JP2007150548A - Video file reproducing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a video file reproducing apparatus capable of automatically reproducing a video file which is specified (selected) in advance by a user. <P>SOLUTION: The video file reproducing apparatus comprises a first storage for storing a plurality of video files in advance; a second storage which relates a file specific information for specifying a video file that is to be reproduced to a reproduction related information containing the information of specific date of the video file to be reproduced, and for storing as a reproduction reservation management information, a measuring circuit for measuring date and time, and a reproduction control pad for controlling specific date reproduction of the video file to be reproduced based on the information about measurement date/time and the reproduction reservation management information. The reproduction control unit judges whether the date and time that have been measured are within a specified period from the specific date or not (S108). If judged to be within a specified period (YES at S108), the video file is specified based on the corresponding file specific information (S114), and starting of video file reproduction is instructed (S116). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a video file playback device, and more particularly to a video file playback device having a date and time measurement function.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been proposed an apparatus capable of outputting some message on an anniversary such as a family birthday or wedding anniversary.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a video equipment system that can display a message that is input and stored in advance by a user on a designated date such as an anniversary or birthday of an individual. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228688 has a memory for storing data input by a user, and a television with a time-controlled audio-video management system that has a function of outputting the contents stored in the memory at a freely set date and time Is disclosed.

Patent Document 3 discloses a program information recording medium in which video information and audio information are recorded on a recording medium, and each information is displayed at a predetermined time and edited to produce a sound. It is disclosed.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-23306 JP 2001-24966 A JP 2004-254231 A

  However, in Patent Documents 1 and 2, a video file stored in the device itself cannot be reproduced on a preset date.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a video file playback apparatus capable of automatically playing back a video file designated (selected) by a user in advance. That is.

  A video file playback apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first storage unit for storing a plurality of video files in advance, and a playback reservation setting unit for setting a playback reservation for the video file based on an instruction from a user. The playback reservation setting means includes: a selection means for selecting a video file to be played from a plurality of video files; and a reception for receiving input of playback related information for the video file selected by the selection means The playback related information includes information on the specific date of the selected video file and information of a message to be displayed, and corresponds to the file specifying information for specifying the selected video file and the playback related information. In addition, the second storage means for storing as reproduction reservation management information, the measurement means for measuring the date and time, and the measurement means Based on the date and time information and the playback reservation management information, the playback control means for controlling the specific date playback of the selected video file, the playback control means, the date and time measured by the measuring means, A determination unit for determining whether or not a predetermined period from a specific date, and a specification for specifying a video file based on corresponding file specifying information when the determination unit determines that the predetermined period is within Means for instructing the start of reproduction of the video file specified by the specifying means, and a reading means for reading out the information of the corresponding message, and specified based on the instruction signal from the instruction means Reproducing means for reproducing the video file, and generating means for generating a signal for displaying information of the message read by the reading means are further provided. .

  A video file playback device according to another aspect of the present invention includes a first storage unit for storing a plurality of video files in advance, file specifying information for specifying a video file to be played out of the plurality of video files, and Second storage means for associating with reproduction related information including information on a specific date of a video file to be reproduced and storing it as reproduction reservation management information, measuring means for measuring date and time, and measuring means Based on the date and time information measured by the reproduction reservation management information, and reproduction control means for controlling reproduction on the specific date of the video file to be reproduced, the reproduction control means is measured by the measurement means A determination unit for determining whether the date and time is within a predetermined period from a specific date, and when the determination unit determines that the date and time is within a predetermined period, And specifying means for specifying the video file and instruction means for instructing the start of playback of the video file specified by the specifying means, and playing the specified video file based on the instruction signal from the instruction means And a reproducing means for performing.

  Preferably, a playback reservation setting unit for setting a playback reservation for a video file to be played back is provided based on an instruction from the user, and the playback reservation setting unit selects a video file to be played from a plurality of video files. And a receiving unit for receiving an input of reproduction related information for the video file selected by the selecting unit.

  Preferably, the reproduction-related information further includes message information, and the reproduction control unit further includes a reading unit for reading the corresponding message information when the determination unit determines that it is within the predetermined period, The apparatus further includes generating means for generating a signal for displaying information of the message read by the reading means.

  Preferably, the second storage means further stores display identification information for identifying whether or not to hide the file information related to the video file specified by the file specifying information, The apparatus further includes list display means for displaying a list of file information relating to a plurality of video files stored in one storage means, and the list display means selects file information to be displayed based on the display identification information.

  Preferably, the determination unit performs the determination when a power-on instruction is input from the user.

  Preferably, the reproduction related information further includes period information indicating a reproduction period of the video file to be reproduced, and the reproduction control unit updates the specific date information stored in the second storage unit based on the period information. To do.

  Preferably, the reproduction related information further includes reproduction identification information for identifying whether or not reproduction has been completed, and the determination unit performs determination when the reproduction identification information indicates that the reproduction has not been performed.

  Preferably, the second storage means stores a plurality of reproduction reservation management information, and the reproduction control means determines whether or not there is reproduction reservation management information indicating that the reproduction identification information is not reproduced. First determination means for determining whether or not there is a plurality of reproduction reservation management information indicating that the reproduction has not been performed when it is determined by the first determination means that it exists. A plurality of specific dates included in each of the reproduction reservation management information indicating that a plurality of reproduction reservation management information indicates that the reproduction has not been performed. It is determined whether or not it is within a predetermined period from the specific date closest to the date and time.

  Preferably, the apparatus further includes a driving unit for driving the removable recording medium, and a re-recording unit for re-recording the video file recorded on the recording medium in the first storage unit.

  According to the present invention, a video file stored in advance can be automatically reproduced within a predetermined period from a specific date. Thereby, it is possible to produce an impressive performance by setting anniversary dates such as wedding anniversary dates and family birthdays as specific dates.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated.

(About configuration)
With reference to FIG. 1, a DVD recorder 100, which is an aspect of a video file reproduction device according to an embodiment of the present invention, will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of DVD recorder 100.

  The DVD recorder 100 includes a memory 112 for storing various data, a system control unit 110 for executing a predetermined process based on the stored data and an instruction input from the outside, and an external user An operation unit 122 for receiving an instruction input, a light receiving unit 124 for receiving a remote control signal and outputting a predetermined control signal to the system control unit 110, and a time measurement signal to the system control unit 110. The timer circuit 126 for outputting and the display part 128 for displaying the information showing the operating state of the DVD recorder 100 are included. The operating state displayed on the display unit 128 is, for example, time information on the DVD recorder 100, a program playback status, and the like.

  Referring again to FIG. 1, DVD recorder 100 further includes an antenna 190, a tuner 130 for selecting a predetermined radio wave from the received radio waves, and an external input unit for receiving external video and audio signal inputs. 132, an MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) encoder 152 for compressing an input signal based on a predetermined process, and a hard disk device 140 for storing digital data based on an instruction from the system control unit 110 A drive device 170 for recording and reproducing video / audio data by driving a detachable recording medium such as a DVD 172; an MPEG decoder 154 for decoding a compressed video / audio signal; For generating a signal for displaying the operation state of the DVD recorder 100 and other information on the display screen An OSD (On Screen Display) image generation circuit 114, a synthesis circuit 158 for synthesizing and outputting a signal generated by the OSD image generation circuit 114 and an output signal from the MPEG decoder 154, and an input digital signal A D / A (Digital to Analog) converter 160 for converting to an analog signal and outputting it, and an output unit 168 for connecting a transmission cable 192 and outputting a video / audio signal are included. DVD recorder 100 is connected to television 400 via transmission cable 192. The hard disk device 140 includes a data recording / reproducing head 142 for recording and reproducing data and a hard disk 144 for storing data.

  In the present embodiment, system control section 110 has a playback reservation setting section 1102 for setting a playback reservation for a group of video data (hereinafter referred to as “video files”) and a clock circuit 126 based on an instruction from the user. A playback control unit 1104 for controlling playback on a specific date of a video file based on date and time data measured by the above and playback reservation management data described later is included.

  Here, “specific date playback” means that a video file selected (designated) by the user is played on a specific date, and “specific date” is a date for specifying the playback date of the video file. Yes, it corresponds to the day when the user wants to automatically reproduce the video file, for example, the anniversary such as the wedding anniversary or the birthday, or the day when the user wants to convey something.

  The playback reservation setting unit 1102 selects a video file to be reserved for playback from a plurality of video files stored in the hard disk device 140, for example. It also receives input of playback-related information for the selected video file. The reproduction-related information includes at least information on a specific date, and preferably further includes message information. In the present embodiment, any information is included.

  Information for specifying the selected video file (hereinafter referred to as “file specifying information”) and reproduction related information of the selected video file are associated with each other and stored in the hard disk device 140, for example.

  The reproduction control unit 1104 determines whether the date and time data measured by the time measuring circuit 126 is within a predetermined period (for example, one week) from the specific date. When it is determined that the current date and time is within a predetermined period from the specific date, the video file to be reproduced on the specific date is specified based on the corresponding file specifying information. Then, an instruction signal is transmitted to the hard disk device 140 so as to start the reproduction of the specified video file. In addition, control for reading the information of the corresponding message is performed. In addition, although the reproduction | regeneration control part 1104 decided to determine whether it is within a predetermined period from a specific day, you may determine whether it is a specific day. That is, the corresponding video file may be played back only on a specific date.

  Note that specific processes executed by the reproduction reservation setting unit 1102 and the reproduction control unit 1104 will be described later.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, it is assumed that the video file to be subject to playback reservation and specific day playback is a video file stored in advance in the hard disk device 140.

  The DVD recorder 100 has a function of dubbing the video file recorded on the DVD 172 to the hard disk device 140 by driving the drive device 170. Further, a video file input from the external input unit 132 may be stored in the hard disk device 140. Here, it is assumed that a video file edited by an external device having an editing function is stored in the hard disk device 140. That is, it is assumed that the video file that is subject to playback reservation and playback on a specific date is a video file that has been edited by an external device having an editing function. Note that the DVD recorder 100 may have a video file editing function.

  In addition, here, a video file that has been edited in advance is assumed as a video file that is subject to playback reservation and playback on a specific date, but a video file that has not been edited may be used. For example, a video file based on a broadcast signal received by tuner 130 may be a target for playback reservation and specific day playback.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a structure example of the hard disk 144 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The hard disk 144 includes a data area 21 and a management area 22. A plurality of video files are stored in the data area 21. In the management area 22, a file management table 221 and a specific date reproduction management table 222 are stored.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the file management table 221 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The file management table 221 has file management data Bj (j = 1, 2, 3,..., N) for managing each video file stored in the data area 21.

  The file management data Bj includes recording date / time data D1, source data D2, file name data D3, address data D4, channel data D5, and image position data D6.

  The recording date / time data D1 is data indicating the date / time (year, month, day) when the video file to be managed was recorded. “Recorded date and time” is the date and time recorded on the hard disk 144. Therefore, for example, when the video file is a file dubbed from the DVD 172, information on the dubbed date and time is stored. The source data D2 is data indicating information on the recording source of the video file. The file name data D3 is data indicating the file name of the video file. The address data D4 is data for specifying the storage location of the video file. The channel data D5 is data for specifying a broadcast station to be provided when the target video file is a video file based on a broadcast signal received by the tuner 130. The image position data D6 is data indicating the position of the index image (for example, thumbnail), and stores address data, time data (data indicating elapsed time from the start), and the like, for example. For example, a known technique can be used as the index image setting method.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the specific date reproduction management table 222 in the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 4, specific day reproduction management table 222 has specific day reproduction management data Ai (i = 1, 2, 3,..., M). The specific date reproduction management data Ai includes specific date data C1, type data C2, file name data C3, message data C4, period data C5, reproduction flag C6, display flag C7, and password data C8.

  The specific date data C1 is data indicating the specific date (year, month, day, (hour, minute)).

  The type data C2 is data indicating the type of a specific day. For example, “1” is stored if the type of the specific date is a wedding anniversary, and “2” is stored if it is a birthday.

  The file name data C3 is information (file specifying information) for specifying the target video file, and here, for example, file name data is stored.

  The message data C4 is text data representing a message input by the user.

  The period data C5 is data for identifying a specific day reproduction period. For example, “1” is stored if the cycle is every year, and “2” is stored if the cycle is monthly. The cycle may be once every two years.

  The reproduction flag C6 is data for identifying whether or not reproduction has been completed. For example, “1” is stored if playback has been completed, and “0” is stored if playback has not been performed.

  The display flag C7 is information for identifying whether to display video file information when displaying a file list. For example, “1” is stored if display is impossible, and “0” is stored if display is possible. The “video file information” is information regarding the video file and is information that can specify the content of the video file, and is at least one piece of information among the plurality of data included in the file management data Bj. In the present embodiment, for example, an index image and a file name will be described as video file information. In the following description, the value of the display flag C7 being “1” is also referred to as “file display not possible”, and the value of the display flag C7 being “0” is also referred to as “file display possible”.

  The password data C8 is information indicating information necessary for displaying video file information that cannot be displayed as a file, for example, data indicating a password. Therefore, when the value of the display flag C7 is “1”, character data or numerical data input by the user is stored.

  As described above, the specific day reproduction management data Aj includes information for specifying a video file (for example, file name data C3) and reproduction related information (for example, specific date data C1, type data C2, message data C4, cycle). Data C5 and reproduction flag C6). In addition, it is preferable that the specific day reproduction management data Aj further includes display availability information (for example, display flag C7 and password data C8) of the video file information.

  The specific day reproduction management data Aj may not include the display flag C7 and the password data C8. Further, it may not include the type data C2. Further, when the message data C4 is blank (when the user does not input a message), the message may be determined according to the type of the specific date indicated by the type data C2. That is, for example, in the management area 22 of the hard disk 144, a message correspondence table in which each type of specific day is associated with a message is stored in advance, and a message is selected based on this message correspondence table. Good. In the message correspondence table, for example, the specific day type: “birthday” and the message: “happy birthday” are stored in association with each other, the specific day type: “marriage anniversary”, and the message: “always “Thank you” is stored in association with each other. In this case, the input of the message may be accepted only in the case of the specific day type: “other”.

(About operation)
(Playback reservation)
A method for setting a playback reservation will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a menu selection screen in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the playback reservation setting process in the embodiment of the present invention. The processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 is stored in advance in the memory 112 as a program, and the function of the playback reservation setting processing is realized by the system control unit 110 reading and executing this program. Further, the process shown in FIG. 6 is a process that is started when the user selects the “specific day reproduction reservation setting” menu on the menu selection screen as shown in FIG. 5, for example. 5 is displayed on the television 400 when the system control unit 110 detects an instruction signal for menu display via the light receiving unit 124, for example.

  A plurality of menus for the DVD recorder 100 are displayed on the menu selection screen. For example, a “timer recording reservation setting” button 61 for selecting a timer recording reservation setting menu, a “file playback” button 62 for selecting a playback menu for a video file, and a (specific date) playback reservation setting menu are selected. A “specific day reproduction reservation setting” button 63 and the like are displayed. When the user selects the “specific day reproduction reservation setting” button 63 on such a menu selection screen, the processing shown in FIG. 6 is started. Note that the timer recording reservation setting method and the video file reproduction method may be executed by known methods.

  Referring to FIG. 6, first, playback reservation setting section 1102 executes a file list display process (video file information list display process) (step S2). This file list display process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the playback reservation setting unit 1102 determines whether video file information has been selected by the user (step S4). Specifically, it is determined whether one of a plurality of video file information displayed in a list is selected.

  If it is determined in step S4 that the video file information has been selected by the user (YES in step S4), the process proceeds to step S18. On the other hand, when it is determined that the video file information is not selected (NO in step S4), the process proceeds to step S6.

  In step S6, the reproduction reservation setting unit 1102 determines whether or not a predetermined area (reference numeral 72 in FIG. 8) in the file list display screen has been selected. If it is determined that the predetermined area has been selected (YES in step S6), the process proceeds to step S8. If it is determined that the predetermined area has not been selected (NO in step S6), the process returns to step S4.

  In step S8, the reproduction reservation setting unit 1102 inquires of the user about the password. Then, an input of a password is accepted (step S10), and it is determined whether or not the input password matches the password data C8 (step S12).

  If it is determined that the passwords match (YES in step S12), the process proceeds to step S14. If it is determined that the passwords do not match (NO in step S12), the process returns to step S4.

  In step S <b> 14, the playback reservation setting unit 1102 displays video file information that has the same password and that cannot be displayed. More specifically, first, the file name data D3 that matches the file name data C3 of the specific date reproduction management data Ai including the password data C8 that matches the input password is searched. Then, based on the image position data D6 corresponding to the searched file name data D3, a control for reading the thumbnail image is performed. Then, the thumbnail image is given to the OSD image generation circuit 114.

  Next, the reproduction reservation setting unit 1102 determines whether one of the displayed video file information (file display is impossible) is selected (step S16). The reproduction reservation setting unit 1102 waits until video file information (file display disabled) is selected (NO in step S16), and when it is determined that it is selected (YES in step S16), the process proceeds to step S18.

  In step S <b> 18, the reproduction reservation setting unit 1102 displays the setting screen for the specific day reproduction reservation on the television 400 by OSD. Then, the playback reservation setting unit 1102 accepts input of playback related information for the video file corresponding to the selected video file information (step S20). Here, a specific example of the setting screen for the reproduction reservation is shown in FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a playback reservation setting screen according to the embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 9, file name 80 (for example, “wedding”) is displayed on the setting screen, and an input field for inputting a specific date, type, message, and period is provided as reproduction related information. In this example, the type and period input fields are a pull-down method, and the user can select one from a plurality of displayed items. In addition to the date, the hour and minute may be input as the specific date. Thereby, it is possible to specify a time at which automatic reproduction is possible.

  The setting screen further includes a check box for selecting whether to hide the video file information and an input field for inputting a password. Further, the setting screen is provided with a determination button 81 provided for instructing completion of input and a cancel button 82 for canceling the reproduction reservation being displayed.

  Note that the input of these pieces of information is performed by the user operating, for example, a numeric keypad, a cursor key, and a determination key on the remote controller.

  Referring to FIG. 6 again, reproduction reservation setting unit 1102 determines whether any of determination button 81 or cancel button 82 displayed on the setting screen has been selected (step S22). If it is determined that no button is selected (NO in step S22), the process returns to step S20.

  If it is determined in step S22 that the enter button 81 has been selected (YES in step S22, “OK”), the process proceeds to step S24. On the other hand, if it is determined that the cancel button 82 has been selected (YES / “Cancel” in step S22), the process proceeds to step S26.

  In step S24, the reproduction reservation setting unit 1102 newly registers the specific date reproduction management data Ai in the specific date reproduction management table 222 based on the input reproduction related information. When the video file information selected in step S4 is information corresponding to the existing specific day reproduction management data Ai, the reproduction related information included in the specific day reproduction management data Ai is updated.

  In step S <b> 26, the reproduction reservation setting unit 1102 deletes the target specific day reproduction management data Ai from the specific day reproduction management table 222. That is, when the video file information selected in step S4 is information corresponding to the existing specific date reproduction management data Ai, when the cancel button 82 is selected, the specific date reproduction management data Ai is reproduced on the specific date. Delete from the management table 222.

This completes the playback reservation setting process.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the file list display process shown in step S2 of FIG.

  First, the reproduction reservation setting unit 1102 reads the file management table 221 (step S42). Next, the specific day reproduction management table 222 is read (step S44). Then, based on the display flag C7, it is determined whether or not there is specific day reproduction management data Ai incapable of file display (step S46). If it is determined that there is specific day reproduction management data Ai that cannot be displayed (YES in step S46), the process proceeds to step S48. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no specific day reproduction management data Ai that cannot be displayed (NO in step S46), the process proceeds to step S52.

  In step S48, the reproduction reservation setting unit 1102 displays a list of video file information corresponding to the file name data D3 other than the file name data D3 that matches the file name data C3 that cannot be displayed (step S48).

  In step S52, the reproduction reservation setting unit 1102 displays a list of all video file information.

  FIG. 8 is a first diagram showing an example of a file list display screen in the embodiment of the present invention. The file list screen 70 displays a list of video file information that can be displayed. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 8, video file information of each video file, for example, thumbnail images (index images) are displayed in a list. Among them, information indicating that, for example, character data 71 marked “(special playback)” is displayed in the vicinity of the thumbnail image of the video file for which playback reservation has already been set.

  A predetermined area 72 for calling video file information that cannot be displayed is displayed in the lower left of the file list screen 70 in the file list display screen so as to be distinguishable from other areas. In the area 72, a symbol, an icon, a character, etc. for calling video file information that cannot display a file may be displayed, or a color different from that of other areas may be displayed. Also, a message 73 “Please select a thumbnail” is displayed at the lower right of the file list screen 70, for example.

  Next, for example, FIG. 10 shows an example of a file list display screen when a playback reservation is set for a video file corresponding to one thumbnail image 74 among the thumbnail images displayed on the file list screen 70. . FIG. 10 is a second diagram illustrating an example of a file list display screen according to the embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 10, a file list screen 90 displays a list of video file information that can be displayed. Compared with the file list screen 70 of FIG. 8, the thumbnail image 74 is not displayed on the file list screen 90.

  In this way, by enabling the non-display of the video file information, a person other than the playback reservation setter cannot see the video file information, so that a more impressive presentation can be performed.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of a screen displayed when a predetermined area 72 is selected on the file list display screen shown in FIG. 10 (YES in step S6).

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a password input screen in the embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 11, password input screen 30 is displayed on television 400 (step S8). If password data C8 that matches the password entered by the user exists (YES in step S12), the video file information of the specific day reproduction management data Ai in which the matched password data C8 is stored is displayed (step S14). ).

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of video file information incapable of file display in the embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 12, a thumbnail image that cannot display a file is displayed on display screen 40.

  Note that the processing of steps S8 to S16 may be executed only when there is at least one specific date reproduction management data Ai whose display flag C7 is “1”.

(About specific day playback)
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing specific day reproduction processing according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The reproduction control unit 1104 waits until the power is turned on (NO in step S101). When the power is turned on (YES in step S101), playback control unit 1104 determines whether timer recording is in progress (step S102). If it is determined that timer recording is not in progress (NO in step S102), the process proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, when it is determined that the timer recording is being performed (YES in step S102), the specific day reproduction process is terminated.

  In step S104, the reproduction control unit 1104 refers to the specific date reproduction management table 222, and the specific date reproduction management data Ai that has not been reproduced, that is, the specific date reproduction management data Ai whose reproduction flag C6 is “0”. Judge whether there is. When it is determined that there is unreproduced specific day reproduction management data Ai (YES in step S104), the process proceeds to step S106. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no unreproduced specific day reproduction management data Ai (NO in step S104), the specific day reproduction process is terminated.

  In step S106, the reproduction control unit 1104 determines whether there is one unreproduced specific day reproduction management data Ai. If it is determined that there is one (YES in step S106), the process proceeds to step S108. On the other hand, when it is determined that there are a plurality of specific day reproduction management data Ai that have not been reproduced (NO in step S106), the process proceeds to step S110.

  In step S108, the playback control unit 1104 determines whether or not the current date and time is within one week from the specific date. If it is determined that one week has passed since the specific date (NO in step S108), the specific date reproduction process is terminated. If it is determined that it is within one week from the specific date (YES in step S108), the process proceeds to step S114.

  In step S110, the playback control unit 1104 determines whether or not the current date and time is within one week from the most recent specific date. That is, data closest to the current date is selected from the plurality of specific date data C1 included in the plurality of specific date reproduction management data Ai. If it is determined that one week has passed since the most recent specific day (NO in step S110), the specific day reproduction process is terminated. When it is determined that it is within one week from the most recent specific date (YES in step S110), the process proceeds to step S114.

  In step S114, the video file to be played back is specified based on the file name data C3 stored in the specific day playback management data Ai and the file name data D3 stored in the file management data Bj. Then, the playback control unit 1104 transmits an instruction to start playback of the specified video file to the hard disk device 140 (step S116). At the same time, the playback control unit 1104 reads the message data C4 of the target specific day playback management data Ai and performs a process for displaying (step S118). Thereby, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, the video based on the target video file and the message 51 are displayed on the television 400.

  Next, the reproduction control unit 1104 determines whether or not the periodic data C5 of the specific day reproduction management data Ai indicates periodic reproduction (step S120). If it is determined that periodic reproduction is indicated (YES in step S120), the process proceeds to step S122. On the other hand, when it is determined that periodic reproduction is not indicated (NO in step S120), the process proceeds to step S126.

  In step S122, the reproduction control unit 1104 updates the specific date data C1 based on the cycle data C5. Then, 0 is set to the reproduction flag C6 (step S124).

  In step S126, the reproduction control unit 1104 sets 1 to the reproduction flag C6.

  When the process of step S124 or step S126 ends, the specific day reproduction process ends.

  Note that, after starting automatic reproduction (after step S116), for example, when a stop key provided on the remote controller is pressed, automatic reproduction is forcibly terminated. That is, when the playback control unit 1104 detects a stop instruction, the playback control unit 1104 transmits an instruction to stop playback of the video file to the hard disk device 140.

  As described above, when the power is turned on within a predetermined period from a specific date, a video file selected in advance is automatically reproduced except in a predetermined case. Thereby, the person (for example, family) who turned on the power can be surprised. In addition, since a message is also displayed, a more impressive performance is possible. Further, since the video file information can be hidden, a specific date can be reached without being known by a person other than the setter. In addition, by enabling periodic reproduction, it is possible to prevent forgetting the anniversary.

  In this embodiment, in the case of other than the periodic reproduction, once the automatic reproduction is performed, the reproduction is not performed again. However, if it is within a predetermined period from the specific date, the power is turned on not only once. It may be possible to automatically reproduce each time.

  In this embodiment, the specific day reproduction management data Ai is described. However, the specific day reproduction management data Ai may not be provided. In this case, for example, the reproduction related information described above may be included in the file management data Bj.

  Instead of the DVD 172, for example, an optical medium or the like in which a program is recorded can be read by a drive device, and the program in the memory 112 can be updated.

  In addition, a playback reservation method and / or a specific date playback method performed by the video file playback device of the present invention can be provided as a program. Such a program can be recorded on an optical medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-ROM) or a computer-readable recording medium such as a memory card and provided as a program product. A program can also be provided by downloading via a network.

  The provided program product is installed in a program storage unit such as a hard disk and executed. The program product includes the program itself and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

It is a block diagram showing the hardware constitutions of the video file reproducing | regenerating apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the hard disk in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the file management table in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the specific day reproduction | regeneration management table in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the menu selection screen in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the specific day reproduction | regeneration reservation setting process in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the file list display process shown to step S2 of FIG. It is a 1st figure which shows an example of the file list display screen in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting screen of the reproduction | regeneration reservation in embodiment of this invention. It is a 2nd figure which shows an example of the file list display screen in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the password input screen in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the video file information which cannot display a file in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the specific day reproduction | regeneration processing in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen display at the time of the specific day reproduction | regeneration in embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  100 DVD recorder, 110 system control unit, 112 memory, 114 OSD image generation circuit, 122 operation unit, 124 light receiving unit, 126 timing circuit, 128 display unit, 130 tuner, 132 external input unit, 140 hard disk device, 142 data recording / playback Head, 144 Hard disk, 152 MPEG encoder, 154 MPEG decoder, 158 synthesis circuit, 160 D / A conversion unit, 168 output unit, 170 drive unit, 190 antenna, 192 transmission cable, 221 file management table, 222 specific date playback management table , 400 TV, 1102 playback reservation setting unit, 1104 playback control unit.

Claims (10)

First storage means for storing a plurality of video files in advance;
A playback reservation setting means for setting a playback reservation of the video file based on an instruction from the user;
The reproduction reservation setting means includes:
Selecting means for selecting a video file to be reproduced from the plurality of video files;
Receiving means for receiving input of reproduction related information about the video file selected by the selection means,
The reproduction related information includes information on a specific date of the selected video file and message information to be displayed.
Second storage means for associating the file specifying information for specifying the selected video file with the reproduction related information and storing them as reproduction reservation management information;
A measuring means for measuring the date and time;
Reproduction control means for controlling reproduction on a specific date of the selected video file based on the date and time information measured by the measurement means and the reproduction reservation management information,
The reproduction control means includes
Determination means for determining whether the date and time measured by the measurement means is within a predetermined period from the specific date;
Specifying means for specifying a video file based on the corresponding file specifying information when it is determined by the determining means to be within the predetermined period;
Instruction means for instructing the start of reproduction of the video file specified by the specifying means;
Reading means for reading information of the corresponding message,
Based on an instruction signal from the instruction means, reproduction means for reproducing the identified video file;
A video file reproducing apparatus, further comprising: generating means for generating a signal for displaying information of the message read by the reading means. First storage means for storing a plurality of video files in advance;
Among the plurality of video files, file specifying information for specifying a video file to be played back is associated with playback related information including specific date information of the video file to be played back and stored as playback reservation management information Second storage means for
A measuring means for measuring the date and time;
Reproduction control means for controlling specific date reproduction of the video file to be reproduced based on the date information measured by the measurement means and the reproduction reservation management information,
The reproduction control means includes
Determination means for determining whether the date and time measured by the measurement means is within a predetermined period from the specific date;
Specifying means for specifying a video file based on the corresponding file specifying information when it is determined by the determining means to be within the predetermined period;
Instruction means for instructing the start of reproduction of the video file specified by the specifying means,
A video file playback apparatus further comprising playback means for playing back the specified video file based on an instruction signal from the instruction means. Based on an instruction from the user, further comprising a playback reservation setting means for setting a playback reservation of the video file to be played,
The reproduction reservation setting means includes:
Selecting means for selecting the video file to be reproduced from the plurality of video files;
The video file playback apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a receiving unit configured to receive an input of the playback related information regarding the video file selected by the selection unit. The reproduction related information further includes message information;
The reproduction control means further includes a reading means for reading information of the corresponding message when it is determined by the determination means that the time is within the predetermined period,
The video file playback apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising generating means for generating a signal for displaying information of the message read by the reading means. In the second storage means, display identification information for identifying whether or not to hide file information related to the video file specified by the file specifying information is further stored in association with each other.
A list display means for displaying a list of file information related to the plurality of video files stored in the first storage means;
The video file playback device according to claim 2, wherein the list display means selects file information to be displayed based on the display identification information.   The video file reproduction apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the determination unit performs determination when a power-on instruction is input from a user. The reproduction related information further includes period information indicating a reproduction period of the reproduction target video file,
The video file reproduction device according to claim 2, wherein the reproduction control unit updates the information on the specific date stored in the second storage unit based on the period information. The reproduction related information further includes reproduction identification information for identifying whether or not reproduction has been completed,
The video file playback apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the determination unit performs a determination when the playback identification information indicates that the playback has not been played back. The second storage means stores a plurality of playback reservation management information,
The reproduction control means further includes first determination means for determining whether or not the reproduction reservation management information indicating that the reproduction identification information is not reproduced exists,
The determination means includes
A second determination means for determining whether or not there are a plurality of reproduction reservation management information indicating that the reproduction has not been performed when it is determined by the first determination means;
If it is determined that there are a plurality of the determination means, the determination means, among the plurality of specific dates included in each of the plurality of reproduction reservation management information indicating that the reproduction is not performed, the specific date closest to the measured date and time The video file reproducing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein it is determined whether or not the predetermined period is exceeded. Drive means for driving a removable recording medium;
The video file reproduction device according to claim 2, further comprising a re-recording unit for re-recording the video file recorded on the recording medium in the first storage unit.

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