JP2011114421A - Video storing and viewing system, device, video storing/reproducing method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a configuration/method capable of switching a video storing device according to a video viewing terminal to be used to comfortably view video data. <P>SOLUTION: The video storing and viewing system includes: a first video storing device which is under the controlment of a user, stores video data predetermined by a video data storage instruction from the user, and outputs the video data according to a viewing request from the first video viewing terminal of the user; and a second video storing device which is arranged at such a position that it can be accessed from the second video viewing terminal of the user through a network, stores the video data predetermined by the video data storage instruction from the user, and outputs the video data according to the viewing request from the second video viewing terminal of the user. The storage instruction from the user is transmitted to both the first and second video storing devices. The user views the video data predetermined by the storage instruction using one of the first and second video viewing terminals. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a video storage / viewing system, a video storage / playback method, and a program, and in particular, a video storage / viewing system capable of selecting one of a plurality of video viewing terminals and viewing recorded video data, and The present invention relates to a reproduction method and a program.

  PVR (personal video recorder) and DVD video recorder are known as means for recording video. In general, this PVR is often installed in connection with a television receiver at home, and stores video data transmitted from a broadcasting device or a video distribution server according to a viewer's operation or a recording reservation procedure ( Steps S901 and S902 in FIG. The viewer can reproduce the video data stored in the PVR (first video storage device 903) on a video viewing terminal (first video viewing terminal 902 in FIG. 13) such as a television receiver (step in FIG. 14). S903, S904). Here, when the viewer wants to take the stored video data to another video viewing terminal, for example, a mobile terminal and view it outside the home, the PVR stores the stored video data in the mobile terminal (second video viewing terminal 904). It is necessary to move the video data (step S906 in FIG. 14). If the video data has not been moved in advance as described above, it may be possible to access the PVR at home from the mobile terminal via the network and have the video data desired to be viewed distributed. In general, there is a limit to the data transmission capability of the uplink line from the network to the network, and it is difficult to view smoothly as expected by the viewer.

  In Patent Document 1, a plurality of receivers installed in a home and a video recording device are connected by a high-speed digital transmission path wired indoors, and additional information for viewing control is recorded when the video recording device records. A configuration is disclosed in which video data is recorded by adding. According to Patent Document 1, a viewer moves a video data to which additional information is added via a high-speed digital transmission path, so that a receiver installed in one room can move to a video recording device in another room. The recorded video data can be viewed. Further, in Patent Document 1, it is said that by having such a configuration, uninterrupted viewing can be realized with any receiver installed indoors.

  Patent Documents 2 to 4 disclose a configuration in which a video storage device that stores video data is arranged on a network. FIGS. 15 and 16 are diagrams for explaining the common configuration and operation of Patent Documents 2 to 4. FIG. In this configuration, for example, video data must be transferred via the second network 107 regardless of whether the video is viewed from either the first video viewing terminal 902 installed at home or the second video viewing terminal 904 taken outdoors. become.

JP 2003-224794 A Japanese Patent No. 3551921 Japanese Patent No. 4024215 JP 2004-80190 A

  If the techniques of Patent Documents 1 to 4 are used, the user can view the recorded video without being caught by the physical position of the video storage device, but the video quality depends on the location of the video viewing terminal. And there is a problem that the response performance cannot be guaranteed.

  For example, if the set of the receiver and the video recording device of Patent Document 1 is installed outside the home, it is theoretically possible to view the video data outside the home, but high-speed digital transmission as described in Patent Document 1 is possible. There is no guarantee that the road can be used, and it is inevitable that the response performance will be affected by the movement of the video data. Also, Patent Document 4 discloses various embodiments in which a configuration in which a plurality of content storage centers are arranged and a combination of content storage servers and receivers are changed. Since video data is transmitted via the network, it is affected by network bandwidth and transmission delay.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to switch a video storage device according to a video viewing terminal to be used so that video data can be viewed comfortably. A video storage / viewing system, a video viewing terminal, a video storage device, a video storage / playback method, and a program are provided.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the video data that is under the management of the user and specified by the video data storage instruction from the user is stored, and the viewing request from the first video viewing terminal of the user is stored. In accordance with the first video storage device that outputs video data and a location accessible from the user's second video viewing terminal via the network, designated by the video data storage instruction from the user A second video storage device that stores the video data and outputs the video data in response to a viewing request from the second video viewing terminal of the user, wherein the storage instruction from the user is the first and second The video storage and viewing system is provided so that the user can view the video data designated by the storage instruction using either the first or second video viewing terminal. The That.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a video viewing terminal or a video storage device that transmits a storage instruction from a user to both the first and second video storage devices.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the storage instruction from the user is located at a location accessible from the first video storage device under the management of the user and the second video viewing terminal of the user via the network. The first and second video storage devices respectively store the video data designated by the storage instruction, and the user receives the first video. When a viewing request is made from the viewing terminal, the first video storage device outputs the stored video data to the first video viewing terminal, and the user makes a viewing request from the second video viewing terminal. A video storage and playback method is provided in which the second video storage device outputs the stored video data to the second video viewing terminal. This method is linked to specific machines such as the first and second video storage devices and the viewing terminal described above.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program to be executed by a computer mounted on the first and second video storage devices. This program can be recorded on a computer-readable storage medium. That is, the present invention can be embodied as a computer program product.

  According to the present invention, video data can be comfortably viewed using various video viewing terminals. The reason is that, apart from the video storage device that distributes the video data via the network for the storage instruction from the user, a video storage device that can output the video data to the viewing terminal without going through the network is prepared. Is provided with a storage instruction and can be viewed from either side.

It is a figure showing the structure of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating the operation | movement of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating the operation | movement of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the structure of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating the operation | movement of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the structure of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating operation | movement of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the structure of the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating operation | movement of the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the example of the deformation | transformation embodiment of this invention which added the converter. It is the figure showing another example of the deformation | transformation embodiment of this invention which added the converter. It is the figure showing another example of the deformation | transformation embodiment of this invention which added the converter. It is a figure showing the structure with two video viewing terminals with respect to one video storage device (personal video recorder). It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating operation | movement of the structure of FIG. It is a figure showing the structure common to patent documents 2-4. FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the configuration of FIG. 15.

  First, the outline of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the present invention is under the control of a user, stores video data specified by the video data storage instruction from the user, and views the user from the first video viewing terminal 102. The first video storage device 103 that outputs video data in response to the request and the second video viewing terminal 104 that is accessible via the second network 107 are arranged so that the video data from the user can be accessed. And a second video storage device 105 that stores the video data designated by the storage instruction and outputs the video data in response to a viewing request from the second video viewing terminal 104 of the user. can do. A storage instruction from the user is transmitted to both the first and second video storage devices 103 and 105. When a user makes a viewing request from the first video viewing terminal 102, the first video storage device 103 outputs the stored video data to the first video viewing terminal 102. On the other hand, when the user makes a viewing request from the second video viewing terminal 104, the second video storage device 105 outputs the stored video data to the second video viewing terminal 104.

  Thus, the user can comfortably view the video data stored in the first video storage device 103 under the control of the first video viewing terminal 102 without being influenced by the network. become. Further, the user can view the video data stored in accordance with the same storage instruction using the second video viewing terminal 104. Since the second video viewing terminal 104 can be connected to the second video storage device 105 via the second network 107, the video is not subject to geographical restrictions as compared to the first video viewing terminal 102. Data can be viewed.

  Also, viewing control information when a certain viewer views video data is shared between the first and second video storage devices 103 and 105 or between the first and second video viewing terminals 102 and 104. Is also desirable. By sharing this viewing control information, when the same viewer views the same video data at different times and places, it provides a convenient viewing function such as resuming viewing from the continuation of the part viewed until the previous time. Is possible. Further, this viewing control information may be managed in viewer units or viewer group units. The contents of the viewing control information include not only the viewing history for each video data, but also bookmarks given by the viewer, index data generated in the video storage device or video viewing terminal, digest viewing control data, etc. Also good.

  Further, when a plurality of viewers can use the second video storage device 105, respectively, by granting the right to access the video data according to each storage instruction to the plurality of viewers, The capacity required to store video data in the second video storage device 105 can be saved.

  Further, one of the first and second video storage devices 103 and 105 can be used as a backup for the other. For example, the video data stored in the second video storage device 105 is deleted based on the capacity available to each person, and then the video data is viewed on the second video viewing terminal 104 again. If the user wants to do so, the viewer is given access rights to the corresponding video data in the second video storage device 105 on the condition that the same video data is stored in the first video storage device 103. It is also possible.

[First Embodiment]
Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the first video storage device 103 and the second video storage device 105 connected to the video distribution device 101 via the first network 106 and the first video storage device 103 are connected. A first video viewing terminal 102 and a second video viewing terminal 104 connectable to a second video storage device 105 via a second network 107 are shown.

  The video distribution device 101 supplies a plurality of video data to the first video storage device 103 and the second video storage device 105 via the first network 106. As the plurality of video data, for example, video of each channel corresponds.

  In the following description, it is assumed that the first video viewing terminal 102 is a digital television device, and the second video viewing terminal 104 has a function of receiving and playing back video data via the second network 107. It is assumed that the mobile terminal is equipped.

  The first video storage device 103 and the second video storage device 105 are installed in different places. The first video storage device 103 is installed under the management of the user, such as the user's home, and is connected so that the video data stored quickly can be transferred to the first video viewing terminal 102 regardless of network conditions. For example, the structure which connects both by HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is employable.

  On the other hand, the second video storage device 105 is installed on the second network 107 so as to ensure accessibility from the second video viewing terminal 104. Various mobile networks are selected as the second network.

  Note that the mechanism for supplying video from the video distribution apparatus 101 is well known to those skilled in the art and is not directly related to the present invention, so the detailed configuration is omitted. The mechanism of video transmission in the first network 106 is also well known to those skilled in the art, and since it is not directly related to the present invention, its detailed configuration is omitted.

  When the first video viewing terminal 102 receives a video data storage request from the viewer, the first video viewing terminal 102 instructs the first video storage device 103 and the second video storage device 105 to store the video data (FIG. 1). (See dashed line). The selection of which video data to store from the plurality of video data supplied to the first video storage device 103 is made by the electronic program guide provided from the video distribution device 101 or the first video viewing terminal 102. A method of selecting from (EPG) or the like may be employed.

  Similarly, when the second video viewing terminal 104 receives a video data storage request from the viewer, the second video viewing terminal 104 instructs the first video storage device 103 and the second video storage device 105 to store the video data (see FIG. 1).

  The first video storage device 103 stores the video data instructed to be stored from the first video viewing terminal 102 or the second video viewing terminal 104 among the plurality of video data supplied from the video distribution device 101. To do. After a certain video data is stored, when the first video viewing terminal 102 gives an instruction to view the video data to the first video storage device 103, the first video storage device 103 Is transferred to the first video viewing terminal 102, and the video data is reproduced and displayed on the first video viewing terminal 102.

  Similarly, the second video storage device 105 also receives video data instructed to be stored from the first video viewing terminal 102 or the second video viewing terminal 104 from among the plurality of video data supplied from the video distribution device 101. Accumulate. When viewing the video data on the second video viewing terminal 104, a request for viewing the video data is sent to the second video storage device 105 via the second network connected to the second video viewing terminal 104. Give instructions. The second video storage device 105 transfers the video data to the second video viewing terminal 104 via the second network, and the second video viewing terminal 104 reproduces and displays the video data.

  In the present embodiment, a viewer authentication mechanism is incorporated to ensure that the same viewer uses the first video viewing terminal 102 and the second video viewing terminal 104. To do. The viewer authentication can be realized by a method in which a viewer authentication code is registered in advance in each video viewing terminal or a method in which a viewer authentication code is input every time viewing is performed. Note that the viewers who can use each video viewing terminal need not be limited to individuals, and may be arbitrary viewers belonging to a viewer group to which permission has been given in advance.

  The second video storage device 105 controls whether to respond to a viewing request from a certain video viewing terminal using the viewer authentication. Therefore, it can be considered that the act of storing the video data in the first video storage device 103 and the second video storage device 105 is a copy for private use.

  It is assumed that the first video viewing terminal 102, the second video viewing terminal 104, and the first video storage device 103 are held and managed in units of predetermined viewer groups such as individual viewers or families. On the other hand, the second video storage device 105 can be used by a plurality of viewers or viewer groups. As a mode of sharing video data in the second video storage device 105, video data may be stored separately according to a storage instruction from each viewer, or the same video data storage instruction from a plurality of different viewers. May be stored so that only one video data can be stored and viewed by a plurality of viewers who have received the storage instruction. In the former case, the same video data is accumulated by the number of accumulation instructions from the viewer, whereas in the latter case, only one identical video data is accumulated. It is the same that only a person can access the stored video data.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the present embodiment. Here, it is assumed that a plurality of video data is appropriately supplied from the video distribution device 101 to the first video storage device 103 and the second video storage device 105.

  As shown in FIG. 2, when an instruction to store certain video data is received from the viewer, the first video viewing terminal 102 stores the first video storage device 103 and the second video storage device 105. An instruction is transmitted (step S001).

  The first video storage device 103 and the second video storage device 105 store the video data instructed to be stored from among the plurality of video data supplied from the video distribution device 101 (step S002). Through this series of operations, the same video data is stored in the first video storage device 103 and the second video storage device 105, respectively.

  After a certain video data is stored, when the first video viewing terminal 102 gives an instruction to view the video data to the first video storage device 103 (step S003), the first video storage device 103 is given. The video data is transferred to the first video viewing terminal 102, and the video data is reproduced and displayed on the first video viewing terminal 102 (step S004).

  When viewing the video data at the second video viewing terminal 104, the second video viewing terminal 104 gives an instruction to view the video data to the second video storage device 105 (step S005). . The second video storage device 105 transfers the video data to the second video viewing terminal 104, and the video data is reproduced and displayed on the second video viewing terminal (step S006).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to select an optimal video storage device according to a video viewing terminal for viewing video data and receive the transfer of the video data. The reason for this is that the video data is stored redundantly in a plurality of video storage devices, and the video data is transferred from either one of the video storage devices so that the advantage is exhibited according to the video viewing terminal used for viewing. It is configured to be able to receive a transfer.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, as described above, since the video data storage instruction is transmitted to a plurality of video storage devices with one storage instruction, the movement of the video data and the copying from the medium to the medium are unnecessary. Thus, the viewer can immediately view the video instructed to be stored using any video viewing terminal under his / her management.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The second embodiment of the present invention can be realized with the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and the difference is that the transmission flow of the accumulation instruction is changed.

  The difference will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the second video viewing terminal 104 instructs the second video storage device 105 to store the video data supplied from the video distribution device 101 (step S011). Thereafter, the second video storage device 105 transmits a storage instruction to the first video storage device 103 (step S012). Based on each storage instruction, the first video storage device 103 and the second video storage device 105 store video data, and the video data is transmitted in response to a viewing request from the viewer. In the above example, the second video storage device 105 transfers the storage instruction from the second video viewing terminal 104 to the first video storage device 103. However, the first video viewing terminal 102 The first video storage device 103 may transfer the storage instruction from the second video storage device 105.

  As described above, the present invention can also be realized by using a video viewing terminal that can give a storage instruction to only one of the first video storage device 103 and the second video storage device 105.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The third embodiment of the present invention is an embodiment in which one video storage device can receive video data and the other video storage device cannot receive video data. Hereinafter, a description will be given focusing on differences from the first embodiment.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The difference in configuration from the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is that the second video storage device 105 is connected to the first video storage device 103 instead of the video distribution device 101 and the first video The video data to be stored is received via the storage device 103.

  FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, when the first video storage device 103 stores the video data instructed to be stored from among a plurality of video data supplied from the video distribution device 101 (step S102), the first video storage device 103 stores the stored video data. Transfer to the second video storage device 105 (step S102). The second video storage device 105 stores the transferred video data. Subsequent operations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  As described above, the present invention can also be realized in a configuration in which one video storage device cannot receive video data directly from the video distribution device 101. In the above example, the second video storage device 105 has been described as being unable to receive video data directly from the video distribution device 101. However, the first video storage device 103 is directly from the video distribution device 101. If the supply of video data cannot be received, the second video storage device 105 may be configured to transfer the video data to the first video storage device 103.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, a function for sharing viewing control information including viewing history between two video viewing terminals is added. Hereinafter, a description will be given focusing on differences from the first embodiment.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The difference in configuration from the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is that the first and second video viewing terminals 102 and 104 exchange viewing control information including the viewing history of each other. (Refer to the broken arrow line between the video viewing terminals 102 and 104 in FIG. 6).

  FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the present embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is that each time the first and second video viewing terminals 102 and 104 are viewed, the viewing history (viewing control information) between the two video viewing terminals. This is the point where sharing is performed. Since the viewing control information has a sufficiently small amount of data compared to the video data body, it can be transferred and shared in a short time with a simple communication mechanism.

  When the first video viewing terminal 102 and the second video viewing terminal 104 reproduce the video data stored in the first video storage device 103 and the second video storage device 105, respectively, the shared viewing control information Refer to For example, if the first video viewing terminal 102 was viewed halfway last time and paused, the second video viewing terminal 104 continues from the pause position using the viewing control information including the viewing history. It becomes possible to play. Further, when the video data is viewed and paused at the second video viewing terminal 104, the first video viewing terminal 102 reproduces the video data again from the pause position using the viewing control information including the viewing history. It becomes possible.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The fifth embodiment of the present invention is configured such that two video storage devices share viewing control information including a viewing history, not a video viewing terminal. Hereinafter, a description will be given focusing on differences from the first embodiment.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of the fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The difference from the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is that the first and second video storage devices 103 and 105 receive a viewing request including a viewing history of the corresponding user when receiving a viewing request. The control information is notified to the other (see the broken line between the video storage devices 103 and 105 in FIG. 8).

  FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the present embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is that each time the first and second video viewing terminals 102 and 104 are viewed, the viewing history (viewing control information) between the two video storage devices. This is the point where sharing is performed.

  Also in this embodiment, the first video storage device 103 and the second video storage device 105 refer to the shared viewing control information when transferring the stored video data. Also in the present embodiment, as in the fourth embodiment, for example, when the first video viewing terminal 102 was viewed halfway last time and paused, the viewing control information including the viewing history is used to The second video viewing terminal 104 can continue to play from the pause position. Further, when the video data is viewed and paused at the second video viewing terminal 104, the first video viewing terminal 102 reproduces the video data again from the pause position using the viewing control information including the viewing history. It becomes possible.

[Sixth Embodiment]
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the sixth embodiment of the present invention, when video data is distributed from the second video storage device via the second network, the video data is converted into a video format suitable for viewing on the second video viewing terminal. A conversion device 108 for transfer is added. Hereinafter, a description will be given focusing on differences from the first embodiment.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of the sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which a conversion device 108 is disposed between the second video storage device 105 and the second network 107. For example, when the video data distributed from the video distribution device 101 via the first network 106 is in a high-definition format, the second video viewing terminal 104 does not have the capability of displaying a high-definition video. When the video data is distributed from the second video storage device 105, the video data is converted into a video format suitable for viewing on the second video viewing terminal 104 by the conversion device 108 and distributed. Similar conversion processing may be executed not only when the video data is in a high-definition format but also when the data transmission speed of the second network 107 is limited. In addition, when the video data supplied from the video distribution device 101 is not compatible with the first video viewing terminal 102, the first video storage device 103 and the first video viewing terminal 102 or the first video viewing terminal 102 A conversion device 108 may be disposed between the network 106 and the first video storage device 103.

  By performing this conversion processing, a smooth video viewing service can be provided regardless of the state of the second network and the capabilities of each video viewing terminal.

  The arrangement position of the conversion device 108 is not limited to the position shown in FIG. 10, and may be arranged between the first network 106 and the second video storage device 105 as shown in FIG. 11. Good. With the configuration as shown in FIG. 11, the amount of video data can be compressed by converting the video format, so that the storage capacity of video data in the second video storage device 105 can be saved.

  Further, the conversion device 108 described above can be added to the configuration of the third embodiment shown in FIG. FIG. 12 shows an example in which a conversion device 108 is disposed between the first video storage device 103 and the first video storage device 105. According to this configuration, the storage capacity can be saved as in the configuration shown in FIG.

  The arrangement position of the conversion device 108 in FIG. 12 may be between the first network 106 and the first video storage device 103. In this way, it is possible to save the storage capacity of the video data and the transfer cost of the video data in the first and second video storage devices 103 and 105.

  Also, the arrangement position of the conversion device 108 in FIG. 12 can be between the second video storage device 105 and the second network 107. In this way, heavy calculation processing required for video format conversion can be imposed on the second network 107 side, and the burden on the viewer side can be reduced.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and further modifications, replacements, and replacements may be made without departing from the basic technical idea of the present invention. Adjustments can be made. For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which a storage instruction is given to two video storage devices and viewed on a video viewing terminal has been described. However, a storage instruction from a user is transmitted to the third and fourth video storage devices. It is also possible to transmit and store the same video data. Then, by associating video viewing terminals with the third and fourth video storage devices, it becomes possible to provide a more detailed service.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Video distribution apparatus 102 1st video viewing terminal 103 1st video storage apparatus 104 2nd video viewing terminal 105 2nd video storage apparatus 106 1st network 107 2nd network 108 Conversion apparatus

Claims (15)

The first is under the management of the user, stores the video data designated by the video data storage instruction from the user, and outputs the video data in response to the viewing request from the first video viewing terminal of the user. A video storage device;
It is arranged at a position accessible from the user's second video viewing terminal via the network, stores the video data specified by the video data storage instruction from the user, and from the user's second video viewing terminal. A second video storage device that outputs video data in response to a viewing request of
The storage instruction from the user is transmitted to both the first and second video storage devices, and the user specifies the video specified by the storage instruction using either the first or second video viewing terminal. A video storage and viewing system that allows data to be viewed.   The video storage / viewing system according to claim 1, wherein viewing control information including a viewing history is shared with the first and second video viewing terminals or with the first and second video storage devices.   The video storage / viewing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second video storage device operates according to storage instructions from a plurality of users.   4. The video storage / viewing system according to claim 1, wherein either one of the first and second video storage devices receives and stores video data from the other video storage device. 5.   Furthermore, the video data stored in the first and second video storage devices or the video data stored in the first and second video storage devices are adapted to the capabilities of the first and second video viewing terminals. The video storage / viewing system according to claim 1, further comprising a conversion processing device that performs the conversion. The storage instruction from the user includes a first video storage device under the management of the user and a second video storage device disposed at a position accessible from the user's second video viewing terminal via the network. Transmitted to both, the first and second video storage devices respectively store the video data specified by the storage instruction,
When the user makes a viewing request from the first video viewing terminal, the first video storage device outputs the stored video data to the first video viewing terminal;
A video storage and playback method in which the second video storage device outputs the stored video data to the second video viewing terminal when the user makes a viewing request from the second video viewing terminal.   From the first or second video viewing terminal or the first or second video storage device to the other who has made the viewing request or has received the viewing request On the other hand, the video storage and reproduction method according to claim 6, wherein viewing control information including a viewing history is transmitted.   8. The video storage and playback method according to claim 6, wherein the second video storage device operates in accordance with storage instructions from a plurality of users.   9. The video storage and playback method according to claim 6, wherein either one of the first and second video storage devices receives and stores video data from the other video storage device.   Furthermore, the video data stored in the first and second video storage devices or the video data stored in the first and second video storage devices are adapted to the capabilities of the first and second video viewing terminals. 10. The method for accumulating and reproducing a video according to claim 6, further comprising a conversion processing step for converting the image. The first is under the management of the user, stores the video data designated by the video data storage instruction from the user, and outputs the video data in response to the viewing request from the first video viewing terminal of the user. A video storage device;
It is arranged at a position accessible from the user's second video viewing terminal via the network, stores the video data specified by the video data storage instruction from the user, and from the user's second video viewing terminal. A video viewing terminal that transmits a storage instruction received from the user to each of a second video storage device that outputs video data in response to the viewing request. Under the management of the user, the video data specified by the video data storage instruction from the user is stored, the video data is output in response to the viewing request from the first video viewing terminal of the user,
It is arranged at a position accessible from the user's second video viewing terminal via the network, stores the video data specified by the video data storage instruction from the user, and from the user's second video viewing terminal. A video storage device that transmits a storage instruction received by the device to a second video storage device that outputs video data in response to a viewing request. The first is under the management of the user, stores the video data designated by the video data storage instruction from the user, and outputs the video data in response to the viewing request from the first video viewing terminal of the user. In addition to transmitting the storage instruction received by the device to the video storage device,
It is arranged at a position accessible from the user's second video viewing terminal via the network, stores the video data specified by the video data storage instruction from the user, and from the user's second video viewing terminal. Video storage device that outputs video data in response to viewing requests. The first is under the management of the user, stores the video data designated by the video data storage instruction from the user, and outputs the video data in response to the viewing request from the first video viewing terminal of the user. A program to be executed by a computer installed in a video storage device,
A process of storing video data designated based on a storage instruction from a user;
Processing to output video data in response to a viewing request from the user;
When receiving a viewing request from the user, the video data is arranged at a location accessible from the user's second video viewing terminal via the network, stores the video data specified by the video data storage instruction from the user, A program for executing a process of transmitting viewing control information including a viewing history to a second video storage device that outputs video data in response to a viewing request from the second video viewing terminal of the user. It is arranged at a position accessible from the user's second video viewing terminal via the network, stores the video data specified by the video data storage instruction from the user, and from the user's second video viewing terminal. A program to be executed by a computer mounted on the second video storage device that outputs video data in response to a viewing request of
A process of storing video data designated based on a storage instruction from a user;
Processing to output video data in response to a viewing request from the user;
When a viewing request is received from the user, the video data that is under the management of the user and specified by the video data storage instruction from the user is stored, and the viewing request from the first video viewing terminal of the user is received. And a program for transmitting viewing control information including viewing history to the first video storage device that outputs video data in response.

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