JP2000339857A - Video viewing and listening system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To secure the latitude of life at the time of viewing an listening by maintaining pleasure in viewing and listening similar to that in those in real time, even in the case of missing viewing and listening the head of a program or suspending viewing and listening the program on the way at the time of real-time broadcasting of the program. SOLUTION: This video viewing and listening system capable of recording picture contents being broadcast by cable or on-air and viewing and listening a recorded picture part of the same contents while recording the contents is provided with a controller 101 for controlling contraction of a reproducing time of the recorded picture part, when viewing and listening of the recorded picture part of the same contents are started during recording the contents. This control device 101 operates the contraction control, for example, so as to almost synchronize the reproducing time of the contents of the recorded picture part with the finish time of the contents being broadcast in real time.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a recording and viewing system which receives broadcasted video and audio, constantly records the recording on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a DVD, and reproduces the recording and, more specifically, a wired or wireless system. The present invention relates to a recording / viewing system capable of recording a content being broadcast by a user and allowing a user to view a recorded portion of the same content while recording the content.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when a program (content) to be broadcasted on a television cannot be viewed in real time, video recording is performed and the program is viewed after the broadcast of the program ends. By video recording, the user can watch the program he / she wants to watch at his / her favorite time, and the user's life is more flexible. On the other hand, a near video-on-demand system (NVOD system) has been proposed in which the same program is provided to a plurality of channels with a certain time difference even if the user does not record the program, and the program is viewed at his / her favorite timing. Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 9-214895, entitled "Video / Audio Signal Editing / Sending Device and Method" discloses a technique for efficiently realizing the NVOD system.

[0003]

However, the above prior art has the following problems. In other words, conventionally, in order to properly grasp the story of the program,
The only option is to watch a program broadcast in real time from the beginning of the program, or to view the recorded program after video recording of the program is completed. Therefore, if the program you want to watch is missed from the beginning of the program while the program is being broadcast in real time, you can watch the program from the middle without knowing the program introduction unit, It is necessary to watch the head of the program that has been recorded after the end and to adjust the result as a result. In any case, there is a problem that the enjoyment of watching the program is reduced by half.

[0004] In addition, when viewing is resumed after the viewing is temporarily interrupted (toilets, telephone responses, etc.) during viewing, the viewing space ends during viewing interruption as in the case of watching sports, for example. There is a problem that the enjoyment of watching the program is halved, for example, the impression is reduced by half. On the other hand, since it is difficult to know when to show, there is a problem that the viewing cannot be interrupted on the way, the use of time is restricted, and the degree of freedom in life during viewing is limited.

In order to solve these problems,
Even if it is possible to view the already recorded portion of the program being recorded while recording the program (content) being broadcast by wire or wirelessly, the recorded program is being viewed at a time later than the actual broadcast time As a matter of fact, there was a problem that the realism of watching the broadcast in real time was halved.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a sense of realism that a user is watching a broadcast in real time even if he or she fails to view a start portion of a program (content). Aim.

[0007] Further, the present invention has been made in view of the above, and when a program (content) is provided in real time, even if the viewer fails to view the head of the program or interrupts the viewing midway through the program, It is an object of the present invention to provide a recording / viewing system that can maintain the same enjoyment as watching a real-time broadcast, and can secure a degree of freedom in life at the time of viewing.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, a recording and viewing system according to claim 1 is capable of recording a content being broadcast by wire or wirelessly, and recording the same content while recording the content. In a recording / viewing system capable of viewing a recorded part, a control unit is provided for performing control to shorten the reproduction time of the recorded part when viewing of the recorded part of the same content is started during recording of the content. It is a thing.

In other words, according to the present invention, when a recorded portion is viewed while the content is being recorded, the control unit reduces the reproduction time of the recorded portion. This allows the user to view the recorded portion in a short time.

In the recording and viewing system according to a second aspect of the present invention, in the recording and viewing system according to the first aspect, the control unit controls the reproduction time of the already recorded portion so as to substantially coincide with the broadcast end time of the content. Is performed.

In other words, according to the present invention, when a recorded portion is viewed while the content is being recorded, the control unit reduces the reproduction time of the recorded portion so as to substantially match the broadcast end time of the content. Thus, the viewing can be ended at the same time as the end of the content being broadcast, and for example, it becomes possible to view the content to be broadcast next in real time.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the recording / viewing system according to the first aspect, the control unit sets the control unit so that the control unit has a shortest time in a range in which the viewer can recognize that the viewer has viewed the program. A control for shortening the reproduction time of the already recorded portion is performed, and when the reproduction of the already recorded portion is completed, switching to the viewing of the content being broadcast is performed.

That is, according to the present invention, when a recorded portion is viewed during recording of the content, the reproduction time of the recorded portion is reduced to the shortest time that can be recognized as having been viewed by the control means. After viewing, the content being broadcast can be viewed in real time. When the reproduction of the already recorded part ends, the viewing is automatically switched to the content being broadcast.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording and viewing system, comprising: receiving means for receiving a content being broadcast by wire or wireless; storage means for storing the content received by the receiving means; And a control unit for controlling each of the units, wherein the interruption signal interrupts the viewing of the content while the content being broadcast is being viewed in real time. Interrupt signal input means for inputting, and start signal input means for inputting a start signal to start viewing the interrupted content,
The control means, when the start signal is input by the start signal input means, the content stored by the storage means after the input of the interruption signal by the interruption signal input means, the reproduction means Is controlled and reproduced.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the recording and viewing system according to the fourth aspect, the storage means further stores the content start time together with the storage of the content received by the receiving means. When the control means receives a start signal from the start signal input means, and when the content start time is after the input of the interruption signal by the interruption signal input means, The content stored in the storage means is reproduced by controlling the reproduction means.

A recording and viewing system according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the recording and viewing system according to the fourth or fifth aspect, further comprising shortening means for shortening the content when the storage means stores the content. The reproducing means reproduces the content shortened by the shortening means.

A recording and viewing system according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the recording and viewing system according to the fourth or fifth aspect, further comprising shortening means for shortening the content stored by the storage means, Reproduces the content shortened by the shortening means.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the recording / viewing system according to the sixth or seventh aspect, the control means controls the shortening means so that the content being broadcasted in real time is minimized. The content is shortened so as to catch up quickly.

The recording and viewing system according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the recording and viewing system according to the sixth or seventh aspect, further comprising end time setting means for setting a content end time, and By controlling the shortening means, the content is shortened so as to end reproduction of the content stored in the storage means at substantially the same time as the content end time set by the end time setting means.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the recording and viewing system according to any one of the sixth to ninth aspects, the shortening means includes a CM in the middle of the content.
The content is shortened by the CM cut processing of cutting the content.

The recording and viewing system according to the eleventh aspect is the recording and viewing system according to any one of the sixth to ninth aspects, further comprising a digest based on structured data attached as additional information of the content. Digest creating means for creating a digest version of the content by creation processing is provided, and the shortening means shortens the content by digest creation processing by the digest creating means.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the recording and viewing system according to the seventh, eighth or ninth aspect, the shortening means reproduces the content stored in the storage means at a high speed. The content is shortened by processing.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the video recording and viewing system according to any one of the tenth, eleventh and twelfth aspects, the video recording and viewing system further comprises a time from when the interruption signal is input to when the start signal is input. And selecting means for selecting the CM cut processing, the digest creation processing, or the high-speed reproduction processing according to the elapsed time of the content or the elapsed time from the content start time to the time when the start signal is input.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the recording and viewing system according to the eleventh aspect, the recording and viewing system further includes history storage means for storing a past viewing history.
The control means controls the digest creation means to create a digest version of the content based on the viewing history stored in the history storage means.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the video recording and viewing system according to the fourteenth aspect, the control means controls the reproducing means when a current time is earlier than the content start time. Then, the digest version created by the digest creating means is reproduced.

A recording and viewing system according to a sixteenth aspect is the recording and viewing system according to any one of the tenth to fourteenth aspects, wherein the control means controls the reproduction means, and During the CM broadcast in the middle of the received content, the content shortened by the CM cut processing, the digest creation processing, the high-speed reproduction processing, or a combination thereof is reproduced.

A recording and viewing system according to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention is the recording and viewing system according to any one of the fourth to sixteenth aspects, further comprising the interruption signal, the start signal, the content start time, the content end time, and the like. Remote control transmitting and receiving means for transmitting and receiving the information of

[0028]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment of the present invention, a case where a TV program is viewed mainly will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this and can be similarly applied to a system which listens to a program including only audio such as a radio broadcast.

First, the overall configuration of the recording and viewing system of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the recording and viewing system of the present invention. The recording and viewing system 100 includes a control device 101, a receiving device 102, a storage device 103, a reproducing device 104, and a display device 105.
And an input device 106.

The control device 101 includes the recording / viewing system 10
0, and further controls CM cut processing, high-speed reproduction processing, digest creation processing, and the like, which will be described later. The control device 100 includes a microcomputer or a high-performance CPU.

The receiving device 102 is a device that receives various broadcasts provided by terrestrial broadcasting, satellite broadcasting, cable television, the Internet, and the like. The receiving device 102
An antenna, a cable, a telephone line, and the like are appropriately provided in accordance with a broadcasting mode, and are converted into necessary electric signals by a tuner unit or the like (not shown). In addition, the receiving apparatus 102 includes an image capture unit 112 that captures video and audio as needed. The image capture unit 112 performs a preceding operation for compressing a program by a compression unit described below. The receiving device 102 can receive not only one channel but also a plurality of channels.

The storage device 103 is a device for storing (recording) a program received by the receiving device 102. The storage device 103 also stores a program start time in addition to a program.
The storage device 103 stores program data using a storage medium such as an HDD, a DVD, or a memory. The program data includes structured data to be described later, in addition to the image and audio data recognized by the viewer. The program data to be recorded always records a program (program contents) of a channel set at the time of initial setting or a channel being viewed by a predetermined recording method. When the storage capacity overflows or the storage expiration date has passed, overwriting is performed and recording is repeated. However, it is possible to set overwrite prohibition for a specific program, and it is also possible to provide a plurality of storage media and perform temporary storage and storage separately.

The storage device 103 includes a compression unit 113, and compresses the video and audio captured by the image capture unit 112, thereby contributing to saving the capacity of the storage medium. As the compression format, an MPEG1 format, an MPEG2 format for high image quality, an MPEG4 format for low bandwidth, and other compression methods are selectively used as necessary.

The program recorded by the storage device 103 is not limited to a single channel program, but may be a program recording a plurality of channel programs in order to enhance user convenience. FIG.
In the above, the image capture unit 112 and the compression unit 113 are configured to be built in the receiving device 102 and the storage device 103, respectively.

The playback device 104 is a device that plays back a program recorded in the storage device 103. The playback device 104
A decompression unit 114 for decompressing the program data compressed by the compression unit 113 is provided. For example, if the compression format of the compression unit 113 is MP
In the case of the EG format, a normal TV signal (NT
(SC method), and outputs a signal that can be viewed on a display device described later.

The display device 105 is a device for displaying a program received by the receiving device 102 or a program reproduced by the reproducing device 104. Although not shown in the drawing, the display device 105 has a switching unit, and appropriately switches an input signal from the receiving device 102 and an input signal from the reproducing device 104. However, depending on the mode of use, both signals can be displayed simultaneously by dividing the screen. The display device 105 has C
It consists of an RT monitor or a liquid crystal monitor.

The input device 106 is a device through which a user performs an operation input through the control device 101. More specifically, it is composed of a remote controller or a switch provided in each device, and the input signals include a start signal, an interruption signal, a program start time, a program end time, and the like, which will be described later.

Next, reproduction when the viewing is interrupted will be described. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for describing the reproduction of a program when the suspended viewing is resumed. The user is currently watching program A. Program A is receiving device 1
02, and is composed of A1, A2, A3, A4, etc. as appropriate according to the program, that is, the program content or scene. A CM is inserted in the middle of program A, and a CM inserted after A1 is displayed as Ca1, and a CM inserted after A2 is displayed as Ca2 #.
The storage device 103 stores the program A in the order
(Including the CM in Program A). Note that the receiving device 102 always receives the provided program and stores it in the storage device 10.
3 records the program received by the receiving apparatus 102 at all times, but it may receive and record only a necessary part depending on the mode of use. For example, recording may be started only when a later-described interruption signal is input.

When the user interrupts or starts (resumes) the viewing midway through the program, for example, by operating one or more switches provided on the remote control or the storage device 103 or other device main body, a signal for interrupting the viewing is provided. , And a start signal that is a signal to start (resume) viewing. In the case of FIG. 2, the user inputs a stop signal in the middle of the program A2, inputs a restart signal in the middle of the program A3, and suspends viewing during this time.

The control device 101 causes the storage device 103 and the playback device 1 to play the program from the middle of the program A2 stored in the storage device 103 when the start signal is input.
04 and the display device 105 are controlled.

In FIG. 2, the control device 101 controls so as to start reproduction from the part where the viewing was interrupted. In addition to this, the control device 101 also performs shortened reproduction. By performing the abbreviated reproduction, the user can view the program in the same way as watching the program in real time, and the degree of freedom in life is increased.

As a method of shortening and reproducing the program after the interruption signal after the resumption of viewing, a reproduction method for performing reproduction control of a recorded part so as to end reproduction at substantially the same time as the time when the program A ends (hereinafter referred to as appropriate) Synchronous playback) and a playback system that plays back the program after the interruption signal after the resumption of viewing and controls playback of the recorded part so as to catch up with the real-time broadcast as soon as possible (hereinafter referred to as catch-up playback as appropriate). Can be

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the concept of synchro reproduction and catch-up reproduction. By performing the synchronized playback or the catch-up playback, even if the viewing is interrupted, the framework of the entire program can be understood, and the real-time property is not impaired.

Before describing the playback method (synchronous playback and catch-up playback) of the abbreviated playback in FIG. 3, processing means for realizing the abbreviated playback will be described. There are various means for realizing the shortened reproduction. Here, CM cut processing for cutting CM, high-speed reproduction processing for increasing reproduction speed,
A digest creation process using structured data, which will be described later, or a process combining these will be described. These processes are performed by a CPU (not shown) in the control device 101. Depending on the mode of use, various processes may be performed by the storage device 103 or the playback device 104 while being controlled by the control device 101. Next, CM cut processing, digest creation processing, and high-speed reproduction processing will be described.

In the CM cut processing, C
This is a process for deleting M. As a method for realizing this, it may be performed by detecting a sudden change in screen brightness, sound, etc. in the program A, or may be performed based on structured data described later. A portion may be cut. In addition, since the time zone during which the CM is broadcast is substantially determined, this information may be used. It is also possible to provide the control device 101 with an AI function so that the control device 101 can learn the CM cut processing.

Next, the digest creation processing will be described. The digest creation process is a process of restructuring a program by selecting or thinning out a program using structured data. Structured data is data to be attached to a broadcast program in the future. For example, a news program is composed of various programs such as domestic news (metropolitan area, local), overseas news, weather forecast, and the like. Structured data includes various information such as its broadcast time, cast, and shooting location. Is provided. Also, in the case of sports broadcasting, it is composed of various data such as an introduction of team members, and in the case of horse racing broadcasting, such as recent wins and losses of each horse. The digest creation process uses broadcast time, scene switching, CM broadcast time, and the like in the structured data.

The most efficient method of providing structured data is to provide it on a broadcast wave and at the same time as the program. In particular, in sports broadcasting where the broadcast content changes in real time, it is necessary to be provided at the same time as the program. For example, in a baseball broadcast, a scene with a score needs to be immediately attached as structured data to that effect. This allows
Even in abbreviated playback, you do not have to overlook the scoring scene,
User convenience is improved. As an aspect other than the radio wave, it can be provided, for example, in a TV program introduction magazine. In particular, this provision mode is suitable for a content whose content is determined in advance, such as a drama.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the structured data and the digest version by the digest creation processing. In the figure, a digest version D 'is created from the overseas news, the weather forecast, the score of Team A, and the interview after the game from the program D. As another specific example, a digest version can be created by connecting only the sports score scenes, and if there is scene switching information, it can be used to merge the same scene for a long time to greatly reduce the time. You can also.

The high-speed playback process is a process in which the playback device 104 increases the playback speed of a program under the control of the control device 101. The simplest method of increasing the reproduction speed is, for example, a fast-forward method, whereby the video and the audio can be reproduced to the extent that they do not feel uncomfortable. Further, a process of keeping the frequency constant using Fourier transform and inverse Fourier transform may be performed as appropriate so that the voice tone does not increase.

In addition to the above-described shortened playback processing, for example, index data may be added at regular intervals during recording, and thinned-out playback may be performed based on the data.

Returning to FIG. 3, synchro reproduction and catch-up reproduction will be described. In the figure, viewing is interrupted from the middle of the program A2 to the middle of the program A3. In "reproduction content 1", high-speed reproduction at a constant speed is performed by the high-speed reproduction processing so that reproduction of the program ends at the program end time. In this case, since the entire contents of the program A (after the middle of A2) are reproduced, the user can view the program A without fail, and the next program can be viewed from the beginning of the program. Increases convenience.

In the "reproduction content 2", the program is reproduced by CM cut processing. In the figure, the shortened playback that only cuts the CM is performed. As a result, the synchronized playback is performed. However, if the interruption time is short, catch up with the real-time broadcast by the end time of the A program. Play.

In "reproduction contents 3", shortened reproduction is performed by digest creation processing and CM cut processing. Here, a state is shown in which the program A4 being broadcast catches up with the real-time broadcast in the middle. still,
Synchronous reproduction or catch-up reproduction can also be performed by appropriately combining the high-speed reproduction processing, the CM cut processing, and the digest creation processing described above, thereby providing the user with the same viewing enjoyment as real-time program viewing.

Up to now, in the case where the interruption signal and the start signal are input, the method of performing the shortened reproduction after the input of the start signal with the viewing interrupted during this period has been described, but the interruption signal and the start signal are always input. It is not necessary.
For example, the user can also perform replay viewing by designating “catch-up playback from 5 minutes ago” by appropriately operating a remote controller or the like. In this case, the storage device 10
3 needs to record a program at all times.

Further, in order to perform abbreviated reproduction when the beginning of the program is missed, the user inputs the program start time, or the program start time is automatically input by using structured data. Thus, catch-up reproduction or synchronized reproduction can be performed from the beginning of the program.

The user can also set the method used for the shortened reproduction in advance. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a flow of selecting a process used for abbreviated reproduction at the start of recording. The user can perform “speed-up”, “CM cut”,
Specify a mode such as "digest viewing". Needless to say, there are also these combination modes. The control device 101 performs shortened playback at the time of playback according to the designated mode. Note that the CM cut process and the digest creation process may be performed on a program stored in the storage device 103, but a shortening process is performed when the program is transferred from the reception device 102 to the storage device 103 and stored. You may. In other words, a CM cut process or a digest creation process may be performed during recording.

On the other hand, in addition to the shortened reproduction by the setting of the user, the mode of the shortened reproduction may be automatically selected according to the viewing suspension time (missing time). FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing a concept of a processing flow in which a means for abbreviated reproduction is automatically selected according to the viewing suspension time (missing time). In the figure, the CM cut processing is performed when the viewing suspension time of the program is short, that is, within 10 minutes. When the viewing suspension time is about 10 to 20 minutes, shortened reproduction is performed by the CM cutting processing and the high-speed reproduction processing. And the viewing interruption time is 20
If the time is longer than a minute, the short reproduction is performed by the digest creation processing.

In consideration of the fact that some users have a preference for the shortened reproduction method, it is also possible to preset either the synchronized reproduction or the catch-up reproduction in advance by default. For example, a user who frequently watches a suspense program is likely to prefer synchronized playback because he wants to view the details of the program, and frequently views a news program, particularly frequently watches overseas news, and views a weather forecast. Infrequent users may prefer catch-up playback, such as viewing the digest version.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram in which either the synchro reproduction or the catch-up reproduction is set as a default in advance. When the user uses the recording / viewing system for the first time or each time the viewing is started, the user operates the remote controller or a plurality of switches of the apparatus main body to interactively check on the display device 105 to perform either synchro playback or catch-up playback. Select When the synchronized reproduction is selected, the end time of the program to be viewed is input by a remote controller or the like, the remaining time is calculated while comparing the current time with the current time, and the shortening method is appropriately determined.

On the other hand, when the catch-up reproduction is selected, a digest version is created, and speed-up reproduction, CM cut recording and the like are performed as necessary. It is needless to say that even when synchronous playback is selected, catch-up playback may occur as a result of catching up with real-time broadcasting due to the interruption time. Also, no matter which playback method is selected, it does not prevent the various processes (CM cut, high-speed playback process, digest creation process) used for the shortened playback from being appropriately combined.

The recording and viewing system of the present invention is not used only for shortening and reproducing the interrupted portion when the viewing of the real-time broadcast is interrupted. That is, the recording and viewing system of the present invention performs the digest creation process based on the structured data.For example, when watching a serial drama or news, and when there is a free time before the start of the program, Until the program start time, a past digest version can be inserted and connected to the main broadcast. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating how a news digest is created from a recorded program already recorded in the storage device 103. Here, a state in which a news digest is created from the news of yesterday and the news of yesterday is shown.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a state in which the digest version up to the previous time is inserted before the program start time of the serial drama and connected to the main broadcast. One hour before the program start time of the program E (sixth), the user presses the "insert synopsis" button appropriately arranged on the remote controller one hour before the program E (sixth), and the number of missed times, date and time, and channel data And so on.

Here, it is assumed that the fourth and fifth programs E are overlooked. The control device 101 executes the past program E recorded in the storage device 103 based on the input data.
Then, using the structured data, a digest version is created for the number of missed times. 1 to play the outline of program E
If 0 minutes is required, the fact is displayed on the display device 105, the reproduction is automatically started 10 minutes before the main broadcast (program E (sixth)), and after the reproduction is completed, the program E (sixth) Switch to broadcast.

Also, a digest version of the head of a missed program can be inserted into a CM of a real-time broadcast.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating program reproduction in which a recorded digest version is inserted into a CM of a real-time broadcast. In particular, when a short time at the beginning of a program is missed, by replaying the portion missed during the CM broadcast, the program is consistent and the user can view the program with a higher degree of freedom. Needless to say, what is inserted in the CM is not limited to the digest version at the beginning of the program, but may be a program that is shortened and reproduced by other CM cut processing, high-speed reproduction processing, or the like.

The various operations described above can be operated by the main body of each device or a remote controller. 11 and 12
Is operated by operating the main unit or the remote control switch.
It is a flowchart showing the processing flow which performs short reproduction.
FIG. 11 shows the flow of processing when an “interruption switch” or “resume switch” appropriately disposed on the apparatus main body or the remote controller is pressed, and FIG. This shows the flow of processing when the "midway viewing start switch" is pressed.

The control device 101 determines whether or not the interruption switch has been pressed (step S201). If there is no press (Step S201: NO), Step S20
1 is repeated, and if there is a press (step S20
1: YES), the storage device 103 is controlled to record the program contents after the interruption switch is pressed (step S20).
2). Note that the storage device 103 may be constantly recording.

Subsequently, the control device 101 determines whether or not the restart switch has been pressed (step S203).
If there is no press (step S203: NO), the recording is continued, and if the resume switch is pressed (step S2).
03: YES), the control device 101 calculates the suspension time (step S204). The control device performs the shortened reproduction according to the user's designation or the interruption time (step S
205).

Next, the flow when the middle viewing start switch is pressed down will be described with reference to FIG. Control device 10
1 judges whether or not the midway viewing start switch has been pressed (step S301). When there is no press (Step S301: NO), Step S301 is repeated, and when the press is correct (Step S301: YES), the control device 101 calculates the interruption time from the program start time (Step S302). The control device 101 performs the shortened reproduction according to the user's designation or the interruption time (step S303).

[0069]

As described above, according to the recording / viewing system of the present invention (claims 1 to 3), when a recorded portion is viewed during recording of the content, the control means sets the playback time of the recorded portion. In order to shorten the time, even if the user fails to view the start portion of the program (content), the user can view the recorded portion in a short time, and can obtain a sense of realism that the user is watching the broadcast in real time. In particular, when the control means performs control to shorten the reproduction time of the already recorded portion so as to substantially coincide with the broadcast end time of the content, the viewing can be ended at the same time as the end of the content being broadcast. It is possible to watch the content to be played in real time. Further, when the control means shortens the reproduction time of the already recorded portion to the shortest time that can be recognized as having been viewed, and when the reproduction of the already recorded portion is automatically switched to the viewing of the content being broadcast, , The content being broadcast can be viewed in real time.

Further, in the recording and viewing system of the present invention (claim 4), the receiving means receives the content broadcast by wire or wireless, the storage means stores the content received by the receiving means, and the reproducing means stores the content. The content stored in the storage means is reproduced, the control means controls each means, the interruption signal input means inputs a suspension signal for suspending the viewing of the content being broadcast in real time, and the start signal input means outputs the content signal. Input a start signal to start watching,
The control means, when a start signal is input by the start signal input means, to reproduce the content stored by the storage means after the input of the interruption signal by the interruption signal input means, by controlling the reproduction means, Even when the viewing is interrupted halfway through the program (content), it is possible to maintain the same enjoyment as viewing a real-time broadcast.

In the recording and viewing system according to the present invention (claim 5), the storage means stores the content start time together with the storage of the content received by the reception means, and the control means determines whether the content start time is an interruption signal. If it is after the input, since the content stored by the storage unit after the content start time is controlled and played back by the playback unit, even if the head of the program (content) is not watched, the real-time broadcast can be performed. It is possible to maintain the same enjoyment of viewing as watching.

Further, the recording / viewing system according to the present invention is characterized in that the shortening means shortens the content when the content is stored in the storage means, and the reproducing means reproduces the content shortened by the shortening means. Thus, it is possible to maintain the same enjoyment of viewing as watching real-time broadcasting.

In the recording / viewing system according to the present invention, the shortening means shortens the content stored in the storage means, and the reproducing means reproduces the content shortened by the shortening means. ) Even if the user fails to view the head, it is possible to maintain the same pleasure as watching a real-time broadcast.

Further, in the recording and viewing system of the present invention (claim 8), the control means controls the shortening means to shorten the content so as to catch up with the content being broadcast in real time as soon as possible. Is provided, even if you fail to view the head of the program (content) or interrupt the viewing midway through the program (content), maintain the same enjoyment as watching a real-time broadcast, It is possible to provide a video recording / viewing system that secures a degree of freedom in life.

Also, in the recording and viewing system of the present invention (claim 9), the end time setting means sets the content end time, the control means controls the shortening means, and the content set by the end time setting means. In order to shorten the content stored in the storage means at approximately the same time as the end time, the program (content) is viewed in real time when the program (content) is provided in real time. Even if it is damaged or the program is interrupted halfway through the program (content), the enjoyment of watching the same as watching a real-time broadcast is maintained without any unnecessary extension of the viewing time, and the freedom of life when watching is maintained. It is possible to provide a recording and viewing system that secures the degree.

In the recording / viewing system according to the present invention (claim 10), the shortening means may include a CM in the middle of a program (content).
Since the program (contents) is shortened by the CM cut processing of cutting the CM, it is possible to view and listen to CMs irrelevant to the program (contents) contents.

Also, in the recording / viewing system according to the present invention (claim 11), the digest creating means creates a digest version of the content by digest creation processing based on the structured data attached as additional information of the content, and shortens the digest version. Means for shortening the content by the digest creation processing by the digest creation means,
It is possible to view programs (contents) that match the user's preferences.

Also, in the recording and viewing system of the present invention (claim 12), the shortening means shortens the contents by high-speed reproduction processing for reproducing the contents stored in the storage means at high speed. ) The content can be viewed.

Further, in the recording / viewing system according to the present invention (claim 13), the selecting means may input the start signal from the elapsed time from the time when the interruption signal is input to the time when the start signal is input or from the content start time. According to the elapsed time up to the specified time, the user selects the CM cut processing, the digest creation processing or the high-speed reproduction processing.
Alternatively, selection can be made according to the interruption time.

Further, in the recording / viewing system according to the present invention (claim 14), the history storage means stores the past viewing history, and the control means controls the digest creation means to store the viewing / listening stored in the history storage means. Since a digest version of the content is created based on the history, efficient digest version creation is possible.

Further, in the recording / viewing system according to the present invention (claim 15), when the current time is earlier than the content start time, the control means controls the reproduction means and the digest creation means creates the digest. Since the digest version is reproduced, the outline (summary) of the previous broadcast can be understood, and the enjoyment of viewing is improved.

Further, in the recording / viewing system according to the present invention (claim 16), the control means controls the reproducing means so that the CM broadcast during the content being received by the receiving means can be performed.
Since the content shortened by the cut processing, the digest creation processing, the high-speed reproduction processing, or a combination thereof is reproduced, when the viewing suspension time is short, the program (content) whose viewing has been suspended can be viewed. Of the broadcast can be viewed, and the enjoyment of watching is improved.

Further, in the recording / viewing system according to the present invention (claim 17), the remote control transmission / reception means has an interruption signal, a start signal,
Since the content start time, the content end time, and other information are transmitted and received, various input operations including abbreviated playback can be performed by remote control operation.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a recording and viewing system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for describing reproduction of a program in the case of resuming interrupted viewing in the recording and viewing system of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the concept of synchronized playback and catch-up playback in the recording and viewing system of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relationship between structured data and a digest version obtained by a digest creation process.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a flow of selecting a process used for abbreviated reproduction at the start of recording in the recording / viewing system of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing a concept of a processing flow in which a means for shortened reproduction is automatically selected based on a viewing suspension time (missing time) in the recording / viewing system of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram in which either synchro reproduction or catch-up reproduction is set as default in advance in the recording and viewing system of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating how a news digest is created from a recorded program already recorded in a storage device in the recording and viewing system of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which a digest version up to the previous time is inserted before a program start time of a serial drama in the video recording / viewing system of the present invention and connected to a main broadcast.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing program reproduction in which a recorded digest version is inserted into a CM of a real-time broadcast in the recording / viewing system of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing flow for performing abbreviated reproduction by operating a device main body or a remote control switch in the recording and viewing system of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing flow for performing abbreviated playback by operating a device main body or a remote control switch in the recording and viewing system of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 100 recording / viewing system 101 control device 102 receiving device 103 storage device 104 reproducing device 105 display device 106 input device

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 5/91 H04N 5/91 H 5D044 // H04N 5/44 7/08 Z 5D066 7/08 G11B 27 / 02 K 5D110 7/081 F-term (reference) 5C025 CA02 DA01 DA05 DA10 5C052 AA01 AB04 AC01 CC11 EE03 5C053 FA14 FA23 FA24 GB37 HA24 HA26 5C056 BA10 5C063 AB03 AB07 AC01 AC10 CA16 CA23 CA34 5D044 AB07 BC01 A03A03 CC04 A04A04 BB06 CA42 CA53 CB06 CB07

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. A recording / viewing system capable of recording a content being broadcast by wire or wireless and capable of viewing a recorded portion of the same content while recording the content, wherein: A recording and viewing system, comprising: a control unit that performs control to shorten the reproduction time of the already recorded portion when the viewing of the recorded portion is started. 2. The recording and viewing system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs control to shorten the reproduction time of the recorded portion so as to substantially coincide with the broadcast end time of the content. 3. The control means performs control to shorten the reproduction time of the recorded part so as to be the shortest time in a range in which a viewer can recognize that the part has been viewed, and reproduces the recorded part. 2. The recording and viewing system according to claim 1, wherein switching to viewing of the content being broadcast is performed when the content is finished. 4. Receiving means for receiving a content being broadcast by wire or wirelessly, storing means for storing the content received by the receiving means, reproducing means for reproducing the content stored by the storing means, Control means for controlling each of the means, and a recording and viewing system comprising: while viewing the content being broadcast in real time, an interrupt signal input means for inputting an interrupt signal for interrupting the viewing of the content; A start signal input unit for inputting a start signal for starting viewing of the interrupted content, wherein the control unit is configured to output the interrupt signal when the start signal is input by the start signal input unit. Controlling the reproduction means to reproduce the content stored by the storage means after the input of the interruption signal by the input means; A recording and viewing system characterized by the following. 5. The storage unit further stores a content start time together with the storage of the content received by the reception unit, and the control unit executes a process when the start signal is input by the start signal input unit. When the content start time is after the input of the interruption signal by the interruption signal input means, the content stored by the storage means after the content start time is reproduced by controlling the reproduction means. The recording and viewing system according to claim 4, wherein: 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising shortening means for shortening the content when storing the content by the storage means, wherein the reproducing means reproduces the content shortened by the shortening means. Item 6. A recording and viewing system according to item 4 or 5. 7. The apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising shortening means for shortening the content stored by said storage means, wherein said reproducing means reproduces the content shortened by said shortening means. The recording and viewing system according to 1. 8. The recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the control unit controls the shortening unit to shorten the content so as to catch up with the content being broadcast in real time as soon as possible. Viewing system. 9. An end time setting unit for setting a content end time, wherein the control unit controls the shortening unit and sets the content end time substantially equal to the content end time set by the end time setting unit. 8. The recording and viewing system according to claim 6, wherein the content is shortened so as to end reproduction of the content stored in the storage unit. 10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the shortening unit includes a C in the middle of the content.
The recording and viewing system according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the content is shortened by a CM cut process for cutting M. 11. A digest creation unit for creating a digest version of the content by a digest creation process based on structured data attached as additional information of the content, wherein the shortening unit is provided by the digest creation unit. 10. The recording and viewing system according to claim 6, wherein the content is shortened by a digest creation process. 12. The recording and viewing system according to claim 7, wherein the shortening unit shortens the content stored in the storage unit by a high-speed playback process of playing back the content at a high speed. . 13. The CM according to an elapsed time from a time when the interruption signal is input to a time when the start signal is input or an elapsed time from the content start time to a time when the start signal is input. 10. A device according to claim 10, further comprising a selection unit for selecting a cutting process, a digest creation process, or a high-speed playback process.
13. The recording and viewing system according to 1 or 12. 14. A history storage unit for storing a past viewing history, wherein the control unit controls the digest creating unit to store a content based on the viewing history stored in the history storage unit. The recording and viewing system according to claim 11, wherein a digest version is created. 15. The method according to claim 15, wherein when the current time is before the content start time, the control unit controls the reproducing unit to reproduce the digest version created by the digest creating unit. The recording and viewing system according to claim 14. 16. The control unit controls the playback unit to execute a CM cut process, a digest creation process, a high-speed playback process, or a combination thereof during a CM broadcast in the middle of content received by the reception unit. 15. The recording and viewing system according to claim 10, wherein the shortened content is reproduced. 17. The remote control transmitting / receiving means according to claim 4, further comprising a remote control transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving said interruption signal, start signal, content start time, content end time and other information. Recording and viewing system.