JP4487899B2 - DATA RECORDING CONTROL DEVICE, DATA RECORDING CONTROL DEVICE CONTROL METHOD, PROGRAM, DATA RECORDING SYSTEM, AND DATA RECORDING DEVICE - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a data recording control device, a control method for the data recording control device, a program, a data recording system, and a data recording device.

Recording of a television broadcast program or the like is performed by storing program data received by a broadcast receiving device such as a tuner in a storage device such as an HDD in an HDD (hard disk drive) recorder or the like. At this time, normally, the broadcast receiving device and the storage device are provided in the same device. For this reason, when the broadcast receiving apparatus is receiving program data, other programs cannot be recorded. Also, a program cannot be recorded even when the remaining storage capacity of the storage device is small.

On the other hand, in recent years, a technique for recording a program via a network constructed by an IEEE 1394 cable, an Ethernet (registered trademark) cable, or a wireless network has been developed. According to this technique, the broadcast receiving device and the storage device can be provided in different devices (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

In Patent Document 1, when a recording reservation is made for a predetermined program, the amount of data necessary for recording the reserved program is calculated, and the calculated amount of data among the devices connected to the network is calculated. A device equipped with a recording medium capable of recording is investigated. The distribution of the data amount to be recorded in each device is determined according to the investigation result, and the recordable area of each recording medium is secured so that the determined data amount can be recorded.

In Patent Document 2, a resource information database for monitoring the resource status of each device connected to the network is created. For example, when there is no free storage capacity in a resource of a device, the resource information database Based on this, a device having an available resource is selected from other devices, and the selected device is inquired about the actual availability of the resource via the network. For a device that has been confirmed to have free resources, resources in the device are remotely operated.
JP 2000-349833 A JP 2004-158969 A

By the way, in the HDD recorder or the like in which the broadcast receiving device and the storage device are provided in the same device, the number of program data that can be recorded simultaneously is limited by the number of broadcast receiving devices.

In addition, when recording program data received by a broadcast receiving device in a storage device of another device connected via a network, recording or recording reservations may concentrate on a specific device. In that case, the device must perform multiple recording processes at the same time,
If the recording processing capacity of the apparatus is exceeded, there is a possibility of causing a problem such as that the program cannot be recorded normally.

In the methods described in Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2, when a storage device suitable for recording is selected from among devices having storage devices connected to a network, a storage device with a large free space is selected. Is done. In this case, recording or recording reservation is concentrated on a specific device having a storage device with a large free space.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and prevents recording or recording reservation exceeding the recording processing performance from concentrating on a specific apparatus when performing recording via a wired or wireless network. The main object of the present invention is to provide a data recording control device, a control method for the data recording control device, a program, a data recording system, and a data recording device.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is connected to at least one data recording apparatus having a recording medium for recording broadcast audio and image data via a network so that the broadcast audio and image are broadcast. A data recording reservation information input unit for receiving, from a user interface, data recording reservation information describing conditions for recording audio or image data, including at least information indicating a recording start time and a recording end time of the data; From each data recording device, each data recording device receives information indicating the number of audio and image data that can be simultaneously written on each recording medium, and a simultaneous data recording number receiving unit; from each data recording device, Each data recording device writes data to each recording medium between the recording start time and the recording end time indicated by the data recording reservation information. A data recording reservation number receiving unit for receiving information indicating the number of audio and image data to be recorded, and audio scheduled to be written to the recording medium between the recording start time and the recording end time indicated by the data recording reservation information And the identification information of the data recording device whose number of image data is smaller than the number of simultaneously writable sound and image data, the sound is recorded between the recording start time and the recording end time indicated by the data recording reservation information. A data recording destination candidate storage unit that stores data and image data as candidates for a data recording device;
The present invention relates to a data recording control device.

In addition, the problem disclosed in the present application and the solution thereof will be clarified by the column of the best mode for carrying out the invention and the drawings. In the present specification, the expression “simultaneously” does not mean “simultaneously” in a strict sense, but means in parallel at substantially the same timing.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, when recording via a network, it can record efficiently. For example, it can be expected to prevent a so-called processing failure or hang-up from occurring in the recording destination apparatus and to prevent a recording failure.

=== Example of Overall Configuration ===
An example of the overall configuration of the data recording system according to the present embodiment is shown in FIG.
The data recording system according to the present embodiment includes at least one recording control device (corresponding to the data recording control device of the present invention) 200, at least one receiving device (corresponding to the receiving device of the present invention) 100, and at least One recording destination device (corresponding to the data recording device of the present invention) 30
0 is communicably connected via the network 400.

The reception source device 100 is a device that includes a broadcast reception device that receives broadcast audio and images. Broadcast receiving apparatuses include, for example, digital satellite broadcasting, digital terrestrial broadcasting, and digital CATV.
(Community Antenna TeleVision system or CAble TeleVision) It is configured as a tuner for receiving various types of broadcast such as broadcast. As digital satellite broadcasting, digital CS (Communication Satellite) broadcasting and digital BS (B
roadcast Satellite) broadcasting, etc., and as digital terrestrial broadcasting, there are digital terrestrial broadcasting already implemented in Japan. In the present embodiment, the receiving source device 100 will be described as a receiving device for digital terrestrial broadcasting. Of course, the present invention is not limited to digital terrestrial broadcasting, and can also be applied to, for example, analog television broadcasting, various radio broadcasting such as AM, FM, and shortwave. Furthermore, the receiving device 100 may be configured to receive a plurality of various broadcast formats. Hereinafter, the sound and image to be broadcast are also referred to as a broadcast program.

The recording destination device 300 has a storage device (corresponding to the recording medium of the present invention) for recording voice and image data, and records the broadcast program data received by the receiving source device 100 in the storage device. It is. Hereinafter, recording broadcast program data in a storage device is also referred to as recording a broadcast program.

The recording control device 200 selects the receiving device 100 that receives the broadcast program and the recording device 300 that records the broadcast program from the receiving devices 100 and the recording devices 300 that constitute the data recording system. Device. Input of various recording conditions (data recording reservation information) including broadcast program recording instruction input, recording start time, recording end time, channel, image quality mode, and the like is received from the user interface. Then, when the recording start time comes, the recording control device 200 applies to the selected reception source device 100 and recording destination device 300, respectively.
A broadcast program reception request and a broadcast program recording request (recording request) are transmitted. Note that the broadcast program received by the reception source device 100 is transmitted to the selected recording destination device 300 via the network 400. When the recording end time comes, the recording control apparatus 200 instructs the receiving source apparatus 100 and the recording destination apparatus 300 to end reception of the broadcast program and to end recording of the broadcast program, respectively.

Note that the reception of the broadcast program and the start and end of the recording are not performed by an instruction from the recording control device 200, but the reception source device 100 and the recording destination device 300 are respectively connected to the recording control device 200.
It is also possible to carry out without depending on the instruction from. In this case, the reception request and the recording request including the various recording conditions are received from the recording control device 200 in advance before the recording is started.
00 and the recording destination device 300.

It is also possible to record a broadcast program currently being viewed. In this case, the recording control device 20
0 receives each recording condition (data recording request information) including a recording instruction input and an image quality mode from the user interface, and each recording destination device 3 constituting the data recording system is received.
The recording destination device 300 for recording the broadcast program is selected from 00. Then, the receiving apparatus 100 currently receiving the broadcast program and the selected recording destination apparatus 300 are instructed to transmit the broadcast program being received to the recording destination apparatus 300 and to record the broadcast program, respectively. Do.

<Receiving device>
The configuration of the reception source device 100 is shown in FIG.
The reception source device 100 includes a CPU 110, a main memory 120, a communication control device 130, and a broadcast reception device 140.

The CPU 110 is responsible for overall control of the reception source device 100 and executes a reception source device control program 800 composed of codes for performing various operations according to the present embodiment stored in the main memory 120. Thus, various functions as the reception source device 100 are realized. For example, the reception device control program 800 is executed by the CPU 110 and cooperates with hardware devices such as the main memory 120, the communication control device 130, and the broadcast reception device 140, thereby receiving a reception schedule storage unit, a broadcast reception control unit, and a reception schedule. A transmission unit and a reception schedule addition control unit are realized.

The main memory 120 is used as a work area by the CPU 110, the receiving device control program 800, the device profile information table 700, the recording reservation management table 75.
Or memorize 0. For example, the former can be realized by a RAM (Random Access Memory) and the latter by a ROM (Read Only Memory).

The reception source device control program 800 is a program for causing the reception source device 100 to function. For example, it is a program for performing control for receiving broadcast audio and images and transmitting the received audio and image data to the recording destination apparatus 300 via the network 400. Note that the receiving device control program 800 can be configured by a plurality of programs.

The device profile information table 700 is a table in which information indicating functions and the like included in each device (reception source device 100, recording control device 200, and recording destination device 300) constituting the data storage system is stored.

An example of the device profile information table 700 is shown in FIG. The device profile information table 700 includes an “address” column, a “device type” column, a “recording destination function” column, and a “reception source function” column. In the “address” column, identification information of each device when communication is performed via the network 400 is stored. The “device type” column describes the type of each device. Examples of the device types include HDD recorders, DVD recorders, digital televisions, computers,
A mobile phone, a digital radio, a portable storage device (for example, iPOD (registered trademark)), or the like can be used. In the “recording destination function” column, information indicating the presence / absence of a function for storing broadcast audio and image data (a function for recording a broadcast program) is described. In the “receiver function” column, information indicating the presence / absence of a function of receiving broadcast sound and images (a function of receiving a broadcast program) is described. Each of the above contents described in the device profile information table 700 is
Also referred to as device profile information.

The recording reservation management table 750 is a table that stores information indicating the reception and recording schedule of a broadcast program. The reception source device 100 receives the broadcast program according to the schedule stored in the recording reservation management table 750 and transmits it to the recording destination device 300. Further, based on the broadcast program reception request transmitted from the recording control device 200, the reception source device 100 records information indicating a schedule for receiving audio and images in the recording reservation management table 750. As described above, when a recording start instruction and a recording end instruction are performed by the recording control apparatus 200, the recording reservation management table 750 may not be stored in the main memory 120 of the receiving apparatus 100. it can.

An example of the recording reservation management table 750 is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, the recording reservation management table 750 includes a “date” field, a “time” field, a “channel” field, a “recording mode” field,
“Receiving device type” column, “Receiving source address” column, “Recording destination device type” column, and “Recording destination address” column. The receiving device 100 may be configured not to include the “receiving device type” column and the “receiving address” column. In the “date” column, information indicating the date when the broadcast program is received and recorded is described. In the “time” column, information indicating a start time and an end time of receiving and recording a broadcast program is described. In the “channel” column, information indicating a channel for receiving a broadcast program is described. In the “recording mode” column, information indicating a recording mode when a broadcast program is recorded is described. In the “type of receiving apparatus” column, the type of receiving apparatus 100 that receives the broadcast program is described. In the “Receiver address” field,
The address of the receiving apparatus 100 that receives the broadcast program is described. "Recording device type"
The column describes the type of the recording destination apparatus 300 that records the broadcast program. In the “recording destination address” column, the address of the recording destination device 300 that records the broadcast program is described.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the broadcast receiving apparatus 140 is an apparatus such as a tuner that receives a broadcast program.

The communication control device 130 is a device for communicating with the recording control device 200, the recording destination device 300, or other receiving device 100 via the network 400. The reception source device 10 transmits the audio and image data received by the broadcast reception device 140 to, for example, the recording destination device 300 via the network 400 by the communication control device 130.

<Recording destination device>
Next, the configuration of the recording destination apparatus 300 is shown in FIG.
The recording destination device 300 includes a CPU 310, a main memory 320, a communication control device 330, and a storage device (corresponding to the recording medium of the present invention) 370.

The CPU 310 is responsible for overall control of the recording destination device 300 and executes a recording destination device control program 820 comprising codes for performing various operations according to the present embodiment stored in the main memory 320. Thus, various functions as the recording destination apparatus 300 are realized. For example, the recording destination device control program 820 is executed by the CPU 310 and cooperates with hardware devices such as the main memory 320, the communication control device 330, and the storage device 370.
A schedule storage unit, a data recording control unit, a simultaneous data recording number transmission unit, a data recording reservation number transmission unit, a confirmation request reception unit, a recording availability determination unit, a response transmission unit, and a recording schedule addition control unit are realized.

The main memory 320 is used as a work area by the CPU 310, and stores a recording destination device control program 820, a device profile information table 700, a simultaneous recording availability determination table 760, and a recording reservation management table 750. For example, RAM for the former
The latter can be realized by a ROM or the like.

The recording destination device control program 820 is a program for causing the recording destination device 300 to function. For example, it is a program for receiving broadcast program data from the receiving apparatus 100 and performing control for recording. Note that the recording destination device control program 820 can be configured by a plurality of programs.

As described above, the device profile information table 700 is a table in which information indicating functions and the like included in each device (reception source device 100, recording control device 200, and recording destination device 300) constituting the data storage system is stored. .

The simultaneous recording availability determination table 760 is a table for determining whether or not a plurality of broadcast programs are recorded in the storage device 370. For example, when a plurality of reception source devices 100 are connected to the network 400, a request for simultaneously recording broadcast programs respectively received by the respective reception source devices 100 is made to a specific recording destination device 300. There is. In this case, when the processing capability of the recording destination device 300 is exceeded, all recording cannot be performed. When recording processing is attempted beyond the processing capability, there is a possibility that so-called processing failure or hang-up may occur. Therefore, in the recording destination apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment, when a confirmation request about whether or not a broadcast program can be recorded is received from the recording control apparatus 200, the determination as to whether or not recording is possible is performed, and the determination result is obtained. In response, a response as to whether recording is possible is transmitted to the recording control device 200. The above determination is based on the simultaneous recording availability determination table 760.
This can be done by referring to.

An example of the simultaneous recording availability determination table 760 is shown in FIG. FIG. 6 shows an example of determining whether or not recording is possible when two recordings are to be performed at the same time according to the respective image quality modes. That is, FIG. 6 shows that simultaneous recording is possible only when at least one of the two recording requests is in the “high quality mode”. Such a simultaneous recording availability determination table 760 can be stored in the main memory 320 when the recording destination apparatus 300 is manufactured, for example. The image quality mode is the sound and image quality level (image quality).
Say that. The quality level of sound and images can be controlled by the amount of data per unit time when data is recorded in the storage device 370. That is, it is possible to lower the quality of voice and screen by reducing the amount of data per unit time. However,
It is impossible to make the quality higher than the quality of the voice and screen received by the reception source device 100. Also, once the image quality is lowered and recorded, it cannot be made higher than the image quality. In order to reduce the image quality and reduce the amount of data per unit time, an encoder described later is used. Therefore, if the reduction in image quality of two audio and image data using the encoder simultaneously exceeds the processing capability of the recording destination device 300, as shown in FIG. If is not in the “high quality mode”, the two recordings cannot be performed simultaneously.

As described above, the recording reservation management table 750 is a table for storing information indicating the broadcast program reception and recording schedule. The recording destination device 300 receives the broadcast program from the receiving device 100 according to the schedule stored in the recording reservation management table 750, and the storage device 370.
Write to. In addition, the recording destination device 300 stores information indicating a schedule for recording audio and images based on the broadcast program recording request transmitted from the recording control device 200.
Write 50. Note that the recording destination apparatus 300 may be configured such that the “recording destination apparatus type” column and the “recording destination address” column are not provided. Further, as described above, when the recording start instruction and the recording end instruction are performed by the recording control apparatus 200, the recording reservation management table 750 can be prevented from being stored in the main memory 320 of the recording destination apparatus 300. .

As described above, the storage device 370 is a device (recording medium) that records broadcast audio and image data.

The communication control device 330 is a device for communicating with the recording control device 200, the reception source device 100, another recording destination device 300, or the like via the network 400. The recording destination device 300 transmits the audio and image data transmitted from the reception source device 100 to the communication control device 33.
0 is received via the network 400 and recorded in the storage device 370.

<Recording control device>
Next, the configuration of the recording control apparatus 200 is shown in FIG.
The recording control device 200 includes a CPU 210, a main memory 220, a communication control device 230, an input device 250, and an output device 260.

The CPU 210 controls the entire recording control apparatus 200, and executes a recording control apparatus control program 810 composed of codes for performing various operations according to the present embodiment stored in the main memory 220. Thus, various functions as the recording control device 200 are realized. For example, the recording control device control program 810 is executed by the CPU 210 and the main memory 2
20, a data recording reservation information input unit, a simultaneous data recording number receiving unit, a data recording reservation number receiving unit, and a data recording destination Candidate storage unit, storage capacity reception unit, data recording destination selection unit, recording request transmission unit, confirmation request transmission unit, data recording destination candidate selection unit, data recording destination candidate storage unit, data recording request information input unit, reception schedule reception unit , A reception destination selection unit and a reception request transmission unit are realized.

The main memory 220 is used as a work area by the CPU 210, the recording control device control program 810, the network connection device information table 710, the recording reservation information table 720, the recording destination candidate information table 730, the receiving source candidate information table 740, the recording reservation. The management table 750 is stored. For example, RAM for the former, R for the latter
It can be realized by OM or the like.

The recording control device control program 810 is a program for causing the recording control device 200 to function. For example, it accepts a recording reservation input from the user interface, selects the receiving device 100, and selects the recording device 300. Note that the recording control apparatus control program 810 can be configured by a plurality of programs.

The network connection device information table 710 is a table that stores information related to the reception source device 100, the recording destination device 300, and the recording control device 200 that are connected to the network 400. A network connection device information table 710 is shown in FIG. The network connection device information table 710 includes a “device ID” column, an “address” column, a “device type” column, a “recording destination function” column, and a “reception source function” column. In the “device ID” column, an identification number (ID) given by the recording control device 200 to identify each device connected to the network 400 is described. In the “address” column, “device type” column, “recording destination function” column, and “reception source function” column, the recording control device 200 acquired from each device connected to the network 400, for example,
The contents of the device profile information of each device shown in the device profile information table 700 are described. The device profile information of each device is acquired when the recording control device 20 receives a request from the user to start recording control using a remote controller or the like.
0 is performed by transmitting a control signal for requesting transmission of device profile information to all devices connected to the network 400, and receiving device profile information transmitted from each device connected to the network 400. be able to.

The recording reservation information table 720 is a table that stores data recording reservation information that is input to the recording control apparatus 200 from a user interface and that describes conditions for recording a broadcast program. The recording reservation information table 720 is shown in FIG. The recording reservation information table 720 includes a “date” column, a “time” column, a “channel” column, and a “recording mode” column. In the “date” column, information indicating the date on which the broadcast program is recorded is described. Information indicating the recording start time and end time of the broadcast program is written in the “time” column. In the “channel” column, information indicating a channel on which a broadcast program is broadcast is described. In the “recording mode” column, information indicating a recording mode (image quality mode) when recording a broadcast program is described.

The recording control device 200 transmits a confirmation request about whether or not recording from the recording start time to the recording end time indicated by the data recording reservation information described in the recording reservation information table 720 to the recording destination device 300, and In accordance with the result of the response from each recording destination device 300 to the confirmation request, a candidate of the recording destination device 300 that records the broadcast program between the recording start time and the recording end time indicated by the data recording reservation information is selected. For example, the recording destination device 300 that has transmitted a response indicating that recording can be performed from the recording start time to the recording end time is transmitted from the recording start time indicated by the data recording reservation information to the recording end time. Is selected as a candidate for the recording destination apparatus 300 that records the video. Of course, the recording destination device 300 that has not transmitted a response indicating that recording from the recording start time to the recording end time is impossible,
It is also possible to select the recording destination device 300 as a candidate for recording the broadcast program between the recording start time and the recording end time indicated by the data recording reservation information. Then, the selected identification information of the recording destination device 300 is stored in the recording destination candidate information table 730.

Alternatively, as will be described in detail later, the recording control device 200 receives information indicating the number of audio and image data that can be simultaneously written in each storage device 370 from each recording destination device 300 and each recording destination. The apparatus 300 receives information indicating the number of audio and image data scheduled to be written in each storage apparatus 370 between the recording start time and the recording end time indicated by the data recording reservation information. The storage device 3 between the number of voice and image data that can be written simultaneously and the recording start time to the recording end time.
The number of voices and image data scheduled to be written to 70 is compared, and the number of voices and image data scheduled to be written to the storage device 370 between the recording start time and the recording end time is simultaneously writable. One smaller than the number of image data can also be selected as a candidate for the recording destination device 300 to be recorded between the recording start time and the recording end time. Then, the identification information of the selected recording destination device 300 is the recording destination candidate information table 730.
Is remembered.

Note that the number of audio and / or image data that can be simultaneously written and the number of audio and / or image data to be written to the storage device 370 between the recording start time and the recording end time are compared with each other recording destination device. It is also possible to do this at 300. In this case, each recording destination device 300 receives a confirmation request from the recording control device 200 regarding whether recording is possible between the recording start time and the recording end time indicated by the data recording reservation information, and the recording start time If the number of audio and image data scheduled to be written in the storage device 370 from the recording end time to the recording end time is smaller than the number of audio and image data that can be simultaneously written in the storage device 370, the recording start time It is determined that it is possible to record audio and image data until the recording end time, and depending on the determination result, recording of audio and image data from the recording start time to the recording end time is performed. Is recorded as a response to the recording control device 200.
To send to.

The recording destination candidate information table 730 is a table that stores the candidates for the recording destination device 300 selected as described above. The recording destination candidate information table 730 is shown in FIG. The recording destination candidate information table 730 includes a “device ID” column, an “address” column, a “device type” column, and a “recordable storage capacity” column.

In the “Recordable storage capacity” column, each storage device 3 included in each candidate recording destination device 300
Information indicating 70 free storage capacities is described. This information is transmitted to the recording control device 200 from each recording destination device 300 selected as the candidate. As will be described in detail later, the recording control apparatus 200 can select the recording destination apparatus 300 having the storage apparatus 370 having the largest free storage capacity among the candidates as the recording destination apparatus 300 for recording the broadcast program. .

The receiver candidate information table 740 is a table that stores candidates of the receiver apparatus 100 that receives the broadcast program. Candidates of the receiving device 100 for receiving the broadcast program are selected by executing the recording control device control program 810. Source candidate information table 74
0 is shown in FIG. The source candidate information table 740 includes a “device ID” field, an “address” field,
“Device type” column is provided. The recording control apparatus 200 causes the receiving apparatus 100 selected from these candidates to receive the broadcast program. Details will be described later.
As described above, the recording reservation management table 750 is a table for storing information indicating the broadcast program reception and recording schedule.

The communication control device 230 is a device for communicating with another recording control device 200, the reception source device 100, the recording destination device 300, or the like via the network 400.
The input device 250 is a device used for data input to the recording control device 200 and functions as a user interface. As the input device 250, for example, an operation switch, a touch panel, a remote control device, a keyboard, a mouse, or the like can be used.
The output device 260 is a device for outputting information to the outside and functions as a user interface. For example, a display or a buzzer can be used as the output device 260.

<Network>
The network 400 includes an Ethernet (registered trademark) or a wireless LAN (Local Area Net).
work) and IEEE1394. That is, network 4
Data can be exchanged between the devices connected to 00 according to the predetermined procedure as described above. The network 400 can be a network (home network) constructed in a home or a building.

=== Examples Applied to Digital TV and HDD Recorder ===
Next, an embodiment will be described in which each of the receiving device 100, the recording control device 200, and the recording destination device 300 is applied to a more specific device. Here, the reception source device 100 and the recording control device 200 are configured by a digital television 500, and the recording destination device 300 is the HDD recorder 6.
An example in the case of 00 is shown.

Of course, as described above, each reception source device 100, recording control device 200, recording destination device 3
00 can be configured by various other devices. For example, the receiving device 100 can be configured by an HDD recorder or DVD recorder provided with the broadcast receiving device 140, an analog television, a digital radio, an analog radio, a mobile phone, a personal computer, or the like. The recording destination device 300 is a DVD provided with a storage device 370.
A recorder, a personal computer, a portable storage device, a digital television, or the like can be used. The recording control apparatus 200 includes an HDD recorder, a DVD recorder, a digital TV,
It can be a personal computer or the like. Therefore, for example, in a data recording system in which a plurality of HDD recorders are connected via the network 400, any HDD recorder functions as the receiving device 100 or the recording control device 200, and the recording destination. A configuration that also functions as the device 300 is also possible.

An example of the configuration of a data recording system to which the recording method via the network 400 of this embodiment can be applied is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 12, the data recording system according to the present embodiment is a digital television 500.
, And the HDD recorder 600 are communicably connected via the network 400.
The network 400 is a home network using wired or wireless.
A monitor 900 is connected to the HDD recorder 600. The monitor 900 is an AV (Au
dio Visual) is connected to the HDD recorder 600 by a cable or the like, and has a function of displaying an image output from the HDD recorder 600.
The network 400 includes an Ethernet (registered trademark), a wireless LAN, and IEEE139.
4, that is, data can be exchanged according to a predetermined procedure between devices connected to the network 400.

<Digital TV>
FIG. 13 is a hardware configuration diagram of a digital television 500 to which the present embodiment can be applied.
The digital television 500 includes a CPU 510, a main memory 520, a communication control device 530, a broadcast receiving device 540, a video reproduction device 580, a display device 560, and an input device 550. Each component is connected by a bus so that necessary information can be transmitted between the components.

CPU 510 performs a predetermined operation by a program stored in advance in main memory 520.
The main memory 520 is a means for functioning as a work area or storing necessary programs. For example, the main memory 520 can be realized by a RAM for the former and a ROM for the latter.
The communication control device 530 corresponds to the communication control devices 130, 230, and 330 described above. That is, it is a means for transmitting / receiving information (data) to / from other devices via the network 400. The communication control device 530 is realized by, for example, a network adapter, a wireless transmission / reception device, or the like.

The broadcast receiving device 540 corresponds to the broadcast receiving device 140 described above. That is, the broadcast receiving device 540 is a means for receiving digital satellite broadcast, digital terrestrial broadcast, or digital CATV broadcast. Examples of digital satellite broadcasting include digital CS broadcasting and digital BS broadcasting already implemented in Japan, and digital terrestrial broadcasting already implemented in Japan. In the present embodiment, the broadcast receiving apparatus 104 is described as a receiving apparatus for digital terrestrial broadcasting, but the present invention is not limited to digital terrestrial broadcasting. Further, the broadcast receiving device 540 may be configured to receive a plurality of broadcast formats.

The video playback device 580 decompresses (decodes) the video, and displays the decoded video on the display device 5.
60.
The display device 560 corresponds to the output device 260 described above. The display device 560 is a means for displaying the video decompressed (decoded) by the video playback device 580 and information for responding to a user operation. The display device 560 can be realized by a cathode ray tube, a liquid crystal display, a PDP, a projector, a speaker, headphones, or the like.

The input device 550 corresponds to the input device 250 described above. The input device 550 is a means for a user to input necessary instructions and information to the digital television 500, and can be realized by a remote controller or the like.
If there is a device that is not directly related to the input / output of data and programs among the elements constituting the digital TV 500, the device may be omitted.

<HDD recorder>
FIG. 14 is a hardware configuration diagram of an HDD recorder 600 to which the present embodiment can be applied.
The HDD recorder 600 includes a CPU 610, a main memory 620, a communication control device 630, a broadcast receiving device 640, a video playback device 680, a video output device 660, and a storage device 6.
70 and an input device 650. Each component is connected by a bus so that necessary information can be transmitted between the components.

The CPU 610 performs a predetermined operation by a program stored in advance in the main memory 620 or the storage device 670.
The main memory 620 functions as a work area and stores necessary programs. For example, the main memory 620 can be realized by a RAM for the former and a ROM for the latter.
The communication control device 630 corresponds to the communication control devices 130, 230, and 330 described above. That is, it is a means for transmitting / receiving information (data) to / from other apparatuses via the network 400. The communication control device 63 is realized by, for example, a network adapter, a wireless transmission / reception device, or the like.

The broadcast receiving device 640 corresponds to the broadcast receiving device 140 described above. That is, the broadcast receiving device 540 is a means for receiving digital satellite broadcast, digital terrestrial broadcast, digital CATV broadcast, or the like. Examples of digital satellite broadcasting include digital CS broadcasting and digital BS broadcasting already implemented in Japan, and digital terrestrial broadcasting already implemented in Japan. In the present embodiment, the broadcast receiving device 640 is described as a receiving device for digital terrestrial broadcasting, but of course, the present invention is not limited to digital terrestrial broadcasting. Further, the broadcast receiving device 640 may be configured to receive a plurality of broadcast formats.

The video playback device 680 decompresses (decodes) the video, and transmits the decoded video to the video output device 660.
The video output device 660 corresponds to the output device 260 described above. The video output device 660
It is connected to a monitor 900 or the like with an AV cable or the like, and outputs a video decoded by the video playback device 680.

The storage device 670 corresponds to the storage device 370 described above. The storage device 670 stores a program for controlling the operation of the HDD recorder 600, and stores the video received by the communication control device 630 and the video received (recorded) by the broadcast receiving device 640. For example, it can be realized by an HDD, an optical disk or the like.

The input device 650 corresponds to the input device 250 described above. The input device 650 is a means for a user to input necessary instructions and information to the HDD recorder 600, and can be realized by a remote controller or the like.
If there is a device that is not directly related to the input / output of data or programs among the elements constituting the HDD recorder 600, the device may be omitted.

=== Flow of recording reservation processing ===
Next, the flow of recording reservation processing in this embodiment will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a procedure from the start of the recording reservation until the recording reservation is set in the recording reservation in the present embodiment. In the recording reservation in this embodiment, a user inputs recording reservation information, and a device connected to the network 400 based on the information becomes a device having the storage device 670 as a recording destination and a broadcast data receiving source. A device having the broadcast receiving device 540 is determined, and a recording reservation is set.

In this embodiment, an apparatus (recording control apparatus 200) that displays necessary information for the user in FIG. 15, receives input from the user, and controls recording reservation (recording control apparatus 200) is the digital television 50.
Although described as 0, the recording control apparatus 200 may be the HDD 600. Recording control device 200
Is the HDD recorder 600, the HDD recorder 600 displays information necessary for the user on the monitor 900 through the video output device 660.

In addition, each device to which the recording method according to the present embodiment is applied stores a device profile information table 700 as illustrated in FIG. 5 in order to perform necessary exchanges with each other via the network 400, for example. In this case, the device profile information table 700 includes, for example, an address indicating the position of the device on the network, a device type indicating the device type such as a digital TV or an HDD recorder, and a recording destination of the recording method in the present embodiment. Information such as a recording destination function indicating whether or not a function to be received or a function to be a reception source and a reception source function are included. In the device profile information table 700, universal information for the device such as the device type, the recording destination function, or the reception source function is sent to the device of the program that controls the recording method in the present embodiment at the time of device shipment. It is memorized beforehand at the time of introduction. The address is arbitrarily set by the user and stored in the apparatus, or when the apparatus is activated or the network 4
When connecting 00, a router (not shown) in the system configuration of FIG.
It is automatically assigned using a technology such as st Configuration Protocol. In addition, when an apparatus starts up or when the apparatus is connected to the network 400, the apparatus arbitrarily declares its own address, and when the address does not conflict with other apparatuses connected to the network 400, the address is set. It is also assigned by a method of storing as an address.

For example, the recording control apparatus 200 stores a network connection apparatus information table 710 as shown in FIG. 7 in order to exchange information with each apparatus connected to the network 400. The network connection device information table 710 includes information such as a device ID, an address, a device type, a recording destination function, and a reception source function, and the device ID identifies each device connected to the network 400. Is a number (ID) arbitrarily given by the recording control device 200, and the address, device type, recording destination function, and receiving source function are acquired from each device by the recording control device 200, for example, the device profile information table 700. The contents of the device profile information of each device shown in FIG.

The network connection device information shown in the network connection device information table 710 is generated when the recording control device 200 acquires device profile information of each device connected to the network 400. For example, when a request for starting recording control is input from the user to the recording control apparatus 200 using a remote controller or the like, the recording control apparatus 200 is connected to the network 4.
By transmitting a control signal requesting device profile information to all devices connected to 00, the recording control device 200 acquires device profile information of each device connected to the network, and a network connection device information table 710 is obtained. Each network connection device information shown in FIG.

  Here, the recording reservation in the present embodiment shown in FIG. 15 will be described in detail.

For example, a recording control device 2 such as a digital television 500 that performs the recording reservation shown in FIG.
For 00, for example, a recording reservation is started by a remote control input such as a recording reservation start from the user.

<Recording reservation information input process>
When the recording reservation is started, first, the recording control apparatus 200 outputs a recording reservation information input screen, and receives, for example, data as shown in the recording reservation information table 720 of FIG. 8 as the recording reservation information from the user. Accept (S1000). The recording reservation information table 720 includes, for example, date, time, channel, recording mode, and the like. The recording mode represents the image quality of the recording, and is represented by, for example, a high image quality mode, a normal mode, a low image quality mode, and the like. The high image quality mode requires a larger amount of data than the low image quality mode. The recording control apparatus 200 that has received the recording reservation information shown in the recording reservation information table 720 by the user stores the recording reservation information in a work memory or the like. Further, the recording control apparatus 200 calculates a data amount necessary for recording indicated by the recording reservation information from the time and recording mode of the recording reservation information, and stores them in a work memory or the like.

<Recording destination determination process>
Next, the recording control device 200 is a recording destination device 3 that is a recording destination of the recording indicated by the recording reservation information.
00 is determined (S2000).

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing in detail the procedure of the recording destination determination S1010.
First, the recording control device 200 investigates a device having a recording destination function from the network connection device information shown in the network connection device information table 710, and acquires a device ID of the device having the recording destination function (S2000).
Next, the recording control device 200 acquires the maximum number of simultaneous recordings of the device with the device ID (S2010).
. The maximum number of simultaneous recordings is the number of audio and image data that can be simultaneously written in each storage device 370 by each recording destination device 300, and the device can simultaneously perform without failure without causing problems such as processing failure or hangup This is the number of recordings that can be recorded.

The maximum number of simultaneous recordings is the CPU performance of the device (CPU processing capability), the writing speed to the storage device such as HDD, the simultaneous processing number of the encoder (encoder processing capability), or the network bandwidth (recording from the receiving device) It is determined by the performance of the device such as the communication speed when voice or image data is transmitted to the destination device. In a device having a recording destination function to which the recording method according to the present embodiment can be applied, the maximum number of simultaneous recordings is preset (stored) as device-specific information at the time of shipment of the device, or the CPU performance or storage of the device It is possible to calculate or derive from the performance of the apparatus such as the writing speed to the apparatus, the simultaneous processing number of the encoder or the network bandwidth, and to respond to the maximum simultaneous recording number according to the request of the recording control apparatus 200. .

As a method for calculating or deriving the maximum number of simultaneous recordings based on the performance of the above apparatus, for example, there is the following method.

First, the CPU performance of the device, the writing speed to the storage device, the number of simultaneous processes of the encoder, and the number of simultaneous recordings with respect to the network bandwidth are acquired or calculated.
For example, with regard to CPU performance, the rate of increase in CPU load (value A) that increases with one recording process
The CPU obtains a ratio (value B) of the CPU performance that can be used by the apparatus for recording processing, and sets the value B to the value A.
The integer part of the answer divided by (C = | B / A |, where | X | represents the integer part of the number X)
It can be the number of simultaneous recordings related to CPU performance.

For example, regarding the writing speed to the storage device, if the writing speed of the device to the storage device is the maximum Dbps (bit per second) and the bit rate of the high-definition video is Epps, the answer obtained by dividing D by E (F = | D / E |) can be the number of simultaneous recordings related to the writing speed to the storage device. This means
Even if all of the data to be recorded at the same time is high-definition high-definition video, the device
This means that only the number of recordings can be processed simultaneously.

Further, regarding the number of simultaneous processes of the encoder, when the number of simultaneous processes of the encoder is G,
It can be the number of simultaneous processes related to the number of simultaneous processes of the encoder.

For example, for the network bandwidth, the network bandwidth of the device is Hbps.
Assuming that the bit rate of the high-definition video is Ibps, the integer part (J = | H / I |) of the answer obtained by dividing H by I can be the number of simultaneous recordings related to the network bandwidth.
This means that even if all of the data to be recorded at the same time is a high-definition high-definition video, the apparatus can process the number of recordings of only J at the same time.

Here, the maximum number of simultaneous recordings is the number of simultaneous recordings related to each performance of the apparatus obtained above, that is, the smallest number among C and F, G and J. This is because the performance that causes the smallest of C and F and G and J becomes the bottleneck of the simultaneous recording number of the apparatus.

Of course, the maximum number of simultaneous recordings is determined not to be the minimum value of all of C, F, G, and J, but to be determined by any of these values or the minimum value of any two or more combinations. It is also possible. For example, in a device that does not include an encoder, the minimum value among C, F, and J can be set.

Next, the recording control device 200 acquires the number of simultaneous recording reservations of the device with the device ID at the date and time of the recording reservation information shown in the recording reservation information table 720 (S2020). Here, the number of simultaneous recording reservations means the number of voices and images scheduled to be written to each storage device 370 between the recording start time and the recording end time indicated by the recording reservation information (data recording reservation information). This is the maximum number of reserved recordings to be performed simultaneously in the number of data, that is, in the time zone indicated by the date and time of the recording reservation information. For example, 1 August 24, 2004
When recording reservation information is input in order to set a recording reservation from 9:00 to 21:00, a recording reservation function from 18 o'clock to 20 o'clock on the same day and an omission from 19 o'clock to 20 o'clock on the same day have already been entered. If the recording reservation until half and the recording reservation from 19:30 to 20:30 on the same day are set, three recording reservations are already set at the same time from 19:30 to 20:00. . Therefore, the simultaneous recording reservation number in this case is 3.

Next, the acquired maximum number of simultaneous recordings and the number of simultaneous recording reservations are compared (S2030). When the number of simultaneous recording reservations is smaller than the maximum number of simultaneous recordings, the recording control device 200 determines that the device ID
If the free space (free storage capacity) of the storage device of the device specified in (1) is acquired (S2040) and the free space is sufficient to record the recording reservation information, the device specified by the device ID is selected. It is set by storing it in the work area as a recording destination candidate (S2050). Recording destination candidates can be stored before checking the free capacity of the storage device, and the candidate having the largest free capacity can be selected as the recording destination device. As described above, by selecting the device having the largest free space in the storage device as the recording destination device 300, the storage area of the storage device 670 of each HDD recorder 600 can be used effectively.

Then, when the above steps S2000 to S2030, and possibly the steps S2040 and S2050 are performed for all devices with the device ID (S2060), the device I set as the recording destination candidate in S2050
Among the devices of D, for example, the device having the largest free space is determined as the recording destination (S2070).

In recording via a network, there is a possibility that a plurality of recordings are simultaneously performed on a specific recording destination. At this time, for example, there is a possibility that recording reservations are concentrated on the device having the largest storage device capacity among the devices on the network, and the storage device capacity is sufficiently freed by concentrating the recording reservations. However, there is a possibility that the recording may fail due to a processing failure of the recording device or a hang-up.

In the recording method of this embodiment, the recording destination is determined after confirming that the simultaneous recording reservation number is smaller than the maximum simultaneous recording number. Therefore, due to problems such as the above-mentioned CPU performance at the time of recording, the writing speed to the storage device, the simultaneous processing number of the encoder, or the performance of the device such as the network bandwidth, the recording destination may cause a processing failure or hang up at the time of recording. It is possible to prevent the recording from failing.

<Other forms of recording destination determination processing>
In the above recording reservation, as shown in FIG. 16, the recording control device 200 confirms that the number of simultaneous recording reservations is smaller than the maximum number of simultaneous recordings, and determines the recording destination. Recording reservations that exceed the processing capacity were concentrated, and it was prevented that recording failed.

This process can also be performed when the recording control device 200 inquires of each recording destination device 300 whether recording is possible, as described below.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing in detail the procedure of the recording destination determination S1010.
First, the recording control device 200 investigates a device having a recording destination function from the network connection device information shown in the network connection device information table 710, and acquires the device ID of the device having the recording destination function (S3000).

Next, the recording control apparatus 200 inquires of the apparatus having the apparatus ID whether or not the apparatus having the apparatus ID can set the recording reservation of the recording reservation information shown in the recording reservation information table 720 (S3010).
. That is, the recording control device 200 transmits at least the recording reservation availability determination information including the recording reservation information shown in the recording reservation information table 720 to the device with the device ID, and the device with the device ID receives the received recording reservation availability determination. Based on the recording reservation information included in the information, it is determined whether or not the device with the device ID can set the recording reservation of the recording reservation information included in the recording reservation availability determination information, and whether or not the recording reservation information is set to the recording control device. Send.

Whether or not the device with the device ID can set the recording reservation of the recording reservation information shown in the recording reservation information table 720 included in the recording reservation availability determination information can be determined as follows, for example.

First, the device with the device ID acquires the maximum number of simultaneous recordings of the device with the device ID. The maximum number of simultaneous recordings is the number of recordings that can be performed simultaneously without failure without causing problems such as processing failure or hang-up of the device, and the CPU performance of the device or storage device such as HDD It depends on the performance of the device, such as the writing speed, the number of simultaneous encoder processes, or the network bandwidth. In a device having a recording destination function to which the recording method according to the present embodiment can be applied, the maximum number of simultaneous recordings is preset (stored) as device-specific information at the time of shipment of the device, or the CPU performance or storage of the device It can be calculated or derived from the performance of the device such as the writing speed to the device, the number of simultaneous encoder processes, or the network bandwidth.

Next, the device with the device ID obtains the number of simultaneous recording reservations of the device with the device ID at the date and time of the recording reservation information shown in the recording reservation information table 720 included in the recording reservation availability determination information.

Then, the device with the device ID compares the acquired maximum number of simultaneous recordings with the number of simultaneous recording reservations. If the number of simultaneous recording reservations is smaller than the maximum number of simultaneous recordings, the recording control device 200 determines whether or not the recording reservation is possible. Information indicating that the recording reservation of the recording reservation information shown in the recording reservation information table 720 included in the information can be set is transmitted. In other cases, a message indicating that setting is impossible is sent.

It should be noted that the recording reservation information table 7 included in the recording reservation availability determination information for the device with the device ID.
In order to determine whether or not the recording reservation of the recording reservation information shown in FIG. 20 can be set, the following method can be used.

First, the device with the device ID refers to the recording reservation management table 750, and at the same time zone as the date and time of the recording reservation information shown in the recording reservation information table 720 included in the recording reservation availability determination information, All the recording reservations already set in the device are acquired. Device I
In the apparatus D, for example, a simultaneous recording availability determination table 760 as shown in FIG. 6 is stored in advance. In the simultaneous recording availability determination table 760 shown in FIG. 6, the row element indicates the recording reservation already set for the apparatus having the apparatus ID, and the column element indicates the recording reservation information to be set from now on. . For example, for the device with the device ID, on the date and time of the recording reservation information shown in the recording reservation information table 720 included in the recording reservation availability determination information,
When a recording reservation in which the recording mode is the low image quality mode has already been set, and the recording mode of the recording reservation information shown in the recording reservation information table 720 included in the recording reservation availability determination information is the high image quality mode The apparatus with the apparatus ID transmits to the recording control apparatus 200 that the recording reservation of the recording reservation information shown in the recording reservation information table 720 included in the recording reservation availability determination information can be set. When the recording mode of the recording reservation information shown in the recording reservation information table 720 included in the recording reservation enable / disable determination information is the normal mode or the low image quality mode, a message indicating that the recording reservation cannot be set is transmitted.

The simultaneous recording availability determination table 760 shown in FIG. 6 describes a case where only two recording reservations can be set at the same time. Of course, three or more recording reservations can be simultaneously set for the device with the device ID. If it can be set, such a table may be created.

In addition, when receiving information indicating that the recording reservation cannot be set from each recording destination device 300, the recording control device 200 can perform the recording reservation information input process in S1000 again. . A flowchart in that case is shown in FIG. According to this, the user can make a recording reservation again after changing the image quality condition.

<Receiver determination processing>
Returning to FIG. 15, the recording control apparatus 200 subsequently executes the receiving source determination procedure of S1020.
The reception source is a device that receives broadcast data when performing scheduled recording and transmits it to the recording destination determined in the procedure of S1010.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing in detail the procedure of the reception source determination process.
First, the recording control apparatus 200 investigates a device having a reception source function from the network connection device information shown in the network connection device information table 710, and acquires the device ID of the device having the reception source function (S4000).

Next, the recording control device 200 investigates whether or not a recording reservation has already been set for the device with the device ID at the date and time of the recording reservation information shown in the recording reservation information table 720 (S4).
010). That is, the date and time of the recording reservation information is compared with the date and time of the recording reservation already set in the device of the device ID, and the reception source in the device of the device ID is compared with the date and time of the recording reservation information. It is investigated whether or not the broadcast receiving device can be used.

If a recording reservation has not yet been set for the device with the device ID at the date and time indicated by the recording reservation information, the recording control device 200 stores the device with the device ID in the work area. Set to (S4020).

All device IDs that have the receiver function for S4000 to S4010 and possibly S4020
After investigating the device (S4030), the receiver is determined from the set receiver candidates (S4040).
).

In order to determine the reception source from the reception source candidates, the priority of some reception source is used, and a device with a higher priority is set as the reception source. For example, the priority of the HDD recorder 600 may be set higher than that of the digital TV 500 in which the user may use the broadcast receiving device 140 for viewing the TV, or data may not be sent over the network 400. The reception source is determined by making a determination such as increasing the priority of a device having the same device ID as the determined device.

<Recording reservation setting process>
When the receiving source is determined, the recording reservation setting in S1030 in FIG. 15 is performed.
In the recording reservation setting process S1030, the recording control device 200 determines that the recording device 300 is the recording destination.
Alternatively, the recording reservation information table 7 is stored in the apparatus 100 or the recording control apparatus 200 determined as the reception source.
A recording reservation including the contents of the recording reservation information shown in 20 is set. The recording reservation includes, for example, information such as a recording date, a recording time, a recording channel, a recording mode, a receiving device type, a receiving source address, a recording destination device type, and a recording destination address. Of the information included in the recording reservation, the recording date, recording time, recording channel and recording mode are acquired from the recording reservation information shown in the image reservation information table 720 stored in the recording control device 200. The type of the reception source device, the address of the reception source device, the type of the recording destination device, and the address of the recording destination device are acquired from the network connection device information shown in the network connection device information table 710 stored in the recording control device 200.

Of the information included in the recording reservation, information that is not necessary for the device (reception source device 100 or recording destination device 300) that sets the recording reservation can be omitted. For example,
When the recording reservation is set in the recording destination device 300, the type of the recording destination device and the address of the recording destination device can be omitted.

The recording control device 200 includes information related to the recording destination device 300 and the receiving device 100 in the date, time, channel, and recording mode included in the recording reservation information (for example, devices included in the network connection device information shown in the network connection device information table 710). A recording reservation is generated as necessary, and is set (stored) in the apparatus 300 determined as the recording destination, the apparatus 100 determined as the reception source, or the recording control apparatus 200.

The device for which the recording reservation is set monitors the time by a timer etc. (not shown) possessed inside, and when the recording reservation start time is reached, the recording source or receiving device is controlled, and the broadcast data of the set channel is received. Recording (recording) is performed while re-encoding data in accordance with the recording mode that is received and set as necessary. At this time, the procedure such as re-encoding is performed at the recording destination or at the receiving source.

=== Manual recording process ===
The recording method in the present embodiment is applicable not only to recording reservation but also to manual (immediate) recording.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing processing when manual recording is performed in the present embodiment. The flowchart shown in FIG. 19 shows a procedure from when the user makes a manual recording start request to when recording starts.

Here, the recording control apparatus 200 that performs recording control in response to user input will be described as a digital television 500, but the recording control apparatus 200 may be an HDD recorder 600.
For example, when a user who is watching a television program on the digital television 500 requests manual recording by an operation such as pressing down a recording button on the remote controller, manual recording in the present embodiment is started. At this time, the digital television 500 becomes the recording control device 200 and controls other devices connected to the network 400 to perform manual recording.

First, as a premise, since manual recording is an operation for recording a television program currently being viewed, the broadcast data receiving source in manual recording is the broadcast receiving device 540 that is currently receiving the broadcast data being viewed.
A manual recording request (data recording request information) is transmitted to the recording control apparatus 200 by an operation such as a user who is watching a television program presses the recording button on the remote controller. This means that
The recording control apparatus 200 receives input of data recording request information describing conditions for recording a broadcast program including at least information indicating a recording request for the broadcast program being received from the user interface.
Then, the recording control device 200 acquires the device ID of the device having the recording destination function from the network connection device information shown in the network connection device information table 710 (S5000).
).

Next, the maximum number of simultaneous recordings of the device with the device ID is acquired (S5010).
Here, in the case of manual recording, unlike the case of reserved recording, since the recording end time is not specified, it is unclear how long recording should be performed. For this reason, the recording control device 200 includes the device I.
For the device D, the number of simultaneous recording reservations (the number of the latest simultaneous recording reservations) set for a certain period from now (for example, within 12 hours from the present) is acquired (S5020).
Then, the latest simultaneous recording reservation number is compared with the maximum simultaneous recording number, and when the most recent simultaneous recording reservation number is smaller than the maximum simultaneous recording number (S5030), the device with the device ID is selected as a recording destination candidate,
The free capacity of the storage device of the device is acquired (S5040).
Next, it is investigated whether or not the procedures of S5000 to S5030 and possibly S5040 have been investigated for all apparatuses having the recording destination function (S5050), and the investigation has been completed for all apparatuses having the apparatus ID. In this case, the device having the largest free space in the storage device among the devices set as the recording destination candidates is determined as the recording destination (S5060).
Finally, the broadcast data of the channel that the user is currently viewing is transmitted to the determined recording destination to start recording (S5070). Note that the recording destination candidates can be stored before checking the free capacity of the storage device.

Although the present embodiment has been described in detail above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent a plurality of recordings from being simultaneously performed on a specific recording destination during recording via a network. In the present embodiment, the recording destination is determined after confirming that the simultaneous recording reservation number is smaller than the maximum simultaneous recording number. Therefore, due to problems such as the above-mentioned CPU performance at the time of recording, the writing speed to the storage device, the number of simultaneous processing of encoders, or the performance of the device such as the network bandwidth, the recording destination may cause processing failure or hang up during recording. It is possible to prevent the recording from failing.
In S2070 in FIG. 16, it has been described that the device having the largest free space in the storage device among the recording destination candidates is automatically determined as the recording destination. However, the user selects the recording destination from the recording destination candidates. Is also possible. This will be described below.
FIG. 25 is a recording destination selection screen image 1040 by the user when a plurality of recording destination candidates are found when the recording destination is determined by the procedure of FIG. 16 when the user makes a recording reservation.
In the screen shown in FIG. 25, information on a program for which the user makes a recording reservation and information on a device that is a recording destination candidate are displayed, and the user can select a recording destination from the recording destination candidates.
The information of the program that performs the recording reservation shown in FIG. 25 can be acquired from the recording reservation information table 720. Of the information related to the recording destination candidate shown in FIG. 25, the recordable storage capacity can be acquired from the recording destination candidate information table 730 shown in FIG. In addition, the number of simultaneous recording reservations / the maximum number of simultaneous recordings among the information on the recording destination candidate apparatus shown in FIG. 25 can be acquired from the values used in the step S2030 in FIG.
In addition, the device name in the information on the recording destination candidate shown in FIG. 25 is a value used for associating the device on which the user is displayed with the actual device, and can be acquired as follows, for example.
First, a device name item is added to the device profile information table 730 shown in FIG. 5 to create a device profile information table 1000 as shown in FIG. The item of the device name in the device profile information table 1000 is set in advance by the user or by the system so that the user can identify the device (for example, the model number of the device).
Further, the device name item is added to the network connection device information table 710 shown in FIG. 7 to create the network connection device information table 1010 shown in FIG.
Further, an apparatus name item is added to the recording destination candidate information table 730 shown in FIG. 9 to create a recording destination candidate information table 1020 shown in FIG.
The device name information of the device profile information table 1000 is stored in the network connection device information table 1010, and the device name information of the network connection device information table 1010 is stored in the recording destination candidate information table 1020, whereby the recording destination in FIG. The item of the device name of the information regarding the candidate device can be acquired from the recording destination candidate information table 1020.
In S5070 in FIG. 19, it has been described that the device having the largest free space in the storage device among the recording destination candidates is determined as the recording destination. However, it is also possible to manually select the recording destination from the recording destination candidates. is there.
FIG. 26 shows a recording destination selection screen image 1050 by the user when a plurality of recording destination candidates are found when the recording destination is determined by the procedure of FIG. 19 when the user performs manual recording.
The screen shown in FIG. 26 displays information on a program for which the user performs manual recording and information on a device that is a recording destination candidate, and the user can select a recording destination from the recording destination candidates.
The information of the program to be manually recorded shown in FIG. 25 can be acquired from the current date and time, the channel, and the recording mode at the time of manual recording set in advance by the system.
The item of the latest simultaneous recording reservation number / maximum simultaneous recording number of information on the recording destination candidate device in the recording destination selection screen image 1050 in FIG. 26 can be acquired from the value used in step S5030 in FIG.
In S3060 in FIG. 17, it has been described that the device having the largest free space in the storage device among the recording destination candidates is determined as the recording destination. However, it is also possible for the user to select a recording destination from the recording destination candidates. is there.
FIG. 27 shows a recording destination selection screen image 1060 by the user when a plurality of recording destination candidates are found when the recording destination is determined by the procedure of FIG. 17 when the user makes a recording reservation.
The screen shown in FIG. 27 displays information on a program for which a user makes a recording reservation and information on a device that is a recording destination candidate. The user can select a recording destination from the recording destination candidates.
In S4040 in FIG. 18, among receiver candidates, the priority of some receiver is used, and a device with a higher priority is used as the receiver. For example, the user may use the broadcast receiver 140 for watching TV. The priority of the HDD recorder 600 is set higher than that of the TV 500, or the priority of the device having the same device ID as the device determined as the recording destination is increased so that the data need not flow on the network 400. Although it has been described that the determination is made by determining the reception source, it is also possible for the user to select the reception source from the reception source candidates.
FIG. 28 is a reception source selection screen image 1070 by the user when a plurality of reception source candidates are found when the reception source is determined by the procedure of FIG. 18 when the user makes a recording reservation.
The screen shown in FIG. 28 displays information on a program for which a user makes a recording reservation and information on a device that is a candidate for a reception source, and the user can select a reception source from the reception source candidates.
Of the information about the device that is a candidate for the reception source shown in FIG. 28, the type of the device can be acquired from the reception source candidate information table 740 shown in FIG.
Also, the device name in the information relating to the recording destination candidate shown in FIG. 28 is a value used for associating the device on which the user is displayed with the actual device, and can be acquired as follows, for example. .
First, an item of device name is added to the reception source candidate information table 740 shown in FIG. 10, and a reception source candidate information table 1030 shown in FIG. 24 is created.
The device name information of the device profile information table 1000 is stored in the network connection device information table 1010, and the device name information of the network connection device information table 1010 is stored in the reception source candidate information table 1030, so that the reception source in FIG. The item of the device name of the information related to the candidate device can be acquired from the reception source candidate information table 1030.
In this embodiment, when a plurality of reception source candidates or recording destination candidates are found, the recording control device determines whether the user manually determines the reception source or recording destination or the recording control device automatically determines. It is also possible to set.
FIG. 29 shows whether the recording control apparatus determines whether the reception source or the recording destination is manually determined by the user or the recording control apparatus automatically determines when a plurality of reception source candidates or recording destination candidates are found in the recording control apparatus. This is a screen image 1080 to be displayed.
In FIG. 29, the user can select the selection method of the receiving source and the recording destination automatically, that is, a method in which the recording control apparatus automatically determines, or manually, that is, a method in which the user manually determines.
The program relating to the process of outputting the display screens of FIGS. 25 to 29 is stored in advance in the main memory 520, for example, and the display program process is performed by the CPU 510. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the program for displaying FIGS. 25 to 29 may be configured to be displayed by installing it via the Internet, for example.
Further, if the user selects what parameter is used to determine the optimum recording destination, usability is improved. Specifically, for example, it is divided into “simple determination” and “detailed determination”, and in the “simple determination mode”, the optimum recording destination is determined using the free capacity of each data recording device and the maximum number of simultaneous recordings. On the other hand, in the “detailed determination mode”, the free capacity of each data recording device, the maximum number of simultaneous recordings and other information, for example, the performance of the device CPU, the writing speed to the data recording device, or the network bandwidth information Etc. to determine the optimum recording destination. Thereby, the user can also select the optimum recording destination determination.
Although the best mode for carrying out the present invention has been described above, the above embodiment is intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the gist thereof, and the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the data recording system of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the receiving device of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the video recording destination apparatus of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the video recording control apparatus of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the apparatus profile information table of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the simultaneous recording availability determination table of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the network connection apparatus information table of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the video recording reservation information table of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the video recording destination candidate information table of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the receiving source candidate information table of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the video recording reservation management table of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the system configuration example of this embodiment. It is a hardware block diagram of the digital television of this embodiment. It is a hardware block diagram of the HDD recorder of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of the video recording reservation of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of the video recording destination determination of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of the video recording destination determination of this embodiment. It is a subroutine which shows the operation | movement procedure of the receiving origin determination of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of the manual video recording of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of the video recording reservation of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the apparatus profile information table of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the network connection apparatus information table of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the video recording destination candidate information table of this embodiment. It is a figure which occupies the receiving source candidate information table of this embodiment. It is an example of a display screen for determining the recording destination of this embodiment. It is an example of a display screen for determining the recording destination of this embodiment. It is an example of a display screen for determining the recording destination of this embodiment. It is an example of a display screen for selecting the receiving source of this embodiment. It is an example of a display screen for selecting a recording destination and a receiving source of the present embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

100 Receiving device 110 CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 120 Main memory 130 Communication control device 140 Broadcast receiving device 200 Recording control device 210 CPU 220 Main memory 230 Communication control device 250 Input device 260 Output device 300 Recording destination device 310 CPU 320 Main memory 330 Communication control device 370 Storage device 400 Network 500 Digital Television 510 CPU 520 Main memory 530 Communication control device 540 Broadcast receiving device 550 Input device 560 Display device 580 Video playback device 600 HDD recorder 610 CPU 620 Main memory 630 Communication control device 640 Broadcast reception device 650 Input device 660 Video output device 680 Video playback Device 700 Device profile information table 710 Network connection device information table 720 Recording reservation information table 730 Recording destination candidate information table 740 Reception source candidate information table 750 Recording reservation management table 760 Simultaneous recording availability determination table 800 Reception source device control program 810 Recording control device control program 820 Recording destination device control program 900 Monitor

Claims (15)

At least one receiving device having a broadcast receiving device for receiving broadcast audio and images , and a recording medium for receiving the audio and image data received by the receiving device via a network and recording the data at least one data recording apparatus is communicatively connected via a network,
Data recording that receives from the user interface data recording reservation information describing conditions for recording audio and / or image data, including at least information indicating the recording start time and recording end time of the audio and / or image data to be broadcast Reservation information input part,
A substantially simultaneous data recording number receiving unit that receives information indicating the number of audio and image data that each data recording device can write to each recording medium substantially simultaneously from each data recording device;
From each data recording device, information indicating the number of audio or image data that each data recording device is scheduled to write to each recording medium between the recording start time and the recording end time indicated by the data recording reservation information. A data recording reservation number receiving section to receive;
Data in which the number of audio and image data scheduled to be written to the recording medium between the recording start time and the recording end time indicated by the data recording reservation information is smaller than the number of audio and image data that can be written substantially simultaneously. A data recording destination candidate storage unit for storing the identification information of the recording device as a data recording device candidate for recording audio and image data between the recording start time and the recording end time indicated by the data recording reservation information;
A data recording control device comprising: A storage capacity receiving unit for receiving information indicating the free storage capacity of each recording medium included in each data recording device stored in the data recording destination candidate storage unit from each data recording device;
The data recording device having the recording medium with the largest free storage capacity among the data recording devices records voice and image data between the recording start time and the recording end time indicated by the data recording reservation information. A data recording destination selecting unit to select as a data recording device to be
A recording request transmission unit that transmits a request for recording audio and image data in accordance with the conditions described in the data recording reservation information to the selected data recording device;
The data recording control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: At least one receiving device having a broadcast receiving device for receiving broadcast audio and images , and a recording medium for receiving the audio and image data received by the receiving device via a network and recording the data at least one data recording apparatus, a control method of a data recording control device that is communicably connected via a network,
Receiving from the user interface data recording reservation information describing conditions for recording audio and / or image data, including at least information indicating the recording start time and recording end time of the audio and / or image data to be broadcast;
From each data recording device, each data recording device receives information indicating the number of audio and image data that can be written to each recording medium substantially simultaneously,
From each data recording device, information indicating the number of audio or image data that each data recording device is scheduled to write to each recording medium between the recording start time and the recording end time indicated by the data recording reservation information. Receive
Data in which the number of audio and image data scheduled to be written to the recording medium between the recording start time and the recording end time indicated by the data recording reservation information is smaller than the number of audio and image data that can be written substantially simultaneously. Data recording control characterized in that identification information of a recording device is stored as a candidate of a data recording device for recording audio or image data between a recording start time and a recording end time indicated by the data recording reservation information Control method of the device. At least one receiving device having a broadcast receiving device for receiving broadcast audio and images , and a recording medium for receiving the audio and image data received by the receiving device via a network and recording the data at least one data recording apparatus, a data recording control device that is communicably connected via a network,
A procedure for receiving, from a user interface, data recording reservation information describing conditions for recording audio or image data, including at least information indicating recording start time and recording end time of audio and image data to be broadcast; ,
A procedure for receiving from each data recording device information indicating the number of audio and / or image data that can be written to each recording medium substantially simultaneously by each data recording device;
From each data recording device, information indicating the number of audio or image data that each data recording device is scheduled to write to each recording medium between the recording start time and the recording end time indicated by the data recording reservation information. The procedure to receive,
Data in which the number of audio and image data scheduled to be written to the recording medium between the recording start time and the recording end time indicated by the data recording reservation information is smaller than the number of audio and image data that can be written substantially simultaneously. A procedure for storing the identification information of the recording device as a candidate for a data recording device for recording audio or image data between a recording start time and a recording end time indicated by the data recording reservation information;
A program for running At least one receiving device having a broadcast receiving device for receiving broadcast sound and image, and at least information indicating recording start time and recording end time of the sound and image data to be broadcast A data recording control device that receives input of data recording reservation information describing conditions for recording from a user interface , and is communicably connected via a network,
A communication control device for receiving voice and image data received by the receiving device via a network;
A recording medium for recording voice and image data received by the communication control device ;
A schedule storage unit for storing information indicating a plan to write audio or image data on the recording medium;
A data recording control unit for writing received audio and image data to the recording medium according to the schedule;
A substantially simultaneous data recording number transmission unit for transmitting information indicating the number of audio and image data that can be written to the recording medium substantially simultaneously to the data recording control device;
A data recording reservation number transmission unit for transmitting the number of audio and image data to be written to a recording medium between a recording start time and a recording end time indicated by the data recording reservation information, to the data recording control device;
A data recording apparatus comprising: The number of audio and image data that can be written to the recording medium substantially simultaneously is as follows:
A number determined according to the processing capability of the CPU provided in the data recording device,
A number determined according to a writing speed of data to a recording medium provided in the data recording device,
When audio or image data is transmitted to the data recording device from a receiving device including a broadcast receiving device that receives the audio or image to be broadcast, and a number determined according to the processing capability of the encoder provided in the data recording device The number determined according to the communication speed of
The data recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the data recording apparatus is defined by a minimum value in any one of or a combination of any two or more. It is communicably connected via a network to at least one data recording device having a recording medium for recording broadcast audio and image data,
A broadcast receiving device for receiving broadcast audio and images;
A data recording request information input unit for receiving, from a user interface, data recording request information describing conditions for recording audio or image data, including at least information indicating a recording request for audio or image data being received; ,
A substantially simultaneous data recording number receiving unit that receives information indicating the number of audio and image data that each data recording device can write to each recording medium substantially simultaneously from each data recording device;
A data recording reservation number receiving unit that receives information indicating the number of audio and image data that each data recording device is scheduled to write in each recording medium from the present time to a predetermined period from each data recording device;
The identification information of the data recording device in which the number of audio and image data scheduled to be written to each recording medium during the predetermined period from the present is smaller than the number of audio and image data that can be written substantially simultaneously is being received. A data recording destination candidate storage unit that stores data and sound data candidates as data recording device candidates;
A data recording destination selecting unit for selecting any of the data recording devices as a data recording device for recording audio and image data being received;
A recording request transmission unit configured to transmit a request for recording the audio and image data being received to the selected data recording apparatus in accordance with the conditions described in the data recording request information. A data recording control device. A storage capacity receiving unit that receives information indicating the free storage capacity of each recording medium included in each data recording device stored in the data recording destination candidate storage unit from each data recording device ;
Said data recording destination selection unit is to select the data recording device having the available storage capacity is the largest recording medium in each of the data recording device, as a data recording apparatus for recording the data of voice and images being received The data recording control apparatus according to claim 7. A control method for a data recording control device communicably connected to at least one data recording device having a recording medium for recording audio and image data to be broadcast via a network,
Receive broadcast audio and images,
Receiving from the user interface input of data recording request information describing conditions for recording audio or image data, including at least information indicating a recording request of audio or image data being received;
From each data recording device, each data recording device receives information indicating the number of audio and image data that can be written to each recording medium substantially simultaneously,
From each data recording device, each data recording device receives information indicating the number of audio and image data scheduled to be written to each recording medium during a predetermined period from the present time,
The identification information of the data recording device in which the number of audio and image data scheduled to be written to each recording medium during the predetermined period from the present is smaller than the number of audio and image data that can be written substantially simultaneously is being received. Store it as a candidate for a data recording device that records audio and image data,
Select any one of the data recording devices as a data recording device for recording audio and image data being received,
Sending a request for recording the received voice and image data to the selected data recording device according to the conditions described in the data recording request information.
A control method for a data recording control device. At least one data recording device having a recording medium for recording broadcast audio and image data, at least one receiving device having a broadcast receiving device for receiving broadcast audio and images, each of the data recording devices, and A data recording system comprising at least one data recording control device that is communicably connected to each receiving device via a network,
Each of the data recording control devices
Data recording that receives from the user interface data recording reservation information describing conditions for recording audio and / or image data, including at least information indicating the recording start time and recording end time of the audio and / or image data to be broadcast Reservation information input part,
A substantially simultaneous data recording number receiving unit that receives information indicating the number of audio and image data that can be written to each recording medium substantially simultaneously from each data recording device;
From each data recording device, information indicating the number of audio or image data that each data recording device is scheduled to write to each recording medium between the recording start time and the recording end time indicated by the data recording reservation information. A data recording reservation number receiving section to receive;
Data in which the number of audio and image data scheduled to be written to the recording medium between the recording start time and the recording end time indicated by the data recording reservation information is smaller than the number of audio and image data that can be written substantially simultaneously. A data recording destination selecting unit that selects a data storage device selected from the recording devices as a data recording device that records voice and image data between a recording start time and a recording end time indicated by the data recording reservation information When,
From each receiving device, a receiving schedule receiving unit that receives information indicating that each receiving device receives a sound or an image between a recording start time and a recording end time indicated by the data recording reservation information;
The recording start time indicated by the data recording reservation information is a receiving device selected from the receiving devices that are not scheduled to receive audio or images between the recording start time indicated by the data recording reservation information and the recording end time. A receiver selection unit that selects a receiving device that receives audio and images between the recording end time and the recording end time;
In order to cause the selected receiving device to receive sound and / or image according to the conditions described in the data recording reservation information, and to transmit the received sound and / or image data to the selected data recording device A reception request transmitter for transmitting the reception request of
To cause the selected data recording device to receive voice and image data from the selected receiving device and to record the received voice and image data according to the conditions described in the data recording reservation information A recording request transmission unit for transmitting the recording request of
With
Each of the receiving devices is
A broadcast receiver for receiving broadcast audio and images;
A reception schedule storage unit for storing information indicating a schedule for receiving audio and images;
A reception schedule transmission unit for transmitting information indicating a schedule for receiving a sound or an image between a recording start time and a recording end time indicated by the data recording reservation information, to the data recording control device;
According to the schedule stored in the reception schedule storage unit, a broadcast reception control unit that receives broadcast audio and images and transmits them to a data recording device;
Based on a reception request transmitted from the data recording control device, a reception schedule addition control unit that stores information indicating a schedule for receiving voice and images in a reception schedule storage unit;
With
Each of the data storage devices
A recording medium for recording broadcast audio and image data;
A schedule storage unit for storing information indicating a plan to write audio or image data on the recording medium;
A simultaneous data recording number transmitting unit for transmitting information indicating the number of audio and image data that can be written to the recording medium substantially simultaneously to the data recording control device;
A data recording reservation number transmitting unit for transmitting the number of audio and image data to be written to a recording medium between a recording start time and a recording end time indicated by the data recording reservation information, to the data recording control device;
In accordance with the schedule stored in the schedule storage unit, a data recording control unit that receives broadcast audio and image data from a receiving device and writes the data to the recording medium;
Based on a recording request transmitted from the data recording control device, a recording schedule addition control unit that stores information indicating a schedule for writing audio or an image on the recording medium in a schedule storage unit;
A data recording system comprising: Communication is possible via a network to at least one data recording device having a recording medium for recording broadcast audio and image data and at least one receiving device having a broadcast receiving device for receiving broadcast audio and images. Connected to
Data recording that receives from the user interface data recording reservation information describing conditions for recording audio and / or image data, including at least information indicating the recording start time and recording end time of the audio and / or image data to be broadcast Reservation information input part,
A simultaneous data recording number receiving unit that receives information indicating the number of audio and image data that can be written to each recording medium substantially simultaneously from each data recording device;
From each data recording device, information indicating the number of audio or image data that each data recording device is scheduled to write to each recording medium between the recording start time and the recording end time indicated by the data recording reservation information. A data recording reservation number receiving section to receive;
Data in which the number of audio and image data scheduled to be written to the recording medium between the recording start time and the recording end time indicated by the data recording reservation information is smaller than the number of audio and image data that can be written substantially simultaneously. A data recording destination selecting unit that selects a data storage device selected from the recording devices as a data recording device that records voice and image data between a recording start time and a recording end time indicated by the data recording reservation information When,
From each receiving device, a receiving schedule receiving unit that receives information indicating that each receiving device receives a sound or an image between a recording start time and a recording end time indicated by the data recording reservation information;
The recording start time indicated by the data recording reservation information is a receiving device selected from the receiving devices that are not scheduled to receive audio or images between the recording start time indicated by the data recording reservation information and the recording end time. A receiver selection unit that selects a receiving device that receives audio and images between the recording end time and the recording end time;
In order to cause the selected receiving device to receive sound and / or image according to the conditions described in the data recording reservation information, and to transmit the received sound and / or image data to the selected data recording device A reception request transmitter for transmitting the reception request of
To cause the selected data recording device to receive voice and image data from the selected receiving device and to record the received voice and image data according to the conditions described in the data recording reservation information A recording request transmission unit for transmitting the recording request of
A data recording control device comprising: At least one receiving device having a broadcast receiving device for receiving broadcast audio and images; and a recording medium for receiving the audio and image data received by the receiving device via a network and recording the data It is connected to at least one data recording device via a network so that communication is possible.
Data recording reservation information input that receives from the user interface data recording reservation information that describes the conditions for recording sound and image data, including at least information indicating the recording start time and recording end time of the sound and image data And
A data recording number receiving unit that receives information indicating the number of audio and image data that each data recording device can write in parallel on each recording medium from each data recording device;
From each data recording device, information indicating the number of audio or image data that each data recording device is scheduled to write to each recording medium between the recording start time and the recording end time indicated by the data recording reservation information. A data recording reservation number receiving section to receive;
The number of audio and image data to be written to the recording medium between the recording start time and the recording end time indicated by the data recording reservation information is smaller than the number of audio and image data that can be written in parallel. A data recording destination candidate storage unit for storing identification information of the data recording device as a candidate of a data recording device for recording audio or image data between a recording start time and a recording end time indicated by the data recording reservation information; ,
A display unit for displaying a display screen for selecting one data recording device from the plurality of candidates when there are a plurality of data recording device candidates stored by the data recording destination candidate storage unit. A data recording control device. At least one receiving device having a broadcast receiving device for receiving broadcast audio and images; and a recording medium for receiving the audio and image data received by the receiving device via a network and recording the data It is connected to at least one data recording device via a network so that communication is possible.
Data recording reservation information input that receives from the user interface data recording reservation information that describes the conditions for recording sound and image data, including at least information indicating the recording start time and recording end time of the sound and image data And
A data recording number receiving unit that receives information indicating the number of audio and image data that each data recording device can write in parallel on each recording medium from each data recording device;
From each data recording device, information indicating the number of audio or image data that each data recording device is scheduled to write to each recording medium between the recording start time and the recording end time indicated by the data recording reservation information. A data recording reservation number receiving section to receive;
The number of audio and image data to be written to the recording medium between the recording start time and the recording end time indicated by the data recording reservation information is smaller than the number of audio and image data that can be written in parallel. A data recording destination candidate storage unit for storing identification information of the data recording device as a candidate of a data recording device for recording audio or image data between a recording start time and a recording end time indicated by the data recording reservation information; ,
A data recording control device comprising: a control unit that enables selection of whether or not to make a recording reservation using the identification information stored in the data recording destination candidate storage unit. The data recording control device according to claim 13, wherein
The control unit performs control so that a selection screen as to whether or not to make a recording reservation using the identification information is displayed on the same display screen, and the recording reservation is made via the same display screen. Data recording control device. The data recording control device according to claim 13 or 14,
The number of audio and image data to be written to the recording medium between the recording start time and the recording end time indicated by the data recording reservation information is determined by the CPU performance of the data recording control device, the network A data recording control apparatus, wherein control is performed so as to be determined using information relating to the bandwidth of the recording medium.

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