WO2003067595A1 - Multi media output apparatus, multi media output method, multi media output program, and computer-readable recording medium containing multi media output program - Google Patents

Abstract

A multi media output apparatus includes a file accumulation unit for accumulating a plurality of files, a multi media file selection unit (111) for selecting multi media files from the accumulated files, a selection time storage unit (132) for correlating and storing the selected time with a multi media file, a multi media file specification unit (112) for accepting an input to specify any of the selected multi media files, a specification time storage unit (133) for correlating and storing the specified time with a multi media file, a reproduction start position decision unit (113) for deciding an output start position of the multi media file according tot the time which has elapsed from the selection of the specified multi media file to the specification time, and a multi media file output unit (114) for outputting the specified multi media file from the decided output start position. Accordingly, it is possible to pleasantly zap multi media files.

Description

 TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a multimedia output device, a multimedia output method, a multimedia output program, and a computer-readable recording medium on which a multimedia output program is recorded.

 The present invention relates to a multimedia output device, a multimedia output method, a multimedia output program, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the multimedia output program is recorded. The present invention relates to a method, a multimedia output program, and a computer-readable recording medium recording the multimedia output program. Background art

 Conventionally, there is a viewing method of watching a plurality of television programs while switching a channel to another channel in a scene where the user is not interested or does not want to watch the television program. Watching subbing has two advantages. The first is that you can avoid situations you don't want to see, and the second is that you get an overview of other channels.

 Regarding the scene avoidance function, when the user does not feel interested in the content of the TV program currently being viewed, switch to another channel and watch the situation. By returning to the original channel for a while and continuing to watch, in TV broadcasting, the scenes that need to be avoided often end as the real time elapses. In this way, it is possible to avoid uninteresting scenes in the original channel and realize a function that allows the user to see the next scene. The reason why the outline of other channels can be grasped is that the contents of each channel can be viewed in sequence according to the elapsed time only by performing a channel switching operation.

Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-287179 discloses a program viewing apparatus capable of switching and viewing a broadcasted program or a recorded program without distinction. Publication In the program viewing apparatus disclosed in the above, when the desired program A is selected from the electronic program guide and the program B is switched to the program A, the playback location at the time of switching the currently reproduced program B is stored. When the program B is selected again, the program B is reproduced from the stored reproduction position.

 However, the conventional technique has a problem in that the original purpose of subbing viewing cannot be achieved, in which a plurality of multimedia files such as video and music that are simultaneously reproduced are switched and viewed.

 In order to solve this problem, there is a method of playing multiple multimedia files at the same time and switching the display for viewing. However, in this method, since a plurality of multimedia files are played at the same time, there is a problem that processing on a computer is burdened and the number of multimedia files that can be played is limited. Disclosure of the invention

 One object of the present invention is to provide a multimedia output device, a multimedia output method, a multimedia output program, and a computer readable recording of a multimedia output program, which allow a user to comfortably view and listen to multimedia files. To provide a simple recording medium.

In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a multimedia output device includes: a file storage unit that stores a plurality of files; A multimedia file selection unit for selecting a plurality of multimedia files, a selected time storage unit for storing the time at which the multimedia file was selected in association with the multimedia file, and a multimedia file among the selected multimedia files. , A multimedia file designating section for receiving an input for designating a gap, a designated time storing section for storing a designated time of a multimedia file in association with the multimedia file, and a designated multimedia file. When the multimedia file elapses from the selected time to the specified time of the multimedia file The basis, the reproduction start position determination unit for determining an output start location of the multimedia file, multimedia file specified by the determined output start position And a multimedia file output unit for outputting the file.

 According to the present invention, the multimedia output device accumulates a plurality of files, selects a plurality of dynamic multimedia files that change with time from the accumulated files, and selects the multimedia file. And stores the specified time in association with the multimedia file, accepts an input specifying one of the selected multimedia files, and stores the specified time in association with the multimedia file. The output start position of the multimedia file is determined based on the time elapsed from the time when the specified multimedia file is selected to the time when the specified multimedia file is specified, and the determined output start position is determined. Outputs the specified multimedia file from.

 Therefore, even if the multimedia file is not selected for output, it is virtually played back from the selected time, and when the multimedia file is specified, it is advanced by the elapsed time from the selected time. Can be played from the position. As a result, a plurality of multimedia files are virtually time-lapsed even if playback is not specified, and are played back at the specified position from the point at which the virtual time has elapsed. Thus, it has the same effect as watching and listening to a broadcast of multiple pieces of multimedia information in real time. As a result, it is possible to provide a multimedia output device capable of comfortably watching and listening to multimedia files.

 Preferably, the reproduction start position determination unit calculates the output start position of the multimedia file based on a time obtained by multiplying the time elapsed from the time at which the multimedia file was selected to the specified time by a certain number.

According to the invention, the multimedia output device stores the time when a plurality of multimedia files are selected from the plurality of stored files in association with the multimedia file, and stores any one of the stored multimedia files. The specified time is stored in association with the multimedia file, and the specified time is multiplied by a fixed number of times from the time when the specified multimedia file is selected to the time when the multimedia file is specified. Calculate the output start position of the multimedia file based on this. For this reason, the virtual playback time from selection to the specified time is multiplied by a certain number, the output start position is calculated, and when a multimedia file is specified, the elapsed time that is earlier than the actual elapsed time or Based on the late elapsed time, playback can be performed from the advanced position for the elapsed time from the selected time. As a result, it is possible to comfortably view and listen to the multimedia file.

 Preferably, the multimedia output device includes a channel allocating unit that allocates a different channel number to each of the selected multimedia files, and a channel that stores the allocated channel numbers in association with the multimedia files. And a storage unit, wherein the multimedia file designation unit accepts an input for designating a multimedia file by designating a channel number.

 According to the present invention, the multimedia output device assigns different channel numbers to each of the selected multimedia files, stores the assigned channel numbers in association with the multimedia files, and designates the channel numbers. Accepts input specifying a multimedia file.

 For this reason, a multimedia file can be specified by specifying a channel number, such as zubbing on a television. As a result, zapping of multimedia files can be viewed comfortably.

 Preferably, the multimedia output device includes a pause unit for instructing a temporary stop of the multimedia file being output, and a pause position of the multimedia file when the pause is instructed corresponding to the multimedia file. A pause position storage unit; and a playback unit that instructs playback of the paused multimedia file. When the pause unit instructs to pause the multimedia file, the multimedia file is stored. The output unit pauses the playback of the multimedia file being output, and the pause position storage unit stores the pause position of the multimedia file when the pause is instructed. When instructed, the selected time storage unit stores the stored pause from the time when playback is instructed. Storing the time obtained by subtracting the location, multimedia file output unit outputs the multimedia files from the stored stop point.

According to the invention, the multimedia output device is a multimedia file. When the pause is instructed, the playback of the multimedia file being output is paused, the pause position of the multimedia file when the pause is instructed is stored, and when the playback is instructed, the playback is stopped. Stores the time obtained by subtracting the stored pause position from the specified time, and outputs the multimedia file from the stored pause position.

 For this reason, if you want to switch to another multimedia file, but also want to view the currently output multimedia file, pause the currently output multimedia file and press Can be switched to Huayi. As a result, multimedia files can be comfortably viewed by zubbing.

 Preferably, the multimedia output device further includes a stop unit for instructing a stop of the multimedia file being output, and when the stop of the multimedia file is instructed by the stop unit, the multimedia file output unit includes: When the playback of the multimedia file being output is stopped, and the playback of the stopped multimedia file is instructed by the playback unit, the selected time storage unit stores the time when the playback was instructed, and the multimedia file is stored. The output unit outputs the multimedia file from the first position of the multimedia file.

 According to the present invention, the multimedia output device, when instructed to stop the multimedia file, stops the playback of the output multimedia file, and instructs to play the stopped multimedia file. The time when the playback is instructed is stored, and the multimedia file is output from the first position of the multimedia file.

 Therefore, by instructing stop and then playback, the multimedia file can be viewed from the beginning. As a result, multimedia files can be comfortably viewed and viewed.

Preferably, when the multimedia file is repeatedly output, the multimedia file is output as a viewed portion, a portion that has not been output as an unviewed portion, and a portion of the multimedia file that has not been output is regarded as an unviewed portion. And a viewing portion storage section for storing the information in association with the playback start position determination section. If the selected playback start position is the already-viewed part, the multimedia file output unit outputs the multimedia file from the unviewed part after the already-viewed part, and if the determined playback start position is the unviewed part. Alternatively, if there is no unviewed portion, the multimedia file output section outputs the multimedia file from the playback start position determined by the playback start position determination section.

 According to the invention, when the multimedia file is repeatedly output, the multimedia output device sets a portion of the multimedia file that has already been output as a viewed portion and a portion that has not been output as an unviewed portion. When the determined playback start position is the already-viewed portion, the multimedia file is output from the unviewed portion after the already-viewed portion, and the determined playback start position is stored. If is the unviewed portion or if there is no unviewed portion, the multimedia file is output from the determined playback start position.

 For this reason, it is possible to view the multimedia file by skipping the part already viewed. As a result, multimedia files can be comfortably viewed by zubbing.

 Preferably, the viewing portion storage section of the multimedia output device stores the viewed portion and the unviewed portion in a bit string in which each bit corresponds to each portion obtained by dividing the multimedia file by a unit time.

 Preferably, the multimedia output device further includes a multimedia signal input unit for inputting a multimedia signal, and the multimedia file selecting unit is configured to output a plurality of multimedia files from the stored files. The multimedia file designation section receives an input for designating one of the selected multimedia file and the multimedia signal, and the multimedia file output section receives the multimedia file output signal. If a signal is specified, a multimedia signal is output.

According to the present invention, the multimedia output device further inputs a multimedia signal, selects a plurality of multimedia files and multimedia signals from the stored file and the input multimedia signal, and selects the selected multimedia file. Receives an input that specifies one of a multimedia file and a multimedia signal. If a multimedia signal is specified, a multimedia signal is output. For this reason, it is possible to zub and watch Manore multimedia media including the input multimedia signal. For example, the user can switch between the input TV broadcast signal and the playback of the stored multimedia file by specifying the channel switching. As a result, the user can treat the stored multimedia file and the input multimedia signal as a multimedia file that progresses in real time in the same manner, so that the user can comfortably view and listen to the multimedia file.

 According to another aspect of the present invention, a multimedia output method is a method of outputting a multimedia file by a computer having a file storage unit for storing a plurality of files, the method comprising the steps of: Selecting a plurality of dynamically changing multimedia files, storing the selected time of the multimedia files in association with the multimedia files, and specifying one of the selected multimedia files Receiving the input of the multimedia file, storing the specified time of the multimedia file in association with the multimedia file, and specifying the time of the multimedia file from the time at which the specified multimedia file was selected. Multi based on time elapsed until And determining the output starting position of the media files, and outputting the multimedia file specified by the determined output start position. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a multimedia output method capable of comfortably watching and listening to multimedia files.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a multimedia output program is executed by a computer having a file storage unit that stores a plurality of files, and a plurality of dynamic output programs that change with time from the stored files. Selecting a multimedia file; storing the time at which the multimedia file was selected in association with the multimedia file; accepting an input specifying one of the selected multimedia files; A step of storing the designated time of the multimedia file in association with the multimedia file; and a step of storing the designated multimedia file from the selected time. The computer causes the computer to execute a step of determining a multimedia file output start position based on a time elapsed until a specified time of the aisle, and a step of outputting the specified multimedia file from the determined output start position. . According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a multimedia output program capable of comfortably zapping and viewing a multimedia file, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the multimedia output program is recorded. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

 FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a multimedia output device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

 FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram schematically illustrating functions of a control unit of the multimedia output device according to the first embodiment.

 FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a file stored in a file storage unit of the storage unit of the multimedia output device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

 FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in a selected time storage unit and a designated time storage unit of the storage unit of the multimedia output device according to the first embodiment.

 FIG. 5 is an example of a display screen displayed on the output unit of the multimedia output device according to the first embodiment.

 FIG. 6 is an example of specifying a file in the selection list on the display screen in the first embodiment.

 FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the main routine of the processing performed by the multimedia output device in the first embodiment.

 FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of a selection processing routine among the processing performed by the multimedia output device in the first embodiment.

 FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of an output processing routine among the processing performed by the multimedia output device in the first embodiment.

 FIG. 10 is a function block diagram schematically showing the functions of the control unit of the multimedia output device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 shows a channel of the storage unit of the multimedia output device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in a file number storage unit, a selected time storage unit, and a designated time storage unit.

 FIG. 12 is an example of a display screen displayed on the output unit of the multimedia output device in the second embodiment.

 FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a main routine in the processing performed by the multimedia output device in the second embodiment.

 FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of a channel allocation processing routine among the processing performed by the multimedia output device in the second embodiment.

 FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram schematically illustrating functions of a control unit of the multimedia output device according to the third embodiment.

 FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in a selected time storage unit, a specified time storage unit, and a playback position storage unit of the storage unit of the multimedia output device according to the third embodiment.

 FIG. 17 is an example of a display screen displayed on the output unit of the multimedia output device according to the third embodiment. .

 FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of the main routine among the processing performed by the multimedia output device in the third embodiment.

 FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of the temporary stop processing routine among the processing performed by the multimedia output device in the third embodiment.

 FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of a stop processing routine among the processing performed by the multimedia output device in the third embodiment.

 FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the flow of a reproduction processing routine among the processing performed by the multimedia output device in the third embodiment.

 FIG. 22 is a functional block diagram schematically illustrating functions of a control unit of the multimedia output device according to the fourth embodiment.

 FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the selected time storage unit, the designated time storage unit, and the viewing / listening part storage unit of the storage unit of the multimedia output device according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart of processing performed by the multimedia output device in the fourth embodiment. The flowchart is a flowchart showing the flow of the main routine.

 FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a flow of two output processing routines among the processing performed by the multimedia output device in the fourth embodiment.

 FIG. 26 is a functional block diagram schematically illustrating functions of a control unit of the multimedia output device according to the fifth embodiment.

 FIG. 27 is an example of a display screen displayed on the output unit of the multimedia output device in the fifth embodiment.

 FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the flow of the main routine in the processing performed by the multimedia output device in the fifth embodiment.

 FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the flow of a selection process 2 routine among the processes performed by the multimedia output device in the fifth embodiment.

 FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the flow of three output processing routines among the processing performed by the manoretic media output device in the fifth embodiment. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or corresponding members, and overlapping description will not be repeated.

 In the embodiment of the present invention, a dynamic multimedia file that changes over time refers to music or moving image (MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) movie) whose display / playback content changes with time. , Still image slide show (RealPix by Real Networks), digital animation (e-animator of Sharp Corporation and Flash animation of Macromedia). In the multimedia synchronization language SMIL specified by the World Wide Web Consorsium (W3C), video, still images, and text can be specified to be played at a specified time for a specified time, but this also changes dynamically. It can be said that it is a multimedia file. In other words, it means that the time axis data is stored inside the multimedia file and can be played back from the specified elapsed time, or can be played back near the specified elapsed time.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a multimedia output device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the multimedia output device 100 A control unit 110 for controlling the entire multimedia output device 100, a storage unit 130 for storing predetermined information, and predetermined information are input to the multimedia output device 100. Input unit 140, an output unit 150 for outputting predetermined information from the multimedia output device 100, and an output unit 150 for connecting the multimedia output device 100 to the network 200. It includes a communication unit 160 as an interface, and an external storage device 170 for inputting information recorded on the recording medium 171, and recording necessary information on the recording medium 1711.

 The control unit 110 is a central processing unit (CPU), and is necessary to execute programs and a read-only memory (ROM) for storing programs to be executed by the control unit 110. Random access memory (RAM) used as a safe working area.

 The storage unit 130 is a magnetic disk storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD). Instead of the magnetic disk storage device, a magneto-optical disk storage device, an optical disk, or the like can be used.

 The input unit 140 is a keyboard, a mouse, an image input terminal, a sound input terminal, or the like, and can input necessary information to the multimedia output device 100. Also, the input unit 140 may be an input unit of another computer connected via the communication unit 160 and the network 200.

 The output unit 150 is a display such as a liquid crystal display device or a cathode ray tube (CRT), a speaker, and the like, and can output necessary information from the multimedia output device 100. The output unit 150 may be an output unit of a client computer connected via the communication unit 160 and the network 200. The communication unit 160 is a communication interface for connecting the multimedia output device 100 to an external network 200. The multimedia output device 100 transmits / receives necessary information to / from another computer via the communication unit 160. The external storage device 170 reads a program or data recorded on the recording medium 171, and transmits the program or data to the control unit 110. Further, the external storage device 170 writes necessary information to the recording medium 1711 according to an instruction from the control unit 110.

Computer-readable recording media 17 1 include magnetic tape, cassette tape Disk, floppy (R) disk, hard disk, CD—ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), MO (Magneto Optical disk), MD (MiniDisc, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), IC card (including memory card), optical It is a recording medium that carries a fixed program, including a card, or a semiconductor memory such as a mask ROM, EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory), and flash ROM. Further, the recording medium 17 1 may be a medium that carries the program fluidly so that the program can be downloaded from the network 200.

 [First embodiment]

 Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present embodiment will be described.

 The outline of the configuration of the multimedia output device 100 in the first embodiment is similar to the outline of the configuration of the multimedia output device 100 in the embodiment of the present invention described with reference to FIG.

 FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram schematically showing the functions of the control unit 110 of the multimedia output device 100 in the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2, the control unit 110 of the multimedia output device 100 includes a multimedia file selection unit 111, a multimedia file designation unit 112, and a playback start position determination unit 111. 3 and a multimedia file output section 114. The storage unit 130 of the multimedia output device 100 includes a file storage unit 131 for storing a plurality of files, a selected time storage unit 132, and a designated time storage unit 133. including.

The multimedia file selection unit 111 selects a plurality of dynamic multimedia files that change with time from the files stored in the file storage unit 131. Then, the multimedia file selection unit 111 stores the time at which the multimedia file was selected in the selected time storage unit 132 in association with the multimedia file. Also, the multimedia file selection unit 111 may output a list of the selected multimedia files to the output unit 150. Here, the multimedia file selection unit 1 1 1 automatically selected the multimedia file, but the multimedia output device 100 user May be selected. Automatically selecting a multimedia file means, for example, searching for a file that has a file extension that indicates that it is a multimedia file, and selecting the found file as a multimedia file. Say.

The multimedia file designating section 112 receives an input for designating any one of the multimedia files selected by the multimedia file selecting section 111 from the input section 140. Here, a multimedia file may be specified from the multimedia file list output to the output unit 150 by the multimedia file selection unit 111. The multimedia file designating unit 1 1 2 at the specified time storage unit 1 3 3, the time t ₂ when the multimedia file is specified in correspondence with multimedia files are stored.

 The time at which the multimedia file is selected is the time at which the multimedia file is automatically or manually selected, but can be considered as the time at which the playback of the multimedia file is virtually started. Also, the time at which the multimedia file is designated may be the time at which the multimedia file is designated, or the time at which the multimedia file is output and the user becomes available for viewing according to the designation. For example, the time at which the user first specified one of the multimedia files may be the time at which all other multimedia files were selected. In this case, all multimedia files will be virtually played all at once from that time. The time when the user first designates each multimedia file may be the time when the multimedia file is selected.

The reproduction start position determination unit 113 determines the time t! Stored in the selected time storage unit 132. Group Hazuki the pressurized et designation time storage section 1 3 3 Time elapsed until the time 1 ₂ which is stored in the t ₂ _ ti, the output start position t of multimedia off aisle designated by the multimedia file designating unit 1 1 2 (= t ₂ -t _t ). Here, after the last position t _e of the multimedia file output start position, i.e., the output start position 1;> For the position t _beta of the last, multimedia files total reproduction time t _beta is repeatedly reproduced Tei though, may be corrected output start position t _s a (= tmodt _e) as the output start position t. Where mod is a remainder operator and tmodt _e is Indicates that the remainder obtained by dividing t by t _e is calculated.

Alternatively, the output start position t _s may be calculated by multiplying the virtual playback time (t ^ —tj by a certain number) from the selection of the multimedia file to the designation. If the start position t _s = (t ₂ — t X 2, the virtual playback time from the selection of the multimedia file to the designation is doubled, so while the multimedia is not output, . at twice the speed it will be reproduced virtually Further, output start position t _s = - if _{(t 2} t t) x0.5, to multimedia off Airu is designated from the selected Since the virtual playback time of the multimedia becomes 0.5 times, it is virtually played back at half speed while no multimedia is output.

Furthermore, depending on the type of multimedia file, the virtual playback time from when the multimedia file is selected to when it is specified (the multiple of t ₂ — t may be variable. For example, in recent years, in terrestrial television broadcasting, Broadcasts the contents of broadcast programs such as iEPG (R) (Internet Electronic Program Guide) and ADAMS—EPG (R) (TV-Asahi Data and Multimedia Service Electronic Program Guide) via the Internet or using data broadcasting. By recording the contents of the broadcast program when recording the broadcast program, the type of the recorded multimedia file can be easily known. By setting a multiple for each type in advance, for example, if the multimedia file is a recording file of a drama program, it is virtually reproduced at 3x speed. If it is a recorded file of a news program, it can be virtually played back at 1x speed, and the first half of one multimedia file is virtually played back at 3x speed, and the second half is 1x speed. By playing back virtually, it is possible to quickly grasp the rough contents of the first half.

 Note that the output start position may be determined by another method if it is determined based on the time elapsed from the time when the multimedia file is selected to the time when the multimedia file is specified.

The multimedia file output unit 114 is specified by the multimedia file specification unit 112 from the output start position determined by the playback start position determination unit 113. The output multimedia file is output to the output unit 150.

 Note that the multimedia file output unit 114 may output the multimedia file immediately before the determined output start position t or from the position immediately after the determined output start position t. For example, if it is a multimedia file recorded from a television broadcast, a break for each scene can be given by a known scene detection technique. If the determined output start position t is a position in the scene, it is immediately after the scene. , A multimedia file is output, and when the determined output start position t is within a predetermined time after the end of the scene, the multimedia file is output immediately after the end of the scene.

 FIG. 3 shows a storage unit 13 of the multimedia output device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

7 is a diagram showing an example of a file stored in a file storage unit 131 of No. 0. FIG. Referring to Fig. 3, the "rokuga" folder on the C drive stores "rokuga O. mpeg J", "ro ku gal l. Mpeg J" and "rokuga 2. mpeg J", and the "video" folder on the C drive. the "video 0. mpe gj," video l. mp e gJ and "video 2. be mp e gj force ^s storage, the" audi oj folder on the C drive, "audio 0. mp 3", "audio l. mp 3 J and “audio 2. mp 3” are stored. A file with a file name extension of mp eg is a video file compressed by MPEG, which is one of the video data compression methods.

 A file whose file name extension is mp3 is an audio file compressed by MP3 (MPEG Audio Layer-3), which is one of the audio data compression methods.

 In this embodiment, the case where the file is stored in the storage unit 130 will be described. However, the place where the file is stored is not limited to the storage unit 130. For example, the storage medium of the external storage device 170 may be used. Alternatively, a file server or the like connected via the network 200 may be used.

Further, the multimedia output device 100 in the present embodiment can be applied to a video-on-demand service via the Internet. In other words, RTSP (Real Time) is a protocol that can instruct a video server connected to the Internet to play a file from an arbitrary playback start position. Streaming Protocol, RFC 2326) to specify multimedia files and their playback start position based on virtual playback time via the Internet, so that you can view and listen to multimedia files on the Internet. Can be realized.

 FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the selected time storage unit 132 and the designated time storage unit 133 of the storage unit 130 of the multimedia output device 100 according to the first embodiment. With reference to FIG. 4, the item of the file name of the multimedia file, the item of the selected time storage unit 132, and the item of the designated time storage unit 133 are stored in the storage unit 130 in association with each other.

 The data stored in the selected time storage unit 132 is the time when the multimedia file was selected by the multimedia file selection unit 111.

Data stored in the designation time storage section 133 is the time 1 ₂ multimedia file is designated by the multimedia file designating unit 1 12.

 For example, the file with the name “C: \ rokuga \ rokuga O.mpeggj” is selected by the multimedia file selection section 1 1 1 at “7:00”, and the multimedia file specification section at “7:05”. 1 12 indicates that it is specified.

 FIG. 5 is an example of a display screen displayed on the output unit 150 of the multimedia output device 100 according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5, a selection list 151 and a video output unit 152 are output to an output unit 150 of the multimedia output device 100.

 The selection list 151 is a list of selected multimedia files output from the multimedia file selection unit 111, and is divided into recording file items, video file items, and music file items. The recording file includes video data input and recorded from an image input terminal or the like. The video file contains the video data provided by the video producer. The music file contains music data.

The video output unit 152 outputs the multimedia signal output from the multimedia file output unit 114 as a video. FIG. 6 is an example in which a file is specified in the selection list 15 1 of the display screen in the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 6, a case where “rokuga 2” included in the recording file item of the selection list 15 1 is specified is shown.

 To specify a file, use the mouse or keyboard of the input unit 140 to move the highlighted display to the cell displaying the desired file name in the selection list 151, and give a decision instruction.

 FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the main routine in the processing performed by the multimedia output device 100 in the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 7, in step S301, a selection processing routine is executed. The selection processing routine will be described with reference to FIG.

 FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of a selection processing routine among the processing performed by the multimedia output device 100 in the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 8, in step S 311, the multimedia file selection unit 1 1 1, based on the files stored in the file storage unit 13 1, extracts a plurality of dynamic multimedia that changes with time. The file is selected.

 In step S 312, the multimedia file selection unit 1 1 1 stores the time at which the multimedia file was selected in step S 3 1 1 in the selected time storage unit 1 32 in correspondence with the multimedia file. Is done. Then return to the main routine.

 Returning to FIG. 7, in the next step S302, the multimedia file designation section 1

According to 12, an input specifying one of the multimedia files selected in step S 311 of the selection processing routine of FIG. 8 is received from the input unit 140. If a multimedia file is specified, the process proceeds to step S303, and if a multimedia file is not specified, step S302 is repeated.

 In step S303, an output processing routine is executed. The output processing routine will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of an output processing routine among the processing performed by the multimedia output device 100 in the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 9, in step S 3 21, the main file is designated by the multimedia file designation section 1 12. The time t ₂ at which the multimedia file is designated by the routine is stored in the designated time storage unit 133 in association with the multimedia file.

In step S322, the playback start position determination unit 113 stores the time stored in the selected time storage unit 132 in the main timer in the designated time storage unit 133 in step S321. The output start position t (= t ₂ -t _t ) of the multimedia file is determined based on the time t ₂ — elapsed until the time t ₂ . Here, if the output start position t is after the last position t _e multimedia files, as multimedia § Huai Honoré total playback time between t _beta has been repeatedly reproduced, corrected output start position t _s (= tmodtj may be the output start position t.

 In step S332, the multimedia file specified by the main routine is output to the output unit 150 by the multimedia file output unit 114 from the output start position determined in step S322. Is done. Then, the process returns to the main routine. Returning to FIG. 7, after finishing the output processing routine of step S303, the process returns to step S302 again.

As described above, the multimedia output device 100 according to the first embodiment stores a plurality of files and selects a plurality of dynamic multimedia files that change with time from the stored files. The multimedia file stores the selected time in association with the multimedia file, receives an input specifying one of the selected multimedia files, and stores the multimedia file at the specified time. stored in association with the file, based on the time t ₂ when specified multimedia file is selected multimedia file time I le has elapsed before the specified time 1 ^ one, the multimedia § file output start position t (= t ₂ -) was determined, multimedia specified by the determined output start position t To output a file.

 Therefore, it is possible to provide a multimedia output device capable of comfortably watching and listening to multimedia files.

Although the processing performed by the multimedia output device 100 has been described in the first embodiment, a multimedia output method for executing the processing illustrated in FIG. 7 and the processing illustrated in FIG. Multimedia output program The invention can be regarded as a computer-readable recording medium on which a ram and a multimedia output program are recorded.

 [Second embodiment]

 Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present embodiment will be described.

 The outline of the configuration of the multimedia output device 100 in the second embodiment is similar to the outline of the configuration of the multimedia output device 100 in the embodiment of the present invention described with reference to FIG.

 FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram schematically showing the functions of the control unit 110 of the multimedia output device 100 in the second embodiment. Referring to FIG. 10, the control unit 110 of the multimedia output device 100 includes a multimedia file selection unit 111, a channel allocation unit 115, and a multimedia file designation unit 112. A, a playback start position determination unit 113, and a multimedia file output unit 114. The storage unit 130 of the multimedia output device 100 includes a file storage unit 131 for storing a plurality of files, a selected time storage unit 132, a designated time storage unit 133, And a channel storage section 134.

 The function of the multimedia file selection unit 111 is as described in FIG.

 The channel allocating unit 115 is selected by the multimedia file selecting unit 111 and allocates a different channel number to each of the plurality of multimedia files. The channel allocating section 115 stores the allocated channel numbers in the channel storage section 134 in association with the multimedia files. The multimedia file designation section 1 1 2 A is used for inputting one of the multimedia files selected by the multimedia file selection section 1 1 1 to the channel assigned by the channel assignment section 1 1 5 Accept from the input section 140 by specifying the number. Further, the multimedia file designation section 112 stores the designated time of the multimedia file in the designated time storage section 133 in association with the multimedia file.

The functions of the playback start position determination unit 113 and the multimedia file output unit 114 are as described in FIG. An example of a file stored in the file storage unit 131 of the storage unit 130 of the multimedia output device 100 in the second embodiment is the multimedia output device 1 in the present embodiment described with reference to FIG. This is the same as an example of a file stored in the file storage unit 1331 of the storage unit 130 of 00.

 FIG. 11 shows a storage unit 13 of the multimedia output device 100 in the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in a channel number storage unit of 0, a selected time storage unit and a designated time storage unit. Referring to FIG. 11, the items in the channel number storage section 134 of the multimedia file, the file name, the selected time storage section 132, and the designated time storage section 133 are different from each other. Corresponding information is stored in the storage unit 130.

 The data stored in the channel number storage unit 134 is a channel number allocated to each of the plurality of multimedia files by the channel allocation unit 115.

 The data stored in the selected time storage unit 132 is as described in FIG. The data stored in the designated time storage unit 133 is the time at which the multimedia file was designated by the multimedia file designation unit 112A.

 For example, if the file name is "C: \ rokuga \ rokuga O, mp e gj", the channel number is "1 00". 7:05 ”indicates that the multimedia file was specified by the multimedia file specification section 1 12 A.

 FIG. 12 is an example of a display screen displayed on the output unit 150 of the multimedia output device 100 in the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram in which a channel number is added to the display screen displayed on the output unit 150 of the multimedia output device 100 in the first embodiment described in FIG.

 FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the main routine in the processing performed by the multimedia output device 100 in the second embodiment. Referring to FIG. 13, in step S401, a selection processing routine is executed. The selection processing routine is as described in FIG.

In step S402, a channel assignment processing routine is executed. Channe FIG. 14 shows the file allocation processing routine.

 FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of a channel allocation processing routine among the processing performed by the multimedia output device 100 in the second embodiment. Referring to FIG. 14, in step S411, the channel assignment unit 115 differs from the multimedia file selected in step S311 of the selection processing routine in FIG. 8 to each of the plurality of multimedia files. A channel number is assigned.

 In step S 4 1 2, the channel assignment section 1 15 stores the channel number assigned to the multimedia file in step S 4 1 1 in the channel storage section 13 4 in correspondence with the multimedia file. You. Then, go back to the main store.

 Returning to FIG. 13, in the next step S 403, the multimedia file specification section 1 12 A causes any of the multimedia files selected in step S 311 of the selection processing routine of FIG. The input specifying this is received from the input unit 140 with the channel number assigned in S411 of the channel assignment processing routine in FIG. If a multimedia file is specified, the process proceeds to step S404, and if a multimedia file is not specified, step S403 is repeated.

 In step S404, an output processing routine is executed. The output processing routine is as described in FIG. After finishing the output processing routine of step S404, the process returns to step S403 again.

As described above, the multimedia output device 100 according to the second embodiment stores a plurality of files and selects a plurality of dynamic multimedia files that change with time from the stored files. Then, the multimedia file stores the selected time in association with the multimedia file, assigns a different channel number to each of the selected multimedia files, and associates the assigned channel number with the multimedia file. storing Te, by specifying the Chiyan'ne Le numbers, accepting an input for specifying any one of the selected multimedia file, the time t ₂ when the multimedia file is specified and stored in correspondence with MultiMediaCard Iafairu, designated Multimedia file selected The while time when the multimedia file has passed up to the specified time t ₂ from ΐ ₂ - based on, determines the output start position t (= t ₂ ~ t of multimedia files, determined output start position Outputs the specified multimedia file from t.

 Therefore, it is possible to provide a multimedia output device capable of comfortably watching and listening to multimedia files.

 In the second embodiment, the processing performed by the multimedia output device 100 has been described. However, the multimedia output method for executing the processing illustrated in FIG. 13 and the processing illustrated in FIG. The invention can be regarded as a multimedia output program to be executed by a computer and a computer-readable recording medium recording the multimedia output program.

 [Third embodiment]

 Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

 The outline of the configuration of the multimedia output device 100 in the third embodiment is similar to the outline of the configuration of the multimedia output device 100 in the embodiment of the present invention described with reference to FIG.

 FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram schematically showing the function of the control unit of the multimedia output device in the third embodiment. Referring to FIG. 15, the control unit 110 of the multimedia output device 100 includes a multimedia file selection unit 111, a multimedia file designation unit 112, and a playback start position determination unit 111. 3B, a multimedia file output unit 114B, a pause unit 116, a stop unit 117, and a playback unit 118. The storage section 130 of the multimedia output device 100 includes a file storage section 131 for storing a plurality of files, a selected time storage section 132, and a designated time storage section 133. And a playback position storage unit 135.

 The functions of the multimedia file selection unit 111, the multimedia file designation unit 112 and the playback start position determination unit 113 are the same as those described in FIG.

The functions of the multimedia file output unit 114 B include, in addition to the functions described in FIG. The pause unit 1 16 instructs a pause of the multimedia file output from the multimedia file output unit 1 14 B. In addition, the one-day temple stop unit 116 stores the pause position t, of the multimedia file in the playback position storage unit 135 in association with the multimedia file.

 The stop unit 117 instructs to stop the multimedia file output from the multimedia file output unit 114B.

 The playback unit 118 instructs playback of the multimedia file paused by the pause unit 116 or the multimedia file stopped by the stop unit 117.

 When the pause of the multimedia file is instructed by the pause unit 1 16, the multimedia file output unit 1 14 B pauses the playback of the output multimedia file and stores the pause position. The unit 135 stores the pause position of the multimedia file when the pause is instructed. Then, when playback is instructed by the playback unit 118, the playback unit 118 subtracts the temporary stop position t, stored in the one B temple stop position storage unit 135 from the time at which the playback is instructed. The selected time 1 3 1 t 'is stored in the selected time storage 1 3 2, and the multimedia file output section 1 1 4 B outputs the multimedia file from the pause position t' stored in the pause position storage 1 3 5 Is output to the output unit 150.

When the stop unit 117 instructs to stop the multimedia file, the multimedia file output unit 114B stops the playback of the output multimedia file. When the reproduction is instructed by the playback unit 1 1 8, the playback unit 1 1 8, stores the time t ₃ when an instruction to playback the selected time storage unit 1 3 2, multimedia file output unit 1 1 4 B Outputs the multimedia file to the output unit 150 from the first position t ₀ (= 0) of the multimedia file.

 An example of a file stored in the file storage section 131 of the multimedia output device 100 in the third embodiment is the multimedia output in the present embodiment described with reference to FIG. This is the same as an example of a file stored in the file storage unit 131 of the storage unit 130 of the device 100.

FIG. 16 shows the selection time of the memory section of the multimedia output device in the third embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in a storage unit, a designated time storage unit, and a reproduction position storage unit. Referring to FIG. 16, the item of the file name of the multimedia file, the item of the selected time storage unit 132, the item of the designated time storage unit 133, and the item of the pause position storage unit 135 are associated with each other. And stored in the storage unit 130.

 The data stored in the selected time storage unit 132 and the designated time storage unit 133 are as described in FIG.

The data stored in the pause position storage unit 135 includes the pause position t when the pause unit 116 instructs the pause of the multimedia file, and the first position t of the multimedia file. The total playback time t _e required for playback from (= 0) to the last position t _e . Here, data that will be stored in the temporary stop position storing unit 135 is shown in a fractional form, the molecule represents the pause position t ', the denominator indicates the total playback time t _e.

For example, the file of Huai Nore famous S “C: ¥ rokuga ¥ rokuga O.mpeggj” is selected by the multimedia file selection section 111 at “7:00” and the multimedia file is selected at “7:05”. It is indicated by the designation part 1 12 that it has been designated. The file with the file name "C: \ rokuga \ rokugaO.mpeg" has a total playback time of t _e = 10 minutes and a pause position of t, =

It is shown to be paused at 8 minutes.

 FIG. 17 is an example of a display screen displayed on the output unit 150 of the multimedia output device 100 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 17 shows a display screen displayed on the output unit 150 of the multimedia output device 100 in the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5, a play button 141 for instructing the playback unit 118 to play, and a stop button 117 A stop button 142 for giving a stop instruction and a pause button 143 for giving a pause instruction to the pause section 116 are added.

 FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a main routine among processes performed by the multimedia output device according to the third embodiment. Referring to FIG. 18, in step S501, a selection processing routine is executed. The selection processing routine is as described in FIG.

In the next step S502, the multimedia finale designation unit 112 An input designating any one of the multimedia files selected in step S311 of the selection processing routine of Step 8 is received from the input unit 140. If a multimedia file is specified, the process proceeds to step S503. If no multimedia file is specified, the process proceeds to step S505.

 In step S503, the multimedia file output unit 114 determines whether the multimedia file specified in step S502 is in a paused state, a stopped state, or neither. Is done. If it is temporarily stopped, the process proceeds to step S508. If it is stopped, the process proceeds to step S508. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S504.

 In step S504, an output processing routine is executed. The output processing routine is as described in FIG. After finishing the output processing routine of step S504, the process proceeds to step S505.

 In step S505, it is determined whether the pause unit 116 has instructed the pause of the multimedia file, the stop unit 117 has instructed the stop of the multimedia file, or neither. Is done. If the suspension is instructed, the process proceeds to step S506. If the stop is instructed, the process proceeds to step S507. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S508.

 In step S506, the temporary stop processing routine is executed. The suspend processing routine is described in Figure 19.

 FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of a temporary stop processing routine among the processing performed by the multimedia output device 100 in the third embodiment. Referring to FIG. 19, in step S511, the pause of the multimedia file output from multimedia file output unit 114B is temporarily stopped by pause unit 116.

 In step S512, the pause unit 116 stores the pause position t, of the multimedia file when the pause is instructed in the main routine, in the pause position storage unit 135. Then, the process returns to the main routine.

Returning to FIG. 18, in step S507, a stop processing routine is executed. The stop processing routine will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of the stop processing routine among the processing performed by the multimedia output device 100 in the third embodiment. Referring to FIG. 20, in step S321, the reproduction of multimedia file output from multimedia file output unit 114B is stopped by stop unit 117. Then, the process returns to the main routine.

 Returning to FIG. 18, in step S508, the reproducing unit 118 determines whether or not reproduction has been instructed to the multimedia file output unit 114B. When the reproduction is instructed, the process proceeds to step S509, and when the reproduction is not instructed, the process returns to step S502.

 In step S509, a reproduction processing routine is executed. The playback processing routine will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the flow of a reproduction processing routine among the processing performed by the multimedia output device 100 in the third embodiment. Referring to FIG. 21, in step S531, the playback unit 118 determines whether the multimedia file output in the main routine is paused, stopped, or neither. . If the vehicle is temporarily stopped, the process proceeds to step S532, and if the vehicle is stopped, the process proceeds to step S533. In step S 5 32, the playback unit 1 18 subtracts the pause position stored in the main routine from the time when playback is instructed in the main routine. T ₃ —t ′ i selected time storage unit 1 It is stored in 32.

 In the next step S5333, the multimedia file instructed to be played back in the main routine by the multimedia file output unit 114B is stored in step S512 of the pause processing routine in FIG. Is output to the output unit 150 from the temporary stop position t '. Then, the process returns to the main routine.

In step S 5 3 4, the playback unit 1 1 8, time 1 _3, which is instructed to play in the main routine is stored in the selected time storage unit 1 3 2.

In the next step S5355, the multimedia file output from the multimedia file output unit 114B is instructed to play in the main routine, and the multimedia file is placed at the first position of the multimedia file. (= 0) is output to the output unit 150. And, Return to in-routine.

 Returning to FIG. 18, after the reproduction processing routine of step S509 is completed, the process returns to step S502.

As described above, the multimedia output device 100 in the third embodiment, when instructed to pause a multimedia file, pauses playback of the output multimedia file, and pauses. The pause position t 'of the multimedia file at the time when is specified is stored, and when the playback is specified, the time t ₃ at which the stored pause position t, is subtracted from the time at which the playback is instructed. t 'is stored, and the stored pause position t' force ^ Output multimedia file. Therefore, if you want to switch to another multimedia file, but also want to see the currently output multimedia file, pause the currently output multimedia file and then switch to another multimedia file. be able to. As a result, multimedia files can be comfortably viewed by zubbing.

Also, the multimedia output device 100 according to the third embodiment, when instructed to stop the multimedia file, stops the playback of the multimedia file being output, and plays back the stopped multimedia file. if instructed, and stores the time 1 ₃ playback is instructed, the first position t of the multimedia file. (= 0) Output multimedia file.

 Therefore, by instructing stop and then playback, the multimedia file can be viewed from the beginning. As a result, multimedia files can be comfortably viewed and viewed.

 Although the processing performed by the multimedia output device 100 has been described in the third embodiment, the multimedia output method for executing the processing illustrated in FIG. 18 and the processing illustrated in FIG. The invention can be regarded as a multimedia output program to be executed by a computer and a computer-readable recording medium recording the multimedia output program.

 [Fourth embodiment]

Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment of the present embodiment will be described. The outline of the configuration of the multimedia output device 100 in the fourth embodiment is similar to the outline of the configuration of the multimedia output device 100 in the embodiment of the present invention described with reference to FIG.

 FIG. 22 is a functional block diagram schematically illustrating functions of a control unit of the multimedia output device according to the fourth embodiment. Referring to FIG. 22, the control unit 110 of the multimedia output device 100 includes a multimedia file selection unit 111, a multimedia file designation unit 112, and a playback start position determination unit 1 13C and a multimedia file output unit 114C. The storage unit 130 of the multimedia output device 100 includes a file storage unit 131 for storing a plurality of files, a selected time storage unit '1 32, a specified time storage unit 133, And a viewing portion storage section 1 36.

 The functions of the multimedia file selection unit 111 and the multimedia file designation unit 112 are as described in FIG.

 The functions of the playback start position determination unit 113C and the multimedia file output unit 114C include the functions described below in addition to the functions described in FIG.

 When a multimedia file is repeatedly output, the multimedia file output unit 114C sets a portion of the output multimedia file that has already been output as a viewed portion, and a portion that has not been output yet as an unviewed portion. The viewing information is stored in the viewing portion storage unit 136 in association with the multimedia file.

 Then, when the determined playback start position t is the already-viewed portion, the playback-start-position determining unit 113C sets the unviewed portion t "after the already-viewed portion as the playback start position t (= t"). If the determined playback start position is an unviewed portion or has no unviewed portion, the determined playback start position t is set as the playback start position.

 An example of a file stored in the file storage unit 131 of the storage unit 130 of the multimedia output device 100 according to the fourth embodiment is the multimedia output in the embodiment described with reference to FIG. This is the same as an example of the file stored in the file storage unit 131 of the storage unit 130 of the device 100.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in a selected time storage unit, a designated time storage unit, and a viewing / listening storage unit of the storage unit 130 of the multimedia output device 100 according to the fourth embodiment. It is. Referring to Figure 23, the file name of the multimedia file The items in the selected time storage unit 132, the items in the designated time storage unit 133, and the items in the viewing partial storage unit 136 are stored in the storage unit 130 in association with each other.

 The data stored in the selected time storage unit 132 and the designated time storage unit 133 are as described in FIG.

 The data stored in the viewing part storage unit 136 is data in which a part already output in the multimedia file is stored as a viewed part, and a part that has not been output is stored as an unviewed part. Here, the watched portion and the unviewed portion are stored in a bit string in which each bit corresponds to each portion of the multimedia file divided by unit time, and the viewed portion is indicated by “1”, and the unviewed portion is indicated by “1”. 0 ".

 For example, a file with the file name "C: \ rokuga \ rokuga O.mpeggj" is selected by the multimedia file selection section 1 1 1 at "7:00" and the multimedia file specification section at "7:05". 1 12 indicates that it is specified. In addition, the bit string indicating the already watched portion and the unviewed portion of the file having the file name “C: \ rokuga \ rokuga O.mp eg” is indicated by “0000 1 1 1 100”, and the file length is 10 minutes 0 to 4 minutes and 9 to 10 minutes are unviewed portions, and 5 to 8 minutes are already watched portions.

 FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the flow of the main routine in the processing performed by the multimedia output device 100 in the fourth embodiment. Referring to FIG. 24, in step S601, a selection processing routine is executed. The selection processing routine is as described in FIG.

 In step S602, the multimedia finale designation unit 112 receives from the input unit 140 an input that designates one of the multimedia files selected in step S311 of the selection processing routine of FIG. . If a multimedia file is specified, the process proceeds to step S603. If a multimedia file is not specified, step S602 is repeated.

 In step S603, the output processing 2 routine is executed. The output processing 2 routine will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the flow of a second output processing routine among the processing performed by the multimedia output device 100 in the fourth embodiment. See Figure 25 Irradiation and, in step S 611, the multimedia file designating unit 112, the time 1 ₂ multimedia file is specified is associated is stored in the designation time storage section 133 and the multimedia § file in Meinruchin.

In step S612, the reproduction start position determination unit 113C uses the time stored in the selected time storage unit 132 in step S311 from the time stored in the selected time storage unit 132 in step S312 of the selection processing routine in FIG. based on the output starting position of the multi-media files t - the time 1 ₂ elapses before t ₂ (= 1 ₂ - 1 ₁₎ is determined. Here, the output start position t if after the last position t _e multimedia files, and the output start position obtained by correcting _{t s (= t mo dt e} ) an output start position t (= t _s).

 In step S613, the reproduction start position determination unit 113C determines whether or not the output start position t determined in step S612 is the already-viewed part from the viewing information stored in the viewing part storage unit 136. You. When the output start position t is the already-viewed portion, the process proceeds to step S614, and when the output start position t is not the already-viewed portion, the process proceeds to step S615.

 In step S614, the reproduction start position determination unit 113C determines whether or not there is an unviewed part in the multimedia file specified in the main routine from the viewing information stored in the viewed part storage unit 136. . If there is an unviewed portion, the process proceeds to step S616. If there is no unviewed portion, the process proceeds to step S615. In step S615, the multimedia file specified by the main routine is output to the output unit 150 by the multimedia file output unit 114C from the output start position determined in step S612. Then, the process returns to the main routine.

In step S616, the playback start position determination unit 1.13C sets the unviewed portion 'after the viewed portion determined in step S613 as the output start position t (= t "). If it continues to the end of the multimedia file, the first unviewed portion t "of the multimedia file is set as the output start position t (= t"). In addition, the output start position is also set by the multimedia final output unit 114C. Output the multimedia file specified in the main routine to the output unit 150. You. Then, the process returns to the main routine.

 Returning to FIG. 24, after finishing the output processing 2 routine of step S603, the process returns to step S602 again.

 As described above, when the multimedia file is repeatedly output, the multimedia output device 100 in the fourth embodiment sets the already output portion of the multimedia file as the already-viewed portion, and outputs the multimedia file. The non-viewed portion is stored as an unviewed portion in association with the multimedia file, and if the determined playback start position t is a watched portion, playback of the unviewed portion t "after the watched portion is started. Outputs the multimedia file as position t (= t "), and outputs the multimedia file from the determined playback start position t if the determined playback start position is an unviewed portion or has no unviewed portion .

 For this reason, it is possible to view the multimedia file by skipping the part already viewed. As a result, multimedia files can be comfortably viewed by zubbing.

 In the fourth embodiment, the processing performed by the multimedia output device 100 has been described. However, the multimedia output method for executing the processing illustrated in FIG. 24 and the processing illustrated in FIG. The invention can be regarded as a multimedia output program to be executed by a computer and a computer-readable recording medium recording the multimedia output program.

 [Fifth embodiment]

 Hereinafter, a fifth embodiment of the present embodiment will be described.

 The outline of the configuration of the multimedia output device 100 in the fifth embodiment is similar to the outline of the configuration of the multimedia output device 100 in the embodiment of the present invention described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 26 is a functional block diagram schematically showing the functions of the control unit 110 of the multimedia output device 100 according to the fifth embodiment. Referring to FIG. 26, the control unit 110 of the multimedia output device 100 includes a multimedia file selection unit 111D, a multimedia file designation unit 112D, and a playback start position determination unit. 1 13, a multimedia file output section 114 D, and a multimedia signal input section 119 No. The storage unit 130 of the multimedia output device 100 includes a file storage unit 131 for storing a plurality of files, a selected time storage unit 132, a designated time storage unit 133, and a channel. And a storage unit 1 3 4.

 The function of the reproduction start position determination unit 113 is as described in FIG. The functions of the multimedia file selection section 111D, the multimedia file specification section 112D and the multimedia file output section 114D include the functions described below in addition to the functions described in FIG.

 The multimedia signal input unit 119 receives an input of a multimedia signal input from the image input terminal or the audio input terminal of the input unit 140.

 The multimedia file selection unit 1 1 1D is configured to output a plurality of multimedia files and multimedia signals from the files stored in the file storage unit 13 1 and the multimedia signal input from the multimedia signal input unit 1 19. Select.

 The multimedia file designating unit 1 1 2D receives, from the input unit 140, an input for designating any one of the multimedia file and the multimedia signal selected by the multimedia file selecting unit 1 1 1D.

 The multimedia file output unit 1 14 D outputs the multimedia signal input from the multimedia signal input unit 1 19 when the multimedia signal is selected in the multimedia file designation unit 1 12 D. Output to 0.

 An example of a file stored in the file storage unit 131 of the storage unit 130 of the multimedia output device 100 in the fifth embodiment is the multimedia output in this embodiment described with reference to FIG. This is the same as an example of the file stored in the file storage unit 131 of the storage unit 130 of the device 100.

 FIG. 27 is an example of a display screen displayed on the output unit 150 of the multimedia output device 100 according to the fifth embodiment. With reference to FIG. 27, the display screen displayed on the output unit 150 of the multimedia output device 100 in the second embodiment described with reference to FIG. This is the sum of the input multimedia signal, TV broadcast.

FIG. 28 shows processing performed by the multimedia output device 100 in the fifth embodiment. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a main routine in the processing. Referring to FIG. 28, in step S701, a selection process 2 routine is executed. The selection process 2 routine will be described with reference to FIG.

 FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a selection process 2 routine among the processes performed by the multimedia output device in the fifth embodiment. Referring to FIG. 29, in step S711, the multimedia file selection unit 111D converts the file stored in the file storage unit 131 into a dynamic file that changes with time. Multiple multimedia files are selected.

 In step S711, the multimedia file selecting section 111D stores the time at which the multimedia file was selected in step S711 in correspondence with the multimedia file in the selected time storage section 132. It is memorized.

 In step S713, a plurality of multimedia signals input from the multimedia signal input unit 119 are selected. Then, the process returns to the main routine.

 Returning to FIG. 28, in the next step S702, the multimedia file designating section 1 1 2D causes the multimedia file selected in step S711 of the selection processing 2 routine of FIG. The input that specifies one of the multimedia signals selected in step S7 13 of the selection process 2

Accepted from 40 forces. If a multimedia file was specified, step

Proceed to 570, and if no multimedia file is selected, proceed to step S704.

 In step S703, an output processing routine is executed. The output processing routine is as described in FIG. After finishing the output processing routine, the process returns to step S702.

 In step S704, the multimedia finale designation unit 112D determines whether a multimedia signal has been designated in step S702. If a multimedia signal has been specified, the process proceeds to step S705, and if a multimedia signal has not been specified, the process returns to step S702.

In step S705, the output processing 3 routine is executed. The output process 3 routine will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the flow of the output processing 3 routine among the processing performed by the multimedia output device 100 in the fifth embodiment. Referring to FIG. 30, in step S 721, the multimedia signal specified in step S 702 is output from multimedia signal input section 1 19 by multimedia file output section 114 D. Output to the output section 150. Then, the process returns to the main routine.

 Returning to FIG. 28, after finishing the output processing 3 routine of step S705, the process returns to step S702.

Further, by providing the multimedia output device 100 in the present embodiment in a hard disk recording type video device, the user can switch the channel between a recorded television program and a television program input in real time by switching channels. It can be watched and recorded TV programs can be viewed as if they were being broadcast in real time. In addition, since the stored multimedia file and the input multimedia signal can be treated as a multimedia file that progresses in real time, the user can cross the recorded TV program and the input TV program. In addition to being able to watch and sample multimedia files comfortably, you can save time viewing multiple multimedia files. Conventionally, a multimedia file is selected, the selected multimedia file is fast-forwarded, a playback operation is performed, a search is performed for a desired portion, and if there is no desired portion, a next multimedia file is selected, and a similar process is performed. by and the child that is responsible for the operation, I was looking for a箇^ ¹ you want to see. According to the multimedia output device 100 of this embodiment, a plurality of multimedia files can be viewed in a cross-sectional manner, and a user can easily view a desired part from a plurality of multimedia files by a channel switching operation. It will be possible to discover.

As described above, the multimedia output device 100 according to the fifth embodiment further receives a multimedia signal, and outputs a plurality of multimedia files and multimedia from the stored file and the input multimedia signal. Selects a signal, accepts input specifying one of the selected multimedia file and multimedia signal, and outputs a multimedia signal if a multimedia signal is specified. Therefore, the multimedia file including the input multimedia signal can be zubbed and viewed. As a result, multimedia files can be comfortably viewed and viewed.

 In the fifth embodiment, the processing performed by the multimedia output device 100 has been described. However, the multimedia output method for executing the processing illustrated in FIG. 28 and the processing illustrated in FIG. The invention can be regarded as a multimedia output program to be executed by a computer and a computer-readable recording medium recording the multimedia output program.

 While this invention has been described and illustrated in detail, this has been done by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting; it is apparent that the spirit and scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims. Will be appreciated.

Claims

The scope of the claims 1. a file storage unit (131) for storing a plurality of files,  A multimedia file selector (1 1 1) for selecting a plurality of dynamic multimedia files that change with time from the stored files;  A selected time storage unit (132) for storing a time at which the multimedia file is selected in association with the multimedia file;  A multimedia file designation unit (1 12) for receiving an input for designating any of the selected multimedia files; a designated time storage unit (133) for storing the multimedia file in association with:  A reproduction start position determination unit for determining an output start position of the multimedia file based on a time elapsed from a time when the specified multimedia file is selected to a time when the multimedia file is specified (113) A multimedia output device (100), comprising: a multimedia file output unit (114) for outputting the specified multimedia file from the determined output start position.  2. The playback start position determination unit calculates an output start position of the multimedia file based on a time obtained by multiplying the time elapsed from the time when the multimedia file was selected to the specified time by a fixed number. A multimedia output device according to item 1.  3. a channel allocating unit (1 15) for allocating a different channel number to each of the selected multimedia files;  A channel storage unit (134) for storing the assigned channel number in association with the multimedia file;  The multimedia output device according to claim 1, wherein the multimedia file designation unit (112A) receives an input for designating the multimedia file by designating the channel number. 4. Pause to instruct to pause the output multimedia file Part (1 1 6) and  A pause position storage unit (1 35) for storing a pause position of the multimedia file when the pause is instructed in association with the multimedia file;  A playback unit for instructing playback of the paused multimedia file (1 1 8) and  When the pause of the multimedia file is instructed by the pause unit, the multimedia file output unit (114B) pauses playback of the output multimedia file; The pause position storage unit stores a pause position of the multimedia file when the pause is instructed, and when the reproduction is instructed by the reproduction unit, the selected time storage unit indicates that the reproduction is instructed. The multimedia file output unit outputs the multimedia file from the stored pause position, storing a time obtained by subtracting the stored pause position from the stored time. Multimedia output device. 5. A stop unit (1 17) for instructing stop of the output multimedia file is further provided,  When the stop of the multimedia file is instructed by the stop unit, the multimedia file output unit (114B) stops the playback of the output multimedia file, and the multimedia file output unit (114B) stops the playback of the multimedia file. When the reproduction of the multimedia file is instructed, the selected time storage unit stores the time at which the reproduction is instructed, and the multimedia file output unit transmits the multimedia file from the first position of the multimedia file. The multimedia output device according to claim 4, which outputs a media file.  6. When the multimedia file is repeatedly output, a portion of the multimedia file that has already been output is regarded as a viewed portion, and a portion that has not been output is regarded as an unviewed portion, and stored in association with the multimedia file. Further comprising a storage unit (1 3 6) When the playback start position determined by the playback start position determination unit (1 13 C) is a watched portion, the multimedia file output unit (1 14 C) outputs the watched portion. Outputting the multimedia file from the unviewed portion after the portion, if the determined playback start position is an unviewed portion or if there is no unviewed portion, the multimedia file output section starts the playback. The multimedia output device according to claim 1, wherein the multimedia file is output from a reproduction start position determined by a position determination unit.  7. The viewing part storage unit according to claim 6, wherein the viewing part storage unit stores the viewed part and the unviewed part in a bit string in which each bit corresponds to each part obtained by dividing the multimedia file by unit time. Multimedia output device.  8. A multimedia signal input section (1 19) for inputting multimedia signals is further provided.  The multimedia file selection unit (111D) selects a plurality of multimedia files and multimedia signals from the stored files and the input multimedia signals,  The multimedia file designating section (1 1 2D) receives an input designating any of the selected multimedia file and multimedia signal,  The multimedia output device according to claim 1, wherein the multimedia file output section (114D) outputs the multimedia signal when the multimedia signal is specified. 9. A multimedia output method for outputting a multimedia file on a computer (100) having a file storage section (1 3 1) for storing a plurality of files,  Selecting a plurality of dynamic multimedia files that change over time from the stored files (S311);  Storing the time at which the multimedia file was selected in association with the multimedia file (S312);  Receiving an input specifying one of the selected multimedia files (S302); The multimedia file is stored in the multimedia file at a designated time. (S 321) storing in association with  Determining an output start position of the multimedia file based on a time elapsed from a time at which the specified multimedia file is selected to a time at which the multimedia file is specified (S322);  Outputting the specified multimedia file / file from the determined output start position (S323).  10. A multimedia output program product to be executed by a computer (100) having a file storage unit (131) for storing a plurality of files, the dynamic output program product changing over time from the stored files. Selecting a plurality of multimedia files (S311);  Storing the time at which the multimedia file was selected in association with the multimedia file (S312);  Receiving an input specifying one of the selected multimedia files (S302);  Storing the designated time of the multimedia file in association with the multimedia file (S321);  Determining an output start position of the multimedia file based on a time elapsed from a time when the specified multimedia file is selected to a time when the multimedia file is specified (S322);  Outputting the specified multimedia file from the determined output start position (S 323).  11. A computer-readable recording medium (171) storing a multimedia output program executed by a computer (100) having a file storage unit (131) for storing a plurality of files,  Selecting a plurality of dynamic multimedia files that change over time from the stored files (S311); Storing the time at which the multimedia file was selected in association with the multimedia file (S312); Receiving an input specifying one of the selected multimedia files (S302);  A step of storing the designated time of the multimedia file in association with the multimedia file (S 3 21);  A step of determining an output cradle position of the multimedia file based on a time elapsed from a time when the specified multimedia file is selected to a time when the multimedia file is specified (S322). When,  Outputting the specified multimedia file from the determined output start position (S323). A computer-readable recording medium storing a multimedia output program.