JP4673238B2 - Recording apparatus and function execution method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technical field of a recording apparatus capable of recording a digital broadcast program supplied by digital broadcasting, for example, and a function execution method for operating various functions in the recording apparatus.

  As this type of apparatus, an apparatus using an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1). According to the recording / playback apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 (hereinafter referred to as “conventional technology”), for EPG information displayed on the screen, if it is a future program, a recording reservation or a viewing reservation is made. It is supposed to be possible.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-115652

  The above-described recording reservation based on the EPG information is highly convenient when the recording apparatus is activated, but it is necessary to activate the recording apparatus in a standby state where the recording apparatus is not activated. However, a recording apparatus for recording a digital broadcast program supplied by digital broadcasting requires a longer time to start than a recording apparatus for recording an analog broadcast program, for example. Therefore, when recording a digital broadcast program from the standby state, even if the EPG information is used or the recording is performed through the recording button operation or the like directly from the remote control device or the like, the user only has a considerable time. It can be restrained just to wait, and uncomfortable feeling is likely to occur. In particular, for a user who wants to go out as soon as possible due to various circumstances, for example, such a startup time is likely to be felt very long. In other words, the conventional technology does not consider the start-up time, so that it is easy to impair the comfort of recording a digital broadcast program or executing various other functions from a standby state. There are some problems.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a recording apparatus capable of efficiently executing various functions from a standby state and a function execution method in the recording apparatus.

In order to solve the above-described problem, a recording apparatus according to claim 1 is a recording apparatus for recording a digital broadcast program supplied by digital broadcast, and the first function that is not executed in a standby state is the digital broadcast program . Selection means for selecting a frequency band, and recording the digital broadcast program on a predetermined recording medium as a second function that has a predetermined type of correspondence with the first function and is not executed in the standby state and recording means, said first operation for prompting selection of the frequency band as the first operation prompting the execution of the function of the first possible operating means, before Symbol second operation prompting the execution of the second function When the second operation means capable of urging the recording of the digital broadcast program and the first operation and the second operation are performed simultaneously or in succession, the first and second of An instruction signal generating means for generating an instruction signal indicating that each of the functions is instructed; and an activating means for starting the recording apparatus in response to the instruction signal when the instruction signal is generated in the standby state. After the recording device is activated in response to the instruction signal, the selection means is controlled so that the frequency band prompted to be selected is selected in accordance with the instruction signal and the selected frequency band is supported Control means for controlling the recording means so that the digital broadcast program is recorded, and specifying means for specifying a program end time of the digital broadcast program corresponding to the selected frequency band, the control means is characterized in that the digital broadcast program corresponding to the selected frequency band, for controlling the recording device to be recorded until the program end time of the identified To.

In order to solve the above-described problem, a function execution method according to claim 6 is a recording device for recording a digital broadcast program supplied by digital broadcast, and the digital broadcast is a first function that is not executed in a standby state. Selecting means for selecting a frequency band in the recording medium, and recording the digital broadcast program on a predetermined recording medium as a second function that has a predetermined type of correspondence with the first function and is not executed in the standby state. a function execution method in a recording apparatus comprising; and a recording unit for performing the execution of the said prompting selection of the frequency band operation and the second function of the first operation for prompting the execution of the first function prompting the recording of digital broadcast programs as a second operation prompting if the operation and have been made in succession at the same time or different and fingers execution of said first and second functions respectively An instruction signal generation step for generating an instruction signal indicating that the recording apparatus is to be activated; an activation step for starting the recording apparatus in response to the instruction signal when the instruction signal is generated in the standby state; and a response to the instruction signal. After the recording device is activated, the digital broadcast program corresponding to the selected frequency band is controlled and the selection unit is controlled so that the frequency band prompted to be selected is selected according to the instruction signal. A control step of controlling the recording means to be recorded, and a specifying step of specifying a program end time of a digital broadcast program corresponding to the selected frequency band , wherein the control step includes the selected step The recording means is controlled so that a digital broadcast program corresponding to a frequency band is recorded until the specified program end time .

<Embodiment of Recording Apparatus>

An embodiment according to the recording apparatus of the present invention is a recording apparatus for recording a digital broadcast program supplied by digital broadcast , and selects a frequency band in the digital broadcast as a first function that is not executed in a standby state. Selection means for performing, recording means for recording the digital broadcast program on a predetermined recording medium as a second function that has a predetermined type of correspondence with the first function and is not executed in the standby state, a first operation for prompting selection of the frequency band as the operation of possible first operating means for prompting the execution of the first function, before Symbol the digital broadcasting program as the second operation prompting the execution of the second function Execution of each of the first and second functions when the second operation means capable of prompting the recording of the image and the first operation and the second operation are performed simultaneously or in succession The An instruction signal generating means for generating an instruction signal representing the indication, an activation means for starting the recording apparatus in response to the instruction signal when the instruction signal is generated in the standby state, and an instruction signal The digital broadcasting program corresponding to the selected frequency band and controlling the selection means so that the frequency band prompted to be selected is selected according to the instruction signal after the recording apparatus is activated accordingly Control means for controlling the recording means so as to be recorded, and specifying means for specifying a program end time of a digital broadcast program corresponding to the selected frequency band , wherein the control means is selected The recording means is controlled so that the digital broadcast program corresponding to the frequency band is recorded until the specified program end time .

  In the present invention, the “digital broadcast program” refers to, for example, BS digital broadcasting such as BS (Broadcasting Satellite) digital broadcasting, CS digital broadcasting such as 110 ° CS (Communication Satellite) digital broadcasting, and various digital such as terrestrial digital broadcasting. It is a concept that encompasses broadcast programs belonging to various genres such as dramas, movies, news, sports, entertainment, information, animation, news reports, documentaries, and the like, as well as various broadcast programs based on them.

  According to the embodiment of the recording apparatus of the present invention, the first operation means and the second operation means are provided, and the first and second operations that are not executed in the standby state respectively included in the embodiment of the recording apparatus of the present invention. The first and second operations that prompt the execution of the function are configured to be possible.

  Here, the “standby state” is a state in which driving power (for example, power) is supplied from a primary driving power supply source such as a household power source, a general-purpose battery, or a dedicated battery, and is recorded. This is a concept encompassing a state in which the apparatus is waiting to be activated. For example, a so-called “signal” that waits for a signal corresponding to an activation command from a remote control apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “remote control apparatus” as appropriate) or the like. This includes “standby state”.

  In the embodiment of the recording apparatus of the present invention, the fact that the recording apparatus is in a state where at least the main function of the recording apparatus can be executed is expressed as “the recording apparatus is activated” or the like. Accordingly, when the main function of the recording apparatus is executed by, for example, a control unit such as a system LSI or various processing units including a control system or tuner corresponding thereto, the control unit or control system or various processing units, etc. The recording device may be activated in a state in which is activated.

According to the present embodiment, for example, selection of a frequency band (or also referred to as “channel”) in digital broadcasting is performed as a first function by selection means including a digital tuner or a controller for controlling the digital tuner as appropriate. Done. In addition, as a second function, recording data including, for example, a stream processor and various drive devices, for example, video data such as a video stream and audio data such as an audio stream extracted via a digital tuner and a demodulator, For example, recording is performed on a predetermined recording medium that can take a form such as HD (Hard Disk) or DVD. Note that “recording of a digital broadcast program” according to the present invention is a concept indicating recording of various digital data such as video data and audio data related to a digital broadcast program as described above.

These first and second feature is in the standby state where each described above is a Function having a predetermined type of correspondence between and a not executed functions mutually.

The first and second operation means are appropriately arranged on the front surface of the remote control device or the recording device, for example, which is configured to be capable of performing the first and second operations that prompt the execution of the first and second functions. , A button switch, a toggle switch, an operation lever, or an operation dial. More specifically, the first operation means prompts selection of a frequency band in digital broadcasting in the first operation, and the second operation means prompts recording of a digital broadcast program in the second operation.

When the first and second operations are performed independently while the recording apparatus is activated, the first and second operations are performed according to various command signals called “codes” corresponding to the first and second operations, respectively. The first and second functions are executed .

  On the other hand, since these functions are not executed in the standby state, a process for starting the recording apparatus is first required to execute the expected function. However, in many cases, the time required to start the recording apparatus is extremely longer than that of the recording apparatus corresponding to the conventional analog broadcast program.

  Therefore, when trying to execute some function from the standby state, the user wants to execute it for a considerable time until the recording apparatus is started by operating an operation means such as a power button corresponding to the start function, for example. There is a possibility of waiting for the operation timing of the operation means corresponding to the function to be performed. In other words, the adoption of the broadcast form of digital broadcasting causes a longer start-up time, and the user's comfort may be greatly impaired.

  Therefore, in the embodiment according to the recording apparatus of the present invention, the problem related to the action of the signal generation means is preferably solved. That is, the signal generating means outputs an instruction signal indicating that the first and second functions are instructed when the first operation and the second operation are performed simultaneously or in succession in the standby state. Generate.

  In other words, the signal generating means is configured so that when the first operation and the second operation are performed at the same time or in succession (hereinafter, the operation mode is appropriately changed to “simultaneous operation of the first and second operation means”. For example, a signal indicating that the first function and the second function should be individually executed, which are individually assigned to the first operation and the second operation, respectively, in advance. Generate a different new signal. The instruction signal may be the same as the signal generated when, for example, the first operation or the second operation is performed independently.

  On the other hand, when an instruction signal is generated along with the simultaneous operation of the first and second operation means, the activation means sends, for example, a system LSI that controls the entire recording apparatus according to the generated instruction signal. The recording apparatus is activated via power supply or the like as appropriate. Note that “when an instruction signal is generated” does not only indicate that there is a direct causal relationship with the generation of the instruction signal. For example, an instruction signal is generated, and further, for example, the generated instruction is generated. It is a concept that also includes an indirect causal relationship with the generation of the instruction signal, such as through a process in which the signal is supplied through some method or means.

When the recording device is activated in response to the instruction signal, prompting that Thereupon, for example, by the activated system LSI or the example control means may be configured as various processing units or various computer systems such as microcomputer or controller or the like, a select the selection means controlled to frequency band selection, and according selected digital broadcast program corresponding to the frequency band is controlled recording device to be recorded.

Accordingly, when the recording apparatus is in a standby state and it is desired to execute the first and second functions, the user side only needs to operate the first and second operation means simultaneously. After the operation, the user can focus on other cases without waiting for the recording device to start. As a more specific and remarkably effective example, the user can easily go out without waiting for the start of the recording apparatus. That is, according to the embodiment of the recording apparatus of the present invention, the reduction in comfort when the recording apparatus is in the standby state is improved, and the digital broadcast program can be efficiently recorded from the standby state. It becomes.
More specifically, the user can, for example, simultaneously handle the first operation means that can take the form of a channel number button or the like and the second operation means that can take the form of a record button or the like, for example, at a timing that can be regarded as it. Only by operating, a desired digital broadcast program can be recorded from the standby state. That is, for example, even when a user checks a program in a newspaper or the like to go out and desires to record a digital broadcast program being broadcast at that time, the digital broadcast program can be recorded without waiting for the recording device to start. It can be carried out. Therefore, no time is lost, and this is particularly effective when the user is in a hurry.
In particular, the recording apparatus according to the present invention further includes a specifying unit that specifies a digital broadcast program corresponding to the frequency band selected by the first operation, that is, a program end time of the digital broadcast program to be recorded. To do. The control means is configured to continue recording so that the digital broadcast program corresponding to the selected frequency band is recorded until this program end time. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unnecessary programs from being recorded unnecessarily, for example. That is, the comfort is further improved.
The mode for specifying the end time is not limited at all. For example, when the user can input in advance the scheduled time that can be obtained from the end time or the current time as part of the first operation or the second operation. The end time may be specified on the basis of the input, and when the EPG information acquired in the past is stored in an appropriate storage unit in the recording apparatus, the end time is determined based on the EPG information. The time may be specified.

  Note that “when done at the same time” is not limited to the case where the first and second operations are performed at exactly the same time, and there is a time lag that can be regarded as simultaneous in terms of human operation. It is the meaning which may be done. Alternatively, “when done at the same time” may be defined as a period during which the first and second operations are made at the same time. That is, in this case, the time at which the first and second operations are started may be completely different from each other. Considering that each of the first and second functions is a function that is not executed in the standby state, one of the first and second operations is performed prior to the other in the standby state. For example, the first and second functions are performed. Even if an instruction signal indicating that one of the functions is instructed is generated, the instruction signal is ignored and does not affect the operation state of the recording apparatus.

  In addition, “sequentially” means an operation different from the first and second operations at least between the first operation and the second operation (which may be performed earlier in time series). Represents an operation mode that does not intervene, and preferably means that these operations are performed at a time that is continuous in time series to the extent that it can be determined that the user has performed such simultaneous operations.

  In one aspect of the embodiment of the recording apparatus of the present invention, the signal generating means has an interval between the time when the first operation is performed and the time when the second operation is performed within a predetermined time. In addition, the instruction signal is generated on the assumption that the first operation and the second operation are performed simultaneously or sequentially.

  According to this aspect, if the interval between the time when the first operation is performed and the time when the second operation is performed is within a predetermined time, it is recognized that the first and second operation means are operated simultaneously. Then, the above-described instruction signal is generated by the signal generation means. At this time, the operation performed in the past in time series among the first and second operations is maintained even if the operation state is maintained (for example, if the operation unit is a button switch that can be pressed, the pressed state is maintained). Alternatively, the operation state may be canceled after the operation (for example, if the operation means is a button switch that can be pressed, the operation state is returned from the pressed state).

  Therefore, as an operation feeling on the user side, simultaneous operations can be executed as a series of operations that are continuous in time series with each other, and the effects of the embodiment according to the recording apparatus of the present invention are provided more simply. obtain. Incidentally, the “predetermined time” is not limited numerically at all, but, for example, compensates for a timing shift when the user operates each operation means in advance experimentally, empirically, or based on simulation, etc. Appropriately determined so that the simultaneous operation can be accurately identified, and the first and second operations can be excluded simply by mistakenly performed in sequence with each other. Also good.

In another aspect of the embodiment of the recording apparatus of the present invention, the recording apparatus further comprises EPG data acquisition means for acquiring EPG data supplied by the digital broadcast, and the specifying means ends the program based on the EPG data. The time may be specified.

  The digital broadcast wave includes program information data, time data, EPG data, and the like related to each digital broadcast program, in addition to various stream data related to the digital broadcast program. Therefore, the EPG data acquisition means acquires EPG data related to, for example, every time the EPG data is updated and transmitted from the broadcast station side, every fixed or indefinite capture timing, or at any timing, For example, by storing in various recording media such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a hard disk, recording of a digital broadcast program instructed to be executed by simultaneous operation during standby can be appropriately terminated at the program end time. It becomes possible.

  Another embodiment of the recording apparatus of the present invention comprises information generating means for generating information corresponding to the contents of the instruction signal and display means for displaying the information.

  According to this aspect, when the first operation and the second operation are simultaneously performed, information corresponding to the content of the instruction signal is generated and displayed via the display unit. The display mode of the information by the display means is not limited as long as it is information corresponding to the contents of the instruction signal. For example, the operation means that prompts the selection of the frequency band and the recording of the digital broadcast program as described above is operated. In such a case, for example, “BS8 REC START” may be displayed.

  The mode of the display means is not limited as long as such operation information can be displayed. For example, a light emitting body such as FL (FLuorescent Display) and LED (Light Emitting Diode) and various display panels such as a liquid crystal display panel are used. You may have. According to this aspect, the information corresponding to the instruction information generated when the first and second operations are performed simultaneously or sequentially can be visually provided to the user via the display unit. Therefore, the doubts and questions that can occur on the user side, such as “Would you really want to execute the desired function after the recording device was started?” Or “What operation button did you press now?” User's anxiety is significantly reduced. That is, comfort is further improved.

In another aspect of the embodiment of the recording apparatus of the present invention, the recording apparatus includes a main body portion and an operation portion that are separable from each other, and the operation portion includes the first operation means and the second operation portion. Means, a signal generating means, and a transmitting means for transmitting the signal to the main body part via radio, the main body part receiving means for receiving the transmitted signal via the radio, the starting means, Including at least a part corresponding to each of the control means and each of the control means, and when the transmitted instruction signal is received, the activation means activates the main body according to the received instruction signal The recording device is activated, and the control unit controls the selection unit and the recording unit in accordance with the received instruction signal after the main body unit is activated in accordance with the received instruction signal.

  According to this aspect, a remote control device or the like in which various user-side operations such as the first and second operations are appropriately arranged with various button switches corresponding to the first and second operation means, for example, is provided. It is executed from an operation unit that can be taken. Further, in the operation unit, the instruction signal described above is generated by the signal generation unit in association with simultaneous operation of the first and second operation units, and is transmitted to the main body unit by radio by the transmission unit. In the main body, the transmitted instruction signal is received by the receiving means, and the start-up means and the control means execute the start-up of the recording apparatus and the first and second functions as described above.

  Therefore, according to this aspect, the user's operation can be performed relatively freely without selecting the operation place and the operation posture, and the comfort can be further improved.

Note that “via wireless” according to the present invention includes wireless communication in a narrow sense using radio waves (spatial waves) and optical wireless communication using infrared rays or visible rays (for example, laser light or LED), Furthermore, it is a concept that widely includes wireless communication in a broad sense such as acoustic communication using sound waves or ultrasonic waves.
<Embodiment of Function Execution Method>

An embodiment according to the function execution method of the present invention is a recording apparatus for recording a digital broadcast program supplied by digital broadcast , and selects a frequency band in the digital broadcast as a first function that is not executed in a standby state. Selection means for performing recording, and recording means for recording the digital broadcast program on a predetermined recording medium as a second function that has a predetermined type of correspondence with the first function and is not executed in the standby state. a method for performing a function in formed by including a recording device, a second urging execution of the prompting the user to select the frequency band operation and the second function of the first operation for prompting the execution of the first function when the operation prompting the recording of digital broadcast program as an operation and has been performed in succession at the same time or phase, the finger indicating that instructs execution of the first and second functions respectively An instruction signal generating step for generating a signal; a starting step for starting the recording device in response to the instruction signal when the instruction signal is generated in the standby state; and the recording device in response to the instruction signal. After the activation, the selection means is controlled so that the frequency band prompted to be selected is selected according to the instruction signal, and the digital broadcast program corresponding to the selected frequency band is recorded. A control step for controlling the recording means; and a specifying step for specifying a program end time of a digital broadcast program corresponding to the selected frequency band , wherein the control step corresponds to the selected frequency band. The recording means is controlled so that a digital broadcast program is recorded until the specified program end time.

According to the embodiment of the function execution method of the present invention, the first operation that prompts the execution of the first function and the second operation that prompts the execution of the second function are performed at the same time or in succession. In addition, a signal indicating that the execution of each of the first and second functions is instructed by the signal generation step is generated. The startup process, according instructing signal recording apparatus according to is activated, after the recording apparatus is activated by also according startup process, corresponding respectively to the first and second functions by the control step, control selection means and recording means Is done. Therefore, similarly to the above-described embodiment of the recording apparatus of the present invention, the user can execute a desired function without waiting for the activation of the recording apparatus. That is, various functions of the recording apparatus can be efficiently executed from the standby state.

As described above, the embodiment of the recording apparatus of the present invention, the first operating means, the second operating means, signal generating means, activation means, for having the identifying means and the control means, the digital broadcast from the standby state Program recording can be performed efficiently.

As described above, the embodiment according to the function execution method of the present invention includes a signal generation step, a start-up step , a specification step, and a control step, and therefore can efficiently record a digital broadcast program from a standby state. It becomes possible.

  These effects and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the embodiments described below.

Hereinafter, various preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate.
<First embodiment>
<Configuration of Example>
First, the configuration of the digital broadcast viewing system 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of the digital broadcast viewing system 10.

  In FIG. 1, the digital broadcast viewing system 10 includes a display device 11, a BS antenna 12, a UHF antenna 13, a recorder 100, and a remote control device 200.

  The display device 11 is a plasma television device and is configured to output video information and audio information related to a satellite broadcast program.

  The BS antenna 12 is an antenna for BS digital broadcasting and 110 ° CS digital broadcasting, and is configured to receive BS digital broadcasting waves and 110 ° CS digital broadcasting waves.

  The UHF antenna 13 is an antenna for terrestrial digital broadcasting, and is an antenna configured to be able to receive broadcast waves related to terrestrial digital broadcasting.

  The recorder 100 is configured to record a BS digital broadcast program, a 110 ° CS digital broadcast program, a terrestrial digital broadcast program, and the like as an example of the “digital broadcast program” according to the present invention, and the “recording apparatus” according to the present invention. And an example of a “main part”.

  The remote control device 200 is a controller that can be operated by a user (not shown) or the like, and can transmit various codes reflecting the user's intention to the recorder 100 (that is, including the “instruction signal” according to the present invention). It is configured. The remote control device 200 is an example of a “recording device” and an “operation unit” according to the present invention.

  Next, the details of the recorder 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the recorder 100. In the figure, the same reference numerals are given to the same portions as those in FIG. 1, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  In FIG. 2, a recorder 100 includes a sub CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a light receiving unit 102, a display unit 103, a power supply unit 104, a signal input terminal 105, a tuner unit 106, a demodulator 107, a system LSI 108, an image quality processing unit 114, A video data output terminal 115, an audio processing unit 116, an audio data output terminal 117, an HDD 118, and a DVD drive 119 are provided.

  The sub CPU 101 is a control unit that controls the basic operation of the recorder 100, and is configured to function as an example of the “starting unit” according to the present invention. The sub CPU 101 is configured to be active even when the recorder 100 is in a standby state to be described later.

  The light receiving unit 102 is an example of the “reception unit” according to the present invention configured to be able to receive various codes transmitted from the remote control device 200 by infrared rays (that is, an example of “wireless” according to the present invention). It is.

  The display unit 103 is, for example, a light emitting display device in which a plurality of 7-segment LEDs are arranged, and is an example of the “display unit” according to the present invention. The display unit 103 is configured to be able to display various types of information representing the operating state of the recorder 100 (that is, an example of “information corresponding to the content of the instruction signal” according to the present invention).

  The power supply unit 104 is electrically connected to each part of the recorder 100, and is a unit configured to be able to supply power to each part. The power supply unit 104 is electrically connected to the sub CPU 101, and the power supply operation is controlled by the sub CPU 101.

  The signal input terminal 105 is connected to the BS antenna 12 and the UHF antenna 13 described above, and is a terminal configured to be able to capture various digital broadcast signals received through these antennas into the recorder 100. is there.

  The tuner unit 106 is configured to be able to select a digital broadcast signal corresponding to a desired frequency band (ie, channel) from various digital broadcast signals captured via the signal input terminal 105. It is a unit corresponding to an example of such “selection means”.

  The demodulator 107 is a unit that demodulates a digital broadcast signal selected by the tuner unit 106 and corresponding to a desired frequency band.

  The system LSI 108 is a main control unit that controls the main operation of the recorder 100, and includes a main CPU 109, a stream processor 110, a data buffer 111, a video decoding unit 112, and an audio decoding unit 113. In the present embodiment, power is supplied from the power supply unit 104 to each part of the recorder 100 that does not operate in the standby state, such as the tuner unit 106, the demodulator 107, and the system LSI 108. It is defined as a state where Further, a state where power is not yet supplied to each part such as the system LSI 108 and only a limited part of the recorder 100 such as the sub CPU 101 and the power supply unit 104 is operating is defined as a standby state.

  The main CPU 109 is a control unit that controls the operation of the system LSI 108 and is an example of the “control unit” according to the present invention.

  The stream processor 110 is a signal separation unit having a demultiplexing function, for example, and can separate additional data such as video data, audio data, and EPG data from the digital broadcast signal supplied from the demodulator 107. It is configured. The stream processor 110 is an example of the “recording unit” according to the present invention.

  The data buffer 111 is a buffer that temporarily holds additional data separated by the stream processor 111.

  The video decoding unit 112 is a processing unit that decodes the video data separated by the stream processor 110.

  The audio decoding unit 113 is a processing unit that decodes the audio data separated by the stream processor 110.

  The image quality processing unit 114 is an image processing unit that performs image processing suitable for display on the display device 11 on the decoded video data.

  The video data output terminal 115 is an output terminal that outputs video data output via the image quality processing unit 114 to the display device 11.

  The sound processing unit 116 is a sound processing unit that performs sound processing suitable for sound emission from a speaker device (not shown) included in the display device 11 on the decoded sound data.

  The audio data output terminal 117 is an output terminal that outputs audio data output via the audio processing unit 116 to a speaker device or the like.

  The HDD 118 is a drive unit including a hard disk as an example of the “recording medium” according to the present invention, and is configured to function as an example of the “recording unit” according to the present invention together with the stream processor 110.

  The DVD drive 119 is configured to be loaded with a DVD as an example of the “recording medium” according to the present invention, and is configured to function as an example of the “recording unit” according to the present invention together with the stream processor 110.

  Next, the detailed configuration of the remote control device 200 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the remote control device 200. In the figure, the same reference numerals are given to the same portions as those in FIG. 1, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  In FIG. 3, the remote control device 200 includes an operation unit 201, a code generation unit 202, and a transmission unit 203.

  The operation unit 201 includes a plurality of operation buttons including a recording button 201a and a channel selection button 201xx.

  The recording button 201a is an operation button configured to be pressed by the user (that is, an example of the “second operation” according to the present invention), and is an example of the “second operation unit” according to the present invention. . In the present embodiment, the recording button 201a is an operation button that prompts execution of the digital broadcast program recording function (that is, an example of the “second function” according to the present invention) in the recorder 100.

  The channel selection button 201xx is an example of the “first operation means” according to the present invention configured to be pressed by the user (that is, an example of the “first operation” according to the present invention). In this embodiment, the channel selection button 201xx is an operation for prompting execution of a frequency band selection (ie, channel selection) function (ie, an example of the “first function” according to the present invention) by the tuner unit 106 of the recorder 100. Button. In this embodiment, the channel selection button 201xx is an operation button that prompts the user to select the channel “BS8”.

  In this embodiment, the operation unit 201 is provided with a number of operation buttons in addition to the channel selection button 201xx and the recording button 201a, and each of the other operation buttons has a function in the recorder 100 in advance. It is set in association with one-to-one, one-to-many, many-to-one, or many-to-many. When an operation (for example, pressing) suitable for each of these other operation buttons is performed, the recorder 100 is urged to execute a functional operation corresponding to the operation.

  The code generation unit 202 is configured to be able to generate a code indicating that execution of a function assigned to each of a large number of operation buttons included in the operation unit 201 is operated, It is an example of the “signal generation means” according to the present invention.

  The transmission unit 203 is an example of a “transmission unit” according to the present invention configured to be able to transmit the code generated by the code generation unit 202 to the recorder 100 in time series using infrared rays.

<Operation of Example>
<Operation of Code Generator 202>
Next, as an operation example of this embodiment, the operation of the code generation unit 202 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing the correspondence between the operation of the operation unit 201 and the generated code.

  In FIG. 4, the vertical axis represents the operation state of the recording button 201a, the operation state of the channel selection button 201b, and the generated code in order from the top. In addition, the horizontal axis represents an arbitrary time passage.

  In FIG. 4, the recording button 201a and the channel selection button 201xx are both in the non-operating state during the period before time T0 and after the time T3, and the code generation unit 202 does not generate any code for these periods.

  Further, only the recording button 201a is operated during the period from time T0 to time T1, and in this case, the code generation unit 202 records the digital broadcast program, which is a function of the recorder 100 corresponding to the recording button 201a. Is generated (code “CDrec” in the figure).

  In addition, during the period from time T2 to time T3, only the channel selection button 201xx is operated, and in this case, the code generation unit 202 performs BS digital broadcasting, which is a function of the recorder 100 corresponding to the channel selection button 201xx. A code (code “CDbs8” in the figure) for instructing selection of 8 channels (frequency band corresponding to 8 channels) is generated.

  Here, in particular, functions such as recording of a digital broadcast program and selection of a digital broadcast program are effective only when the recorder 100 is activated (ie, an example of a “function not executed in a standby state” according to the present invention). When the recorder 100 is in a standby state, both “CDrec” and “CDbs8” are invalid codes that are rejected on the recorder 100 side. Therefore, in order to make these codes effective from the standby state, it is necessary to generate a code meaning “startup” and transmit it to the recorder 100 before generating and transmitting these codes.

  The operation unit 201 of the remote control device 200 is naturally provided with an operation button for prompting the start of the recorder 100 such as a “power button” (not shown in FIG. 3), and the recorder 100 is operated via the operation of the operation button. It is possible to make these codes valid by transmitting each of the above codes after activation.

  However, the system LSI 108 of the recorder 100 has a very long startup time. For example, even if the user checks a newspaper or the like when going out and desires to record a digital broadcast program being broadcast at that time, in practice, the user cannot There is nothing more than just waiting for the system LSI 108 to start vaguely. However, it is extremely inefficient and not preferable to always start the recorder 100 for the purpose of avoiding such time loss.

  Therefore, the code generation unit 202 according to the present embodiment suitably solves the problem by generating a composite code described below under a predetermined condition.

  That is, it is assumed that the channel selection button 201xx is further pressed at the time T1 in FIG. 4 while the recording button 201a is being pressed. That is, assume that the recording button 201a and the channel selection button 201xx are operated simultaneously. In this case, the code generation unit 202 is a composite code (indicated as “CDrecbs8” in the figure) that instructs execution of a function corresponding to each of the recording button 201a and the channel selection button 201xx (that is, selection and recording of a digital broadcast program), An example of an “instruction signal” according to the present invention is generated.

  Such a composite code is a code for instructing selection and recording of a digital broadcast program, and when received by the recorder 100 in a standby state, it is a code for instructing activation of the recorder 100 prior to execution of these functions. This is a new code that functions as if the code is different from the code corresponding to each operation button described above. That is, even when the recorder 100 is in a standby state, if an operation according to the timing chart as shown in FIG. 4 is performed, a valid code is generated at time T1.

  When the recorder 100 is activated, for example, the CDrec code corresponding to the recording button 201a is valid. According to the timing chart shown in FIG. 4, at the time T0 (actually after some time delay). The recorder 100 starts recording a digital broadcast program. In practice, it is rare that two types of operation buttons are operated at the same time (that is, at the same time point in time series), and a function corresponding to a code corresponding to one of the operation buttons operated first. Is executed. Therefore, when the recorder 100 is activated, even if a composite code is generated and transmitted, the recorder 100 treats it as an invalid code.

<Program recording operation from standby state>
The recorder 100 has a configuration that can execute the function from the standby state very easily by the action of the composite code according to the above-described embodiment. The operation of the recorder 100 in the standby state is controlled by a standby process executed by the sub CPU 101 set to operate even in the standby state.

  Here, the details of the standby process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the standby process.

  In FIG. 5, the sub CPU 101 determines whether or not any code is received by the light receiving unit 102 (step A10). When no code is received (step A10: NO), the sub CPU 101 repeats the process related to step A10 and waits for a process until some code is received.

  When any code is received (step A10: YES), the sub CPU 101 determines whether or not the received code is the above-described composite code (step A11). If it is not a composite code (step A11: NO), the sub CPU 101 further determines whether or not the received code is a code for instructing activation of the recorder 100 (step A16).

  If the received code is neither a composite code nor a code instructing activation (step A16: NO), the sub CPU 101 ignores the received code, assuming that the received code is an invalid code in the standby state. (Step A18), the process proceeds to Step A10.

  When the received code is a code for instructing activation (step A16: YES), the sub CPU 101 controls the power supply unit 104 to supply power to the tuner unit 106, the demodulator 107, the system LSI 108, and the like. The recorder 100 is activated (step A17).

  Subsequent to the processing related to step A17, the sub CPU 101 determines whether or not the recorder 100 is activated at regular intervals (step A19). When the recorder 100 is not activated (step A19: NO), the sub CPU 101 repeats the process according to step A19, and when the recorder 100 is activated, the standby process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the received code is a composite code in the process related to step A11 (step A11: YES), the sub CPU 101 generates information representing the content of the composite code and displays it on the display unit 103. (Step A12). At this time, the display mode in the display unit 103 is not limited at all. For example, when the composite code is the above-described code “CDrecbs8”, the display unit 103 may display “BS8 REC START”, for example.

  When the information representing the content of the composite code is displayed, the sub CPU 101 activates the recorder 100 in the same manner as the process related to step A17 described above (step A13). Further, when the start of the recorder 100 is started, the sub CPU 101 determines whether or not the recorder 100 is started at regular intervals (step A14). If the activation of the recorder 100 has not yet been completed (step A14: NO), the sub CPU 101 repeats the process related to step A14.

  When the activation of the recorder 100 according to the composite code is completed (step A14: YES), the sub CPU 101 transmits the composite code to the main CPU 109 (step A15). When the composite code is transmitted, the sub CPU 101 ends the standby process.

  When the standby process ends, the main CPU 109 controls each unit of the recorder 100 based on the received code. Here, with reference to FIG. 6, a control mode when the composite code is received will be described as an example of processing executed by the main CPU 109. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the control process executed by the main CPU 109 when the composite code is received.

  In FIG. 6, the main CPU 109 first controls the tuner unit 106 so that the channel of the digital broadcast program designated by the composite code is selected (step B10).

  When the channel selection is completed, the main CPU 109 controls the stream processor 110 to start recording a video stream and an audio stream on the HDD 118 or the DVD drive 119 (step B11).

  On the other hand, when recording on each recording medium is started, the main CPU 109 acquires information on the program end time (step B12). The program end time is acquired from, for example, past EPG data stored in the data buffer 111 or the latest EPG data supplied by digital broadcasting. When the user can designate the recording time of the digital broadcast program as part of the simultaneous operation of the recording button 201a and the channel selection button 201xx (that is, the “first operation” or “second operation” according to the present invention). When the “operation” is composed of a plurality of operations), such designated time value may be acquired as information regarding the end time.

  When the main CPU 109 acquires information about the program end time, the main CPU 109 determines whether or not the program end time has arrived using a built-in clock function, timer function, or the like (step B13). In digital broadcasting, accurate time information is supplied at every fixed or indefinite timing, and therefore such determination may be performed with relatively high accuracy based on such accurate time information.

  When the current time is not the program end time (step B13: NO), the main CPU 109 continues recording the digital broadcast program via the stream processor 110 and the like, and when the program end time is reached (step B13: YES), recording on each recording medium is terminated (step B14). When the recording of the digital broadcast program is completed, the main CPU 109 controls the power supply unit 104 to stop the power supply to each part including the system LSI 108 (step B15), and the control process is ended. When the control process ends, the recorder 100 again enters a standby state, and a standby process such as that illustrated in FIG. 5 is executed.

  Here, in order to explain the effect according to the present embodiment, a standby process according to a comparative example of the present invention will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of standby processing in the recorder 1000 according to the comparative example of the present invention. In the figure, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts as those in FIG. 5, and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate. The recorder 1000 is the same as the recorder 100 in terms of its hardware configuration, and illustration thereof is omitted for the purpose of preventing complication of the description. However, the remote control device corresponding to the recorder 1000 does not have the above-described composite code generation function, and the code that can be processed by the recorder 1000 does not necessarily include the concept of the composite code according to the present embodiment. And

  In FIG. 7, when any code is received (step A10: YES), the sub CPU 101 determines whether the code is an activation code (step A16). Here, the sub CPU 101 ignores codes other than the activation code as invalid codes (step A18), and returns the process to step A10. On the other hand, if the received code is an activation code (step A16: YES), the recorder 1000 is activated (step 17). When the recorder 1000 is activated (step A19), the standby process ends.

  Next, the effect of the present embodiment will be further described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 8 corresponds to the processes in the recorder 100 according to the present embodiment and the recorder 1000 according to the comparative example (respectively represented by step numbers in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7). It is a timing chart represented on a time series with a user's operation. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  In FIG. 8, the user (uppermost figure) according to the present embodiment executes the simultaneous operation of the recording button 201a and the channel selection button 201xx at the time Ta as described above. Accordingly, in the recorder 100 (second stage from the drawing), activation of the recorder 100 is started at time Tb, and activation of the recorder 100 is completed at time Tc. Then, following the activation of the recorder 100, recording of the target digital broadcast program is started at time Te by the action of the composite code.

  As is apparent from FIG. 8, according to the recorder 100 according to the present embodiment, the user can generate and transmit the composite code by executing the simultaneous operation at the time Ta, thereby starting the recorder 100 and the digital broadcast program. The execution of a series of functions such as channel selection and recording thereof can be reserved at the time Ta. Therefore, the user, for example, whether or not to confirm the display of the information corresponding to the composite code displayed on the display unit 103, is not completely different from the recording of the digital broadcast program at the time Ta (for example, going out). This makes it easy to focus.

  On the other hand, the user according to the comparative example (third stage from the drawing) is forced to perform an activation operation to activate the recorder 1000 at time Ta. The recorder 1000 starts to start at time Tb according to the start code generated and transmitted along with the start operation, and completes starting at time Tc. However, in the recorder 1000 according to the comparative example, no code to be executed is transmitted to the main CPU 109 even if the activation is completed at the time Tc. Therefore, in order to record a digital broadcast program, the user further performs a recording operation (operation of the recording button 201a) at time Td. Recording of a target digital broadcast program is finally started at time Tf by a recording code generated and transmitted in accordance with such an operation (for example, the above-described code “CDrec”).

  As is clear from FIG. 8, in the recorder 1000 according to the comparative example, the user can focus on other cases at the time Td when the recording operation is finished, which is compared with the present embodiment. For example, the time difference becomes the illustrated Tloss (that is, a time corresponding to Td−Ta). That is, in the recorder 1000 according to the comparative example, a considerable time loss corresponding to the time Tloss occurs, and the user's comfort is significantly reduced.

As described above, according to the remote control device 200 according to the present embodiment, by operating two or more operation buttons (for example, the recording button 201a and the channel selection button 201xx) that have some correspondence in advance, A composite code instructing execution of each of the functions (digital broadcast program recording and digital broadcast program channel selection) assigned to the button is generated and transmitted to the recorder 100. On the other hand, in the recorder 100, when the synthesized code is received in the standby state, the recorder 100 is first activated, and after the activation, the execution of a plurality of functions by the synthesized code is started. Therefore, the user only needs to operate the operation buttons at the same time, and the recorder 100 can be activated even if the composite code is transmitted to the recorder 100 and the information displayed on the display unit 103 is confirmed. There is no need to consider the time it takes to do so, making it easier to focus on other matters. That is, various functions related to the recorder 100 can be efficiently executed from the standby state.
<Second embodiment>
The operation mode of each operation unit for generating the composite code is not limited to that of the first embodiment described above. Here, with reference to FIG. 9, another operation of the code generation unit 202 will be described as a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is another timing chart showing the correspondence between the operation of the operation unit 201 and the generated code. In the figure, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same parts as those in FIG.

  In FIG. 9, the recording button 201a is operated at time T0. However, at this time, unlike the first embodiment, the recording button 201a does not continue the operation state, and is immediately returned to the original state at time T4. In this case, a code “CDrec”, for example, instructing recording of the digital broadcast program is generated.

  On the other hand, at time T5 after time T4, the channel selection button 201xx is operated this time. At this time, the code generation unit 202 determines that the operation time of the channel selection button 201xx (ie, time T5) from the operation time of the recording button 201a (ie, time T0) is within a predetermined value ΔTlim (ie, If it is a time region before the illustrated time T6), the composite code “CDrecbs8” is generated. That is, the state shown in FIG. 9 is an example of a state in which the channel selection button 201xx and the recording button 201a are operated in succession.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, when one of the operation buttons is operated and the other button is operated within a predetermined time, it is determined that the user desires to execute a series of functions using the composite code. Even if there is no period during which operations are performed simultaneously, a composite code is generated. Therefore, the effects according to the present invention can be enjoyed more efficiently. Note that the value of the predetermined value ΔTlim is such that a composite code is generated when the user operates both operation buttons with a clear intention (that is, with the intention not to execute the function by the composite code). It may be determined in advance experimentally, empirically, or based on simulation or the like.

  In the first embodiment, the digital broadcast program that can be recorded by the recording button 201a is not limited to the digital broadcast program broadcast at that time. For example, when a simultaneous operation is executed, the recording button 201a is operated (pressed) a plurality of times so that a future program corresponding to the number of operations is recorded rather than a digital broadcast program currently broadcast. The code generation unit 202 may generate a composite code. In this case, for example, the main CPU 109 that executes the function instructed by the composite code can record the future digital broadcast program by referring to the EPG information and the like stored in the data buffer 111. is there.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist or concept of the invention that can be read from the claims and the entire specification, and a recording apparatus and function with such changes. Execution methods are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

1 is a schematic diagram of a digital broadcast viewing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a recorder in the digital broadcast viewing system of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a remote control device in the digital broadcast viewing system of FIG. 1. 4 is a timing chart showing a correspondence relationship between an operation of an operation unit and a generated code in the remote control device of FIG. 3. It is a flowchart of the standby process which sub CPU performs in the recorder of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the control processing which main CPU performs in the recorder of FIG. It is a flowchart of the standby process which sub CPU performs in the recorder which concerns on the comparative example of this invention. FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing various processes in the recorder of FIG. 2 and a recorder according to a comparative example on a time series together with user operations corresponding to them. It is another timing chart showing the correspondence between the operation of the operation unit and the generated code according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Digital broadcast viewing system, 100 ... Recorder, 101 ... Sub CPU, 102 ... Light receiving part, 103 ... Display part, 104 ... Power supply unit, 106 ... Tuner part, 107 ... Demodulator, 108 ... System LSI, 109 ... Main CPU , 110 ... Stream processor, 111 ... Data buffer, 112 ... Video decoding unit, 113 ... Audio decoding unit, 118 ... HDD, 119 ... DVD drive, 200 ... Remote control device, 201 ... Operation unit, 201a ... Recording button, 201xx ... channel Selection button, 202... Code generation unit, 203.

Claims (6)

A recording device for recording a digital broadcast program supplied by digital broadcasting,
Selection means for selecting a frequency band in the digital broadcast as a first function not executed in the standby state ;
Recording means for recording the digital broadcast program on a predetermined recording medium as a second function that has a predetermined type of correspondence with the first function and is not executed in the standby state ;
A first operating means operable to prompt a selection of the frequency band as the first operation prompting the execution of the first function,
A second operating means can be operated to a second operation for prompting the execution of the previous SL second function prompts the recording of the digital broadcast program,
Instruction signal generation means for generating an instruction signal indicating that each of the first and second functions is instructed when the first operation and the second operation are performed simultaneously or sequentially. When,
An activation means for activating the recording apparatus in response to the instruction signal when the instruction signal is generated in the standby state;
After the recording apparatus is activated in response to the instruction signal, the selection unit is controlled so that the frequency band prompted to be selected in accordance with the instruction signal is selected, and the selected frequency band is supported. Control means for controlling the recording means so that the digital broadcast program is recorded ;
Specifying means for specifying a program end time of a digital broadcast program corresponding to the selected frequency band ,
The control means controls the recording means so that a digital broadcast program corresponding to the selected frequency band is recorded until the specified program end time.
A recording apparatus. When the interval between the time at which the first operation is performed and the time at which the second operation is performed is within a predetermined time, the signal generation means determines whether the first operation and the second operation are The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the instruction signal is generated as being performed simultaneously or in succession. EPG data acquisition means for acquiring EPG data supplied by the digital broadcasting is further provided,
The specifying means, a recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that identifying the program end time on the basis of the EPG data. Information generating means for generating information corresponding to the content of the instruction signal;
Recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by comprising a display means for displaying the information. The recording apparatus includes a main body portion and an operation portion that are separable from each other,
The operation unit includes the first operation unit, the second operation unit, the signal generation unit, and a transmission unit that transmits the signal to the main body unit via radio,
The main body includes at least a part corresponding to each of the receiving means for receiving the transmitted signal via the radio, the activation means, the control means, and the
The activation means activates the recording apparatus by activating the main body according to the received instruction signal when the transmitted instruction signal is received,
Wherein, after the main body portion in response to the received instruction signal is activated, the preceding claims, characterized by controlling said selection means and said recording means in response to the received instruction signal 4 The recording device according to any one of the above. A recording device for recording a digital broadcast program supplied by digital broadcasting , a selection means for selecting a frequency band in the digital broadcast as a first function not executed in a standby state, and the first function; A function execution method in a recording apparatus comprising: a recording unit configured to record the digital broadcast program on a predetermined recording medium as a second function that has a predetermined type of correspondence and is not executed in the standby state. And
It is an operation to promote the recording of the digital broadcast program as the second operation prompting the execution of the an operation for prompting the selection of the frequency band the second function of the first operation for prompting the execution of the first function An instruction signal generating step of generating an instruction signal indicating that the execution of each of the first and second functions is instructed when performed simultaneously or sequentially;
An activation step of activating the recording device in response to the instruction signal when the instruction signal is generated in the standby state;
After the recording apparatus is activated in response to the instruction signal, the selection unit is controlled so that the frequency band prompted to be selected in accordance with the instruction signal is selected, and the selected frequency band is supported. A control step of controlling the recording means so that the digital broadcast program is recorded ;
Specifying a program end time of a digital broadcast program corresponding to the selected frequency band ,
The control step controls the recording means so that a digital broadcast program corresponding to the selected frequency band is recorded until the specified program end time.
A function execution method characterized by the above.

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