KR100329948B1 - Av apparatus, method for using av apparatus, and av system - Google Patents

Abstract

In the AV device system including various AV devices including the satellite broadcast receivers 100a and 100b, the recording device 110 and the monitor 120 are connected by the control bus 10, and the reservation data management unit 105 or 115 is connected. A time reservation unit 104 or 114 including a is provided to each AV device.

The AV device that intends to set up and execute the time reservation unit stores the reservation in the reservation data management unit 105, and simultaneously stores the reservation in the reservation data management unit 115 in another AV device that operates in association with the execution of the reservation. Ask to record it yourself.

Description

AV device, method using AV device and AV system {AV APPARATUS, METHOD FOR USING AV APPARATUS, AND AV SYSTEM}

Recently, a communication system performs communication of mixed data and control signals with a group of AV devices such as a video tape recording device (hereinafter referred to as VTR) and a television receiver (hereinafter referred to as TV), and devices As it consists of information processing devices connected by a control bus capable of transmitting and receiving data and control signals between them, communication systems using an IEEE 1394 serial bus or a universal serial bus (USB) have been proposed.

The IEEE 1394 serial bus achieves both isochronous transmissions, ie continuous transmission of data such as digital AV signals at constant rates, and asynchronous transmissions, ie control signal transmissions, such as connection control commands as required.

USB is capable of such isochronous transfers, control transfers used to send and receive messages, and bulk transfers used to transfer enormous amounts of data even if transmission rates are not guaranteed.

In a system using an IEEE 1394 serial bus or USB, node IDs are automatically assigned according to the connection type of each device. If a new device is added to the system or any device is removed from the system, the bus is reset and node IDs are automatically reassigned to match the new connection type.

Moreover, standardization of the AV / C digital interface command set of control signals for controlling various kinds of AV devices from outside on the IEEE 1394 serial bus is underway.

In such a situation, if a system is constructed in which various kinds of AV devices are connected and data and control signals are communicated by an IEEE 1394 serial bus or a USB, imagine that any random AV device can control another AV device. have. One typical example of such a function is to ensure the usability of the device, such as a time reservation function for video recording or playback.

However, the conventional time reservation function allows an operator to time-reserve each of the relevant devices, and each AV device set outputs or starts to record AV data including image information and audio information regardless of the use status of other AV devices. The same operation is simply performed without regard to any other AV device. Therefore, the operator, once setting a timer reservation, must check for himself whether or not each device is available for operation when the reserved time comes.

Furthermore, when attempting to record a changeable program, such as a satellite broadcast program, by time scheduling, if an unexpected extension occurs during the program time, even if the satellite broadcast receiver itself can adjust itself to such an accident, The recording VTR will end recording when a preset end time arrives, even if an unexpected extension occurs and it is necessary to extend the recording time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for a device used in an AV device system that can easily make time reservations and manage reservations of a plurality of related AV devices in order to solve these problems.

The present invention relates to a technique related to an audio and video device system (hereinafter referred to as an AV device system), which is connected to each other by a bus and comprises at least two AV devices such as an audio device and an imaging device. Relates to a technique for using devices in an AV device system in which multiple AV devices can operate in association with each other to ensure availability of AV devices operating in association.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a time reservation configuration of an AV device system which is one mode of carrying out the present invention.

2 is a diagram showing an example of a reservation data configuration managed by an AV device serving as an input device.

3 is a diagram showing an example of a reservation data configuration managed in an AV device serving as an associated device.

4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reservation data configuration managed by an input device or a related device of an AV device system.

5 is a flowchart of time reservation processing.

6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input device screen in time reservation processing.

7 is a diagram showing an example of an input device screen when a notification is made that time reservation processing cannot be executed.

8 is a diagram showing an example of an input device screen displaying a reservation status in a related device in a time reservation process;

Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an input device screen when a notification is made that there is a duplicate reservation at a time specified in time reservation processing.

10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input device screen when a program time reservation list is displayed.

Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the related device screen when the program time reservation list is displayed;

Fig. 12 is a flowchart for checking of reservation details by each AV device when the configuration of the AV device system is changed.

FIG. 13 shows an example of a screen when an input device or a related device is notified that it is not available.

Fig. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a command packet and a response packet for communication between AV devices connected by a control bus.

Fig. 15 shows an example of a time reservation situation in which a changeable program is recorded by time reservation.

Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a screen when a collision between a next reserved program associated with a change of a broadcast program is notified.

Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an AV device system which is another mode for carrying out the present invention;

18 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input device screen when a program time reservation list is displayed.

19 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a related device when a program time reservation list is displayed;

20 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an AV device system which is another mode for carrying out the present invention;

21 is a diagram showing an actual example of the configuration of reservation data managed by an AV device in the AV device system.

In order to solve the above problems, the methods described below are implemented, and an AV device and an AV device system are provided to realize these methods.

When device usage information such as time reservation is instructed to the first AV device and the second AV device, a device operating in association with the first AV device when using the bus is determined, and a bus connecting two sets to the second AV device. Through or from the start time to the end time that the second AV device is to be used is queryed for availability or unavailable.

In response to the inquiry, the second AV device compares the device usage information of the second AV device and the device usage information stored in the device usage information storage means, thereby determining whether the second AV device is available or unavailable. 1 Reply to AV device.

When the second AV device is available for a specified time, the first AV device stores the device usage information in the device usage information storage means of the first AV device, and further stores the device usage information in the device usage information of the second AV device. Store in storage means. On the other hand, if the second AV device has not been available for a specified time, the first AV device will cancel the planned use or query the second AV device for reasons relating to the unavailability, and If there are any duplicate requests, it will perform the same process as determining which request to validate.

Execution using any device is notified to each other that the execution of use of the device will be followed by the first AV device and the second AV device a few minutes before the execution time or minutes of use of the device.

Furthermore, when the details of the use of the first AV device are changed, the first AV device reads the device usage information already stored in the device usage information storage means of the first AV device and displays it on the display means. The first AV device then changes the device usage information as desired and notifies the second AV device that will be affected by the change. The second AV device reads the device usage information for the second AV device from the device usage information storage means and changes the device usage information accordingly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS To describe the present invention in detail, it will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Incidentally, the implementation modes described below relate to the case of ensuring the availability of the device in the time reservation among various techniques for ensuring the availability of the bus, but are not limited to the time reservation and the availability of the device may be guaranteed. Can be applied in any case as long as it can avoid conflicts between requests for the use of the same device.

1 shows an example of a time reservation configuration in the AV device system illustrated herein to illustrate the present invention.

In this example, the AV device system includes satellite broadcast receivers 100a and 100b for receiving a broadcast program using a communication satellite; A recording device 110 which may be a video tape recording device for recording AV data including image and audio data on a magnetic tape, or a DVD, HD, MO, or the like for recording AV data on a magnetic disk or an optical disk; Or a monitor 120, which may be a TV receiver or a personal computer display unit connected by a bus 10, which may be an IEEE 1394 serial bus or a USB.

If the operator instructs the satellite broadcast receiver 100a to make a time recording of the satellite broadcast program with the recording device 110, a time reservation is made and the reservation is executed as the satellite broadcast receiver 100a and the recording device 110. The method is described below.

First, the configuration of the satellite broadcast receiver 110a and the recording apparatus 110 will be described. Incidentally, the satellite broadcast receiver 110b has the same configuration as the satellite broadcast receiver 110a.

The satellite broadcast receiver 110a includes: a user interface unit 101 using an input command device such as a remote control device or a tablet for communicating with an operator, such as a reception time reservation setting and display command; A communication interface 102 for communicating AV data and control signals with another device (in this case, the satellite broadcast receiver 110b, the recording device 110, and the monitor 120) via the bus 10; A satellite broadcast tuner unit 103 for receiving a satellite broadcast program; A time reservation unit 104 for processing the time reservation; A playback unit 107 for playing back the broadcast program received by the monitor 120; And a controller 108 for controlling the operation of various parts of the satellite broadcast receiver 110a.

The time reservation unit 104 includes a reservation data management unit 105 for managing data related to time reservation, and a time management unit 106 for activating or otherwise informing an alarm when the scheduled operation time comes. do.

The recording device 110 may include a user interface 111 using an input command device such as a tablet or a remote control device for communicating with an operator such as recording reception or playback, time reservation setting, and display command; A communication interface 112 for communicating AV data and control signals with other devices (in this case, satellite broadcast receivers 110a and 110b, and monitor 120) via the bus 10; A VHF / UHF broadcast tuner unit 113 for receiving a VHF / UHF broadcast program; A time reservation unit 114 for processing time reservation of the VHF / UHF broadcast program; A recording unit 117 for recording AV data such as a broadcast program on a recording medium such as a magnetic tape or an optical disk; A reproduction unit 118 for reproducing the AV data recorded on the recording medium; And a recording device controller 119 for controlling the operation of the recording device 110.

The time reservation unit 114 includes a reservation data management unit 115 for managing data related to time reservation, and a time management unit 116 for operating or otherwise informing an alarm when the scheduled operation time comes. .

Next, a configuration of reservation data managed by the time management unit 106 of the satellite broadcast receiver 100a and the reservation data management unit 115 of the recording device 110 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

First, in the satellite broadcast receiver 110a (input device) instructed to make a time reservation by an operator in this implementation mode, the device usage information includes a reservation ID 201 constituting a set of reservation data for managing a reservation; It has a reservation time (start / end time) 202, an associated device ID 203, and various setting information 204.

The reservation ID 201, which is an identifier for identifying the reservation data to be managed by the input device 110a, assigns a unique number according to the setting sequence or time sequence. The reservation time 202 is the requested reservation time (start / end time). Associated device ID 203 is a unique identifier of the device operating in association during the execution of the reservation (associated device). In this implementation mode, this is a unique identifier of the recording device 110. If no device needs to operate in association, its ID (ID of the satellite broadcast receiver 110a) or a value not used as an ID is set. If there are multiple related devices, IDs for all devices are set. The various setting information 204 may be generated by an input device and associated related device, including types of execution functions such as playback or recording, channel numbers, recording speeds such as SP, LP, or EP, and recording modes such as analog or digital. It includes an item of information required for the setting and execution of a time reservation.

Next, in the recording device 110 (related device) operating together with the satellite broadcast receiver 110a at the time of execution of the reservation, one reservation includes a reservation ID 301, a reservation time (start / end time) 302, It is managed by a data structure consisting of an input device ID 303 and various setting information 304 for the related device.

The reservation ID 301, which is an identifier for identifying the reservation data to be managed by the related device 110, assigns a unique number according to the setting sequence or time sequence. The reservation time 302 is the requested reservation time (start / end time). The input device ID 303 is a unique identifier of the device that receives the reservation and operates in association during the reservation (input device) execution. In this implementation mode, this is the unique identifier of satellite broadcast receiver 100a. If no device is reserved and does not need to operate in association with it, a value that is not used as the ID or ID of the recording device 110 is set. The various setting information 304 may be used for setting and executing time reservations by the input device and associated related devices, such as playback or recording, channel number, recording speed such as SP, LP, or EP, and recording mode such as analog or digital. Contains an item of information required for

Next, a process of processing time reservation by the AV device system will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

First, the operator inputs a time reservation command and reservation contents 400 to the satellite broadcast receiver 100a by an input command device such as a remote control device or an input tablet (step 501), and if execution of the reservation is performed by the satellite broadcast receiver. If it is going to be performed in connection with any other device other than 100a (recording device 110 in this implementation mode), then an associated device that can be controlled is determined (step 502).

6 shows an example of the frames displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the monitor 120 or the remote control in steps 501 and 502. First, when an operator selects a program guide indicator on the remote control apparatus 600, a frame 610 indicating a program guide is displayed. When a program to be reserved is selected using the direction indicator 602 on the frame 610 and a registration is instructed by the registration indicator 607, a frame 620 for selecting a function to be executed is displayed. In the frame 620, the direction indicator 602 is used to select a function (playback or recording) to be executed according to the reservation, and the decision indicator 604 instructs the decision. If recording is selected here, a frame 630 for selecting a recording device, that is, a related device is displayed. In the frame 630, information (such as a VTR or DVD, a manufacturer name, etc.) of a device having a video recording function among devices connected to the bus 10 is displayed.

In the case of the system in this implementation mode (FIG. 1), since there is only one recording device on the bus, only the information of this recording device 110 is displayed.

If the decision indicator 604 instructs the decision here, a frame 640 for selecting the tape speed and recording mode is displayed. When a tape speed and a recording mode are selected in the frame 640 and a decision is instructed by the decision indicator 604, information setting related to the recording reservation is completed.

Next, the time reservation unit 104 of the satellite broadcast receiver 100a uses the control unit 108, the communication interface unit, and the bus to determine whether use of the designated reservation time is scheduled, that is, the reservation data is reserved. The time reservation unit 114 of the associated apparatus (recording apparatus 110) is inquired whether it can be stored in the 115 (step 503). While this inquiry here is made by transmitting information at least about the start time and the end time for the use of the relevant device, the contents of the reservation data itself can also be sent simultaneously with the inquiry about the usage schedule.

As a result, upon receiving a notification from the recording apparatus 110 that there is no plan to use it within the designated time, the reservation data management unit 105 prepares and manages the reservation data 410 based on the input reservation contents 400 entered (step 504). ). The reservation data 410 may include a reservation data ID 411 of the input device 100a, a reservation time 412 of the reservation contents 400, a unique ID 413 of the related device 110 on the bus, and an execution function. Various information 414 including channel number, program title, recording speed, and recording mode.

At the same time, the input device 100a transmits the information necessary for the preparation of the reservation data 420 to the time reservation unit 114 of the associated device 110, and issues a request for setting the reservation data (step 505). In response, the time reservation unit 114 of the related device 110 receives the setting request, prepares the reservation data 420, and manages the reservation data in the reservation data management unit 115.

The reservation data 420 may be a reservation data ID 421 of the associated device 110, a reservation time 422 of the reservation contents 400, a unique ID 423 of the input device 100a on the bus, and an execution function. Various setting information 424 is included, including the channel number, program title, recording speed, and recording mode.

If a notification is received from the recording device 110 that there is any schedule to be used within the time specified in step 503, the operator is queried whether to change the time reservation again, and if so, processing returns to step 501, If not, processing will end. 7 shows an example of a screen in the case of inquiring to an operator. If selection 701 is indicated in this frame 700, processing returns to step 501, and if selection 702 is indicated, processing will end.

Considering the information about the associated device at step 502 here, the controller 108 of the input device 100a obtains and manages the device which may be on the bus and may be an associated device at bus reset or periodically. If there is only one associated device on the bus 10, the device may automatically be determined to be the associated device 110. In addition, if there are two or more related devices on the bus 10, it directs such related devices on the liquid crystal frame of the monitor 120 or the remote control device and allows the operator to determine one related device each time it makes a reservation. It is possible to do Optionally, it is also possible to predetermine priorities for the related devices to be managed by the control unit 108, so that the control unit stores this and automatically determines the related devices with reference to the memory. Alternatively, it is also possible to automatically determine the appropriate device from the relevant device information managed by the control unit 108 according to the recording medium (VHS tape, SVHS tape, magneto-optical disc, etc.) and recording mode (analog, digital, etc.) designated by the operator. It is possible. For example, if the operator designates digital recording, the control unit 108 may choose to use digital recording from the associated device information, the SVHS tape is installed, and use it as the associated device.

Further, in step 503, the satellite broadcast receiver 100a reads the reservation data 300 managed by the time reservation unit 114 of the associated device 110 and checks if there is any schedule to be used for the designated reservation time. It is possible to let you check.

8 shows a frame 800 showing an example of the display by the input device 100a with respect to the reservation status of the related device 110.

Alternatively, in step 505, the reservation data management unit 105 of the satellite broadcast receiver 100a prepares the reservation data 420, and transmits the reservation data 420 to the time reservation unit 114 of the recording device 110. It is also possible to transmit and set the reservation data 420 in the reservation data management unit 115 in the time reservation unit 114 of the related device 110. In addition, it is also possible for the control unit 108 of the satellite broadcast receiver 100a to set the reservation data 420 directly in the reservation data management unit 115 of the associated device 110.

Alternatively, in step 506, if reservation use already exists in the recording device 110, it is also possible to inform the operator of such a reservation and determine which reservation to give a certain priority. In this case, in consideration of the canceled reservation, the device whose reservation is canceled deletes all the reservation data in the device with the reservation data associated with the reservation. 9 shows an example frame 900 when duplicate bookings are notified to an operator. When indicating a selection 901 in the frame 900, the time reservation unit 104 of the satellite broadcasting receiver 100a transmits to delete the reservation already set in the time reservation unit 114 of the recording apparatus 110. The time reservation unit 114 of the recording device 110 receives the reservation data related to the reservation from the reservation data management unit 115 in response and deletes the reservation data, and at the same time, all reservations in devices having reservation data related to the reservation. Delete the data.

If instructing another selection 902, the time reservation indicated in frames 610-640 is cancelled. In addition, the priority is automatically stored in the control unit 108 of the input device 100a according to the contents of the stored information referred to in the priority and time reservation automatically given to the reservation of a changeable program such as a satellite broadcast program. For example, various forms of arbitration for overlapping reservations are certainly possible.

Next, an example of a screen of the input device, that is, the satellite broadcast receiver 100a, in which a list of reservation contents for which time reservation is set in advance is displayed is shown in FIG.

First, when the operator designates the confirmation indicator 605 of the remote control device 600, the time reservation unit 104 reads the reservation data 200 stored in the reservation data management unit 105 of the satellite broadcast receiver 100a. The frame 1000 is displayed on the monitor 120 through the user interface 101. On frame 1000, each of the reservation details such as a reservation number, date, reservation time, channel number, program title, and execution function is displayed. If the detail indicator 603 is specified to view more detailed items, the frame 1020 is displayed. The frame 1020 displays contents including items that could not be displayed in the previous frame 1000.

Next, a process of changing the contents of the time reservation already set will be described. If a reservation is selected from the contents displayed in the frame 1000 and the change indicator 606 is instructed to change, the reservation change frame 1010 appears. As the frame 1010 instructs the deletion of the reservation, the time change, the execution function, or the like, the time reservation unit 104 of the satellite broadcast receiver 100a displays contents related to the reservation stored in the reservation data management unit 105. Delete or change. Then, the time reservation unit 114 of another device (in this case, the recording device 110) that performs the associated operation when the reservation is executed is requested to delete or change the related contents of the reservation data related to the reservation.

In response, the time reservation unit 114 of the recording device 110 retrieves the reservation data related to the reservation stored in the reservation data management unit 115 and deletes or changes the related contents thereof. Here, the time reservation unit 104 of the satellite broadcast receiver 100a receives the reservation data stored in the reservation data management unit 116 in the recording device, retrieves the reservation data related to this reservation, and retrieves the related contents. After deleting or changing, the contents are rewritten in the reservation data management unit 115.

11 shows an example of the screen of the related apparatus, that is, the recording apparatus 110, in which a list of reservation contents for which time reservation has already been set is displayed.

When the operator instructs to confirm or change the reservation contents, the time reservation unit 114 of the recording device 110 reads the reservation information stored in the reservation data management unit 115 and monitors 120 through the user interface unit 111. Frame 1100 is displayed. In this frame 1100, a recording time reservation of a broadcast program received from the VHF / UHF tuner unit 113 installed in the recording device 110, and a recording time of the broadcast program received by the satellite broadcast receivers 100a and 100b. The reservation is displayed at the same time. As indicated by 1110 in FIG. 11, the two are distinguished from each other by marking with a ★ or a receiver name.

Next, with reference to FIG. 12, a description will be given of processing performed when the bus is reset or when the configuration of the AV device system is changed due to, for example, the withdrawal of any connected device.

First, the time reservation units 104 and 114 of the device whose change has been approved in the configuration of the AV device system read the reservation data 200 or 300 managed by the reservation data management units 105 and 115 (step 1201), Examine the contents of each. Then, referring to the input device ID 303 or the related device ID 203 of the reservation data, and if the value is different from the value of each device ID, the input device ID ( 303 or the device indicated by the associated device ID 203 (step 1202). Then, if the result is that the inquired device is not available, the operator is notified that it is impossible to execute the reservation data, and the reservation is canceled or the reservation data is automatically deleted (step 1203). This makes it possible to successfully manage reservation data even if the system configuration changes. 13 shows an example frame 1300 that notifies the operator that the queried device is unavailable. If a selection 1301 is specified in the frame 1300, the time reservation units 104 and 114 delete the reservation data. If another selection 1302 is specified, the frame 1300 remains displayed until the queried device becomes available.

Next, in steps 503, 505, and 1202, an inquiry from the satellite broadcast receiver 100a to the recording device 110, and a response from the recording device 110 to the satellite broadcast receiver 100a. An example of the configuration of a packet structure of a control signal for transmitting a signal is shown in FIG.

When a request for setting and obtaining reservation data is requested from the satellite broadcasting receiver 100a to the recording apparatus 110, a command packet 1400 is used.

The command packet 1400 includes a command sender address 1401, an address 1402 of a command sender's lower unit, an address 1403 of a command receiver, an address 1404 of a lower unit of a command receiver, and a command content 1405. Include.

The command sender address 1401 indicates only the address of the device that issues the transmission command on the bus 10. In this implementation mode, the command sender address 1401 is the address of the satellite broadcast receiver 100a on the bus 10. As shown in FIG.

The address 1402 of the lower unit of the command sender is the address of an individual functional section (tuner section, time reservation section, etc.) of the device that issues the command. In this implementation mode, this is the address of the tuner section 104 of the satellite broadcast receiver 100a.

The address 1403 of the command receiver represents only the address of the device that receives the command on the bus 10, and in this implementation mode, it is the address of the recording device 110 on the bus 10.

The address 1404 of the lower unit of the command receiver is the address (tuner section, time reservation section, etc.) of the individual functional sections of the device receiving the command. In this implementation mode, this is the address of the tuner section 114 of the recording apparatus 110.

The command content 1405 indicates a request to the time reservation unit of the command receiver (in this case, the time reservation unit 114 of the recording apparatus 110) for recording, reading, or changing reservation data and its contents.

On the other hand, the response from the recording device 110 to the satellite broadcast receiver 100a uses a response packet 1410.

The response packet 1410 includes a response sender address 1411, a subunit address of the response sender 1412, a response recipient address 1413, a subunit address 1414 of the response recipient, and the response contents 1415.

The response sender address 1411 represents only the address of the device that issues the response on the bus 10, and in this implementation mode, it is the address of the recording device 110 on the bus 10.

The lower unit address 1412 of the response sender is the address of an individual functional section (tuner section, time reservation section, etc.) of the device issuing the response. In this implementation mode, this is the address of the tuner section 114 of the recording apparatus 110.

The response recipient address 1413 represents only the address of the device receiving the response on the bus 10, and in this implementation mode, is the address of the satellite broadcast receiver 100a on the bus 10.

The subunit address 1414 of the response recipient is the address of an individual functional section (tuner section, time reservation section, etc.) of the device receiving the response. In this implementation mode, this is the address of the tuner section 104 of the satellite broadcast receiver 100a.

The response content 1415 is a response receiver (in this case, the time reservation unit 114 in the recording apparatus 110) in response to a request for recording, reading, or changing reservation data such as the change of the reservation data or the result thereof. Indicates a response to the time reservation unit.

More specifically, in the present implementation mode, in the system including the satellite broadcast receivers 100a and 100b and the recording device 110 connected to each other by the control bus 10, the reservation data managers 105 and 115 are included. Time reservations 104 and 114 are provided to the satellite broadcast receivers 100a and 100b and the recording device 110 so that each of the execution devices manages reservations belonging to them among all the time reservations on the bus 10.

For example, when the satellite broadcast receiver 100a is instructed to make a time reservation as mentioned above, the time reservation unit 104 stores the contents of the reservation data in the reservation data management unit 105 and operates in association with the time reservation. Also stored in the reservation data management unit 115 of the recording apparatus 110 is processed.

This means that, when instructed to make a time reservation associated with the recording device 110, the satellite broadcast receiver 100a and any other device other than the recording device 110, such as the satellite broadcast receiver 100b, may record the recording device 110. Only by inquiring to the reservation data management unit 115 of the reference), it is possible to grasp all reservations using the recording apparatus 110 existing on the bus 10.

Further, as will be described in more detail below, when a command to make a time reservation associated with the satellite broadcast receiver 100a is received from another device, only by querying the reservation data manager 105 of the satellite broadcast receiver 100a It is possible to keep track of all the reservations using the satellite broadcast receiver 100a present on the bus 10.

Further, it is assumed that the reservation data to be stored in the reservation data management units 105 and 115 has a configuration including an input device ID 303 or an associated device ID 203.

This enables identification of devices with processed reservation data and devices associated with executing reservations, so that in the event of a conflict or change, the process of canceling any reconfiguration or reservation of the system will be more easily handled. Can be.

In discussing a mode of implementing a reservation here, when it is time to execute a reservation, the satellite broadcast receiver 100a and the recording device 110 adopt a configuration of individually executing the reservation based on the stored reservation data. It is possible. In addition, it is possible to give the satellite broadcast receiver 110a a function of remotely controlling the recording device 110, so that the satellite broadcast receiver 100a executes the reservation when the reservation time comes. ) Can be controlled remotely. In this case, the reservation data 200 managed by the reservation data management unit 105 of the satellite broadcast receiver 100a is data indicating whether it is possible to remotely control another device in addition to the related device ID 203. It may include.

In addition, the reservation data 300 managed by the reservation data management unit 115 of the recording device 110 may include, in addition to the input device ID 303, data indicating whether another device can be remotely controlled. have.

Next, a method of recording a changeable program such as a satellite broadcast program by time reservation will be described with reference to FIG. 15.

After the above-described process for time reservation, the reservation data management unit 105 of the satellite broadcast receiver 100a may perform a pay TV program 1510, such as sports broadcasting, from the scheduled start time 1501 to the scheduled end time 1502, And reservation data for another program 1520 from the scheduled start time 1504 after the end time.

A few minutes before the scheduled start time 1501 of the reserved pay TV program 1510, the time reservation unit 104 receives the most recent program guide and the like and checks whether the program 1510 starts at the scheduled time.

There is also an alternative way in which the time reservation unit 104 may obtain new program announcements at predetermined time intervals.

If the program 1510 starts as scheduled, it will begin recording the program associated with the recording device 110 when the scheduled start time 1501 is reached.

Alternatively, if the program 1510 starts later than scheduled, it will receive the end time of the program and check if the end time overlaps with the scheduled start time 1504 of the reserved program 1520 later.

16 shows an example frame 1600 displayed on the monitor 120. If instructing a selection 1601 in this frame 1600, the time reservation unit 104 of the satellite broadcast receiver 100a determines the reservation time 202 of the reservation data 200 associated with the reserved program 1510. Change and delete the reservation data 200 associated with the reserved program 1520. At the same time, a request for a change in the reservation time 302 of the reservation data 300 associated with the program 1510 reserved by the time reservation unit 114 of the recording apparatus 110 and the reservation data associated with the reserved program 1520. Will send a request for deletion of 200.

In response, the time reservation unit 114 of the recording device 110 changes the reservation time 302 of the reservation data 300 associated with the reserved program 1510 stored in the reservation data management unit 115, and The reservation data 300 associated with the program 1520 will be deleted. If instructing another selection 1602 is indicated, the reserved program 1520 will be recorded from the middle, but it is also possible for the operator to select a priority program.

Next, a few minutes before the scheduled end time 1502 after recording of the scheduled program starts at the scheduled start time 1501, the time reservation unit 104 of the satellite broadcast receiver 100a receives the latest program guide and the like. It is checked whether the program 1510 will end at the scheduled time. In addition, there is also an alternative way for the time reservation unit 104 to receive new program announcements at predetermined time intervals.

If the program 1510 ends as scheduled, recording of the program associated with the recording apparatus 110 will be completed when the scheduled end time 1502 is reached.

On the contrary, for example, when a sports broadcast is common, but the program 1510 is extended beyond a predetermined end time, the time reservation unit 104 of the satellite broadcast receiver 100a is, for example, a frame of the monitor 120 ( 1600 will be notified to the operator of the result. Then, if the selection 1601 is specified in the frame 1600, the time reservation unit 114 of the recording device 110 deletes the reservation data 200 associated with the reserved program 1520, and reserves the reserved program. A request for deleting the reservation data 200 associated with 1520 is transmitted to the time reservation unit 114 of the recording apparatus 110.

Monitoring continues until the reserved program 1510 ends, and at the end of the program 1510, the terminated fact is transmitted to the time reservation unit 114 of the recording device 110. In response, the time reservation unit 114 of the recording device 110 deletes the reservation data 300 associated with the reservation program 1520 stored in the reservation data management unit 115. Then, recording continues until the program termination is notified from the satellite broadcast receiver 100a. If another selection 1602 is specified, the reserved program 1520 is recorded from the middle, or the operator selects the program to be given priority.

With this configuration, it is possible to flexibly adapt to the unexpected extension of the reserved program. Also in the above-described example, even if the operator is notified to delete the reservation data 200, the priority is determined in advance when the reservation data 1510 is set, and when an unexpected change occurs in the reservation data such as a program extension, It is also possible to make the reservation automatically delete the reservation data 200.

Here, in the above-described system configuration, although the satellite broadcast receiver 100a was an input device and the recording device 110 was an associated device, the recording device 110 is an input device and the satellite broadcast receiver 100a is an associated device. It may also be considered. In this case, the recording device 110 instructs time reservation, and the reservation data is stored in the reservation data management unit 115 in the recording device 110 and the reservation data management unit 105 in the satellite broadcast receiver 100a. The only difference is that the reservation data management unit 115 in the recording device 110 manages the reservation data 200 and the reservation data management unit 105 in the satellite broadcast receiver 100a manages the reservation data 300, but the processing The process of is similar to that described above with respect to the implementation mode.

Next, as shown in FIG. 17, the case of a system in which various devices are connected by a bus will be described.

The system includes a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC, 1701), a DVD recording / playback device 1702 for playing or recording to DVD, an MD recording / playback device 1703 for playing or recording an MD, satellite broadcasting Satellite broadcast receiver 1704 for receiving audio signals, VTR 1705 for playing back or recording magnetic tape, cable broadcast receiver 1706 for receiving cable broadcast, and a monitor for displaying AV data such as a TV ( 1707).

Each of the devices 1701-1704 is provided with a timer reservation of the type described above. Upon receiving the time reservation instructed by the operator, the device acting as an input device generates the reservation data 200 and stores the reservation data in the time reservation unit in the device, and at the same time, the reservation data in the associated device operating in association. Create 300 and request to save it to a time reservation in the device. In this way, a device acting as an input device should only query the time reservation portion of the related device whether or not the related device is available when attempting to make a time reservation with the targeted related device.

18 shows a program reservation list frame 1800 displayed to confirm the time reservation status of the satellite broadcast receiver 1704. In this frame 1800, the reservation data 200 managed by the time reservation unit is read, and information (date, reservation time, channel, program title, and execution function) of the reservation data 200 is displayed. Here, the system has a DVD 1702, an MD 1703, and a VTR 1705 as a video recording apparatus. In this frame 1800, when the execution function is recorded as indicated by 1801, a device that performs recording with reference to the associated device ID 203 of the reservation data 200 is displayed.

Similarly, DVD 1702 is a device for supplying information and has a PC 1701, a satellite broadcast receiver 1704, and a cable broadcast receiver 1706. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 19, in the frame 1900 displayed when the time reservation status is to be confirmed by the DVD 1702, the reservation contents are referred to with reference to the input device ID 303 of the reservation data 300. It is also possible to display information 1901 related to the providing devices.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 20, the case where the satellite broadcast receiver and the VTR are integrated to have a function unit such as an input and an associated device will be described. The system includes an integrated satellite broadcast receiver-VTR device 2000, a DVD 2020, a monitor 2030, and a cable broadcast receiver 2040.

First, the configuration of the integrated satellite broadcast receiver-VTR apparatus 2000 will be described. The integrated device 2000 uses a user interface unit 2001 and a bus 10 to communicate recording and playback, time reservation, or display information with an operator using an input indicating device such as a remote control device or a tablet. Communication interface 2002 for communicating data and control signals with other devices (in this case, DVD 2020, monitor 2030, and cable broadcast receiver 2040), satellite broadcast tuner for receiving satellite broadcasts. Section 2003, a VHF / UHF tuner section 2004 for receiving VHF / UHF broadcasts, a recording section 2005 for recording broadcast programs on a magnetic tape, and playback of AV data on a magnetic tape or a monitor 2030. A reproducing unit 2006 for actually reproducing a broadcast program, a control unit 2007 for controlling execution of various components, and a time reserving unit for processing time reservation of a satellite broadcast program or a VHF / UHF broadcast program (2010). Here, the control unit 2007 further includes a tuner control unit 2008 for controlling to view satellite broadcasting and VHF / UHF broadcasting. In addition, the time reservation unit 2010 includes a reservation data management unit 2011 and a time management unit 2012 as described above.

The all-in-one device 2000 operates as an input device when the broadcast program makes time-scheduled recording on the DVD 2020, or the program received by the cable broadcast receiver 2040 performs time-scheduled recording by the all-in-one device 2000. Can operate as a related device. In this case, an example of the reservation data structure to be managed by the reservation data management unit 2011 is shown in FIG.

The reservation data 2100 consists of a reservation ID 2101, a reservation time (start / end time) 2102, an input device ID 2103, an associated device ID 2104, and various setting information 2105.

The reservation ID 2101 is a unique identifier for identifying the reservation data managed by the reservation data manager 2011. Reservation time 2102 is the requested reservation input reservation time (start / end time).

The input device ID 2103 is the only identifier of the device that receives and executes the reservation on the bus 10. When the broadcast program is time-scheduled recording with the DVD 2020, since the input device is the integrated device 2000, an integrated ID is set. When the program received by the cable broadcast receiver 2040 is time-scheduled recording by the integrated device 2000, since the input device is the cable broadcast receiver 2040, the ID of the cable broadcast receiver 2040 is set.

Associated device ID 2104 is a unique identifier of a device operating in association with a reservation on bus 10. When the broadcast program is time-scheduled recording to the DVD 2020, since the input device is the DVD 2020, the ID of the DVD is set. When the program received by the cable broadcast receiver 2040 is time-scheduled recording by the integrated device 2000, since the input device is the integrated device 2000, the ID of the integrated device 2000 is set.

The various setting information 2105 includes an execution function, that is, items of various information necessary for setting and executing a time schedule such as playback or recording, channel number, recording speed of SP, LP, or EP, and recording mode of analog or digital. Include them.

The above configuration is such that the reservation data management unit 2011 manages the reservation data 2100 including the ID 2103 of the input device which receives and executes the reservation and ID 2104 of the associated device operating in association. It is possible to determine where reservations are made if the operation of the device is associated and occurs, thereby facilitating time reservation management between devices.

In addition, time adjustment between devices is required when a time reservation is made. Therefore, the conceivable method in the above-described time reservation system is a device which is responsible for the bandwidth of synchronous transmission on the bus, the control of the channel and the power management, (e.g., bus manager of the system using IEEE 1394 and acting as a route). Or a device with an isochronous resource manager), or obtain time information from a station outside the studio, such as a tuner, adjust the time used for the time management unit 106 or 116 as an input device, and between devices connected on the bus. It is to use a method that can perform the time adjustment periodically.

Another way to think of is that when a time reservation is instructed, any device operating in association with the device executing the time reservation request, i.e. a timer input device, can perform time adjustment or obtain time and adjust itself. will be.

As described so far, the characteristics of the present invention, when a time reservation instruction is input to an AV device serving as an input device, sets necessary reservation data to its own time reservation unit and associates necessary reservation data with it. It also includes setting the device. This configuration allows each device to flexibly respond to the time reservation settings of any other device besides itself.

The technique using the apparatus according to the present invention is that when each AV apparatus can grasp all the information related to itself among the usage information of all the apparatuses set in the AV apparatuses other than itself existing on the bus, Avoiding duplication and harmonizing the use of devices on the bus is suitable for obtaining all information about the use of devices related to the relevant devices present on the bus by querying only those devices that control the details of bus usage.

Claims (38)

An AV device capable of transmitting or receiving information with another AV device via a bus, Means for transmitting information requesting storage of device usage information to another AV device which wishes to transmit or receive information via the bus; AV device comprising a. The AV device according to claim 1, comprising means for setting device usage information which causes transmission or reception of image information or audio information with another AV device at a predetermined time period. The AV device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising means for storing the device usage information. A method according to claim 1 or 2, comprising means for receiving information as to whether or not said device usage information transmitted from said other device over said bus can be stored in response to said storage request. AV device. The AV device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising means for receiving device usage information of the other AV device transmitted from the other device over the bus in response to the storage request. 5. The AV device according to claim 4, comprising means for transmitting the device usage information to the other AV device via the bus if the other AV device can store the device usage information. 5. The apparatus according to claim 4, comprising means for transmitting to the display means information on whether or not the other AV device can store the device usage information, wherein the display means provides the information on whether or not storage is possible. AV device, characterized in that for displaying. The AV device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising means for transmitting the device usage information along with the information requesting the storage to the other AV device via the bus. The method of claim 4, wherein when the other AV device cannot store the device use information, transmitting information requesting transmission of the device use information overlapping with the device use information to the other AV device through the bus. AV device comprising means for. 10. The AV device of claim 9, comprising means for receiving the duplicated device usage information from the other AV device via the bus. 12. The AV device according to claim 9 or 10, comprising means for transmitting the duplicated device usage information to the display means, wherein the display means displays the duplicated device usage information. 12. The AV device according to claim 9 or 10, comprising means for determining which of the duplicated device usage information sets should be prioritized when information indicating that storage is not possible is received. 4. The AV device according to claim 3, comprising means for reading the device usage information from the means for storing the device usage information, and means for changing the read device usage information. An AV device capable of transmitting or receiving information with another AV device via a bus, Means for determining, via the bus, whether or not the usage indicated by the device usage information intended to transmit or receive image information or audio information between the other AV apparatus and the other AV apparatus is available. AV device comprising a. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising means for storing the device usage information, wherein when the device indicated by the device usage information is available, the device usage information transmitted from the other AV device is stored. AV device. 16. The apparatus according to claim 14 or 15, comprising means for transmitting to the other AV device via the bus information indicating that the device usage information is unavailable when the device indicated by the device usage information is unavailable. AV device. 17. The AV device according to claim 16, wherein said means for transmitting information indicating that said use is unavailable transmits information indicating why said use is unavailable together with said information indicating that said use is unavailable. 18. An AV according to claim 15 or 17, comprising means for reading the device usage information from means for storing the device usage information, and means for changing the read device usage information. Device. 19. The AV device according to claim 18, comprising means for transmitting the read device usage information to display means, wherein the display means reads the device usage information. 20. Use of the device according to any one of claims 1, 2, 6, 7, 9, 10, 13-15, 17 and 19. And the information requesting storage of the information is information including at least a start time of use of the other AV device and an end time of use of the other AV device. In the method of using the device, Among at least two AV devices connected by bus, The first AV device requests the second AV device to transmit or receive image information or audio information through the bus to store device usage information indicating the use of the second AV device. And the second AV device determines whether the use indicated by the device usage information is available. In the method of using the device, Among at least two AV devices connected by bus, The first AV device requests the second AV device to transmit or receive image information or audio information through the bus to store device usage information indicating the use of the second AV device. The second AV device transmits the device usage information that it already has to the first AV device through the bus, And wherein the first AV device determines whether the second AV device can use based on the device usage information based on the device usage information and the device usage information transmitted from the second AV device. How to. 23. The apparatus of claim 21 or 22, wherein the first AV device transmits the device usage information to the second AV device via the bus when the second AV device is available for use by the device usage information. Characterized in that. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the first AV device and the second AV device store the device usage information when the second AV device is available for use by the device usage information. 23. The apparatus of claim 21 or 22, wherein when the second AV device is not available indicated by the device usage information, the second AV device indicates the device usage information to the first AV device via the bus. Transmitting information indicating that it is not available. The method according to claim 21 or 22, wherein when the second AV device is not available indicated by the device usage information, the second AV device is accompanied by information indicating that the usage indicated by the device usage information is not available. And transmitting device usage information to the first AV device via the bus including a reason why the usage indicated by the device usage information is not available. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein a duplicate set of information usage information is transmitted to display means, wherein the display means displays the duplicate set of information usage information. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein when receiving the information that cannot be stored, priority is given to one of a set of duplicate device usage information. 29. The method according to claim 24, 27 or 28, wherein the device usage information is read and the read device usage information is changed. 29. The method according to any one of claims 21, 22, 24, 27, and 28, wherein at the time of requesting storage of the device usage information, at least a start time of use of the second AV device and the first time. 2 Information including the end time of use of the AV device is transmitted. In an AV device system composed of a plurality of AV devices connected by a bus, A first AV device of the AV devices may provide device usage information indicating the use of the second AV device to a second AV device to which the first AV device transmits or receives image information or audio information through the bus. Send, The second AV device stores the device usage information when the use indicated by the device usage information is available, and informs that the bus cannot be used when the bus indicated by the device usage information is not available. And transmit to the first AV device via the bus. In an AV device system composed of a plurality of AV devices connected by a bus, If the system configuration has changed due to a new addition or removal of the AV device, The first AV device in the AV device system reads stored device usage information, Based on the device usage information, at least one second AV device that transmits or receives picture information or audio information with the first AV device, confirms whether the device usage information is available or unavailable; System characterized in that. 33. The system of claim 32, wherein if the usage indicated by the device usage information is not available, the device usage information is deleted. 34. The system of claim 31, 32 or 33, wherein the plurality of AV devices perform time adjustment. 34. The apparatus according to any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the device usage information includes at least an ID of the second AV device, a start time of use of the second AV device, and an end time of use of the second AV device. System characterized in that the information including. In the AV device, Means for setting information indicating use of another AV device, and Means for ascertaining at said other AV device via a bus whether said information is available or unavailable; And when the information indicated above is unavailable, information indicating that the information is unavailable is displayed on the display means. In the method of using the device, Information indicating the use of another AV device is set, and checking on the other AV device via the bus whether the information indicated is available or not, If the information indicated is not available, information indicating that the information is unavailable is displayed. An AV device system comprising a plurality of AV devices connected by a bus, At least one second AV device to which device usage information related to a first AV device of the AV devices is to transmit or receive image information or audio information between the first AV device and the first AV device. Stored by When a third AV device wants to transmit or receive image information or audio information between the first AV device or the second AV device, the use state of the first AV device and the second AV device is And only one of the first AV device and the second AV device can be known by inquiring the device usage information.