JP2006113844A - Data accumulation terminal, system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To newly allocate another accumulation area usable on a network, when input data are not able to be accumulated because of an insufficient available capacity in a contracted external storage, in a terminal connectible to the external storage via the network. <P>SOLUTION: The terminal 10 is provided with a built-in storage 11, an input I/F part 12, a storage selection part 16, an accumulation area searching part 16a, and a network I/F part 18 connected to at least one external storage having a plurality of accumulation areas allocated user by user, via the network. The terminal 10 selects the storage for accumulating the input data from the input I/F part 12, in response to available capacities of the built-in storage 11 and the external storage, and compares a capacity of the input data with the available capacity in the accumulation area of the user, when the external storage is selected, and another accumulation area usable on the network is searched to be allocated to the user, when the available capacity is insufficient. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a data storage terminal, system, and method, and more particularly to a data storage terminal that can store data in an external storage connected via a network, a system having the data storage terminal, and a method therefor .

  Conventional content storage systems may have a built-in storage unit in the terminal that performs recording. If the remaining capacity is insufficient and cannot be stored at the time of making a reservation, a message prompts the user to respond to the content stored in the storage unit. It is necessary to secure the storage capacity by transferring the data to the DVD medium or deleting it. However, when the remaining capacity is insufficient at the start of recording, the operation such as moving to the DVD medium is not in time, and the recording capacity cannot be secured and the recording fails.

  When the storage capacity of the internal storage on the terminal side is insufficient, it is conceivable to move the internal storage data to an external storage via a network, or to store overflow data in the external storage. In this way, in the case of a network storage system that can store not only internal storage but also external storage, there is no limit on the physical storage capacity, but in practice there is a limit on the storage capacity due to the usage contract. A mechanism that can accumulate data regardless of restrictions is desired. Of course, this is especially true when there is not enough free space at the start of scheduled recording.

  In addition, when recording data reserved in accordance with recording reservation information (hereinafter often referred to as content) on the terminal side, if the remaining storage capacity that can be used is limited, the content cannot be stored in the internal storage, or , There is a possibility that content may not be stored in the contracted external storage, and for the operator operating the storage service, the storage capacity is increased for the user, and the contract amount is increased. This could lead to missing new business opportunities.

Conventionally, regarding a storage service providing system, for example, in Patent Document 1, it is possible to easily set the usage capacity of a storage desired by a customer and to charge a usage fee according to the storage capacity actually used. Are disclosed. This corresponds to a device file when a server accesses a device file whose association with the storage is preset in the server in a storage apparatus that manages storage to which information is accessed from the server. The access to the storage is detected, and then the storage service fee for charging the server can be calculated based on the detection of the access to the storage.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-21796

  However, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, when the user wants to expand or stop using the storage, the user must adjust and specify the used capacity by himself / herself. In some cases, the remaining capacity of the usable storage may be insufficient. In this case, for example, when recording the content reserved according to the recording reservation information, the remaining capacity of the usable storage is insufficient and the content cannot be stored. Will end up missing a new business opportunity for users to increase storage capacity and increase contract value.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and in a data storage terminal that can be connected to at least one external storage via a network, the input data is internal storage or contracted external storage. This is for the purpose of newly allocating and accumulating other storage areas that can be used on the network when storage is not possible due to insufficient free space.

  In order to solve the above problems, a first technical means of the present invention includes an input interface for inputting data, a built-in storage for storing the input data, and a plurality of storages assigned to each user. In a data storage terminal comprising a network interface for connecting to at least one external storage having a region via a network, a storage for storing the input data is selected according to the free space of the internal storage and the external storage It is characterized by having a storage selection means.

  The second technical means, in the first technical means, when the external storage is selected by the storage selection means, the capacity of the input data and the free capacity of the storage area allocated to the user, When the free space is insufficient, a storage area search means for searching for another storage area usable on the network and assigning it to the user is provided.

  The third technical means enables connection with another external storage different from the external storage in the second technical means, and the storage area search means, when the free space is insufficient, the other external storage In this case, a usable storage area is searched from the storage areas included in the storage area.

  According to a fourth technical means, in the second technical means, the storage area search means stores the usable storage from the storage areas of other users included in the external storage when the free space is insufficient. It is characterized by searching an area.

  The fifth technical means comprises, in the second technical means, reproduction means for reproducing data input from the input interface, and means for notifying the user that data has been accumulated in the other accumulation area, The reproduction means reproduces data accumulated in the other accumulation area when a reproduction instruction is given from a user.

  Sixth technical means enables connection to another external storage different from the external storage and temporary storage for temporarily storing data input from the input interface in the first technical means, When the input data is stored in the storage area allocated to the user, the input data is stored in the temporary storage, and if at least a part of the input data is not stored in the storage area, A means for moving the input data stored in the storage for storage to the other external storage is provided.

  The seventh technical means includes data including an input interface for inputting data and a network interface for connecting to at least one external storage having a plurality of storage areas allocated for each user via a network. The storage terminal includes playback means for playing back data input from the input interface, and stores the input data in the external storage simultaneously with playback of the input data.

  The eighth technical means compares the capacity of the input data with the free capacity of the storage area allocated to the user in the seventh technical means, and if the free capacity is insufficient, A storage area search means for searching for other usable storage areas and assigning them to the user is provided.

  Ninth technical means enables connection to another external storage different from the external storage in the eighth technical means, and the storage area search means, when the free space is insufficient, the other external storage In this case, a usable storage area is searched from the storage areas included in the storage area.

  According to a tenth technical means, in the eighth technical means, the storage area searching means stores the usable storage from the storage areas of other users included in the external storage when the free space is insufficient. It is characterized by searching an area.

  The eleventh technical means comprises means for notifying the user that data has been stored in the other storage area in the eighth technical means, and the playback means is configured to receive the other The data stored in the storage area is reproduced.

  According to a twelfth technical means, in the data storage system having a data storage terminal connected to at least one external storage via a network, the external storage has a plurality of storage areas allocated for each user, The data storage terminal selects an input interface for inputting data, an internal storage for storing the input data, and a storage for storing the input data according to the free space of the internal storage and the external storage When the external storage is selected, the storage selection means to compare the capacity of the input data with the free capacity of the storage area allocated to the user, and when the free capacity is insufficient, Search for other storage areas that can be used with It is obtained by said that a unit.

  A thirteenth technical means is the data storage system having a data storage terminal connected to at least one external storage via a network, wherein the external storage has a plurality of storage areas allocated for each user, The data storage terminal includes an input interface for inputting data, a network interface for storing the input data in the external storage, a capacity of the input data, and a free capacity of a storage area allocated to the user. In comparison, when there is a shortage of free space, there is provided storage area search means for searching for other storage areas that can be used on the network and allocating them to the user.

  The fourteenth technical means provides a network to an input interface for inputting data, a built-in storage for storing the input data, and at least one external storage having a plurality of storage areas allocated for each user. In a data storage method of a data storage terminal comprising a network interface for connection via the interface, the step of inputting data from the input interface, and storing the input data according to the free capacity of the internal storage and the external storage Selecting the storage to be performed, when the external storage is selected, comparing the capacity of the input data with the free capacity of the storage area allocated to the user, and when the free capacity is insufficient , Other storage areas available on the network Is obtained is characterized in that search and a step of assigning to the user.

  The fifteenth technical means includes data having an input interface for inputting data and a network interface for connecting to at least one external storage having a plurality of storage areas allocated for each user via a network. In the data storage method of the storage terminal, the step of inputting data from the input interface, the step of comparing the capacity of the input data with the free capacity of the storage area allocated to the user, and the free capacity are insufficient And a step of searching for another storage area usable on the network and assigning it to the user.

  In a system having a data storage terminal that can be connected to at least one external storage via a network, for example, when recording content reserved according to recording reservation information, the storage capacity that can be used is limited. Even if content cannot be stored in the internal storage or content cannot be stored in the contracted external storage, other storage areas that can be used on the network can be newly allocated and stored, and the storage service is operated. For business operators, it is possible to provide users with new business opportunities by increasing the storage capacity and increasing the contract amount.

  According to the present invention, in a data storage terminal that can be connected to at least one external storage via a network, when input data cannot be stored due to a lack of free space in the internal storage or contracted external storage, Since other storage areas that can be used on the network can be newly allocated and stored, for example, when a recording-scheduled content starts to be recorded, recording failure due to insufficient available storage space is prevented. Can do.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings illustrating the embodiments of the present invention, the same reference numerals denote the same components, and the basic configuration and operation are the same.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a data storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which 10 indicates a data storage terminal, 20 indicates a network, and 30 indicates an external storage. The data storage terminal 10 includes a built-in storage 11 such as a hard disk, an input I / F unit 12 including a plurality of various input I / Fs, a built-in or externally connected display 13, and a remote controller 14 for remotely operating the data storage terminal 10. And is connected to the external storage 30 via the network 20 such as the Internet.

  The external storage 30 includes a main storage 31 having a storage area (contract storage area) allocated for each user and a spare storage 32 for use when expanding the contract storage capacity. The external storage 30 is built in or externally connected to the management server device 40. ing. The management server device 40 includes a personal DB 41 that stores data relating to the storage usage status of each user. Reference numeral 1 denotes an EPG provider that can provide an EPG (electronic program guide), and 2 denotes a mobile phone used by a user of the data storage terminal 10. In this embodiment, one external storage 30 is connected to the network 20, but a plurality of external storages 30 may be connected.

  The input I / F unit 12 is an input interface capable of inputting content (including still images, moving images, audio, etc.) from, for example, optical recording media, memory cards, video cameras, digital cameras, other recording media, and broadcast signals. It is.

  When content is input from an optical recording medium, the data storage terminal 10 includes an optical disk drive as the input I / F unit 12, and various optical disk drives such as a DVD drive and a BD drive are applied to the optical disk drive. In the case of a BD drive, for example, a BD recording medium such as a BD-ROM, BD-R, or BD-RE can be used. In the case of a DVD drive, for example, a DVD-video, a DVD-audio, a DVD- DVD-based recording media such as RAM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD + ROM, DVD + R, and DVD + RW, and CD-based recording media such as CD-MA, CD-video, CD-R, and CD-RW can be used.

  When inputting content from the memory card 2, the video camera 4, the digital camera 5, and other recording media 6, the data storage terminal 10 uses, for example, a 1394 (IEEE1394 standard) I / F, USB as the input I / F unit 12. (Universal Serial Bus) I / F, memory card I / F, PC card I / F, and the like are provided. As the other recording medium 6, for example, various recording media such as a removable hard disk and a USB memory can be used.

  When content is input from a broadcast signal, the data storage terminal 10 uses a tuner for receiving digital broadcast (BS / CS / terrestrial) or analog broadcast, CATV, digital broadcast, or the like as the input I / F unit 12. An STB (set top box) or the like for reception is provided internally or externally.

  Note that the form of the network 20 is not limited to wired or wireless, but is a network such as the Internet connected by a dedicated line or a telephone line, an intranet using Internet technology, or even a WAN ( A wide area network (MAN), a MAN (Metropolitan Area Network), or a LAN (Local Area Network) may be used depending on the installation location of the external storage 30.

  2 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the data storage terminal 10 shown in FIG. 1. The data storage terminal 10 includes a built-in storage 11, an input I / F unit 12, a display 13, a remote controller 14, and a content playback unit 15. , A storage selection unit 16, a memory 17, and a network I / F unit 18, and the storage selection unit 16 includes an accumulation area search unit 16a. In addition, description of the display 13 and the remote control 14 is omitted. As described above, the input I / F unit 12 is, for example, a 1394 I / F, a USB I / F, a memory card I / F, a PC card I / F, an optical disk drive, a tuner, an STB, or the like.

  The content reproduction unit 15 reproduces various contents input from the input I / F unit 12. The storage selection unit 16 selects a storage for storing the content input from the input I / F unit 12 according to the free capacity of the internal storage 11 and the main storage 31. The storage selection unit 16 has a function of storing the input content in the internal storage 11 or the main storage 31 simultaneously with the reproduction when the input content is reproduced by the content reproduction unit 15.

  In addition, content reserved for recording using recording reservation means such as EPG is encoded by an encoder (not shown) when the recording designation time comes. The memory 17 registers recording reservation data reserved using an EPG provided by the EPG provider 1 or recording reservation means provided in the data storage terminal 10 (see FIG. 5 described later). The storage selection unit 16 has a function of automatically storing the encoded content in the internal storage 11 or the main storage 31. The network I / F unit 18 is an interface unit for connecting to the network 20.

  The storage area search unit 16a includes means for comparing the capacity of the input content with the free capacity of the storage area assigned to the user when the external storage 30 (main storage 31) is selected as the storage destination of the input content. If the free space is insufficient, another storage area that can be used on the network 20 is searched and assigned to the user. Specifically, for example, a usable storage area is searched from the storage areas of other users included in the main storage 31, or a usable storage area is selected from the storage areas included in the spare storage 32. You may make it search.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a data storage system according to another embodiment of the present invention, in which 10 indicates a data storage terminal, 20 indicates a network, and 30 indicates an external storage. The data storage terminal 10 includes an input I / F unit 12, a display 13, and a remote controller 14, and is connected to an external storage 30 via a network 20 such as the Internet. The external storage 30 includes a main storage 31 having a storage area (contract storage area) allocated for each user and a spare storage 32 for use when expanding the contract storage capacity. The external storage 30 is built in or externally connected to the management server device 40. ing.

  4 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the data storage terminal 10 shown in FIG. 3. The data storage terminal 10 includes an input I / F unit 12, a display 13, a remote controller 14, a content playback unit 15, and a storage selection unit. 16, a memory 17, and a network I / F unit 18, and the storage selection unit 16 includes an accumulation area search unit 16 a. In addition, description of the display 13 and the remote control 14 is omitted. As in the first embodiment, the input I / F unit 12 includes, for example, a 1394 I / F, a USB I / F, a memory card I / F, a PC card I / F, an optical disk drive, a tuner, an STB, and the like. . The data storage terminal 10 of the present embodiment is different from the data storage terminal 10 of the first embodiment in that the internal storage 11 is not provided.

  In FIG. 4, the storage selection unit 16 has a function of storing the input content in the external storage 30 simultaneously with the reproduction of the input content in the content reproduction unit 15. Since the storage area search unit 16a does not include the built-in storage 11, when content is input from the input I / F unit 12, the capacity of the input content and the storage area (main storage 31) assigned to the user are stored. A means for comparing with the free space is provided, and when the free space is insufficient, another storage area that can be used on the network 20 is searched and assigned to the user. Specifically, for example, a usable storage area is searched from the storage areas of other users included in the main storage 31, or a usable storage area is selected from the storage areas included in the spare storage 32. You may make it search.

  As shown in the above embodiments, the data storage terminal 10 can be connected to at least one external storage via a network, and may have either a configuration with a built-in storage or a configuration without a built-in storage. . Unlike the built-in storage, this external storage is characterized by having no physical storage capacity limitation. However, the storage capacity is generally limited by a contract for each user. According to the present invention, even when the content reserved for recording is recorded, even when the content capacity exceeds the contract storage capacity of the user, the other storage areas that can be used on the network are searched to Thus, it is possible to prevent the recording failure of the content reserved for recording and assigned to the user.

  On the other hand, for operators operating storage services, by expanding the contracted storage capacity so that content can be recorded, it not only prevents unsuccessful recording failures by users, but also creates new business opportunities. It becomes possible to connect.

  The storage service operator may obtain some kind of approval from the user when expanding the contract storage capacity of the user. For example, a pattern for automatically expanding the contract storage capacity after confirming the user to expand the contract storage capacity by displaying a confirmation message on the display 13 of the data storage terminal 10 and obtaining the user's consent. Or, it may be a post-approval pattern for notifying the user after recording the content by expanding the contract storage capacity regardless of whether or not the user approves. The content can be played back only when it is obtained. Further, various contract patterns are conceivable, such as a pattern in which the contract storage capacity is automatically expanded when the contract storage capacity is insufficient.

  In the data storage system of each embodiment configured as described above, an aspect in which the user uses this will be described below. The data storage terminal and system shown in the second embodiment will be described as a representative example.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the memory 17. The memory 17 includes a contract storage capacity (example 200 GB) provided in the main storage 31, a remaining storage capacity (example 10 GB), and a recording-reserved content. A data string composed of necessary storage capacity (for example, 30 GB) necessary for recording the video, recording reservation data, past recording history, and the like is stored.

(When capacity is over at the time of content recording reservation)
A data string similar to the data string in the memory 17 shown in FIG. 4 may be registered in the personal DB 41 in the management server device 40. The management server device 40 compares the remaining storage capacity of the user registered in the personal DB 41 with the required storage capacity of the content. In this example, since the capacity of the content reserved for recording by EPG or the like (30 GB in this example) exceeds the remaining storage capacity (10 GB in this example), the management server device 40 communicates with the data storage terminal 10 via the network 20. Communication is performed, and a message for notifying that the necessary capacity of content exceeds the remaining storage capacity is displayed on the display 13 included in the data storage terminal 10. At this time, the recording reservation is not completed. In response to this message, the recording reservation is executed when the user approves the expansion of the contract storage capacity. Similar processing may be executed using the data storage terminal 10 and its memory 17 without using the management server device 40 and the personal DB 41.

(If the capacity is over at the start of recording the reserved content)
At the time of recording reservation, there was a margin in the remaining storage capacity of the main storage 31, but the remaining storage capacity of the main storage 31 was reduced by other contents by the start of recording, and no further storage was possible. In this case, when the recording area search unit 16a included in the data storage terminal 10 starts recording the content reserved for recording, a new storage area other than the contract storage area of the main storage 31 is searched from the network, Accumulate in the accumulation area.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a process of searching for a new storage area other than the contract storage area of the external storage and storing the content in the storage area when recording the content reserved for recording is started. is there. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a storage area newly assigned to the external storage, in which 51 is a contract storage area assigned to the user, and 52 and 53 are storage areas newly assigned to the user. Indicates. In this example, the data storage terminal and system shown in the second embodiment will be described as a representative example.

  6 and 7, first, the storage area search unit 16a in the data storage terminal 10 shown in FIG. 4 refers to the memory 17 at the time of preparation for recording reservation of content (step S1), and FIG. The remaining storage capacity of the user in the contract storage area 51 of the storage A shown in FIG. 6 is compared with the necessary storage capacity necessary for recording the reserved content (step S2), and the required storage capacity is large (in the case of NO) ) Requests the management server device 40 to search for a new storage area other than the contract storage area 51 (step S3). In response to this, the management server device 40 is randomly vacant including not only the storage A including the area (contract accumulation area 51) with which the user is contracted, but also other storages (storage B, storage C). The storage area is searched, the area is set as a new storage area for the user (storage area 52 or storage area 53), and an address indicating the position of the area is transmitted to the data storage terminal 10.

  Next, the data storage terminal 10 acquires the new address transmitted from the management server device 40 (step S4), sets the acquired new address (step S5), and determines the storage destination address (step S7). ). The data storage terminal 10 designates the acquired new address and starts recording in order to store the content reserved for recording in a new storage area (storage area 52 or storage area 53).

  On the other hand, if the remaining storage capacity is larger in step S2 (YES), an address is set from the storage area in the contract storage area 51 of the storage A (step S6), and the process proceeds to step S7.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining another example of a process of searching for a new storage area other than the contract storage area of the external storage and storing the content in the storage area when recording the content reserved for recording is started. FIG. In this example, the management server device 40 refers to the personal DB 41 without using the memory 17 of the data storage terminal 10, searches for a new storage area, and sets that area as the new storage area for the user. The contents reserved for recording may be stored in the storage area. However, it is preferable that the storage service operator always prepares a physical storage facility with a margin in preparation for the sudden increase in the area.

  7 and 8, the management server device 40 shown in FIG. 3 first refers to the personal DB 41 at the time of preparation for recording reservation of content (step S11), and stores the contract in the storage A shown in FIG. The remaining storage capacity of the user in the area 51 is compared with the necessary storage capacity necessary for recording the reserved content (step S12). If the necessary storage capacity is large (in the case of NO), the management server device 40 Then, a new storage area other than the contract storage area 51 is searched and secured (step S13). The management server device 40 is an area of randomly vacant storage including not only the storage A including the area (contract storage area 51) with which the user is contracted but also other storages (storage B, storage C). And the area is set as a new storage area of the user (storage area 52 or storage area 53), and an address indicating the position of the area is transmitted to the data storage terminal 10.

  Next, the data storage terminal 10 acquires the new address transmitted from the management server device 40, sets the acquired new address, and determines the storage destination address. In order to store the content reserved for recording in a new storage area (storage area 52 or storage area 53), the data storage terminal 10 designates the acquired new address and starts recording (step S15).

  On the other hand, if the remaining storage capacity is larger in the above step S12 (in the case of YES), the storage area in the contract storage area 51 of the storage A is secured (step S14), and the process proceeds to step S15.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another example of the storage area newly assigned to the external storage, in which 61 is the contract storage area assigned to the user, and 62 is the storage area newly assigned to the user. Indicates. As another embodiment, the management server device 40 refers to the other user's personal DB in the storage with which the user is contracted, so that the remaining storage capacity, recording reservation data, and past recording history of the other user A part of the user's storage area that is estimated to be optimal based on these data is set as a new storage area of the user (storage area 62), and an address indicating the position of the storage area is set. Transmit to the data storage terminal 10. The data storage terminal 10 that has acquired the address designates the acquired address and starts recording in order to store the content reserved for recording in the storage area 62.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining another example of a process of searching for a new storage area other than the contract storage area of the external storage and storing the content in the storage area when starting recording the content reserved for recording. FIG. In this example, without using the memory 17 of the data storage terminal 10, the management server device 40 refers to the personal DB 41 to find an available area from the storage areas of other users of the main storage 31, and determines the storage area. It may be set in a new storage area of the user and the content reserved for recording may be stored in the storage area. In this case, the storage service operator need not prepare a physical storage facility only for the additional recording that occurs unexpectedly, and an economical and efficient system can be constructed.

  9 and 10, first, the management server device 40 shown in FIG. 3 refers to the personal DB 41 at the time of preparation for recording recording of content (step S21), and stores the contract in the storage A shown in FIG. The remaining storage capacity of the user in the area 61 is compared with the necessary storage capacity necessary for recording the reserved content (step S22). When the necessary storage capacity is large (in the case of NO), the management server device 40 Then, the remaining storage capacity, recording reservation data, and past recording history of other users stored in the storage A are extracted from the personal DB 41 (step S23), and the other users estimated to be optimal based on these data Is reserved as a new storage area 62 for the user (step S24), and an address indicating the position of the storage area is stored in the data storage area. And transmits it to the terminal 10. The data storage terminal 10 that has acquired the address specifies the acquired address and starts recording in order to store the content reserved for recording in the storage area 62 (step S26).

  The management server device 40 extracts the remaining storage capacity, recording reservation data, past recording history, etc. of other users stored in the storage A shown in FIG. 9 from the personal DB 41, and is optimal based on these data. A part of the estimated storage area of the user is set as a new storage area of the user (storage area 62), and an address indicating the position of the storage area is transmitted to the data storage terminal 10.

  On the other hand, if the remaining storage capacity is larger in the step S22 (in the case of YES), the storage area in the contract storage area 61 of the storage A is secured (step S25), and the process proceeds to step S26.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining another example of a process of searching for a new storage area other than the contract storage area of the external storage and storing the content in the storage area when recording the content reserved for recording is started. FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another example of the storage area newly assigned to the external storage. In FIG. 12, 71 is a contract storage area assigned to the user, 72 is a temporary storage area for the user, and 73 is a temporary storage area for the user. A storage area newly assigned to the user is shown. The data storage terminal 10 shown in this example stores content not only in the contract storage region 71 of the user but also in the temporary storage region 72 of the temporary storage when recording content including scheduled recording. At the same time. In this example, the data storage terminal and system shown in the second embodiment will be described as a representative example.

  11 and 12, first, the data storage terminal 10 starts recording in the contract storage area 71 of the storage A shown in FIG. 12 (step S31), and starts recording in the temporary storage area 72 of the temporary storage. (Step S32). It is determined whether or not the recording in the contract storage area 71 has been completed normally (step S33). If the recording has not ended normally due to insufficient capacity in the contract storage area 71 (in the case of NO), a new storage B Storage area 73 is secured (step S34), and the content is moved from the temporary storage area 72 to the newly secured storage area 73 (step S35). On the other hand, in the above step S33, when the recording is normally completed (in the case of YES), the process is ended as it is.

  In the present embodiment, the data stored in the memory 17 of the data storage terminal 10 and the data stored in the personal DB 41 of the management server device 40 are referred to. Only when the recording does not end normally, the content stored in the temporary storage area 72 of the temporary storage is moved to the storage area 73 of the newly contracted user, thereby preventing content recording failure. be able to.

  Here, in FIG. 3 described above, when content is to be stored in a new storage area outside the user's contract storage area, the management server device 40 that monitors the content is registered in the data storage terminal 10 or registered. A message is sent to the mobile phone 2 for notifying that the content has been stored in the new storage area. The data storage terminal 10 or the mobile phone 2 displays the received message on the display. As a result, the user can know that the content reserved for recording has been accumulated in the newly allocated contract area due to insufficient storage capacity.

  As a means for confirming the user's approval, if there is no clear denial from the user, a contract for capacity expansion may be automatically performed to expand the contract accumulation area. As a result, even if the user does not make a clear denial, that is, if the user is not near the data storage terminal 10 or if he / she does not notice an e-mail to the mobile phone 2, etc., as a new storage area, For example, the reserve storage 32 is added, the storage capacity is expanded, and the worst situation of recording failure for the user can be avoided. On the other hand, the storage service operator can obtain a new business opportunity to expand the storage capacity for storage contracts.

  As another embodiment, in the data storage system shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, as a notification pattern to the user when the required storage capacity is larger than the remaining storage capacity and cannot be stored in the contract storage, capacity expansion is performed. If the contract is not made, the user may be notified that there is a possibility that the recording will fail, and the user may be prompted to make a decision.

  In this case, a new storage area is set regardless of the user's intention as a countermeasure when the user is not near the data storage terminal 10 or when the user does not notice the e-mail to the mobile phone 2 or the like. Content is stored in that area. When the user accesses the content after the recording is finished, the fact that the content is stored in the spare storage 32, which is a new storage area after capacity expansion, is displayed on the display 13 of the data storage terminal 10. If the user is prompted for a capacity expansion contract and the user accepts that, that is, if the remote controller 14 or the like is used to instruct playback, the contract is made in the form of post-approval, and through the content playback unit 15 inside the data storage terminal 10. Normal viewing becomes possible. Conversely, if the contract is rejected, the content stored in the spare storage 32 cannot be viewed.

  As described above, each embodiment has been described centering on each function in the data storage terminal and system of the present invention. However, the present invention is a data storage method as described also as a method of executing each step in the data storage terminal and system. Can take the form as Further, similarly to the data storage terminal and system having these functions, a form as a program for causing a computer to function as a data storage terminal and a form as a recording medium on which the program is recorded are possible.

  An embodiment of a recording medium storing a program and data for realizing a data storage function according to the present invention will be described. Specific recording media include CD-ROM (-R / -RW), magneto-optical disk, DVD-ROM (-R / -RW / -RAM), FD, HD, flash memory, memory card, Memory sticks and other various ROMs and RAMs can be assumed, and the recording medium stores a program for realizing the data storage function by causing the computer to execute the functions of the apparatus and system of the above-described embodiments of the present invention. To facilitate the realization of the function. Then, the recording medium as described above is mounted on an information processing apparatus such as a computer and the program is read by the information processing apparatus, or the program is stored in a storage medium provided in the information processing apparatus. By reading, the data storage function according to the present invention can be executed.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the data storage system which is one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structural example of the data storage terminal shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the data storage system which is other embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structural example of the data storage terminal shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of memory. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing for searching for a new storage area other than the contract storage area of the external storage and storing the content in the storage area when starting recording of the content reserved for recording. It is a figure which shows an example of the storage area newly allocated to the external storage. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining another example of processing for searching for a new storage area other than the contract storage area of the external storage and storing the content in the storage area when starting recording of the content reserved for recording. It is a figure which shows the other example of the storage area newly allocated to the external storage. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining another example of processing for searching for a new storage area other than the contract storage area of the external storage and storing the content in the storage area when starting recording of the content reserved for recording. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining another example of processing for searching for a new storage area other than the contract storage area of the external storage and storing the content in the storage area when starting recording of the content reserved for recording. It is a figure which shows the other example of the storage area newly allocated to the external storage.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... EPG provider, 2 ... Mobile phone, 10 ... Data storage terminal, 11 ... Built-in storage, 12 ... Input I / F part, 13 ... Display, 14 ... Remote control, 15 ... Content reproduction part, 16 ... Storage selection part, 16a ... Storage area search unit, 17 ... Memory, 18 ... Network I / F unit, 20 ... Network, 30 ... External storage, 31 ... Main storage, 32 ... Spare storage, 40 ... Management server device, 41 ... Personal DB, 51 61, 71 ... Contract storage area, 52, 53, 62, 73 ... New storage area, 72 ... Temporary storage area.

Claims (15)

  An input interface for inputting data, a built-in storage for storing the input data, and a network for connecting to at least one external storage having a plurality of storage areas allocated for each user via the network A data storage terminal comprising an interface, comprising: storage selection means for selecting a storage for storing the input data in accordance with free capacity of the internal storage and the external storage.   2. The data storage terminal according to claim 1, wherein when the external storage is selected by the storage selection means, the capacity of the input data is compared with the free capacity of the storage area allocated to the user, and the free capacity is compared. A data storage terminal characterized by comprising storage area search means for searching for another storage area that can be used on the network and allocating it to the user when the network is insufficient.   3. The data storage terminal according to claim 2, wherein said external storage different from said external storage can be connected, and said storage area search means is included in said other external storage when said free space is insufficient A data storage terminal, wherein a usable storage area is searched from the storage area.   3. The data storage terminal according to claim 2, wherein the storage area search means searches for an available storage area from storage areas of other users included in the external storage when the free space is insufficient. A data storage terminal characterized by:   3. The data storage terminal according to claim 2, comprising playback means for playing back data input from the input interface, and means for notifying a user that data has been stored in the other storage area, Is a data storage terminal for playing back data stored in the other storage area when a user gives a playback instruction.   2. The data storage terminal according to claim 1, wherein the data storage terminal is connectable to another external storage different from the external storage and a temporary storage for temporarily storing data input from the input interface, and is assigned to the user. When the input data is stored in the storage area, the input data is stored in the temporary storage, and if at least part of the input data is not stored in the storage area, the temporary storage A data storage terminal comprising means for moving the input data stored in the external storage to the other external storage.   A data storage terminal comprising: an input interface for inputting data; and a network interface for connecting to at least one external storage having a plurality of storage areas allocated for each user via a network. A data storage terminal comprising playback means for playing back the data input from the storage, and storing the input data in the external storage simultaneously with the playback of the input data.   8. The data storage terminal according to claim 7, wherein the capacity of the input data is compared with the free capacity of the storage area allocated to the user, and when the free capacity is insufficient, it can be used on the network. A data storage terminal comprising storage area search means for searching for another storage area and assigning it to the user.   9. The data storage terminal according to claim 8, wherein the external storage different from the external storage is connectable, and the storage area search means is included in the other external storage when the free space is insufficient. A data storage terminal, wherein a usable storage area is searched from the storage area.   9. The data storage terminal according to claim 8, wherein the storage area search means searches for an available storage area from the storage areas of other users included in the external storage when the free space is insufficient. A data storage terminal characterized by:   9. The data storage terminal according to claim 8, further comprising means for notifying a user that data has been stored in the other storage area, wherein the playback means is stored in the other storage area when a playback instruction is received from the user. A data storage terminal for reproducing the stored data.   In a data storage system having a data storage terminal connected to at least one external storage via a network, the external storage has a plurality of storage areas allocated for each user, and the data storage terminal stores data An input interface for inputting; a built-in storage for storing the input data; a storage selection means for selecting a storage for storing the input data according to free space in the internal storage and the external storage; When an external storage is selected, the capacity of the input data is compared with the free capacity of the storage area allocated to the user. If the free capacity is insufficient, another storage usable on the network is used. Storage area search means for searching for areas and assigning them to the user. Data storage system according to claim and.   In a data storage system having a data storage terminal connected to at least one external storage via a network, the external storage has a plurality of storage areas allocated for each user, and the data storage terminal stores data The input interface for inputting, the network interface for storing the input data in the external storage, the capacity of the input data and the free capacity of the storage area allocated to the user are compared, and the free capacity is A data storage system comprising: a storage area search means for searching for another storage area that can be used on the network and allocating it to the user when there is a shortage.   An input interface for inputting data, a built-in storage for storing the input data, and a network for connecting to at least one external storage having a plurality of storage areas allocated for each user via the network In a data storage method of a data storage terminal comprising an interface, a step of inputting data from the input interface, and a step of selecting a storage for storing the input data according to a free capacity of the internal storage and the external storage; When the external storage is selected, the step of comparing the capacity of the input data with the free capacity of the storage area allocated to the user, and when the free capacity is insufficient, can be used on the network Search for other storage areas and the user Data storage method characterized by a step of allocating.   In a data storage method of a data storage terminal, comprising: an input interface for inputting data; and a network interface for connecting to at least one external storage having a plurality of storage areas allocated for each user via a network A step of inputting data from the input interface, a step of comparing the capacity of the input data with the free capacity of the storage area allocated to the user, and if the free capacity is insufficient, And searching for another usable storage area and assigning it to the user.

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