JP2008311794A - Recording control unit, recording control method, program, and data structure - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a recording control unit, a recording control method, a program, and a data structure. <P>SOLUTION: The recording control unit is connected to a receiver having a reception function capable of receiving contents and a contents server capable of recording the contents via a network. The recording control unit comprises: a content information acquisition section for acquiring contents information; a contents information acquisition section for acquiring virtual contents information from the contents server by regarding an empty capacity for recording the contents as virtual contents; a contents selection section for selecting contents matching prescribed key information, based on the contents information; and a section for setting information to be recorded for setting the virtual contents information capable of recording the contents as the contents information to be recorded, based on the contents information selected by the contents selection section. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a recording control apparatus, a recording control method, a program, and a data structure.

  In recent years, digitalization of information has progressed rapidly, and information equipment for handling digital information has rapidly spread to ordinary households. For example, a music player that reproduces music data recorded on a compact disc, a DVD player that reproduces a movie recorded on a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), and the like are already widely used on a global scale. In general households, photographs taken with a digital camera and digitally recorded television programs are stored and managed in a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC). However, it seems that stored images, videos, music information, and the like are not very effectively utilized besides personal viewing and enjoyment. For example, when a family member wants to watch video footage shot with a digital video camera, the video footage stored and managed on the hard disk of a personal computer can be played back on a large TV set in the living room. This requires a little troublesome preparation.

  In view of these circumstances, recently there has been a movement to formulate a standard related to information technology for realizing sharing of digital information (so-called home network) using wireless or wired communication in a general home. For example, a non-profit organization called DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) formed by participation of a plurality of companies related to manufacturing and sales of home appliances, mobile phones, PCs, and the like is a good example. According to this, an assumed home network includes a server device (DMS; Digital Media Server) in which contents such as video and music are stored, and a player device (DMP: Digital Media Player) for reproducing these contents. The content is distributed from the DMS to the DMP based on a predetermined transmission method and format, and is played back. At this time, the content to be transmitted is encoded based on a predetermined format and decoded on the DMP side.

  As described above, a connection environment between devices installed in a home network is being prepared. However, nowadays, the number of devices installed in the home network is increasing, the burden on the user required to select desired content, and the user required to select a device suitable for playing the content. The burden of is increasing. Therefore, a system configuration has been devised in which a control device for managing or controlling the server device and the player device is added to the home network (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). The home network having this new system configuration includes a server device (hereinafter referred to as a content server) in which content is stored, a player device (hereinafter referred to as a renderer) having a function of reproducing content (hereinafter referred to as a playback function), a content A server and a control device (hereinafter referred to as a control point) for controlling the renderer are included. Further, the home network may include a receiving device that receives broadcast content. In that case, the control point can also control the receiving device.

  For example, the user can control the content server and the renderer installed on the home network by operating the control points described above. The control point can acquire explanation information (hereinafter referred to as content meta) regarding the contents of content held by each content server from a plurality of content servers existing on the home network and present it to the user. In addition, the control point can acquire explanation information (hereinafter referred to as “playback function meta”) regarding the playback function of each renderer from a plurality of renderers existing on the home network and present it to the user. Therefore, the user can select a desired content and a reproduction function for reproducing it while referring to a list of content meta and reproduction function meta presented from the control point. The content meta is information relating to the content content including, for example, a title name, author name, performer name, and the like.

  As another example, the user can control to receive the broadcast content by the receiving device installed on the home network and record it on the content server by operating the control point. In this case, the control point can acquire explanation information (hereinafter referred to as broadcast content meta) regarding the content of the broadcast content from a broadcast station that distributes the broadcast content or an information source on the Internet and present it to the user (for example, , See Patent Document 2 below). In addition, the control point can present the user with explanation information (hereinafter referred to as reception function meta) regarding the contents of the reception function of each reception device from a plurality of reception devices existing on the home network. Therefore, the user can select a reproduction function capable of reproducing desired broadcast content while referring to the list of broadcast content meta and reception function meta presented from the control point.

JP-A-2005-38120 JP 2002-354386 A

  However, the above technology acquires meta information from devices such as a content server and a renderer existing on the home network, and presents the meta information to the user in a list display. Therefore, the user has to select a device suitable for the content while referring to the meta information displayed in a list.

  However, recently, the number of content servers connected to the home network has increased, and the storage capacity of each content server has increased, so the number of selectable content has become enormous, and the desired content can be selected from the content list. Extracting is a difficult task. In addition, the specifications of contents represented by recording formats are diversified, and advanced knowledge is also required to select a function of a renderer, a recording apparatus, or the like that matches desired contents. Therefore, there is a need for a technique for easily extracting desired content and a technique for automatically selecting a recording function suitable for the extracted content.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to easily record desired content on a content server connected to a home network in accordance with user input information. It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved recording control apparatus, recording control method, program, and data structure that can be performed.

  In order to solve the above problems, according to an aspect of the present invention, a receiving device having a receiving function for receiving content, and a recording control device connected to a content server capable of recording the content via a network The content information acquisition unit for acquiring the content information, the free space for recording the content as virtual content, and the free space information and the content of the content from the content server. A content information acquisition unit that acquires information and creates information on the virtual content; a content selection unit that selects the content that matches predetermined key information based on the content information; and the content selection unit Based on the information on the content selected by the virtual copy that can record the content. A recording schedule information setting unit configured to set information on the content as content information scheduled to be recorded, and updating the virtual content information with the content information scheduled to be recorded, thereby receiving the information received by the receiving device There is provided a recording control device characterized in that an empty capacity of the content server for recording content is secured.

  In addition, the reception function information acquisition unit that acquires the reception function information from the reception device, the content information selected by the content selection unit, and the reception function that matches the content based on the reception function information A reception function selection unit that selects a function, and the content selected by the content selection unit may be received using the reception function selected by the reception function selection unit.

  The information processing apparatus further includes a storage unit that stores the predetermined key information, the content information, and the reception function information, and the content information acquisition unit stores the acquired content information in the storage unit. The reception function information acquisition unit stores the acquired reception function information in the storage unit, the content information acquisition unit stores the acquired virtual content information in the storage unit, and The content selection unit selects the content based on the content information stored in the storage unit, and the recording schedule information setting unit selects the recording schedule based on the content information stored in the storage unit. The virtual content information corresponding to the content information scheduled to be recorded may be updated.

  The storage unit may store, for each of the input key information, the information on the content selected by the content information selection unit and the information on the reception function selected by the reception function selection unit. Good.

  Further, an input unit for inputting the predetermined key information in a text format may be further provided.

  Further, the content information acquisition unit may acquire one or both of a content meta related to the content content and content physical information related to the content recording process as the content information.

  In addition, when there are a plurality of selectable contents, the content selection unit presents a content meta of the plurality of contents to the user and additionally prompts to input the key information, or It may have a function of prompting the user to select desired content from among the content.

  In addition, when the content information scheduled to be recorded is set, the information processing apparatus may further include a list update unit that updates the content information stored in the storage unit or the virtual content information.

  Further, when the content is recorded on a removable medium, the content information acquisition unit may acquire identification information unique to the removable medium.

  The recording control apparatus may further include a recording function confirmation unit that confirms whether or not the input key information matches the recording function selected by the recording function selection unit. .

  In addition, the content selection unit has a function of holding dictionary information used for semantic interpretation of information included in the content meta, and selecting content that matches the key information based on the dictionary information. Also good.

  The recording function confirmation unit has a function of holding dictionary information used for semantic interpretation of information included in the recording function meta and confirming a recording function that matches the key information based on the dictionary information. You may do it.

  The reception function selection unit holds the content physical information and dictionary information used for semantic interpretation of information included in the reception function physical information, and is a reception function adapted to the content based on the dictionary information. May have a function of selecting.

  In order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, a receiving device having a receiving function for receiving content and a content server capable of recording the content are connected via a network. A recording control method by a recording control apparatus, comprising: a content information acquisition step for acquiring information on the content; and an empty capacity for recording the content as virtual content, Empty content information acquisition step for acquiring typical content information, a content selection step for selecting the content that matches predetermined key information based on the content information, and the content selection step selected from the content selection step Based on the information, the virtual copy capable of recording the content. Recording schedule information setting step for setting content information as content information scheduled to be recorded, and recording the content received by the receiving device by updating the virtual content information with the content information scheduled to be recorded Securing a free capacity of the content server for performing the recording control method.

  In order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the recording control apparatus. A recording medium on which the program is recorded is provided.

  In order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data structure of key information used in the computer, and information relating to the content input by the user or the content of the reception function And the request meta information associated with the request meta information and specifying the user or the information on the time when the request meta is generated, and the request by the computer. A data structure is provided in which the request meta information is managed based on ID information.

  As described above, according to the present invention, desired content can be recorded in a content server connected to a home network in accordance with user input information.

  Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in this specification and drawing, about the component which has the substantially same function structure, duplication description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol.

<First Embodiment>
First, the control point 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The control point 100 according to the present embodiment is an example of a playback control device.

[Configuration of Home Network System 1000]
Prior to detailed description of the control point 100 according to the present embodiment, a system configuration of a home network system 1000 to which the technology of the control point 100 can be applied will be briefly described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a system configuration of a home network system 1000 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the home network system 1000 mainly includes a content server 20, a control point 100, and a renderer 60. The control point 100 may be connected to a wide area network 10 such as the Internet. In this example, the control point 100 corresponds to the positioning of the control point in the above DLNA or the like.

  This will be described with reference to the specific example of FIG. In this example, the control point 100 is connected to the content server 20A, the content server 20B, the renderer 60a, and the renderer 60b. The content server 20A has a plurality of contents (A1, A2, A3). The content server 20B has one content (B1). The renderer 60a has a plurality of playback functions (a1, a2). The renderer 60b has one playback function (b1). However, the substance of each playback function is realized by hardware or software.

  For example, the control point 100 can be controlled to reproduce the content A2 stored in the content server 20A using the reproduction function a2 of the renderer 60a. The control point 100 acquires and holds information on the content held by the content server 20A and the content server 20B in advance. Similarly, the control point 100 acquires and retains information on the playback functions of the renderer 60a and the renderer 60b in advance.

  Therefore, when the content to be played back (content A2) is selected based on the content information held, the control point 100 may specify a playback function (playback function a2) that is suitable for playback of the content. it can. Therefore, the control point 100 controls the content server 20A to transmit the content A2 to the renderer 60a. At the same time, the control point 100 controls the renderer 60a to reproduce the content A2 transmitted from the content server 20A.

  At this time, the control server 100 does not individually transmit control commands to the content server 20A and the renderer 60a, but uses the playback function a2 of the renderer 60a to play back the content A2. A control command can also be transmitted to 20A. In addition, when a plurality of playback function candidates that match the selected content A2 are selected (for example, the playback function a2 of the renderer 60a and the playback function b1 of the renderer 60b), the control point 100 displays information regarding the playback function. It can also be presented to the user for selection.

  As described above, the home network system 1000 according to the present embodiment is characterized by the functional configuration of the control point 100. Then, by using the control point 100 according to the present embodiment, the user can view the content with a playback function suitable for the desired content. Therefore, even in a home network where content servers and renderers are dynamically added or deleted, or even if a content server storing a wide variety of content is incorporated in the system, the user can easily add desired content. It becomes possible to play.

[Functional configuration of control point 100]
Therefore, the functional configuration of the control point 100 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a functional configuration of the control point 100 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the control point 100 mainly includes a display unit 102, a playback control module 104, an input unit 106, and an agent 110. The agent 110 is an example of a playback function selection device. Further, the agent 110 constitutes a part or all of the above reproduction control device, for example.

  The display device 102 is a device that displays information to the user. The display device 102 includes, for example, a display device using a technique such as CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), PDP (Plasma Display Panel), TFT (Thin Film Transistor), or EL (electroluminescence). However, instead of the display unit 102 or an information output device such as an audio output device may be included as a constituent element so as to be used together with the display unit 102. That is, the display unit 102 is shown as an example of an information output device, and an audio output device can also be used. The playback control module 104 controls one or both of the content server 20 and the renderer 60 based on the content information output from the agent 110 and the playback function information. The input unit 106 is an input device for inputting information by a user. The input unit 106 includes, for example, an information input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, a remote controller, or a voice input device.

(Agent 110)
As shown in FIG. 2, the agent 110 mainly includes a selection information transfer unit 112, a request information acquisition unit 114, an update information detection unit 116, a content selection module 120, a playback function selection module 130, and a playback function. The confirmation module 140 includes a storage unit 150 and a list information update unit 160.

(Request information acquisition unit 114)
The request information acquisition unit 114 acquires request information input from the user via the input unit 106. The request information acquisition unit 114 acquires information corresponding to the content meta or the reproduction function meta (hereinafter, “request meta”) as the request information. In addition, the request information acquisition unit 114 acquires a request ID corresponding to the request meta input from the user. However, the request information acquisition unit 114 can automatically add a request ID corresponding to each request meta each time the request meta is input. The request information acquisition unit 114 stores the input request information in the work area 156 of the storage unit 150. The request meta is an example of the key information.

  The request ID is used to specify a request meta. The request ID may be, for example, a serial number indicating the order in which the request meta is generated, or may be time information indicating the time at which the corresponding request meta is generated. In addition, the request information acquisition unit 114 generates a request ID based on information (ID) that identifies the user, or obtains a request ID including a physical address unique to the terminal device used for the input operation of the request meta by the user. It can also be generated. For example, the request information acquisition unit 114 can use a MAC address or the like as a physical address unique to the terminal device. In this way, by adding the request ID to the request meta, the agent 110 can efficiently manage the request meta. The request meta may be in the form of an enumeration of words or a natural sentence.

(Content selection module 120)
The content selection module 120 specifies content desired by the user based on the request meta stored in the work area 156. For example, the content selection module 120 selects a content meta that matches the request meta stored in the work area 156 from the content meta stored in the content list 152. Then, the content selection module 120 specifies content physical information and content corresponding to the selected content meta. Further, the content selection module 120 stores the specified content physical information in the work area 156.

  At this time, when a plurality of content metas are selected as candidates for the request meta stored in the work area 156, the content selection module 120 transmits each content meta to the display device 102 and displays it in a list for the user. Can prompt users to select content. That is, the content selection module 120 can request addition of a request meta. The content selection module 120 is an example of the content selection unit.

(Playback function selection module 130)
The playback function selection module 130 selects playback function physical information that matches the content physical information selected by the content selection module 120 from the playback function physical information stored in the playback function list 154. Then, the playback function selection module 130 stores the playback function physical information selected from the playback function list 154 in the work area 156.

  When a plurality of playback function physical information is selected as candidates for the content physical information selected by the content selection module 120, the playback function selection module 130 displays a playback function meta corresponding to each playback function physical information. The data can be transmitted to 102 and displayed as a list to prompt the user to select a playback function. That is, the playback function selection module 130 can request addition of a request meta. The reproduction function selection module 130 is an example of the above reproduction function selection unit.

(Playback function confirmation module 140)
The reproduction function confirmation module 140 confirms whether or not the request meta in the work area 156 referred to by the content selection module 120 matches the reproduction function meta selected correspondingly. For example, the reproduction function confirmation module 140 confirms whether or not a word extracted from the request meta is included in the selected reproduction function meta. The playback function confirmation module 140 can also interpret the meaning of the request meta and determine whether the meaning matches the result of the semantic interpretation of the playback function meta. The reproduction function confirmation module 140 is an example of the above reproduction function confirmation unit.

(Storage unit 150)
As shown in FIG. 2, the storage unit 150 mainly includes a content list 152, a playback function list 154, and a work area 156. The content list 152 mainly includes content meta and content physical information. File attribute information indicating the time when the content meta is recorded may be added to the content meta. This file attribute information may be described in a text format. In addition, when content recorded on a removable medium is targeted, content physical information corresponding to the content includes media attribute information indicating the type and standard of the removable medium, and identification information unique to the removable medium ( ID) may be included.

  The playback function list 154 mainly includes playback function meta and playback function physical information. The work area 156 mainly includes a request meta and selection information. The content list 152 and the playback function list 154 may be stored in a non-volatile storage area. However, when the present embodiment is actually applied, it is preferable that the content list 152 and the reproduction function list 154 are recorded in a nonvolatile storage area. The work area 156 may store a plurality of pieces of request information in order to search for contents or playback functions. The content meta and the playback function meta may be described in a text format including tags.

  The storage unit 150 may have a plurality of work areas 156. For example, assuming a situation where a plurality of request metas are input, the storage unit 150 may be provided with a plurality of work areas 156 so that different work areas 156 are used for each input request meta. As described above, by using the work area 156 that is different for each request meta, the agent 110 can execute independent processes for each request meta in parallel.

  Although not explicitly shown in the figure, the storage unit 150 includes an event including part or all of the content meta, content physical information, playback function meta, and playback function physical information selected for each input request meta. An event list for storing information may be provided. The event list may be stored in a non-volatile memory area. However, when the present embodiment is actually applied, it is preferable that the event list is recorded in a nonvolatile memory area. The event list may store a history of input request information. Thus, by storing the history information in the event list, the agent 110 can reuse the information in the event list when the user tries to view the content that the user has viewed in the past. The playback control process can be executed at high speed.

  Further, it is possible to make a reservation reproduction by using the event list.

  Further, the agent 110 extracts the reproduction time from the request meta and sets the information on the reproduction time described in the event list based on the content physical information corresponding to the request meta at the time of content reproduction processing.

(Update information detection unit 116)
The update information detection unit 116 detects that the content server 20 or the renderer 60 has been added or deleted from the home network. Further, the update information detection unit 116 detects that the configuration of the content held by the content server 20 has been changed. Furthermore, the update information detection unit 116 detects that the configuration of the playback function of the renderer 60 has been changed. As described above, the update information detection unit 116 detects that the device configuration in the home network, the content held by each device, or the function of each device has been updated, and lists update information indicating the update. It is transmitted to the information update unit 160.

(List information update unit 160)
As shown in FIG. 2, the list information update unit 160 mainly includes a content information acquisition unit 162, a content information update unit 164, a playback function information acquisition unit 166, and a playback function information update unit 168. When the update information is acquired from the update information detection unit 116, the list information update unit 160 updates the list stored in the storage unit 150 in accordance with the content of the update information. The list information update unit 160 is an example of the list update unit.

(About content)
For example, when the list information update unit 160 acquires update information indicating that the configuration of the content held by the content server 20 has been changed, the content information acquisition unit 162 and the content information update unit 164 update the content list 152. . First, the content information acquisition unit 162 accesses the updated content server 20 with reference to the address of the content server 20 described in the update information. And the content information acquisition part 162 acquires the information of the content which the content server hold | maintains. At this time, the content information acquisition unit 162 can also acquire only updated content information. Then, the content information acquisition unit 162 transmits the acquired content information to the content information update unit 164.

  The content information update unit 164 updates the information stored in the content list 152 with the content information acquired from the content information acquisition unit 162. For example, when the content meta on the content server 20 corresponding to the content meta stored in the content list 152 is updated, the content information acquisition unit 162 acquires the updated content meta and sends it to the content information update unit 164. To transmit. Then, the content information update unit 164 overwrites the existing content meta using the new content meta acquired from the content information acquisition unit 162.

  When a new content server 20 is added on the home network, the content information acquisition unit 162 acquires content information held by the content server 20 and transmits the content information to the content information update unit 164. The content information update unit 164 stores the new content meta and content physical information in the content list 152 based on the content information acquired from the content information acquisition unit 162.

(About playback function)
As another example, upon acquiring update information indicating that a new renderer 60 has been added to the home network, the list information update unit 160 causes the playback function information acquisition unit 166 and the playback function information update unit 168 to perform a playback function list. Update. First, the playback function information acquisition unit 166 accesses the updated renderer 60 with reference to the address of the renderer 60 described in the update information. Then, the reproduction function information acquisition unit 166 acquires information on the reproduction function that the renderer 60 has. The playback function information acquisition unit 166 transmits the acquired playback function information to the playback function information update unit 168. Then, the playback function information update unit 168 adds the playback function information acquired from the playback function information acquisition unit 166 to the playback function list 154.

  The list information update unit 160 can execute the above update process as a background process. For example, the list information update unit 160 can execute the above update process when the load on the central processing unit included in the control point 100 is low or when the network traffic is low. Of course, the list information update unit 160 may execute the update process at predetermined time intervals.

  If there is content information that is recorded in the content list 152 or the playback function list 154 but cannot be detected on the home network, or information on the playback function, the list information update unit 160 displays the content list 152 or In the process of updating the playback function list 154, the information is maintained without being deleted. Furthermore, the list information update unit 160 is configured such that the content corresponding to each piece of information described in the content list 152 or the playback function list 156, or the content server 20 having the playback function, or the renderer 60 is not connected to the home network. Alternatively, when the content server 20 or the renderer 60 is turned off, the user may be requested to connect the content server 20 or the renderer 60 to the home network or to turn on the power. it can.

(Selected information transfer unit 112)
The selection information transfer unit 112 reproduces the content physical information selected by the content selection module 120 and stored in the work area 156 and the reproduction function physical information selected by the reproduction function selection module 130 and stored in the work area 156. Transfer to the control module 104.

(Reproduction control module 104)
The playback control module 104 has a control function for playing back content held by the content server 20 by using a predetermined playback function of the renderer 60. More specifically, the playback control module 104 outputs content corresponding to the content physical information selected by the content selection module 120 to the playback function corresponding to the playback function physical information selected by the playback function selection module 130. Thus, the content server 20 and the renderer 60 are controlled.

  The functional configuration of the control point 100 according to the present embodiment has been described above with reference to FIG. As described above, the control point 100 according to the present embodiment monitors devices on the home network, and updates the list recorded in the storage unit 150 each time the content or playback function information of the devices is updated. To do. Based on the information recorded in the list, the control point 100 automatically selects content that matches the user input information and a playback function that matches the content. Therefore, the user can easily reproduce the content without manually selecting a reproduction function suitable for the content.

[Playback control method]
Next, the reproduction control method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of the regeneration control method according to the present embodiment.

  First, when the power is turned on, the update information detection unit 116 checks whether the device configuration on the home network and the content or playback function configuration of each device have been changed. In accordance with the confirmation result, the list information update unit 160 updates the information stored in the content list 152 or the playback function list 154 (S102). Next, the request information acquisition unit 114 updates the request information in the work area 156 based on the request information input via the input unit 106 (S104). Next, the agent 110 confirms whether there is event information stored in the event list (S106).

  Next, the agent 110 determines whether the request information is stored in the work area 156 (S108). If the request information is not stored in the work area 156, the agent 110 returns to the process of step S102 again. When the request information is stored in the work area 156, the content selection module 120 selects a content meta that matches the request meta (S110).

  Next, the playback function selection module 130 refers to the content physical information corresponding to the content meta selected in step S110, and selects playback function physical information that matches the content physical information (S112). Next, the agent 110 determines whether or not the content information and the playback function information are appropriately selected one by one (S116). If not properly selected, the agent 110 requests the user to add a request meta (S118), and returns to the process of step S110. If it is selected appropriately, the agent 110 stores the selected content information and playback function information as selection information in the event list (S120). Then, the playback control module 104 controls the content server 20 and the renderer 60 based on the selection information, and executes a content playback process (S122).

  As described above, when the playback control method according to the present embodiment is used, a user simply inputs a request meta for specifying content, and playback processing is executed with a playback function suitable for the content. Therefore, the user can easily reproduce the content by using the content server and the renderer on the home network.

[Specific examples of each information]
Next, the configuration of information stored in the storage unit 150 will be described with a specific example with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of physical information and meta information according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a more specific example of physical information and meta information according to the present embodiment.

First, the example of FIG. 4 will be described.
FIG. 4 shows a table format represented by items of request information, content information (broadcasting; EPG), function information, and content information (reproduction) in the vertical direction, and items of physical information and meta information in the horizontal direction. It is described in.

  For example, the item of request information is referred. The request information mainly includes request physical information and request meta. In the desired physical information, for example, information such as (user name), (year), (month), (date), and (time) is described. (User name) is the name of the user who made the request. (Year), (month), (date), and (time) are the year, month, day, and time of the request, respectively. For example, information (request) is described in the request meta. (Request) is the content of the request.

  Next, the item of content information (broadcasting; EPG) is referred to. Content information (broadcast; EPG) corresponds to broadcast content described later, and means broadcast content acquired from a broadcast station located outside the home network. Details thereof will be described later. This broadcast content mainly includes broadcast content physical information and a broadcast content meta. In the broadcast content physical information, for example, information of (station), (year), (month), (date), (start), and (end) is described. (Station) is broadcast station or channel information. (Start) and (end) are the start time and end time of the broadcast content, respectively. In the broadcast content meta, information of (program-tile), (program-subtile), (performer), and (sentence) is mainly described. (Program-title) and (program-subtitle) are the contents of the broadcast content. (Performer) is the name of the performer of the broadcast content.

  Next, the function information item is referenced. The function information is information related to the functions of the devices on the home network. The above renderer corresponds to the playback function information. The functional information mainly includes functional physical information and functional meta. In the functional physical information, for example, information of (function), (station) / (file format), (address) is described. (Function) is the function. For example, in the case of a playback function, (function) is “playback”. Also, according to (function), (station) is selected for “reception”, and (file format) is selected for “play”. (File format) is a reproducible content recording format. (Address) is an address indicating the position of the function. The function meta includes information (function meta). (Function meta) is information indicating the content of the function.

  Next, the item of content information (reproduction) is referred to. The content information (reproduction) corresponds to the content information related to the reproduction processing described above or empty content information described later. This content information mainly includes content physical information and content meta. In this content information, for example, information of (capacity), (length), (address), (file name.ext) is described. (Capacity) is the data capacity. (Length) is the content playback time. (Address) is an address where the content is located. (File name.ext) is an extension representing the file format of the content.

  A more specific example is shown in FIG. FIG. 5 shows items of request information, content information, function information, broadcast content information, empty content information, and scheduled recording content information. FIG. 5 is merely an example of each piece of information according to the present embodiment, but it may be helpful in understanding the features of the present embodiment better by referring to the items shown in FIG. 4 above. Seem.

  Heretofore, the functional configuration of the control point 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail. As described above, according to the present embodiment, there is provided a playback control device that easily selects desired content, automatically detects a playback function suitable for the content, and controls to play the content. Is done.

Second Embodiment
Next, the control point 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. However, components that are substantially the same as those of the control point 100 according to the first embodiment described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted, and only components that are different will be described in detail.

  While the control point 100 according to the first embodiment is an example of a playback control device, the control point 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is an example of a recording control device. However, it is a common technical point in that content that matches the user's request and a function that matches the content are automatically selected using content or function information of each device existing on the home network. I have an idea.

[Configuration of Home Network System 2000]
Prior to detailed description of the control point 200 according to the present embodiment, a system configuration of the home network system 2000 to which the technology of the control point 200 can be applied will be briefly described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a system configuration of the home network system 2000 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6, the home network system 2000 mainly includes a content server 20, a control point 200, and a receiving device 80. The control point 200 may be connected to a wide area network 10 such as the Internet. In this example, the control point 200 corresponds to the positioning of the control point in the above DLNA or the like. Furthermore, the receiving device 80 can acquire broadcast content or broadcast content information (EPG information) from the broadcast station 12 located outside the home network system 2000.

  This will be described using a specific example of FIG. In this example, the control point 200 is connected to the content server 20A, the content server 20B, the receiving device 80a, and the receiving device 80b. The content server 20A has a plurality of contents (A1, A2). The receiving device 80a has a plurality of receiving functions (a1, a2). The receiving device 80b has one receiving function (b1). However, the substance of each reception function is realized by hardware or software.

  For example, the control point 200 can be controlled to receive the broadcast content 1 from the broadcast station 12 using the reception function a2 of the reception device 80a and record it in the content server B. The control point 200 acquires and holds information on the content held in the content server 20A and the content server 20B in advance. Further, the control point 200 calculates and holds the virtual empty content (AE) information of the content server 20A and the virtual empty content (BE) information of the content server 20B. Similarly, the control point 200 acquires and holds in advance information on reception functions of the reception device 80a and the reception device 80b. Further, the control point 200 holds broadcast content information (EPG information) acquired from the broadcast station 12.

  Therefore, the control point 200 can specify the content (broadcast content 1) to be recorded based on the stored EPG information, and can select a reception function (reception function a2) suitable for reception of the broadcast content. . Therefore, the control point 200 controls the receiving device 80a to receive the broadcast content 1. At the same time, the control point 200 controls the receiving device 80a to record the received broadcast content 1 on the content server 20B.

  In addition, when a plurality of reception function candidates that match the selected content A2 are selected (for example, the reception function a2 of the reception device 80a and the reception function b1 of the reception device 80b), the control point 200 relates to the reception function. Information can also be presented to the user for selection. Furthermore, the control point 200 can determine a recording destination for recording the broadcast content 1 based on information of empty content (AE, BE) virtually held by the content server 20A and the content server 20B. When a plurality of recording destinations are selected, the control point 200 can also prompt the user to select a plurality of empty contents by presenting them to the user.

  As described above, the home network system 2000 according to the present embodiment is characterized by the functional configuration of the control point 200. Then, by using the control point 200 according to the present embodiment, the user can receive the broadcast content with a reception function suitable for the desired broadcast content. Further, it becomes possible to manage the empty capacity of the content server by regarding it as empty content. Therefore, the user can easily acquire and record desired broadcast content.

[Functional configuration of control point 200]
Therefore, the functional configuration of the control point 200 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a functional configuration of the control point 200 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the control point 200 mainly includes a display unit 202, a control module 204, an input unit 206, and an agent 210. The agent 210 is an example of a recording function selection device. The agent 210 constitutes a part or all of the recording control apparatus, for example.

  The display device 202 is a device that displays information to the user. The display device 202 is configured by a display device using a technique such as CRT, PDP, TFT, or EL, for example. However, instead of the display unit 202, or an information output device such as an audio output device may be included as a constituent element so as to be used together with the display unit 202. That is, the display unit 202 is shown as an example of an information output device, and an audio output device can also be used. The control module 204 controls one or both of the content server 20 and the receiving device 80 based on the broadcast content and empty content information output from the agent 210 and the reception function information. The input unit 206 is an input device for inputting information by the user. The input unit 206 is configured by an information input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, a remote controller, or a voice input device, for example.

(Agent 210)
As shown in FIG. 7, the agent 210 mainly includes a selection information transfer unit 212, a request information acquisition unit 214, a recording schedule information setting unit 216, an update information detection unit 218, a broadcast content selection module 220, The reception function selection module 230, the recording function confirmation module 240, the storage unit 250, and the list information update unit 260 are configured.

(Request information acquisition unit 214)
The request information acquisition unit 214 acquires request information input from the user via the input unit 206. The request information acquisition unit 214 acquires information corresponding to the broadcast content meta or the reception function meta (hereinafter referred to as a request meta) as the request information. Further, the request information acquisition unit 214 acquires a request ID corresponding to the request meta input from the user. However, the request information acquisition unit 214 can automatically add a request ID corresponding to each request meta each time the request meta is input. The request information acquisition unit 214 stores the input request information in the work area 256 of the storage unit 250. The request meta is an example of the key information.

  The request ID is used to specify a request meta. The request ID may be, for example, a serial number indicating the order in which the request meta is generated, or may be time information indicating the time at which the corresponding request meta is generated. In addition, the request information acquisition unit 214 generates a request ID based on information (ID) for identifying the user, or obtains a request ID including a physical address unique to the terminal device used for the input operation of the request meta by the user. It can also be generated. For example, the request information acquisition unit 214 can use a MAC address or the like as a physical address unique to the terminal device. Thus, by adding the request ID to the request meta, the agent 210 can manage the request meta efficiently. The request meta may be in the form of an enumeration of words or a natural sentence.

  When a recording reservation is made, the request information acquisition unit 214 acquires a request meta in which the details of the recording reservation are described. Then, the request information acquisition unit 214 stores the request meta in which the content of the recording reservation is described in the work area 256.

(Broadcast content selection module 220)
The broadcast content selection module 220 specifies broadcast content desired by the user based on the request meta stored in the work area 256. For example, the broadcast content selection module 220 selects a broadcast content meta that matches the request meta stored in the work area 256 from the broadcast content information stored in the content list 252. Then, the broadcast content selection module 220 identifies broadcast content physical information and broadcast content corresponding to the selected broadcast content meta. Furthermore, the broadcast content selection module 220 stores the specified broadcast content physical information in the work area 256.

  At this time, when a plurality of broadcast content metas are selected as candidates for the request meta stored in the work area 256, the broadcast content selection module 220 transmits each broadcast content meta to the display device 202 and notifies the user. A list can be displayed to prompt selection of content. That is, the broadcast content selection module 220 can request addition of a request meta. The broadcast content selection module 220 is an example of the broadcast content selection unit.

  The broadcast content selection module 220 can acquire EPG information held by the broadcast station 12 as broadcast content information. The broadcast content selection module 220 can acquire EPG information related to broadcast content distributed by the broadcast station 12 from an information source located on a wide area network outside the home network. At this time, the broadcast content selection module 220 can acquire EPG information via the broadcast content information acquisition unit 266 described later. Then, the broadcast content selection module 220 can specify broadcast content that conforms to the request meta based on the acquired EPG information.

(Reception function selection module 230)
The reception function selection module 230 selects reception function physical information that matches the broadcast content physical information selected by the broadcast content selection module 220 from the reception function physical information stored in the function list 254. The reception function selection module 230 stores the reception function physical information selected from the function list 254 in the work area 256.

  When a plurality of reception function physical information is selected as candidates for the broadcast content physical information selected by the broadcast content selection module 220, the reception function selection module 230 selects a reception function meta corresponding to each reception function physical information. The data can be transmitted to the display unit 202 and displayed as a list to prompt the user to select a reception function. That is, the reception function selection module 230 can request addition of a request meta. The reception function selection module 230 is an example of the reception function selection unit.

(Recording function confirmation module 240)
The recording function confirmation module 240 confirms whether or not the request meta in the work area 256 referred to by the broadcast content selection module 220 matches the reception function meta selected correspondingly. For example, the reception function confirmation module 240 confirms whether or not a word extracted from the request meta is included in the selected reception function meta. The reception function confirmation module 240 can also interpret the meaning of the request meta and determine whether the meaning matches the result of the semantic interpretation of the reception function meta. The reception function confirmation module 240 is an example of the reception function confirmation unit.

  The recording function confirmation module 240 can also confirm whether or not the scheduled recording content meta set by the recording schedule information setting unit 216 and the requested meta match. In addition, when a plurality of blank contents conforming to the request meta are selected as recording destination candidates, the recording function confirmation module 240 presents information on a plurality of blank contents to the user, and the recording destination that the user desires to use is recorded. You can also request a selection. For example, the recording function confirmation module 240 can display empty content physical information of a plurality of empty contents selected as recording destination candidates on the display device.

(Storage unit 250)
As shown in FIG. 7, the storage unit 250 mainly includes a content list 252, a function list 254, a work area 256, and an event list 258.

The content list 252 mainly includes broadcast content information and empty content information. The broadcast content information includes a broadcast content meta and broadcast content physical information. File attribute information indicating the time when the broadcast content meta is recorded may be added to the broadcast content meta. This file attribute information may be described in a text format.

  The empty content information includes empty content meta and empty content physical information. This empty content is content corresponding to an empty capacity in which the content server 20 can record broadcast content. When targeting empty content corresponding to the free space of removable media, the empty content physical information corresponding to the empty content includes media attribute information indicating the type and standard of the removable media, and information specific to the removable media. Identification information (ID) may be included.

  The function list 254 mainly includes reception function information. The reception function information includes reception function meta and reception function physical information. For example, the reception function physical information includes an address and a file name indicating the input / output destination of the reception function of the reception device 80. The reception function physical information includes setting parameters such as a broadcasting system and a broadcasting channel.

  The work area 256 mainly includes request meta, recording schedule information, and selection information. Further, the content list 252 and the function list 254 may be stored in a non-volatile storage area. However, when the present embodiment is actually applied, it is preferable that the content list 252 and the function list 254 are recorded in a nonvolatile storage area. The work area 256 may store a plurality of pieces of request information for searching for broadcast contents or reception functions. The broadcast content meta and the reception function meta may be described in a text format including a tag.

  The storage unit 250 may have a plurality of work areas 256. For example, assuming a situation where a plurality of request metas are input, the storage unit 250 may be provided with a plurality of work areas 256 so that different work areas 256 are used for each input request meta. As described above, by using a work area 256 different for each request meta, the agent 210 can execute independent processes for each request meta in parallel.

  The event list 258 includes event information including part or all of broadcast content information, empty content information, and reception function information selected for each input request meta. This event list 258 may be stored in a non-volatile memory area. However, when the present embodiment is actually applied, it is preferable that the event list 258 is recorded in a nonvolatile memory area. The event list 258 may store a history of input request information.

  Here, the information stored in the storage unit 250 is organized with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 shows an example of the information structure of the content list 252, the function list 254, the work area 256, and the event list 258.

  In this example, the content list 252 stores broadcast content meta, broadcast content physical information, empty content meta, empty content physical information, reproduction content meta, and reproduction content physical information. The function list 254 stores reception function meta, reception function physical information, reproduction function meta, and reproduction function physical information.

  The work area 256 stores a request meta, a request ID corresponding to the request meta, a recording planned content meta, recording planned content physical information, selection information (broadcast content), and selection information (reception function). . The selection information (broadcast content) is information on the broadcast content selected by the broadcast content selection module 220. The selection information (reception function) is information on the reception function selected by the reception function selection module 230.

  The event list 258 stores a plurality of request meta, selection information, broadcast content information, reception function information, and empty content information as event information. These pieces of event information are history information regarding contents or functions selected by the function of the agent 210 in the past.

  The agent 210 sets information described in the event list 258 when an object corresponding to the request meta input by the user is determined. For example, at the time of recording reservation, the agent 210 sets broadcast content physical information conforming to the request meta in the event list 258. The agent 210 monitors information recorded in the event list 258. When the event list 258 is updated, the agent 210 executes a recording reservation process according to the updated information. Alternatively, the execution time / time may be set as physical information of an event instead of physical information related to an object such as broadcast content. An ID may be set for the event. Furthermore, a recording reservation process may be executed according to the information. By providing ID and physical information (execution time, time, etc.) in event information, it is executed rather than performing reservation processing by looking at physical information (execution time, time, etc.) of selection information such as broadcast content in event information. It is expected that the confirmation process of the process will be easy.

  In addition, the agent 210 performs the process of recording or reproducing the content and the process of setting the event list 258, each physical information included in the event information already set in the event list 258, and each physical information in the work area 256. Can be compared. Then, the agent 210 can determine whether there is any problem in the content recording or reproduction processing. For example, the agent 210 can determine whether or not to execute content recording processing or playback processing using the same function at the same time.

(Update information detection unit 218)
Refer to FIG. 7 again. The update information detection unit 218 detects that the content server 20 or the reception device 80 has been added or deleted from the home network. Further, the update information detection unit 218 detects that the configuration of the empty content held by the content server 20 has been changed. Furthermore, the update information detection unit 218 detects that the configuration of the reception function of the reception device 80 has been changed. In this way, the update information detection unit 218 detects that the device configuration in the home network, the content held by each device, or the function of each device has been updated, and lists update information indicating the update. It is transmitted to the information update unit 260.

(List information update unit 260)
As shown in FIG. 7, the list information update unit 260 mainly includes a content information acquisition unit 262, a content information update unit 264, a broadcast content information acquisition unit 266, a broadcast content information update unit 268, and reception function information. An acquisition unit 270 and a reception function information update unit 272 are included. When the list information update unit 260 acquires the update information from the update information detection unit 218, the list information update unit 260 updates the list stored in the storage unit 250 according to the content of the update information. The list information update unit 260 is an example of the list update unit.

(For empty content)
For example, when the list information update unit 260 acquires update information indicating that the content configuration held by the content server 20 has been changed, the content information acquisition unit 262 and the content information update unit 264 update the content list 252. . First, the content information acquisition unit 262 accesses the updated content server 20 with reference to the address of the content server 20 described in the update information. Then, the content information acquisition unit 262 acquires content information held by the content server 20. At this time, the content information acquisition unit 262 can also acquire only the updated content information. Then, the content information acquisition unit 262 calculates empty content information by calculating from the acquired content information, and transmits the calculated empty content information to the content information update unit 264.

  The content information update unit 264 updates the information stored in the content list 252 with the empty content information obtained by the content information acquisition unit 262. For example, when the content physical information on the content server 20 corresponding to the content physical information stored in the content list 252 is updated, the content information acquisition unit 262 calculates the updated empty content physical information, The result is transmitted to the content information update unit 264. Then, the content information update unit 264 overwrites the existing blank content physical information using the new blank content physical information acquired from the content information acquisition unit 262.

  Further, when a new content server 20 is added on the home network, the content information acquisition unit 262 acquires information on the content held by the content server 20 and calculates and obtains empty content information to update the content information. To the unit 264. The content information update unit 264 stores new blank content (physical) information in the content list 252 based on the blank content information acquired from the content information acquisition unit 262.

(Regarding broadcast content)
Similarly, when the list information update unit 260 acquires update information (or new EPG information) indicating that the configuration of the broadcast content held by the broadcast station 12 has been changed, the list information update unit 260 and the broadcast content The content update unit 268 updates the content list 252. First, the broadcast content information acquisition unit 266 accesses the updated broadcast station 12 with reference to the address of the broadcast station 12 described in the update information. Then, the broadcast content information acquisition unit 266 acquires information on the broadcast content held by the broadcast station 12. At this time, the broadcast content information acquisition unit 266 can also acquire only information on the updated broadcast content. Then, the broadcast content information acquisition unit 266 transmits the acquired broadcast content information to the broadcast content information update unit 268.

  The broadcast content information update unit 268 updates the information stored in the content list 252 with the broadcast content information acquired from the broadcast content information acquisition unit 266. For example, when the broadcast content meta (EPG information) on the broadcast station 12 corresponding to the broadcast content meta stored in the content list 252 is updated, the broadcast content information acquisition unit 266 acquires the updated broadcast content meta. Then, it is transmitted to the broadcast content information update unit 268. Then, the broadcast content information update unit 268 overwrites the existing broadcast content meta using the new broadcast content meta acquired from the broadcast content information acquisition unit 266.

(Receiving function)
As another example, when the list information update unit 160 acquires update information indicating that a new reception device 80 has been added to the home network, the list information update unit 160 causes the reception function information acquisition unit 270 and the reception function information update unit 272 to execute the function list. Update. First, the reception information information acquisition unit 270 accesses the updated reception device 80 with reference to the address of the reception device 80 described in the update information. Then, the reception function information acquisition unit 270 acquires information on the reception function of the reception device 80. The reception function information acquisition unit 270 transmits the acquired reception function information to the reception function information update unit 272. Then, the reception function information update unit 272 adds the reception function information acquired from the reception function information acquisition unit 270 to the function list 254.

  The list information update unit 260 can execute the above update process as a background process. For example, the list information update unit 260 can execute the above update process when the load on the central processing unit included in the control point 200 is low or when the network traffic is low. Of course, the list information update unit 260 may execute the update process at predetermined time intervals.

  In addition, when there is information on a reception function that is recorded in the content list 252 or the function list 254 but cannot be detected on the home network, the list information updating unit 260 performs the information on the update process of the function list 254. Keep without deleting. Further, the list information update unit 260 is configured when the content server 20 or the receiving device 80 corresponding to each piece of information described in the content list 252 or the function list 256 is not connected to the home network, Alternatively, when the power of the receiving device 80 is turned off, the user can be requested to connect the content server 20 or the receiving device 80 to the home network, or to turn on the power.

(Recording schedule information setting unit 216)
The recording schedule information setting unit 216 selects the empty content physical information selected based on the input request information and stored in the work area 256 as the recording schedule content physical information of the broadcast content selected based on the request information. Set and store in work area 256. Further, the recording schedule information setting unit 216 sets the broadcast content meta of the broadcast content set in the recording schedule content physical information as the recording schedule content meta and stores it in the work area 256. Then, the content information updating unit 264 updates the empty content meta and the empty content physical information based on the recording destination content meta and the recording destination content physical information stored in the work area 256.

  At this time, the recording schedule information setting unit 216 adds information obtained based on the broadcast content physical information to the recording schedule content physical information. For example, the recording schedule information setting unit 216 calculates the data capacity required to record the broadcast content in a predetermined format from information regarding the playback time of the broadcast content included in the broadcast content physical information, and information on the data capacity Is added to the recording destination content physical information.

(Selected information transfer unit 212)
The selection information transfer unit 212 is selected by the broadcast content selection module 220 and stored in the work area 256, and the reception function physical information selected by the reception function selection module 230 and stored in the work area 256. The recording scheduled content physical information generated in the work area 256 is transferred to the control module 204.

(Control module 204)
The control module 204 has a control function for receiving broadcast content held by the broadcast station 12 by using a predetermined reception function of the reception device 80. More specifically, the control module 204 uses the reception function indicated by the reception function physical information selected by the reception function selection module 230 to use the broadcast content corresponding to the broadcast content physical information selected by the broadcast content selection module 220. The receiving device 80 is controlled so as to receive. For example, the control module 204 transmits control information including information such as reception function physical information and broadcast content physical information to the reception device 80. Then, the control module 204 controls the receiving device 80 so as to record the broadcast content received by the receiving device 80 in the content server 20 indicated by the recording-scheduled content physical information.

  After the broadcast content conforming to the request meta is recorded in the content server 20, the list information update unit 260 updates the information in the work area 256. For example, the list information update unit 260 deletes the recording destination content meta and the recording destination content physical information corresponding to the recorded broadcast content from the work area 256. At the same time, the list information update unit 260 updates the information of the content list 252. At this time, the list information update unit 260 changes the recording destination content information (including the recording destination content meta and the recording destination content physical information) to normal reproduction content information (including the reproduction content meta and the reproduction content physical information). Alternatively, it is set so that the target content can be used. Then, the agent 210 completes the broadcast content recording process corresponding to the request meta.

[Recording control method]
Next, the recording control method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of the recording control method according to the present embodiment.

  First, when the power is turned on, the update information detection unit 218 changes the broadcast content information of the broadcast station 12, the device configuration on the home network, the empty content of each device, or the configuration of the reception function. Check if it has been done. In accordance with the confirmation result, the list information update unit 260 updates the information stored in the content list 252 or the function list 254 (S202). Next, the request information acquisition unit 214 updates the request information in the work area 256 based on the request information input via the input unit 206 (S204). Next, the agent 210 confirms whether there is event information stored in the event list 258 (S206).

  Next, the agent 210 determines whether request information is stored in the work area 256 (S208). If the request information is not stored in the work area 256, the agent 210 returns to the process of step S202 again. When the request information is stored in the work area 256, the broadcast content information acquisition unit 266 acquires information on the broadcast content that the broadcast station 12 has (S210). Next, the broadcast content selection module 220 selects a broadcast content meta that matches the request meta (S212).

  Next, the reception function selection module 230 refers to the broadcast content physical information corresponding to the broadcast content meta selected in step S212, and selects the reception function physical information that matches the broadcast content physical information (S214). Next, the recording schedule information setting unit 216 creates a recording schedule content (S216). Next, the recording schedule information setting unit 216 sets information of the recording scheduled content based on the empty content physical information and the broadcast content meta (S218). Next, the list information update unit 260 updates the information in the content list 252 (S220).

  Next, the agent 210 determines whether the information on the broadcast content and the information on the reception function are appropriately selected one by one (S222). If not properly selected, the agent 210 requests the user to add a request meta (S224), and returns to the process of step S210. When appropriately selected, the agent 210 stores the selected broadcast content information and reception function information as selection information in the event list (S226). Then, the control module 204 controls the content server 20 and the receiving device 80 based on the recording schedule information and the selection information, and executes broadcast content recording processing (S228).

  As described above, when the recording control method according to the present embodiment is used, the user simply inputs the request meta for specifying the broadcast content, and the reception process is executed by the reception function suitable for the broadcast content. Furthermore, broadcast content recording processing is executed by designating an appropriate content server in the home network. Therefore, the user can easily record content by using the content server and the receiving device on the home network.

[Hardware configuration]
The function of each component included in the above-described apparatus can be realized by, for example, an information processing apparatus having a hardware configuration illustrated in FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus capable of realizing the functions of each component of the apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the information processing apparatus mainly includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 902, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 904, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 906, a host bus 908, and a bridge. 910, an external bus 912, an interface 914, an input unit 916, an output unit 918, a storage unit 920, a drive 922, a connection port 924, and a communication unit 926.

  The CPU 902 functions as, for example, an arithmetic processing unit or a control unit, and controls the overall operation of each component or a part thereof based on various programs recorded in the ROM 904, the RAM 906, the storage unit 920, or the removable recording medium 928. . The ROM 904 stores, for example, a program read by the CPU 902 and data used for calculation. The RAM 906 temporarily or permanently stores, for example, a program that is read into the CPU 902 and various parameters that change as appropriate when the program is executed. These components are connected to each other by, for example, a host bus 908 capable of high-speed data transmission. The host bus 908 is connected to an external bus 912 having a relatively low data transmission speed via a bridge 910, for example.

  The input unit 916 is an operation unit such as a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, a button, a switch, and a lever. The input unit 916 may be remote control means (so-called remote controller) capable of transmitting a control signal using infrared rays or other radio waves. Note that the input unit 916 includes an input control circuit for transmitting information input using the above-described operation means to the CPU 902 as an input signal.

  The output unit 918 is, for example, a display device such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a PDP (Plasma Display Panel), or an ELD (Electro-Luminescence Display), an audio device such as a speaker, a headphone, or the like. It is a device capable of visually or audibly notifying acquired information to a user, such as a mobile phone or a facsimile.

  The storage unit 920 is a device for storing various data, and includes, for example, a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a semiconductor storage device, an optical storage device, or a magneto-optical storage device. Is done.

  The drive 922 is a device that reads information recorded on a removable recording medium 928 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or writes information to the removable recording medium 928. The removable recording medium 928 is, for example, a DVD medium, a Blu-ray medium, an HD-DVD medium, a compact flash (CF) (registered trademark), a memory stick, or an SD memory card (Secure Digital memory card). Of course, the removable recording medium 928 may be, for example, an IC card (Integrated Circuit Card) on which a non-contact IC chip is mounted, an electronic device, or the like.

  The connection port 924 is a port for connecting an external connection device 930 such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port, an IEEE 1394 port, a SCSI (Small Computer System Interface), an RS-232C port, or an optical audio terminal. is there. The external connection device 930 is, for example, a printer, a portable music player, a digital camera, a digital video camera, or an IC recorder.

  The communication unit 926 is a communication device for connecting to the network 932. For example, a communication card for wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or WUSB (Wireless USB), optical communication A router, a router for ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), or a modem for various communications. The network 932 connected to the communication unit 926 is configured by a wired or wireless network, and is, for example, the Internet, a home LAN, infrared communication, broadcasting, or satellite communication.

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described referring an accompanying drawing, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to the example which concerns. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. Understood.

  For example, when the information source that provides EPG information has a broadcast content search function, the agent 210 does not select a broadcast content that matches the request meta by the broadcast content selection module 220, but the request meta. Can be transmitted to the information source to allow the information source to select broadcast content that conforms to the desired meta. When a search device having a broadcast content search function exists on a wide area network such as the Internet, the agent 210 transmits the request meta to the search device and selects the broadcast content that matches the request meta. It is also possible.

  When using the other search functions as described above, the agent 210 can narrow down the desired broadcast content to a predetermined number or less from the countless broadcast content information existing on the wide area network. From a small number of broadcast contents, it is possible to extract broadcast contents that match the requested meta. As a result, it is possible to reduce the load applied to the agent 210 during the broadcast content search process.

  Information such as content meta, content physical information, reproduction / recording / reception function meta, or reproduction / recording / reception function physical information is not a substance of information but a pointer indicating an address where the information is recorded. Also good.

  Also, the broadcast content selection module 220 and the recording function confirmation module 230 can be realized by one module. For example, the one module separately holds a dictionary used for realizing the function of the broadcast content selection module 220 and a dictionary used for realizing the function of the recording function confirmation module 240, and is required. One of the dictionaries can be selectively used according to the function. This is because the function of the recording function confirmation module 240 can be realized using the search function of the broadcast content selection module 220.

  The reproduction function meta described above may include information regarding the installation location of the renderer 60 in addition to information such as a reproducible file format. In addition, the reception function meta may include information on a receivable broadcast format and an installation location of the receiving device 80.

  In addition, when using a removable medium as a broadcast content recording destination or a playback content recording source, each content physical information includes attribute information related to the type (standard) of the medium and a unique ID (disk ID, medium). ID / RE, volume ID, stamper ID / RO, etc.). Thereby, this makes it possible for the control point to use the same method for prompting the user to turn on or connect to the network when the content entity in the content server 20 that is not powered off or connected to the network is used in the home network. Thus, it is possible to prompt the user to insert a removable disk having a medium-specific ID in the target standard medium.

  It is also possible to configure a recording / reproducing control apparatus having both the configuration of the first embodiment and the configuration of the second embodiment.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the system configuration | structure of the home network system which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the function structure of the control point which concerns on the same embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the flow of the reproduction | regeneration control method which concerns on the same embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of the various information which concerns on the embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of the various information which concerns on the embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the system configuration | structure of the home network system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the function structure of the control point which concerns on the same embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the list structure which concerns on the embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the flow of the video recording control method concerning the embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the hardware constitutions of the information processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1000 Home Network System 10 Network 12 Broadcasting Station 20 Content Server 60 Renderer 80 Receiving Device 100 Control Point 102 Display Unit 104 Playback Control Module 106 Input Unit 110 Agent 112 Selection Information Transfer Unit 114 Request Information Acquisition Unit 116 Update Information Detection Unit 120 Content Selection Module 130 Playback function selection module 140 Playback function confirmation module 150 Storage unit 152 Content list 154 Playback function list 156 Work area 160 List information update unit 162 Content information acquisition unit 164 Content information update unit 166 Playback function information acquisition unit 168 Update of playback function information Part 2000 home network system 200 control point 202 display part 204 control module 206 Input Unit 210 Agent 212 Selection Information Transfer Unit 214 Request Information Acquisition Unit 216 Recording Schedule Information Setting Unit 218 Update Information Detection Unit 220 Broadcast Content Selection Module 230 Reception Function Selection Module 240 Recording Function Confirmation Module 250 Storage Unit 252 Content List 254 Function List 256 Work area 258 Event list 260 List information update unit 262 Content information acquisition unit 264 Content information update unit 266 Broadcast content information acquisition unit 268 Broadcast content information update unit 270 Reception function information acquisition unit 272 Reception function information update unit

Claims (16)

A receiving device having a receiving function for receiving content, and a recording control device connected to a content server capable of recording the content via a network,
A content information acquisition unit for acquiring information of the content;
Content information that considers the free space for recording the content as virtual content, acquires the free space information and the content information from the content server, and creates the virtual content information An acquisition unit;
A content selection unit that selects the content that matches predetermined key information based on the content information;
A recording schedule information setting unit configured to set, as content information to be recorded, information on the virtual content on which the content can be recorded based on the information on the content selected by the content selection unit;
With
Updating the virtual content information with the information of the content scheduled to be recorded, to secure an empty capacity of the content server for recording the content received by the receiving device; Recording control device. A reception function information acquisition unit that acquires information of the reception function from the reception device;
A reception function selection unit that selects the reception function suitable for the content based on the information on the content selected by the content selection unit and the information on the reception function;
With
The recording control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the content selected by the content selection unit is received using the reception function selected by the reception function selection unit. A storage unit for storing the predetermined key information, the content information, and the reception function information;
The content information acquisition unit stores the acquired content information in the storage unit,
The reception function information acquisition unit stores the acquired information of the reception function in the storage unit,
The content information acquisition unit stores the acquired virtual content information in the storage unit,
The content selection unit selects the content based on the content information stored in the storage unit,
The recording schedule information setting unit sets the content information to be recorded based on the content information stored in the storage unit, and updates the virtual content information corresponding to the content information to be recorded The recording control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:   The storage unit stores the content information selected by the content information selection unit and the reception function information selected by the reception function selection unit for each input key information. The recording control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the recording control apparatus is characterized.   The recording control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an input unit for inputting the predetermined key information in a text format.   2. The content information acquisition unit according to claim 1, wherein the content information acquisition unit acquires one or both of a content meta regarding the content of the content and content physical information regarding the recording process of the content as the content information. Recording control device.   If there are a plurality of selectable contents, the content selection unit presents a content meta of the plurality of contents to the user and additionally inputs the key information, or the plurality of contents The recording control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording control apparatus prompts the user to select desired content.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a list updating unit that updates the information on the content stored in the storage unit or the information on the virtual content when the content information to be recorded is set. The recording control apparatus according to 1.   The recording control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when recording the content on a removable medium, the content information acquisition unit acquires identification information unique to the removable medium.   The recording function confirmation unit according to claim 1, further comprising: a recording function confirmation unit that confirms whether or not the input key information matches the recording function selected by the recording function selection unit. Recording control device.   The content selection unit holds dictionary information used for semantic interpretation of information included in the content meta, and selects content that matches the key information based on the dictionary information. The recording control apparatus according to 1.   The recording function confirmation unit holds dictionary information used for semantic interpretation of information included in the recording function meta, and confirms a recording function that matches the key information based on the dictionary information. The recording control apparatus according to claim 10.   The reception function selection unit stores the content physical information and dictionary information used for semantic interpretation of information included in the reception function physical information, and selects a reception function suitable for the content based on the dictionary information The recording control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: A recording control method by a receiving device having a receiving function for receiving content, and a recording control device connected via a network to a content server capable of recording the content,
A content information acquisition step of acquiring the content information;
An empty content information acquisition step of regarding the empty capacity for recording the content as virtual content and acquiring information of the virtual content from the content server;
A content selection step of selecting the content that conforms to predetermined key information based on the content information;
A recording schedule information setting step for setting, as content information to be recorded, information on the virtual content on which the content can be recorded based on the information on the content selected in the content selection step;
Renewing information on the virtual content with the content information scheduled to be recorded, thereby securing a free space of the content server for recording the content received by the receiving device. A recording control method.   A program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the recording control apparatus according to claim 1. A data structure of key information used in a computer that operates according to the program according to claim 15,
Request meta information including information on the content input by the user or the content of the reception function;
Request ID information associated with the request meta information, including information specifying the user or information about the time when the request meta is generated;
Including
The data structure characterized in that the request meta information is managed by the computer based on the request ID information.

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