JP4125345B2 - System, information processing apparatus, program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a receiving apparatus, a server apparatus, a service charge calculation method for storing data received in a storage-type broadcasting service or the like in a recording medium, and file operation information capable of performing automatic operations such as deletion and movement on files. Relates to a file system comprising:

  In recent years, mobile terminals such as mobile phones and PHS have been provided with new services added one after another in accordance with improvements in functions and infrastructure development.

  For example, in an e-mail service using a cellular phone, music and still image-attached data can now be sent and received when the file to be sent and received was originally text data only. Can now send and receive.

  On the other hand, using a receiving device equipped with a recording medium such as an HDD, the received digital TV broadcast and data broadcast contents are stored in the recording medium, and the recorded and recorded data such as programs and information are later Storage-type services such as making them visible are now being considered.

  According to such a storage type service, the user can obtain data such as necessary video contents when necessary without making a reservation for recording without watching TV in real time.

  However, if the recording medium for storing data and files has insufficient free space, there arises a problem that data and files cannot be stored.

  For example, when a file composed of character data, image data, etc. is received by a receiving device such as a mobile phone, the reception of the file fails if the recording medium provided in the receiving device is insufficient. There is a point.

  In addition, when recording a nightlife sports program, etc., when the program is extended, the data size to be recorded increases. At this time, if the recording medium provided in the receiving device has insufficient free space, there may be a problem that a portion that is not recorded is generated.

  Therefore, the present invention is based on the operation information provided in the data or file even when there is no free space in the recording medium of the receiving device when recording the data or file on the recording medium provided in the receiving device. It is an important issue to provide a system that can automatically store desired data and files by automatically performing operations such as movement, deletion, and compression of data and files.

  The receiving apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, which has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, is the data size before completely receiving the data even when the recording medium has no free space when recording the data. , And a free space is predicted based on the acquired data size, and operations such as movement, deletion, and compression can be performed on data already stored in the recording medium.

  This is because a system capable of storing desired data using the recording medium on the receiving device side very efficiently can be supplied.

  Further, the receiving device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention checks whether or not recording is possible on the recording medium based on the capacity information relating to the free capacity, and if it cannot be recorded, all or part of the received data. Is sent to the server. By doing so, the server side supplements the storage of the desired data even if the receiving device has no free space, so that it is possible to supply a system with an improved data storage function as a system. .

  Further, the receiving device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention checks whether or not recording is possible on the recording medium of the receiving device based on the capacity information regarding the free space, and if the recording device cannot record, the receiving device lacks capacity. Information is notified to the server. This is because the server can know the storage status of the receiving device.

  Furthermore, the receiving device according to the seventh aspect of the present invention checks whether or not recording is possible on the recording medium of the receiving device based on the capacity information relating to the free capacity, and if it cannot be recorded, the estimated time when the capacity is insufficient Is sent to the server. By doing so, the server starts accumulating at the predicted time when the capacity of the server becomes insufficient based on the information, so that it becomes possible to supply a system with an enhanced data accumulating function as a system.

  Furthermore, the service charge calculation method of the invention according to claim 12 of the present application manages the number of data accumulation, the accumulated data size, the accumulated time, etc. for the data accumulation in the server device. This is because the service charge can be calculated as the data storage service charge by using these.

  On the other hand, the file system of the invention according to claim 13 of the present invention provides a recording medium with operation information, which is information about automatic operations related to deletion, compression, movement, storage, etc. of a file, as an attribute. Even when there is a shortage of capacity, the file can be automatically managed based on the attribute so that the file can be efficiently stored.

  Here, the “file system” is a concept that is directly under the management of an OS or the like and does not include a database system or a memory system.

  And it is preferable on the aspect of implementation that the file system which concerns on the receiver which receives and accumulate | stores data, such as broadcast content, is mounted.

  Specifically, “data” refers to TV broadcast or radio broadcast program content having audio data or image data broadcast by analog broadcast or digital broadcast, and character information that is data broadcast content. It includes data such as character data, image data, and voice data transmitted and received by e-mail or the like.

  In addition, the above-mentioned “data” may exist in one file or in a plurality of files, or may exist in a plurality of files.

  According to such a configuration, when a file is recorded on a recording medium, even if there is no free space on the recording medium, automatic operations such as movement, deletion, and compression are performed on the file. A file system capable of reliably accumulating files can be supplied.

  According to the present invention described above in detail, the received digital TV broadcast or data broadcast content is recorded on the recording medium provided in the receiving apparatus by using the receiving apparatus having the recording medium such as the HDD. Even if there is no free space in the recording medium of the receiving device, the data is automatically operated such as moving, deleting, and compressing, or stored using a server. A system capable of efficiently and reliably accumulating can be supplied.

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

  FIG. 1 is an overall device configuration diagram showing an overall system in an embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, P1 is a receiving device used by a user, and P2 is a storage management server that is an information processing device.

  The receiving device P1 receives a program (content) broadcast from a broadcasting station (content distributor) via a BS / CS satellite, terrestrial wave, cable, or the like as a digital signal. At the same time, the receiving device P1 is connected to the storage management server P2 via a communication network such as the Internet so that bidirectional communication is possible.

  As shown in FIG. 2, this program receives a CPU 101, an internal memory 102, an external storage device 103 such as an HDD, and broadcasts (including data broadcasts) via satellites and terrestrial waves via an antenna AT. Main components are a device 104, an AV decoder 105 that outputs video and audio signals to the television receiver DP, a user interface 106 that communicates with the remote controller RC, a transmission / reception device 107 for connecting to the Internet via a telephone line, etc. And

  The receiving device P1 is a kind of computer used as an accessory to a television receiver, for example, and includes a so-called set-top box, and of course, a general-purpose computer may be used.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, the storage management server P2 has a database function and the like, and includes a CPU 201, an internal memory 202, an external storage device 203 such as an HDD, a communication interface 204 such as a modem, and an input such as a mouse and a keyboard. The output interface 206 and the like are main components.

  In the system configured as described above, a program broadcast from a broadcast station (content distributor) is normally broadcast to the user via the ground wave, satellite, cable, or the like.

  A receiving device P1 connected to a device for receiving broadcasts such as a CS antenna, a BS antenna, and a terrestrial antenna is connected to a television receiver, and a user can enjoy a television program. At this time, if the user cannot watch the program in real time for some reason, the program is recorded in the external storage device 103 (in this embodiment, HDD) built in the receiving device P1. Various recording methods such as a method in which a user sets using a remote controller RC, such as a VTR, and a method in which the user sets from the outside via the Internet are conceivable. In this embodiment, the user uses a remote control via the user IF 106. It was decided to set using RC.

  A program set to be recorded is broadcast at a predetermined time, received as a radio wave by the antenna AT, and recorded in the HDD 103 of the receiving device P1. At this time, various signal processing is performed by a circuit unit inside the receiving device P1. Is made. For example, in the case of pay broadcasting, since it is broadcast as scrambled broadcast, a descrambler process for decoding the scrambled signal is performed, or a digital signal is converted into an analog signal by an AV decoder.

  In the present embodiment, the receiving device P1 operates the CPU 101 and peripheral devices according to a program stored in the internal memory 102 and the like, and as shown in FIG. 4, a data size acquisition unit 1, a recording medium state prediction unit 2 The data operation unit 3, the capacity acquisition unit 4, the data transmission unit 5, the notification unit 6a, the second notification unit 6b, the recording reservation information reception unit 7, and the recording medium 8 are provided.

  Similarly, the storage management server P2 operates the CPU 201 and peripheral devices in accordance with a program stored in the internal memory 202 or the like, and as shown in FIG. 4, the second data receiving unit 11 and the second data storage unit 12 are operated. The function as the notification receiving unit 13a, the second notification receiving unit 13b, the accumulation status acquiring unit 14, and the service charge calculating unit 15 is exhibited.

  Specifically, each unit of the receiving device P1 shown in FIG. 4 will be specifically described in detail.

  The data size acquisition unit 1 acquires the data size of a program (content) broadcast from a broadcasting station via a communication network such as the Internet. The acquired data size is stored in a predetermined area of the HDD 103. Stored. Here, “data” in the present embodiment is broadcast content that is data having at least one of a moving image and audio. The size of this data may be acquired not only from the communication line network but also from radio waves being broadcast.

  In addition, the method of acquiring the data size in the present embodiment is such that a program guide transmitted from a center computer installed in a TV station, radio station, or the like is received in advance by the receiving device P1, and recording recording or viewing of TV programs or the like is performed. Although an EPG (electronic program guide) system for making a reservation is used, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be acquired from an external machine having program information.

  Based on the data size acquired by the data size acquisition unit 1, the recording medium state prediction unit 2 acquires the data and records it on the recording medium 8. It predicts what will happen. For example, a prediction result such as “there is sufficient free space” or “the free space is insufficient” is output. Here, “output” includes, for example, transmission to the storage management server P2, display on the television receiver DP, printing, and the like. Here, the obtained prediction result is sent to the data operation unit 3 and the notification unit 6. It means to output.

  Based on the output result of the recording medium state predicting unit 2, the data operation unit 3 performs processing on the data already stored in the recording medium 8 when the recording medium 8 has insufficient free space. Data operations such as deletion, compression, and movement are performed.

  The capacity acquisition unit 4 acquires capacity information including information related to the free capacity from the recording medium 8, and the acquired capacity information is used as the data transmission unit 5, the notification unit 6a, the second notification unit 6b, and the recording reservation information. Output to the reception unit 7.

  The data transmission unit 5 has a function of transmitting all or part of the received data to the storage management server P2 via a communication network such as the Internet when the capacity information satisfies a certain condition. It is configured using the modem. Here, the “certain condition” is mainly a condition relating to the free capacity and the data size. For example, “when the free capacity of the recording medium 8 of the receiving device P1 is larger than the program data to be recorded”. There is.

  The notification unit 6a notifies the storage management server P2 of the free space information obtained by the capacity acquisition unit 4 to the storage management server P2 via the Internet when the free space information satisfies certain conditions. It is configured using the modem.

  The second notification unit 6b sends the capacity information obtained by the capacity acquisition unit 4 to the storage management server P2 via the storage management server P2 with the estimated time, terminal identifier, etc. when the free capacity information satisfies a certain condition. And is configured using the modem.

  In the present embodiment, the information to be notified is the predicted time when the capacity is insufficient, but the information is not limited to this, and any information related to the capacity shortage may be used. It may be the information that appears.

  The recording reservation information receiving unit 7 receives information related to recording reservation performed by the user using a remote controller or the like, for example, starting recording of data from what time of day, what month, what date, etc. It is determined whether or not the above is satisfied. Further, the “certain condition” here is the same as the “certain condition” described in the data transmission unit 5.

  The recording medium 8 includes a customer DB file having attributes such as a customer ID number, name, terminal identifier, terminal specification (hard disk full capacity, free capacity), program ID number, program name, and provision as shown in FIG. A program DB file having attributes such as a person / file size / broadcast date / time, a terminal storage information file having attributes such as a customer ID number / program ID number / broadcast date / time / file size / priority, and a program ID number / A terminal storage data file having data attributes, and a capacity management information file having attributes of the total capacity size, the number of storage, the already stored capacity size, the free capacity size, the insufficient capacity size, and the estimated time when the capacity becomes insufficient, These are stored in a predetermined storage area such as the HDD 103, and these customer DB file, program DB file, terminal stored information file, terminal stored data file are stored. Yl, capacity management information file are those which form respectively associated relational form.

  Each attribute is described in detail.

  The customer ID number is given by the receiving device P1 as a unique value. The name is the name of the user, and the terminal identifier can be identified from the outside via the Internet. In this embodiment, a unique value that can be used for IPv6 is used. The terminal specifications are the specifications of the receiving device P1, such as the total capacity of the hard disk and the free capacity.

  The program ID number is assigned by the receiving device P1 as a unique value. The program name, the provider, the file size, and the broadcast date and time are data relating to the program, and were obtained from an EPG (electronic program guide) system.

  The priority is a number defined based on operation information related to data operations such as data protection, data movement, data compression processing, data deletion, and the like, and is thus already stored in the recording medium 8. Operations such as deletion, compression, and movement of the stored data are smoothly performed.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, when the priority is 1, the data is protected (protected), when the priority is 2, the data is moved (transferred to an external device), and when the priority is 3, Data is compressed (recompressed and placed locally), and data is deleted when the priority is 4. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be set as appropriate, such as setting the priority level more finely.

  The total capacity size, the already stored capacity size, the free capacity size, and the shortage capacity size are sizes related to the capacity of the recording medium in the receiving device P1, and are respectively the total capacity of the recording medium, the total capacity of the already stored data, and the free capacity. The total capacity represents a capacity that is insufficient in the recording medium when data is newly recorded additionally. The accumulated number represents the total number of already accumulated contents, and the estimated time when the capacity becomes insufficient represents the time from the start of accumulation until the recording medium becomes insufficient in capacity when new data is accumulated.

  Next, each part of the storage management server P2 shown in FIG. 4 will be described in detail.

  The second data receiving unit 11 has a function of receiving data from the receiving device P1 or the broadcasting station, and is configured using the communication interface 204.

  The second data storage unit 12 stores the data and program ID transmitted from the receiving device P1 and the data and program ID broadcast from the broadcasting station via a satellite or the like, and is stored in a predetermined area of the HDD 203. It is formed.

  The notification receiving unit 13a receives the insufficient capacity size, the terminal identifier, and the like transmitted from the notification unit 6a of the receiving device P1, and outputs a program ID for identifying the insufficient capacity size to the second data receiving unit 11. The communication interface 206 is used.

  The second notification receiving unit 13b receives a predicted time, a terminal identifier, or the like, which is transmitted from the notification unit 6b of the receiving device P1, and identifies the insufficient capacity size to the second data receiving unit 11 The number is output, and is configured using the communication interface 206.

  The accumulation status acquisition unit 14 manages the free space information of the receiving device P1 output from the second notification receiving unit 13b, and the second notification receiving unit as the accumulation management information shown in the accumulation management file as shown in FIG. 13b. The accumulation ID number is a unique value given by the accumulation management server P2. The storage address and the storage data represent the storage location and stored content in the HDD 203 of the storage management server P2, respectively. Further, if the items in the figure are the same as the items in FIG. 5, they have the same meaning.

  The attributes in FIG. 6 will be described in detail.

  The service charge calculation unit 15 calculates a data storage service charge based on the number of data storages in the second data storage unit 12, the stored data size, the stored time, and the like. In this embodiment, a method of calculating at 100 yen for the number of times of data accumulation, 100 yen for the accumulated data size of 1 MB, and 100 yen for the data accumulation time of 24 hours is adopted. Any calculation method may be employed, such as calculation using time (for example, 10 yen / minute).

  Next, the operation of the system of this embodiment will be described using the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  7 to 10 are flowcharts showing the process from the recording reservation of a program (content) to the storage in the receiving apparatus P1.

  First, when a user selects a program to be stored and reserved from a program guide or the like using the remote controller RC (step ST101), the program data size (U) is acquired from the EPG (electronic program guide) system via the Internet (step ST102). ), Stored in the file size of the program DB. On the other hand, the capacity acquisition unit 4 acquires the actual free capacity (V) of the receiving device P1 (step ST103) and stores it in the free capacity size of the capacity management information file.

  Then, the data size (U) of the program is compared with the actual free space (V) of the receiving device P1 (step ST104), and the data size (U) of the program is the actual free space (V) of the receiving device P1. If it is smaller, the reservation is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the data size (U) of the program is larger than the actual free space (V) of the receiving device P1, the priority of the stored content already stored in the receiving device P1 is checked from the terminal stored information file, If the priority of the contents is all 1 (step ST105), that is, if all the stored contents are protected, “set priority of already stored programs” is set in the television receiver DP to which the receiving device P1 is connected. Please display "message (step ST106). Then, in response to the resetting of the priority by the user (step ST107), the terminal storage information files are sorted in order from the lowest priority (step ST108), and further sorted in the order of oldest time accumulated at each priority level. (Step ST109). Through the above steps, the already stored contents are rearranged in descending order of priority and stored time.

Next, the stored contents that have been rearranged are subjected to the following automatic operations according to the priorities one by one in the order in which they are rearranged.
If the priority is 4 (step ST111), the content is deleted (step ST112). If the priority is 3 (step ST113), the content is recompressed and placed in the terminal (step ST114). If the priority is 2 (step ST115), the content is moved to the server (step ST116). If the priority is 1 (step ST117), the content is protected (step ST118).

  For each process, the free space (V) of the receiving device P1 is acquired (step ST119). If the free space (V) is larger than the data size (U) of the program (step ST120), the reservation is made. If not, automatic operation of the next stored content (step ST121) is continued while checking whether the free space (V) is larger than the program data size (U) (step ST122). .

  If the free capacity (V) does not become larger than the data size (U) of the program even in the last stored content, the TV receiver DP connected to the terminal “cannot increase the free capacity. A message “Do you want to make a reservation?” Is displayed (step ST123).

  Then, the server waits for an instruction related to the storage reservation at the server according to the user's input (step ST124). On the other hand, if desired, the notification unit 6a transmits capacity shortage information including a program request to the server (step ST125), waits for OK from the server (step ST126), and if a response with OK is not obtained, The reservation becomes impossible, and the reservation is completed when a response with OK is obtained.

  In this embodiment, contents are organized based on priority at the same time as a reservation operation. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is organized at a fixed time every day, or organized one hour before the next accumulation. Any timing is acceptable.

  In addition, the notification unit 6a transmits the shortage information including the request at the same time as the reservation operation. However, the notification unit 6a is not limited to this, and in the case where it is known that an acknowledgment response can be obtained in advance from the server, If it is transmitted before the scheduled time, any timing such as periodic transmission may be used.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the communication line network between the receiving device P1 and the storage management server P2 has been described in the case of the Internet. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a normal telephone line or a mobile phone may be used.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a program (content) storage process of the storage management server P2 that stores a program corresponding to the receiving device P1 described above.
First, when the notification receiving unit 13a of the storage management server P2 receives the capacity shortage information of the receiving device P1 (step ST201), it is checked whether or not the user has a contract for using the storage management server P2 (step ST202). If there is no contract, a rejection of accumulation is notified (step ST203). On the other hand, if there is a contract, the reception permission is notified to the receiving device P1 (step ST204), the received content is identified by the data identifier included in the insufficient capacity information received by the notification receiving unit 13a (step ST205), The two data receiving unit 11 receives the content (step ST206). Further, the content is stored in the second data storage unit 12 (step ST207), and a data storage service fee corresponding to the number of times the content is stored and the storage time is calculated (step ST208).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when data is recorded, even when there is no free space on the recording medium, the data size is acquired before the data is completely received, and the acquired data size is set. Since the free space is predicted based on the data already stored in the recording medium, operations such as moving, deleting, and compressing can be performed. A system that can be used and stored can be supplied.

  Also, based on the capacity information regarding the free space, it is checked whether or not recording is possible on the recording medium. If recording is not possible, all or part of the received data is transmitted to the server, and desired data is stored. Since the server side supplements the receiver even when there is no free space, a system with an improved data storage function can be supplied as a system.

  Furthermore, based on the capacity information related to the free capacity, it is checked whether or not it can be recorded on the recording medium of the receiving device, and when the recording is impossible, the server is notified of the capacity shortage information including that it cannot be performed. The storage status of the receiving device can be obtained.

  Since the server apparatus manages the number of data accumulation, the accumulated data size, the accumulated time, and the like for content accumulation in the server apparatus, the service fee can be calculated as the data accumulation service fee.

  Next, the operation of another system of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a process up to accumulation when a recording operation is performed during viewing of a program (content) in the receiving apparatus P1.

  When receiving device P1 accepts a recording operation by the user (step ST301), recording is started (step ST302). At this time, the receiving device P1 acquires the data size (U) of the program from the EPG (electronic program guide) system (step ST303) and stores it in the file size of the program DB. On the other hand, the capacity acquisition unit 4 of the receiving device P1 acquires the actual free capacity (V) (step ST304) and stores it in the free capacity size of the capacity management information file.

  Then, the data size (U) of the program is compared with the actual free space (V) of the receiving device P1 (step ST305), and the data size (U) of the program is the actual free space (V) of the receiving device P1. If it is smaller, it is checked whether or not the recording has been completed (step ST306), and if the recording has not been completed, the program data size (U) is newly acquired 10 minutes later (step ST303). The terminal free space is also acquired again (step ST304), the program data size (U) is compared with the actual free space (V) of the receiving device P1 (step ST305), and the program data size (U) is compared. Is smaller than the actual free space (V) of the receiving device P1, this operation is repeated until the recording is completed.

  On the other hand, if the program data size (U) is larger than the actual available capacity (V) of the receiving device P1, the capacity shortage that causes the receiving device P1 to run out of capacity calculated based on the capacity shortage information of the capacity acquiring unit 4 is insufficient. The capacity management information including the predicted time is notified from the second notification unit 6b to the storage management server P2 (step ST307).

  In this embodiment, the data size (U) of the program is compared with the actual free space (V) of the receiving device P1, and the data size (U) of the program is the actual free space (V) of the receiving device P1. When it becomes larger, the server notifies the server from the second notification unit 6b. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and even if the data size (U) of the program is smaller than the actual free space (V) of the receiving device P1. The capacity management information may be notified from the second notification unit 6b to the server as information including a shortage of capacity by setting arbitrary conditions, for example, when the actual available capacity (V) of the receiving device P1 has decreased. .

  Further, even when the data size (U) of the program is not known, such as when the game is extended by night game, it may be notified to the server.

  The time for newly acquiring the data size (U) of the program is set every 10 minutes. However, the time is not limited to this, and the time interval may be shortened depending on the state of the recording medium. I do not care.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a program (content) storage process of the storage management server P2 that stores programs corresponding to the receiving device P1 described above.

  The second notification receiving unit 13b of the storage management server P2 receives the capacity shortage information of the receiving device P1 (step ST401), and receives the data received with the data identifier included in the capacity shortage information received by the second notification receiving unit 13b. Identification (step ST402) is received by the second data receiving unit 11 (step ST403).

  Then, it is checked whether the predicted time is reached (step ST404). If the predicted time is reached, the second data storage unit 12 starts the storage (step ST405), and the data is stored according to the number of times content is stored, the storage time, and the like. A service fee is calculated (step ST406).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the receiving apparatus checks whether or not recording is possible on the recording medium of the receiving apparatus based on the capacity information regarding the free capacity, and if the recording cannot be performed, the capacity is predicted to be insufficient. Since the server is notified of the time, the server will start accumulating at the estimated time when the server will run out of capacity based on that information, so the data storage function that can cope even when sudden recording starts will be enhanced. The illustrated system can be supplied.

  Next, the operation of another system of this embodiment will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing automatic reception of a program (content) in the storage management server P2.

  The storage management server P2 acquires the free capacity of the receiving device P1 via the capacity acquisition unit 4 and the notification unit 6a (step ST501). Also, program information is acquired using an EPG (electronic program guide) system (step ST502).

  Then, it is checked whether or not a desired program (content) registered in advance by the user is included in the program information (step ST503). If it is not included, the process ends.

  If there is a desired content, the free capacity of the receiving device P1 is confirmed (step ST504). If there is a free space, the desired content is stored in the receiving device P1 (step ST506). Content is accumulated (step ST505).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the storage management server P2 manages the free capacity of the receiving device P1, thereby supplying a system that can automatically store content desired by the user.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a method for reliably recording and storing a program even when the program is extended under the management of the storage management server.

  When the program is extended, when the storage management server P2 receives a program time change notification from a broadcasting station via an EPG (electronic program guide) system or the like (step ST601), the user who reserved the program is identified there (step ST601). Step ST602). Then, the change time is compared with the original scheduled recording time (step ST603). If the change time is longer than the original scheduled recording time, it is determined whether or not there is a free capacity that can be stored in the receiving device P1 of the specified user. Check (step ST604). Then, based on the presence or absence of the free capacity of the specified receiving device P1 (step ST605), if the free space is not insufficient, the program start / end time is transmitted to the previously specified receiving device P1. (Step ST606), the reservation accumulation time is reset in each receiving device P1 (Step ST607). On the other hand, if the storage capacity is insufficient, it is stored in the server.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the storage management server P2 manages the receiving device P1, it is possible to perform storage even when there is a change in the storage start time of the content to be stored. A system that is resistant to changes can be supplied.

  Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described using an example applied to a file system.

  The file system of the present invention is of a type in which the attributes of each file are managed using a file allocation table (FAT), for example, and the file attributes normally defined in the directory entry as shown in FIG. In addition to the above, a second file attribute is defined, and a file for deleting, compressing, moving, and protecting the file is automatically operated in the same manner as the attribute used in the database system in the embodiment. An attribute value having operation information is assigned to operate on the OS. In this way, even when the recording medium has a shortage of capacity, etc., the file is efficiently stored because the OS automatically manages the file based on the file attribute.

  Specifically, the operation of the system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When a new file is to be stored (step ST701), if there is a free area in which it can be stored (step ST703), the new file is stored in that area (step ST722), and information indicating the storage state is newly added to the directory. It is written in the entry (step ST723). Then, the second file attribute of the stored new file is set (step ST724).

  On the other hand, if there is no free space that can be stored (step ST 703), the OS is the first of the already stored files such as file 1 (aaa.jpg), file 2 (bbb.mpg), etc. The second file attribute indicated in the directory entry is read in order from the previously stored file (step ST702) (ST706), and based on this, automatic operations such as deletion of the already stored file are performed (step ST707 to step ST714).

  For example, since the file 1 has the second file attribute information indicating the data protection stored therein (step ST710), the file 1 is protected without being deleted (step ST714), but the storage mode is not changed. Since file 2 has second file attribute information indicating data deletion (step ST707), the file is deleted (step ST711).

  As shown in FIG. 18, the deletion of the file 2 is to delete data stored in a plurality of clusters that do not fit in one cluster, but address information indicating the position of the head portion of the data (first (Cluster number), link pointer (cluster number) indicating which cluster part of the data is skipped and stored in, and file size etc. are recorded in the directory entry. Are deleted, and an area for storing data is secured.

  Further, if the second file attribute of the already stored file indicates compression (step ST708) or movement (step ST709), the already stored file is compressed by the OS (step ST712) or connected via a network (not shown). The process is repeated until the area that can be automatically operated to store a new file is secured, such as being moved to another server or the like (step ST713) (steps ST704 and ST705).

  If a free area cannot be secured even when the file is the last stored file (step ST704), the display indicates “Available space is insufficient. Do you want to delete the existing stored file?” A display prompting resetting of the shortage and file attribute is performed (step ST715), and an instruction is received from the user as to whether or not to reset the second file attribute of the already stored file (step ST716). At this time, if there is no instruction from the user within a predetermined time, it is determined in step ST717 that the resetting is not performed.

  If this instruction is not to be reset (step ST717), the process ends without accumulating a new file, and if it is to be reset (step ST717), from the first file of the already accumulated files (step ST717). (ST718), the second file attribute is set by the user (step ST719), and the process is repeated until the last stored file (step ST720) (step ST721). Then, until the area for storing the new file is secured again, the already stored files are automatically operated in order (steps ST707 to 714). If the area to be stored is secured (step ST703), the secured file is secured. A new file is stored in the area (step ST722), and information indicating the storage state is newly written in the directory entry (step ST723). Then, the second file attribute of the stored new file is set (step ST724).

  In this way, by assigning attribute values having file operation information of deletion, compression, movement, and protection for performing automatic file operations to directory entries, and operating on the OS, desired data can be efficiently obtained. Can accumulate.

  In the present embodiment, the file system is of a type in which the attributes of each file are managed using a file allocation table (FAT). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the NTFS file system or UNIX (registered trademark) is used. For example, a file system may be used.

  The method for setting the second file attribute may be any method such as a method using an OS command shell such as DOS-Shell or B-shell.

  In the present embodiment, when a second file attribute of an already stored file is read when a new file is stored, the operation of the already stored file is performed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It may be performed at any time such as checking.

  If the file system as described above is introduced into the receiving device P1, even when a program is recorded on the recording medium provided in the receiving device P1, even if there is no free space in the recording medium of the receiving device P1, Since automatic operations such as moving, deleting, and compressing files are performed, a system that can reliably store desired data can be supplied.

The whole apparatus block diagram in embodiment of this invention. The internal device block diagram of the receiver P1 in the embodiment. The internal equipment block diagram of the accumulation | storage management server P2 in the embodiment. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the receiver P1 and the accumulation | storage management server P2 in the embodiment. The storing aspect in the receiver P1 in the embodiment. The storage mode in the accumulation management server P2 in the same embodiment. The flowchart which shows the process in which the data in the receiver P1 in the embodiment are accumulate | stored. The flowchart which shows the process in which the data in the receiver P1 in the embodiment are accumulate | stored. The flowchart which shows the process in which the data in the receiver P1 in the embodiment are accumulate | stored. The flowchart which shows the process in which the data in the receiver P1 in the embodiment are accumulate | stored. The flowchart which shows the process in which the data in the storage management server P2 in the same embodiment are stored. The flowchart which shows the other process in which the data in the receiver P1 in the embodiment are accumulate | stored. The flowchart which shows the other process in which the data in the accumulation | storage management server P2 in the same embodiment are accumulate | stored. The flowchart which shows the automatic reception of the program (contents) in the accumulation management server P2. It is the flowchart which showed the method by which recording recording is ensured, even when a program is extended by management of a storage management server. The figure which showed the directory entry when it applies to a FAT file system. The flowchart which shows the automatic operation of the file in the same system. The figure which showed the storage aspect of the data linked | related with the directory entry in the same system.

Explanation of symbols

P1 ... receiving device P2 ... storage management server (server device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Data size acquisition part 2 ... Recording medium state estimation part 3 ... Data operation part 4 ... Capacity acquisition part 5 ... Data transmission part 6a ... Notification part 6b ... Second notification part 7 ... Recording reservation information reception part 8 ... Recording medium 11 ... 2nd data receiving part 12 ... 2nd data storage part 13a ... Notification receiving part 13b ... 2nd notification receiving part 14 ... Accumulation status acquisition part 15 ... Service charge calculation part

Claims (4)

A system comprising a receiving device for receiving and storing content data, and an information processing device connected to the receiving device via a communication network,
A receiving device obtaining information relating to a free capacity of a recording medium of the receiving device;
The receiving device notifying the information processing device of information relating to the acquired free space of the recording medium;
The information processing device receiving information on the free space of the recording medium notified from the receiving device;
An information processing device acquiring program information via an electronic program guide system;
A step in which the information processing apparatus determines whether or not the desired content previously registered by the user is included in the program information;
When the information processing apparatus determines that the desired content is included in the program information, the information processing apparatus determines whether the recording medium of the receiving apparatus has insufficient free space based on the information received from the receiving apparatus. Steps,
When the information processing apparatus determines that the recording medium of the receiving apparatus has insufficient free space, the information processing apparatus side receives and stores the desired content data. The information processing apparatus, storing the number of data, stored data size, according to claim 1, further embodiment the step of calculating a data storage service fee to any one or more values of the time have accumulated as a parameter system. An information processing apparatus that is used to configure the system according to claim 1 and that is connected to a receiving apparatus that receives and stores content data via a communication network,
Receiving information on the free space of the recording medium notified from the receiving device;
Obtaining program information via an electronic program guide system;
Determining whether the desired content previously registered by the user is included in the program information;
When it is determined that the desired content is included in the program information, a step of determining whether or not a free space of a recording medium of the receiving device is insufficient based on information received from the receiving device;
An information processing apparatus that performs a step of receiving and storing the data of the desired content on the information processing apparatus side when it is determined that the recording medium of the reception apparatus is insufficient. A program used to configure the system according to claim 1 , wherein the information processing apparatus is connected to a receiving apparatus that receives and stores content data via a communication line network.
Receiving information on the free space of the recording medium notified from the receiving device;
Obtaining program information via an electronic program guide system;
Determining whether the desired content previously registered by the user is included in the program information;
When it is determined that the desired content is included in the program information, a step of determining whether or not a free capacity of a recording medium of the receiving device is insufficient based on information received from the receiving device;
A program for executing the step of receiving and storing the data of the desired content on the information processing apparatus side when it is determined that the recording medium of the reception apparatus is insufficient.

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