JP2009117989A - Information reproducing apparatus and information reproducing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a user to view information at a reproduction speed not exceeding the limit of user's information understanding capabilities. <P>SOLUTION: A remote control signal showing that a limit button 3A provided on a remote controller 3 has been depressed is received by a reception part 40. A reproduction speed determination part 50 outputs a variable which increases the reproduction speed of an input video, to a reproduction speed conversion part 60 when the reception part 40 doesn't receive the remote control signal, and outputs a variable which reduces the reproduction speed of the input video, to the reproduction speed conversion part 60 when the reception part 40 receives the remote control signal. The reproduction speed conversion part 60 converts the reproduction speed of the input video on the basis of the variable outputted from the reproduction speed determination part 50 and then outputs the input video to a display part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information reproducing apparatus and an information reproducing method capable of adjusting the amount of information presented in accordance with the information understanding ability of a user and the amount of information to be presented.

  Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 25, the playback speed of the playback device 201 connected to the display device 202 is set to an appropriate level, and the user U obtains information while quickly watching the video. In general, when information is to be acquired efficiently from video or the like being played back on the display device 202 or the like, playback or the like is performed in a fast turn. By reproducing quickly, the amount of information that can be acquired within a unit time can be increased.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, as an example of a playback method capable of fast-forward playback and the like, a video feature in a video including moving images and sound is detected, and a playback speed is automatically adjusted according to the video feature. It is disclosed that video is reproduced.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-243351

  By the way, the method using the above conventional technique has several problems. When viewing images efficiently at a playback speed that is beyond the user's understanding limit, the playback speed adjustment operation is complicated. Further, since the user does not know the limit speed, the playback speed adjustment for efficient viewing cannot be performed well. For example, a safe playback speed is set, and the maximum speed cannot be viewed. Furthermore, the playback speed could not follow the amount of information in the video content.

  In order to obtain information with maximum efficiency, it is important to set the video playback speed according to the user's ability and video content. FIG. 26 shows the relationship between video playback speed and information acquisition efficiency. As shown in FIG. 26, when the reproduction speed is given, the information understanding efficiency curve 203 of the user increases the information understanding efficiency at a certain rate. However, when the playback speed reaches the limit speed of the user U, the information comprehension efficiency curve 203 descends at the user's ability limit point 203A in the limit speed linear form, and continues to follow the descending line as it is. .

  Therefore, in order to efficiently acquire information from a video such as a TV program, when the video is viewed quickly (hereinafter referred to as “quick viewing”), the upper limit of information acquisition by the user's ability to understand video There has been a demand for a device that allows the user to always watch at a playback speed in the vicinity (hereinafter referred to as “limit speed”).

  In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to enable information to be viewed at a reproduction speed that does not exceed the limit of information understanding ability of a user's video and the like.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention includes at least a reproduction processing unit, a reception unit, and a reproduction speed determination unit. First, information on the reproduction speed based on the given variable is output to the reproduction unit, and from the operation unit operated when the information acquisition capability of the viewer who is viewing the information reproduced on the reproduction unit is the limit It is determined whether or not the control signal is received by the receiving unit. Here, when the receiving unit does not receive the control signal, the playback speed determining unit determines a variable for accelerating the playback speed of the information. When the receiving unit receives the control signal, the playback speed determining unit A variable for decelerating the reproduction speed of the information is determined. The reproduction processing unit converts the reproduction speed of the information output to the reproduction unit based on the variable determined by the reproduction speed determination unit.

  As a result, when a viewer who is viewing the information being played back by the playback unit uses the operation unit to indicate that the information acquisition capability is limited, the intention display is a control signal. Is received by the receiving unit. Then, the reproduction processing unit appropriately converts the information reproduction speed in accordance with the received control signal.

  According to the present invention, information can be reproduced (presented) at a reproduction speed that does not exceed the viewer's ability to understand information, so that the viewer can always obtain information efficiently.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Since the embodiments described below are preferable specific examples of the present invention, various technically preferable limitations are given, but the scope of the present invention is particularly limited in the following description. Unless otherwise stated, the present invention is not limited to these forms. For example, the numerical conditions of each parameter given in the following description are only preferred examples, and the dimensions, shapes, and arrangement relationships in the drawings used for the description are also schematic.

<First Embodiment>
First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. An example of the configuration of the information reproduction system in the first embodiment is shown in FIG. A playback device 1 that plays back images and videos at a predetermined playback speed, a display device (playback unit) 2 including a liquid crystal display panel, and a remote control device (hereinafter referred to as a “remote control device” with a limit button (operation unit) 3A. And 3). Videos such as TV programs are stored in the playback device 1 and can be played back at an arbitrary speed. The reproduced video is displayed on the connected display device 2. The user U views the fast-moving video displayed on the display device 2 and acquires information. The user U views while holding the remote control device 3 with the limit button 3A, and presses the limit button 3A when the user himself / herself determines that “the amount of information presented exceeds his / her own understanding limit”. Declare that it is the limit. The playback device 1 adjusts the playback speed of the video based on the user's limit report. If audio is being played at the same time as the video, the audio playback speed is also changed according to the video. That is, the information referred to in the present invention includes video and audio.

  The remote control device 3 communicates a remote control signal (control signal) using communication means such as infrared rays. When the limit button 3A is pressed, the infrared light emitted from the remote control device 3 is received by the remote control light receiving unit 40 of the playback device 1, and predetermined processing is performed. The communication method of the remote control device 3 may be wireless or wired, or a radio wave method such as BlueTooth (registered trademark).

  Next, an example of the internal configuration of the system will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG. The playback apparatus 1 includes a video input unit 10, an encoding / decoding processing unit 20, a storage unit 30, a remote control light receiving unit 40, a playback speed determination unit 50, and a playback speed conversion unit 60. In FIG. 2, the recorded video recorded in the storage unit 30 is indicated by a broken line, the reproduced video reproduced on the display device is indicated by a one-dot chain line, and the data is indicated by a solid line.

  The video input unit 10 takes in a video signal into the playback device 1 via an input terminal or the like, and performs a signal level conversion process. The encoding / decoding processing unit 20 performs a process of encoding the video signal input from the video input unit 10 and outputting the encoded video signal to the storage unit 30 as a recorded video. Alternatively, the compressed video data stored in the storage unit 30 is decoded and output to the playback speed conversion unit 60 as a playback video. The encoding rate uses the same rate as the frame rate of the video input from the video input unit 10, and decoding is based on a playback speed Vk (unit: double speed) transmitted from a playback speed determination unit 50 described later. To do. The playback speed Vk is generated by the playback speed determination unit and transmitted to the playback speed conversion unit 60. Then, the playback speed conversion unit 60 performs a process of converting the current playback speed V (at that time) to the playback speed Vk output from the playback speed determination unit 70. The storage unit 30 is configured by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), and stores the video encoded by the encoding / decoding processing unit 20.

  The remote control light receiving unit 40 receives infrared rays input from the remote control device 3 and converts them into an electrical signal, and transmits an electrical signal including information indicating that the limit button 3A has been pressed to the reproduction speed determination unit 50. To do.

  The playback speed determination unit 50 includes an acceleration coefficient (also referred to as “acceleration variable”) for increasing the playback speed V of the currently played video, and a deceleration coefficient (“deceleration variable”) for reducing the current playback speed V. Information), and it is determined whether to apply an acceleration coefficient or a deceleration coefficient in accordance with the electrical signal transmitted from the remote control light receiving unit 40. For example, a numerical value such as 1.5 is used as the acceleration coefficient, and a numerical value such as 0.5 is used as the deceleration coefficient. The playback speed determination unit 50 calculates the playback speed Vk by multiplying any of the variables by the current playback speed V. The acceleration coefficient value may be any value as long as it is greater than 1, and the deceleration coefficient value may be any value as long as it is greater than 0 and less than 1. Then, the calculated reproduction speed Vk is output to the reproduction speed conversion unit 60. Details of the processing of the reproduction speed determination unit 50 will be described later.

  The reproduction speed conversion unit 60 is an example of a reproduction processing unit, and is configured with a video processing unit 61 and an audio processing unit 62 in the present embodiment. The video processing unit 61 performs a process of converting the playback speed so that the playback speed V of the video output from the encoding / decoding processing unit 20 becomes the playback speed Vk input from the playback speed determining unit 70. Then, the video whose playback speed is converted is supplied to the display device 2. On the other hand, the audio processing unit 62 performs a process of converting the reproduction speed without changing the pitch by a method such as deleting a silent part or a part with continuous audio characteristics from the audio signal. Specific processing of audio playback speed conversion is described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-99097 as an example. Details of the processing of the playback speed conversion unit 60 (video processing unit 61) will be described later.

  Further, the playback speed determination unit 50 has a function of determining the return width from the current playback position of the video displayed on the display device 2 in accordance with a remote control signal supplied from the remote control device 3. The returned width information is output to the playback speed conversion unit 60. The playback speed conversion unit 60 has a function of adjusting the playback position, returns the video playback position from the playback position before speed conversion (current) by the time based on the return width information, and outputs it to the display device 2. For example, if the user's ability to understand the video is exceeded, the video may be overlooked. In such a case, by returning the playback position and redisplaying, the video (information) for the missed video can be viewed again. become. This playback position return function will be described in detail in the third and later embodiments described later.

  Next, a processing example of the playback speed conversion unit 60 will be described with reference to FIG. 3A shows a state in which frames input to the playback speed conversion unit 60 are arranged in time series from the left, and FIG. 3B shows an output from the playback speed conversion unit 60. In the same manner, the frames are arranged in chronological order from the left. In FIG. 3, frame numbers f1 to fn (n is a natural number) are assigned to each frame.

  The number of frames input to the playback speed conversion unit 60 is obtained by playback speed Vk × block size B. The block size B is calculated by multiplying the time interval T in which the routine of the playback speed conversion unit 60 is performed by the frame rate fr of the video stored in the storage unit 30. For example, when the time interval T for executing the routine of the playback speed converting unit 60 is 1 second and the frame rate fr of the video stored in the storage unit 30 is 30 fps, the block size B is 1 ( T) × 30 (B) = 30 (frame). When the reproduction speed Vk is 3, the number of frames input to the reproduction speed conversion unit 60 is 30 × 3 = 90 (frames).

  The number of frames input to the playback speed conversion unit 60 is the number of frames extracted from the storage unit 30 by the encoding / decoding processing unit 20. The encoding / decoding processing unit 20 includes the reproduction speed Vk input from the reproduction speed determination unit 50, the frame rate fr of the video recorded in the storage unit 30, and the time for executing the routine of the reproduction speed conversion unit 60. Based on the interval T, the number of frames to be extracted from the storage unit 30 is calculated. Then, as many frames as the calculated number of frames are extracted from the storage unit 30 and output to the playback speed conversion unit 60.

  FIG. 3A shows an example in which 90 frames of video are input to the playback speed conversion unit 60. The playback speed conversion unit 60 converts the playback speed by thinning out the frames at a constant sampling interval so that the acquired frame is within the block size B. For example, when the block size B is 30, the acquired 90 frames are thinned out in units of 3 frames to perform processing of 30 frames. FIG. 3B shows a frame after being thinned to 30 frames, and the 30 frames that have been thinned are frame numbers f1, f4 in the frames input from the encoding / decoding processing unit 20. , F7, f10... F88. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the reproduction speed is tripled by performing such processing.

  In the example shown in FIG. 3, the case where the playback speed is converted by thinning out the frames input from the encoding / decoding processing unit 20 at a constant sampling interval is shown. However, the frame rate itself is converted. Thus, the playback speed may be converted. For example, by converting the frame rate of 90 frames shown in FIG. 4A from 30 fps to 90 fps, as shown in FIG. 4B, 90 frames of video with a frame rate of 90 fps are output. It may be. By processing in this way, all of the input frames are output, so that the flicker in the output video is reduced and a high-quality video can be obtained.

  Alternatively, speed conversion may be performed by extracting only frames with a large amount of information from the frames input from the encoding / decoding processing unit 20 and using them as frames for reproduction. An example of processing in this case is shown in the flowchart of FIG. The processing shown in FIG. 5 is assumed to be performed at intervals of 1 second (that is, T = 1). First, the encoding / decoding processing unit 20 acquires a frame corresponding to the playback speed Vk × block size B from the storage unit 30 (step S1), and then the frame number fx (x is a predetermined number between 1 and n). ), The difference between the pixel values of the pixel of interest and its neighboring pixels is calculated, and the total number Si of pixels whose pixel value difference with the neighboring pixels is equal to or greater than the threshold Th is calculated (step S2). . That is, the total number Si of pixels described above is calculated in all frames input from the encoding / decoding processing unit 20.

  In step S1, for example, when the reproduction speed Vk is 1.5 and the block size is 30, 1.5 × 40 = 45 frames are acquired. Therefore, the frame numbers processed in step S2 are f1 to f45. As the threshold value Th used in step S2, for example, a numerical value such as 50 is set.

  The process in step S2 is performed for all the frames acquired in step S1, and in step S3, it is determined whether or not the processing for all acquired frames has been completed. If it is determined that the processing has been completed for all the frames, then a frame having a large total number Si of pixels whose difference in pixel values from adjacent pixels is equal to or greater than the threshold Th is extracted by the block size, and the frame number The process of outputting in order is performed (step S4).

  FIG. 6 shows an example in which such processing is performed. FIG. 6A shows a state in which 45 frames input to the playback speed conversion unit 60 are arranged from the left in ascending order of frame numbers. From these 45 frames, a frame having a large Si, which is the total number of pixels whose pixel value difference with the adjacent pixel is equal to or greater than the threshold Th, is extracted by the 30 frame size and arranged in the order of the frame number. This is shown in FIG. 6 (b). FIG. 6B shows that the 30 frames output from the playback speed conversion unit 60 are composed of frame numbers f2, f3, f5, f7, f9, f10... F25. That is, according to the method shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, it is possible to increase the reproduction speed (1.5 times in the examples of FIGS. 5 and 6) by extracting only frames with a large amount of information.

  Next, a processing example of the playback speed determination unit 50 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The playback speed determination unit 50 determines the playback speed so that the user can understand the video with maximum efficiency. As a basic operation, the reproduction speed determination unit 50 gradually increases the reproduction speed with time, and repeats the operation of decreasing the reproduction speed when the user U presses the limit button 3A of the remote control device 3. FIG. 8 shows an example of the change in reproduction speed with time. In this example, the limit speed (dashed line) is assumed to be constant regardless of the passage of time.

  First, the playback speed determination unit 50 sets the playback speed Vk to the initial speed V0 (step S11). Here, the reproduction speed determination unit 50 determines whether or not the limit button 3A by the user U has been pressed (step S12). When the electrical signal (control signal) transmitted from the remote control light receiving unit 40 indicates that the limit button 3A has not been pressed, the reproduction speed Vk at that time is multiplied by the acceleration coefficient to obtain the reproduction speed Vk. Is calculated (step S13). For example, when the acceleration coefficient is 1.5 and the playback speed V at that time is 1 × speed, the playback speed Vk is 1.5 × 1 (V) = 1.5 times speed. That is, when it is determined that the user U has not pressed the limit button 3A, it is determined that there is still room for the user U to acquire information, and processing for increasing the playback speed is performed. In FIG. 8, this corresponds to a portion where the reproduction speed increases at a constant rate. Note that the case where the playback speed V is 1 × refers to the case where playback is being executed while maintaining the frame rate of the video recorded in the storage unit 30.

  On the other hand, when the electrical signal (control signal) transmitted from the remote control light receiving unit 40 indicates that the limit button 3A has been pressed, the playback speed V at that time is multiplied by the deceleration coefficient to obtain the playback speed. Vk is calculated (step S14). For example, when the deceleration coefficient is 0.5 and the playback speed V at that time is 1 × speed, the playback speed Vk is 0.5 × 1 (V) = 0.5 times speed. That is, when it is determined that the user U has pressed the limit button 3A, a process for reducing the playback speed is performed. In FIG. 8, this corresponds to a portion where the playback speed is gradually reduced at the pressing points 71 to 76 of the limit button 3A.

  The playback speed Vk calculated in the process of step S13 or step S14 is output to the encoding / decoding processor 20 and the playback speed converter 60.

  Then, after the process of step S13 or step S14, it is determined whether or not the video to be reproduced has ended (step S15). If the video has not ended yet, the process returns to the determination process of step S12, and the limit button 3A has been pressed. Check if there was. On the other hand, when the video ends, a series of processing ends.

  The reproduction speed Vk is a value to which the reproduction speed conversion is performed in the reproduction speed conversion unit 60. In the playback speed conversion unit 60, a process of converting the playback speed V at that time into a playback speed Vk, that is, a process of setting the playback speed Vk to a new playback speed V is performed. Therefore, the reproduction speed V is changed every time based on the reproduction speed Vk. For example, if the playback speed V is 1.5 times and it is determined in step S12 that the limit button 3A has been pressed, 0.5 × 1.5 (playback speed V) is determined in step S14. Calculation is performed and the reproduction speed Vk is set to 0.75. Then, reproduction speed conversion processing by the reproduction speed conversion unit 60 results in reproduction speed Vk = reproduction speed V = 0.75 times speed.

  In FIG. 8, while the limit button 3A is not pressed, the playback speed is increased at a constant rate. As the playback speed increases, there is no room for the user to acquire information, and after a while, the user cannot keep up with information acquisition and reaches the “limit”. At that time, when the user presses the limit button 3A, the playback speed is instantaneously reduced and information can be acquired again. The time interval for pressing the limit button 3A is left to the user's preference. As an example, it is conceivable that the time interval of the change in reproduction speed due to pressing of the limit button is not too small and not too large, and is about 15 seconds.

  On the other hand, the playback speed starts to increase again at a constant rate even after the playback speed has dropped, so after a while, it exceeds the “limit speed” again, and the limit button 3A is pressed again. By creating such a mechanism, for example, even when the user gets used to viewing fast and the “limit speed” increases, the playback speed of the system can be made to follow it.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of the follow-up of the reproduction speed with respect to the user's ability change. In this example, the limit speed (dashed line) gradually increases as the user's ability increases, but each time the user presses the limit button 3A (press points 81 to 84), the limit speed is improved and the playback speed is increased. We are able to follow the increase in speed.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of the follow-up of the reproduction speed with respect to the change of the video content. For example, in a scene with a large amount of information, the limit button 3A is pressed several times to slow down the playback speed (limit button pressing points 91 to 94). On the other hand, in a scene with a small amount of information, the playback speed can be increased by adjusting the number of times the limit button 3A is pressed (limit button pressing points 95 to 98). As described above, the “limit speed” also changes depending on the contents of the video or the like, that is, the amount of information, but even in such a case, the playback speed can be changed according to the video contents.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, by using the limit button 3A provided on the remote control device 3, it is possible to quickly view the video efficiently at a playback speed that does not exceed the user's capability of understanding the video ( Viewing).

  In addition, since a function for testing the user's ability limit is provided, it is possible to always view the video at the upper limit of the user's ability. Therefore, the information acquisition capability of the user can be effectively utilized to the maximum extent.

  Furthermore, since it is only necessary to press the limit button 3A of the remote control device 3, the operation is simpler than before and the usability is improved. In the first embodiment, the limit button 3A is provided on the remote control device 3. However, the limit button 3A may be provided on the playback device 1 or the display device 2.

  The information presented on the display device 2 may be a stream format video (immediate video) such as a television broadcast or a video (recorded video) recorded in advance. Moreover, it is not limited to video, and may be character information such as still images and telops.

<Second Embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In many cases, the limit button is pressed several times in succession, suggesting that the current information playback speed is too fast for the user. Therefore, in the second embodiment, a plurality of deceleration coefficients (coefficients to multiply the current reproduction speed) are prepared, and when the limit button is continuously pressed a plurality of times, the deceleration width is increased to obtain the reproduction speed desired by the user. We are trying to reach it as soon as possible. Two examples of this second embodiment will be introduced. Note that the second embodiment can be realized by using the same configuration as the system configuration in the first embodiment, that is, the internal configuration of the playback apparatus 1.

  First, the first example will be described. In the first example, two types of deceleration coefficients are prepared, the state when the limit button is continuously pressed a plurality of times is determined, and the two types of deceleration coefficients are switched.

  A first processing example of the playback speed determination unit 50 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the playback speed determination unit 50 sets the playback speed Vk to the initial speed V0 (step S21). Here, the reproduction speed determination unit 50 determines whether or not the limit button 3A by the user U has been pressed (step S22). When the electrical signal (control signal) transmitted from the remote control light receiving unit 40 indicates that the limit button 3A has not been pressed, the reproduction speed Vk at that time is multiplied by the acceleration coefficient to obtain the reproduction speed Vk. Is calculated (step S23).

  On the other hand, if the electrical signal (control signal) transmitted from the remote control light receiving unit 40 indicates that the limit button 3A has been pressed, it is determined whether it has been pressed within the past N seconds (step S24). ).

  If it has not been pressed within the past N seconds, the reproduction speed Vk is calculated by multiplying the reproduction speed V at that time by the deceleration coefficient (small) (step S25). That is, since it can be determined that the state of the information acquisition capability limit of the user is not tight, the deceleration range is reduced.

  If it has been pressed within the past N seconds, the reproduction speed Vk is calculated by multiplying the reproduction speed V at that time by the deceleration coefficient (large) (step S26). That is, since it can be determined that the state of the information acquisition capability limit of the user is tight, the deceleration range is increased.

  The playback speed Vk calculated in the process of step S23, S25 or S26 is output to the encoding / decoding processor 20 and the playback speed converter 60.

  Then, after the process of step S25 or step S26, it is determined whether or not the video to be played has ended (step S27). If the video has not ended yet, the process returns to the determination process of step S22. On the other hand, when the video ends, a series of processing ends.

  The playback speed conversion unit 60 converts the playback speed of the video displayed on the display device 2 to the playback speed Vk determined by the playback speed determination unit 50, and outputs it to the display device 2.

  In the first example, there are two types of deceleration coefficients ("deceleration coefficient (small)" that realizes a normal (preset) deceleration range and "deceleration coefficient (large)" that realizes a larger deceleration range than usual ( Variable). By using these two deceleration coefficients in accordance with the time interval when the limit button 3A is pressed, when the button is continuously pressed, a larger reproduction speed can be reduced.

  With this configuration, in the second embodiment, in addition to the operations and effects of the first embodiment, the video can be reduced to an appropriate playback speed in accordance with the state of the information acquisition capability limit. In this first example, two types of deceleration coefficients are prepared. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and three or more types of deceleration coefficients may be prepared depending on how many seconds the limit button has been pressed in the past.

  Next, a second example will be described. In this example, when the limit button is continuously pressed, a deceleration coefficient (or a coefficient calculated using the time interval) that is proportional to the time interval is applied to the reproduction speed.

  A second processing example of the playback speed determination unit 50 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the playback speed determination unit 50 sets the playback speed Vk to the initial speed V0 (step S31). Here, the reproduction speed determination unit 50 determines whether or not the limit button 3A by the user U has been pressed (step S32). When the electrical signal (control signal) transmitted from the remote control light receiving unit 40 indicates that the limit button 3A has not been pressed, the reproduction speed Vk at that time is multiplied by the acceleration coefficient to obtain the reproduction speed Vk. Is calculated (step S33).

  On the other hand, when the electrical signal (control signal) transmitted from the remote control light receiving unit 40 indicates that the limit button 3A has been pressed, the number of seconds elapsed since the last electrical signal was received (that is, two electrical signals). Measure the time interval during which the signal was input. Then, the measured elapsed number of seconds is stored as an elapsed time T in a register or the like in the reproduction speed determination unit 50 (step S34).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the value of the elapsed time T is greater than a predetermined threshold value N (seconds) set in advance (step S35).

  Here, when the value of elapsed time T is smaller than N, a coefficient (variable) obtained by multiplying a predetermined deceleration coefficient by a value (T / N) obtained by dividing elapsed time T by threshold N is set to the reproduction speed V at that time. The reproduction speed Vk is calculated by multiplication (step S36). That is, since it can be determined that the state of the information acquisition capability limit of the user is tight, the coefficient by which the reproduction speed V is multiplied is reduced and the deceleration width is increased.

  When the value of the elapsed time T is larger than the threshold value N, the reproduction speed Vk is calculated by multiplying the reproduction speed V at that time by a predetermined deceleration coefficient (variable) (step S37). That is, since it can be determined that the state of the information acquisition capability limit by the user is not tight, the deceleration range is made constant (smaller). Note that the deceleration coefficient here is the same as the deceleration coefficient in step S36.

  The reproduction speed Vk calculated in the process of step S33, S36 or S37 is output to the encoding / decoding processing unit 20 and the reproduction speed conversion unit 60.

  Then, after the process of step S36 or step S37, it is determined whether or not the video to be played has ended (step S38). If the video has not ended yet, the process returns to the determination process of step S32. On the other hand, when the video ends, a series of processing ends.

  The playback speed conversion unit 60 converts the playback speed of the video displayed on the display device 2 to the playback speed Vk determined by the playback speed determination unit 50, and outputs it to the display device 2.

  In the second example, as can be seen from the calculation formula of step S36, when the time interval when the limit button is pressed is short, the coefficient (deceleration coefficient × (T / N)) multiplied by the current reproduction speed V becomes smaller ( (T / N) <1). Therefore, a significant reduction in playback speed can be expected. Since the coefficient changes in proportion to the time interval at which the limit button 3A is continuously pressed, the speed can be reduced to the optimum reproduction speed following the limit of the information acquisition capability of the user as compared with the first example. There is an effect. However, if the time interval is long, the effect is limited (small) even if the coefficient is changed in proportion to the time interval. Therefore, when the time interval is equal to or longer than a certain time, the current playback speed as in step S37. It is desirable to reduce the processing load by making the deceleration coefficient multiplied by V constant.

<Third Embodiment>
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. When the user feels a limit on the playback speed of the information presented on the display device and presses the limit button, in many cases, the user actually misses the video immediately before pressing the limit button. Therefore, in the third embodiment, when the limit button is pressed, the playback position is rewound to some extent so that the user can view again a portion (information) that may have been missed.

  A processing example of the playback speed determination unit 50 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. This is a reproduction position rewinding process added to the flowchart of FIG. The processes in steps S41 to S46 and S48 in FIG. 13 are the same as the processes in steps S31 to S36 and S38 in FIG. 12, and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  First, the playback speed determination unit 50 sets the playback speed Vk to the initial speed V0 (step S41). Here, the reproduction speed determination unit 50 determines whether or not the limit button 3A by the user U has been pressed (step S42). When the electrical signal (control signal) transmitted from the remote control light receiving unit 40 indicates that the limit button 3A has not been pressed, the reproduction speed Vk at that time is multiplied by the acceleration coefficient to obtain the reproduction speed Vk. Is calculated (step S43). The reproduction speed Vk is output to the encoding / decoding processor 20 and the reproduction speed converter 60.

  On the other hand, when the electrical signal (control signal) transmitted from the remote control light receiving unit 40 indicates that the limit button 3A has been pressed, the elapsed number of seconds (time interval) from when the previous electrical signal was received is displayed. The measured number of seconds since the last time the limit button was pressed is stored in a register or the like in the playback speed determination unit 50 as the elapsed time T (step S44). Then, it is determined whether or not the value of the elapsed time T is greater than a predetermined threshold value N (seconds) set in advance (step S45).

  Here, when the value of the elapsed time T is smaller than the threshold value N, a reproduction speed Vk is calculated by multiplying a reproduction speed V at that time by a coefficient (variable) obtained by multiplying a predetermined deceleration coefficient by (T / N). (Step S46). Subsequently, a return width obtained by multiplying a return width (constant) for a certain time by a value (N / T) obtained by dividing the threshold value N by the elapsed time T is subtracted from the current reproduction position, and information after the limit button is pressed. Is determined (step S47). In this case, since (N / T)> 1, the return width is increased. The reproduction speed Vk and the reproduction position calculated in the processes of step S46 and step S47 are output to the encoding / decoding processing unit 20 and the reproduction speed conversion unit 60.

  If the elapsed time T is greater than the threshold value N, the reproduction speed Vk is calculated by multiplying the reproduction speed V at that time by a predetermined deceleration coefficient (variable) (step S48). Subsequently, a playback width (constant) for a certain time is subtracted from the current playback position to determine the playback position of the information after the limit button is pressed (step S49). The reproduction speed Vk and the reproduction position calculated in the processing of step S48 or step S49 are output to the encoding / decoding processing unit 20 and the reproduction speed conversion unit 60. The return width constant here is the same as the return width constant in step S47.

  Then, after the process of step S47 or step S49, it is determined whether or not the video to be played has ended (step S50). If the video has not yet ended, the process returns to the determination process of step S42. On the other hand, when the video ends, a series of processing ends.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, when the limit button 3A is pressed, rewinding is performed for a fixed time from the current information reproduction position. Further, when the limit button 3A is continuously pressed (elapsed time T <threshold N), the playback position is rewound by a time inversely proportional to the time interval of pressing the limit button so as to rewind more greatly. . In this way, even if the user has missed the information because the reproduced information has exceeded his or her information acquisition capability limit, the user can rewind according to the information acquisition capability limit state. Viewing can be resumed from the appropriate playback position.

  In the example of FIG. 13, the rewind process is added after the playback speed conversion process in the flowchart of FIG. 12, but the rewind process may be added after the playback speed conversion process in the flowchart of FIG. In this case, there are two types of return widths, and when these two return widths are used according to the time interval when the limit button 3A is pressed, the playback position can be returned to a larger extent when continuously pressed. Will be able to. The return width is not limited to two and may be three or more. Furthermore, the reproduction information rewinding process according to the present embodiment may be performed after the reproduction speed conversion process in the embodiment described later.

<Fourth Embodiment>
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the above-described first to third embodiments, the example of the playback apparatus 1 that plays back video (may be accompanied by sound) has been described. However, the present invention is also effective when only voice presentation is performed. In the fourth embodiment, an example in which the information reproducing apparatus according to the present invention is applied to an audio reproducing apparatus that performs only audio presentation will be described.

  In recent years, many voice recorders (voice recording / playback apparatuses) have a double speed playback function of voice in order to quickly check conference contents and the like. The ability to listen to double-speed played audio varies from person to person, but it is said that there is plenty of room to extend the limits of ability through training. Also, the playback speed at the listening limit naturally depends greatly on the audio content (information content). Therefore, even in the case of a voice recorder, the advantages of the present invention that can be heard at an optimum playback speed according to the limits of individual capabilities and information contents (for example, the type of content and the playback location in the content) can be greatly exhibited. it is conceivable that.

  FIG. 14 shows a configuration example of a system including an audio reproduction device according to the fourth embodiment. The user U can listen to music output from the playback apparatus 101 by wearing the headphone 103 electrically connected to the audio playback apparatus 101 via the cord 102 on the head.

  In FIG. 14, the audio reproduction device 101 is the reproduction device 1 (information reproduction device) in the information reproduction system shown in FIG. 2, the headphones 103 are the display device 2 (reproduction unit), and the limit buttons provided on the audio reproduction device 101. 101A corresponds to the operation unit. When the user U depresses the limit button 101A and declares the limit, the sound reproduction device 101 that has detected the operation input (control signal) reduces the reproduction speed of the current sound to an appropriate reproduction speed, and the deceleration. The sound is output to the headphones 103.

  As described above, the limit button 101A can also be mounted on the voice playback apparatus 101 such as a voice recorder, and the same function as in the first to third embodiments can be realized, and the voice as playback information can be played. This is effective in improving the information acquisition capability limit of the user U.

  Note that the configuration in which the presentation information is only voice is not limited to the application to the first to third embodiments, and can be applied to the fifth to ninth embodiments described below.

<Fifth Embodiment>
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the fifth embodiment, the information reproduction speed can be changed according to the length of time for which the limit button is pressed. At the same time, the playback position can be rewound.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of transition of information reproduction speed and reproduction position by the information reproduction system shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 15A, when the limit button is not pressed, the information reproduction speed gradually increases as time passes. When the user feels the limit of the information acquisition capability at a certain point and presses the limit button, the playback speed continuously decreases while the limit button is pressed (time T). When the user stops pressing the limit button, playback resumes and the playback speed increases again. At this time, as shown in FIG. 15 (b), the information reproduction position moves forward as the reproduction speed increases. However, the reproduction position continues continuously while the limit button is pressed (time T). Go back to the past. Then, when the user stops pressing the limit button, the playback position advances forward (future) as the playback speed increases. In this example, the reproduction speed changes linearly, but it may change nonlinearly, for example, exponentially.

  A processing example of the playback speed determination unit 50 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the playback speed determination unit 50 sets the playback speed Vk to the initial speed V0 (step S61). Here, the reproduction speed determination unit 50 determines whether or not the limit button 3A by the user U is being pressed (step S62). When the electric signal (control signal) transmitted from the remote control light receiving unit 40 indicates that the limit button 3A is not being pressed, the reproduction speed V at that time is multiplied by a predetermined acceleration coefficient. Then, the reproduction speed Vk is calculated (step S63). The reproduction speed Vk is output to the encoding / decoding processing unit 20 and the reproduction speed conversion unit 60.

  On the other hand, when the electric signal (control signal) transmitted from the remote control light receiving unit 40 indicates that the limit button 3A is being pressed, a predetermined deceleration coefficient is set to the reproduction speed V at that time. Multiplication is performed to calculate the reproduction speed Vk (step S64). Subsequently, a return width (constant) for a certain time is subtracted from the current reproduction position, and a reproduction position corresponding to the length of time that the limit button is pressed is determined (step S65). The reproduction speed Vk and the reproduction position are output to the encoding / decoding processing unit 20 and the reproduction speed conversion unit 60.

  The reproduction speed Vk calculated in the process of step S63 or step S65 is output to the encoding / decoding processing unit 20 and the reproduction speed conversion unit 60.

  Then, after the process of step S63 or step S65 is completed, it is determined whether or not the video to be reproduced has been completed (step S66). If the video has not yet been completed, the process returns to the determination process of step S62. On the other hand, when the video ends, a series of processing ends.

  Since the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 16 is repeatedly executed (looped) continuously in time, the playback speed and playback position change continuously.

  As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the playback speed is reduced according to the length of pressing the limit button 3A. Therefore, the user sets the playback speed of information that is more finely matched to his / her ability. It becomes possible. At the same time, since the reproduction position can be rewound based on the length of pressing the limit button 3A, the user can easily rewind to the reproduction position where the information has been missed.

<Sixth Embodiment>
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The limit button is not limited to an on / off button, and may be a device that can input a continuous value (analog value). Therefore, in the sixth embodiment, for example, the limit button in the above-described first to fifth embodiments is made an analog stick so that the limit level can be input according to the operation amount.

  FIG. 17 is a side view showing an example of a stick-type limit button, where (a) shows a normal state, (b) shows a low limit level, and (c) shows a high limit level. First, the user views information in a state where the stick-type limit button 111A provided on the remote control device 111 is substantially perpendicular to the main surface of the remote control device 111 (FIG. 17A). When the user feels that the limit level is small when the limit level of the information acquisition capability is exceeded, the user pushes down the limit button 111A small (FIG. 17B). Further, when it is felt that the limit level is large, the limit button 111A is largely tilted (FIG. 17 (c)). Hereinafter, two examples of the sixth embodiment will be described.

  First, a first processing example of the playback speed determination unit 50 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the playback speed determination unit 50 sets the playback speed Vk to the initial speed V0 (step S71). Here, the playback speed determination unit 50 determines whether or not the limit button 111A (stick) by the user has been tilted (step S72). When the electrical signal (control signal) transmitted from the remote control light receiving unit 40 indicates that the limit button 111A is not tilted, the reproduction speed Vk at that time is multiplied by the acceleration coefficient to obtain the reproduction speed Vk. Is calculated (step S73).

  On the other hand, when the electrical signal (control signal) transmitted from the remote control light receiving unit 40 indicates that the limit button 111A (stick) has been tilted, the inclination angle of the limit button 111A included in the control signal is acquired. The inclination angle value θ is held in a register or the like in the reproduction speed determination unit 50 (step S74). The tilt angle θ is an angle at which the limit button 111A is tilted from the state shown in FIG. 17A, that is, from the plane perpendicular to the main surface of the remote control device 111 indicated by the wavy line. After obtaining the inclination angle θ, the reproduction speed Vk is calculated by multiplying the reproduction speed V at that time by a coefficient (K is a constant) obtained by dividing the predetermined deceleration coefficient by (θ + K) (step S75).

  The playback speed Vk calculated in the process of step S73 or step S75 is output to the encoding / decoding processor 20 and the playback speed converter 60.

  Then, after the process of step S73 or step S75 is completed, it is determined whether or not the video to be reproduced has been completed (step S76). If the video has not been completed yet, the process returns to the determination process of step S72. On the other hand, when the video ends, a series of processing ends.

  As described above, according to the first example of the sixth embodiment, the user can adjust the limit level by changing the inclination angle θ of the limit button 111A (stick). That is, as the inclination angle θ increases, the coefficient (deceleration coefficient / (θ + K)) multiplied by the current reproduction speed V decreases, and the deceleration width can be increased. As described above, the user can input the limit level according to the operation amount of the limit button in addition to the information acquisition capability exceeding the limit by using the stick type remote controller 111.

  The limit button (operation unit) for reporting the limit of the information acquisition capability may be any device that can input the operation direction and operation amount in an analog manner. In addition to a stick type controller (analog stick), a jog dial, a ball type controller (Joyball), mouse, touch panel, etc. may be used.

  Next, a second processing example of the playback speed determination unit 50 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this second example, the deceleration width is set stepwise based on the value of the inclination angle θ.

  First, the playback speed determination unit 50 sets the playback speed Vk to the initial speed V0 (step S81). Here, the playback speed determination unit 50 determines whether or not the limit button 111A (stick) by the user has been tilted (step S82). When the electric signal (control signal) transmitted from the remote control light receiving unit 40 indicates that the limit button 111A is not tilted, the reproduction speed Vk at that time is multiplied by the acceleration coefficient to obtain the reproduction speed Vk. Is calculated (step S83).

  On the other hand, when the electrical signal (control signal) transmitted from the remote control light receiving unit 40 indicates that the limit button 111A (stick) has been tilted, the inclination angle of the limit button 111A included in the control signal is acquired. The inclination angle value θ is held in a register or the like in the reproduction speed determination unit 50 (step S84).

Here, it is determined whether or not the range of the inclination angle θ is 0 <θ <θ ₁ (step S85). Range of the inclination angle theta is the case of 0 <θ <θ _1, multiplied by a factor 1 to the playback speed V, and calculates the playback speed Vk (step S86). That is, in this case, the playback speed does not change before and after the limit is declared, and the speed is constant. On the other hand, the range of the inclination angle theta is 0 <if not a theta <theta ₁ proceeds to step S87.

If the range of the tilt angle θ is not 0 <θ <θ ₁ in step S85, it is determined whether or not the range of the tilt angle θ is θ ₁ ≦ θ ≦ θ ₂ (step S87). When the range of the inclination angle θ is θ ₁ ≦ θ ≦ θ ₂ , the reproduction speed Vk is calculated by multiplying the reproduction speed V at the time when the user declares the limit by the deceleration coefficient k ₁ (step) S88).

On the other hand, when the range of the inclination angle θ is not θ ₁ ≦ θ ≦ θ ₂ , the reproduction speed Vk is calculated by multiplying the reproduction speed V at that time by the deceleration coefficient k ₂ (step S89). Subsequently, a playback width (constant) for a certain period of time is subtracted from the playback position at the time when the user reports the limit, and the playback position of the information after the limit button operation is determined (step S90).

  The reproduction speed Vk or the reproduction position calculated in any of the above steps S83, S86, S88, or S90 is output to the encoding / decoding processing unit 20 and the reproduction speed conversion unit 60. Then, after these processes are completed, it is determined whether or not the video to be played has ended (step S91). If the video has not ended yet, the process returns to the determination process in step S92. On the other hand, when the video ends, a series of processing ends.

  As described above, according to the second example of the sixth embodiment, a plurality of limit levels can be set in stages according to the inclination angle θ of the limit button 111A (stick). That is, as the inclination angle θ increases, the coefficient (deceleration coefficient) multiplied by the current reproduction speed V can be decreased stepwise to increase the deceleration width. In this way, the user can input the limit level according to the amount of operation of the limit button as well as reporting the limit of the information acquisition capability using the remote control device 111. Further, in this example, when the limit level from the user is reported, the reproduction position is returned by a predetermined time, so that the user's information can be prevented from being overlooked.

  In the sixth embodiment, the user pushes the stick-type limit button 111A forward (FIGS. 17A and 17B) to declare that the limit is reached. The playback speed may be made constant by tilting to the opposite side (front side). For example, when the user feels that it is almost the limit for the reproduction speed of the presented information, the limit button 111A is tilted forward. Since the reproduction speed is fixed at a level that does not exceed the limit of the information acquisition capability of the user, the user can always view information with the highest information acquisition efficiency.

<Seventh Embodiment>
Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the seventh embodiment, the limit level can be input according to the strength of the force of pressing the limit button. Although the user's limit level can be input as a continuous value (analog value) in the sixth embodiment, the limit level can be acquired as a force for pressing the limit button in the same manner in this embodiment.

  FIG. 20 is a side view showing an example of a pressure sensor type limit button, where (a) shows a normal state, (b) shows a low limit level, and (c) shows a high limit level. First, when the user is viewing information in a normal state, that is, below the limit level, no button operation is performed, so no force is applied to the limit button 121A of the pressure sensor type provided on the remote control device 121 (FIG. 20 ( a)). When the user feels that the limit level is small when the limit level of the information acquisition capability is exceeded, the user presses the limit button 121A weakly with the finger 122 (FIG. 20B). Further, when the limit level is large, the limit button 121A is pressed more strongly (FIG. 20C).

  A processing example of the playback speed determination unit 50 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the playback speed determination unit 50 sets the playback speed Vk to the initial speed V0 (step S101). Here, the reproduction speed determination unit 50 determines whether or not the limit button 121A (pressure sensor) by the user has been pressed (step S102). When the electric signal (control signal) transmitted from the remote control light receiving unit 40 indicates that the limit button 121A has not been pressed, the reproduction speed Vk at that time is multiplied by the acceleration coefficient to obtain the reproduction speed Vk. Is calculated (step S103).

  On the other hand, when the electrical signal (control signal) transmitted from the remote control light receiving unit 40 indicates that the limit button 121A (pressure sensor) has been pressed, the pressure applied to the limit button 121A included in the control signal. And the pressure value f is held in a register or the like in the regeneration speed determining unit 50 (step S104). The pressure f is obtained by measuring the force applied to the limit button 121A with a pressure sensor integrally formed with or connected to the limit button 121A. After obtaining the pressure f, the reproduction speed Vk is calculated by multiplying the reproduction speed V at that time by a coefficient (K is a constant) obtained by dividing the predetermined deceleration coefficient by (f + K) (step S105).

  The playback speed Vk calculated in the process of step S103 or step S105 is output to the encoding / decoding processor 20 and the playback speed converter 60.

  Then, after the process of step S103 or step S105 is completed, it is determined whether or not the video to be reproduced has been completed (step S106). If the video has not been completed yet, the process returns to the determination process of step S102. On the other hand, when the video ends, a series of processing ends.

  As described above, according to the seventh embodiment, the user can adjust the limit level by changing the force applied to the limit button 121A. That is, as the force with which the limit button 121A is pressed increases, the coefficient (deceleration coefficient / (f + K)) multiplied by the current reproduction speed V decreases, and the deceleration width can be increased. Thus, the user can input the limit level in addition to the information acquisition capability exceeding the limit using the pressure sensor type remote controller 121.

  In the seventh embodiment, as in the second example of the sixth embodiment described above, a plurality of limit levels are set in stages according to the strength of the force applied to the limit button 121A. May be. Furthermore, when the limit level from the user is reported, the reproduction position may be returned by a predetermined time so as to prevent the user's information from being overlooked.

<Eighth Embodiment>
Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the embodiments so far, unless the limit button of the remote control device is pressed at all, the playback speed of the playback device 1 increases without limit. Also, if the limit button is accidentally pressed too much, the playback speed will be almost zero, and the playback position will not change. In order to avoid this problem, in the eighth embodiment, a limiter (limit circuit) is provided in the playback apparatus 1 of the first embodiment to limit the playback speed within a certain range.

  A processing example of the playback speed determination unit 50 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Here, the adjustment is performed so that the reproduction speed V falls within the maximum speed Vmax and the minimum speed Vmin.

  First, the playback speed determination unit 50 sets the playback speed Vk to the initial speed V0 (step S111). Here, the reproduction speed determination unit 50 determines whether or not the limit button 3A by the user has been pressed (step S112). When the electric signal (control signal) transmitted from the remote control light receiving unit 40 indicates that the limit button has not been pressed, the reproduction speed Vk at that time is multiplied by the acceleration coefficient to obtain the reproduction speed Vk. Calculate (step S113).

  On the other hand, when the electrical signal (control signal) transmitted from the remote control light receiving unit 40 indicates that the limit button 3A has been pressed, the playback speed V at that time is multiplied by the deceleration coefficient to obtain the playback speed. Vk is calculated (step S114).

  Then, after the process of step S113 or step S114 is completed, it is determined whether or not the calculated reproduction speed Vk is faster than the maximum speed Vmax (step S115). If it is faster than the maximum speed, the playback speed Vk is set to Vmax (step S116).

  After the process of step S116 or when it is determined that the maximum speed is not exceeded in the determination process of step S115, it is determined whether the reproduction speed Vk is slower than the minimum speed Vmin (step S117). If it is slower than the minimum speed, the playback speed Vk is set to Vmin (step S118).

  Then, after the process of step S118 or when it is determined that the speed is not lower than the minimum speed in the determination process of step S117, it is determined whether or not the video to be played has ended (step S119), and the video has not ended yet. In this case, the process returns to the determination process in step S112. On the other hand, when the video ends, a series of processing ends.

  As described above, according to the eighth embodiment, since the limiter for limiting the playback speed is provided, the playback speed of the presented information is limited within a predetermined range in addition to the operation and effect of the first embodiment. Therefore, the playback speed does not become meaningless for the user, that is, the playback speed is too fast or too slow. Therefore, the user can always view information at an appropriate reproduction speed.

  In addition, as an example of the maximum speed Vmax and the minimum speed Vmin, for example, the speed may be adjusted in a range from 50 times speed to 0.5 times speed. Further, the user may be able to set the values of the maximum speed Vmax and the minimum speed Vmin using a remote control device or the like in consideration of his / her information acquisition capability. This specific numerical example is an example, and is not limited to this example.

  In the eighth embodiment, the example in which the limiter is provided in the playback device 1 of the first embodiment has been described. However, the second to seventh embodiments and the ninth embodiment to be described later are described. Of course, it may be applied to the form.

<Ninth Embodiment>
Next, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The ninth embodiment is an example in which a fast-forward button and a rewind button, which are used to change the reproduction position of information, and a limit button are integrated in a remote control device. Since the user's finger is always on the limit button of the remote control device during viewing, it is convenient if the limit button can also be used to fast-forward and rewind playback information. Therefore, the limit button, the fast-forward button, and the rewind button are integrated with, for example, a stick-type button.

  FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a limit button with a fast-forward / rewind function, where (a) is a top view and (b) is a front view. FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of operation of a limit button with a fast forward / rewind function, where (a) shows a rewind, (b) shows a limit report, and (c) shows a fast forward.

  As shown in FIGS. 23A, 23B, and 24A to 24C, in the remote control device 141, the limit button 141A can be tilted to the left and right, and the limit button 141A is touched with the finger 142 on the main surface of the remote control device 141. It can be pushed vertically. When the limit button 141A is tilted to the left, the playback information is rewound. When the limit button 141A is pressed, the limit level is exceeded, and when the limit button 141A is tilted to the right, the playback information can be fast-forwarded.

  Note that, as in the above-described embodiment, a device that can input the operation amount / operation direction as a continuous value is applied to the limit button 141A, and the playback speed depends on the operation amount / operation direction such as the angle at which the limit button 141A is tilted. The acceleration width or the deceleration width may be adjusted. 23 and 24 show an example in which the limit button 141A is a stick type, but a structure in which a push button is provided at the center of rotation of an annular jog dial may be used.

  As described above, according to the ninth embodiment, in addition to the operations and effects of the first embodiment, information can be reproduced (presented) at a reproduction speed that does not exceed the viewer's ability to understand information. Thus, the viewer can always obtain information efficiently.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the system configuration example which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structural example of the system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process example of the reproduction speed conversion part which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention, (a) shows an input frame, (b) shows an output frame. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other process example of the reproduction speed conversion part which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention, (a) shows an input frame, (b) shows an output frame. It is a flowchart which shows the process example in the case of leaving the frame with much information which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of a process of the reproduction speed conversion part which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention, (a) shows an input frame, (b) shows an output frame. It is a flowchart which shows the process example of the reproduction speed determination part which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a change of the reproduction speed which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a change of the reproduction speed with respect to the user's capability change which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of tracking of the reproduction speed with respect to the change of the video content which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process example of the reproduction speed determination part which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the other process example of the reproduction speed determination part which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process example of the reproduction speed determination part which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the audio | voice reproduction apparatus which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a transition of the reproduction speed and reproduction position of the information which concerns on the 5th Embodiment of this invention, (a) is a reproduction speed, (b) shows a reproduction position. It is a flowchart which shows the process example of the reproduction speed determination part which concerns on the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the stick type | mold limit button which concerns on the 6th Embodiment of this invention, (a) is a normal state, (b) shows the limit level low, (c) shows the limit level high. It is a flowchart which shows the process example of the reproduction speed determination part which concerns on the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the other process example of the reproduction speed determination part which concerns on the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the pressure sensor type | mold limit button which concerns on the 7th Embodiment of this invention, (a) is a normal state, (b) shows the limit level low, (c) shows the limit level high. It is a flowchart which shows the process example of the reproduction speed determination part which concerns on the 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process example of the reproduction speed determination part which concerns on the 8th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the limit button with a fast-forward / rewinding function which concerns on the 9th Embodiment of this invention, (a) is a top view, (b) is a front view. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation example of the limit button with a fast-forward / rewinding function which concerns on the 9th Embodiment of this invention, (a) is rewinding, (b) is limit declaration, (c) shows fast-forwarding. It is explanatory drawing of a prior art example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a relationship between reproduction speed and information income efficiency.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Playback apparatus, 2 ... Display apparatus, 3 ... Remote control detection part, 10 ... Video | video input part, 20 ... Encoding / decoding process part, 30 ... Accumulation part, 40 ... Remote control light-receiving part, 50 ... Reproduction speed determination part, 60 ... Playback speed converter

Claims (17)

A reproduction processing unit that converts the reproduction speed of the input information based on the given variable and outputs the converted information to the reproduction unit;
A receiving unit that receives a control signal from an operation unit that is operated when the information acquisition capability of a viewer who is viewing the information being reproduced in the reproduction unit is limited;
When the receiving unit does not receive the control signal, it outputs a variable for accelerating the reproduction speed of the input information to the reproduction processing unit, and when the receiving unit receives the control signal, the input information A playback speed determination unit for outputting a variable for reducing the playback speed of the playback processing unit to the playback processing unit;
An information reproducing apparatus comprising: The said reproduction speed determination part determines the variable which decelerates the reproduction speed of the said input information according to the control signal received in the said receiving part, and outputs it to the said reproduction process part. Information playback device. When the receiving unit receives a plurality of control signals continuously from the operation unit, the playback speed determination unit determines a variable for reducing the playback speed of the input information based on the plurality of continuous control signals, The information reproducing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the information reproducing apparatus outputs the information to a reproduction processing unit. The reproduction speed determination unit determines whether another control signal has been received within a predetermined time in the past from the time when the control signal is received, and when the other control signal has been received, the reproduction speed is reproduced. The information reproducing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a variable for decelerating a speed larger than a set deceleration width is output to the reproduction processing unit. The playback speed determination unit measures an elapsed time from the reception of the previous control signal when the control signal is received, and a reduction width of the playback speed of the input information is set to the elapsed time according to the elapsed time. The information reproducing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a variable having a proportional deceleration width is output to the reproduction processing unit. The playback speed determination unit, when the elapsed time is T, when the elapsed time T does not exceed the predetermined time N, multiplies the set variable by (T / N) and outputs the result to the playback processing unit. The information reproducing apparatus according to claim 5. In addition, when the receiving unit receives the control signal, the playback speed determining unit determines a return width of the input information from a current playback position, and the playback processing unit determines the input information as the playback speed determining unit. The information reproducing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the information is returned to the reproduction position based on the determination of the unit and output to the reproduction unit. Further, the playback speed determination unit determines a return width of the playback position of the input information in a stepwise manner based on the plurality of continuous control signals, and the playback processor determines the input information of the playback speed determination unit. The information reproducing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the information is returned to the reproduction position based on the determination and output to the reproduction unit. Further, when the playback speed determination unit has received another control signal within the past predetermined time from the time when the control signal was received, the return width from the current playback position of the input information is set. 5. The reproduction processing unit according to claim 4, wherein the reproduction processing unit returns the input information to a reproduction position based on a return width determined by the reproduction speed determination unit and outputs the reproduction information to the reproduction unit. Information playback device. Further, the playback speed determination unit determines a return width from the current playback position of the input information according to the elapsed time as a return width proportional to the elapsed time, and the playback processing unit determines the input information as the input information. 6. The information reproducing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the information is returned to the reproduction position based on the return width determined by the reproduction speed determination unit and output to the reproduction unit. The operation unit outputs a control signal that continuously changes according to the operation of the viewer,
The said reproduction speed determination part determines the variable which decelerates the reproduction speed of the said input information according to the said control signal which changes continuously, It outputs to the said reproduction | regeneration processing part. Information playback device. The reproduction speed determination unit acquires an operation time length of the operation unit from the control signal, and outputs a variable for decelerating the reproduction speed of the input information to the reproduction processing unit based on the operation time length. The information reproducing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein The reproduction speed determination unit acquires an operation amount of the operation unit from the control signal, and outputs a variable for decelerating the reproduction speed of the input information to the reproduction processing unit based on the operation amount. The information reproducing apparatus according to claim 11. The reproduction speed determination unit acquires a pressure value applied to the operation unit from the control signal, and outputs a variable for decelerating the reproduction speed of the input information to the reproduction processing unit based on the pressure value. The information reproducing apparatus according to claim 11. The information reproduction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information output to the reproduction unit is a video. The information output device according to claim 1, wherein the information output to the playback unit is a voice. Outputting playback speed information based on a given variable to the playback unit;
Determining whether or not the receiving unit has received a control signal from the operation unit operated when the information acquisition capability of a viewer who is viewing the information being reproduced in the reproducing unit is a limit;
When the receiving unit does not receive the control signal, the playback speed determining unit determines a variable for accelerating the playback speed of the information, and when the receiving unit receives the control signal, the playback speed determining unit Determining a variable for decelerating the reproduction speed of the information in the unit;
Converting the playback speed of information to be output to the playback section based on the variable determined by the playback speed determination section in the playback processing section;
A method for reproducing information, comprising:

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