JP2008047226A - Content recording device, content recording method, recording medium, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable recording of contents in a recording area of a different recording means, depending on the format. <P>SOLUTION: An area A, an area B, and an area C are formed in an HDD 15. An area of the HDD 15 to which a content of interest is to be recorded is determined based on the final dubbing destination. When the content to be recorded is set to be finally dubbed onto a Blu-ray disc 5A, the content is recorded in the area A. When the content to be recorded is set to be finally dubbed onto a DVD 5C, the content is supplied to a transcoder 21-1. A content generated by the transcoder 21-1 and having a format different from that of the content recorded in the area A is recorded into the area B. The present invention is applicable to a recording device for recording contents. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a content recording device, a content recording method, a recording medium, and a program, and in particular, a content recording device and a content recording method that can record content in different recording areas of recording means according to the format. , A recording medium, and a program.

  The copyright information of content in the current digital broadcasting is a digital copy control descriptor (hereinafter simply referred to as SI) inserted in PSI / SI (Program Specific Information / Service Information) (hereinafter simply referred to as SI) multiplexed in a transport stream. digital_copy_control_descriptor).

  In other words, the digital copy control descriptor is used by the right holder of the content to transmit information related to the content copy to the device on the receiver side. Copyright information defined by the digital copy control descriptor includes “Copy Free (copying is possible without restriction)”, “Copy Never (copying prohibition)”, and “Copy Once (copying is possible only for one generation)”. At present, all programs are broadcast as Copy Once content.

  Since copy-once content is content that can only be copied by one generation, if it is recorded once on the HDD (Hard Disk Drive) of the recording device, it will be treated as if "one generation" was copied at that time. The CCI (Copy Control Information) of the content is “copy prohibited”. Here, the CCI is information relating to restrictions on copying of each content within the recording apparatus.

  Therefore, from now on, the user can view the content as long as it is played back from the HDD. However, even if the recording device is a hybrid device with a built-in HDD and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) drive, It cannot be copied and viewed on an external player.

  By the way, the recording capacity of the HDD is naturally limited, and when content is recorded to the full capacity of the HDD, in order to secure the recording capacity without erasing the content, copy the content to the removable media, Although it is conceivable to delete the content in the content, it is not possible depending on the content due to the above-mentioned limitations.

  In order to solve such a problem, there is a technique called “Move”.

  In principle, Move copies the copy-once content recorded on the HDD to a removable medium such as a DVD or Blu-ray Disk (trademark), and when the copy is complete, erases all the original content on the HDD. This is a technology that leaves one usable content on a removable medium and makes it impossible to use it from the HDD.

  As a result, even if the content is recorded on the internal HDD, the user can record the content on other removable media, and the removable media on which the content is recorded (moved) can be attached to another player. Thus, the content can be used from outside the HDD.

Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for controlling move processing and pause processing based on the contents of a Move_Pause descriptor described in a PMT (Program Map Table).
JP 2003-16725 A

  In a general recording device, after being recorded on the HDD of the recording device, the above-described move or copy is performed, and even content that is dubbed to removable media is the dubbing destination. Regardless of the type of removable media, they are recorded on the same HDD.

  Revision of ARIB (Association of Radio Industries and Businesses) provisions will allow one copy of content in the future, for example, up to 5 times for DVDs and up to 10 times for memory cards. It is envisaged that one content will be allowed to be copied multiple times, such as one content being allowed to be copied.

  In this case, if each content is recorded on the HDD in a form divided for each removable medium as a final copy destination, it is considered that the convenience of the user is improved. For example, when a removable medium as a copy destination is determined, it is possible to search for content to be copied only in an area where content that can be copied is recorded.

  Further, it is considered that the content can be easily handled by the user even if the content that can be recorded in each area is limited depending on the capacity or number of the content.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation. For example, according to the format of a recording medium as a final recording destination, content can be recorded in different recording areas of recording means. It is.

  A content recording apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention generates a reception unit that receives content in a first format and a content in a second format different from the first format based on the content received by the reception unit. Generating means, first and second recording areas respectively corresponding to the first and second formats, and recording means for recording content in the recording areas corresponding to the formats, the first and second Medium recording means for recording the contents in the first and second recording media as the corresponding recording media, respectively, wherein the first and second formats are the first and second recording media, respectively. The recording format corresponds to the medium.

  A content recording apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention is based on content received by a receiving unit that receives content in a first format and content in a second format different from the first format. First generating means for generating, second generating means for generating content in a third format different from the first and second formats based on the content received by the receiving means, and the second, Recording means having second and third recording areas respectively corresponding to the third format and recording contents in the recording areas corresponding to the format, and contents corresponding to the second and third formats respectively Medium recording means for recording on the second and third recording media as recording media, and the second and third formers DOO are respectively recorded format corresponding to the second and the third recording medium.

  The recording area of the recording unit that is the recording destination of the content received by the receiving unit is determined based on the recording medium that is to be the recording destination by the medium recording unit after being recorded on the recording unit Control means can be further provided. In this case, correspondence information indicating a correspondence relationship between the first and second formats and a recording area of the recording unit serving as a recording destination can be given in advance to the control unit.

  The recording area of the recording unit that is the recording destination of the content received by the receiving unit is determined based on the recording medium that is to be the recording destination by the medium recording unit after being recorded on the recording unit Control means can be further provided. In this case, correspondence information indicating a correspondence relationship between the first to third formats and a recording area of the recording unit serving as a recording destination can be given in advance to the control unit.

  At least one of the recording areas of the recording means can limit the capacity of recordable content.

  The number of recordable contents can be limited in at least one of the recording areas of the recording means.

  The medium recording means can record the contents of the second and third formats recorded in the recording means on second and third recording media as corresponding recording media, respectively.

  The receiving unit further receives service information, and the medium recording unit includes a copy restriction set for the content represented by the service information received by the receiving unit, and a recording destination. Content copying can be controlled in accordance with the copy restrictions set for the recording medium.

  A content recording method according to an aspect of the present invention, a program recorded on a recording medium, and a program have first and second recording areas corresponding to the first and second formats, respectively, and correspond to the format In a content recording method of a content recording apparatus comprising a recording means for recording content in a recording area, the content having the first format is received, and the content having a second format different from the first format is received. And generating the content in the first and second formats on the first and second recording media as corresponding recording media, respectively, wherein the first and second formats are respectively The recording format corresponds to the first and second recording media.

  A content recording method, a program recorded on a recording medium, and a program according to another aspect of the present invention have second and third recording areas corresponding to the second and third formats, respectively, and correspond to the format In a content recording method of a content recording apparatus comprising recording means for recording content in a recording area to be received, the content having the first format received and the content having the second format different from the first format received And a third format content different from the first and second formats is generated based on the received content, and the second and third format contents are respectively corresponding recording media. And recording on the second and third recording media as the second The third format is a recording format corresponding to each of the second and the third recording medium.

  In one aspect of the present invention, content in a first format is received, content in a second format different from the first format is generated based on the received content, and the first and second The contents of the format are recorded on the first and second recording media as the corresponding recording media. The first and second formats are recording formats corresponding to the first and second recording media, respectively.

  In another aspect of the present invention, content in a first format is received, and content in a second format different from the first format is generated based on the received content. Further, content in a third format different from the first and second formats is generated based on the received content, and the contents in the second and third formats are respectively recorded as corresponding recording media. 2 and the third recording medium. The second and third formats are recording formats corresponding to the second and third recording media, respectively.

  According to the present invention, content can be recorded in different recording areas of the recording means according to the format.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. Correspondences between the constituent elements of the present invention and the embodiments described in the specification or the drawings are exemplified as follows. This description is intended to confirm that the embodiments supporting the present invention are described in the specification or the drawings. Therefore, even if there is an embodiment which is described in the specification or the drawings but is not described here as an embodiment corresponding to the constituent elements of the present invention, that is not the case. It does not mean that the form does not correspond to the constituent requirements. On the contrary, even if an embodiment is described herein as corresponding to the invention, this does not mean that the embodiment does not correspond to other than the configuration requirements. .

  A content recording apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention (for example, the content recording apparatus 1 in FIG. 18) includes a receiving unit (for example, the digital broadcast tuner 11 in FIG. 18) that receives content in a first format, and the first A generation unit (for example, transcoder 21-1 in FIG. 18) that generates content in a second format different from the format based on the content received by the reception unit, and corresponds to the first and second formats, respectively. Recording means (for example, HDD 15 in FIG. 18) for recording contents in a recording area corresponding to the format and contents in the first and second formats respectively. Medium recording means (for example, content management unit 43 in FIG. 2) for recording on the first and second recording media as recording media to be recorded Provided with a door.

  A content recording apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention (for example, the content recording apparatus 1 in FIG. 18) includes receiving means (for example, the digital broadcast tuner 11 in FIG. 18) for receiving content in a first format, and the first First generation means (for example, transcoder 21-1 in FIG. 18) for generating content in a second format different from the format of the first content based on the content received by the reception means, and the first and second Second generation means (for example, transcoder 21-2 in FIG. 18) for generating content in a third format different from the format based on the content received by the reception means, and the second and third formats Have a second recording area and a third recording area corresponding to the recording area, and the content is recorded in the recording area corresponding to the format. Recording means (for example, HDD 15 in FIG. 18) and medium recording means (for example, FIG. 2) for recording the contents in the second and third formats on corresponding second and third recording media, respectively. Content management unit 43).

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a content recording apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  A TV 2 is connected to the content recording apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 via a cable or the like, and an external recording medium 4 is connected via a network 3. The removable medium 5 is detachable from the content recording apparatus 1. The removable medium 5 includes a Blu-ray disk 5A and a memory card 5B equipped with a flash memory.

  The digital broadcast tuner 11 of the content recording apparatus 1 receives and demodulates a broadcast signal from an antenna according to control by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 14 and outputs a transport stream broadcast on a predetermined channel to the DEMUX 12.

  The DEMUX 12 releases the scramble applied to the transport stream supplied from the digital broadcast tuner 11, and then extracts a predetermined stream from the transport stream obtained by releasing the scramble according to the control by the CPU 14. The stream is output to the switch circuit 13 as content to be recorded.

  Further, the DEMUX 12 outputs SI (Service Information) extracted from the transport stream to the CPU 14. The SI output to the CPU 14 includes information defining restrictions on the copy of each broadcast content.

  The switch circuit 13 connects the switch 31 to the terminal 32A or the terminal 32B according to the control by the CPU 14, and the content compressed by a predetermined method such as MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) 2 supplied from the DEMUX 12 is stored in the HDD (Hard Disk Drive ) 15. The content output from the switch circuit 13 when the switch 31 is connected to the terminal 32A is recorded in the area A of the HDD 15, and the content output from the switch circuit 13 when the switch 31 is connected to the terminal 32B is Recorded in area B of the HDD 15.

  The CPU 14 executes a program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) (not shown) and controls the overall operation of the content recording apparatus 1.

  For example, the CPU 14 analyzes the SI supplied from the DEMUX 12 and determines the area of the HDD 15 that is the recording destination of the target content based on the analysis result and the recording destination setting.

  The CPU 14 is a copy-once content in which the content to be recorded is “copyable only for one generation” and copy restrictions are set, and the region of the HDD 15 that is the recording destination is designated as the region A. If it is determined that there is, the switch 31 of the switch circuit 13 is connected to the terminal 32A.

  For example, when the user has set recording of the copy once content to be recorded in the area A, or in the default state of the content recording apparatus 1, the copy once content is set to be recorded in the area A. In this case, the CPU 14 determines that the recording destination of the copy once content to be recorded is designated as the area A of the HDD 15.

  When the CPU 14 determines that the content to be recorded is copy-once content and the area of the HDD 15 that is the recording destination is specified as the area B, or the content to be recorded is If it is determined that the content is other than copy-once content, for example, copy-free content, the switch 31 of the switch circuit 13 is connected to the terminal 32B.

  Further, the CPU 14 acquires capacity information, which is information regarding the capacity of each area formed in the HDD 15, from the HDD 15, and notifies the user of the capacity. For example, the CPU 14 displays, for each area, a graphic indicating how much content has already been recorded relative to the capacity of the entire area, or notifies the area by sound. In addition, when the capacity of the remaining free space where the content can be recorded is reduced, information indicating that is displayed or notified by voice.

  The CPU 14 also performs dubbing of the content recorded on the HDD 15 to the removable medium 5. Here, “dubbing” is a concept including “move” and “copy” described above. “Move” means that the content recorded on the HDD is recorded on the removable medium 5 without leaving the original content of the move, and “Copy” is recorded on the HDD while leaving the original content of the copy. It means that the content is recorded on the removable medium 5.

  In the HDD 15, an area A and an area B are formed in the entire recording area, and the content supplied from the switch circuit 13 is recorded in each area. Each area may be formed by being physically divided or may be formed by being logically divided and managed.

  In the example of FIG. 1, it is permitted that the area A does not have to delete the original content that is the source of the move even when the copy-once content recorded therein is moved to the removable medium 5. In other words, it is a special area. When the number of times of copying is set, copying can be performed within the range of the number of times.

  On the other hand, the area B is a normal area in which when the copy once content recorded in the area B is moved to the removable medium 5, the original content that is the source of the move must be erased. The copy free content recorded in the area B can be freely copied without limitation as usual.

  Even when a move is performed, the area can be limited so that the user cannot leave unlimited copy-once content that does not require erasing the original content that is the source of the move. For example, if the recording capacity of the entire HDD 15 is 200 GB, the area A is limited to 50 GB.

  As a result, it is possible to improve the usability for the user while preventing the copying of all copy-once content multiple times and protecting the right holder of the content. The user wants to view the copy-once content that he / she wants to view also by playing it from the recording device 1, records it on the removable medium 5 by copying, and plays it on another device on which the removable medium 5 is mounted. By recording in the area A, it can be realized.

  After that, when the right of the number of times of copying is lost by copying to a removable medium or the like, the right of the move remains while moving to the area B and treated as a normal copy-once content.

  As a way of thinking, a processing method is also possible in which an entity to be processed in the concept of normal copy-once content is placed in the area B from the beginning, and only those that can be copied are placed in the area A.

  When the areas A and B are such areas, and the capacity and number of the areas A are limited, the copy once content recorded in the area A is moved to the area B to be recorded in the area A. A free area of possible content is secured, and the user can newly record copy-once content that can be copied a plurality of times in the free area.

  Even if the copy-once content transferred to the area B is used for the copy-once content when it exists in the area A and is moved back from the copied removable media, it is transferred to the area A again. It can be managed in the same way as before copying. Here, the move-back process erases the content recorded on the removable medium 5 from the removable medium 5, and instead, based on the data that has been backed up, the user is given permission to use the original content of the copy source again. It is a process to return. The moveback process is a revival of rights, and the image quality does not change from the original content.

  When the user instructs the display of the list of contents recorded in the area A, the information of the copy once content moved to the area A is displayed in the title list by performing the move back process, and the user can It is possible to instruct the reproduction or copying of the copy once content transferred to the area A again.

  The content recorded in the HDD 15 having the above-described area is supplied to the decoder 16 and the network terminal 20 as appropriate.

  The decoder 16 decodes the video data (video packet) supplied from the HDD 15 and outputs the obtained video data to the graphic circuit 17. Based on the video data supplied from the decoder 16, a video of recorded content is generated by the graphic circuit 17. Although only the path of video data is shown in FIG. 1, audio data is also decoded by a decoder (not shown), and audio is output based on the obtained data.

  The graphic circuit 17 is a graphic for each area, based on GUI (Graphical User Interface) data supplied from the CPU 14 to indicate how much content has already been recorded relative to the capacity of the entire area. And the graphic is displayed on the TV 2 via the video terminal 18. Further, the graphic circuit 17 displays the recorded content video on the TV 2 via the video terminal 18 based on the video data supplied from the decoder 16.

  The video terminal 18 displays various screens on the TV 2 based on the data supplied from the graphic circuit 17.

  The audio terminal 19 outputs various sounds from the speaker of the TV 2 based on the data supplied from the CPU 14. From the TV 2, the sound related to the capacity of the HDD 15 as described above is output.

  The network terminal 20 reads the content recorded in the HDD 15 according to the control by the CPU 14 and records the read content in the external recording medium 4 such as the HDD, or notifies the user about the capacity of the HDD 15 according to the control by the CPU 14. Is sent to the personal computer 22 or the mobile phone 23 via the mail server 21.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the CPU 14 of the content recording apparatus 1. At least a part of the configuration shown in FIG. 2 is realized by executing a predetermined program by the CPU 14 of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the content recording apparatus 1, an SI analysis unit 41, a recording control unit 42, a content management unit 43, a display control unit 44, an output control unit 45, and a communication control unit 46 are realized.

  The SI analysis unit 41 analyzes the SI supplied from the DEMUX 12 and outputs CCI (Copy Control Information), which is information indicating the copy restriction of the content to be recorded, to the recording control unit 42.

  The recording control unit 42 switches the connection of the switch 31 provided in the switch circuit 13 according to the CCI supplied from the SI analysis unit 41 or according to the designation by the user, and records the content to be recorded. It controls the area of the HDD 15 that is the destination. When controlling the area of the HDD 15 as a recording destination, the recording control unit 42 also checks the capacity of the HDD 15 as appropriate. When the content is recorded on the HDD 15, the recording control unit 42 outputs CCI for the recorded content to the content management unit 43.

  The content management unit 43 manages the content recorded on the HDD 15. For example, the content management unit 43 removes the content recorded in the HDD 15 according to the restriction represented by the CCI supplied from the recording control unit 42 when the user instructs the dubbing of the content recorded in the HDD 15. The media 5 is dubbed.

  In addition, the content management unit 43 acquires capacity information, which is information related to the capacity of each area formed in the HDD 15, from the HDD 15 and controls the display control unit 44, the output control unit 45, or the communication control unit 46. , Notify the user of information about the capacity. Further, the content management unit 43 controls the display control unit 44 to display a list of content recorded in the HDD 15 on the TV 2.

  The display control unit 44 generates GUI data according to control by the content management unit 43, and outputs the generated GUI data to the graphic circuit 17 to display a predetermined screen on the TV 2. For example, information regarding the capacity of the HDD 15 is displayed on the TV 2 and notified to the user.

  The output control unit 45 causes the audio to be output from the TV 2 via the audio terminal 19 in accordance with control by the content management unit 43 and notifies the user of the capacity of the HDD 15.

  The communication control unit 46 transmits the content recorded on the HDD 15 to the external recording medium 4 via the network terminal 20 according to the control by the content management unit 43 and records it. In addition, the communication control unit 46 notifies the user about the capacity of the HDD 15 by electronic mail via the network terminal 20 and the mail server 21. For the communication control unit 46, e-mail addresses of the user's personal computer 22 and mobile phone 23 are set in advance by the user.

  Here, the operation of the content recording apparatus 1 having the above configuration will be described.

  First, processing of the content recording apparatus 1 that controls content recording will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  As described above, the capacity of the area A where the copy-once content that is permitted not to erase the original content even when moved to the removable medium 5 is limited, and the recording of the copy-once content in the area A is limited to It is done within the limits.

  The process of FIG. 3 is performed, for example, at the time of reservation for recording (recording) of content. When the content to be recorded is selected by the user from a list of programs scheduled to be broadcast, SI related to the content is extracted by the DEMUX 12 and supplied to the SI analysis unit 41. When the content to be recorded is selected, the HDD 15 area to be recorded is continuously selected by the user as appropriate.

  In step S <b> 1, the SI analysis unit 41 analyzes the SI and outputs the CCI of the content to be recorded to the recording control unit 42.

  In step S2, the recording control unit 42 sets the recording destination of the content to be recorded based on the CCI supplied from the SI analysis unit 41 and the setting by the user or the default setting. It is determined whether or not the copy-once content is designated to be.

  If the recording control unit 42 determines in step S2 that the content to be recorded is copy-once content in which the recording destination is designated to be the area A of the HDD 15, the recording control unit 42 proceeds to step S3 and accesses the HDD 15 Then, the amount of content recorded in the area A is confirmed.

  In step S4, the recording control unit 42 determines whether or not an empty area having a capacity capable of recording the copy-once content to be recorded remains in the area A as a result of the confirmation in step S3.

  If the recording control unit 42 determines in step S4 that a free area having a capacity capable of recording the copy-once content to be recorded remains in the area A, the recording control unit 42 proceeds to step S5 and sets the recording destination to the area A. As described above, a recording reservation for the target copy-once content is set. Thereafter, the process is terminated, and when the broadcast of the copy once content to be recorded is started, the switch 31 of the switch circuit 13 is connected to the terminal 32A, and the copy once content is recorded in the area A.

  In step S4, if the recording control unit 42 determines that there is no free area remaining in the area A that can record the copy-once content to be recorded, it skips step S5 and ends the process. . At this time, a recording reservation for the copy-once content to be recorded may be set in a form where the recording destination is the area B.

  On the other hand, in step S2, the recording control unit 42 sets the recording destination of the content to be recorded on the HDD 15 based on the CCI supplied from the SI analysis unit 41 and the setting by the user or the default setting. When it is determined that the copy-once content is not designated as the area A, that is, the copy-once content designated as the recording destination is the area B of the HDD 15, or the copy-free content, the process proceeds to step S6. move on.

  In step S6, the recording control unit 42 sets a recording reservation for the target content with the recording destination as the area B. Thereafter, the processing is ended, and when the broadcast of the content to be recorded is started, the switch 31 of the switch circuit 13 is connected to the terminal 32B, and the content is recorded in the area B. Even when the area B is the recording destination, the capacity of the free area is appropriately checked.

  With the above processing, recording of copy-once content in the area A is limited depending on the capacity.

  Next, processing of the content recording apparatus 1 that notifies the user of the capacity of recorded content will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S11, the content management unit 43 determines whether or not the user has instructed to notify the capacity of the content recorded in the HDD 15, and waits until it is determined that the instruction has been given. The instruction by the user is performed by, for example, a remote controller.

  If the content management unit 43 determines in step S11 that the user has instructed to notify the capacity of the recorded content, the content management unit 43 proceeds to step S12, and accesses the HDD 15 to access each of the areas A and B. Capacitance information that is information regarding the capacity of the area or the capacity of any area specified by the user is acquired. Further, the content management unit 43 controls the display control unit 44 and the output control unit 45 to notify the user of the capacity of the recorded content by using the graphic displayed on the TV 2 and the sound output from the TV 2.

  The graphic representing the capacity of the recorded content is, for example, a pie chart or bar graph representing the capacity of the entire area, in which the recorded area and the free area are displayed in different colors according to the capacity. . Thereby, the user can easily grasp the capacity of the recorded area and the capacity of the free area visually.

  Next, processing of the content recording apparatus 1 for notifying the user of the remaining space capacity that can be recorded will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  This process is repeatedly performed at a predetermined cycle, for example, or at a predetermined timing such as after content is recorded in accordance with a recording reservation.

  In step S <b> 21, the content management unit 43 accesses the HDD 15 to acquire capacity information that is information regarding the capacity of each of the areas A and B, and confirms the capacity of the remaining free area for each area. .

  In step S22, the display control unit 44 determines whether or not the capacity of the remaining free area is smaller than the predetermined capacity set as the threshold value. If it is determined that the capacity is small, the process proceeds to step S23, and the capacity is small. This is notified to the user.

  For example, when a capacity of 50 GB is secured for the area A, the user is notified when the capacity of the remaining free area is less than 5 GB. In addition, the user is notified when the time during which content with a predetermined transfer rate can be recorded is less than one hour. The threshold capacity and time serving as a reference for determining whether or not to perform notification may be set by the user.

  The notification to the user may be performed by the display control unit 44 and the output control unit 45 being controlled and a message such as “the free space in the area A is low” being displayed on the TV 2. Such sound may be output from the TV 2. Alternatively, the communication control unit 46 may be controlled so that a message as shown in FIG. 6 is transmitted by e-mail to the user's mobile phone or the like.

  In the content recording apparatus 1, the content that can be moved or copied is set to be automatically saved in the external recording medium 4 or the removable medium 5 when the remaining free space capacity is reduced. In step S24, the content management unit 43 makes such a setting, so that the content recorded in the area for which it is determined that the remaining free area capacity has been reduced. It is determined whether or not to save.

  If the content management unit 43 determines in step S24 that the content recorded in the area where the remaining free area capacity has been reduced is to be saved, the process proceeds to step S25, where the remaining free area capacity is Predetermined content recorded in the area determined to have decreased is saved. Thereafter, the process is terminated.

  For example, when the capacity of the remaining free area in the area A is small, the copy once content recorded in the area A is once saved in the external recording medium 4, thereby securing the free area in the area A. Is done. The copy-once content saved in the external recording medium 4 is automatically returned to the area A at a predetermined timing, such as when the capacity of the free area in the area A is larger than a predetermined threshold capacity and there is a free space. You may do it.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S22 that the capacity of the remaining free area is larger than the predetermined capacity set as the threshold value, or the area in which the capacity of the remaining free area has been reduced in step S24. If it is determined that the process for saving the content recorded in the file is not set, the process ends.

  With the above processing, the user can be notified of the capacity of the remaining free space, and can take measures such as increasing the free space in response to the notification.

  Next, processing of the content recording apparatus 1 for displaying a title list will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  For example, when the remote controller is operated and the user instructs to display the title list, in step S31, the content management unit 43 acquires the content information recorded in the HDD 15, and displays the display control unit 44. The title list is displayed on the TV 2 by controlling. In the title list displayed on the TV 2, information such as the title of the content recorded on the HDD 15 and the recording date and time is displayed as a list.

  FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating a display example of a title list.

In the example of FIG. 8A, contents A to F which are titles of contents recorded on the HDD 15 are displayed, and the cursor C ₁ is placed on the contents A. The user can switch the content that the cursor C ₁ is addressed by pressing the up and down keys of the cross key provided on the remote controller, by performing a predetermined operation, then the cursor C ₁ is addressed It is possible to instruct content reproduction or dubbing.

In the example of FIG. 8A, marks M _{1 to} M ₃ are displayed on the left side of the contents B, D, and F, respectively. The marks M _{1 to} M ₃ indicate that the content displayed next is copy-once content.

  Since the copy once content and the copy free content may be recorded in the HDD 15 in a mixed manner, the mark (icon) indicating the copy once content is displayed in this way, so that the user can display it in the title list. The copy-once content can be easily discriminated from the content that has been set.

  A predetermined mark indicating that the content is copy-free content may be attached to the content A, C, E instead of the copy-once content. In addition, the information of the copy once content and the copy free content may be displayed in different colors, so that the user can determine the copy restriction of each content.

Further, when a predetermined content is selected by the cursor C _1, a predetermined position of the description (text) or icon title list in which content selected by the cursor C ₁ represents whether it is of either copy-once content is copy-free content May be displayed.

In the example of FIG. 8A, a copy free button 51 and a copy once button 52 are displayed at the lower right of the title list, and the cursor C ₂ is assigned to the copy free button 51. The user can switch the button cursor C ₂ devoted by pressing the left or right key among the arrow key provided on the remote controller, by performing a predetermined operation, the cursor C ₂ is devoted You can press the button. The copy free button 51 is a dedicated button that is operated when displaying a list of copy free content information, and the copy once button 52 is a dedicated button that is operated when displaying a list of copy once content information.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 7, in step S <b> 32, the display control unit 44 determines whether or not the copy free button 51 displayed in the title list has been pressed by the user. Then, the title list display is switched so that the information of the copy free content is displayed in a list.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S33 that the copy free button 51 has not been pressed by the user, the display control unit 44 proceeds to step S34 and determines whether or not the copy once button 52 has been pressed.

  If the display control unit 44 determines in step S34 that the copy once button 52 has been pressed, the display control unit 44 proceeds to step S35 and switches the display of the title list so that the information of the copy once content is displayed in a list.

  If the display of the title list is switched in steps S33 and S35, or if it is determined in step S34 that the copy once button 52 has not been pressed, the processing is terminated.

  FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating an example of a title list displayed when the copy free button 51 is pressed, and FIG. 8C is a diagram illustrating an example of a title list displayed when the copy once button 52 is pressed. It is.

  In the example of FIG. 8B, contents A, C, and E, which are titles of copy-free contents, are displayed as a list. In the example of FIG. 8C, contents B, D, and F, which are titles of copy-once contents, are displayed as a list.

  By enabling the display of the title list to be switched by pressing the copy free button 51 or the copy once button 52, the user can easily browse the copy free content or the copy once content.

  It should be noted that a dedicated button operated when displaying the information of the content (copy once content) recorded in the area A and the information of the content (copy once content, copy free content) recorded in the area B are listed. A dedicated button operated when displaying a list of content information recorded in each area, such as a dedicated button operated when displaying, may be provided.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a program guide.

  Since the copy-once content and the copy-free content are mixedly displayed on the TV 2, a mark (icon) indicating that it is copy-once content is displayed, so that the user can select from the content displayed in the program guide. Thus, it is possible to easily discriminate copy once contents.

  A predetermined mark indicating that the content is not copy-once content may be added to the copy-once content. In addition, information of copy-once content and non-copy-once content may be displayed in different colors as shown in FIG. 10, thereby enabling the user to determine the copy restriction of each content.

  Further, when a predetermined content is selected by a user operation, if the selected content is a copy-once content, an explanation (text) and an icon relating to the copy-once are displayed at a predetermined position in the program guide as shown in FIG. You may make it do.

  Accordingly, the user can easily browse the copy-once content that does not need to erase the original content of the move source even if the user moves.

  In the above, examples of a title list and a program guide have been described, but a reservation list including a reserved list as shown in FIG. 12 and a content list for dubbing as shown in FIG. 13 may be used.

Next, processing of the content recording apparatus 1 that performs dubbing of content recorded on the HDD 15 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  Among the contents recorded on the HDD 15, there are contents such as copy-once contents recorded in the area B in which the original contents of the move source are deleted when the move is performed. When the user instructs to move such content, a notification is issued to the user to call attention to the fact that the original content of the move source is deleted by the move.

  Further, as in the case where the move destination is the memory card 5B, the content may be moved with a lower resolution than the original content recorded on the HDD 15, and the content recording apparatus 1 When the user selects to perform such a move, a notification is issued to the user to alert the user that the resolution of the content is reduced by the move.

  The process of FIG. 14 is started, for example, when a predetermined content is selected from the title list and content dubbing is instructed.

  In step S41, the content management unit 43 determines whether or not the content selected as the dubbing target is the content from which the original content of the move source is deleted when the content is moved. If it is determined, the process proceeds to step S42.

  In step S <b> 42, the content management unit 43 notifies the user of a notice that the original content of the move source is deleted by the move. The notification to the user is performed by, for example, a UI screen, voice, or e-mail, similarly to the notification regarding the capacity of the HDD 15.

  On the other hand, in step S41, when the content management unit 43 determines that the content selected as the dubbing target is not the content from which the original content of the move source is deleted when moving, the process proceeds to step S43.

  In step S43, the content management unit 43 determines whether or not the content selected as the dubbing target is content that is moved with a reduced resolution compared to the original content recorded in the HDD 15. If it is determined that the content is such, the process proceeds to step S42. In step S <b> 42, a notice is given to the user to alert the user that the resolution is reduced by moving.

  If notification is made to the user in step S42, or if it is determined in step S43 that the content selected as the target of dubbing is not content that is moved with a reduced resolution, the processing is performed. Proceed to step S44.

  In step S44, the content management unit 43 performs dubbing by reading the content selected as the dubbing target from the HDD 15 and recording it on the removable medium 5 selected as the dubbing destination. When the content management unit 43 moves the copy-once content recorded in the region B, the content management unit 43 also appropriately performs processing such as deleting the original content of the move source from the region B.

  In the above description, it has been described that the recording of the copy once content in the area A is limited by the capacity (FIG. 3), but the recording of the copy once content in the area A is limited by the number of contents. Is also possible.

  That is, for example, when an upper limit is set for the number of copy-once contents that can be recorded in the area A, such as up to 50 contents, the copy-once content can be recorded in the area A within that range.

  Here, the processing of the content recording apparatus 1 that controls the recording of the copy-once content in the area A based on the number of contents will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  This process is performed, for example, at the time of reservation for recording of content, similarly to the process of FIG. When the content to be recorded is selected by the user from a list of programs scheduled to be broadcast, SI related to the content is extracted by the DEMUX 12 and supplied to the SI analysis unit 41.

  In step S51, the SI analysis unit 41 analyzes the SI and outputs the CCI of the content to be recorded to the recording control unit 42.

  In step S52, the recording control unit 42 sets the recording destination of the content to be recorded based on the CCI supplied from the SI analysis unit 41 and the setting by the user or the default setting. It is determined whether or not the copy-once content is designated to be.

  If the recording control unit 42 determines in step S52 that the content to be recorded is copy-once content in which the recording destination is designated to be the area A of the HDD 15, the process proceeds to step S53 and the HDD 15 is accessed. Then, the number of contents recorded in the area A is confirmed.

  In step S54, as a result of the confirmation in step S53, the recording control unit 42 determines whether or not the number of copy-once contents already recorded in the area A has reached a preset number.

  If the recording control unit 42 determines in step S54 that the number of copy-once contents already recorded in the area A has not reached the preset number, the process proceeds to step S55, where the recording destination is the area A and the target Set a recording reservation for copy once content. Thereafter, the process is terminated, and when the broadcast of the copy once content to be recorded is started, the switch 31 of the switch circuit 13 is connected to the terminal 32A, and the copy once content is recorded in the area A.

  In step S54, if the recording control unit 42 determines that the number of copy-once contents already recorded in the area A has reached a preset number, it skips step S55 and ends the processing. At this time, a recording reservation for the copy-once content to be recorded may be set in a form where the recording destination is the area B.

  On the other hand, in step S52, the recording control unit 42 sets the recording destination of the content to be recorded on the HDD 15 based on the CCI supplied from the SI analysis unit 41 and the setting by the user or the default setting. When it is determined that the copy-once content is not designated as the area A, that is, the copy-once content designated as the area B of the HDD 15 or the copy-free content, the process proceeds to step S56. move on.

  In step S56, the recording control unit 42 sets a recording reservation for the target content with the recording destination as the area B. Thereafter, the processing is ended, and when the broadcast of the content to be recorded is started, the switch 31 of the switch circuit 13 is connected to the terminal 32B, and the content is recorded in the area B. Even when the area B is the recording destination, the number of recorded contents is confirmed as appropriate.

  With the above processing, recording of copy-once content in the area A is limited depending on the number of recorded content.

  Even in the case where the recording of copy-once content in the area A is limited by the number of recorded contents, the remaining recordable in the area A in accordance with an instruction from the user, as described with reference to FIG. A pie chart or bar graph representing the number of contents of the content may be displayed so that the user can visually grasp it, or recorded in the area A as described with reference to FIG. When the number of possible remaining contents is less than a predetermined number as a threshold value, the user may be notified by UI screen, voice, or e-mail. In addition, when the number of remaining contents that can be recorded in the area A becomes less than a predetermined number as a threshold, the predetermined contents recorded in the area A are automatically stored in the external recording medium 4 or the removable medium 5. You may make it evacuate.

  In the above description, whether the recording destination is the area A or the area B of the HDD 15 is determined based on the analysis result of the SI, the setting by the user, and the default setting. The types are “copy once content that does not require the original content of the move to be erased from the HDD 15 even if it is moved” and “copy once content that must be erased from the HDD 15 when moved.” If it is represented by SI, based on the analysis result of SI, the recording destination of the former copy-once content is determined as area A, and the recording destination of the latter copy-once content is determined as area B. As described above, the area to be recorded may be determined based only on SI.

  In the above description, the case where the recording destination of copy-once content is controlled has been mainly described. However, the same processing may be performed when recording content that is set to be able to be copied N times. . If the content set to be N times copyable is recorded in the area A, the content moves to the area B after being copied N times to the removable medium, and the data remains in the HDD 15, but the user cannot reproduce it. become. When a move back process from the removable medium is received, the contents can be handled as the contents of the area A. In this case, if the moveback process is performed m times (m ≦ N), the content recorded in the area A is handled as a content that can be copied m times.

  Further, the recording destination of the news copy-once content is determined as the area A, and the recording destination of the movie copy-once content is determined as the area B, so that the recording destination is based on the content category represented by the SI. The region may be determined.

  The correspondence relationship between the SI analysis result and the recording destination area may be set in advance for the recording control unit 42 or may be set by the user. Further, it may be set by information transmitted from a predetermined server connected via the network 3 or information broadcast.

  Moreover, although each area | region was demonstrated as having been set in the form divided beforehand, you may make it divide according to SI. Further, the area may be divided according to information transmitted from a predetermined server connected via the network 3 or broadcasted information.

  In the above, as a way of managing copy once content, a processing method is also possible in which an entity to be processed according to the concept of normal copy once content is initially placed in area B, and only a copyable (clone) is placed in area A. This is explained here.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a case in which an entity and a clone are placed simultaneously in region A and region B according to CCI.

  When copy-once content No1 that is a certain copy-once content and copy-once content No2 that is another copy-once content are received, the respective entities are recorded in area B. Further, when the copy once content No1 and the copy once content No2 are contents that can be copied twice, the entity is recorded in the area B, and at the same time, the clone of the copy once content No1 and the clone of the copy once content No2 are each two. Each is recorded in area A. No1-C1 and No1-C2 shown in FIG. 16 are clones of copy-once content No1, and No2-C1, No2-C2 are clones of copy-once content No2.

In this state, for example, when a copy of a copy-once content No2 was made the destination as Blu-ray discs 5A, as shown in the previous white arrow A _1, clone No2 is a clone of a copy-once content No2 -C2 is erased from region A. At this time, the remaining number of times that the copy once content No. 2 can be copied is one.

Further, followed by, for example, when a copy of a copy-once content No2 the destination as a memory card 5B is performed, as shown in the previous white arrow A _2, the clone No2-C1 is a clone of a copy-once content No2 It is erased from area A. At this time, the remaining number of times that the copy once content No. 2 can be copied is 0 (the copy right is lost), and the user can handle the entity of the copy once content No. 2 recorded in the area B as a normal copy once content. As much as possible. That is, the user cannot copy the copy-once content No 2 and can only perform the move.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating another case of copy once content and clones. In this example, as described above, when the right to copy is lost, the copy once content that has been recorded in the area A until then is moved to the area B and managed as the contents of the area B.

  In this case, when copy-once content No1 that is a copy-once content and copy-once content No2 that is another copy-once content are received, the copy-once content No1 and the copy-once content No2 are contents that can be copied twice together with the respective entities. In this case, clones No. 1-C1 and No. 1-C2 that are clones of the copy once content No. 1 and clones No. 2-C1 and No. 2-C2 that are clones of the copy once content No. 2 are also recorded in the area A.

In this state, for example, when a copy of a copy-once content No2 was made the destination as Blu-ray discs 5A, as shown in the previous white arrow A _11, clone No2 is a clone of a copy-once content No2 -C2 is erased from region A. At this time, the remaining number of times that the copy once content No. 2 can be copied is one.

Further, followed by, for example, when a copy of a copy-once content No2 was made the destination as a memory card 5B, as shown in the previous outline arrow A _12, clone No2-C1 is a clone of a copy-once content No2 It is erased from area A. At this time, the remaining number of times that the copy once content No. 2 can be copied is zero (the right to copy is lost). The copy-once content No2 entity whose copy right has ceased moves to the area B, so that the user can only handle the copy-once content No2 entity recorded in the area B as a normal copy-once content. . That is, the user cannot copy the copy-once content No 2 and can only perform the move.

  In the above description, when the target content is recorded on the HDD 15, the case where the recording destination HDD 15 area is switched based on the SI analysis result and the user setting or default setting has been described. Depending on the format, the recording area as the recording destination may be switched.

  FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating another configuration example of the content recording apparatus 1. Components corresponding to those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  In the content recording apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 18, in addition to the terminals 32A and 32B, a terminal 32C is provided in the switch circuit 13, and the switch 31 is connected to one of the terminals 32A to 32C. Unlike the content recording apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, the area C is formed in addition to the area B, and the transcoders 21-1 and 21-2 are provided between the switch circuit 13 and the HDD 15. Other configurations basically have the same configuration.

  In the example of FIG. 18, a DVD 5C is shown in addition to the Blu-ray disc 5A and the memory card 5B as the removable media 5 that can be attached to and detached from the content recording apparatus 1.

  The digital broadcast tuner 11 of the content recording apparatus 1 in FIG. 18 receives and demodulates a broadcast signal from an antenna (not shown) under the control of the CPU 14 and outputs a transport stream broadcast on a predetermined channel to the DEMUX 12.

  The DEMUX 12 extracts a predetermined stream according to control by the CPU 14 and outputs the extracted stream to the switch circuit 13 as content to be recorded. Further, the DEMUX 12 outputs the SI extracted from the transport stream to the CPU 14.

  The switch circuit 13 connects the switch 31 to any one of the terminal 32A, the terminal 32B, and the terminal 32C according to the control by the CPU 14, and outputs the content supplied from the DEMUX 12. The content output from the switch circuit 13 when the switch 31 is connected to the terminal 32A is recorded in the area A of the HDD 15. The content output from the switch circuit 13 when the switch 31 is connected to the terminal 32B is supplied to the transcoder 21-1, and is output from the switch circuit 13 when the switch 31 is connected to the terminal 32C. The content is supplied to the transcoder 21-2.

  The CPU 14 controls the overall operation of the content recording apparatus 1, for example, analyzes the SI supplied from the DEMUX 12, and becomes a target based on the analysis result and the removable medium 5 set as the final dubbing destination. The area of the HDD 15 that is the recording destination of the content being recorded is determined.

  The final dubbing destination may be set by the user at the time of recording reservation, for example. The dubbing destination of HD (High Definition) content is Blu-ray disc 5A, SD (Standard Definition) content. The dubbing destination may be set in advance, such as a memory card 5B or a DVD 5C.

  If the CPU 14 determines that the content to be recorded is the content that is finally set to be dubbed to the Blu-ray disc 5A after being recorded on the HDD 15, the switch of the switch circuit 13 31 is connected to the terminal 32A, and the content extracted by the DEMUX 12 is recorded in the area A of the HDD 15.

  If the CPU 14 determines that the content to be recorded is the content that is finally set to be dubbed to the DVD 5C after being recorded on the HDD 15, the switch 31 of the switch circuit 13 is turned on. The content extracted by the DEMUX 12 is connected to the terminal 32B and supplied to the transcoder 21-1.

  When the CPU 14 determines that the content to be recorded is the content that is finally set to be dubbed to the memory card 5B after being recorded on the HDD 15, the CPU 14 turns on the switch 31 of the switch circuit 13. The content extracted by the DEMUX 12 is connected to the terminal 32C and supplied to the transcoder 21-2.

  Further, the CPU 14 acquires capacity information, which is information regarding the capacity of each area formed in the HDD 15, from the HDD 15, and notifies the user of the capacity. For example, the CPU 14 displays, for each area, a graphic indicating how much content has already been recorded relative to the capacity of the entire area, or notifies the area by sound. In addition, when the capacity of the remaining free space where the content can be recorded is reduced, information indicating that is displayed or notified by voice.

  The CPU 14 also performs dubbing of the content recorded on the HDD 15 to the removable medium 5. When dubbing the content recorded on the HDD 15 to the removable medium 5, the CPU 14 not only limits the dubbing set for the content represented by the SI supplied from the DEMUX 12 but also the removable media 5 as a dubbing destination. The dubbing is controlled based on the limit set for the.

  The dubbing control performed by the CPU 14 will be described in detail later. Further, since the CPU 14 realizes the same functional configuration as that shown in FIG. 2 by executing a predetermined program, each of the configurations shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to the configuration realized in FIG.

  In the HDD 15, an area A, an area B, and an area C are formed over the entire recording area. Each area may be formed by being physically divided or may be formed by being logically divided and managed. In the area A, the content supplied from the switch circuit 13 is recorded, and in the area B, the content supplied from the transcoder 21-1 is recorded. In the area C, the content supplied from the transcoder 21-2 is recorded.

  In the transcoder 21-1, as will be described later, content in a format different from the format of the content recorded in the areas A and C is generated based on the content supplied from the switch circuit 13, and the transcoder 21 2, content having a format different from the format of the content recorded in the areas A and B is generated based on the content supplied from the switch circuit 13.

  That is, contents of different formats are recorded in areas A, B, and C of the HDD 15, respectively.

  For example, in the area A, the same MPEG-2 (HD content) and MPEG-4 AVC as the received one corresponding to the recording method of the Blu-ray disc 5A allocated as the removable medium 5 corresponding to the area A is included. Content in a format such as High Profile or VC-1 is recorded, and area B has a format such as MPEG-2 (SD content) corresponding to the recording method of the DVD 5C assigned as the corresponding removable medium 5. Content is recorded. In the area C, H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC format (lower resolution than MPEG-4 AVC High Profile) corresponding to the recording method of the memory card 5B assigned as the corresponding removable medium 5 Format) content is recorded.

  The content recorded in the area A is dubbed to the Blu-ray disc 5A assigned as the removable medium 5 corresponding to the area A at a predetermined timing, and the content recorded in the area B is removable media corresponding to the area B. Dubbed to a DVD 5C assigned as 5 at a predetermined timing. The content recorded in the area C is dubbed to the memory card 5B assigned as the removable medium 5 corresponding to the area C at a predetermined timing.

  The decoder 16 decodes the video data supplied from the HDD 15 and outputs the obtained video data to the graphic circuit 17.

  Based on the GUI data supplied from the CPU 14, the graphic circuit 17 generates data for graphically representing how much content has already been recorded with respect to the capacity of the entire area. The graphic is displayed on the TV 2 via the video terminal 18. Further, the graphic circuit 17 displays the recorded content video on the TV 2 via the video terminal 18 based on the video data supplied from the decoder 16.

  The video terminal 18 displays various screens on the TV 2 based on the data supplied from the graphic circuit 17.

  The audio terminal 19 outputs various sounds from the speaker of the TV 2 based on the data supplied from the CPU 14. From the TV 2, sound representing the capacity of the HDD 15 is output.

  The network terminal 20 reads the content recorded on the HDD 15 under the control of the CPU 14 and records the read content on the external recording medium 4.

  Based on the content supplied from the switch circuit 13 by connecting the switch 31 to the terminal 32B, the transcoder 21-1 records the content recorded in the region A and the region C, such as MPEG-2. A content having a format different from the content is generated, and the generated content having a predetermined format is recorded in the area B of the HDD 15.

  Based on the content supplied from the switch circuit 13 when the switch 31 is connected to the terminal 32C, the transcoder 21-2 uses the content and the region recorded in the region A such as H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC. A content having a format different from the content recorded in B is generated, and the generated content in a predetermined format is recorded in the area C of the HDD 15.

  In the transcoders 21-1 and 21-2, not only the format conversion but also the transfer rate conversion and the like can be performed to reduce the image quality.

  As described above, in the content recording apparatus 1 of FIG. 18, the target content recording area is switched according to the content format that can be recorded on the removable medium 5 as the final dubbing destination.

  Here, restrictions on dubbing (copying) managed by the content recording apparatus 1 of FIG. 18 will be described. As described above, in the CPU 14 in FIG. 18, not only the dubbing restriction set for the content represented by the SI supplied from the DEMUX 12 but also the removable media 5 set as the dubbing destination is set. Dubbing is controlled based on the limit.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of copy restrictions set for the removable medium 5 as a copy destination.

  In the example of FIG. 19, one content recorded on the HDD 15 can be copied to the Blu-ray disc 5A up to five times, and one content recorded on the HDD 15 can be copied to the DVD 5C. It is set as possible up to 50 times. Further, it is set that one content recorded in the HDD 15 can be copied up to 100 times to the memory card 5B.

  Such setting of the number of copies for the removable medium 5 may be set in advance, or may be set later according to information transmitted from a predetermined server via the network 3 or broadcasted information. It may be updated.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of copy restrictions set for content to be copied.

  In the example of FIG. 20, copy restrictions are set according to the content category to be copied, and the content A that is a movie can be copied only once. It is set that the content B as news can be copied up to 100 times, and the content C as a drama can be copied up to 10 times.

  Such setting of the number of copies for the content is represented by SI extracted by the DEMUX 12.

  FIG. 21 shows an example of the number of times of copying in the case where the content with copy restrictions as shown in FIG. 20 is copied to the removable medium 5 with copy restrictions as shown in FIG. FIG.

  Basically, when copying a certain content to a certain removable medium 5, the number of times that copying is possible is the number of copying set for the content and the number of copying set for the removable medium 5 as the copy destination. Of these, the number of times is limited.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 21, when the content A, which is a movie, is copied to the Blu-ray disc 5A, the number of copies that can be made is the number of copies set for the content A and the Blu-ray disc 5A. In the case of copying the content A, which is a movie, to the DVD 5C, which is the lesser number of copies set for the copy number, the number of copies that can be made is the number of copies set for the content A. And the number of copies set for the DVD 5C is the smaller one. When copying the content A, which is a movie, to the memory card 5B, the number of times that copying is possible is the smaller of the number of copies set for the content A and the number of copies set for the memory card 5B. Is one time.

  Similarly, when the content B, which is news, is copied to the Blu-ray disc 5A, the number of copies that can be made is the number of copies set for the content B and the number of copies set for the Blu-ray disc 5A. When the content B, which is news, is copied to the DVD 5C, the number of times that copying is possible is set for the copy number set for the content B and the DVD 5C. It is set to 50, which is the smaller number of times of copying. When the content B, which is news, is copied to the memory card 5B, the number of times that copying is possible is the number of copies set for the content B and the number of copies set for the memory card 5B is 100 times. Is done.

  When copying the content C, which is a drama, to the Blu-ray disc 5A, the number of times that copying is possible is the number of copies set for the content C and the number of copies set for the Blu-ray disc 5A. When the content C, which is a drama, is copied to the DVD 5C, which is the smaller number of times, the number of times that copying is possible is the number of copies set for the content C and the number of copies set for the DVD 5C. The smaller number of times is 10 times. When copying the content C, which is a drama, to the memory card 5B, the number of times that copying is possible is the smaller of the number of copies set for the content C and the number of copies set for the memory card 5B. Is 10 times.

  The number of copies as shown in FIG. 21 may be displayed as content information as shown in FIG. 22 in the title list displayed on TV 2, for example. May be notified. Further, the user may be notified by e-mail transmitted from the network terminal 20. These notifications may be performed when the number of copies managed by the CPU 14 is updated based on information transmitted from a predetermined server via the network 3 or broadcasted information.

  Here, processing of the content recording apparatus 1 in FIG. 18 for controlling content recording will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. Also in the content recording device 1 of FIG. 18, the content that can be recorded in each area of the HDD 15 is limited by the content capacity.

  This process is performed, for example, when a recording of content is reserved. When recording is reserved, for example, after the content to be recorded is designated, the removable medium 5 as the final dubbing destination is designated by the user. When the removable medium 5 as the final dubbing destination is designated by the user, information indicating the designated removable medium 5 is supplied to the recording control unit 42 (FIG. 2).

  In step S101, the recording control unit 42 receives designation of the removable medium 5 as the final dubbing destination, and proceeds to step S102, where the content to be recorded sets the final dubbing destination as the Blu-ray disc 5A. It is determined whether or not the content is designated.

  If the recording control unit 42 determines in step S102 that the content to be recorded is content for which the final dubbing destination is designated as the Blu-ray disc 5A, the process proceeds to step S103. The HDD 15 is accessed and the amount of content recorded in the area A is confirmed.

  In step S <b> 104, the recording control unit 42 determines whether or not a free area having a capacity capable of recording the content to be recorded remains in the area A as a result of the confirmation in step S <b> 103.

  If the recording control unit 42 determines in step S104 that a free area having a capacity capable of recording the content to be recorded remains in the area A, the recording control unit 42 proceeds to step S105 and sets the recording destination as the area A. Set a recording reservation for the content in question. Thereafter, the processing is terminated, and when broadcasting of the content to be recorded is started, the switch 31 of the switch circuit 13 is connected to the terminal 32A, and the content is recorded in the area A.

  In step S104, if the recording control unit 42 determines that there is no free area in the area A that can record the content to be recorded, it skips step S105 and ends the process.

  On the other hand, if the recording control unit 42 determines in step S102 that the content to be recorded is not the content that is designated to be the final dubbing destination Blu-ray disc 5A, the process proceeds to step S106. Then, it is determined whether or not the content to be recorded is content designated to have the final dubbing destination DVD5C.

  In step S106, when the recording control unit 42 determines that the content to be recorded is content designated to be the final dubbing destination DVD5C, the process proceeds to step S107, and the HDD 15 is accessed. The amount of content recorded in area B is confirmed.

  In step S <b> 108, the recording control unit 42 determines whether or not a free area having a capacity capable of recording the content to be recorded remains in the area B as a result of the confirmation in step S <b> 107.

  If the recording control unit 42 determines in step S108 that a free area having a capacity capable of recording the content to be recorded remains in the area B, the recording control unit 42 proceeds to step S109 and sets the recording destination as the area B. Set a recording reservation for the content in question. Thereafter, the process is terminated, and when the broadcast of the content to be recorded is started, the switch 31 of the switch circuit 13 is connected to the terminal 32B, and the content of the predetermined format generated by the transcoder 21-1 is transmitted. Recorded in area B.

  In step S108, if the recording control unit 42 determines that there is no free area remaining in the area B in which the content to be recorded can be recorded, it skips step S109 and ends the process.

  On the other hand, in step S106, when the recording control unit 42 determines that the content to be recorded is not content for which the final dubbing destination is designated as DVD5C, the final dubbing destination is stored in the memory. It is recognized that the content is designated as the card 5B, and the process proceeds to step S110.

  In step S110, the recording control unit 42 accesses the HDD 15 and checks the amount of content recorded in the area C.

  In step S111, the recording control unit 42 determines whether or not an empty area having a capacity capable of recording the content to be recorded remains in the area C as a result of the confirmation in step S110.

  If the recording control unit 42 determines in step S111 that a free area having a capacity capable of recording the content to be recorded remains in the area C, the recording control unit 42 proceeds to step S112 and sets the recording destination as the area C. Set a recording reservation for the content in question. Thereafter, the process is terminated, and when the broadcast of the content to be recorded is started, the switch 31 of the switch circuit 13 is connected to the terminal 32C, and the content in a predetermined format generated by the transcoder 21-2 Recorded in area C.

  In step S111, when the recording control unit 42 determines that there is no free area having a capacity capable of recording the content to be recorded in the area C, the recording control unit 42 skips step S112 and ends the process.

  With the above processing, the recording of content in each area formed in the HDD 15 is limited depending on the capacity.

  In the same manner as described with reference to FIG. 4, a pie chart or a bar graph indicating the amount of content recorded in each of the areas A, B, and C is displayed in response to an instruction from the user. May be visually grasped, and the remaining free space that can be recorded in each of the area A, the area B, and the area C, as described with reference to FIG. When the capacity of the area becomes smaller than a predetermined amount as a threshold, the user may be notified of this by a UI screen, voice, or e-mail. Further, when the remaining space that can be recorded becomes smaller than a predetermined amount as a threshold, predetermined content recorded in an area having a small free space capacity is stored in the external recording medium 4 or the removable medium 5. You may make it evacuate automatically.

  Next, processing of the content recording apparatus 1 that notifies the user of the permitted number of copies for recorded content will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S121, the content management unit 43 determines whether or not the user has instructed to notify the number of copies, and waits until it is determined that the instruction has been given. The instruction by the user is performed by, for example, a remote controller.

  If the content management unit 43 determines in step S121 that the user has instructed the notification of the number of copies, the content management unit 43 proceeds to step S122 and accesses each of the areas A, B, and C by accessing the HDD 15. 21 is acquired and the display control unit 44 and the output control unit 45 are controlled so as to output the graphic displayed on the TV 2 and the TV 2. The number of copies is notified to the user by voice.

  In the above description, it has been described that the recording of content in each of the areas A, B, and C is limited depending on the capacity. However, the content recording apparatus 1 in FIG. It is also possible to limit the recording of content in this area.

  Next, processing of the content recording apparatus 1 that controls recording of content in each of the areas A, B, and C based on the number of contents will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  This process is performed, for example, at the time of reservation for recording of content, similarly to the process of FIG. When recording is reserved, for example, after the content to be recorded is designated, the removable medium 5 as the final dubbing destination is designated by the user. When the removable medium 5 that is the final dubbing destination is designated by the user, information representing the designated removable medium 5 is supplied to the recording control unit 42.

  In step S141, the recording control unit 42 receives designation of the removable medium 5 as the final dubbing destination, and proceeds to step S142, where the content to be recorded sets the final dubbing destination as the Blu-ray disc 5A. It is determined whether or not the content is designated.

  If the recording control unit 42 determines in step S142 that the content to be recorded is content for which the final dubbing destination is designated to be the Blu-ray disc 5A, the recording control unit 42 proceeds to step S143. The HDD 15 is accessed and the number of contents recorded in the area A is confirmed.

  In step S144, as a result of the confirmation in step S143, the recording control unit 42 determines whether or not the number of contents already recorded in the area A has reached the preset number.

  If the recording control unit 42 determines in step S144 that the number of contents already recorded in the area A has not reached the preset number as the upper limit, the recording control unit 42 proceeds to step S145 and sets the recording destination as the area A as a target. Set a recording reservation for the current content. Thereafter, the processing is terminated, and when broadcasting of the content to be recorded is started, the switch 31 of the switch circuit 13 is connected to the terminal 32A, and the content is recorded in the area A.

  In step S144, if the recording control unit 42 determines that the number of contents already recorded in the area A has reached the preset number as the upper limit, it skips step S145 and ends the process.

  On the other hand, if the recording control unit 42 determines in step S142 that the content to be recorded is not the content that is designated as the final dubbing destination Blu-ray disc 5A, the process proceeds to step S146. Then, it is determined whether or not the content to be recorded is content designated to have the final dubbing destination DVD5C.

  In step S146, when the recording control unit 42 determines that the content to be recorded is content for which the final dubbing destination is designated as DVD5C, the process proceeds to step S147, and the HDD 15 is accessed. The number of contents recorded in the area B is confirmed.

  In step S148, the recording control unit 42 determines whether or not the number of contents already recorded in the region B has reached the preset number as a result of the confirmation in step S147.

  When the recording control unit 42 determines in step S148 that the number of contents already recorded in the area B has not reached the preset number as the upper limit, the recording control unit 42 proceeds to step S149 and sets the recording destination as the area B as a target. Set a recording reservation for the current content. Thereafter, the process is terminated, and when the broadcast of the content to be recorded is started, the switch 31 of the switch circuit 13 is connected to the terminal 32B, and the content of the predetermined format generated by the transcoder 21-1 is transmitted. Recorded in area B.

  If the recording control unit 42 determines in step S148 that the number of contents already recorded in the region B has reached the preset number, the process skips step S149 and ends the process.

  On the other hand, in step S146, if the recording control unit 42 determines that the content to be recorded is not content for which the final dubbing destination is designated as DVD5C, the final dubbing destination is stored in the memory. It is recognized that the content is designated as the card 5B, and the process proceeds to step S150.

  In step S150, the recording control unit 42 accesses the HDD 15 and confirms the number of contents recorded in the area C.

  In step S151, as a result of the confirmation in step S150, the recording control unit 42 determines whether or not the number of contents already recorded in the area C has reached a preset number.

  When the recording control unit 42 determines in step S151 that the number of contents already recorded in the area C has not reached the preset number as the upper limit, the recording control unit 42 proceeds to step S152 and sets the recording destination as the area C as a target. Set a recording reservation for the current content. Thereafter, the process is terminated, and when the broadcast of the content to be recorded is started, the switch 31 of the switch circuit 13 is connected to the terminal 32C, and the content in a predetermined format generated by the transcoder 21-2 Recorded in area C.

  If the recording control unit 42 determines in step S151 that the number of contents already recorded in the area C has reached the preset number as the upper limit, the recording control unit 42 skips step S152 and ends the process.

  As a result of the above processing, recording of content in each area formed on the HDD 15 is limited depending on the number of content.

  Even in the case where the recording of contents in each of the areas A, B, and C is restricted by the number of recorded contents, the user can respond to an instruction by the user as described with reference to FIG. In addition, a pie chart or a bar graph showing the number of remaining contents that can be recorded in each of the areas A, B, and C may be displayed so that the user can visually grasp it. As in the case described with reference to FIG. 5, when the number of remaining contents that can be recorded in each of the areas A, B, and C is less than a predetermined number as a threshold, This may be notified to the user by screen, voice, or email. Further, when the number of remaining recordable contents is less than the predetermined number as the threshold, the predetermined content recorded in the area where the remaining number of recordable contents is small is the external recording medium 4 or the removable medium. It may be automatically evacuated to the medium 5.

  When content is recorded in each area of the HDD 15 as described with reference to FIGS. 23 and 25, for example, the processing described with reference to FIG. Then, it is dubbed to the removable medium 5 corresponding to the area where it is recorded (step S44). That is, the content recorded in the area A is dubbed to the Blu-ray disc 5A, and the content recorded in the area B is dubbed to the DVD 5C. Further, the content recorded in the area C is dubbed to the memory card 5B.

  In the above, all the areas A to C formed in the HDD 15 are limited according to the capacity and the number of recordable contents, but only the area A is limited or only the area B is recorded. Only at least one of the areas may be restricted, such as being restricted.

  The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware or can be executed by software. When a series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software executes various functions by installing a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware or various programs. For example, it is installed from a program recording medium in a general-purpose personal computer or the like.

  FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a personal computer that executes the above-described series of processing by a program.

  A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201 executes various processes according to a program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202 or a storage unit 208. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 203 appropriately stores programs executed by the CPU 201 and data. The CPU 201, ROM 202, and RAM 203 are connected to each other via a bus 204.

  An input / output interface 205 is also connected to the CPU 201 via the bus 204. Connected to the input / output interface 205 are an input unit 206 made up of a keyboard, mouse, microphone, and the like, and an output unit 207 made up of a display, a speaker, and the like. The CPU 201 executes various processes in response to commands input from the input unit 206. Then, the CPU 201 outputs the processing result to the output unit 207.

  A storage unit 208 connected to the input / output interface 205 includes, for example, a hard disk, and stores programs executed by the CPU 201 and various data. The communication unit 209 communicates with an external device via a network such as the Internet or a local area network.

  The drive 210 connected to the input / output interface 205 drives a removable medium 211 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, and drives the programs and data recorded therein. Get etc. The acquired program and data are transferred to and stored in the storage unit 208 as necessary.

  As shown in FIG. 26, a program recording medium that stores a program that is installed in a computer and is ready to be executed by the computer includes a magnetic disk (including a flexible disk), an optical disk (CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only). Memory, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a magneto-optical disk, a removable medium 211 that is a package medium made of a semiconductor memory, a ROM 202 in which a program is temporarily or permanently stored, or a storage unit 208 It is comprised by the hard disk etc. which comprise. The program is stored in the program recording medium using a wired or wireless communication medium such as a local area network, the Internet, or digital satellite broadcasting via a communication unit 209 that is an interface such as a router or a modem as necessary. Done.

  In the present specification, the steps for describing a program are not only processes performed in time series in the order described, but also processes that are executed in parallel or individually even if they are not necessarily processed in time series. Is also included.

  The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the content recording apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the function structural example of a content recording device. 3 is a flowchart for describing recording control processing of the content recording apparatus in FIG. 1. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a recording amount notification process of the content recording apparatus in FIG. 1. It is a flowchart explaining the remaining amount notification process of the content recording device of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a user notification. 6 is a flowchart for explaining display processing of the content recording apparatus in FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a title list. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a program schedule. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a program schedule. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the description text of a copy once and discrimination | determination icon in a program schedule. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a reservation list. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the dubbing content list | wrist for selecting the content recorded on another recording medium. 4 is a flowchart for explaining dubbing processing of the content recording apparatus in FIG. 1. 6 is a flowchart for explaining another recording control process of the content recording apparatus of FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the example of a recording of copy once content. It is a figure which shows the other example of recording of copy once content. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the other content recording device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of restriction | limiting of the frequency | count of copying. It is a figure which shows the other example of restriction | limiting of the frequency | count of copying. It is a figure which shows the further another example of restriction | limiting of the frequency | count of copying. It is a figure which shows the example which displays the frequency | count of copying on a title list. 19 is a flowchart for describing recording control processing of the content recording apparatus in FIG. 18. FIG. 19 is a flowchart for describing a copy number notification process of the content recording apparatus in FIG. 18. FIG. FIG. 19 is a flowchart for describing another recording control process of the content recording apparatus of FIG. 18. FIG. And FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a personal computer.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Content recording device, 5 Removable media, 12 DEMUX, 13 Switch circuit, 14 CPU, 15 HDD, 21-1, 21-2 transcoder, 41 SI analysis part, 42 Recording control part, 43 Content management part, 44 Display control Section, 45 output control section, 46 communication control section

Claims (14)

Receiving means for receiving content in a first format;
Generating means for generating content in a second format different from the first format based on the content received by the receiving means;
Recording means for recording content in a recording area corresponding to the format, having first and second recording areas corresponding to the first and second formats, respectively;
Medium recording means for recording the contents of the first and second formats on first and second recording media as corresponding recording media, respectively.
The content recording apparatus, wherein the first and second formats are recording formats corresponding to the first and second recording media, respectively. Receiving means for receiving content in a first format;
First generating means for generating content in a second format different from the first format based on the content received by the receiving means;
Second generating means for generating content in a third format different from the first and second formats based on the content received by the receiving means;
Recording means having second and third recording areas corresponding to the second and third formats, respectively, and recording content in the recording areas corresponding to the formats;
Medium recording means for recording the contents of the second and third formats on corresponding second and third recording media, respectively,
The content recording apparatus, wherein the second and third formats are recording formats corresponding to the second and third recording media, respectively. The recording area of the recording unit that is the recording destination of the content received by the receiving unit is determined based on the recording medium that is to be the recording destination by the medium recording unit after being recorded on the recording unit Further comprising control means for
The content recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit has correspondence information indicating a correspondence relationship between the first and second formats and a recording area of the recording unit serving as a recording destination in advance. The recording area of the recording unit that is the recording destination of the content received by the receiving unit is determined based on the recording medium that is to be the recording destination by the medium recording unit after being recorded on the recording unit Further comprising control means for
The content recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit has correspondence information indicating a correspondence relationship between the first to third formats and a recording area of the recording unit serving as a recording destination in advance. The content recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the recording areas of the recording unit is limited in a capacity of recordable content. The content recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the number of recordable contents is limited in at least one of the recording areas of the recording means. The content according to claim 2, wherein the medium recording unit records the contents of the second and third formats recorded in the recording unit on second and third recording media as corresponding recording media, respectively. Recording device. The receiving means further receives service information,
The medium recording means, according to the copy restriction set for the content and the copy restriction set for the recording medium to be recorded, represented by the service information received by the receiving means, The content recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein content copying is controlled. In a content recording method of a content recording apparatus, comprising: a recording unit that has first and second recording areas corresponding to the first and second formats, respectively, and records the contents in a recording area corresponding to the format;
Receiving the content in the first format;
Generating content in a second format different from the first format based on the received content;
Recording the contents of the first and second formats on corresponding first and second recording media, respectively,
The content recording method, wherein the first and second formats are recording formats corresponding to the first and second recording media, respectively. A program for causing a computer to execute processing of a content recording apparatus having first and second recording areas corresponding to the first and second formats, respectively, and comprising recording means for recording content in the recording areas corresponding to the format In the recorded recording medium,
Receiving the content in the first format;
Generating content in a second format different from the first format based on the received content;
Recording the contents of the first and second formats on corresponding first and second recording media, respectively,
The first and second formats are recording formats corresponding to the first and second recording media, respectively. In a program for causing a computer to execute processing of a content recording apparatus having first and second recording areas corresponding to the first and second formats, respectively, and comprising recording means for recording content in the recording areas corresponding to the format ,
Receiving the content in the first format;
Generating content in a second format different from the first format based on the received content;
Recording the contents of the first and second formats on corresponding first and second recording media, respectively,
The first and second formats are recording formats corresponding to the first and second recording media, respectively. In a content recording method of a content recording apparatus having second and third recording areas corresponding to the second and third formats, respectively, and comprising recording means for recording the contents in the recording areas corresponding to the format,
Receiving content in a first format;
Generating content in the second format different from the first format based on the received content;
Generating content in a third format different from the first and second formats based on the received content;
Recording the contents of the second and third formats on second and third recording media as corresponding recording media, respectively,
The content recording method, wherein the second and third formats are recording formats corresponding to the second and third recording media, respectively. A program for causing a computer to execute processing of a content recording apparatus having second and third recording areas corresponding to the second and third formats, respectively, and having recording means for recording the contents in the recording areas corresponding to the format In the recorded recording medium,
Receiving content in a first format;
Generating content in the second format different from the first format based on the received content;
Generating content in a third format different from the first and second formats based on the received content;
Recording the contents of the second and third formats on second and third recording media as corresponding recording media, respectively,
The second and third formats are recording formats corresponding to the second and third recording media, respectively. In a program for causing a computer to execute processing of a content recording apparatus having second and third recording areas corresponding to the second and third formats, respectively, and having recording means for recording contents in the recording areas corresponding to the format ,
Receiving content in a first format;
Generating content in the second format different from the first format based on the received content;
Generating content in a third format different from the first and second formats based on the received content;
Recording the contents of the second and third formats on second and third recording media as corresponding recording media, respectively,
The second and third formats are recording formats corresponding to the second and third recording media, respectively.

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