DEVICE GROUP MANAGEMENT VIA INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, METHOD, AND PROGRAM
An information processing apparatus includes a detection unit, an acceptance unit, and an image control unit. The detection unit is capable of detecting whether or not each of a plurality of reproduction apparatuses constitutes a group related to reproduction of content, each of the plurality of reproduction apparatuses being connected to a network, each of the plurality of reproduction apparatuses being capable of reproducing the content. The acceptance unit accepts a user operation related to constitution of the group. The image control unit outputs a group state image based on a detection result by the detection unit, the group state image representing a constitution state of the group, the group state image including an image of each of the plurality of reproduction apparatuses, and controls the group state image in response to the accepted user operation related to constitution of the group.
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This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/032,487, filed Sep. 25, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/526,508 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,809,903), filed May 12, 2017, which is a 371 of International application PCT/JP2015/005362, filed Oct. 26, 2015 and claims priority from Japanese patent application 2014-264590, filed Dec. 26, 2014, the entire contents of each of the above-listed applications are incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELDThe present technology relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program for controlling a reproduction apparatus connected to a network.
BACKGROUND ARTA system in which a home network is established in a house and content such as music and video is reproduced by a plurality of AV (Audio & Visual) apparatuses connected thereto has been known. For example, in Patent Literature 1, a system in which a plurality of AV apparatuses placed in a plurality of rooms are connected to an IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 1394 network is disclosed. In this system, groups are defined corresponding to the rooms in which the AV apparatuses are placed, and the corresponding AV apparatus is displayed for each group on a display screen of an IR (Infrared) remote controller. Accordingly, the selection work of the AV apparatus is made more efficient (e.g., paragraphs 0033 to 0035 of the specification of Patent Literature 1).
CITATION LIST Patent LiteraturePatent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2002-199474
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION Technical ProblemIn the above-mentioned system, a technology that is capable of controlling reproduction of content by a plurality of reproduction apparatuses connected to a network with a good operability is desired.
In view of the circumstances as described above, it is an object of the present technology to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program that are capable of controlling reproduction of content by a plurality of reproduction apparatuses connected to a network with a good operability.
Solution to ProblemIn order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present technology includes a detection unit, an acceptance unit, and an image control unit.
The detection unit is capable of detecting whether or not each of a plurality of reproduction apparatuses constitutes a group related to reproduction of content, each of the plurality of reproduction apparatuses being connected to a network, each of the plurality of reproduction apparatuses being capable of reproducing the content.
The acceptance unit accepts a user operation related to constitution of the group.
The image control unit outputs a group state image on the basis of a detection result by the detection unit, the group state image representing a constitution state of the group, the group state image including an image of each of the plurality of reproduction apparatuses, and controls the group state image in response to the accepted user operation related to constitution of the group.
In this information processing apparatus, whether or not each of a plurality of reproduction apparatuses connected to a network constitutes a group is detected. A group state image including an image of each of the plurality of reproduction apparatuses is output on the basis of a detection result, and the group state image is controlled in response to a user operation. Accordingly, the user is capable of controlling reproduction of content with a good operability while watching the group state image.
The image control unit may display, when a reproduction apparatus constituting the group is detected, an image of the group including the reproduction apparatus in the group state image.
Accordingly, it is possible to easily know whether or not a group is established at present.
The group may be a group that is capable of reproducing the same content at the same time.
By using the present technology, it is possible to control simultaneous reproduction of content by the group with a good operability.
The acceptance unit may accept a first operation of selecting an image of one of the plurality of reproduction apparatuses. In this case, the image control unit may emphatically display an image of a reproduction apparatus that is capable of constituting the group, in response to the first operation.
Accordingly, it is possible to easily know an apparatus that is capable of constituting a group and perform creation of a group and the like with a good operability.
The acceptance unit may accept a second operation of causing an image of a non-constitution apparatus that is capable of constituting the group to move in the group state image while selecting the image of the non-constitution apparatus, the non-constitution apparatus being a reproduction apparatus that does not constitute the group. In this case, the image control unit may display, when a destination of the second operation is an image of the reproduction apparatus that is capable of constituting the group, an image of a group that is newly constituted of the selected non-constitution apparatus and the reproduction apparatus as the destination.
Accordingly, it is possible to create a group with a simple operation.
The image control unit may display, when a destination of the second operation is an image of a group that is already established, an image of a group that is newly constituted of the selected non-constitution apparatus and the reproduction apparatus included in the group as the destination.
Accordingly, it is possible to add the non-constitution apparatus to a group with a simple operation.
The image control unit may cause, when a destination of the second operation is a position where there is no image of another reproduction apparatus, an image of the selected non-constitution apparatus to move to the position.
Accordingly, it is possible to cause a reproduction apparatus to move in the group state image with a simple operation.
The image control unit may return, when a destination of the second operation is an image of a reproduction apparatus that is not capable of constituting the group, an image of the selected non-constitution apparatus to its original position.
Accordingly, it is possible to easily know that a group cannot be created and the like, and improve the operability.
The acceptance unit may accept a third operation of causing an image of a group apparatus to move in the group state image while selecting the image of the group apparatus, the group apparatus being a reproduction apparatus that constitutes the group. In this case, the image control unit may display, when a destination of the third operation is a positon that is away from an image of the group including the selected group apparatus, an image where the group apparatus is withdrawn from the group.
Accordingly, it is possible to cause the group apparatus to withdraw from the group with a simple operation.
The image control unit may identifiably display one of a plurality of group apparatuses included in the group as a master apparatus, and display, when an image of the master apparatus is selected and moved to the position that is away from the image of the group by the third operation, an image where the group is dissolved.
Accordingly, it is possible to dissolve the group with a simple operation.
The acceptance unit may accept a fourth operation of selecting an image of the group. In this case, the image control unit may output a reproduction information image including information related to reproduction of the content by a plurality of group apparatuses included in the group, in response to the fourth operation.
Accordingly, it is possible to perform reproduction setting and the like for each group with a simple operation.
The reproduction information image may include information on content that the plurality of group apparatuses are capable of reproducing at the same time.
Accordingly, it is easily know content that can be reproduced for each group.
The image control unit may display meta-information related to content that is being reproduced by the plurality of group apparatuses in the group state image.
Accordingly, it is possible to know information of content.
The acceptance unit may be a touch panel. In this case, the group state image may be displayed on the touch panel.
It is possible to control reproduction of content with a good operability by using the touch panel.
An information processing method according to an embodiment of the present technology includes detecting whether or not each of a plurality of reproduction apparatuses constitutes a group related to reproduction of content, each of the plurality of reproduction apparatuses being connected to a network, each of the plurality of reproduction apparatuses being capable of reproducing the content.
A user operation related to constitution of the group is accepted.
A group state image is controlled on the basis of a detection result by the detection unit, the group state image representing a constitution state of the group, the group state image including an image of each of the plurality of reproduction apparatuses, and controlling the group state image in response to the accepted user operation related to constitution of the group.
A program according to an embodiment of the present technology causes a computer to execute the following steps of:
-
- detecting whether or not each of a plurality of reproduction apparatuses constitutes a group related to reproduction of content, each of the plurality of reproduction apparatuses being connected to a network, each of the plurality of reproduction apparatuses being capable of reproducing the content;
- accepting a user operation related to constitution of the group; and
- outputting a group state image on the basis of a detection result by the detection unit, the group state image representing a constitution state of the group, the group state image including an image of each of the plurality of reproduction apparatuses, and controlling the group state image in response to the accepted user operation related to constitution of the group.
As described above, in accordance with the present technology, it is possible to control reproduction of content by a plurality of reproduction apparatuses connected to a network with a good operability. It should be noted that the effect described here is not necessarily limitative and may be any effect described in the present disclosure.
Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings.
[Network System]
As the home network 1, for example, a network conforming to the DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) standard is used. In this case, the plurality of reproduction apparatuses 10 each function as a DMR (Digital Media Renderer), and the server apparatus 20 functions as a DMS (Digital Media Server). Further, the portable terminal 30 functions as a DMC (Digital Media Controller). However, it is not limited to this configuration, and a network using another protocol may be used, for example.
The plurality of reproduction apparatuses 10, the server apparatus 20, and the portable terminal 30 are connected to the home network 1 via, for example, an access point (not shown) through wireless communication such as WiFi. However, the method of connecting to the home network 1 is not limited, and wired communication via a LAN cable or the like may be used.
As shown in
As each of the reproduction apparatuses 10, one that is capable of operating as a DMP (Digital Media Player) may be placed. In this case, by operating a UI (User Interface) of the respective reproduction apparatuses 10, it is possible to reproduce content in the server apparatus 20.
As each of the reproduction apparatuses 10, for example, a television receiver, a PC (Personal computer), an audio video receiver, a video monitor, a home video game machine, or the like is used. As the server apparatus 20, for example, a PC, a network-ready HDD (NAS) or the like is used. As the portable terminal 30, typically, a smartphone is used. However, it is not limited thereto, and various PDAs (Personal Digital Assistant) such as a tablet terminal and a game machine.
Note that in this embodiment, a reproduction apparatus that is not connected to the home network 1 (hereinafter, referred to as non-network apparatus) 13 is placed in the bed room 4 in
[Configuration of Portable Terminal]
The CPU 31 exchanges signals with respective blocks of the portable terminal 30 to perform various kinds of operations, and collectively controls various kinds of processing performed in the portable terminal 30 such as instruction for the reproduction apparatuses 10 to reproduce content and display of an image on the display 34 (the touch panel 35).
The ROM 32 stores various kinds of data processed by the CPU 31 such as various kinds of image data and metadata, and various programs such as an application. The RAM 32 is used as a working area of the CPU 31. When a program such as an application is executed, various kinds of data necessary for the execution are loaded into the RAM 32.
Instead or in addition to the ROM 32, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a flash memory, or another non-volatile memory such as a solid-state memory may be provided. Then, in these storage devices, the above-mentioned various kinds of data or programs may be stored.
The display 34 is a display device using a liquid crystal, an EL (Electro-Luminescence), or the like. As shown in
The communication unit 36 is an interface for connecting the portable terminal 30 to the home network 1 or the non-network apparatus 13. For example, as the communication unit 36, a wireless LAN module such as WiFi or short-distance wireless module such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) is provided.
The external I/F 37 is an interface for connecting to an external apparatus on the basis of the standards such as a USB and an HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface). In addition, an interface for connecting to various memory cards such as a memory stick may be configured.
The key switch unit 38 accepts, particularly, an operation performed by the user 5, which cannot be input via the touch panel 35, such as a power supply switch and a short cut key. The imaging unit 39 includes, for example, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) or CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) sensor, and generates a digital image of an object.
The information processing performed by the portable terminal 30 having the above-mentioned hardware configuration is achieved by cooperation of software stored in the ROM 32 or the like and a hardware resource of the portable terminal 30. For example, by the CPU 31 loading the program (application) according to the present technology stored in the ROM 32 or the like into the RAM 33 to execute it, the information processing method according to the present technology is achieved. At this time, as shown in
The program such as an application is installed in the portable terminal 30 from, for example, a global network. Alternatively, the program may be installed in the portable terminal 30 via a recording medium.
[Multi-Room Reproduction]
As the operation of the portable terminal 30 according to this embodiment, multi-room reproduction of content will be described. The multi-room reproduction is a reproduction method in which a group is constituted of two or more reproduction apparatuses 10 connected to the home network 1 and the group simultaneously reproduces the same content.
For example, by causing the plurality of reproduction apparatuses 10 in the same room to reproduce the same content, it is possible to enjoy music in the entire room at a high volume. Alternatively, for example, in the case where many friends are invited and a party is held, it is possible to liven up the party by causing the reproduction apparatuses 10 placed in the rooms to reproduce the same content and simultaneously controlling the operations.
In this embodiment, one of the two or more reproduction apparatuses 10 constituting the group is set as a master apparatus, and other reproduction apparatuses 10 are set as slave apparatuses. When the multi-room reproduction is performed, the instruction is transmitted to the master apparatus. The master apparatus downloads content from the server apparatus 20, and simultaneously performs streaming distribution on the slave apparatus. Accordingly, the multi-room reproduction of content is achieved. Note that the method of achieving the multi-room reproduction is not limited, and an arbitrary technology related to, for example, synchronous reproduction, may be appropriately used.
In the present technology, as will be described later, the current constitution state of the group is perspectively displayed on the touch panel 35 of the portable terminal 30. Then, on the basis of the image, it is possible to newly create a group, dissolve the group, make a new addition to the group, or withdraw from the group with a good operability. Therefore, it is possible to control the multi-room reproduction of content with a good operability.
When an application is activated by the user 5, the detection unit 40 of the portable terminal 30 generates a search request for finding the reproduction apparatus 10, and the search request is transmitted on the home network 1 by broadcast (Step 101). The reproduction apparatuses A to C each transmit a response to the search request to the portable terminal 30 (Step 102). The response includes information that represents whether or not it is a multi-room-ready apparatus.
The multi-room-ready apparatus is the reproduction apparatus 10 that is capable of constituting a group and performing the multi-room reproduction. The reproduction apparatus 10 that cannot perform the multi-room reproduction is a non-ready apparatus. Specifically, in Step 102, information on whether or not it is capable of constituting a group is transmitted to the portable terminal 30.
The detection unit 40 makes an inquiry about the group state to the multi-room-ready apparatus (reproduction apparatuses A to C in this example) (Step 103). The group state is information that represents whether or not it constitutes a group or it is a master apparatus or slave apparatus in the case where it constitutes a group.
With the search request in Step 101 and the inquiry about the group state in Step 103, the detection unit 40 of the portable terminal 30 is capable of detecting whether or not each of the plurality of reproduction apparatuses 10 that are connected to the home network 1 and capable of reproducing content constitutes a group for the multi-room reproduction. Note that a control message or the like of, for example, UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) for this detection is transmitted on the home network 1. It goes without saying that it is not limited thereto, and another arbitrary technology may be used to perform the detection.
The detection unit 40 makes an inquiry about checking a list of the group apparatus to the master apparatus (reproduction apparatus A in this example) (In Step 104). The group apparatus is the reproduction apparatus 10 constituting a group. The master apparatus transmits a list of the slave apparatus that belongs to the group in response to the inquiry (Step 105).
The detection unit 40 is capable of determining the current group constitution state on the basis of the acquired information. The image control unit 41 outputs a group state image on the basis of the determination result. Note that a unique ID is set on each reproduction apparatus, and thus, the reproduction apparatus can be identified.
As shown in
Each icon image 51 includes a text image 52 that represents a name, for example. Accordingly, it is possible to know the correspondence with the actual reproduction apparatus 10 placed in each room. Further, on each icon image 51, a network mark 53 (WiFi mark in this example) that represents the connection form with the portable terminal 30 and an individual communication mark 54 (Bluetooth (registered trademark) mark in this example) are placed. The network mark 53 is actively displayed on the reproduction apparatus 10 connected to the home network 1.
The group state image 50 includes an icon image 55 of the non-network apparatus 13 that is not connected to the home network 1. Also on the icon image 55, the text image 52, the network mark 53, and the individual communication mark 54 are placed. The individual communication mark 54 is actively displayed on the non-network apparatus 13. Alternatively, information indicating that it is the non-network apparatus 13 may be displayed.
For example, by selecting a plus mark 59 or the like in the group state image 50, detection of the non-network apparatus 13 is performed and the icon image 55 thereof is displayed in the case where it is detected. The detection of the non-network apparatus 13 may be automatically performed.
In this embodiment, it is possible to collectively display the reproduction apparatuses 10 and 13 in the surrounding environment on the touch panel 35. Accordingly, it is possible to control reproduction of content with a good operability. Note that the non-network apparatus 13 cannot perform the multi-room reproduction.
As shown in
When the group image 56 is displayed, the icon image 51 (icon image 51e in this example) of the reproduction apparatus 10 as the master apparatus is emphatically displayed so that the master apparatus can be identified. The method of emphatically displaying the icon image 51 is not limited, and the text image 52 is largely displayed, for example, as shown in
As shown in
The method and technology of generating the group state image 50 are not limited, and an arbitrary method and technology may be used. For example, in Steps 102, 103, or the like in
Alternatively, the icon images 51 is stored on the side of the portable terminal 30, and the optimal icon image 51 may be selected on the basis of the acquired device information. Alternatively, via a global network such as the Internet, an image or information for generating the group state image 50 such as the icon image 51 may be acquired.
The design or the like of the icon image 51 or the group image 56 and the layout of the group state image 50 are not limited to those shown in
The user 5 is capable of inputting various operations related to the constitution of a group to the group state image 50 displayed on the touch panel 35. The image control unit 41 controls the group state image 50 in response to the operation accepted by the touch panel 35.
For example, in the case where an operation of newly creating a group, making new addition, or the like is input, the group control unit 42 shown in FIG. 2 transmits a request or instruction depending on the operation to the master apparatus. The master apparatus operates in response to the request or the like, and returns the result to the group control unit 42. The image control unit 41 controls the group state image 50 on the basis of the information.
The detection unit 40 may make an inquiry about the group state at predetermined timing (timing after the operation of the master apparatus or the like) or periodically. Then, on the basis of the result of the inquiry, the group state image 50 may be controlled.
[Emphatic Display of Multi-Room-Ready Apparatus]
The method of emphasizing the icon image 51 is not limited. In this embodiment, while the user 5 selects the icon image 51, animation in which the size of the icon image 51 of the multi-room-ready apparatus is dynamically changed is displayed. Specifically, the icon image 51 of the multi-room-ready apparatus is enlarged or reduced. Alternatively, animation whose color is changed with time or animation in which the icon image blinks may be displayed. Hereinafter, animation is referred to simply as an image in some cases.
By emphatically displaying the icon image 51 of the multi-room-ready apparatus, it is possible to easily know the multi-room-ready apparatus and perform creation of a group and the like with a good operability. Note that in this embodiment, the icon image 51 of the multi-room-ready apparatus is emphatically displayed even in the case where any one of the icon images 51 in the group state image 50C is selected. Instead of this, the emphatic display of the icon image 51 of the multi-room-ready apparatus may be performed only in the case where the icon image 51 of the multi-room-ready apparatus is selected. Further, in the case where the icon image 55 of the non-network apparatus 13 is selected, the indication thereof may be displayed.
[New Creation of Group]
As shown in
At this time, for example, an image where two images of the icon image 51b and the icon image 51e are apart from each other by a predetermined distance, an image where the circular shape of the group image 56 expands from a dotted shape to a predetermined size, an image where a color is added to the group image 56, and the like are displayed. Accordingly, it is possible to easily recognize that a group is established. As described above, it is possible to easily create a group only by dragging and dropping the icon image 51 of the non-constitution apparatus that is capable of performing the multi-room reproduction on the icon image 51 of another multi-room-ready apparatus.
Note that the image control unit 41 may automatically adjust the position or size of each image so that the icon image 51 and the group image 56 do not overlap each other. For example, in the case where a plurality of group images 56 are displayed, the size of the circular shape of each group image 56 is appropriately reduced and displayed. Accordingly, it is possible to simply display the group constitution image 50.
On the basis of the acquired information on the network state, any one of multi-room-ready apparatuses is set as the master apparatus (Step 202). For example, the reproduction apparatus 10 having a higher network strength is set as the master apparatus. The method of determining the master apparatus is not limited, and the user may select the master apparatus.
The group control unit 42 transmits a group creation request to the master apparatus (reproduction apparatus A in this example) (Step 203). The request includes an ID of the reproduction apparatus as the slave apparatus (reproduction apparatuses B and C in this example). The master apparatus that receives the creation request transmits a request for participating in the group to the reproduction apparatuses B and C as the slave apparatuses (Step 204). Accordingly, the group is established, and the reproduction apparatuses A to C are in the group state (Step 205).
Note that in the example shown in
[New Addition to Group]
At this time, animation may be appropriately displayed with respect to the position of each icon image 51 and the size or color of the circular shape of the group image 56′. As described above, only by dragging and dropping the multi-room-ready non-constitution apparatus on the group image 56, it is possible to easily make a new addition to the group.
[Movement of Icon Image]
In the case where the destination of the second operation is a position where there is no icon image 51 of another reproduction apparatus in the group state image 50, the image control unit 42 causes the selected icon image 51 to move to the position. Accordingly, it is possible to cause the icon image 51 to move with a simple operation, and change the positional relationship between the icon images 51.
For example, it is possible to easily arrange the icon images 51 in the group state image 50 in the arrangement relationship similar to the actual position of the reproduction apparatus 10 placed in each room. Accordingly, the user 5 is capable of instinctively knowing the actual position of the reproduction apparatus 10. In addition, it is also possible to arrange the icon images 51 by classifying them for each type of the reproduction apparatus 10 to improve the operability. It goes without saying that it is not limited thereto.
In the case where the destination of the second operation is on the icon images 51 and 55 of the non-ready apparatus and the non-network apparatus 13, the image control unit 42 returns the selected icon image 51 to the original position. Accordingly, it is possible to easily know that it cannot constitute a group, for example.
[Dissolving of Group]
As shown in
As described above, only by dragging and dropping the icon image 51 of the master apparatus on a position that is away from the group image 56, it is possible to simply dissolve the group. Note that as the image where the group is dissolved, an arbitrary image may be displayed as long as the indication of the dissolving can be understood. Further, the indication that the group is dissolved may be displayed by a text image or the like.
The position that is away from the group image 56 is typically a position outside of the group image 56. However, it is not limited thereto, and the inside or the like of the group image 56 can be the position that is away from the group image 56, depending on the shape or the like of the group image 56. Further, in the case where a predetermined area in the group state image 50 is defined as a group withdrawal area or dissolving area, the inside of the area is the position that is away from the group image 56.
[Withdrawal from Group]
Assumption is made that the icon images 51b and 51c of the slave apparatuses of the group apparatuses are selected, and moved to a position that is away from the group image 56 of the group including the slave apparatuses. In this case, the withdrawal of the selected slave apparatuses from the group is performed, and the image thereof is displayed (e.g., transition from the group state image 50E in
Note that in the present disclosure, the withdrawal represents getting out of the state where it constitutes a group, i.e., the state where the belonging to the group is eliminated. When the group is dissolved, the belonging to the group is inevitably eliminated. Therefore, in the present disclosure, the image where the group is dissolved is included in the image where the group apparatus is withdrawn from the group (image where the belonging to the group is eliminated).
As described above, in the portable terminal 30 according to this embodiment, whether or not each of the plurality of reproduction apparatuses 10 connected to the home network 1 constitutes a group is detected. The group state image 50 including the icon image 51 of each reproduction apparatus 10 is output on the basis of the detection result, and the group state image 50 is controlled in response to the operation performed by the user 5. Accordingly, the user 5 is capable of inputting various operations such as new creation of a group and new addition to a group while watching the group state image 50 on one screen. As a result, it is possible to control reproduction of content with a good operability.
The operation that can be input to the group state image 50 is not limited to those described above. For example, the icon images 51 and 55 of the non-ready apparatus that does not support the multi-room reproduction and the non-network apparatus 13 can be selected and moved to a position where there is no icon image 51 of another reproduction apparatus 10. In the case where the destination is on another reproduction apparatus 10, the icon images 51 and 55 are returned to the respective original positions.
In the case where the icon image 51 of the group apparatus is dragged and dropped on the icon image 51 of another group-ready apparatus located at a position that is away from the group image 56, a new group including the group apparatus and the group-ready apparatus as the destination may be established, and the group image 56 thereof may be displayed. Further, in the case where the destination of the icon image 51 of the group apparatus is another group image 56, the group image 56 in which the group apparatus is added to the group may be displayed. In the case where the destination is on the icon images 51 and 55 of the non-ready apparatus and the non-network apparatus 13, the icon image 51 is returned to the periphery of the group image 56 (not withdrawn from the group).
Further, in the case where the icon image 51 of the master apparatus is moved to a position that is away from the group image 56, the group does not necessarily need to be dissolved, the group may continue with any one of the remaining slave apparatuses as the master apparatus, and the group image 56 thereof may be displayed. In addition, various operations can be input.
OTHER EMBODIMENTSThe present technology is not limited to the embodiment described above, and other various embodiments can be achieved.
For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, content supplied from the server apparatus 20 on the home network 1 is described as an example of content on which the multi-room reproduction is performed. However, it is not limited thereto, and content read by the group-ready apparatus via a CD or USB or content acquired by the group-ready apparatus from predetermined service such as the Internet may be reproduced. In such a case, as the meta-information 60, information 63 that represents the acquisition destination of content (location of content) may be displayed.
Note that the meta-information may be displayed also in the case where normal reproduction that is not the multi-room reproduction is performed. In
In addition, as the meta-information related to content, Internet information related to content may be displayed. The Internet information is the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of a website related to content, the link to an SNS (Social Networking Service) related to content, or the like. Further, advertisement related to content, TV program information, and the like may be displayed. By display the meta-information, it is possible to acquire detailed information related to content and enjoy the reproduction of content more.
Further, as shown in
On the information display unit 72, reproduction information related to reproduction of content is displayed. On the information display unit 72 in part A of
On the information display unit 72 in part B of
On the information display unit 72 in part A of
The reproduction information images 70 shown in
Any one of the icon images 75 of the content type in part A of
Further, the reproduction information image 70 may be switchable in the order of part A of
An icon image 77 for setting in part A of
By displaying the reproduction information image as describe above, it is possible to perform reproduction setting for each group, EQ setting, and the like with a simple operation. Specifically, it is possible to collectively perform reproduction setting or the like of a plurality of group apparatuses, and exert a high operability. It goes without saying that an image including information different from that described above may be displayed as the reproduction information image.
By selecting the icon image 51 of the reproduction apparatus 10 that performs normal reproduction that is not the multi-room reproduction, the reproduction information image 70 related to the normal reproduction may be output. It can be said that the reproduction information image is a function image related to the multi-room reproduction or the normal reproduction.
The above-mentioned group in which the multi-room reproduction is performed is an example of the group related to reproduction of content according to the present technology. Specifically, it is not limited to the multi-room reproduction, and the present technology can be applied to a group in which another reproduction operation or the like can be performed or a group established under another reproduction condition.
In the above, description has been made with the home network 1 established in a house as an example. It goes without saying that it is not limited thereto, and the present technology can be applied to a local network established in a company, facility, or the like. Further, a local network may be established in buildings apart from each other. For example, a car audio provided in a vehicle is employed as the reproduction apparatus, and the present technology may be applied to the local network to which the car audio is connected. Further, the present technology may be applied on the global network.
The number of reproduction apparatuses constituting a group is not limited, but the upper limit thereof, e.g., not more than 10, may be set. It goes without saying that the upper limit does not necessarily need to be set.
In the above, a portable terminal has been illustrated as the information processing apparatus according to the present technology. However, it is not limited thereto, and the present technology can be executed by an arbitrary computer such as a stationary apparatus. For example, the group state image 50 and the like may be displayed on the touch panel of the reproduction apparatus 10 that is capable of operating as a DMP, and various operations may be input thereto.
At least two features of the above-mentioned features according to the present technology may be combined. Specifically, various features described in each embodiment may be arbitrarily combined without distinguishing the embodiments with each other. Further, the various effects described above are merely examples and are not limited, and additional effects may be exerted.
It should be noted that the present technology may also take the following configurations.
-
- (1) An information processing apparatus, including:
- a detection unit that is capable of detecting whether or not each of a plurality of reproduction apparatuses constitutes a group related to reproduction of content, each of the plurality of reproduction apparatuses being connected to a network, each of the plurality of reproduction apparatuses being capable of reproducing the content;
- an acceptance unit that accepts a user operation related to constitution of the group; and
- an image control unit that outputs a group state image on the basis of a detection result by the detection unit, the group state image representing a constitution state of the group, the group state image including an image of each of the plurality of reproduction apparatuses, and controls the group state image in response to the accepted user operation related to constitution of the group.
- (2) The information processing apparatus according to (1), in which
- the image control unit displays, when a reproduction apparatus constituting the group is detected, an image of the group including the reproduction apparatus in the group state image.
- (3) The information processing apparatus according to (1) or (2, in which
- the group is a group that is capable of reproducing the same content at the same time.
- (4) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), in which
- the acceptance unit accepts a first operation of selecting an image of one of the plurality of reproduction apparatuses, and
- the image control unit emphatically displays an image of a reproduction apparatus that is capable of constituting the group, in response to the first operation.
- (5) The information processing apparatus according to (4), in which
- the acceptance unit accepts a second operation of causing an image of a non-constitution apparatus that is capable of constituting the group to move in the group state image while selecting the image of the non-constitution apparatus, the non-constitution apparatus being a reproduction apparatus that does not constitute the group, and
- the image control unit displays, when a destination of the second operation is an image of the reproduction apparatus that is capable of constituting the group, an image of a group that is newly constituted of the selected non-constitution apparatus and the reproduction apparatus as the destination.
- (6) The information processing apparatus according to (4) or (5), in which
- the acceptance unit accepts a second operation of causing an image of a non-constitution apparatus that is capable of constituting the group to move in the group state image while selecting the image of the non-constitution apparatus, the non-constitution apparatus being a reproduction apparatus that does not constitute the group, and
- the image control unit displays, when a destination of the second operation is an image of a group that is already established, an image of a group that is newly constituted of the selected non-constitution apparatus and the reproduction apparatus included in the group as the destination.
- (7) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (4) to (6), in which
- the acceptance unit accepts a second operation of causing an image of a non-constitution apparatus that is capable of constituting the group to move in the group state image while selecting the image of the non-constitution apparatus, the non-constitution apparatus being a reproduction apparatus that does not constitute the group, and
- the image control unit causes, when a destination of the second operation is a position where there is no image of another reproduction apparatus, an image of the selected non-constitution apparatus to move to the position.
- (8) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (4) to (7), in which
- the acceptance unit accepts a second operation, an image of a non-constitution apparatus that is capable of constituting the group being selected and moved in the group state image in the second operation, the non-constitution apparatus being a reproduction apparatus that does not constitute the group, and
- the image control unit returns, when a destination of the second operation is an image of a reproduction apparatus that is not capable of constituting the group, an image of the selected non-constitution apparatus to its original position.
- (9) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (5) to (8), in which
- the acceptance unit accepts a third operation of causing an image of a group apparatus to move in the group state image while selecting the image of the group apparatus, the group apparatus being a reproduction apparatus that constitutes the group, and
- the image control unit displays, when a destination of the third operation is a positon that is away from an image of the group including the selected group apparatus, an image where the group apparatus is withdrawn from the group.
- (10) The information processing apparatus according to (9), in which
- the image control unit identifiably displays one of a plurality of group apparatuses included in the group as a master apparatus, and displays, when an image of the master apparatus is selected and moved to the position that is away from the image of the group by the third operation, an image where the group is dissolved.
- (11) The information processing apparatus according to (9) or (10), in which
- the acceptance unit accepts a fourth operation of selecting an image of the group, and
- the image control unit outputs a reproduction information image including information related to reproduction of the content by a plurality of group apparatuses included in the group, in response to the fourth operation.
- (12) The information processing apparatus according to (11), in which
- the reproduction information image includes information on content that the plurality of group apparatuses are capable of reproducing at the same time.
- (13) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (12), in which
- the image control unit displays meta-information related to content that is being reproduced by the plurality of group apparatuses in the group state image.
- (14) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (13), in which
- the acceptance unit is a touch panel, and
- the group state image is displayed on the touch panel.
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- 1 home network
- 10 reproduction apparatus
- 13 non-network apparatus
- 20 server apparatus
- 30 portable terminal
- 40 detection unit
- 41 image control unit
- 42 group control unit
- 50 group state image
- 51 icon image
- 56 group image
- 60 meta-information
- 70 reproduction information image
- 500 network system
Claims
1. An information processing apparatus, comprising:
- a detection unit that is capable of detecting whether or not each of a plurality of reproduction apparatuses constitutes a group related to reproduction of content, each of the plurality of reproduction apparatuses being connected to a network, each of the plurality of reproduction apparatuses being capable of reproducing the content;
- an acceptance unit that accepts a user operation related to constitution of the group; and
- an image control unit that outputs a group state image on the basis of a detection result by the detection unit, the group state image representing a constitution state of the group, the group state image including an image of each of the plurality of reproduction apparatuses, and controls the group state image in response to the accepted user operation related to constitution of the group.
Type: Application
Filed: May 31, 2023
Publication Date: Oct 5, 2023
Applicant: SONY CORPORATION (Tokyo)
Inventors: Koji FUJITA (Tokyo), Satoshi ASAI (Saitama), Naohiro URIYA (Kanagawa), Kenichiro TAKYU (Tokyo), Minako KAWATA (Tokyo), Hisanori NAGATA (Tokyo), Takashi ONOHARA (Tokyo), Ryo SOKABE (Saitama), Naoki YUASA (Chiba), Takuma HIGO (Tokyo)
Application Number: 18/326,599