JP4551951B2 - Content reproduction terminal device, content reproduction method and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a content reproduction terminal device, a content reproduction method, and a program for reproducing recorded content.

  In order to improve convenience when the user selects content that the user wants to view from the content recorded in the recording device, there is a conventional technique that informs the user of information related to content that the user does not view.

  As such a first prior art, there is a digital recording / reproducing apparatus that searches for unreproduced digital data among digital data recorded on a recording medium and displays a title of the unreproduced digital data (for example, Patent Document 1).

  As a second conventional technique, when creating a recording file for storing the received moving image data, a property file for storing the usage status of the recording file, such as the number of times of reproduction and a reproduction position, is created. There is a file management system that presents the usage status of a recorded file with an icon corresponding to the usage status (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

  As a third prior art, in a video playback device that receives recorded program information by connecting to a recording / playback device, a dialog asking the user whether to play the recorded program is displayed together with the recorded program information at startup. There is a method for reproducing a recorded program (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

  Further, as a fourth conventional technique, there is an unreproduced recording notification device that can be connected to a recording / reproduction device via a network and displays that there is an unreproduced recording when the unreproduced recording exists in the recording / reproduction device. (For example, refer to Patent Document 4).

JP 2001-167565 A JP 2002-16866 A JP 2002-185904 A JP 2002-218369 A

  In the future, each home will be connected to a network that includes personal computers and information appliances that can be connected to the network, and ubiquitous that will seamlessly connect to computer networks including the Internet, both inside and outside the home. : Uneven distribution). Along with this, it is conceivable to create a “server / client application” that can use information of a server that provides a plurality of applications and devices that can be connected to the network. In the future, devices that can be connected to the network will not only create content in accordance with user operation instructions, but also automatically create content that is optimal for the user, such as the user's viewing history. Based on this, a recording device that automatically records without a reservation operation by the user appears.

  On a network using such a device, the user overflows with a large amount of content that is not perceived by the user. Therefore, it is impractical to use a method in which the user connects to each device and confirms the content one by one. It is believed that there is. Multiple application software for viewing television content, recording content on video, viewing content recorded on video, and viewing content such as photo albums (hereinafter simply referred to as “application”) The content provided to the user in the device handling is not limited to the unviewed content of the video, but currently provided content and updated photo album information, music, news, emails, messages, Various contents such as text data are assumed.

  When a user connects to a server from a client machine such as a personal computer in order to use the server application, the user can connect to the server by providing the application provided by the server as new arrival information in a lump. This makes it easy to recognize what to use, and makes it easier to use the application with the new arrival information as the starting point. Such a thing cannot be achieved by the above-described configuration of the prior art.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a content playback terminal device, a content playback method, and a program capable of playing back and displaying newly arrived information of recorded content in a display form represented by frame configuration information.

The present invention is a content playback terminal device connected via a network line to a content management device for recording a plurality of different types of content and generating a newly recorded content list,
A time measuring means for measuring time;
Request means for transmitting a new arrival information output request signal to the content management device at predetermined time intervals based on the time measuring means;
Receiving means for receiving a content list transmitted from the content management device;
A content reproduction terminal device including display means for displaying a received content list.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that the request means transmits a new arrival information output request signal to the content management device based on activation of the content reproduction terminal device.

  Further, the present invention is characterized by comprising application activation means for activating a network browser, and the request means transmits a new arrival information output request signal to the content management apparatus based on the activation of the network browser.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that the new arrival information output request signal is a URL including a content type.

The present invention also provides a content playback method for playing back content by a content playback terminal connected via a network line to a content management device that records a plurality of different types of content and generates a newly recorded content list. Because
Time is measured by the timer,
A new arrival information output request signal is transmitted to the content management device at a predetermined time interval based on the time measured by the time measuring unit,
The content list transmitted from the content management device is received by the receiving unit,
A content reproduction method characterized by displaying a received content list on a display unit.

  The present invention is also a program for causing a computer to execute each procedure of the content reproduction method.

  According to the present invention, the content output means outputs the content to the terminal device that has requested the content output in response to the content output request from the playback terminal device having a function of playing back the content. Thus, the playback terminal device requests the content output based on the new arrival information, receives the new arrival content recorded in the recording means, and causes the terminal display means provided in the playback terminal device to display the content. be able to. The user can easily view the content recorded on the recording means and displayed on the terminal display means of the playback terminal device.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the request means transmits a new arrival information output request signal to the content management device based on the activation of the content reproduction terminal device, the user does not perform an operation for requesting new arrival information. Information can be easily confirmed.

  According to the present invention, there is provided an application activation means for activating a network browser, and the request means transmits a new arrival information output request signal to the content management apparatus by the activation of the network browser. When the network browser is activated, a new arrival information output request signal is transmitted to the content management apparatus. Thus, the user can easily confirm the new arrival information without performing an operation for requesting the new arrival information.

  According to the present invention, since the new arrival information output request signal is a URL including a content type, the new arrival information corresponding to the URL that is the location of the resource on the Internet can be generated and displayed.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image recording / playback apparatus 1 provides content from a plurality of broadcast stations 20 that provides content that changes over time, such as moving images including moving images and sounds, according to a provision schedule that is divided into preset provision time frames. And the acquired content is displayed on the display device 21 connected to the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1. The image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 records the acquired content, reproduces the recorded content, and causes the display device 21 to display the recorded content. The image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 includes an image input / output unit 2, an on-screen display generation unit 3, a recording unit 4, a program memory 5, a data memory 6, an instruction input unit 7, a timing unit 8, a communication unit 9, and a memory card connection unit 10. The central control unit 11 is included.

The image input / output unit 2 includes an analog TV tuner 2a, an AD converter 2b, an MPEG2 encoder 2c, an MPEG2 decoder 2d, and a DA converter 2e. The image input / output unit 2 is connected to an antenna 2 f for receiving analog television broadcast radio waves from the broadcast station 20. The image input / output unit 2 includes a display device 21 realized by, for example, a television receiver and an analog video tape recorder (not shown).
Recorder (abbreviation: VTR) and the like are provided with an analog image output terminal and an analog audio output terminal, an analog image input terminal and an analog audio input terminal. Hereinafter, these input terminals and output terminals may be collectively referred to as analog input / output terminals.

  The content from each broadcast station 20 is provided by analog television broadcast waves of a carrier frequency corresponding to the channel allocated to each broadcast station 20, and the analog TV tuner 2a receives analog television from the selected broadcast station 20. John broadcast radio waves, in other words, analog television broadcast radio waves having a carrier frequency corresponding to the selected channel are received and amplified via the antenna 2f. Further, the analog television tuner 2a performs detection to extract an analog content signal that is included in the received analog television broadcast radio wave and represents the content. The analog content signal detected by the analog TV tuner 2a may be provided to the display device 21 and the VTR connected to the AD converter 2a and the analog input / output terminal. The content is acquired as analog data by the analog TV tuner 2a.

  The AD converter 2b performs analog to digital (abbreviation: AD) conversion for converting an analog content signal into a digital content signal. The analog content signal may be supplied from a VTR connected to the analog TV tuner 2a and an analog input / output terminal. The digital content signal is given to the MPEG2 encoder 2c and the central control unit 11. The content is converted into digital data by AD conversion by the AD converter 2b.

  The MPEG2 encoder 2c encodes the digital content signal based on the MPEG2 standard to generate an encoded content signal. The digital content signal may be supplied from the AD converter 2b. The encoded content signal may be provided to the recording unit 4, the communication unit 9, and the memory card connection unit 10 via the central control unit 11. The content is encoded by the MPEG2 encoder 2c.

  The MPEG2 decoder 2d decodes the encoded content signal encoded according to the MPEG2 standard to generate a digital content signal. The encoded content signal may be provided from the recording unit 4, the communication unit 9, and the memory card connection unit 10. The digital content signal may be provided to the DA converter 2e. The contents are combined by the MPEG2 decoder 2d and converted into digital data.

  The DA converter 2e performs digital to analog (abbreviation: DA) conversion for converting a digital content signal into an analog content signal. The digital content signal may be supplied from the MPEG2 decoder 2d. The analog content signal may be supplied to the display device 21 and the VTR connected to the analog input / output terminal. The content is DA converted by the DA converter 2a to be converted into analog data.

  The display device 21 receives content from the image recording device 1 by an analog content signal, displays a moving image as the content, and outputs a sound.

  The image input / output unit 2 further includes a digital television tuner that performs detection to extract a digital content signal that is included in the digital television broadcast wave from the broadcast station 20 and is received via the antenna 2f and that represents the content. It may be. In this case, the digital content signal is an encoded content signal that is encoded based on the MPEG2 standard. The encoded content signal may be provided to the MPEG2 decoder 2d or to the recording unit 4 via the central control unit 11. In this way, content may be acquired as digital data.

The image input / output unit 2 includes, for example, a hard disk recorder (Hard Disk Recorder) and a personal video recorder (Personal Video Recorder) capable of recording content in a digital manner.
Recorder: Digital image input / output terminal and digital audio input / output terminal that can be connected to a recorder (abbreviation: PVR) and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) recorder (hereinafter these terminals may be collectively referred to as “digital input / output terminals”). .) May be provided. In this case, the content may be provided to a digital video recorder connected to the digital input / output terminal by a digital content signal.

  An on-screen display (abbreviation: OSD) generation unit 3 is controlled by the central control unit 11 and is combined with an analog data format content output from the image input / output unit 2 to the display device 21 for display. Composite data to be displayed on the device 21 is generated.

The recording unit 4 includes, for example, means using a fixed magnetic recording medium such as a hard disk drive (abbreviation: HDD), and a digital multi-function disk (Digital
This is realized by means using a removable optical recording medium such as Versatile Disk (abbreviation: DVD). The recording unit 4 includes an image data recording unit 4a and an index data recording unit 4b. The encoded content is recorded in the image data recording unit 4a. The encoded content may be provided from the image input / output unit 2 and the memory card connection unit 10. In the index data recording unit 4b, an index including recording information such as a recording address, a recording date and time, a channel and an encoding bit rate, and a title of the content of the encoded content is recorded. The recording unit 4 is controlled by a central control unit 11 described later.

  The instruction input unit 7 is realized by a remote control receiving unit that receives a remote control signal from a keyboard and a remote controller (abbreviation: remote control) 22. The instruction input unit 7 receives various input commands by user input operations.

The program memory 5 is, for example, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable
It is realized by rewritable non-volatile memory such as Read-Only Memory) and flash memory. The program memory 5 includes a recording / playback control program 5a, an image conversion program 5b, an EPG acquisition program 5c, a recording reservation control program 5d, a keyword reservation control program 5e, a recommended reservation control program 5f, and a photo that can be executed by the central control unit 11. An album control program 5g, a preference data extraction program 5h, an EPG display program 5i, and an HTTP server program 5j are stored. Detailed description of each of the programs 5a to 5j will be described later.

  The data memory 6 is realized by a volatile memory such as a random access memory (abbreviation: RAM). The data memory 6 includes a recording / reproduction reservation data storage unit 6a, an EPG data storage unit 6b, a keyword data storage unit 6c, and a preference data storage unit 6d.

  The recording / reproduction reservation data storage unit 6a stores reservation information necessary for recording reservation for reserving recording of content from the broadcasting station 20 in the recording unit 4. The keyword data storage unit 6 c stores a preference keyword related to the user input from the instruction input unit 7. The preference data storage unit 6d stores preference data based on the usage status of the user.

  The EPG data storage unit 6b stores an electronic program guide (abbreviation: EPG) stored in an EPG server 27 connected via the Internet 25. The broadcast station 20 provides content by transmitting analog television broadcast radio waves in accordance with a provision schedule represented by the EPG and divided into preset provision time frames. More specifically, the EPG has an index including keywords such as the title, genre, and performer name of the content provided in each provision time frame for each channel corresponding to the carrier frequency. The EPG may be superimposed on the digital content signal from the broadcast station 20 and supplied to the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1. In this case, the EPG is extracted from the digital content signal by the image input / output unit 2, and the extracted EPG is stored in the EPG data storage unit 6b. Further, the EPG may be provided to the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 by being superimposed on a vertical blanking interval (abbreviation: VBI) of a video signal in an analog television broadcast radio wave from the broadcast station 20. In this case, the EPG is extracted from the VBI of the video signal by the image input / output unit 2, and the extracted EPG is stored in the EPG data storage unit 6b.

  The keyword data storage unit 6 c stores the preference keywords input from the instruction input unit 7. The preference data storage unit 6d stores preference data. The preference data is set based on the usage status of the user. The preference data may be input from the instruction input unit 7. The preference data is, for example, a genre that the user is interested in, a title of content that is recorded frequently.

  The timer unit 8 is realized by, for example, a real time clock (abbreviation: RTC). The timer unit 8 gives the central controller 11 time information including a system clock that is a reference for operations of the central controller 11, the program memory 5 and the data memory 6, and the current time.

  The communication unit 9 is communicable by connecting to a first personal computer (hereinafter abbreviated as “first PC”) 24 and a recording terminal device 29 via a local area network (abbreviation: LAN) 23. It is. The communication unit 9 can communicate with the second personal computer (hereinafter abbreviated as “second PC”) 26, the EPG server 27, and the mobile phone device 28 via the Internet 25. The communication unit 9 also has a gateway function and a routing function that allow the first PC 24 connected via the LAN 23 to connect to the second PC 26, the EPG server 27, and the mobile phone device 28 via the Internet 25 to communicate. . Each of the first and second PCs 24 and 26 and the recording terminal device 29 may be one or plural.

  The communication unit 9 may have a firewall function that prevents unauthorized data from entering from a communication terminal device such as a personal computer connected via the Internet 25. The LAN 23 may be wired or wireless.

  The memory card connection unit 10 is detachably connectable with a memory card including a rewritable nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory. The memory card is connected to the memory card connection unit 10 by mounting it, and information stored in the memory card is read out or information is stored in the memory card under the control of the central control unit 11. The memory card may store, for example, photo data representing a still image taken by a digital still camera.

  The central control unit 11 is realized by, for example, a central processing unit (abbreviation: CPU), is driven based on time information from the time measuring unit 8, and is stored in the program memory 5 with each program 5a to 5j. To execute various processes.

  The central control unit 11 executes the recording / reproduction control program 5a to thereby reserve the content to be reserved in accordance with the input command from the instruction input unit 7 and the reservation information stored in the recording / reproduction reservation data storage unit 6a of the data memory 6. The image input / output unit 2 and the recording unit 4 are controlled so as to be acquired and recorded in the image data recording unit 4a. At this time, the central control unit 11 controls the recording unit 4 so as to record an index related to the content recorded in the image data recording unit 4a in the index data recording unit 4b. In addition, the central control unit 11 executes the recording / reproduction control program 5a, and in accordance with an input command indicating that the content recorded in the image data recording unit 4a is reproduced from the instruction input unit 7, the image data recording unit The image input / output unit 2 and the recording unit 4 are controlled so that the content recorded in 4a is displayed and output on the display device 21. At this time, the content recorded in the recording unit 4 is given to the MPEG2 decoder 2d, decoded, further given to the DA converter 2e, DA-converted, and given from the analog input / output terminal to the display device 21.

  When the image input / output unit 2 includes a digital input / output terminal, the central control unit 11 executes the recording / playback control program 5a so that the content recorded in the recording unit 4 does not pass through the DA converter 2e. Further, it may be provided to a digital video recorder connected to the digital input / output terminal.

  The central control unit 11 executes the image conversion program 5b to change, for example, the encoding bit rate or convert the encoding method from MPEG2 to MPEG4 for the content recorded in the recording unit 4. Perform image conversion processing. Further, the central control unit 11 controls the recording unit 4 to record the content subjected to the image conversion processing as described above by executing the recording / playback control program 5a, or is connected via the LAN 23. You may control the communication part 9 to give to 2nd PC26 connected via 1st PC24 and the internet 25. FIG.

  The central control unit 11 controls the communication unit 9 to acquire the EPG accumulated in the EPG server 27 connected via the Internet 25 by executing the EPG acquisition program 5c, and the acquired EPG is stored in the data. The data is stored in the EPG data storage unit 6b of the memory 6. When the EPG is supplied to the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 by superimposing it on the digital content signal from the broadcast station 20, the central control unit 11 executes the EPG acquisition program 5c to extract the EPG from the digital content signal. In addition, the image input / output unit 2 is controlled, and the extracted EPG is stored in the EPG data storage unit 6b.

  By executing the EPG display program 5i, the central control unit 11 processes the EPG stored in the EPG data storage unit 6b into a list form that can be easily understood by the user, and outputs an image input / output unit. 2 controls the OSD generation unit 3 so as to be superimposed on the content given to the display device 21. As a result, the content on which the EPG list is superimposed is displayed on the display device 21.

  When the user performs an input operation on the remote controller 22 and the instruction input unit 7 and an input command is input, the central control unit 11 executes the recording reservation control program 5d and displays the list on the display device 21. The OSD generation unit 3 is controlled so that a cursor is formed on the screen and the cursor is moved according to the input command. When the desired content is designated by the user's input operation, the central control unit 11 executes the recording reservation control program 5d and designates the designated content based on the EPG stored in the EPG data storage unit 6b. Reservation information including the recording start date and time, the recording end date and time, the channel and the like are stored in the recording / reproduction reservation data storage unit 6a.

  When the user performs an input operation on the remote controller 22 and the instruction input unit 7 and reservation information including content recording start date and time, recording end date and time, channel, scheduled recording image quality, and recording or viewing distinction is input, the central control is performed. The unit 11 executes the recording reservation control program 5d and stores the reservation information in the recording / reproduction reservation data storage unit 6a. When a user operates the first PC 24, the second PC 26, and the mobile phone device 28 to input reservation information, and the recording reservation is given to the communication unit 9 via the LAN 23 and the Internet 25, the central control unit 11 The recording reservation control program 5d is executed to store the recording reservation in the recording / reproducing reservation data storage unit 6a. In this way, manual reservation is performed.

  The central control unit 11 searches the EPG stored in the EPG data storage unit 6b based on the preference keyword stored in the keyword data storage unit 6c of the data memory 6 by executing the keyword reservation control program 5e. Then, the content corresponding to the index including the preference keyword is extracted, and reservation information including the content provision time frame and the channel is stored in the recording / playback reservation data storage unit 6a. In this way, keyword reservation is performed. At this time, the recording start date and time is the content provision start date and time in the provision time frame, and the recording end date and time is the content provision end date and time in the provision time frame.

  The central control unit 11 searches the EPG data storage unit 6b based on the preference data stored in the preference data storage unit 6d of the data memory 6 by executing the recommended reservation control program 5f, and the preference data The content corresponding to the index including is extracted, and the reservation information including the provision time frame and the channel of the content is stored in the recording / reproduction reservation data storage unit 6a. In this way, a recommended reservation is made. At this time, the recording start date and time is the content provision start date and time in the content provision time frame, and the recording end date and time is the content provision end date and time in the provision time frame.

  The central control unit 11 records the photo data stored in the memory card read by the memory card connection unit 10 in the recording unit 4 by executing the photo album control program 5g. Further, the central control unit 11 displays the photo data recorded in the recording unit 4 in a list form on the display device 21, the first PC 24, the second PC 26, and the mobile phone device 28 by executing the photo album control program 5g. Create photo album data that you can. The photo album data generated in this way can be given to the first PC 24 and the recording terminal device 29 connected via the LAN 23, and the second PC 26 and the mobile phone device 28 connected via the Internet 25.

  The central control unit 11 generates the preference data based on the usage status of the user by executing the preference data extraction program 5h, and stores the preference data in the preference data storage unit 6d of the data memory 6. This preference data is used when a recommended reservation is made.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the application menu M1 displayed on the display device 21. As shown in FIG. On the display screen of the display device 21, a predetermined first direction parallel to the display screen is an upward direction, a direction opposite to the first direction is a downward direction, parallel to the display screen and in the first direction. The perpendicular second direction is the right direction, and the direction opposite to the second direction is the left direction.

  When the user presses a menu button provided on the remote controller 22, an input command indicating the display of the application menu M1 is given to the instruction input unit 7. Based on the input command, the central control unit 11 generates display data representing the application menu M1 and supplies the display data to the display device 21 via the image input / output unit 2. As a result, an application menu M1 as shown in FIG.

  The application menu M1 has a status display area A1, an item display area A2, an item explanation display area A3, a content display area A4, and an operation explanation display area A5. The status display area A1 is arranged at the upper end on the display screen. Status information such as menu title, recording mode, recordable time, and current date and time is displayed in the status display area A1. The item display area A2 is arranged on the right side of the center part on the display screen. In the item display area A2, menu items including a television H1, a program guide H2, a program navigation H3, a video H4, a reservation H5, the Internet H6, a photo album H7 and a setting H8 are arranged and displayed in a matrix.

  The item explanation display area A3 is arranged on the upper left side of the display screen. In the item explanation display area A3, an explanation related to the menu item selected by the cursor C being superimposed is displayed. The content display area A4 is arranged on the display screen near the lower left end. Content provided from the broadcast station 20 corresponding to the currently selected channel is displayed in the content display area A4. The operation explanation display area A5 is arranged at the lower end on the display screen. In the operation explanation display area A5, an operation explanation corresponding to a button provided on the remote controller 22 is displayed.

  When the application menu M1 shown in FIG. 2 is displayed on the display device 21, the user can move the displayed cursor C up, down, left, and right by operating a cursor button provided on the remote controller 22. . The user operates the remote controller 22 to move the cursor C to an item displayed in the item display area A2 and superimpose it on any one of the desired menu items to select the menu item. Further, in this state, the user presses a determination button provided on the remote controller 22 to determine the selected menu item, and displays various menus to be described later associated with the selected menu item on the display device 21. Can be displayed.

  Thereafter, operating the cursor button of the remote controller 22 to place the cursor C on an item or the like displayed on the display screen may be simply referred to as “select”. In addition, pressing an enter button on the remote controller 22 while an item or the like is selected may be simply referred to as “determine”.

  When the application menu M1 shown in FIG. 2 is displayed on the display device 21, when the user selects and determines the television H1, the central control unit 11 selects the channel currently selected by the image input / output unit 2. The image input / output unit 2 is controlled so that the content provided from the broadcasting station 20 corresponding to the above is displayed on the entire display screen of the display device 21. As a result, the content is displayed on the entire display screen of the display device 21.

  When the application menu M1 shown in FIG. 2 is displayed on the display device 21, when the user selects and determines the Internet H6, the central control unit 11 stores content servers connected via the Internet 25. The communication unit 9 is controlled so as to acquire the web content being stored. The central control unit 11 also controls the image input / output unit 2 to display the acquired web content on the display device 21. As a result, the web content is displayed on the display device 21.

  When the application menu M1 shown in FIG. 2 is displayed on the display device 21, when the user selects and determines the photo album H7, the central control unit 11 stores the photo album control program stored in the program memory 5. 5g is executed, and the photo data recorded and stored in the memory card attached to the recording unit 4 and the memory card connection unit 10 is displayed on the display device 21, the first PC 24, the second PC 26, and the mobile phone device 28. Photo album data is generated. As a result, the photo album data can be displayed on the display unit 21 and the display units (not shown) of the first PC 24, the second PC 26, and the mobile phone device 28.

  When the application menu M1 shown in FIG. 2 is displayed on the display device 21, when the user selects and determines the setting H8, the central control unit 11 displays an image so as to display various setting menus on the display device 21. The input / output unit 2 is controlled. As a result, the setting menu is displayed on the display device 21.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the channel-specific program guide M2 displayed on the display device 21. As shown in FIG. When the application menu M1 shown in FIG. 2 is displayed on the display device 21, when the user selects and decides the program guide H2, the central control unit 11 executes the EPG display program 5i to execute the program guide for each channel. The image input / output unit 2 is controlled to display M2 on the display device 21. As a result, a channel-specific program guide M2 as shown in FIG.

  The channel-specific program guide M2 has a status display area A1, an item explanation display area A3, a content display area A4, an operation explanation display area A5, and a program guide display area A6. The status display area A1, the item explanation display area A3, the content display area A4, and the operation explanation display area A5 are the same as the application menu M1 shown in FIG. Omitted. The program guide display area A6 is arranged on the right side of the center part on the display screen. In the program guide display area A6, the name of the currently selected channel is displayed. In the program guide display area A6, a program guide in the form of a list is displayed in which the provision time frames and titles of the contents provided on the channel are arranged in time series in the vertical direction. Also, in the program guide display area A6, a recommendation mark E1 is added to the content with a high recommendation level set by a predetermined method.

  When the channel-specific program guide M2 shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the display device 21, the user can move the displayed cursor C up and down by operating the cursor button of the remote controller 22. When the user operates the remote controller 22 to select a title of content displayed in the program guide display area A6, an index corresponding to the selected content is displayed in the item explanation display area A3. When the user operates the cursor button of the remote controller 22, it is possible to display the program guide of the content provided on other channels in the program guide display area A6. Further, when the user operates the cursor button of the remote controller 22, the program guide of the content provided in another provision time frame can be displayed.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the program navigation M3 displayed on the display device 21. As shown in FIG. When the application menu M1 shown in FIG. 2 is displayed on the display device 21, when the user selects and decides the program navigation H3, the central control unit 11 executes the EPG display program 5i to display the program navigation M3. The image input / output unit 2 is controlled to display on the display device 21. As a result, a program navigation M3 as shown in FIG.

  The program navigation M3 has a status display area A1, an item explanation display area A3, a content display area A4, an operation explanation display area A5, and a recommended program guide display area A7. The status display area A1, the item explanation display area A3, the content display area A4, and the operation explanation display area A5 are the same as the above-mentioned channel-specific program table M2 shown in FIG. Description is omitted. The recommended program guide display area A7 is arranged on the right side of the center of the display screen. In the recommended program guide display area A7, a program guide in a list form in which provision time slots and titles of recommended contents are arranged in chronological order in the vertical direction is displayed. In the recommended program guide display area A7, the content is displayed with a recommendation mark E1 added according to the recommendation level. The recommended content is extracted from the EPG stored in the EPG data storage unit 6b by the central control unit 11 based on the preference data stored in the preference data storage unit 6d of the data memory 6. Content corresponding to an index including

  When the program navigation M3 shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the display device 21, the user can move the displayed cursor C up and down by operating the cursor button of the remote controller 22. When the user operates the remote controller 22 to select a title of recommended content displayed in the recommended program guide display area A7, an index corresponding to the selected recommended content is displayed in the item explanation display area A3. The

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a record list M4 displayed on the display device 21. As shown in FIG. When the application menu M1 shown in FIG. 2 is displayed on the display device 21, when the user selects and determines the video H4, the central control unit 11 executes the recording / playback control program 5a and The image input / output unit 2 is controlled to display the recording list M4 on the display device 21 with reference to the information stored in the index data recording unit 4b. As a result, a record list M4 as shown in FIG.

  The record list M4 has a status display area A1, a content display area A4, an operation explanation display area A5, a record list display area A8, and an item explanation display area A9. Since the status display area A1, the item explanation display area A9, the content display area A4, and the operation explanation display area A5 are the same as the above-described channel-specific program table M2 shown in FIG. Description is omitted. The record list display area A8 is arranged at the center of the display screen. In the recording list display area A8, a recording list in the form of a list in which the provision time frames and titles of the contents recorded in the recording unit 4 are arranged in time series in the vertical direction is displayed. In the recording list display area A8, the currently recorded content is displayed with a recording mark E2 indicating that recording is currently being performed. Further, in the recording list display area A8, a deletion prohibition mark E3 indicating that deletion from the recording unit 4 is prohibited is displayed and displayed on the content for which deletion prohibition is set. Further, in the recording list display area A8, the content that has not been played back by the user since being recorded in the recording unit 4 is displayed with a NEW mark E7 indicating that it has not been played back. In the recording list display area A8, overwritten content is displayed with an overwrite mark E4 indicating that the content of the same title recorded in the recording unit 4 is overwritten and recorded.

  When the recording list M4 shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display device 21, the user can move the displayed cursor C up and down by operating the cursor button of the remote controller 22. When the user operates the remote controller 22 to select and determine the title of the content displayed in the recording list display area A8, the determined content is reproduced and the content is displayed on the display device 21. . The NEW mark E7 is removed from the content that has been reproduced even once.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a reservation method selection menu M5 displayed on the display device 21. As shown in FIG. When the application menu M1 shown in FIG. 2 is displayed on the display device 21, when the user selects and decides the program navigation H3, the central control unit 11 executes the recording reservation control program 5d to select a reservation method. The image input / output unit 2 is controlled to display the menu M5 on the display device 21. As a result, a reservation method selection menu M5 as shown in FIG.

  The reservation method selection menu M5 includes a status display area A1, an operation explanation display area A5, and an option display area A10. The status display area A1 and the operation explanation display area A5 are the same as the channel-specific program table M2 shown in FIG. 3 described above. The option display area A10 is arranged at the center of the display screen. In the option display area A10, there are options of a reservation Y1 from the program guide, a reservation Y2 from the program navigation, a manual reservation Y3 and a keyword reservation Y4, and a reservation confirmation Y5 for confirming the reserved contents. Is displayed.

  When the reservation method selection menu M5 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display screen of the display device 21, the user moves the displayed cursor C up and down by operating the cursor button of the remote controller 22. Can do. The user can operate the remote controller 22 to select and determine any one of the options Y1 to Y5 displayed in the option display area A10. When options are determined in this way, a menu corresponding to the determined options is displayed.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic procedure for recording reservation and a displayed menu. When the reservation method selection menu M5 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display device 21, when the user selects and determines the reservation Y1 from the program guide, the central control unit 11 executes the recording reservation control program 5d. Then, the image input / output unit 2 is controlled to display the channel-specific program guide M3 on the display device 21. As a result, the channel-specific program guide M3 shown in FIG. When the channel-specific program guide M3 is displayed, if the user selects and decides the content to be reserved for recording, the recording reservation for the determined content is registered. When the reservation method selection menu M5 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display device 21, when the user selects and decides the reservation Y2 from the program navigation, the program navigation M3 shown in FIG. 4 is displayed. When the user selects and decides the content to be reserved for recording in the state where the program navigation M3 is displayed, the recording reservation for the determined content is registered.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a manual reservation registration menu M6 displayed on the display device 21. As shown in FIG. When the reservation method selection menu M5 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display device 21, when the user selects and determines the manual reservation Y3, the central control unit 11 executes the recording reservation control program 5d, The image input / output unit 2 is controlled to display the manual reservation registration menu M6 on the display device 21. As a result, the manual reservation registration menu M6 shown in FIG. The manual reservation registration menu M6 has a status display area A1, an operation explanation display area A5, and an input form display area A11. The status display area A1 and the operation explanation display area A5 are the same as the channel-specific program table M2 shown in FIG. 3 described above. The input form display area A11 is arranged at the center of the display screen. In the input form display area A11, a program name that is a content title, a recording start date and time at which content recording starts, a recording end date and time at which content recording ends, and a channel for selecting a channel on which the content is provided are selected. Then, an input box for individually inputting the recording type, the recording image quality, and the encoding method conversion is displayed. In the input form display area A11, a “registration” button B1 and a “return” button B2 are displayed.

  When the manual reservation registration menu M6 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the display device 21, the user can move the displayed cursor C up, down, left, and right by operating the cursor button of the remote controller 22. . The user operates the remote controller 22 to select the input boxes displayed in the input form display area A11 in order, and the content title, recording start date / time, recording end date / time, and the content are provided to the selected input box. Input channel, recording type, recording image quality, and encoding system conversion. When the input to all the input boxes is completed and the scheduled recording is registered based on the input content, the user operates the remote controller 22 to display “Register” displayed in the input form display area A11. Select button B1 to confirm. Thus, the input content is registered for reserved recording, and the input content is stored in the recording / playback reservation data recording unit 6a of the data memory 6 as reservation information.

  When the user operates the remote controller 22 to select and determine the “return” button B2 displayed in the input form display area A11, a reservation method selection menu M5 is displayed on the display device 21.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a keyword list M7 displayed on the display device 21. As shown in FIG. When the reservation method selection menu M5 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display device 21, when the user selects and determines the keyword reservation Y4, the central control unit 11 executes the keyword reservation control program 5e, The image input / output unit 2 is controlled to display the keyword list M7 on the display device 21. As a result, the keyword list M7 shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the display device 21. The keyword list M7 has a status display area A1, an operation explanation display area A5, and a keyword list display area A12. The status display area A1 and the operation explanation display area A5 are the same as the channel-specific program table M2 shown in FIG. 3 described above.

  The keyword list display area A12 is arranged at the center of the display screen. In the keyword list display area A12, a preference keyword stored in advance in the keyword data storage unit 6c of the data memory 6 stores a genre corresponding to the preference keyword and a content corresponding to an index including the preference keyword. The reservation setting state and the number of contents corresponding to the index including the preference keyword in the EPG currently stored in the EPG data storage unit 6b of the data memory 6 are displayed in a list form.

  When the keyword list M7 shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the display screen of the display device 21, the user can move the displayed cursor C up and down by operating the cursor button of the remote controller 22. it can.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a keyword editing menu M8 displayed on the display device 21. As shown in FIG. When the keyword list M7 shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the display device 21, when the user operates the remote controller 22 to select and determine a desired keyword, the central control unit 11 reads the keyword reservation control program. 5e is executed to control the image input / output unit 2 to display the keyword editing menu M8 on the display device 21. As a result, a keyword editing menu M8 as shown in FIG. The keyword edit menu M8 has a status display area A1, an operation explanation display area A5, and a keyword edit area A13. The status display area A1 and the operation explanation display area A5 are the same as the channel-specific program table M2 shown in FIG. 3 described above.

  The keyword editing area A13 is arranged at the center on the display screen. In the keyword editing area A13, an input box for inputting a keyword to be registered and edited, a genre corresponding to the keyword, and an action indicating what kind of processing is to be performed on the keyword is displayed. In the keyword editing area A13, an “erase” button B3, a “registration” button B4, and a “return” button B5 are displayed.

  When the keyword editing menu M8 shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the display device 21, the user can move the displayed cursor C up, down, left, and right by operating the cursor button of the remote controller 22. The user operates the remote controller 22 to select the input boxes displayed in the keyword editing area A13 in order, and the preference keyword, the genre corresponding to the preference keyword, and the preference keyword are selected in the selected input box. Input the processing for the content corresponding to the index that contains it. When the input to all the input boxes is completed and the favorite keyword is registered based on the input content, the user operates the remote controller 22 to click the “Register” button B4 displayed in the keyword editing area A13. Select and decide. As a result, the preference keyword is registered and stored in the keyword data storage unit 6 c of the data memory 6.

  When the user operates the remote controller 22 to select and determine the input box, a character input cursor such as “|” is displayed in the input box. At this time, a character input area for temporarily displaying characters for character input is displayed at the bottom of the display screen of the display device 21. The user can input a character assigned in advance to the button or perform kanji conversion by pressing a numeric button or the like provided on the remote controller 22. When a desired character is displayed in the character input area and the user presses the enter button of the remote controller 22, the character displayed in the character input area is displayed in the input box. When the character input to the input box is completed, the user can move the cursor C by pressing the enter button on the remote controller 22.

  When deleting the registered favorite keyword, the user operates the remote controller 22 to input the favorite keyword to be deleted into the input box, and clicks the “delete” button B3 displayed in the keyword editing area A13. Select and decide. As a result, the preference keyword input to the input box is deleted from the keyword data storage unit 6 c of the data memory 6. When the user operates the remote controller 22 to select and determine the “return” button B5 displayed in the keyword editing area A13, the keyword list M7 is displayed on the display device 21.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a reservation confirmation menu M9 displayed on the display device 21. As shown in FIG. When the reservation method selection menu M5 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display device 21, when the user selects and confirms the reservation confirmation Y5, the central control unit 11 executes the recording reservation control program 5d, The image input / output unit 2 is controlled to display the reservation confirmation menu M9 on the display device 21. As a result, the reservation confirmation menu M9 shown in FIG. The reservation confirmation menu M9 has a status display area A1, an operation explanation display area A5, a reservation list display area A14, and a reservation information display area A15. The status display area A1 and the operation explanation display area A5 are the same as the channel-specific program table M2 shown in FIG. 3 described above.

  The reservation list display area A14 is arranged on the upper side of the central portion on the display screen. In the reservation list display area A14, the titles of recording-reserved contents and the recording start date / time included in the reservation information stored in the recording / playback reservation data storage unit 6a of the data memory 6 are arranged in order of the recording start date / time. , Displayed in a list format. In the reservation list display area A14, the currently recorded content is displayed with a recording mark E2 indicating that it is currently being recorded. In the reservation list display area A14, the keyword reserved content is displayed with a keyword reservation mark E5 indicating that it is a recording reservation by keyword reservation. In addition, in the reservation list display area A14, recommended reservation marks E6 indicating that the reservation reservation is a reserved recording are added to the recommended reservation content.

  The reservation information display area A15 is arranged below the reservation list display area A14 on the display screen. In the reservation list display area A14, an index corresponding to the content reserved for recording included in the reservation information stored in the recording / playback reservation data storage unit 6a of the data memory 6 is displayed.

  When the reservation confirmation menu M9 shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the display device 21, the user can move the displayed cursor C up and down by operating the cursor button of the remote controller 22. When the reservation confirmation menu M9 shown in FIG. 11 is displayed, when the user operates the remote controller 22 to select the title of the desired content, the reservation information display area A15 corresponds to the selected content. The index is displayed. When the reservation confirmation menu M9 shown in FIG. 11 is displayed, the user operates the remote controller 22 to select and determine the title of the desired content. As a result, a manual reservation registration menu M6 as shown in FIG.

  When the user presses a function button provided on the remote controller 22, a function menu is displayed on the display device 21 (not shown). In this function menu, a “change reservation content” button, a “display program content” button, a “WEB search” button, a “reservation cancel” button, and a “keyword reservation” button are displayed in order from the top. The user can move the displayed cursor up and down by operating the cursor button of the remote controller 22.

  When the user selects and determines the “change reservation content” button in the function menu, the manual reservation registration menu M6 shown in FIG. For example, when the program navigation M3 shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the display device 21 and a certain content is selected, the user presses the function button and selects the “display program content” button to determine. Then, an index corresponding to the content is displayed on the display device 21 in a dialog form, for example. For example, when the reservation confirmation menu M9 shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the display device 21 and a certain content is selected, the user presses the function button and selects the “WEB search” button to determine. The information related to the content is searched at a search site on the Internet using the title of the content as a search condition, and the search result is displayed on the display device 21.

  For example, when the reservation confirmation menu M9 shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the display device 21 and a certain content is selected, the user presses the function button and selects the “cancel reservation” button to determine. Then, a dialog “Do you want to delete the reservation?” Is displayed on the display device 21. When the user selects and determines the “Yes” button in the dialog, the recording reservation for the content is deleted.

  When the user selects and decides the “keyword reservation” button in the function menu, the keyword list M7 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a reservation duplication confirmation menu M10 displayed on the display device 21 when recording reservations are duplicated. When the content recording reservation is registered, the central control unit 11 executes the recording reservation control program 5d and registers it based on the reservation information stored in the recording / reproduction reservation data storage unit 6a of the data memory 6. It is determined whether or not the content provision time frame overlaps with other registered content provision time frames. When the central control unit 11 determines that the provision time frame of the registered content overlaps with the provision time frame of the other registered content, the central control unit 11 displays the reservation duplication confirmation menu M10. The image input / output unit 2 is controlled as described above. As a result, a reservation duplication confirmation menu M10 as shown in FIG.

  The reservation duplication confirmation menu M10 has a status display area A1, an operation explanation display area A5, and an overlapping content display area A16. The status display area A1 and the operation explanation display area A5 are the same as the channel-specific program table M2 shown in FIG. 3 described above. The overlapping content display area A16 is arranged at the center of the display screen. In the overlapping content display area A16, reservation information including provision time frames and titles of a plurality of contents that are reserved for recording but have overlapping time frames is displayed in a list form. In the overlapping content display area A16, a “Yes” button B6 and a “No” button B7 are displayed below the reservation information.

  When the reservation duplication confirmation menu M10 shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the display device 21, the user can move the displayed cursor C to the left or right by operating the cursor button of the remote controller 22. When the user operates the remote controller 22 to select and decide the “Yes” button B6 displayed on the reservation duplication confirmation menu M10, the recording reservations for a plurality of contents having overlapping provision time frames are registered. be able to. At this time, a recording reservation is executed for a high-priority content set by a predetermined method among a plurality of contents having overlapping provision time frames. When the user operates the remote controller 22 to select and decide the “No” button B7 displayed on the reservation duplication confirmation menu M10, registration of recording reservations for a plurality of contents with overlapping provision time frames is performed. Can be released.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a capacity shortage confirmation menu M <b> 11 displayed on the display device 21 when there is no storage capacity capable of recording the content reserved for recording in the recording unit 4. When the content recording reservation is registered, the central control unit 11 executes the recording reservation control program 5d, the reservation information stored in the recording / reproduction reservation data storage unit 6a of the data memory 6, the recording unit 4, Based on the above, it is determined whether or not the content for which the recording reservation is registered can be recorded in the recording unit 4. When the central control unit 11 determines that the content cannot be recorded in the recording unit 4, the central control unit 11 controls the image input / output unit 2 to display the capacity shortage confirmation menu M11. As a result, a capacity shortage confirmation menu M11 as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the display device 21.

  The capacity shortage confirmation menu M11 has a status display area A1, an operation explanation display area A5, and a recording time display area A17. The status display area A1 and the operation explanation display area A5 are the same as the channel-specific program table M2 shown in FIG. 3 described above. The recording time display area A17 is arranged at the center of the display screen. In the recording time display area A17, the time required for recording and recording the content and the recording time that can be recorded by the recording unit 4 are displayed. In the recording time display area A17, a “Yes” button B8 and a “No” button B9 are displayed below the reservation information.

  When the capacity shortage confirmation menu M <b> 11 shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the display device 21, the user can move the displayed cursor C to the left and right by operating the cursor button of the remote controller 22. When the user operates the remote controller 22 to select and determine the “Yes” button B8 displayed on the capacity shortage confirmation menu M11, the user can register a recording reservation for the content. Further, when the user operates the remote controller 22 to select and decide the “No” button B9 displayed on the capacity shortage confirmation menu M11, the registration of the recording reservation for the content can be cancelled.

  In the present embodiment, the content management apparatus is the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1. The recording means is the recording unit 4. The new arrival information generating means and the editing means are the central control unit 11. The information output unit, the content output unit, and the information acquisition unit are the communication unit 9. The information output unit and the content output unit are also the image input / output unit 2. The new arrival identification storage means is the recording unit 4 and the data memory 6. The display means may be the display device 21, and the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 may include the display device 21. The input means are the instruction input unit 7 and the remote controller 22. The image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 executes a content management method. The communication line includes a LAN 23 and the Internet 25.

  The content is not limited to a moving image including moving images and sound. The content may be information that changes over time, for example, audio. The content also includes data described in a markup language such as HTML such as a still image and web content that does not change over time. Further, the content includes e-mail data, schedule data used by a plurality of users, and a program.

  Hereinafter, information simply referred to as content indicates a moving image including moving images and sound among the aforementioned contents. In addition, among the above-mentioned contents, photo data that does not change with time is grouped in units of groups, and is particularly referred to as “photo album”.

  FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the first PC 24. Since the first PC 24 and the second PC 26 which are terminal devices have the same configuration, only the first PC 24 will be described, and detailed description of the second PC 26 will be omitted. The first PC 24 includes a terminal communication unit 51, a terminal timing unit 52, a terminal input unit 53, a terminal storage unit 54, a terminal image output unit 55, a terminal display unit 56, and a terminal control unit 57.

  The terminal communication unit 51 can communicate with the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 and the recording terminal apparatus 29 via the LAN 23. The terminal communication unit 51 can communicate with the second PC 26, the EPG server 27, and the mobile phone device 28 via the Internet 25. The terminal timing unit 52 is realized by a real time clock, for example. The terminal timing unit 52 gives the terminal image output unit 55 and the terminal control unit 57 time information including a system clock that is a reference for the operation of the terminal image output unit 55 and the terminal control unit 57 and the current time. The terminal input unit 53 is realized by an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse, for example, and is input by a user to receive various requests such as a new arrival information output request, a content editing request, and a content output request.

  The terminal storage unit 54 is realized by, for example, an HDD and a RAM, and temporarily stores various information from the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 and contents from the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 and the recording terminal apparatus 29. The terminal image output unit 55 decodes the content encoded by the MPEG2 standard from the image recording / playback apparatus 1 and the recording terminal apparatus 29, DA-converts the content of the decoded digital data, and converts it into analog data. The content is given to the terminal display unit 56 by the analog content signal. The terminal display unit 56 is realized by a display device including, for example, a cathode ray tube, a liquid crystal panel, and a speaker. The terminal display unit 56 displays a still image such as a moving image and photo data as content provided from the terminal image output unit 55 and outputs sound. Or The terminal control unit 57 is realized by a CPU, for example, and controls the first PC 24 in an integrated manner. Thus, the first PC 24 is also a playback terminal device having a function of playing back content.

In the present embodiment, the requesting means are the terminal communication unit 51, the terminal input unit 53, and the terminal control unit 57. New arrival information receiving means is the terminal communication unit 51. The time measuring means is the terminal time measuring unit 52. The terminal display means is a terminal image output unit 55 and a terminal display unit 56. In the present embodiment, the terminal device is not limited to a personal computer such as the first PC 24 described above. For example, HTML (Hyper Text
Any device capable of displaying information described in Markup Language), for example, a mobile phone device, a personal digital assistant (abbreviation: PDA), a television receiver, a word processor, a facsimile device, a telephone device, and a game machine Etc.

Referring to FIG. 1 again, the central control unit 11 of the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 executes the HTTP server program 5j stored in the program memory 5 to perform the content management method described below. In the present embodiment, at least communication between the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 and the first PC 24, the second PC 26, and the recording terminal apparatus 29 is TCP / IP (
It is performed by the Internet standard protocol called Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol.

  When the user of the first PC 24 performs an input operation on the terminal input unit 53 and inputs a new arrival information output request, a new arrival information output request is given to the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 from the terminal communication unit 51 via the LAN 23. In response to the new arrival information output request from the first PC 24 received by the communication unit 9, the central control unit 11 of the image recording / playback apparatus 1 refers to the recording status stored in the recording unit 4 shown in Table 1 and newly arrives. New arrival information representing a flagged content and photo album is generated. The communication unit 9 outputs the generated new arrival information to the first PC 24 that has requested the new arrival information output.

Such communication between the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 and the first PC 24 is performed using HTTP (Hyper
In the Internet web (World Wide Web; abbreviation: WWW) service called Text Transfer Protocol, a protocol for transmitting / receiving information described in HTML from a web server to a web client is performed. The HTTP server program 5j stored in the program memory 5 of the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 is a CGI (Common
Gateway Interface). The central control unit 11 of the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 always executes the HTTP server program 5j, and outputs information described in the HTML format in response to a request from the first PC 24.

  At this time, the request from the first PC 24 is made by a request by HTTP, and this request is made by a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) which is a description format indicating the location of the resource on the Internet. Therefore, the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 outputs the information corresponding to the requested URL to the requested first PC 24 in the HTML format. Information in the HTML format can be displayed by, for example, a web browser (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “browser”).

  Table 1 is a table showing an example of a recording state of content recorded in the recording unit 4 of the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1.

  In the recording unit 4 of the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1, a plurality of different types of content are recorded as the recording status as shown in Table 1, together with new arrival determination information including the recording date and time of content and the viewing status of content. The recording status includes recording start date / time, recording end date / time, channel, genre, new arrival flag, viewing flag, registrant, and video data. The recording start date and time is the date and time when recording of the content is started. The recording end date and time is the date and time when the content recording is ended. The channel is a channel corresponding to the broadcast station 20 to which content is provided. The genre indicates the genre to which the content belongs. The registrant indicates the user who recorded the content in the recording unit 4 of the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 and the user who reserved recording. The video data is a file name added corresponding to the content in the recording unit 4 of the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1.

  The new arrival flag indicates whether or not a predetermined set time has passed since the recording start date and time of the content. If it has passed, “0” is set, and if it has not passed, “1” is set. Hereinafter, a state where the new arrival flag is set to “1” may be referred to as “new arrival flag is set”. When the content recording is completed, a new arrival flag is set for the content. The new arrival flag is updated, for example, at a frequency of once per hour by the central control unit 11 comparing the current time from the time measuring unit 8 with the recording start date and time of each content in the recording status shown in Table 1. You may go. The new arrival flag may be updated when a new arrival information output request is received from the first PC 24. In the present embodiment, the set time may be one day, that is, 24 hours.

The viewing flag, which is the viewing status of the content, indicates whether or not the content has been viewed by the registrant since it was recorded in the recording unit 4 of the image recording / playback apparatus 1. Is set to “0”, and “1” is set when viewed. When the content is recorded, the viewing flag for the content is set to “0”. Hereinafter, a state where the viewing flag is set to “1” may be referred to as “viewing flag is set”. In addition, for a content for which a viewing flag is set, the new arrival flag may be set to “0” even if a predetermined set time has not passed since the recording end date and time.
Table 2 is a table showing an example of the EPG stored in the EPG data storage unit 6b.

  The EPG includes a program ID, a provision start date, a provision start time, a provision end date, a provision end time, a channel, a genre, and program contents preset for each content. The program ID is a content identification number. The provision start date is the date when the provision of content from the broadcasting station 20 is started. The provision start time is a time at which provision of content from the broadcasting station 20 is started. The provision end date is the date when the provision of content from the broadcasting station 20 ends. The provision end time is a time when the provision of content from the broadcasting station 20 ends. The channel represents a channel corresponding to the broadcasting station 20 where the content is provided. The genre indicates the genre to which the content belongs. The program content indicates the title and content of the content.

  The central control unit 11 of the image recording / playback apparatus 1 controls the communication unit 9 to acquire the EPG stored in the EPG server 27 connected via the Internet 25 by executing the EPG acquisition program 5c. The acquired EPG is stored in the EPG data storage unit 6b of the data memory 6 in the format shown in Table 2. Acquisition of EPG is performed once a day, for example.

  Table 3 is a table showing an example of preference data stored in the preference data storage unit 6 d of the data memory 6.

  The user inputs a preference keyword in advance from the instruction input unit 7 and stores it in the keyword data storage unit 6c. The preference data storage unit 6d stores preference data based on the usage status of the user. As shown in Table 3, the preference data includes, for example, a genre that the user is interested in, a title of content that is frequently recorded, and the like.

When the central control unit 11 acquires the EPG, the central control unit 11 searches the EPG data storage unit 6b based on the preference data stored in the preference data storage unit 6d of the data memory 6 and corresponds to the index including the preference data. Extract content. Further, the central control unit 11 stores recommended program information representing the content extracted in this way in the preference data storage unit 6d.
Table 4 is a table showing an example of photo album information recorded in the recording unit 4.

  The photo album is a collection of a plurality of photo data in units of groups, and is recorded in the recording unit 4 together with photo album information as shown in Table 4. The photo album information includes registration date / time, title, registrant, number of shots, release flag, new arrival flag, and image location. The registration date and time is the date and time when the photo album is recorded in the recording unit 4. The title indicates a name added by the user corresponding to the photo album. The registrant indicates the user who recorded the photo album in the recording unit 4. The number of shots is the number of still images included in the photo album.

  The public flag indicates whether or not to permit output of a photo album to a terminal device connected to the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 via the Internet 25 such as the second PC 26. If not permitted, “0” is set. If set and permitted, “1” is set. Hereinafter, the photo album with the public flag “0” may be referred to as “personal photo album”, and the photo album with the public flag “1” may be referred to as “public photo album”. A state where the public flag is set to “1” may be referred to as “public flag is set”. The setting of the public flag is set by a photo album registrant and a user having administrator authority of the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1.

  The new arrival flag is the same as the new arrival flag shown in Table 1 above. Here, it indicates whether or not a predetermined photo album setting time has passed since the photo album registration date and time. Is set, and “1” is set when it has not passed. When the recording of the photo album ends, a new arrival flag is set in the photo album. In the present embodiment, the new arrival flag of the photo album is updated, for example, once per hour by the central control unit 11 comparing the current time from the time measuring unit 8 with the registration date and time of each photo album. You may go on. The new arrival flag may be updated when a new arrival information output request is received from the first PC 24. In the present embodiment, the photo album setting time may be three days.

  Table 5 is a table showing an example of the correspondence relationship between the IP address and the connection environment of the terminal device to the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1.

  The IP address is address information assigned to each terminal device that communicates with TCP / IP. The correspondence relationship between the IP address as shown in Table 5 and the connection environment of the terminal device to the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 is stored in advance in at least one of the recording unit 4 and the data memory 6. In TCP / IP communication, when a request is made from the terminal device to the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1, the terminal apparatus also adds its own IP address, which is user information, so the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 has requested it. The IP address of the terminal device can be known.

When the central control unit 11 of the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 refers to Table 5 and receives a request from a terminal apparatus having an IP address “127.0.0.1”, the terminal apparatus That is, it judges that it is oneself. The central control unit 11 of the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 refers to Table 5 and receives a request from a terminal apparatus whose IP address is in the range of “192.168.0.1 to 192.168.255.254”. Then, the terminal device is determined to be a terminal device connected via the LAN 23, such as the first PC 24 and the recording terminal device 29 shown in FIG. Further, the central control unit 11 of the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 refers to Table 5, and the IP addresses are “127.0.0.1” and “192.168.0.1 to 192.168.255.254”. If there is a request from a terminal device that is not within the range, it is determined that the terminal device is a terminal device connected via the Internet 25 such as the second PC 26 and the mobile phone device 28 shown in FIG. To do.
Table 6 is a table showing an example of the correspondence between the IP address and the client name.

  In Table 6, the client name is a name given in advance to each terminal device. The client name “server” indicates the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1. The user indicates a user who uses the terminal device having the corresponding client name. Here, for ease of understanding, as shown in Table 6, the user is always specified such that the user “Takeshi” uses the first PC 24 and the user “Daddy” uses the second PC 26. It is assumed that a terminal device is used. The central control unit 11 creates a correspondence relationship between the IP address and the client name as shown in Table 6 and stores it in at least one of the recording unit 4 and the data memory 6.

  Table 7 is a table showing an example of a correspondence relationship between the connection environment of the terminal device and the output permission of newly arrived information. New arrival information includes new arrival video information and new arrival photo album information shown in Table 7.

“New video information” in Table 7 is video information in which the new arrival flag is set to “1” or the viewing flag is set to “0” in the recording status of the content (which is a moving image) shown in Table 1. “New photo album (personal photo album)” is photo album information in which the new arrival flag is set to “1” and the release flag is set to “0” in the photo album information shown in Table 4. The “new photo album (public photo album)” is photo album information in which the new flag is set to “1” and the public flag is set to “1” in the photo album information shown in Table 4. The setting for permitting or not permitting the output of newly arrived video information and newly arrived photo album information in Table 7 is set, for example, by a user having administrator authority of the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1. The terminal information that is the correspondence between the connection environment of the terminal device and the information output permission as shown in Table 7 is stored in at least one of the recording unit 4 and the data memory 6.
Table 8 is a table | surface which shows an example of the correspondence of a terminal device and preference data.

  The central control unit 11 of the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 expands the preference data stored in the preference data storage unit 6d of the data memory 6 as shown in Table 3 for each user, thereby expanding the preference data in Table 8. The correspondence relationship between the terminal device and the preference data as shown is created and stored in the preference data storage unit 6d. Here, for ease of understanding, as shown in Table 8, the user is always specified such that the user “Takeshi” uses the first PC 24 and the user “Daddy” uses the second PC 26. It is assumed that a terminal device is used. In Table 8, the number of keywords and genres can be freely set by the user. Also, the keyword and genre can be changed only for the user's own keyword and genre.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a display form of various types of information including newly arrived information displayed on the terminal display unit 56 of the first PC 24. The central control unit 11 of the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 generates frame configuration information representing a display form of various types of information including newly arrived information by the terminal display unit 56 of the first PC 24. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the central control unit 11 divides the display area F0 of the browser into three frames of a first frame F1, a second frame F2, and a third frame F3, and gives different information to each area. Frame configuration information to be displayed is generated. Recommended program information is displayed in the first frame F1. New video information is displayed in the second frame F2. New photo album information is displayed in the third frame F3.

  When the user performs an input operation on the terminal input unit 53 of the first PC 24 and inputs a URL corresponding to the new arrival information output request, the terminal control unit 57 transmits the URL to the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1. 51 is controlled. The central control unit 11 of the image recording / playback apparatus 1 controls the communication unit 9 to output HTML format frame configuration information to the first PC 24 in response to a new arrival information output request corresponding to the URL from the first PC 24. The terminal control unit 57 of the first PC 24 controls the terminal image output unit 55 to display the frame configuration information received from the terminal communication unit 51 from the image recording / playback apparatus 1 on the browser as shown in FIG. The frame configuration information includes the recommended program information to be displayed in the first frame F1, the new video information to be displayed in the second frame F2, and the new photo album information to be displayed in the third frame F3. A URL corresponding to the information is included. The terminal control unit 57 of the first PC 24 controls the terminal control unit 51 so as to transmit each URL included in the frame configuration information to the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1.

  The central control unit 11 of the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 executes a program described in CGI for generating recommended program information in HTML format, new video information, and new photo album information corresponding to the URL from the first PC 24. . At this time, the central control unit 11 controls the communication unit 9 to output the recommendation information stored in the preference data storage unit 6d to the first PC 24.

  Further, the central control unit 11 of the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 refers to the correspondence between the IP address and the client name shown in Table 6 based on the IP address of the first PC 24, and determines the user and connection environment of the first PC 24. Extract. Based on the extracted connection environment of the first PC 24, the central control unit 11 refers to the correspondence relationship between the connection environment and the information output permission shown in Table 7 and updates the new video information and new photo album information to the first PC 24. Determine whether output is allowed or not. When it is determined that the output of newly arrived video information to the first PC 24 is permitted, the central control unit 11 uses the first PC 24 in the recording status shown in Table 1 based on the extracted user of the first PC 24. New video information representing content having a new arrival flag of “1” or a viewing flag of “0” is generated. Further, in the recording status shown in Table 1, the central control unit 11 matches at least one of the genre and the keyword set for the user in the correspondence relationship between the terminal device shown in Table 8 and the preference data, and newly arrived. Content with a flag may be included in newly arrived video information.

  When it is determined that the output of the new photo album (personal photo album) to the first PC 24 is permitted, the central control unit 11 displays the new photo representing the photo album for which the new arrival flag is set in the photo album information shown in Table 4. Generate album information. When it is determined that the output of the newly arrived photo album (public photo album) to the first PC 24 is permitted, the central control unit 11 makes a photo with the newly arrived flag and the published flag standing in the photo album information shown in Table 4. New photo album information representing an album is generated.

  If it is determined that the output of newly arrived video information to the first PC 24 is not permitted, the central control unit 11 generates newly arrived video information indicating that a blank is displayed. If it is determined that the output of the new photo album (personal photo album) and the new photo album (public photo album) to the first PC 24 is not permitted, the central control unit 11 displays the new photo indicating that a blank is displayed. Generate album information. The display is not limited to the blank display described above, and may be a display of text indicating that there is no access right, for example. Further, for example, when transmitting the frame configuration information, one of the first frame F1, the second frame F2, and the third frame F3, or frame configuration information for displaying two frames may be transmitted. Good.

  The central control unit 11 controls the communication unit 9 to output the newly-arrived video information and the newly-arrived photo album information generated in this way to the first PC 24. Based on the frame configuration information, the terminal control unit 57 of the first PC 24 receives the recommended program information from the image recording / playback apparatus 1 received by the terminal communication unit 51 in the first frame F1 and the new arrival video information in the second frame F2. Then, the terminal image output unit 55 is controlled to display the new photo album information in the third frame F3. In this way, each information is displayed in each frame as shown in FIG.

  When the IP address of the terminal device that has requested new arrival information output is “127.0.0.1”, the central control unit 11 of the image recording / playback apparatus 1 inputs the new arrival information output request from the instruction input unit 7. Judge that it was done. In this case, the central control unit 11 generates frame configuration information representing a display form of various types of information including newly arrived information by the display device 21. In addition, the central control unit 11 generates new arrival video information representing all the video data recorded in the recording unit 4. The central control unit 11 generates new photo album information representing all photo albums recorded in the recording unit 4. The central control unit 11 displays the newly-arrived video information and the newly-arrived photo album information generated in this way and the recommended information stored in the preference data storage unit 6d on the display device 21 in a display form represented by the frame configuration information. The image input / output unit 2 is controlled to output.

  In this way, the user himself / herself does not search for the content recorded in the recording unit 4 of the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1, and automatically receives new arrival information only by requesting the new arrival information output from the terminal device such as the first PC 24. Can be displayed on the terminal display unit 56. As described above, the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 is provided with a function of making a recommendation reservation and a keyword reservation that the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 makes a recording reservation based on user preference data. Since such a recording reservation is performed without the user's knowledge, the user simply requests a new arrival information output from the terminal device and the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1, that is, new arrival information suitable for the user, that is, The recording status of the recording unit 4 of the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 can be easily grasped.

  As described above, the user can use the new content recorded in the recording unit 4 of the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 and the user's preference data based on various information including the new arrival information displayed on the terminal display unit 56. It is possible to grasp the suitable content and request the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 to output the content, for example, or to edit the content.

  The terminal display unit 56 of the terminal device such as the first PC 24 can simultaneously display a plurality of information such as newly arrived video information, newly arrived photo album information, and recommended information in a display form represented by the frame configuration information. By setting the frame configuration information so that it is easy for the user to see, the user can easily confirm the information by simply looking at a plurality of information displayed on the terminal display unit 56.

  Further, even when a new arrival information output request is received from a terminal device in a connection environment that is not permitted to output new arrival video information, the image recording / playback apparatus 1 does not output new arrival video information to the terminal device, so the communication line is valid. Can be used.

  If the terminal control unit 57 of the first PC 24 determines that a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous request for new arrival information output based on the current time from the terminal timing unit 52, the new arrival information output request may be made again. Good. In the present embodiment, the predetermined time may be, for example, 5 minutes. As a result, the terminal display unit 56 displays information such as the latest new arrival information as much as possible.

  Further, the first PC 24 may be set so that the URL corresponding to the new arrival information output request is transmitted to the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 when the browser is activated. Furthermore, the browser may be automatically started when the operating system (abbreviation: OS) of the first PC 24 is started. As a result, when the OS of the first PC 24 is activated, the browser is automatically activated and a URL corresponding to the new arrival information output request is transmitted to the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1. Thus, the user can easily confirm the new arrival information without performing an operation for requesting the new arrival information.

  For example, when there is a content output request from a playback terminal device having a function of playing back content, such as the first PC 24 shown in FIG. 14, the central control unit 11 of the image recording / playback device 1 sends a request to output the content to the playback terminal device. The communication unit 9 is controlled to output the content recorded in the recording unit 4.

  Specifically, the central control unit 4 of the image recording / playback apparatus 1 includes URLs for requesting output of the content and photo album represented by each piece of information in the recommended program information, new video information and new photo album information. The communication unit 9 is controlled to output the recommended program information, newly arrived video information, and newly arrived photo album information to the playback terminal device that has been generated by adding a hyperlink and requested to output the content, here the first PC 24. When the user of the first PC 24 operates the terminal input unit 53 based on each information displayed on the terminal display unit 56 and selects the hyperlink of the content to be reproduced and the photo album to be browsed, the terminal control of the first PC 24 is performed. The unit 57 controls the terminal communication unit 51 to transmit a URL representing a content output request that is an output request for the selected content and photo album.

The central control unit 11 of the image recording / playback apparatus 1 controls the communication unit 9 to output the content and photo album recorded in the recording unit 4 to the first PC 24 in response to a content output request from the first PC 24. . The terminal communication unit 51 of the first PC 24 receives the content and photo album from the image recording / playback apparatus 1, and the terminal control unit 57 displays the received content and photo album on the terminal display unit 56. 55 is controlled. In this way, the user can view the content requested to be output and browse the photo album.
Table 9 is a table showing an example of the processing capability of the terminal device.

  The processing capability of the terminal device as shown in Table 9 is stored in advance in at least one of the recording unit 4 and the data memory 6. The processing capability of the terminal device is determined by the specifications of each terminal device. For example, the terminal device whose IP address shown in Table 9 is “192.168.0.5” has a specification that can display a still image although it cannot display video data.

  When there is a new arrival information output request from the terminal device, the central control unit 11 of the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 refers to the processing capability of the terminal device shown in Table 9 and the processing capability of the terminal device that requested the new arrival information output is “ The communication unit 9 is controlled so as to generate new video information and new photo album information representing the contents and photo albums that are “OK” and output them to the terminal device. At this time, the new video information and new photo album information corresponding to the content and photo album whose processing capability of the terminal device is “impossible” are output as information indicating that a blank is displayed. This prevents, for example, a wasteful operation of generating and outputting newly arrived video information representing the content of a moving image on the terminal device even when the terminal device does not have a moving image playback capability. New information can be generated and output smoothly and quickly.

  The central control unit 11 of the image recording / playback apparatus 1 edits the content and the photo album recorded in the recording unit 4 based on the content editing request from the terminal device such as the first PC 24 and the IP address. Here, for ease of understanding, as shown in Table 6, the user is always specified such that the user “Takeshi” uses the first PC 24 and the user “Daddy” uses the second PC 26. It is assumed that a terminal device is used.

  More specifically, when there is a content editing request from the first PC 24, the central control unit 11 refers to the correspondence relationship between the IP address and the client name shown in Table 6 and corresponds to the IP address of the first PC 24 that requested the content editing. It is determined whether or not the user who matches the registrant corresponding to the content requested to be edited and the photo album information of the recording status shown in Table 1 and the photo album information shown in Table 4. If it is determined that they match, the central control unit 11 edits the content and photo album recorded in the recording unit 4 in accordance with a command from the first PC 24. Here, in the case of content, editing means modifying the content content such as deleting a part of the content, adding other content to the content, or superimposing other data on the content. . Photo album editing includes title change, addition of photo data, and partial deletion of photo data.

  In addition, in the recording status shown in Table 1 and the photo album information shown in Table 4, an item of an editor representing a user who has authority to edit each content and each photo album corresponds to each content and each photo album. You may make it add. In this case, the central control unit 11 of the image recording / playback apparatus 1 determines whether or not the user corresponding to the IP address of the first PC 24 requested to edit the content matches the editor corresponding to the content requested to be edited and the photo album. Judging.

  FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the recording terminal device 29. The recording terminal device 29 has, for example, a personal computer having a content recording function for recording content provided from the broadcast station 20 and a content recording function, and can be connected to the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 and the first PC 24 via the LAN 23. It is realized by PVR or the like.

  The recording terminal device 29 includes a terminal communication unit 51, a terminal timing unit 52, a terminal input unit 53, a terminal recording unit 64, a terminal image input / output unit 65, a terminal display unit 56, and a terminal control unit 57. Since the terminal communication unit 51, the terminal timing unit 52, the terminal input unit 53, the terminal display unit 56, and the terminal control unit 57 of the recording terminal device 29 are the same as those of the first PC 24 described above, the same reference numerals are assigned to the details. The terminal recording unit 64 and the terminal image input / output unit 65 will be described below.

  The terminal recording unit 64 is realized by, for example, an HDD and a RAM, and records content from the terminal image input / output unit 65. The terminal image output unit 65 has the same configuration as that of the image input / output unit 2 of the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 described above. Content provided from the broadcasting station 20 is given to the terminal display unit 56 or AD converted to MPEG2 It is encoded by the standard and given to the terminal recording unit 64. Thus, the recording terminal device 29 has a function of recording content. The configuration of the recording terminal device 29 may be the same as that of the image recording / reproducing device 1.

  In the terminal recording unit 64 of the recording terminal device 29, as the terminal recording status similar to the recording status of the image recording / reproducing device 1 as shown in Table 1, terminal arrival information including the recording time of the content and the viewing status of the content is included. A plurality of contents are recorded. Since the terminal recording information is the same as the above-described recording situation, detailed description thereof is omitted. The recording of the content in the recording terminal device 29 is performed regardless of the recording of the content in the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1. The terminal control unit 57 of the recording terminal device 29 can execute a program similar to the HTTP server program 5j stored in the program memory 5 of the image recording / reproducing device 1.

  The terminal control unit 57 of the recording terminal device 29 causes the terminal recording status to be recorded in the image recording / reproducing device 1 when the recording terminal device 29 is activated, when connected to the image recording / reproducing device 1 via the LAN 23 and when content recording ends. The terminal communication unit 51 is controlled to transmit. The central control unit 11 of the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 stores the terminal recording status from the recording terminal device 29 in at least one of the recording unit 4 and the data memory 6. At this time, the central control unit 11 adds and stores the IP address of the recording terminal device 29 that has sent the terminal recording status to the terminal recording status. Further, the terminal recording status of the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 is updated every time it is sent from the recording terminal apparatus 29.

  When there is a new arrival information output request from a terminal device such as the first PC 24, the central control unit 11 of the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 generates new arrival information in substantially the same manner as described above. At this time, the central control unit 11 generates new arrival information representing content in which the registrant is the user of the first PC 24 and the new arrival flag is “1” or the viewing flag is “0” in the recording status and the terminal recording information. To do. Furthermore, the central control unit 11 matches at least one of the genre and the keyword set for the user in the correspondence relationship between the terminal device and the preference data shown in Table 8 in the recording situation and the terminal recording situation, and The content for which the new arrival flag is set may be included in the new arrival information. Further, regarding the content recorded in the terminal recording unit 64 of the recording terminal device 29, the IP address of the recording terminal device 29 may be added to the new arrival information.

  When there is a content output request from a playback terminal device such as the first PC 24, the central control unit 11 of the image recording / playback device 1 records the requested content in the recording unit 4 of the image recording / playback device 1. Controls the communication unit 9 so as to output the content recorded in the recording unit 4 to the playback terminal device that requested the content output. The terminal communication unit 51 of the first PC 24 receives the content from the image recording / playback apparatus 1, and the terminal control unit 57 controls the terminal image output unit 55 so as to display the received content on the terminal display unit 56. In this way, the user can view the content requested to be output.

  When the content requested to be output is recorded in the terminal recording unit 64 of the recording terminal device 29, the central control unit 11 of the image recording / reproducing device 1 stores the content requested to be output. The communication unit 9 is controlled so as to output the URL including the IP address which is the terminal identification information of the device 29 and the information related to the content to the playback terminal device which has requested the content output. When the terminal communication unit 51 of the first PC 24, which is the playback terminal device, receives the URL including the IP address from the image recording / playback device 1, the terminal control unit 57 records the IP address included in the received URL. The terminal transmission unit 51 is controlled to make a content output request to the terminal 29.

  In response to a content output request from the first PC 24, the terminal communication unit 51 of the recording terminal device 29 controls the terminal communication unit 51 to output the content recorded in the terminal recording unit 64 to the first PC 24. The terminal communication unit 51 of the first PC 24 receives content from the recording terminal device 29, and the terminal control unit 57 controls the terminal image output unit 55 so as to display the received content on the terminal display unit 56. In this way, the user can view the content requested to be output.

  As described above, the terminal device such as the first PC 24 makes a new arrival information output request only to the image recording / reproducing device 1. When the content output is requested, the content is output from the image recording / playback apparatus 1 and the recording terminal apparatus 29 that record the requested content to the playback terminal apparatus.

  As described above, the image recording / playback apparatus 1 stores not only the new arrival determination information but also the terminal new arrival determination information. Therefore, the image recording / playback apparatus 1 can record not only the content stored in the recording unit 4 but also the recording terminal apparatus. The contents recorded in the file 29 can also be centrally managed. As a result, the terminal device such as the first PC 24 automatically requests the new arrival information output without the user himself / herself searching the content recorded in the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 and the recording terminal device 29, and the terminal new arrival determination information is automatically obtained. Can be received and displayed on the terminal display unit 56.

  Many types of content including moving images and still images are held in the LAN 24 by the image recording / reproducing device 1 and the recording terminal device 29 connected to each other via one LAN 24. Such contents include contents that cannot be played back depending on the playback terminal device. Therefore, by knowing the processing capability of each terminal device as shown in Table 9, the content of the playback terminal device that requested the content output is displayed. Content corresponding to the processing capability can be output from the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 and the recording terminal apparatus 29.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram schematically illustrating another example of a display form of various information including newly arrived information displayed on the terminal display unit 56 of the first PC 24. In the example shown in FIG. 17, the display screen of the browser is divided into five frames Fst, Ftv, Fepg, Fnew, and Falb. In the status frame Fst, status information including the remaining recording time and remaining recording capacity of the recording unit 4 of the current image recording / reproducing apparatus 1, a terminal device having the right to use the tuner 2a, and a menu button is displayed.

  In the television frame Ftv, the content provided from the broadcasting station 20 currently selected by the tuner 2a of the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 is displayed. When the right to use the tuner 2a is set in the first PC 24, the user operates the mouse as the terminal input unit 53, and clicks the tuning pointer displayed on the television frame Ftv with the mouse pointer. , Can change the channel.

  In the current program guide frame Fepg, the titles of the contents currently provided from each broadcasting station 20 are displayed in a list form based on the EPG. The user can display information on the content by operating the mouse and clicking the mouse pointer on the title of the content currently displayed in the program guide frame Fepg.

  The new arrival video information described above is displayed in the new arrival video information frame Fnew. Here, on the day when the new arrival information shown in FIG. 17 is displayed, the titles of the content and unviewed content recorded in the image recording / playback apparatus 1 and the recording terminal device 29, the recording start date and time and the recording end date and time of the content, In addition, a still image obtained by reducing a part of the content is displayed. The user can play back the content on the first PC 24 by operating the mouse and clicking the mouse pointer on the title of the content displayed in the newly arrived video information frame Fnew.

  In the album frame Falb, the new photo album information described above is displayed. Here, the titles of the photo album registered and unviewed photo album registered on the current day displaying the new arrival information shown in FIG. 17, the registration date and time of the photo album, and a still image obtained by reducing certain photo data included in the photo album An image is displayed. The user can display the photo album on the first PC 24 by operating the mouse and placing the mouse pointer on the title of the photo album displayed in the album frame Falb and clicking.

  In the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, in order to facilitate understanding, as shown in Table 6, the user “Takeshi” uses the first PC 24, and the user “daddy” uses the second PC 26. As described above, although the user always uses the terminal device specified, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when a user uses an arbitrary terminal device, identification information for identifying the user may be added to the above-described requests and transmitted to the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1. In this case, the central control unit 11 of the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 determines whether or not it matches the registrant in Tables 1 and 2 and the user in Tables 6 and 8 based on the identification information from the terminal device. You may judge. Accordingly, the user can make various requests to the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 from an arbitrary terminal device, and obtain information according to the request.

  Further, there may be a plurality of recording terminal devices instead of one. In this case, the user terminal device is connected to one recording terminal device, and the recording / playback device provides the content of the other recording terminal device on the same network to the user terminal, whereby the above-described content management is performed. It is possible to perform a method similar to the method.

  In the image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the provider is the broadcast station 20, but the present invention is not limited to this. The provider may be a content server connected via the Internet 25, for example.

  In the above-described embodiment, the recording method is realized in advance by an apparatus having the function. However, the recording method may be realized in a state recorded in a program for causing a computer to execute these methods. In such a case, a similar method can be executed using a computer.

The following embodiments are possible for the present invention.
(1) A content management device connectable to a terminal device via a communication line,
Recording means for recording a plurality of contents of different types together with new arrival judgment information;
New arrival information generation means for generating new arrival information based on the new arrival determination information in response to a new arrival information output request from the terminal device;
What is claimed is: 1. A content management apparatus comprising: information output means for outputting generated new arrival information to a terminal device that has requested output of new arrival information.

  When a new arrival information output request is made from the terminal device, the new arrival information generating means generates new arrival information based on the new arrival determination information. The generated new arrival information is output by the information output means to the terminal device that requested the new arrival information output. As a result, the terminal device can receive the new arrival information from the information output means, display the new arrival information on the terminal display means provided in the terminal device, for example, and notify the user of the terminal device of the new arrival information. Therefore, the terminal device can automatically receive the new arrival information only by requesting the new arrival information output without the user himself / herself searching for the content recorded in the recording means of the content management device. Thus, the user grasps the new arrival content recorded in the recording means of the content management device based on the new arrival information notified by the terminal device, and outputs the content, for example, to the content management device. Or request to edit the content.

  Without the user himself / herself searching for the content recorded in the recording means of the content management device, the terminal device can automatically receive the new arrival information simply by requesting the new arrival information output. Thus, the user grasps the new arrival content recorded in the recording means of the content management device based on the new arrival information notified by the terminal device, and outputs the content, for example, to the content management device. Or request to edit the content.

  (2) The content management apparatus, wherein the new arrival information generation means generates new arrival information further based on the connection environment of the terminal device that has requested the new arrival information output.

  The new arrival information generation means generates new arrival information when there is a new arrival information output request from a terminal device in a connection environment that is permitted to output new arrival information, based on the connection environment of the terminal device that has requested the arrival of new arrival information. As a result, even if there is a new arrival information output request from a terminal device in a connection environment that is not permitted to output new arrival information, the new arrival information is not output to the terminal device, so that the communication line can be used effectively.

  Even when a connection completion terminal device that is not permitted to output new arrival information has a new arrival information output request, since the new arrival information is not output to the terminal device, the communication line can be used effectively.

  (3) The content management apparatus, wherein the new arrival information generation means generates new arrival information further based on the content processing capability of the terminal device that requested the new arrival information output.

  Since the new arrival information generation means generates new arrival information further based on the content processing capability of the terminal device that requested the new arrival information output, the new arrival information corresponding to the content processing capability of the terminal device can be generated in the terminal device. This prevents, for example, a wasteful operation of generating and outputting new arrival information representing the content of a moving image on the terminal device even when the terminal device does not have moving image reproduction capability. Information can be generated and output smoothly and quickly.

  For example, even if a terminal device does not have a moving image playback capability, it is possible to prevent the wasteful operation of generating and outputting new arrival information representing moving image content on the terminal device, thereby smoothing out new arrival information. Moreover, it can be generated and output quickly.

(4) The new arrival information output request further includes user information regarding the user of the terminal device,
The new arrival information generating means generates new arrival information further based on the user information.

  Since the new arrival information generation means generates the new arrival information further based on the user information related to the user of the terminal device included in the new arrival information output request, the new arrival information corresponding to the user can be generated. As a result, the terminal device can receive new arrival information that is optimal for the user. In addition, even when multiple users are using different terminal devices on the same network, content based on the user environment can be provided, and privacy for each of the multiple users is improved. be able to.

The terminal device can receive new arrival information that is optimal for the user.
(5) A content management apparatus further comprising editing means for editing content recorded in the recording means based on a content editing request from the terminal device.

  The editing means edits the content recorded in the recording means based on the content editing request from the terminal device. Thus, the user of the terminal device can edit the content recorded in the recording means of the content management device.

  The user of the terminal device can edit the content recorded in the recording means of the content management device.

(6) The content editing request further includes user information regarding the user of the terminal device,
The content management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the editing means edits the content recorded in the recording means based further on the user information.

  The editing unit edits the content recorded in the recording unit based on the user information regarding the user of the terminal device included in the content editing request. Thus, for example, by including the content editing authority in the user information, only the user having the content editing authority is allowed to edit the content, and the security of the content management apparatus can be improved.

  For example, by including the content editing authority in the user information, it is possible to improve the security of the content management apparatus by allowing only the user having the content editing authority to edit the content.

(7) The terminal device includes a playback terminal device having a function of playing back content.
A content management apparatus further comprising content output means for outputting content to a terminal device that has requested content output in response to a content output request from the playback terminal device.

  The content output means outputs the content to the terminal device that requested the content output in response to the content output request from the playback terminal device having a function of playing back the content. Thus, the playback terminal device requests the content output based on the new arrival information, receives the new arrival content recorded in the recording means, and causes the terminal display means provided in the playback terminal device to display the content. be able to. The user can easily view the content recorded on the recording means and displayed on the terminal display means of the playback terminal device.

  The playback terminal device can request the content output based on the new arrival information, thereby receiving the new arrival content recorded in the recording means and displaying the content on, for example, the terminal display means provided in the playback terminal device. it can. The user can easily view the newly arrived content recorded on the recording means and displayed on the terminal display means of the playback terminal device.

(8) The terminal device includes a recording terminal device having a function of recording a plurality of contents together with the terminal new arrival determination information.
Information acquisition means for acquiring terminal new arrival determination information recorded in the recording terminal device and terminal identification information of the recording terminal device;
A content management apparatus further comprising: new arrival identification storage means for storing terminal new arrival determination information and terminal identification information acquired by the information acquisition means.

  The terminal new arrival determination information and the terminal identification information of the recording terminal device recorded in the recording terminal device having a function of recording a plurality of contents together with the terminal new arrival determination information are acquired by the information acquisition means, and the new arrival identification storage means Is remembered. As described above, since the content management apparatus stores not only the new arrival determination information but also the terminal new arrival determination information, the content management apparatus is recorded not only on the content recorded in the recording means but also on the recording terminal device. Content can also be centrally managed.

  Since the content management device stores not only the new arrival determination information but also the terminal new arrival determination information, the content management device has not only the content recorded in the recording means but also the content recorded in the recording terminal device. Centralized management is possible.

(9) The new arrival information generating means generates new arrival information based on the new arrival determination information and the terminal new arrival determination information in response to the new arrival information output request from the terminal device,
The new arrival information output means outputs the new arrival information and the terminal identification information to the terminal device that requested the new arrival information output.

  The new arrival information generating means generates new arrival information based on the new arrival determination information and the terminal new arrival determination information in response to a new arrival information output request from the terminal device, and the terminal identification information and the generated new arrival information are output as new arrival information. By the means, it is output to the terminal device that requested the new arrival information output. Accordingly, the terminal device receives the new arrival information based on the terminal new arrival determination information from the information output means, displays the new arrival information based on the terminal new arrival determination information on the terminal display means provided in the terminal device, for example, The user can be notified of new arrival information based on the terminal new arrival determination information. Therefore, the terminal device can automatically receive the new arrival information based on the new arrival information of the terminal only by requesting the new arrival information output without the user himself / herself searching the content recorded in the content management device and the recording terminal device. Can do.

  The terminal device receives the new arrival information based on the terminal new arrival determination information from the information output means, displays the new arrival information based on the terminal new arrival determination information on the terminal display means provided in the terminal device, for example, and the terminal device user Can be notified of new arrival information based on terminal new arrival determination information. Therefore, the terminal device can automatically receive the new arrival information based on the new arrival information of the terminal only by requesting the new arrival information output without the user himself / herself searching the content recorded in the content management device and the recording terminal device. Can do.

  (10) The content output means, in response to the content output request from the playback terminal device, the content that has been recorded in the recording means or the terminal identification information stored in the new arrival identification storage means, and requested to output the content A content management apparatus that outputs to

  In response to the content output request from the playback terminal device, the content output means outputs the content recorded in the recording means or the terminal identification information stored in the new arrival identification storage means to the playback terminal device that requested the content output. . For example, when the content requested to be output from the playback terminal device is recorded in the recording means of the content management device, the content recorded in the recording means is output to the playback terminal device that requested the content output. In this case, by making a content output request based on newly arrived information, the content can be received and displayed on, for example, terminal display means provided in the playback terminal device.

  For example, when the content requested to be output from the playback terminal device is recorded in the recording terminal device, the terminal identification information is output to the playback terminal device that requested the content output. In this case, by making a content output request to the recording terminal device corresponding to the terminal identification information, the content can be received from the recording terminal device and displayed on, for example, terminal display means provided in the reproduction terminal device. In this way, regardless of whether the content requested for content output from the playback terminal device is recorded in either the recording means or the recording terminal device of the content management device, the playback terminal device can reliably receive the content.

  Regardless of whether the content requested to be output from the playback terminal device is recorded in either the recording means or the recording terminal device of the content management device, the playback terminal device can reliably receive the content. Accordingly, it is possible to provide new arrival information regarding a plurality of pieces of information stored in various devices connected to the network as new arrival information of the user by one terminal device. New arrival information of various devices that can be used can be provided as if it were one application.

(11) The new arrival information generation means generates frame configuration information representing a display form of the new arrival information by the terminal display means provided in the terminal device,
The new arrival information output means outputs new arrival information and the frame configuration information.

  The new arrival information generating means generates frame configuration information representing a display form of the new arrival information by the terminal display means provided in the terminal device, and the new arrival information and the generated frame configuration information are output by the new arrival information output means. Thereby, the new arrival information can be displayed on the terminal display means of the terminal device in the display form represented by the frame configuration information. By setting the frame configuration information so that the user can easily see it, the user can easily browse and confirm the new arrival information displayed on the terminal display means. Also, by displaying new arrival information obtained from different applications in a plurality of frames, it is possible to efficiently display a plurality of types of new arrival information simultaneously in a screen with a limited size.

  New arrival information can be displayed on the terminal display means of the terminal device in the display form represented by the frame configuration information. By setting the frame configuration information so that the user can easily see it, the user can easily browse and confirm the new arrival information displayed on the terminal display means.

(12) display means for displaying new arrival information;
And an input means for inputting a new arrival information output request,
The new arrival information generation means generates new arrival information when a new arrival information output request is input from the input means,
The new arrival information output means outputs the generated new arrival information to the display means.

  The new arrival information generation means generates new arrival information when a new arrival information output request is input from the input means, and the new arrival information generated is output to the display means by the new arrival information output means. Displayed on the means. This makes it possible to notify the user of the content management apparatus of new arrival information. Therefore, just by inputting a new arrival information output request from the input means, the user himself / herself can automatically display the new arrival information on the display means without searching for the content recorded in the recording means of the content management apparatus. .

  New arrival information can be notified to the user of the content management apparatus. Therefore, just by inputting a new arrival information output request from the input means, the user himself / herself can automatically display the new arrival information on the display means without searching for the content recorded in the recording means of the content management apparatus. .

(13) New arrival information generation means generates frame configuration information representing a display form of new arrival information by the display means,
The new arrival information output means outputs the new arrival information for each type and the frame configuration information to the display means.

  The new arrival information generating means generates frame configuration information representing a display form of the new arrival information by the display means, and the new arrival information for each type and the generated frame configuration information are output to the display means by the new arrival information output means. Thus, the new arrival information can be displayed on the display means in the display form represented by the frame configuration information. By setting the frame configuration information so that the user can easily see it, the user can easily browse and confirm the new arrival information displayed on the display means. Also, by displaying new arrival information obtained from different applications in a plurality of frames, it is possible to efficiently display a plurality of types of new arrival information simultaneously in a screen with a limited size.

  The display means can display new arrival information in a display form represented by the frame configuration information. By setting the frame configuration information so that the user can easily see it, the user can easily browse and confirm the new arrival information displayed on the display means.

(14) A terminal device connectable to the content management device via a communication line,
Request means for requesting the content management device to output new arrival information;
New arrival information receiving means for receiving new arrival information output from the content management device;
A terminal device comprising terminal display means for displaying new arrival information received by the new arrival information reception means.

  The request means requests the content management apparatus to output new arrival information, the new arrival information reception means receives new arrival information output from the content management apparatus, and the received new arrival information is displayed on the terminal display means. Is done. Accordingly, the terminal device can notify the user of the terminal device of new arrival information. Therefore, the terminal device can automatically receive and display the new arrival information by simply requesting the new arrival information output without searching for the content recorded in the recording means of the content management device.

  The terminal device can notify new arrival information to the user of the terminal device. Therefore, the terminal device can automatically receive and display the new arrival information by simply requesting the new arrival information output without searching for the content recorded in the recording means of the content management device.

  (15) The terminal device characterized by requesting the output of new arrival information when the terminal device is activated.

  Since the request unit requests the output of new arrival information when the terminal device is activated, the new arrival information is displayed on the terminal display unit. Thus, the user can easily confirm the new arrival information without performing an operation for requesting the new arrival information.

  The user can easily confirm the new arrival information without performing an operation for requesting the new arrival information.

(16) It further comprises a time measuring means for measuring time,
The requesting device requests the output of newly arrived information again when it is measured by the timing means that a predetermined time has passed since the newly requested information was requested last time.

  The requesting unit requests the output of newly arrived information again when it is measured by the time measuring unit that measures the time that a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous newly requested information was requested. As a result, the new arrival information receiving means receives the latest arrival information as much as possible, so that the terminal display means can display the latest arrival information as much as possible.

  Since the new arrival information receiving means receives the latest arrival information as much as possible, the latest arrival information can be displayed on the terminal display means as much as possible.

(17) Based on the recording status in the recording means for recording a plurality of contents of different types together with the new arrival determination information,
New arrival information is generated in response to a new arrival information output request from a terminal device connected via a communication line,
A content management method, comprising: outputting generated new arrival information to a terminal device that has requested output of new arrival information.

  When a new arrival information output request is made from the terminal device, new arrival information is generated based on the recording status of the recording means in which the new arrival determination information is recorded. The generated new arrival information is output to the terminal device that requested the new arrival information output. Accordingly, the terminal device can receive the new arrival information, display the new arrival information on, for example, a terminal display unit provided in the terminal device, and notify the new arrival information to the user of the terminal device. Therefore, the terminal device can automatically receive the new arrival information only by requesting the new arrival information output without searching for the content recorded in the recording means by the user himself / herself. Thus, based on the new arrival information notified by the terminal device, the user grasps the new arrival content recorded in the recording means, and outputs the content, for example, to the device on which the content is recorded. Or request to edit the content.

  The terminal device can receive the new arrival information and can display the new arrival information on a terminal display means provided in the terminal device, for example, to notify the user of the terminal device of the new arrival information. Therefore, the terminal device can automatically receive the new arrival information only by requesting the new arrival information output without searching for the content recorded in the recording means by the user himself / herself. Thus, based on the new arrival information notified by the terminal device, the user grasps the new arrival content recorded in the recording means, and outputs the content, for example, to the device on which the content is recorded. Or request to edit the content.

(18) A program for causing a computer to execute the content management method described above.
The above-described content management method can be realized using a computer.

Here, the new arrival information is not limited to the content that the user has not yet used, for example, information on the motives that the user wants to use such as business trip data when traveling to a specific place in the past based on the schedule, use Automatically to the user based on the data stored in the recording device, such as automatically recommending information from the server that handles the most appropriate information, such as data stored on a server that handles music. Information that is provided automatically and information that is optimal when the user uses the terminal device corresponds to newly arrived information.
The above-described content management method can be realized using a computer.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image recording / reproducing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the application menu M1 displayed on the display apparatus. It is a figure which shows the program schedule M2 classified by channel displayed on the display apparatus. It is a figure which shows program navigation M3 displayed on the display apparatus 21. FIG. It is a figure which shows the recording list M4 displayed on the display apparatus 21. FIG. It is a figure which shows the reservation method selection menu M5 displayed on the display apparatus 21. FIG. It is a figure which shows the schematic procedure in a recording reservation, and the menu displayed. It is a figure which shows the manual reservation registration menu M6 displayed on the display apparatus 21. FIG. It is a figure which shows the keyword list M7 displayed on the display apparatus 21. FIG. It is a figure which shows the keyword edit menu M8 displayed on the display apparatus 21. FIG. It is a figure which shows the reservation confirmation menu M9 displayed on the display apparatus 21. FIG. It is a figure which shows the reservation duplication confirmation menu M10 displayed on the display apparatus 21 when a recording reservation overlaps. It is a figure which shows the capacity shortage confirmation menu M11 displayed on the display apparatus 21 when there is no storage capacity which can record the content reserved for recording on the recording part 4. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of 1st PC24. It is a figure which shows typically an example of the display form of the various information containing the new arrival information displayed on the terminal display part 56 of 1st PC24. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a recording terminal device 29. FIG. It is a figure which shows typically the other example of the display form of the various information containing the new arrival information displayed on the terminal display part 56 of 1st PC24.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image recording / reproducing apparatus 2 Image input / output part 4 Recording part 6 Data memory 7 Instruction input part 8 Time measuring part 9 Communication part 24 1st PC
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 29 Recording terminal device 51 Terminal communication part 52 Terminal timing part 53 Terminal input part 55 Terminal image output part 56 Terminal display part 57 Terminal control part 64 Terminal recording part 65 Terminal image input / output part

Claims (6)

A content playback terminal device connected via a network line to a content management device that records a plurality of different types of content and generates a newly recorded content list,
A time measuring means for measuring time;
Request means for transmitting a new arrival information output request signal to the content management device at predetermined time intervals based on the time measuring means;
Receiving means for receiving a content list transmitted from the content management device;
A content reproduction terminal apparatus comprising: display means for displaying a received content list.   2. The content reproduction terminal apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the request unit transmits a new arrival information output request signal to the content management apparatus based on activation of the content reproduction terminal apparatus.   2. The content reproduction terminal according to claim 1, further comprising an application activation unit that activates a network browser, wherein the request unit transmits a new arrival information output request signal to the content management device based on activation of the network browser. apparatus.   3. The content playback terminal apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the new arrival information output request signal is a URL including a content type. A content playback method for recording content by a content playback terminal connected via a network line to a content management device that records a plurality of different types of content and generates a newly recorded content list,
Time is measured by the timer,
A new arrival information output request signal is transmitted to the content management device at a predetermined time interval based on the time measured by the time measuring unit,
The content list transmitted from the content management device is received by the receiving unit,
A content reproduction method comprising: displaying a received content list on a display unit.   A program for causing a computer to execute each procedure of the content reproduction method according to claim 5.

Images