JP2005328536A - Broadcasting accumulation system, device, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a broadcasting accumulation device to meet users' various needs for corresponding to the number of accumulable programs or simultaneously recordable programs. <P>SOLUTION: In a broadcasting accumulation system 10, a main broadcasting accumulation device 11 grasps a program in which each subordinate broadcasting accumulation device 12 has made a recording reservation, respectively. When a program to be recorded is determined by user's operation or automatic recording reservation, a device for recording the program is chosen and gives a direction of recording reservation of the program. When the subordinate broadcasting accumulation device 12 is directed to reserve the program from the main broadcasting accumulation device 11, the recording reservation of the program is set. When the program is started, the program is recorded. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a broadcast storage apparatus for recording and storing programs to be broadcast.

  The full-scale digital broadcasting accompanying the spread of CS broadcasting and CATV increases the number of television channels that can be received. In that case, there are more cases where a program to be viewed cannot be viewed in real time, such as when a plurality of programs to be viewed are broadcast at the same time or when it is not convenient, and the opportunity to use reserved recording increases.

  In addition, there is an increased possibility that a plurality of programs need to be recorded simultaneously. In such a case, in order to record a plurality of programs broadcast at the same time, conventionally, a plurality of VTR devices are used, and a user has reserved recording of these programs in each VTR device.

  By the way, the conventional VTR device is difficult to access randomly and the recording capacity of the video cassette tape is small, so it is often inconvenient. In order to eliminate these inconveniences, the program can be easily accessed on a hard disk with a large recording capacity. Broadcast storage devices that record video have appeared. And, by expanding the recording capacity of the hard disk and using a disk array device using a plurality of hard disks, the device that records programs on this hard disk can record for a longer time than a single video cassette tape on the VTR device. ing. As a recording reservation operation of this type of broadcast storage device, there is an operation that allows an operation such as recording reservation from a connected personal computer. In addition, there is a video recording reservation by operating the remote control while watching the display on the TV screen.

  In digital broadcasting or the like using a communication satellite, an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) that is program information describing the name of the program to be broadcast and its broadcast date and time is broadcast. If a receiver having an EPG reception function is used, the user can refer to the program guide on the television screen and select a program to be recorded. It is also possible to realize a broadcast storage apparatus that extracts a program to be recorded based on EPG and automatically records it.

  As a method for providing the EPG, a method of making it public through a telephone line or an ISDN line can be considered separately from broadcasting. In this case as well, EPG can be used to select a program to be recorded.

  In the conventional method of simultaneously recording a plurality of programs using a plurality of broadcast storage devices, the user can make a recording reservation for each broadcast storage device in consideration of the recording reservation status of each broadcast storage device and the free space of the tape. The task was cumbersome and cumbersome.

  In addition, when a program of a plurality of channels is recorded using a plurality of broadcast storage apparatuses, the user causes the broadcast storage apparatus in which the program desired to be viewed is recorded to be played back. It is necessary to know whether a program to be viewed is recorded on the broadcast storage device or the video cassette tape.

  Also, if the number of broadcast storage devices is increased, many programs can be recorded at the same time, and many programs can be recorded. With this increase, the amount of information that the user needs to grasp increases, The burden placed on the user by management and selection of programs during playback becomes large.

  Also, the broadcast storage device using a hard disk has a large capacity, but its recording capacity is limited and it is not easy to attach and detach, so if you want to save the recorded program, the program more than the predetermined data It was difficult to preserve.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a broadcast storage apparatus that can meet diversified user needs with respect to the number of programs that can be recorded simultaneously, and that can easily store recorded programs.

In order to achieve the above object, a broadcast storage system of the present invention is a broadcast storage system for recording and storing programs to be broadcast from a plurality of channels,
When the recording reservation of the program is instructed, the recording reservation of the program is set, and the slave device that records the program at the time when the program is broadcast;
The subordinate apparatus knows each program reserved for recording, and if a program to be recorded is determined, the subordinate apparatus that records the program is selected so that a plurality of recording reservations are not set at the same time in the same apparatus And a main device that instructs the slave device to make a recording reservation for the program.

  Therefore, since the main unit is configured to collectively manage recording reservations of all the subordinate devices, the number of subordinate devices can be selected according to the user's request regarding the number of programs that can be stored and the number of programs that can be recorded simultaneously. .

According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the main device cannot select the subordinate device to record the program, the subordinate device allocates the program reserved for recording to the subordinate device to be recorded. And, if necessary, instruct each subordinate device to change the recording reservation, instruct the subordinate device in which the area for recording the program is secured, instruct the recording reservation of the program,
When the subordinate apparatus is instructed to change the recording reservation from the main apparatus, the subordinate apparatus changes the setting of the recording reservation based on the instruction.

  Since the setting of the recording reservation obtained by accumulating requests for the recording reservation that occur sequentially is optimized, it is possible to record as many programs as possible.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, when the main device is instructed to start recording without reservation, at that time, the program has not been recorded, and until the recording start time of the first program reserved for recording. Instruct the slave device with the longest time to start recording the program,
When the slave device receives an instruction to start recording, the slave device immediately starts recording the designated program.

  Even in the case of manual recording start, program recording can be assigned to the optimum subordinate apparatus.

Further, when the main device is instructed to start recording without reservation, the main device reconfigures recording reservations of all the slave devices, and the time until the first recording start time reserved for any one slave device , As long as possible, instructing each subordinate device to change the recording reservation, if necessary, instructing the subordinate device to start recording as long as possible until the recording start time,
When the subordinate apparatus is instructed to change the recording reservation from the main apparatus, the subordinate apparatus changes the recording reservation setting based on the instruction, and upon receiving an instruction to start recording, immediately starts recording the designated program. May be.

  In the case of manual recording start, after optimizing the recording reservation, the recording of the program can be assigned to the optimum subordinate apparatus.

In addition, when the main apparatus is instructed to start recording without reservation, the main apparatus does not record the program at that time, and the recording reservation is set before the end time of the program instructed to start recording. Select a slave device that is not, instruct the slave device to start recording,
When the slave device receives an instruction to start recording, the slave device may immediately start recording the designated program.

  When the program end time can be known by manual recording start, the program recording can be assigned to the optimum subordinate apparatus.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, the main device and the slave device are connected to each other via a communication line, and the slave device transmits a program reserved for recording by the slave device through the communication line. The main apparatus notifies the main apparatus, and instructs the recording reservation through the communication line.

Another broadcast storage system of the present invention is a broadcast storage system for recording and storing programs to be broadcast from a plurality of channels,
Upon receiving an inquiry as to whether or not the program can be recorded, it is determined whether or not the program can be recorded so that the recording reservation is not set at the same time as the program reserved for recording by the own device, and recording is performed. If possible, a response to that effect, setting a recording reservation for the program, and a slave device that records the program when the program is broadcast time;
When a program to be recorded is determined, an inquiry is made to the subordinate apparatus as to whether or not the program can be recorded until the response that the program can be recorded is received. , And a main apparatus that allocates a recording reservation for the program to the subordinate apparatus that has made the response.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the response indicating that the program can be recorded is not received from any of the slave devices, each of the master device and the slave device makes a recording reservation. The existing programs are exchanged and arranged, and a free area for the program to be recorded is secured in any device.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, the main device and the slave device are connected to each other via a communication line, and the main device makes an inquiry as to whether recording reservation is possible through the communication line.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the main device is connected to an output device, and when receiving a program signal reproducing the program through the communication line, the main device outputs the program signal to the output device,
The slave device reproduces the program and transmits the program signal to the main device through the communication line.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the main apparatus causes the user to select the program to be played back, the main apparatus stores the program stored in the subordinate apparatus at the subordinate apparatus and the time when the program was recorded. The associated list is displayed on the output device.

  Therefore, it is possible to provide a user interface unified to the user from the main device regardless of the subordinate device.

  Further, since the recorded program is displayed on the screen in a reduced list in association with the subordinate apparatus, the recorded program can be displayed in a form that is easy for the user to see.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, the main device also has a function of recording and playing back the program.

  Alternatively, the main device is a computer.

Still another broadcast storage system of the present invention includes a first tuner that extracts a signal of a desired channel from a received broadcast signal, a first encoder that encodes the signal of the channel to generate program data, and the program data A selector that selects one of the program data extracted from the first storage unit and program data input from another device, and the program data input from the selector A decoder for decoding, all of the devices included in the broadcast storage system are aware of each program reserved for recording, and when a program to be recorded is determined, a plurality of recording reservations are made at the same time at the same device If the device for recording the program is selected so that it is not set, and the device is selected, the program will be transmitted by the first tuner when the time at which the program is broadcast is reached. When a channel to be broadcast is extracted, program data of the program is generated by the first encoder, the program data is stored in the first storage unit, and a device other than the own device is selected. Instructing the device to make a recording reservation for the program, and when the program data of the program instructed to be played back by the user is stored in the first storage unit of the own device, the program data is extracted, and the first When program data of a program decoded by a decoder and instructed to be reproduced by a user is stored in a device other than the own device, the device is instructed to reproduce the program, and the program data input from the device is A main device for decoding by a first decoder;
A second tuner that extracts a signal of a desired channel from the received broadcast signal; a second encoder that encodes the signal of the channel to generate program data; and a second storage unit that stores the program data. Then, when it is time to broadcast the program instructed to make a recording reservation, the second tuner extracts a channel on which the program is broadcast, generates program data of the program by the second encoder, There is a slave device that accumulates program data in the second storage unit, extracts program data of a program instructed to be played back from the main device from the second storage unit, and transmits the program data to the main device.

The broadcast storage device of the present invention includes a tuner that extracts a signal of a desired channel from a received broadcast signal,
An encoder that encodes a signal of the channel to generate program data;
A storage unit for storing the program data;
A decoder for decoding the program data;
An apparatus for grasping programs scheduled to be recorded by a plurality of apparatuses including its own apparatus, and recording the programs so that a plurality of recording reservations are not set at the same time when the program to be recorded is determined. And when the program is broadcasted, when the time when the program is broadcast is reached, the tuner extracts a channel on which the program is broadcast, and the encoder generates program data of the program, When program data is accumulated in the storage unit and an apparatus other than the own apparatus is selected, the apparatus is instructed to reserve recording of the program, and the program data of the program instructed to be played back by the user is stored in the own apparatus. When stored in the storage unit, the program data is taken out, decoded by the decoder, and the program data of the program instructed to be played back by the user is stored in the device other than the own device. If it is, it instructs reproduction of 該番 set in the apparatus, having a control unit for decoding the program data inputted from the device to the decoder.

  According to the embodiment of the present invention, the control unit optimizes the allocation of the program reserved for recording by each device to the device to be recorded when the device to record the program cannot be selected. If necessary, each apparatus is instructed to change the recording reservation, and the apparatus in which an area for recording the program is reserved is instructed to record the program.

  According to the embodiment of the present invention, when the control unit is instructed to start recording without reservation, at that time, the program has not been recorded, and until the recording start time of the first program reserved for recording. Is instructed to start recording the program.

  In addition, when the control unit is instructed to start recording without reservation, the control unit reconfigures the recording reservation of all the devices, and the time until the first recording start time reserved for any one device can be as much as possible. The recording reservation of each device may be changed as necessary, and the start of recording may be instructed to the device whose time until the recording start time is as long as possible.

  Further, when the control unit is instructed to start recording without reservation, the control unit does not record the program at that time, and the recording reservation is set before the end time of the program instructed to start recording. The device that has not been selected may be selected and the device may be instructed to start recording.

Another broadcast storage apparatus of the present invention includes a tuner that extracts a signal of a desired channel from a received broadcast signal,
An encoder that encodes a signal of the channel to generate program data;
A storage unit for storing the program data;
When it is time to broadcast a program for which recording reservation is instructed, the tuner extracts the channel on which the program is broadcast, causes the encoder to generate program data for the program, and stores the program data in the storage unit And a control unit that extracts the program data of the program instructed to be reproduced from the storage unit and transmits the program data.

  According to the embodiment of the present invention, when the controller is instructed to change the recording reservation, the controller changes the setting based on the instruction.

  According to the embodiment of the present invention, upon receiving an instruction to start recording, the control unit immediately starts recording the designated program.

Still another broadcast storage apparatus of the present invention is a broadcast storage apparatus for recording and storing a broadcast program,
A temporary storage unit for temporarily storing up to a predetermined amount of program data;
A permanent storage unit for storing what the user has permanently selected from the program data stored in the temporary storage unit;
The program data of the program reserved for recording is sequentially recorded in the temporary storage unit, and the program data recorded in the past is deleted when the program data stored in the temporary storage unit exceeds the predetermined amount A recording control unit;
A storage control unit that moves the program data selected by the user to be stored permanently from the program data stored in the temporary storage unit to the permanent storage unit;
A reproduction control unit configured to reproduce a program selected by the user from the programs in which the program data is stored in the temporary storage unit or the permanent storage unit;

  Therefore, the user can actually view all or a part of the programs automatically stored in the temporary storage unit when he / she likes and select a program to be saved.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, the recording control unit causes the output device to display how long the program data stored in the temporary storage unit is retained without being erased.

  Thereby, the user can know by when it is necessary to determine whether or not to save the program.

  According to the embodiment of the present invention, the storage capacity of the temporary storage unit and the permanent storage unit can be selected by the user.

  Thereby, the user can adjust the period for which the program is held in the temporary storage unit to his / her own pace.

Still another broadcast storage system of the present invention is a broadcast storage system for recording a program to be broadcast from a plurality of channels, storing program data of the program, and reproducing the program according to a user instruction.
A subordinate device for automatically and continuously recording the program from a predetermined channel and reproducing the recorded program according to an instruction;
When the subordinate apparatus automatically determines the channel on which the subordinate apparatus continuously records the program and causes the user to select a program to be played back, it corresponds to the channel and the time when the program was recorded. When the user selects a program to be played back according to the channel and the time, the recorded program is displayed on the output device according to the attached list, and the program is displayed on the slave device that has recorded the program. When the user changes the selection of the channel, the main device causes the subordinate device that recorded the program to reproduce the program recorded from the channel after the change at the same time as that before the change.

  Therefore, the user can view past programs with the same operational feeling as viewing programs in real time, and can also advance or return the time.

Still another broadcast storage system of the present invention includes a first storage unit that stores program data of a recorded program and a first decoder that decodes the program data extracted from the first storage unit. When all the devices included in the broadcast storage system grasp the recorded program, and the program data of the program instructed to be played by the user is stored in the first storage unit of the own device, When the program data is taken out, decoded by the first decoder and the program signal is input to the output device, and the program data of the program instructed to be reproduced by the user is stored in a device other than the own device, The apparatus is instructed to reproduce the program, the program signal received from the apparatus is input to the output apparatus, and program data of a program that is likely to be reproduced by the user's operation later is the first data of the own apparatus. 1's When stored in 憶部, said 該番 set data first
The program data of the program that is likely to be played back by the user's operation later is accumulated in a device other than the own device. A main device that instructs the device to prepare for playback of the program,
A second storage unit for storing the program data; and a second decoder for generating a program signal by decoding the program data extracted from the second storage unit, and instructing reproduction from the main unit The program data of the designated program is retrieved from the second storage unit, the program data is decoded by the second decoder, the program signal is transmitted to the main device, and the program data of the program instructed to be played back is transmitted. From the second storage unit and a subordinate device that prepares for decoding by the second decoder.

  Therefore, since a program that is highly likely to be instructed to be reproduced by the user is prepared in advance, the time required for switching the program to be reproduced is reduced.

Still another broadcast storage apparatus of the present invention includes a storage unit that stores program data of a recorded program,
A decoder for decoding the program data extracted from the storage unit;
When all the devices included in the broadcast storage system grasp the recorded program, and the program data of the program instructed to be reproduced by the user is stored in the storage unit of the own device, the program data is When the program data of the program instructed to be played back by the user is stored in a device other than its own device, the program is played back in the device. The program signal received from the device is input to the output device, and program data of a program that is likely to be reproduced by the user's subsequent operation is stored in the storage unit of the own device. In such a case, the program data is retrieved from the storage unit and prepared for decoding by the decoder, and the program data of the program that is likely to be reproduced by a subsequent user operation is stored in the program data. When stored in a device other than device, having a control unit for instructing the preparation of the program of the playback to the device.

Still another broadcast storage apparatus of the present invention includes a storage unit that stores program data of a recorded program,
A decoder that decodes the program data extracted from the storage unit to generate a program signal;
The program data of the program instructed to be reproduced is taken out from the storage unit, the program data is decoded by the decoder, the program signal is transmitted, and the program data of the program instructed to be reproduced is taken out from the storage unit And a control unit for making the decoder prepare for decoding.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, the slave device is an expansion module that can be incorporated into the main device. Alternatively, the slave device is a software module that can be executed by the master device in a desired number.

The information providing apparatus of the present invention is an information providing apparatus for providing information on a program to be reserved for recording in a broadcast storage apparatus,
Means for selecting a device for recording the program so that a plurality of recording reservations are not set at the same time among the plurality of devices;
Means for assigning a recording reservation for the program to the apparatus;

  According to the embodiment of the present invention, when the device that should record the program cannot be selected, the allocation of the program assigned to each device is optimized, and if necessary, the device is instructed to change the recording reservation. It further has means.

  According to the present invention, since the system configuration in which the recording reservation of all the slave devices is collectively managed by the main device, the number of slave devices is selected according to the user's request regarding the number of programs that can be stored and the number of programs that can be recorded simultaneously. It is possible to configure an optimum broadcast storage system, and the system configuration can be easily changed.

  Further, according to the present invention, the user interface can be provided to the user from the main device regardless of the subordinate device, so that when the system configuration is changed, the user accumulates the broadcast by the same operation method as before. The system can be used.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the recorded program is displayed on the screen in a reduced list in association with the subordinate apparatus, the recorded program can be displayed in a form that is easy for the user to see.

  In addition, according to the present invention, the user can actually view all or part of the program automatically stored in the temporary storage unit when he / she likes and select the program to be saved. It is possible to accurately select only programs to be saved.

  Further, according to the present invention, the user can know when it is necessary to determine whether or not to save the program.

  In addition, since the user can adjust the period during which the program is held in the temporary storage unit to his / her own pace, the user can automatically record the program and determine whether to save the program at his / her own pace.

  In addition, according to the present invention, the user can view a past program with the same operational feeling as viewing a program in real time, and can also advance or return the time. Improved operability.

  Further, according to the present invention, since a program that is highly likely to be instructed to be reproduced by the user is prepared for reproduction in advance, the time required for switching the program to be reproduced is shortened, and the operability for the user is improved.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a broadcast storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The broadcast storage system 10 of this embodiment includes a main broadcast storage device 11 and a plurality of subordinate broadcast storage devices 12. The main broadcast storage device 11 and the subordinate broadcast storage device 12 are connected to an antenna 15. The main broadcast storage device 11 and the subordinate broadcast storage device 12 are connected by a communication line 16. A personal computer 14 may be further connected to the communication line 16. The main broadcast storage device 11 is connected to the television 13.

  Referring to FIG. 2, the main broadcast storage device 11 includes a tuner 21, an encoder 22, a storage unit 23, a control unit 24, a communication processing unit 25, a selector 26, and a decoder 27.

  The tuner 21 extracts a signal of a desired channel from the signal from the antenna 15.

  The encoder 22 encodes the channel image and audio signal extracted by the tuner 21 and outputs the encoded image and audio data. The encoding method is, for example, MPEG2.

  The storage unit 23 stores the image and audio data encoded by the encoder 22.

  The communication processing unit 25 transmits and receives control information and receives image and audio data via the communication line 16.

  The control unit 24 generates and analyzes control information that is transmitted and received by the communication processing unit 25 via the communication line 16 and controls operations of each unit such as the tuner 21, the encoder 22, and the storage unit 23.

  The selector 26 selects either the image and sound data stored in the storage unit 23 and the image and sound data received by the communication processing unit 25.

  The decoder 27 decodes the image and audio data input from the selector 26 and inputs the decoded image and audio data to the television 13 which is an output device that outputs the video and audio of the program.

  Referring to FIG. 3, the dependent broadcast storage device 12 includes a tuner 31, an encoder 32, a storage unit 33, a control unit 34, and a communication processing unit 35.

  The tuner 31 extracts a signal of a desired channel from the broadcast signal from the antenna 15.

  The encoder 32 encodes the image signal and audio signal of the channel extracted by the tuner 31 and outputs them as image and audio data. The encoding method is, for example, MPEG2.

  The storage unit 33 stores the image and audio data encoded by the encoder 32.

  The communication processing unit 35 transmits and receives control information and transmits image and audio data via the communication line 16.

  The control unit 34 generates and analyzes control information transmitted and received by the communication processing unit 35 via the communication line 16, and controls the operation of each unit such as the tuner 31, the encoder 32, and the storage unit 33.

  In the present embodiment, the main broadcast storage device 11 and the subordinate broadcast storage device 12 are different devices from each other, but may be devices of the same configuration that can be used together.

  Referring to FIG. 4, the dual-purpose broadcast storage device 40 includes a tuner 21, an encoder 22, a storage unit 23, a control unit 24, a communication processing unit 41, a selector 26, and a decoder 27.

  The tuner 21, encoder 22, storage unit 23, control unit 24, selector 26, and decoder 27 are the same as those in FIG.

  The communication processing unit 41 can transmit image and audio data stored in the storage unit 23 via the communication line 16 in addition to transmitting and receiving control information and receiving image and audio data via the communication line 16. It is.

  When used as a main broadcast storage device, the broadcast storage device 40 is connected to the television 13 and the selector 26 and the decoder 27 are enabled. Also, when the broadcast storage device 40 is used as a subordinate broadcast storage device, the selector 26 and the decoder 27 do not operate.

  The setting as to whether the broadcast storage device 40 is used as a main broadcast storage device or a subordinate broadcast storage device is determined in advance, for example. Further, the setting may be notified from the connected personal computer 14. Moreover, you may recognize that what detected having connected with the television 13 is a main broadcast storage device.

  Next, the operation of the broadcast storage system 10 will be described.

  When the main broadcast storage device 11 and the subordinate broadcast storage device 12 are connected to each other via the communication line 16 or powered on, they transmit and receive control information to notify each other of their existence. At this point, the number of devices connected to each other is known. Next, the subordinate broadcast storage device 12 records the recorded program information indicating the program stored by itself, recording reservation information indicating the program reserved for recording by itself, video and audio in which the video and audio of the program are converted into data. The main broadcast storage device 11 is notified of the capacity of the free space where data can be stored. Next, the main broadcast storage device 11 displays the recorded program information and recording reservation information of the entire broadcast storage system 10 on the screen of the television 13.

  When reproducing a program recorded on any device, the user designates a program to be reproduced by viewing recorded program information displayed on the screen of the television 13. The main broadcast storage device 11 checks in which device the designated program is stored.

  When the program is stored in the main broadcast storage device 11 itself, the main broadcast storage device 11 extracts the video and audio data of the program from the storage unit 23, decodes it by the decoder 27, and inputs it to the television 13.

  When the program is stored in any of the subordinate broadcast storage devices 12, the main broadcast storage device 11 instructs the subordinate broadcast storage device 12 to reproduce.

  Receiving the reproduction instruction, the subordinate broadcast storage device 12 extracts the video and audio data of the corresponding program from the storage unit 33 and transmits it to the main broadcast storage device 11.

  The main broadcast storage device 11 decodes the received video and audio data by the decoder 27 and inputs the decoded data to the television 13.

  When reserving a program for recording, the main broadcast storage device 11 displays on the television 13 an EPG (electronic program guide) in which program information listing the programs broadcast on each channel is described. The user views the EPG and instructs the main broadcast storage device 11 to make a recording reservation.

  The main broadcast storage device 11 selects a device to record the instructed program from the broadcast storage system 10.

  This selection is made in consideration of whether or not a recording reservation is set for a program that is broadcast simultaneously with the program, and whether or not there is sufficient free space for storing video and audio data.

  When the main broadcast storage device 11 itself is selected, the main broadcast storage device 11 sets a recording reservation for the program. When any one of the subordinate broadcast storage devices 12 is selected, the main broadcast storage device 11 instructs the selected subordinate broadcast storage device 12 to make a recording reservation. The subordinate broadcast storage device 12 instructed to make a recording reservation sets a recording reservation for the program.

  If the main broadcast storage device 11 and the subordinate broadcast storage device 12 cannot record the program, the main broadcast storage device 11 organizes the recording reservation settings of each device, thereby It is determined whether or not an area for recording can be secured. If the recording reservation settings of each device are organized and optimized, when a new program can be recorded, the main broadcast storage device 11 instructs each device to change the recording reservation setting as necessary. At the same time, a recording reservation for a new program is set.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the optimum broadcast storage system 10 is configured by selecting the number of subordinate broadcast storage devices 12 according to a user request regarding the number of programs that can be stored and the number of programs that can be recorded simultaneously. The system configuration can be easily changed.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide the user with a unified user interface regardless of the system configuration, and when the system configuration is changed, the user operates the broadcast storage system 10 with the same operation method as before. Can be used.

  In addition, the recording reservation to each broadcast storage device is optimized, the storage area is efficiently used, and as many programs as possible are recorded.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the subordinate broadcast storage device 12 is a device independent of the main broadcast storage device 11 is illustrated, but the subordinate broadcast storage device 12 can be incorporated into the main broadcast storage device 11 as many as desired. It may be an additional module. Further, the subordinate broadcast storage device 12 may be a software module that can be executed by the main broadcast storage device 12 in a desired number.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the recording reservation is performed in the broadcast storage system 10 has been exemplified, but the present invention is also applicable to the case where recording is started without reservation during the program broadcast. In this case, the main broadcast storage device 11 selects from the broadcast storage system 10 the subordinate broadcast storage device 12 that should record the program that the user has manually instructed to start recording. The main broadcast storage device 11 then instructs the selected subordinate broadcast storage device 12 to start recording the program. The subordinate broadcast storage device 12 instructed to start recording immediately starts recording. In this case, in order to minimize the possibility of the recording start time of the program reserved for recording during recording, the recording of the program is assigned to the subordinate apparatus having the longest time until the start of the first reserved recording. . In addition, since the time for which the recording is continued is not clear at the start of recording, it is desirable to allocate the recording of the program to the subordinate apparatus 12 having as much free space as possible.

  As another example of recording without reservation during program broadcast, the main broadcast storage device 11 reserves recording reservations for all the subordinate broadcast storage devices 12 to any one subordinate broadcast storage device 12. The time until the first recording start time is reconfigured to be as long as possible. Then, the main broadcast storage device 11 instructs each subordinate broadcast storage device 12 to change the recording reservation as necessary. Receiving the recording reservation change instruction, the subordinate broadcast storage device 12 changes the recording reservation setting according to the instruction. Then, the main broadcast storage device 11 instructs the subordinate broadcast storage device 12 having the longest time to start recording to start recording. Receiving the instruction to start recording, the subordinate broadcast storage device 12 immediately starts recording. In this embodiment, immediately after an instruction to record a program being broadcast is given, recording can be started by any one of the subordinate broadcast storage devices 12, and then the subordinate broadcast storage device 12 can complete the recording. The process for reconfiguring the recording reservation may be performed.

  As another example of recording without reservation during program broadcast, the main broadcast storage device 11 can know the broadcast end time of a program instructed to start recording without reservation. Let the broadcast end time be the recording end time. Then, the main broadcast storage apparatus 11 selects the subordinate apparatus 12 for which no recording reservation is set before the recording end time of the program to be recorded, and is not currently recording the program. Instruct to start recording. As a method for the main broadcast storage device 11 to know the broadcast end time of a program instructed to start recording, for example, there is a method of referring to the EPG stored in itself.

  Therefore, if the user starts recording without reservation, the recording can be started immediately, and if the end time of the program that started recording is not known or is known, The impact on reservations can be minimized.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the user views the EPG on the screen of the television 13 and selects the program to be reserved for recording is exemplified. However, the main broadcast storage device 11 automatically selects the program to be reserved for recording from the EPG. You may do. As a method for automatically selecting a program to be reserved for recording, an EPG is searched with a keyword determined by the user in advance, and the user's preference is estimated based on a selection of a corresponding program, a past recording reservation or a history of playback. Conventionally, there are programs that select programs that suit their tastes.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the main broadcast storage device 11 selects the device to be reserved for recording by grasping the recording reservation status of the entire broadcast storage system 10 and the capacity of the free space is illustrated. A method may be used in which each device individually grasps the situation and the like, and sequentially inquires whether each device can make a recording reservation until it is accepted by any device. In this case, if there is no response indicating that the recording reservation has been received from any of the devices that have inquired whether or not the recording reservation is possible, the recording reservation is made between the devices as desired by the user or automatically. It is also possible to replace the programs that have been set up, organize the programs reserved for recording in each device, and secure a free space for recording a new program in any device.

  Further, the personal computer 14 may grasp the status of the recording reservation and select a device to be reserved for recording.

  Further, a storage area for video and audio data is provided in the personal computer 14, and the broadcast storage system 10 includes the personal computer 14, and the main broadcast storage device 11 or the personal computer 14 should store video and audio data from the storage area. A device may be selected.

  An example of the present embodiment is a broadcast storage system 10 including a main broadcast storage device 11 and a subordinate broadcast storage device 12 each capable of recording a one-channel program. However, the present invention is applied to a broadcast storage system composed of a main broadcast storage device and a subordinate storage device capable of recording one transport stream, such as in the case of digital broadcasting broadcast by a transport stream. Is also possible. That is, since each device cannot record data of a plurality of different transport streams in the same time period, the broadcast storage system can record the data of one transport stream in each of the main broadcast storage device and the subordinate broadcast storage device. In this configuration, each data of a plurality of transport streams can be recorded. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to any broadcast storage system including a plurality of devices capable of recording data of a broadcast unit selected by one tuner.

  The method of assigning a plurality of programs to be recorded to the apparatus to be recorded in the main broadcast storage apparatus 11 of the present embodiment is not only applicable to an apparatus or system for recording a broadcast program. It is applicable to a device for proposing a program to be recorded and its allocation to a broadcast storage device or broadcast storage system without recording the program itself. As a configuration example in this case, the apparatus is a computer that reads and executes a program from a recording medium.

  Next, an example of a user interface when recording and reproducing a program recorded in any device will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an EPG displayed on the screen of the television 13 at the time of recording reservation.

  All channels that can be recorded in the horizontal direction have a time axis in the vertical direction, and information about the program such as the program name is shown in the corresponding position in the table. As the number of broadcast channels increases, it is necessary to display more channels. For example, if the number of channels is 100, programs for 100 channels are displayed in the horizontal direction.

  The position where the program reserved for recording by the user or automatic recording reservation is displayed is highlighted so as to be distinguishable from other parts.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a degenerated EPG displayed on the screen of the television 13 during a reproduction operation.

  In the degenerated EPG, devices in the broadcast storage system 10 are shown in the horizontal direction, and a time axis is shown in the vertical direction. Information about the recorded program is shown at the corresponding position in the table. FIG. 6 illustrates a case where the broadcast storage system 10 is configured by two devices. In the original EPG as shown in FIG. 5, when the number of channels in the horizontal direction increases, it cannot be displayed on one screen and is difficult to see. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the device for recording the program is shown in the horizontal direction to reduce the display for easy viewing.

  When the personal computer 14 is used to grasp the status of recording reservation and to select a device that should be reserved for recording, the personal computer 14 displays on the screen of the television 13 such as EPG during recording reservation and playback. May be.

  Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a broadcast storage device 70 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The broadcast storage device 70 is a configuration example applicable to the main broadcast storage device 11 in FIG. When applied to the subordinate broadcast storage device 12, it may operate according to an instruction from the main broadcast storage device 11.

  The main broadcast storage device 70 includes a temporary storage unit 71, a permanent storage unit 72, a recording control unit 73, a storage control unit 74, and a playback control unit 75.

  The temporary storage unit 71 is a FIFO or ring buffer that temporarily stores video and audio data of a recorded program.

  The permanent storage unit 72 stores the video and audio data stored in the temporary storage unit 71 that is selected by the user as the original source.

  The temporary storage unit 71 and the permanent storage unit 72 may be configured to be physically separated on a memory such as a hard disk, or may be configured to be logically separated.

  The recording control unit 73 records new programs in the temporary storage unit 71 one after another. For example, the recording control unit 73 automatically records a predetermined channel broadcast continuously for a predetermined time or a predetermined number of days. At this time, when the capacity of the temporary storage unit 71 is filled with video and audio data, when a new program is recorded thereafter, the program with the oldest recording date and time on the temporary storage unit 71 is deleted.

  The storage control unit 74 moves the video and audio data of the program selected by the user to be stored permanently from the programs stored in the temporary storage unit 71 to the permanent storage unit 72.

  The playback control unit 75 plays back the program selected by the user from among the programs stored in the temporary storage unit 71 or the permanent storage unit 72.

  Next, the operation of the broadcast storage device 70 will be described.

  The broadcast storage device 70 uses the recording control unit 73 to record programs broadcast on a predetermined channel in the temporary storage unit 71 one after another. As a result, video and audio data of a program broadcast on a predetermined channel is accumulated in the temporary storage unit 71 continuously for a predetermined time or a predetermined number of days.

  Next, the broadcast storage device 70 causes the storage control unit 74 to move the video and audio data of the program that the user has selected to be permanently stored from the temporary storage unit 71 to the permanent storage unit 72.

  When the reproduction instruction is given by the user, the broadcast storage device 70 causes the reproduction control unit 75 to retrieve the video and audio data of the program selected by the user from the temporary storage unit 71 or the permanent storage unit 72 and reproduce the same.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the user can actually watch all or part of the programs automatically stored in the temporary storage unit 71 when he / she likes and select a program to be saved. It is possible to accurately select only the programs that you really want to save.

  The broadcast storage apparatus 70 normally performs an operation of directly storing video and audio data of a recorded program in the permanent storage unit 72, and starts a recording operation using the temporary storage unit 71 by user selection. It may be a thing. In this case, when the user selects an operation using the temporary storage unit 71, continuous recording of a program of a predetermined channel is started.

  In addition, the broadcast storage device 70 may display on the screen of the television 13 how long the program stored in the temporary storage unit 71 is retained without being deleted. Thereby, it is possible to know when the user needs to determine whether or not to save the program.

  In addition, the broadcast storage device 70 may be settable by the user to allocate the storage area in which video and audio data can be stored to the temporary storage unit 71 and the permanent storage unit 72. As a result, the user can adjust the period during which the program is held in the temporary storage unit 71 to his / her own pace. Therefore, the user can automatically record the program and determine whether to save the program at his / her own pace. it can.

  Next, still another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a broadcast storage system according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

  The broadcast storage system 80 includes a main broadcast storage device 81 and a plurality of subordinate broadcast storage devices 82. The main broadcast storage device 81 and the subordinate broadcast storage device 82 are connected to the antenna 15. The main broadcast storage device 81 and the subordinate broadcast storage device 82 are connected by a communication line 16. A personal computer 14 may be further connected to the communication line 16. The main broadcast storage device 81 is connected to the television 13.

  The main broadcast storage device 81 and the subordinate broadcast storage device 82 are fixedly assigned to predetermined channels, respectively, and continuously record programs broadcast on the respective channels. The broadcast storage system 80 is preferably configured to record all channels, but may be configured to record some of the channels.

  Next, the operation of the broadcast storage system 80 will be described.

  The recording operation of the broadcast storage system 80 will be described.

  In the broadcast storage system 80, the main broadcast storage device 81 and the subordinate broadcast storage device 82 continuously and automatically records programs broadcast on the corresponding channels. The main broadcast storage device 81 and the subordinate broadcast storage device 82 store video and audio data of a program for a predetermined time or number of days (hereinafter referred to as a holding period).

  The reproduction operation of the broadcast storage system 80 will be described.

  The broadcast storage system 80 plays back a program at an arbitrary time within the holding period. The time can be selected by the user, and can be freely advanced or returned by a user's operation such as a dial or a scroll bar. In addition, when a user changes a channel by operating a dial or a cursor key while a program of any channel is being played back, the broadcast storage system 80 causes another channel at the same time as the currently playing program. Play a program that was broadcast on. That is, the user can freely change the channel as if viewing the program in real time in a state of going back to the past time.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the user can view a past program with the same operational feeling as viewing in real time, and can also advance or return the time. The operability of the case is improved.

  Note that the main broadcast storage device 81 and the subordinate broadcast storage device 82 of the broadcast storage system 80 may have a temporary storage unit and a permanent storage unit as in the case of FIG. In this case, the broadcast storage system 80 moves (saves) the program within the range of the holding period in which the video and audio data are held in the temporary storage unit to the permanent storage unit so as to be held permanently thereafter. Can do. Thereby, the user can select the usage form of the broadcast storage system 80 according to the purpose.

  Next, still another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a broadcast storage system according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

  The broadcast storage system 90 of this embodiment includes a main broadcast storage device 91 and a plurality of subordinate broadcast storage devices 92. The main broadcast storage device 91 and the subordinate broadcast storage device 92 are connected to the antenna 15. The main broadcast storage device 91 and the subordinate broadcast storage device 92 are connected by a communication line 16. A personal computer 14 may be further connected to the communication line 16. The main broadcast storage device 91 is connected to the television 13.

  Referring to FIG. 10, the main broadcast storage device 91 includes a tuner 21, an encoder 22, a storage unit 23, a control unit 24, a communication processing unit 25, a decoder 101, and a selector 102.

  The tuner 21, encoder 22, storage unit 23, control unit 24, and communication processing unit 25 are the same as those in FIG.

  The decoder 101 decodes the image and audio data extracted from the storage unit 23.

  The selector 102 selects either the image and audio signal decoded by the decoder 101 and the image and audio signal received by the communication processing unit 25 and inputs them to the television 13.

  Referring to FIG. 11, the subordinate broadcast storage device 92 includes a tuner 31, an encoder 32, a storage unit 33, a control unit 34, a communication processing unit 35, and a decoder 111.

  The tuner 31, encoder 32, storage unit 33, control unit 34, and communication processing unit 35 are the same as those in FIG.

  The decoder 111 decodes the image and audio data extracted from the storage unit 33.

  Therefore, the video and audio transmitted / received on the communication line 16 are signals after being decoded.

  The operation of the broadcast storage system 90 during program recording is the same as that of the broadcast storage system 10 of FIG.

  The operation of the broadcast storage system 90 during program playback will be described.

  When reproducing a program recorded on any device, the user designates a program to be reproduced by viewing recorded program information displayed on the screen of the television 13. The main broadcast storage device 11 checks in which device the designated program is stored.

  When the program is stored in the main broadcast storage device 91 itself, the main broadcast storage device 91 takes out video and audio data of the program from the storage unit 23, decodes it by the decoder 101, and inputs it to the television 13.

  When the program is stored in any of the subordinate broadcast storage devices 92, the main broadcast storage device 91 instructs the subordinate broadcast storage device 92 to reproduce.

  Upon receiving the reproduction instruction, the subordinate broadcast storage device 92 extracts the video and audio data of the corresponding program from the storage unit 33, decodes it by the decoder 111, and outputs the main video and audio signal indicating the video and audio of the program. Transmit to the broadcast storage device 91.

  The main broadcast storage device 91 inputs the received video and audio signals to the television 13.

  In addition, the main broadcast storage device 91 estimates a program that is likely to be reproduced by a subsequent user operation, apart from the program that is currently being reproduced. The main broadcast storage device 91 can estimate a program that is highly likely to be played back based on the position indicated by the cursor on the playback selection screen of the television 13. The estimated program is not necessarily one, and may be a plurality.

  If the estimated program is stored in a device other than the device that is currently playing the program, the device is instructed to prepare for playing the program. The apparatus that has received an instruction for preparation for reproduction prepares for reproduction by the decoder.

  When the user instructs playback of a program that has been prepared for playback, the broadcast storage system 90 immediately starts playback of the program.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, since the time required for switching the program to be reproduced is shortened, the broadcast storage system 90 becomes easier for the user to use.

  Note that the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 can be applied to the embodiment shown in FIG. This improves the operability of the broadcast storage system 80 of FIG.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the broadcast storage system of one Embodiment of this invention. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main broadcast storage device 11. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a subordinate broadcast storage device 12. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a broadcast storage device 40. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of EPG displayed on the screen of the television 13 at the time of recording reservation. It is a figure which shows an example of degenerated EPG displayed on the screen of the television 13 at the time of reproduction | regeneration operation. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the broadcast storage apparatus 70 of other embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the broadcast storage system 80 of further another embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the broadcast storage system 90 of further another embodiment of this invention. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main broadcast storage device 91. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the subordinate broadcast storage apparatus 92. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Broadcast storage system 11 Main broadcast storage apparatus 12 Subordinate broadcast storage apparatus 13 Television 14 Personal computer 15 Antenna 16 Communication line 21 Tuner 22 Encoder 23 Storage part 24 Control part 25 Communication processing part 26 Selector 27 Decoder 31 Tuner 32 Encoder 33 Storage part 34 Control unit 35 Communication processing unit 40 Main broadcast storage device 41 Communication processing unit 70 Broadcast storage device 71 Temporary storage unit 72 Permanent storage unit 73 Recording control unit 74 Storage control unit 75 Playback control unit 80 Broadcast storage system 81 Main broadcast storage device 82 Dependent Broadcast storage device 90 Broadcast storage system 91 Main broadcast storage device 92 Subordinate broadcast storage device 101 Decoder 102 Selector 111 Decoder

Claims (53)

A broadcast storage system that records and stores programs to be broadcast from multiple channels,
When the recording reservation of the program is instructed, the recording reservation of the program is set, and the slave device that records the program at the time when the program is broadcast;
The subordinate apparatus knows each program reserved for recording, and if a program to be recorded is determined, the subordinate apparatus that records the program is selected so that a plurality of recording reservations are not set at the same time in the same apparatus And a broadcast storage system having a main apparatus that instructs the subordinate apparatus to make a recording reservation for the program. When the slave device cannot select the slave device to record the program, the master device optimizes the assignment of the program reserved for recording by the slave device to the slave device to be recorded. Instructing the slave device to change the recording reservation, instructing the slave device in which the recording area of the program is reserved to instruct the recording reservation of the program,
2. The broadcast storage system according to claim 1, wherein when the subordinate apparatus is instructed to change the recording reservation from the main apparatus, the subordinate apparatus changes the setting of the recording reservation based on the instruction. When the main device is instructed to start recording without reservation, at that time, the program has not been recorded, and the slave device has the longest time until the recording start time of the first program reserved for recording. Instructed to start recording the program,
The broadcast storage system according to claim 1, wherein when the subordinate apparatus receives an instruction to start recording, the subordinate apparatus immediately starts recording the instructed program. When the main device is instructed to start recording without reservation, the main device reconfigures the recording reservation of all the slave devices, and can make the time until the first recording start time reserved for any one slave device as much as possible. Instructed to change the recording reservation to each subordinate device as necessary, instructed the subordinate device to start recording as long as possible until the recording start time,
When the subordinate apparatus is instructed to change the recording reservation from the main apparatus, the subordinate apparatus changes the recording reservation setting based on the instruction, and upon receiving an instruction to start recording, immediately starts recording the designated program. The broadcast storage system according to claim 1. When the main apparatus is instructed to start recording without reservation, the main apparatus does not record the program at that time, and no recording reservation is set until the end time of the program instructed to start recording. Select a slave device, instruct the slave device to start recording,
The broadcast storage system according to claim 1, wherein when the subordinate apparatus receives an instruction to start recording, the subordinate apparatus immediately starts recording the instructed program.   The main apparatus and the subordinate apparatus are connected to each other via a communication line, and the subordinate apparatus notifies the main apparatus of a program reserved for recording by the subordinate apparatus via the communication line, and the main apparatus The broadcast storage system according to claim 1, wherein a recording reservation instruction is issued through the communication line. A broadcast storage system that records and stores programs to be broadcast from multiple channels,
Upon receiving an inquiry as to whether or not the program can be recorded, it is determined whether or not the program can be recorded so that the recording reservation is not set at the same time as the program reserved for recording by the own device, and recording is performed. If possible, a response to that effect, setting a recording reservation for the program, and a slave device that records the program when the program is broadcast time;
When a program to be recorded is determined, an inquiry is made to the subordinate apparatus as to whether or not the program can be recorded until the response that the program can be recorded is received. A broadcast storage system comprising a main apparatus that allocates a recording reservation for the program to the subordinate apparatus that has made the response.   When the response indicating that the program can be recorded is not received from any of the subordinate apparatuses, the main apparatus and the subordinate apparatus exchange the programs reserved for recording, and arrange the recording. The broadcast storage system according to claim 7, wherein an empty area for the program to be reserved is secured in any device.   The broadcast storage system according to claim 7, wherein the main device and the slave device are connected to each other via a communication line, and the main device makes an inquiry as to whether recording reservation is possible through the communication line. The main device is connected to an output device, and when receiving a program signal reproducing the program through the communication line, outputs the program signal to the output device,
The broadcast storage system according to claim 6 or 9, wherein the slave device reproduces the program and transmits the program signal to the main device through the communication line.   When the main device causes the user to select the program to be reproduced, the output device is displayed in a list in which the program stored in the subordinate device is associated with the subordinate device and the time when the program was recorded. The broadcast storage system according to claim 10, which is displayed on the screen.   The broadcast storage system according to claim 10, wherein the main device also has a function of recording and playing back the program.   The broadcast storage system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the main device is a computer. A first tuner that extracts a signal of a desired channel from the received broadcast signal; a first encoder that encodes the signal of the channel to generate program data; a first storage that stores the program data; A broadcast storage system comprising: a selector that selects one of the program data extracted from one storage unit and program data input from another device; and a decoder that decodes the program data input from the selector A device for recording the program so that a plurality of recording reservations are not set at the same time when the program to be recorded is determined by all the devices included in In the case where it is selected and the own device is selected, when the time at which the program is broadcast is reached, a channel through which the program is broadcast is extracted by the first tuner, and the first The program data of the program is generated by the encoder, the program data is accumulated in the first storage unit, and when a device other than the own device is selected, the device is instructed to make a recording reservation for the program, When program data of a program instructed to be played back by the user is stored in the first storage unit of the own device, the program data is taken out, decoded by the first decoder, and played back by the user. A main apparatus for instructing the apparatus to reproduce the program and decoding the program data input from the apparatus by the first decoder when the program data of the selected program is stored in an apparatus other than the own apparatus; ,
A second tuner that extracts a signal of a desired channel from the received broadcast signal; a second encoder that encodes the signal of the channel to generate program data; and a second storage unit that stores the program data. Then, when it is time to broadcast the program instructed to make a recording reservation, the second tuner extracts a channel on which the program is broadcast, generates program data of the program by the second encoder, A broadcast storage system comprising: a subordinate device that accumulates program data in the second storage unit, retrieves program data of a program instructed to be reproduced by the main device from the second storage unit, and transmits the program data to the main device. A tuner that extracts a signal of a desired channel from the received broadcast signal;
An encoder that encodes a signal of the channel to generate program data;
A storage unit for storing the program data;
A decoder for decoding the program data;
An apparatus for grasping programs scheduled to be recorded by a plurality of apparatuses including its own apparatus, and recording the programs so that a plurality of recording reservations are not set at the same time when the program to be recorded is determined. And when the program is broadcasted, when the time when the program is broadcast is reached, the tuner extracts a channel on which the program is broadcast, and the encoder generates program data of the program, When program data is accumulated in the storage unit and an apparatus other than the own apparatus is selected, the apparatus is instructed to reserve recording of the program, and the program data of the program instructed to be played back by the user is stored in the own apparatus. When stored in the storage unit, the program data is taken out, decoded by the decoder, and the program data of the program instructed to be played back by the user is stored in the device other than the own device. If it is, it instructs reproduction of 該番 set in the apparatus, a broadcast storing apparatus having a control unit for decoding the program data inputted from the device to the decoder.   When the control unit cannot select the device to record the program, the control unit optimizes the allocation of the program reserved for recording to the device to be recorded, and records the program to each device as necessary. The broadcast storage apparatus according to claim 15, wherein a change in reservation is instructed, and the apparatus in which an area for recording the program is secured is instructed to reserve recording of the program.   When the recording unit is instructed to start recording without reservation, the control unit does not record the program at that time, and the apparatus has the longest time until the recording start time of the first program reserved for recording. The broadcast storage device according to claim 15, wherein the broadcast storage device instructs to start recording a program.   When the control unit is instructed to start recording without reservation, the control unit reconfigures recording reservations of all the devices, and makes the time until the first recording start time reserved for any one device as long as possible. The broadcast storage device according to claim 15, wherein the recording reservation of each device is changed as necessary, and the start of recording is instructed to the device whose time until the recording start time is as long as possible.   When the control unit is instructed to start recording without reservation, the program is not recording at that time, and no recording reservation is set until the end time of the program instructed to start recording. The broadcast storage device according to claim 15, wherein the device is selected, and the device is instructed to start recording. A tuner that extracts a signal of a desired channel from the received broadcast signal;
An encoder that encodes a signal of the channel to generate program data;
A storage unit for storing the program data;
When it is time to broadcast a program for which recording reservation is instructed, the tuner extracts the channel on which the program is broadcast, causes the encoder to generate program data for the program, and stores the program data in the storage unit A broadcast storage apparatus having a control unit that extracts program data of a program instructed to be reproduced from the storage unit and transmits the program data.   21. The broadcast storage device according to claim 20, wherein when the control unit is instructed to change the recording reservation, the control unit changes the setting based on the instruction.   21. The broadcast storage apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the control unit starts recording the designated program immediately upon receiving an instruction to start recording. A broadcast storage device for recording and storing programs to be broadcast,
A temporary storage unit for temporarily storing up to a predetermined amount of program data;
A permanent storage unit for storing what the user has permanently selected from the program data stored in the temporary storage unit;
The program data of the program reserved for recording is sequentially recorded in the temporary storage unit, and a part of the program data recorded in the past when the program data stored in the temporary storage unit exceeds the predetermined amount A recording control unit for deleting,
A storage control unit that moves the program data selected by the user to be stored permanently from the program data stored in the temporary storage unit to the permanent storage unit;
A broadcast storage apparatus having a playback control unit that plays back a program selected by the user from among the programs in which the program data is stored in the temporary storage unit or the permanent storage unit.   24. The broadcast storage device according to claim 23, wherein the recording control unit displays on the output device how long the program data stored in the temporary storage unit is retained without being deleted.   24. The broadcast storage device according to claim 23, wherein the storage capacity of the temporary storage unit and the permanent storage unit can be selected by the user. A broadcast storage system for recording a program to be broadcast from a plurality of channels, storing program data of the program, and reproducing the program according to a user instruction,
A subordinate device for automatically and continuously recording the program from a predetermined channel and reproducing the recorded program according to an instruction;
When the subordinate apparatus automatically determines the channel on which the subordinate apparatus continuously records the program and causes the user to select a program to be played back, it corresponds to the channel and the time when the program was recorded. When the user selects a program to be played back according to the channel and the time, the program recorded on all the slave devices is displayed on the output device according to the attached list, and the program is played back on the slave device that recorded the program. When the user changes the channel selection, the broadcast storage system includes a main device that causes the subordinate device that recorded the program to reproduce the program recorded from the channel after the change at the same time as that before the change. The first storage unit for storing the program data of the recorded program and the first decoder for decoding the program data extracted from the first storage unit, all the devices included in the broadcast storage system are respectively When the recorded program is grasped and the program data of the program instructed to be played back by the user is stored in the first storage unit of the device, the program data is taken out and the first decoder When the program data of the program instructed to be reproduced by the user is stored in a device other than the own device, the device is instructed to reproduce the program, When a program signal received from a device is input to the output device, and program data of a program that is likely to be reproduced by a subsequent user operation is stored in the first storage unit of the device itself , The program Data is taken out from the first storage unit and prepared for decoding by the first decoder, and the program data of the program that is likely to be reproduced by the user's operation later is other than the own device A main device that instructs the device to prepare for playback of the program,
A second storage unit for storing the program data; and a second decoder for generating a program signal by decoding the program data extracted from the second storage unit, and instructing reproduction from the main unit The program data of the designated program is retrieved from the second storage unit, the program data is decoded by the second decoder, the program signal is transmitted to the main device, and the program data of the program instructed to be played back is transmitted. Is stored in the second storage unit, and has a subordinate device that prepares for decoding by the second decoder. A storage unit for storing program data of a recorded program;
A decoder for decoding the program data extracted from the storage unit;
When all the devices included in the broadcast storage system grasp the recorded program, and the program data of the program instructed to be reproduced by the user is stored in the storage unit of the own device, the program data is When the program data of the program instructed to be played back by the user is stored in a device other than its own device, the program is played back in the device. The program signal received from the device is input to the output device, and program data of a program that is likely to be reproduced by the user's subsequent operation is stored in the storage unit of the own device. In such a case, the program data is retrieved from the storage unit and prepared for decoding by the decoder, and the program data of the program that is likely to be reproduced by a subsequent user operation is stored in the program data. When stored in a device other than device, broadcast storage apparatus having a control unit for instructing the preparation of the program of the playback to the device. A storage unit for storing program data of a recorded program;
A decoder that decodes the program data extracted from the storage unit to generate a program signal;
The program data of the program instructed to be reproduced is taken out from the storage unit, the program data is decoded by the decoder, the program signal is transmitted, and the program data of the program instructed to be reproduced is taken out from the storage unit And a broadcast storage apparatus having a control unit for preparing the decoder for decoding.   The broadcast storage system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, 26, or 27, wherein the slave device is an extension module that can be incorporated into the main device.   28. The broadcast storage system according to claim 1, wherein the slave device is a software module that can be executed by the main device in a desired number. An information providing device for providing information on a program to be reserved for recording in a broadcast storage device,
Means for selecting a device for recording the program so that a plurality of recording reservations are not set at the same time among the plurality of devices;
An information providing apparatus comprising means for assigning a recording reservation for the program to the apparatus.   33. The information processing apparatus according to claim 32, further comprising means for optimizing program assignment assigned to each device when the device to record the program cannot be selected, and instructing each device to change recording reservation as necessary. Information provision device. A tuner that extracts a signal of a desired channel from the received broadcast signal, an encoder that encodes the signal of the channel to generate program data, a storage unit that stores the program data, and a decoder that decodes the program data A program for causing a broadcast storage device to execute
An apparatus for grasping programs scheduled to be recorded by a plurality of apparatuses including its own apparatus, and recording the programs so that a plurality of recording reservations are not set at the same time when the program to be recorded is determined. Process to select
When the time when the program is broadcast when the device is selected, the tuner extracts a channel on which the program is broadcast;
Processing for generating program data of the program by the encoder and storing the program data in the storage unit;
When a device other than the device is selected, a process for instructing the device to make a recording reservation for the program;
When the program data of the program instructed to be played by the user is stored in the storage unit of the device, the program data is extracted and decoded by the decoder;
When program data of a program instructed to be reproduced by the user is stored in a device other than the device itself, the device is instructed to reproduce the program, and the program data input from the device is decoded by the decoder A program having a process to be converted. A process for optimizing the allocation of the program reserved for recording by the device to the device to be recorded when the device to record the program cannot be selected;
35. The program according to claim 34, further comprising a process of instructing each device to change a recording reservation as necessary and instructing the device in which an area for recording the program is reserved to instruct the recording reservation of the program. A broadcast accumulation system that records and accumulates data for a plurality of units from data broadcast for each unit of broadcast selected by one tuner,
When the recording reservation of the unit of data is instructed, the recording reservation of the data is set, and the slave device that records the data when the data is broadcasted;
The subordinate apparatus knows the data each of which is reserved for recording, and when the data to be recorded is determined, selects the subordinate apparatus that records the data so that a plurality of recording reservations are not set at the same time in the same apparatus And a broadcast storage system having a main device that instructs the slave device to make a recording reservation for the data.   The broadcast storage system according to claim 36, wherein the unit is a transport stream. A broadcast storage apparatus having a tuner that extracts a signal of a desired channel from a received broadcast signal, an encoder that encodes the signal of the channel to generate program data, and a storage unit that stores the program data The program of
When it is time to broadcast a program for which a recording reservation is instructed, a process of extracting a broadcast channel of the program with the tuner;
Processing for generating program data of the program by the encoder;
A process of storing the program data in the storage unit;
A program having a process of extracting program data of a program instructed to be reproduced from the storage unit and transmitting the program data.   39. The program according to claim 38, further comprising a process of changing a setting based on an instruction to change recording reservation. A program for recording and storing programs to be broadcast in a broadcast storage device having first and second storage units,
The program data of the program reserved for recording is sequentially recorded in the first storage unit, and one of the program data recorded in the past when the program data stored in the first storage unit exceeds a predetermined amount. Processing to delete
A process of moving program data selected by the user to be stored permanently from the program data stored in the first storage unit to the second storage unit;
The program which has a process which reproduces | regenerates what the said user selected from the said programs by which the said program data was accumulate | stored in the said 1st or 2nd memory | storage part. A program for causing a broadcast storage device to have a storage unit that stores program data of a recorded program and a decoder that decodes the program data extracted from the storage unit,
When all the devices included in the broadcast storage system grasp the recorded program, and the program data of the program instructed to be reproduced by the user is stored in the storage unit of the own device, the program data is Processing to take out, decode by the decoder and input the program signal to the output device;
When program data of a program instructed to be reproduced by a user is stored in a device other than the device itself, the device is instructed to reproduce the program, and a program signal received from the device is input to the output device. Processing,
When program data of a program that is likely to be reproduced by a subsequent user operation is stored in the storage unit of the device, the program data is extracted from the storage unit and decoded by the decoder. The process of preparing,
When the program data of the program that is highly likely to be played back by the user's operation is stored in a device other than the device itself, the device has a process of instructing the device to prepare for playback of the program program. A program for causing a broadcast storage apparatus to have a storage unit that stores program data of a recorded program and a decoder that decodes the program data extracted from the storage unit to generate a program signal,
Processing for extracting program data of a program instructed to be reproduced from the storage unit, causing the decoder to decode the program data, and transmitting a program signal;
A program having a process of fetching program data of a program instructed to be reproduced from the storage unit and causing the decoder to prepare for decoding. A program for causing an information providing device to provide information on a program to be reserved for recording in a broadcast storage device,
A process of selecting a device for recording the program so that a plurality of recording reservations are not set at the same time among the plurality of devices;
A program having a process of assigning a recording reservation for the program to the apparatus.   44. The method according to claim 43, further comprising: a process of optimizing program assignment assigned to each device and instructing each device to change recording reservation when necessary when the device to record the program cannot be selected. Program. A tuner that extracts a signal of a desired channel from the received broadcast signal, an encoder that encodes the signal of the channel to generate program data, a storage unit that stores the program data, and a decoder that decodes the program data A recording medium on which a program for causing a broadcast storage device to execute the program is recorded,
An apparatus for grasping programs scheduled to be recorded by a plurality of apparatuses including its own apparatus, and recording the programs so that a plurality of recording reservations are not set at the same time when the program to be recorded is determined. Process to select
When the time when the program is broadcast when the device is selected, the tuner extracts a channel on which the program is broadcast;
Processing for generating program data of the program by the encoder and storing the program data in the storage unit;
When a device other than the device is selected, a process for instructing the device to make a recording reservation for the program;
When the program data of the program instructed to be played by the user is stored in the storage unit of the device, the program data is extracted and decoded by the decoder;
When program data of a program instructed to be reproduced by the user is stored in a device other than the device itself, the device is instructed to reproduce the program, and the program data input from the device is decoded by the decoder A recording medium on which a program having processing to be converted is recorded. The program is a process for optimizing the allocation of the program reserved for recording to the device to be recorded by each device when the device to record the program cannot be selected;
46. The recording medium according to claim 45, further comprising a process of instructing each device to change a recording reservation as necessary, and instructing the device in which an area for recording the program is reserved to instruct the recording reservation of the program. A broadcast storage apparatus having a tuner that extracts a signal of a desired channel from a received broadcast signal, an encoder that encodes the signal of the channel to generate program data, and a storage unit that stores the program data A recording medium on which the program is recorded,
When it is time to broadcast a program for which a recording reservation is instructed, a process of extracting a broadcast channel of the program with the tuner;
Processing for generating program data of the program by the encoder;
A process of storing the program data in the storage unit;
A recording medium on which a program having a process of fetching and transmitting program data of a program instructed to be reproduced from the storage unit is transmitted.   48. The recording medium according to claim 47, wherein said program further comprises a process of changing a setting based on an instruction to change a recording reservation. In a broadcast storage device having first and second storage units, a recording medium for recording a program for recording and storing a broadcast program,
The program data of the program reserved for recording is sequentially recorded in the first storage unit, and one of the program data recorded in the past when the program data stored in the first storage unit exceeds a predetermined amount. Processing to delete
A process of moving program data selected by the user to be stored permanently from the program data stored in the first storage unit to the second storage unit;
A recording medium on which a program having a process of reproducing a program selected by the user from the programs in which the program data is stored in the first or second storage unit is recorded. A recording medium that records a program for causing a broadcast storage device to have a storage unit that stores program data of a recorded program and a decoder that decodes the program data extracted from the storage unit,
When all the devices included in the broadcast storage system grasp the recorded program, and the program data of the program instructed to be reproduced by the user is stored in the storage unit of the own device, the program data is Processing to take out, decode by the decoder and input the program signal to the output device;
When program data of a program instructed to be reproduced by a user is stored in a device other than the device itself, the device is instructed to reproduce the program, and a program signal received from the device is input to the output device. Processing,
When program data of a program that is likely to be reproduced by a subsequent user operation is stored in the storage unit of the device, the program data is extracted from the storage unit and decoded by the decoder. The process of preparing,
When the program data of the program that is highly likely to be played back by the user's operation is stored in a device other than the device itself, the device has a process of instructing the device to prepare for playback of the program A recording medium that records the program. A recording medium recording a program for causing a broadcast storage device to have a storage unit for storing program data of a recorded program and a decoder for decoding the program data extracted from the storage unit to generate a program signal Because
Processing for extracting program data of a program instructed to be reproduced from the storage unit, causing the decoder to decode the program data, and transmitting a program signal;
A recording medium on which a program having a process for fetching program data of a program instructed to be reproduced from the storage unit and causing the decoder to prepare for decoding is recorded. A recording medium recording a program for causing an information providing apparatus to provide information on a program to be reserved for recording in a broadcast storage apparatus,
A process of selecting a device for recording the program so that a plurality of recording reservations are not set at the same time among the plurality of devices;
A recording medium on which a program having a process of assigning a recording reservation of the program to the apparatus is recorded.   The program further includes a process of optimizing the program assignment assigned to each device when the device to record the program cannot be selected, and instructing each device to change the recording reservation as necessary. 53. The recording medium according to claim 52.

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