JP2010050789A - Recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a recorder capable of alleviating a burden of a server without a concentration of access from a recorder to the server during the reception of data, concerning the recorder which receives data from the server which records data. <P>SOLUTION: The recorders 1a and 1b receive data from the server 8 and record the data. The recorders 1a and 1b include: an indication reception means for receiving an indication of powering-off; and a time setting means for outputting a random number and for setting a time according to the outputted random number. After the indication reception means receives an indication of powering-off, after a set-up time passes, validation which checks the existence of new-arrival data is carried out to the server 8. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information device that can be connected to an information system, and more particularly to a recording apparatus having a function of receiving and recording data from a server that records data.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, technology related to information communication systems and devices connected thereto has been remarkably advanced, and various usage forms have been proposed by information service providers for various needs of users. As an example, an information recording / reproducing apparatus (hereinafter abbreviated as “recording apparatus”) having a function of recording and reproducing contents such as TV broadcasts on a recording medium such as a DVD or a hard disk is connected to the Internet via a home LAN. Information service systems that connect and exchange information with a server provided by an information service provider have become widespread. By using this information service system, for example, a plurality of users can connect their recording devices to a network and use information desired by the users (for example, photo data, etc.) in common. It becomes possible.

  In this case, unlike a personal computer (hereinafter abbreviated as “PC”) or the like, a recording device used at home is assumed to be a wide range of users. Therefore, the recording apparatus is required to have a simpler method for connection to the information service system and information exchange. Furthermore, a mechanism is required on the recording apparatus side that allows the information service system to operate stably even when an unspecified number of recording apparatuses are accessed.

  On the other hand, techniques related to a user interface in an information service system have been disclosed regarding shared use of image information.

  As an example, regarding a method for limiting the scope of shared use, in a network photo service that provides a digital photo service on a network, there is a technology that makes it possible to publish only an image desired by a user on the network. It is disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Further, regarding a method for editing image information to be shared, a technique is disclosed that enables editing in an information service system and browsing edited image information (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-203359 JP 2003-317074 A

  However, the above-described conventional technologies are all related to the use function of an information service system assuming a PC as a home device, and are not related to information exchange with a home recording device connected to the information service system. Absent.

  Therefore, particularly for elderly users and the like, it is necessary to connect to a network via a user interface that is not familiar to users such as a mouse and a keyboard to receive desired data (photo data).

  Also, if access to a server from a large number of recording devices connected to the information service system for some reason, the communication efficiency on the network decreases and the server's processing capacity is exceeded. Causes the server to stop functioning (down).

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a recording apparatus that can simplify access to a server of an information service system and avoid concentration of access.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, a recording apparatus of the present invention is a recording apparatus that receives and records data from a server that records data, and the recording apparatus includes an instruction receiving unit that receives a power-off instruction, When the instruction accepting unit accepts an instruction to turn off the power, the server confirms whether there is new arrival data.

  With such a configuration, the recording apparatus can confirm the presence or absence of newly arrived data to the server based on a power-off instruction. Therefore, the user can easily confirm whether or not the new arrival data has been updated on the server without performing a complicated operation using a remote controller or the like. In addition, new arrival data can be automatically downloaded to a recording device as necessary.

  The recording apparatus of the present invention further includes a time setting unit that outputs a random number and sets a time according to the output random number, and the instruction receiving unit receives a power-off instruction and then sets the set time. After the elapse of time, the server may be checked for the presence of new arrival data.

  With such a configuration, the recording device outputs a random number after turning off the power, sets a random standby time according to the output random number, and after the set standby time has elapsed, the new data is sent to the server. It is possible to confirm whether or not there is any. Therefore, polling (access) from the recording device in each home to the server of the information service provider is executed at random timing and does not concentrate. As a result, the recording apparatus can check and download new arrival data stably, and can smoothly operate the information service system.

  The recording apparatus of the present invention further includes a power supply receiving unit that receives power supply, and a time setting unit that outputs a random number and sets a time according to the output random number, and the power supply receiving unit supplies power. After a set time elapses, the server is checked for the presence or absence of newly arrived data.

  With such a configuration, the recording apparatus outputs a random number after the power is supplied from the power supply stop state, sets a random standby time according to the output random number, and sets the standby time After the elapse of time, it is possible to confirm the presence or absence of newly arrived data to the server. Therefore, access to the server is executed at random timing, and access does not concentrate on the server. This makes it possible for the recording device to stably check and download newly arrived data and to smoothly operate the information service system even in the event of an emergency such as a power failure or disconnection of the power cord.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a recording apparatus capable of simplifying access to a server of an information service system and avoiding concentration of access.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

(First embodiment)
The recording apparatus 1 in the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. The information service system in which the recording apparatus 1 is used is an information system for the purpose of sharing information. As an example, a membership-based information service system (hereinafter referred to as “photograph” for sharing photo information among a plurality of users). 50 (abbreviated as “shared system”). The outline of the photo sharing system 50 will be described below.

  FIG. 1 shows a system configuration example related to a user A group in a photo sharing system 50 operated by an information service provider (hereinafter abbreviated as “operator”) 70. The user A group is composed of two access users (photo sharers), users A1 and A2. The user A1 owns the recording device 1a at home, and a television 3a and an antenna 4a are connected to the recording device 1a. The recording device 1a is connected to the Internet 7 via the router 6a via the home LAN 5a, and is configured to be able to communicate with an information sharing server (hereinafter abbreviated as “server”) 8 operated and managed by the operator 70. Yes.

  The recording device 1a is an optical disk recorder with a built-in hard disk drive (HDD), has a function of recording a broadcast program on an optical disk or a hard disk, and playing back the recorded broadcast program, and executes almost all operations by the remote controller 2a. be able to. The user A2 also has the same configuration and functions as the user A1. Each corresponding component is denoted by reference numerals 1b to 6b, and the description thereof is omitted. In addition, when not distinguishing each component, it generically names 1-6.

  In this example, the user A group is composed of two photo sharers, users A1 and A2, but the number of photo sharers is not limited to this.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, an example regarding a method of using the photo sharing system 50 is described.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a case example of how to use the photo sharing system 50, and FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an operation screen in the photo sharing system 50.

  The photo sharing system 50 can transmit the photos stored in the recording device 1 to the server 8 operated and managed by the operator 70, and also receives the photos stored in the server 8 by the recording device 1 and views them on the television screen. be able to. With this function, a person who has registered as a member of the business operator 70 registers a family member or an acquaintance as a sharer, and saves a photograph taken in the server 8 so that it can be shared with the family member or an acquaintance.

  The procedure for using the photo sharing system 50 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  First, the user A1 (registrant of the photo sharing system 50) operates the PC 9 to access the server 8 and register as a member of the photo sharing system 50 (registrant step (1)). Get a membership code and registration number from. The member code is an ID for associating the recording device connected to the server 8 with the registered member, and the registration number is a sharer (user A2: sharer (family, friend, etc.)) who shares (transmits / receives) a photo. ) For identifying.

  Thereafter, the user A1 operates the remote controller 2a to input registration information such as the membership code for accessing the server 8 to the recording apparatus 1a and a registration number for designating a photo sharer. (Registrant step (2)).

  When the registration procedure for the business operator 70 is completed, the users A1 and A2 can use the photo sharing system 50. The user A1 transmits information (photo data) to be shared from the recording device 1 a to the server 8 and stores it in the server 8. (Registrant step (3)). The user A1 can transmit information to be shared not only from the recording device 1a but also from the PC 9 and save it in the server 8.

  On the other hand, the user A2 acquires registration information (registration number) from the user A1 by verbal (telephone etc.) or communication (email etc.) (sharer step (1)). Thereafter, the recording device 1b prepares to receive the photograph stored in the server 8. That is, the registration information (registration number) is input by operating the recording device 1b with the remote controller 2b (sharer step (2)).

  When the setting procedure of the sharer A2 is completed, when the sharer A2 turns off the power of the recording device 1b by the remote controller 2b, the recording device 1b automatically accesses the server 8 and is stored in the server 8. With respect to the photo album, whether there is new storage information (hereinafter, newly arrived photo data is abbreviated as “new arrival data”) is confirmed. If there is newly arrived data, it is automatically received (downloaded) and stored in the hard disk or the like of the recording device 1b (sharer step (3)).

  FIG. 3 shows a display example of the photo album 101 downloaded to the hard disk or the like of the recording device 1b. When the user A2 turns on the power of the recording apparatus 1b by the remote controller 2b, the photo album 101 displays that a new photo has arrived at the user A2, and when the user A2 selects to view the photo, It is displayed on the screen of the television 3b. The photo album 101 includes an album unit 102, a display unit 103, and an operation unit 104. The album unit 102 includes a display space 110. The photo 111 includes an image unit 111a and a data unit 111b, and the data unit 111b includes The file name of the photo and the shooting data are displayed. When the photograph 111 is newly downloaded from the server 8 and saved, a new mark 111c indicating that it is a new arrival such as “NEW” is displayed on the image portion 111a. The display section 103 describes the album title, photo category, comments, and the like. The operation unit 104 is provided with a click button and the like, and is provided with a photo selection, playback, deletion, and other operation functions.

  Next, an outline of hardware of the recording apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a main configuration related to the hardware of the recording apparatus 1.

  The recording device 1 has a function (recording function) for recording content (broadcast program) and a function (reproduction function) for reproducing the recorded program. Further, it is connected to the home LAN 5 and has a function of transmitting / receiving photo data to / from the server 8 via the Internet 7. Hereinafter, the main configuration of the hardware of the recording apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The recording apparatus 1 includes a tuner 201, an AD converter 202, an MPEG-2 encoder 203, a drive control unit 204, an MPEG-2 decoder 206, a graphic control unit 207, a memory 208, a video output unit 209, A CPU bus 213, a network control unit 214, an instruction reception unit 215, a flash memory 216, a power reception unit 217, and a system control unit 300 are provided.

  At the time of recording, the recording device 1 receives a content (broadcast program) signal transmitted from a broadcasting station, and records a data stream generated based on the signal on the optical disc 205a or the hard disc 205b. The received program signal may be an analog broadcast program signal or a digital broadcast program signal. In the case of an analog broadcast program, the program can be digitized, compressed and encoded, and recorded on the optical disk 205a or the hard disk 205b. When the recording device 1 is used by connecting to the photo sharing system 50, the downloaded photo data is recorded and stored in the hard disk 205b.

  As the optical disk 205a, for example, a CD, DVD, BD, or the like can be used. Hereinafter, a DVD will be described as an example. In FIG. 4, the optical disk 205a is configured to be mounted inside the recording apparatus 1, but the optical disk 205a can be configured to be removable from the recording apparatus 1 and can be externally connected.

  At the time of reproduction, the recorded broadcast program data is read from the optical disc 205a or the hard disc 205b, decoded, and output to the television (display device) 3.

  For determining whether to record a broadcast program on the optical disk 205a or to the hard disk, and determining whether to play the broadcast program recorded on the optical disk 205a or to play the broadcast program recorded on the hard disk, use The person can specify.

  The system control unit 300 controls the overall processing of the operation of the recording apparatus 1. The system control unit 300 includes a ROM 210, a CPU 211, and a RAM 212. Each is connected to the CPU bus 213.

  The ROM 210 is, for example, an electrically rewritable EEPROM. The ROM 210 stores a computer program 210 a for operating the recording apparatus 1.

  The ROM 210 stores a parameter 210b that defines the operating environment of the recording apparatus 1. Immediately after the recording apparatus 1 is purchased, this parameter is a default setting parameter at the time of shipment from the manufacturer. However, if the user changes the setting later or is read from the outside, the parameter is updated to the changed parameter. Is done.

  The CPU 211 outputs a recording instruction and a reproduction instruction based on a user operation. More specifically, by executing the computer program 210a, the CPU 211 generates an instruction (control signal) for realizing a process defined in the computer program 210a according to a user operation or the like, and uses the CPU bus 213. Output to each component. Other components execute individual functions related to the recording process and the reproduction process based on the instruction. When the recording apparatus 1 is used connected to the photo sharing system 50, the CPU 211 sends an instruction to a related processing unit and transmits / receives photo data to / from the server 8. As will be described later, the CPU 211 functions as a power supply receiving unit that acquires a signal from the power receiving unit 217 and detects power supply from an external power source.

  The RAM 212 has a work area necessary for the CPU 211 to execute the program. For example, the CPU 211 reads the computer program 210 a in the ROM 210 into the RAM 212 using the CPU bus 213 and develops it in the work area of the RAM 212.

  The tuner 201 selects and receives an analog broadcast radio wave transmitted from a broadcast station, and outputs a program video and audio signal to the AD converter 202. The AD converter 202 digitally converts the input signal and supplies it to the MPEG-2 encoder 203. When receiving an instruction to start recording, the MPEG-2 encoder 203 (hereinafter abbreviated as “encoder 203”) compresses and encodes the supplied digital data into the MPEG-2 format, and MPEG conforms to the DVD video recording standard. -2 A program stream (hereinafter referred to as “program stream”) is generated and input to the drive control unit 204. This process is continued until the encoder 203 receives a recording end instruction. The encoder 203 has a buffer (not shown) or the like that temporarily holds frame data or the like in order to perform compression encoding.

  The drive control unit 204 uses an optical head (not shown) to control data writing processing to the optical disc 205a and data reading processing from the optical disc 205a. Similarly, a data writing process to the hard disk 205b and a data reading process from the hard disk 205b are controlled using a magnetic head (not shown).

  At the time of recording, a recording start process is performed based on a recording start instruction, and then a program stream is received and writing to the optical disk 205a or the hard disk 205b is started. In addition, when an instruction to end recording is received, the writing process ends when the program stream is no longer input, and the recording end process is performed. In the recording apparatus 1, the drive control unit 204 controls the optical disk 205a and the hard disk 205b. However, the optical disk 205a and the hard disk 205b may each be provided with a drive control unit.

  When playing back a recorded program, the drive control unit 204 reads the data with the optical disk 205a or the hard disk 205b in a playable state, and reads the read data as an MPEG-2 decoder 206 (hereinafter abbreviated as “decoder 206”). ).

  The decoder 206 decompresses the supplied MPEG-2 compressed and encoded data, converts it into uncompressed data, and supplies it to the graphic control unit 207.

  The graphic control unit 207 is connected to a memory 208 for internal calculation, and can exhibit an on-screen display (OSD) function. For example, various menu images are combined with video and output to the video output unit 209.

  The video output unit 209 outputs the input OSD composite image to the television 3.

  A CPU bus 213 is a path for transmitting signals in the recording apparatus 1, and includes a tuner 201, an AD converter 202, an encoder 203, a drive control unit 204, a decoder 206, a graphic control unit 207, a video output unit 209, a network control unit 214, The flash memory 216 and the system control unit 300 are connected.

  The network control unit 214 has an interface function for connecting the recording apparatus 1 to the Internet 7 via the home LAN 5, and can transmit and receive data via the Internet 7. When the recording apparatus 1 is connected to the photo sharing system 50 and used, the photo data to be shared stored in the hard disk 205b is transmitted to the server 8 in response to an instruction from the CPU 211, or the photo is taken from the server 8. Data is received and recorded on the hard disk 205b. In the recording apparatus 1, the network control unit 214 is configured as a connection terminal of the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard, but is not limited thereto, and other interfaces (for example, an IEEE 1394 standard interface) can also be used.

  The network control unit 214 is connected to a CPU 211 (described later) of the system control unit 300 via a CPU bus 213, and an instruction receiving unit 215 is directly connected to the CPU 211.

  The instruction receiving unit 215 is used by the user to perform operations such as turning on / off the power of the recording apparatus 1, channel selection, recording, and reproduction using the remote controller 2 (FIG. 1). In addition to receiving from the CPU 211 instructions from the user regarding channel selection, recording, playback, clock adjustment, reservation registration, etc. made to the recording device 1, a signal generated by operating the instruction receiving unit 215 is supplied to the CPU 211. It has a function to do.

  The power receiving unit 217 is connected to an external power source such as a power outlet (not shown) via a power cord 218, receives power supply from the external power source, and supplies power to the power source (not shown) of the recording apparatus 1. Supply. After the power supply from the external power supply is stopped due to a power failure or the power cord 218 being pulled out, etc., when the power failure is restored or the power cord 218 is inserted and the power supply is started, the CPU 211 as a power supply acceptance unit receives the power acceptance unit 217. The signal from can be acquired to know the start of power supply.

  In the flash memory 216, information on abnormal disconnection and recovery relating to power supply (power history information), such as a power failure from the external power supply due to a power failure or pulling of the power cord 218, is written based on a command from the CPU 211.

  Next, the configuration and functions of the recording apparatus 1 relating to the update of shared information (photo data) in the photo sharing system 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a power supply sequence diagram showing functions and operation characteristics related to various modes of the power supply in the recording apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the recording apparatus 1 is set to four modes of “power ON (power on)”, “standby”, “power OFF (power off)”, and “no power” regarding the function of the power supply. The operation of the recording apparatus 1 is controlled based on each mode.

  A state in which power is not supplied from an external power source, such as when a power failure or power cord 218 is pulled out, is referred to as “non-energization” and is at least the system control unit 300 and the network control unit (necessary for accessing the server 8). (Part) 214 is operating and a part of the recording apparatus 1 is not operating is called “standby”.

  When the power is turned on by operating the power button while the power is off, the recording apparatus 1 shifts to the power on mode and can be operated by the remote controller 2 (FIG. 1) or the like. In addition, when the power supply is turned off, such as when the use of the recording apparatus 1 is finished, the power supply is switched to the standby mode. Transition from mode to power off mode. In addition, a timer (not shown) is operating even in the power-off mode, and when a startup event such as scheduled recording occurs, the power-off mode is shifted to the standby mode.

  When the power cord 218 is disconnected in the power OFF mode, the non-energized mode is entered. When the power cord 218 is inserted again, the power OFF mode is restored. Thus, when shifting from the power-off mode to the non-energized mode, there is no problem because all of the recording apparatus 1 is in the resting state. However, the power cord 218 may be disconnected while a part of the recording apparatus 1 is in operation, such as the power ON mode or the standby mode, or a power failure may occur. In this case, since the processing of the CPU 211 ends abnormally, the recording apparatus 1 may malfunction if power is supplied in this state to enter the power ON mode.

  Therefore, the CPU 211 of the recording apparatus 1 stores the history information of the power mode transition in the flash memory 216. If the non-energized mode is resolved by recovering from a power failure, connecting the power cord 218, or the like, the CPU 211 reads this history information from the flash memory 216, detects the abnormal end, temporarily enters the standby mode, and is de-energized. Performs software termination processing that was interrupted when it occurred.

  Next, a procedure for updating shared information when the recording apparatus 1 is connected to the photo sharing system 50 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an execution procedure of a function for updating a photo album as shared information in the recording apparatus 1. The shared information update procedure will be described below.

  First, when the instruction receiving unit 215 serving as an instruction receiving unit of the recording apparatus 1 receives power-off instruction information by a user's remote control operation or the like (step S1), the apparatus temporarily shifts to a standby mode (step S2).

  The CPU 211 instructs the network control unit 214 to perform polling (access as a periodic operation) to the server 8 (FIG. 1), and confirms whether there is new arrival data stored in the server 8 (step S3). ).

  Upon receiving the polling message from the recording device 1 (step S4), the server 8 determines whether there is new arrival data in the stored shared information (step S5). YES), response information “There is new data” is transmitted to the recording apparatus 1 (step S6). When the recording device 1 receives the polling response information of “there is new data” (step S7), the new data stored in the server 8 is automatically downloaded to the recording device 1 and recorded and stored in the hard disk 205b (step S7). S8), the shared information update operation is terminated.

  On the other hand, if there is no new data (NO), the server 8 transmits response information “No new data” (step S9). When the recording device 1 receives the polling response information “no new data” (step S10), the update of the shared information is terminated without downloading the information from the server 8.

  As described above, when the recording apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is used, the server 70 provided by the business operator 70 after the instruction receiving unit 215 of the recording apparatus 1 receives the power-off instruction information. It is possible to automatically check whether there is new arrival data. Therefore, the user can easily check whether or not the new arrival data of the server 8 has been updated without performing a complicated operation using the remote controller 2 or the like, and can download the new arrival data to the recording device 1 automatically. .

(Second Embodiment)
Hereinafter, the procedure for updating the shared information of the recording apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The system control unit 300 (FIG. 4) as time setting means of the recording apparatus 1 in the present embodiment outputs a random number and sets a waiting time according to the output random number. When the recording apparatus 1 is turned off and enters the standby mode, polling is automatically performed with a random waiting time set by the time setting means, and whether or not there is new data in the server 8 provided by the business operator 70. It is characterized by confirming. The random waiting time is 0 to several hours, and may be set as appropriate according to the network environment, the usage environment of the recording apparatus 1, and the like.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an execution procedure for updating a photo album as shared information of the recording apparatus 1 in the present embodiment. The shared information update procedure will be described below.

First, when the instruction receiving unit 215 of the recording apparatus 1 receives power-off instruction information by a user's remote control operation or the like (step S1), the apparatus temporarily shifts to a standby mode (step S2).
The time setting means provided in the system control unit 300 outputs a random number, and sets a random standby time according to the output random number (step S20). The random number generation function and its initial value are stored as one parameter of the parameter 210b that defines the operating environment of the ROM 210. The operation of the time setting means will be specifically described. First, the CPU 211 reads a random number generation program (random number generation function) and an initial value from the ROM 210 to the RAM 212. Next, the CPU 211 executes a program to generate a random number, and the CPU 211 converts the random number into a corresponding time and sets a random waiting time.

  When the setting of the random standby time is completed, the CPU 211 counts the elapsed standby time and determines whether or not the set standby time has been reached (step S21). If the set standby time is not reached (NO), the standby is continued. When the standby time has elapsed (YES), the CPU 211 performs polling on the server 8 provided by the business operator 70 and confirms whether there is new data stored in the server 8 (step S3).

  All subsequent processing steps are the same as the processing steps in the first embodiment of the present invention, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  As described above, according to the execution procedure for updating the photo album according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the recording apparatus 1 outputs a random number after the instruction receiving unit 215 receives the instruction information of power OFF, A random waiting time corresponding to the output random number is set, and after the set waiting time elapses, it is possible to check the server 8 for new data. In general, there are many homes that use the recording device at prime time (19:00 to 23:00), and it is assumed that the recording devices of each home will simultaneously shift to the standby mode after use. Even in such a case, polling (access) from the recording device 1 of each household to the server 8 of the business operator 70 is executed at random timing, and does not concentrate. As a result, the recording apparatus 1 can stably check and download new arrival data, and can smoothly operate an information service system (photo sharing system).

(Third embodiment)
Hereinafter, the procedure for updating the shared information according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The system control unit 300 (FIG. 4) of the recording apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has a time setting function that outputs a random number and sets a time according to the output random number. When the non-energized state is resolved and power is supplied from an external power source, the recording apparatus 1 automatically performs polling with a random waiting time, and whether there is new data in the server 8 provided by the business operator 70 It is characterized by having a function to confirm whether or not.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an execution procedure for updating a photo album as shared information of the recording apparatus 1 in the present embodiment. The shared information update procedure will be described below.

  The CPU 211 as the power supply receiving unit of the recording apparatus 1 can detect that external power has been supplied by acquiring a signal from the power receiving unit 217. When power is supplied to the power source by power failure recovery or plugging in the power cord 218 (step S22), the device temporarily shifts to the standby mode (step S2). At this time, the CPU 211 reads power supply history information from the flash memory 216 and, if there is an abnormal end when the power is turned off, executes an end process as necessary.

  The time setting means provided in the system control unit 300 outputs a random number, and sets a random standby time according to the output random number (step 20). When the setting of the random standby time is completed, the elapsed standby time is counted, and it is determined whether or not the set standby time has been reached (step 21). If the set standby time is not reached (NO), the standby is continued. If the standby time has elapsed (YES), polling is performed on the server 8 provided by the business operator, and the presence or absence of newly arrived data stored in the server 8 is confirmed (step S3).

  Subsequent processing steps are the same as the processing steps (FIG. 7) in the second embodiment of the present invention, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  As described above, according to the execution procedure for updating the photo album according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the recording apparatus 1 is powered from the state where the power supply is stopped due to the restoration of the power failure or the insertion of the power cord 218. When receiving the supply, the CPU 211 temporarily shifts to the standby mode in order to execute an end process for eliminating the abnormal end. Then, a random number is output, a random waiting time corresponding to the output random number is set, and after the set waiting time has elapsed, the server 8 can be checked for the presence of new data. .

  Therefore, even when power is supplied to the power supply from a non-energized state, access (polling) for confirming the presence of new data from the recording apparatus 1 to the server 8 is executed at random timing. No access concentrates on 8. As a result, the recording apparatus 1 can stably check and download newly arrived data even in an emergency or the like, and can smoothly operate the information service system.

  As described above, the recording apparatus of the present invention has a function of managing the access timing with respect to access to the server, and the user accesses the information service system easily and stably to check newly arrived data. be able to. Further, it is possible to avoid the concentration of access to the server used, and it is possible to provide a high-quality recording apparatus that can contribute to the smooth operation of the information service system.

  In the above embodiment, the recording apparatus 1 has a configuration in which a hard disk drive (HDD) and an optical disk recorder are mounted as an example. However, the configuration of the recording apparatus 1 is not limited to this. It goes without saying that various information storage devices and storage media can be used and various combinations of the constituent elements can be made by methods such as internal or external connection, and the same effects as those of the recording device 1 according to the present invention can be exhibited.

  In the above embodiment, the polling is performed when the standby mode is entered, and the new arrival data is automatically downloaded when there is new arrival data. However, only the polling may be executed. If new arrival data is detected by polling, a display to that effect may be displayed on the TV screen or the like, and the download may be executed by the user's operation.

  In the above embodiment, the information stored and shared on the server is described as a still image such as photo data. However, the shared information may be a moving image taken by a video camera or the like.

  The recording apparatus according to the present invention is useful as a recording apparatus having a function to be used by connecting to an information system operated by an information service provider.

Explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the information service system in which the recording device in the 1st Embodiment of this invention is used. Explanatory drawing which shows the use case of the information service system where the same recording device is used Explanatory drawing which shows the operation screen of the information service system in which the recording apparatus is used Block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the recording apparatus Function and operation explanatory diagram related to power supply status change of the recording device Flowchart showing an execution procedure for updating shared information in the recording apparatus The flowchart which shows the execution procedure which updates the shared information of the recording device in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention The flowchart which shows the execution procedure which updates the shared information of the recording device in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention

Explanation of symbols

1, 1a, 1b Recording device 2, 2a, 2b Remote control 3, 3a, 3b Television 4, 4a, 4b Antenna 5, 5a, 5b Home LAN
6, 6a, 6b Router 7 Internet
8 Server 9 PC
50 Photo sharing system (information service system)
70 Information service provider 101 Photo album 102 Album part 103 Display part 104 Operation part 110 Display space 111 Photo 111a Image part 111b Data part 111c New mark 201 Tuner 202 AD converter 203 Encoder 204 Drive control part 205a Optical disk 205b Hard disk 206 Decoder 207 Graphic Control unit 208 Memory 209 Video output unit 210 ROM
210a Computer program 210b Parameter 211 CPU (power supply acceptance means)
212 RAM
213 CPU bus
214 Network control unit 215 Instruction receiving unit (instruction receiving means)
216 Flash memory 217 Power receiving unit 218 Power cord 300 System control unit (time setting means)

Claims (3)

A recording device for receiving and recording data from a server for recording data,
The recording apparatus includes instruction receiving means for receiving a power-off instruction,
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the instruction receiving unit receives a power-off instruction, the server confirms whether there is new arrival data with respect to the server. It further comprises time setting means for outputting a random number and setting a time according to the outputted random number,
After the instruction accepting means accepts a power-off instruction, after the set time has elapsed,
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the server checks whether there is new arrival data. A recording device for receiving and recording data from a server for recording data,
A power supply receiving means for receiving the supply of power;
A time setting means for outputting a random number and setting a time according to the output random number,
After the set time has elapsed after the power supply receiving means has received power supply,
A recording apparatus for checking whether or not there is new arrival data with respect to the server.

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