JP2008160628A - Reservation device, reservation method, and program and recording medium used therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make a reservation by checking whether or not a device/function which is a cause of conflict can be substituted, retrieving a device/function for substituting the device/function which becomes the case of causing the conflict and used for reservation when it can be substituted and generating reservation information using the substituted device/function when the device/function causes the conflict with other already made reservation and the reservation can not be made when the device/function is reserved. <P>SOLUTION: A viewing and listening reservation device 0001 displays an EPG screen of a program broadcast by its broadcasting system from digital broadcast and Internet broadcast, etc. at a state that a plurality of tuner devices is connected, selects a specific program from EPG screen display to reserve viewing and listening reservation of the program. In addition, the viewing and listening reservation device 0001 is constituted by including an EPG screen generation means 1001, an EPG screen display means 1002, a program selection means 1003, a tuner device selection means 1004, a tuner device substitution flag setting means 1005, a viewing and listening reservation setting means 1006 and a data storage means 1007. The EPG screen generation means 1001 acquires EPG information from the connected tuner devices to generate the EPG screen. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a reservation for an AV device or a broadcast program, and more specifically, in a situation where a certain device is reserved for viewing or recording, when another new viewing reservation or recording reservation is to be executed, or When a reserved program is extended and a viewing reservation or recording reservation is to be changed, a new viewing reservation or recording reservation is made without causing a conflict with an existing reserved viewing reservation or recording reservation. It is possible to execute or change a viewing reservation or a recording reservation.

  In recent years, digital broadcasting data such as digital CS broadcasting and digital BS broadcasting can be distributed to homes using satellites, and high-definition television broadcasting and music broadcasting can be enjoyed in each home. . Terrestrial waves are also being converted from analog broadcasting to digital broadcasting. In such digital broadcasting, there are hundreds of channels, and it is not easy for broadcast users to know what programs are currently being broadcast or whether they are scheduled to broadcast. Therefore, broadcasters broadcast electronic program guides (EPG: Electrical Program Guide) simultaneously with television and music, and receive / display them on a dedicated tuner, so that what programs are currently broadcast to users. It is possible to know whether it is broadcast or scheduled to be broadcast. Even with existing analog terrestrial broadcasts, broadcast recipients can easily receive broadcast programs by sending EPG data using VBI (Vertical Blanking Interval) or using EPG data on the Internet. There is also something like that.

  In digital broadcasting, EPG data is transmitted as SI (Service Information) along with video, audio, and other information. Specific channel information is stored in SDT (Service Description Table) in SI, and program information is stored in EIT (Event Information Table). The standard for digital broadcasting SI information in Japan is defined in ARIB STD-B10, the operational standard for terrestrial digital broadcasting is defined in ARIB TR-B14 Part 4, and the operational standard for satellite digital broadcasting is defined in ARIB TR-B15 Part 4. ing.

  On the other hand, as AV broadcasting is digitized, each AV device is connected in order to connect multiple AV devices to each other, to control the other device, and to transfer video and audio streams. It has a terminal based on the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 1394 serial bus standard (hereinafter referred to as "IEEE1394 standard"), and connects an IEEE1394 standard code to network AV devices. . The IEEE1394 standard has two modes for data transfer. One is called Asynchronous communication, which mainly transfers commands for controlling devices. The other is called isochronous communication, which is mainly used to transfer video and audio streams between devices. Stream transfer is an abstract concept that defines the output and input plugs and channels on the 1394 serial bus to the device, and connects the output plug and channel, and the channel and input plug. A typical transmission path is formed so that a stream can be transferred between devices. The transmission line consists of a point-to-point connection from one output plug to one input plug via one channel, and the connection between the output plug and the channel without specifying the output plug and input plug pair. There is a Broadcast connection that connects input plugs.

  The IEEE1394 standard is standardized as “IEEE Std 1394-1995” as “IEEE Standard for a High Performance Serial Bus”. In addition, as a standard for controlling devices between AV devices connected using IEEE1394, the “AV / C Digital Interface Command Set General Specification” has been standardized by 1394 TRADE ASSOCIATION (hereinafter referred to as “AV / C C ”).

  AV / C is a standard for one device to control the other device mainly when two different AV devices are connected. For example, as shown in FIG. 35, a BS digital satellite broadcast tuner (8012) to which a BS digital broadcast parabolic antenna (8006) is connected via a cable (8008) and a D-VHS deck (8013) are connected to an IEEE1394 cable (8009). In the environment connected with, the EPG of the tuner is displayed on the display (8005) connected to the tuner by the display cable (8007), and the reception of the digital satellite broadcast program selected by the user is reserved. You can also schedule recording on the VHS deck. That is, the main purpose of AV / C is that two devices are connected one-to-one, and one device controls the other device.

  Home Audio Video Interoperability (hereinafter referred to as “HAVi”) is standardized as a standard capable of controlling a plurality of AV devices and managing resources such as functions of AV devices. HAVi assumes IEEE 1394 standard and IEC (International Electrotechnical Comisson) 61883 standard as the base network standard and stream transfer standard.

  HAVi classifies devices into the following four categories. Full AV Device (hereinafter “FAV”) is a device that has all the functions of HAVi. FAV requires JAVA (registered trademark, the same shall apply hereinafter) VM. Intermediate AV Device (hereinafter "IAV") requires some software modules, but some are optional. IAV does not require JAVA VM. FAV and IAV are devices that can be controllers if a display is attached. Basic AV Device (hereinafter referred to as “BAV”) is a Target device that transfers the JAVA upload module stored in the SDD (described later) to the FAV and controls it from the FAV. . Legacy AV Device (hereinafter “LAV”) is a device that does not have HAVi functionality. The LAV corresponds to, for example, an AV device currently on the market.

  FIG. 36 shows a software configuration example of HAVi. In HAVi, each module is defined as a Software Element (hereinafter “SE”). An SEID is assigned to identify each SE, and the SEID is composed of a 64-bit GUID assigned as a unique value to each device and a 16-bit swHandle that uniquely identifies the device. The SEID is assigned by the MS. Each SE can communicate with each other via the Messaging System (MS), which is a module for exchanging messages between SEs regardless of whether they are in the same device or on different devices connected via a network. Exchange messages. Event Manager (hereinafter referred to as “EM”) broadcasts asynchronous change information of systems and modules to multiple SEs. As system change information, for example, there is information notifying that a bus reset has occurred.

  Registry (hereinafter referred to as “REG”) registers individual SE information and searches SE information. Communication Media Manager (hereinafter referred to as “CMM”) is an abstraction of IEEE1394 message exchange that enables SE to use AV1394 and other commands such as AV / C directly using IEEE1394. Resource Manager (hereinafter referred to as “RM”) reserves resources for FCM (described later) or sends a specified command to the target DCM or FCM at a certain time to operate the target (hereinafter referred to as “Scheduled Action”). ]) Manage scheduled actions. Stream Manager (hereinafter “SM”) manages streams of video and audio. DCM Manager (hereinafter “DCMM”) installs and uninstalls DCM (described later) when a device is connected.

  The Device Control Module (hereinafter referred to as “DCM”) operates as a software module in any FAV or IAV in the HAVi network for one device, and controls a specific device. That is, when a software module such as an application controls a specific device, the device can be controlled by accessing a DCM (or an FCM (to be described later)) associated with the device. DCM also checks and manages whether Schedule Action can be executed on the device itself. DCM comes with zero or more Functional Component Modules (FCMs), software modules that abstract specific functions of the device. Currently, FCMs defined in HAVi are "TUNER", "VCR", "CLOCK", "CAMERA", "AV DISC", "AMPLIFIER", "DISPLAY", "AV DISPLAY", "MODEM", " WEB PROXY ”. Therefore, for example, a device having a tuner function, a VCR function, and a clock function has DCM, “TUNER” FCM, “VCR” FCM, and “CLOCK” FCM. FCM also has a function to manage reservation of the function.

  Usually, DCM (and FCM) for FAV and IAV itself are pre-installed in the device. BAV DCM (and FCM) is installed on FAV after being uploaded to FAV or downloaded from the Internet, etc., as described in BAV SDD. If there is no FAV in the HAVi network, install the one prepared in advance in IAV or the one downloaded from the Internet. LAV's DCM (and FCM) is installed in FAV or IAV in advance or downloaded from the Internet.

  The application is a so-called HAVi application, for example, a dubbing between two D-VHS or an EPG application. The application controls the specific target device using the API of each software module defined in HAVi. Data Driven Interaction (hereinafter “DDI”) Controller is what constitutes a so-called Level 1 user interface, and is a GUI for DCMs and applications with DDI Target and DDI Data. Havlet is a level 2 user interface written in JAVA and running on FAV. It is a GUI for DCM and applications. Whether the DCM or the application has a level 1 user interface or a level 2 user interface is registered in the REG as information on the software module. DCMs and applications may have both level 1 and level 2 interfaces.

  The SEIDs of system software elements such as MS, REG, EM, DCMM, RM, SM, and CMM are fixed for each device, but the SEIDs that are assigned to DCM and FCM are not fixed, and the MS is registered. Assign a different ID each time. Therefore, when a device reset occurs, a different SEID is assigned in DCM, FCM, etc., and after the reset device is restored, communication with the same DCM or FCM may not be possible. To avoid this, DCM and FCM are assigned permanent and unique HUIDs.

  In HAVi, Self Describing Device Data (hereinafter “SDD”) is defined separately. The SDD stores device information such as the type of device and an upload module for BAV as a part of the IEEE1394 configuration ROM.

  In HAVi, the transfer of stream data such as video and audio is inherited from the IEEE1394 standard concept, a connection is formed by connecting an abstract plug and the channel of the transmission path, and the stream is sent using that connection. It has become. However, unlike the IEEE1394 standard, the connection is formed by a route from the source FCM to the sink FCM. That is, the output plug of the device is connected from the output plug of the source FCM (this is called an attachment), the input plug of the device is connected from the output plug of the device through the channel of the transmission path, and the input plug of the device and the FCM of the sink Are connected and a connection is established. There are two types of HAVi connections, a point-to-point connection and a broadcast connection, as in the IEEE1394 connection.

  The HAVi standard is standardized as “The HAVi Specification-Specification of the Home Audio / Video Interoperability (HAVi) Architecture”.

  Here, when multiple tuner devices or recording devices are connected, a conflict has occurred when setting the EPG screen generation technology or viewing reservation or scheduled recording when multiple AV devices are connected. A technique for setting a reservation while avoiding the conflict is disclosed (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2004-207864 A

  However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, when a certain program is reserved or when a program schedule is changed and a reservation is changed, a device used for the reservation is used for another reservation. If there is a conflict and the reservation cannot be registered or the reservation cannot be changed, the reservation involving the conflicting device is canceled once, and the alternative device of the conflicting device is searched and released. A new reservation is re-booked, and then a new reservation is registered or the reservation is changed. In this case, the person who registered the reservation related to the device causing the conflict will be forcibly canceled if he / she wanted to execute the reservation on the device that caused the conflict. Not happy for people.

  An object of the present invention is to solve problems related to reservation conflicts.

  In the present invention, when making a viewing reservation or recording reservation, a flag relating to whether or not the device used in the reservation can be replaced can be set, and when making another viewing reservation or recording reservation later, or If the program schedule is changed and the viewing reservation or recording reservation is changed, if a reservation conflict occurs, the replacement flag of the device in which the conflict has occurred is checked, and the replacement flag is YES Is characterized in that a forced reservation change does not occur.

  A first technical means according to the present invention is a viewing reservation apparatus that can display a screen of an electronic program guide and select a specific program to make a viewing reservation while one or more tuner devices are connected. EPG screen generation means for generating EPG screen by acquiring EPG information from the connected tuner device, EPG screen display means for displaying the generated EPG screen on the display, and EPG displayed on the screen A program selection unit that allows a user to select a desired program, a tuner device selection unit that selects a tuner device that can receive the selected program, and a tuner device that is reserved for use when a use reservation of the selected tuner device is made Set a flag that indicates whether you can use another tuner device to view the program. And means, and having a data storage means to store the viewing reservation information, the viewing reservation setting means for storing viewing reservation in the generated data storage unit a viewing reservation.

  According to a second technical means of the present invention, with one or more tuner devices and one or more recording devices connected, an electronic program guide screen is displayed and a specific program is selected to make a recording reservation. An EPG screen generating means for acquiring EPG information from a connected tuner device and generating an EPG screen; and an EPG screen displaying means for displaying the generated EPG screen on a display. The program selection means for the user to select the desired program from the EPG displayed on the screen, the tuner device selection means for selecting the tuner device that can receive the selected program, and the use reservation of the selected tuner device has been made Sometimes a flag is set to indicate whether a reserved tuner device can be recorded using another tuner device. A tuner device substitution flag setting means, a recording device selection means for selecting a device for recording the selected program, and when a use reservation for the selected recording device is made, another recording device is used as the recording device reserved for use. Recording device substitution flag setting means for setting a flag indicating whether or not the program may be recorded, data storage means for storing viewing reservation information, recording reservation is generated and recorded in the data storage means It has a viewing reservation setting means for storing a reservation.

  According to a third technical means of the present invention, there is provided a device / function reservation apparatus for reserving a device or a function in the device in a state where one or a plurality of devices are connected. The first reservation information generating means for generating the reservation information related to the function, the first function / device reservation means for performing the reservation related to the device or the function in the device based on the generated reservation information, and the target reservation cannot be performed. Reservation information acquisition means for extracting all reserved information in the case, and a reservation for identifying which device or function is caused by extracting the reservation information that caused the reservation failure from all the extracted reservation information Failure cause identification means, second function / device replaceability investigation means for investigating whether the specified device or function is replaceable, and cause of failure When the function / device can be replaced, a second alternative function / device search means for searching for the function / device alternative function / device of the function / device, and a function / device reservation cancellation for canceling the reservation causing the failure Means, a third reservation information generating means for generating substitute reservation information in place of the canceled reservation by using the searched substitute device or substitute function, and the substitute device based on the generated substitute reservation information or It has the 3rd function / device reservation means which performs reservation regarding an alternative function, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  According to a fourth technical means of the present invention, there is provided a device / function reservation apparatus for reserving a device or a function in the device in a state where one or a plurality of devices are connected. The first reservation information generating means for generating the reservation information related to the function, the first function / device reservation means for performing the reservation related to the device or the function in the device based on the generated reservation information, and the target reservation cannot be performed. In this case, a first function / device substitutable investigation means for investigating whether or not the reservation target device or function is replaceable, and a first search for a replacement device or substitute function of the reservation target device or function Substitute function / device search means, and second reservation information for generating substitute reservation information to replace the reservation by the searched substitute device or substitute function The target function reservation could not be made by the generation means, the second function / device reservation means for making a reservation for the alternative device or the alternative function based on the generated alternative reservation information, and the second function / device reservation means In this case, the reservation information acquisition means for extracting all reserved information, and the reservation information that caused the reservation failure is extracted from all of the extracted reservation information to identify which device or function is the cause. The reservation failure cause identifying means, the second function / device replaceable investigating means for investigating whether the specified device or function can be replaced, and the function / device that caused the failure can be replaced A second alternative function / device search means for searching for an alternative function / device of the function / device, and a function / device reservation cancellation for canceling the reservation that caused the failure And a third reservation information generating means for generating substitute reservation information to replace the canceled reservation using the searched substitute device or substitute function, and the substitute device based on the generated substitute reservation information. Alternatively, it has a third function / device reservation means for making a reservation related to the alternative function.

  According to a fifth technical means of the present invention, in the reservation change device, when the program information is notified, the reservation information affected by the change in the program schedule is changed. A program information change event receiving means for receiving an event for notifying that a reservation has been made, a reservation information acquiring means for acquiring reservation information, and extracting reservation information affected by a change in the program schedule from the acquired reservation information Reservation information research means, reservation update means to change the reservation end time of the affected reservation information, which operates when the program whose schedule has been changed has already started, and the program whose schedule has been changed has already started The first reservation information cancellation means that operates when there is no reservation information that cancels the affected reservation information, and the canceled reservation information About the first reservation information generating means for newly generating reservation information in accordance with the change of the program schedule, and the first function / device reservation means for making a function / device reservation using the generated reservation information; If the reservation is not established in the first function / device reservation means or if the reservation update means cannot update the reservation, the reservation information that has failed and the reservation information already acquired by the reservation information acquisition means The failure cause identification means that identifies the function / device that caused the failure in the reservation information and the function / device that caused the failure are replaced. Replace the extracted function / device when the second function / device substitutable investigation means to investigate whether it is possible and the function / device that caused the failure can be replaced A second reservation canceling means for canceling the reservation from the extracted reservation information that caused the failure in the second alternative function / device searching means for searching the function / device and the failure cause identifying means; Using the function / device searched in the alternative function / device search means of the third reservation information generating means for generating reservation information as a substitute for the reservation canceled by the second reservation cancellation means, It comprises a third function / device reservation means for making a function / device reservation using the reservation information generated by the 3 reservation information generation means.

  According to a sixth technical means of the present invention, in the reservation change device, when the program information is notified, the reservation information affected by the change in the program schedule is changed. A program information change event receiving means for receiving an event for notifying that a reservation has been made, a reservation information acquiring means for acquiring reservation information, and extracting reservation information affected by a change in the program schedule from the acquired reservation information Reservation information research means, reservation update means to change the reservation end time of the affected reservation information, which operates when the program whose schedule has been changed has already started, and the program whose schedule has been changed has already started The first reservation information cancellation means that operates when there is no reservation information that cancels the affected reservation information, and the canceled reservation information About the first reservation information generating means for newly generating reservation information in accordance with the change of the program schedule, and the first function / device reservation means for making a function / device reservation using the generated reservation information; When the first function / device reservation means does not make a reservation, the first function / device substitutability investigation means for investigating whether the function / device used in the reservation can be replaced; Using the first alternative function / device search means that searches for the function / device that replaces the function / device to be used and the alternative function / device searched by the first alternative function / device search means A second reservation information generating means for generating reservation information; a second function / device reservation means for making a reservation of a function / device using the reservation information generated by the second reservation information generating means; Failure when the function / device substitutability survey means cannot replace, or when the second function / device reservation means fails to make a reservation, or when the reservation update means cannot update the reservation. Compare the reservation information with the reservation information already acquired by the reservation information acquisition means, extract the reservation information that caused the failure, and identify the function / device that caused the failure in the reservation information. It is possible to replace the function / device that caused the failure and the second function / device replaceable investigation means that investigates whether the function / device that caused the failure can be replaced. In this case, the second alternative function / device search means that searches for the function / device that replaces the extracted function / device and the cause of failure extraction cause the failure to be extracted. Reservation canceled by the second reservation canceling means using the second reservation canceling means that cancels the reservation from the reserved information and the function / device searched in the second alternative function / device searching means. A third function / device that reserves a function / device using the reservation information generated by the third reservation information generating means and the third reservation information generating means that generates the reservation information as an alternative to Reserving means is provided.

  According to the present invention, when making a reservation for an AV device such as a program viewing reservation or a recording reservation, the AV device such as a tuner device or a recording device used for the viewing reservation or the recording reservation is used by another tuner. The possibility of substituting can be shown by setting a flag indicating whether substituting is possible for a device or a recording device.

  According to the present invention, when reserving a device / function, if a conflict occurs with another reservation that has already been made and the reservation cannot be made, the device / function that caused the conflict can be replaced. If there is a substitute, the device / function that replaces the device / function used in the reservation that caused the conflict is searched, and the reservation information is generated using the substitute device / function. You can make a reservation.

  According to this program, when a program information change event is received and a reservation affected by the change of the program is changed in accordance with the program schedule change, the reservation changed in accordance with the program schedule change is changed. If you have a conflict with another reservation that has already been reserved and cannot be reserved, check if the device that caused the conflict is replaceable. It is possible to search for a function / device that replaces the function / device used in the reserved reservation, generate reservation information using the alternative function / device, and make a reservation.

  In the applicant's earlier patent application (Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-148096), when a reserved program is extended, or when an emergency broadcast is broadcast and the program schedule is changed, the program changes. In the case where a conflict occurs when a viewing reservation or a recording reservation reserved in advance is changed, a technique for setting a viewing reservation or a recording reservation while avoiding the conflict is disclosed.

  For example, it is assumed that the EPG recording reservation shown in FIG. 34 is made in the devices connected as shown in FIG. In the connection example of FIG. 23, there are four devices: BS digital tuner and DVD-RW (8001), HDD and CS digital tuner (8002), HDD and D-VHS (8003), BS / CS digital tuner and display (8004). Is connected. Here, as shown in FIG. 34, the BS 101 channel of professional baseball open game (9031) starting from 10:30 is recorded using the BS digital tuner indicated by reference numeral 8001 and the HDD indicated by reference numeral 8003. Make a reservation. In addition, for the amateur comic festival (9032) starting at 11:30 on the BS103 channel, a recording reservation is made using the BS digital tuner indicated by reference numeral 8001 and the HDD indicated by reference numeral 8002. Here, if the broadcast of the BS101 channel professional baseball open game is extended and broadcasted after 11:30, the usage time of the BS digital tuner overlaps and a reservation conflict occurs. Therefore, in the case of the earlier patent application, the reservation of the reference numeral 9032 is once canceled, and the BS tuner of the reference numeral 8004 is selected as an alternative device. Then, a recording reservation for the program 9032 using the HDD 8002 is newly made. As a result, the conflict of the BS digital tuner 8001 can be resolved and a recording reservation can be made.

  However, if the person who made the reservation for 9032 actually wants to watch this program using the tuner for 8001 even on time, for example, the tuner for 8001 is installed in the living room and slowly on the large screen display. If you are sitting on the couch and want to enjoy the broadcast on time, the person who made the reservation for 9032 is connected to a 8004 tuner, for example, a tuner in the bedroom on the second floor that is not very large. It may not be satisfactory because it is forcibly switched to a device.

  Therefore, the inventor has considered a new technique as described below. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 19 is a functional block diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the function / device reservation and reservation change apparatus 0007 according to each embodiment of the present invention. The program information change notification and reservation change device 0007 according to the present embodiment may be incorporated in an existing digital AV device. The functional block configuration (reference numerals 0003 to 0006) will be described later in each embodiment.

  In FIG. 19, the function / device reservation and reservation change apparatus 0007 includes, for example, an IO controller 7004, a flash ROM 7003, a CPU 7001, a RAM 7002, an Ethernet controller 7005, and a 1394 controller 7006. The IO controller 7004, flash ROM 7003, CPU 7001, and RAM 7002 are connected via a bus 7007. The IO controller 7004 executes switching control between the Ethernet controller 7005 and the 1394 controller 7006 in order to select either data transmitted via the LAN cable or data transmitted via the 1394 cable. The CPU 7001 reads a control program (for example, a program based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 12, 13, and 16 to 18) stored in the flash ROM 7003, uses the RAM 7002 as a work area of the control program, Execute processing according to the control program.

  The flash ROM 7003 is a kind of non-volatile ROM memory that is suitable for increasing the capacity, and can only be used in the same way as the EEPROM 7101 (see FIG. 20) for storing a BIOS of a computer system and a control program of an electronic device. It can also be used for disk-like data storage by taking advantage of its large capacity.

  FIG. 20 is a functional block diagram of a program information change notification and reservation change apparatus 0008 having a hardware configuration example different from that in FIG. 19 differs from the configuration shown in FIG. 19 in that an EEPROM 7101 is used instead of the flash ROM 7003, and further includes a hard disk drive HDD 7103 and a disk controller 7102. The other configurations are the same as those in FIG. As shown in FIG. 20, in addition to Ethernet and IEEE1394, data is input from a hard disk.

  FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration example of a program viewing reservation and program recording reservation device 0009 according to the following embodiment of the present invention. The program viewing reservation apparatus 0009 shown in FIG. 21 may be incorporated in an existing digital AV device. Note that configuration examples (reference numerals 0001 and 0002) of the functional blocks shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described later in each embodiment.

  In FIG. 21, the description of the components described in FIG. 19 is omitted. In FIG. 21, in addition to FIG. 19, a graphic controller 7201 and a remote controller 7202 are added. The remote controller 7202 accepts input from the user through the remote controller, and allows the graphic controller 7201 to display an EPG screen or the like on the display. Further, examples of the control program stored in the flash ROM 7003 include a program based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 or FIG.

  FIG. 22 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration example of a program viewing reservation and program recording reservation device 0010 having another hardware configuration. 21 is different from FIG. 21 in that an EEPROM 7101 is used instead of the flash ROM 7003, a hard disk drive HDD 7103 and a disk controller 7102 are further provided, and other configurations are the same as those in FIG. As shown in FIG. 21, in addition to Ethernet and 1394, data is also input from a hard disk.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of connection of an AV device according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 23, reference numeral 8001 denotes a device equipped with a BS digital broadcast tuner and a DVD-RW function. , BS digital parabolic antenna 8006 and cable 8008, and display 8005 and cable 8007, respectively. Reference numeral 8002 denotes a CS digital broadcast tuner and a device equipped with HDD functions. The device 8002 is connected to a CS digital broadcast parabolic antenna 8010 via a cable 8008. Reference numeral 8003 is a device equipped with D-VHS and HDD functions, and reference numeral 8004 is a device that can receive both BS digital broadcasting and CS digital broadcasting, and is a device in which a tuner and a display are integrated. 8004 is connected via a BS / CS combined parabolic antenna 8011 and a cable 8008.

  In FIG. 23, a device 8001, a device 8002, a device 8003, and a device 8004 are connected in a daisy chain by using an IEEE1394 cable 8009. Further, in the present embodiment, the device 8001 and the device 8004 are equipped with the FAV of the HAVi system, and the devices 8002 and 8003 are equipped with the HAVi BAV.

  In the following description of the embodiment, description will be made based on the AV device network shown in FIG. 23, but the scope of the AV device to which the present invention is applied is limited to that exemplified in this embodiment. is not.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a program viewing reservation apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 0001 denotes a viewing reservation apparatus, which displays an EPG screen of a program broadcast on the broadcasting system from digital broadcasting or Internet broadcasting with a plurality of tuner devices connected, and is identified from the EPG screen display. This is a device that selects a program and reserves viewing of the program.

  The viewing reservation apparatus 0001 shown in FIG. 1 includes an EPG screen generation means 1001, an EPG screen display means 1002, a program selection means 1003, a tuner device selection means 1004, a tuner device alternative flag setting means 1005, a viewing reservation setting means 1006, and a data storage means. 1007, including.

  Next, an outline of the operation of this apparatus will be described. The EPG screen generation means 1001 acquires EPG information from the connected tuner device and generates an EPG screen. A specific EPG screen generation method in the case where a plurality of tuner devices are connected is described in Patent Document 1. For example, when a plurality of tuner devices are connected, the tuner device search means searches for a tuner device on the network to which the AV device is connected, and acquires necessary information about the tuner device. Using the obtained device information, service information receivable by each tuner device, that is, channel information receivable by the tuner is searched and acquired. The tuner device list creation means extracts all services that can be received by the tuner device connected to this network in the service information acquisition means. At this time, even if a plurality of tuner devices are connected, the respective EPG information can be acquired and displayed by the service information acquisition means.

  The EPG screen display means 1002 displays the EPG screen generated by the EPG screen generation means on the display. The program selection means 1003 uses a keyboard, remote control or other operation means from the display on which the EPG screen is displayed to specify a specific program by moving the cursor on the EPG screen, or to display on the display with a pointing device or the like The user selects a desired program from the EPG screen by specifying a specific program.

  The tuner device selection means 1004 selects one of the tuner devices that can receive the selected program and is free at the time when the program is broadcast. The tuner device substitution flag setting unit 1005 sets a value for a flag regarding whether or not the tuner device selected by the tuner device selection unit 1004 can be substituted when making this reservation.

  For example, if the value that can be replaced is YES and the selected tuner device can be replaced, the replacement flag of the reserved tuner device is set to YES. Here, the determination of whether or not “substitutable” is possible is when the device used for this reservation is to be used for another reservation at the time when the reserved reservation is executed, that is, when the reserved device is used. Based on whether or not the device reserved here can be re-reserved using another available device. The data storage unit 1007 stores viewing reservation information. The viewing reservation setting unit 1006 generates viewing reservation information for making a viewing reservation for the selected program with the selected tuner device, and stores the reservation information in the data storage unit 1007. An example of the viewing reservation setting apparatus is shown in FIG. 10 or FIG.

  As described above, the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 can select a program, select a tuner device that receives the program, and reserve viewing of the program.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a program recording reservation apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 0002 denotes a recording reservation apparatus, which displays an EPG screen of a program broadcast on the broadcasting system from a digital broadcast or an Internet broadcast in a state where a plurality of tuner devices and recording devices are connected. This is an apparatus for selecting a specific program from and making a recording reservation for the program.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the recording reservation apparatus 0002 according to the present embodiment includes an EPG screen generation means 1001, an EPG screen display means 1002, a program selection means 1003, a tuner device selection means 1004, a tuner device substitution flag setting means 1005, a recording A device selection unit 2001, a recording device substitution flag setting unit 2002, a recording reservation setting unit 2003, and a data storage unit 1007 are included.

  Next, an outline of the operation of the recording reservation device 0002 will be described. The EPG screen generation means 1001, the EPG screen display means 1002, the program selection means 1003, the tuner device selection means 1004, the tuner device substitution flag setting means 1005, and the data storage means 1007 are the same as the viewing reservation apparatus 0001, and the explanation thereof is as follows. Omitted.

  The recording device selection unit 2001 selects one of the recording devices that are available at the time when the selected program is broadcast. The recording device replacement flag setting unit 2002 sets a value for a flag indicating whether the recording device selected by the recording device selection unit can be replaced when making the reservation. For example, if the replaceable value is YES and the selected recording device can be replaced, the replacement flag of the reserved recording device is set to YES. Here, “substitutable” means that when the registered reservation is executed, that is, when the reserved device is used, the device used in this reservation is used for another reservation. This indicates whether the reserved device can be re-booked with another available device. The recording reservation setting means 2003 generates recording reservation information for making a recording reservation for the selected program with the selected tuner device and the selected recording device, and stores the reservation information in the data storage means 1007. Note that either of the recording reservation setting apparatus examples shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. 11 can be used.

  As described above, a program can be reserved by selecting a program by the apparatus shown in FIG. 2, selecting a tuner device that receives the program, and a recording device that records the received program.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a list example of devices used for recording reservation when the recording reservation is performed using the recording reservation device 0002 illustrated in FIG. 2 in the AV network illustrated in FIG. Here, the broadcast of channel BS101 is received using the BS tuner of device 8001, and recording is performed using the HDD of device 8002. Further, the substitution flag of the device 8001 is NO, and the substitution flag of the device 8002 is YES. In other words, if a conflict occurs due to the reservation of this device when trying to make another viewing reservation or recording reservation, the device 8001 cannot replace the reservation with another tuner device. I mean.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the first embodiment of the viewing reservation processing procedure of the present invention. The following is a description of FIG. First, when processing is started (START), an EPG screen is generated in step S1001. Since an EPG screen generation method when a plurality of tuner devices are connected is described in Patent Document 1 as described above, a description thereof will be omitted. Next, in step S1002, the generated EPG screen is displayed on the display. Next, in step S1003, the user selects a program to be reserved for viewing from the EPG screen. The selection is performed by designating a specific program by moving a cursor on the EPG screen using a keyboard or a remote controller, or by designating a specific program displayed on a display using a pointing device or the like. In step S1004, a list of tuner devices that can receive the selected program is displayed on the display. In step S1005, the user selects a desired tuner device while referring to the list of tuner devices displayed on the display. Next, in step S1006, a selection screen as to whether or not the selected tuner device can be replaced is displayed. Here, “substitutable” is the above-mentioned definition, and when the registered reservation is executed, that is, when the reserved device is used, when it is desired to use the device used in this reservation in another reservation. This indicates whether or not the reserved device can be re-booked with another available device.

  Next, in step S1007, the user selects whether the tuner device can be replaced. Next, in step S1008, reservation information for viewing the selected program using the selected tuner device is generated and stored. Here, a specific procedure example for generating the reservation information is shown in FIG. 12 or FIG.

  A specific example of viewing reservation will be described below with reference to the EPG screen examples shown in FIGS. Here, the configuration example of the AV network has a structure shown in FIG.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of an EPG screen. This screen is displayed by the process of step S1002 of FIG. The vertical axis is a program ID, the horizontal axis is time, and a GUI is provided with a tab for selecting a date. Below the GUI, a bar 9015 for sliding the time zone may be provided. The same applies to the following GUIs. The generation operation of the EPG screen in step S1001 is also described in the above-described Patent Document 1, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

  Next, in step S1003, the user selects a program. In FIG. 24, the program with the code 9011 is selected. In step S1004, a list of tuner devices capable of receiving the selected program 9011 is displayed on the display, and the user selects a tuner device.

  FIG. 25 shows a screen on which a dialog 9101 for selecting a tuner device capable of receiving the selected program 9011 is displayed in the AV device network shown in FIG. Here, the two tuner devices denoted by reference numerals 8001 and 8004 shown in FIG. 23 can be received. Next, in step S1005, the user selects a tuner device. Here, reference numeral 8001 is selected, and OK is selected. Next, in step S1006, a screen for setting an alternative flag for the selected tuner device is displayed.

  FIG. 26 shows an example in which a dialog 9102 for setting an alternative flag for a tuner device is displayed. Next, in step S1007, the user sets an alternative flag. If YES is selected here, the alternative flag is YES, and if NO is selected, the alternative flag is NO. Here, it is assumed that the user selects NO. Next, in step S1008, a reservation for viewing the program selected so far with the selected tuner device is set.

  FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a display example of the EPG screen when a viewing reservation is made. It shows that the selected program 9011 has been reserved for viewing.

  As described above, based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, it is possible to select a program, select a tuner device that receives the program, and reserve viewing of the program.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of a viewing reservation procedure according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, the steps already described with reference to FIG.

  In step S1011, it is checked whether the tuner device selected by the user is not a specific one but any one. It is assumed that the list of tuner devices displayed on the display in S1004 includes an option indicating that any tuner device may be used. If NO in step S1011, next, step S1006 is executed. On the other hand, if YES in step S1011, next, step S1012 is executed. In step S1012, a tuner device that can receive the selected program is automatically selected. For example, a list of tuner devices that can receive the channel of the selected program is created in advance, and one is selected therefrom. In step S1013, the substitute flag of the automatically selected device is set to YES. Then, the viewing reservation setting process in step S1008 is executed.

  A specific example will be described below with reference to FIG. In FIG. 30, in addition to the options shown in FIG. 25, a dialog 9105 including an option “anything is acceptable” is displayed. If the user selects this, in step S1012, the system automatically selects a tuner device that can receive the program. In step S1013, the substitute flag of the automatically selected tuner device is set to YES.

  As described above, by performing processing in accordance with the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, it is possible to select a program, select a tuner device that receives the program, and reserve viewing of the program.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the recording reservation procedure according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This will be described below with reference to FIG. In the following description, description of the same steps as already described in FIG. 4 is omitted.

  After the substitute flag is set in step S1007, in step S1021, a list of recording devices that can record the selected program is displayed on the display. Next, in step S1022, the user selects a desired recording device from the list of recording devices displayed on the display. In step S1023, a selection screen as to whether the selected recording device can be replaced is displayed. Here, as described above, in the same manner as described above, when a reservation to be registered is executed, that is, when a device to be reserved is used, when it is desired to use a device used for this reservation in another reservation, Indicates whether or not the reserved device can be reserved again using another available device. Next, in step S1024, the user selects whether or not the recording device can be replaced. In step S1025, reservation information for recording the selected program using the selected tuner device and the selected recording device is generated and stored. Here, a specific procedure example for generating the reservation information is shown in FIG. 12 or FIG.

  A specific example of recording reservation will be described below with reference to EPG screen examples shown in FIGS. Here, the structure shown in FIG. 23 is adopted as the configuration of the AV network. FIG. 24 is an example EPG screen. In step S1002, this screen is displayed. Note that the operation of step S1001 is described in Patent Document 1 and will not be described here. Next, in step S1003, the user selects a program. In FIG. 24, program 9011 is selected. In step S1004, a list of tuner devices capable of receiving the selected program 9011 is displayed on the display, and the user selects a tuner device. FIG. 25 shows a dialog 9101 for selecting a tuner device capable of receiving the selected program 9011 in the AV device network shown in FIG. Here, the two tuner devices denoted by reference numerals 8001 and 8004 shown in FIG. 23 can be received. Next, in step S1005, the user selects a tuner device. Here, reference numeral 8001 is selected, and OK is selected. Next, in step S1006, a screen for setting an alternative flag for the selected tuner device is displayed. In FIG. 26, a dialog 9102 for setting an alternative flag of the tuner device is displayed. Next, in step S1007, the user sets an alternative flag. If YES is selected here, the alternative flag is YES, and if NO is selected, the alternative flag is NO. Here, the user selects NO.

  Next, in step S1021, a list of selectable recording devices is displayed on the display. FIG. 27 shows a dialog 9103 for selecting a recordable recording device in the AV device network shown in FIG. Here, the DVD-RW denoted by reference numeral 8001, the HDD denoted by reference numeral 8002, the DVHS denoted by reference numeral 8003, and the HDD shown in FIG. 23 can be selected. Next, in step S1022, the user selects a recording device. Here, when the HDD of reference numeral 8002 is selected and OK is selected, a screen for setting an alternative flag of the selected recording device is displayed in step S1023. In FIG. 28, a dialog 9104 for setting an alternative flag for the recording device is displayed. Next, in step S1024, the user sets an alternative flag. If YES is selected here, the alternative flag is YES, and if NO is selected, the alternative flag is NO. Here, a description will be given assuming that the user selects YES. Next, in step S1025, a recording reservation is set using the tuner device that has selected the program selected so far and the selected recording device. FIG. 29 shows an EPG screen when a recording reservation is made. This indicates that the selected program 9011 has been reserved for viewing.

  Here, the EPG screen for which the viewing reservation has been completed and the EPG screen for which the recording reservation has been completed are described in the same drawing, but they may be distinguished so that it can be understood whether the viewing reservation has been made or the recording reservation has been made. Here is an example that does not distinguish. It is the same as the EPG screen for which the viewing reservation has been completed.

  As described above, according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, it is possible to select a program, select a tuner device and a recording device that receive the program, and make a recording reservation for the program.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of a recording reservation procedure according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  This will be described below with reference to FIG. In the following description, the steps already described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6 are the same and will not be described.

  In step S1031, it is checked whether or not the recording device selected by the user is not a specific one. In S1021, the list of recording devices displayed on the display includes an option indicating that any recording device may be used. If NO in step S1031, next, step S1023 is executed. If YES in step S1031, next, step S1032 is executed. In step S1032, the recording device is automatically selected. For example, as described in Patent Document 1, a list of recording devices is created in advance, and one is selected therefrom. Next, in step S1033, the substitute flag of the automatically selected device is set to YES. Then, Step S1025 is executed.

  As described above, the program shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 can be used to select a program, select a tuner device and a recording device that receive the program, and make a recording reservation for the program.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of a recording reservation procedure according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to FIG. In the following description, the steps already described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 6 are the same, and are omitted here.

  In step S1041, a list of recording device categories is displayed on the display. For example, categories such as HDD, DVD, DVHS are displayed. In step S1042, the user selects a desired category from the list of recording device categories displayed on the display. In step S1043, a list of recording devices belonging to the selected recording device category is displayed on the display. In step S1044, the user selects a desired recording device from the list of recording devices displayed on the display. Next, step S1023 is executed.

  When selecting a recording device by displaying a list of devices that can be directly recorded, the number of devices displayed in the list increases, which may place a burden on the user. Therefore, the category of the device to be recorded first is selected, then the list of devices belonging to the selected category is displayed, and the recording device is selected. This makes it easy to understand the display.

  FIG. 31 shows an example of a screen displaying a dialog 9106 for selecting a recording device category. Here, when an HDD is selected as a category, a dialog allowing selection of a device belonging to the category belonging to the HDD, that is, an HDD with reference numeral 8002 and an HDD with reference numeral 8003 in FIG. 23 is displayed, and the user selects the HDD device from there. To do.

  As described above, according to the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, it is possible to select a program, select a tuner device and a recording device that receive the program, and make a recording reservation for the program.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of a recording reservation procedure according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  This will be described below with reference to FIG. In FIG. 9, it is an option to indicate that any device may be used when the list of tuner devices and recording devices is displayed on the display as shown in FIG. 7 with respect to the recording reservation procedure shown in FIG. (S1005, S1022), the user selects the option, and if any device is available, the device is automatically selected (S1012, S1032), and the substitute flag of the device Is set to YES (S1013, S1033).

  As described above, according to the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, it is possible to select a program, select a tuner device and a recording device that receive the program, and make a recording reservation for the program.

  Further, in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4 to 9, a list of selectable devices is displayed, a step for selecting from the list, and a screen for selecting an alternative flag for the selected device are displayed and selected. As shown in FIG. 31, the step of selecting a device and setting a substitute flag of the device in one dialog 9107, as shown in FIG. 31, or without distinguishing between viewing reservation and recording reservation, If “OK” in FIG. 31 is selected, a viewing reservation is made, and if a recording reservation is selected, a recording device selection dialog is displayed next, and a recording reservation can be made.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a function / device reservation apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 10, reference numeral 0003 denotes a function / device reservation apparatus, which generates reservation information for a specified function / device and executes function / device reservation. Also, if a conflict could not be made due to a conflict, search for the alternate function / device of the function / device that caused the conflict and execute the reservation using the retrieved alternate function / device. To do.

  The function / device reservation device 0003 includes a first reservation information generation unit 3001, a first function / device reservation unit 3002, a reservation information acquisition unit 3003, a reservation failure cause identification unit 3004, and a second function / device substitutability investigation unit. 3005, second function / device search means 3006, function / device reservation cancellation means 3007, third reservation information generation means 3008, and third function / device reservation means 3009. Since the first function / device reservation means 3002 is used again in the last step, the first function / device reservation means is described twice in FIG.

  Next, an outline of the operation of this apparatus will be described. The first reservation information generating unit 3001 selects a device to be reserved or a function of the device by some method, for example, when a recording reservation using a tuner and a recording device is performed by an EPG or the like. Reservation information for reserving a device or a function in the device is generated. The first function / device reservation unit 3002 executes the function / device reservation using the reservation information generated by the first function / device reservation information generation unit 3001. Here, when the reservation is not established, the reservation information acquisition unit 3003 acquires all the reservation information of the devices connected to the network. The reservation failure cause identifying unit 3004 compares the original reservation information with the reservation information acquired by the reservation information acquiring unit 3003, and specifies the reason why the original reservation was not established, so that the reservation information acquired by the reservation information acquiring unit 3003 The reservation information that causes the reservation to fail and the device or the function in the device are specified. The second function / device substitutability investigation means 3005 is a function in which the original reservation specified by the failure cause specifying means 3004 has failed, or the function in the device is a function in another device or device. Investigate whether it can be substituted.

  That is, the substitute flag set when the device or the function of the device is reserved is checked. Substituting here refers to the time when a registered reservation is executed, i.e., when the reserved device or function is used, when it is desired to use the device or function used in this reservation in another reservation. The device or function reserved in (1) indicates whether or not the reservation can be made again using another available device or function. If it is possible to substitute, the second substitute function / device search means 3006 searches for a substitute device or a function in the device having an equivalent function of the device or the function in the device that caused the failure. . When an alternative device or a function in the device is found, the function / device reservation canceling means 3007 cancels the reservation of the reservation information that caused the original reservation found by the failure cause identifying means 3004 to fail. The third reservation information generation means 3008 uses the alternative device or the function in the device found by the second alternative function / device search means 3006 to substitute for the reservation information that caused the reservation failure. Generate information.

  The third function / device reservation unit 3009 performs function / device reservation using the reservation information generated by the third reservation information generation unit 3008. Finally, the first function / device reservation unit 3002 performs function / device reservation using the reservation information generated by the first reservation information generation unit 3001.

  In the following, a specific example will be described with reservation of AV equipment connected as shown in FIG. 23 as an example. Consider a situation where a BS digital tuner of device 8001 and an HDD of 8003 are already used to reserve recording of BS digital programs on the HDD. It is assumed that the substitution flag is set to YES for the BS digital tuner and HDD. In this state, the CS digital program of the device 8002 and the HDD of the device 8003 are used at the same time as the reservation is already made, and an attempt is made to reserve the CS digital program for HDD recording. In this case, the first reservation information generation means uses the CS digital tuner of the device 8002 and the HDD of the device 8003 to generate reservation information for recording the CS digital program on the HDD. Then, this reservation is attempted by the first function / device reservation means. However, since the HDD of the device 8003 is already reserved at the same time, it cannot be reserved. Therefore, all the reservation information reserved on this network is acquired by the reservation information acquisition means. In this case, using the BS digital tuner denoted by reference numeral 8001 and the HDD of the device 8003, reservation information for making a reservation for recording a BS digital program in the HDD is searched.

  Next, the reservation information retrieved by the reservation failure cause identifying means is compared with the original reservation information, and it can be seen that the HDD of the device 8003 cannot be reserved because it has already been reserved at the same time. Next, the second function / device substitutability investigation means examines the HDD substitution flag of the device 8003 that is causing the failure. Since the substitute flag is YES, when the HDD substitute device is searched using the second substitute function / device search means, the HDD of the device 8002 is searched. Therefore, using the function / device reservation canceling means, the BS digital tuner of the device 8001 and the HDD of the device 8003, which caused the original reservation failure, use the reservation information to reserve the recording of the BS digital program on the HDD. cancel. Then, the third reservation information generating means newly generates reservation information for reserved recording of the BS digital program on the HDD by using the BS digital tuner of the device 8001 and the HDD of the device 8002. The third function / device reservation means reserves the reservation information. Finally, the original reservation information is reserved again by the first function / device reservation means. In this case, since the reservation of the HDD of the device 8003 has already been lost, the reservation is established.

  In addition, when making a reservation for recording using the BS digital tuner of device 8001 and the HDD of device 8003, the series of programs to be recorded are already recorded in order on the HDD of device 8003, and are stored in the HDDs of other devices. If the user does not want to record, the substitute flag of the HDD of the device 8003 is set to NO. In that case, when trying to make a recording reservation using the CS digital tuner of the device 8002 and the HDD of the device 8003 later, the HDD of the device 8003 cannot be replaced by the second function / device replaceable investigation means. The reservation fails.

  As described above, reservation of a device or a function in the device can be executed by the apparatus shown in FIG. If the reservation cannot be performed, the conflicting reservation and the device used in the reservation or the function in the device are detected, and the device or the function in the device is replaced with the function in the device or the device. Make a new reservation using. Thereby, the conflict can be resolved and the original reservation can be executed.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a function / device reservation apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 11, reference numeral 0004 denotes a function / device reservation apparatus, which generates reservation information for a specified function / device and executes function / device reservation. If the reservation could not be executed due to a conflict, check whether the specified function / device can be replaced, and if so, search for an alternative function / device and search for an alternative function / device. Make a reservation using the device. If the reservation is still not possible, search for the alternative function / device of the function / device that caused the conflict, and execute the reservation using the searched alternative function / device.

  The function / device reservation device 0004 includes a first reservation information generation unit 3001, a first function / device reservation unit 3002, a first function / device replaceable investigation unit 4001, a first replacement function / device search unit 4002, Second reservation information generation means 4003, second function / device reservation means 4004, reservation information acquisition means 3003, reservation failure cause identification means 3004, second function / device replaceability investigation means 3005, second substitute function / It comprises a device search means 3006, a function / device reservation cancellation means 3007, a third reservation information generation means 3008, and a third alternative function / device reservation means 3009. In order to use the first function / device reservation unit 3002 again in the last step, the first function / device reservation unit 3002 is described twice in FIG.

  Next, an outline of the operation of this apparatus will be described. The first reservation information generating means 3001, the first function / device reservation means 3002, the reservation information acquisition means 3003, the reservation failure cause identifying means 3004, the second function / device replaceable investigation means 3005, the second function The device / device search unit 3006, the function / device reservation canceling unit 3007, the third reservation information generating unit 3008, and the third function / device reservation unit 3009 are the same as the function / device reservation device 0002, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  The first function / device substitutability investigation unit 4001 determines whether the function / device is replaced with another device or a function in the device when the first function / device reservation unit 3002 does not make a reservation successfully. Please investigate. That is, the substitute flag set when the device or the function of the device is reserved is checked. If it cannot be substituted, the reservation information acquisition unit 3003 is executed.

  If it is possible to substitute, in the first substitution / function device search means 4002, the device or the function in the device to be used in the reservation information generated by the first reservation information generation means, Search for an alternative device with an equivalent function or a function within the device. Next, the second reservation information generating unit 4003 generates new reservation information using an alternative device having an equivalent function or a function in the device. Next, the second function / device reservation unit 4004 reserves a device or a function in the device using the reservation information generated by the second reservation information generation unit. When the second function / device reservation unit does not make a reservation, the reservation information acquisition unit 3003 is executed.

  In the following, a specific example will be described by taking a reservation process of an AV device connected as shown in FIG. 23 as an example. Consider a situation where a BS digital tuner of the device 8001 and the HDD of the device 8003 are already used to reserve recording of BS digital programs on the HDD. It is assumed that the substitution flag is set to YES for the BS digital tuner and HDD. In this state, the CS digital tuner of the device 8002 and the HDD of the device 8003 are used at the same time as the reservation is already made, and an attempt is made to make a reservation for recording the CS digital program on the HDD. Here, it is assumed that the substitution flag of the 8002 CS digital tuner and the 8003 HDD is set to YES. In this case, the first reservation information generating means generates reservation information for recording a CS digital program on the HDD using the CS digital tuner of the device 8002 and the HDD of the device 8003. Then, this reservation is attempted by the first function / device reservation means. However, since the HDD of the device 8003 is already reserved at the same time, it cannot be reserved.

  Therefore, the first function / device substitutable investigation means investigates the substitution flag of the equipment used in this reservation, and since both are YES, the first substitution / function device inspection means is executed. Then, the HDD of the device 8002 is found as an alternative to the HDD of the device 8003. Next, the second reservation information generating means generates reservation information for recording a CS digital program using the CS digital tuner of the device 8002 and the HDD of the device 8002 on the HDD. Next, the second function / device reservation unit performs a reservation with the reservation information generated by the second reservation information generation unit.

  In addition, when making a recording reservation using the CS digital tuner of device 8002 and the HDD of device 8003, the series of programs to be recorded are already recorded in order on the HDD of device 8003, and recorded on the HDDs of other devices. If not, the replacement flag of the HDD of the device 8003 is set to NO. In that case, the first function / device substitutable investigation means does not allow substitution, so the reservation information acquisition means is executed. Then, all reservation information reserved on this network is acquired, and reservation information for making a reservation for recording a BS digital program in the HDD is searched using the BS digital tuner 8001 and the HDD 8003.

  Next, the reservation information retrieved by the reservation failure cause identifying means is compared with the original reservation information, and it can be seen that the HDD of the device 8003 cannot be reserved because it has already been reserved at the same time. Next, the second function / device substitutability investigation means examines the HDD substitution flag of the device 8003 that is causing the failure. Since the substitution flag is YES (note that the substitution flag of the HDD of the device 8003 here is a recording reservation using the BS digital tuner of the device 8001 and the HDD of the device 8003). When the HDD replacement device is searched using the alternative function / device search means, the HDD of the device 8002 is searched. Therefore, using the function / device reservation canceling means, the BS digital tuner of the device 8001 and the HDD of the device 8003, which caused the original reservation failure, use the reservation information to reserve the recording of the BS digital program on the HDD. cancel. Then, the third reservation information generating means newly generates reservation information for reserved recording of the BS digital program on the HDD by using the BS digital tuner of the device 8001 and the HDD of the device 8002. The third function / device reservation means reserves the reservation information. Finally, the original reservation information is reserved again by the first function / device reservation means. In this case, since the reservation of the HDD of the device 8003 has already been lost, the reservation is established.

  As described above, reservation of a device or a function in the device can be executed by the apparatus shown in FIG. If the reservation cannot be performed, a device or a function in the device that is an alternative to the device or function used in the reservation is searched, and the reservation is performed using the device or the function in the device. If the reservation still cannot be performed, the conflicting reservation and the device or the function in the device used in the reservation are detected, and the device or the function in the device replaces the device or the function in the device. Perform a new reservation using the function. Thereby, the conflict can be resolved and the original reservation can be executed.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for reserving a device or a device in the device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and shows the contents of processing corresponding to FIG. The procedure shown in FIG. 12 assumes a HAVi application.

  This will be described below with reference to FIG. First, initialization is performed in step S2001. Specifically, open MS (call MsgOpen API), register event and callback function to EM (call EventManager :: Register API), register own software element information to REG (Registry :: RegisterElement API) Call).

  Next, in step S2002, information on the selected device / function is extracted. For example, when reservation recording is selected on the EPG screen, information on a channel reserved for a tuner device and information on a recording device for recording a program and the like. Next, in step S2003, the REG is inquired of the REG (Registry :: GetElement API and Registry :: RetrieveElement API are called). In the network shown in FIG. 23, RMs exist in FAVs 8001 and 8004. Next, in step S2004, reservation information is generated. For example, in the case of a reservation for recording a program with a channel using the BS digital tuner 8001 in the network of FIG. 23 using the HDD 8003, HAVi uses Schedule Action data to perform this reservation. Will be created.

  In step S2005, a schedule action is reserved in the RM using the reservation information created in step S2004 (calling ResourceManager :: ScheduleAction API).

  Next, in step S2006, it is checked whether or not the reservation in step S2005 is successful. If the reservation is successful (in the direction Y in the figure), the reservation is completed and the process ends. When the reservation fails (direction N in the figure), step S2007 is executed as shown in FIG. In step S2007, it is checked whether an attempt has been made to find an alternative device / function from the conflicting reservation. If an attempt has already been made (direction Y in the figure), it is determined that the reservation has not been made and the process ends. If it has not been attempted yet (direction N in the figure), step S2008 is executed.

  In step S2008, the reservation information (Schedule Action) held by the RM is extracted from all the RMs (calling ResourceManager :: GetLocalScheduledActions API and ResourceManager :: GetScheduledActionData API).

  Next, in step S2009, the reservation information that caused the original reservation to be unsuccessful is found from the reservation information extracted in step S2008, and the device / function with which the reservation overlaps is further found from the reservation information. Specifically, the reservation information (Schedule Action) describes the execution start time and end time of the action, the device / function required for execution, and the command sent to the device / function. In comparison, you can find out which devices / functions have overlapping reservations.

  For example, in the network of FIG. 23, a situation is considered in which a BS digital tuner of the device 8001 and the HDD of the device 8003 are already used to reserve recording of a BS digital program on the HDD. In this state, the CS digital tuner of the device 8002 and the HDD of the device 8003 are used at the same time as the reservation is already made, and an attempt is made to make a reservation for recording the CS digital program on the HDD.

  However, since 8003 HDD is already reserved at the same time, it cannot be reserved. In this case, the RM uses the 8001 BS digital tuner and the 8003 HDD to search for reservation information for making a reservation for recording a BS digital program on the HDD. And since 8003 HDD is reserved at the same time, it turns out that the reservation cannot be executed.

  Next, in step S2010, it is checked whether a device / function with overlapping reservations has been found. If not found (in the direction N in the figure), it is determined that a reservation could not be made and the process ends. If it is found (direction Y in the figure), S2011 is executed.

  Next, in step S2011, the substitution flag of the device / function with which the reservation overlaps is checked. If the substitution flag is NO (in the direction N in the figure), it is determined that no reservation has been made and the process ends. If the substitution flag is YES (direction Y in the figure), step S2012 is executed.

  Next, in step S2012, the reservation of the reservation information found in step S2009 is canceled (calling ResourceManager :: UnscheduleAction API). Next, in step S2013, REG is searched for an alternative device / function of the device / function found in step S2009 (Registry :: GetElement API or Registry :: MultipleGetElement API and Registry :: RetrieveElementAPI call), and the alternative device / Create a list of features. If an alternative device / function cannot be found with only the attributes defined in the REG, the candidate for the alternative device / function is searched for in the REG, and then the DCM / FCM is directly inquired about the function. In the previous example, 8002 HDD is searched as an alternative to 8003 HDD.

  Next, in step S2014, it is checked whether reservation of all alternative devices / functions has been attempted. If all reservations have been attempted (direction Y in the figure), step S2018 is executed, and if all reservations have not been attempted (in the direction N in the figure), step S2015 is executed.

  In step S2018, the reservation once canceled in step S2012 is executed again. Then, it is concluded that the original reservation could not be performed.

  In step S2015, one reservation information is extracted from the list of alternative devices / functions generated in step S2013, and new reservation information is generated. In the previous example, a BS digital program of 8001 and an HDD of 8002 are used to make a reservation recording of a BS digital program on the HDD.

  Next, in step S2016, an attempt is made to reserve the generated reservation information. Next, in step S2017, the reservation attempted in step S2016 is checked. If the reservation is not successful (N direction in the figure), step S2014 is executed. If the reservation is successful (in the direction of Y in the figure), step S2004 is executed, and the reservation is attempted again with the original reservation information.

  With the above processing, reservation of a device or a function in the device can be executed. In addition, even if the original reservation information cannot be reserved due to resource conflict, find the reservation information where the resource conflict occurred, find an alternative device / function for the reservation information, and reserve from the reservation information using that device / function By doing, reservation of the original reservation information can be achieved.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart assuming an HAVi application, but the same applies to systems other than HAVi.

  13A and 13B are flowcharts illustrating an example of a procedure for reserving a device or a device in the device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and a diagram illustrating a flow of processing relating to the configuration illustrated in FIG. . In the procedures of FIGS. 13A and 13B, a flowchart assuming a HAVi application is assumed. This will be described below with reference to FIGS. 13A and 13B. In FIGS. 13A and 13B, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 12 are the same as those in FIG. If the reservation is not successful in step S2006 (N direction in the figure), step S2101 is executed. In step S2101, it is checked whether the device used in the reservation information generated in step S2004 or the function of the device can be replaced. If it cannot be substituted (direction N in the figure), step S2108 is executed next. If substitution is possible (direction Y in the figure), step S2102 is executed next.

  In step S2102, it is checked whether or not a search has been made for an alternative device or function of the device or device function created in step S2004 and used in the reservation information. If it has already been checked (direction Y in the figure), step S2104 is executed. If it has not been checked yet (direction N in the figure), step S2103 is executed.

  In step S2103, an alternative device / function search (Registry :: GetElement API or Registry :: MultipleGetElement API and Registry :: RetrieveElement API call) is executed in REG to create a list of alternative devices / functions. If an alternative device / function cannot be found with only the attributes defined in the REG, the candidate for the alternative device / function is searched for in the REG, and then the DCM / FCM is directly inquired about the function. For example, in the network shown in FIG. 23, in the example described above, that is, in the case of a reservation for recording a program with a channel using the CS digital tuner of the device 8002 using the HDD of the device 8003, the CS digital of the device 8002 The BS / CS digital tuner of the device 8004 is searched for as an alternative to the tuner, and the HDD of the device 8002 is searched as an alternative to the HDD of the device 8003.

  Next, in step S2104, it is checked whether or not reservations have been tried for all the searched alternative devices / functions. If reservation has been attempted for all alternative devices / functions (direction Y in the figure), step S2108 is then executed. Otherwise (N direction in the figure), step S2105 is executed next.

  In step S2105, one alternative device / function is extracted from the list of alternative devices / functions and new reservation information is generated. For example, in the above example, as the alternative device / function, the BS / CS digital tuner of the device 8004 is selected as the alternative of the CS digital tuner of the device 8002, the HDD of the device 8002 is selected as the alternative of the HDD of the device 8003, and the device 8004 A schedule action is generated for recording a program of a channel using the BS / CS digital tuner of the device 8002 using the HDD of the device 8002. Next, in Step S2106, the Schedule Information is reserved in the RM using the reservation information generated in Step S2105 (Calling ResourceManager :: ScheduleAction API). In step S2107, it is checked whether the reservation is successful. If the reservation is successful (in the direction of Y in the figure), the reservation is completed. If not successful (N direction in the figure), step S2108 is executed next. In step S2108, it is checked whether all cases have been tried. In all cases, search for an alternative device and re-schedule, and cancel the reservation that caused the conflict and search for an alternative device / function used in the reservation and make a reservation. including.

  With the above procedure, reservation of a device or a function in the device can be executed. In addition, if the reservation cannot be performed due to resource conflict, the device or the function in the device that replaces the function in the device or the device is searched, and the reservation using the searched device or the function in the device is performed. To implement. If you still cannot make a reservation, find the reservation information that caused the resource conflict, find an alternative device / function for the reservation information, and make a reservation from the reservation information using that device / function, so that the original reservation information Reservation can be achieved.

  As shown in FIG. 13B, in the case of N in step S2108 of FIG. 13A, the process proceeds to step S2107, and it is determined whether or not an alternative device / function has been found and tried from the conflicting reservation. When a try is made, (Y) and END (FAIL) are obtained. If not tried (N), the process proceeds to step S2008, and reservation information is extracted from all RMs. Next, in step S2009, the reservation that caused the conflict is found, and the device / function that caused the conflict is found. Next, it is determined whether or not the cause device / function was found in step S2010. If not found, (N) END (FAIL). If found (Y), it is determined whether or not the device / function that caused the problem in step S2011 can be replaced. When substitution is not possible (N), (N) (N) END (FAIL). If it is possible to substitute (Y), the reservation that caused the conflict in RM in step S2012 is canceled. In step S2103, the REG is searched for an alternative device / function of the device / function that caused the conflict, and a list is created. Next, in step S2014, it is determined whether or not a reservation is attempted with the device / function that caused the conflict in the REG. In the case of Y, the process proceeds to step S2108, and the reservation that caused the conflict in the RM is performed again and becomes END (FAIL). On the other hand, in the case of N, the process proceeds to step S2015, where one is taken out from the list of alternative devices / functions and a new reservation for the conflicting reservation is created. Next, the process proceeds to step S2016, and a reservation is made with the reservation information that generated the RM. Next, the process proceeds to step S2017 to determine whether or not the reservation is successful. If the reservation is successful (Y), the process proceeds to step S2004. If the reservation is not successful (N), the process returns to step S2014.

  FIGS. 13A and 13B are flowcharts assuming a HAVi application, but the same applies to systems other than HAVi.

  FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a function / device reservation apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 14, reference numeral 0005 denotes a reservation changing device. When the program information is changed due to the extension of the program or the emergency broadcast, the reservation affected by the change is changed, and the reservation is correctly performed. It is a device to make it. If the reservation cannot be changed due to a conflict, the replacement function / device of the function / device that caused the conflict is searched, and a reservation is made using the searched alternative function / device. Make changes.

  The reservation change device 0005 includes a program information change event receiving means 5001, reservation information acquisition means 5002, reservation information investigation means 5003, first reservation cancellation means 5004, first reservation information generation means 5005, first function / device reservation. Means 5006, reservation update means 5007, failure cause identification means 5008, second function / device substitutable investigation means 5009, second substitute function / device search means 5010, second reservation cancellation means 5011, third reservation information A generation unit 5012 and a third function / device reservation unit 5013 are included. Since the first function / device reservation unit 5006 and the reservation update unit 5007 are used again in the last step, the first function / device reservation unit 5006 and the reservation update unit 5007 are twice in FIG. is described.

  Next, an outline of the operation of this apparatus will be described. Program information change event receiving means 5001 receives a program information change event transmitted from the program information change notification device. Here, the transmission of the program information change event is described in the above-mentioned application, but briefly described, the program information change notification function is broadcast by broadcast from, for example, digital broadcasting or Internet broadcasting. When the program information is transmitted, if the received program information is changed from the previously received program information, the fact that the program information has been changed is notified. The program information change notification function acquires SI information from information broadcast from a broadcasting station such as digital broadcasting or Internet broadcasting, or acquires SI information from a Web page that publishes an EPG on the Internet. The acquired SI information is compared with the SI information stored in the SI information database. When SI information that does not exist in the database is acquired, it is stored in the SI information database. Also, the information in the SI information database is updated. If it is an item to be updated, the program information change notification means notifies the other device that the program information has been changed.

  Next, when a program information change notification event is received, the reservation information acquisition unit 5002 acquires reservation information from a database in which the reservation information is stored. Next, reservation information that is affected by the change of the program information is extracted from the reservation information stored in the database by the reservation information checking means 5003. Also, the schedule of the program that has already started is changed, and it is checked whether or not the program is reserved. Next, if the changed program has not started yet, the first reservation canceling means 5004 cancels the reservation affected by the change of the program information. Next, the first reservation information generation means 5005 generates new reservation information in accordance with the change of the program information instead of the canceled reservation. Next, the function / device reservation is executed from the generated reservation by the first function / device reservation means 5006.

  On the other hand, if the program has already started, the reservation update unit 5007 corrects the start time of the procedure to be executed when the program ends to a new time when the program schedule is changed. When the function / device reservation is executed from the generated reservation in the first function / device reservation means 5006, when a conflict occurs and the reservation cannot be made, or when the program is ended in the reservation update means 5007 When the start time of the procedure to be executed is corrected to a new time when the program schedule has been changed and a reservation has not been made due to a conflict, the failure cause identification means 5008 displays the failed reservation information , Compare with the reservation information already acquired by the reservation information acquisition means 5002, identify the cause of the reservation failure, extract the reservation information that caused the failure (which caused the conflict), and further resolve the conflict The function / device is specified in the reservation information that caused the occurrence.

  Next, in the second function / device substitutable possibility investigating means 5009, the substitution flag of the function / device that causes the conflict identified by the failure cause identifying means 5008 is investigated. If the device / function can be replaced, the second replacement function / device search means 5010 searches for the function / device to replace the function / device extracted in 5008. Next, the second reservation canceling means 5011 cancels the reservation that caused the conflict.

  Next, the third reservation information generating means 5012 substitutes for the reservation canceled by the second reservation canceling means 5011 using the function / device searched by the second substitute function / device searching means 5010. Reservation information is generated. Next, the third function / device reservation unit 5013 makes a function / device reservation based on the reservation information generated by the third reservation information generation unit 5012. Finally, if the changed program has not started yet, the first function device reservation means 5006 executes the reservation of the function or device that failed to be reserved in the first try. If the program has already started, the reservation update unit 5007 corrects the start time of the procedure to be executed when the program ends to the new time when the program schedule is changed.

  Next, a specific example of reservation change will be described. Hereinafter, in a specific example of reservation change, it is assumed that the operation is performed in the AV network environment shown in FIG. FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating an EPG screen display example. Here, it is assumed that a recording reservation is made for the program indicated by reference numeral 9021 and the program indicated by reference numeral 9022. It is assumed that the program recording reservation indicated by reference numeral 9021 is received by the BS tuner of the device 8001 and recorded by the HDD of the device 8003 as shown in FIG. Further, it is assumed that the recording reservation of the program indicated by reference numeral 9022 is reserved to be received by the CS tuner of the device 8004 and to be recorded by the HDD of the device 8003 shown in FIG. Here, it is assumed that the substitution flag of the device used in each reservation is set to YES. At this time, when the program 9023 before the reserved program 9022 is being broadcast, if the program is extended by 30 minutes and the start of the program 9022 is also delayed by 30 minutes, the program change event is received. The means 5001 receives the program information change event notifying that the reference numerals 9022 and 9023 have been changed, the reservation information acquisition means 5002 acquires reservation information stored in the apparatus, and the program information investigation means 5003 The affected reservation (in this case, the recording reservation at 9022) is extracted, and it is further confirmed that the program to be reserved for recording has not yet started. Then, the recording reservation of the program indicated by reference numeral 9022 is canceled by the first reservation canceling means 5004, and reservation information for newly recording recording of the program indicated by reference numeral 9022 is generated by the first reservation information generating means 5005. Then, the first function / device reservation unit 5006 makes a recording reservation for the program indicated by reference numeral 9022. In this case, the CS tuner of the device 8004 and the HDD of the device 8003 are reserved in accordance with the program 9022. However, since the recording of the program 9021 has already been reserved in the HDD of the device 8003 and the time overlaps, it is not possible to record the program indicated by the reference numeral 9022 that has been moved back 30 minutes.

  Therefore, the failure cause identification unit 5008 compares the failed reservation information with the reservation information already acquired by the reservation information acquisition unit 5002, identifies the cause of the reservation failure, and causes the failure (conflict The reservation information (which caused the occurrence) is taken out, and the function / device is specified in the reservation information that caused the conflict. In this case, it is confirmed that the recording reservation of the program 9021 is the reservation that caused the conflict, and the function / device that caused the reservation is the HDD of the device 8003 that is a device for recording the program.

  Next, the second function / device replaceability check means checks the replacement flag of the device 8003 used in the reservation 9021 that caused the conflict. If it can be replaced, the second replacement function / device search means 5010 searches for a replacement function / device of the function / device that caused the conflict. In this case, the HDD of the device 8002 is searched. Next, the second reservation canceling means 5011 cancels the reservation specified by the failure cause specifying means 5008, in this case, the recording reservation of the program 9021. Next, the third reservation information generating means 5012 generates reservation information for making a new recording reservation for the program 9021 using an alternative function / device. Next, the third function / device reservation means 5013 reserves a function / device from the generated reservation information. In this case, the program 9021 is received using the BS tuner of the device 8001 and reserved for recording using the HDD of the device 8002. Finally, the first function / device reservation unit 5006 makes a recording reservation for the program 9022. Specifically, it receives using the CS tuner of the device 8004 and makes a reservation for recording using the HDD of the device 8003.

  Next, another specific example will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 34 shows an EPG screen. Here, it is assumed that a recording reservation is made for the program indicated by reference numeral 9031 and the program indicated by reference numeral 9032. It is assumed that the program recording reservation indicated by reference numeral 9031 is received by the BS tuner of the device 8001 and recorded by the HDD of the device 8003 as shown in FIG. Further, it is assumed that the recording reservation of the program indicated by reference numeral 9032 is reserved to be received by the BS tuner of the device 8001 and to be recorded by the HDD of the device 8003 shown in FIG. Here, it is assumed that the substitution flag of the device used in each reservation is set to YES. At this time, when the reserved program 9031 is being broadcast, if the program is extended by 30 minutes, the program information change event receiving unit 5001 notifies the program information change that notifies that the code 9031 has been changed. Receiving the event, the reservation information acquisition means 5002 acquires reservation information stored in the apparatus, and the program information investigation means 5003 extracts the affected reservation (in this case, the recording reservation of reference numeral 9031), and It is confirmed that the program reserved for recording has already started and recording has started. Then, the reservation update means 5007 updates the reservation so as to extend the recording time by 30 minutes for the recording reservation that has already started. In this case, the operation time for recording the program of the BS tuner of the device 8001 and the HDD of the device 8003 is extended by 30 minutes. However, the BS tuner of the device 8001 and the HDD of the device 8003 have already been reserved for recording the program 9032, and the time overlaps, so it is impossible to record the code 9031 that has been moved back 30 minutes.

  Therefore, the failure cause identification unit 5008 compares the failed reservation information with the reservation information already acquired by the reservation information acquisition unit 5002, identifies the cause of the reservation failure, and causes the failure (causes a conflict). The reservation information (which is the cause) is taken out, and the function / device is specified in the reservation information that caused the conflict. In this case, the recording reservation of the program 9032 is the reservation that caused the conflict, and the cause / function is the BS tuner of the device 8001 that is the device that receives the program and the device that records the program. It is confirmed that the HDD is a device 8003.

  Next, the second function / device replaceable check means checks the replacement flags of the devices 8001 and 8003 used in the reservation 9032 that has caused the conflict. Then, since it is possible to substitute, the second substitute function / device search means 5010 searches for a substitute function / device of the function / device that caused the conflict. In this case, the BS tuner of the device 8004 and the HDD of the device 8002 are searched. Next, the second reservation canceling means 5011 cancels the reservation specified by the failure cause specifying means 5008, in this case, the recording reservation of the program 9032. Next, the third reservation information generation means 5012 generates reservation information for making a new recording reservation for the program 9032 using an alternative function / device. Next, the third function / device reservation means 5013 reserves a function / device from the generated reservation information. In this case, the program 9032 is received using the BS tuner of the device 8004, and reservation is made for recording using the HDD of the device 8002. Finally, the reservation update unit 5007 updates the reservation so that the recording time of the program 9031 is extended by 30 minutes. Specifically, the reception time of the B tuner of the device 8001 and the recording time of the HDD of the device 8003 are each extended by 30 minutes.

  As described above, when the program information change event is received by the apparatus shown in FIG. 14, the reservation affected by the change of the program can be changed according to the schedule change of the program. In addition, if the reservation changed in accordance with the program schedule change conflicts with other reservations that have already been reserved and cannot be reserved, the function / device used in the reservation that caused the conflict It is possible to search for a function / device that substitutes, generate reservation information using the alternative function / device, and make a reservation. In order to search for an alternative function / device, it is necessary to generate a list for each function / device in the AV network, but since it is described in Patent Document 1, description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the reservation changing apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 15, reference numeral 0006 denotes a reservation changing device. When a program is extended or an emergency broadcast is made and the program information is changed, the affected reservation is changed so that the reservation is correct. It is a device that makes it happen.

  The reservation change device 0006 includes a program information change event receiving unit 5001, a reservation information acquisition unit 5002, a reservation information investigation unit 5003, a first reservation cancellation unit 5004, a first reservation information generation unit 5005, and a first function / device reservation. Means 5006, reservation update means 5007, first function / device substitutable investigation means 6001, first substitute function / device search means 6002, second reservation information generation means 6003, second function / device reservation means 6004, Failure cause identification means 5008, second function / device replaceable investigation means 5009, second substitute function / device search means 5010, second reservation cancellation means 5011, third reservation information generation means 5012, third function A device reservation unit 5013 is included. Since the first function / device reservation unit 5006 and the reservation update unit 5007 are used again in the last step, the first function / device reservation unit 5006 and the reservation update unit 5007 are twice in FIG. It is shown.

  Next, an outline of the operation of this apparatus will be described. However, those already described in FIG. 14 are omitted. In the first function / device reservation means 5006, when a function or device reservation is executed from the generated reservation, if a conflict occurs and the reservation cannot be made, the first function / device replacement possibility investigation means 6001 , It is investigated whether the device / function used in the first reservation information generating means 5005 can be replaced. If it can be replaced, the first replacement function / device search means 6002 searches for the function / device that replaces the function / device to be reserved. Next, the second reservation information generation means 6003 generates reservation information for making a reservation using the searched alternative function / device. Next, in the second function / device reservation means 6004, the function or device reservation is executed from the generated reservation.

  When the function / device is not replaceable in the first function / device substituting investigation means 6001 or when the function / device reservation is executed from the generated reservation in the second function / device reservation means 6004 When the reservation cannot be made due to a conflict, or when the reservation update unit 5007 corrects the start time of the procedure to be executed when the program ends, to a new time when the program schedule is changed, If a reservation cannot be made due to a conflict, the failure cause identification unit 5008 compares the failed reservation information with the reservation information already acquired by the reservation information acquisition unit 5002 to identify the reason for the reservation failure. The reservation information that caused the failure (which caused the conflict) is extracted, and the reservation information that caused the conflict is extracted. The particular function / device in. The following is the same as the content described with reference to FIG.

  Next, a specific example of reservation change will be described. Hereinafter, in a specific example of reservation change, it is assumed that the operation is performed in the AV network environment shown in FIG.

  FIG. 35 shows an EPG screen. Here, it is assumed that a recording reservation is made for the program indicated by reference numeral 9041, the program indicated by reference numeral 9042, and the program indicated by reference numeral 9043. It is assumed that the program recording reservation indicated by reference numeral 9041 is reserved to be received by the BS tuner of the device 8001 and to be recorded by the DVD-RW of the device 8001 shown in FIG. Further, it is assumed that the recording reservation of the program indicated by reference numeral 9042 is reserved to be received by the BS tuner of the device 8004 and to be recorded by the HDD of the device 8003 as shown in FIG. Further, it is assumed that the recording reservation of the program indicated by 9043 is received by the CS tuner of the device 8004 shown in FIG. 23 and reserved for recording by the HDD of the device 8003. Here, it is assumed that the substitution flag is set to YES for the function / device used in these reservations.

  At this time, when the program 9044 before the reserved program 9042 is being broadcast, if the program is extended by 30 minutes and the start of the program 9042 is also delayed by 30 minutes, the program change event is received. Means 5001 receives a program information change event notifying that reference numerals 9042 and 9044 have been changed, reservation information acquisition means 5002 acquires reservation information stored in the apparatus, and program information investigation means 5003 The affected reservation (in this case, the recording reservation of 9042) is extracted, and it is further confirmed that the program to be reserved for recording has not yet started. Then, the first reservation canceling means 5004 cancels the recording reservation of the program 9042, and the first reservation information generating means 5005 newly generates reservation information for recording reservation of the program indicated by reference numeral 9042. Then, the first function / device reservation unit 5006 makes a recording reservation for the program indicated by reference numeral 9042. In this case, the BS tuner of the device 8004 and the HDD of the device 8003 are reserved in accordance with the program 9042. However, the BS tuner of the device 8004 and the HDD of the device 8003 are already used for recording reservation of the program 9043, and the time is overlapped, so it is not possible to make a recording reservation for the program indicated by the reference numeral 9042 which is 30 minutes down . Here, it is assumed that only one of the BS / CS tuners of the device 8004 can be used at the same time.

  Therefore, the first function / device substitutable investigation means 6001 investigates whether the BS tuner of the device 8004 and the HDD denoted by reference numeral 8003 that caused the conflict are substitutable. Since these functions / devices can be substituted, the first substitute function / device search means 6002 searches for the substitute functions of the BS tuner of the device 8004 and the HDD of reference numeral 8003 that have caused the conflict. The BS tuner of device 8001 and the HDD of device 8002 are found. Next, the second reservation information generating means 6003 generates reservation information for newly recording a program 9042 for recording. Specifically, reservation information that is received by the BS tuner of the device 8001 and recorded by the HDD of the device 8002 is generated. Then, the second function / device reservation unit 6004 makes a reservation based on the generated reservation information. However, the BS digital tuner of the device 8001 has already been used to record the program 9041, and a conflict occurs and the reservation is not established.

  Therefore, the failure cause identification unit 5008 compares the failed reservation information with the reservation information already acquired by the reservation information acquisition unit 5002, identifies the cause of the reservation failure, and causes the failure (causes a conflict). The reservation information (which is the cause) is taken out, and the function / device is specified in the reservation information that caused the conflict. In this case, the recording reservation of the program 9043 caused the conflict, and the functions / devices that caused the problem were the CS tuner of the device 8004 and the HDD of the device 8003, which are the devices that receive the program. That is confirmed. Next, the second function / device substitutable investigation means 5009 investigates whether the device that caused the conflict is substitutable. Since both can be substituted, the second substitute function / device search means 5010 next searches for a substitute function / device of the function / device causing the conflict. In this case, the CS tuner of the device 8002 and the HDD denoted by reference numeral 8002 are searched. Next, the second reservation canceling means 5011 cancels the reservation specified by the failure cause specifying means 5008, in this case, the recording reservation for the program 9043. Next, the third reservation information generation means 5012 generates reservation information for making a new recording reservation for the program 9043 using an alternative function / device. Next, the third function / device reservation means 5013 reserves a function / device from the generated reservation information. In this case, the program 9043 is received using the CS tuner of the device 8002, and a reservation is made for recording using the HDD of the device 8002. Finally, the first function / device reservation unit 5006 makes a recording reservation for the program 9042. Specifically, it receives using the BS tuner of the device 8004, and makes a reservation for recording using the HDD of the device 8003.

  As described above, when the program information change event is received by the apparatus shown in FIG. 15, the reservation affected by the change of the program can be changed in accordance with the change of the program schedule. In addition, if the reservation changed in accordance with the program schedule change conflicts with other reservations that have already been reserved and cannot be reserved, the function / device used in the reservation that caused the conflict It is possible to search for a function / device that substitutes, generate reservation information using the alternative function / device, and make a reservation. In order to search for an alternative function / device, it is necessary to generate a list for each function / device in the AV network, but since it is described in Patent Document 1, description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a reservation change procedure according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and shows a process corresponding to the configuration shown in FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart assuming an HAVi application. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG. First. In step S3001, initialization is performed. Specifically, MS open (MsgOpen API call), event and callback function registration to EM (EventManager :: Register API call), own software element information registration to REG (Registry :: RegisterEelement API) Call). For event registration, an event (ChangeEventSchedule) for receiving SI information from the tuner system is registered. Note that ChangeEventSchedule is not defined in the HAVi standard, but here, an event notifying that program information has been changed is called ChangeEventSchedule. Next, in step S3002, the REG is inquired of the REG (Registry :: GetElement API and Registry :: RetrieveElement API are called). In the AV network shown in FIG. 23, RMs exist in the devices 8001 and 8004 that are FAVs. Next, in step S3003, a program information change notification event transmitted by the program information change notification system is received. Here, the process waits until a program information change notification event is received. Specifically, it waits until the EventManagerNotification API having ChangeEventSchedule as an event ID is called from EM. Next, in step S3004, the reservation information (Scheduled Action) held by the RM is extracted from all RMs (calling ResourceManager :: GetLocalScheduledActions API and ResourceManager :: GetScheduledActionData API).

  Next, in step S3005, it is checked whether all reservations included in the program information change notification event that are affected by the program whose schedule has been changed have been corrected. In step S3005, when all the schedules are corrected (the direction of Y in the figure), the program is terminated. In step S3005, when there is still reservation information to be corrected (direction N in the figure), step S3006 is executed.

  Next, in step S3006, one piece of reservation information that is affected is extracted. In step S3007, it is checked whether the scheduled program to be corrected has already started. If it is determined in step S3007 that the reserved program has already started (direction Y in the figure), step S3011 is executed next. If it is determined in step S3007 that the reserved program has not yet started (N direction in the figure), step S3008 is executed next.

  In step S3011, the reservation end time in the RM is corrected in accordance with the end time of the reserved program (calling ResourceManager :: ChangeScheduleAction API). Next, step S3012 is executed.

  In step S3008, the retrieved reservation information is canceled (ResourceManager :: UnscheduleAction API call). Next, in step S3009, reservation information in accordance with the change of the program schedule is generated. In step S3010, the reservation information generated in the RM is registered (calling ResourceManager :: ScheduleAction API). Next, step S3012 is executed.

  In step S3012, it is checked whether the execution in step S3010 or step S3011 is successful. If it is successful (in the direction Y in the figure), step S3005 is executed next. If it has failed (direction N in the figure), step S3013 is executed next.

  In step S3013, a function / device that replaces the conflicting reservation is searched, and it is checked whether the reservation is attempted. If a reservation has already been attempted (direction Y in the figure), it is assumed that the reservation has not been made, and the process ends as an error. If reservation has not been attempted yet (direction N in the figure), step S3014 is executed next.

  In step S3014, the reservation information that causes the original reservation to be unsuccessful is found, and the function / device with which the reservation overlaps is found from the reservation information. Specifically, in the reservation information (ScheduledAction), the execution start time and end time of the action, the function / device required for execution, and the command sent to the function / device are described. You can search for features / devices with overlapping reservations.

  Next, in step S3015, it is checked whether or not a function / device with overlapping reservations has been found. If not found (direction N in the figure), it is assumed that the reservation has not been made, and the process ends as an error. If found (in the direction of Y in the figure), next, step S3016 is executed.

  In step S3016, the function / device substitution flag that caused the conflict is checked. If substitution is not possible (direction N in the figure), it is assumed that the reservation cannot be made, and the process ends as an error. If found (step Y30 in the figure), next, step S3017 is executed. In step S3017, reservation is canceled for the reservation information found in step S3014 (calling ResourceManager :: UnscheduleAction API). Next, in step S3018, a function / device that replaces the function / device found in step S3014 is searched (Registry :: GetElement API or Registry :: MultipleGetLement API and Registry :: RetrieveElement API call). Create a list of features / devices. If an alternative function / device cannot be found only with the attributes defined in the REG, the candidate for the alternative function / device is searched for in the REG, and then the function is directly inquired to the DCM or FCM.

  Next, in step S3019, it is checked whether a reservation using all the alternative functions / devices has been attempted. If all reservations have been attempted (direction Y in the figure), step S3024 is then executed. If all the reservations have not been attempted (N direction in the figure), step S3020 is executed next.

  In step S3024, the reservation once canceled in step S3017 is reserved again. Then, it is assumed that the original reservation could not be performed, and the process ends as an error. In step S3020, one is extracted from the list of functions / devices to be replaced generated in step S3018, and reservation information is generated using the replacement functions / devices. Next, in step S3021, an attempt is made to reserve the generated reservation information (calling ResourceManager :: ScheduleAction API). In step S3022, it is checked whether the reservation is successful. If the reservation is successful (in the direction of Y in the figure), step S3023 is executed next. If the reservation is not successful (N direction in the figure), step S3019 is executed next.

  In step S3023, a check is made to see if the program has already started for the reservation originally intended to be corrected. If it has started (direction Y in the figure), step S3011 is executed next. If it has not started yet (direction N in the figure), then step S3010 is executed.

  As described above, according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 16, when the program information change notification event is received, the reservation information affected by the event is updated, and the broadcast schedule of the program set when the reservation is made is changed. The contents of the reservation can be automatically corrected accordingly. In addition, even if the reservation change fails, the reservation that caused the reservation failure is searched, the function / device that replaces the function / device used there is searched, and the function / device that is found is searched. Use it to make a reservation and then modify the original reservation. As a result, it is possible to avoid a conflict due to the simultaneous use of functions / devices that may occur due to a reservation change.

  Note that FIG. 16 is a flowchart assuming an application of HAVi, but the same can be realized in a system other than HAVi. Further, the transmission of the program information change notification event is described in the previous patent application and further described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

  FIGS. 17A, B, and 18 are flowcharts showing a reservation change procedure according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and are diagrams showing processing corresponding to the configuration shown in FIG. 17A, 17B, and 18 are flowcharts assuming an HAVi application. Hereinafter, FIGS. 17A, 17B, and 18 will be described. In the following description, the steps already described with reference to FIG. 16 are the same, and are omitted here. In step S3101, it is checked whether the reservation end time correction executed in step S3011 has been successful. If it is successful (in the direction Y in the figure), step S3005 is executed next. If it has failed (direction N in the figure), step S3013 is executed next.

  In step S3102, it is checked whether or not the reservation executed in step S3010 is successful. If it is successful (in the direction Y in the figure), step S3005 is executed next. If unsuccessful, next, step S3103 is executed as shown in FIG. 17B. In step S3013, the function / device substitution flag used in the reservation information generated in step S3009 is checked. If it can be substituted (direction Y in the figure), step S3014 is executed next. If substitution is not possible (direction N in the figure), step S3013 is executed next.

  In step S3104, it is checked whether or not the function / device substituting the function / device to be used in the reservation information generated in step S3010 has already been searched. If a search has already been performed (direction Y in the figure), step S3106 is executed. If it has not been searched yet (direction N in the figure), step S3105 is executed.

  In step S3105, the REG is searched for an alternative function / device (Registry :: GetElement API or Registry :: MultipleGetElement API and Registry :: RetrieveElement API is called) to create a list of alternative functions / devices. If it is not possible to find an alternative function / device only with Attriute defined without REG, search for an alternative function / device candidate in REG, and then directly inquire DCm / FCM for the function.

  Next, in step S3106, it is checked whether reservation has been attempted for all the alternative functions / devices that have been searched. If reservation has been attempted for all the alternative functions / devices (direction Y in the figure), step S3013 is executed next. If reservation of all cases has not been attempted (in the direction N in the figure), step S3107 is executed next.

  In step S3107, one alternative function / device is extracted from the list of alternative functions / devices, and new reservation information is generated. Next, in step S3108, reservation is attempted using the generated reservation information (calling ResourceManager :: ScheduleAction API).

  In step S3109, it is checked whether the reservation in step S3108 is successful. If the reservation is successful (the direction of Y in the figure), step S3005 is executed next. If unsuccessful (direction N in the figure), then step S3104 is executed.

  As described above, according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 17A, 17B, and 18, when the program information change notification event is received, the reservation information affected by the event is updated, and the broadcast schedule of the program set when the reservation is made Even if is changed, the contents of the reservation can be automatically corrected accordingly. In addition, if the reservation affected by the change in the broadcast schedule of the program has not yet started, even if the reservation change fails, the function / device search that replaces the function / device used in the reservation And make a reservation using the found function / device. Furthermore, even if the reservation change fails, the reservation that caused the reservation failure is searched, the function / device that replaces the function / device used in the reservation is searched, and the function / device that is found is searched. Use it to make a reservation and then modify the original reservation. As a result, it is possible to avoid a conflict due to the simultaneous use of functions / devices that may occur due to a reservation change.

  FIGS. 17A, 17B, and 18 are flowcharts assuming an application of HAVi, but can be similarly realized in a system other than HAVi. The transmission of the program information change notification event is described in the previous application specification, and the description thereof is omitted here.

  As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, when making a reservation for an AV device such as a program viewing reservation or a recording reservation, an AV such as a tuner device or a recording device used for the viewing reservation or the recording reservation is used. A flag can be set as to whether the device can be replaced with another tuner device or recording device.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, when reserving a device / function, if a conflict occurs with another reservation that has already been made, and the reservation cannot be made, the device / device that caused the conflict Check if the function is substitutable, and if so, search for the device / function that replaces the device / function used in the reservation that caused the conflict and use the alternative device / function Reservation information can be generated and a reservation can be made.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, when a program information change event is received and the reservation affected by the change of the program is changed in accordance with the program schedule change, the change is made in accordance with the program schedule change. If the reserved reservation conflicts with other reservations that have already been reserved and cannot be reserved, the device that caused the conflict is checked to see if it can be replaced. It is possible to search for a function / device that replaces the function / device used in the reservation that caused the reservation, generate reservation information using the alternative function / device, and make a reservation.

  As described above, each embodiment has been described centering on each function in the viewing reservation apparatus, the recording reservation apparatus, the function / device reservation apparatus, and the reservation change apparatus of the present invention, but the present invention has also been described as a method to be executed by a computer. As described above, it can also take the form of a viewing reservation method, a recording reservation method, a function / device reservation method, and a reservation change method.

  Also, it functions as a listening reservation device, a recording reservation device, a function / device reservation device, and a reservation change device as well as a listening reservation device, a recording reservation device, a function / device reservation device, and a reservation change device having these functions. It is also possible to use a program as a program for executing a viewing reservation method, a recording reservation method, a function / device reservation method, or a reservation change method.

  An embodiment of a recording medium storing a program and data for realizing each function according to the present invention will be described. Specific recording media include CD-ROM (-R / -RW), magneto-optical disk, DVD-ROM (-RW), FD, flash memory, memory card, memory stick, and various other ROMs and RAMs. The functions of the embodiments of the present invention described above are executed on these recording media by a computer, and a program for realizing each function is recorded and distributed, thereby facilitating the realization of the function. Then, the recording medium as described above is mounted on an information processing apparatus such as a computer and the program is read by the information processing apparatus, or the program is stored in a storage medium provided in the information processing apparatus. By reading, each function related to the present invention can be executed.

  The present invention can be used as a reservation management apparatus for AV equipment and information equipment.

It is a step block diagram which shows the example of 1 structure of the viewing-and-listening reservation apparatus by embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the example of 1 structure of the video recording reservation apparatus by this Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the example of a list of the devices used by recording reservation when recording reservation was performed using the recording reservation apparatus by this Embodiment. It is a flowchart figure which shows the flow of the process performed with the program reservation system by this Embodiment. It is a flowchart figure which shows the flow of the process performed with the program reservation system by this Embodiment. It is a flowchart figure which shows the flow of the process performed with the program reservation system by this Embodiment. It is a flowchart figure which shows the flow of the process performed with the program reservation system by this Embodiment. It is a flowchart figure which shows the flow of the process performed with the reservation change system by this Embodiment. It is a flowchart figure which shows the flow of the process performed with the reservation change system by this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the example of 1 structure of the function / device reservation apparatus by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of the function / device reservation apparatus by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is the flowchart figure which showed the flow of the process performed with the function / device reservation system by the 1st Embodiment, and is a figure which shows the flow of the process regarding the structure shown in FIG. It is a flowchart figure which shows an example of the procedure which reserves the device by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention, or the apparatus in a device, and is a figure which shows the flow of a process regarding the structure shown in FIG. It is a figure following FIG. 13A. It is the block diagram which showed the example of a structure of the reservation change apparatus by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the block diagram which showed the structural example of the reservation change apparatus by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows the flow of the process performed with the reservation change system by the 1st Embodiment of this invention, and is a figure which shows the flow of the process regarding the structure shown in FIG. It is a flowchart figure which shows the flow of the process performed with the reservation change system by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and is a figure which shows the flow of the process regarding the structure shown in FIG. It is a figure corresponding to FIG. 17A. It is a flowchart figure which shows the flow of the process performed with the reservation change system by this Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the hardware structural example of the function / device reservation and reservation change apparatus by this Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the hardware structural example of the function / device reservation and reservation change apparatus by this Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the hardware structural example of the viewing-and-listening reservation and recording reservation apparatus by this Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the hardware structural example of the viewing-and-listening reservation and recording reservation apparatus by this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a connection of AV device by this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the EPG screen by this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the EPG screen by this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the EPG screen by this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the EPG screen by this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the EPG screen by this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the EPG screen by this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the EPG screen by this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the EPG screen by this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the EPG screen by this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the EPG screen by this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the EPG screen by this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the EPG screen by this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a connection of the conventional AV device. It is a figure which shows the software structural example of HAVi.

Explanation of symbols

0001 ... Program viewing reservation device, 0002 ... Program recording reservation device, 0003-0004 ... Function / device reservation device, 0005-0006 ... Reservation change device, 1001 ... EPG screen generation means, 1002 ... EPG screen display means, 1003 ... Program selection Means: 1004: Tuner device selection means, 1005: Tuner device substitution flag setting means, 1006: Viewing reservation setting means, 1007: Data recording means, 2001: Recording device selection means, 2002: Recording device substitution flag selection means, 2003: Recording Reservation means, 3001 ... first reservation information generation means, 3002 ... first function / device reservation means, 3003 ... reservation information acquisition means, 3004 ... reservation failure cause identification means, 3005 ... second function / device substitution possible investigation Means, 3006 ... second alternative function / device search means, 3007 ... function / device reservation cancellation means, 3008 ... third reservation information generation means, 3009 ... third function / device reservation means, 4001 ... first function /device Replaceable investigation means, 4002 ... first substitute function / device search means, 4003 ... second reservation information generation means, 4004 ... second function / device reservation means, 5001 ... program information change event reception means, 5002 ... reservation Information acquisition means, 5003 ... reservation information investigation means, 5004 ... first reservation cancellation means, 5005 ... reservation information generation means, 5006 ... first function / device reservation means, 5007 ... reservation update means, 5008 ... failure cause identification means , 5009 ... Second function / device substitutable investigation means, 5010 ... Second substitute function / device search means, 5011 ... Second reservation cancellation means, 5012 ... Third reservation information generation means, 5013 ... Third Function / device reservation means, 6001... First function / device replaceable investigation means, 6002... First substitute function / device search means, 6003... Second reservation information generation means, 6004. Means, 8001 ... BS digital tuner and DVD-RW decoding 8002 ... CS digital tuner and HDD decryption device, 8003 D-VHS and HDD decryption device, 8004 BS / CS digital tuner and display decryption function Device, 8005 ... Display device, 8006 ... BS digital broadcasting parabolic antenna, 8007 ... Display cable, 8008 ... Antenna cable, 8009 ... IEEE1394 cable, 8010 ... CS digital broadcasting parabolic antenna, 8011 ... BS / CS shared parabolic antenna , 8012 ... BS digital broadcast tuner, 8013 ... D-VHS deck, 9001 ... List of devices used for recording reservation

Claims (32)

Tuner device selection means that a tuner device capable of receiving a program selected from one or more tuner devices selects based on an electronic program guide;
Viewing reservation setting means for generating viewing reservation information for making a viewing reservation with the selected tuner device for the selected program;
When a tuner device usage reservation operation is selected, a tuner device replacement flag setting is set for setting a tuner device replacement flag indicating whether or not a change to another tuner device is allowed instead of the tuner device reserved for use. Means,
A program reservation apparatus comprising: data storage means for adding and saving the tuner device substitution flag to the viewing reservation information. A viewing reservation apparatus that can display a screen of an electronic program guide and select a specific program to make a viewing reservation while one or more tuner devices are connected,
Electronic program guide screen generating means for acquiring electronic program guide information from the connected tuner device and generating an electronic program guide;
An electronic program guide screen display means for displaying the generated electronic program guide screen on a display;
A program selection means by which a user can select a desired program from an electronic program guide displayed on the screen;
Tuner device selection means for selecting a tuner device capable of receiving the selected program;
And a tuner device substitution flag setting means for setting a flag indicating whether or not the tuner device reserved for use can be used by another tuner device when the use reservation of the selected tuner device is made. A program reservation device. A recording reservation apparatus capable of making a recording reservation by displaying a screen of an electronic program guide and selecting a specific program while one or more tuner devices and one or more recording devices are connected. ,
Electronic program guide screen generating means for acquiring electronic program guide information from the connected tuner device and generating an electronic program guide screen;
An electronic program guide screen display means for displaying the generated electronic program guide screen on a display;
A program selection means by which a user can select a desired program from an electronic program guide displayed on the screen;
Tuner device selection means for selecting a tuner device capable of receiving the selected program;
Tuner device substitution flag setting for setting a flag indicating whether or not the tuner device reserved for use may be recorded using another tuner device when the use reservation of the selected tuner device is made Means,
Recording device selection means for selecting a device for recording the selected program;
Recording device substitution flag setting for setting a flag indicating whether or not the recording device reserved for use can be recorded using another recording device when the use reservation of the selected recording device is made Means,
Data storage means for storing viewing reservation information;
A program recording reservation apparatus comprising: a viewing reservation setting unit that generates a recording reservation and stores the recording reservation in a data storage unit. A tuner device capable of receiving a program selected from one or a plurality of tuner devices selects based on the electronic program guide, and generates viewing reservation information for making a reservation for viewing the selected program on the selected tuner device. And steps to
When a tuner device use reservation operation is performed, a tuner device substitution flag indicating whether or not a change to another tuner device is allowed instead of the tuner device reserved for use is set; and
Adding the tuner device substitution flag to the viewing reservation information and storing it. A viewing reservation method capable of displaying a screen of an electronic program guide and selecting a specific program to make a viewing reservation while one or more tuner devices are connected,
Obtaining an electronic program guide from a connected tuner device and generating an electronic program guide screen;
Displaying the generated electronic program guide screen on a display;
Receiving a program selection from an electronic program guide displayed on the display;
Displaying a selection screen of a tuner device capable of receiving the selected program on the display;
Receiving a selection of a desired tuner device from a screen for selecting a tuner device; and
When the use reservation of the selected tuner device is made, a screen for setting an alternative flag indicating whether or not the tuner device reserved for use can be recorded using another tuner device is displayed on the display. Steps to display;
A step of accepting the setting of the substitution flag displayed on the display;
A program viewing reservation setting method comprising: generating a program viewing reservation and accepting the reservation setting. The step of displaying the tuner device selection screen on the display also displays an option indicating that any tuner device to be used may be displayed, and checks whether the option is selected;
If any of the tuner devices is acceptable, a step of accepting selection of one tuner from available tuner devices;
6. The program viewing reservation setting method according to claim 5, further comprising a step of accepting a setting of an alternative flag value indicating that the tuner device can be replaced. A recording reservation setting method for displaying a screen of an electronic program guide, selecting a specific program and receiving a recording reservation in a state where one or more tuner devices and one or more recording devices are connected,
Obtaining electronic program guide information from a connected tuner device to generate an electronic program guide screen; and
Displaying the generated electronic program guide screen on a display;
A user selects a desired program from an electronic program guide displayed on the display;
Displaying a selection screen of a tuner device capable of receiving the selected program on the display;
Selecting the desired tuner device from the tuner device selection screen;
When the selected tuner device is reserved for use, a screen is displayed on the display to set an alternative flag for whether or not the tuner device reserved for use may be recorded using another tuner device. And steps to
The user sets an alternative flag displayed on the display;
Displaying a selection screen of a recording device for recording the selected program on a display;
If a recording device for recording the selected program is selected, whether or not the recording device reserved for use may be recorded using another recording device when the use of the selected recording device is reserved. Displaying on the display a screen for setting an alternative flag indicating
A step of accepting the setting of the substitution flag displayed on the display;
A program recording reservation setting method comprising: generating a viewing reservation and setting the reservation. In the program recording reservation setting method according to claim 7,
In the step of displaying the tuner device selection screen on the display, an option indicating that any of the tuner devices to be used is displayed is displayed, and it is checked whether an option indicating that any of the tuner devices is selected is selected. And a step of setting a value indicating that an alternative flag can be substituted when an option indicating that any tuner device can be selected is selected and one tuner device is selected from the available tuner devices. A program recording reservation setting method characterized by the above. 9. The program recording reservation setting method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the step of displaying the recording device selection screen on a display also displays an option indicating that any recording device is used, and any recording device is used. In the step of checking whether or not a good option has been selected, and in the case of selecting an option that any of the recording devices may be selected, one recording device is selected from the available recording devices, and the substitution flag is set. A program recording reservation setting method comprising: a step of setting a value indicating that it can be replaced.   A recording reservation accepting method in which one or a plurality of tuner devices and one or a plurality of recording devices are connected to display a screen of an electronic program guide and select a specific program to perform a recording reservation. Acquiring electronic program guide information from a connected tuner device to generate an electronic program guide screen, displaying the generated electronic program guide screen on a display, and an electronic program guide displayed on the display Selecting a desired program from the user, displaying a tuner device selection screen on which the selected program can be received on the display, selecting a desired tuner device from the tuner device selection screen, and selecting The reserved tuner is used when the reserved tuner device is reserved for use. The device selects a screen based on the setting of the alternative flag displayed on the display, and a step for displaying a screen for setting an alternative flag indicating whether or not the program can be recorded using another tuner device. Displaying a selection screen of a recording device category for recording the selected program on the display, displaying a selection screen of a recording device belonging to the category selected based on the selection of the recording device category on the display, and the selected program When the use of the selected recording device is reserved based on the selection of the recording device for recording the recording device, it is determined whether or not the reserved recording device may record the program using another recording device. The alternative flag shown is set, the alternative flag displayed on the display is set, and Program recording setting method characterized by comprising the step of setting a reservation form. In the program recording reservation setting method according to claim 10,
The step of displaying the tuner device selection screen on the display includes a step of checking whether an option indicating that any tuner device to be used is displayed and whether an option indicating that any tuner device is selected is selected. In the case where any tuner device is acceptable, one tuner device is selected from the available tuner devices, and the program recording reservation has a step of setting a value indicating that substitution is possible in the substitution flag. Setting method.   12. The program recording reservation setting method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein in the step of displaying the recording device selection screen on a display, an option indicating that any recording device may be displayed, and any recording device may be used. A step of checking whether or not the selection of the recording device is selected, and if any of the recording devices is available, a value indicating that one recording device is selected from the available recording devices and can be replaced by the replacement flag. A program recording reservation setting method comprising a step of setting.   A program for causing a computer to execute the steps according to any one of claims 4 to 12.   A computer-readable recording medium having the program according to claim 13 recorded thereon. A device / function reservation apparatus for reserving a device or a function in the device in a state where one or more devices are connected,
First reservation information generating means for generating reservation information related to a target device or a function in the device;
A first function / device reservation means for making a reservation related to the device or a function in the device based on the generated reservation information;
Reservation information acquisition means for acquiring related reservation information when the target reservation cannot be made,
Reservation failure cause specifying means for extracting reservation information that causes the target reservation to be failed based on the acquired reservation information and specifying which device or function is the cause;
A second function / device substitutable investigation means for investigating whether the identified device or function is substitutable;
A second function / device search means for searching for a function / device that replaces the function / device when the function / device that caused the failure can be replaced; Function reservation device. A device / function reservation apparatus for reserving a device or a function in the device in a state where one or more devices are connected,
First reservation information generating means for generating reservation information related to a target device or a function in the device;
A first function / device reservation means for making a reservation related to the device or a function in the device based on the generated reservation information;
Reservation information acquisition means for acquiring related reservation information when the target reservation cannot be made,
Reservation failure cause identifying means for extracting reservation information that causes the target reservation to be failed based on the retrieved reservation information and identifying which device or function is the cause;
A second function / device substitutable investigation means for investigating whether the identified device or function is substitutable;
A second alternative function / device search means for searching for an alternative function / device of the function / device when the function / device that caused the failure can be replaced;
A function / device reservation cancellation means for canceling the reservation that caused the failure;
Third reservation information generating means for generating substitute reservation information to replace the canceled reservation using the searched substitute device or substitute function;
A device / function reservation apparatus comprising: a third function / device reservation means for making a reservation related to the replacement device or the replacement function based on the generated replacement reservation information. A device / function reservation method for reserving a device or a function in a device with one or more devices connected,
Generating reservation information regarding the target device or a function within the device;
Making a reservation for the device or a function in the device based on the generated reservation information;
Obtaining relevant booking information if the desired booking is not possible,
Based on the retrieved reservation information, extracting the reservation information that causes the target reservation to fail, and identifying which device or function is the cause;
Investigating whether the identified device or function is substitutable;
If the replacement of the function / device that caused the failure is possible, searching for the replacement function / device of the function / device;
Canceling the booking that caused the failure;
Generating alternative reservation information to replace the canceled reservation using the searched alternative device or alternative function;
A device / function reservation method comprising the step of making a reservation for the replacement device or function based on the generated replacement reservation information. A device / function reservation apparatus for reserving a device or a function in the device in a state where one or more devices are connected,
First reservation information generating means for generating reservation information related to a target device or a function in the device;
A first function / device reservation means for making a reservation related to the device or a function in the device based on the generated reservation information;
A first function / device substitutable investigating means for investigating whether the reservation target device or function is replaceable when the target reservation cannot be made;
A first substitute function / device search means for searching for a substitute device or substitute function of the device or function to be reserved;
Second reservation information generating means for generating substitute reservation information to replace the reservation by the searched substitute device or substitute function;
A second function / device reservation means for making a reservation for the alternative device or the alternative function based on the generated alternative reservation information;
Reservation information acquisition means for retrieving related reservation information when the first function / device substitutability investigation means cannot be replaced or when the second function / device reservation means cannot make a target reservation;
Reservation failure cause identifying means for extracting the reservation information that caused the reservation failure from the retrieved reservation information and identifying which device or function is the cause;
A second function / device substitutable investigation means for investigating whether the identified device or function is substitutable;
A second alternative function / device search means for searching for an alternative function / device of the function / device when the function / device that caused the failure can be replaced;
A function / device reservation cancellation means for canceling the reservation that caused the failure;
Third reservation information generating means for generating substitute reservation information to replace the canceled reservation using the searched substitute device or substitute function;
A device / function reservation apparatus comprising: a third function / device reservation means for making a reservation related to the replacement device or the replacement function based on the generated replacement reservation information. A device / function reservation setting method for reserving a device or a function in the device in a state where one or more devices are connected,
Retrieving the selected device / function; and
Searching a reservation information database for registering reservation information of a device or a function in the device;
Generating reservation information for the selected device or function within the device;
Registering the reservation information in the reservation information database;
Checking whether the registration was successful in the step of registering;
Finding out the reservation information that caused the reservation to fail, and checking whether or not the step of finding the function / device where the reservation overlaps from the reservation information has already been executed,
Retrieving relevant reservation information from the reservation information database;
Finding the booking information that caused the booking to fail, and then finding the function / device with which the booking overlaps from the booking information;
Checking whether a function / device with overlapping reservations is found;
Checking whether the function / device with which the reservation overlaps is substitutable;
Canceling the reservation for the reservation information that caused the reservation to fail,
Searching for a function / device that replaces the function / device with which the reservation overlaps, and creating a list of alternative functions / devices;
Checking whether all reservations using the alternative function / device have been attempted;
Re-booking the canceled booking;
Taking one from the generated list of alternative functions / devices and generating reservation information using the alternative functions / devices;
Attempting to reserve the generated reservation information;
And a device / function reservation setting method comprising: checking whether the reservation is successful. A device / function reservation setting method for reserving a device or a function in the device in a state where one or more devices are connected,
Retrieving the selected device / function; and
Searching a reservation information database for registering reservation information of a device or a function in the device; generating reservation information of a selected device or a function in the device;
Registering reservation information in the reservation information database;
Checking whether the registration is successful in the registering step;
Checking whether the device or a function in the device is substitutable;
A step of checking whether or not a search for a function / device that replaces a function / device to be used in the generated reservation information has already been performed;
Searching for a function / device that replaces the function / device to be used in the generated reservation information;
Checking to see if all reservations have been made for the alternate function / device found,
Extracting one from the searched list of alternative functions / devices and generating new reservation information;
Executing a reservation with the generated reservation information;
Checking whether the reservation has been successfully executed, checking whether all cases have been tried, and
Finding out the reservation information that caused the reservation to fail, and checking whether or not the step of finding the function / device where the reservation overlaps from the reservation information has already been executed,
Retrieving all reservation information from the reservation information database;
Finding the booking information that caused the booking to fail, and then finding the function / device with which the booking overlaps from the booking information;
Checking whether a function / device with overlapping reservations is found;
Checking whether the function / device with which the reservation overlaps is substitutable;
Canceling the reservation for the reservation information that caused the reservation to fail,
Searching for a function / device that replaces the function / device with which the reservation overlaps, and creating a list of alternative functions / devices;
Checking whether all reservations using the alternative function / device have been attempted;
Re-booking the canceled booking;
Extracting one from the generated list of functions / devices to be replaced and generating reservation information using the replaced functions / devices;
A device / function reservation setting method comprising: attempting to reserve the generated reservation information; and checking whether the reservation is successful. The reservation setting method according to claim 17 or 18,
Each of the steps is performed using a software element of the standard HAVi in a network environment of an electronic device.   A program for causing a computer to execute the steps according to any one of claims 19 to 21.   23. A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 22 is recorded. In the reservation change device that changes the reservation information that is affected by the change in the program schedule when notified that the program information has been changed,
Program information change event receiving means for receiving an event notifying that the program information has been changed;
Reservation information acquisition means for acquiring reservation information;
Among the acquired reservation information, reservation information investigation means for extracting reservation information affected by a change in the program schedule,
Reservation update means for changing the reservation end time of the affected reservation information, which operates when broadcasting of the program whose schedule has been changed has already started,
First reservation information canceling means for canceling affected reservation information, which operates when a program whose schedule has been changed has not yet started broadcasting;
For the canceled reservation information, first reservation information generating means for newly generating reservation information in accordance with a change in the program schedule;
A first function / device reservation means for reserving a function / device using the generated reservation information;
If the reservation is not established in the first function / device reservation means, or the reservation update means cannot update the reservation, the reservation information that has failed and the reservation information that has already been acquired by the reservation information acquisition means The failure cause identification means for identifying the function / device causing the failure in the reservation information and the function / device causing the failure are extracted. A second function / device substitutable investigation means for investigating whether or not substitutable;
A second alternative function / device search means for searching for a function / device that replaces the extracted function / device when the function / device that caused the failure can be replaced;
A second cause canceling means for canceling the reservation from the extracted reservation information causing the failure in the failure cause identifying means;
Third reservation information generating means for generating reservation information as an alternative to the reservation canceled by the second reservation canceling means using the function / device searched in the second alternative function / device searching means;
A reservation information changing apparatus comprising: a third function / device reservation unit that reserves a function / device using the reservation information generated by the third reservation information generation unit. In the reservation change device that changes the reservation information that is affected by the change in the program schedule when notified that the program information has been changed,
Program information change event receiving means for receiving an event notifying that the program information has been changed;
Reservation information acquisition means for acquiring reservation information;
Among the acquired reservation information, reservation information investigation means for extracting reservation information affected by a change in the program schedule,
Reservation updating means for changing the reservation end time of the affected reservation information, which operates when the program whose schedule has been changed has already started,
First reservation information canceling means for canceling affected reservation information, which operates when a program whose schedule has been changed has not yet started;
For the canceled reservation information, first reservation information generating means for newly generating reservation information in accordance with a change in the program schedule;
A first function / device reservation means for reserving a function / device using the generated reservation information;
First function / device substituting investigating means for investigating whether or not the function / device used in the reservation is substitutable when reservation is not established in the first function / device reserving means;
A first alternative function / device search means for searching for a function / device that replaces the function / device used in the reservation;
Second reservation information generation means for newly generating reservation information using the alternative function / device searched in the first alternative function / device search means;
A second function / device reservation means for making a function / device reservation using the reservation information generated by the second reservation information generation means;
When the first function / device substitutable investigating means cannot be substituted, when the second function / device reservation means does not make a reservation, or when the reservation updating means cannot update the reservation Compare the failed reservation information with the reservation information already acquired by the reservation information acquisition means, extract the reservation information that caused the failure, and identify the function / device that caused the failure in the reservation information Failure cause identification means to
A second function / device substitutable investigation means for investigating whether or not the function / device causing the failure can be substituted;
A second alternative function / device search means for searching for a function / device that replaces the extracted function / device when the function / device that caused the failure can be replaced;
In the failure cause identifying means, a second reservation canceling means for canceling the reservation from the extracted reservation information causing the failure,
Third reservation information generating means for generating reservation information as an alternative to the reservation canceled by the second reservation canceling means using the function / device searched in the second alternative function / device searching means;
A reservation information changing apparatus comprising: a third function / device reservation unit that reserves a function / device using the reservation information generated by the third reservation information generation unit. In a reservation change method for changing reservation information that is affected by a change in the program schedule when notified that the program information has been changed,
Searching a reservation information database for registering reservation information of a device or a function in the device;
Receiving a program information change notification event;
Retrieving all reservation information from the reservation information database;
Checking whether all reservations affected by the program whose schedule was changed included in the program information change notification event have been modified;
Retrieving one of the affected booking information from the booking retrieved from the booking information database;
Checking whether the broadcast of the retrieved reservation information program has started,
If the reserved program has already started, changing the reservation end time in accordance with the program change of the retrieved reservation; and
Canceling a fetched reservation if the scheduled program has not yet started,
Generating new reservation information according to the program change;
Registering the generated reservation information in the reservation information database;
A step of checking whether the execution in the step of changing the reservation end time in accordance with the program change or the execution in the step of registering the generated reservation information in the reservation information database is successful. When,
Finding out the reservation information that caused the original reservation to fail, and checking whether or not the step of finding the function / device where the reservation overlaps from the reservation information has already been executed,
Finding the reservation information that caused the original reservation to fail, and then finding the function / device with which the reservation overlaps from the reservation information,
Checking whether a function / device with overlapping reservations is found;
Checking whether the function / device with which the reservation overlaps is substitutable;
Canceling the reservation for the reservation information that caused the reservation to fail,
Searching for a function / device that replaces the function / device with which the reservation overlaps, and creating a list of alternative functions / devices;
Checking whether all reservations using the alternative function / device have been attempted;
Re-booking the canceled booking;
Extracting one from the generated list of functions / devices to be replaced and generating reservation information using the replaced functions / devices;
Attempting to reserve the generated reservation information;
Checking whether the reservation is successful;
A reservation change method, comprising: a step of checking whether or not broadcasting of the program is started for a reservation originally intended to be corrected. In a reservation change method for changing reservation information that is affected by a change in the program schedule when notified that the program information has been changed,
Searching a reservation information database for registering reservation information of a device or a function in the device;
Receiving a program information change notification event;
Retrieving relevant reservation information from the reservation information database;
Checking whether all reservations affected by the program whose schedule was changed included in the program information change notification event have been modified;
Retrieving one of the affected booking information from the booking retrieved from the summary information database;
Checking whether the broadcast of the retrieved reservation information program has already started,
If the reserved program has already begun, changing the reservation end time in accordance with the program change of the retrieved reservation,
Checking whether the execution in the step of changing the reservation end time is successful;
Canceling the retrieved reservation if the reserved program has not started,
Generating new reservation information according to the program change;
Registering the generated reservation information in the reservation information database;
Checking whether the execution in the step of registering in the reservation information database was successful;
Checking whether the device used in the generated reservation information or the function in the device can be replaced;
Checking whether or not a search for a function / device substituting a function / device to be used in the generated reservation information has already been performed;
Searching for a function / device that replaces the function / device to be used in the generated reservation information;
Checking to see if all reservations have been made for the alternate function / device found,
Extracting one from the searched list of alternative functions / devices and generating new reservation information;
Trying to book with the new booking information;
Checking whether the reservation is successful;
It is checked whether or not the execution in the step of changing the reservation end time in accordance with the change of the program for the retrieved reservation is successful, and if it is determined that the reservation has failed, or the reserved function / device that has been searched is reserved The reservation that caused the original reservation to fail if it was determined that all attempts were made, or if it was determined that the replacement was not possible in the function / device replaceability investigation. Finding out the information and checking if the steps of finding the function / device with which the reservation overlaps from the reservation information have already been performed,
Finding the reservation information that caused the original reservation to fail, and then finding the function / device with which the reservation overlaps from the reservation information,
Checking whether a function / device with overlapping reservations is found;
Checking whether the function / device with which the reservation overlaps is substitutable;
Canceling the reservation for the reservation information that caused the reservation to fail,
Searching for a function / device that replaces the function / device with which the reservation overlaps, and creating a list of alternative functions / devices;
Checking whether all reservations using the alternative function / device have been attempted;
Re-booking the canceled booking;
Extracting one from the generated list of functions / devices to be replaced and generating reservation information using the replaced functions / devices;
Attempting to reserve the generated reservation information;
Checking whether the reservation is successful;
A reservation changing method, comprising: a step of checking whether or not the program originally started to be corrected is broadcast. 28. The reservation changing method according to claim 26 or 27, wherein each step is performed using a software element of a standard HAVi in a network environment of an electronic device.   A program for causing a computer to execute the reservation changing method according to any one of claims 26 to 28.   30. A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 29 is recorded. A viewing reservation apparatus that can display a screen of an electronic program guide and select a specific program to make a viewing reservation while one or more tuner devices are connected,
Electronic program guide screen generating means for acquiring electronic program guide information from the connected tuner device and generating an electronic program guide;
An electronic program guide screen display means for displaying the generated electronic program guide screen on a display;
Select a tuner device that can receive the selected program, and set a flag indicating whether or not the tuner device reserved for use can be used using another tuner device when the selected tuner device is reserved for use. Tuner device alternative flag setting means to perform,
A program reservation apparatus comprising: display control means for displaying a list of other tuner device candidates on an electronic program guide screen display.   32. The program reservation apparatus according to claim 31, further comprising means for determining a tuner device to be used separately based on a list of tuner device candidates.

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