JP2008028583A - Program management information processing apparatus and terminal used together with the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a program management information processing apparatus capable of easily transferring program management information to a terminal by means of an information image such as a two-dimensional code image. <P>SOLUTION: The recorder (program management information processing apparatus) 2 converts program management information such as program recording reservation information into the two-dimensional code and displays the two-dimensional code image on a display apparatus 3. A user photographs the two-dimensional code image displayed on the display apparatus 3 by using a camera 32 of the mobile terminal 4 to allow the mobile terminal 4 to read the two-dimensional code image. The mobile terminal 4 converts the two-dimensional code image into the program management information and a display section 33 of the mobile terminal 4 displays the program recording reservation information or the like. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention, for example, receives TV program content information transmitted from a TV broadcasting station, and program management suitable for use in a television apparatus and a recorder that can reproduce or store the received content information. More particularly, the present invention relates to a program management information processing apparatus that transfers information via an information image such as a two-dimensional code image, and a terminal apparatus that is used therewith.

  For example, television apparatuses and recorders that can receive content information of a television program transmitted from a television broadcast station and reproduce or record the received content information are generally popular.

  Some of these television apparatuses and recorders have a program viewing reservation function. The program viewing reservation function is a function for automatically receiving, playing, and displaying a program designated by the user, for example, on a display screen.

  Furthermore, a television apparatus and a recorder provided with a program viewing reservation function create a list of programs designated by the user for program viewing reservation (hereinafter referred to as “program viewing reservation list”), and the television apparatus. Many of them have a function of displaying this program viewing reservation list on the display screen of a display device or a display screen of a display device connected to a recorder. The user can recognize the program reserved for viewing by viewing the program viewing reservation list.

  Many of the television devices and recorders having a recording function have a program recording reservation function. The program recording reservation function is a function for automatically receiving, for example, a program designated by the user and automatically storing (recording) it in a storage device such as a hard disk.

  Furthermore, a television apparatus and a recorder having a program recording reservation function create a list of programs designated by the user for program recording reservation (hereinafter referred to as “program recording reservation list”), and the television apparatus. Many display screens or display screens of display devices connected to the recorder have a function of displaying the program recording reservation list. The user can recognize the program reserved for recording by looking at the program recording reservation list.

  Most television apparatuses and recorders having a recording function have a function of managing recorded program content information. Specifically, these devices create a list of program content information stored in a storage device such as a hard disk (hereinafter referred to as “program content information list”), and display screens or recorders of television devices. Is provided with a function of displaying the program content information list on the display screen of the display device connected to the. The user can recognize the program content information stored in the storage device by viewing the program content information list.

  On the other hand, one-dimensional codes such as bar codes are already widely used. Further, for example, two-dimensional codes such as QR codes (QR code is a registered trademark of DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED) are spreading.

  In recent years, in Japan, QR codes have come to be used not only at work sites in the manufacturing and logistics industries, but also in daily life and home life of ordinary people. For example, a system in which a mobile phone recognizes a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of a website using a QR code has become widespread.

  As an example, a QR code image (hereinafter referred to as a “QR code image”) including URL information of a website of a service company is printed on the advertisement paper of a service company. The user takes a QR code image with a digital camera provided in the mobile phone. Thereby, the QR code taken into the mobile phone is decoded by the QR code decoder built in the mobile phone. As a result, the URL of the website of the service company is recognized by the mobile phone. The user can browse the website of the service company using the recognized URL.

  Furthermore, a two-dimensional code such as a QR code is also used for program recording reservation in a video recorder, for example. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-176242 discloses that information necessary for recording reservation of a television program is taken into a portable terminal via a QR code image, and this information is transmitted from the portable terminal to a video recorder via infrared rays. A technique for setting recording reservation by a video recorder is described.

JP 2005-176242 A

  By the way, information related to program viewing reservations or information related to programs reserved for viewing such as the program viewing reservation list described above is transferred to a terminal device such as a mobile phone via a two-dimensional code image (two-dimensional code image). It is convenient if you can. If this can be realized, the user can check the information related to the program viewing reservation or the information related to the viewing reserved program by using the terminal device when going out.

  However, in the conventional method of using a two-dimensional code, a two-dimensional code image is printed on a printed matter, and the printed two-dimensional code image is photographed by a terminal device. For this reason, when it is difficult for a general user to print a two-dimensional code image, it is inconvenient to use the two-dimensional code. Even when it is easy for a general user to print a two-dimensional code image, it takes time and effort to print.

  In order to transfer information related to program viewing reservation or information related to viewing reservation to a terminal device such as a mobile phone via a two-dimensional code image, first, in the transfer source device, related to program viewing reservation. There is a need to create a technique for converting information or information related to a program reserved for viewing into a two-dimensional code. Next, it is necessary to create a technique for reproducing information related to program viewing reservation or information related to viewing reserved programs from the two-dimensional code in the transfer destination device. However, there are some unresolved technical issues in the process of creating these technologies.

  For example, the information related to the program viewing reservation or the information related to the viewing reserved program includes various information such as a channel number, a program viewing start date and time, a program viewing end time, and a genre. There is a technical problem of how to realize the conversion of such various information into a two-dimensional code and the accurate reproduction of such various information from the two-dimensional code.

  On the other hand, it is convenient if information relating to program recording reservations or information relating to programs reserved for recording, such as the program recording reservation list described above, can be transferred to a terminal device such as a mobile phone via a two-dimensional code image. If this can be realized, the user can check the information related to the program recording reservation or the information related to the recording reserved program by using the terminal device on the go.

  However, even when this is realized, there is a problem similar to the case where information related to program viewing reservation or information related to viewing reservation is transferred to a terminal device via a two-dimensional code image.

  On the other hand, it is convenient if management information relating to recorded program content information such as the above-described program content information list can be transferred to a terminal device such as a mobile phone via a two-dimensional code image. If this can be realized, the user can check the management information related to the recorded program content information on the go using the terminal device.

  However, even when this is realized, there is a problem similar to the case where information related to program viewing reservation or information related to viewing reservation is transferred to a terminal device via a two-dimensional code image.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and a first problem of the present invention is that a program viewing reservation, a program recording reservation, a program such as information on a reserved program or recorded program content, etc. Program management information processing apparatus capable of transferring management information to a terminal device via an information image such as a two-dimensional code image, and capable of performing such transfer easily and without trouble for the user Another object of the present invention is to provide a terminal device, a program management information processing method, and a computer program.

  A second problem of the present invention is a program management information processing apparatus, terminal apparatus, and program capable of accurately transferring program management information including various information to a terminal apparatus via an information image such as a two-dimensional code image. It is to provide a management information processing method and a computer program.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a program management information processing apparatus according to claim 1 is provided to convert a program management information stored in a storage device into a transfer code, and to encode the transfer code converted by the conversion means. Information image data encoding means for generating information image data, information image generation means for generating information images corresponding to the information image data generated by the information image data encoding means, and information image generation means Information image output means for outputting the recorded information image to the first display device, wherein the transfer code is a code or number assigned to the program management information, and the information image data is a one-dimensional code or a multi-dimensional code It is.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the terminal device according to claim 8 is a reading unit that optically reads an information image displayed on the first display device, and an information image corresponding to the information image read by the reading unit. Information image data generating means for generating data, information image data decoding means for generating a transfer code by decoding the information image data generated by the information image data generating means, and generated by the information image data decoding means Display information generating means for generating display information based on the transferred code, and display information output means for outputting the display information generated by the display information generating means to the second display device, wherein the information image data is primary An original code or a multidimensional code, and the transfer code is a code assigned to the program management information or An item, the display information generation section generates the display information representing the program management information corresponding to the transfer code.

  In order to solve the above problems, a program management information processing method according to claim 14 is a conversion step of converting program management information stored in a storage device into a transfer code, and encodes the transfer code converted in the conversion step. An information image data encoding step for generating information image data, an information image generation step for generating an information image corresponding to the information image data generated in the information image data encoding step, and an information image generation step. Information image displaying step for displaying the information image on the first display device, a reading step for optically reading the information image displayed on the first display device, and an information image corresponding to the information image read in the reading step Information image data generating step for generating data, and generated in the information image data generating step An information image data decoding step for generating a transfer code by decoding the report image data, a display information generation step for generating display information based on the transfer code generated in the information image data decoding step, and the display information generation A display information output step of outputting the display information generated in the step to the second display device, wherein the transfer code is a code or a number assigned to the program management information, and the information image data is a one-dimensional code or multiple In the display information generation step, the display information representing the program management information corresponding to the transfer code is generated.

  In order to solve the above problem, a computer program according to claim 15 causes a computer to function as the program management information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

  In order to solve the above problem, a computer program according to claim 16 causes a computer to function as the terminal device according to claim 8.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Program management system)
FIG. 1 shows a program management system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the program management system 1 in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the program management system 1 includes a recorder 2, a display device 3, and a mobile terminal 4 with a camera. The recorder 2 is an embodiment of the program management information processing apparatus of the present invention. The mobile terminal 4 is an embodiment of the terminal device of the present invention. The display device 3 is connected to the recorder 2 via, for example, a connection cord.

  The program management system 1 can transfer the program management information stored in the recorder 2 to the portable terminal 4 via the information image 51.

  The recorder 2 can receive program content information transmitted from, for example, a television broadcasting station, and can reproduce or store (record) the program content information. The program content information is content data of a television program including, for example, video data and audio data.

  The recorder 2 has a program recording reservation function. The program recording reservation function is a function in which, for example, the recorder 2 automatically receives a program designated by the user and automatically stores it.

  When a program recording reservation is made, the recorder 2 stores information related to the program recording reservation and information related to the recording reserved program (hereinafter referred to as “program recording reservation information”). The program recording reservation information includes, for example, the recording start date and time of the program reserved for recording, the title name and genre of the program.

  The recorder 2 has a program viewing reservation function. The program viewing reservation function is a function for the recorder 2 to automatically receive and reproduce a program specified by the user, for example.

  When the program viewing reservation is made, the recorder 2 stores information related to the program viewing reservation and information related to the program reserved for viewing (hereinafter referred to as “program viewing reservation information”). The program viewing reservation information includes, for example, the viewing start date and time of the program reserved for viewing, the title name and genre of the program.

  The recorder 2 has a function of managing recorded program content information. Specifically, the recorder 2 creates a list of recorded program content information, that is, program content information stored in the storage unit 14 (see FIG. 3), and this list is displayed on the screen 3A of the display device 3. It has a display function. More specifically, for example, when recording the program content information, the recorder 2 stores management information related to the program content information (hereinafter referred to as “content management information”). The content management information includes, for example, the start date and time of the recorded program, the title name and genre of the program. The recorder 2 can create a list of recorded program content information using the content management information.

  The recorder 2 also has a function of receiving EPG (Electronic Program Guide) information from a broadcasting station and the like and adding EPG information (for example, detailed program information) to program recording reservation information, program viewing reservation information, and content management information. .

  The recorder 2 has a function of transferring program management information to the portable terminal 4. When transferring the program management information to the portable terminal 4, the recorder 2 converts the program management information into an information image 51 and displays the information image 51 on the screen 3 </ b> A of the display device 3. The program management information includes the above-described program recording reservation information, program viewing reservation information, and content management information. The information image 51 is, for example, a two-dimensional code image, and more specifically a QR code image.

  On the other hand, the mobile terminal 4 is a mobile phone, for example, and has a general telephone function. Furthermore, the mobile terminal 4 has a function of acquiring program management information from the recorder 2 and providing the acquired program management information to the user via the display unit 33 of the mobile terminal 4 or the like.

  That is, the mobile terminal 4 includes a camera 32. When acquiring the program management information, the user captures the information image 51 displayed on the screen 3 </ b> A of the display device 3 with the camera 32. Thereby, the information image 51 is taken into the portable terminal 4. Subsequently, the mobile terminal 4 converts the information image 51 into program management information, and generates, for example, a program recording reservation list, a program viewing reservation list, or a program content information list based on the program management information and displays it. Displayed on the unit 33.

  The mobile terminal 4 has a schedule function and an alarm function. Furthermore, the portable terminal 4 can generate schedule management information based on the program management information acquired via the information image 51, or can sound an alarm at a program viewing start time or the like.

(Recorder)
FIG. 3 shows the internal structure of the recorder 2.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the recorder 2 includes a program management information processing unit 11, a receiving unit 12, a reproducing unit 13, a storage unit 14, an operation unit 15, a storage control unit 16, a date / time measuring unit 17, a date / time specifying unit 18 and an operation. A control unit 19 is provided. These are connected to each other via a bus.

  The program management information processing unit 11 converts the program management information into an information image and outputs this information image to the display device 3. Details of the program management information processing unit 11 will be described later.

  The receiving unit 12 receives program content information transmitted from a broadcasting station, for example. The receiving unit 12 is a digital tuner circuit, for example.

  The reproduction unit 13 reproduces the program content information received by the reception unit 12 and outputs the reproduced program content information to the display device 3. The reproduction unit 13 is, for example, a video data decoder and an audio data decoder.

  The storage unit 14 stores program content information and program management information. The storage unit 14 is a storage device, for example, a hard disk drive.

  The operation unit 15 is a circuit and a switch related to a user interface for the user to operate the recorder 2. The operation unit 15 includes an interface for a remote control (remote control) device, for example.

  The storage control unit 16 controls the storage unit 14. For example, the storage control unit 16 causes the storage unit 14 to store program content information received by the receiving unit 12. Further, the storage control unit 16 stores and reads the program management information in the storage unit 14. The storage control unit 16 is configured by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an LSI (Large Scale Integration) circuit.

  The date and time measuring unit 17 measures the date and time (year / month / day and time). The date / time measuring unit 17 is, for example, a clock.

  The date designation unit 18 designates the program recording start date and time and the program viewing start date and time. The date designation unit 18 is constituted by, for example, a CPU or an LSI circuit.

  The operation control unit 19 includes the reception unit 12 and the reproduction unit 13 so as to start the reproduction of the program content information when the date and time measured by the date and time measurement unit 17 reaches the program viewing start date and time designated by the date and time designation unit 18. Control etc. In addition, the operation control unit 19 receives the storage unit 12 and the storage so as to start storing the program content information when the date and time measured by the date and time measurement unit 17 reaches the program recording start date and time specified by the date and time specification unit 18. The control unit 16 and the like are controlled. The operation control unit 19 is configured by, for example, a CPU or an LSI circuit.

  FIG. 4 shows the internal structure of the program management information processing unit 11.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the program management information processing unit 11 includes a conversion unit 21, an information image data encoding unit 22, an information image generation unit 23, and an information image output unit 24.

  The conversion unit 21 converts the program management information stored in the storage unit 14 into a transfer code and transfer data. The conversion unit 21 includes, for example, a converter and a multiplexer.

  The transfer code is a code assigned to the program management information. The transfer data is text data indicating program management information. Details of the transfer code and transfer data will be described later.

  The information image data encoding unit 22 encodes the transfer code and transfer data converted by the conversion unit 21, thereby generating information image data. The information image data encoding unit 22 is, for example, a QR code encoder.

  The information image data is, for example, a two-dimensional code, and more specifically a QR code.

  The information image generation unit 23 generates an information image corresponding to the information image data generated by the information image data encoding unit 22. The information image generation unit 23 is, for example, a video processor.

  The information image output unit 24 outputs the information image generated by the information image generation unit 23 to the display device 3. The information image output unit 24 is, for example, a video interface circuit.

  FIG. 5 shows a hard disk drive recorder 100 which is a more specific configuration example of the recorder 2.

  A program management information processing circuit 101 in FIG. 5 is a specific example of the program management information processing unit 11. The digital tuner 102 is a specific example of the receiving unit 12. The video / audio decoder 103 is a specific example of the reproducing unit 13. The hard disk drive 104 is a specific example of the storage unit 14. The remote control interface 105 is a specific example of the operation unit 15. The clock 106 is a specific example of the date measurement unit 17. A CPU 107, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 108, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 109 are specific examples of the storage control unit 16, the date / time specifying unit 18, and the operation control unit 19. That is, the ROM 108 stores control programs for realizing the operations of the recording control unit 16, the date / time specifying unit 18, and the operation control unit 19, and the CPU 107 reads the control program from the ROM 108 and executes it. . The RAM 109 is used as a working memory when the CPU 107 executes a control program.

  FIG. 6 shows the internal structure of the program management information processing circuit 101.

  A converter 111 and a multiplexer 112 in FIG. 6 are specific examples of the conversion unit 21. The QR code encoder 113 is a specific example of the information image data encoding unit 22. The video processor 114 is a specific example of the information image generation unit 23. The video interface 115 is a specific example of the information image output unit 24.

(Mobile device)
FIG. 7 shows the internal structure of the mobile terminal 4.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the mobile terminal 4 includes a program management information acquisition unit 31, a camera 32, a display unit 33, an operation unit 34, a date / time measurement unit 35, a schedule management unit 36, and an alarm control unit 37.

  The program management information acquisition unit 31 generates display information, schedule management information, and alarm information based on the information image read by the camera 32.

  The display information is information that visually represents the contents of the program management information, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, for example, character data or image data that represents the contents of the program management information. For example, the display information is character data or image data representing a program recording reservation list, a program viewing reservation list, or a program content information list. Further, the data format of the display information is, for example, bitmap data.

  The schedule management information is information indicating program management information and has a data format suitable for the schedule management processing of the schedule management unit 36. The schedule management information is, for example, data in iCalendar format or vCalendar format.

  The alarm information is information indicating the alarm activation and the alarm activation date / time. The data in the iCalendar format can include information indicating the alarm activation and the alarm activation date and time. The alarm information is, for example, data in iCalendar format.

  The camera 32 is, for example, a digital still camera mounted on the mobile terminal 4. The user captures an information image displayed on the screen 3 </ b> A of the display device 3 with the camera 32. Thereby, the information image is optically read by the camera 32.

  The display unit 33 is a display device, for example, a liquid crystal display panel mounted on the mobile terminal 4.

  The operation unit 34 is a user interface for the user to operate the mobile terminal 4. The operation unit 34 is, for example, a switch unit.

  The date / time measuring unit 35 measures the date / time (year / month / day and time). The date and time measuring unit 35 is a clock, for example.

  The schedule management unit 36 generates schedule display information based on the schedule management information generated by the program management information acquisition unit 31 (schedule management information generation unit 45), and outputs the generated schedule display information to the display unit 33. To do. The schedule management unit 36 is constituted by, for example, a CPU or an LSI circuit. The schedule display information is, for example, character data or image data representing a schedule table.

  The alarm control unit 37 activates an alarm when the date and time measured by the date and time measurement unit 35 is the alarm activation date and time indicated by the alarm information. The activation of the alarm may be realized by outputting sound or may be realized by vibrating the mobile terminal 4. The alarm control part 37 is comprised by the audio | voice output circuit or the vibrator, for example.

  FIG. 8 shows the internal structure of the program management information acquisition unit 31.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the program management information acquisition unit 31 includes an information image data generation unit 41, an information image data decoding unit 42, a display information generation unit 43, a display information output unit 44, a schedule management information generation unit 45, and alarm information. A generation unit 46 is provided.

  The information image data generation unit 41 generates information image data corresponding to the information image read by the camera 32. The information image data generation unit 41 is, for example, a video signal processing circuit.

  The information image data decoding unit 42 generates a transfer code and transfer data by decoding the information image data generated by the information image data generation unit 41. The information image data decoding unit 42 is, for example, a QR code decoder and a demultiplexer.

  The display information generation unit 43 generates display information based on the transfer code and transfer data generated by the information image data decoding unit 42. The display information generation unit 43 is, for example, a graphic data generator.

  The display information output unit 44 outputs the display information generated by the display information generation unit 43 to the display unit 33. The display information output unit 44 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) controller.

  The schedule management information generation unit 45 generates schedule management information indicating program management information corresponding to the transfer code and transfer data generated by the information image data decoding unit 42.

  The alarm information generation unit 46 generates alarm information based on the transfer code generated by the information image data decoding unit 42 and the program management information corresponding to the transfer data. The schedule management information generation unit 45 and the alarm information generation unit 46 are configured by, for example, a schedule management data converter compatible with the iCalendar format.

  FIG. 9 shows a multi-function mobile phone 120 with a camera, which is a more specific configuration example of the mobile terminal 4.

  A program management information acquisition circuit 121 in FIG. 9 is a specific example of the program management information acquisition unit 31. The digital still camera 122 is a specific example of the camera 32. The liquid crystal display panel 123 is a specific example of the display unit 33. The operation switch unit 124 is a specific example of the operation unit 34. The clock 125 is a specific example of the date / time measuring unit 35. The CPU 126, ROM 127, and RAM 128 are specific examples of the schedule management unit 36. The audio output circuit 129 is a specific example of the alarm control unit 37.

  FIG. 10 shows the internal structure of the program management information acquisition circuit 121.

  A signal processing circuit 131 in FIG. 10 is a specific example of the information image data generation unit 41. The QR code decoder 132 and the demultiplexer are specific examples of the information image data decoding unit 42. The graphic data generator 134 is a specific example of the display information generation unit 43. A liquid crystal display (LCD) controller 135 is a specific example of the display information output unit 44. The schedule management data converter 136 is a specific example of the schedule management information generation unit 45 and the alarm information generation unit 46.

(Transfer code, transfer data)
12 to 14 show specific examples of the transfer code assigned to the program management information and the transfer data representing the program management information.

  When the program recording reservation is made, the recorder 2 stores information related to the program recording reservation and information related to the recording reserved program. Various information is included in the information related to the program recording reservation and the information related to the recording reserved program. Each of these various pieces of information is program recording reservation information.

  When the program viewing reservation is made, the recorder 2 stores information related to the program viewing reservation and information related to the viewing reserved program. Various information is included in the information related to the program viewing reservation and the information related to the viewing reserved program. Each of these various pieces of information is program viewing reservation information.

  Further, when recording the program content information, the recorder 2 stores management information related to the program content information. Various information is included in the management information related to the program content information. Each of these various pieces of information is content management information.

  The program management information is a general term for the program recording reservation information, the program viewing reservation information, and the content management information.

  In the program management system 1, program management information that meets a predetermined standard is selected from various program management information as described above, and a transfer code is assigned to the selected program management information.

  The predetermined standard is, for example, whether the user is useful for confirming program recording reservation, program viewing reservation, or recorded program content information, whether the user is useful for performing schedule management, or an alarm. Whether it is necessary to activate

  In the program management system 1, there are a plurality of pieces of program management information that meet the above-mentioned predetermined criteria. Therefore, a transfer code is assigned to each piece of program management information.

  The transfer code is a code or a number, for example, a numerical value. The length of the transfer code is predetermined. The length (size) of the transfer code varies depending on the contents of the program management information.

  When program management information is transferred from the recorder 2 to the portable terminal 4, the program management information is converted into a transfer code assigned to the program management information by the conversion unit 21 of the program management information processing unit 11 in principle.

  However, some program management information is easy to express its contents by assigning numerical values, and others are difficult to express its contents by assigning numerical values. For example, it is easy to express the contents of broadcast channels by assigning numerical values. On the other hand, it is difficult to express the contents of program titles and program detailed information by assigning numerical values. In the program management system 1, for program management information whose contents are difficult to express by assigning numerical values, text data is used instead of assigning a transfer code.

  For example, when program management information is transferred from the recorder 2 to the portable terminal 4, the program title is converted into text data representing the program title by the conversion unit 21 of the program management information processing unit 11, and the program detailed information is It is converted into text data representing the contents of the program detailed information. Note that when the program title and the detailed program information are originally stored in the storage unit 14 as text data, the conversion unit 21 omits the conversion process. The text data representing the program management information is called “transfer data”. In principle, the length of the transfer data is predetermined.

  The transfer code and transfer data shown in FIG. 12 are transfer data assigned to the program recording reservation information and transfer data representing the program recording reservation information.

  In the specific example shown in FIG. 12, 15 pieces of program recording reservation information that match the above-mentioned predetermined criteria (16 pieces including user assignments) are selected in advance. A transfer code is assigned to the program recording reservation information except for “program title name”, “broadcast station name”, and “program detailed information”. The length of the transfer code is predetermined in the range from 1 byte to 5 bytes. On the other hand, “program title name”, “broadcast station name”, and “program detailed information” are represented by using transfer data (text data). Further, the order of arrangement of transfer codes and transfer data relating to program recording reservation information is predetermined as shown in FIG.

  “Recording reservation number” in FIG. 12 is a transfer code for identifying individual programs from among a plurality of programs reserved for recording, and the length thereof is 1 byte.

  “Network ID” is a transfer code indicating a broadcast network, and its length is 2 bytes. A specific example of this transfer code is expressed in hexadecimal as follows.

Terrestrial analog 0
Terrestrial digital 1
BS analog 2
BS Digital 3
CS Digital 4
CATV 5
The “channel number” is a transfer code indicating a broadcast channel number, and its length is 3 bytes. For example, the transfer code indicating channel number 1 is 1, and the transfer code indicating channel number 6 is 6.

  “Program title name” is transfer data (text data) representing a program title name, and its length is 80 bytes.

  The “program recording start date / time” is a transfer code indicating the program recording start date / time, and its length is 5 bytes. This transfer code is, for example, a numerical value representing the program recording start time by a binary-coded decimal (BCD) code. The transfer code indicating the program recording start time 12:34:56 is 123456 in hexadecimal.

  “Program recording time” is a transfer code indicating the duration of program recording, and its length is 3 bytes. This transfer code is, for example, a numerical value representing the program recording time with a binary-coded decimal code.

  “Program recording end date and time” is a transfer code indicating the program recording end date and time, and its length is 5 bytes. This transfer code is, for example, a numerical value representing the program recording end time by a binary-coded decimal code.

  “Broadcasting station name” is transfer data (text data) representing the broadcasting station name, and its length is 20 bytes.

  The “genre code” is a transfer code indicating the genre code of the program, and its length is 1 byte. A specific example of this transfer code is expressed in hexadecimal as follows.

News / Report 0F
Sports 1F
Information 2F
Drama 3F
Music 4F
Variety 5F
Movie 6F
Anime / Special Effects 7F
Documentary 8F
Theater / Performance 9F
Hobby / Education AF
Welfare BF
Note that, using the lower 4 bits of the transfer code assigned to the genre code, for example, as shown below, a finer genre code may be indicated.

News and coverage 0
Regular / General 1
Weather 2
Feature / Document 3
Politics and Diet 4
Economy and market conditions 5
Overseas / International 6
Explanation 7
Discussion / Discussion 8
Press special number 9
Local / Region A
Transportation B
Other F
“Cancel / extend” is a transfer code indicating that the program to be recorded has been canceled or extended, and its length is 1 byte. For example, the transfer code indicating that the program to be recorded has not been canceled or extended is 0, the transfer code indicating that the program to be recorded has been canceled is 1, and the program to be recorded is The transfer code indicating the extension is 3, and the transfer code indicating the other cases is 3.

  “Repeated recording” is a transfer code indicating whether a program is recorded every day or every week, and its length is 1 byte. A specific example of this transfer code is expressed in hexadecimal as follows.

No repeat 0
1 every day
Monday to Saturday 2
Monday to Friday 3
Every Monday 4
Every Tuesday 5
Every Wednesday 6
Every Thursday 7
Every Friday 8
Every Saturday 9
Every Sunday A
“Recording mode” is a transfer code indicating the recording mode, and its length is 1 byte. For example, the transfer code indicating the XP mode is 3, the transfer code indicating the SP mode is 4, the transfer code indicating the LP mode is 6, and the transfer code indicating the EP mode is 7. Note that the recording image quality is lowered in the order of the XP mode, SP mode, LP mode, and EP mode, and the recordable time becomes longer.

  The “schedule / alarm” is a transfer code indicating whether to generate schedule management information based on the program management information and whether to activate an alarm, and has a length of 1 byte. For example, the transfer code indicating that schedule management information is generated and an alarm is activated is 0. The transfer code indicating that schedule management information is generated and an alarm is not activated is 1. The transfer code indicating that schedule management information is not generated and an alarm is activated is 2. The transfer code indicating that schedule management information is not generated and an alarm is not activated is 3.

  The “program detailed information length” is a transfer code indicating the length of the “program detailed information”, and the length is 2 bytes. This transfer code is a numerical value representing the length of the “program detailed information” with a binary-coded decimal code. For example, the transfer code indicating that the length of the “program detailed information” is 256 bytes is 256 in hexadecimal.

“Program detailed information” is transfer data representing program detailed information (EPG information). This transfer data is text data indicating the contents of the detailed program information.
The length of the transfer data is arbitrary as long as it does not exceed a predetermined length (for example, 560 bytes). In principle, the length of the transfer data is determined in advance, but “program detailed information” is an exception.

  In the program management system 1, program recording reservation information to be transferred can be arbitrarily added by the user. “User assigned” is a transfer code or transfer data indicating program recording reservation information arbitrarily added by the user, and its length is 20 bytes.

  The transfer code and transfer data shown in FIG. 13 are transfer data assigned to the program viewing reservation information and transfer data representing the program viewing reservation information. The transfer code assigned to the program viewing reservation information and the structure of the transfer data representing the program viewing reservation information are substantially the same as the structure of the transfer code assigned to the program recording reservation information and the transfer data representing the program recording reservation information. Further, the arrangement order of transfer codes and transfer data relating to program viewing reservation information is as shown in FIG.

  The transfer code and transfer data shown in FIG. 14 are transfer data that represents the transfer code assigned to the content management information and the content management information. The transfer code assigned to the content management information and the structure of the transfer data representing the content management information are the transfer code and program assigned to the program recording reservation information, except for “copy control”, “protection information”, and “next reservation”. The structure is almost the same as the structure of transfer data representing recording reservation information. Further, the arrangement order of the transfer codes and transfer data regarding the content management information is as shown in FIG.

  “Copy control” in FIG. 14 is a transfer code indicating whether or not the program content information can be copied, and its length is 1 byte. For example, the transfer code indicating that there is no copy restriction is 0, the transfer code indicating that copying is permitted only once is 1, and the transfer code indicating that copying is prohibited is 2.

  “Protection information” is a transfer code indicating whether or not deletion or editing of program content information is permitted, and its length is 1 byte. For example, the transfer code indicating that both deletion and editing are permitted is 0. The transfer code indicating that deletion is permitted and editing is prohibited is 1. The transfer code indicating that deletion is prohibited and editing is permitted is 2. The transfer code indicating that deletion and editing are both prohibited is 3.

  “Next reservation” is a transfer code indicating whether or not a recording reservation for the next broadcast has been completed, and its length is 1 byte. For example, the transfer code indicating that the recording reservation for the next broadcast has been completed is 0, and the transfer code indicating that the recording reservation for the next broadcast has not been completed is 1.

  FIG. 15 shows a transfer data stream of program recording reservation information output from the conversion unit 21 of the program management information processing unit 11.

  The transfer data stream of program recording reservation information is obtained by arranging transfer codes and transfer data related to program recording reservation information for each program according to the arrangement order, and adding a header thereto.

  That is, in the program management system 1, the 15 program recording reservation information shown in FIG. 12 (16 including user assignments) are arranged according to the arrangement order shown in FIG. Such an array is generated for each program.

  Further, a header is added to the array of program recording reservation information as shown in FIG. “Recorder model” is 1-byte data indicating the recorder model. “Information image number” is 1-byte data indicating the number of the information image. “Last information image number” is 1-byte data indicating the number of the last information image. “Program management information ID” is 1-byte data indicating the type of program management information.

  The transfer data stream is generated for each type of program management information (program recording reservation information, program viewing reservation information, content management information). “Program management information ID” indicates the type of program management information included in the transfer data stream. For example, when the program management information included in the transfer data stream is program recording reservation information, the program management information ID is 0. When the program management information included in the transfer data stream is program viewing reservation information, the program management information ID is 1. When the program management information included in the transfer data stream is content management information, the program management information ID is 2.

  A transfer data stream is generated for each information image. That is, there is a limit to the length of data that can be included in one information image (hereinafter referred to as “transferable data length”). For example, the transferable data length of one QR code image is 2953 bytes. When the total data length of the program management information to be transferred exceeds the transferable data length, the program management information is divided into a plurality of groups and converted into information images for each group. That is, the program management information is converted into a plurality of information images. In this case, the transfer data stream is generated for each information image. When the program management information is converted into a plurality of information images, each information image can be identified by the “information image number”. Further, the number of information images can be recognized from the “last information image number”.

  Note that the transfer data stream of the program viewing reservation information and the transfer data stream of the content management information are substantially the same as the transfer data stream of the program recording reservation information shown in FIG.

(Program management information conversion process)
FIG. 16 shows a process of converting the program recording reservation information stored in the storage unit 14 into an information image and displaying this information image on the display device 3 (hereinafter referred to as “program recording reservation information conversion process”). The flow is shown.

  The program recording reservation information conversion process is mainly executed by the program management information processing unit 11 of the recorder 2.

  For example, the user operates the remote controller and inputs an instruction to the recorder 2 to transfer the program recording reservation information from the recorder 2 to the portable terminal 4.

  In response to this, the storage control unit 16 first reads the program recording reservation information from the storage unit 14 (step S1 in FIG. 16). The program recording reservation information read in this step is the program recording reservation information for all programs (limited to unrecorded programs) for which the program recording reservation is currently set in the recorder 2. The program recording reservation information read in this step is all of the information related to the program recording reservation and the information related to the recording reserved program stored in the storage unit 14 when the program recording reservation was once performed. The read program recording reservation information is temporarily stored in, for example, a RAM provided in the recorder 2.

  Subsequently, the conversion unit 21 converts the program recording reservation information for one program into a transfer code and transfer data (step S2). This conversion process is performed by the following procedure, for example.

  That is, program recording reservation information for one program is selected from the program recording reservation information read in step S1. Furthermore, program recording reservation information that matches the above-mentioned predetermined criteria is selected from the program recording reservation information for this one program. Then, finally selected program recording reservation information is extracted. The extracted program recording reservation information is converted into the transfer code and transfer data shown in FIG. For the conversion of the program recording reservation information into the transfer code, for example, a table showing the correspondence between the program recording reservation information and the transfer code is used. This table is stored in, for example, the storage unit 14 or the ROM. After the conversion, the transfer code and the transfer data are arranged according to the arrangement order shown in FIG.

  Subsequently, the program management information processing unit 11 determines whether there is a next program (step S3).

  When there is a next program (step S3: YES), the program management information processing unit 11 adds a predetermined data length to the data length of the entire transfer code and transfer data array at the present time, and the numerical value obtained thereby is It is determined whether or not the transferable data length is exceeded (step S4). The predetermined data length is, for example, a numerical value obtained by adding the total length of the header of the transfer data stream to the total length of the transfer code and transfer data of the program recording reservation information for one program. This determination is performed by the following procedure, for example.

  As described above, the transferable data length is the length of data that can be included in one information image. For example, if the information image is a QR code image, the transferable data length is 2953 bytes.

  On the other hand, the total length of the transfer code and transfer data of the program recording reservation information for one program is 146 bytes plus the length of the transfer data of the program detailed information indicated by the program detailed information length ( (See FIGS. 12 and 15). For example, when the length of the transfer data of the program detailed information is 256 bytes, the total length of the transfer code and transfer data of the program recording reservation information for one program is 402 bytes.

  Therefore, a length (for example, 402 bytes) obtained by adding the length of the transfer data of 146 bytes and the program detailed information (for example, 402 bytes) is added to the total length of the transfer code and the transfer data at the present time, and the numerical value obtained as a result is the transferable data. When exceeding the length (strictly, the length of 4 bytes of the header shown in FIG. 15 is subtracted from the transferable data length), one information image is generated based on the current transfer code and transfer data array, It is necessary to generate another information image according to the transfer code and transfer data arrangement for the subsequent program.

  Therefore, in step S4, the program management information processing unit 11 adds, for example, a length (for example, 402 bytes), which is a combination of the length of the transfer data of the program detailed information, for example, 146 bytes, to the total length of the transfer code and the transfer data at the present time. Then, it is determined whether or not the numerical value obtained as a result exceeds the transferable data length.

  The total length of the transfer code and transfer data at the current time is added to the total length of the transfer code and transfer data (for example, 402 bytes) that is the sum of the transfer data length of 146 bytes and the program details information, and the resulting numerical value exceeds the transferable data length. When there is not (step S4: NO), the program management information processing section 11 returns the process to step S2. As a result, program recording reservation information for the next program is converted into a transfer code and transfer data. Then, the new transfer code and transfer data array generated by this conversion process is added immediately after the transfer code and transfer data array that has already been generated. By repeatedly executing steps S2 to S4, a transfer code and transfer data array of program recording reservation information for a plurality of programs are generated.

  On the other hand, a length (for example, 402 bytes) obtained by adding 146 bytes and the transfer data length of the program detailed information is added to the total length of the transfer code and transfer data at the present time, and the numerical value obtained as a result is the transferable data length. (Step S4: YES), the conversion unit 21 adds the header (4 bytes) shown in FIG. 15 to the current transfer code and transfer data array, thereby generating a transfer data stream (step S5). ). The generated transfer data stream is temporarily stored in, for example, the RAM or the storage unit 14.

  Subsequently, the program management information processing unit 11 determines whether there is a next program (step S6).

  When there is a next program (step S6: YES), the program management information processing unit 11 returns the process to step S2. Thereby, the program recording reservation information for the next and subsequent programs is converted into transfer codes and transfer data, and another transfer data stream in which these transfer codes and transfer data are arranged is generated.

  On the other hand, when there is no next program (step S6: NO), the information image data encoding unit 22 encodes the transfer data stream, thereby generating information image data (step S8).

  In step S8, a known encoding method such as a QR code encoding method can be used as a method of generating information image data by encoding the transfer data stream.

  Further, when the information image data is generated in step S8, the information image data is generated so that, for example, the size of the information image is at most 400 pixels × 400 pixels. The maximum size of the information image is set to about 400 pixels × 400 pixels in consideration of the resolution or the number of pixels of the NTSC (National Television Standards Committee) display device. That is, if the size of the information image is about 400 pixels × 400 pixels at the maximum, the information image can be displayed on the NTSC display device.

  When the display device 3 is an NTSC display device, it is desirable to generate the information image data so that the size of the information image is 400 pixels × 400 pixels at the maximum, as described above. On the other hand, when the display device 3 is a display device of another method such as the 1080i method, the size of the information image suitable for the resolution of the display device of the other method is set and the information image is set. It is desirable to generate information image data so as to have a size. When the recorder 2 can recognize the resolution of the display device 3, the information image data encoding unit 22 recognizes the resolution of the display device 3, and sets the size of the information image that matches the recognized resolution. Then, the information image data may be generated so that the information image has the set size.

  Subsequently, the information image generation unit 23 generates an information image corresponding to the information image data (step S9). Specifically, the information image generation unit 23 converts the information image data into a video signal compatible with the NTSC system or the 1080i system.

  Subsequently, the information image output unit 24 outputs an information image (video signal) to the screen 3A of the display device 3 (step S10). Thereby, an information image is displayed in the center of screen 3A, for example.

  When a plurality of transfer data streams are generated in the processing from step S2 to step S6, information image data and information images are generated for each transfer data stream in steps S8 and S9. In step S <b> 10, a plurality of information images are displayed on the screen 3 </ b> A of the display device 3. For example, a plurality of information images are simultaneously displayed on the screen 3A. In this case, a plurality of information images are arranged on the screen 3A. A plurality of information images may be displayed on the screen 3A one by one. In this case, the information image is switched at a predetermined time. Alternatively, switching of the information image may be left to a user operation.

  On the other hand, in step S3, when there is no next program (step S3: NO), the conversion unit 21 adds the header shown in FIG. 15 to the current transfer code and transfer data array, thereby transferring the transfer data stream. Generate (step S7). Subsequently, the processing after step S8 is performed.

  The recorder 2 (mainly the program management information processing unit 11) converts the program viewing reservation information stored in the storage unit 14 into an information image and displays the information image on the display device 3 (program viewing reservation information). Conversion processing) is also performed. Further, the recorder 2 (mainly the program management information processing unit 11) converts the content management information stored in the storage unit 14 into an information image, and displays the information image on the display device 3 (content management information conversion processing). ). Each of these processes is almost the same as the program recording reservation information conversion process shown in FIG. The program recording reservation information conversion process, the program viewing reservation information conversion process, and the content management information conversion process are collectively referred to as a program management information conversion process.

(Program management information acquisition process)
FIG. 17 shows a process of reading an information image displayed on the display device 3 and generating display information, schedule information, and alarm information based on the read information image (hereinafter referred to as “program management information acquisition process”). ).

  The program management information acquisition process is mainly executed by the camera 32 and the program management information acquisition unit 31 of the mobile terminal 4.

  The user captures the information image displayed on the screen 3 </ b> A of the display device 3 with the camera 32. Thereby, an information image is read by the portable terminal 4 (step S21 in FIG. 17).

  Subsequently, the information image data generation unit 41 generates information image data corresponding to the information image (step S22). Specifically, the information image data generation unit 41 converts a video signal of the information image into information image data.

  Subsequently, the information image data decoding unit 42 decodes the information image data, thereby generating a transfer code and transfer data (step S23). For this decoding method, for example, a known decoding method such as a QR code decoding method can be used.

  Subsequently, the display information generation unit 43 generates display information based on the transfer code and the transfer data (step S24). The generated display information is stored in the storage unit 14 or the like, for example.

  Further, the schedule management information generating unit 45 generates schedule management information based on the transfer code and the transfer data (step S25). The generated schedule management information is stored in the storage unit 14 or the like, for example. When the transfer code “schedule / alarm” indicates that schedule management information is not generated, the schedule management information generation unit 45 does not generate schedule management information.

  Further, the alarm information generation unit 46 generates alarm information based on the transfer code (step S26). The generated alarm information is stored in the storage unit 14, for example.

  And according to operation of the portable terminal 4 by a user, the display information output part 44 outputs display information to the display part 33 (step S27). Thereby, the display information is displayed on the display unit 33 as shown in FIG. Moreover, according to operation of the portable terminal 4 by the user, the schedule management unit 36 generates schedule display information based on the schedule management information, and outputs the generated schedule display information to the display unit 33. The alarm control unit 37 activates an alarm when the date and time measured by the date and time measurement unit 35 is the alarm activation date and time indicated by the alarm information.

  This program management information acquisition process is substantially the same regardless of whether the program management information is program recording reservation information, program viewing reservation information, or content management information. However, if the program management information is content management information, schedule management information generation (step S25) and alarm information generation (step S26) are not performed, and these steps are skipped.

  As described above, the program management information processing unit 11 converts the program management information into an information image, and displays this information image on the display device 3 connected to the recorder 2. On the other hand, the portable terminal 4 reads the information image displayed on the display device 3 with the camera 32, and the program management information acquisition unit 31 converts the read information image into program management information.

  Thus, the program management information can be transferred from the recorder 2 to the portable terminal 4 via the information image, and this transfer can be easily performed without taking time and effort for the user.

  That is, it is not necessary to print an information image on a printed material when transferring program management information. Therefore, it is often difficult or troublesome to print an information image. When transferring the program management information, the user only needs to shoot the information image displayed on the screen 3 </ b> A of the display device 3 with the camera 32 of the portable terminal 4.

  Further, the program management information processing unit 11 converts the program management information into a transfer code, and converts this transfer code into an information image. On the other hand, the program management information acquisition unit 31 converts the read information image into a transfer code, and converts this transfer code into program management information. Thus, the transfer code is present in the process of converting program management information to an information image and in the process of converting information image to program management information. The transfer code is a code or number assigned to the program management information.

  Thereby, even if various program management information such as channel number, program viewing start date and time, program viewing end time, and genre exists, the program management information can be accurately converted into an information image, and the information image Therefore, the program management information can be accurately reproduced. Therefore, the program management information can be accurately transferred.

  Furthermore, by transferring the length of the transfer code and transfer data in advance, and further by determining the order of the transfer code and transfer data in advance, the program management information can be transferred easily, quickly and more accurately. be able to.

  Further, the program management information processing unit 11 divides the program management information into a plurality of groups (transfer data streams) when the length of the program management information to be transferred exceeds the transferable data length of the information image. An information image is generated. That is, the program management information is converted into a plurality of information images. Thereby, even if the data size of the program management information to be transferred is large, the program management information can be transferred from the recorder 2 to the portable terminal 4 using the information image.

  Moreover, the program management information acquisition part 31 of the portable terminal 4 converts an information image into program management information, and produces | generates display information based on this program management information. Thereby, the user can view the program management information via the display unit 33 of the mobile terminal 4. Therefore, the user can easily check the program reserved for recording, the program reserved for viewing, and the program stored in the recorder 2, for example, on the go.

  Further, the program management information processing unit 11 converts the program detailed information (EPG information) into an information image and transfers it to the portable terminal 4. Then, the program management information acquisition unit 31 can include the detailed program information in the display information and display it on the display unit 33. Thereby, for example, detailed information regarding the program can be provided to the user via the portable terminal 4. Therefore, the user can see detailed information about the program even when the user is away from home, for example.

  Moreover, the program management information acquisition part 31 converts an information image into program management information, and produces | generates schedule management information based on this program management information. As a result, the user can view a schedule table in which the program management information is entered via the display unit 33 of the mobile terminal 4. Therefore, the user can confirm the program recording start time, the program viewing start time, and the like.

  Moreover, the program management information acquisition part 31 converts an information image into program management information, and produces | generates alarm information based on this program management information. Then, the alarm control unit 37 activates an alarm when the alarm activation date and time indicated by the alarm information comes. Thereby, the user can know that the program viewing start time has come, for example.

  In the above description, the recorder 2 is taken as an example of the embodiment of the program management information processing apparatus of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The program management information processing apparatus of the present invention can be applied to, for example, a television apparatus, a television tuner apparatus, a personal computer, and the like. Furthermore, the program management information processing apparatus of the present invention can be applied to a radio device to transfer radio program management information to a terminal device.

  In the above description, the mobile terminal 4 is taken as an example of an embodiment of the terminal device of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to digital cameras, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), mobile personal computers, and the like.

  In addition, the information image is preferably a two-dimensional code image in consideration of the transferable data size, the high spread of the general public, and the handling by the mobile phone, and particularly in Japan, as shown in FIG. A QR code image 52 is desirable. However, the information image may be another two-dimensional code image 53 as shown in FIG. The information image may be a barcode (one-dimensional code) image 54 as shown in FIG. The information image may be a three-dimensional code image such as a three-dimensional image or a multi-dimensional code image.

  Moreover, you may produce | generate the image | video of an information image by displaying a some information image on a screen shifting time. In this case, it is desirable to provide a video camera on the portable terminal 4.

  In the above description, the recorder 2 has a program recording reservation function for automatically receiving a program designated by the user and automatically storing it. The recorder 2 has a program viewing reservation function for automatically receiving a program designated by the user and automatically playing it. The program designation method in these functions is not limited to the case where the user manually designates a program by operating a remote control device, for example. For example, the recorder 2 may automatically specify a program related to a keyword or genre input or specified by the user.

  3 is a specific example of the reception unit, the reproduction unit 13 is a specific example of the reproduction unit, the storage control unit 16 is a specific example of the storage control unit, and the time measurement unit 17 is the time. It is a specific example of the measuring means, the time specifying unit 18 is a specific example of the time specifying means, and the operation control unit 19 is a specific example of the operation control means.

  4 is a specific example of the conversion unit, the information image data encoding unit 22 is a specific example of the information image data encoding unit, and the information image generation unit 23 is a specific example of the information image generation unit. The information image output unit 24 is a specific example of the information image output means.

  Further, the camera 32 in FIG. 7 is a specific example of the reading unit, the date and time measuring unit 35 is a specific example of the time measuring unit, the schedule management unit 36 is a specific example of the schedule management unit, and the alarm control unit 37 is It is a specific example of an alarm control means.

  Further, the information image data generation unit 41 in FIG. 8 is a specific example of the information image data generation unit, the information image data decoding unit 42 is a specific example of the information image data decoding unit, and the display information generation unit 43 displays the display information. The display information output unit 44 is a specific example of the display information output unit, the schedule management information generation unit 45 is a specific example of the schedule management information generation unit, and the alarm information generation unit 46 is the alarm information. It is a specific example of a production | generation means.

  16 is a specific example of the conversion process, step S8 is a specific example of the information image data encoding process, step S9 is a specific example of the information image generation process, and step S10 is the information image display. It is a specific example of a process.

  Further, step S21 in FIG. 17 is a specific example of the reading process, step S22 is a specific example of the information image data generation process, step S23 is a specific example of the information image data decoding process, and step S24 is the display information. This is a specific example of the generation process, and step S27 is a specific example of the display information output process.

  The program management information processing apparatus of the present invention can also be realized as a computer program. In this case, a computer program that describes the components of the program management information processing unit 11 shown in FIG. 4 or commands for realizing the processing shown in FIG. 16 is created. Further, by recording the computer program on a recording medium such as a CD, a DVD, or a hard disk, a computer program product (or a recording medium on which the computer program is recorded) can be obtained. Furthermore, a computer program product may be obtained by distributing the computer program via a computer network such as the Internet.

  The terminal device of the present invention can also be realized as a computer program. In this case, a computer program that describes the components of the program management information acquisition unit 31 shown in FIG. 8 or commands for realizing the processing shown in FIG. 17 is created. Further, by recording this computer program on a recording medium, a computer program product (or a recording medium on which the computer program is recorded) can be obtained. Further, the computer program may be a computer program product by distributing it via a computer network.

  Further, the present invention can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist or concept of the invention that can be read from the claims and the entire specification, and the program management information processing apparatus, terminal device, and program management accompanied by such changes An information processing method and a computer program for realizing these functions are also included in the technical idea of the present invention.

It is a perspective view which shows a program management system. It is a block diagram which shows the program management system in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the recorder which is embodiment of the program management information processing apparatus of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the program management information processing part in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the hard disk drive recorder which is more concrete embodiment of the program management information processing apparatus of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the program management information processing circuit in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the portable terminal which is embodiment of the terminal device of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the program management information acquisition part in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the multifunctional mobile phone with a camera which is more concrete embodiment of the terminal device of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the program management information acquisition circuit in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the character and image corresponding to display information. It is explanatory drawing which shows the transfer code and transfer data regarding program recording reservation information. It is explanatory drawing which shows the transfer code and transfer data regarding program viewing reservation information. It is explanatory drawing which shows the transfer code and transfer data regarding content management information. It is explanatory drawing which shows the transfer data stream regarding program recording reservation information. It is a flowchart which shows a program recording reservation information conversion process. It is a flowchart which shows a program management information acquisition process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of a QR code image. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of another two-dimensional code image. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of a one-dimensional code image.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 Recorder 3 Display apparatus 4 Portable terminal 11 Program management information processing part 12 Receiving part 13 Playback part 14 Storage part 16 Storage control part 17 Date and time measurement part 18 Date and time designation part 19 Operation control part 21 Conversion part 22 Information image data encoding part 23 Information Image generator 24 Information image output unit 31 Program management information acquisition unit 32 Camera 33 Display unit 35 Date and time measurement unit 36 Schedule management unit 37 Alarm control unit 41 Information image data generation unit 42 Information image data decoding unit 43 Display information generation unit 44 Display Information output unit 45 Schedule management information generation unit 46 Alarm information generation unit

Claims (16)

Conversion means for converting the program management information stored in the storage device into a transfer code;
Information image data encoding means for generating information image data by encoding the transfer code converted by the conversion means;
Information image generating means for generating an information image corresponding to the information image data generated by the information image data encoding means;
An information image output means for outputting the information image generated by the information image generation means to the first display device;
The transfer code is a code or number assigned to the program management information,
A program management information processing apparatus, wherein the information image data is a one-dimensional code or a multi-dimensional code.   The program management information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information image data is a two-dimensional code.   The program management information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the program management information is information indicating a program viewing start time or a program recording start time.   2. The program management information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information image data encoder generates information image data by encoding text data indicating program management information stored in the storage device.   5. The program management information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the program management information is detailed program information. Receiving means for receiving program content information transmitted from a broadcasting station;
Reproducing means for reproducing the program content information received by the receiving means, and outputting the reproduced program content information to the first display device;
Time measuring means for measuring time;
A time designation means for designating a time;
Operation control means for controlling the reproduction means so as to start reproduction of the program content information when the time measured by the time measurement means reaches the time designated by the time designation means,
The program management information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the program management information is information indicating a time designated by the time designation unit. Receiving means for receiving program content information transmitted from a broadcasting station;
Storage control means for storing program content information received by the receiving means in the storage device;
Time measuring means for measuring time;
A time designation means for designating a time;
An operation control means for controlling the storage control means so as to start storing the program content information when the time measured by the time measurement means reaches the time designated by the time designation means,
The program management information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the program management information is information indicating a time designated by the time designation unit. Reading means for optically reading an information image displayed on the first display device;
Information image data generating means for generating information image data corresponding to the information image read by the reading means;
Information image data decoding means for generating a transfer code by decoding the information image data generated by the information image data generating means;
Display information generating means for generating display information based on the transfer code generated by the information image data decoding means;
Display information output means for outputting the display information generated by the display information generation means to the second display device,
The information image data is a one-dimensional code or a multi-dimensional code,
The transfer code is a code or number assigned to the program management information,
The terminal information generating means generates the display information representing the program management information corresponding to the transfer code. Schedule management information generating means for generating schedule management information indicating the program management information corresponding to the transfer code generated by the information image data decoding means;
A schedule management unit configured to generate schedule display information based on the schedule management information generated by the schedule management information generation unit and to output the generated schedule display information to the second display device. The terminal device according to claim 8. Alarm information generating means for generating alarm information indicating an alarm activation time based on the program management information corresponding to the transfer code generated by the information image data decoding means;
Time measuring means for measuring time;
Alarm control means for activating an alarm when the time measured by the time measurement means reaches the alarm activation time indicated by the alarm information;
9. The terminal device according to claim 8, wherein the program management information is information indicating a program viewing start time, a program recording start time, or an alarm activation time.   The terminal device according to claim 8, wherein the information image data is a two-dimensional code.   9. The terminal apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the program management information is information indicating a program viewing start time or a program recording start time.   9. The terminal apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the information image data decoding unit generates text data indicating the program management information by decoding the information image data generated by the information image data generation unit. . A conversion step of converting the program management information stored in the storage device into a transfer code;
An information image data encoding step for generating information image data by encoding the transfer code converted in the conversion step;
An information image generation step for generating an information image corresponding to the information image data generated in the information image data encoding step;
An information image display step of displaying the information image generated in the information image generation step on the first display device;
A reading step for optically reading an information image displayed on the first display device;
An information image data generation step for generating information image data corresponding to the information image read in the reading step;
An information image data decoding step for generating a transfer code by decoding the information image data generated in the information image data generation step;
A display information generating step for generating display information based on the transfer code generated in the information image data decoding step;
A display information output step of outputting the display information generated in the display information generation step to the second display device,
The transfer code is a code or number assigned to the program management information,
The information image data is a one-dimensional code or a multi-dimensional code,
In the display information generating step, the display information representing the program management information corresponding to the transfer code is generated.   A computer program for causing a computer to function as the program management information processing apparatus according to claim 1.   A computer program for causing a computer to function as the terminal device according to claim 8.

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