JP2002335515A - Information providing equipment and method therefor, information processing equipment and method therefor recording medium and program thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make a viewer predominantly view a supplied program. SOLUTION: A communication program 143 controls the receiving of data via a network, which show the order or precedence of channels of a program transmitted from a server of a broadcasting station. On the basis of the data showing the order of precedence of the channels of the program, a data base 141 produces a file corresponding to a distribute, which contains the channels of the program which the distributer distributes, titles corresponding to the channels and the degree of precedence of channels. A server program 142 controls the transmitting of a file to the distributer via the network when requested from a personal computer which contains channels of the program which the distributer distributes to personal computers, titles corresponding to the channels and data showing the degree of priarity of channels.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information providing apparatus and method, an information processing apparatus and method, a recording medium, and a program, and more particularly to an information providing apparatus for providing or processing data for controlling reception of a program. And method,
The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and method, a recording medium, and a program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Personal computers equipped with a tuner board have come into general use.
Such a personal computer can receive a broadcast, display a program image on a monitor, and output sound.

[0003]

However, it has not been conceived that a person who supplies a broadcast causes a user of such a personal computer to preferentially view a program supplied by himself or herself.

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and has as its object to enable a viewer to preferentially view a program to be supplied.

[0005]

According to the present invention, there is provided an information providing apparatus, comprising: a receiver for receiving a program distributed by a distributor transmitted from a program supplier supplying the program to the distributor;
Receiving control means for controlling the reception of data indicating the priority of the channel of the program; and the channel of the program distributed by the distributor, the name corresponding to the channel, and the data indicating the priority of the channel. It is characterized by including file generating means for generating a corresponding file, and transmission control means for controlling transmission of the file to the recipient.

According to the information providing method of the present invention, the data indicating the priority order of the channel of the program in the receiver receiving the program distributed by the distributor transmitted from the program supplier supplying the program to the distributor is provided. A reception control processing step for controlling reception and a file generation processing step for generating a file corresponding to the distributor including data indicating the channel of the program distributed by the distributor, the name corresponding to the channel, and the priority of the channel And a transmission control processing step of controlling transmission of the file to the recipient.

[0007] The program of the first recording medium of the present invention comprises:
A reception control processing step of controlling reception of data indicating a priority order of a channel of a program at a receiver receiving a program distributed by the distributor transmitted from a program supplier supplying the program to the distributor; File generation processing step for generating a file corresponding to the distributor, including data indicating the channel of the program distributed by the distributor, the name corresponding to the channel, and the priority of the channel, and controlling the transmission of the file to the receiver And a transmission control processing step.

[0008] A first program of the present invention is a program which is transmitted from a program supplier which supplies a program to a distributor and which indicates a priority order of a channel of the program in a receiver receiving the program distributed by the distributor. Reception control processing step for controlling the reception of the program, and file generation processing for generating a file corresponding to the distributor including data indicating the channel of the program distributed by the distributor, the name corresponding to the channel, and the priority of the channel And a transmission control processing step for controlling transmission of the file to the recipient.

An information processing apparatus according to the present invention controls transmission of data indicating a channel priority order to an information providing apparatus in a receiver receiving a program distributed by a distributor corresponding to a channel of a program to be supplied. Transmission control means, and execution means for executing processing for paying a charge corresponding to the priority order of the channel indicated in the data to the administrator of the information providing apparatus.

An information processing method according to the present invention controls transmission of data indicating a priority order of channels to an information providing apparatus in a receiver receiving a program distributed by a distributor, corresponding to a channel of a program to be supplied. Transmission control processing step, and an execution processing step of executing processing for paying a fee corresponding to the priority order of the channel indicated in the data to the administrator of the information providing apparatus.

[0011] The program of the second recording medium of the present invention comprises:
A transmission control processing step of controlling transmission of data indicating the priority of the channel to the information providing device in a receiver corresponding to the channel of the program to be supplied and receiving the program distributed by the distributor; An execution process step of executing a process of paying a charge corresponding to the priority order of the channel to an administrator of the information providing apparatus.

According to a second program of the present invention, a receiver for receiving a program distributed by a distributor corresponding to a channel of a program to be supplied transmits data indicating the priority of the channel to the information providing apparatus. It is characterized by causing a computer to execute a transmission control processing step of controlling and an execution processing step of executing processing of paying a charge corresponding to the priority order of the channel indicated in the data to an administrator of the information providing apparatus.

[0013] In the information providing apparatus and method, the first recording medium, and the first program of the present invention, a program distributed by a distributor, which is transmitted from a program supplier supplying the program to the distributor, is received. At the receiver, the reception of the data indicating the priority of the channel of the program is controlled, and the distributor includes the channel of the program distributed by the distributor, the name corresponding to the channel, and the data indicating the priority of the channel. A corresponding file is generated and transmission of the file to the recipient is controlled.

[0014] In the information processing apparatus and method, the second recording medium, and the second program of the present invention, the receiver corresponding to the channel of the program to be supplied and receiving the program distributed by the distributor has the channel Transmission of the data indicating the priority order to the information providing apparatus is controlled, and a process of paying a charge corresponding to the priority order of the channel indicated in the data to the administrator of the information providing apparatus is executed.

[0015]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of a broadcasting system according to the present invention. The personal computer 1 inputs a signal supplied from the antenna 3 that has received the terrestrial wave transmitted from the program distributor 10-2, and based on the input signal, a predetermined image and sound (so-called program image and sound). Sound) and record the image and sound.

The personal computer 1 has a VCR
(Video Cassette Recorder) 7 or analog signal supplied by IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Elec)
An image and a sound corresponding to the digital data supplied from the set-top box 5 via a network such as a tronic engineer (1394) are reproduced, and the image and the sound are recorded.

The personal computer 1 receives an image or audio signal of the received program,
Alternatively, an image or audio signal of a program or a recorded image or audio signal supplied from the VCR 7 is supplied to the monitor 2.

The personal computer 1 supplies a signal corresponding to a command for operating the set-top box 5 or the VCR 7 to the light emitting unit 4 in response to a user operation.

The personal computer 1 is transmitted from a server 9 via a network 8 such as the Internet or a local area network to a TVCI (TV Channel) described later.
el Information) Receive the file. The personal computer 1 selects a broadcast channel to be received and reproduced by the antenna 3 based on the received TVCI file. The personal computer 1 selects a broadcast channel to be received by the set-top box 5 based on the received TVCI file.

The monitor 2 displays an image based on the image signal supplied from the personal computer 1 and outputs a sound based on the audio signal supplied from the personal computer 1.

The antenna 3 receives a terrestrial wave transmitted from a predetermined television broadcasting station or a program distributor 10-2, and supplies a signal corresponding to the received radio wave to the personal computer 1.

The light emitting section 4 emits light in a pattern corresponding to the command based on a signal supplied from the personal computer 1 and corresponding to a command for operating the set-top box 5 or the VCR 7.

The set top box 5 is a program distributor 1
0-1 receives a signal supplied from the antenna 6 that has received the radio wave transmitted via the artificial satellite 11, and converts the image and sound signals of a predetermined program into the personal computer 1
To supply.

The set-top box 5 executes an operation corresponding to the command when the light-emitting unit 4 receives light of a pattern corresponding to the command of the set-top box 5 that has emitted light.

The antenna 6 receives a radio wave transmitted from a predetermined television broadcasting station or program distributor 10-1 via the artificial satellite 11, and supplies a signal corresponding to the received radio wave to the set-top box 5. .

The VCR 7 records an image and audio signal of a predetermined program supplied from the personal computer 1 on a mounted video cassette or an image of a program recorded on the mounted video cassette. The audio and video signals of the reproduced predetermined program are supplied to the personal computer 1.

When the light emitting unit 4 receives light of a pattern corresponding to the command of the VCR 7 emitted from the light emitting unit 4, the VCR 7 executes an operation corresponding to the command.

The server 9 has a program distributor 10-1 or 1
A TVCI file indicating channel information corresponding to 0-2 is stored. The server 9 is a personal computer 1
In response to a request from TVCI via the network 8.
The file is transmitted to the personal computer 1.

The program distributor 10-1 has a broadcasting station 13-1,
The program supplied from the broadcast stations 13-2 and 13-4 is distributed to the personal computer 1. For example,
The program distributor 10-1 includes the broadcast station 13-1, the broadcast station 13-
2, and broadcasts the program supplied from the broadcasting station 13-4 via the artificial satellite 11.

[0030] The program distributor 10-2 has a broadcast station 13-1,
The program supplied from the broadcast stations 13-3 and 13-4 is distributed to the personal computer 1. For example,
The program distributor 10-2 broadcasts on the terrestrial wave via the broadcast antenna 12.

The broadcasting station 13-1 produces a program, and distributes the produced program to the program distributor 10-1 and the program distributor 10-2.
To supply. The server 21-1 of the broadcasting station 13-1 supplies data on the channel of the broadcasting station 13-1 to the server 9 via the network 8. In response to the server 9 generating a TVCI file based on the data on the channel supplied from the server 21-1 and transmitting the generated TVCI file to the personal computer 1,
The broadcasting station 13-1 pays a fee to the administrator of the server 9.

The broadcasting station 13-2 produces a program and supplies the produced program to the program distributor 10-1. Broadcasting station 13-
The second server 21-2 supplies data on the channel of the broadcast station 13-2 to the server 9 via the network 8. In response to the server 9 generating a TVCI file based on the data on the channel supplied from the server 21-2 and transmitting the generated TVCI file to the personal computer 1, the broadcast station 13-2 A fee is paid to the administrator of the server 9.

The broadcasting station 13-3 produces a program and supplies the produced program to the program distributor 10-2. Broadcasting station 13-
The third server 21-3 supplies data on the channel of the broadcast station 13-3 to the server 9 via the network 8. In response to the server 9 generating a TVCI file based on the data on the channel supplied from the server 21-3 and transmitting the generated TVCI file to the personal computer 1, the broadcasting station 13-3 A fee is paid to the administrator of the server 9.

The broadcasting station 13-4 produces a program, and distributes the produced program to the program distributor 10-1 and the program distributor 10-2.
To supply. The server 21-4 of the broadcasting station 13-4 supplies data on the channel of the broadcasting station 13-4 to the server 9 via the network 8. In response to the server 9 generating a TVCI file based on the channel-related data supplied from the server 21-4 and transmitting the generated TVCI file to the personal computer 1,
The broadcasting station 13-4 pays a fee to the administrator of the server 9.

Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to individually distinguish the broadcasting stations 13-1 to 3-4, they are simply referred to as the broadcasting station 13.
Hereinafter, the servers 21-1 to 21-4 are simply referred to as the servers 21 when it is not necessary to individually distinguish them.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the personal computer 1. CPU (Central Processin
g Unit) 31 actually executes an application program described later and a basic OS (Operating System). ROM (Read-Only Memory) 32 is generally a CPU
31 stores basically fixed data of programs used and parameters for calculation. RAM (Random-Acce
The ss Memory) 33 stores a program used in the execution of the CPU 31 and parameters that change as appropriate in the execution. These are interconnected by a host bus 34 composed of a CPU bus or a memory bus.

The host bus 34 is connected to a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect / Interfac
e) It is connected to an external bus 36 such as a bus.

The keyboard 38 is operated by the user when inputting various commands to the CPU 31. Mouse 39
Is operated by the user when pointing or selecting a point on the screen of the monitor 40. The monitor 40 is a CRT (C
athode Ray Tube) or liquid crystal display, etc.
Displays various information as text or images. HDD (Hard
Disk Drive) 41 and FDD (Floppy (registered trademark) Disk
Drive) 42 drives a hard disk or a floppy (registered trademark) disk, respectively, and
The program or information to be executed is recorded or reproduced. The speaker 43 reproduces a predetermined sound.

The drive 44 reads a program or data recorded on the mounted magnetic disk 47, optical disk 48, magneto-optical disk 49, or semiconductor memory 50 and installs it on the personal computer 1, or installs it on the CPU 31 or This is supplied to the RAM 33.

The keyboard 38 to the drive 44
The light emitting unit 4 is connected to an interface 37, and the interface 37 is connected to the CPU 31 via an external bus 36, a bridge 35, and a host bus 34.

The image processing board 45 controls the signal supplied from the antenna 3, the image or audio analog signal supplied from the VCR 7, or the image or audio supplied from the set top box 5 under the control of the CPU 31. Based on the digital data, predetermined image or audio data is generated and output to the HDD 41 via the external bus 36 and the interface 37.

The image processing board 45 supplies an image or audio analog signal supplied from the VCR 7 to the monitor 2 or a signal supplied from the antenna 3 or the set top box 5 under the control of the CPU 31. A predetermined image or audio analog signal is generated on the basis of the image or audio digital data supplied from.

The image processing board 45 is connected to the external bus 3
6 and the interface 37, input image or audio data recorded on the HDD 41, generate an analog signal corresponding to the input image or audio data, and supply the analog signal to the monitor 2 or the VCR 7, or Digital data corresponding to the input image or audio data is generated and supplied to the VCR 7.

The image processing board 45 is connected to the CPU 31 via the external bus 36, the bridge 35, and the host bus 34.

The communication unit 46 is connected via the network 8
A request for desired data is transmitted to the server 9 and the data transmitted from the server 9 is received. The communication unit 46
The received data is supplied to the HDD 41 via the external bus 36 and the interface 37, or is supplied to the CPU 31 via the external bus 36, the bridge 35, and the host bus 34.

The communication unit 46 includes an external bus 36, a bridge 3
5 and the CPU 31 via the host bus 34.

Next, the configuration of the image processing board 45 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of the image processing board 45. The 1394 interface 51 has a configuration corresponding to the IEEE1394 standard, and receives, for example, image or audio digital data in the DVCR format supplied from the set-top box 5 based on a protocol corresponding to the IEEE1394 standard, The data is supplied to a DV (Digital Video) data interface 52.

The 1394 interface 51 supplies the digital data of the image or audio DVCR format supplied from the DV data interface 52 to the set-top box 5 based on a protocol corresponding to the IEEE1394 standard.

The DV data interface 52 is a digital video or audio digital data of the DVCR format supplied from the 1394 interface 51 or the digital data of the video or audio supplied from the digital selector 57 (for example, so-called 4: 1: 1). DV data compression / expansion circuit 53
And the DV supplied from the DV data compression / decompression circuit 53.
13 Digital image or audio data in CR format
94 It outputs to the interface 51, and outputs the image or audio digital data (not compressed) supplied from the digital selector 57 supplied from the DV data compression / decompression circuit 53 to the digital selector 57.

The DV data compression / decompression circuit 53 decompresses the DVCR format image or audio digital data supplied from the DV data interface 52 into uncompressed image or audio digital data. It outputs or compresses the uncompressed image or audio digital data supplied from the DV data interface 52 to DVCR format image or audio digital data, and outputs it to the DV data interface 52.

The tuner 54 receives the RF (Radio Frequency) signal supplied from the antenna 3, and outputs analog signals of video and audio of a predetermined channel to the analog selector 55. The analog selector 55 includes the tuner 5
4, the VCR 7 or the image or audio analog signal supplied from the D / A (Digital / Analog) conversion circuit 61 is selected, and the A / D (Analog / Digital) conversion circuit 56, the monitor 2, or the VCR 7 Output to

The A / D conversion circuit 56 includes the analog selector 5
The video and audio analog signals supplied from 5 are converted into digital data (for example, so-called image data such as 4: 1: 1) and output to the digital selector 57. The digital selector 57 includes a DV data interface 52, an A / D conversion circuit 56, or an MPEG (Moving Pictu
re Experts Group) The digital data of the image and the sound output from the decoder 60 is input, and any one of the digital data of the image and the sound is selected. At the same time, the information is output to the bridge 59, and the information of the scene switching position is output to the bridge 59.

The MPEG encoder 58 compresses the image and audio digital data supplied from the digital selector 57 into digital data of the MPEG system, and
Output to Further, the MPEG encoder 58 converts the image at which the scene is switched to a still image, and outputs the still image to the bridge 59.

The bridge 59 converts the image and audio digital data (uncompressed) supplied from the digital selector 57 through the PCI bus 36 and the interface 37 of the personal computer 1 on which the image processing board 45 is mounted. , To the monitor 40. The bridge 59 converts the MPEG image or audio digital data supplied from the MPEG encoder 58 into a PCI of the personal computer 1 on which the image processing board 45 is mounted.
The data is output to the HDD 41 or the CPU 31 via the bus 36.
Further, the bridge 59 receives MPEG image or audio digital data from the HDD 41 of the personal computer 1 via the PCI bus 36, and
Output to

The MPEG decoder 60 expands the MPEG image or sound digital data supplied from the bridge 59 and outputs the expanded image or sound digital data to the digital selector 57 as uncompressed image or sound digital data.

The D / A conversion circuit 61 includes the digital selector 5
The digital data of image and sound supplied from 7 is
The signal is converted into an analog signal and output to the analog selector 55.

The processing corresponding to the MPEG encoder 58 or the MPEG decoder 60 is performed by a predetermined program.
The CPU 31 may execute it.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an application program executed by the personal computer 1.
The recording / reproducing program 81 stores, in the image processing board 45, an analog image and audio signal of a predetermined channel received by the tuner 54, an analog signal of image and audio supplied from the VCR 7, or an image supplied from the set-top box 5. And one of digital data of audio, selected analog signal or digital data is converted to digital data of MPEG image or audio, and is composed of one or more files of a predetermined format.
It is recorded on the HDD 41 as AV (Audio Visual) content.

The recording / reproducing program 81 expands AV content recorded in the HDD 41 as one or more files of a predetermined format on the image processing board 45, and outputs a predetermined uncompressed image or audio. The digital data is generated, the image is displayed on the monitor 40, and the sound is reproduced on the speaker 43.

The recording / reproducing program 81 is supplied to the image processing board 45 by a video and audio analog signal of a predetermined channel received by the tuner 54, an image and audio analog signal supplied from the VCR 7, and supplied from the set-top box 5. Image and sound analog signals corresponding to the digital image and sound data, and the HDD 41
, The user selects one of the image and audio analog signals obtained by decoding the AV contents recorded on the monitor 2, and outputs the selected image and audio analog signals to the monitor 2.

The recording / reproducing program 81 causes the light emitting unit 4 to
A signal for emitting light in a pattern corresponding to a command for controlling the set-top box 5 or the VCR 7 is supplied.

The AV content management search program 82
The predetermined information such as the content of the AV content recorded on the HDD 41 or the date of recording is displayed. Further, the AV content management search program 82 instructs the recording / playback program 81 to play back predetermined AV content, selects an AV content to be edited, and transmits the information of the selected AV content to the AV content editing program 83. To the timer recording setting program 84 to instruct the timer recording.

The AV content editing program 83 has a HDD
41 based on the AV content recorded in
Edit the specified image and sound of the AV content (specified AV
Images and sounds included in the contents are joined together), and AV contents in a predetermined format for reproducing the edited images or sounds are generated.

The scheduled recording setting program 84 generates AV contents for executing scheduled recording based on the settings.
This AV content corresponds to the settings (recording mode for determining the recording time and image quality) and reserves a storage area of the HDD 41 in advance.

When the personal computer 1 is operating (when the OS is operating), the reservation monitoring program 85 always operates (so-called resident), and the reservation recording program 84 generates the reservation recording program. Run
AV content and RTC (Real Time Clock) not shown
The timer recording is executed on the basis of the time supplied from. In addition, the reservation monitoring program 85 executes the reservation recording.
Change the AV content settings.

The reservation monitoring program 85 supplies a signal for causing the light emitting section 4 to emit light in a pattern corresponding to a command for controlling the set-top box 5 or the VCR 7, based on the control of the recording / reproducing program 81.

The communication program 86 sends a request for desired data to the communication unit 46 via the network 8 to the server 9.
, And receives, for example, a TVCI file described later transmitted from the server 9. The communication program 86
The received TVCI file is supplied to the recording / reproducing program 81 and the scheduled recording setting program 84.

When the TVCI file is supplied from the communication program 86, the recording / reproducing program 81 records the TVCI file on the HDD 41 and, based on the TVCI file, stores the internal data stored in the recording / reproducing program 81. Update. The recording / playback program 81 uses the internal data, for example, for displaying a channel in a channel selection process.

When the TVCI file is supplied from the communication program 86, the timer recording setting program 84 updates the internal data stored inside the timer recording setting program 84 based on the TVCI file. The scheduled recording setting program 84 uses the internal data, for example, for displaying a channel in the process of setting the scheduled recording.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of application programs, middleware, and drivers executed by the personal computer 1. Middleware responds to requests from application programs,
Operate predetermined drivers. The drivers actually operate predetermined hardware resources such as the MPEG encoder 58 of the image processing board 45.

The hardware interface 91 includes a hardware resource required by the recording / playback program 81, the AV content management / search program 82, the AV content editing program 83, the scheduled recording setting program 84, the scheduled monitoring program 85, or the communication program 86. The use is arbitrated, and the application program can appropriately use predetermined hardware resources based on various settings such as priorities.

The content database 92 manages data such as attribute data of the AV content, which will be described later.
For the AV content editing program 83, the reservation recording setting program 84, or the reservation monitoring program 85, a file storing attribute data of the AV content, which will be described later, or image or audio digital data corresponding to the AV content is specified. A database that provides data.

The file I / O (Input / Output) 93 is transmitted via the content database 92 to the recording / reproducing program 81, the AV content management / search program 82, the AV content editing program 83, and the scheduled recording setting program 8.
4, or in response to a read or write request for predetermined AV content (consisting of one or more files) of the reservation monitoring program 85, data is actually read or written to the predetermined file. .

The encode 94 is provided on the image processing board 45.
The MPEG encoder 58 executes control to compress the image or audio data input from the digital selector 57 into MPEG digital data.

The decode 95 is the MP of the image processing board 45.
The EG decoder 60 executes control to expand the MPEG image or audio digital data input from the bridge 59.

The output switch 96 is connected to the image processing board 45.
The analog selector 55 and the 1394 interface 51 are operated to control the output of analog signals or digital data from the image processing board 45.

The input switch 97 is connected to the image processing board 45.
Analog selector 55, 1394 interface 51,
The DV data interface 52 and the digital selector 57 are operated to select an analog signal or digital data input to the image processing board 45.

The screen display 98 controls the display of an image on the monitor 40 by operating the digital selector 57 and the bridge 59 and the like.

The driver 99 is a program that actually operates the image processing board 45 in response to requests for the encoding 94, the decoding 95, the output switching 96, the input switching 97, and the screen display 98.

In the following, the description of the processing related to audio will be omitted.

FIG. 6 is a view for explaining an example of the configuration of AV content. The attribute of each AV content is recorded in the content database 92 recorded on the HDD 41. AV recorded in the content database 92
The content attribute record 102-1 indicates that the AV content 1
Name, ID (Identification dat
a), creation date / time, change date / time, recording time, channel name, recording mode, status, expiration date (indicated by date and time), setting for preventing accidental deletion, presence / absence of error, two-dimensional barcode (for example, cyber Code (trademark)) and data such as memos. AV content attribute record 1 recorded in the content database 92
02-2 are attributes of the AV content 101-2, such as name, ID, creation date and time, change date and time, recording time, channel name, recording mode, state, expiration date, and setting for preventing accidental deletion.
Stores data such as presence / absence of error and memo.

The recording mode data stored in the AV content attribute record 102-1 is such that the moving image data files 111-1-1 to 111-1-3 are compatible with high image quality, standard, or video CD compatible (image data). Is MPEG1 format). Similarly,
The data stored in the AV content attribute record 102-1 is that the AV content 101-1 is waiting for a reservation,
It indicates any of the following states: recording, recording / playback (recording and playing back data of the recorded image), unplayed, playing, or played.

The error may be caused, for example, by failure of the personal computer 1 during recording and recording only halfway, poor reception during recording, and failure to reproduce an image with a signal input from the antenna 3; Or, if a part of the moving image data file 111-1-1 is missing,
This shows the status of the AV content 101-1.

Neither the expiration date nor the setting for preventing accidental deletion is set, or either of them is set.
Neither the expiration date nor the accidental deletion prevention is set at the same time.

The recording mode data stored in the AV content attribute record 102-2 is such that the moving image data files 111-2-1 to 111-2-3 are either high-quality, standard, or video CD compatible. Indicates that there is.
Similarly, the data stored in the AV content attribute record 102-2 is one of the following: the AV content 101-2 is waiting for reservation, recording, recording / reproducing, unreproduced, reproducing, or reproduced. It is in the state of.

The AV content 101-1 is composed of moving image data files 111-1-1 to 111-1-3 recorded on the HDD 41 and still image data files 112-1-1 to 112-112 recorded on the HDD 41. -1-3
Consists of Moving image data file 111-1-1
Reference numerals 111-1 to 31-1-3 store MPEG image data. The image corresponding to the image data stored at the beginning of the moving image data file 111-1-2 is continuous with the image corresponding to the image data stored at the end of the moving image data file 111-1-1. I have. Similarly, an image corresponding to the image data stored at the head of the moving image data file 111-1-1 is an image corresponding to the image data stored at the end of the moving image data file 111-1-2. It is continuous.

Still image data file 112-1-1
Are image data obtained by converting a scene switching image of the image data stored in the moving image data file 111-1-1 into a still image, and the time of the scene switching (or the moving image data file 111 -1
(Offset position on -1).
The still image data file 112-1-2 includes image data obtained by converting a scene switching image of image data stored in the moving image data file 111-1-2 into a still image, and a switching image of the scene. Time (or an offset position on the moving image data file 111-1-2) is stored. The still image data file 112-1-3 corresponds to the moving image data file 11
The image switching scene of the image data stored in the image data 1-1-1-3 is converted into a still image, and the image switching time (or the time at which the scene is switched (or the moving image data file 111-1-3)). Offset position) is stored.

The AV contents 101-2 include moving image data files 111-2-1 and 111-2-2 and still image data files 112-2-1 and 112-
2-2, which is the same as the case of the AV content 101-1, and a description thereof will be omitted.

Hereinafter, when there is no need to individually distinguish the AV contents 101-1 or 101-2,
It is simply referred to as AV content 101. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish the AV content attribute record 102-1 or the AV content attribute record 102-2 individually,
This is referred to as a content attribute record 102. Hereinafter, the moving image data files 111-1-1 to 111-1-3 or the moving image data file 111-
When it is not necessary to individually distinguish the 2-1 or the moving image data file 111-2-2, it is simply referred to as the moving image data file 111. Hereinafter, still image data file 1
12-1-1 to still image data file 112-1-
3 or when the still image data file 112-2-1 or the still image data file 112-2-2 need not be individually distinguished, the still image data file 11
No. 2.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the server 9. The CPU 121 actually executes various application programs such as a server program and a basic OS. The ROM 122 generally stores basically fixed data of programs used by the CPU 121 and calculation parameters. The RAM 123 stores programs used in the execution of the CPU 121 and parameters that change as appropriate in the execution. These are interconnected by a host bus 124 composed of a CPU bus or a memory bus.

The host bus 124 is connected via a bridge 125 to an external bus 126 such as a PCI bus.

The keyboard 128 is operated by the user when inputting various commands to the CPU 121. The mouse 129 is operated by a user when pointing or selecting a point on the screen of the monitor 130. Monitor 130
Is composed of a CRT or a liquid crystal display device, and displays various information as text or images. HDD131 and FDD1
32 drives a hard disk or a floppy (registered trademark) disk, respectively, and records or reproduces a program executed by the CPU 121 or information on the hard disk or the floppy (registered trademark) disk.

The drive 133 includes the mounted magnetic disk 135, optical disk 136, and magneto-optical disk 13.
7 or the program or data recorded in the semiconductor memory 138 is read and installed in the personal computer 1 or the CPU 121 or R
Supply to AM123.

The keyboard 128 to the drive 1
33 is connected to the interface 127, and the interface 127 is connected to the external bus 126 and the bridge 1
25 and the CPU 121 via the host bus 124.

The communication section 134 receives data related to the broadcasting stations 13-1 to 13-4 transmitted from the servers 21-1 to 21-4 via the network 8, and transmits the data transmitted from the personal computer 1 to the broadcasting stations 13-1 to 13-4. Receives a request for a TVCI file. The communication unit 134 supplies the received data to the HDD 131 via the external bus 126 and the interface 127, or
26, the bridge 125, and the host bus 124 to supply the data to the CPU 121.

The communication section 134 transmits a TVCI file corresponding to the request, for example, recorded on the HDD 131, to the personal computer 1 via the network 8.

The communication unit 134 is connected to the CPU 121 via the external bus 126, the bridge 125, and the host bus 124.
It is connected to the.

[0098] The server 21 has the same configuration as the server 9, and a description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an application program executed by the server 9. The database program 141 is such that the server 9 is a personal computer 1
, For example, a TVCI file to be described later. The server program 142 is a Web server or F
A program for providing data to the personal computer 1 via the network 8, such as a TP (File Transfer Protocol) server. The communication program 143 is
TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Pro
a request from the personal computer 1 to the server program 142 via the network 8 based on a procedure such as
Based on the control of 2, the data addressed to the personal computer 1 is transmitted.

The server 21 executes the same program as that of the server 9, and the description is omitted.

Next, a screen displayed by the recording / reproducing program 81 on the monitor 40 of the personal computer 1 will be described.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of a screen displayed on the monitor 40 of the personal computer 1 by the recording / reproducing program 81.

In the recording window 151, a channel to be recorded, a recording mode, and the like are set. When recording is started, the recording / playback program 81 starts the recording window 1
The tuner 5 of the image processing board 45 is
4 or the operation of the MPEG encoder 58 and the like, and a predetermined AV content 101 and an AV content attribute record 102 are generated and recorded on the HDD 41.

When the recording window 151 is selected and active, the recording button 152 and the stop button 1
53 becomes active and can be operated. That is, when the recording window 151 is selected and active, the recording / reproducing program 81 executes the recording button 152
When is clicked, recording starts and the stop button 15
When 3 is clicked, recording stops.

On the other hand, the recording window 151 is selected,
When active, the play button 154 and the pause button 155 become inactive, and the recording / playback program 81 does not operate even if the play button 154 or the pause button 155 is clicked.

In the reproduction window 156, a recording mode of the AV content to be reproduced is displayed. When play window 156 is selected and active, stop button 153, play button 154, and pause button 15
5 becomes active and can be operated. That is, when the playback window 156 is selected and active, the recording and playback program 81 executes the playback button 154.
The reproduction is started when is clicked, the reproduction is paused when the pause button 155 is clicked, and the reproduction is stopped when the stop button 153 is clicked.

On the other hand, when the reproduction window 156 is selected,
When active, the recording button 152 becomes inactive, and the recording / reproducing program 81 executes the recording button 1
If 52 is clicked, it does not work.

A channel selection button 157 is a button for displaying a menu for selecting a channel, an input signal, or input data.

When the channel selection button 157 is clicked, as shown in FIG.
1 displays the channel selection menu 161 on the monitor 40 of the personal computer 1.

When a channel, an input signal, or input data in the channel selection menu 161 is selected, the recording / reproducing program 81 causes the channel selection menu 16
In response to the selection of 1, the channel, input signal, or input data of the program to be displayed on the monitor 2 and the monitor 40, or the channel, input signal, or input data of the program to be recorded is set.

The recording / reproducing program 81 generates internal data which is data for displaying the channel selection menu 161 based on a TVCI file recorded in the HDD 41 in advance or a TVCI file received from the server 9.

Here, the TVCI file will be described.

FIG. 11 is a view for explaining the structure of a TVCI file.

The first line of the TVCI file contains a character string "Content-" indicating that this file is a TVCI file.
type: application / x-tv-channel-info ”is allocated.

In the second line of the TVCI file, a character string “version: 2” indicating the current version number (version of this file) is arranged.

[0116] In the third line of the TVCI file, a postal code corresponding to an area where the TVCI file can be used is arranged. The postal code stored in the TVCI file is the string "zi
It is placed after pcode: ”.

[0117] In the fourth line of the TVCI file, the name of the program distributor 10-1 or 10-2 to which the TVCI file is applied is arranged. The name of the program distributor 10-1 or 10-2 stored in the TVCI file is a character string "provider
s: ”.

On the fifth line of the TVCI file, data indicating the program distribution form of the program distributor 10-1 or 10-2 specified by the name is arranged. The data indicating the program distribution form includes, for example, a character string “cable” indicating a broadcast via a CATV (Cable Television System), a character string “satellite” indicating a broadcast via an artificial satellite 11, and a broadcast via a terrestrial wave. Is a character string "antenna" that indicates The data indicating the program distribution form is the character string "broadcast-
It is placed after "type:".

[0119] In the sixth and subsequent lines of the TVCI file, the program distributor 10-1 or 1 specified by the name is specified for each line.
Channel data of the program distributed by 0-2 is arranged. The channel data is the string "station-desc:"
Is placed after

Channels of programs distributed by program distributors 10-1 and 10-2 are broadcast stations 13-1 to 13-4.
Corresponding to either of

The data of the channel of the TVCI file includes a channel number, the name of any of the corresponding broadcasting stations 13-1 to 13-4, a favorite flag, a genre, and the like.

Although the details of the preference flag will be described later, the data of the corresponding channel is displayed in the channel selection menu 16.
1 is a flag for determining whether or not to display the number 1 or the like.

The genre indicates the classification of the contents of programs such as sports, news, and dramas.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a specific example of a TVCI file.

The character string on the third line of the TVCI file in FIG.
Since “95050” is arranged after “zipcode:”, the postal code corresponding to the area where the TVCI file shown in FIG. 12 can be used is “95050”.

The character string on the fourth line of the TVCI file in FIG.
providers: ”followed by“ BU & U CABLE SERVICES, SANTA CLAR
A "is arranged, the name of the program distributor to which the TVCI file shown in FIG. 12 is applied is BU & U CABLE SERVICE
S, SANTA CLARA.

Since "cable" is placed after the character string "broadcast-type:" on the fifth line of the TVCI file in FIG. 12, the program distributor to which the TVCI file shown in FIG. Provide programs via CATV.

The character string "station-" of the TVCI file shown in FIG.
After "desc:", data of channels corresponding to 1 channel, 3 channels, 4 channels, 6 channels, 8 channels, 10 channels, 12 channels, 46 channels, 42 channels, and 38 channels are arranged.

In the TVCI file shown in FIG. 12, the name of the broadcasting station on channel 1 is movie special, and the favorite flag corresponding to channel 1 is set to 1.

In the TVCI file shown in FIG. 12, the name of the broadcast station of three channels is a bulletin board, and the favorite flag corresponding to three channels is set to 1.

In the TVCI file shown in FIG. 12, the name of the broadcasting station on channel 4 is the hit song of this week, and the favorite flag corresponding to channel 4 is set to 1.

In the TVCI file shown in FIG. 12, the name of the broadcast station on channel 6 is trendy drama, and the preference flag corresponding to channel 6 is set to 1.

In the TVCI file of FIG. 12, the name of the broadcast station of channel 8 is news, and the preference flag corresponding to channel 8 is set to 1.

In the TVCI file shown in FIG. 12, the name of the broadcast station of channel 10 is comedy, and the favorite flag corresponding to channel 10 is set to 1.

In the TVCI file shown in FIG. 12, the names of the broadcasting stations of channel 12 are variety, and the preference flag corresponding to channel 12 is set to 1.

In the TVCI file of FIG. 12, the name of the broadcasting station of channel 46 is overseas news, and the favorite flag corresponding to channel 46 is set to 1.

In the TVCI file shown in FIG. 12, the name of the broadcasting station of channel 42 is classical, and the preference flag corresponding to channel 42 is set to 1.

In the TVCI file shown in FIG. 12, the name of the broadcast station of channel 38 is environmental video, and the favorite flag corresponding to channel 38 is set to 1.

FIG. 13 is based on the TVCI file of FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a displayed channel selection menu 161.

The channel selection menu 161 shown in FIG. 13 includes a movie feature which is the name of the channel 1 broadcast station, a bulletin board which is the name of the channel 3 broadcast station, a hit song of this week which is the name of the channel 4 broadcast station, Trendy drama that is the name of the 6-channel broadcasting station, news that is the name of the 8-channel broadcasting station, comedy that is the name of the 10-channel broadcasting station, variety that is the name of the 12-channel broadcasting station, and the 46-channel broadcasting station , The name of the 42-channel broadcast station, the classic, and the name of the 38-channel broadcast station, environmental video.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a TVCI file transmitted from the server 9 via the network 8 and received by the personal computer 1.

In the example shown in FIG. 14, the character string "statio
After n-desc: ", 7 channels in addition to the data of channels corresponding to 1 channel, 3 channels, 4 channels, 6 channels, 8 channels, 10 channels, 12 channels, 46 channels, 42 channels, and 38 channels Data is arranged.

In the TVCI file shown in FIG. 14, the name of the broadcast station of channel 7 is a ghost story (New!) Of a summer night,
The preference flag corresponding to channel 7 is set to 1.

When the personal computer 1 receives the TVCI file, it updates the internal data used for displaying the channel selection menu 161.

FIG. 15 is displayed when the personal computer 1 displaying the channel selection menu 161 based on the TVCI file shown in FIG. 12 receives the TVCI file shown in FIG. 14 and updates the internal data. FIG. 21 shows an updated channel selection menu 161.

When the internal data is updated based on the TVCI file shown in FIG. 14, the personal computer 1 displays in the channel selection menu 161 a movie feature, which is the name of the one-channel broadcast station, and the name of the three-channel broadcast station. This is the bulletin board of this week, the hit song of the week which is the name of the broadcast station of channel 4, the trendy drama which is the name of the broadcast station of channel 6, the news which is the name of the broadcast station of channel 8, and the name of the broadcast station of channel 10. Comedy, 12
Variety which is the name of the channel broadcasting station, overseas news which is the name of the broadcasting station of channel 46, classical which is the name of the broadcasting station of channel 42, and 38
In addition to the environmental video, which is the name of the channel's broadcaster, 7
The mystery of a summer night, the name of the channel's broadcaster (New!)
Is displayed.

As described above, the personal computer 1
Updates the internal data based on the received TVCI file when the TVCI file is received from the server 9 via the network 8, displays a channel selection menu corresponding to the received TVCI file, Can be selected. For example, when a program distributor provides programs on a large number of channels and changes the assignment of channels and broadcast stations every season, the personal computer 1
Responded to changes in channel and broadcaster assignments
If the TVCI file is received, the program can be easily received on the channel whose assignment has been changed.

Next, processing for setting internal data will be described.

When a channel setting command is selected from a menu to which a setting and a name of a window to be displayed by the recording and playback program 81 are selected, the recording / playback program 81 monitors the channel setting window.
To be displayed. The recording / reproducing program 81 displays the setting items of the channel setting window corresponding to the setting of the TVCI file and the internal data.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a window for setting channels when the channel selection menu 161 shown in FIG. 13 is displayed.

In the channel setting window,
A channel number, a desired setting, and a broadcast station name when specified from a remote controller (not shown) are displayed in association with each channel.

When the preference corresponding to the channel is set (when the check is displayed), the recording / reproducing program 81 displays the channel selection menu 161 in the
The number of the corresponding channel and the name of the broadcasting station are displayed.

When a check that the preference corresponding to the channel is set is displayed, for example, when the check is clicked, the recording / reproducing program 81
Cancels the preference corresponding to the channel, and does not display the number of the channel whose preference has been canceled and the name of the broadcast station on the channel selection menu 161.

For example, in the channel setting window shown in FIG. 16, 3 channels are displayed as 3 for the reception channel, 6 channels are displayed as 6 for the reception channel, and 10 are displayed as 10 for the reception channel. When the check of the channel and the check of the 42 channel indicated by the reception channel is clicked, the recording / reproducing program 81 causes the 3 channel indicated by the reception channel to be 3 and the reception channel by the check as shown in FIG. 6 channels, 6 channels, 10 channels, 10 channels, and 4 channels, 42 channels.
Cancel the preference of 2 channels.

When the desired setting is made as shown in FIG. 17 and the button named OK is clicked, the recording / reproducing program 81 starts the broadcast station corresponding to the channel for which the favorite is set. Generates internal data consisting only of data.

Therefore, three channels indicated by 3 on the reception channel, six channels indicated by 6 on the reception channel, ten channels indicated by 10 on the reception channel, and 42 indicated on the reception channel are displayed. When the internal data corresponding to the cancellation of the favorite of the channel 42 is generated, the recording / playback program 81
Is a channel selection menu 16 as shown in FIG.
1, 1 channel, 4 channels, 8 channels, 1 channel
A command for selecting any one of channels 2, 46, and 38 is displayed, and a command for selecting channels 3, 6, 10, or 42 is not displayed.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing another example of a TVCI file transmitted from the server 9 via the network 8 and received by the personal computer 1.

In the example shown in FIG. 19, the character string "statio
After n-desc: ”, it corresponds to 1 channel, 3 channel, 4 channel, 6 channel, 8 channel, 10 channel, 12 channel, 46 channel, 42 channel, and 38 channel with the preference flag set to 0 And data of seven channels for which the favorite flag is set to 1.

In the TVCI file shown in FIG. 19, the name of the broadcast station of channel 7 is a ghost story (New!) On a summer night.

When receiving the TVCI file, the recording / reproducing program 81 has already stored the data of the channel of the received TVCI file and the same program distributor.
Compare with the channel data of the TVCI file, the channel number or name is different, and the preference flag is 1
Extract the data of the channel set in.

The recording / playback program 81 updates the internal data by adding the extracted channel data to the internal data.

When the internal data corresponding to the channel setting window shown in FIG. 17 is stored,
After receiving the TVCI file shown in (1) and updating the internal data, if a channel setting command is selected from a menu with settings and names, the recording and playback program 8
1 displays a channel setting window, an example of which is shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 20, the recording / reproducing program 81 is a channel whose channel number or name is different and whose favorite flag is set to 1.
Based on the internal data to which the data of the seven channels is added, the data of the seven channels indicated as 7 in the reception channel is displayed in the channel setting window.

When the personal computer 1 receives the TVCI file, it updates the internal data used for displaying the channel selection menu 161.

FIG. 21 is displayed when the recording / playback program 81, which has generated internal data based on the channel setting window shown in FIG. 17, receives the TVCI file shown in FIG. 19 and updates the internal data. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a channel selection menu 161.

The channel selection menu 161 displays commands for selecting seven channels.

With reference to the flowchart of FIG. 22, a description will be given of a process of generating internal data executed by the recording / reproducing program 81 when a window for setting a channel is displayed. In step S11, the recording / playback program 81 reads the TVCI file recorded on the HDD 41 from the TVCI file.
Acquire data corresponding to each channel.

In step S12, the recording / reproducing program 81 displays data of all broadcast stations corresponding to the acquired data in a window for setting a channel.

In step S13, the recording / reproducing program 81 obtains a favorite setting for each broadcasting station corresponding to the user's input operation to the channel setting window.

[0170] In step S14, the recording / reproducing program 81 generates internal data based on a favorite setting for each broadcasting station. For example, the recording / playback program 81 extracts only the data of the TVCI file corresponding to the broadcast station for which the preference is set, without using the data of the TVCI file corresponding to the broadcast station for which the preference is released. , Generate internal data.

In step S15, the recording / reproducing program 81 stores the generated internal data in the recording / reproducing program 81, and the process ends.

As described above, the recording / reproducing program 81
Based on the TVCI file and user settings, it is possible to generate and store internal data that is data for selecting a channel.

Next, the process of displaying the broadcast station name of the recording / reproducing program 81, which is executed when the channel selection menu 161 is displayed, will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In step S31, the recording / reproducing program 81 acquires internal data stored inside the recording / reproducing program 81.

In step S32, the recording / reproducing program 81 generates a channel list as a list in which channel numbers and broadcast station names are associated with each other based on the internal data.

In step S33, the recording / reproducing program 81 displays the broadcast station name based on the generated channel list, and the process ends. Recording and playback program 8
1 displays, for example, a channel number and a broadcast station name in the channel selection menu 161 in association with each other.

Thus, the recording / reproducing program 81
The broadcast station name selected by the user can be displayed based on the data included in the TVCI file and the internal data generated by the user's settings.

Next, the process of acquiring the TVCI file of the personal computer 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In step S2001, the communication program 86 of the personal computer 1
6 transmits a TVCI file request to the server 9 via the network 8.

In step S1001, the communication program 143 of the server 9 causes the communication unit 134 to receive the TVCI file request transmitted from the personal computer 1. In step S1002, the server program 142 of the server 9 causes the database 141 to read out the TVCI file corresponding to the request, and
Then, the read TVCI file is transmitted to the personal computer 1 via the network 8.

In step S2002, the communication program 86 of the personal computer 1
To receive the TVCI file transmitted from the server 9. The communication program 86 transmits the received TVCI file to the recording / reproducing program 81 and the scheduled recording setting program 8
4 In step S2003, the communication program 86 converts the received TVCI file into, for example, an HDD
The process ends with replacing the existing TVCI file recorded in 41. The communication program 86 sets the replaced TVCI file as the immediately preceding TVCI file,
The information is recorded on the HDD 41.

Thus, the personal computer 1
When the TVCI file is received from the server 9, the existing
Replace with the TVCI file and record. The personal computer 1 stores the replaced TVCI file in the immediately preceding TVCI file.
Record as a TVCI file.

Although the TVCI file has been described as being transmitted via the network 8, the TVCI file is stored on a recording medium such as the magnetic disk 47, the optical disk 48, the magneto-optical disk 49, or the semiconductor memory 50 in FIG. It can be recorded and provided to the personal computer 1 via a recording medium.

Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 25, a process of updating the internal data by the recording / reproducing program 81, which is executed when the TVCI file is received from the server 9, will be described. In step S51, the recording / reproducing program 81 acquires internal data stored in the recording / reproducing program 81.

In step S 52, the recording / reproducing program 81 reads the previous TVCI recorded on the HDD 41.
By comparing the file and the updated TVCI file, data of a channel newly added to the updated TVCI file is obtained.

In step S53, the recording / reproducing program 81 selects the data of the channel for which the favorite flag is set to 1 from the data of the added channel. In step S54, the recording / reproducing program 81 adds data of the newly added channel whose favorite flag is set to 1 to the internal data.

In step S55, the recording / reproducing program 81 stores the internal data to which the favorite flag is set to 1 and the data of the newly added channel added, in the recording / reproducing program 81. The process ends.

Thus, the personal computer 1
Can extract, from the updated TVCI file, the data of the newly added channel whose favorite flag is set to 1, and add the data of the extracted channel to the internal data.

In this way, even if the program distributor providing programs on a large number of channels changes the assignment between channels and broadcasting stations, if the TVCI file corresponding to the change in assignment is received, The personal computer 1 can quickly receive a program on a channel whose assignment has been changed.

When the personal computer 1 controls, for example, the set-top box 5 via the light-emitting unit 4 based on the internal data corresponding to the change of the assignment, the set-top box 5 receives the data. Even if the assignment between the channel and the broadcast station is changed, the user of the personal computer 1 that has received the TVCI file can promptly receive the desired program on the set-top box 5.

It has been described that the data of the newly added channel whose favorite flag is set to 1 is extracted from the updated TVCI file and the data of the extracted channel is added to the internal data. The recording / playback program 81 is updated regardless of the setting of the preference flag.
The data of the newly added channel may be extracted from the TVCI file, and the data of the extracted channel may be added to the internal data. Further, the recording / reproducing program 81 extracts data of all the channels for which the favorite flag is set to 1 from the updated TVCI file, and adds the data of the extracted channel to the internal data (the already stored data). The data of the channel in which it is located may not be changed).

Next, another example of the structure of the TVCI file will be described.

In the example of the TVCI file shown in FIG.
For the data of the channel, a desired order is set. For example, the favorite ranking of channel data is 5 to 1
Set as an integer in the range When the TVCI file shown in FIG. 26 is received, the recording / reproducing program 81 preferentially adds, to the internal data, data of a channel in which a higher priority order is set.

In the TVCI file shown in FIG. 26, the name of the broadcasting station on channel 1 is movie special, and the favorite order corresponding to channel 1 is set to 5.

In the TVCI file shown in FIG. 26, the name of the broadcast station of three channels is bulletin board, and the favorite order corresponding to three channels is set to two.

In the TVCI file of FIG. 26, the name of the broadcasting station on channel 4 is this week's hit song, and the favorite ranking corresponding to channel 4 is set to 5.

In the TVCI file of FIG. 26, the name of the broadcast station of channel 6 is trendy drama, and the favorite order corresponding to channel 6 is set to 3.

In the TVCI file shown in FIG. 26, the name of the broadcast station of channel 8 is news, and the favorite order corresponding to channel 8 is set to 4.

In the TVCI file shown in FIG. 26, the name of the broadcast station of channel 10 is "comedy", and the favorite order corresponding to channel 10 is set to "3".

In the TVCI file shown in FIG. 26, the names of the broadcasting stations on channel 12 are variety, and the favorite order corresponding to channel 12 is set to 4.

In the TVCI file of FIG. 26, the name of the broadcasting station of channel 46 is overseas news, and the favorite ranking corresponding to channel 46 is set to 4.

In the TVCI file of FIG. 26, the name of the broadcasting station of channel 42 is classical, and the favorite order corresponding to channel 42 is set to 1.

In the TVCI file of FIG. 26, the name of the broadcast station of channel 38 is environmental video, and the favorite order corresponding to channel 38 is set to 5.

Referring to the flowchart of FIG.
A description will be given of the setting of the order of preference of the file and the process of receiving the TVCI file in which the order of preference is set.

At step S1101, the broadcast station 13
Server 21 transmits the data of the channel corresponding to the broadcasting station 13 for which the order of preference has been set to the server 9 via the network 8. In step S1102, the server 21 of the broadcasting station 13 executes a process of paying the fee corresponding to the favorite order to the administrator of the server 9. For example, the server 21 of the broadcasting station 13 connects to a terminal device of a bank (not shown) via the network 8 and executes a process of transferring a predetermined fee corresponding to a favorite order to an account of an administrator of the server 9. I do.

In step S2101, the communication program 143 of the server 9 sends the communication
To receive the data of the channel in which the order of your preference is set. In step S2102,
The CPU 121 performs TVC based on the received channel data.
Generate an I file. The generated TVCI file is recorded in the database 141.

At step S3101, the communication program 86 of the personal computer 1
Then, a request for a TVCI file is transmitted to the server 9 via the network 8.

[0206] In step S2103, the communication program 143 of the server 9 causes the communication unit 134 to receive the TVCI file request transmitted from the personal computer 1. In step S2104, the server program 142 of the server 9 causes the database 141 to read the TVCI file corresponding to the request, and
Causes the personal computer 1 to transmit the TVCI file corresponding to the request via the network 8.

In step S3102, the communication program 86 of the personal computer 1
To receive the TVCI file transmitted from the server 9. The communication program 86 transmits the received TVCI file to the recording / reproducing program 81 and the scheduled recording setting program 8
4 In step S3103, the communication program 86 converts the received TVCI file into, for example, an HDD
The process ends with replacing the existing TVCI file recorded in 41. The communication program 86 sets the replaced TVCI file as the immediately preceding TVCI file,
The information is recorded on the HDD 41.

Thus, the personal computer 1
When a TVCI file in which the order of preference is set is received from the server 9, the TVCI file is replaced with an existing TVCI file and recorded. The personal computer 1 records the replaced TVCI file as the immediately preceding TVCI file.

[0209] Also, when the broadcasting station 13 transmits the data of the channel corresponding to the broadcasting station 13 in which the preferred ranking is set to the server 9, the broadcasting station 13 pays the fee corresponding to the set favorite ranking. Pay the admin.

Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 28, a description will be given of a process of updating internal data by the recording / reproducing program 81, which is executed when a TVCI file in which a preferred order is set is received.

In step S71, the recording / reproducing program 81 acquires internal data stored in the recording / reproducing program 81.

[0212] In step S72, the recording / reproducing program 81 reads the previous TVCI recorded on the HDD 41.
By comparing the file and the updated TVCI file, data of a channel newly added to the updated TVCI file is obtained.

[0213] In step S73, the recording / reproducing program 81 selects, from the data of the added channels, the data of the channel in which a preferred order of a predetermined value or more is set. For example, the recording / playback program 81
Selects data of a newly added channel whose favorite ranking is 4 or more. Recording and playback program 81
Can be set in advance to a desired value as a criterion for the order of preference.

In step S74, the recording / reproducing program 81 adds the data of the selected channel to the internal data.

In step S75, the recording / reproducing program 81 rearranges the data of the internal data channel based on the order of preference. For example, the recording / reproducing program 81 rearranges the data of the internal data channel in descending order of the value of the favorite order.

[0216] In step S76, the recording / reproducing program 81 converts the internal data to which the channel data has been added into the recording / reproducing program 8 based on the order of preference.
1 and the process ends.

Thus, the personal computer 1
It is possible to extract data of a newly added channel that has a preference rank equal to or higher than a predetermined value from the updated TVCI file and add the extracted channel data to the internal data. it can. Further, the personal computer 1 can rearrange the data of the channel of the internal data based on the order of preference. For example, the personal computer 1 can display, in the channel selection menu 161, channels arranged in the order in which the favorite value is large.

In this way, the user can quickly select a channel having a higher priority order.

[0219] Broadcasting station 13 can increase the number of opportunities for the user of personal computer 1 to view his / her own program by increasing the value of the favorite order of the channel corresponding to the program to be provided.

Next, the parental lock processing of the personal computer 1 will be described. FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the monitor 40 of the personal computer 1 by the recording / playback program 81. When a menu with a setting and a name is clicked, the recording / playback program 81 displays, on the monitor 40, a setting menu 171 in which a channel setting command, an image quality adjustment command, a parental lock command, and the like are arranged. .

When the parental lock command arranged on the setting menu 171 is selected, the recording / reproducing program 81 causes the monitor 40 to display a parental lock setting dialog box.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of a parental lock setting dialog box displayed on the monitor 40 by the recording / reproducing program 81. A button for selecting a rating is arranged in the parental lock setting dialog box.

For example, in the example shown in FIG. 30, a radio button for selecting a rating corresponding to a program that a child aged 6 or younger can view, and a radio button for selecting a rating corresponding to a program a child aged 7 or older can view. Radio button, a radio button for selecting a rating corresponding to a program that can be watched by youth over 13 years old, and a radio button for turning off parental lock,
It is located in the Parental Lock Settings dialog box.

A radio button for selecting a rating corresponding to a program that can be viewed by a child aged 6 or younger, a radio button for selecting a rating corresponding to a program that can be viewed by a child aged 7 or older, and When one of the radio buttons for selecting a rating corresponding to a program that can be viewed by the youth is selected and the button named OK is clicked, the recording / reproducing program 81 responds to the selection of the radio button. The parental lock rating.

When the radio button for turning off the parental lock is selected and the button named OK is clicked, the recording / reproducing program 81 releases the parental lock.

When one of the ratings is selected and the parental lock is set, the keyboard 128
When the menu with the setting and name is clicked without pressing the predetermined key, as shown in FIG. 31,
The recording / playback program 81 deletes the parental lock command from the setting menu 171 and displays the parental lock on command on the setting menu 171.

When the parental lock-on command of the setting menu 171 is selected, the recording / reproducing program 81 causes the monitor 40 to display a warning dialog box as shown in FIG. Is not displayed. A warning dialog box displayed when a parental lock-on command is selected can be displayed, for example, to indicate that the setting menu is to be pulled down while pressing a predetermined key.

When one of the ratings is selected and the parental lock is set, the keyboard 128
For example, when predetermined keys (including two or more keys pressed at the same time) such as a control key and a shift key are pressed and a menu with settings and names is clicked, as shown in FIG. The recording / reproducing program 81 deletes the parental lock-on command from the setting menu 171 and sets the setting menu 171.
Next, a parental lock command and a temporary parental unlock command are displayed.

When the parental lock command of the setting menu 171 is selected, the recording / playback program 81
Causes the monitor 40 to display a parental lock setting dialog box, an example of which is shown in FIG.

When the temporary parental unlock command of the setting menu 171 is selected, the recording / reproducing program 81 temporarily releases the parental lock until the recording / reproducing program 81 is started next.

By doing so, only a person who knows the key for displaying the parental lock command and the temporary parental unlock command on the setting menu 171 can set the parental lock. .

When a temporary parental unlock command is selected, the parental lock is released until the recording / reproducing program 81 is started, so that a troublesome operation such as inputting a password is performed. Without need, the user can easily and quickly release the parental lock.

Next, when the recording / reproducing program 81 is started, the recording / reproducing program 81 sets a parental lock, so that the user has to set the parental lock after watching the program. Operation is not required.

Next, when the recording / reproducing program 81 is started, the recording / reproducing program 81 sets the parental lock. Therefore, after watching the program, the user forgets to set the parental lock, and the child or the like may be left behind. This prevents the user from viewing a harmful program.

Next, a process of displaying a command related to parental lock, which is executed by the recording / reproducing program 81, will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In step S81, the recording / reproducing program 81 determines whether or not the parental lock is set based on the internal state data stored therein, and determines that the parental lock is set. If it is determined, the process proceeds to step S82, and it is determined whether a specific key on the keyboard 38 is pressed. The specific key may be, for example, a control key and a shift key, and may be selected in a parental lock setting dialog box.

In step S82, the keyboard 38
If it is determined that the particular key is pressed, the procedure goes to step S83, where the recording / playback program 81
Sets the parental lock command displayed on the setting menu 171 as a command for opening the parental lock setting dialog box, and proceeds to step S84.

In step S84, the recording / reproducing program 81 causes the setting menu 171 to display a temporary parental unlock command, and in step S8
The process returns to 1 and the determination process is repeated.

At step S82, the keyboard 38
If it is determined that the particular key is not pressed, the procedure proceeds to step S85, where the recording / playback program 81
Sets the parental lock command displayed on the setting menu 171 as a command for opening a warning dialog box, and proceeds to step S86.

[0240] In step S86, the recording / reproducing program 81 deletes the temporary parental unlock command from the setting menu 171, and in step S8
The process returns to 1 and the determination process is repeated.

If it is determined in step S81 that the parental lock has not been set, the procedure proceeds to step S87, where the recording / reproducing program 81 transmits the parental lock command displayed on the setting menu 171 to the parental lock command. The command is used to open the rental lock setting dialog box, and the process proceeds to step S88.

In step S88, the recording / reproducing program 81 deletes the temporary parental unlock command from the setting menu 171.
The process returns to 1 and the determination process is repeated.

As described above, the recording / reproducing program 81
Commands related to parental lock, which are displayed in the menu, can be changed based on whether parental lock is set and whether a specific key is pressed.

The user of the personal computer 1 who knows the specific key can easily open the parental lock setting dialog box without performing a troublesome operation of inputting a password or the like. A child who does not know a specific key cannot open the parental lock setting dialog box.

A user of the personal computer 1 who knows a specific key can easily temporarily release the parental lock, but a child or the like who does not know the specific key can use the parental lock. Lock cannot be released temporarily.

Next, the process of initial setting of parental lock by the recording / reproducing program 81 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In step S91, the recording / reproducing program 81 determines whether or not itself has been activated based on the data indicating the state stored therein, and when it is determined that it has been activated, If this is the first process, the process proceeds to step S92, and it is determined whether a temporary parental unlock is set.

If it is determined in step S92 that temporary parental unlock has been set, the flow advances to step S93 to execute the recording / playback program 81
Sets the bearal lock in accordance with the parental lock rating that was set before the temporary parental unlock was set, based on the data indicating the state stored inside, Ends.

If it is determined in step S91 that the process has not been started, that is, if the process is not the first process after the start, the process ends because there is no need to set a parental lock.

If it is determined in step S92 that the temporary parental unlock has not been set, the process ends without setting the parental lock because the parental lock has not been set in the previous process. I do.

As described above, in the previous processing, when the temporary parental unlock is set, and when the recording / reproducing program 81 is started, the parental lock can be set.

Next, the recorded AV contents 101
The process of the recording / reproducing program 81 for changing the speed at which the video is reproduced will be described.

FIG. 36 is a view for explaining another example of a screen displayed on the monitor 40 of the personal computer 1 by the recording / reproducing program 81. In the example shown in FIG.
No dedicated button for fast forward or slow playback is located on the screen.

When a menu with settings and names is clicked, the recording / playback program 81
A setting menu 181 in which a command for setting an audio mode, a command for repetitive reproduction, a command for a reproduction speed, and the like are displayed.

When a playback speed command arranged in the setting menu 181 is selected, the recording / playback program 81
Submenu 1 for selecting the playback speed
82 is displayed. In the example of FIG. 36, a command to reproduce at 0.5 × speed, a command to reproduce at 1 × speed, a command to reproduce at 1.5 × speed, and a command to reproduce at 2.0 × speed are arranged in the submenu 182. .

When the command for reproducing at 0.5 times speed of the submenu 182 is selected, the recording / reproducing program 8
1 reproduces the AV content 101 at 0.5 times speed.

When the command for reproducing at the same speed of the submenu 182 is selected, the recording / reproducing program 81
Reproduces the AV content 101 at the same speed.

When the command for reproducing at 1.5 times speed of the submenu 182 is selected, the recording / reproducing program 8
1 reproduces the AV content 101 at 1.5 times speed.

When a command for reproducing at 2.0 times speed in the submenu 182 is selected, the recording / reproducing program 8
1 reproduces the AV content 101 at 2.0 times speed.

The check displayed on the right side of the command for reproducing at 1.5 times speed indicates that the AV content 101 is 1.x.
Indicates that playback is at 5 × speed.

The playback window 156 displays that the V-content 101 is being played back at 1.5 times speed.

[0262] The AV content 101 is not reproduced.
Alternatively, when the playback is paused and the active playback button 154 is clicked, the recording and playback program 81 starts playback of the predetermined AV content 101.

When the inactive play button 154 is clicked while the AV content 101 is being played, the recording / playback program 81 changes the playback speed of the AV content 101 continuously as shown in FIG. The playback speed change window, which is a screen for adjustment, is displayed on the monitor 4
0 is displayed.

[0264] A slider bar 191 is arranged in a playback speed change window for continuously adjusting the playback speed of the AV content 101. When the slider bar 191 is dragged upward or downward in the figure, the recording / reproducing program 81 responds to the position of the slider bar 191 with respect to the reproduction speed change window, and
1 is continuously changed.

[0265] In the reproduction speed change window, a button 192 for reproducing the AV content 101 at a predetermined speed is arranged. For example, when the normal speed is set corresponding to the button 192 and the button 192 is clicked, the recording / reproducing program 81 reproduces the AV content 101 at the normal speed. The speed corresponding to the button 192 can be set to a desired value, for example, by double-clicking the button 192 and inputting a numerical value corresponding to the playback speed from the keyboard 38.

As described above, when the AV content 101 is being reproduced, the recording / reproducing program 81 can continuously adjust the reproduction speed of the AV content 101 simply by clicking the inactive reproduction button 154. Can be displayed.

Also, the AV content 101 can be reproduced at a desired speed by the recording / reproducing program 81 simply by dragging the slider bar 191 up and down.

With reference to the flowchart of FIG. 38, the process of reproducing the AV content 101 by the recording / reproducing program 81 will be described.

At step S 101, the recording / reproducing program 81 performs the following based on the signal supplied from the mouse 39.
It is determined whether or not the play button 154 displayed on the monitor 40 has been clicked. If it is determined that the play button 154 has not been clicked, the process returns to step S101, and the determination continues until the play button 154 is clicked. Repeat the process.

In step S101, the playback button 1
If it is determined that 54 has been clicked, step S1
Proceeding to 02, the recording / reproducing program 81 determines whether or not the AV content 101 is being reproduced, based on the data indicating the state stored inside the recording / reproducing program 81.

If it is determined in step S102 that the AV content 101 is being reproduced, the process proceeds to step S1.
03, the recording / playback program 81
To display a playback speed change window. Step S
At 104, the recording / playback program 81
Based on the signal supplied from No. 9, a reproduction speed instruction corresponding to the position of the slider bar 191 in the reproduction speed change window is obtained.

In step S105, the recording / playback program 81 plays back the AV content 101 at the designated playback speed based on the playback speed instruction acquired in step S104, and returns to step S101 to perform the determination process. repeat.

When the playback speed change window is displayed on the monitor 40, the recording / playback program 81
Is a process of acquiring a reproduction speed instruction in step S104;
Then, the process of reproducing the AV content 101 at the instructed reproduction speed in step S105 is repeated.

If it is determined in step S102 that the AV content 101 has not been reproduced, the process proceeds to step S102.
Proceeding to 106, the recording / playback program 81 plays back the AV content 101, returns to step S101, and repeats the determination process.

As described above, when the AV content 101 is being reproduced, the recording / reproduction program 81 can display the reproduction speed change window by simply clicking the inactive reproduction button 154, and the slider bar 191 can be displayed. Can be made to continuously change the playback speed of the AV content 101 by simply dragging the AV content up and down, so that the AV content 101 can be played back quickly and at any speed. become.

Also, the inactive playback button 15
When the button 4 is clicked, the reproduction speed change window is displayed, so that a wide display surface is not required for displaying the menu, and a button for slow reproduction or fast forward reproduction is not required.

Further, since there is no need to select a submenu command, an accurate operation such as moving the pointer from the playback speed command of the setting menu 181 to the submenu 182 is not required.
Even if you are not familiar with the operation of AV content,
1 playback speed can be changed. Particularly, for example, when the notebook personal computer 1 is carried around and operated, the playback speed of the AV content 101 can be easily changed.

[0278] The recording / reproducing program 81 operates when the inactive reproduction button 154 is clicked.
An edit box may be displayed to change the playback speed of the AV content 101 based on the input value.

[0279] The recording / reproducing program 81 may change the reproducing speed of the AV content 101 based on the position where the inactive reproduction button 154 is clicked. For example, the recording / playback program 81
The reproduction speed may be made faster when the left side of the play button 154 is clicked, and the reproduction speed may be made slower when the right side of the play button 154 is clicked. In this case, if the rightmost of the play button 154 is clicked, the reproduction of the AV content 101 is paused.
It becomes unnecessary.

Further, the recording / playback program 81 may increase the playback speed when the left side of the play button 154 is clicked, and decrease the playback speed when the right side of the play button 154 is clicked.

Note that the recording / playback program 81 may display the playback speed of the AV content 101 on the playback button 154.

Further, the broadcast system according to the present invention can handle only audio.

In the broadcast system, it has been described that the personal computer 1 performs reception, recording, reproduction, and the like of a broadcast. However, the present invention is not limited to a stationary personal computer, but a portable personal computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or the like. But ok
The invention is not limited by the type or form of the device.

[0284] In the broadcasting system, the personal computer 1 receives terrestrial waves and the set-top box 5 receives radio waves via the artificial satellite 11, but it is not limited to broadcasting via terrestrial waves or the artificial satellite 11. Without
The broadcast communication medium may be a cable television system, the network 8, or the like, and the present invention is not limited to the broadcast communication medium.

The above-mentioned series of processing can be executed by hardware, but can also be executed by software. When a series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software can execute various functions by installing a computer built into dedicated hardware or installing various programs. It is installed from a recording medium into a possible general-purpose personal computer or the like.

As shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 7, this recording medium is distributed separately from the computer in order to provide the user with the program, and is recorded on the magnetic disk 47 or the magnetic disk 135 (floppy disk) on which the program is recorded. Optical disk 48 or optical disk 136 (CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory),
DVD (including Digital Versatile Disc), magneto-optical disk 49 or magneto-optical disk 137 (MD (Mini-Di
sc), or a package medium including the semiconductor memory 50 or the semiconductor memory 138, and also provided to the user in a state in which the program is stored in a computer in advance. Or HDD41 or HDD13
1 and the like.

[0287] The program for executing the above-described series of processing is executed via a wired or wireless communication medium such as a local area network, the Internet, or digital satellite broadcasting via an interface such as a router or a modem as necessary. It may be installed on a computer.

In this specification, the step of describing a program stored in a recording medium may be performed not only in chronological order according to the described order, but also in chronological order. This also includes processing executed in parallel or individually.

In this specification, the system is defined as
It represents the entire device composed of a plurality of devices.

[0290]

The information providing apparatus and method of the present invention,
According to the recording medium and the first program, the priority of the channel of the program is indicated in the receiver receiving the program distributed by the distributor transmitted from the program supplier supplying the program to the distributor. The reception of data is controlled, and a file corresponding to the distributor is generated, including data indicating the channel of the program distributed by the distributor, the name corresponding to the channel, and the priority order of the channel, and the file is transmitted to the recipient. Since the transmission is controlled, the receiver can preferentially view the program supplied by the program supplier.

According to the information processing apparatus and method, the second recording medium, and the second program of the present invention, a receiver corresponding to a channel of a program to be supplied and receiving a program distributed by the distributor has a channel The transmission of the data indicating the priority order of the channel to the information providing device is controlled, and the process of paying a fee corresponding to the priority order of the channel indicated in the data to the administrator of the information providing device is executed. Thus, the receiver can preferentially view the program to be supplied.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a broadcasting system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a personal computer 1.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image processing board 45.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an application program executed by the personal computer 1.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an application program, middleware, and drivers executed by the personal computer 1.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of AV content.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a server 9.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an application program executed by the server 9.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a monitor by a recording / playback program.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a monitor by a recording / playback program.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a TVCI file.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a TVCI file.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a monitor by a recording / playback program.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a TVCI file received by the personal computer 1 from the server 9.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a monitor by a recording / reproducing program.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a channel setting window.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a channel setting window.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the monitor 40 by the recording / reproducing program 81.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a TVCI file received by the personal computer 1 from the server 9.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a channel setting window.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a monitor by a recording / playback program.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a process of generating internal data.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a process of displaying a broadcast station name.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a process of acquiring a TVCI file.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a process of updating internal data.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of a TVCI file received by the personal computer 1 from the server 9.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating a process of setting a favorite order of a TVCI file and receiving a TVCI file in which the favorite order is set.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating a process of updating internal data.

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the monitor 40 by the recording / reproducing program 81.

FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating an example of a parental lock setting dialog box.

FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a monitor by a recording / reproducing program.

FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating an example of a warning dialog box.

FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the monitor 40 by the recording / playback program 81.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating processing for displaying a command related to parental lock.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart illustrating processing for initial setting of parental lock.

FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a monitor by a recording / playback program.

FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating an example of a playback speed change window.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart illustrating a process of reproducing the AV content 101.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 personal computer, 2 monitor, 3 antenna, 4 light emitting section, 5 set top box,
6 antennas, 7 VCR, 8 networks,
9 server, 10-1 and 10-2 program distributor,
11 artificial satellite, 12 broadcast antenna, 13-1
To 13-4 broadcasting station, 21-1 to 21-4 server, 31 CPU, 32 ROM, 33 RAM, 41
HDD, 44 drive, 45 image processing board,
46 communication unit, 47 magnetic disk, 48 optical disk, 49 magneto-optical disk, 50 semiconductor memory, 81 recording and reproduction program, 84 reservation recording setting program, 86 communication program, 92 content database, 121 CPU, 122 ROM,
123 RAM, 131 HDD, 133 drive,
134 communication unit, 135 magnetic disk, 136 optical disk, 137 magneto-optical disk, 138 semiconductor memory, 141 database, 142 server program, 143 communication program, 154 playback button, 157 channel selection button, 161
Channel selection menu, 171 setting menu,
181 setting menu, 182 sub menu, 1
91 Slider bar

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Yasuo Nomura 6-7-35 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Inside Sony Corporation (72) Inventor Yasuhiko Terashita 6-35, Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Inside Sony Corporation (72) Inventor Atsushi Kimura 6-7-35 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Sony Corporation (72) Inventor Yasuhito 6-35, Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Soniー Internal F term (reference) 5C052 AA01 CC11 DD04 EE02 EE03 EE10 5C053 FA23 GA11 GB37 LA06 LA07 LA11 LA14 5C064 BA01 BC07 BC16 BC25 BD03 BD08

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. Controlling reception of data indicating a priority order of a channel of a program transmitted from a program supplier supplying the program to a distributor, the receiver receiving the program distributed by the distributor. A file for generating a file corresponding to the distributor including the channel of the program distributed by the distributor, the name corresponding to the channel, and the data indicating the priority order of the channel. An information providing apparatus comprising: a generation unit; and a transmission control unit that controls transmission of the file to the recipient. 2. Controlling reception of data indicating a priority order of a channel of the program transmitted from a program supplier supplying the program to a distributor, the receiver receiving the program distributed by the distributor. And generating a file corresponding to the distributor including the channel of the program distributed by the distributor, a name corresponding to the channel, and the data indicating the priority of the channel. An information providing method, comprising: a file generation processing step; and a transmission control processing step of controlling transmission of the file to the recipient. 3. Controlling reception of data indicating a priority order of a channel of the program transmitted from a program supplier supplying the program to a distributor, the receiver receiving the program distributed by the distributor. And generating a file corresponding to the distributor including the channel of the program distributed by the distributor, a name corresponding to the channel, and the data indicating the priority of the channel. A recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute an information providing process, comprising: a file generation processing step; and a transmission control processing step of controlling transmission of the file to the recipient. 4. Controlling reception of data indicating a priority order of a channel of the program at a receiver receiving the program distributed by the distributor, transmitted from a program supplier supplying the program to the distributor. Generating a file corresponding to the distributor including the channel of the program distributed by the distributor, the name corresponding to the channel, and the data indicating the priority of the channel. A program for causing a computer to execute a file generation processing step and a transmission control processing step of controlling transmission of the file to the recipient. 5. An information processing apparatus managed by a program supplier that supplies a program to a distributor, wherein the receiver receives the program distributed by the distributor corresponding to a channel of the program to be supplied. Transmission control means for controlling transmission of data indicating the priority order to the information providing apparatus, and processing for paying a fee corresponding to the priority order of the channel indicated in the data to an administrator of the information providing apparatus. An information processing apparatus comprising: an execution unit that executes the information. 6. An information processing method for an information processing apparatus managed by a program supplier that supplies a program to a distributor. A receiver that receives the program distributed by the distributor corresponding to a channel of the program to be supplied. A transmission control processing step of controlling transmission of data indicating a priority order of the channel to an information providing device; and a charge corresponding to the priority order of the channel indicated in the data, the management of the information providing device. An execution process step of executing a process for paying a user. 7. A program for information processing of an information processing apparatus managed by a program supplier that supplies a program to a distributor, wherein the program corresponds to a channel of the program to be supplied and stores the program distributed by the distributor. In a receiving receiver, a transmission control processing step of controlling transmission of data indicating the priority of the channel to an information providing apparatus; and a fee corresponding to the priority of the channel indicated in the data, An execution process step of executing a process to be paid to an administrator of the providing apparatus. A recording medium storing a computer-readable program. 8. A receiver for receiving the program distributed by the distributor corresponding to a channel of the program to be supplied to a computer of an information processing apparatus managed by a program supplier supplying the program to the distributor, A transmission control processing step of controlling transmission of data indicating the priority of the channel to the information providing device; and a charge corresponding to the priority of the channel indicated in the data to an administrator of the information providing device. A program for executing an execution processing step of executing a payment process.