JP5336899B2 - DATA CHANGE DEVICE, DATA CHANGE METHOD, AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a data modifying device capable of dynamically reducing the amount of broadcasting data recorded in ring buffers for time shift. <P>SOLUTION: The data modifying device modifies the amount of broadcasting data recorded in the ring buffer 31 for time shift, and the data modifying device reduces the amount of broadcasting data recorded in the ring buffer 31 for time shift, according to the use state of the ring buffer 31 for time shift. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for changing the data amount of broadcast data recorded in a time shift ring buffer.

  In recent years, there is a program recording apparatus equipped with a time shift function. The time-shift function records the broadcast data being viewed in real time while viewing the recorded broadcast data for a predetermined time or retroactively, or temporarily stops the broadcast data being viewed in real time. This is a function for resuming viewing from broadcast data of a broadcast scene.

  Further, the data quality of broadcast data recorded using the time shift function can be arbitrarily set in the device by a user operation. However, with the current time shift function, broadcast data is uniformly recorded in the time shift ring buffer with the data quality set in the device. For this reason, once recording of broadcast data is started, the data quality set for the device cannot be dynamically changed. As a result, for example, when the data quality of broadcast data to be recorded is set to a device as a high quality mode (for example, a high image quality mode) and recording of broadcast data is started in the high quality mode set to the device, As the amount of broadcast data recorded in the time shift ring buffer increases, the hard disk is compressed.

  On the other hand, it is considered that the frequency of use of broadcast data recorded in the time shift ring buffer using the time shift function is not uniform. For example, it is considered that unreproduced broadcast data is likely to be used later, and reproduced broadcast data is unlikely to be used later.

  For this reason, if the amount of broadcast data that is considered to be less likely to be used is reduced, the hard disk will not be compressed even if the amount of broadcast data recorded in the time shift ring buffer increases. Is possible.

  In other words, if it is possible to dynamically reduce the amount of broadcast data recorded in the time shift ring buffer, the hard disk will be compressed even if the amount of broadcast data recorded in the time shift ring buffer increases. It becomes possible not to do.

  For this reason, it is necessary to develop a system capable of dynamically reducing the amount of broadcast data recorded in the time shift ring buffer.

  In addition, as a technical document filed prior to the present invention, when the free recording capacity of the disk storage is detected and becomes less than a predetermined free recording capacity, or when a predetermined time has elapsed from the time recorded in the disk storage, Alternatively, there is a document that discloses a technique for re-recording recorded broadcast program data as low-rate data and ensuring a recording capacity when a predetermined time has elapsed from the last viewing time (see, for example, Patent Document 1). .

  Further, there is a document that discloses a technique for reducing the capacity of video and audio signals by storing the video and audio signals stored in the storage means in the storage means by recompressing the bit rate lower than the storage time. Yes (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

  Also disclosed is a technique for performing coding compression on data in a storage device when the free space in the storage device falls below a first parameter specified in advance, and automatically ensuring a certain amount of free space in the storage device. There are documents (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

JP 2003-189243 A JP 2000-341627 A JP 2001-94935 A

  Patent Documents 1 to 3 disclose that a memory capacity is secured by compressing data. However, the above Patent Documents 1 to 3 do not describe anything about the necessity of dynamically reducing the amount of broadcast data recorded in the time-shifting ring buffer and suggest the necessity thereof.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to dynamically reduce the amount of broadcast data recorded in a time shift ring buffer, which is the above-described problem.

  In order to achieve this object, the present invention has the following features.

The data change device according to the present invention is:
  A ring buffer for time shift,
  Receiving means for receiving broadcast data;
  Recording means for recording the broadcast data received by the receiving means in the ring buffer;
  Management means for managing the broadcast time of the broadcast data recorded in the ring buffer and the recording position of the broadcast data for each program of the broadcast data;
  Reproducing means for reproducing the broadcast data recorded in the ring buffer with reference to the recording position of the broadcast data program to be reproduced managed by the management means;
  Changing means for changing the data amount of the broadcast data recorded in the ring buffer,
  The changing unit reduces the data amount of the broadcast data of the program that has been reproduced by the reproducing unit when the program of the broadcast data reproduced by the reproducing unit is switched. To do.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to dynamically reduce the amount of broadcast data recorded in the time shift ring buffer.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the program recording device of this embodiment. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a control unit 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. It is a 1st figure which shows the data quality reduction process of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the data quality reduction process of 1st Embodiment. It is a 2nd figure which shows the data quality reduction process of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the reduction process of the data quality of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the data quality reduction process of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the reduction process of the data quality of 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the data quality reduction process of 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the program recording device of 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the function structural example of the control part 1 of 4th Embodiment. FIG. 3 is a first diagram illustrating a data configuration example of a management database 32. It is a figure which shows the reduction process of the data quality of 4th Embodiment. FIG. 6 is a second diagram illustrating a data configuration example of a management database 32.

<Outline of Data Changing Device of this Embodiment>
First, an outline of the data change device of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

  The data change device according to the present embodiment records a time shift ring buffer 31, a receiving means for receiving broadcast data (corresponding to the tuner 4), and broadcast data received by the receiving means 4 in the time shift ring buffer 31. It comprises recording means 11 and changing means 12 for changing the data amount of the broadcast data recorded in the time shift ring buffer 31. Then, the changing means 12 reduces the amount of broadcast data recorded in the time shift ring buffer 31 according to the use state of the time shift ring buffer 31. Thereby, the data changing device of the present embodiment can dynamically reduce the data amount of the broadcast data recorded in the time shift ring buffer 31. As a result, even if the amount of broadcast data recorded in the time shift ring buffer 31 increases, the hard disk 3 can be prevented from being compressed. Note that methods for reducing the amount of broadcast data include methods such as compressing broadcast data and deleting broadcast data, but the amount of data can be effectively reduced by deleting the broadcast data itself. be able to. Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the data changing device is described as a program recording device. However, the data changing device of the present embodiment is not limited to the program recording device.

(First embodiment)
<Configuration example of program recording device>
First, a configuration example of the program recording apparatus of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The program recording apparatus of the present embodiment is configured to have a time shift function. The time shift function receives a broadcast such as a terrestrial digital wave and records the received broadcast data of the terrestrial digital broadcast in the time shift ring buffer 31. Then, the broadcast data recorded in the time shift ring buffer 31 is reproduced by time shift.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the program recording apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 1, a memory 2, a hard disk 3, a tuner 4, an input unit 5, and an output unit 6.

  The control unit 1 controls the entire program recording apparatus according to the OS stored in the memory 2 and the program specific to the present embodiment. Also, control is performed to reduce the amount of broadcast data recorded in the time shift ring buffer 31.

  The memory 2 has a storage area (ROM) for storing an OS and a program specific to the present embodiment, and a work storage area (RAM) used for various processes of the control unit 1.

  The hard disk 3 is an external storage area for holding various data, and has an area allocated to the time shift ring buffer 31.

  The tuner 4 receives a digital broadcast signal to be output to the output unit 6.

  The input unit 5 inputs operation information for operating the program recording apparatus to the control unit 1. For example, a reproduction request for broadcast data recorded in the time shift ring buffer 31 is received, and the reproduction request is input to the control unit 1.

  The output unit 6 outputs the broadcast data recorded in the time shift ring buffer 31.

  In FIG. 1, the time shift ring buffer 31 is configured using the storage area of the hard disk 3. However, the time shift ring buffer 31 can be configured using any storage area as long as broadcast data can be temporarily recorded.

  The broadcast signal received by the tuner 4 may be a television broadcast other than terrestrial digital (for example, terrestrial analog, satellite digital (BS, CS)), and is configured to receive a radio broadcast in addition to the television broadcast. It is also possible.

<Functional configuration example of control unit 1>
Next, a functional configuration example of the control unit 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The control unit 1 performs control for reducing the data amount of the broadcast data recorded in the time shift ring buffer 31 by reading the program unique to the present embodiment stored in the memory 2.

  The control unit 1 includes a recording unit 11, a changing unit 12, and a reproducing unit 13.

  The recording means 11 sequentially records the broadcast data received by the tuner 4 in the time shift ring buffer 31. The recording unit 11 records the broadcast data whose data amount has been reduced by the changing unit 12 in the time shift ring buffer 31. The timing for recording the broadcast data in the time shift ring buffer 31 is when the tuner 4 starts to receive the broadcast data in accordance with the activation of the program recording device or the application.

  The changing means 12 changes the data amount of the broadcast data recorded in the time shift ring buffer 31. In the present embodiment, the amount of broadcast data recorded in the time shift ring buffer 31 is reduced. Data that reduces the amount of data includes image data and audio data.

  When receiving a broadcast data playback request, the playback means 13 reads the broadcast data for which the playback request has been received from the time-shifting ring buffer 31, and plays back the read broadcast data.

<Data volume reduction processing>
Next, a processing operation when reducing the amount of broadcast data will be described with reference to FIG. It is assumed that the recording means 11 sequentially records the broadcast data received by the tuner 4 in the time shift ring buffer 31.

  When receiving the reproduction request (step A1 / Yes), the reproduction means 13 reads the broadcast data for which the reproduction request has been received from the time shift ring buffer 31, and reproduces the read broadcast data (step A2). As a result, the user can view the broadcast data recorded in the time shift ring buffer 31.

  The changing means 12 determines whether or not the number of reproductions of the broadcast data reproduced by the reproduction means 13 has reached a predetermined number (step A3). The changing means 12 reduces the data amount of the broadcast data reproduced by the reproducing means 13 when the number of times of reproduction of the broadcast data reproduced by the reproducing means 13 exceeds a predetermined number (Step A3 / Yes) (Step A4). ).

  The method for reducing the data amount is not particularly limited, and a known method can be applied. For example, a method of compressing broadcast data or deleting broadcast data can be used. A known method can be applied as the compression method in this case. Note that the amount of data can be effectively reduced by deleting the broadcast data itself.

  Further, the amount of reduction when the data amount is reduced is not particularly limited, and the data amount can be reduced by using various methods. For example, there is a method of reducing the data amount by a predetermined amount at once, or reducing the data amount by a predetermined amount by dividing the data amount into a plurality of times. Specifically, the data amount (Q) of the broadcast data recorded in the time shift ring buffer 31 is reduced by a predetermined amount (ΔQ) at a time so that the data amount (Q) becomes a predetermined data amount (Q1) at a time. (Q1 = Q−ΔQ). Alternatively, the data amount (Q) is decreased by a predetermined value (Δq) step by step so that the data amount (Q) becomes a predetermined data amount (Q1) at a predetermined number of times (α) (Q1 = Q−Δq × α).

  The recording means 11 records the broadcast data whose data amount has been reduced by the changing means 12 in the time shift ring buffer (step A5).

<Operation / Effect of Program Recording Device of this Embodiment>
As described above, when the broadcast data recorded in the time shift ring buffer 31 is reproduced a predetermined number of times, the program recording apparatus of the present embodiment reduces the data amount of the broadcast data reproduced the predetermined number of times. Thereby, the data amount of the broadcast data recorded in the time shift ring buffer 31 can be dynamically reduced, and the data amount of the broadcast data can be reduced. As a result, even if the amount of broadcast data recorded in the time shift buffer 31 increases, the hard disk 3 can be prevented from being compressed.

  For example, a specific example in which the “predetermined number” in step A3 shown in FIG. 3 is assumed to be 1 will be described below with reference to FIG.

  When the tuner 4 starts receiving broadcast data, the recording means 11 records the broadcast data received by the tuner 4 in the time shift ring buffer 31 (FIG. 4 (a); recording start).

  FIG. 4 (a) shows a case where recording of broadcast data is started at AM9: 00. The recording pointer position indicates a position (current time) at which the recording unit 11 records broadcast data in the time shift ring buffer 31 in real time. In this case, the recording start time matches the current time.

  When a playback request is received 10 minutes after the start of recording, the playback means 13 reads the broadcast data for which the playback request has been received from the time shift ring buffer 31, and plays back the read broadcast data.

  FIG. 4B shows a case where a playback request for playback from the recording start position (recording start time AM9: 00) recorded first in the time shift ring buffer 31 is received, and the playback pointer position is It indicates that the time shift ring buffer 31 is at the first recording start position (recording start time AM9: 00). The reproduction pointer position indicates a position (reproduction time) at which the reproduction means 13 reads broadcast data from the time shift ring buffer 31. In this case, the playback time matches the recording start time. In the case of FIG. 4B, since the reproduction pointer position and the recording pointer position are different, the data between the reproduction pointer position and the recording pointer position is unreproduced broadcast data.

  The changing means 12 reduces the data amount of the reproduced broadcast data when the number of times of reproduction of the broadcast data reproduced by the reproducing means 13 becomes one or more. FIG. 4 (c) shows a state 20 minutes after the start of reproduction = a state 30 minutes after the start of recording, and 20 minutes from the first recording start position (recording start time AM9: 00) of the time shift ring buffer 31. A state in which broadcast data is continuously reproduced is shown. For this reason, the playback pointer position has changed 20 minutes after the time (AM9: 00) shown in FIG. 4B (AM9: 20).

  In the present embodiment, the changing means 12 reduces the data amount of the broadcast data reproduced one or more times by the reproducing means 13, so that the reproduction time from the recording start time (AM9: 00) as shown in FIG. 4 (c). Broadcast data up to (AM9: 20) is compressed to reduce the amount of data. The numbers (1-8) shown in FIG. 4 (c) indicate the order of the broadcast data with the data amount reduced, and the data amount is reduced sequentially from the broadcast data (1) at the recording start time (AM9: 00). .

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, as shown in FIG. 4B, the broadcast data recorded in the time shift ring buffer 31 is not reproduced in real time (the recording pointer position and the reproduction pointer position are synchronized). ) After 10 minutes from the recording start time (AM9: 00) (AM9: 10), we decided to play from the broadcast data at the recording start time (AM9: 00) (record pointer position and playback pointer position For 10 minutes). The broadcast data was reproduced for 20 minutes continuously from the recording start time (AM9: 00). For this reason, the time-shift ring buffer 31 includes broadcast data whose data amount is not reduced (unreproduced broadcast data between the recording pointer position and the reproduction pointer position) and broadcast data whose reproduction amount is reduced (reproduction pointer). (Reproduced broadcast data after the position) is recorded.

  Thereby, the changing means 12 can dynamically reduce the data amount of the broadcast data in accordance with the number of times the broadcast data recorded in the time shift ring buffer 31 is reproduced. As a result, even if the amount of broadcast data recorded in the time shift ring buffer 31 increases, the hard disk 3 can be prevented from being compressed.

  Also, the changing means 12 reduces the data amount of only the reproduced broadcast data that has been reproduced a predetermined number of times, so that unreproduced broadcast data that has not been reproduced a predetermined number of times is reproduced and viewed with high quality (image quality). It becomes possible. As a result, the program recording apparatus of the present embodiment can efficiently reduce the data amount of only broadcast data that is considered to be less frequently used in the future, among the broadcast data recorded in the time shift ring buffer 31. It becomes possible.

  In the processing operation shown in FIG. 3 described above, when the number of reproductions of the broadcast data reproduced by the reproduction means 13 exceeds a predetermined number (step A3 / Yes), the data amount of the broadcast data is reduced. (Step A3). However, it is also possible to construct so as to reduce all the data amount of the broadcast data reproduced by the reproducing means 13 as shown in FIG. 5 without performing the determination in step A3 (steps A′4 and A ′). Five). In the case of the processing operation shown in FIG. 5, the data amount (Q) is reduced step by step by a predetermined value (Δq) so that the data amount (Q) becomes a predetermined data amount (Q1) at a predetermined number of times (α). (Q1 = Q−Δq × α) is preferable. As a result, it is possible to reduce the data amount as the broadcast data has a larger number of reproductions.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described.

  In the first embodiment, the amount of broadcast data reproduced by the reproducing means 13 more than the number of times of processing is reduced.

  In the second embodiment, the data amount of broadcast data past a predetermined time from the current time when the broadcast data is recorded in the time shift ring buffer 31 in real time is reduced. This makes it possible to reduce the data amount of broadcast data for a predetermined time from the current time based on the current time when the broadcast data is recorded in the time shift ring buffer 31. Hereinafter, the data amount reduction method of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  The changing means 12 determines whether or not the past broadcast data is recorded for a predetermined time or more from the recording pointer position (current time) (step B1). The recording pointer position indicates a position (current time) at which the recording unit 11 records broadcast data in the time shift ring buffer 31 in real time.

  The change means 12 reduces the data amount of the past broadcast data for a predetermined time or more from the recording pointer position when the past broadcast data for a predetermined time or more from the recording pointer position is recorded (step B1 / Yes) (step B2). ). In this case, the changing means 12 reduces the data amount in order from the oldest broadcast data.

  The recording means 11 records the broadcast data whose data amount has been reduced by the changing means 12 in the time shift ring buffer (step B3).

<Operation / Effect of Program Recording Device of this Embodiment>
As described above, the program recording apparatus of the present embodiment reduces the data amount of the broadcast data for a predetermined time from the current time when the broadcast data is recorded in the time shift ring buffer 31. This makes it possible to reduce the data amount of broadcast data for a predetermined time from the current time based on the current time when the broadcast data is recorded in the time shift ring buffer 31.

  For example, a specific example in which the “predetermined time” in step B1 shown in FIG. 6 is assumed to be 10 minutes will be described below with reference to FIG.

  When the tuner 4 starts receiving broadcast data, the recording means 11 records the broadcast data received by the tuner 4 in the time shift ring buffer 31 (FIG. 7 (a); recording start).

  FIG. 7 (a) shows a case where recording of broadcast data is started at AM9: 00. The recording pointer position indicates a position (current time) at which the recording unit 11 records broadcast data in the time shift ring buffer 31 in real time. In this case, the recording start time matches the current time.

  The change means 12 reduces the data amount of broadcast data past 10 minutes or more from the recording pointer position (current time) when broadcast data past 10 minutes or more from the recording pointer position (current time) is recorded.

  FIG. 7 (b) shows a state 30 minutes after the start of recording, and shows a state in which recording is continuously performed for 30 minutes from the first recording start position (recording start time AM9: 00) of the time shift ring buffer 31. . For this reason, the recording pointer position has changed 30 minutes (AM9: 30) from the time (AM9: 00) shown in FIG.

  In this embodiment, in order to reduce the data amount of the past broadcast data 10 minutes (AM9: 20) from the recording pointer position (current time AM9: 30), as shown in FIG. Broadcast data from AM9: 00) to AM9: 20 is compressed to reduce the amount of data. The numbers (1 to 8) shown in FIG. 7B indicate the order of the broadcast data with the data amount reduced, and the data amount is reduced in order from the broadcast data (1) at the recording start time (AM9: 00). .

  Thereby, the changing means 12 can dynamically reduce the data amount of the broadcast data according to the recording time when the broadcast data is recorded in the time shift ring buffer 31. As a result, even if the amount of broadcast data recorded in the time shift ring buffer 31 increases, the hard disk 3 can be prevented from being compressed.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described.

  In the third embodiment, the data amount of broadcast data past a predetermined time from the reproduction time of the broadcast data reproduced by the reproduction means 11 is reduced. As a result, it is possible to reduce the data amount of the broadcast data for a predetermined time from the reproduction time based on the reproduction time of the broadcast data being reproduced by the reproduction means 11. Hereinafter, the data amount reduction method of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  When receiving the playback request (step C1 / Yes), the playback means 13 reads the broadcast data for which the playback request has been received from the time shift ring buffer 31, and plays back the read broadcast data (step C2).

  The changing means 12 determines whether or not the past broadcast data is recorded for a predetermined time or more from the reproduction pointer position of the broadcast data reproduced by the reproduction means 13 (step C3). The reproduction pointer position indicates a position (reproduction time) at which the reproduction means 13 reads broadcast data from the time shift ring buffer 31.

  When the broadcast data reproduced by the reproduction means 13 has recorded the past broadcast data for a predetermined time or longer (step C3 / Yes), the changing means 12 has the past broadcast data for the predetermined time or longer from the reproduction pointer position. Reduce the amount of data (step C4). In this case, the changing means 12 reduces the data amount in order from the oldest broadcast data.

  The recording means 11 records the broadcast data whose data amount has been reduced by the changing means 12 in the time shift ring buffer (step C5).

<Operation / Effect of Program Recording Device of this Embodiment>
As described above, the program recording apparatus of the present embodiment reduces the data amount of the broadcast data that is a predetermined time from the reproduction time of the broadcast data that is being reproduced by the reproducing means 11. As a result, it is possible to reduce the data amount of the broadcast data for a predetermined time from the reproduction time based on the reproduction time of the broadcast data being reproduced by the reproduction means 11.

  For example, a specific example in which the “predetermined time” in step C3 shown in FIG. 8 is assumed to be 10 minutes will be described below with reference to FIG.

  When the tuner 4 starts receiving broadcast data, the recording means 11 records the broadcast data received by the tuner 4 in the time shift ring buffer 31 (FIG. 9A; recording start).

  FIG. 9A shows a case where recording of broadcast data is started at AM9: 00. The recording pointer position indicates a position (current time) at which the recording unit 11 records broadcast data in the time shift ring buffer 31 in real time. In this case, the recording start time matches the current time.

  The change means 12 reduces the data amount of broadcast data past 10 minutes or more from the playback pointer position (playback time) when broadcast data past 10 minutes or more from the playback pointer position (playback time) is recorded.

  FIG. 9 (b) shows a state in which the reproduction of broadcast data at a time (9:20) 10 minutes past the current time (9:30) is started 30 minutes after the start of recording. For this reason, the playback pointer position (playback time) indicates a time (9:20) 10 minutes past the current time (9:30).

  In the present embodiment, in order to reduce the data amount of the past broadcast data 10 minutes (AM9: 10) from the playback pointer position (playback time AM9: 20), as shown in FIG. The amount of broadcast data from AM9: 00) to AM9: 10 is reduced in order. Numbers (1 to 4) shown in FIG. 9B indicate the order of the broadcast data with the data amount reduced, and the data amount is reduced in order from the broadcast data (1) at the recording start time (AM9: 00). .

  Thereby, the changing means 12 can dynamically reduce the data amount of the broadcast data according to the reproduction time when the broadcast data recorded in the time shift ring buffer 31 is reproduced. As a result, even if the amount of broadcast data recorded in the time shift ring buffer 31 increases, the hard disk 3 can be prevented from being compressed.

  In FIG. 9, the case where the recording pointer position and the reproduction pointer position are not synchronized (when the broadcast data recorded in the time shift ring buffer 31 is viewed for a predetermined time or retroactively from the beginning) has been described. If the recording pointer position and the playback pointer position are synchronized (when the broadcast data recorded in the time shift ring buffer 31 is viewed in real time), the recording is performed as in the second embodiment. It appears virtually to reduce the data amount of the past broadcast data for a predetermined time or more from the pointer position. However, when the user performs a pause operation and stops the playback pointer position, the recording pointer position and the playback pointer position are not synchronized, so that the playback pointer differs from the second embodiment. The amount of broadcast data in the past from the position for a predetermined time or more is reduced.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described.

  In the fourth embodiment, the data amount of the broadcast data of the past program is reduced more than the program of the broadcast data being reproduced by the reproducing means 13. This makes it possible to reduce the data amount of the broadcast data of the past program with respect to the program of the broadcast data being reproduced by the reproducing means 13 as a reference. As a result, the broadcast data being played back by the playback means 13 can be played back in a state where the data quality is maintained even if the broadcast data is played back a predetermined time. Hereinafter, the data amount reduction method of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

<Configuration of program recording device>
First, the configuration of the program recording apparatus of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the program recording apparatus according to the present embodiment has an area for holding a management database 32. Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 1 includes an acquisition unit 14.

  The acquisition unit 14 acquires broadcast data management information from the broadcast signal received by the tuner 4, and records the acquired management information in the management database 32. Examples of management information include PSI (Program Specific Information) / SI (Service Information).

  PSI is necessary information for selecting a required program, and includes PAT (Program Association Table), PMT (Program Map Table) and the like. SI is various information defined for the convenience of program selection and includes an EIT (Event Information Table) and the like. The EIT includes information relating to broadcast data such as program name, broadcast date and time, and program content, specifically event_ID (event identification (program ID)), start_time (start time), duration (duration), and the like.

  FIG. 12 shows a data configuration example of the management database 32. In the present embodiment, the acquisition unit 14 derives the program name, broadcast start time, and broadcast end time from the EIT, and generates the CH / program name, broadcast start time, and broadcast end time for each program as program related information. The program related information is recorded in the management database 32. When the recording unit 11 starts recording broadcast data, the acquiring unit 14 acquires the recording start time, recording start position, and reproduction state of the broadcast data as accumulated information, and the acquired accumulated information is recorded as the broadcast data recording. Is recorded in the management database 32 in association with the program-related information of the program that is being performed. The reproduction state is information for specifying whether broadcast data is being reproduced. For example, using a flag, “0” indicates a state that is not being reproduced, and “1” indicates a state that is being reproduced. Further, the acquisition means 14 acquires the program information of the broadcast data with the data amount reduced by the changing means 12, and associates the reduction state for specifying the program with the reduced data amount with the program in the management database 32. Record. The reduction state is information for specifying whether or not the data amount has been reduced. For example, using a flag, “0” indicates a state where the data amount is not reduced, and “1” indicates a state where the data amount is reduced. As a result, the management database 32 shown in FIG. 12 is configured.

<Data volume reduction processing>
Next, a processing operation when reducing the amount of broadcast data will be described with reference to FIG. The recording means 11 sequentially records the broadcast data received by the tuner 4 in the time shift ring buffer 31, and the acquisition means 14 sequentially updates the information in the management database 32.

  When receiving the playback request (step D1 / Yes), the playback means 13 reads the broadcast data for which the playback request has been received from the time shift ring buffer 31, and plays back the read broadcast data (step D2).

  When the broadcast data for which the reproduction request has been received is read from the time-shifting ring buffer 31, the acquisition means 14 updates the management database 32 and displays the reproduction status of the broadcast data program being reproduced by the reproduction means 13. 1 ”(currently playing).

  When the broadcast data is reproduced for the first time (when there is no reproduction history), the reproduction means 13 refers to the management database 32, acquires the recording start position of the broadcast data for which the reproduction request has been received, and broadcast data from the recording start position. And the read broadcast data is reproduced. When there is a reproduction history, the reproduction means 13 refers to the management database 32, acquires a reproduction interruption position (not shown, but managed together with the reproduction state), reads broadcast data from the reproduction interruption position, The read broadcast data is reproduced.

  While reproducing the broadcast data of the same program (step D3 / No), the reproduction means 13 reads the broadcast data from the time shift ring buffer 31 and reproduces the read broadcast data (step D3 / No). D2).

  The changing means 12 determines whether or not the broadcast data program being reproduced by the reproducing means 13 has been switched (step D3). The change means 12 reduces the data amount of the broadcast data of the reproduced program (the broadcast data program reproduced in step D2) when the program of the broadcast data being reproduced is switched (step D3 / Yes). (Step D4).

  The acquiring unit 14 updates the management database 32 and changes the reduced state of the reproduced program whose data amount has been reduced by the changing unit 12 to “1” (data amount reduced). Further, the acquisition means 14 changes the playback state of the program that has been played back to “0” (a state that is not being played back), and changes the playback state of the program that is currently being played back to “1” (a state that is being played back). .

  For example, FIG. 12 shows the state of the management database 32 before the program of the broadcast data being reproduced by the reproducing means 13 is switched. Further, FIG. 14 shows the state of the management database 32 after the program of the broadcast data being reproduced by the reproducing means 13 is switched.

  In this case, the reproducing means 13 reproduces the broadcast data of the program “NHK News” whose reproduction state in FIG. 12 is “1”, and the program “NHK • When the “news” is switched to the next program “NHK drama”, the acquisition means 14 changes the playback state of the already played program “NHK news” to “0” as shown in FIG. Status), the playback status of the currently playing program “NHK drama” is changed to “1” (playback status). Further, the acquisition means 14 changes the reduction state of the reproduced program “NHK / News” whose data amount has been reduced by the changing means 12 to “1” (data amount reduced).

  As shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, the program recording apparatus of the present embodiment manages the “reproduction state” and “reduction state” in the management database 32 so that the broadcast data being reproduced by the reproduction means 13 is managed. It is possible to specify a program or to specify a broadcast data program with a reduced data amount by the changing means 12.

<Operation / Effect of Program Recording Device of this Embodiment>
As described above, the program recording apparatus of the present embodiment reduces the data amount of the broadcast data of the past program as compared with the program of the broadcast data being reproduced by the reproducing means 13. This makes it possible to reduce the data amount of the broadcast data of the past program with respect to the program of the broadcast data being reproduced by the reproducing means 13 as a reference. As a result, the broadcast data being played back by the playback means 13 can be played back in a state where the data quality is maintained even if the broadcast data is played back a predetermined time. Further, by using the management database 32 to manage the broadcast data recorded in the time shift ring buffer 31 in units of programs, a program with a reduced data amount and a program with no data amount reduced , Can be managed separately.

  The above-described embodiment is a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment alone, and various modifications are made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Implementation is possible.

  For example, the control operation in each apparatus constituting the program recording apparatus in the present embodiment described above can be executed using hardware, software, or a combined configuration of both.

  In the case of executing processing using software, it is possible to install and execute a program in which a processing sequence is recorded in a memory in a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware. Alternatively, the program can be installed and executed on a general-purpose computer capable of executing various processes.

  For example, the program can be recorded in advance on a hard disk or ROM (Read Only Memory) as a recording medium. Alternatively, the program can be stored (recorded) temporarily or permanently in a removable recording medium. Such a removable recording medium can be provided as so-called package software. Examples of the removable recording medium include a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), an MO (Magneto optical) disk, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a magnetic disk, and a semiconductor memory.

  The program is installed in the computer from the removable recording medium as described above. In addition, it is wirelessly transferred from the download site to the computer. In addition, it is transferred to the computer via a network by wire.

  In addition, the program recording apparatus in the present embodiment is not only executed in time series according to the processing operation described in the above embodiment, but also the processing capability of the apparatus that executes the process, or in parallel as necessary It can also be constructed to run individually.

  The present invention is applicable to various devices equipped with a time shift ring buffer.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Control part 2 Memory 3 Hard disk 4 Tuner (reception means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 5 Input part 6 Output part 11 Recording means 12 Change means 13 Playback means 14 Acquisition means 31 Time shift ring buffer 32 Management database

Claims (9)

A ring buffer for time shift,
Receiving means for receiving broadcast data;
And recording means for recording the broadcast data received by the receiving means into the ring buffer,
Management means for managing the broadcast time of the broadcast data recorded in the ring buffer and the recording position of the broadcast data for each program of the broadcast data;
Reproducing means for reproducing the broadcast data recorded in the ring buffer with reference to the recording position of the broadcast data program to be reproduced managed by the management means;
Anda changing means for changing the data amount of the broadcast data recorded in the ring buffer,
The changing unit reduces the data amount of the broadcast data of the program that has been reproduced by the reproducing unit when the program of the broadcast data reproduced by the reproducing unit is switched. To change data. 2. The data change according to claim 1, wherein the management unit manages a reduction state for specifying whether or not the broadcast data has been reduced in data amount by the changing unit for each program of the broadcast data. apparatus. 3. The data changing device according to claim 1, wherein the managing unit manages a reproduction state for specifying whether or not the broadcast data is being reproduced by the reproducing unit for each program of the broadcast data. . The management means manages the reproduction history by the reproduction means for each program of the broadcast data,
  When there is no reproduction history of the broadcast data program to be reproduced, the reproduction means refers to the recording position of the broadcast data program to be reproduced and reproduces the broadcast data recorded in the ring buffer. The data change device according to claim 1, wherein the data change device is a data change device. When there is the reproduction history of the broadcast data program to be reproduced, the reproduction means refers to the reproduction interruption position of the broadcast data program to be reproduced managed by the management means, and is recorded in the ring buffer. 5. The data changing device according to claim 4, wherein the broadcast data is reproduced.   When the data amount of the broadcast data is reduced by the changing means, the reduced state changing means for changing the reduced state corresponding to the broadcast data program whose data amount has been reduced to a state indicating reduced broadcast data. The data change device according to claim 2, wherein the data change device includes: Replay state changing means for changing the replay state corresponding to the broadcast data program being replayed by the replay means to a state indicating broadcast data being replayed;
  When the broadcast data program being played back by the playback means is switched, the playback status change means is configured to display the playback status corresponding to the broadcast data program played back by the playback means. The state is changed to a state indicating the broadcast data of the broadcast data, and the playback state corresponding to the program of the broadcast data started to be played back by the playback means is changed to a state indicating the broadcast data being played back. The data change device according to any one of claims 3 to 6. A receiving process for receiving broadcast data;
A recording step of recording the broadcast data received in the reception step to the time shift ring buffer,
A management step of managing a broadcast time of the broadcast data recorded in the ring buffer and a recording position of the broadcast data by a management unit for each program of the broadcast data;
A reproduction step of reproducing the broadcast data recorded in the ring buffer with reference to the recording position of the broadcast data program to be reproduced managed by the management means;
Anda changing step for changing the data amount of the broadcast data recorded in the ring buffer,
The change step reduces the data amount of the broadcast data of the program that has been reproduced by the reproduction step when the program of the broadcast data reproduced by the reproduction step is switched. To change data. A reception process for receiving broadcast data;
A recording process of recording the broadcast data received by the receiving process in the ring buffer for time shift,
A management process for managing a broadcast time of the broadcast data recorded in the ring buffer and a recording position of the broadcast data by a management unit for each program of the broadcast data;
A reproduction process of reproducing the broadcast data recorded in the ring buffer with reference to the recording position of the program of the broadcast data to be reproduced managed by the management means;
A changing process for changing a data amount of the broadcast data recorded in the ring buffer, cause the computer to execute,
The change process is characterized in that when the program of the broadcast data being reproduced by the reproduction process is switched, the data amount of the broadcast data of the program that has been reproduced by the reproduction process is reduced. Program to do.

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