JP2010283434A - Program, device, and method for managing and reproducing moving picture - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide technology more convenient for viewers to use when reproducing moving pictures, and for a moving picture distributor to accurately grasp the viewing trend of the viewers. <P>SOLUTION: This program for managing and reproducing the moving picture makes a computer realize a function to download moving picture data from a moving picture distributing site on the Internet, a function to preserve the downloaded moving picture data, a function to reproduce the preserved moving picture data in state where it is not connected to the Internet, a function to accumulate and manage the reproducing situation of the moving picture data in the state where it is not connected to the Internet, as viewing history information, and a function to upload viewing history information at the point of time when it is connected to the Internet. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for managing and reproducing moving image data.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technique for browsing a moving image prepared on a network such as the Internet is known. In general, a video player that operates as a plug-in of a web browser and plays a video published on a website in a streaming manner is widely used (Patent Document 1).

JP 2009-093212 A

  However, conventionally, in order to view the distributed video, the user must be online and use an Internet browser. For this reason, depending on the communication environment, there are cases in which a moving image cannot be comfortably viewed.

  On the other hand, tools that can download videos published on websites have also been developed and released. However, such a tool is merely a data download tool, and when the video is downloaded, the relationship between the video and the website from which the video was downloaded completely disappeared. In other words, the video distributor cannot know how the downloaded video is being viewed.

  In particular, for example, in the distribution of educational video content called so-called e-learning, viewers must always view e-learning content in an online environment. For this reason, e-learning has never been a convenient mechanism for viewers who do not have an internet environment or who have used their time effectively during travel.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and is a technique that is more user-friendly for playing back downloaded videos. The purpose is to provide technology that can be grasped.

In order to achieve the above object, in the system according to the present invention,
A learning system including a video management / playback device that manages and plays back video data, and a video distribution device that provides the video management / playback device with video data,
The moving image management / playback apparatus comprises:
Storage means for downloading and storing first video data for education from the video distribution device via a communication network;
Reproducing means for reproducing the stored first educational video data in an offline state not connected to the communication network;
Viewing history management means for accumulating and managing the reproduction status of the first educational video data in an offline state not connected to the communication network as viewing history information;
History information transmitting means for transmitting the viewing history information to the video distribution device via the communication network;
With
The video distribution device
The moving image of the second educational moving image data following the first educational moving image data on condition that the viewing history information in the offline state relating to the first educational moving image data is transmitted to the moving image distribution device. It is characterized by permitting playback on a management playback device.

  The moving image distribution device includes the second educational moving image data following the first educational moving image data on condition that the viewing history information related to the first educational moving image data is transmitted to the moving image distribution device. Downloading by a moving image management / playback apparatus is permitted.

  The video distribution device selects the second video data for education from a plurality of video data for education according to the contents of the viewing history information transmitted to the video distribution device, and the video management / playback device It is characterized by permitting reproduction by.

  The viewing history information includes the number of pauses at the time of viewing the first educational video data, and the video distribution device has a plurality of time-ordered sequences if the number of pauses is small. The educational video data in the later order is selected from the educational video data, and reproduction by the video management / playback apparatus is permitted.

  The viewing history information includes a viewing time required for viewing the first educational moving image data, and the moving image distribution device is time-sequentially ordered if the viewing time is within a reference range. The educational video data in the later order is selected from the plurality of educational video data, and the reproduction by the video management / playback apparatus is permitted.

In order to achieve the above object, the apparatus according to the present invention is a moving picture management / playback apparatus for managing and playing back moving picture data, wherein the first educational moving picture data is obtained from the moving picture distribution apparatus via a communication network. Storage means for downloading and storing; playback means for playing back the downloaded first video data for education that is not connected to the communication network; and the first that is not connected to the communication network. Viewing history management means for accumulating and managing the playback status of one educational video data as viewing history information; and history information transmitting means for transmitting the viewing history information to the video distribution device via the communication network. Prepared,
The reproduction means reproduces the second educational video data following the first educational video data on condition that the viewing history information regarding the first educational video data is transmitted to the video distribution device. It is characterized by permission.

  In order to achieve the above object, a program according to the present invention causes a computer to execute each unit of the above apparatus.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique that is more convenient for reproducing a downloaded moving image and that allows a moving image distribution source to accurately grasp the viewing trend of a viewer.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the moving image management reproduction | regeneration system as embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions and software constitutions of user PC. It is a figure which shows the list of the information linked | related with moving image data. It is a figure which shows the transition of the user interface of the moving image management reproduction | regeneration application which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the opening screen of the moving image management reproduction | regeneration application which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the various setting screens of the moving image management reproduction | regeneration application which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the moving image reproduction screen of the moving image management reproduction | regeneration application which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the moving image detailed information display screen of the moving image management reproduction | regeneration application which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the moving image data list display screen which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the moving image viewing history display screen which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the moving image management method which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the components described in the following embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention only to them.

(Overview)
A system as an embodiment of the present invention includes a moving image management reproduction application that is installed and executed on a computer. This moving image management / playback application may be a type of application that is downloaded from the Internet and used, or may be a type of application that is installed in a computer via an external storage medium such as a DVD ROM or USB memory. A computer in which the moving image management reproduction application is installed functions as a moving image management reproduction device.

  This moving image management / playback application downloads moving image data from a plurality of moving image sites on the Internet and collectively registers them in a content database. The moving image management / playback application displays a list of moving image data in the content database, and provides various information to the user. The user can select and view moving image data from the moving image data displayed in the list. Information related to user viewing (such as the number of times of viewing) is registered in the viewing history database and uploaded to the viewing history management server when connected to the Internet. The viewing history management server receives viewing history information from users of a plurality of movie management / playback applications, aggregates them, creates statistical data, and provides them to a movie distribution site. Thus, even if the user is not connected to the Internet, the user can view the moving image data of the moving image site with the same feeling as when connected to the Internet. In particular, e-learning can be performed without connecting to the Internet, which is very convenient for the user.

(System configuration)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system including a computer (user PC) as an embodiment of a moving image management / playback apparatus according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, this system is configured such that user PCs 101 to 103 can connect to the Internet, access the moving image distribution sites 201 to 203 on the Internet, and receive moving image data.

  Each of the user PCs 101 to 103 is provided with moving image management / playback applications 101a to 103a as local players, so that the downloaded moving image data can be viewed offline, that is, without being connected to the Internet. Therefore, for example, when the user PC 101 is a notebook personal computer or PDA, the downloaded moving image can be viewed even when the user is moving. The moving image management / playback applications 101a to 101c are stored in a dedicated site on the Internet so that they can be downloaded, and can be installed on each user PC via the Internet. For example, if a moving image management / playback application is developed with Adobe AIR (registered trademark), it can be operated lightly regardless of the type of OS of the user PC.

  The user PCs 101 to 103 include content DBs 101b to 103b, comment DBs 101c to 103c, and viewing history DBs 101d to 103d as databases associated with the moving image management reproduction applications 101a to 103a. These DBs are generated when the moving image management / playback application is installed.

  Here, for convenience of explanation, only three user PCs are shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as long as there is no restriction such as capacity, the moving image management / playback application can be installed on any PC, and the function of the moving image management / playback application can be exhibited as long as it can be connected to the Internet. Since the basic configuration of the user PC is considered to be the same, the user PC 101 will be described below as a representative.

  The moving image management / playback application 101a has a function of accessing the moving image distribution sites 201 to 203, downloading moving image data, and storing the downloaded data in the content DB 101b. Also, the downloaded moving image data is managed together with the download source information and displayed in a selectable list. Furthermore, a function of reproducing the selected moving image data and a function of adding a comment to a desired timing and position for the reproduced moving image data are provided. The content of the added comment is stored in the comment DB 101c together with the added timing information and position information. Further, viewing history information such as the time and number of times the user has viewed the moving image data offline is stored in the viewing history DB 101d in the user PC 101a. In the viewing history DB 101d, each viewing history information is managed by distinguishing whether the viewing history information has been transmitted or not transmitted to the viewing history DBs 201c to 203c or the viewing history management server 105. The viewing history DB 101d in the user PC 101a may receive and save the viewing history on the Internet from the viewing history DBs 201c to 203c or the viewing history management server 105. In this case, the user can check the entire viewing status of the moving image data at the reception timing even offline.

Note that the viewing history information includes, for example, the following.
(1) Playback start date and time (year: day: hour: minute: second)
(2) Playback end date and time (year: day: hour: minute: second)
(3) Playback time (hours: minutes: seconds) (obtained from (1) and (2))
(4) Cumulative playback time (hours: minutes: seconds) #When multiple videos are used as one educational material (course) (5) Number of pauses (times)
(6) Number of playbacks (times)
(7) Cumulative playback count (times) #When multiple videos are used as one teaching material (course) (8) Last playback end date (year: day: hour: minute)

  The moving image distribution sites 201 to 203 include content DBs 201a to 203a, comment sharing DBs 201b to 203b, and viewing history DBs 201c to 203c as databases associated with moving image distribution. The content DBs 201a to 203a are databases that store moving image data to be disclosed, and the comment sharing DBs 201b to 203b are databases for storing comments added to the moving image data and sharing them among a plurality of users. The viewing history DBs 201c to 203c are databases that store viewing history information of distributed video data. However, the comment sharing DB and the viewing history DB are not indispensable components for the moving image distribution site, and the moving image management / playback applications 101a to 103a can exhibit their functions even for a moving image distribution site without these databases. In addition, the moving image distribution sites 201 to 203 can add and set reproduction restriction information such as password lock, viewing frequency limitation, and viewing period limitation to moving image data to be distributed.

  The viewing expiration date set in the video distribution sites 201 to 203 cannot be changed by the video management playback application as a local player, and video data that has passed the time limit cannot be played back. Then, the viewing expiration date of the video data is changed on the condition that the viewing history indicating that the video management playback application has viewed the video data within the viewing expiration date has been uploaded to the viewing history management server 105 on the Internet. Then, the user is provided with a continuation of the moving image data or allowed to view the continuation portion.

  In other words, the video distribution site can set different expiration dates for each of a plurality of video sections included in the video data to be distributed, and the video management playback application allows playback according to the settings. . Furthermore, the moving image distribution site can add a setting for permitting reproduction of the second or more sections of the moving image data to be distributed on condition that the viewing history of the previous section is uploaded. Similarly, the moving image distribution site can also be set to be distributed so that it can be downloaded on condition that the viewing history of other moving image data is uploaded. For example, the moving image distribution site specifies a logged-in user and checks what kind of viewing history the logged-in user has uploaded to the moving image distribution site in the past. Then, in accordance with the uploaded viewing history, video data that is permitted to be downloaded is selected and presented to the user. In this way, the moving image distribution site can allow the user to view moving images in the order desired by the distribution side. This is a particularly important feature for educational video distribution.

  In addition, the moving image management / playback application according to the present embodiment may include a unique filter. If the moving image data distributed by the moving image distribution site is preliminarily subjected to a filtering process opposite to the filtering corresponding to the filter, it is possible to realize a mechanism in which the moving image can be viewed only after downloading with the moving image management reproduction application. That is, it is possible to prevent the video from being properly played back by other video playback applications, and to enhance the integrity with the video distribution site.

  For example, each moving image management reproduction application downloaded by the user is provided with a unique filter. When downloading the moving image data, the moving image distribution site determines what kind of filter is specific to the moving image management reproduction application used by the user from the login ID of the user. Then, the moving image distribution site adds a reverse filter corresponding to the unique filter to the moving image data in advance and downloads it. In this way, it is possible to limit the downloaded video data so that it can be viewed only by the video management / playback application unique to the user. In other words, even if the moving image data is duplicated, it cannot be viewed by other moving image management / playback applications, so that the copyright problem can be cleared.

  For convenience of explanation, only three video distribution sites are shown here, but the present invention is not limited to this, and all the video distribution sites on the Internet 500 can constitute this system. In other words, as long as the restrictions such as user registration are cleared, the video management / playback applications 101a to 103a can be connected to any video distribution site, and can manage and play back video data that can be downloaded therefrom.

  In this system, a viewing history management server 105 is provided on the Internet 500. The viewing history management server 105 receives viewing history information from the viewing history DBs 101d to 103d associated with the moving image management reproduction applications 101a to 103a, and totals the viewing history. For example, the total number of viewing times for each moving image data can be calculated, or moving image data with a large number of viewing times can be extracted. By obtaining viewing history information together with user attributes (age, gender, occupation, etc.) from the moving image management / playback applications 101a to 103a, it is also possible to calculate viewing trends for each of these attributes as statistical data. On the other hand, if the viewing history information uploaded to the viewing history management server 105 does not include information for identifying the individual user, the user can receive a service without worrying about the risk of leakage of personal information. it can. Of course, the viewing history management server side can easily handle information.

(Hardware configuration of user PC)
FIG. 2 shows a general example of the internal configuration of the user PC 101 that implements the moving image management / playback method according to the present invention. As described above, since the user PCs 102 and 103 have the same configuration, the description thereof is omitted here.

  A CPU 1101 is a central processing unit as arithmetic means for controlling the entire image processing system. A ROM 1102 is a read-only memory that stores a basic program booted by the CPU 1101. The RAM 1103 is a random access memory having a work area for expanding the programs and data stored in the HD 1104 and causing the CPU 1101 to execute the programs and data. An HD 1104 is a hard disk as a storage unit, and includes a moving image management / playback application 101a in addition to an OS (Operation System) 1105 and various databases 101b, 101c, and 101d. An I / O 1108 is an input / output unit for outputting image data to the display 1111 and inputting information from an input device 1112 such as a mouse or a keyboard. The user PC 101 further includes a communication unit 1109 as a communication unit, and is configured to be connectable to the Internet 500.

  The video management playback application 101a transmits video data download module 1011 for downloading video data, video playback module 1012 for playing back video data, viewing history management module 1013 for storing and managing viewing history, and viewing history information. A history information transmission module 1014. The moving image data download module 1011 can also download slide data, document data, etc. accompanying e-learning, for example, simultaneously with moving image data, according to the setting by the user. Further, the moving image playback module 1012 can record which portion of the moving image data has been played, and can pass it to the viewing history management module 1013 as a viewing history. For example, in the case of e-learning, it may be set to pass to the viewing history management module 1013 that the viewing is completed for the first time after the moving image data is reproduced from the beginning. Alternatively, when viewing of certain moving image data ends, a predetermined question is presented to the user, and the next moving image may not be started unless the question is answered correctly within a predetermined number of times, for example. Further, if the moving image data is muted, minimized, or displayed on the back of another window, the setting can be made such that the moving image data is not regarded as being viewed. According to this, the reliability of viewing history information of moving image data can be further improved. In particular, it is possible to prevent e-learning fraud and to fully confirm its effect. Furthermore, when reproduction restriction information such as viewing frequency limit or viewing period restriction is added to the moving image data, the moving image reproduction module 1012 controls permission / non-permission of reproduction of the moving image according to those restrictions.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing metadata linked to the downloaded moving image data. For example, description of video content, playback time, video provider name, video provider address, video provider site login address, history upload destination address, comment update destination address, video storage folder name, video file size, video A file playable expiration date is added to the moving image data. Note that the metadata given here is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to these.

  As described above, the moving image management / playback application 101a is a moving image management / playback program for managing and playing back moving image data, and includes a CPU 1101 as a calculation unit, an HD 1104 as a storage unit, and a communication unit 1109 as a communication unit. Executed by. Then, the moving image data download module 1011 uses the communication unit 1109 to save the moving image data from the moving image distribution site on the Internet and the downloaded moving image data in the HD 1104 in association with the specific information for specifying the download source. The user PC 101 is made to realize the function to perform.

  In addition, the moving image reproduction module 1012 uses the CPU 1101 to realize a function of reproducing the downloaded moving image data without being connected to the Internet. Also, the viewing history management module 1013 uses the CPU 1101 and the HD 1104 to realize a function of accumulating and managing the playback status of moving image data in a state where it is not connected to the Internet as viewing history information associated with specific information. . Further, by using the communication unit 1109, a function of transmitting viewing history information to a viewing history management server as a history counting device via the Internet is realized.

(User interface)
FIG. 4 shows an example of a user interface group displayed on the display 1111 when the CPU 1101 executes the OS 1105 and the moving image management / playback application 101a according to this embodiment. These user interface groups are merely examples, and various display forms can be made according to the user's wishes. For example, a configuration in which a plurality of display forms (so-called skins) are prepared in advance and can be freely set by the user may be employed. Further, it is desirable that the size of the moving image display area can be changed variously.

  FIG. 4 shows that the transition to the setting screen 601, the moving image playback screen 701, the moving image detailed information display screen 801, and the moving image site screen 401 is possible with the opening screen 501 as the center. That is, access to the moving image distribution site, downloading of moving image data, selection of the downloaded moving image data, reproduction, detailed information display, and history collection can be performed entirely by one application. For this reason, it is not necessary to start a plurality of applications, and the central control can perform moving picture collection, management, and browsing work very efficiently. In addition, content can be obtained across multiple video distribution sites and managed in a unified manner. The opening screen 501 and the video site screen 401 include a function for accepting designation of a video delivery site, a function for connecting to the Internet and displaying a screen prepared on the designated video delivery site, and a displayed video delivery site The computer is caused to execute a function of accepting selection of moving image data to be downloaded. When accepting selection of video data to be downloaded on the displayed video distribution site, specify the Internet address of the video data and view the downloaded video data with this video management playback application as necessary. Convert to a possible data format.

  An enlarged view of the opening screen 501 is shown in FIG. The opening screen 501 includes various setting menus 502, a distribution site button 503, a content list 504, a moving image reproduction area 505, a moving image reproduction execution button 506, and a moving image data detail display button 507. Thus, by starting the moving image management / playback application 101a, it is possible to totally control the management and playback of moving images on a single screen. Further, a content search window 508 is provided, and desired content (moving image data) can be searched from the content list. For example, it is possible to search by moving image title, photographer, performer, or the like.

  When the operation of various setting menus 502 in FIG. 5 is received from the user, a setting screen 601 as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed, for example. On the setting screen 601, a distribution site can be set from a distribution site setting button 602. Here, it is possible to set a URL of a distribution site displayed as a list when the distribution site button 503 on the opening screen 501 is clicked. Here, URLs of a plurality of sites can be set. Further, for example, it is also possible to make a setting to automatically download moving image data when a predetermined distribution site is visited every predetermined period and updated moving image data exists in the registered distribution site. It is also possible to set a setting that periodically searches for moving image data having a predetermined keyword in the title and downloads it if found. Furthermore, by setting a time zone for downloading moving image data, it is possible to avoid concentration of access to the moving image distribution site. In addition, it is possible to set login information for each video distribution site, and it is possible to avoid the need for the user to input login information every time the video distribution site is connected.

  On the other hand, from the browsing history transmission setting button 603, information regarding transmission of browsing history of moving image data can be set. That is, it is possible to set to which address and at what timing the browsing history is transmitted. For example, it can be set whether history information is automatically transmitted to the history management server when it is detected that it is online, or is transmitted every predetermined period. It is desirable that these settings can be set for each moving image data targeted for browsing history. Alternatively, the browsing history transmission timing and transmission time limit may be set as additional information in the originally downloaded video data, and the browsing history transmission may be controlled according to the setting.

  Further, here, it is possible to select what information is included in the browsing history information to be transmitted. For example, information such as gender, age, occupation, blood type, and constellation can be added to the browsing history and transmitted, and these can be set. Such information can be set for each moving image data, for each moving image data attribute (e-learning or not), and for each moving image data distribution source site. For example, in the case of e-learning, it is essential to transmit information (for example, user ID) that identifies an individual who has viewed the moving image data to the e-learning management server. Further, from the content storage destination button 604 in FIG. 6, a location for storing moving image data and slide data as content can be set.

  When a content to be viewed is selected from the content list 504 on the opening screen 501 in FIG. 5 and the video playback execution button 506 is selected, a video playback screen 701 as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed. The video playback screen 701 includes a video playback area 702 for displaying the played video, a playback operation button 703 for pause, playback, and stop (skip to the top), and a playback location selection bar for selecting a playback location. 704 is provided. In addition, a display form change button 705 for changing the display form of the moving image variously such as full screen display and small screen display is also provided. Furthermore, when there is continuous content, a button 706 for selecting the next content or returning to the previous content is also provided.

  Further, the movie playback screen 701 is provided with a comment input tab 707, a comment history tab 708, and a favorite / evaluation / related tab 709 below the movie playback screen 701. Of these, FIG. 7B shows a diagram when the comment input tab 707 is selected. As described above, the comment input field is configured to rise by selecting a tab. Therefore, while playing a movie without inputting a comment, the user can watch the movie on a large screen. When uploading a comment to a video distribution site, you can select public or private, and if it is not public, the comment will be sent only to the video distribution site administrator or the video creator or video performer. This setting is not open to the public. In addition, a sticky note button 711 that is stored as a memo for oneself only in local moving image data and can be displayed without sending a comment is also provided.

  In addition, if a comment history tab 708 is selected, a history of comments sent in the past or pasted as a tag can be viewed. Furthermore, comments added and published on the Internet may be received and displayed.

If the favorite / evaluation / relevance tab 709 is selected, the user can register the moving image as a favorite, and can also register an evaluation. Evaluation is, for example, in five stages. Favorites and ratings are stored as personal information only in local video data.
Note that the moving image data detail display button 507 in FIG. 5 may be displayed on the moving image reproduction screen so that detailed information of the moving image is displayed in another window or the like during reproduction.

  When a content to be viewed is selected from the content list 504 on the opening screen 501 in FIG. 5 and the moving image data detail display button 507 is clicked, a moving image detailed information display screen 801 as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed. On this screen, detailed information of the moving image data is displayed. The moving image detailed information display screen 801 shows detailed information of e-learning content as an example. In the case of e-learning content, for example, a photograph of a lecturer, a course name, a content name, an outline description, an approximate learning time, and a study condition are displayed. Further, the learning progress of the whole course including a plurality of contents and the learning progress for each content are displayed in a graph. Also, by selecting the execution button 804, the moving image data is reproduced and displayed on the moving image reproduction screen 701 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a content list screen 901. The content list screen 901 displays moving image data and its attribute information as a list. For example, in the case of e-learning content, as shown in the figure, a rough lecture name is displayed as a category, and detailed lecture contents are displayed as a teaching material name. In addition, the test score after the lecture, the number of learnings, status (completion or incomplete), cumulative video playback time and last date and time are displayed. Moreover, you may make it display the unit of each lecture.

  FIG. 9 shows e-learning content. However, in other content such as a music video, the singer name, title, and album name may be displayed together with the number of views, the accumulated time, the final date, and the like. . In the case of an animation, the title of the animation, the number of broadcasts, the number of times viewed on the Internet, and the like may be displayed.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen 1001 for displaying a content viewing history. This figure shows the entire viewing history on the Internet together with the detailed information of the content. For example, in this figure, the horizontal axis shows the number of days after the release, and the vertical axis shows the viewing ratio of all students. In the case of e-learning content, it is possible to check how much other students are digesting the lecture, and to adjust the pace of attendance while viewing the entire viewing history. However, the content viewing history display is not limited to this, and other modes may be used. For example, the user's own lecture attendance progress may be displayed.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the moving image management method according to the present embodiment. First, using the communication unit of the user PC, moving image data is downloaded from a moving image distribution site on the Internet, and stored in the HD in association with specific information for specifying the download source (S1101).

  Next, using the CPU and display of the user PC, the downloaded moving image data is played back without being connected to the Internet (S1102). Furthermore, using the CPU and HD, the reproduction status of the moving image data in a state where it is not connected to the Internet is stored and managed as viewing history information associated with the specific information (S1103). It is determined whether or not connected to the Internet (whether or not online) (S1104), and viewing history information is transmitted to the history counting device via the Internet using the communication unit (S1105).

(Effect of this embodiment)
As described above, according to the moving image management / playback application according to the present embodiment, the moving image data can be played back even as an offline local player, so that the moving image can be comfortably viewed regardless of the communication environment. In addition, viewing history information is acquired and managed for offline video playback, and offline viewing history is uploaded when online, so the video distribution site can obtain offline video playback status. Can be used for marketing.

  Furthermore, it is also possible to upload a comment input by the local player. In addition, it is possible to perform a personal recommendation function of searching for content in the user folder, analyzing past viewing history, and pointing out a moving image to be viewed by the user.

  In addition, by associating owned contents, it is possible to easily display which moving image data is associated with which moving image data. The interface can be changed according to the user's preference, etc., and a browsing method that was difficult via a web browser becomes possible. Furthermore, if it is used for an educational course, it is very easy for a user to take a lecture.

(Superordinate concept of this embodiment)
Expressing the above-described moving image management / playback application of this embodiment as a superordinate concept, it can be expressed as a moving image management / playback program for managing and playing back moving image data, and for causing a computer to realize the following five functions. (1) A function for downloading video data from a video distribution site on the Internet. (2) A function for saving downloaded video data. (3) A function for playing back downloaded video data without being connected to the Internet. (4) A function of accumulating and managing the reproduction status of moving image data in a state where it is not connected to the Internet as viewing history information. (5) A function of uploading viewing history information when connected to the Internet.

  According to another expression, the moving image management / playback application according to the present embodiment is executed by a computer including a calculation unit, a storage unit, and a communication unit. A function for downloading video data from a video distribution site, a function for storing the downloaded video data in association with specific information for specifying the download source, and a storage means, and a computing means for connecting the downloaded video data to the Internet A function of playing back in a state where it is not connected, and a function of storing and managing the playback state of moving image data in a state where it is not connected to the Internet as viewing history information associated with the specific information, using the calculation means and the storage means , History of viewing history information via the Internet using communication means A history information transmission function for transmitting to the total system, to realize.

  Here, the video management / playback application further has a function of accepting designation of a video distribution site, a function of connecting to the Internet and displaying a designated video distribution site, and a video to be downloaded on the displayed video distribution site. A function of accepting data selection may be further realized. Alternatively, a function of displaying a list of moving image distribution sites, a function of displaying a list of downloaded moving image data, and a function of displaying a viewing history of moving image data based on viewing history information may be further realized.

  Alternatively, when reproduction restriction information is added to the moving image data prepared on the moving image distribution site, a reproduction restriction function for restricting reproduction of the moving image data is further realized in the computer according to the reproduction restriction information. The playback restriction function is a function that restricts playback of video data only within the playback time limit added to the video data when a playback time limit is added to the video data downloaded from the video distribution site. A computer may be further realized with a function of receiving viewing history information aggregated in the history aggregating apparatus via the Internet. The viewing history information includes the time and number of times that the moving image data has been reproduced. The history information transmission function is characterized by automatically transmitting history information to a history counting device when detecting that the computer is connected to the Internet. A computer is further provided with a function of downloading the collected history information from the history counting device.

Claims (7)

A learning system including a video management / playback device that manages and plays back video data, and a video distribution device that provides the video management / playback device with video data,
The moving image management / playback apparatus comprises:
Storage means for downloading and storing first video data for education from the video distribution device via a communication network;
Reproducing means for reproducing the stored first educational video data in an offline state not connected to the communication network;
Viewing history management means for accumulating and managing the reproduction status of the first educational video data in an offline state not connected to the communication network as viewing history information;
History information transmitting means for transmitting the viewing history information to the video distribution device via the communication network;
With
The video distribution device
The moving image of the second educational moving image data following the first educational moving image data on condition that the viewing history information in the offline state relating to the first educational moving image data is transmitted to the moving image distribution device. A learning system characterized by permitting reproduction on a managed reproduction apparatus. The video distribution device
Downloading the second educational video data following the first educational video data by the video management / playback device on condition that the viewing history information regarding the first educational video data is transmitted to the video distribution device The learning system according to claim 1, wherein the learning system is permitted. The video distribution device
The second video data for education is selected from a plurality of video data for education according to the content of the viewing history information transmitted to the video distribution device, and reproduction by the video management / playback device is permitted. The learning system according to claim 2. The viewing history information includes the number of pauses when viewing the first educational video data,
The video distribution device
If the number of pauses is small, the educational video data with the later order is selected from a plurality of educational video data with an order in time series, and the reproduction by the video management reproduction device is permitted. The learning system according to claim 3. The viewing history information includes viewing time required for viewing the first educational video data,
If the viewing time is within a reference range, the video distribution device selects the educational video data with the later order from the plurality of educational video data with an order in time series, and manages the video management playback The learning system according to claim 3, wherein reproduction by the device is permitted. A video management playback device that manages and plays back video data,
Storage means for downloading and storing first video data for education from a video distribution device via a communication network;
Reproducing means for reproducing the downloaded first moving image data for education without being connected to the communication network;
Viewing history management means for accumulating and managing the reproduction status of the first video data for education in a state not connected to the communication network as viewing history information;
History information transmitting means for transmitting the viewing history information to the video distribution device via the communication network;
With
The reproducing means includes
The reproduction of the second educational video data following the first educational video data is permitted on condition that the viewing history information regarding the first educational video data is transmitted to the video distribution device. A video management playback device.   A moving image management reproduction program that causes a computer to function as each unit of the moving image management reproduction device according to claim 6 by being executed by the computer.