse from a predetermined time;

every time one of the still images is generated, sequentially transmitting information on the still image; and

three-dimensionally displaying the predetermined number of received still images along a predetermined axis on a screen.

20. A program which displays video contents and which allows a computer to execute:

a function that, upon receiving a predetermined command, generates a predetermined number of still images from information on recorded video contents, along time elapse from a predetermined time;

a function that, every time the still image generating section generates one of the still images, sequentially transmits information on the still image; and

a function that three-dimensionally displays the predetermined number of received still images along a predetermined axis on a screen.

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