JPH10241294A - Information recording/reproducing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To automatically hold reproduced data without switching a storing means to another by erasing past reproduced data based on a specified procedure so as to secure a necessary storage capacity when the storage amount of reproduced data exceeds a storage capacity. SOLUTION: A hard disk capacity management section 8 confirms the sufficient vacant capacity of a hard disk 3. When the vacant capacity is lower than a predetermined value, the management section 8 erases data stored in the disk 3 and thereby secures a sufficient vacant capacity. The data are erased in the order of the oldest reproduced data until a sufficient vacant capacity is secured. It is good as long as a sufficient vacant capacity is secured at the time when a data conversion section 2 holds reproduced data or attribute data in the disk 3. An attribute data display control unit 7 a retrieved file name to a video display control 4 and, based on the received file name, the control unit 4 reads the files of reproduced data from the disk 3 and reproduces these.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for transmitting reproduced data transmitted by wireless or wired transmission means.
The present invention relates to an information recording / reproducing apparatus which receives and records and reproduces recorded data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-276501 discloses a program advance notice program provided to a user through an electronic medium on the assumption that a television broadcast is recorded on a video tape. There has been an information recording reservation device that displays a program on a display device and allows a viewer to select a program to register recording reservation.

[0003]

In the conventional information recording reservation apparatus as described above, a program to be watched must be preliminarily selected based on a program notice program and registered for reservation. The program to be stored must be checked, and further, there is a problem that a program for which storage reservation has not been registered cannot be viewed.

Further, if the program recording data exceeds the storage capacity of the video tape, there is a problem that even if the recording of important program data has not been completed, it cannot be recorded thereafter.

The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and it is not necessary to reserve recording of reproduction data (for example, video data of a program) individually.
An object of the present invention is to obtain an information recording / reproducing apparatus in which reproduction data is automatically stored and which is excellent in convenience.

[0006]

In an information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention, a receiving means for receiving a plurality of reproduced data, a storing means for storing a plurality of reproduced data received by the receiving means, and a storage means for storing the reproduced data. A capacity management unit for deleting the reproduction data stored in the storage unit when a free space of the unit becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value; and a selection unit for selecting reproduction data to be reproduced from the plurality of reproduction data. Reproducing means for reproducing the reproduction data selected by the selection means from among the plurality of reproduction data stored in the storage means.

The capacity management means compares the size of the reproduction data newly received by the reception means with the free space of the storage means, and based on the comparison result, a plurality of reproduction data stored in the storage means. Of the reproduction data to be deleted, and the selected reproduction data is deleted.

Further, the capacity management means deletes the reproduction data stored in the storage means when the size of the reproduction data stored in the storage means becomes equal to or larger than a predetermined value.

The capacity management means selects the reproduction data to be deleted from the plurality of reproduction data stored in the storage means based on the order of reception, and deletes the selected reproduction data.

The capacity management means detects the expiration date of the reproduced data stored in the storage means, and deletes the expired reproduction data from the plurality of reproduction data stored in the storage means. .

[0011] Further, there is provided storage priority storage means for storing information indicating the priority of storage of the reproduction data, and the capacity management means selects the reproduction data to be deleted based on the priority stored in the priority storage means. Is what you do.

One or more of the plurality of reproduction data received by the receiving means belong to any one of the plurality of genres, and record information indicating the priority of storage of the genre. The storage management means selects the reproduction data to be deleted based on the priority stored in the priority storage means.

[0013] The receiving means receives a plurality of reproduced data broadcast and attribute data of each of the reproduced data, and the storage means stores the plurality of reproduced data received by the receiving means during a predetermined period. A plurality of pieces of reproduction data that are not reserved for storage and attribute data of each of the pieces of reproduction data, and an attribute data display unit that displays the plurality of attribute data stored by the storage unit. The reproduction data is selected from the plurality of attribute data displayed on the display means, and the reproduction means reads the reproduction data from the storage means based on a result of the selection by the selection means, and reproduces the read reproduction data. Playback means.

[0014] Also, a receiving means for receiving a plurality of broadcast data reproduced and attribute data of each of the reproduced data, and a plurality of reproduced data not reserved for storage among the plurality of reproduced data received by the receiving means. Storage means for storing data and respective attribute data of the reproduced data; attribute data display means for displaying a plurality of attribute data stored in the storage means; and a plurality of attributes displayed on the attribute data display means Selecting means for selecting reproduction data to be reproduced from data; and reproducing means for reading the reproduction data from the storage means based on a selection result of the selection means and reproducing the read reproduction data. It is.

[0015]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Embodiment 1 FIG. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of an information recording / reproducing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. A computer is used as an example of the information recording / reproducing apparatus. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a receiving unit that receives reproduction data and attribute data from a radio wave from a satellite for digital satellite communication, a radio wave from a terrestrial broadcasting station, an optical fiber, an electric wire, and the like. A data conversion unit that converts the attribute data into a format that can be stored on the hard disk 3, creates association data that associates the reproduction data with the attribute data, and stores the converted data and the association data on the hard disk 3. A hard disk 4 stores playback data, attribute data, and association data from the unit 2, and a video display control unit 4 reads out the playback data specified by the attribute data display control unit 7 from the hard disk 3 and displays the read data on the display 5. .

Reference numeral 5 denotes a display for displaying the reproduction data from the video display control unit 4 and the attribute data from the attribute data display control unit 7, and 6 denotes a selection result input unit such as a pointing device for specifying the attribute data and a keyboard. 7
Reads attribute data from the hard disk 3, displays the read attribute data on the display 5, receives selection result information from the selection result input unit 6,
The attribute data display control unit 8 searches the hard disk 3 for reproduction data corresponding to the selected attribute data, and outputs the search result to the video display control unit 4 so that the video display control unit 4 displays the video data. Hard disk 3
Is monitored, and when the free space in the storage area becomes low, an appropriate reproduction data is selected from a plurality of reproduction data on the hard disk 3 and the selected reproduction data is deleted to reduce the free space. This is a hard disk capacity management unit to be secured.

Here, the reproduction data includes video data of a moving image, a still image, audio data, or document data, or multimedia data based on a combination thereof.
The receiving unit 1 is a receiving unit, and the data converting unit 2 is an associating unit. The hard disk 3 is a storage unit, and other than the hard disk 3, any storage device to which data can be written, such as a digital video disk, a magneto-optical disk, and a large-capacity RAM, can be used. Although FIG. 1 shows the hard disk 3 built in the computer as the storage means, a recording device such as a hard disk on a server connected to the computer of FIG. 1 via a network such as a LAN may be used. Video display control unit 4
The display 5 is a reproducing unit, the selection result input unit 6 and the attribute data display control unit 7 are selection units, the attribute data display control unit 7 and the display 5 are attribute data display units, and the hard disk capacity management unit 8 is a capacity management unit. is there.

Next, the operation will be described with reference to FIGS. [Reception Operation] First, a reception operation for receiving reproduction data or attribute data will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a receiving operation of the information recording / reproducing apparatus shown in FIG. When reproduction data or attribute data is transmitted from a satellite or the like (not shown), in step S1, the receiving unit 1 detects this transmission and starts receiving reproduction data or attribute data.
The playback data includes, for example, an ID for identifying each piece of playback data, MPEG format video data, its file name, and the size of the data. Receiver 1
Is transmitted to the data converter 2.

Here, the receiving unit 1 starts recording at the start time of a specific program and ends recording at the end time of the program. The transmission is monitored, and when reproduction data or attribute data is transmitted, an operation of automatically starting reception is executed. Therefore, the reproduced data can be recorded and stored even if the data transmission is not performed at the scheduled time, and it is not necessary to check the data transmission time in advance and set the data in the information recording / reproducing apparatus. .

Next, in step S2, the hard disk capacity management unit 8 checks whether the hard disk 3 has enough free space. For example, it is determined whether the free storage capacity of the hard disk 3 is equal to or less than a predetermined value. When the free space is sufficient, that is, when the free space is larger than a predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S4. If the free space is not sufficient, that is, if the free space is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S3.

In step S3, the hard disk capacity management unit 8 deletes data stored in the hard disk 3 to secure a sufficient free space. Here, the data to be deleted is sequentially deleted from the oldest reproduction data until a sufficient free space is secured. When step S3 ends, the process moves to step S4. In step S4,
The data converter 2 determines whether the data received by the receiver 1 is reproduction data or attribute data. The data received by the receiving unit 1 is provided with a code for distinguishing whether the data is reproduction data or attribute data, and the determination in step S4 is made by checking this code. Here, when it is determined that the data is playback data,
The process proceeds to step S5, and if it is determined that the data is attribute data, the process proceeds to step S6.

In step S5, the data converter 2 stores the reproduced data received from the receiver 1 on the hard disk 3. For example, one piece of reproduction data is provided with a code indicating that it is reproduction data as one file, or is stored in a storage area dedicated to reproduction data. At this time, the data conversion unit 2 assigns an appropriate name to the file of the reproduction data and saves the reproduction data. For saving, the file name in the playback data can be used as long as the file name does not overlap with another playback file. If there is an overlap, the data conversion unit 2 creates a new file name and stores the reproduction data. When step S5 ends, the process proceeds to step S7. Here, the stored reproduction data includes a reservation for pre-designating reproduction data for preserving a specific reproduction data among broadcast reproduction data, such as a recording reservation by a timer, a recording reservation, and the like as in the related art. Not done.

On the other hand, in step S6, the data conversion unit 2
Causes the hard disk 3 to store the attribute data received from the receiving unit 1. The attribute data includes, for example, an ID for identifying each piece of playback data, a title name of the playback data, an outline sentence for explaining the content of the playback data to the user, and information of a file name of the playback data. These attribute data are collected and transmitted in a format such as a program guide for a plurality of reproduction data files. Here, it has been described that the attribute data of a plurality of transmitted reproduction data is transmitted collectively. However, the attribute data is one reproduction data or a part of all the reproduction data transmitted. , The attribute data may be sequentially transmitted. In this case, if a plurality of pieces of attribute data are combined into one attribute data file as shown in FIG. 3, it is convenient to search attribute data, display attributes of each file, and the like. This compiled attribute data file is also called an attribute management database.
This is performed by the data converter 2. When step S6 ends, the process proceeds to step S7.

In step S7, the data converter 2 links the reproduced data and the attribute data. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of the attribute management database. In FIG. 3, D1 is the ID of the reproduction data, D2 is the title name of the reproduction data, D3 is a summary sentence for explaining the contents of the reproduction data to the user, D4 is the file name of the reproduction data in the hard disk 3, In this example, since video data in the MPEG format is used as the reproduction data, a video file name is entered in this field. This video file name is
This is entered by the link processing in step S7. The link is a process of linking the attribute data and the corresponding reproduction data, and is a process of storing information indicating where the reproduction data corresponding to the attribute data is stored in the column of the video file name. Here, the link is performed by storing the name given to the reproduction data in step S5 in the video file column of the attribute data corresponding to the reproduction data. This file name directly indicates in which storage area the reproduction data is stored. Here, the column of the video file name of the attribute data corresponding to the reproduction data that has not been received is blank.

Finally, the process proceeds to step S8, and the reception processing of the reproduction data and the attribute data is completed. Note that the processing of steps S2 and S3 by the hard disk capacity management unit 8 does not necessarily need to be performed at the above-described timing, and when the data conversion unit 2 saves the reproduction data or the attribute data on the hard disk 3, a sufficient free space May be executed at any timing as long as is secured.

Reproduction Operation Next, a reproduction operation for reproducing reproduction data will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a reproducing operation of the information recording / reproducing apparatus shown in FIG. First, starting from step S10, step S11
Then, the attribute data display control unit 7
The attribute data of the attribute management database as shown in FIG. 3 is read. Next, in step S12, the attribute data display control unit 7 displays the attribute data on the display 5.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display screen of the display 5 at this time. In FIG. 5, reference numeral 21 denotes a window for reproducing the reproduction data, and nothing is displayed at the time of this step S12. Reference numeral 22 denotes a display area in which a summary sentence D3 of the attribute data is displayed. By looking at this display area, the operator can know the outline of the reproduction data. Reference numeral 23 denotes a display area for displaying the title name D2 of the attribute data. Here, two title names are displayed. 23a is the currently selected title name, and the outline sentence D3 displayed at 22 in FIG. 5 indicates the outline sentence D3 corresponding to the selected title name 23a. On the other hand, 23b is an unselected title name, and the selected title name 23a and the unselected title name 23b are displayed in different colors so that the operator can recognize them. 2
Reference numeral 4 denotes a playback button for instructing the start of playback.

Here, when the title name 23b is selected by using the selection result input unit 6 such as a mouse or the like, the selection result information generated as a result of this selection is transmitted to the attribute data display control unit 7, and this selection result information is transmitted. The received attribute data display control unit 7 changes the display on the display 5. as a result,
The title name 23a is not selected and the color changes. On the other hand, the selected title 23b changes color and is displayed so as to be recognized that the selected title 23b is selected, and the content of the outline sentence display area 22 is also changed to the outline sentence D3 corresponding to the selected title name 23b. Be updated.

When the play button 24 is pressed using the selection result input section 6, step S13 is executed, and the selection result indicating the start of reproduction is output from the selection result input section 6 to the attribute data display control section 7. You. Next, the process proceeds to step S14, where the attribute data display control unit 7 receiving the selection result
Retrieves a file name corresponding to the selected title from the attribute management database stored in the hard disk 3 based on the currently selected title.

Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S15, where the attribute data display control unit 7 sends the file name searched in step S14 to the video display control unit 4. The video display control unit 4 receiving the file name creates a display window 21 based on the file name. Next, the process proceeds to step S16.
Based on the received file name, the video display control unit 4
The file of the reproduction data is read from the hard disk 3, and the reproduction data is reproduced in the display window 21 using the reproduction data. Here, the playback data is data in the MPEG format, so that a video of a moving image is displayed on the display window 21. When the video display control unit 4 displays all the specified reproduction data, the reproduction operation described above ends in step S17.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, reproduction data can be recorded without performing recording reservation (recording reservation) for each individual reproduction data. And the selected reproduction data can be reproduced. Therefore, the operator does not need to check in advance the time at which the playback data is transmitted, and does not need to make a recording reservation for each piece of playback data. Can be. Also, there is no possibility that the reproduction data cannot be viewed because the recording reservation is forgotten. Furthermore, even if the reproduction data is recorded to the full storage capacity of the storage means, the reproduction data is erased in order from the oldest reproduction data, and a storage area for newly received reproduction data is secured, so that storage cannot be performed. Can be prevented.

In step S2 of FIG. 2 described above, the free space of the hard disk is checked, and the reproduction data is deleted regardless of the size of the newly received reproduction data. , The amount of reproduction data to be deleted can be changed. When the receiving unit 1 shown in FIG. 1 receives the reproduction data, the data conversion unit 2 extracts information on the size of the reproduction data included in the reproduction data, and transmits the information to the hard disk capacity management unit 8. The hard disk capacity management unit 8 selects one or a plurality of pieces of reproduction data in order of receiving time, in order to secure a free space of the size of the received reproduction data on the hard disk 3. The reproduction to be deleted so that the total of the size of the selected one or a plurality of reproduction data and the total free space on the hard disk 3 is at least equal to or larger than the size of the newly received reproduction data. Select data. The selected reproduction data is deleted by the hard disk capacity management unit 8, and a sufficient free space for storing newly received reproduction data is secured on the hard disk 3.

As described above, since the reproduction data to be deleted is determined based on the size of the newly received reproduction data,
There is a feature that a preferable free space is always secured and a large amount of reproduction data can be recorded. For example, if the size of newly received reproduction data is small, the number of reproduction data to be deleted is small, so that the operator can reproduce a large amount of reproduction data.

Step S2 can be realized by another method. In the above step S2, the free space of the hard disk 3 is monitored. However, the same function can be realized by monitoring the total amount of data already stored in the hard disk 3. For example, 3G
Data stored on the hard disk 3 with a capacity of bytes
When the total amount of (stored reproduction data) becomes 2.5 Gbytes or more, the reproduction data is deleted, and the total amount of storage data stored on the hard disk 3 becomes 2.5 Gbytes.
The reproduction data may be deleted so as to be less than e.

Further, step S2 can be realized by another method. In step S2 described above, the reproduction data is deleted by monitoring the free storage capacity or the total amount of stored data. However, the expiration date of the reproduction data is determined, and the reproduction data after the expiration date is deleted. You may. First, the hard disk capacity management unit 8 checks the expiration date of each reproduction data stored on the hard disk 3 and monitors whether there is any reproduction data whose expiration date has passed. If you find playback data that has expired,
The hard disk capacity management unit 8 deletes the reproduction data whose expiration date has passed. Here, whether or not the expiration date has passed is determined by whether or not a predetermined period has passed since the time when the reproduction data was received, when the reproduction data was transmitted, or when the reproduction data was created. Alternatively, the determination may be made based on whether or not a date and time set for each piece of reproduction data has passed. The predetermined period or the date and time may be determined by the operator, or may be the date and time of the expiration date specified by the sender transmitting the reproduction data. By deleting the reproduction data whose expiration date has passed as described above, it is possible to secure a free space on the hard disk 3 and prevent the new reproduction data from being unable to be stored because the storage capacity is full. be able to.

Embodiment 2 The second embodiment is an embodiment in which priorities are set for deletion of reproduction data, and the reproduction data is deleted based on the priorities. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the second embodiment. 6, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 denote the same or corresponding parts. Numeral 9 acquires attribute data from the hard disk 3 and displays the acquired attribute data on the display 5.
And a priority storage selection function for storing the result of selection of reproduction data by the selection result input unit 6 as information of priority storage reproduction data in the storage priority storage unit 10. It is a reproduction data selection control unit. The preferential storage reproduction data is reproduction data to be preferentially stored, and an example of the information of the priority storage reproduction data includes a file name of the reproduction data and its priority. However, in this example, for simplicity of description, there are two types of priorities. Therefore, the priority is omitted as the priority-stored reproduction data, and only the file name of the reproduction data to be preferentially stored is used. I have. That is, playback data stored as priority storage playback data has a higher priority, and playback data not stored is
Lower priority.

Reference numeral 10 denotes a storage priority storage unit that receives and stores information on the priority storage reproduction data from the priority storage reproduction data selection control unit 9 as information indicating a storage priority (hereinafter, referred to as storage priority information). 81 manages the storage capacity of the hard disk 3 in the hard disk capacity management unit 8 of the first embodiment, and reproduces data in the order of lower priority based on the storage priority information stored in the storage priority storage unit 10. This is a hard disk capacity management unit to which a function of deleting data and securing free space is added.

In the second embodiment, the hygiene
The attribute data transmitted from the attribute data transmitting unit such as a broadcasting station includes information on a genre to which each piece of reproduction data belongs. That is, the attribute data received by the receiving unit 1 is, for one piece of reproduction data,
D, the title of the reproduced data, a summary sentence for explaining the contents of the reproduced data to the user, and information on the genre of the reproduced data.

The genre information is information for classifying the reproduction data, and is stored in the attribute management database in the hard disk 3 by the data converter 2. FIG. 7 shows the data structure of the attribute management database according to the second embodiment. 7, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 3 denote the same or corresponding parts. D5 is information on the genre of the playback data. For example, the genre “News” is assigned a code “001”, and similarly, the genre “Sports” is assigned the genre “002” and the genre “Movie”. Is assigned a code “003”, so that the genre to which the reproduced data belongs can be distinguished.

In the following, the characteristic operation of the second embodiment will be described by dividing it into two operations, that is, a process of selecting priority stored reproduction data and a process of deleting reproduction data. Note that the process of reproducing the selected reproduction data is the same as in the first embodiment.

Processing for Selecting Priority Saved Playback Data The processing described below is an embodiment having two levels of priority. First, a description will be given of the process of selecting the priority storage reproduction data. Here, the reproduction data includes general reproduction data (that is, reproduction data with low priority) and priority storage reproduction data (that is, reproduction data with high priority).
The priority storage reproduction data is reproduction data that is stored prior to general reproduction data. That is, when the reproduction data stored in the hard disk 3 is deleted, the general reproduction data is deleted when there is the general reproduction data, and the priority storage reproduction data is not deleted.
When there is no general reproduction data, the priority storage reproduction data most suitable for deletion is selected from the priority storage reproduction data and deleted. However, the highest priority playback data is
It is also possible to ensure that the playback data can be saved without being deleted. In this case, there is an effect that data to be reproduced can be surely reproduced.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart for explaining a process of selecting the preferential storage reproduction data according to the second embodiment. First, starting from step S20, in step S21, the preferential storage reproduction data selection control unit 9 displays a preferential storage registration menu as shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a display screen for selecting and specifying the preferential storage reproduction data displayed on the display 5. In FIG.
5a is a screen of the display 5, and 30b to 30f are
Each of the buttons is a selection button on which the title of the reproduced data (here, the title of the program) is displayed. The selection buttons 30b to 30f are grouped into one genre by a genre column 30a. Here, all the selection buttons 30b to 30f belonging to the genre display column 30a belong to the genre "news". Reference numeral 30g denotes a genre selection button for designating all the reproduction data belonging to one genre as priority storage reproduction data. When this button is pressed (selected or clicked), all the selection buttons 30b to 30c belonging to the genre column 30a are displayed. f is selected as the preferential storage reproduction data.

31a and 32a are the same as the genre display section 30a, respectively, 31b-f and 32b-f are the same as the selection buttons 30b-f, respectively.
g and 32g are the same as the genre selection button 30g. However, 31a-g relate to the genre of "sports", and 32a-g belong to the genre of "movies".

Next, proceeding to step S22, the selection result input unit 6 receives the input of the selection result by the operator, and when the selection result is obtained, outputs the selection result to the preferential storage / reproduction data selection control unit 9. The priority storage / reproduction data selection control unit 9 receives this selection result. The result of this selection is 3
This is information indicating which of the buttons 0b to g, 31b to g, or 32b to g has been pressed.

Next, the priority storage / reproduction data selection control section 9
Receives the selection result of the preferential storage reproduction data from the selection result input unit 6, and determines in step S23 whether or not the selection result is a selection for each genre. If the selection is for each genre, the process proceeds to step S25. If the selection is not for each genre, that is, if the selection is for each reproduction data, the process proceeds to step S24. Specifically, the selection result is a genre selection button 30g, 31g, or 32g.
In the case of, it is determined that the selection is for each genre, and the selection result is selected by the selection buttons 30b-f, 31b-f, or 32.
If b to f, it is determined that the selection is individual reproduction data.

In step S24, based on the selection result received in step S22, the priority storage / reproduction data selection control unit 9 sets the reproduction data designated as the selection result as priority storage / reproduction data, and Is stored in the storage priority storage unit 10 as storage priority information. When step S24 ends, the next step S2
Proceed to 6. On the other hand, in step S25, the priority storage / reproduction data selection control unit 9 causes the storage priority storage unit 10 to store a code for identifying the selected genre as storage priority information based on the selection result received in step S22. . For example, the selection result is “Genre playback button 30g”
In this case, the code “001” indicating the genre “news” is stored in the storage priority storage unit 10 as storage priority information. Here, the information stored in the storage priority storage unit 10 is not genre information, and the file names of all the reproduction data belonging to the genre (for example, “news”) are stored as the storage priority information. Good. When step S25 ends, the next step S26
Proceed to. Priority save playback data is selected as described above,
When the storage priority information is stored in the storage priority storage unit 10, the process proceeds to step S26, and the selection processing of the priority storage reproduction data ends.

Next, a process of deleting reproduced data according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 10. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process of deleting reproduced data according to the second embodiment, which is a process replacing step S3 in FIG.
First, in the data receiving operation, in step S2 of FIG.
Is completed, and it is determined that the free space of the hard disk 3 is not sufficient, the process proceeds to step S31 in FIG. 10, and the hard disk capacity management unit 81 stores the storage priority information {F2j}, ( j = 1,2, ..., n2). Here, the storage priority information is information on the file name or genre of the reproduction data, and the total number of information on this file name and genre is n2.

Next, proceeding to step S32, the hard disk capacity management section 81 acquires the file information of all the reproduction data stored in the hard disk 3. This file information is information on the file name and genre of the reproduction data, and is read from the hard disk 3.
Here, it is assumed that the total number of read file information is n1.
Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S33, and the counter variable j is initialized to 1 in order to sequentially perform the processing of steps S34 to S38 described below for all the storage priority information.

Then, the process proceeds to a step S34, wherein it is determined whether or not the j-th storage priority information F2j is genre information.
If the information is genre information, the process proceeds to step S36. If the information is not genre information, that is, if the file name is a reproduction file, the process proceeds to step S35. In step S35, the storage priority information F is obtained from the file information {F1i} of the reproduction data acquired in step S32.
Delete the file information of the playback data with the file name specified in 2j. When step S35 ends, the flow advances to the next step S37.

In step S36, all the file information of the reproduction data belonging to the genre specified in the storage priority information F2j is deleted from the file information {F1i} of the reproduction data obtained in step S32. For example, the genre of “news” in the storage priority information F2j, that is, “00”
If “1” is specified, the file information whose genre information included in the file information {F1i} is “001” is extracted, and the extracted file information is deleted from the entire set of file information {F1i}. . Therefore, step S3
When Step 6 is completed, the file information of the reproduction data belonging to the genre “news” is removed from the file information {F1i} and is excluded from the deletion target. When step S36 ends, the procedure moves to the next step S37.

In step S37, it is determined whether or not the counter variable j is equal to or more than the total number n2 of the storage priority information. If it is not less than n2, the processing of steps S34 to S38 has been completed for all the storage priority information F2j, and the process proceeds to the next processing, step S39. On the other hand, if it is not equal to or greater than n2, the processing has not been completed for all the storage priority information F2j, so the process proceeds to step S38, and the same processing is performed for the new storage priority information F2j.

In step S38, 1 is added to the counter variable j for performing the processing in steps S34 to S37 for the new storage priority information F2j. This step S
When the process ends, the process returns to the above-described step S34, and the same processing is performed on the new storage priority information F2j.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S37 that the elimination processing of all the storage priority information F2j from the deletion candidates has been completed, the process proceeds to step S39, and the process proceeds to step S39.
In the processing from 34 to S38, the file information of the remaining reproduction data, that is, the file information of the reproduction data with a low priority not specified in the storage priority information F2j is sorted in the order of the date. This date may be the date and time of reception, the date and time of transmission, or the date and time of creation of playback data. Assuming that the sorting result is {f1i}, the file information of the oldest reproduction data is f11.

Then, the process proceeds to a step S40, at which variables necessary for selecting a file to be deleted are initialized. Here, k is a variable representing the boundary between the file to be deleted and the file not to be deleted. First, 1 indicating the oldest reproduction data is substituted. C is a variable indicating the total amount of the size of the playback file to be deleted, and 0 is substituted first.

Then, the process proceeds to a step S41, wherein the total size of the file to be deleted is calculated. Here, the total size of the file to be deleted is calculated by adding the file size of the reproduction data corresponding to the k-th file information f1k to C. Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S42,
It is determined whether the total C of the file sizes to be deleted calculated in step S41 is larger than a specified value C0. If it is larger, the process proceeds to step S44. If not, the process proceeds to step S43. Here, the specified value C0 is a value appropriately set to secure a sufficient free space.
The specified value C0 may be changed according to the current free space. When changing according to the current free space, there is an advantage that an appropriate free space can be secured without excess or shortage. For example, to secure a free space of 500 Mbytes, C0 = 500 [Mbyte]-[current free space].

Even if all the playback files {f1i} are selected, the total size C of the file to be deleted is equal to the specified value C0.
If not, the processing of steps S39 to S42 is similarly performed on the reproduction data of one higher priority, which is excluded in the processing of steps S34 to S38, and the reproduction data of one higher priority File can also be selected as a deletion target to secure free space.

The priorities of the information recording / reproducing apparatus described so far are two levels. Here, three levels of priorities are set, and a case where these priorities have a relation of A>B> C will be described. Then, first, the storage priority information is changed to the priority C
, That is, the storage priority information having the priorities A and B is set as the storage priority information {F2j}, and the processing of steps S34 to S43 is performed. Even if all the files of the reproduction data of the priority C are deleted, if the value does not exceed the specified value C0, the file information indicating the priority B is further stored, that is, the storage priority information having the priority A is stored. The processing of steps S34 to S39 is similarly performed as the priority information {F2j}. Then, the files of the reproduction data of the priorities B and C are to be deleted, so that more free space can be secured.

In step S43, 1 is added to k in order to add the next oldest reproduction data after the reproduction data corresponding to the k-th file information f1k to the deletion target. Step S4
When 3 is completed, the process moves to step S41, and it is checked again whether the total size of the files to be deleted is sufficient.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S43 that the total size C of the file to be deleted is larger than the specified value C0, that is, if it is determined that sufficient free space can be secured, step S44 is performed. To step S
In 41 to S43, the file of the reproduction data selected as the deletion target is deleted. Specifically, among the file information sorted in step S39, the files of the reproduction data corresponding to the first to k-th file information {f1m}, (m = 1, 2,..., K) Erasing from the hard disk 3. When this step S44 ends, a sufficient free storage capacity is secured, and the process moves to step S4 in FIG. 2 to perform the receiving operation described in the first embodiment. Note that the processing from step S31 to step S44 described above is executed by the hard disk capacity management unit 81.

In the second embodiment, as described above, since the reproduction data designated by the operator is not automatically deleted but stored, the important reproduction data is deleted for the non-important reproduction data. There is an effect that it is possible to prevent the reproduction from becoming impossible. Therefore, for the operator,
It is possible to provide a more convenient information recording / reproducing apparatus.

In addition, since the reproduction data to be stored can be specified collectively for each genre according to the preference of the operator, the reproduction data is collectively preferentially stored without specifying each reproduction data. Playback data can be specified. Therefore, there is an effect that the operation is simple and the usability is very good. Also, if a genre is specified, the reproduction data belonging to the specified genre is also automatically and preferentially stored for the reproduction data for which the attribute data has been newly received. Therefore, every time new attribute data is received,
It is not necessary to always specify whether the new attribute data is playback data that you want to save with priority,
There is an effect that the operation is simple and the usability is very good.

In the above description, the priority is set to two levels, and the reproduced data is classified into two types: reproduced data whose priority is to be stored and reproduced data which is not preferentially stored. However, three or more priorities are provided. Is also good. For example, priority A> priority B>
When the priority C is set, the reproduction data of the priority C is deleted first. When there is no reproduction data of the priority C, the reproduction data of the priority B is deleted.
When there is no playback data of the priorities B and C, the playback data of the priority A can be deleted.

In the first embodiment, as another example of step S2 in FIG. 2, it is explained that the amount of reproduced data to be deleted may be changed according to the size of newly received reproduced data. However, this method can be applied to the second embodiment. Further, as another example of step S2 in FIG. 2, a method of monitoring the total amount of data already stored in the hard disk 3 has been described, but this method can be applied to the second embodiment.

[0063]

Since the present invention is configured as described above, it has the following effects.

Receiving means for receiving a plurality of reproduction data;
Storage means for storing a plurality of pieces of reproduction data received by the reception means, and capacity management for deleting the reproduction data stored in the storage means when the free space of the storage means becomes a predetermined value or less. Means, selecting means for selecting reproduction data to be reproduced from the plurality of reproduction data, and reproduction means for reproducing the reproduction data selected by the selection means among the plurality of reproduction data stored in the storage means, Is provided, even if the storage amount of the reproduction data exceeds the storage capacity of the storage means, the reproduction data can be automatically saved without replacing the storage means, so that an information recording / reproducing apparatus with excellent convenience can be obtained. .

The capacity management means compares the size of the reproduction data newly received by the reception means with the free space of the storage means, and based on the comparison result, the plurality of reproduction data stored in the storage means. Since the reproduction data to be deleted is selected from among them, and the selected reproduction data is deleted, even if the storage amount of the reproduction data exceeds the storage capacity of the storage means, the reproduction data can be automatically saved without having to replace the storage means. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an information recording / reproducing apparatus with excellent convenience, and further, to select the reproduction data to be deleted based on the size of the newly received reproduction data. Can be higher.

The capacity management means deletes the reproduction data stored in the storage means when the size of the reproduction data stored in the storage means becomes equal to or larger than a predetermined value. Even if the amount of storage exceeds the storage capacity of the storage means, it is not necessary to replace the storage means, and the reproduced data can be automatically saved, so that a highly convenient information recording / reproducing apparatus can be obtained.

Further, the capacity management means selects the reproduction data to be deleted from the plurality of reproduction data stored in the storage means based on the receiving order, and deletes the selected reproduction data. Even if the storage capacity exceeds the storage capacity of the storage means, the playback data can be automatically saved without the need to replace the storage means, so that an information recording and playback apparatus with excellent convenience can be obtained. Since data is selected, new reproduction data can be reproduced preferentially.

Further, the capacity management means detects the expiration date of the reproduced data stored in the storage means, and deletes the expired reproduction data from the plurality of reproduction data stored in the storage means. Even if the data storage capacity exceeds the storage capacity of the storage means, the playback data can be automatically saved without the need to replace the storage means, so that an information recording and playback apparatus with excellent convenience can be obtained. , The reproduction data is deleted on the basis of, so that the reproduction data having a high necessity within the expiration date can be reproduced preferentially.

The storage priority storing means for storing information indicating the priority of storing the reproduced data is provided. The capacity managing means selects the reproduced data to be deleted based on the priority stored in the priority storing means. Therefore, even if the storage amount of the reproduction data exceeds the storage capacity of the storage means, the reproduction data can be automatically saved without the need to replace the storage means, and the reproduction data with a higher priority can be preferentially stored. Because you can
An information recording / reproducing apparatus with excellent convenience can be obtained.

One or more of the plurality of pieces of reproduction data received by the receiving means belong to one of the plurality of genres, and record information indicating the priority of storing the genre. The storage management unit is configured to select the reproduction data to be deleted based on the priority stored in the priority storage unit, so that the storage amount of the reproduction data exceeds the storage capacity of the storage unit. Also, it is possible to save the playback data automatically without the need to replace the storage means, to save the playback data with high priority with priority, and to specify the priority for each playback data, which is convenient. An information recording / reproducing apparatus having excellent characteristics can be obtained.

The receiving means receives a plurality of broadcast data reproduced and attribute data of each of the reproduced data, and the storage means stores the plurality of reproduced data received by the receiving means during a predetermined period. A plurality of pieces of reproduction data that are not reserved for storage and attribute data of each of the pieces of reproduction data, and an attribute data display unit that displays the plurality of attribute data stored by the storage unit. The reproduction data is selected from the plurality of attribute data displayed on the display means, and the reproduction means reads the reproduction data from the storage means based on a result of the selection by the selection means, and reproduces the read reproduction data. And reproducing means, the storage means does not need to be replaced even if the storage amount of the reproducing data exceeds the storage capacity of the storing means. Auto can save further, even without first pre-reserved reproduction data to be stored, it is possible to view the reproduced data after broadcasting, it is possible to obtain an information recording and reproducing apparatus having excellent usability.

A receiving means for receiving a plurality of broadcast data reproduced and attribute data of each of the reproduced data, and a plurality of reproduced data not reserved for storage among the plurality of reproduced data received by the receiving means. Storage means for storing data and respective attribute data of the reproduced data; attribute data display means for displaying a plurality of attribute data stored in the storage means; and a plurality of attributes displayed on the attribute data display means Selecting means for selecting the reproduction data to be reproduced from the data, and reproduction means for reading the reproduction data from the storage means based on the selection result of the selection means and reproducing the read reproduction data, Even if you do not make a reservation, you can automatically save the playback data, and after playing the playback data, Desired for the reproduced data can be reproduced by selecting, it is possible to obtain an excellent information recording and reproducing apparatus convenience from the.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an information recording / reproducing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a receiving operation according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a data structure of an attribute management database according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a reproducing operation according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a display screen of a video display unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of an information recording / reproducing apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a data structure in an attribute management database according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a selection process of preferential storage reproduction data according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a display screen at the time of selecting the preferential storage reproduction data according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process of deleting reproduction data according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 receiver, 2 data converter, 3 hard disk, 4 video display controller, 5 display, 6
Selection result input section, 7 Attribute data display control section, 8
· 81 Hard disk capacity management unit, 9 Deletion availability input unit, 10 Storage priority storage unit

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A receiving means for receiving a plurality of reproduced data, a storing means for storing a plurality of reproduced data received by the receiving means, and when the free space of the storing means becomes less than a predetermined value. A capacity management unit that deletes the reproduction data stored in the storage unit; a selection unit that selects the reproduction data to be reproduced from the plurality of reproduction data; and a plurality of the reproduction data stored in the storage unit. An information recording / reproducing apparatus, comprising: reproducing means for reproducing the reproduction data selected by the selecting means. 2. The capacity management means compares the size of the reproduction data newly received by the reception means with the free space of the storage means, and based on the comparison result, a plurality of reproduction data stored in the storage means. 2. The information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reproduction data to be deleted is selected from the following, and the selected reproduction data is deleted. 3. The capacity management means deletes the reproduction data stored in the storage means when the size of the reproduction data stored in the storage means becomes equal to or larger than a predetermined value. The information recording / reproducing device according to claim 1. 4. The capacity management means selects the reproduction data to be deleted from the plurality of reproduction data stored in the storage means based on the order of reception, and deletes the selected reproduction data. An information recording / reproducing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 5. The capacity management means detects the expiration date of the reproduction data stored in the storage means, and deletes the reproduction data whose expiration date has passed among the plurality of reproduction data stored in the storage means. The information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein 6. A storage priority storage unit for storing information indicating a priority of storage of reproduction data, wherein the capacity management unit selects the reproduction data to be deleted based on the priority stored in the priority storage unit. The information recording / reproducing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein 7. One or more of the plurality of pieces of reproduction data received by the receiving means belong to one of the plurality of genres, and record information indicating the priority of storage of the genre. 6. The storage management apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a storage priority storage unit that performs a selection of the reproduction data to be deleted based on the priority stored in the priority storage unit. Information recording and playback device. 8. A receiving means for receiving a plurality of broadcast data reproduced and attribute data of each of the reproduced data, and a storage means for storing the plurality of reproduced data received by the receiving means during a predetermined period. The storage means stores attribute data of a plurality of pieces of reproduction data which are not reserved for storage and attribute data of each of the pieces of reproduction data, and the attribute data display means displays the plurality of attribute data stored by the storage means. The reproduction data is selected from the plurality of attribute data displayed on the display means, and the reproduction means, based on the selection result by the selection means,
2. A reproducing means for reading the reproduced data from the storage means and reproducing the read reproduced data.
8. The information recording / reproducing apparatus according to any one of claims to 7. 9. Receiving means for receiving a plurality of broadcast data reproduced and attribute data of each of the reproduced data, and a plurality of reproductions which are not reserved for storage among the plurality of reproduction data received by the receiving means. Storage means for storing data and respective attribute data of the reproduced data; attribute data display means for displaying a plurality of attribute data stored in the storage means; and a plurality of attributes displayed on the attribute data display means Information comprising: selecting means for selecting reproduction data to be reproduced from data; and reproducing means for reading the reproduction data from the storage means based on a selection result of the selection means and reproducing the read reproduction data. Recording and playback device.