JP2002077745A - System and method to control program reservation - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system and a method for the control of a program reservation, wherein a plurality of devices connected by an AV network can be controlled and malfunction can be prevented even when a plurality of user operations are overlapped. SOLUTION: In the program-reservation control system 100, a recorder #A 110 and a recorder #B 120 are provided with communication means 111, 121; storage means 112, 122 in which a user name, a program name and picture- recording-time information are stored; and display means 113, 123 which display program reservation information. A network-device controller 130 is provided with a communication means 131, a network-device control table 132, a reservation-state detection means 133 which detects the reservation state from the table 132, and a reservation-state collation means 134 by which the program reservation information detected by the means 133 is collated with the program reservation information stored in the storage means 112, 122 in the recorders #A 110, #B 120.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a program reservation management system and a program reservation management method for reserving a broadcast program.
Specifically, in an AV network including a plurality of AV recording devices, a controller for controlling the AV recording devices, a device for managing the network, and a device for outputting audio or video signals, a plurality of user requests are required. The present invention relates to a program reservation management system and a program reservation management method for providing a better program reservation recording method and a better program reproduction method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a technology for realizing an in-home AV network, for example, HAVi (Home Audio / Video Interoperabilit) standardized in January 2000 has been completed.
y) There is a standard specification called Architecture. This specification is a summary of the HAVi V1.0 Specification version (1 General
As described in (1.1 Scope), home appliances and computers are connected to provide an interface for a user to operate one device using another device. In the HAVi specification, IEEE is an example.
(Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineer
s) 1394 and IEC (International Electrotechnica)
l Commission) It is assumed that a network of home appliances conforming to 61883 is constructed. Further, as described in the outline of the specification, all users can freely use devices connected to the network realized by HAVi. As described above, by connecting the AV devices in the home to form an AV network, the user can freely use the devices even in remote rooms.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-182288 discloses an apparatus for managing user information in an AV network to limit users who can access devices. As described in FIG. 1 of the above publication, an owner table 11 in the multimedia controller 110 is provided.
0-7-1 and the attribute management table 110-7-2 manage which attributes a user can perform on a certain device. User positions are classified into three types: owner, group, and other. If a user attempts to use a device, only the user who has access to the device can use the device, and if a user without access rights tries to use the device, it is rejected. Is done.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Hei 9-163287 discloses that when a plurality of service contents reserved by a user overlap at the same time, a warning is issued and a correction operation is performed by the user when the reservation overlaps. If there is no reservation, an apparatus is disclosed which examines the contents of the reservation which is currently overlapping with the past reception tendency, determines the reservation which should be given the highest priority, and records it. Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-42454 discloses a program reservation for displaying reservation data together with the recording date and time when making a reservation in a recording device.

[0005]

As described above, the HA
In an AV network that allows a user to freely operate, as in the Vi specifications, there is a possibility that another user may be interrupted by using the same device at the same time while using the device, and There is a problem that there is no means for preventing such an interruption operation.

[0006] If a user information management system described in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-182288 is used for a conventional AV network, an interrupt operation from another user can be prevented, but a device that can be used by some users. However, there is a problem in that the advantage of an AV network, in which a plurality of devices are used in cooperation with each other even though the devices are connected via a network, cannot be maximized. Further, although the attributes are manually rewritten, there is also a problem that even if a certain user rewrites the attributes so that it is easy to use, it is difficult for a plurality of users to simultaneously access the AV network and use the device. is there.

As described above, it is difficult for the conventional technology to simultaneously solve both the problems of freely using a device connected to the AV network by a plurality of users and preventing an interrupt operation from another user. Furthermore, A
For a plurality of devices connected to the V network, the playback status and the storage status of the recorded program cannot be managed by a plurality of users. There was a problem with restrictions.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and is capable of managing a plurality of devices connected via an AV network, and is intended for a case where the operations of a plurality of users are duplicated. Another object of the present invention is to provide a program reservation management system and a program reservation management method which can prevent malfunction.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A program reservation management system according to the present invention has a storage means for storing program reservation information and a display means for displaying the program reservation information to a user. A recording device, a plurality of control devices having operating means for inputting a user name, a program name, and recording time information, and controlling the plurality of recording devices; and a management table for storing program reservation information of the plurality of recording devices. And a management device that manages the plurality of recording devices with reference to the management table, and wherein the plurality of recording devices and the management device are interconnected by a communication line. Wherein the management device includes: a reservation information detection unit configured to detect program reservation information in the management table; a program reservation information detected by the reservation information detection unit; And a reservation information collating unit for referring to program reservation information stored in the storage unit. If program reservations of a plurality of users are temporally overlapped based on a result of the collation by the reservation information collating unit, A warning display is provided by the display means of a plurality of recording devices.

[0010] The program reservation management system of the present invention configured as described above displays a warning when the operation of a plurality of users is duplicated by referring to the reservation status, and the user specifies the partner to be negotiated. It is possible to quickly adjust and change reservations. Further, as a preferable specific mode, the management table is provided for each of a plurality of users.
It is characterized by having recorded program information for each user which can manage a program code, a use recording device, and a date and time.

[0011] Further, the management device includes a display means for displaying management information, and when the program reservations of the plurality of users overlap in time, a warning display is performed by the display means to provide a plurality of warnings. When the user's operation is duplicated, a warning is displayed on a plurality of display devices to prevent malfunction.

[0012] Further, the management device includes a reproduction status management means for managing whether or not all users who have recorded an arbitrary program have reproduced the recorded program, so that all recording reservations by a plurality of users can be performed. Can be managed, and erasure of a recorded program due to a malfunction can be prevented.

[0013] Further, the management device includes a storage status management means for managing whether or not there is a user who desires to save the recorded program among a plurality of users who have recorded an arbitrary program. It is possible to manage the storage status of all the recording reservations by the user, and to further prevent the erasure of the recorded program due to a malfunction.
Preferably, the apparatus further comprises an audio output device connected to the communication line, and in a case where the program reservation operation of the plurality of users is repeated, a warning sound is output by the audio output device. By producing a sound, a malfunction can be more reliably prevented.

A program reservation management method according to the present invention is directed to a program reservation management method for performing program reservation management for a plurality of recording devices that record programs mutually connected by a communication line. Acquiring the program reservation information stored in the communication line via the communication line, and creating a management table for managing the program reservation information;
Detecting the program reservation information in the management table; querying the detected program reservation information and the program reservation information stored in the storage means of the plurality of recording devices obtained via the communication line. And when the program reservations of a plurality of users are temporally overlapped based on the collation result, the step of displaying a warning by the display means of the corresponding recording device is sequentially executed to perform the program reservation management. Features.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of a program reservation management system according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a program reservation management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The program reservation management system according to the present embodiment can be applied to, for example, a television receiver having a digital broadcast receiving function capable of receiving radio waves of digital broadcast as an AV network system.

In FIG. 1, a program reservation management system 10
0 is a recording device # A1 for recording video / audio or data.
10. Recording device # B1 for recording video / audio or data
20, a network device management device 130 for managing a plurality of network devices connected to the communication line 170, a voice output device 140 for outputting a voice signal and outputting it as a voice signal, and for operating and communicating with the recording device # A110 Remote control # A150 (control device), recording device # B12
Remote control # B160 (control device) for operating and communicating with the communication device 1 and a communication line 1 for connecting each device via a network
70.

The recording device # A110 includes communication means 111 (“communication means 1”) for transmitting and receiving information between the communication line 170 and the recording device # A110 or the remote control # A150, and a user from the remote control # A150. Recording device # A11 stores program reservation information such as name, program name and recording time information.
0 and a display unit 113 ("display unit 1") for displaying program reservation information and video information on the recording device # A110.

The recording device # B120 includes a communication means 121 (“communication means 1”) for transmitting and receiving information between the communication line 170 and the recording device # B120 or the remote control # B160, and a user from the remote control # B160. Recording device # B12 stores program reservation information such as name, program name, and recording time information.
0 and a display unit 123 ("display unit 2") for displaying program reservation information and video information on the recording device # B120.

Recording device # A110 and recording device # B12
0 records the received / selected broadcast program, etc.
For example, VTR (Video Tape Recorder), hard disk drive (HDD), VDP (Video Disc Playe)
r) and MO (Magneto Optical) disk devices.

The network device management device 130 is a communication means 131 ("communication means 1") for transmitting and receiving information between the communication line 170 and the network device management device 130.
And a network device management table 132 (“network device management table 1”) in which management tables of network devices such as the recording device # A110 and the recording device # B120 are stored. Status detection means 133 ("reservation status detection means 1") (reservation information detection means) for detecting the reservation status, and reservation status collation means 134 ("reservation status collation means 1") for collating the reservation status. Information collation means).

The audio output device 140 includes communication means 141 (“communication means 1”) for transmitting and receiving information between the communication line 170 and the audio output device 140, and outputs an audio signal.
Output as audio signal. The remote control # A150 includes a communication unit 151 (“communication unit 2”) that communicates with the recording device # A110, and an operation unit 152 (“operation unit 1”) that inputs a user name, a program name, and recording time information to the recording device # A110. ).

The remote control # B160 is connected to the recording device # B12
The communication unit 161 (“communication unit 2”) that communicates with the recording device # B120, and an operation unit 162 (“operation unit 2”) that inputs a user name, a program name, and recording time information to the recording device # B120. In this embodiment, the remote controller # A150 communicates with the recording device # A110 and the remote controller # B160 communicates with the recording device # B120. However, one remote controller (for example, the remote controller # A150) communicates with a plurality of recording devices. #
A110 and the recording device # B120 may be configured to be operable. Communication between the remote controllers # A150 and # B160 and the recording devices # A110 and # B120 can be performed by, for example, infrared communication (IrDA) or wireless communication.

The above recording device # A110, recording device # B1
20, the network device management device 130, and the audio output device 140 are connected by a network conforming to the IEEE 1394 standard as an example, but the following description will be made, but other networks may be used. In addition, another device (for example, a display device,
Tuner) may be connected. Hereinafter, the operation of the program reservation management system 100 configured as described above will be described.

First, remote controller # A150 or remote controller #A
B160 The user name, the program name and the recording time information are inputted from the operation means 152 ("operation means 1") or the operation means 162 ("operation means 2"), and the communication means 151 and 161 are inputted.
("Communication unit 2") transmits to recording device # A110 or recording device # B120.

Next, the remote controller # A150 or the remote controller # B16 is communicated by the communication units 111 and 121 ("communication unit 1") of the recording device # A110 or # B120.
0 is received and stored in the storage unit 112 (“storage unit 1”) or the storage unit 122 (“storage unit 2”), and the content is displayed in the display unit 113 (“display unit 1”).
Alternatively, by displaying on the display unit 123 (“display unit 2”), the user can control the remote controller # A150 or the remote controller # B1.
It becomes possible to confirm the operation contents at 60.

When the confirmation of the operation contents of the user is completed, the storage means 112 ("storage means 1") or the storage means 12
2 (“storage unit 2”), the operation content of each recording device is transmitted to the network device management device 130 via the communication unit 131 (“communication unit 1”) of the network device management device 130, and the network device management device 130 Is transmitted to the network device management table 132 via the communication means 131 (“communication means 1”).

Remote control # A150 or remote control # B16
After confirming the operation content at 0, the information stored in the storage unit 112 (“storage unit 1”) or the storage unit 122 (“storage unit 2”) may be held.
In this case as well, if there is enough storage capacity, operations from different users can be accepted, and if not, operations from different users can be accepted.

In the network device management table 132, the reservation status detection means 133 detects the reservation status together with the management information of the devices connected via the network, and the reservation status matching means 134 displays the reservation status together with the management information of the devices connected via the network. When the operations of a plurality of users are duplicated by referring to the reservation status, a warning sound is output from the audio output device 140.

Here, the display means 1 of the recording device # A110
13 (“display unit 1”) or the display unit 123 (“display unit 2”) of the recording device # B120. Finally, when the reservation operation is completed without the user's reservation overlapping, the storage unit 112 of the recording device # A110
(“Storage unit 1”) or information is recorded in the storage unit 122 (“Storage unit 2”) of the recording device # B120.

Next, the recording device # A110 or the recording device #
The recording reservation information table for each user in the network device management table 132 provided in the network information management device 130 from B120 will be described. [Table 1]
It is a table showing an example of a user-specific recording reservation program information table. Referring to [Table 1], for each user, n (n is an arbitrary number) of program codes 1 to n, Manage date and time.

[0031]

[Table 1]

As shown in [Table 1], first, it is possible to manage user names, and to manage an arbitrary number n of program codes for each user name. # A110 or the recording device # B120 is entered, and the date and time are followed by the date and time when the individual device was reserved.

According to the recording reservation program information table for each user, the number of users is managed in the network device management table 132 by the number of users. In the present embodiment, the table for managing the program code, the device to be used, and the date and time for each user name has been described. However, an arbitrary number of information may be used, or a table to which other information is added may be used.

The user-specific recording reservation program information table allows the user to specify the partner to be negotiated, and to quickly adjust and change the reservation. The user-specific recording reservation program information table can be used to check a recording reservation of one user with recording reservations of all other users and to make adjustments when date and time or devices used overlap. . Next, the network information management device 130
The user name table provided in the will be described. [Table 2]
Is a table showing an example of a user name table.

[0035]

[Table 2]

As shown in [Table 2], in the user name table, an arbitrary number of users from user name 1 to user name n can be managed.
By inserting (not present), it is possible to increase the use efficiency of the memory. As described above, the program reservation management system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of recording devices # A110 and # B120 for recording video and audio data, and a remote control # A150 for operating the recording devices # A110 and # B120. # B160, audio output device 140, network device management device 1 for managing network devices
30 and a communication line 1 for connecting each device via a network
The recording devices # A110 and # B120 include communication units 111 and 121, storage units 112 and 122 for storing user name, program name and recording time information, and display units 113 and 123 for displaying program reservation information. The network device management apparatus 130 includes a communication unit 131, a network device management table 132 having user-specific recorded program information capable of managing a program code, a use recording device, and a date and time for each of a plurality of users; Reservation status detection means 133 for detecting the reservation status from the management table 132, the program reservation information detected by the reservation status detection means 133 and the programs stored in the storage means 112, 122 of the recording devices # A110, # B120. Reservation status collation means 134 for inquiring reservation information and collation result of reservation status collation means 134 If the program reservation of a plurality of users overlap in time based on a recording apparatus # A110, # B12
The warning display is performed by the display means 113 and 123 of 0, and the warning sound is output by the audio output device 140. Therefore, when the operation of a plurality of users is duplicated by referring to the reservation status, the warning display is performed. And output warning sound,
Malfunction can be prevented beforehand, the user can specify the partner to be negotiated, and it is possible to quickly adjust / change the reservation.

Second Embodiment FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a program reservation management system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the overlapping portions will be omitted. In FIG. 2, a program reservation management system 200 includes a recording device # A110 for recording video / audio or data, a recording device # B120 for recording video / audio or data, and a display for processing or displaying video signals and text information. Device 210 ("display device 1") (management device), audio output device 140 for outputting an audio signal and outputting it as an audio signal, remote control # A15 for operating and communicating with recording device # A110
0, a remote controller # B160 for operating and communicating with the recording device # B120, and a communication line 170 for connecting each device via a network.

The display device 210 includes a communication unit 211 for transmitting and receiving information between the communication line 170 and the display device 210.
(“Communication means 1”), a network device management table 212 (“network device management table 2”) storing network device management tables such as the recording device # A110 and the recording device # B120, and the display device 210. Display means 21 for displaying video signals and text information
3 (“display means 3”), and the network device management table 212 includes a reservation status detection means 214 (“reservation status detection means 2”) (reservation information detection means) for detecting a reservation status, and a reservation status detection means. The reservation status collating means 215 ("reservation status collating means 2") (reservation information collating means) for collating the information.

The display device 210 incorporates, for example, a management function of the network device management device 130 used in the first embodiment into a television receiver having a digital broadcast reception function capable of receiving digital broadcast radio waves. It is a thing. In the case of this configuration, the display means 213 is a television screen. The display device 210 of the present embodiment has the first
Device management device 130 used in the first embodiment.
It is used as a device having the same function as.

The following description will be made by taking as an example a case where each of the recording device # A110, the recording device # B120, the display device 210, and the audio output device 140 is connected via a network conforming to the IEEE 1394 standard. Yes, but it can be another network. Further, another device may be connected to the communication line 170. Hereinafter, the program reservation management system 20 configured as described above
The operation of 0 will be described.

First, the remote controller # A150 or the remote controller #
B160 The user name, the program name and the recording time information are inputted from the operation means 152 ("operation means 1") or the operation means 162 ("operation means 2"), and the communication means 151 and 161 are inputted.
("Communication unit 2") transmits to recording device # A110 or recording device # B120.

Next, the remote controller # A150 or the remote controller # B16 is used by the communication units 111 and 121 ("communication unit 1") of the recording device # A110 or the recording device # B120.
0 is received and stored in the storage unit 112 (“storage unit 1”) or the storage unit 122 (“storage unit 2”), and the content is displayed in the display unit 113 (“display unit 1”).
Alternatively, by displaying on the display unit 123 (“display unit 2”), the user can control the remote controller # A150 or the remote controller # B1.
It becomes possible to confirm the operation contents at 60.

Remote control # A150 or remote control # B16
After confirming the operation content at 0, the information stored in the storage unit 112 (“storage unit 1”) or the storage unit 122 (“storage unit 2”) may be held.
In this case as well, if there is enough storage capacity, operations from different users can be accepted, and if not, operations from different users can be accepted.

When the confirmation of the operation contents of the user is completed, the storage means 112 ("storage means 1") or the storage means 12
2 (“storage unit 2”), the operation content of each recording device is transmitted to the display device 210 via the communication unit 211 (“communication unit 1”) of the display device 210, and the communication unit 211 (“ It is sent to the network device management table 212 via the communication means 1 ").

In the network device management table 212, the reservation status is detected together with the management information of the devices connected via the network by the reservation status detection means 214, and the management status of the devices connected via the network is detected by the reservation status matching means 215. When the operations of a plurality of users are duplicated by referring to the reservation status, a warning sound is output from the audio output device 140.

Here, the display unit 1 of the recording device # A110
13 (“display unit 1”), or a warning display on the display unit 123 (“display unit 2”) of the recording device # B120, or a warning display on the display unit 213 of the display device 210. . Finally, when the reservation operation of the user is completed without duplication of the reservation, the storage unit 112 (“storage unit 1”) of the recording device # A110 or the recording device # B12.
0 is stored in the storage unit 122 (“storage unit 2”).

As described above, in the program reservation management system 200 of the present embodiment, the display device 210 includes the network device management table 212 (“network device management table 2”) and the display unit 213 (“display unit 3”). , A reservation status detection means 214 ("reservation status detection means 2") for detecting the reservation status, and a reservation status collation means 215 ("reservation status collation means 2") for collating the reservation status. Therefore, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained without installing a network device management apparatus. That is, when the operations of a plurality of users are duplicated, a warning display is output to prevent malfunction. it can. Also,
By displaying a warning also on the display means 213 of the display device 210, the effect of the warning display can be enhanced.

Third Embodiment FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a program reservation management system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the overlapping portions will be omitted. 3, a program reservation management system 300 includes a recording device # A110 for recording video / audio or data, a recording device # B120 for recording video / audio or data, and a display for processing or displaying a video signal or text information. Device 31
0 ("display device 2") (management device), an audio output device 14 for outputting an audio signal and outputting it as an audio signal
0, a remote controller # A150 for operating and communicating with the recording device # A110, a remote controller # B160 for operating and communicating with the recording device # B120, and a communication line 170 for connecting each device via a network.

The display device 310 is a communication unit 311 for transmitting and receiving information between the communication line 170 and the display device 310.
(“Communication means 1”), a network device management table 312 (“network device management table 3”) storing network device management tables such as the recording device # A110 and the recording device # B120, and the display device 310. Display means 31 for displaying video signals and text information
3 ("display means 4"), and the network device management table 312 includes a reservation status detection means 314 ("reservation status detection means 3") (reservation information detection means) for detecting a reservation status, and a reservation status. Reservation status collation means 315 for collation ("reservation status collation means 3") (reservation information collation means) and reproduction status management for managing the reproduction status of network devices such as storage device # A110 and recording device # B120. Means 316 ("reproduction state management means 1").

The following description will be made by taking as an example a case where each of the recording device # A110, the recording device # B120, the display device 310, and the audio output device 140 is connected via a network conforming to the IEEE 1394 standard. Yes, but it can be another network. Further, another device may be connected to the communication line 170. The display device 310 of the present embodiment is used as a device having the same function as the network device management device 130 used in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the operation of the program reservation management system 300 configured as described above will be described.

First, remote control # A150 or remote control #
B160 The user name, the program name and the recording time information are inputted from the operation means 152 ("operation means 1") or the operation means 162 ("operation means 2"), and the communication means 151 and 161 are inputted.
("Communication unit 2") transmits to recording device # A110 or recording device # B120.

Next, the remote controller # A150 or the remote controller # B16 is used by the communication units 111 and 121 ("communication unit 1") of the recording device # A110 or the recording device # B120.
0 is received and stored in the storage unit 112 (“storage unit 1”) or the storage unit 122 (“storage unit 2”), and the content is displayed in the display unit 113 (“display unit 1”).
Alternatively, by displaying on the display unit 123 (“display unit 2”), the user can control the remote controller # A150 or the remote controller # B1.
It becomes possible to confirm the operation contents at 60.

Remote control # A150 or remote control # B16
After confirming the operation content at 0, the information stored in the storage unit 112 (“storage unit 1”) or the storage unit 122 (“storage unit 2”) may be held.
In this case as well, if there is enough storage capacity, operations from different users can be accepted, and if not, operations from different users can be accepted.

When the confirmation of the operation contents of the user is completed, the storage means 112 (“storage means 1”) or the storage means 12
2 (“storage unit 2”), the operation contents of each recording device are transmitted to the display device 310 via the communication unit 311 (“communication unit 1”) of the display device 310, and the communication unit 311 (“ Via the communication means 1)) to the network device management table 312.

In the network device management table 312, the reservation status detection means 314 detects the reservation status together with the management information of the devices connected via the network, and the reservation status matching means 315 displays the reservation status together with the management information of the devices connected via the network. When the operations of a plurality of users are duplicated by referring to the reservation status, a warning sound is output from the audio output device 140.

Here, the display unit 1 of the recording device # A110
13 ("display means 1"), or a warning display may be performed on the display means 123 ("display means 2") of the recording device # B120, or a warning display may be performed on the display means 313 of the display device 310. . If the reservation operation is completed without the user's reservation overlapping, the storage unit 112 (“storage unit 1”) of the recording device # A110 or the recording device # B120.
Is stored in the storage unit 122 (“storage unit 2”).

The playback status management means 316 is used to manage whether or not all users who have recorded a certain program have been completely played back. If all the users who have made the reproduction request have already reproduced the program data, the system can delete the program data.

Next, the recording device # A110 or the recording device #
B120 to the reproduction status management means 316 of the display device 310
The user-specific recorded program information table included in the program will be described. [Table 3] is a table showing an example of a recorded program information table for each user. Referring to [Table 3], n recorded program codes 1-recorded program codes n and reproduction status are provided for each user. to manage.

[0059]

[Table 3]

As shown in Table 3, first, a plurality of user names are managed, and an arbitrary number n of recorded program codes 1-n and a reproduction state are managed for each user name. The reproduction status of each program is shown in the following four ways. (1) Not played back (2) Play all in normal mode → Only in this case, it is regarded as completely played back. (3) Play only part in any mode (4) Play all in modes other than normal mode

The information shown in Table 3 indicates that a certain user
It is used to manage whether to reproduce a program that has not been reproduced when logging in to the network. As described above, the program reservation management system 300 of the present embodiment
Since the display device 310 ("display device 2") further includes the reproduction status management means 316 for managing whether or not all users who have recorded an arbitrary program have reproduced the recorded program, a plurality of display devices 310 ("display device 2") are provided. It is possible to manage the reproduction status of all the recording reservations by the user, and it is possible to prevent deletion of the recorded program due to a malfunction.

Fourth Embodiment FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a program reservation management system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The same components as those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the overlapping portions will be omitted. In FIG. 4, a program reservation management system 400 includes a recording device # A110 for recording video / audio or data, a recording device # B120 for recording video / audio or data, and a display for processing or displaying video signals and text information. Device 410 (“display device 3”) (management device), audio output device 140 for outputting an audio signal and outputting it as an audio signal, remote controller # A15 for operating and communicating with recording device # A110
0, a remote controller # B160 for operating and communicating with the recording device # B120, and a communication line 170 for connecting each device via a network.

The display device 410 is a communication unit 411 for transmitting and receiving information between the communication line 170 and the display device 410.
(“Communication unit 1”), a network device management table 412 (“network device management table 4”) storing network device management tables such as the recording device # A110 and the recording device # B120, and the display device 410. Display means 41 for displaying video signals and text information
3 (“display means 5”), and the network device management table 412 stores a reservation status detection means 414 (“reservation status detection means 4”) (reservation information detection means) for detecting a reservation status, and a reservation status. Reservation status collation means 415 for collation ("reservation status collation means 4") (reservation information collation means), reproduction status management means for managing the reproduction status of network devices such as storage device # A110 and recording device # B120 416 ("playback status management means 1") and a storage status management means 417 for managing a playback method of a network device such as the recording device # A110 or the recording device # B120.
Consists of

The following description will be made with reference to an example in which the recording device # A110, the recording device # B120, the display device 410, and the audio output device 140 are connected via a network conforming to the IEEE 1394 standard. Yes, but it can be another network. Further, another device may be connected to the communication line 170. The display device 410 of the present embodiment is used as a device having the same function as the network device management device 130 used in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the operation of the program reservation management system 400 configured as described above will be described.

First, the remote controller # A150 or the remote controller #
B160 The user name, the program name and the recording time information are inputted from the operation means 152 ("operation means 1") or the operation means 162 ("operation means 2"), and the communication means 151 and 161 are inputted.
("Communication unit 2") transmits to recording device # A110 or recording device # B120.

Next, the remote controller # A150 or the remote controller # B16 is used by the communication units 111 and 121 ("communication unit 1") of the recording device # A110 or # B120.
0 is received and stored in the storage unit 112 (“storage unit 1”) or the storage unit 122 (“storage unit 2”), and the content is displayed in the display unit 113 (“display unit 1”).
Alternatively, by displaying on the display unit 123 (“display unit 2”), the user can control the remote controller # A150 or the remote controller # B1.
It becomes possible to confirm the operation contents at 60.

Remote control # A150 or remote control # B16
After confirming the operation content at 0, the information stored in the storage unit 112 (“storage unit 1”) or the storage unit 122 (“storage unit 2”) may be held.
In this case as well, if there is enough storage capacity, operations from different users can be accepted, and if not, operations from different users can be accepted.

When the confirmation of the operation contents of the user is completed, the storage means 112 (“storage means 1”) or the storage means 12
2 (“storage unit 2”), the operation content of each recording device is transmitted to the display device 410 via the communication unit 411 (“communication unit 1”) of the display device 410, and the communication unit 411 (“ Via the communication means 1)) to the network device management table 412.

In the network device management table 412, the reservation status is detected by the reservation status detecting means 414 together with the management information of the devices connected via the network, and the reservation status matching means 415 is used together with the management information of the devices connected by the network. When the operations of a plurality of users are duplicated by referring to the reservation status, a warning sound is output from the audio output device 140.

Here, the display unit 1 of the recording device # A110
13 (“display unit 1”) or the display unit 123 (“display unit 2”) of the recording device # B120, and a warning display may be performed on the display unit 413 of the display device 410. . If the reservation operation is completed without the user's reservation overlapping, the storage unit 112 (“storage unit 1”) of the recording device # A110 or the recording device # B120.
Is stored in the storage unit 122 (“storage unit 2”).

The reproduction status management means 416 is used to manage whether or not all users who have recorded a certain program have been completely reproduced. If all the users who have made the reproduction request have already reproduced the program data, the system can delete the program data. Further, the storage status management means 417 can delete the program data in the present system unless all the sharers who have recorded a certain program want to save. The sharer can specify and update whether or not the user wants to save the program at any time.

Finally, when the reservation operation is completed without the user's reservation overlapping, the information is recorded in the recording device # A110 or the recording device # B120. Next, from the recording device # A110 or the recording device # B120 to the display device 410.
The program-specific owner information table provided in the storage status management means 417 will be described. [Table 4] is a table showing an example of a program-specific owner information table. Referring to [Table 4], for each program code, n sharers 1-sharers n, playback status and storage Manage the presence or absence of

[0073]

[Table 4]

As shown in [Table 4], first, a plurality of program codes are managed, and n is an arbitrary number for each program code.
From the recorded program codes 1 to the recorded program code n, the reproduction status and the presence or absence of storage are managed. In the sharer column, the user name is entered as data, and the reproduction status of the program is in the same classification as in [Table 3], and the reproduction status of an arbitrary number of programs is shown in the following four ways. It is.

(1) Unreproduced (2) Reproduce all in normal mode → Only in this case, it is considered that reproduction has been completed. (3) Play only part in any mode (4) Play all in modes other than normal mode

The presence / absence of storage is indicated by classifying storage of a program as storage / non-storage. This program-specific owner information table is used to manage whether or not all the sharers who have recorded a certain program have been completely reproduced. If all the users have been played back and there is no user who wants to save, the present system can delete the program data. The sharer can specify and update whether or not the user wants to save the program at any time.

As described above, in the program reservation management system 400 according to the present embodiment, the display device 410 (“display device 3”) includes a plurality of users (sharers) who have further recorded an arbitrary program. The storage status management means 417 for managing whether or not there is a user who wants to save the recorded program is provided, so that the storage status of all the recording reservations by a plurality of users can be managed, and Of the recorded program can be further enhanced. Next, a log-in operation of the program reservation management system of each of the above embodiments will be described.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a log-in operation to the recording device # A110 or the recording device # B120. In FIG. 5, reference numeral 500 denotes a conventional television screen (AV
Device), 510 is a TV screen having a login function, 1
50 and 160 are remote controllers #A or #B.

As shown in FIG. 5, a conventional television screen 50
0 indicates that the device was used alone without being aware of the connection to the network. However, when a plurality of users view or make a reservation while a plurality of devices are connected to the network, the operations may be duplicated among the users. Therefore, in the present program reservation management system, a TV screen (AV device) is provided with a log-in function, and even when a plurality of users use a plurality of devices, which user is watching or making a reservation is managed. Like that.

In order to use the function of the AV network, the user must first control the remote control # A150 of any of the recording devices # A110 or # B16 of the recording device # B120.
0 is operated to log in to the AV network. In each of the above embodiments, a list of user names registered in advance is displayed on the display unit 113 of the recording device # A110 or the display unit 123 of the recording device # B120, and one of them is displayed on the remote control # A150 or the remote control # B160. Perform simple login by simply selecting by operating.

If the user is an unregistered new user,
Display means 113 of recording device # A110 or recording device #B
The user selects the new user column shown at the end of the user name list displayed on the display means 123, inputs a new name, registers, and logs in. The new user name is input to the network information management device 130 through the communication line 170,
Display device 210 (“display device 1”), display device 310
(“Display device 2”) or the network device management table 132 included in the display device 410 (“display device 3”).
The user name table of 212, 312 or 412 is recorded, and when the operation is duplicated, the audio output device 14
0 to inform the user as a warning sound.

The display device 210, the display device 310,
Alternatively, a warning is displayed on one of the display devices 410 together with a warning sound. When any of the display device 210, the display device 310, or the display device 410 displays the user name list,
The network device management tables 132, 212, and 3
At 12 or 412, the user name is called from the user name table and displayed. When an existing user name is selected, information on the user is referred to in subsequent processing.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a detailed operation of the function of logging in to the above-mentioned recording device # A110 or recording device # B120. In the figure, ST indicates each step of the flow. When the login function starts, step ST
In step 1, all the user names in the user name table and a character string "new user" are displayed, and the user is allowed to select one of them. In step ST2, it is determined whether the user is an existing user or a new user. When a new user is selected, it is determined in step ST3 whether there is a free space in the registration area. If there is a free space in the registration area, the input of the new user name is accepted in step ST4, the new user name is added to the end of the user name table, and the operation of the login function is terminated as a login of the new user (normal termination).

The above-described operation is an operation flow when a new user logs in, and is processed as a new user from the next operation. If no new user is selected in step ST2, the corresponding user is selected from the existing user name table in step ST5, and the flow ends.

If there is no free space in the registration area in step ST3, an error message is displayed in step ST6 and the process ends abnormally. The above operation is an operation flow when the existing user logs in, and is processed as the existing user from the next operation.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, by displaying all the user names in the user name table and the character string of the new user, and selecting one of them, a simple login operation becomes possible. Note that a configuration may be adopted in which the above method is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium as a program for causing a computer to execute the method. Next, the recorded program deletion processing will be described.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the recording program deletion processing. When the recorded program deletion processing starts, in step ST11, program-specific owner information is searched,
In step ST12, it is determined whether the program has been completely reproduced by all the sharers and no one has designated the storage. If the program has been completely reproduced by all the sharers and no one has designated saving, the corresponding program data is deleted from the AV network in step ST13, and this flow ends.

On the other hand, if the determination in step ST12 is NO (denial), the flow of the main recorded program deletion processing is ended as it is. Executing the above-mentioned recorded program deletion processing makes it possible to prevent erroneous deletion even when a plurality of users record the same program in duplicate. Note that a configuration may be adopted in which the above method is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium as a program for causing a computer to execute the method.

By executing the above-described recorded program deletion processing, the following operation is specifically realized. On the communication line 170, the network device management table 1
32, 212, 312 or 412 is a recording device # A110
Alternatively, the program-specific owner information table is constructed and managed from the storage unit 112 or the storage unit 122 of the recording device # B120.

The program-specific owner information table (see Table 4) contains the name of the user who performed the recording, the reproduction status of the user (unreproduced / reproduced in normal mode / reproduced only in any mode / non-normal Mode), and three types of information indicating whether the user wants to save the program. Here, when the user requests recording of a program or recording reservation, the network device management tables 132, 21
The program-specific owner information table is searched from 2, 312 or 412.

If the program is not found, the requested recording or recording reservation is accepted as it is, and a new recording of the program and addition of a program-specific owner information table are performed.
If the user A has already recorded the program and the program still has data remaining, or the program has already been scheduled for recording, the network device management device 130 and the display device 21
0, 310 or 410 indicates that the user has already recorded, or that a recording reservation has been made,
By prompting not to perform new recording, it is possible to prevent a plurality of users from making a reservation for recording of the same program.

If another user has already recorded the program and the data is still reserved, or if the program has already been scheduled for recording, the user is notified to the network device management device 130, the display device 210, 310 or 410 by the user. B displays that it is already recording or has made a recording reservation, and urges the user to share the program.

If the user A agrees to share, new information of the user A (user A, user A) is stored in the current owner information table for each program (user B, user B's reproduction status, user B's desire to save the program). , The user A's desire to save the program) is added. Network device management table 1
32, 212, 312 or 412 is applicable if the reproduction status of all users sharing a certain program becomes “play all in normal mode” and no one wants to save the program. The program-specific owner information table of the program can be deleted.

As for the information on the program from which the program-specific owner information table has been deleted, the user-recorded program information table and the corresponding portions of the recording device # A110 or the recording device # B120 are also deleted. As a result, even if the recording is continued on the recording device # A110 or the recording device # B120,
After this, the information cannot be referenced on the network.

Next, a reproduction status management method will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the reproduction status management processing. This operation is an example of a case where an unreproduced program is reproduced. When the main reproduction status management process starts, step S
At T21, the recorded program information of the logged-in user is searched, and at step ST22, it is determined whether or not there is a program that has not been reproduced by this user. If the user has a program that has not been reproduced, a list of applicable programs is displayed in step ST23, and the selected program is reproduced by the specified method. Next, in step ST24, the reproduction state is rewritten according to the reproduction method, and the flow ends.

If there is no program that has not been played back by the user in step ST22, the flow of this playback status management processing is terminated. By executing the operation flow of the reproduction status management described above, the user can recognize a program that the user has not yet recorded and watched or a program that has only been confirmed by special reproduction or the like. Can be selected, and content can be managed for each user.

Note that a configuration may be employed in which the above method is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium as a program for causing a computer to execute the method. By executing the above-mentioned reproduction status management processing, the following operations are specifically realized. On the communication line 170, the network device management table 312 or 412 stores reproduction status management means 316, 4 for managing the reproduction status of the recorded program.
16 is provided. The reproduction status is identified in four ways: unreproduced / all reproduced in normal mode / partially reproduced in arbitrary mode / all reproduced in non-normal mode.

When the user plays back a program, the playback status management means 316 and 416 rewrite the playback status according to the playback method. However, the playback status of all the files that have already been played back in the normal mode will not be rewritten no matter what format is used thereafter. This playback status is used to construct a recorded program information table for each user and an information table for each program. The method of using the reproduction status in the program-specific owner information is as described in Operation Example 4 above.

The method of using the reproduction status in the program-specific owner information table is as described above. The method of using the reproduction status in the recorded program information table for each user is used for an interface when the user reproduces the program by classifying the program according to the reproduction status of the user. When the user makes a request to reproduce the recorded program, the reproduction status management means 316, 416 reproduces only a part of whether the user wants to see the unreproduced program, the replayed program again. Check if you want to see the rest of what is missing, or if you want to review what you played in non-normal mode. Depending on the result selected by the user, the reproduction status management means 316, 416
Presents the corresponding program name list table and allows the user to finally select a program to be reproduced.

Further, the communication line 170 may have an interface function that allows not only the reproduction of the program recorded by the user A itself but also the reproduction of the program recorded by another user. As described above, when the user makes a request to reproduce the recorded program, the reproduction status management means 316 and 416 determines whether the user wants to view the program recorded by another user or the program recorded by user A himself. Let me choose.

If the user selects a recorded program, the process proceeds as described above. If the user wants to view a program recorded by another user, the program names recorded by the other user are displayed in a list, and the user is allowed to select from the list. In the above explanation,
Although two recording devices, the storage device # A110 and the recording device # B120, have been described, a case where more recording devices are connected to the communication line 170 may be used. Next, a recording reservation management method will be described.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the recording reservation management process. This operation is an example when a new recording reservation is requested. When the present recording reservation management process starts, in step ST31, user-specific recording reservation information of all users is searched, and in step ST32, it is determined whether or not there is a device whose date and time both overlap. If both the device and the date and time overlap, it is determined in step ST33 whether or not there is a device vacant at the corresponding date and time.
If there is no vacant device at the relevant date and time, step S
At T34, a program to be recorded for the new request is searched for in an electronic program guide (EPG: Electric Program Guide).

In step ST35, it is determined whether or not there is a broadcast schedule at a date and time that does not overlap with another reservation. If there is a broadcast schedule at a date and time that does not overlap with another reservation, it is determined in step ST36 that another broadcast is scheduled. The recording reservation is registered at a non-overlapping date and time, and this flow ends. If there is no device or date and time overlapping in step ST32, step S
At T37, the recording reservation is registered as requested and the flow ends.

If there is a device vacant at the corresponding date and time in step ST33, the device is changed and registered at the date and time requested in step ST38, and this flow is terminated. If there is no broadcast schedule on the date and time that does not overlap with other reservations in step ST35, the program for recording reservation already registered in step ST39 is deleted.
A search is performed using the PG, and in step ST40, it is determined whether or not there is a broadcast schedule at a date and time that does not overlap with another reservation. If there is a broadcast schedule at a date and time that does not overlap with another reservation, a recording reservation is registered at a date and time that does not overlap with another reservation in step ST41, and this flow ends. If there is no broadcast schedule at the date and time that does not overlap with other reservations in step ST40,
In step ST42, no registration is performed, a message is returned, and the present flow ends.

By executing the above-described recording reservation management processing, the task of manually adjusting and changing the recording reservation can be minimized, and the recording reservation can be made as desired by as many users as possible. Become. Note that a configuration may be adopted in which the above method is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium as a program for causing a computer to execute the method.

By executing the above-described recording reservation management processing, the following operation is specifically realized. A user is connected to the recording device #A connected to the communication line 170.
An attempt is made to reserve recording of a program using the recording device 110 or the recording device # B120.

The recording device #A 110 or the recording device #B 120 on the communication line 170 is a GUI (Graphical User Interface) displayed on the display device 210, the display device 310 or the display device 410 connected on the same communication line 170.
ce). The user can select an electronic program guide (EP
G), a program to be recorded is selected, and further a recording device # A110 or a recording device # B120 to be used is selected.

Recording apparatus # A110 or recording apparatus # B12
0 is provided with a storage unit 112 or a storage unit 122 for storing the user name, the program name, and the recording date and time, as shown in [Table 1]. Also, the network information management device 13
0, display device 210, display device 310 or display device 41
After the transmission is completed to 0, the configuration may be such that the information of the user name, the program name, and the recording date and time stored in the storage units 112 and 122 are not held.

Recording apparatus # A110 or recording apparatus # B12
0 is a network device management table 132 provided in the network information management device 130, the display device 210, the display device 310, or the display device 410 through the communication line 170 for three pieces of information such as an arbitrary user name, a program name, and a recording date and time of which the input is accepted , 212, 312 or 412.

Network device management tables 132, 2
12, 312 or 412 are all recording devices # A11
0 or the recording device # B120 to collect the currently registered recording reservation information, construct recording reservation information for each user, compare the recording reservation just requested with the information of the recording reservation already registered, and Check the recording date and time.

Alternatively, the network device management table 132, 212, 312 or 412 may be saved in its own table every time a new recording reservation is requested, and the recording reservation information of all users may be constantly constructed. . In either case, the recording reservation information requested by any user is compared with the already registered recording reservation information.

When a new recording reservation request and a reservation in which both the device used and the recording date and time are duplicated are detected from the registered recording reservation information, a warning sound is output from the audio output device, or network information is output. A warning may be displayed on the management device 130, the display device 210, the display device 310, or the display device 410.

Thus, it is possible to prevent malfunction by alerting a user who intends to make a duplicate recording reservation to change the reservation. Further, it is possible to prevent a malfunction in which the user cancels the recording reservation registered by another user without noticing in advance.

Further, when a plurality of recording reservations occur on the communication line 170, the network device management table 132, 212, 312 or 412 includes a recording reservation at a date and time overlapping with the date and time desired by the user. The recording device # A110 or the recording device # B120 that does not exist is selected.

If there is a recording device # A110 or a recording device # B120 that is not reserved, the network information management device 130 and the display device 21 are operated so that the recording device # A110 or the recording device # B120 to be used for the user is selected.
0, display on the display device 310 or the display device 410 to notify the user.

If there is no available recording device # A110 or recording device # B120 at the date and time desired by the user, the broadcast schedule of the program desired by the user is stored in the electronic program guide (EP).
Search using G). As a result of the search, if another recording reservation and a recording device are scheduled to be broadcast again in a time zone where the date and time do not overlap, the network information management device 130 and the display device 21
0, the display is displayed on the display device 310 or the display device 410 to notify the user and to prompt the user to change the recording reservation.

If the new recording reservation cannot be changed as described above, another registered recording reservation target program is searched from the electronic program guide (EPG). As a result of the search, if there is a schedule to be broadcast at a date and time that does not overlap with another recording reservation, the user can change the reservation date and time and register again.

Further, as information to be referred to when changing the registered recording reservation as described above, the user has means for designating a scheduled reproduction date and time with respect to the program for which the user has made a recording reservation. As an example, it is assumed that another user who has registered the recording reservation before the user has requested the recording reservation has designated the scheduled reproduction date and time. Then, the range in which the recording reservation of another user can be changed in order to register the recording reservation of the user is limited to a date and time before the scheduled reproduction date and time designated by another user.

As a result, the user can prevent the user's own recording reservation from being changed to an earlier date and time. When another user who has registered the changed recording reservation logs in next time through the communication line 170, the network device management table 132, 212, 312 or 41
No. 2 makes it possible to display on the network information management device 130, the display device 210, the display device 310 or the display device 410 that the recording reservation has been changed, to notify the user.

Thus, the recording reservation can be adjusted manually.
The change operation can be minimized, and the recording reservation can be executed as desired by as many users as possible. Note that the program reservation management system according to the above-described embodiment can be applied to a television receiver having a digital broadcast receiving function capable of receiving digital broadcast radio waves as described above, but any program to be recorded can be used. Alternatively, it may be an audio program such as a current television broadcast program or a radio broadcast program.

Further, the storage device # A110 or the recording device #
Although the two recording devices B120 have been described, a case where more recording devices are connected to the communication line 170 may be used. Further, although an example has been described in which the operation of the storage device # A110 or the recording device # B120 is performed using the remote controller, the device may be directly operated.

The type and recording method of the recording device are not limited, and can be applied to all devices. For example, as a recording device, in addition to a VTR (Video Tape Recorder),
What is recorded on DD or DVD (Digital Video Disc) may be used. In particular, if an HDD that has high data transfer speed and random access performance and allows high-speed access is used as a recording medium, it is possible to instantly search for a desired program from programs recorded for a long time and use it immediately. Become. Further, a recording device other than the HDD, such as a magneto-optical disk, may be used.
Similar effects can be obtained.

Further, the types, numbers, connection methods, and the like of the respective circuit units constituting the program reservation management system, for example, the communication means and the storage means are not limited to the above-described embodiments. The program reservation management system described above is also realized by a program for causing the program reservation management system to function. This program is stored in a computer-readable recording medium. In the present invention, as the recording medium, the main memory itself may be a program medium, or a program reading device may be provided as an external storage device, and the program medium may be read by inserting a recording medium into the program reading device. You may. In any case, the stored program may be configured to be accessed and executed by the CPU, or the program may be read in any case,
The read program may be downloaded to a program storage area (not shown) and the program may be executed. It is assumed that this download program is stored in the main unit in advance.

Here, the program medium is a recording medium configured to be separable from the main body, such as a tape system such as a magnetic tape or a cassette tape, or a floppy (registered trademark).
Magnetic disk and CD-R such as disk and hard disk
Disk system of optical disk such as OM / MO / MD / DVD, card system such as IC card / optical card, or mask ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash RO
It may be a medium that fixedly carries a program including a semiconductor memory such as an M.

Further, although not shown, if a device capable of connecting to an external communication network is provided, the program is fluidly downloaded from the communication network via the communication connection device. It may be a medium that carries the program. When the program is downloaded from the communication network, the download program may be stored in the main device in advance or may be installed from another recording medium. The content stored in the recording medium is not limited to a program, but may be data.

[0126]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to manage a plurality of devices connected by an AV network, and to malfunction even when the operations of a plurality of users are duplicated. Can be prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a program reservation management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a program reservation management system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a program reservation management system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a program reservation management system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a log-in operation to the recording device #A or the recording device #B of the program reservation management system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed operation of a function of logging in to the recording device #A or the recording device #B of the program reservation management system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a recorded program deletion process of the program reservation management system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a reproduction status management method of the program reservation management system of the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a recording reservation management process of the program reservation management system according to the present embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

100, 200, 300, 400 Program reservation management system 110, 120 Recording device 111, 121, 131, 141, 151, 161, 2
11, 311, 411 Communication means 112, 122 Storage means 113, 123, 213, 313, 413 Display means 130 Network equipment management device 132, 212, 312, 412 Network equipment management table 133, 214, 314, 414 Reservation status detection means (Reservation information detection means) 134, 215, 315, 415 Reservation status collation means (reservation information collation means) 140 Audio output device 150, 160 Remote control (control device) 152, 162 Operation means 170 Communication line 210, 310, 410 Display device (Management device) 316, 416 Playback status management means 417 Storage status management means 510 TV screen with login function

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 5/765 H04N 5/85 Z 5/781 H04Q 9/00 301E 5/85 321C H04Q 9/00 301 H04N 5/781 510C 321 510K 510L F term (reference) 5C025 CA09 CB07 CB08 DA01 5C052 AA01 AB04 EE02 EE03 5C056 AA01 AA05 BA08 CA15 DA08 DA11 EA05 EA09 5D102 AA01 HA03 HA20 5K048 A07 EB03 EB09 EB03

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A storage device for storing program reservation information, a display device for displaying the program reservation information to a user, a plurality of recording devices for recording programs, user name, program name, recording time information A plurality of control devices for controlling the plurality of recording devices; and a management table for storing program reservation information of the plurality of recording devices, wherein the plurality of control devices are referred to by referring to the management table. A program management system for managing the recording devices, wherein the plurality of recording devices and the management device are connected to each other by a communication line. Reservation information detection means for detecting program reservation information; and querying program reservation information detected by the reservation information detection means and program reservation information stored in storage means of the plurality of recording devices. When the program reservations of a plurality of users overlap in time based on the result of the comparison by the reservation information comparing means, a warning display is performed by the display means of the plurality of recording devices. A program reservation management system, characterized in that: 2. The management table according to claim 1, wherein the management table includes, for each of a plurality of users, recorded program information for each user capable of managing a program code, a use recording device, and a date and time.
The described program reservation management system. 3. The management device comprises a display unit for displaying management information, and when the program reservations of the plurality of users overlap in time, a warning display is performed by the display unit. The program reservation management system according to claim 1. 4. The program according to claim 2, wherein said management device comprises a reproduction status management means for managing whether or not all users who have recorded an arbitrary program have reproduced the recorded program. Reservation management system. 5. The storage device according to claim 1, further comprising a storage status management unit that manages whether or not there is a user who desires to store the recorded program among a plurality of users who have recorded an arbitrary program. 3. The program reservation management system according to claim 2, wherein: 6. A program reservation management method for performing program reservation management for a plurality of recording devices that record programs connected to each other by a communication line, wherein the program reservation stored in storage means of the plurality of recording devices is provided. Acquiring information via the communication line, creating a management table for managing the program reservation information, detecting program reservation information in the management table, the detected program reservation information, Querying program reservation information stored in storage means of the plurality of recording devices obtained via a communication line; and when program reservations of a plurality of users are temporally overlapped based on the collation result. And a step of displaying a warning by a display means of a corresponding recording device.