CN100387056C - Information processing system, information processing device and method, recording medium, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

An information processing system, an information processing apparatus and method, a recording medium, and a computer program can easily provide a user with program information, which is easier to see for the user, and display the program information on a limited screen space effectively. An EPG server of the service provider creates EPG information on the basis of information on programs of a broadcasting station and lays open the EPG information to the outside of the EPG server. An editing server acquires and edits the EPG information periodically at predetermined intervals and lays open edited EPG information to the public. A hard disk recorder requests the edited EPG information from the editing server through a network on the basis of an instruction of a user and causes a monitor to display the edited EPG information supplied from the editing server on the basis of the request. The invention can be applied to an EPG providing system.

Description

Information processing system, information processor and method

Technical field

The present invention relates to information processing system, information processor and method, recording medium and computer program, be specifically related to such information processing system, information processor and method, recording medium and computer program, the programme information that they can easily provide the user to be easier to see to the user, and on limited screen space, show described programme information effectively.

Background technology

In the last few years, in television broadcasting etc., there is a kind of service, wherein, what is called broadcasting and the TV programme EPG (electronic program guides) partly that is equal to newspaper is provided to the user as the spectators of television broadcasting, described EPG is the performance guide information that is electronic data, is used to indicate the broadcasting schedule of program.For example, have a kind of method, the broadcasting station uses described method to come in the vertical blanking interval (vertical blanking period) of the vision signal of broadcasted content insertion about the EPG of the program of our station, and provides described EPG to the user.In this case, because the broadcasting station of broadcast program provides EPG, therefore the content of the EPG that is provided only comprises the information about the program of broadcasting station.

On the other hand, for example there is a kind of service, is used for providing EPG, described EPG to comprise information, just as broadcasting in newspaper and TV programme part about the program of a plurality of broadcasting stations by internet etc. by the company different with the broadcasting station.In this case, the supplier of EPG obtains the information such as broadcasting schedule from corresponding broadcasting station, comes to wait with HTML (HTML) form according to described information and creates EPG, and upload EPG to server etc.

The user uses terminal installation to create and being connected of server, and from server requests EPG.Terminal installation comprises housed device or electronic information aid, described housed device has the internet linkage function and can check EPG, such as television receiver, hard disk recording machine, DVD (digital universal disc) logging machine or tuner, described electronic information aid has the internet linkage function, and can check EPG, such as personal computer, PDA or cell phone.Server provides the EPG that is asked as webpage to the terminal installation as request source.Terminal installation uses Web-browser that the EPG that is provided is provided.

Fig. 1 shows the figure of the example of the EPG that creates in server.In Fig. 1, EPG 11 is web contents of describing with HTML.In EPG 11, a plurality of broadcasting stations are disposed on the axis of abscissas direction, and show the program that will broadcast in each phase of standing firm along time sequencing on the axis of ordinates direction.

In brief, among the EPG 11 in Fig. 1, shown the program of broadcasting station from 12 o'clock to 16 o'clock scheduled broadcasts.For example, broadcasting station A is from 12 broadcast program A-1, from 12:30 broadcast program A-2, and from 13 broadcast program A-3, from 14 broadcast program A-4, from 15 broadcast program A-5, and from 15:30 broadcast program A-6.

Incidentally, as the content of EPG, be possible such as time started and end data, the title of program, the exercise question of content and performing artist's the information of program.But, if server once provides from these kinds of information of all programs of corresponding broadcasting station broadcasting, then can increase the unnecessary information of user, this is extremely inefficient.

Therefore, server is divided EPG to produce the EPG (for each scheduled time establishment EPG) as a plurality of web contents for each scheduled time.Server only provides the EPG by the time range of terminal installation appointment, perhaps reduces quantity about the item of information of respective program to reduce amount of information.However, the display size of being created and be provided to EPG 11 terminal installation, in Fig. 1 by server is usually greater than the screen size (size of the viewing area of Web-browser) of the display of terminal installation.Therefore, a part that only in the viewing area 12 of terminal installation, shows EPG 11.

On concrete, in the television receiver that receives ground-wave television broadcast etc., the exploration on display resolution ratio of television receiver is low, and little as the size in the zone 12 in the zone of shown EPG 11.

In other words, the general EPG such as EPG 11 is suitable for being presented on the high-resolution watch-dog with big display image size.

Therefore, have a kind of method, it make the user can executable operations to move (rollings) position thus, so that might show whole EPG 11 (referring to for example JP-A-8-102922) by the EPG of the lower resolution displays demonstration of terminal installation.

For example, in Fig. 1, when the zone 12 that shows as the upper left of EPG 11, the program of display of broadcast platform E-H not.When the user operates the viewing area of EPG 11 and when the roll display zone is with the position in the zone 13 that make to show EPG 11 thus on vertical direction and horizontal direction, show also do not show, broadcasting station E-H from 14 o'clock to 16 o'clock program.By this way, even the watch-dog of terminal installation is the watch-dog of low resolution, terminal installation also can show whole EPG 11.

But, in aforesaid EPG 11, for example, when viewing area 13 because both not display of broadcast platform title do not show time range (time frame) yet, therefore have a problem: the user can not know which part that the user checks EPG 11.

Fig. 2 is the figure that is illustrated in the example that shows under the situation in the zone 13 that shows EPG 11 on the display of terminal installation.

In Fig. 2, EPG 11 (zone 13) is displayed on the Web-browser 21.Vertical scroll bar 22 and HScrollBar 23 are displayed on the Web-browser 21.For example, the user can change the zone of the EPG 11 that shows by operating operation vertical scroll bar 22 and HScrollBar 23 on Web-browser 21.

But on Web-browser 21, only the information such as programm name is shown, and not display of broadcast platform title and time range.

Note, in Fig. 2, in order to explain, corresponding broadcasting station and by the code of the program of the broadcasting station broadcasting connection that is relative to each other, such as for the program F-1 of the program of broadcasting station F to F-8.But, in fact, because the information of demonstration such as program title, so the user is difficult to these kinds of information are associated with the broadcasting station of broadcast program.

Therefore, the user must remember the content (broadcasting station, time range etc.) of whole EPG 11, so that grasp the broadcasting station and the time range of shown program.Therefore, have a problem: if the user is unaccustomed to operation or depends on method of operation etc., then the user can not understand which part that the user checks EPG 11.

In order to handle this problem, can imagine a kind of method that adopts, it is divided into a plurality of frames with the viewing area of Web-browser 21, and shows the broadcast station name, time range etc. of shown EPG 11 in the frame different with the frame that shows EPG 11.But for this reason, the message segment that will show in respective frame must be synchronous, and must rebuild shown image in terminal installation.This requires complicated processing, and has increased the processing time.

As illustrated in fig. 1 and 2, in EPG 11, when the space of determining wherein to show the information such as the title of respective program (programme information) according to airtime length big or small, exist problem a: EPG 11 efficient on displays program information low.

For example, when the quantity of the character of the programme information of specific program with according to airtime of program and the size in definite space is in a ratio of hour, might in the space of the program of EPG 11, form white space (redundant space), and be reduced in the amount of information (character quantity) of the programme information that (for example in zone 12 or zone 13) shows on the screen.

On the contrary, for example, when the quantity of the character of the programme information of specific program with according to airtime of program and the size in definite space is in a ratio of when big.Losing of programme information might be taken place, for example, can not be in the space of the program among the EPG 11 all characters of displays program information, but show a part of character.

Summary of the invention

The present invention considers such situation and is made, and the feasible programme information that might easily provide the user to be easier to see to the user, and shows described programme information on limited screen space effectively.

First information treatment system of the present invention is so a kind of information processing system, comprising: first information processing unit, and it provides information about broadcasted content by network; Second information processor, it is connected to network, and with the executive communication of first information processing unit; The 3rd information processor, it is connected to network, and with the second information processor executive communication.Described first information treatment system is characterized in that first information processing unit comprises being used for providing about first of the information of broadcasted content to second information processor provides parts, described second information processor comprises: first obtains parts, is used to obtain the information about broadcasted content that provides from first information processing unit; Editor's parts, be used to edit information about broadcasted content, form so a kind of image so that obtain the pairing image of the information about broadcasted content that parts obtain by first, it has the image size of the size of the display screen that shows described image greatly thereon, and has such formation, wherein, the broadcasting schedule of display of broadcast content on display screen always, broadcast station name corresponding to this broadcasting schedule, corresponding to the time of this broadcasting schedule, and the function button or the predetermined labels that are used to change this broadcasting schedule, described function button or predetermined labels are that the operation by the user is shown; And second provide parts, be used for the information after the 3rd information processor is provided at the editor who is edited by editor's parts about broadcasted content, and the 3rd information processor comprises: second obtains parts, is used to obtain the information about broadcasted content behind the editor who provides from second information processor; And display control unit spare, being used for the demonstration of control chart picture, described image is corresponding to obtaining the information about broadcasted content behind editor that parts obtain by second.

A kind of information processor of the present invention is characterized in that comprising: editor's parts, be used to edit information about broadcasted content, so that be formed so a kind of image about pairing first image of the information of broadcasted content, it has the image size of the size of the display screen that shows first image greatly thereon, and has such formation, wherein, the broadcasting schedule of display of broadcast content on display screen always, broadcast station name corresponding to this broadcasting schedule, corresponding to the time of this broadcasting schedule, and the function button or the predetermined labels that are used to change this broadcasting schedule, described function button or predetermined labels are that the operation by the user is shown.

Might constitute described information processor, so that editor's parts editor makes the image of winning have such formation about the information of broadcasted content, wherein, arranged the broadcasting schedule of broadcasted content at preposition, corresponding to the broadcast station name of this broadcasting schedule, corresponding to time and the function button or the mark of this broadcasting schedule, and arranged a plurality of second images, they have the big or small identical image size with display screen.

Possible configuration information information processor, so that described editor's parts editor makes described first image have such formation about the information of broadcasted content, wherein, arranged a plurality of second images, they have broadcast station name and comprising the combination of the time that differs from one another.

Might constitute described information processor also to comprise: the request parts are used for from providing about another information processor request of the information of broadcasted content information about broadcasted content; And obtain parts, be used to the information about broadcasted content that provides from another information processor based on the request parts is provided, so that editor's parts editor is by obtaining the information about broadcasted content that parts obtain.

Might constitute described information processor also to comprise: memory unit is used to store the information about broadcasted content by editor's parts editor.

Might constitute described information processor also to comprise: parts are provided, are used for providing by the information about broadcasted content of editing the parts editor to another information processor.

Might constitute described information processor also to comprise: display control unit spare is used to control and demonstration by editor parts editor's corresponding first image of the information about broadcasted content.

A kind of information processing method of the present invention is characterized in that comprising: edit step, be used to edit information about broadcasted content, so that be formed so a kind of image about pairing first image of the information of broadcasted content, it has the image size of the size of the display screen that shows first image greatly thereon, and has such formation, wherein, the broadcasting schedule of display of broadcast content on display screen always, broadcast station name corresponding to this broadcasting schedule, corresponding to the time of this broadcasting schedule, and the function button or the predetermined labels that are used to change this broadcasting schedule, described function button or predetermined labels are that the operation by the user is shown.

The computer program that writes down in the recording medium of the present invention is characterized in that comprising: edit step, be used to edit information about broadcasted content, so that be formed so a kind of image about pairing first image of the information of broadcasted content, it has the image size of the size of the display screen that shows first image greatly thereon, and has such formation, wherein, the broadcasting schedule of display of broadcast content on display screen always, broadcast station name corresponding to this broadcasting schedule, corresponding to the time of this broadcasting schedule, and the function button or the predetermined labels that are used to change this broadcasting schedule, described function button or predetermined labels are that the operation by the user is shown.

Computer program of the present invention is characterized in that making computer to carry out: edit step, be used to edit information about broadcasted content, so that be formed so a kind of image about pairing first image of the information of broadcasted content, it has the image size of the size of the display screen that shows first image greatly thereon, and has such formation, wherein, the broadcasting schedule of display of broadcast content on display screen always, broadcast station name corresponding to this broadcasting schedule, corresponding to the time of this broadcasting schedule, and the function button or the predetermined labels that are used to change this broadcasting schedule, described function button or predetermined labels are that the operation by the user is shown.

Second information processing system of the present invention is so a kind of information processing system, comprising: first information processing unit, and it provides information about broadcasted content by network; Second information processor, it is connected to network, and with the executive communication of first information processing unit.Described second information processing system is characterized in that, described first information processing unit comprises being used for providing about first of the information of broadcasted content to second information processor provides parts, described second information processor comprises: first obtains parts, is used to obtain the information about broadcasted content that provides from first information processing unit; Editor's parts, be used to edit information about broadcasted content, form so a kind of image so that obtain the pairing image of the information about broadcasted content that parts obtain by first, it has the image size of the size of the display screen that shows described image greatly thereon, and has such formation, wherein, the broadcasting schedule of display of broadcast content on display screen always, broadcast station name corresponding to this broadcasting schedule, corresponding to the time of this broadcasting schedule, and the function button or the predetermined labels that are used to change this broadcasting schedule, described function button or predetermined labels are that the operation by the user is shown; And display control unit spare, being used for the demonstration of control chart picture, described image is corresponding to obtaining the information about broadcasted content behind editor that parts obtain by second.

First information treatment system of the present invention comprises: first information processing unit, and it provides information about broadcasted content by network; Second information processor, it is connected to network, and with the executive communication of first information processing unit; The 3rd information processor, it is connected to network, and with the second information processor executive communication.In described first information processing unit, provide information about broadcasted content to described second information processor.In described second information processor, the information about broadcasted content that provides from described first information processing unit is provided, and editor is about the information of broadcasted content, form so a kind of image so that obtain the pairing image of the information about broadcasted content that parts obtain by first, it has the image size of the size of the display screen that shows described image greatly thereon, and has such formation, wherein, the broadcasting schedule of display of broadcast content on display screen always, broadcast station name corresponding to this broadcasting schedule, corresponding to the time of this broadcasting schedule, and the function button or the predetermined labels that are used to change this broadcasting schedule, described function button or predetermined labels are that the operation by the user is shown.Be provided to the 3rd information processor by the information behind the editor that edits of editor's parts about broadcasted content.In described the 3rd information processor, the information about broadcasted content behind editor that provides from described second information processor is provided, and the demonstration of control chart picture, described image is corresponding to obtaining the information about broadcasted content behind editor that parts obtain by second.

In described information processor of the present invention and method, in recording medium and the computer program, editor about the information of broadcasted content so that be formed such image about pairing first image of the information of broadcasted content, it has the image size of the size of the display screen that shows described image greatly thereon, and has such formation, wherein, the broadcasting schedule of display of broadcast content on display screen always, broadcast station name corresponding to this broadcasting schedule, corresponding to the time of this broadcasting schedule, and the function button or the predetermined labels that are used to change this broadcasting schedule, described function button or predetermined labels are that the operation by the user is shown.

Second information processing system of the present invention comprises: first information processing unit, and it provides information about broadcasted content by network; And second information processor, it is connected to network, and with the executive communication of first information processing unit.In described first information processing unit, provide information about broadcasted content to described second information processor.In described second information processor, the information about broadcasted content that provides from described first information processing unit is provided, and editor is about the information of broadcasted content, form so a kind of image so that obtain the pairing image of the information about broadcasted content that parts obtain by first, it has the image size of the size of the display screen that shows described image greatly thereon, and has such formation, wherein, the broadcasting schedule of display of broadcast content on display screen always, broadcast station name corresponding to this broadcasting schedule, corresponding to the time of this broadcasting schedule, and the function button or the predetermined labels that are used to change this broadcasting schedule, described function button or predetermined labels are that the operation by the user is shown.The demonstration Be Controlled of image, described image is corresponding to obtaining the information about broadcasted content behind editor that parts obtain by second.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 shows the figure of the example of traditional E PG.

Fig. 2 shows the figure of the example of the demonstration in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 shows the figure of an example that EPG that the present invention is employed provides the configuration of system.

Fig. 4 shows the block diagram of an example of the detailed structure of the EPG server in Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 shows the block diagram of an example of the detailed structure of the editing server in Fig. 3.

Fig. 6 shows the block diagram of an example of the detailed structure of the hdd recorder in Fig. 3.

Fig. 7 shows the block diagram of the function that comprises among the CPU in Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is the flow chart that is used for illustrating that EPG information creating that the EPG server by Fig. 3 carries out is handled.

Fig. 9 is used for illustrating that EPG information that the EPG server by Fig. 3 carries out provides the flow chart of processing.

Figure 10 is used for illustrating the flow chart that processing is provided by the EPG information of carrying out in editor's scope of Fig. 3.

Figure 11 is the flow chart that is used for illustrating that EPG information editing that the editing server by Fig. 3 carries out handles.

Figure 12 shows the figure of the example of the EPG that is edited.

Figure 13 is used for illustrating that the EPG information of being edited of being undertaken by the editing server at Fig. 3 provides the flow chart of processing.

Figure 14 is the flow chart that is used for illustrating the EPG information acquisition process of being edited that the hdd recorder by Fig. 3 carries out.

Figure 15 shows the figure of an example of the demonstration of Web-browser.

The figure of the state when Figure 16 shows second frame of the Web-browser in horizontal rolling Figure 15.

Figure 17 shows the figure of the state when second frame of the Web-browser among further horizontal rolling Figure 16.

Figure 18 shows the figure of the state when second frame of the Web-browser of further horizontal rolling in Figure 17.

Figure 19 shows the figure of the state when second frame of the Web-browser of further horizontal rolling in Figure 18.

Figure 20 shows the figure of the state when second frame of the Web-browser of vertical scrolling in Figure 15.

Figure 21 shows the figure of the state when second frame of the Web-browser of further vertical scrolling in Figure 20.

Figure 22 shows the figure of the state when second frame of the Web-browser of further vertical scrolling in Figure 21.

Figure 23 shows the figure of the state when second frame of the Web-browser of further vertical scrolling in Figure 22.

Figure 24 shows the block diagram of another example of the structure of the hdd recorder in Fig. 3.

Figure 25 shows the block diagram of the function that comprises among the CPU in Figure 24.

Figure 26 is the flow chart that is used for illustrating the EPG information acquisition process that the hdd recorder by Figure 24 carries out.

Figure 27 shows the figure of an example of electronic program guides.

Figure 28 shows the figure of an example of the details of the electronic program guides in Figure 27.

Figure 29 is the figure that is used to illustrate an example of the relation between the character quantity of the display width of program title and program title.

Figure 30 is the figure that is used in the program guide of Figure 29 forming an example under the situation of redundant space

Figure 31 illustrates the figure that an example under the situation that the space lacks takes place in the program guide in Figure 29 therein.

Figure 32 is the flow chart that is used to illustrate the rules that are used to insert program title.

Figure 33 is the schematic diagram that is used to illustrate the rules that are used to insert program title.

Figure 34 is the schematic diagram that is used to illustrate the rules that are used to insert program title.

Figure 35 is the schematic diagram that is used to illustrate the rules that are used to insert program title.

Figure 36 is the schematic diagram that is used to illustrate the rules that are used to insert program title.

Figure 37 shows the figure of another example that EPG that the present invention is applied to provides the configuration of system.

Figure 38 shows the block diagram of an example of the structure of the personal computer in Figure 37.

Embodiment

Fig. 3 shows the block diagram of an example that EPG that the present invention is applied to provides the configuration of system.

In Fig. 3, service provider 30 provides service providers by network 41 to client computer 60, and described service is used to provide EPG, and EPG is will be by the guide of the program of the broadcasting station of separating with service provider 30 50 broadcasting.Service provider 30 comprises: EPG server 31 is used to create and provide total EPG; Editing server 32, be used to edit the total EPG (being used for the high-resolution watch-dog) that provides by EPG server 31, and create best EPG, and EPG server 31 is used for providing described EPG to the hdd recorder 63 as the particular terminal that comprises in client computer 60.

EPG server 31 and editing server 32 are connected to the network 41 by the internet representative, and can communicate with one another.Editing server 32 also can be communicated by letter with the hdd recorder 63 that also is connected to network 41, and provides the EPG that is edited according to the request of hdd recorder 63.

Notice that EPG server 31 is connected to editing server 32, and can EPG is provided and not have the interference of network 41 to editing server 32.In this case, can only constitute by a program rather than in the needed data of the webpage shown in Fig. 1 at least to the EPG information that editing server 32 provides by EPG server 31.

Broadcasting station 50 sends broadcasted content via antenna 51.The information about broadcasted content such as broadcast program is openly given the public in advance, and also notifies service provider 30 etc.The method of notifying described information can be any method.For example, described method can be such method: service provider 30 waits by newspaper, magazine and obtains by broadcasting station 50 to the disclosed information of the public, described method or can be such method: broadcasting station 50 waits to service provider's 30 announcement informations by for example unshowned fax, network 41.

Broadcasting station 50 sends (broadcasting) predetermined broadcasted content that will send according to the program that is informed to service provider 30 in advance.Described broadcasted content for example is sent out as 525i signal of NTSC (National Television System Committee) system etc.Noting, in Fig. 3, station, is that broadcasting station 50 is shown as a broadcasting station.But, in fact, have a plurality of broadcasting stations, and described a plurality of broadcasting station sends (broadcasting) broadcasted content with different frequencies respectively.Described broadcasted content can be HDTV (high definition TV) signal that is different from SDTV (standard definition television) signal.

The tuner 62 of client computer 60 is controlled by hdd recorder 63 grades and is selected the channel that will receive, and receive radio wave (broadcasted content) by antenna 61, described radio wave is sent to client computer 60 by unshowned satellite or by ground-plane antenna by broadcasting station 50.Tuner 62 provides the broadcasted content that is received to hdd recorder 63.

The broadcasted content that provides from tuner 62 is provided in built-in hard disk (not shown) hdd recorder 63, perhaps provides broadcasted content according to the instruction via inputs such as unshowned remote controllers from the user to watch-dog 64.In addition, hdd recorder 63 is according to being acquired and being recorded in broadcasted content in the built-in hard disk from being provided at over to watch-dog 64 via the instruction of inputs such as unshowned remote controller of user.

As mentioned above, hdd recorder 63 also is connected to network 41, and can communicate by letter with editing server 32.Hdd recorder 63 is for example operated by the user EPG that is provided by editing server 32 is provided.Hdd recorder 63 uses special-purpose Web-browser function to make watch-dog 64 show the EPG that obtains and edit from editing server 32.

The hdd recorder 63 that comprises the display such as CRT (cathode ray tube), LCD (LCD) or PDP (plasma display panel) shows the image corresponding to vision signal on display, described vision signal is included in from the broadcasted content that watch-dog 64 provides.The display of watch-dog 64 is fitted to the SD signal of NTSC system etc.Display shows the image of the length-width ratio with 525 scan lines and 3: 4.Notice that except above-mentioned image, certainly, the exploration on display resolution ratio of watch-dog 64 can be fitted to the HD signal, be used for showing the image of length-width ratio with 1125 scan lines and 9: 16.But as described below, when exploration on display resolution ratio is restricted to hour, advantage of the present invention is bigger.Watch-dog 64 comprises unshowned loud speaker, and exports the audio signal that comprises from loud speaker broadcasted content.

Fig. 4 shows the block diagram of an example of the detailed structure of the EPG server 31 in Fig. 3.

In Fig. 4, the CPU of EPG server 31 (CPU) 101 controls the corresponding units of EPG server 31 to carry out various processing according to program stored in ROM (read-only memory) 102.CPU 101 carries out the needed data of various processing, program etc. and is stored among the RAM (random access memory) 103 according to situation.

CPU 101, ROM 102 and RAM 103 are connected to each other by bus 104.In addition, EPG information creating processing unit 131 and EPG information provide processing unit 132 to be connected to this bus 104.

EPG information creating processing unit 131 according to the information that provides from input unit 111 grades create describe with HTML etc., will be to the disclosed EPG information of the public, provide EPG information to EPG information memory cell 133 described later, and make EPG information memory cell 133 store the EPG information.EPG information provides processing unit 132 each unit of control to provide EPG information processing to carry out to the outside of EPG server 31, and described EPG information is created and is stored in the EPG information memory cell 133 in EPG information creating processing unit 131.

Input/output interface 110 also is connected to bus 104.

The input unit 111 that is made of keyboard and mouse is connected to input/output interface 110.Input/output interface 110 is to the control signal of CPU 101 output to input unit 111 inputs, and provide about the information of the broadcasting schedule of the program of input by CPU 101 to EPG information creating processing unit 131 etc. etc.The output unit 112 that is made of display or loud speaker also is connected to input/output interface 110.

And, the memory cell 113 that constitutes by hard disk and also be connected to input/output interface 110 by the communication unit 114 of carrying out data communication such as the network 41 of internet and other devices.Driver 115 is used for from removable medium 121 reading of data that are made of recording medium, and is used for writing data in removable medium 121 described recording medium such as disk, CD, magneto optical disk or semiconductor memory.

The EPG information memory cell 133 that has such as the memory element of hard disk, disk, CD, magneto optical disk or semiconductor memory also is connected to input/output interface 110.EPG information memory cell 133 is stored in the EPG information of creating and be provided to via bus 104 EPG information memory cell 133 in the EPG information creating processing unit 131.EPG information memory cell 133 is searched for the EPG information that processing unit 132 requests are provided by EPG information in the EPG information of being stored.When having the EPG information of being asked, EPG information memory cell 133 provides processing unit 132 that EPG is provided information to EPG information.

Fig. 5 shows the figure of an example of the detailed structure of the editing server 32 in Fig. 3.

In Fig. 5, the CPU 151 of editing server 32 controls the corresponding units of editing server 32 to carry out various processing according to program stored in ROM 152.In RAM 153, store CPU 151 according to situation and be used to carry out the needed data of various processing, program etc.

CPU 151, ROM 152 and RAM 153 are connected to each other via bus 154.The EPG information that EPG information obtains control unit 181, EPG information editing processing unit 182, edited provides processing unit 183 to be connected to this bus 154.

EPG information is obtained control unit 181 control communication unit 164 described later and is carried out and be used for obtaining the EPG information processing from EPG server 31.EPG information is obtained control unit 181 and is provided the EPG that is obtained information to EPG information editing processing unit 182.

EPG information editing processing unit 182 is edited once more from EPG information and is obtained the EPG information that control unit 181 provides, and it is as described below, produce the EPG information of being edited, it is the EPG information for predetermined Web-browser editor, and described Web-browser is used for showing EPG information on lower resolution displays.EPG information editing processing unit 182 provides the edited EPG information that is produced by bus 154 to the EPG information memory cell 184 of editing described later, and makes the edited EPG information memory cell 184 of institute store the EPG information of being edited.

The EPG information of being edited provides processing unit 183 control communication units 164 to carry out to the outside of editing server 32 the EPG information processing of being edited (to the open EPG information of being edited of the public) is provided, described EPG information of editing by EPG information editing processing unit 182 editors and be stored in edit in the EPG information memory cell 184.According to the request that obtains by communication unit 164 grades, the EPG information of being edited provides processing unit 183 to be edited EPG information from what editor EPG information memory cell 184 obtained to be asked.The EPG information memory cell 184 of editing provides the EPG information of being obtained of editing by communication unit 164 to request source.

Input/output interface 160 also is connected to bus 154.

The input unit 161 that comprises keyboard and mouse is connected to input/output interface 160.Input/output interface 160 is imported into the signal of input unit 161 to CPU 151 outputs.The output unit 162 that comprises display and loud speaker also is connected to input/output interface 160.

And, comprising that the memory cell 163 of hard disk and communication unit 164 also is connected to input/output interface 160, described communication unit 164 is carried out data communication by the network 41 such as the internet with other devices.Driver 165 is used for from removable medium 171 sense datas, and writes data in removable medium 171, described recording medium such as disk, CD, magneto optical disk or semiconductor memory.

The EPG information memory cell 184 of editing with memory element is connected to input/output interface 160, described memory element such as hard disk, disk, CD, magneto optical disk or semiconductor memory.The EPG information memory cell 184 of editing is stored in EPG information editing processing unit 182 ineditings and is provided to the EPG information of editing of the EPG information memory cell 184 of editing by bus 154.The EPG information memory cell 184 of editing the EPG information of being edited that provides processing unit 183 to be asked by the EPG information of being edited is provided in the EPG information of being stored.When having requested EPG information of editing, EPG information memory cell 133 provides processing unit 183 that the EPG information of being edited of being asked is provided to the EPG information of being edited.

Fig. 6 shows the figure of an example of the detailed structure of the hdd recorder 63 in Fig. 3.

In Fig. 6, receiving element 201 is converted to the signal of telecommunication from unshowned remote controller receiving infrared-ray signal with described infrared signal, and to the described signal of telecommunication of register control unit 206 outputs.Register control unit 206 comprises CPU 231, ROM 232 and RAM 233.CPU 231 installs program and the data that are stored in advance in ROM 232, program storage 208 or the working storage 209 in RAM 233, to carry out various processing, so that control the corresponding units of hdd recorder 63 thus.

The needed data of the CPU 231 various processing of execution etc. also are stored among the RAM 233 according to situation.Register control unit 206 control communication units 215 are to the tuning control signal of tuner 62 outputs.

The signal that demodulating unit 202 demodulation provide from tuner 62, and to the described signal of demultiplexer (demultiplexer) 203 outputs.Demultiplexer 203 will be divided into voice data, video data and other data from the data that demodulating unit 202 provides, and respectively to the described data of the CPU of audio decoder 204, Video Decoder 205 and register control unit 206 231 outputs.

The voice data that audio decoder 204 is decoded and imported in for example MPEG (Motion Picture Experts Group) system, and to record and reproduction units 213 outputting audio datas.The video data that Video Decoder 205 is decoded and imported in mpeg system for example, and to the described video data of display converter 210 outputs.The CPU 231 of register control unit 206 controls units corresponding according to the information of input, and provides character information etc. to OSD (showing at screen) control unit 211.

Display converter 210 will be for example video data of NTSC system from the video data encoding that Video Decoder 205 provides, and to record and the described video data of reproduction units 213 outputs.Simultaneously, the size conversion of the screen of the video data that display converter 210 will provide from Video Decoder 205 is the size corresponding to the size of watch-dog 64, and described video data is converted to the video data of NTSC system.Thereafter, display converter 210 is converted to analog signal with described video data, and to the described analog signal of indicative control unit 212 outputs.

Under the control of register control unit 206, indicative control unit 212 is at the osd signal of being exported by OSD control unit 211 from the vision signal stack of display converter 210 inputs, be superimposed upon osd signal on the vision signal to the output of the display of watch-dog 64, and the osd signal that makes display be presented to superpose on the vision signal.

Voice data by audio decoder 204 outputs is converted to analog signal by digital-to-analogue correct 214, and is provided to watch-dog 64.Watch-dog 64 is exported this audio signal from built-in loud speaker.

Record and reproduction units 213 comprise hard disk (HDD) 234, and in mpeg system for example coding audio data and video data, make up described voice data and video data then, and to voice data that is made up and video data application chnnel coding.Thereafter, record and reproduction units 213 write down voice data and the video data that is made up in hard disk 234.

Record and reproduction units 213 are reproduced in the data of record in the hard disk 234, and described data are divided into voice data and video data.Record and the reproduction units 213 described voice data of decoding in mpeg system carry out digital-to-analogue conversion with described voice data, and to the loud speaker outputting audio data of watch-dog 64.Simultaneously, record and reproduction units 213 decode video data in mpeg system carry out digital-to-analogue conversion with video data, and to the display output video data of watch-dog 64.

EPG data storage 207 comprises the storage area that is made of the memory element such as hard disk and semiconductor memory, and storage is provided to the EPG information of being edited of CPU 231.207 retrievals of EPG data storage comprise the EPG information of being edited by the EPG of CPU 231 requests, and provide the EPG that is edited information to CPU 231.

Communication unit 215 is come to communicate by network 41 and editing server 32 by CPU 231 controls, provide request to editing server 32 for the EPG information of editing that provides from CPU 231, obtain from institute's edit file that editing server 32 provides according to described request, and provide the information of being edited to CPU 231.

Input unit 216 is made of the entering apparatus of reception from user's various operations, and described entering apparatus is such as one group of action button, touch pad, keyboard or mouse.As unshowned remote controller, input unit 216 receives instruction from the user, and provides described instruction to the CPU 231 of record control unit 206.

Driver 217 is read out in removable medium 235--such as disk, CD, magneto optical disk or the semiconductor memory that is inserted into according to environment--the computer program and the data of middle storage by CPU 231 controls, and provides computer program and data to CPU 231.CPU 231 installs the computer program and the data of being read to RAM 233 as required, perhaps described computer program of storage and data in program storage 208 or working storage 209.

Fig. 7 shows the functional-block diagram of an example of the function that comprises among the CPU 231 in Fig. 6.

In Fig. 7, CPU 231 comprises and is used to control the control unit 240 of corresponding units and the administrative unit 250 of management information.

CPU 231 has content-data reception processing and control element (PCE) 241, signal processing control unit 242, record and reproduction processes control unit 243, control signal and obtains processing and control element (PCE) 244, EPG information acquisition process control unit 245 and output control unit 246, and they are as control unit 240.

Content-data receives processing and control element (PCE) 241 control demodulating units 202, demultiplexer 203 etc. to carry out the processing of receiving broadcast content (content-data).

Signal processing control unit 242 control audio decoders 204 or Video Decoder 205 etc., and to picture signal that is received or audio signal application signal processing.

Record and reproduction processes control unit 243 control display converters 210 or record and reproduction units 213 etc. to be carrying out the processing of in hard disk (HDD) 234 recording image signal or audio signal, and are reproduced in picture signal or the audio signal that writes down in the hard disk (HDD) 234.

Control signal is obtained processing and control element (PCE) 244 control receiving elements 201, program storage 208, working storage 209, communication unit 215, input unit 216 etc., and carries out the processing that is used to obtain control signal.

EPG information acquisition process control unit 245 control EPG data storages 207 or communication unit 215 etc. obtain the EPG information processing with execution.

Output processing and control element (PCE) 246 control display converters 210, OSD control unit 211, indicative control unit 212, D/A (digital-to-analogue) transducer 214 etc. are to carry out the processing to watch-dog 64 output image signals or audio signal.

CPU 231 has: content data management unit 251, the content-data (broadcasted content) that its management is stored in hard disk (HDD) 234 grades; EPG information management unit 252, the EPG information of its management storage in EPG data storage 207; Configuration information administrative unit 253, the configuration information that its management is stored in working storage 209 grades, they are as administrative unit 250.

CPU controls 231 these unit of use the operation of DISK to Image register 63 etc., and the information of management such as program and data.

Return referring to Fig. 3, explanation EPG is provided the operation of system.

Broadcasting station 50 is to the outside open information about program in broadcasting station 50, and provides described information to service provider 30, and described information comprises following broadcasting schedule, broadcasted content or the performing artist etc. of program.

The user of server supplier 30 EPG server 31 makes EPG server 31 begin to import about the openly information processing of program by for example operating input unit 111.The CPU 101 of EPG server 31 controls EPG information creating processing unit 131 according to user's input instruction and handles with beginning EPG information creating, and create the general EPG information that is suitable for the high-resolution watch-dog, it is the information about broadcasted content, all EPG 11 as shown in Figure 1.

Flow chart with reference to Fig. 8 illustrates the EPG information creating processing of being undertaken by EPG information creating processing unit 131.

At first, in step S1, EPG information creating processing unit 131 is controlled input unit 111 by bus 104, and begins to receive the input from the user.

When beginning to receive input, at step S2, EPG information creating processing unit 131 is according to the EPG information (EPG 11 among Fig. 1) of the information creating of being imported by the operation of input unit 111 by the user as the webpage of describing about the information of broadcasted content with HTML.

In step S3, EPG information creating processing unit 131 judges whether to finish from user's input.Also do not finish if judge the input from the user, then EPG information creating processing unit 131 returns the processing of step S2, and repeats the processing in step subsequently.

If judge that in step S3 the input from the user finishes, then EPG information creating processing unit 131 is advanced to step S4 with processing, provide the high-resolution EPG information of being created that is used for to EPG information memory cell 133, and make EPG information memory cell 133 store described EPG information.When the processing in step S4 finished, EPG information creating processing unit 131 finishes the EPG information creating to be handled.

The outside (open) that the EPG information (EPG 11 among Fig. 1) of storage is provided processing unit 132 to be provided to EPG server 31 by EPG information in EPG information memory cell 133 to the public.

Return Fig. 3, editing server 32 is carried out the EPG information acquisition process termly with predetermined space, for example, asks the EPG information after a week once a day.Editing server 32 is from the open version of EPG server 31 request EPG information.Note, except regular execution, carry out this request in the time of can working as the user instruction described request of editing server 32 for example.

Illustrate by EPG information with reference to the flow chart of Fig. 9 and to obtain the EPG information acquisition process that control unit 181 carries out.

At first, in step S21, the EPG information of editing server 32 is obtained control unit 181 control communication units 164 and is come from EPG server 31 request EPG information.As described below, search for the EPG information of being asked in the EPG information that the EPG information of EPG server 31 provides processing unit 132 to store in EPG information memory cell 133.When having the EPG information of being asked, EPG information provides processing unit 132 to provide described EPG information (EPG 11 among Fig. 1) to editing server 32.When not having the EPG information of being asked, EPG information provides processing unit 132 to obtain control unit 181 to EPG information and returns errored response.

In step S22, asked the EPG information of EPG information to obtain control unit 181 control communication units 164 and judged whether that the EPG information of being asked is acquired.If judge the EPG information of being asked of having obtained, then EPG information is obtained control unit 181 processing is advanced to step S23, the information of being obtained is kept at RAM 153 or in EPG information is obtained the unshowned RAM that comprises in the control unit 181 etc., and finishes the EPG information acquisition process.

If because get access to errored response and judge the EPG information of being asked that also do not get access to from EPG server 31, then EPG information is obtained control unit 181 and is judged whether to ask same EPG information once more in step S24 at step S22.

Judge that when waiting should ask same EPG information once more the time, EPG information is obtained the processing that control unit 181 returns step S21, and repeats the processing in step subsequently according to being provided with of determining in advance.If judge and should not ask described EPG information once more, then EPG information is obtained the processing that control unit 181 advances to step S235, and error process, for example, EPG information is obtained control unit 181 control output units 162 and show error message on display, and perhaps control store unit 163 comes the misregistration daily record.When the processing in step S25 finished, EPG information was obtained control unit 181 and is finished the EPG information acquisition process.

Return referring to Fig. 3, in response to the EPG information acquisition process of being undertaken by editing server 32 as mentioned above, EPG server 31 is carried out EPG information processing is provided.When EPG server 31 receive from editing server 32 provide for the request of EPG information the time, EPG server 31 beginning EPG information provide processing.

Flow chart with reference to Figure 10 illustrates that the EPG information that provides processing unit 132 to carry out by EPG information provides processing.

In step S41, obtained to provide the request of searching for the EPG information of being asked in the EPG information of processing unit 132 based on storage in EPG information memory cell 133 to control EPG information memory cell 133 for the EPG information of the request of EPG information by communication unit 114.EPG information memory cell 133 is carried out for the search of EPG information and is handled, and provides processing unit 132 that Search Results is provided to EPG information.

In step S42, EPG information provides processing unit 132 to judge whether to exist the EPG information of being asked according to the Search Results that provides from EPG information memory cell 133.

If being stored in the EPG information memory cell 133 and judging, the EPG information of being asked has EPG information, then EPG information provides processing unit 132 that processing is advanced to step S43, read the EPG information of being asked from EPG information memory cell 133, and obtain described EPG information.

In step S44, the EPG information of having read and obtained the EPG information of being asked provides processing unit 132 control communication units 114 to send the EPG information of being obtained to the editing server 32 as request source, and end EPG information provides processing.

If the EPG information of being asked is not stored in the EPG information memory cell 133 and judge in step S42 and do not have EPG information, then EPG information provides processing unit 132 that processing is advanced to step S45, the execution error response is handled, for example send error message, and end EPG information provides processing to editing server 32.

When editing server 32 as mentioned above when EPG server 31 gets access to EPG information (EPG 11 Fig. 1), the CPU 151 control EPG information editing processing units 182 of editing server 32 begin the EPG information editing to be handled, and the EPG information that editor obtains from EPG server 31 is so that obtain to be exclusively used in the EPG information (corresponding to the optimized image when showing EPG information on watch-dog 64) of hdd recorder 63.

Flow chart with reference to Figure 11 illustrates the EPG information editing routine of being undertaken by EPG information editing processing unit 182.

At first, in step S61, EPG information editing processing unit 182 obtains the EPG information that provides from EPG server 31 by bus 154, and described EPG information is stored in EPG information and obtains among the unshowned RAM or RAM 153 included in the control unit 181.

In step S62, the described EPG information of EPG information editing processing unit 182 editors is so that described EPG information is corresponding to the image of the new web page that is formed predetermined format.In step S63, EPG information editing processing unit 182 provides the EPG that is edited information to editor EPG information memory cell 184, makes described EPG information of institute's EPG information memory cell of edit 184 storages and end EPG information editing processing.

Figure 12 shows the figure of an example of the structure of editor's the pairing image of EPG information (webpage) as mentioned above.

In Figure 12, the EPG after the EPG 261 that is edited is edited by EPG information editing processing unit 182, and be the program guide of the broadcasting station A-P in 16 o'clock to 20 o'clock time range.The EPG 261 that is edited is divided into the zone of 8 identical sizes, and promptly regional 261-1 is to 261-8 (by the zone of dotted line 264-267 subregion).The size of respective regions be used to indicate once big or small identical in the zone 262 of the image size that shows on the watch-dog 64 (size of the viewing area of the Web-browser that on watch-dog 64, shows).

EPG information editing processing unit 182 editor EPG information are to produce the EPG 261 that is edited, wherein, one hour program guide of 7 broadcasting stations of formation (broadcasting station A-G or broadcasting station H-P) in the image size (the image size of a screen) that on watch-dog 64, shows once, and be formed an image (webpage) greater than the image of 8 screens of the described image size program guide of 14 platforms (four hours and).

Therefore, as shown in figure 12, the structure of image is similar each other in the 261-8 at corresponding regional 261-1, and shows the identical information such as time range and broadcast station name in corresponding zone.Therefore, for example, even when from top left region 262 when lower right area 263 is rolled the position in the zone that watch-dog 64 at the EPG 261 that is edited shows, on watch-dog 64, show the image of similar structures.Therefore, always show important information such as time range and broadcast station name.Note the details of back with the structure of key diagram picture etc.

The EPG that is edited 261 of Chan Shenging is provided the outside that processing unit 183 is provided to editing server 32 (open to the public) by the EPG information of being edited of editing server 32 as mentioned above.

In brief, editing server 32 obtains the EPG information that is used for the high-resolution watch-dog from EPG server 31, edits described EPG information, and produces and be provided for the EPG information of low resolution watch-dog.

Notice that as mentioned above, editing server 32 provides as the EPG information of a being edited image (webpage), that comprise four hours EPG (program guide) (to the open EPG information of being edited of the public).When EPG information that client computer 30 end requests are edited, editing server 32 provides the EPG that is edited information to request source, comprises and those identical date and time scopes in the EPG information of being edited of being asked.In addition, editing server 32 provides information except the EPG information of being edited according to situation to hard disk 63, is used for showing on watch-dog 64 various information.

Return referring to Fig. 3, broadcasting station 50 is according to notifying service provider 30 broadcasting schedule to come by antenna 51 broadcast contents as mentioned above.The hdd recorder 63 of client computer 60 is operated by the user, and control tuner 62 comes to receive broadcasted content by broadcasting station 50 broadcasting by antenna 61.

Notice that broadcasting station 50 shown in Figure 3 can for example be the broadcasting station of broadcasting by such as the cable of cable TV.In this case, though not shown in the drawings, broadcasting station 50 is connected via cable by network etc. with tuner 62.Tuner 62 obtains the broadcasted content of being broadcasted by broadcasting station 50 by network.

Will be in order to know by the content (broadcasting schedule) of the program of the respective broadcast such as broadcasting station 50 broadcasting, the user's remote controller (not shown) of client computer 60 or the input unit 216 of hdd recorder 63 so that hdd recorder 63 from service provider's 30 that EPG is provided editing server 32 request EPG information.According to user's instruction, the EPG information that hdd recorder 63 is edited from editing server 32 requests by network 41.The EPG information acquisition process of being edited of being undertaken by hdd recorder 63 will be described below.

Provide the editing server 32 of the EPG information of being edited to carry out the EPG information of being edited by hdd recorder 63 requests processing is provided, and the EPG information of being edited (EPG that is edited 261 in Figure 12) is provided.

Illustrate that with reference to the flow chart of Figure 13 the EPG information of being edited that the EPG information of being edited by editing server 32 provides processing unit 183 to carry out provides processing.

In step S81, having obtained for the described EPG information of editing of the request of the EPG information of being edited by communication unit 164 provides processing unit 183 according to controlling the EPG information memory cell 184 of editing for the request of the EPG information of being edited of being asked in the EPG information of being edited of search storage in editor EPG information memory cell 184.The EPG information memory cell of editing 184 carry out for the search of the EPG information of being edited and handle, and provide processing unit 183 that Search Results is provided to the EPG information of being edited.

In step S82, the EPG information that the EPG information of being edited provides processing unit 183 to judge whether to exist the quilt of being asked to edit according to the Search Results that provides from editor EPG information memory cell 184.

If there are the EPG information of being edited in EPG information of being edited that storage is asked in editor EPG information memory cell 184 and judgement, the EPG information of then being edited provides processing unit 183 that processing is advanced to step S83, read the EPG information that the quilt of being asked is edited from editor EPG information memory cell 184, and obtain described EPG information.

In step S84, the EPG information of being edited of having read and obtained the EPG information of being edited of being asked provides processing unit 183 control communication units 164 to send the EPG information of being obtained to the hdd recorder 63 as request source, and the EPG that finishes to be edited provides processing.

If the storage EPG information of being edited of being asked and in step S82, the judging EPG information that do not exist the quilt of being asked to edit in editor EPG information memory cell 184, the EPG information of then being edited provides processing unit 183 that processing is advanced to step S85, the execution error response is handled, for example send error message, and the EPG information that finishes to be edited provides processing to hdd recorder 63.

Provide processing in response to this EPG information of editing, the CPU 231 of hdd recorder 63 uses EPG information acquisition process control unit 245 to carry out the EPG information acquisition process of being edited, and obtains the EPG information of being edited from editing server 32.The Web-browser that CPU 231 uses are prepared in program storage in advance waits and makes watch-dog 64 show the EPG that edits 261 that is obtained.

The EPG information acquisition process of the table machine of saying that the CPU 231 by hdd recorder 63 carries out is described with reference to the flow chart of Figure 14.

At first, in step S101, the CPU 231 of hdd recorder 63 controls communication unit 215 according to the user's of the EPG information of editing from the request of editing server 32 instruction.As mentioned above, the EPG information of being edited of editing server 32 provides the EPG information of being edited of processing unit 183 search storages in editor EPG information memory cell 184.If there is the EPG information of being edited of being asked, the EPG information of then being edited provides processing unit 183 to provide the EPG that is edited information to hdd recorder 63.The EPG information of being edited of if there is no being asked, the EPG information of then being edited provides processing unit 183 to return errored response to CPU 231.

In step S102, asked the CPU 231 control communication units 215 of the EPG information of being edited to judge whether to have obtained the EPG information of being asked.If judge to have obtained the EPG information of being edited of being asked, then CPU 231 is advanced to step S103 with processing, and preserves the EPG information of being obtained of being edited in EPG data storage 207.In step S104, CPU 231 uses are prepared in program storage 208 grades in advance, the GUI (graphical user interface) such as predetermined Web-browser produces the image that has shown the EPG information of being obtained of being edited on it, and provides image to make watch-dog 64 show the EPG 261 that is edited thus to watch-dog 64.Made watch-dog 64 show that the CPU 231 of the EPG that is edited finishes the EPG information acquisition process of being edited.

If judge that at step S102 then at step S105, CPU 231 judges whether to ask same EPG information of editing once more because for example obtained errored response and also do not obtained the EPG information of being edited of being asked from editing server 32.

When according to predetermined be provided with to wait judge that should ask same EPG information of editing once more the time, CPU 231 returns the processing of step S101, and repeats the processing in step subsequently.If judge and should not ask same EPG information of editing once more, then CPU 231 is advanced to step S106 with processing, and error process.For example, CPU 231 control OSD control units 211 show error message on display, and perhaps Control work memory 209 comes the misregistration daily record.When the processing in step S106 finishes, the EPG information acquisition process that CPU 231 end are edited.

Figure 15 shows the figure according to an example of the display screen of the EPG that the is edited processing in step S104 of the flow chart of Figure 14 of the present invention, that show on watch-dog 64.

In Figure 15, comprise two frames as the Web-browser 270 of the capable user interface of figure (GUI) that is used to show the EPG 261 that is edited--i.e. first frame 271 and the second frame 272--and HScrollBar 273 and vertical scroll bar 274.

First frame 271 has: show switch labels 281, its is as the GUI that is used for selecting being presented at the information of second frame 272; Time range drop-down menu 282 is used to specify the time range that will be presented at the EPG in second frame 272; Date drop-down menu 283 is used to specify the date that will be presented at the EPG in second frame 272.

The part of the EPG that is edited 261 shown in Figure 12 is displayed in second frame 272.The zone (regional 261-1 is to 261-8) of the size of second frame 272 and the EPG that is edited 261 in Figure 12 big or small identical.

Note, in Figure 15, in second frame 272, show the EPG (EPG that the is edited 261 local area 261-1 in Figure 12) " by the time " of " 16:00 " to " 20:00 " of time range " January 1 today (Wednesday) ".

The user can change the position among the EPG that is edited 261 that (rolling) show by the remote controller of input unit 216 of operation hdd recorder 63 in second frame 272.

In Figure 15, the regional 261-1 of the EPG 261 that is edited is displayed in second frame 272.The user can show other zones (regional 261-2 is to 261-7) by the EPG 261 that is edited that rolls in second frame 272.

In Figure 15, provide in the upper left of the regional 261-1 that in second frame 272, selects and the upper right portion respectively as the button 291 and 293 that is used for showing a left side and the software push buttons in right zone (one hour zone of front and one hour zone of back).

As shown in figure 12, in 261-8, provide button 291 and 293 at all regional 261-1.

Note, as showing from the regional 261-1 and 261-5 in the zone of 16 o'clock to 17 o'clock program, in the EPG that is edited of the time range (12 o'clock to 16 o'clock) different, there is one hour zone, front () at 15 o'clock to 16 o'clock at 16 o'clock to 20 o'clock with the time range () (different webpages) of the EPG 261 that is edited.

Therefore, be formed in button 291 among regional 261-1 and the 261-5 by software push buttons, to be presented at the EPG that is edited (12 o'clock to 16 o'clock the EPG that edited) in second frame 272 by user operation.

In other words, button 291 in this case is the software push buttons by user's operation, be used for being presented at the zone of last hour () of the EPG that is edited (webpage) in the time range () before tight at 12 o'clock to 16 o'clock at 15 o'clock to 16 o'clock at second frame 272, described zone corresponding to identical broadcasting station, the pairing broadcasting station of regional 261-1.

As showing from the regional 261-4 and 261-8 in the zone of 19 o'clock to 20 o'clock program, in the EPG that is edited of the time range (20 o'clock to 24 o'clock) different, there is a zone (a different webpage) of hour () of back at 16 o'clock to 20 o'clock at 20 o'clock to 21 o'clock with the time range () of the EPG 261 that is edited.

Therefore, the button 293 of regional 261-4 and 261-8 is made of the software push buttons of being operated by the user, is used for being presented at the EPG that is edited (20 o'clock to 24 o'clock editor's EPG) of second frame 272.

In other words, button 293 in this case is the software push buttons by user's operation, be used for being presented at time range (20 o'clock to 24 o'clock) after tight the zone of first hour (20 o'clock to 21 o'clock) of the EPG that edits (webpage), described zone corresponding to the identical broadcasting station of the pairing work station of described respective regions.

Note, can constitute button 291 or 293 by the mark of the position of the regional 261-1 that is adjusted at the EPG 261 that is edited in each of 261-8.

For example, in regional 261-1 and 261-5, can provide a mark, be used in reference to and be shown in the zone that the right side existence does not show in its upper right portion.In regional 261-2,261-3,261-6 and 261-7, can in its upper left, be provided for indicating the mark that does not have the zone that does not show in the left side, and can be provided for indicating the mark that on the right side, has the zone that does not show in its upper right portion.In regional 261-4 and 261-8, can in its upper left, be provided for indicating the mark that has the zone that does not show in the left side.

In brief, in this case, in the upper left or upper right portion in shown zone, replacement is operated by the user and is changed and will show to be used in reference to be shown in the mark that has a zone on that direction at the same button of editing the zone that shows among the EPG.

In Figure 15, can in second frame 272, be presented at the zone of the EPG (webpage) that is edited in the time range () before tight first hour () at 12 o'clock to 16 o'clock at 12 o'clock to 13 o'clock, described zone corresponding to identical broadcasting station, the pairing broadcasting station of regional 261-1.

In this case, when user's action button 291, in regional 261-5, be presented at the zone of the EPG that is edited (webpage) in the time range () before tight first hour () in an identical manner at 12 o'clock to 16 o'clock at 12 o'clock to 13 o'clock, described zone corresponding to identical broadcasting station, the pairing broadcasting station of regional 261-5.

In Figure 15, between above-mentioned button 291 and 293, during promptly the middle and upper part of the regional 261-1 that shows is divided, provide a time indication 292 in second frame 272, be used in reference to the pairing time of program guide that is shown in current demonstration in second frame 272.

As shown in figure 12, in 261-8, provide this time indication 292 at all regional 261-1.But, in time indication 292, shown time corresponding to respective regions.In regional 261-1 and 261-5, shown " 16:00-17:00 ".In regional 261-2 and 261-6, shown " 17:00-18:00 ".In regional 261-3 and 261-7, shown " 18:00-19:00 ".In regional 261-4 and 261-8, shown " 19:00-20:00 ".

Return referring to Figure 15, the button of the regional 261-1 that shows in second frame 272 provides broadcasting station part 294 291 times, arranged corresponding broadcasting station in vertical direction, program part 295 is provided on the right side of broadcasting station part 294, and has shown the program of broadcasting by corresponding broadcasting station in horizontal direction as time shaft.

Under the situation of Figure 15, the EPG indication " broadcasting station A " that shows in second frame 272 16 is lighted broadcasting " program A-1 " from " January 1 today (Wednesday) ", and behind the off-the-air of " program A-1 ", broadcasts " program A-2 ".In addition, this EPG indication " broadcasting station B " is lighted broadcasting " program B-1 " from 16, and " broadcasting station C " lights broadcasting " program C-1 " from 16, and " broadcasting station D " lights broadcasting " program D-1 " from 16, and " broadcasting station E " lights broadcasting " program E-1 " from 16.And this EPG indication " broadcasting station F " is lighted broadcasting " program F-1 " from 16, and behind the off-the-air of " program F-1 ", broadcast " program F-2 ", and " broadcasting station G " lights broadcasting " program G-1 " from 16.

Note, as shown in figure 12, in 261-8, provide broadcasting station 294 and program part 295 at all regional 261-1.But the broadcasting station that shows in the broadcasting station of regional 261-1 to 4 part 294 differs from one another with the broadcasting station that shows in the broadcasting station part 294 of 261-8 at regional 261-5.

The structure of the program guide that shows in program part 295 is different in corresponding a plurality of zones.

Notice that in Figure 12 and 15, in order to illustrate, the code that is associated with corresponding a plurality of broadcasting stations is displayed in the respective program in the program part 295.But, in fact, shown information such as the title of program.

As mentioned above, the All Ranges 261-1 of the EPG that is edited 261 that shows in second frame 272 is made up of button 291 and 293, time indication 292, broadcasting station part 294 and program part 295 to 261-8.Can in a plurality of zones, show identical information.

In other words, the formation of the EPG 261 that is edited for example makes, even the display position of the EPG 261 that user's rolling is edited also always shows the important information such as broadcast station name and data.

The situation (wherein from the situation of regional 261-1 to regional 261-2 roll display position) of the display position of the EPG 261 that horizontal rolling is wherein edited is described with reference to Figure 16-19.

Note, in Figure 16-19, will be expressed as button 291-1 and 293-1, time indication 292-1, broadcasting station part 294-1 and program part 295-1 respectively in the button among the regional 261-1 291 and 293, time indication 292, broadcasting station part 294 and program part 295.To be expressed as button 291-2 and 293-2, time indication 292-2, broadcasting station part 294-2 and program part 295-2 respectively in the button among the regional 261-2 291 and 293, time indication 292, broadcasting station part 294 and program part 295.

At first, as shown in figure 16, viewing area 261-1 in second frame 272, and the Show Button 291-1 and 293-1, time indication 292-1, broadcasting station part 294-1 and program part 295-1.

In this state, when operating in arrow 301 directions (left-hand in the drawings) by the user and go up the roll display position, display position changes to the position shown in Figure 17.

At this, button 291-1 shown, in regional 261-1 and broadcasting station part 294-1 move to the outside of second frame 272 from left end in Figure 16, and stop to be shown.Simultaneously, in Figure 16, do not show, the button 291-2 in regional 261-2 and broadcasting station part 294-2 move to the inside of second frame 272 from the right-hand member of second frame 272, and begin to be shown.

In this state, when operating in arrow 301 directions (left-hand in the drawings) by the user and go up the roll display position, display position changes to the position shown in Figure 18.

At this, shown in Figure 16 and Figure 17, the indication of the time in regional 261-1 292-1 moves to the outside of second frame 272 from left end, and stops to be shown.Simultaneously, in Figure 16 and Figure 17, do not show, the indication 292-2 of the time in regional 261-2 and broadcasting station part 294-2 move to the inside of second frame 272 from the right-hand member of second frame 272, and begin to be shown.

In this state, when operating in arrow 301 directions (left-hand in the drawings) by the user and go up the roll display position, similarly, button 293-1 stops to be shown, and button 293-2 begins to be shown.At last, as shown in figure 19, viewing area 261-2 in second frame 272 only.

In Figure 19, in second frame 272, be presented at button 291-2 and 293-2, time indication 292-2, broadcasting station part 294-2 and program part 295-2 among the regional 261-2.

By this way, even user roll display position flatly also always shows a plurality of indications, such as pairing time of the program of broadcast station name, current demonstration and the button that is used for demonstration is transformed into adjacent area.Therefore, the user can easily grasp information, such as the time range and the broadcast station name of current demonstration.

Then, with reference to Figure 20-23, will the situation (the wherein situation from regional 261-1 to 261-5 roll display position) of the display position of the EPG 261 that rolling is vertically edited be described wherein.

Note, in Figure 20-23, will be expressed as button 291-1 and 293-1, time indication 292-1, broadcasting station part 294-1 and program part 295-1 respectively in the button among the regional 261-1 291 and 293, time indication 292, broadcasting station part 294 and program part 295.To be expressed as button 291-5 and 293-5, time indication 292-5, broadcasting station part 294-5 and program part 295-5 respectively in the button among the regional 261-5 291 and 293, time indication 292, broadcasting station part 294 and program part 295.

At first, as shown in figure 20, viewing area 261-1 in second frame 272, and the Show Button 291-1 and 293-1, time indication 292-1, broadcasting station part 294-1 and program part 295-1.

In this state, when operating in arrow 302 directions (downward direction in the drawings) by the user and go up the roll display position, display position changes to the position shown in Figure 21.

At this, shown in Figure 20, indication 292-1 of the time in regional 261-1 and button 293-1 move from the upper end to the outside of second frame 272, and stop to be shown.Simultaneously, in Figure 20, do not show, the indication 292-5 of the time in regional 261-5 and button 293-5 move to the inside of second frame 272 from the lower end of second frame 272, and begin to be shown.

In this state, when by user operation further when arrow 302 directions (left-hand in the drawings) go up the roll display position, display position changes to the position shown in Figure 22.

At this, broadcasting station row 294-1 shown, in regional 261-1 and program part 295-1 move from the upper end to the outside of second frame 272 gradually in Figure 20 and 21, and stop to be shown.Simultaneously, in Figure 20 and 21, do not show, the broadcasting station row 294-5 in regional 261-5 and program part 295-5 move to the inside of second frame 272 from the lower end of second frame 272, and begin to be shown.

In this state, when by user operation further when arrow 302 directions (downward direction in the drawings) go up the roll display position, last, as shown in figure 23, viewing area 261-5 in second frame 272 only.

In Figure 23, in second frame 272, be presented at button 291-5 and 293-5, time indication 292-broadcasting station part 294-5 and program part 295-5 among the regional 261-5.

By this way, even user roll display position vertically also always shows a plurality of indications, such as pairing time of the program of broadcast station name, current demonstration and the button that is used for demonstration is transformed into adjacent area.Therefore, the user can easily grasp information, such as the time range and the broadcast station name of current demonstration.

As mentioned above, the EPG in Fig. 3 provides in the system, and the common EPG that is provided by EPG server 31 can be provided editing server 32 once more, produces the EPG information of low resolution, and the EPG information that provides the user to see easily.

Notice that editing server 32 produces this EPG that edits 261 and is used as a webpage of each time range, and the described EPG that edits 261 is provided.Therefore, hdd recorder 63 can easily obtain the EPG information that the user sees easily, and can not carry out the special processing such as synchronization frame so that watch-dog 64 shows EPG information.

Note, in the above description, even hdd recorder 63 obtain the EPG information of being edited by editing server 32 editors.But, the invention is not restricted to this, and hdd recorder 63 can be provided by common EPG information and the described EPG information of editor that is provided by EPG server 31.

Figure 24 is the block diagram of an example of the detailed structure of hdd recorder 63 in this case.In Figure 24, be represented as identical drawing reference numeral corresponding to those the parts among Fig. 6, and omit the detailed explanation of described parts according to situation.

The CPU 311 of register control unit 206 installs program stored and data in ROM 232, program storage 208 or working storage 209 in advance to RAM 233, and carries out various processing to control the corresponding units of hdd recorder 63 thus.

As shown in figure 25, CPU 311 has also incorporated EPG information editing processing unit 312 into except control unit 240 and administrative unit 250, is used to edit the EPG information that obtains from EPG server 31.

When passing through communication unit 215 from EPG server 31 acquisition EPG information, the EPG information that EPG information editing processing unit 312 editors of CPU 311 are obtained, and produce the EPG information of being edited shown in Figure 12.CPU 311 makes EPG data storage 207 preserve the EPG information of being edited that is produced, or provides the EPG information of being edited that is produced to OSD control unit 211, and makes watch-dog 64 show the EPG information of being edited.

Referring now to the flow chart of Figure 26 the EPG information acquisition process that the CPU 311 by hdd recorder 63 carries out is described.

At first, in step S 121, the CPU 311 control communication units 215 of hdd recorder 63 are from EPG server 31 request EPG information.The EPG information of EPG server 31 provides the EPG information of processing unit 132 search storages in EPG information memory cell 133.When having the EPG information of being asked, CPU 311 provides described EPG information to the hdd recorder 63 as request source.When not having the EPG information of being asked, CPU 311 returns errored response to CPU 311.

At step S122, the CPU 311 control communication units 215 of the described EPG information of having asked judge whether to have obtained the EPG information of being asked.If judge and to have obtained the EPG information of being asked, then CPU 311 is advanced to step S123 with processing, the EPG information of being obtained at EPG information editing processing unit 312 ineditings, and produce the EPG information of being edited that is used for low resolution.

At step S124, CPU 311 provides the EPG information of being edited that is produced to EPG data storage 20, and makes EPG data storage 207 preserve the EPG information of being edited.At step S125, CPU 311 use in program storage 208 grades, be prepared in advance, such as the GUI of predetermined Web-browser to produce the image that shows the EPG information of being obtained of being edited on it, and provide described image to watch-dog 64, to make watch-dog 64 show the EPG 261 that is edited thus.The CPU 311 of end process finishes the EPG information acquisition process in step S125.

If judge that at step S122 then at step S126, CPU 311 judges whether to ask same EPG information once more because for example obtained errored response and the EPG information that obtained to be asked from EPG server 31.

When judging that according to predetermined be provided with etc. should ask same EPG information once more the time, CPU311 returns the processing of step S121, and repeats the processing in step subsequently.If judge and should not ask same EPG information once more, then CPU 311 is advanced to step S127 with processing, and error process.For example, CPU 311 control OSD control units 211 show error message or the 209 misregistration daily records of Control work memory on watch-dog 64.When the processing in step S127 finished, CPU 311 finished the EPG information acquisition process.

As mentioned above, hdd recorder 63 obtains EPG information from EPG server 31, edits described EPG information according to the resolution of watch-dog 64, and makes watch-dog 64 show the EPG information of being edited.As a result, hdd recorder 63 can provide the EPG information that the user sees easily.

And, when hdd recorder 63 editor EPG information, naturally, hdd recorder 63 can use other edit methods to edit described EPG information according to the character information of program, with the size in the space of the information of for example determining wherein to show the title (programme information) such as each program.

For example, among the step S123 in Figure 26, the EPG information that CPU 311 editors of hdd recorder 63 are obtained, and produce the EPG information of being edited that is used for low resolution.At step S124, as shown in figure 27, CPU 311 makes screen 401 show the electronic program information 400 of the EPG information that conduct is edited.The user clicks or specifies in the hobby program title part (for example, " the special cinema: world's adventure part 2 " of B broadcasting station) of the electronic program information 400 that shows on the screen 401 of watch-dog 64.As a result, illustrated that wherein the details 402 of detailed content of program " special cinema " and record keep key 403 and show as Figure 28.

When the user clicked or specify this record to keep key 403, the CPU 311 of hdd recorder 63 was recorded in " the special cinema " of time 18:00 to 19:00 automatically in hard disk 234, as shown in the electronic program information among Figure 27.

For example, as shown in figure 29, when the CPU 311 of hdd recorder 63 such as program guide 421--wherein about the demonstration size of the information of each program airtime based on program--layout in when creating such electronic program information 400, if even airtime length is long, the quantity of the character of title is also little, for example the quantity of the character of program title only has such as " news (news) " four characters with respect to the whole space 422 of six characters between 18:00 and 18:30 as shown in figure 30, then form 2 characters more than the space, cause the large space between the program and the drama (drama) that will then broadcast.

But, such as the display of watch-dog 64--shown on it that electronic program information 400--compares with the general display of personal computer and has low resolution.Therefore, when having shown electronic program information 400 on the screen 401 at display, limit the viewing area of screen 401, and compare with the situation of personal computer, the amount of information that can show on screen is little.

Therefore because in program guide 421, form by this way more than space 423, therefore reduced the efficient of demonstration of the programme information of electronic program information 400.

On the contrary, for example, when having a plurality of program title that should be shown in the given time, if the quantity of the character of title is compared bigger with airtime length, as shown in figure 31, for example, the quantity of the character of program title is such as " Drama Tokai no Sakebi in Japanese " nine with respect to the whole space 422 of 8 characters in 18:20-19:00, space 424 then occurs and lack a character, and deleted last character " bi in Japanese ".Therefore, in some cases, the user can not understand what the meaning of described program title is, even the user watches the electronic program information 400 that shows on screen 401.

In order to eliminate so unfavorable effect, in Figure 26, in step S123, produce in the process of the electronic program information (EPG information) such as program title, CPU 311 can determine the display width of the programme information that will show according to the quantity of the character of programme information, and, be presented at the EPG information of being edited that produces by that way on the screen 401 of watch-dog 64 at step S124.With reference to Figure 32-36 embodiment is described.Figure 32 is used for illustrating the general flow figure that is used for inserting at predetermined character duration the rules of program title.Figure 33-the 36th is used to illustrate the concrete figure of the rules identical with Figure 32.

At first, with reference to Figure 32, will describe such situation in detail, wherein, for example, the time 18:00 in the broadcasting station on the screen 401 of display produces in the 19:00 and shows a plurality of titles.

In hdd recorder 63, carry out in the processing of the flow chart shown in Figure 32 and the processing among Figure 33-36 by CPU 311.When a plurality of program of broadcasting in specific time range, in the finite baffle width of screen 401, dynamically change the display width of each program title according to following flow chart.

The code that will handle in CPU is as giving a definition.

G is the sum of the character in the programm name viewing area in electronic program guides.

N is the quantity of the broadcast program in the scope at a fixed time.

C (n) is the quantity of the character of n programm name.

T is the quantity of the character display of the delimiter between program.

A (n) is the quantity (result of calculation) of the character display of being distributed of n program.

At first step ST1, CPU 311 judges whether that the quantity of the broadcast program in the set time scope is 1.If N is 1, CPU 311 proceeds to the second step ST2, and show all G character, G is the quantity of the character of n program, and described n program is such as " particular electrical movie theatre: world's adventure part 2 " in the screen width in the B broadcasting station in Figure 27.

In the second step ST2, CPU 311 judges whether that the quantity of the broadcast program in the scope N at a fixed time is equal to or greater than 2.

If the quantity of the broadcast program in set time scope N is equal to or greater than 2 (being), then CPU311 proceeds to the 4th step ST4, and calculates the estimated value X (n) of the display width that is assigned to respective program according to following expression (1).

X(n)＝(G-(N-1)×T)/N (1)

When calculating the estimated value X (n) with remainder by expression formula (1), CPU 311 is to come character of each distribution of phase program from the order of top line.

In the 5th step ST5 that follows, the programm name of respective program is set among the CPU 311 estimated value X at the width that is distributed (n).When the value that obtains by the quantity C (n) that deducts the character of n programm name from estimated value X (n) is defined as Y (n), provide following expression formula (2).

Y(n)＝X(n)-C(n) (2)

Appear at the situation among the 6th to the 8th step ST6-ST8 according to the value of the Y (n) in expression formula (2).

The 6th step ST6 is the situation of following expression (3).

Y(n)＞0 (3)

In this case, can as shown in the 9th step ST9, have remainder Z and show all programm names (n).Therefore, in the situation of the 9th step ST9, the quantity Calculation result of the character display A that is distributed (n) of n program is calculated as A (the n)=C (n) with remainder Z (n).

The 7th step ST7 is the situation of following expression (4).

Y(n)＝0 (4)

In this case, can there be remainder ground to show all programm names as shown in the tenth step ST10.The quantity Calculation result of the character display A that is distributed (n) of n program is calculated as A (the n)=C (n) that does not have remainder, and processing finishes.

The 8th step ST8 is the situation of following expression (5).

Y(n)＜0 (5)

In this case, can as shown in the 11 step ST11, can not show all programm names.Result of calculation A (n) is calculated as has estimated value X (n) and remainder character α (n).Therefore, result of calculation A (n) is calculated as A (n)=X (n)+α (n).

CPU 311 judges whether to occur remainder Z (n) in the 9th step ST9 in the 12 step ST12.If (Z (n))≤0, as shown in the 13 step ST13, because α (n)=0, so A (n)=X (n).

When remainder Z (n) in the 9th step ST9, occurring and as shown in the 14 step ST14 during Sum (Z (n))＞0, CPU 311 proceeds to the 15 step ST15, and the remainder Z (n) that equally occurs in the 14 step ST14 to the program distribution of the character with not enough quantity.As a result, remainder character α (n) is calculated as the quantity of the program of α (n)=Sum (Z (n))/in expression formula (5).(if remainder, then described remainder begins to be assigned in regular turn program from the program with minimum n).Therefore, by following expression formula (6) provide n program distribute the quantity of character display A (n).

The quantity (6) of the program of A (n)=X (n)+Sum (Z (n))/in expression formula (5)

After the 15 step ST15 finished by this way, processing finished.

Notice that even when the viewing area still keeps after aforesaid processing finishes, remainder equally is assigned to corresponding program.When remainder occurring, might be since first program in regular turn to character of each program distribution.

Specify aforesaid general expression formula with reference to Figure 33-36.

With reference to Figure 33-36 and aforesaid value G, N, C and T definition as described below respectively.

G (sum of the character of the programm name viewing area in electronic program guides): 20

N (quantity of the broadcast program in hour): 3

C (quantity of the character of programm name): program 1=13, program 2=6, program 3=3

T (quantity of the character display of the delimiter between program): 1

At first, in Figure 33, the width that be assigned to as the respective program among the 4th step ST4 among Figure 32 is calculated as follows.

X(n)＝(G-(N-1)×T)/N＝(20-(3-1)×1)/3＝6

Estimated value X (n)=6 character is assigned to first to the 3rd program.Notice that T is set to 1 among Figure 33.

Then, in Figure 34, the quantity 3 of the quantity 6 of the quantity 13 of the character of first program 441, the character of second program 442 and the character of the 3rd program 443 is set in the display width of the estimated value X (n)=6 that distributes as shown in the 5th step ST5 among Figure 32.

In first program 441, Y (n)-X (n)-C (n) is Y (n)=6-13=-7.Therefore, display width deficiency, and Y (n)＜0, the situation of its indication in the 8th step ST8.

In second program 442, Y (n)=X (n)-C (n) is Y (n)=6-6=0.Therefore, Y (n)=0, the situation of its indication in the 7th step ST7.

In the 3rd program 443, Y (n)=X (n)-C (n) is Y (n)=6-3=3.Therefore, remainder Z (n)=3, the situation of its indication in the 6th step ST6.

In Figure 35, the quantity of remaining character 444 is added in first program 441 of display width deficiency wherein in the 3rd program 443.

Therefore, last, as shown in Figure 36, the quantity of the character of first program 441 is that the quantity of the character of nine, the second programs 442 is six, and the quantity of the character of the 3rd program 443 is three.

As in the above-mentioned structure, in first program 441, can not show the program title (13-9=4) of four characters.But because can understand the content of program than short vocabulary more from long vocabulary, it is meaningful therefore will to move to longer program title more than the quantity of character.

Under aforesaid situation, on the quantity that the quantity with character fits in remaining character behind the width that is distributed in advance is added to quantity for the character of the width deficiency of being distributed, dynamically change the width of the quantity of character with quantity according to the character of program data.But, might be after getting rid of the needed width of delimiter from the character of programm name viewing area sum, divide and show a plurality of programm names according to the quantity ratios of the character of a plurality of programm names in the character sum.

By this way,, determine size,, and produce the EPG information of being edited of such layout with editor EPG information about the display space of the information of respective program according to the quantity of the character of the information of respective program.Therefore, the programme information that CPU 311 can explicit user be seen easily on limited screen space effectively.

Notice that in Fig. 3, being interpreted as EPG server 31 and editing server 32 is servers of same service provider 30.But the server with EPG server 31 can differ from one another with the service provider with editing server 32.

In Fig. 3, being interpreted as EPG server 31 and editing server 32 is unit independently.But these servers can constitute a server.

In Fig. 3, being interpreted as EPG provides system to comprise following each: service provider 30, EPG server 31, editing server 32, network 41, broadcasting station 50, antenna 51, client computer 60, antenna 61, tuner 62, hdd recorder 63 and watch-dog 64.But, might provide system to comprise a plurality of these devices by EPG: service provider 30, network 41, client computer 60 etc.

In Fig. 3, the terminal installation that is interpreted as client computer 60 is a hdd recorder 63.But described terminal installation can be any device, as long as described device has function: and visit EPG server 31 or editing server 32, obtain EPG information (or EPG information of editor), and show described EPG by network 41 on display.For example, as shown in figure 37, terminal installation can be a personal computer.

In Figure 37, personal computer 500 is connected to network 41, and can communicate by letter with editing server 32 with service provider 30 EPG server 31 by network 41.

Figure 38 shows the block diagram of an example of the detailed structure of the personal computer 500 in Figure 37.

In Figure 38, the CPU 501 of personal computer 500 controls the corresponding units of personal computer 500 according to program stored in ROM 502, to carry out various processing.In RAM 503, store CPU 501 according to situation and be used to carry out the needed data of various processing, program etc.

CPU 501, ROM 502 and RAM 503 are connected to each other by bus 504.In addition, input/output interface 510 is connected to this bus 504.

The input unit 511 that is made of keyboard or mouse is connected to input/output interface 510.Input/output interface 510 is imported into the signal of input unit 511 to CPU 501 outputs.The output unit 512 that is made of display, loud speaker etc. also is connected to input/output interface 510.

And, the memory cell 5613 that constitutes by hard disk etc. and by such as the network 41 of internet and also be connected to input/output interface 510 with communication unit 514 that other devices carry out data communication.Driver 515 is used for from removable medium 521 sense datas that are made of recording medium, and is used for writing data in removable medium 521 described recording medium such as disk, CD, magneto optical disk or semiconductor memory.

In the situation in hard disk 63, such CPU 501 control communication units 514 of personal computer 500 obtain the EPG information of being edited from editing server 32, and control output unit 512 shows the EPG information of being edited on display.

Identical under the situation of the hard disk 63 that the flow chart general and with reference to Figure 14 of the EPG information acquisition process of being edited by CPU 501 illustrates.Therefore, omit the detailed description of the EPG information acquisition process of being edited.

As mentioned above, personal computer 500 obtains the EPG information of being edited from editing server 32, and makes display show the EPG information of being edited.Therefore, personal computer 500 can provide the EPG information that the user sees easily.

Notice that as described in reference Figure 24 to 36, personal computer 500 can obtain EPG information from EPG server 31 by network 41, and produce the EPG information of being edited.

Also may make hardware carry out aforesaid series of processes, perhaps make software carry out described processing series as mentioned above.Making software carry out in the described processing series, the program that constitutes software is installed in the computer that is incorporated in specialized hardware or the all-purpose computer etc. from recording medium etc., and described computer can be carried out various functions by various programs are installed therein.

As Fig. 4-6, shown in Figure 24 and Figure 38, described recording medium is not only by removable medium 121,171,235 or 521 constitute, and by ROM 102,152,232 or 502, memory cell 113 or 163, program storage 208, the formations such as hard disk that comprise memory cell 513, described removable medium 121,171,235 or 521 comprise disk (comprising floppy disk), CD (comprising CD-ROM (compact disk-read-only memory) and DVD (digital multi-purpose disk)), magneto optical disk (comprising MD (miniature hdd) (registered trade mark)) or the encapsulation medium that constitutes by semiconductor memory etc., wherein write down program, they are distributed to provide described program from corresponding device thereof independently to the user, described ROM 102,152,232 or 502, memory cell 113 or 163, program storage 208, comprise in the hard disk of memory cell 513 and stored program, they are provided to the user with the state that wherein said device is merged in computer.

Notice that in this manual, the step that is used to describe the program that will be provided by medium not only comprises the processing of carrying out with time sequencing according to described order, though and comprise processing parallel or that carry out independently--always do not handle with time sequencing.

In this manual, system representation comprises the whole device of a plurality of devices.

Application on the industry

As mentioned above, according to the present invention, might provide EPG. On concrete, might provide the user to hold The EPG information of easily seeing, and effectively in limited screen space, show described EPG information.

Claims (16)

1. information processing system comprises:

First information processing unit, it provides information about broadcasted content by network;

Second information processor, it is connected to network, and the communicating by letter of execution and first information processing unit;

The 3rd information processor, it is connected to network, and carries out and the communicating by letter of second information processor, and it is characterized in that

Described first information processing unit comprises being used for providing about first of the information of broadcasted content to second information processor provides parts,

Described second information processor comprises:

First obtains parts, is used to obtain the information about broadcasted content that provides from first information processing unit;

Editor's parts, be used to edit information about broadcasted content, form so a kind of image so that obtain the pairing image of the information about broadcasted content that parts obtain by first, it has the image size of the size of the display screen that shows described image greatly thereon, and has such formation, wherein, always on display screen the timetable of display of broadcast content, corresponding to the broadcast station name of this timetable, corresponding to time of this timetable and the function button or the predetermined labels that are used for the timetable that the operation change by the user is shown; And

Second provides parts, is used for the information about broadcasted content after the 3rd information processor is provided at the editor who is edited by editor's parts, and

The 3rd information processor comprises:

Second obtains parts, is used to obtain the information about broadcasted content behind the editor who provides from second information processor; And

Display control unit spare is used for the demonstration of control chart picture, and described image is corresponding to obtaining the information about broadcasted content behind editor that parts obtain by second.

2. information processor, it is characterized in that comprising: editor's parts, be used to edit information about broadcasted content, so that be formed so a kind of image about pairing first image of the information of broadcasted content, it has the image size of the size of the display screen that shows first image greatly thereon, and has such formation, wherein, the timetable of display of broadcast content on display screen always, broadcast station name corresponding to this timetable, corresponding to the time of this timetable, and the function button or the predetermined labels that are used for the timetable that the operation change by the user is shown.

3. according to the information processor of claim 2, it is characterized in that, described editor's parts editor about the information of broadcasted content so that first image has such formation, wherein, arrange timetable at preposition, corresponding to the broadcast station name of timetable, corresponding to time and the function button or the mark of timetable, and arranged a plurality of second images, they have the big or small identical image size with display screen.

4. according to the information processor of claim 3, it is characterized in that, described editor's parts editor about the information of broadcasted content so that described first image has such formation, in described formation, a plurality of second images have been arranged, each has the combination of broadcast station name and time described a plurality of second image, and each combination differs from one another.

5. according to the information processor of claim 2, it is characterized in that also comprising:

The request parts are used for from providing about another information processor request of the information of broadcasted content information about broadcasted content; And

Obtain parts, be used to the information about broadcasted content that provides from another information processor based on the request parts is provided, and it is characterized in that

Editor's parts editor is by obtaining the information about broadcasted content that parts obtain.

6. according to the information processor of claim 2, it is characterized in that also comprising: memory unit is used to store the information about broadcasted content by editor's parts editor.

7. according to the information processor of claim 2, it is characterized in that also comprising: parts are provided, are used for providing by the information about broadcasted content of editing the parts editor to another information processor.

8. according to the information processor of claim 2, it is characterized in that also comprising: display control unit spare is used to control and demonstration by editor parts editor's corresponding first image of the information about broadcasted content.

9. information processing method, it is characterized in that comprising: edit step, be used to edit information about broadcasted content, so that be formed so a kind of image about pairing first image of the information of broadcasted content, it has the image size of the size of the display screen that shows first image greatly thereon, and has such formation, wherein, the timetable of display of broadcast content on display screen always, broadcast station name corresponding to this timetable, corresponding to the time of this timetable, and the function button or the predetermined labels that are used for the timetable that the operation change by the user is shown.

10. according to the information processing method of claim 9, it is characterized in that, described edit step editor about the information of broadcasted content so that first image has such formation, wherein, arrange timetable at preposition, corresponding to the broadcast station name of timetable, corresponding to time and the function button or the mark of timetable, and arranged a plurality of second images, they have the big or small identical image size with display screen.

11. information processing method according to claim 10, it is characterized in that, described edit step editor about the information of broadcasted content so that described first image has such formation, in described formation, a plurality of second images have been arranged, each has the combination of broadcast station name and time described a plurality of second image, and each combination differs from one another.

12., it is characterized in that also comprising according to the information processing method of claim 9:

Request step is from providing about another information processor request of the information of broadcasted content information about broadcasted content; And

Obtaining step the information about broadcasted content that provides from another information processor in request step is provided, and is it is characterized in that

The information that described edit step editor obtains at obtaining step about broadcasted content.

13. according to the information processing method of claim 9, it is characterized in that also comprising: storing step is stored in edit step editor's the information about broadcasted content.

14., it is characterized in that also comprising: step is provided, is provided at edit step editor's information to another information processor about broadcasted content according to the information processing method of claim 9.

15., it is characterized in that also comprising: show controlled step, control and demonstration at edit step editor's corresponding first image of the information about broadcasted content according to the information processing method of claim 9.

16. an information processing system comprises:

First information processing unit, it provides information about broadcasted content by network;

Second information processor, it is connected to network, and the communicating by letter of execution and first information processing unit, and it is characterized in that

Described first information processing unit comprises being used for providing about first of the information of broadcasted content to second information processor provides parts,

Described second information processor comprises:

First obtains parts, is used to obtain the information about broadcasted content that provides from first information processing unit;

Editor's parts, be used to edit information about broadcasted content, form so a kind of image so that obtain the pairing image of the information about broadcasted content that parts obtain by first, it has the image size of the size of the display screen that shows described image greatly thereon, and has such formation, wherein, always on display screen the timetable of display of broadcast content, corresponding to the broadcast station name of timetable, corresponding to time of this timetable and the function button or the predetermined labels that are used for the timetable that the operation change by the user is shown; With

Display control unit spare is used for the demonstration of control chart picture, and described image is corresponding to by the information about broadcasted content behind the editor parts editor.

Images