JP2009021699A - Electronic equipment and control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide electronic equipment capable of automatically selecting a tuner to be used for processing of reserved video recording or the like in consideration of respective states of two tuners. <P>SOLUTION: A priority is provided to each of reserved video recording processing (Rsv Rec), normal video recording processing (Rec), viewing processing (Live) and unused (-), it is managed which state a first tuner part 123A and a second tuner part 123B are each in among the reserved video recording processing (Rsv Rec), the video recording processing (Rec), the viewing processing (Live), both (Live Rsv Rec) viewing processing (Live) and reserved video recording processing (Rsv Rec), both (Live Rec) viewing processing (Live) and normal video recording processing (Rec), and the unused (-), and when a reserved video recording processing event occurs, the tuner with the lower priority between the two tuners 123A and 123B is automatically selected, and the reserved video recording processing event is allocated to the selected tuner. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic apparatus having a function of receiving broadcast program data, for example, and a control method applied to the apparatus.

  In recent years, personal computers having the same AV function as audio / video (AV) devices such as DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) players, video recorders, and TV apparatuses have been developed.

  Such a personal computer has a tuner for receiving a television broadcast signal, and can perform viewing and recording of broadcast program data.

Also, some recent AV devices have two tuners. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a television receiver including two tuners. The television receiver can view other broadcast programs while recording a broadcast program.
JP 2003-169263 A

  However, in general, in an AV device equipped with a plurality of tuners, operations for viewing a broadcast program (channel selection), recording, recording reservation, etc. need to be performed on each tuner. For this reason, the user must first select a tuner to be controlled, and perform operations such as viewing (tuning), recording, and recording reservation on the tuner. Therefore, the user must always be aware of which tuner is used for viewing / recording / reserved recording, and it has been difficult to realize sufficient operability.

  For example, a recording reservation operation for reserving broadcast program data to be recorded needs to be performed in a state in which a tuner for executing reserved recording is selected. In this case, the reserved recording process of recording broadcast program data reserved for recording with respect to a certain tuner is executed only by one of the tuners reserved for recording regardless of the usage state of each of the two tuners. .

  In addition, for example, when switching to viewing of a broadcast program of another channel when viewing and recording a broadcast program using one tuner, the user temporarily stops the recording in progress. It was necessary to perform the channel selection operation after selecting the other tuner or selecting the other tuner.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances, and provides an electronic device and a control method capable of automatically selecting a tuner to be used for processing such as scheduled recording in consideration of the states of two tuners. The purpose is to do.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an electronic apparatus according to the present invention includes a first tuner unit that receives a television broadcast signal, and a second tuner that receives the same type of television broadcast signal as the television broadcast signal. And video data included in one of the broadcast program data received by the first tuner unit and the broadcast program data received by the second tuner unit is output to a display device. Viewing processing means for executing processing, and recording processing for storing at least one of broadcast program data received by the first tuner unit and broadcast program data received by the second tuner unit in a storage medium. Each of the recording processing means and the first tuner unit and the second tuner unit has broadcast program data reserved for recording. Is used for scheduled recording processing for receiving and recording, status used for normal recording processing for receiving and recording broadcast program data, and displaying broadcast video data and displaying video data included in the broadcast program data State used for viewing process output to device, state used for both viewing process and reserved recording process, state used for both viewing process and normal recording process, and unused Means for managing which of the above-mentioned states, and when an event requiring the reservation recording process occurs, the reservation recording process, the normal recording process, the viewing process, and the unused order A priority assigned in advance to each of the scheduled recording process, the normal recording process, the viewing process, and the unused so that the priority is reduced at Based on the state of each of the first tuner unit and the second tuner unit, the tuner unit in the lower priority state of the first tuner unit and the second tuner unit is Control for selecting a reserved recording process requested by the generated event as a tuner unit to be assigned, controlling the selected tuner unit, and executing the reserved recording process requested by the generated event using the recording processing means Means.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to automatically select a tuner to be used for processing such as scheduled recording in consideration of the states of the two tuners.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
First, with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the structure of the electronic device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. This electronic device is realized by, for example, a notebook portable personal computer 10.

  The computer 10 has a TV function for viewing and recording broadcast program data broadcast by a television broadcast signal. This TV function also includes a reserved recording function for recording broadcast program data in accordance with a recording reservation set by the user. This TV function is realized, for example, by a TV application program installed in the computer 10 in advance. The TV application program also has a video function for playing back recorded broadcast program data and other video data.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the computer 10 with the display unit opened. The computer 10 includes a computer main body 11 and a display unit 12.

  The display unit 12 incorporates a display device including a TFT-LCD (Thin Film Transistor Liquid Crystal Display) 17. The display unit 12 is attached to the computer main body 11 so as to be rotatable between an open position and a closed position.

  The computer main body 11 has a thin box-shaped casing. On the upper surface of the computer main body 11, a keyboard 13, a power button 14 for turning on / off the computer 10, an input operation panel 15, and a touch pad (mouse) 16 are provided. Etc. are arranged. The input operation panel 15 includes various operation buttons such as a TV button, a recording button, and a channel switching button. The TV button is an operation button for starting a TV application program. The record button is an operation button for instructing recording of broadcast program data being viewed. The channel switching button is an operation button for instructing switching of a viewing target channel.

  In addition, a remote control unit interface unit 20 for executing communication with an external remote control unit for remotely controlling the TV function of the computer 10 is provided on the front surface of the computer main body 11. The remote control unit interface unit 20 includes, for example, an infrared signal receiving unit.

  Next, the system configuration of the computer 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the computer 10 includes a CPU 111, a north bridge 112, a main memory 113, a graphics controller 114, a south bridge 119, a BIOS-ROM 115, a sound controller 116, a speaker 117, and a hard disk drive (HDD) 121. , An optical disk drive (ODD) 122, two tuner units 123A and 123B, an embedded controller / keyboard controller IC (EC / KBC) 124, a power supply circuit 125, a network controller 128, and the like.

  The CPU 111 is a processor provided for controlling the operation of the computer 10, and stores various application programs such as the operating system 102 and the TV application program 101 that are loaded from the hard disk drive (HDD) 121 to the main memory 113. Execute. The TV application program 101 is a program for controlling viewing and recording of broadcast program data, and controls the tuner units 123A and 123B to view and record broadcast program data (TV broadcast program) broadcasted by a television broadcast signal ( (Including scheduled recording). The TV application program 101 is configured to operate on the operating system 102.

  Further, the CPU 111 also executes a basic input output system (BIOS) stored in the BIOS-ROM 115. The BIOS is a program for hardware control.

  The north bridge 112 is a bridge device that connects the local bus of the CPU 111 and the south bridge 119. The north bridge 112 also includes a memory controller that controls access to the main memory 113. The north bridge 112 also has a function of executing communication with the graphics controller 114.

  The graphics controller 114 is a display controller that controls the LCD 17 used as a display monitor of the computer 10. The graphics controller 114 displays the image data written in the video memory (VRAM) 114 A by the OS 102 or the TV application program 101 on the LCD 17. The south bridge 119 controls each device on an LPC (Low Pin Count) bus and each device on a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus. The south bridge 119 incorporates an IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) controller for controlling the HDD 121 and the ODD 122.

  Further, the south bridge 119 includes a real time clock (RTC) 119A. The real-time clock (RTC) 119A functions as a clock module that measures the current date and time (year, month, day, hour, minute, second). In a register (RTC register) in the real-time clock (RTC) 119A, an alarm time for designating the time (year, month, day, hour, minute, second) at which the computer 10 should be turned on can be set. The real-time clock (RTC) 119A generates a power-on event indicating that the computer 10 should be powered on when the current time reaches the alarm time set in the RTC register by the OS 102 or the TV application program 101. Notify EC / KBC 124. In response to the occurrence of this power-on event, the EC / KBC 124 powers on the computer 10. For example, by setting the time specified by the recording reservation information as an alarm time in the RTC register, the computer 10 is automatically powered on at the time specified by the recording reservation information to execute the reserved recording process. it can.

  The two tuner units 123A and 123B are TV tuners that respectively receive the same type of television broadcast signal. For example, the first tuner unit 123A includes a digital TV tuner that receives a terrestrial digital broadcast signal. Similarly, the second tuner unit 123B also includes a digital TV tuner that receives a terrestrial digital broadcast signal. It is configured. Broadcast program data broadcast by a terrestrial digital broadcast signal is encrypted (scrambled). Each of the tuner units 123A and 123B has a copyright protection function, and decrypts the received broadcast program data using key information stored in an IC card 130 called a B-CAS card, and decrypts the received broadcast program data. The broadcast program data is output on the PCI bus.

  For example, the tuner unit 123A is configured as a master tuner that can operate independently without function limitation, while the tuner unit 123B is realized as a slave tuner that is limited at least for functions such as initialization of the IC card 130, for example. Yes. For this reason, the tuner unit 123B can operate only when the tuner unit 123A is operating.

  The IC card 130 is shared by the two tuner units 123A and 123B. Each of the tuner units 123A and 123B has a function of communicating with the IC card 130. However, for example, the function for initializing the IC card 130 (including power control) is not necessarily provided in each of the two tuner units 123A and 123B, and only one of the two tuner units 123A and 123B is provided. It may be enough.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, only one tuner unit 123A is realized as a master tuner capable of initializing the IC card 130, and the other tuner unit 123B is a slave in which functions such as initialization of the IC card 130 are limited at least. Realized as a tuner. Further, for example, a function for executing communication with the IC card 130 is provided only in the tuner unit 123A as a master, and the tuner unit 123B as a slave executes communication with the IC card 130 through the tuner unit 123A. May be.

  The EC / KBC 124 is a one-chip microcomputer in which an embedded controller for power management and a keyboard controller for controlling the keyboard (KB) 13 and the touch pad 16 are integrated. The EC / KBC 124 has a function of powering on / off the computer 10 in accordance with the operation of the power button 14 by the user in cooperation with the power supply circuit 125. The power supply circuit 125 generates an operation power supply to be supplied to each component of the computer 10 from a battery 126 built in the computer 10 or an external power supply supplied from the outside via the AC adapter 127. The EC / KBC 124 is also connected to the remote control unit interface unit 20.

  The TV application program 101 is controlled not only by the operation of the input device such as the keyboard (KB) 13, the input operation panel 15, and the touch pad (mouse) 16 by the user, but also by the operation of an external remote control unit. Can do.

  The network controller 125 is a communication device for connecting to a wired or wireless network, and is used to execute communication with an external network such as the Internet.

  FIG. 3 shows a functional configuration of the TV application program 101.

  The TV application program 101 includes a state control unit 201, an event reception unit 202, a state management unit 301, a recording reservation information storage unit 302, and the like.

  The state control unit 201 performs viewing processing, recording processing, and scheduled recording on the first tuner unit 123A and the second tuner unit 123B based on the states of the first tuner unit 123A and the second tuner unit 123B, respectively. Automatically assign processing such as processing. The state control unit 201 includes a control unit 210, a viewing control unit 211, and a recording control unit 212.

  The viewing control unit 211 displays a video data included in one of the broadcast program data received by the first tuner unit 123A and the second tuner unit 123B through the graphics controller 114 as a display device such as the LCD 17. Execute the viewing process to output to. In the viewing process, a process of outputting audio data included in the broadcast program data to the speaker 117 through the sound controller 116 is also executed. Only one broadcast program data can be viewed at the same time, for example.

  The recording control unit 212 executes a recording process in which at least one of the broadcast program data received by the first tuner unit 123A and the broadcast program data received by the second tuner unit 123B is stored in a storage medium such as the HDD 121. To do. The recording control unit 212 normally receives and records broadcast program data reserved for recording by the user, and stores broadcast program data being received in a storage medium in response to a user operation such as pressing a recording button. It is used in both recording processes (also called one-touch recording). The recording control unit 212 can execute recording processing of two broadcast program data at the same time.

  The state management unit 301 manages the state relating to viewing and recording for each of the first tuner unit 123A and the second tuner unit 123B.

  In other words, the state management unit 301 is in a state where each of the first tuner unit 123A and the second tuner unit 123B is used for a reserved recording process (Rsv Rec) for receiving and recording broadcast program data reserved for recording. Used for normal recording processing (Rec) for receiving and recording broadcast program data, used for viewing processing (Live) for receiving broadcast program data and outputting video data contained in the broadcast program data to a display device Used for both viewing processing (Live) and scheduled recording processing (Rsv Rec) (Live Rsv Rec), used for both viewing processing (Live) and normal recording processing (Rec) It manages whether it is in the state (Live Rec) or unused (-).

  In the present embodiment, the following priorities are assigned in advance to each of the scheduled recording process (Rsv Rec), the normal recording process (Rec), the viewing process (Live), and the unused (-).

Rsv Rec>Rec>Live>-
The priority of the reservation recording process (Rsv Rec) is the highest, and the priority becomes lower in the order of normal recording process (Rec), viewing process (Live), and unused (-).

  Thus, by setting the highest priority for the scheduled recording process (Rsv Rec) that is most important for the user, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation in which a broadcast program designated in advance by the user cannot be recorded. it can.

  When an event requiring execution of a process having a higher priority than the priority corresponding to the current state of each of the first tuner unit 123A and the second tuner unit 123B occurs, execution of the process requested by the event Is executed in preference to the current processing being executed by each of the first tuner unit 123A and the second tuner unit 123B. That is, a high priority event is executed with priority. For example, in the state where the first tuner unit 123A is used for the viewing process (Live) and the second tuner unit 123B is used for the normal recording process (Rec), the event of the scheduled recording process (Rsv Rec) is newly In the event of a failure, the reserved recording process (Rsv Rec) is assigned to the first tuner unit 123A in place of the lowest priority viewing process (Live).

  Note that unused (-) has the lowest priority, so if there is an unused (-) tuner part, the processing required by the newly generated event is not used (-) tuner part. Is preferentially assigned to.

  When events having the same priority occur, execution of the event that occurred later is given priority. For example, when a new timer recording process (Rsv Rec) event occurs while the first tuner unit 123A and the second tuner unit 123B are each executing a timer recording process (Rsv Rec), The scheduled recording process started earliest is canceled, and a new scheduled recording process is executed in place of the canceled scheduled recording process. In other words, execution of the scheduled recording process that was started earliest is aborted, and a new scheduled recording process (Rsv Rec) is assigned to the tuner unit that was used for the scheduled recording process that was started earliest. Note that only the normal recording process (Rec) does not give priority to events that occur later, but the occurrence of events that require Rec itself is suppressed.

  When an event with a low priority occurs, the event is not executed.

  A channel selection event that instructs switching of a channel to be viewed is a type of event that requires viewing processing. However, since channel switching switches a channel that is currently viewed to another channel, The event is preferentially assigned to a tuner unit (a tuner unit executing a process having the same priority as the channel selection event (viewing process event)) used only for the viewing process (Live). In addition, a viewing process event that does not involve channel switching is preferentially assigned to an unused tuner section. A viewing processing event that does not involve channel switching occurs, for example, when the user operates a TV button.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the tuner unit to which the process corresponding to the newly generated event is assigned satisfies at least the condition that the priority is the same as or lower than the priority of the newly generated event. The tuner section.

  The event reception unit 202 requests an event for requesting the scheduled recording process Rsv Rec, an event for requesting the normal recording process Rec, and a viewing process live in accordance with the user operation or the recording reservation information stored in the recording reservation information storage unit 302. Events (including tuning events) are generated.

  The control unit 210 performs processing requested by the event based on the priority corresponding to the event generated from the event reception unit 202 and the current state of each of the first tuner unit 123A and the second tuner unit 123B. Is selected, the selected tuner unit is controlled, and the processing requested by the generated event is executed using the viewing control unit 211 or the recording control unit 212.

  That is, when an event requiring any one of the scheduled recording process (Rsv Rec), the normal recording process (Rec), and the viewing process (Live) occurs, the control unit 210 performs the reserved recording process (Rsv Rec) and the normal recording process. Based on the priority assigned to each of the processing (Rec), viewing processing (Live), and unused (-), and the respective states of the first tuner unit 123A and the second tuner unit 123B, The tuner unit to which the processing requested by the event that has occurred is selected from the one tuner unit 123A and the second tuner unit 123B.

  In this case, the control unit 210 causes the tuner unit that satisfies at least the condition that the priority is the same as or lower than the priority corresponding to the processing requested by the generated event to perform the processing requested by the generated event. Select as tuner part to be assigned.

  When the first tuner unit 123A and the second tuner unit 123B are in the same or lower priority state corresponding to the processing requested by the event that has occurred together, the first tuner unit 123A and A tuner unit having a lower priority is selected from the second tuner unit 123B.

  Specifically, for example, when an event requesting a reservation recording process occurs, the control unit 210 determines whether the first tuner unit is based on the states of the first tuner unit 123A and the second tuner unit 123B. Of the 123A and the second tuner unit 123B, the tuner unit having a lower priority is selected as a tuner unit to which the reserved recording process is to be assigned, and the selected tuner unit is controlled to execute the reserved recording process. In addition, since unused (-) has the lowest priority, for example, if an unused (-) tuner part exists when an event requiring a reservation recording process (Rsv Rec) occurs, the unused (-) The tuner part of-) is selected, and the reserved recording process (Rsv Rec) is executed using the tuner part.

  Also, priority is assigned to the first tuner unit 123A and the second tuner unit 123B. For example, the first tuner unit 123A that is a master has priority over the second tuner unit 123B that is a slave. Used. That is, the control unit 210 generates the first tuner unit 123A when the priority corresponding to the state of the first tuner unit 123A and the priority corresponding to the state of the second tuner unit 123B are the same. Is preferentially selected as a tuner unit for executing processing required by the event.

  Next, referring to FIG. 4, a combination of states of the two tuner units 123A and 123B will be described.

  The viewing process (Live) may be executed simultaneously with the reserved recording process (Rsv Rec) or the normal recording process (Rec). The former is a state in which broadcast program data being received is being viewed while receiving and recording broadcast program data reserved for recording (Live Rsv Rec). The latter is a state where the broadcast program data being received is recorded in the background while viewing the broadcast program data being received (Live Rec). Also, two viewing processes (Live) cannot be executed at the same time.

  The status of each tuner is as follows: the state used for viewing processing (Live), the state used for both viewing processing (Live) and normal recording processing (Rec) (Live Rec), viewing processing (Live) Status used for both scheduled recording processing (Rsv Rec) (Live Rsv Rec), status used for normal recording processing (Rec), status used for scheduled recording processing (Rsv Rec), unused One of the (-) states.

  The state of only the normal recording process (Rec) occurs, for example, when the user displays the menu screen of the TV application program 101 in the Live Rec state or instructs the TV application program 101 to play video data. .

  Combinations indicated by crosses in FIG. 4 cannot be used. Further, combinations indicated by ◯ can be used.

  Next, referring to FIG. 5, a state control process that is executed by the TV application program 101 and involves switching of a tuner used for the viewing process will be described.

  As described above, the viewing process (Live) may be executed simultaneously with the reserved recording process (Rsv Rec) or the normal recording process (Rec). If one tuner part is in Live Rsv Rec or Live Rec state, simply assigning a tuning event to the tuner part in Live Rsv Rec or Live Rec state will change the channel received by that tuner. The broadcast program data to be recorded or reserved is also switched to the broadcast program data of another channel.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, if one tuner unit is in the Live Rsv Rec or Live Rec state and the other tuner unit is unused (-), the broadcast of the channel specified in the channel selection event is performed. Reception of program data is executed by the other tuner unit in the unused (-) state, and processing for automatically switching the tuner unit used for viewing processing from one tuner unit to the other tuner unit is executed .

  As a result, the channel to be viewed can be switched while continuing the ongoing recording or the reserved recording. The user does not need to be aware of the switching of the tuner section at all, and can simply listen to the broadcast program of the selected new channel simply by performing a channel selection instruction operation.

  FIG. 5A shows reception and viewing of broadcast program data of channel 4 using the first tuner unit (tuner # 1) 123A, and recording of broadcast program data of channel 4 in the background. This shows the state in which is performed. The second tuner unit (tuner # 2) 123B is not used. Broadcast program data received by the first tuner unit (tuner # 1) 123A is sent to the viewing control unit 211, and video data included in the broadcast program data is displayed on the LCD 17. The broadcast program data received by the first tuner unit (tuner # 1) 123A is sent to the recording control unit 212 and recorded in the HDD 121.

  In this state, if the user performs a channel selection instruction operation for specifying channel 8, for example, the control unit 210 executes a process of switching from the state of FIG. 5A to the state of FIG.

  That is, the control unit 210 controls the second tuner unit (tuner # 2) 123B to cause the second tuner unit (tuner # 2) 123B to start receiving the broadcast program data of channel 8, and the viewing control unit The tuner unit to be subjected to the viewing process executed by 211 is switched from the first tuner unit (tuner # 1) 123A to the second tuner unit (tuner # 2) 123B. Thereby, the broadcast program data of channel 8 received by the second tuner unit (tuner # 2) 123B is sent to the viewing control unit 211, and the video data included in the broadcast program data is displayed on the LCD 17. On the other hand, the recording process of the broadcast program data of channel 4 received by the first tuner unit (tuner # 1) 123A is continuously executed.

  Next, referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, how the states of the first tuner unit (tuner # 1) 123A and the second tuner unit (tuner # 2) 123B are changed according to the event that has occurred. The transition will be described.

  S1 is a state in which the first tuner unit 123A is used for viewing processing (Live) and the second tuner unit 123B is used for normal recording processing (Rec). S2 is a state in which the first tuner unit 123A is used for the viewing process (Live) and the second tuner unit 123B is used for the reserved recording process (Rsv Rec). In S3, the first tuner unit 123A is used for viewing processing (Live), and the second tuner unit 123B is not used (-).

  In S4, the first tuner unit 123A is used for both viewing processing (Live) and normal recording processing (Rec) (Live Rec), and the second tuner unit 123B is used for normal recording processing (Rec). State. In S5, the first tuner unit 123A is used for both viewing processing (Live) and normal recording processing (Rec) (Live Rec), and the second tuner unit 123B is used for reserved recording processing (Rsv Rec). It is in a state. In S6, the first tuner unit 123A is used for both viewing processing (Live) and normal recording processing (Rec) (Live Rec), and the second tuner unit 123B is unused (-).

  In S7, the first tuner unit 123A is used for both viewing processing (Live) and reserved recording processing (Rsv Rec) (Live Rsv Rec), and the second tuner unit 123B is used for normal recording processing (Rec). It is in a state. In S8, the first tuner unit 123A is used for both the viewing process (Live) and the scheduled recording process (Rsv Rec) (Live Rsv Rec), and the second tuner unit 123B is used for the scheduled recording process (Rsv Rec). It is a state that has been. In S9, the first tuner unit 123A is used for both the viewing process (Live) and the reserved recording process (Rsv Rec) (Live Rsv Rec), and the second tuner unit 123B is not used (-). .

  In S10, S11, S12, S13, S14, and S15, the first tuner unit 123A is used for normal recording processing (Rec), and the second tuner unit 123B is used for Live, Live Rec, Live Rsv Rec, Rec, Rsv Rec. This corresponds to the case of the unused (-) state.

  In S16, S17, S18, S19, S20, and S21, the first tuner unit 123A is used for reserved recording processing (Rsv Rec), and the second tuner unit 123B is used for Live, Live Rec, Live Rsv Rec, Rec, Rsv. It corresponds to the case of Rec and unused (-).

  In S22, S23, S24, S25, S26, and S27, the first tuner unit 123A is unused (-), and the second tuner unit 123B is Live, Live Rec, Live Rsv Rec, Rec, Rsv Rec, unused. Each corresponds to the state of (-).

  Events that occur include, for example, a channel selection event (the user instructs switching to a channel other than the channel currently being viewed with the keyboard or the remote control), a one-touch recording event (the user instructs recording with the keyboard or the remote control, etc.), reserved recording There are four events: a start event (generated when the recording reservation time is reached) and a viewing target tuner switching event (such as simultaneous pressing operation of the Alt key and D key by the user).

(Transition from state S1)
In S1, when a channel selection event for requesting a viewing process involving switching of a channel to be viewed occurs, the control unit 210 causes the first tuner unit that is in the state of viewing with the same priority as the priority of the channel selection event. 123A is selected as the tuner unit to be controlled. Then, the control unit 210 instructs the first tuner unit 123A to receive the channel specified by the channel selection event.

  In S <b> 1, when a one-touch recording event occurs, the control unit 210 selects the first tuner unit 123 </ b> A that is being viewed with a priority lower than the priority of the one-touch recording event as a tuner unit to be controlled. Then, the control unit 210 controls the recording control unit 212 to start recording broadcast program data received by the first tuner unit 123A. As a result, the state transitions from S1 to S4.

  In S1, when a timer recording start event occurs, the control unit 210 switches the first tuner unit 123A, which is a tuner unit having a lower priority state, among the first tuner unit 123A and the second tuner unit 123B. Select as the tuner part to be controlled. That is, since the priority of the scheduled recording start event is the highest, the priority corresponding to the state of the first tuner unit 123A and the priority corresponding to the state of the second tuner unit 123B are both the priority of the event that has occurred. Less than or equal to the degree. For this reason, the first tuner unit 123A, which is a tuner unit in a lower priority state, is selected as a control target. Then, the control unit 210 instructs the selected first tuner unit 123A to receive the recording target channel specified by the scheduled recording start event, and controls the recording control unit 212 to control the first tuner unit. Recording of broadcast program data received by 123A is started. As a result, the state transitions from S1 to S7.

  In S1, when a viewing target tuner switching event occurs, the control unit 210 controls the viewing control unit 211 to change the viewing processing target tuner unit from the first tuner unit 123A that is currently viewing processing. Switch to the second tuner unit 123B. As a result, viewing of the channel being recorded is started. The state transitions from S1 to S23.

(Transition from state S2)
In S2, when a channel selection event for requesting a viewing process involving switching of a channel to be viewed occurs, the control unit 210 causes the first tuner unit to be in a state of being viewed with the same priority as the channel selection event priority. 123A is selected as the tuner unit to be controlled. Then, the control unit 210 instructs the first tuner unit 123A to receive the channel specified by the channel selection event.

  In S2, when a one-touch recording event occurs, the control unit 210 selects the first tuner unit 123A that is in a viewing state with a priority lower than the priority of the one-touch recording event as a tuner unit to be controlled. Then, the control unit 210 controls the recording control unit 212 to start recording broadcast program data received by the first tuner unit 123A. As a result, the state transitions from S2 to S5.

  In S2, when a scheduled recording start event occurs, the control unit 210 causes the first tuner unit which is the tuner unit with the lower priority among the first tuner unit 123A and the second tuner unit 123B. 123A is selected as the tuner unit to be controlled. Then, the control unit 210 instructs the first tuner unit 123A to receive the recording target channel specified by the scheduled recording start event, controls the recording control unit 212, and receives it by the first tuner unit 123A. Recording of broadcast program data being started is started. As a result, the state transitions from S2 to S8.

  In S2, when a viewing target tuner switching event occurs, the control unit 210 controls the viewing control unit 211 to record the viewing target processing tuner unit from the first tuner unit 123A that is currently viewing processing. Switch to the second tuner unit 123B. As a result, viewing of the channel being recorded is started. The state transitions from S2 to S24.

(Transition from state S3)
In S3, when a channel selection event for requesting a viewing process involving switching of a channel to be viewed occurs, the control unit 210 causes the first tuner unit that is in a state of being viewed with the same priority as the priority of the channel selection event. 123A is selected as the tuner unit to be controlled. Then, the control unit 210 instructs the first tuner unit 123A to receive the channel specified by the channel selection event.

  In S3, when a one-touch recording event occurs, the control unit 210 selects the first tuner unit 123A that is in a viewing state with a priority lower than the priority of the one-touch recording event as a tuner unit to be controlled. Then, the control unit 210 controls the recording control unit 212 to start recording broadcast program data received by the first tuner unit 123A. As a result, the state transitions from S3 to S6.

  In S3, when a timer recording start event occurs, the control unit 210 causes the second tuner unit, which is the tuner unit with the lower priority state among the first tuner unit 123A and the second tuner unit 123B. 123B is selected as the tuner unit to be controlled. Then, the control unit 210 instructs the second tuner unit 123B to receive the recording target channel specified by the timer recording start event, controls the recording control unit 212, and receives it by the second tuner unit 123B. Recording of broadcast program data being started is started. As a result, the state transitions from S3 to S2.

  In S3, when a viewing target tuner switching event occurs, the control unit 210 issues a reception instruction to the unused second tuner unit 123B, and controls the viewing control unit 211 to perform a viewing process target tuner unit. Are switched from the first tuner unit 123A that is currently being viewed to the second tuner unit 123B that is not being used. As a result, viewing of the same channel as the channel received by the second tuner unit 123B when the second tuner unit 123B was used for the previous viewing is started. The state transitions from S3 to S22.

(Transition from state S4)
In S4, the occurrence of a channel selection event and a one-touch recording event is suppressed. In other words, nothing is executed in S4 even if a channel selection event or a one-touch recording event occurs.

  In S4, when a timer recording start event occurs, the control unit 210 sets the tuner unit having the lower priority state among the first tuner unit 123A and the second tuner unit 123B as the tuner unit to be controlled. select. Since both the first tuner unit 123A and the second tuner unit 123B are used for the normal recording process, the tuner unit that started the normal recording process first is selected as the tuner unit to be controlled. Then, the control unit 210 instructs the selected tuner to receive the recording target channel specified by the scheduled recording start event, and controls the recording control unit 212 to receive the broadcast program received by the selected tuner unit. Start recording data. As a result, the state transitions from S4 to S7 / S5.

  In S4, when a viewing target tuner switching event occurs, the control unit 210 controls the viewing control unit 211 to change the viewing processing target tuner unit from the first tuner unit 123A currently performing the viewing processing. Switch to the second tuner unit 123B. As a result, viewing of the channel being recorded is started. The state transitions from S4 to S11.

(Transition from state S5)
In S5, the occurrence of a channel selection event and a one-touch recording event is suppressed. In other words, nothing is executed in S5 even if a channel selection event or a one-touch recording event occurs.

  In S5, when a timer recording start event occurs, the control unit 210 selects a tuner unit having a lower priority among the first tuner unit 123A and the second tuner unit 123B. The first tuner unit 123A is in the process of recording, but the second tuner unit 123B is in the scheduled recording process having a higher priority, so the first tuner unit 123A is selected as the tuner unit to be controlled. Is done. Then, the control unit 210 instructs the first tuner unit 123A to receive the recording target channel specified by the scheduled recording start event, and controls the recording control unit 212 so that the first tuner unit 123A Recording of broadcast program data being received is started. As a result, the state transitions from S5 to S8.

  In S5, when a viewing target tuner switching event occurs, the control unit 210 controls the viewing control unit 211 to change the viewing target processing tuner unit from the first tuner unit 123A currently performing the viewing processing. To the second tuner unit 123B. Thereby, viewing of the channel during reserved recording is started. The state transitions from S5 to S12.

(Transition from state S6)
In S6, when a channel selection event occurs, the control unit 210 does not have a tuner unit that is used only for the viewing process having the same priority as the channel selection event (viewing process). Since there is an unused tuner unit with a low priority, the second tuner unit 123B in the unused state is selected as the tuner unit to be controlled. Then, the control unit 210 instructs the second tuner unit 123B to receive the channel specified by the channel selection event, and controls the viewing control unit 211 to set the tuner unit to be viewed as the first tuner unit. Switching from 123A to the second tuner unit 123B is performed. As a result, the state transitions from S6 to S10.

  In S6, the occurrence of the one-touch recording event is suppressed. In other words, nothing is executed in S6 even if a one-touch recording event occurs.

  In S6, when a scheduled recording start event occurs, the control unit 210 selects a tuner unit having a lower priority state among the first tuner unit 123A and the second tuner unit 123B. The first tuner unit 123A is in the process of recording, but the second tuner unit 123B is in an unused state with a lower priority than that, so the second tuner unit 123B is selected as the tuner unit to be controlled. The Then, the control unit 210 instructs the second tuner unit 123B to receive the recording target channel specified by the scheduled recording start event, and controls the recording control unit 212 so that the second tuner unit 123B Recording of broadcast program data being received is started. As a result, the state transitions from S6 to S5.

  In S6, when a viewing target tuner switching event occurs, the control unit 210 issues a reception instruction to the unused second tuner unit 123B, and controls the viewing control unit 211 to perform viewing. The tuner unit to be processed is switched from the first tuner unit 123A that is currently being viewed to the second tuner unit 123B that is not being used. As a result, viewing of the same channel as the channel received by the second tuner unit 123B when the second tuner unit 123B was used for the previous viewing is started. The state transitions from S6 to S10.

(Transition from state S7)
In S7, the occurrence of a channel selection event and a one-touch recording event is suppressed. In other words, nothing is executed in S7 even if a channel selection event or a one-touch recording event occurs.

  In S7, when a timer recording start event occurs, the control unit 210 selects a tuner unit having a lower priority among the first tuner unit 123A and the second tuner unit 123B. The first tuner unit 123A is in the scheduled recording process, but the second tuner unit 123B is in the normal recording process having a lower priority than that, so the second tuner unit 123B is the tuner unit to be controlled. Selected. Then, the control unit 210 instructs the second tuner unit 123B to receive the recording target channel specified by the scheduled recording start event, and controls the recording control unit 212 so that the second tuner unit 123B Recording of broadcast program data being received is started. As a result, the state transitions from S7 to S8.

  In S7, when a viewing target tuner switching event occurs, the control unit 210 controls the viewing control unit 211 to change the viewing target processing tuner unit from the first tuner unit 123A currently performing the viewing processing. To the second tuner unit 123B. Thereby, viewing of the channel during normal recording processing is started. The state transitions from S7 to S17.

(Transition from state S8)
In S8, the occurrence of a channel selection event and a one-touch recording event is suppressed. In other words, nothing is executed in S8 even if a channel selection event or a one-touch recording event occurs.

  In S8, when a timer recording start event occurs, the control unit 210 selects a tuner unit having a lower priority state among the first tuner unit 123A and the second tuner unit 123B. Since both the first tuner unit 123A and the second tuner unit 123B are used for the scheduled recording process, the tuner unit that has started the scheduled recording process first is selected as the tuner unit to be controlled. Then, the control unit 210 instructs the selected tuner to receive the recording target channel specified by the scheduled recording start event, and controls the recording control unit 212 to receive the broadcast program received by the selected tuner unit. Start recording data. The state remains S8.

  In S8, when a viewing target tuner switching event occurs, the control unit 210 controls the viewing control unit 211 to change the viewing target processing tuner unit from the first tuner unit 123A currently performing the viewing processing. To the second tuner unit 123B. Thereby, viewing of the channel during the reserved recording process is started. The state transitions from S8 to S18.

(Transition from state S9)
In S9, when a channel selection event occurs, the control unit 210 does not have a tuner unit that is used only for viewing processing having the same priority as the channel selection event (viewing processing). Since there is an unused tuner unit with a low priority, the second tuner unit 123B in the unused state is selected as the tuner unit to be controlled. Then, the control unit 210 instructs the second tuner unit 123B to receive the channel specified by the channel selection event, and controls the viewing control unit 211 to set the tuner unit to be viewed as the first tuner unit. Switching from 123A to the second tuner unit 123B is performed. As a result, the state transitions from S9 to S16.

  In S9, the occurrence of the one-touch recording event is suppressed. In other words, nothing is executed in S9 even if a one-touch recording event occurs.

  In S9, when a timer recording start event occurs, the control unit 210 selects a tuner unit having a lower priority among the first tuner unit 123A and the second tuner unit 123B. The first tuner unit 123A is in the reservation recording process, but the second tuner unit 123B is in an unused state having a lower priority than that, so the second tuner unit 123B is selected as the tuner unit to be controlled. Is done. Then, the control unit 210 instructs the second tuner unit 123B to receive the recording target channel specified by the scheduled recording start event, and controls the recording control unit 212 so that the second tuner unit 123B Recording of broadcast program data being received is started. As a result, the state transitions from S9 to S8.

  In S9, when a viewing target tuner switching event occurs, the control unit 210 issues a reception instruction to the unused second tuner unit 123B, and controls the viewing control unit 211 to perform viewing. The tuner unit to be processed is switched from the first tuner unit 123A that is currently being viewed to the second tuner unit 123B that is not being used. As a result, viewing of the same channel as the channel received by the second tuner unit 123B when the second tuner unit 123B was used for the previous viewing is started. The state transitions from S9 to S16.

(Transition from states S10, S11, S12)
In S10, S11, and S12, the same state control as in the case of S1, S4, and S7 described above is executed except that the tuner unit to be controlled is different.

(Transition from state S13)
In S13, the occurrence of a channel selection event and a one-touch recording event is suppressed. In other words, nothing is executed in S13 even if a channel selection event or a one-touch recording event occurs.

  In S13, when a timer recording start event occurs, the control unit 210 selects a tuner unit having a lower priority among the first tuner unit 123A and the second tuner unit 123B. Since both the first tuner unit 123A and the second tuner unit 123B are used for the normal recording process, the tuner unit that started the normal recording process first is selected as the tuner unit to be controlled. Then, the control unit 210 instructs the selected tuner to receive the recording target channel specified by the scheduled recording start event, and controls the recording control unit 212 to receive the broadcast program received by the selected tuner unit. Start recording data. The state transitions from S13 to S4 / S11.

  In S13, when a viewing target tuner switching event occurs, the control unit 210 determines that neither the first tuner unit 123A nor the second tuner unit 123B is currently used for viewing processing. Among the second tuner units 123B, the tuner unit used for the previous viewing is selected as the tuner unit to be viewed. Then, the control unit 210 controls the viewing control unit 211 to execute processing for viewing the broadcast program data received by the selected tuner unit. The state transitions from S13 to S4 / S11.

(Transition from state S14)
In S14, the occurrence of a channel selection event and a one-touch recording event is suppressed. In other words, nothing is executed in S14 even if a channel selection event or a one-touch recording event occurs.

  In S14, when a timer recording start event occurs, the control unit 210 selects a tuner unit having a lower priority among the first tuner unit 123A and the second tuner unit 123B. The first tuner unit 123A is in the normal recording process, but the second tuner unit 123B is in the scheduled recording process with higher priority than that, so the first tuner unit 123A is the tuner unit to be controlled. Selected. Then, the control unit 210 instructs the first tuner unit 123A to receive the recording target channel specified by the scheduled recording start event, and controls the recording control unit 212 so that the first tuner unit 123A Recording of broadcast program data being received is started. As a result, the state transitions from S14 to S16.

  When a viewing target tuner switching event occurs in S14, the control unit 210 determines that neither the first tuner unit 123A nor the second tuner unit 123B is currently used for viewing processing. Among the second tuner units 123B, the tuner unit used for the previous viewing is selected as the tuner unit to be viewed. Then, the control unit 210 controls the viewing control unit 211 to execute processing for viewing the broadcast program data received by the selected tuner unit. The state transitions from S14 to S5 / S12.

(Transition from state S15)
In S15, the occurrence of a channel selection event and a one-touch recording event is suppressed. In other words, nothing is executed in S15 even if a channel selection event or a one-touch recording event occurs.

  In S15, when a timer recording start event occurs, the control unit 210 selects a tuner unit having a lower priority among the first tuner unit 123A and the second tuner unit 123B. The first tuner unit 123A is in a normal recording process, but the second tuner unit 123B is in an unused state with a lower priority than that, and therefore the second tuner unit 123B is the tuner unit to be controlled. Selected. Then, the control unit 210 instructs the second tuner unit 123B to receive the recording target channel specified by the scheduled recording start event, and controls the recording control unit 212 so that the second tuner unit 123B Recording of broadcast program data being received is started. As a result, the state transitions from S15 to S14.

  When a viewing target tuner switching event occurs in S15, the control unit 210 determines that neither the first tuner unit 123A nor the second tuner unit 123B is currently used for viewing processing. Among the second tuner units 123B, the tuner unit used for the previous viewing is selected as the tuner unit to be viewed. Then, the control unit 210 controls the viewing control unit 211 to execute processing for viewing the broadcast program data received by the selected tuner unit. The state transitions from S15 to S6 / S10.

(Transition from states S16, S17, S18, S19)
In S16, S17, S18, and S19, the same state control as in S2, S5, S8, and S14 described above is executed except that the tuner unit to be controlled is different.

(Transition from state S20)
In S20, the occurrence of a channel selection event and a one-touch recording event is suppressed. In other words, nothing is executed in S20 even if a channel selection event or a one-touch recording event occurs.

  In S20, when a timer recording start event occurs, the control unit 210 selects a tuner unit having a lower priority among the first tuner unit 123A and the second tuner unit 123B. Since both the first tuner unit 123A and the second tuner unit 123B are used for the scheduled recording process, the tuner unit that has started the scheduled recording process first is selected as the tuner unit to be controlled. The control unit 210 instructs the selected tuner unit to receive the recording target channel specified by the scheduled recording start event, and controls the recording control unit 212 to receive the broadcast received by the selected tuner unit. Start recording program data. The state remains S20.

  In S20, when a viewing target tuner switching event occurs, the control unit 210 does not currently use either the first tuner unit 123A or the second tuner unit 123B for viewing processing. Among the second tuner units 123B, the tuner unit used for the previous viewing is selected as the tuner unit to be viewed. Then, the control unit 210 controls the viewing control unit 211 to execute processing for viewing the broadcast program data received by the selected tuner unit. The state transitions from S20 to S8 / S18.

(Transition from state S21)
In S21, the occurrence of a channel selection event and a one-touch recording event is suppressed. In other words, nothing is executed in S15 even if a channel selection event or a one-touch recording event occurs.

  In S21, when a scheduled recording start event occurs, the control unit 210 selects a tuner unit having a lower priority state among the first tuner unit 123A and the second tuner unit 123B. The first tuner unit 123A is in the reservation recording process, but the second tuner unit 123B is in an unused state having a lower priority than that, so the second tuner unit 123B is the tuner unit to be controlled. Selected. Then, the control unit 210 instructs the second tuner unit 123B to receive the recording target channel specified by the scheduled recording start event, and controls the recording control unit 212 so that the second tuner unit 123B Recording of broadcast program data being received is started. Thereby, the state transits from S21 to S20.

  In S20, when a viewing target tuner switching event occurs, the control unit 210 does not currently use either the first tuner unit 123A or the second tuner unit 123B for viewing processing. Among the second tuner units 123B, the tuner unit used for the previous viewing is selected as the tuner unit to be viewed. Then, the control unit 210 controls the viewing control unit 211 to execute processing for viewing the broadcast program data received by the selected tuner unit. The state transitions from S21 to S9 / S16.

(Transition from states S22, S23, S24, S25, S26)
In S22, S23, S24, S25, and S26, the same state control as in the case of S3, S6, S9, S15, and S21 described above is executed except that the tuner unit to be controlled is different.

(Transition from state S27)
In S27, the occurrence of a channel selection event and a one-touch recording event is suppressed. In other words, nothing is executed in S27 even if a channel selection event or a one-touch recording event occurs. Of course, if a viewing request event that does not involve channel switching, such as an operation of a TV button, occurs, a viewing request is assigned to the first tuner unit 123A.

  In S27, when a timer recording start event occurs, the control unit 210 selects a tuner unit having a lower priority among the first tuner unit 123A and the second tuner unit 123B. Since both the first tuner unit 123A and the second tuner unit 123B are unused, the first tuner unit 123A is preferentially selected as a tuner unit to be controlled. Then, the control unit 210 instructs the first tuner unit 123A to receive the recording target channel specified by the scheduled recording start event, and controls the recording control unit 212 so that the first tuner unit 123A Recording of broadcast program data being received is started. Thereby, the state transits from S27 to S21.

  When a viewing target tuner switching event occurs in S27, the control unit 210 determines that neither the first tuner unit 123A nor the second tuner unit 123B is currently used for viewing processing. Among the second tuner units 123B, the tuner unit used for the previous viewing is selected as the tuner unit to be viewed. Then, the control unit 210 controls the viewing control unit 211 to execute processing for viewing the broadcast program data received by the selected tuner unit. The state transitions from S27 to S3 / S22.

  With the state control process described above, the user can easily execute processes such as viewing, recording, and scheduled recording without being aware of the tuner to be used. In particular, when an event for requesting reservation recording processing occurs, the tuner unit having a lower priority is automatically selected from the first tuner unit 123A and the second tuner unit 123B, and the tuner is selected. Since the scheduled recording process is assigned to each part, it is possible to automatically assign the scheduled recording process to the optimum tuner among the first tuner part 123A and the second tuner part 123B.

  Next, with reference to a flowchart of FIG. 8, a procedure of processing for automatically switching the tuner unit to be viewed according to the channel selection event will be described.

  When a channel selection event occurs due to the user operating the keyboard or the remote control unit (YES in step S101), the control unit 210 checks the current state of each of the first tuner unit 123A and the second tuner unit 123B. (Step S102) It is determined whether one tuner is Live Rec or Live Rsv Rec and the other tuner is in an unused (-) state (states S6, S9, S23, S24).

  Specifically, for example, the control unit 210 first determines whether or not the current state is the state S6 (step S103). If the current state is state S6 (YES in step S103), control unit 210 executes processing for switching the state from state S6 to state S10 (step S104). In this step S104, the control unit 210 instructs the second tuner unit (tuner # 2) 123B, which is not in use, to receive the broadcast program data of the channel designated by the channel selection event, and views it. By switching the tuner unit to be processed from the first tuner unit (tuner # 1) 123A to the second tuner unit (tuner # 2) 123B, the viewing process by the first tuner unit (tuner # 1) 123A is performed. Stop and start the viewing process by the second tuner unit (tuner # 2) 123B.

  If the current state is not S6, the control unit 210 determines whether or not the current state is the state S9 (step S105). If it is in state S9 (YES in step S105), control unit 210 executes processing for switching the state from state S9 to state S16 (step S106). In this step S106, the control unit 210 instructs the second tuner unit (tuner # 2) 123B, which is not in use, to receive broadcast program data of the channel designated by the channel selection event, and views it. By switching the tuner unit to be processed from the first tuner unit (tuner # 1) 123A to the second tuner unit (tuner # 2) 123B, the viewing process by the first tuner unit (tuner # 1) 123A is performed. Stop and start the viewing process by the second tuner unit (tuner # 2) 123B.

  If the current state is not S9, the controller 210 determines whether or not the current state is the state S23 (step S107). If it is in state S23 (YES in step S107), control unit 210 executes processing for switching the state from state S23 to state S1 (step S108). In step S108, the control unit 210 instructs the first tuner unit (tuner # 1) 123A that is not in use to receive the broadcast program data of the channel designated by the channel selection event, and the viewing is performed. By switching the tuner unit to be processed from the second tuner unit (tuner # 2) 123B to the first tuner unit (tuner # 1) 123A, viewing processing by the second tuner unit (tuner # 2) 123B is performed. Stop and start the viewing process by the first tuner unit (tuner # 1) 123A.

  If the current state is not S23, the controller 210 determines whether or not the current state is the state S24 (step S109). If it is in state S24 (YES in step S109), control unit 210 executes processing for switching the state from state S24 to state S2 (step S110). In this step S110, the control unit 210 instructs the first tuner unit (tuner # 1) 123A, which is not in use, to receive broadcast program data of the channel designated by the channel selection event, and is viewed. By switching the tuner unit to be processed from the second tuner unit (tuner # 2) 123B to the first tuner unit (tuner # 1) 123A, viewing processing by the second tuner unit (tuner # 2) 123B is performed. Stop and start the viewing process by the first tuner unit (tuner # 1) 123A.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the priority is defined for each of the scheduled recording process (Rsv Rec), the normal recording process (Rec), the viewing process (Live), and the unused (-), and 2 When an event occurs that manages whether each tuner is in Rsv Rec, Rec, Live, Live Rsv Rec, Live Rec, or unused (-) status and requests scheduled recording processing (Rsv Rec) The tuner unit having the lower priority among the two tuners is automatically selected, and the reserved recording process (Rsv Rec) is assigned to the automatically selected tuner unit.

  In this way, the priority is defined in the order of reserved recording, recording, and viewing in consideration of the importance of the broadcast program for the user, and the lowest priority is set for unused, so unused If there is a tuner section, it is possible to preferentially assign a scheduled recording event to the unused tuner section, and if there is no unused tuner section, priority is given to the two tuner sections. The scheduled recording event can be preferentially assigned to the tuner unit that is used for the low-frequency processing. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently and automatically select a tuner unit in an optimal state as a tuner unit to be used for the reserved recording process in consideration of the states of the two tuners without the user being aware of the tuner to be used. In addition, since the user does not need to perform the recording reservation operation individually for each tuner, the operability related to the recording reservation can be sufficiently improved.

  Also, even when a normal recording process / viewing process event occurs, the optimum tuner can be automatically and efficiently selected based on the priority of the generated event and the status of each of the two tuners.

  In addition, a channel selection event, which is an event requesting viewing processing involving switching of a viewing target channel, occurs when one tuner is used for both viewing processing and recording processing, and the other tuner is not used. Sometimes, the process of switching the other tuner to the viewing process target is automatically executed, so the user can select a channel that is different from the channel that is currently being viewed without temporarily stopping recording or switching the tuner. It is possible to view while continuing the recording process.

  Since all the functions of the TV application program 101 of the present embodiment can be realized by software, the software can be realized by simply installing the software on a normal computer having two tuners through a computer-readable storage medium. Effects similar to those of the embodiment can be easily realized.

  The present embodiment can also be applied to an electronic device such as a video recorder.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, you may combine a component suitably in different embodiment.

The perspective view which shows the example of the external appearance of the information processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of the information processing apparatus in FIG. 1. The block diagram which shows the example of a function structure of the TV application program performed by the information processing apparatus of FIG. The figure for demonstrating the example of the combination of each state of two tuners provided in the information processing apparatus of FIG. The figure for demonstrating the state control process with the switching of the tuner used for viewing-and-listening processing performed by the information processing apparatus of FIG. The figure for demonstrating how it changes according to the event which the state of each of the two tuners provided in the information processing apparatus of FIG. 1 generate | occur | produced. The figure for demonstrating how it changes according to the event which the state of each of the two tuners provided in the information processing apparatus of FIG. 1 generate | occur | produced. 2 is a flowchart showing a procedure of state control processing executed by the information processing apparatus of FIG. 1.

Explanation of symbols

  101 ... TV application program, 123A, 123B ... tuner unit, 210 ... control unit, 211 ... viewing control unit, 212 ... recording control unit, 301 ... state management unit.

Claims (10)

A first tuner for receiving a television broadcast signal;
A second tuner unit for receiving a television broadcast signal of the same type as the television broadcast signal;
A viewing process for outputting video data included in one of the broadcast program data received by the first tuner unit and the broadcast program data received by the second tuner unit to a display device is executed. Viewing processing means,
Recording processing means for executing recording processing for storing at least one of broadcast program data received by the first tuner unit and broadcast program data received by the second tuner unit in a storage medium;
A state in which each of the first tuner unit and the second tuner unit is used for reserved recording processing for receiving and recording broadcast program data reserved for recording, and normal recording processing for receiving and recording broadcast program data Is used for both the viewing process and the reserved recording process, a state used for viewing processing for receiving broadcast program data and outputting video data included in the broadcast program data to a display device. Means for managing the current state, the state used for both the viewing process and the normal recording process, and the unused state;
When an event requesting the reservation recording process occurs, the reservation recording process, the normal recording process, the viewing process, and the reservation recording process and the normal recording process so that the priority decreases in the order of unused. , Based on the priorities assigned in advance to each of the viewing process and the unused, and the states of the first tuner unit and the second tuner unit, respectively. Selecting a tuner unit having a lower priority in the second tuner unit as a tuner unit to which the reserved recording process requested by the generated event is assigned, and controlling the selected tuner unit; An electronic apparatus comprising: a control unit that executes, using the recording processing unit, a reservation recording process requested by an event that has occurred. The control means includes
The first tuner unit is used for both viewing and normal recording processing of broadcast program data of a predetermined channel, or both of viewing processing and reserved recording processing of broadcast program data of a predetermined channel reserved for recording, and When an event requesting viewing processing involving switching of a viewing target channel occurs during a period in which the two tuner units are unused, the second tuner unit is controlled to control the second tuner unit. To start receiving broadcast program data of the channel designated by the generated event, and the tuner unit to be subjected to the viewing process executed by the viewing processing means is changed from the first tuner unit to the second tuner. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising means for switching to a unit.   The control means switches the viewing unit when an event requesting switching of a viewing target tuner occurs after the tuner unit to be viewed is switched from the first tuner unit to the second tuner unit. 3. The electronic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a tuner unit to be viewed by the processing unit is switched from the second tuner unit to the first tuner unit.   When the first tuner unit and the second tuner unit are both used for the scheduled recording process, the control means is the most of the first tuner unit and the second tuner unit. 2. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a tuner unit used for the scheduled recording process started earlier is selected as a tuner unit for executing the scheduled recording process requested by the generated event.   When an event requesting one of the normal recording process and the viewing process occurs, the control unit is requested by the generated event from the first tuner unit and the second tuner unit. 2. The tuner unit that selects at least a tuner unit that satisfies a condition that the priority level is equal to or lower than a priority level corresponding to a process as a tuner unit to which a process requested by the generated event is assigned. Electronic equipment. Broadcasting is performed by controlling a first tuner unit that receives a television broadcast signal and a second tuner unit that receives a television broadcast signal of the same type as the television broadcast signal, provided in each electronic device. A control method for viewing or recording program data,
A state in which each of the first tuner unit and the second tuner unit is used for reserved recording processing for receiving and recording broadcast program data reserved for recording, and normal recording processing for receiving and recording broadcast program data Is used for both the viewing process and the reserved recording process, a state used for viewing processing for receiving broadcast program data and outputting video data included in the broadcast program data to a display device. Managing a state of being used, both of the viewing process and the normal recording process, and an unused state;
When an event requesting the reservation recording process occurs, the reservation recording process, the normal recording process, the viewing process, and the reservation recording process and the normal recording process so that the priority decreases in the order of unused. , Based on the priorities assigned in advance to each of the viewing process and the unused, and the states of the first tuner unit and the second tuner unit, respectively. The tuner unit having a lower priority among the second tuner units is selected as a tuner unit to which the scheduled recording process requested by the generated event is to be assigned, and the selected tuner unit is controlled to And a control step of executing a scheduled recording process requested by the event that has occurred.   The first tuner unit is used for both viewing and normal recording processing of broadcast program data of a predetermined channel, or both of viewing processing and reserved recording processing of broadcast program data of a predetermined channel reserved for recording, and When an event requesting viewing processing involving switching of a viewing target channel occurs during a period in which the two tuner units are unused, the second tuner unit is controlled to control the second tuner unit. Further comprising the step of starting reception of broadcast program data of a channel designated by the generated event and switching the tuner unit to be viewed from the first tuner unit to the second tuner unit. The control method according to claim 6, wherein:   In the control step, when both the first tuner unit and the second tuner unit are used for the scheduled recording process, the control step is the most of the first tuner unit and the second tuner unit. 7. The control method according to claim 6, wherein the tuner unit used for the scheduled recording process started earlier is selected as a tuner unit for executing the scheduled recording process required by the generated event.   The control step is requested by the generated event from the first tuner unit and the second tuner unit when an event requesting either the normal recording process or the viewing process occurs. 7. The tuner unit that satisfies at least the condition that the priority level is the same as or lower than the priority level corresponding to the process is selected as a tuner unit to which the process requested by the generated event is to be assigned. The control method described. A broadcast program is controlled by controlling a first tuner unit that receives a television broadcast signal and a second tuner unit that receives a television broadcast signal of the same type as the television broadcast signal. A program for causing the computer to execute processing for viewing or recording data,
A state in which each of the first tuner unit and the second tuner unit is used for reserved recording processing for receiving and recording broadcast program data reserved for recording, and normal recording processing for receiving and recording broadcast program data Is used for both the viewing process and the reserved recording process, a state used for viewing processing for receiving broadcast program data and outputting video data included in the broadcast program data to a display device. A process for managing a state that is in the state of being used for both the viewing process and the normal recording process, and an unused state;
When an event requesting the reservation recording process occurs, the reservation recording process, the normal recording process, the viewing process, and the reservation recording process and the normal recording process so that the priority decreases in the order of unused. , Based on the priorities assigned in advance to each of the viewing process and the unused, and the states of the first tuner unit and the second tuner unit, respectively. The tuner unit having a lower priority in the second tuner unit is selected as a tuner unit to which the scheduled recording process requested by the generated event is to be assigned, and the selected tuner unit is controlled to A program causing a computer to execute a control procedure for executing a reserved recording process requested by an event that has occurred.

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