JP2004032128A - Device and method for recording information, recording medium, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To surely record the first contents even if the end time of second contents distributed before the first contents is extended when the first contents are reserved for recording. <P>SOLUTION: The information recording device detects the characteristics of the signal actually broadcasted during the time from rough time t1 to the time after the elapse of prescribed time when video tape recording of a reserved program 92 scheduled to be broadcasted from the time t1 to the time t2 is reserved. When the characteristics of the detected signal are discriminated that they match the characteristics of the signal corresponding to a preceding program 91, the time t4 when the reserved program 92 actually ends is estimated by assuming that the preceding program 91 is extended. The end time of the reserved program 92 is extended from the time t3 to the time t5 on the basis of the estimated time t4. The device and the method for recording information, the recording medium, and the program can be applied to a video tape recorder to record a television broadcast program. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an information recording apparatus and method, a recording medium, and a program. In particular, when the first content is reserved and recorded, the end time of the second content distributed earlier is extended. Also, the present invention relates to an information recording apparatus and method, a recording medium, and a program capable of reliably recording a first content.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a recording / reproducing apparatus for recording a signal of a television program (a video signal and an audio signal constituting the television program) on a recording medium such as a hard disk or an optical disk has been developed and commercialized. The user can make such a recording / reproducing apparatus make a scheduled recording of a signal of a television program, so that even if the user is out of the broadcasting time slot of the television program, the user can stop recording after the broadcasting of the television program. Can be watched.
[0003]
This scheduled recording is generally performed as follows. In other words, the user can select a distribution source of a desired television program (a television broadcasting station having a channel of a predetermined frequency band (hereinafter, simply referred to as a channel)), a scheduled start time of the television program, By setting the scheduled end time for the recording / reproducing device, recording of the television program is reserved for the recording / reproducing device. Then, at the set scheduled start time, the recording / playback apparatus starts processing for recording the television broadcast signal transmitted from the set channel on the recording medium, and at the set scheduled end time, The process ends.
[0004]
That is, a television broadcast signal actually broadcast by the set channel is recorded on the recording medium between the set scheduled start time and the scheduled end time. Therefore, a channel (a television broadcasting station corresponding to the channel) broadcasts a television program (hereinafter, simply referred to as a reserved program) for which a user has set a reserved recording on a recording / reproducing apparatus in a scheduled time zone. In this case, the signal of the reserved program itself is recorded on the recording medium.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, a channel (a television broadcasting station corresponding to the channel) does not always broadcast the reserved program in a scheduled time zone.
[0006]
For example, programs that relay the contents of sports such as soccer and baseball (hereinafter referred to as sports relay programs) often have extended end times due to their nature. In this case, the broadcast of the television program after the sports relay program (the television program on the same channel as the sports relay program) starts later than the scheduled start time and ends later than the scheduled end time.
[0007]
If a television program broadcasted later than this schedule is a reserved program, the recording / reproducing apparatus sets the scheduled broadcast start time of the reserved program to a television broadcast signal actually broadcast by the channel (at this time). Then, a process of recording a sports broadcast program signal on a recording medium is started, and at the scheduled end time when the broadcast of the reserved program has not yet ended, the process (at this point, a signal in the middle of the reserved program is recorded on the recording medium). In the process of being recorded in the).
[0008]
As a result, on the recording medium, a television broadcast signal corresponding to an extended portion of the sports broadcast program and a portion up to the middle of the reserved program are recorded, and a television signal corresponding to the remaining portion of the reserved program is However, there is a first problem that the information is not recorded on a recording medium.
[0009]
That is, when the television program broadcast before the reserved program is extended, there is a first problem that the recording and reproducing apparatus cannot record all the signals of the reserved program on a recording medium.
[0010]
In order to solve the first problem, the user sets the recording end time of the recording / reproducing apparatus to a time later than the scheduled end time. Depending on the remaining recording capacity of the recording medium, the user must select a long-time recording mode that degrades the image quality, or until the end of the signal of another reserved program broadcast after the target reserved program. There was a second problem that recording could not be performed.
[0011]
The present invention has been made in view of such a situation. When the first content is reserved and recorded, even if the end time of the second content distributed earlier is extended, The first content can be reliably recorded.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The first information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a reservation unit that reserves recording of content in advance, and the reservation unit distributes the content from another information processing apparatus between the first time and the second time. When the recording of the first content scheduled to be performed is reserved, a signal actually distributed from another information processing apparatus between the first time and the second time is changed to a signal corresponding to the first content. Recording control means for controlling recording on a recording medium, detection means for detecting characteristics of a signal actually distributed from another information processing apparatus, and a predetermined time from the substantially first time by the detection means. It is determined whether or not the characteristics of the signal detected before the elapse match the characteristics of the signal corresponding to the second content scheduled to be distributed from another information processing device before the first time. Determining means for determining When it is determined that the characteristic of the signal matches the characteristic of the signal corresponding to the second content, a third time at which the distribution of the first content actually ends is estimated, and the recording control means performs the recording control. Setting means for setting the end time to end based on the estimated third time to extend to a fourth time after the second time, and the recording control means sets the end time by the setting means. When the extension is set to the fourth time, control is performed such that a signal actually distributed from another information processing device between the first time and the fourth time is recorded on a recording medium. It is characterized by the following.
[0013]
The fourth time may be a time obtained by adding a predetermined delay time to the third time.
[0014]
Content distributed from another information processing apparatus includes an image, the detecting unit detects a predetermined characteristic of the image, and the determining unit determines that the characteristic of the image detected by the detecting unit is a second predetermined characteristic. In the case where the image matches the feature of the image constituting the content, the image can be determined to be an image corresponding to the second content.
[0015]
The detecting means detects a color most frequently used in the image, and the determining means determines that the color detected by the detecting means is the same as or similar to a predetermined color representing a feature of the second content set in advance. If the color is the color of the second content, the image can be determined to be an image corresponding to the second content.
[0016]
The detecting means detects a symbol representing the characteristic of the second content from a predetermined range in the image. If the detecting means detects the symbol, the image is included in the second content. It can be determined that the image is a corresponding image.
[0017]
The content delivered from another information processing device further includes a sound corresponding to the image, the detecting unit further detects a predetermined characteristic of the sound, and the setting unit detects the characteristic of the sound detected by the detecting unit. If the feature corresponding to the third content different from the first and second content matches, and thereafter the feature of the image corresponding to the second content is not detected by the detecting means, it is determined that the second content has ended. Considering, the fifth time at that time is detected, and the time obtained by adding the time corresponding to the time from the first time to the fifth time to the second time is estimated as the third time. The fourth time can be set based on the estimated third time.
[0018]
If the determination unit determines that the characteristic of the signal matches the characteristic of the signal corresponding to the second content, it checks the capacity of the other content reserved by the reservation unit and the free space of the recording area of the recording medium. The setting means may set the third time and the fourth time based on the result of the check by the checking means.
[0019]
Each of the reservation unit and the setting unit further sets a recording time mode used by the recording control unit from among a plurality of recording time modes for changing the time of a recordable signal for each predetermined recording unit of the recording medium. Then, the recording control unit can control so that a signal for a time corresponding to the recording time mode set by the reservation unit or the setting unit is recorded on the recording medium for each recording unit. .
[0020]
The method of setting the fourth time based on the third time, and the setting pattern including the recording time mode is used to determine whether the capacity of other content reserved by the reservation means and the free space of the recording area of the recording medium. A plurality of setting patterns are set in advance according to the degree, and the setting means selects a setting pattern corresponding to the examination result of the examination means from among the plurality of setting patterns, and sets the third time and the selected setting pattern. , The fourth time and the recording time mode can be set.
[0021]
The third content scheduled to be distributed from another information processing device between the fifth time and the sixth time after the second time as the other content reserved by the reservation device by the investigation unit. When it is determined that the third content is present, the setting unit further estimates a seventh time at which the distribution of the third content actually ends, and sets the fourth time based on the estimated seventh time or later. Can be set.
[0022]
A first other information processing apparatus that distributes the first content from the fifth time to the sixth time after the second time as another content reserved by the reservation unit by the investigation unit; If it is determined that the third content to be distributed from the second other information processing apparatus different from the third content exists, the setting unit determines the fourth time as the estimated third time or The earliest time of the fifth time at which the distribution of the third content is to be started is set, and the recording control means sets the first other information processing between the first time and the fourth time. After controlling the signal actually distributed from the device to be recorded on the recording medium, the signal actually distributed from the second other information processing device between the fifth time and the sixth time. May be controlled to be recorded on a recording medium. Kill.
[0023]
The detecting means is configured to determine whether a predetermined time has elapsed from a sixth time before the first time and after a fifth time at which the distribution of the second content is to be ended, and The feature of the signal actually distributed from another information processing device is further detected, and the determination unit determines whether the feature of the signal detected by the detection unit matches the feature of the signal corresponding to the second content. If the determination unit determines that the characteristic of the signal matches the characteristic of the signal corresponding to the second content, the setting unit estimates the third time at that time, and The fourth time can be set based on the third time.
[0024]
According to the information recording method of the information recording apparatus of the present invention, a reservation step of pre-reserving the recording of the content, and the processing of the reservation step, as another content, between the first time and the second time as the content. If the recording of the first content to be distributed is reserved, the signal actually distributed from another information processing device between the first time and the second time is added to the first content. As a corresponding signal, a first recording control step of controlling recording on a recording medium, a detecting step of detecting a characteristic of a signal actually distributed from another information processing apparatus, and a processing of the detecting step are substantially performed. The characteristic of the signal detected during the period from the first time to the elapse of the predetermined time is the characteristic of the signal corresponding to the second content scheduled to be distributed from another information processing device before the first time. A determining step of determining whether or not the signal matches the signature; and a signal corresponding to the first content when it is determined by the processing of the determining step that the characteristic of the signal matches the characteristic of the signal corresponding to the second content. A third time at which the delivery of the first recording control step is actually ended is estimated, and an end time at which the processing of the first recording control step ends is determined based on the estimated third time at a fourth time after the second time. A setting step of extending the end time to a fourth time by the processing of the setting step, the other information processing is performed between the first time and the fourth time. A second recording control step of controlling a signal actually distributed from the device to be recorded on a recording medium.
[0025]
The program of the recording medium of the present invention is distributed from another information processing apparatus as a content between the first time and the second time by the processing of the reservation step of pre-reserving the recording of the content and the reservation step. When the recording of the first content scheduled to be performed is reserved, a signal actually distributed from another information processing apparatus between the first time and the second time is changed to a signal corresponding to the first content. A first recording control step of controlling recording on a recording medium, a detecting step of detecting a characteristic of a signal actually distributed from another information processing apparatus, and a processing of the detecting step. The characteristics of the signal detected during a period from the time until a predetermined time elapses are the same as the characteristics of the signal corresponding to the second content scheduled to be distributed from another information processing device before the first time. A determining step of determining whether or not the signal matches, and, if it is determined by the processing of the determining step that the characteristic of the signal matches the characteristic of the signal corresponding to the second content, distribution of the signal corresponding to the first content Estimates the third time at which the process actually ends, and extends the end time at which the process of the first recording control step ends to a fourth time after the second time based on the estimated third time. And setting the end time to be extended to the fourth time by the processing of the setting step, the other information processing apparatus may perform the operation from the first time to the fourth time. And a second recording control step of controlling a signal to be actually distributed to be recorded on a recording medium.
[0026]
According to the program of the present invention, the reservation step of pre-reserving the recording of the content and the processing of the reservation step are scheduled to be distributed from another information processing apparatus as the content between the first time and the second time. If the recording of the first content is reserved, a signal actually distributed from another information processing apparatus between the first time and the second time is recorded as a signal corresponding to the first content. A first recording control step of controlling recording on a medium, a detecting step of detecting a characteristic of a signal actually distributed from another information processing apparatus, and a processing of the detecting step determine a predetermined time from substantially the first time. Does the characteristic of the signal detected before the time elapse match the characteristic of the signal corresponding to the second content scheduled to be distributed from another information processing device before the first time? And a determination step of determining whether the characteristic of the signal matches the characteristic of the signal corresponding to the second content by the processing of the determination step, the distribution of the signal corresponding to the first content is actually ended. The third time to be performed is estimated, and the end time at which the processing of the first recording control step ends is set to be extended to the fourth time after the second time based on the estimated third time. If the setting step is performed and the end time is set to be extended to the fourth time by the processing of the setting step, the end time is actually distributed from another information processing apparatus between the first time and the fourth time. And a second recording control step of controlling the computer to record a signal to be recorded on a recording medium.
[0027]
In the information recording apparatus and method, the recording medium, and the program according to the present invention, recording of the first content to be distributed from another information processing apparatus between the first time and the second time is performed in advance. When the reservation is made, the control for recording a signal actually distributed from another information processing apparatus between the first time and the second time as a signal corresponding to the first content on the recording medium is performed. Be started. In this case, a characteristic of a signal actually distributed from another information processing apparatus is detected during a period from a substantially first time until a predetermined time elapses, and the characteristic is detected before distribution of the first content. If the feature of the signal corresponding to the second content scheduled to be distributed from another information processing apparatus matches, the end time of the recording control is changed to the third time when the distribution of the signal corresponding to the first content is actually ended. Is set to be extended to a fourth time after the second time, based on the time. Thus, control is performed such that a signal actually distributed from another information processing apparatus between the first time and the fourth time is recorded on the recording medium.
[0028]
The information recording device of the present invention may simply be a recording-only device for recording information, or may be a recording / reproducing device capable of reproducing information. Alternatively, the information recording device of the present invention may be a device for controlling recording of information by another recording device without recording the information by itself.
[0029]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a recording device as an information recording device to which the present invention is applied.
[0030]
As shown in FIG. 1, in the recording device 1, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 loads a program recorded in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, or loads a program from a storage unit 21 to a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13. Various processes are executed in accordance with the executed program. The RAM 13 also appropriately stores data necessary for the CPU 11 to execute various processes.
[0031]
The CPU 11, the ROM 12, the RAM 13, and the timer 14 that measures the date and time are mutually connected via a bus 15. The input / output interface 16 is also connected to the bus 15.
[0032]
The input / output interface 16 is connected to a video decoding unit 19, an MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) encoding unit 20, and a storage unit 21 including a hard disk and the like.
[0033]
A video decoding unit 19 is connected to the MPEG encoding unit 20, and a tuner unit 18 is connected to the video decoding unit 19.
[0034]
The tuner unit 18 receives, via the antenna 17, an analog terrestrial signal transmitted from a channel designated by the user (a television broadcasting station corresponding to the channel) among the plurality of channels, and performs video decoding. To the unit 19.
[0035]
The video decoding unit 19 digitizes the analog data supplied from the tuner unit 18 and supplies the digital data to the MPEG encoding unit 20 and, if necessary, to the CPU 11 via the input / output interface 16 and the bus 15.
[0036]
The MPEG encoding unit 20 encodes the digitized data supplied from the video decoding unit 19 by the MPEG method, and generates a packet. The packet generated by the MPEG encoding unit 20 is recorded in the storage unit 21 via the input / output interface 16 based on a command from the CPU 11.
[0037]
The input / output interface 16 is also connected to an MPEG decoding unit 22 as needed. The MPEG decoding unit 22 is also connected to an OSD (On Screen Display) processing unit 23 and an audio output unit 24 including a speaker and the like. The OSD processing unit 23 also has a display and the like including a display. The unit 25 is connected.
[0038]
When the user instructs to reproduce the data of the television program recorded in the storage unit 21, the CPU 11 converts the packet recorded in the storage unit 21 (the packet corresponding to the commanded television program). Is supplied to the MPEG decoding unit 22 via the input / output interface 16.
[0039]
The MPEG decoding unit 22 decodes the supplied packet by the MPEG method and converts the packet into an analog signal (a video signal and an audio signal). The MPEG decoding unit 22 supplies the generated video signal to the OSD processing unit 23 and supplies the audio signal to the audio output unit 24. The OSD processing unit 23 superimposes necessary information on the supplied analog video signal and supplies it to the display unit 25. The display unit 25 displays the supplied video signal as a video, and the audio output unit 24 outputs an audio signal corresponding to the video (the audio signal supplied from the MPEG decoding unit 22) as audio.
[0040]
The input / output interface 16 is also provided with an input unit 26 for inputting a command from a user, and a communication unit 27 for performing communication processing with another recording device 31 via a network including the Internet. .
[0041]
By operating the input unit 26, the user can make a reservation setting of the television program to be recorded in the recording device 1. As a setting method of the reservation, for example, the user checks the schedule information of the television program and specifies the television program to be recorded in the recording device 1 (CPU 11), or specifies a favorite genre, There is a method of recording all television programs corresponding to a genre in the storage unit 21, and the like.
[0042]
A drive 28 is connected to the input / output interface 16 as necessary, and a removable recording medium 29 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory is appropriately mounted, and a computer program read out from the medium is read. Is installed in the storage unit 21 as needed.
[0043]
In the example of FIG. 1, the recording device 1 is a device that records a terrestrial television program. However, in practice, various recording contents (for example, a television program by satellite broadcasting or the Internet) are used. Content distributed via the Internet) can be recorded. However, in this case, a block (not shown) needs to be further added to the recording device 1 according to the nature of the content to be recorded.
[0044]
Further, in the example of FIG. 1, the storage location of the content is the storage unit (hard disk) 21, but the present invention is not limited to this example, and the CPU 11 may control the removable storage medium (for example, DVD ( Digital Versatile Disk) or the like, or may be recorded on another recording device 31 via the communication unit 27.
[0045]
Further, in the example of FIG. 1, the content recording method is a recording method in which the content is encoded by the MPEG method and recorded as a packet, but the recording method is not limited to this example.
[0046]
That is, the information recording device to which the present invention is applied is not limited to the recording device 1 (so-called hard disk recording device) shown in FIG. 1, but may be any information recording device capable of executing a scheduled recording process described later with reference to FIG. Just fine. For example, the present invention is applicable to a DVD recorder, a video cassette tape recorder, and the like.
[0047]
Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 2, a description will be given of the scheduled recording process of the recording device 1 of FIG.
[0048]
In step S1, the CPU 11 reserves a television program (reserved program) specified by the user.
[0049]
Specifically, in this example, for example, the user operates the input unit 26 to set the channel on which the desired television program is broadcast, the scheduled start time and the scheduled end time of the television program, and Enter the mode.
[0050]
In this example, for example, the user can record a television program for the first time (MPEG encoded data corresponding to the television program) in the storage unit 21 for each predetermined recording unit as a recording mode. A standard mode and a long-time mode in which a television program (MPEG-encoded data corresponding thereto) for a second time (longer than the first time) can be recorded in the storage unit 21 for each recording unit. Suppose one of the two modes is set.
[0051]
That is, when the long time mode is set, the MPEG encoding unit 20 encodes (compresses) the supplied data by setting the compression ratio of the supplied data higher than that when the standard mode is set, and stores the data. It is stored in the unit 21. Thus, when the long-time mode is set, it is possible to record data of a longer-time television program in the same recording capacity of the storage unit 21 as compared with the case where the standard mode is set.
[0052]
However, the recording mode is not limited to the above-described example. For example, the recording apparatus 1 can set a plurality of modes by changing the compression ratio of the MPEG encoding unit 20.
[0053]
The CPU 11 obtains the channel, the scheduled start time, the scheduled end time, and the recording mode input through the input unit 26 via the input / output interface 16 and the bus 15, and collects them in a predetermined manner in the storage unit 21. The reserved program is reserved by recording in the area of.
[0054]
For example, now, the CPU 11 broadcasts from the scheduled start time t1 to the scheduled end time t3 by using a J (J is an arbitrary integer corresponding to a terrestrial channel) channel as shown in FIG. It is assumed that the reserved program 92 scheduled to be executed has been reserved. The set recording mode is, for example, a standard mode.
[0055]
In step S2, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the current time measured by the timer 14 is the scheduled start time t1 of the reserved program 92.
[0056]
If the CPU 11 determines in step S2 that it is not the scheduled start time t1 of the reserved program 92, it returns the process to step S2 and determines again whether it is the scheduled start time t1 of the reserved program 92.
[0057]
That is, the CPU 11 constantly monitors the current time, and when the scheduled start time t1 is reached, the CPU 11 determines in step S2 that it is the scheduled start time t1 of the reserved program 92, and in step S3, sets the preset recording mode (now , Start recording in the standard mode).
[0058]
In step S4, the CPU 11 determines whether the extension function is set.
[0059]
Here, a function corresponding to the processing of steps S6 to S12 described below is referred to as an extension function. In this example, for example, the extension function is set by the user operating the input unit 26.
[0060]
If it is determined in step S4 that the extension function is not set, the CPU 11 performs recording in a preset recording mode until the scheduled end time t3 of the reserved program 92.
[0061]
That is, the tuner unit 18 transmits the analog terrestrial signal actually transmitted from the channel corresponding to the reserved program 92, that is, the J channel (ch) via the antenna 17 between the scheduled start time t1 and the scheduled end time t3. And supplies it to the video decoding unit 19.
[0062]
The video decoding unit 19 digitizes the analog data supplied from the tuner unit 18 and supplies the digitized analog data to the MPEG encoding unit 20. Here, since the extension function is not selected, the video decoding unit 19 does not supply the digitized data to the CPU 11.
[0063]
The MPEG encoding unit 20 encodes the digitized data supplied from the video decoding unit 19 at a compression rate corresponding to the standard mode by the MPEG method, and generates a packet. The packet generated by the MPEG encoding unit 20 is recorded in the storage unit 21 via the input / output interface 16.
[0064]
In this case, as described above, if Jch is actually broadcasting the reserved program 92 between the scheduled start time t1 and the scheduled end time t3, the storage unit 21 stores the MPEG data corresponding to the reserved program 92. All will be recorded.
[0065]
Note that, as described above, what is actually recorded in the storage unit 21 is the MPEG data. Hereinafter, for simplicity of explanation, the MPEG data recorded in the storage unit 21 is composed of the MPEG data. Only the name of the content (name of the television program in this case) is described (MPEG data is omitted).
[0066]
However, for example, as shown in FIG. 5 described below, when the actual broadcast of Jch is the actual broadcast 82 of Jch with respect to the broadcast schedule 81 of Jch, When the program 91 is extended, the storage unit 21 records the second half of the previous program 91 and the part up to the middle of the reserved program 92, and the remaining part of the reserved program 92 (from the scheduled end time t3 to the actual end time). The portion up to time t4) is not recorded.
[0067]
Therefore, in order to solve such a problem, in the present invention, as described above, the user operates the input unit 26 to set the extension function before the scheduled start time t1 of the reserved program 92. .
[0068]
In this case, at the scheduled start time t1, the recording of Jch is started in the processing of step S3, it is determined that the extension function is set in the processing of step S4, and the processing of steps S6 to S12 is executed (extension). Recording by function is performed).
[0069]
That is, the CPU 11 analyzes the characteristics of the video and audio being recorded in step S6, and determines in step S7 whether the program being recorded at that time is the reserved program 92 based on the result of the analysis. Determine whether or not.
[0070]
Specifically, the CPU 11 obtains the digitized video data supplied from the video decoding unit 19 and the corresponding audio data via the input / output interface 16 and the bus 15 and, for example, The analysis is performed as follows.
[0071]
That is, the extended television program is often a sports broadcast program. Therefore, in this example, for example, in step S6, the CPU 11 compares a predetermined feature of the acquired image data with a feature of an image constituting a preset sports broadcast program, and the result of the comparison is obtained. If the characteristics of the image data obtained and the characteristics of the images constituting the sports broadcast program match (or are similar), it is considered that the sports broadcast program has been extended and is still being broadcast at that time. In step S7, it is determined that the recorded program is not the reserved program 92 (it is determined that the recorded program is an extended sports broadcast program).
[0072]
On the other hand, if the result of the comparison in the process of step S6 is a result that the characteristics of the acquired image data do not match (or dissimilar) the characteristics of the images constituting the sports relay program, the CPU 11 determines In step S7, it is determined that the program being recorded is the reserved program 92, and the scheduled recording is performed as scheduled. That is, the CPU 11 advances the processing to the above-described step S5, and performs Jch recording in a preset recording mode (here, the standard mode) until the scheduled end time t3 of the reserved program 92.
[0073]
The processing method of the process of comparing the predetermined feature of the obtained image data in step S6 with the feature of the image constituting the preset sports broadcast program is not particularly limited. In this example, for example, It is as follows.
[0074]
That is, when the program 91 before the reserved program 92 is, for example, a program that relays the contents of baseball (hereinafter, referred to as a baseball relay program), as shown in FIG. In each of the (frames) 41, the overall progress of baseball ("K (where K is an integer of 1 or more) times) or" K times back "is displayed in the upper left area 51 of the image 41. Character string) and score (“arbitrary character (character corresponding to the first team name)”, “arbitrary number (score of the first team at that time)”, −, “arbitrary number (second character (The score of the team at that point in time) and a combination of “arbitrary characters (characters corresponding to the second team name)” (in the example of FIG. 3, a symbol of “7 times back T6-1G”). Is often displayed.
[0075]
In the lower right area 52 of the image 41, symbols (“S (strike)”, “display indicating the number of S”, “B ( Ball)), “display indicating the number of B”, “O (out)”, and “display indicating the number of O”) in many cases.
[0076]
Therefore, the CPU 11 stores in advance the symbol data characteristic of such a baseball relay program in the storage unit 21 or the like, and stores the data corresponding to the area 51 or the area 52 of the image data supplied from the video decoding unit 19. It is determined whether or not there is data matching (similar) with the symbol data stored in the storage unit 21. If it is determined that matching (similar) data exists, the image data (recording) is determined. Is determined to be data of a baseball broadcast program.
[0077]
Note that a manufacturer or the like may set (store) data of a symbol characteristic of a sports broadcast program or the like in advance when the recording device 1 is manufactured, or the user operates the input unit 26 to display the data on the display unit. 25 predetermined areas may be selected, and the image displayed in the area selected at that time may be set (stored) as symbol data characteristic of a sports broadcast program or the like.
[0078]
When the program 91 before the reserved program 92 is, for example, a program that relays the contents of soccer (hereinafter, referred to as a soccer relay program), as shown in FIG. In each of the (frames) 61, a lawn 71 occupies a large part of the screen 61 and is often displayed.
[0079]
Therefore, the CPU 11 detects a color that is most frequently used in the image data supplied from the video decoding unit 19, and determines the detected color as a predetermined color (in this case, a lawn that represents a feature of a preset soccer relay program). Is determined to be the same or a similar color, the image data (recorded image data) is determined to be data of a soccer relay program.
[0080]
The CPU 11 determines that one piece of image data (one frame of data) is data of a sports relay program (in the above-described example, a baseball relay program or a soccer relay program), and at that time, The broadcasted television program may be determined to be a sports broadcast program.
[0081]
However, in this example, for example, the CPU 11 performs the above-described determination on each of the image data (frame data) broadcast for a predetermined time (for example, two minutes) from the scheduled start time t1. The determination results are totaled and a final determination (determination as to whether or not the television program being broadcast at that time is a sports relay program) is performed. Thus, the CPU 11 can reliably determine whether or not the sports relay program (in the example described above, the baseball relay program or the soccer relay program) has been extended.
[0082]
The example in which the program 91 before the reserved program 92 is a baseball relay program or a soccer relay program has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to these examples and represents the television program (or content). If the features (colors, symbols, etc.) can be set in advance, the CPU 11 executes the processing of steps S4 and S5 as the program 91 before the reserved program 92 for any television program (or content). Is possible.
[0083]
Returning to FIG. 2, if it is determined in step S7 that the program being recorded is not the reserved program 92 (if it is determined that the program 91 is the program 91 before the reserved program 92), the CPU 11 stores the program in step S8. The remaining amount of the recording area of the unit 21 is checked, and in step S9, the registration status of another reserved program is checked. Then, in step S10, the CPU 11 selects the type of the extension function based on the remaining amount of the recording area of the storage unit 21 and the registration status of another reserved program.
[0084]
The type of the extension function is not particularly limited, but in this example, there are, for example, the following six types.
[0085]
That is, the first type is selected when another reserved program is not registered after the reserved program 92 and the remaining amount of the recording area of the storage unit 21 is equal to or larger than a predetermined capacity (sufficient). This is the type of extension function.
[0086]
As shown in FIG. 5, the first type of extension function is a recording end time when the actual broadcast history of Jch is set to the actual broadcast 82 of Jch with respect to the broadcast schedule 81 of Jch. Is extended from the scheduled end time t3 to the time t5, and the recording mode is a function of recording in the recording mode (standard mode in this case) set in the reservation recording (the process of step S1).
[0087]
That is, the end time of the recording is the time t5 obtained by adding the predetermined delay time T3 to the estimated time t4 at which the reserved program 92 actually ends.
[0088]
The method of estimating the estimated time t4 at which the reserved program 92 actually ends is not particularly limited, but in this example, for example, the following is performed.
[0089]
That is, the CPU 11 continues the process of step S6 (the process of analyzing the characteristics of the recorded video and audio) even after determining that the program being recorded in step S7 is a reserved program. Executing and detecting a commercial program broadcast between the previous program 91 and the reserved program 92 based on the analysis result, and detecting the previous program 91 even if a predetermined time has elapsed after the detection of the commercial program. When the feature is no longer detected, it is determined that the previous program 91 has ended, and the end time t2 of the previous program 91 is detected.
[0090]
The method of detecting a commercial program is not particularly limited, but in this example, for example, the CPU 11 determines, based on the audio data supplied from the video decoding unit 19, specifically, a break in the audio, an increase in the volume, or the like. Detect and detect commercial programs.
[0091]
Then, the CPU 11 calculates a difference value T2 between the detected end time t2 of the previous program 91 and the scheduled start time t1 of the reserved program 92 (extended time of the previous program 91), and calculates the scheduled end time t3 of the reserved program 92. Then, the time t4 obtained by adding the calculated time T2 is estimated as the actual end time of the reserved program 92.
[0092]
The end time of the recording may be set to the estimated end time t4 of the reserved program 92. However, as described above, the actual end time of the reserved program 92 is determined by the estimated end time Often after t4. Therefore, in the first type of the extension function, as described above, the recording end time is the time t5 obtained by adding the grace time T3 to the estimated end time t4 of the reserved program 92.
[0093]
That is, when the first type is selected as the extension function, as shown in the recorded content 83-1 of FIG. 5, the storage unit 21 stores the second half part (about time T2 minutes) of the previous program 91, All of the reserved program 92 and the first half (about time T3 minutes) of the next program 93 are recorded in the standard mode. When converted into time, MPEG data for (T1 + T2 + T3) time is recorded in the storage unit 21 in the standard mode.
[0094]
On the other hand, in the second type, no other reserved program is registered after the reserved program 92, and the remaining amount of the recording area of the storage unit 21 is smaller than a predetermined capacity (insufficient). This is the type of extension function selected in the case.
[0095]
As shown in FIG. 5, the extension function of the second type is a recording end time when the actual broadcast history of Jch is set to the actual broadcast 82 of Jch with respect to the broadcast schedule 81 of Jch. Is a function of extending the recording from the scheduled end time t3 to the time t5 in the same manner as in the first type. However, the recording mode is a function of recording while appropriately adjusting as appropriate.
[0096]
For example, when the second type is selected as the extension function, the CPU 11 records the commercial program portion in the long-time mode or records the entire reserved program 92 in accordance with the remaining recording capacity of the storage unit 21. Alternatively, control is performed such that the recording contents 83-1 in FIG.
[0097]
In the third type, a television program of the same channel (Jch) as the reserved program 92 is registered as a reserved program next to the reserved program 92 (another reserved program), and a recording area of the storage unit 21 is stored. This is the type of extension function selected when the remaining capacity is equal to or greater than a predetermined capacity (sufficient).
[0098]
As shown in FIG. 6, the third type of extension function is a recording end time when the actual broadcast history of Jch is set to the actual broadcast 82 of Jch with respect to the broadcast schedule 81 of Jch. Is extended from the scheduled end time t6 of the next program (reserved program) 93 to time t8, and the recording mode is set to the recording mode (the standard mode in this case) set in the reserved recording (the processing of step S1). Function.
[0099]
That is, if the extension function is not set, the CPU 11 sets the television program actually broadcasted by Jch from the scheduled start time t1 of the reserved program 92 to the scheduled end time t6 of the next program (reserved program) 93. The John program is recorded in the storage unit 21.
[0100]
In this case, the reserved program 92 is all recorded in the storage unit 21, but the next program 93 is only recorded halfway (the part from the scheduled end time t6 of the next program 93 to the actual end time t7 is recorded). Is not.)
[0101]
The third type is an extension function for solving such a problem. The recording end time is set at the estimated time t7 when the next program (reserved program) 93 actually ends, and the above-mentioned grace time T3 is set. It is time t8 that has been added.
[0102]
The method of estimating the estimated time t7 at which the next program (reserved program) 93 actually ends is not particularly limited, but in this example, it is the same as the method of estimating the estimated time t4 at which the reserved program 92 actually ends. Method.
[0103]
That is, the CPU 11 detects the end time t2 of the program (extended program) 91 before the reserved program. Then, the CPU 11 calculates a difference value (extended time of the previous program 91) T2 between the detected actual end time t2 of the previous program 91 and the scheduled end time t1 of the previous program 91, and calculates the next program (reserved time). A time t7 obtained by adding the calculated time T2 to the scheduled end time t6 of the program 93 is estimated as the actual end time of the next program (reserved program) 93.
[0104]
Note that the recording end time may be set to the estimated end time t7 of the next program (reserved program) 93, but as described above, the next program (reserved program) 93 Is often later than the estimated end time t7. Therefore, in the third type of the extension function, similarly to the first type, the recording end time is the time t8 obtained by adding the grace time T3 to the estimated end time t7 of the next program (reserved program) 93. It has been.
[0105]
That is, when the third type is selected as the extension function, as shown in the recorded content 83-2 of FIG. 6, the storage unit 21 stores the second half of the previous program 91 (about time T2 minutes), All of the reserved program 92, all of the next program (reserved program) 93, and the first half (approximately T3 minutes) of successive programs 94 are recorded in the storage unit 21 in the standard mode. In terms of time, MPEG data for (T1 + T2 + T3 + T4) times is stored in the storage unit 21.
[0106]
On the other hand, in the fourth type, a television program of the same channel (Jch) as the reserved program 92 is registered as a reserved program next to the reserved program 92 (another reserved program) and stored. This is the type of extension function selected when the remaining amount of the recording area of the unit 21 is smaller than the predetermined capacity (insufficient).
[0107]
As shown in FIG. 6, this fourth type of extension function is a recording end time when the actual broadcast history of Jch is set to the actual broadcast 82 of Jch with respect to the broadcast schedule 81 of Jch. Is a function of extending the recording from the scheduled end time t6 of the next program (reserved program) 93 to the time t8, similarly to the third type. However, as in the second type, the recording mode is a function of recording while appropriately adjusting the recording mode appropriately.
[0108]
For example, when the fourth type is selected as the extension function, the CPU 11 records the commercial program portion in the long-time mode or records the reserved program 92 and the reserved program 92 in accordance with the remaining recording capacity of the storage unit 21. The whole or a part of the next program (reserved program) 93 is also recorded in the long-time mode, so that the recording contents 83-2 of FIG.
[0109]
In the example of FIG. 6, only one reserved program (next program 93) is registered as another reserved program after the reserved program 92, but the number of registered other reserved programs is not limited to one. Absent.
[0110]
In such a case (when a plurality of other reserved programs are registered), when the fourth type is selected as the extension function, the CPU 11 executes, for example, one of the following two processes. It can be performed.
[0111]
That is, in this example, for example, the user operates the input unit 26 to set the first extension range corresponding to one day (specifically, for example, Suppose that one of the following two ranges is selected: the next range until 3:00 am) and the second range corresponding to one week. In this case, when the first range is selected by the user and the fourth type is selected as an extension function by the CPU 11, the CPU 11 can record all the other reserved programs until 3:00 am the next day. As described above, the recording is performed by appropriately adjusting the recording mode appropriately.
[0112]
Further, when the second range is selected by the user and the fourth type is selected as an extension function by the CPU 11, the CPU 11 sets the program time of the reserved program for one week (from the scheduled start time to the scheduled end time). ), And the recording mode is appropriately adjusted as appropriate so that the MPEG data for the total time can be recorded in the storage unit 21 for recording. However, if it is impossible to record all the reserved programs in the storage unit 21 even after performing the processing as described above, the CPU 11 does not record the temporally last reserved program.
[0113]
Note that, in this example, the recording mode is set to the two modes of the standard mode and the long time mode. However, in order to solve such a problem that occurs when the second range for one week is selected. Furthermore, as described above, it is preferable that a plurality of recording modes (a mode in which recording can be performed for a longer time than the long-time mode) can be set.
[0114]
The fifth type is a television set of another channel (hereinafter, referred to as another channel) different from the channel (here, Jch) of the reserved program 92 as the next reserved program (other reserved program) of the reserved program 92. This is the type of extension function selected when a John program is registered and the remaining capacity of the recording area of the storage unit 21 is equal to or greater than a predetermined capacity (sufficient).
[0115]
As shown in FIG. 7, the fifth type of extension function is that the actual broadcast history of Jch is set to the actual broadcast 82 of Jch with respect to the broadcast schedule 81 of Jch, and the actual broadcast history of Jch is Is the actual broadcast 102 of another channel with respect to the broadcast schedule 101 of another channel, the recording end time of the reserved program 92 is changed from the scheduled end time t3 in the same manner as the first type. At the time t5 or the earlier time of the scheduled start time ta of the reserved program (next reserved program) 111 of another channel, and the recording mode is set to the reserved recording (the processing of step S1). This is a function for recording in the recording mode (in this case, the standard mode).
[0116]
That is, when the fifth type is selected as the extension function, the CPU 11 estimates the estimated end time t4 of the reserved program 92 and adds a predetermined delay time T3 to it, as in the first type described above. The time t5 is provisionally set to be the recording end time of the reserved program 92.
[0117]
However, as shown in FIG. 7, when the provisionally set time t5 is set to a time after the scheduled start time ta of the reserved program 111 of another channel, the CPU 11 sets the time T5 from the time ta to the time t5. During this time, the reserved program 111 of another channel cannot be recorded.
[0118]
Therefore, in such a case, the CPU 11 sets the scheduled start time ta of the reserved program 111 of another channel as the recording end time of the reserved program 92.
[0119]
Thereby, the CPU 11 records the Jch television program in the storage unit 21 from the scheduled start time t1 of the reserved program 92 to the scheduled start time ta of the reserved program 111 of another channel, and thereafter, from the time ta. Until the scheduled end time tb of the reserved program 111 of another channel, the television program of another channel is recorded in the storage unit 21.
[0120]
As a result, as shown in the recorded content 83-3 in FIG. 7, the storage unit 21 stores the latter half of the program 91 before Jch (about time T2 minutes) and almost all of the reserved program 92 of Jch (time T5). All except the minutes) and all the reserved programs 111 of other channels are recorded in the standard mode.
[0121]
If the user desires complete recording (recording of all parts) of the reserved program 92 of Jch, rather than recording of the reserved program 111 of another channel, the user operates the input unit 26 to perform this. Based on the setting, the CPU 11 forcibly sets the recording end time of the reserved program 92 to the same time t5 as the first type regardless of the scheduled start time ta of the reserved program 111 of another channel. You may make it set.
[0122]
On the other hand, in the sixth type, a television program of another channel is registered as a reserved program next to the reserved program 92 (another reserved program), and the remaining amount of the recording area of the storage unit 21 is stored. Is the type of extension function selected when the capacity is less than the predetermined capacity (insufficient).
[0123]
As shown in FIG. 7, the extension function of the sixth type is that the actual broadcast history of Jch is set to the actual broadcast 82 of Jch with respect to the broadcast schedule 81 of Jch, and the actual broadcast history of Jch is Is the actual broadcast 102 of the other channel with respect to the broadcast schedule 101 of the other channel, the end time of the recording of the reserved program 92 is changed to the scheduled end time t3, as in the fifth type. This is a function of extending the recording from time t5 or time ta to the earlier time. However, in the recording mode, similarly to the fourth type, the recording function is a function of performing an optimal adjustment as appropriate.
[0124]
For example, when the sixth type is selected as the extension function, the CPU 11 records the commercial program portion in the long-time mode, or records the reserved program 92 and the reserved program 92 according to the remaining recording capacity of the storage unit 21. The whole or a part of the reserved program 111 of another channel is also recorded in the long-time mode, so that the recorded content 83-3 in FIG.
[0125]
In the example of FIG. 7, similarly to FIG. 6, only one reserved program (the reserved program 111 of another channel in the example of FIG. 7) is registered as another reserved program after the reserved program 92. However, as described above, the number of registered other reserved programs is not limited to one.
[0126]
In such a case (when a plurality of other reserved programs are registered), when the sixth type is selected as the extension function, the CPU 11 executes the above-described two processes of the fourth type (for one day). (A process corresponding to the first range and a process corresponding to the second range for one week).
[0127]
Returning to FIG. 2, in step S11, the CPU 11 performs an operation based on the extension function of the type selected in the process of step S10 (in this example, any of the first to sixth types described above). Set the end time and recording mode.
[0128]
Then, in step S12, the CPU 11 causes the storage unit 21 to record the target television program (the reserved program 92 or the like) in the newly set recording mode until the newly set end time. ).
[0129]
In this way, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the recording of the scheduled program 92 scheduled to be broadcast by Jch is scheduled from the scheduled start time t1 to the scheduled end time t2, the CPU 11 starts the predetermined time from the approximate time t1. The characteristic of the signal actually broadcast by Jch (data corresponding to the signal, which has been digitized by the video decoding unit 19) is detected until the time elapses. When it is determined that the feature of the signal corresponding to the previous program 91 matches, the previous program is regarded as being extended, the time t4 at which the reserved program 92 actually ends is estimated, and based on the estimated time t4, Since the recording end time of the reserved program 92 is extended (in the example of FIG. 5, the recording end time is extended from the recording end time t4 to the time t5), the preceding program 91 is extended as shown in the recorded content 83-1. Also, it is possible to record the reserved program 92 securely.
[0130]
As described above, the processing of the extension function is automatically performed by the CPU 11 after it has been set in advance by the user, so that the user can set the extension function once and thereafter, Even if the program is extended, a desired television program recorded in an appropriate recording mode can be reliably viewed.
[0131]
In the example described above, the program to be extended is the program 91 immediately before the reserved program 92. However, as described above, even if the program is not the program 91 immediately before, the scheduled start time t1 of the reserved program 92 is not changed. If the previously broadcast Jch television program is extended, the broadcast start time of the reserved program 92 is accordingly later than the scheduled start time t1.
[0132]
However, the broadcast time zone of the extended television program often concentrates on a certain time zone. For example, in the case of a baseball night game relay program, the scheduled end time is often set at the 20:50 level.
[0133]
In such a case, at a predetermined time before the scheduled start time t1 of the reserved program 92 (for example, at 21:00 in the case of a baseball night game relay program), the CPU 11 of FIG. 1 executes the above-described steps S6 and S7 of FIG. It is determined whether or not the baseball night game relay program is extended at the time of 21:00. If it is determined that the baseball night game relay program is extended, the time (time at 21:00) Then, the processing of steps S8 to S11 described above may be executed.
[0134]
In this case, the CPU 11 starts recording of the Jch television broadcast program at the scheduled start time t1, and in the recording mode newly set at 21:00 until the end time newly set at 21:00, Make a recording.
[0135]
When the above-described series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software is provided with a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware, or various functions are installed by installing various programs. It is installed on a general-purpose personal computer that can be executed, for example, from a network or a recording medium.
[0136]
As shown in FIG. 1, the recording medium is a magnetic disk (including a floppy disk) on which the program is recorded and an optical disk (CD-ROM), which are distributed separately from the apparatus main body to provide the user with the program. A removable recording medium (package medium) 29 including a ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory), a DVD (including a Digital Versatile Disk), a magneto-optical disk (including an MD (Mini-Disk)), or a semiconductor memory. Not only that, but also provided to the user in a state in which the program is pre-installed in the apparatus main body, a ROM 12 storing a program, a hard disk included in the storage unit 21, and the like.
[0137]
In this specification, the steps of describing a program recorded on a recording medium may be performed in chronological order according to the order, or in parallel or individually, even if not necessarily performed in chronological order. This includes the processing to be executed.
[0138]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, recording of content can be reserved in advance. Further, according to the present invention, when the first content is reserved and recorded, even if the end time of the second content distributed earlier is extended, the first content is reliably recorded. be able to.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a recording device to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of programmed recording of the recording device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example where the recording device detects a feature of a baseball broadcast program.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the recording device detects a feature of a soccer relay program.
FIG. 5 is a time chart for explaining an extended function of programmed recording of the recording device.
FIG. 6 is a time chart for explaining another extended function of the scheduled recording of the recording apparatus.
FIG. 7 is a time chart for explaining another extended function of the timer recording of the recording apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 recording device, 11 CPU, 14 timer, 17 antenna, 18 tuner unit, 19 video decoding unit, 20 MPEG encoding unit, 21 storage unit, 41 image of baseball relay program, 51, 52 area, 61 soccer relay program, 71 lawn , 91 previous program, 92 reserved program, 93 next program, 111 other channel reserved program, t1 to t8, ta, tb time
T1 Scheduled broadcast time of reserved program, T2 Extended time of previous program, T3 Grace time

Claims (15)

A reservation means for pre-reserving the recording of the content,
When the recording of the first content scheduled to be distributed by another information processing device from the first time to the second time as the content is reserved by the reservation unit, the recording is started from the first time. Recording control means for controlling a signal actually distributed from the other information processing apparatus until the second time to be recorded on a recording medium as a signal corresponding to the first content;
Detecting means for detecting a characteristic of a signal actually distributed from the other information processing apparatus;
The characteristic of the signal detected by the detection means during a period from the first time to a lapse of a predetermined time is a signal characteristic of the signal to be distributed from the another information processing apparatus before the first time. Determining means for determining whether or not the feature of the signal corresponding to the second content is the same;
When the determination unit determines that the feature of the signal matches the feature of the signal corresponding to the second content, the third unit estimates a third time at which the delivery of the first content is actually finished, Setting means for setting the end time at which the recording control means ends the recording control to be extended to a fourth time after the second time based on the estimated third time,
The recording control unit, when the setting unit sets the extension of the end time to the fourth time, the other information processing apparatus between the first time and the fourth time. An information recording apparatus which controls so that a signal actually distributed is recorded on the recording medium. The information recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fourth time is a time obtained by adding a predetermined grace time to the third time. The content delivered from the other information processing device includes an image,
The detecting means detects a predetermined feature of the image,
The determining unit determines that the image corresponds to the second content when a feature of the image detected by the detecting unit matches a preset feature of an image constituting the second content. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus determines that the image is an image. The detection means detects a color used most in the image,
The determining means determines that the image is the second color if the color detected by the detecting means is the same as or similar to a predetermined color representing a characteristic of the second content set in advance. 4. The information recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the information recording apparatus determines that the image corresponds to the content. The detecting means detects a symbol representing a characteristic of the second content from a predetermined range in the image,
4. The information recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the detection unit detects the symbol, the determination unit determines that the image is an image corresponding to the second content. 5. The content delivered from the other information processing device further includes a sound corresponding to the image,
The detecting means further detects a predetermined feature of the voice,
The setting unit may be configured such that a feature of the sound detected by the detection unit matches a feature corresponding to a third content different from the first and second contents, and thereafter, the sound is detected by the detection unit. If the feature of the image corresponding to the second content is not detected, it is considered that the second content has ended, a fifth time at that time is detected, and the first time is compared with the second time. And estimating a time obtained by adding a time corresponding to a time from the time to the fifth time as the third time, and setting the fourth time based on the estimated third time. The information recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein When the determination unit determines that the characteristic of the signal matches the characteristic of the signal corresponding to the second content, the capacity of another content reserved by the reservation unit and the recording area of the recording medium In addition, there is a survey tool to investigate the free space of
The information recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit sets the fourth time based on the third time and a check result of the check unit. The recording means used by the recording control means is selected from a plurality of recording time modes for changing the time of a recordable signal for each predetermined recording unit of the recording medium. Set the time mode further,
The recording control unit controls, for each recording unit, a signal for a time corresponding to the recording time mode set by the reservation unit or the setting unit to record the signal on the recording medium. The information recording device according to claim 7, wherein A method of setting the fourth time based on the third time, a setting pattern including the recording time mode, a capacity of another content reserved by the reservation unit, and recording of the recording medium. Depending on the degree of free space in the area, a plurality is set in advance,
The setting unit selects a setting pattern corresponding to the examination result of the examination unit out of the plurality of setting patterns, and sets the fourth time based on the third time and the selected setting pattern. 9. The information recording apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a time and a previous recording time mode are set. The investigating unit is configured to distribute another content reserved by the reservation unit from the other information processing apparatus between the fifth time and the sixth time after the second time. If it is determined that the third content exists, the setting unit further estimates a seventh time at which the distribution of the third content actually ends, and based on the estimated seventh time, The information recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the fourth time is set. A first other unit that distributes the first content from a fifth time to a sixth time after the second time as another content reserved by the reservation unit by the investigation unit; When it is determined that there is a third content to be distributed from a second other information processing apparatus different from the information processing apparatus, the setting unit determines the estimated fourth content as the fourth time. Setting a third time or an earlier time among the fifth times at which the distribution of the third content is scheduled to start;
The recording control unit controls the signal actually distributed from the first other information processing apparatus to be recorded on the recording medium between the first time and the fourth time. After that, further, it is preferable that a signal actually distributed from the second other information processing apparatus is controlled to be recorded on the recording medium between the fifth time and the sixth time. The information recording device according to claim 7, wherein The detection unit may be configured to determine that the predetermined time has elapsed from a sixth time before the first time and after a fifth time when the distribution of the second content is scheduled to end. In the meantime, further detect the characteristics of the signal actually distributed from the other information processing device,
The determination unit further determines whether the characteristic of the signal detected by the detection unit matches the characteristic of the signal corresponding to the second content,
The setting unit estimates the third time at the time when the determination unit determines that the characteristic of the signal matches the characteristic of the signal corresponding to the second content. The information recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fourth time is set based on a third time. In the information recording method of the information recording device,
A reservation step of pre-booking the recording of the content;
If the recording of the first content scheduled to be distributed from another information processing apparatus as the content between the first time and the second time is reserved by the processing of the reservation step, A first recording for controlling a signal actually distributed from the other information processing apparatus between a time and the second time to be recorded on a recording medium as a signal corresponding to the first content; A control step;
A detecting step of detecting a characteristic of a signal actually distributed from the other information processing apparatus,
By the processing of the detection step, the characteristic of the signal detected during a period from the first time until a predetermined time elapses is distributed from the other information processing device before the first time. A determining step of determining whether or not the feature of the signal corresponding to the scheduled second content is matched;
When the characteristic of the signal is determined to match the characteristic of the signal corresponding to the second content by the processing of the determining step, the distribution of the signal corresponding to the first content is actually ended. A time is estimated, and an end time at which the processing of the first recording control step ends is set to be extended to a fourth time after the second time based on the estimated third time. Configuration steps;
If the end time is set to be extended to the fourth time by the processing of the setting step, the distribution is actually performed by the other information processing apparatus between the first time and the fourth time. And a second recording control step of controlling the recording signal to be recorded on the recording medium. A computer program for controlling an information recording device,
A reservation step of pre-booking the recording of the content;
If the recording of the first content scheduled to be distributed from another information processing apparatus as the content between the first time and the second time is reserved by the processing of the reservation step, A first recording for controlling a signal actually distributed from the other information processing apparatus between a time and the second time to be recorded on a recording medium as a signal corresponding to the first content; A control step;
A detecting step of detecting a characteristic of a signal actually distributed from the other information processing apparatus,
By the processing of the detection step, the characteristic of the signal detected during a period from the first time until a predetermined time elapses is distributed from the other information processing device before the first time. A determining step of determining whether or not the feature of the signal corresponding to the scheduled second content is matched;
When the characteristic of the signal is determined to match the characteristic of the signal corresponding to the second content by the processing of the determining step, the distribution of the signal corresponding to the first content is actually ended. A time is estimated, and an end time at which the processing of the first recording control step ends is set to be extended to a fourth time after the second time based on the estimated third time. Configuration steps;
If the end time is set to be extended to the fourth time by the processing of the setting step, the distribution is actually performed by the other information processing apparatus between the first time and the fourth time. And a second recording control step of controlling the recording medium to record the signal to be recorded on the recording medium. The computer that controls the information recording device
A reservation step of pre-booking the recording of the content;
If the recording of the first content scheduled to be distributed from another information processing apparatus as the content between the first time and the second time is reserved by the processing of the reservation step, A first recording for controlling a signal actually distributed from the other information processing apparatus between a time and the second time to be recorded on a recording medium as a signal corresponding to the first content; A control step;
A detecting step of detecting a characteristic of a signal actually distributed from the other information processing apparatus,
By the processing of the detection step, the characteristic of the signal detected during a period from the first time until a predetermined time elapses is distributed from the other information processing device before the first time. A determining step of determining whether or not the feature of the signal corresponding to the scheduled second content is matched;
When the characteristic of the signal is determined to match the characteristic of the signal corresponding to the second content by the processing of the determining step, the distribution of the signal corresponding to the first content is actually ended. A time is estimated, and an end time at which the processing of the first recording control step ends is set to be extended to a fourth time after the second time based on the estimated third time. Configuration steps;
If the end time is set to be extended to the fourth time by the processing of the setting step, the distribution is actually performed by the other information processing apparatus between the first time and the fourth time. And a second recording control step of controlling the recorded signal to be recorded on the recording medium.

Images