U.S. patent application number 11/067555 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-08 for information processing apparatus, method, and program.
Invention is credited to Kobayashi, Masahiro, Sakata, Junichiro, Sasaki, Kumiko.
Application Number | 20050198024 11/067555 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34747569 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050198024 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sakata, Junichiro ; et
al. |
September 8, 2005 |
Information processing apparatus, method, and program
Abstract
There is provided an information processing apparatus including:
a recording unit operable to store attribute information indicating
attribute of content and a menu item to be displayed on a display,
the menu item representing a category for classifying the content
based on the attribute information; a determining circuit operable
to determine whether or not another content belonging to the same
category as a category to which the content belongs is stored in
the recording unit based on the attribute information; and a
generator operable to generate a menu item representing a new
category, to which the content belongs based on the attribute
information of the content, if no other content belonging to the
same category as the category to which the content belongs is
stored in the storage means.
Inventors: |
Sakata, Junichiro; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Sasaki, Kumiko; (Kanagawa, JP) ;
Kobayashi, Masahiro; (Tokyo, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FROMMER LAWRENCE & HAUG LLP
745 FIFTH AVENUE
NEW YORK
NY
10151
US
|
Family ID: |
34747569 |
Appl. No.: |
11/067555 |
Filed: |
February 25, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 ; 348/E5.105;
707/999.004 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/4332 20130101;
H04N 21/47 20130101; H04N 21/485 20130101; H04N 21/4312 20130101;
H04N 5/44543 20130101; H04N 21/482 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
707/004 |
International
Class: |
G06F 007/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 27, 2004 |
JP |
2004-054857 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An information processing apparatus comprising: storage means
for storing attribute information indicating attribute of content
and a menu item to be displayed on display means, the menu item
representing a category for classifying the content based on the
attribute information; determining means for determining whether or
not another content belonging to the same category as a category to
which the content belongs is stored in the storage means based on
the attribute information; and generating means for generating a
menu item representing a new category, to which the content belongs
based on the attribute information of the content, if no other
content belonging to the same category as the category to which the
content belongs is stored in the storage means.
2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1
further comprising: acquisition means for acquiring content;
wherein the storage means further stores acquired content as
content belonging to a category if it is determined that another
content belonging to a category that is the same as the category
the acquired content belongs to is stored in storage means, and
further stores the acquired content as content belonging to a new
category if it is determined that no other content belonging to the
same category as the category the acquired content belongs to is
stored in storage means.
3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein: if content is deleted, the determining means further
determines whether or not another content belongs to the category
deleted content belongs to; the information processing apparatus
further comprising: deletion means for deleting a menu item
indicating a category deleted content belongs to if it is
determined that no other content belongs to the category deleted
content belongs to.
4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein: the attribute information is information contained in an
electronic program guide.
5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein: the generating means further generates the menu item
representing one item of the content; and the storage means further
stores the generated menu item representing the content in the same
hierarchical layer as a menu item expressing the another
content.
6. An information processing method comprising the steps of:
controlling storage of attribute information indicating attribute
of content and a menu item to be displayed, the menu item
representing a category for classifying the content based on the
attribute information; determining whether or not another content
belonging to the same category as a category to which the content
belongs is stored based on the attribute information; and
generating a menu item representing a new category, to which the
content belongs based on the attribute information of the content,
if no other content belonging to the same category as the category
to which the content belongs is stored.
7. The information processing method according to claim 6 further
comprising the step of: controlling content acquisition; wherein,
in the step of controlling storage, the control is further
performed so as to store acquired content as content belonging to a
category if it is determined that another content belonging to a
category that is the same as the category the acquired content
belongs to is stored, and store the acquired content as content
belonging to a new category if it is determined that no other
content belonging to the same category as the category the acquired
content belongs to is stored.
8. The information processing method according to claim 6, wherein:
in the step of determining, if content is deleted, it is further
determined whether or not another content belongs to the category
deleted content belongs to; the information processing method
further including the step of: deleting control of a menu item
indicating a category deleted content belongs to if it is
determined that no other content belongs to the category deleted
content belongs to.
9. A program causing a computer to perform: a storage control step
of storing attribute information indicating attribute of content
and a menu item to be displayed in display means, the menu item
representing a category for classifying the content based on the
attribute information; a determination step of determining whether
or not another content belonging to the same category as a category
to which the content belongs is stored in the storage means based
on the attribute information; and a generation control step of
generating a menu item representing a new category, to which the
content belongs based on the attribute information of the content,
if no other content belonging to the same category as the category
to which the content belongs is stored in the storage means.
10. The program according to claim 9 further comprising: an
acquisition control step of controlling content acquisition;
wherein, in the storage control step, the control is performed so
as to enable storing of acquired content as content belonging to a
category if it is determined that another content belonging to a
category that is the same as the category the acquired content
belongs to is stored in storage means, and storing of the acquired
content as content belonging to a new category if it is determined
that no other content belonging to the same category as the
category the acquired content belongs to is stored in storage
means.
11. The program according to claim 9, wherein: in the determination
step, if content is deleted, it is further determined whether or
not another content belongs to the category deleted content belongs
to if content is deleted; the program further includes: a deletion
control step of deleting a menu item indicating a category deleted
content belongs to if it is determined that no other content
belongs to the category deleted content belongs to.
12. An information processing apparatus comprising: a recording
unit operable to store attribute information indicating attribute
of content and a menu item to be displayed on a display, the menu
item representing a category for classifying the content based on
the attribute information; a determining circuit operable to
determine whether or not another content belonging to the same
category as a category to which the content belongs is stored in
the recording unit based on the attribute information; and a
generator operable to generate a menu item representing a new
category, to which the content belongs based on the attribute
information of the content, if no other content belonging to the
same category as the category to which the content belongs is
stored in the storage means.
Description
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present invention contains subject matter related to
Japanese Patent Application JP 2004-054857 filed in the Japanese
Patent Office on Feb. 27, 2004, the entire contents of which being
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to an information processing
apparatus, method, and program, and particularly relates to an
information processing apparatus, method, and program capable of
selecting content using menus.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] In recent years, for television broadcasts etc., services
providing EPG (Electronic Program Guide) to users, who will be
viewers, have become widespread. The EPG is program guide
information constituted by electronic information to show a program
broadcast schedule corresponding to so-called newspaper
radio/television columns.
[0006] Keywords such as a program title, broadcast time, program
genre and cast etc. are contained in the EPG and a user can then
record a program (content) using this EPG.
[0007] With recording/playback apparatuses used in EPG in the
related art, when a program is recorded, EPG information is
recorded, recorded EPG information is classified into categories
based on pre-defined program classification standards, and
classification numbers corresponding to categories are allotted in
order to recorded programs (for example, refer to International
Patent Application Publication Number WO 00/02386).
[0008] With this recording/playback apparatus, when a user
specifies a classification number, a recorded program corresponding
to the specified category number is played back.
[0009] Further, when a personal computer (PC) is used as a
recording/playback apparatus, a recorded program (content) can be
played back by an application program for use in playing back
content recorded on a PC.
[0010] In this event, a user starts up an multimedia playback
application program for playing back various content. An
application program for playing back content of each individual
format (server program) is then selected at the multimedia playback
application program, and content is played back as a result of a
user then designating content.
[0011] FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 are views illustrating an multimedia
playback application program of the related art.
[0012] In FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, "music", "photo", "video", and
"television broadcast" are categories for classifying content that
can be selected by a user in application programs for multimedia
playback use. Atrac (Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding) 3 format
content and MP (MPEG Audio Layer) 3 format content is stored as
content classified as "music". Further, JPEG (Joint Photographic
Experts Group) format content and BMP (BitMap) format content is
stored as content classified as "photo", and MPEG (Moving Picture
Experts Group) 2 format content is stored as content classified as
"video".
[0013] Further, if a user specifies a prescribed channel, a program
being broadcast at the designated channel is displayed at a display
as content classified as "television broadcast".
[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the respective categories and content
are separate at the application programs for multimedia playback
use.
[0015] Therefore, with the application programs for multimedia use,
as shown in FIG. 2, a menu structure for selecting respective
categories is hierarchical. A user therefore selects a category of
one of "music", "photo", "video" and "television broadcast" from a
media selection menu and then selects a server program (application
program for content playback use) for playing back content from the
selected category menu. The user then selects a folder storing
content to be played back, and the content is played back as a
result of selecting (designating) the content from the selected
folder.
[0016] Further, if a user selects "television broadcast" as a
category from the media selection menu, a server program for
playing back content classified as "television broadcast" is
selected. A program being broadcast at a designated channel is then
displayed at the display as a result of designating this desired
channel.
[0017] Further, if it is wished to playback content classified
under another category, for example, if it is wished to playback
"video" content during playback of content classified as "music",
as shown in FIG. 3, the user returns to the media selection menu
from the menu for selecting content classified as "music". "video"
is then selected as the category from the media selection menu, a
folder is selected from the menu for "video", and the desired
content is selected from the selected folder.
[0018] In this event, playback of content classified as "music" is
stopped (discontinued) when the user selects "video" as the
category at the media selection menu.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] However, with the technology disclosed in International
Patent Application Publication Number WO 00/02386 described above,
it is possible to classify content (a television program) into a
category decided in advance. However, when there is no category
decided in advance, a user has to carry out setting to provide a
new category by operating input means every time there is a need to
provide a new category.
[0020] Further, if it is wished to play back content classified
under another category during playback of content, it is necessary
to select the next content after stopping (discontinuing) playback
of content, and playback of the content is therefore
interrupted.
[0021] In view of this kind of situation, it is desirable to enable
addition and deletion of menu items for displaying content
classified in individual categories in accompaniment with the
addition and deletion of content without a user operation being
required. Furthermore, it is desirable to enable selection of
content classified in other categories without interrupting
playback of content.
[0022] An information processing apparatus according to an
embodiment of the present invention includes storage means for
storing attribute information indicating attribute of content and a
menu item to be displayed in display means, the menu item
representing a category for classifying the content based on the
attribute information; determining means for determining whether or
not another content belonging to the same category as a category to
which the content belongs is stored in the storage means based on
the attribute information; and generating means for generating a
menu item representing a new category, to which the content belongs
based on the attribute information of the content, if no other
content belonging to the same category as the category to which the
content belongs is stored in the storage means.
[0023] The information processing apparatus may further include
acquisition means for acquiring content. In this information
processing apparatus, the storage means is capable of storing
acquired content as content belonging to a category if it is
determined that another content belonging to a category that is the
same as the category the acquired content belongs to is stored in
storage means, and is capable of storing the acquired content as
content belonging to a new category if it is determined that no
other content belonging to the same category as the category the
acquired content belongs to is stored in storage means.
[0024] The information processing apparatus may further include
deletion means for deleting a menu item indicating a category
deleted content belongs to if it is determined that no other
content belongs to the category deleted content belongs to. The
determining means may be capable of determining whether or not
another content belongs to the category deleted content belongs to
if content is deleted.
[0025] The attribute information may be information contained in an
electronic program guide.
[0026] The generating means may generate a menu item representing
one item of content, and the storage means may store the generated
menu item representing the content in the same hierarchical layer
as a menu item expressing another content.
[0027] An information processing method according to an embodiment
of the present invention includes the steps of: controlling storage
of attribute information indicating attribute of content and a menu
item to be displayed, the menu item representing a category for
classifying the content based on the attribute information;
determining whether or not another content belonging to the same
category as a category to which the content belongs is stored based
on the attribute information; and generating a menu item
representing a new category, to which the content belongs based on
the attribute information of the content, if no other content
belonging to the same category as the category to which the content
belongs is stored.
[0028] This information processing method may further include the
step of controlling content acquisition. In the step of controlling
storage, the control may be performed so as to enable storing of
acquired content as content belonging to a category if it is
determined that another content belonging to a category that is the
same as the category the acquired content belongs to is stored, and
storing of the acquired content as content belonging to a new
category if it is determined that no other content belonging to the
same category as the category the acquired content belongs to is
stored.
[0029] The information processing method may further include the
step of controlling deletion of menu item indicating a category
deleted content belongs to if it is determined that no other
content belongs to the category deleted content belongs to. In the
determination step, it is possible to determine whether or not
another content belongs to the category deleted content belongs to
if content is deleted.
[0030] A program according to an embodiment of the present
invention includes: a storage control step of storing attribute
information indicating attribute of content and a menu item to be
displayed in display means, the menu item representing a category
for classifying the content based on the attribute information; a
determination step of determining whether or not another content
belonging to the same category as a category to which the content
belongs is stored in the storage means based on the attribute
information; and a generation control step of generating a menu
item representing a new category, to which the content belongs
based on the attribute information of the content, if no other
content belonging to the same category as the category to which the
content belongs is stored in the storage means.
[0031] The program may further include an acquisition control step
of controlling content acquisition. In the storage control step,
the control is performed so as to enable storing of acquired
content as content belonging to a category if it is determined that
another content belonging to a category that is the same as the
category the acquired content belongs to is stored in storage
means, and storing of the acquired content as content belonging to
a new category if it is determined that no other content belonging
to the same category as the category the acquired content belongs
to is stored in storage means.
[0032] The program may further include a deletion control step of
controlling deletion of a menu item indicating a category deleted
content belongs to if it is determined that no other content
belongs to the category deleted content belongs to. In the
determination step, it is possible to determine whether or not
another content belongs to the category deleted content belongs to
if content is deleted.
[0033] With the information processing apparatus, method, and
program according to the embodiments of the present invention, the
attribute information indicating attribute of content and the menu
item, which is to be displayed on the display means, indicating a
category for classifying the content based on the attribute
information are stored. Furthermore, it is determined whether or
not another content belonging to the same category as a category
the content belongs to is stored in the storage means based on the
attribute information. Furthermore, the menu item representing a
new category content belongs to based on the attribute information
of content is generated if no other content belonging to the same
category as the category content belongs to is stored in the
storage means.
[0034] According to the embodiment of the present invention,
addition and deletion of a menu item for displaying content
classified in individual categories is enabled without a user
operation being required in accompaniment with the addition and
deletion of content.
[0035] Further, according to the embodiment of the present
invention, it is possible to select content classified in another
category without stopping playback of content even when the content
is being played back.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will become more apparent from the following
description of the presently exemplary embodiment of the invention
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0037] FIG. 1 is a view illustrating processing of a multimedia
playback application program of related art;
[0038] FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a configuration for a menu of
a multimedia playback application program of related art;
[0039] FIG. 3 is a further view illustrating a configuration for a
menu of a multimedia playback application program of related
art;
[0040] FIG. 4 is a view illustrating selection of content occurring
at an multimedia playback application program according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 5 is a block view showing an example configuration for
an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of
the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 6 is a block view showing a configuration for a
function of an information processing apparatus according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 7 is a view showing an example of a media selection
menu;
[0044] FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of a sommelier menu;
[0045] FIG. 9 is a further view showing an example of a sommelier
menu;
[0046] FIG. 10 is another view showing an example of a sommelier
menu;
[0047] FIG. 11 is a still further view showing an example of a
sommelier menu;
[0048] FIG. 12 is a yet another view showing an example of a
sommelier menu;
[0049] FIG. 13 is another view showing an example of a media
selection menu;
[0050] FIG. 14 is a further view showing an example of a sommelier
menu;
[0051] FIG. 15 is a view showing an example of a content menu;
[0052] FIG. 16 is a view illustrating a folder setting
dialogue;
[0053] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating menu item information
update processing;
[0054] FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating menu item deletion
processing;
[0055] FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating menu generation
processing; FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating sommelier menu
generation processing;
[0056] FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating content menu generation
processing; and
[0057] FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating processing for stopping
playback of content.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0058] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an
information processing apparatus is provided. This information
processing apparatus includes storage means (for example, menu item
information database 93 of FIG. 6) for storing attribute
information indicating attributes of content, and a menu item (for
example, button 131-7 of FIG. 8) indicating a category classifying
the content based on attribute information for display at display
means (for example, output unit 28 of FIG. 6), determining means
(for example, attribute information retriever 94) for determining
whether or not other content belonging to the same category as a
category to which content belongs is stored in the storage means
based on attribute information, and generating means (for example,
menu item generator 95 of FIG. 6) for generating a menu item
indicating a new category to which content belongs based on
attribute information for content if it is determined that other
content belonging to the same category as a category to which
content belongs is not stored in the storage means.
[0059] This information processing apparatus is further provided
with acquisition means (for example, recording controller 71 of
FIG. 6). Storage means (for example, content database 91-to content
database 91-N) are then capable of storing acquired content as
content belonging to a category if it is determined that other
content belonging to a category that is the same as the category to
which the acquired content belongs is stored in storage means, and
is capable of storing acquired content as content belonging to a
new category if it is determined that other content belonging to a
category that is the same as the category to which the acquired
content belongs is not stored in storage means.
[0060] The information processing apparatus is also provided with
deletion means (for example, a display controller 72 of FIG. 6 for
carrying out processing of step S32 of FIG. 18) for deleting menu
items indicating categories to which deleted content belongs if it
is determined that other content does not belong to a category to
which deleted content belongs. Determining means (for example, the
display controller 72 of FIG. 6) are then capable of determining
whether or not other content belongs to a category to which deleted
content belongs if content is deleted.
[0061] The attribute information may be taken to be information
contained in an electronic program guide.
[0062] The information processing apparatus is such that generating
means (for example, menu item generator 95) further generates a
menu item (for example, button 251-1 of FIG. 15) indicating a
single item of content. Storage means (for example, the menu item
information database 93 of FIG. 6) are then capable of storing the
generated menu item indicating content in the same hierarchical
layer as for menu items indicating other content.
[0063] Moreover, according to another embodiment of the present
invention, an information processing method is provided. This
information processing method includes a storage control step (for
example, processing of step S16 of FIG. 17) of controlling storage
of attribute information indicating attributes of content and a
menu item (for example, button 131-7 of FIG. 8) indicating a
category for classifying the content based on attribute information
for menu items displayed at display means (for example, output unit
28 of FIG. 6), a determination step (for example, processing of
step S13 of FIG. 17) of determining whether or not other content
belonging to the same category as a category to which content
belongs is stored in storage means (for example, content database
91-1 to content database 91-N of FIG. 6) based on attribute
information, and a generation control step (for example, processing
of step S14 of FIG. 17) for controlling generation of a menu item
indicating a new category to which content belongs based on
attribute information for content if it is determined that other
content belonging to the same category as a category to which
content belongs is not stored in the storage means.
[0064] This information processing method further includes an
acquisition control step (for example, processing of step S11 of
FIG. 17). In the storage control step (for example, processing of
step S17 of FIG. 17), control is exerted to enable storage of
content as content belonging to a category of acquired content if
other content belonging to the same category as a category acquired
content belongs to is determined to be stored in the storage means
(for example, content database 91-1 to content database 91-N), and
it is also possible to control storing of acquired content as
content belonging to a new category if it is determined that other
content belonging to a category that is the same as the category to
which the acquired content belongs is not stored in storage
means.
[0065] The information processing method is also provided with a
deletion control step (for example, processing of step S32 of FIG.
18) for controlling deletion of menu items indicating categories to
which deleted content belongs if it is determined that other
content does not belong to a category to which deleted content
belongs. The determination step (for example, processing of step
S31 of FIG. 18) is then capable of determining whether or not other
content belongs to a category to which deleted content belongs if
content is deleted.
[0066] Further, according to another embodiment of the present
invention, a program is provided. This information processing
program executes a storage control step (for example, processing of
step S16 of FIG. 17) of controlling storage of attribute
information indicating attributes of content and a menu item (for
example, button 131-7 of FIG. 8) indicating a category for
classifying the content based on attribute information for menu
items displayed at display means (for example, output unit 28 of
FIG. 6), a determination step (for example, processing of step S13
of FIG. 17) of determining whether or not other content belonging
to the same category as a category to which content belongs is
stored in storage means (for example, content database 91-1 to
content database 91-N of FIG. 6) based on attribute information,
and a generation control step (for example, processing of step S14
of FIG. 17) for controlling generation of a menu item indicating a
new category to which content belongs based on attribute
information for content if it is determined that other content
belonging to the same category as a category to which content
belongs is not stored in the storage means on a computer.
[0067] This program further includes an acquisition control step
(for example, processing of step S11 of FIG. 17) for controlling
acquisition of content. In the storage control step (for example,
processing of step S17 of FIG. 17), control is exerted to enable
storage of content as content belonging to a category of acquired
content if other content belonging to the same category as a
category acquired content belongs to is determined to be stored in
the storage means (for example, content database 91-1 to content
database 91-N), and it is also possible to control storing of
acquired content as content belonging to a new category if it is
determined that other content belonging to a category that is the
same as the category to which the acquired content belongs is not
stored in storage means.
[0068] The program may also be provided with a deletion control
step (for example, processing of step S32 of FIG. 18) for
controlling deletion of menu items indicating categories to which
deleted content belongs if it is determined that other content does
not belong to a category to which deleted content belongs. The
determination step (for example, processing of step S31 of FIG. 18)
is then capable of determining whether or not other content belongs
to a category to which deleted content belongs if content is
deleted.
[0069] The present invention may also be applied, for example, to
information processing apparatuses for recording programs based on
EPG.
[0070] FIG. 4 is a view showing selection of content occurring at a
multimedia playback application program according to another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0071] In FIG. 4, "music", "photo", "video", "television
broadcast", "personal video" and "CD/DVD" are categories for
classifying content that may be selected by a user in application
programs for multimedia playback use. Atrac 3 format content and
MP3 format audio content is recorded as content classified as
"music". Further, JPEG format content and BMP format still image
content may be recorded as content classified as "photo". MPEG2
format dynamic image content may be recorded as content classified
as "video". MPEG2 format dynamic image content may also be recorded
as content classified as "personal video". MP3 format audio
content, CD-DA (Compact Disc Digital Audio) format audio content,
and MPEG2 format dynamic image content may be recorded as content
classified as "CD/DVD".
[0072] Further, if a user specifies a prescribed channel, a program
being broadcast at the designated channel is displayed at a display
as content classified as "television broadcast".
[0073] The user then selects a category from the media selection
menu, and selects a server program (application program for content
playback use) from a sommelier menu for a selected category. The
user then selects a folder recorded with content, and the desired
content is played back as a result of selecting the content from
the selected folder.
[0074] Further, if a user selects "television broadcast" as a
category from the media selection menu, a server program in order
to play back content classified as "television broadcast" is
selected. A program being broadcast at a designated channel is then
displayed at the display as a result of designating this desired
channel.
[0075] Further, at the media selection menu it is possible to
select another category from a state where a category is selected
without returning to the media selection menu. For example, if
"video" is selected as a category from the media selection menu, it
is also possible to select other categories such as "photo" from
the state where "video" is selected.
[0076] For example, at the sommelier menu, it is possible to select
another server program for playing back content classified under
another category from the state where a server program is selected,
it is possible to select a folder for selecting content classified
under another category from a state where a folder is selected, and
it is possible to select content for another category from a state
where content is selected. For example, it is possible to select
content classified under another category from a state (state where
content is being played back) where content classified under
"music" is selected without returning to the media selection
menu.
[0077] FIG. 5 is a block view showing an example configuration for
an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0078] A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21 of the information
processing apparatus executes various processing in accordance with
programs stored in ROM (Read Only Memory) 22 or a recording unit
29. Programs and data etc. executed by the CPU 21 are appropriately
stored in RAM (Random Access Memory) 23. The CPU 21, ROM 22 and RAM
23 are connected to each other by a bus 24.
[0079] An input/output interface 25 is connected to the CPU 21 via
the bus 24. An input unit 27 comprised of a tuner 26, keyboard,
mouse and switch etc. and an output unit 28 comprised of a display,
speaker and lamp etc. is connected to the input/output interface
25. The CPU 21 executes various processing corresponding to
instructions inputted by the input unit 27.
[0080] The tuner 26 receives electromagnetic radiation in the form
of ground waves or coming from a satellite and acquires content
constituted by broadcast programs for providing to the CPU 21 or
the recording unit 29.
[0081] The recording unit 29 connected to the input/output
interface 25 is configured, for example, from a hard disc etc., and
is recorded with programs executed by the CPU 21 and various data.
A communication unit 30 communicates with external apparatuses via
communication networks such as the Internet and other networks
etc.
[0082] Further, programs may be acquired via the communication unit
30 and recorded on the recording unit 29.
[0083] When a magnetic disc 41, optical disc 42, magneto-optical
disc 43 or semiconductor memory 44 is installed in the drive 31
connected to the input/output interface 25, these are driven and
recorded programs and data are acquired. The acquired programs and
data are transferred to the recording unit 29 as necessary, and
recorded.
[0084] FIG. 6 is a block view showing a functional configuration
for an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment
of the present invention for executing an multimedia playback
application program, a content recording application program, and a
content playback application program.
[0085] Recording controller 71-1 to recording controller 71-N are
implemented by executing the content recording application program.
Display controller 72 is implemented by executing the multimedia
playback application program. Playback controller 73-1 to playback
controller 73-3 are implemented by executing the content playback
application program.
[0086] In the following, recording controller 71-1 to recording
controller 71-N are simply referred to as recording controller 71
when distinguishing individually is not necessary. Further, in the
following, playback controller 73-1 to playback controller 73-3 are
simply referred to as playback controller 73 when distinguishing
individually is not necessary.
[0087] For example, the tuner 26 receives a broadcast signal
(content data) constituted by a digital signal sent from a
broadcast station via a wireless network. The tuner 26 extracts a
broadcast signal for a channel designated by user operation of the
input unit 27 and an EPG from the received broadcast signal,
provides an extracted broadcast signal to the recording controller
71 and the playback controller 73-1, and provides an extracted EPG
to the recording controller 71. The broadcast signal is not limited
to being a digital signal, and may also be an analog signal.
[0088] The recording controller 71-1 controls the recording unit 29
and records content data acquired from the tuner 26 in content
database 91-1. The recording controller 71-1 also provides
attribute information for content (described later) to the display
controller 72.
[0089] Recording controller 71-2 to recording controller 71-N
respectively control the recording unit 29 so that content data for
content constituted by, for example, still images or audio etc. is
recorded in one of content database 91-2 to content database 91-N.
Recording controller 71-2 to recording controller 71-N also provide
attribute information for content to the display controller 72.
[0090] More specifically, for example, if program recording
(recording) is designated as a result of a user operating the input
unit 27, the recording controller 71-1 generates attribute
information for content designated for recording based on iEPG
(internet Electronic Program Guide) received by and provided by the
communication unit 30 or on EPG provided by the tuner 26, and
provides the generated attribute information to the display
controller 72.
[0091] The recording controller 71 may acquire both iEPG and EPG,
or may acquire either one of iEPG and EPG.
[0092] Here, attribute information is information indicating
attributes of content and may be used when classifying content into
categories. The attribute information is so-called metadata for
content and displays, for example, content name, genre, name of
manufacturer, names of cast, name of writer, name of composer,
representative still image, duration, date of manufacture, and
content format, etc.
[0093] More specifically, for example, if the content is a dynamic
image classified under television broadcast program or video, the
recording controller 71 generates attribute information containing
a flag (hereinafter referred to as a "playback complete flag")
indicating the title, channel, broadcast time, and genre contained
in the iEPG or EPG and whether or not the content has been watched
yet and a flag (hereinafter referred to as an "automatic deletion
flag") indicating whether or not the content is to be deleted after
a fixed period.
[0094] A set playback complete flag indicates that content has been
played back at least once, and a reset playback complete flag
indicates that the content has not yet been played back. A set
automatic deletion flag indicates that content is to be deleted
after a fixed period of time, and a reset automatic deletion flag
indicates that content is not to be deleted after a fixed period of
time.
[0095] In the event of recording new content data, the recording
controller 71 generates attribute information containing a reset
playback complete flag. The recording controller 71 sets the
automatic deletion flag if the user indicates through operation of
the input unit 27 that content is to be deleted after a fixed
period of time, and resets the automatic deletion flag if it is
indicated that content is not to be deleted after a fixed period of
time.
[0096] Further, if the content is audio, images, or images taken
using a personal video camera, attribute information is generated
based on information indicating attributes of content contained in
content data. For example, in the case of audio, the recording
controller 71-2 generates attribute information containing artist
name, name of album in which the content is included, genre, and a
reset playback complete flag.
[0097] In the event that the content is a still image, for example,
the recording controller 71-3 (not shown) generates attribute
information containing the date of taking the content, the day the
content was taken, and the name of the folder the content is
recorded in.
[0098] In the event that the content is a dynamic image taken by a
personal video camera, the recording controller 71-4 (not shown)
generates attribute information containing, for example, a title
for the content (file name), the date taken, and a reset playback
complete flag.
[0099] For example, if recording of a program id designated as a
result of a user operating the input unit 27, the recording
controller 71-1 supplies generated attribute information to a
display controller 72 and provides a broadcast signal (content
data) provided by the tuner 26 to the recording unit 29. The
recording controller 71-1 controls the recording unit 29 and
records the provided content data in content database 91-1 of the
recording unit 29. Further, the recording controller 71-1 provides
the generated attribute information to the recording unit 29 and
records the provided attribute information in attribute information
database 92 of the recording unit 29.
[0100] More specifically, the recording controller 71-1 provides a
broadcast signal (content data) for a program provided by the tuner
26 and generated attribute information to the recording unit 29,
controls the recording unit 29, records the provided content data
in a folder designated by the user through operation of the input
unit 27 corresponding to the content database 91-1, and records the
provided attribute information in the attribute information
database 92.
[0101] In the following, when individual discrimination is not
necessary, content database 91-1 to content database 91-N are
simply referred to as content database 91.
[0102] When the broadcast signal is an analog signal, the recording
controller 71 converts a broadcast signal (content data) for a
program provided by the tuner 26 from an analog signal to a digital
signal. The recording controller 71 then encodes the broadcast
signal converted to a digital signal using a prescribed method, the
encoded broadcast signal is provided to the recording unit 29, the
recording unit 29 is controlled, and the provided broadcast signal
is recorded in the content database 91. The recording controller 71
encodes broadcast signals using, for example, formats such as MPEG2
or MPEG4 etc.
[0103] In the event that recording of a program is not designated
as a result of user operation of the input unit 27, the recording
controller 71 discards the content data provided by the tuner
26.
[0104] Further, the recording controller 71 controls the recording
unit 29 so as to delete (erase) content designated as a result of
user operation of the input unit 27 from the content database 91.
The recording controller 71 also controls the recording unit 29 so
that attribute information for content deleted by the recording
unit 29 is deleted from the attribute information database 92.
[0105] For example, if an application program for recording data
constituted by dynamic images classified under video is started up,
the recording controller 71 refers to the attribute information
database 92, and controls the recording unit 29 so that content
corresponding to attribute information where a flag indicating
whether or not content to be deleted after a fixed period of time
is present is set is deleted (erased) from the content database
91.
[0106] The communication unit 30 transmits and receives data via a
communication network. The communication unit 30 makes a request
for iEPG to a providing apparatus (not shown). The communication
unit 30 receives iEPG transmitted via the communication unit and
provides received iEPG to the recording controller 71.
[0107] The recording unit 29 records content data, attribute
information, and menu item information. The recording unit 29 is
equipped with the content database 91, attribute information
database 92, and menu item information database 93.
[0108] The recording unit 29 provides content data designated as a
result of a user operating the input unit 27 to the playback
controller 73-2.
[0109] Further, the recording unit 29 records content data provided
by recording controller 71-1 to recording controller 71-N in
content database 91-1 to content database 91-N of the recording
unit 29 under the control of recording controller 71-1 to recording
controller 71-N.
[0110] More specifically, content data recorded in content database
91-1 to content database 91-N is recorded in folders corresponding
to content database 91-1 to content database 91-N,
respectively.
[0111] The recording unit 29 also deletes content data recorded in
content database 91-1 to content database 91-N under the control of
recording controller 71-1 to recording controller 71-N.
[0112] The content database 91-1 to content database 91-N of the
recording unit 29 are respectively recorded with dynamic image
content data provided by the recording controller 71 and still
image, audio or dynamic image content data provided by a content
recording application program (not shown).
[0113] For example, the content database 91-1 is recorded with
dynamic image content data classified as "video". The content
database 91-2 is recorded with audio content data classified as
"music".
[0114] The recording unit 29 records attribute information provided
by the recording controller 71 in the attribute information
database 92 under the control of the recording controller 71. The
recording unit 29 also deletes attribute information for deleted
content from the attribute information database 92 of the recording
unit 29 under the control of the recording controller 71.
[0115] The recording unit 29 records menu item information provided
by the display controller 72 in the menu item information database
93 of the recording unit 29 under the control of the display
controller 72. The recording unit 29 supplies recorded attribute
information an menu item information to the display controller 72.
Further, the recording unit 29 deletes menu items and information
indicating which content belongs to a menu item recorded in the
menu item information database 93 under the control of the display
controller 72.
[0116] The menu item information includes information displaying a
menu item in a menu selection screen of a multimedia playback
application program and information indicating which content
belongs to each menu item.
[0117] The menu item information database 93 of the recording unit
29 records menu item information corresponding to content data
recorded in the content database 91.
[0118] The display controller 72 classifies content under
categories based on words (keywords) contained in attribute
information provided by the recording controller 71 and generates
menu items indicating the categories. Further, the display
controller 72 outputs image signals provided by the playback
controller 73-1 to playback controller 73-3 at the output unit 28.
The display controller 72 is equipped with an attribute information
retriever 94 and a menu item generator 95.
[0119] The display controller 72 acquires menu item information
from the recording unit 29 in the event of attribute information
being supplied from the recording controller 71. The attribute
information retriever 94 of the display controller 72 detects
whether or not keywords contained in attribute information supplied
from the recording controller 71 are keywords classified under menu
items recorded in the menu item information database 93 based on
attribute information supplied from the recording controller 71 and
menu item information acquired from the recording unit 29, and
determines whether or not a keyword not classified under menu items
recorded in the menu item information database 93 is contained in
the attribute information supplied from the recording controller
71.
[0120] In the event that it is determined that a keyword not
classified under menu items recorded in the menu item information
database 93 is contained in the attribute information supplied from
the recording controller 71, the menu item generator 95 of the
display controller 72 generates a new menu item for the content
acquired by the recording controller 71 to belong to for keywords
that are not classified. The display controller 72 then generates
information indicating which content belongs to the new menu item
generated by the menu item generator 95 of the display controller
72.
[0121] It is possible for content to belong to a pluality of menu
items or to belong to a single menu item.
[0122] In the event that it is determined that keywords not
classified under menu items recorded in the menu item information
database 93 are not contained in attribute information supplied
from the recording controller 71, the display controller 72
generates (updates) information indicating which content belongs to
each menu item so that content acquired by the recording controller
71 is contained under a classified menu item.
[0123] The display controller 72 then records the generated menu
item information at the same hierarchical layer in the menu item
information database 93 at the recording unit 29.
[0124] In the event that content recorded in the content database
91 is deleted (erased), the display controller 72 refers to the
menu item information database 93 and determines whether or not
other content belongs to the menu item the deleted content belonged
to.
[0125] In the event that other content does not belong to the menu
item the deleted content belonged to, the display controller 72
controls the recording unit 29 so that the menu item the deleted
content belonged to and the attribute information for the deleted
content are deleted. Further, if it is determined that other
content belongs to the menu item the deleted content belonged to,
the display controller 72 deletes attribute information for the
deleted content at the recording unit 29 but the menu item the
deleted content belonged to is not deleted.
[0126] The display controller 72 then acquires menu item
information from the menu item information database 93 and
generates an image signal for display at the media selection menu
based on the acquired menu item information. The display controller
72 then provides the generated image signal to the output unit
28.
[0127] In the event that each menu item of the multimedia playback
application program is selected, the display controller 72 acquires
menu item information from the menu item information database 93,
acquires content attribute information from the attribute
information database 92, and generates an image signal for
displaying menu items and content attribute information belonging
to the selected menu items based on the acquired menu item
information and attribute information. The display controller 72
then provides the generated image signal to the output unit 28.
[0128] Further, the display controller 72 provides image signals
provided by the playback controller 73-1 to playback controller
73-3 to the output unit 28. The display controller 72 designates
playback of selected content at playback controller 73-1 to
playback controller 73-3.
[0129] Further, if a signal indicating playback of other content
during playback of content is provided, the display controller 72
carries out processing to stop content playback in order to stop
playback of content being played back. Details of the processing to
stop content playback are described in the following.
[0130] In the event that display (playback) of a program is
designated as a result of a user operating the input unit 27, the
playback controller 73-1 decodes a broadcast signal supplied by the
tuner 26 using a prescribed method, supplies an image signal for
the decoded broadcast signal to the display controller 72, and
supplies an audio signal for the decoded broadcast signal to the
output unit 28. The playback controller 73-1 then decodes the
broadcast signal using a format such as, for example, MPEG4
etc.
[0131] Here, the image signal may be taken to be, for example, an
SD (Standard Definition) format or HD (High Definition) format
image signal.
[0132] In the event that the broadcast signal supplied by the tuner
26 is an analog signal, the playback controller 73-1 converts the
supplied broadcast signal from an analog signal to a digital
signal, supplies an image signal for a broadcast signal constituted
by the converted digital signal to the display controller 72, and
supplies an audio signal for the broadcast signal constituted by
the converted digital signal to the output unit 28. The audio
signal may be taken to be, for example, an audio signal sampled at
a sampling frequency of 44.1 kHz.
[0133] In the event that display of a program is not designated as
a result of user operation of the input unit 27, the playback
controller 73-1 discards the broadcast signal provided by the tuner
26.
[0134] In the event that an image signal is supplied to the display
controller 72, the playback controller 73-1 generates a signal
designating the displaying (playing back) of content, and generated
signal indicating the playing back of content is supplied to the
display controller 72. In the event that the playback controller
73-2 or playback controller 73-3 supplies a signal indicating
playback of content to the display controller 72 while content is
being played back, the playback controller 73-1 stops playback of
the content under the control of the display controller 72.
[0135] In the event that playback of content is instructed as a
result of a user operating the input unit 27, the playback
controller 73-2 acquires content data from content database 91-1 to
content database 91-N, and decodes the acquired content data using
a prescribed method. The playback controller 73-2 supplies an image
signal for decoded content data to the display controller 72 and an
audio signal for the decoded content data to the output unit 28.
The playback controller 73-2 decodes content data using formats
such as, for example, Atrac3, MP3, JPEG, BMP and MPEG2 etc.
[0136] In the event that an image signal is supplied to the display
controller 72, the playback controller 73-2 generates a signal
designating playing back of content, and the generated signal
indicating the playing back of content is supplied to the display
controller 72. In the event that the playback controller 73-1 or
playback controller 73-3 supplies a signal indicating playback of
content to the display controller 72 while content is being played
back, the playback controller 73-2 stops playback of the content
under the control of the display controller 72.
[0137] When a magnetic disc 41, optical disc 42 (including CD-ROMs
(Compact Disc-Read Only Memory) and DVDs (Digital Versatile
Discs)), a magneto-optical disc 43 or semiconductor memory 44 is
installed, these are driven by the drive 31 so that recorded
content data is acquired. The drive 31 supplies the acquired
content data to the playback controller 73-3.
[0138] In the event that playback of content is designated as a
result of a user operating the input unit 27, the playback
controller 73-3 reads in content data supplied by the drive 31 and
decodes the read-in content data using a prescribed method. The
playback controller 73-2 supplies an image signal for decoded
content data to the display controller 72 and an audio signal for
the decoded content data to the output unit 28. The playback
controller 73-3 decodes content data using formats such as, for
example, MP3, and MPEG2 etc.
[0139] In the event that an image signal is supplied to the display
controller 72, the playback controller 73-3 generates a signal
designating playing back of content, and the generated signal
indicating the playing back of content is supplied to the display
controller 72. In the event that the playback controller 73-1 or
playback controller 73-2 supplies a signal indicating playback of
content to the display controller 72 while content is being played
back, the playback controller 73-3 stops playback of the content
under the control of the display controller 72.
[0140] In the following, playback controller 73-1 to playback
controller 73-3 are simply referred to as playback controller 73
when distinguishing individually is not necessary. In the
following, when individual discrimination is not necessary, content
database 91-1 to content database 91-N are simply referred to as
content database 91.
[0141] The output unit 28 outputs image signals and audio signals
supplied from the display controller 72 and the playback controller
73. For example, a display constituted by the output unit 28
displays image signals supplied from the display controller 72.
Further, for example, a speaker constituted by the output unit 28
outputs audio signals provided by the playback controller 73.
[0142] Next, a description is given with reference to FIG. 7 to
FIG. 16 of images displayed at the output unit 28 constituted by a
display using the multimedia playback application program.
[0143] When a user operates the input unit 27 so as to designate
(select) execution of the multimedia playback application program,
a signal corresponding to operation of the CPU 21 is supplied from
the input unit 27, and the CPU 21 therefore starts up the
multimedia playback application program. When the multimedia
playback application program starts up, the output unit 28 displays
a window 111 shown in FIG. 7 at a display constituted by the output
unit 28.
[0144] The media selection menu for the multimedia playback
application program is then displayed at the window 111. Button
112-1, button 112-2, button 112-3, button 112-4 and button 112-5
are then displayed at the media selection menu as menu items. The
user then operates the input unit 27 so that a cursor 113 is moved
on the media selection menu and a collection of desired content is
selected by selecting one of the buttons 112-1 to 112-5.
[0145] Button 112-1 is a button for selecting content (for example,
content classified as "video") constituted by a program for a
television broadcast. An image associated with a television
broadcast and the characters "television/video" are displayed to
the user at the button 112-1. Content constituted by programs for
television broadcasts constitute a single collection (hereinafter
referred to as a "broadcast video collection").
[0146] Button 112-2 is a button for selecting content (for example,
content classified as "music") constituted by music (audio data).
An image associated with music and the characters "music" are
displayed to the user at the button 112-2. Content constituted by
music constitutes a single collection (hereinafter referred to as
"music collection").
[0147] Button 112-3 is a button for selecting content (for example,
content classified as "photo") constituted by still images. An
image associated with a photograph and the characters "photo" are
displayed to the user at the button 112-3. Content constituted by
still images constitutes a single collection (hereinafter referred
to as "photo collection").
[0148] Button 112-4 is a button for selecting content (for example,
content classified under "personal video") constituted by dynamic
images taken with a personal video camera. An image associated with
a personal video camera and the characters "personal video" are
displayed to the user at the button 112-4. Content constituted by
dynamic images taken with a personal video camera constitute a
single collection (hereinafter referred to as a "personal video
collection").
[0149] Button 112-5 is a button for selecting content constituted
by music or images recorded on a CD (Compact Disc) or DVD. An image
associated with a CD or DVD and the characters "CD/DVD" are
displayed to the user at the button 112-5. Content constituted by
music or images recorded on CDs or DVDs constitutes a single
collection (hereinafter referred to as "DVD collection").
[0150] When individual discrimination is not necessary, the buttons
112-1 to 112-5 are referred to simply as "button 112".
[0151] For example, if the user operates a mouse constituting the
input unit 27 so as to select the button 112-2 of a menu item from
the media selection menu, the pointer displayed at the output unit
28 is moved onto the button 112-2 by operation of the mouse, and
the cursor 113 is moved to the button 112-2 as a result of clicking
on the button 112-2. The user then selects the button 112-2 by
double-clicking on the button 112-2. Here, "click" refers to the
operation of pressing a left button of a mouse down and then
releasing the button, and "double-click" refers to the operation of
clicking two times in rapid succession (within a fixed period of
time).
[0152] Further, when a close button 115 in the upper right of the
window 11 is clicked, the window 111 is closed, and the CPU 21 ends
execution of the multimedia playback application program. When a
folder setting dialogue button 114 in the upper right of the window
111 is clicked, the output unit 28 displays a folder setting
dialogue window at the display of the output unit 28. The details
of this folder setting dialogue are described in the following.
[0153] In the event that the cursor 113 is moved using a keyboard,
as shown in the lower left of the window 111, when an "up arrow"
key of a keyboard is pressed, the cursor 113 moves one menu item
up, and when a "down arrow" key is pressed, the cursor 113 moves
one item down. Further, when a "right arrow" key of a keyboard is
pressed, the cursor 113 moves one menu item to the right, and when
a "left arrow" key is pressed, the cursor moves one menu item to
the left. When an "Enter" key is pressed, a menu item where the
cursor is displayed is selected.
[0154] Therefore, for example, if button 112-3 of a menu item is
selected using a keyboard of the input unit 27, button 112-3 is
selected as a result of a user pressing an "up arrow" key or a
"down arrow" key of the keyboard so that the cursor is moved to the
button 112-3 and then pressing an "Enter" key.
[0155] Further, if a "down arrow" key of a keyboard is pressed with
menu item button 112-1 designated by the cursor 113, the cursor 113
is moved to the button 112-2, and similarly, if an "up arrow" key
of a keyboard is pressed with the cursor 113 displayed at the
button 112-2, the cursor 113 is moved to the button 112-1.
[0156] In the event that button 112-1 is selected or a "right
arrow" key of the keyboard is pressed with the cursor 113
designating menu item button 112-1, a sommelier menu shown in FIG.
8 is displayed at the window 111.
[0157] Content of the broadcast video collection is classified into
one or a plurality of items (hereinafter referred to as broadcast
video categories). In FIG. 8, button 131-1 to button 131-13 are
displayed as menu items of the sommelier menu for selecting each
classified item.
[0158] Button 131-1 is a button for selecting content constituted
by television broadcasts being transmitted at the current time,
with the characters "live TV" being displayed at the button 131-1.
When button 131-1 is selected, a content menu for selecting content
constituted by television broadcasts being broadcast at the current
time is displayed at the right side of the sommelier menu.
[0159] Button 131-2 is a button for selecting content constituted
by externally inputted dynamic images, with the characters
"external input" being displayed at the button 131-2. When button
131-2 is selected, a content menu for selecting content constituted
by externally inputted dynamic images is displayed at the right
side of the sommelier menu. Externally inputted dynamic images may
be, for example, dynamic images from a DVD playback apparatus
connected to the information processing apparatus.
[0160] Button 131-3 is a button for selecting a menu item
displaying a program list or images for scheduling program
recording, with the characters "program list/recording schedule"
being displayed at the button 131-3. When button 131-3 is selected,
a content menu for selecting a menu item displaying an image for a
program list and scheduling recording of a program is displayed at
the right side of the sommelier menu.
[0161] Button 131-4 is a button for selecting content constituted
by recently recorded programs, with the characters "recently
recorded video" being displayed at the button 131-4. When button
131-4 is selected, a content menu for selecting content constituted
by recently recorded programs is displayed at the right side of the
sommelier menu.
[0162] Button 131-5 is a button for selecting content constituted
by programs, of the recorded programs, that have not yet been
watched, with the characters "video that has not been watched yet"
being displayed at the button 131-5. When button 131-5 is selected,
a content menu for selecting content constituted by programs, of
the recorded programs, that have not been watched yet, is displayed
at the right side of the sommelier menu.
[0163] Button 131-6 is a button for displaying a menu item for
classifying recorded programs according to genre, with the
characters "genre" being displayed at the button 131-6. When button
131-6 is selected, a menu item classifying recorded programs
according to genre is displayed at the right side of the sommelier
menu.
[0164] Button 131-7 is a button for selecting content with a
broadcast video category of "drama", with the characters "drama"
being displayed at the button 131-7. When button 131-7 is selected,
a content menu for selecting content with a broadcast video
category of "drama" is displayed at the right side of the sommelier
menu.
[0165] Button 131-8 is a button for selecting content with a
broadcast video category of "sports", with the characters "sports"
being displayed at the button 131-8. When button 131-8 is selected,
a content menu for selecting content with a broadcast video
category of "sports" is displayed at the right side of the
sommelier menu.
[0166] Button 131-9 is a button for selecting content with a
broadcast video category of "variety", with the characters
"variety" being displayed at the button 131-9. When button 131-9 is
selected, a content menu for selecting content with a broadcast
video category of "variety" is displayed at the right side of the
sommelier menu.
[0167] Button 131-10 is a button for selecting content with a
broadcast video category of "movie", with the characters "movie"
being displayed at the button 131-10. When button 131-10 is
selected, a content menu for selecting content with a broadcast
video category of "movie" is displayed at the right side of the
sommelier menu.
[0168] Button 131-11 is a button for selecting content, of the
recorded programs, that is to be deleted (erased) after a fixed
period of time, with the characters "video to be automatically
deleted" being displayed at the button 131-11. When button 131-11
is selected, a content menu for selecting content, of the recorded
programs, that are to be deleted (erased) after a fixed period of
time is displayed at the right side of the sommelier menu.
[0169] Button 131-12 is a button for selecting a server program
(content playback application program) for playing back a
television program, with the characters "video server" being
displayed at the button 131-12. When the button 131-12 is selected,
a list of server programs for selecting a server for playing back a
television program is displayed at the right side of the sommelier
menu.
[0170] Button 131-13 is a button for displaying a menu item for
classifying recorded programs according to series, with the
characters "series" being displayed at the button 131-13. When
button 131-13 is selected, a menu item classifying recorded
programs according to series is displayed at the right side of the
sommelier menu. For example, a title for a program being
continuously broadcast etc. is displayed as a menu item taken as a
menu item for classifying according to series.
[0171] When individual discrimination is not necessary, the buttons
131-1 to 131-13 are referred to simply as "button 131".
[0172] Further, when button 131-1 is selected, a content menu for
selecting content constituted by television broadcasts being
broadcast at the current time is displayed at the right side of the
button 131-1. Button 132-1 to button 132-12 are displayed as menu
items for content belonging to button 131-1.
[0173] Button 132-1 is a button for selecting a program for a
television broadcast of a channel set to channel 1. Further, button
132-2 is a button for selecting a program of a television broadcast
of a channel set to channel 3. Button 132-3 is a button for
selecting a program of a television broadcast of a channel set to
channel 4. Button 132-4 is a button for selecting a program of a
television broadcast of a channel set to channel 6. Button 132-5 is
a button for selecting a program of a television broadcast of a
channel set to channel 8. Button 132-6 is a button for selecting a
program of a television broadcast of a channel set to channel 10.
Moreover, button 132-7 is a button for selecting a program of a
television broadcast of a channel set to channel 12. Button 132-8
is a button for selecting a program of a television broadcast of a
channel set to channel 14. Button 132-9 is a button for selecting a
program of a television broadcast of a channel set to channel 16.
Button 132-10 is a button for selecting a program of a television
broadcast of a channel set to channel 38. Button 132-11 is a button
for selecting a program of a television broadcast of a channel set
to channel 42. Button 132-12 is a button for selecting a program of
a television broadcast of a channel set to channel 46.
[0174] Moreover, if a user operates the input unit 27 from a state
where the cursor 113 designates the button 131-1 so that the cursor
113 is moved upwards, a menu item for the sommelier menu for the
button 112-5 constituting a button for selecting content belonging
to a DVD collection is displayed. In the event that a user operates
the input unit from a state where the cursor 113 designates the
button 131-1 so that the cursor 113 moves downwards, a content menu
for selecting content belonging to the button 131-2 is
displayed.
[0175] Similarly, if a user operates the input unit 27 from a state
where the cursor 113 designates the button 131-13 so that the
cursor moves in a downward direction, a menu item for the sommelier
menu for button 112-2 constituting a button for selecting content
belonging to a music collection is displayed.
[0176] In the event that content belonging to a button 131 for each
item classifying a broadcast video collection is deleted, a deleted
button 131 and an undeleted button 131 exist. For example, if
content belonging to button 131-1, button 131-3 and button 131-4 is
deleted, button 131-1, button 131-3, and button 131-4 are not
deleted. Further, if content belonging to button 131-2 and button
131-5 to button 131-13 is deleted, button 131-2 and button 131-5 to
button 131-15 are deleted.
[0177] Further, with the media selection menu shown in FIG. 7, if
button 112-4 is selected, a sommelier menu for selecting content of
the personal video collection shown in FIG. 9 is displayed. Content
of the personal video collection is classified into one or a
plurality of items (hereinafter referred to as personal video
categories).
[0178] Button 151-1 to button 151-8 are then displayed as menu
items of the sommelier menu for selecting the personal video
category.
[0179] Button 151-1 is a button for selecting content in a folder
with a folder name of "folder 1", with the characters "folder 1"
being displayed at the button 151-1. When button 151-1 is selected,
a content menu for selecting content recorded in the folder with a
folder name of "folder 1" is displayed at the right side of the
sommelier menu.
[0180] Button 151-2 is a button for selecting content in a folder
with a folder name of "folder 2", with the characters "folder 2"
being displayed at the button 151-2. When button 151-2 is selected,
a content menu for selecting content recorded in the folder with a
folder name of "folder 2" is displayed at the right side of the
sommelier menu.
[0181] Button 151-3 is a button for selecting content in a folder
with a folder name of "folder 3", with the characters "folder 3"
being displayed at the button 151-3. When button 151-3 is selected,
a content menu for selecting content recorded in the folder with a
folder name of "folder 3" is displayed at the right side of the
sommelier menu.
[0182] The button 151-4 is a button for selecting content, of the
content of the personal video collection, within a fixed period
from registration of the folder setting dialogue, with the
characters "recently recorded video" being displayed at the button
151-4. When the button 151-4 is selected, a content menu for
detecting content, from the content of the personal video
collection, within a fixed period from registration at the folder
setting dialogue is displayed at the right side of the sommelier
menu.
[0183] Button 151-5 is a button for displaying content of the
personal video collection in a list displayed in order of creation
date/time of the content, with the characters "sort by date/time
created" being displayed at the button 151-5. When button 151-5 is
selected, a list displaying the content of the personal video
collection in order of creation date/time of the content is
displayed at the right side of the sommelier menu.
[0184] Button 151-6 is a button for displaying content of the
personal video collection in a list displayed in order of content
title, with the characters "sort by title" being displayed at the
button 151-6. When button 151-6 is selected, a list displaying the
content of the personal video collection in order of content title
is displayed at the right side of the sommelier menu.
[0185] Here, title order may be, for example, lining up titles in
the order of the Japanese syllabary.
[0186] Button 151-7 is a button for selecting content that has not
yet been watched from content of the recorded personal video
collection at the folder setting dialogue, with the characters
"video that has not been watched yet" being displayed at the button
151-7. When the button 151-7 is selected, at the folder setting
dialogue, a content menu for selecting content that has not been
watched yet of the content of the recorded personal video
collection is displayed at the right side of the sommelier
menu.
[0187] The button 151-8 is a button for selecting a server program
for playing back content of a personal video collection, and the
characters "video server" are displayed on the button 151-8. When
the button 151-8 is selected, a list of server programs for
selecting a program server for playing back content of a personal
video collection is displayed at the right side of the sommelier
menu.
[0188] When individual discrimination is not necessary, the buttons
151-1 to 151-8 are referred to simply as "button 151".
[0189] Further, when the cursor 113 is moved upwards from a state
where the cursor 113 designates the button 151-1, a sommelier menu
for selecting content of a photo collection is displayed.
Similarly, when the cursor 113 is moved downwards from a state
where the cursor 113 designates the button 151-8, a sommelier menu
for selecting content of a DVD collection is displayed.
[0190] In the event that content belonging to button 151-4 and
button 151-6 is deleted, button 151-4 and button 151-6 are not
deleted. Further, if content belonging to button 151-1 to button
151-3, button 151-5, button 151-7 and button 151-8 is deleted,
button 151-1 to button 151-3, button 151-5, button 151-7 and button
151-8 are respectively deleted.
[0191] Further, with the media selection menu shown in FIG. 7, if
button 112-2 is selected, a sommelier menu for selecting content of
the music collection shown in FIG. 10 is displayed. Content of the
music collection is classified into one or a plurality of items
(hereinafter referred to as music category).
[0192] Button 171-1 to button 171-12 are then displayed as menu
items of the sommelier menu for selecting the music category.
[0193] Button 171-1 is a button for selecting content, of the
recorded music collection content, of the music category "album" at
the folder setting dialogue, and the characters "album" are
displayed at the button 171-1. When button 171-1 is selected, a
content menu for selecting content with a music category of "album"
is displayed at the right side of the sommelier menu.
[0194] Buttons 172-1 to 172-4 are displayed at a content menu for
selecting content of a music category of "album". Images that may
enable a user to associate with content corresponding to the
buttons 172-1 to 172-4 such as, for example, a jacket image for a
CD album are displayed at the buttons 172-1 to 172-4. When
individual discrimination is not necessary, the buttons 172-1 to
172-4 are referred to simply as "button 172".
[0195] Further, when button 172 is selected, content corresponding
to button 172 is played back.
[0196] Button 171-2 is a button for selecting content with a music
category of "artist A", with the characters "artist A" being
displayed at the button 171-2. When button 171-2 is selected, a
content menu for selecting content with a music category of "artist
A" is displayed at the right side of the sommelier menu. A list of
content of artists with recorded artist names starting with "A" is
displayed at a content menu for selecting content of a music
category of "artist A".
[0197] Button 171-3 is a button for selecting content with a music
category of "artist C", with the characters "artist C" being
displayed at the button 171-3. When button 171-3 is selected, a
content menu for selecting content with a music category of "artist
C" is displayed at the right side of the sommelier menu. A list of
content of artists with recorded artist names starting with "C" is
displayed at a content menu for selecting content of a music
category of "artist C".
[0198] Button 171-4 is a button for selecting content with a music
category of "artist D", with the characters "artist D" being
displayed at the button 171-4. When button 171-4 is selected, a
content menu for selecting content with a music category of "artist
D" is displayed at the right side of the sommelier menu. A list of
content of artists with recorded artist names starting with "D" is
displayed at a content menu for selecting content of a music
category of "artist D".
[0199] Button 171-5 is a button for selecting content with a music
category of "artist G", with the characters "artist G" being
displayed at the button 171-5. When button 171-5 is selected, a
content menu for selecting content with a music category of "artist
G" is displayed at the right side of the sommelier menu. A list of
content of artists with recorded artist names starting with "G" is
displayed at a content menu for selecting content of a music
category of "artist G".
[0200] Button 171-6 is a button for selecting content with a music
category of "rock", with the characters "rock" being displayed at
the button 171-6. When button 171-6 is selected, a content menu for
selecting content with a music category of "rock" is displayed at
the right side of the sommelier menu. A list of content classified
as so-called rock music is displayed at a content menu for
selecting content of a music category of "rock".
[0201] Button 171-7 is a button for selecting content with a music
category of "pop", with the characters "pop" being displayed at the
button 171-7. When button 171-7 is selected, a content menu for
selecting content with a music category of "pop" is displayed at
the right side of the sommelier menu. A list of content classified
as so-called pop music is displayed at a content menu for selecting
content of a music category of "pop".
[0202] Button 171-8 is a button for selecting content with a music
category of "soundtrack", with the characters "soundtrack" being
displayed at the button 171-8. When button 171-8 is selected, a
content menu for selecting content with a music category of
"soundtrack" is displayed at the right side of the sommelier menu.
A list of content classified as so-called soundtrack music is
displayed at a content menu for selecting content of a music
category of "soundtrack".
[0203] Button 171-9 is a button for selecting content with a music
category of "unclassified", with the characters "unclassified"
being displayed at the button 171-9. When button 171-9 is selected,
a content menu for selecting content with a music category of
"unclassified" is displayed at the right side of the sommelier
menu. A list of content classified yet to be classified under genre
and artist name is displayed at a content menu for selecting
content of a music category of "unclassified".
[0204] Button 171-10 is a button for selecting content that has not
yet been watched from content of the recorded music collection at
the folder setting dialogue, with the characters "albums that have
not been listened to yet" being displayed at the button 171-10.
When the button 171-10 is selected, at the folder setting dialogue,
a content menu for selecting content that has not been watched yet
of the content of the recorded music collection is displayed at the
right side of the sommelier menu.
[0205] Button 171-11 is a button for selecting a server program for
playing back content of a music collection, and the characters
"music server" are displayed on the button 171-11. When the button
171-11 is selected, a list of server programs for selecting a
server for playing back music collection content is displayed at
the right side of the sommelier menu.
[0206] Button 171-12 is a button for selecting content in a folder
with a folder name of "folder 1", with the characters "folder 1"
being displayed at the button 171-2. When button 171-12 is
selected, a content menu for selecting content recorded in the
folder with a folder name of "folder 1" is displayed at the right
side of the sommelier menu.
[0207] When individual discrimination is not necessary, the buttons
171-1 to 171-12 are referred to simply as "button 171".
[0208] Further, when the cursor 113 is moved upwards from a state
where the cursor 113 designates the button 171-1, a sommelier menu
for selecting content of a broadcast video collection is displayed.
Similarly, when the cursor 113 is moved downwards from a state
where the cursor 113 designates the button 171-12, a sommelier menu
for selecting content of a photo collection is displayed.
[0209] In the event that content belonging to button 171-1 and
button 171-10 is deleted, button 171-1 and button 171-10 are not
deleted. Further, if content belonging to button 171-2 to button
171-9, button 171-11, and button 171-12 is deleted, button 171-2 to
button 171-9, button 171-11, and button 171-12 are respectively
deleted.
[0210] Further, with the media selection menu shown in FIG. 7, if
button 112-3 is selected, a sommelier menu for selecting content of
the photo collection shown in FIG. 11 is displayed. Content of the
photo collection is classified into one or a plurality of items
(hereinafter referred to as photo categories).
[0211] Button 191-1 to button 191-10 are then displayed as menu
items of the sommelier menu for selecting the photo category.
[0212] Button 191-1 is a button for selecting content in a folder
with a folder name of "folder", with the characters "folder" being
displayed at the button 191-1. When button 191-1 is selected, a
content menu for selecting content recorded in the folder with a
folder name of "folder" is displayed at the right side of the
sommelier menu.
[0213] Button 191-2 is a button for selecting content with a photo
category of "year", with the characters "year" being displayed at
the button 191-2. When button 191-2 is selected, a content menu for
selecting content with a photo category of "year" is displayed at
the right side of the sommelier menu. A list of menu items for
classifying content classified as photo by year taken or by year
recorded is displayed at a content menu for selecting content of
photo's classified by "year".
[0214] Button 191-3 is a button for selecting content with a photo
category of "month", with the characters "month" being displayed at
the button 191-3. When button 191-3 is selected, a content menu for
selecting content with a photo category of "month" is displayed at
the right side of the sommelier menu. A list of menu items for
classifying content classified as photo by month taken or by month
recorded is displayed at a content menu for selecting content of
photo's classified by "month".
[0215] Button 191-4 is a button for selecting content with a photo
category of "day", with the characters "day" being displayed at the
button 191-4. When button 191-4 is selected, a content menu for
selecting content with a photo category of "day" is displayed at
the right side of the sommelier menu. A list of menu items for
classifying content classified as photo by day taken or by day
recorded is displayed at a content menu for selecting content of
photo's classified by "day".
[0216] Button 191-5 is a button for selecting content with a photo
category of "day of the week", with the characters "day of the
week" being displayed at the button 191-5. When button 191-5 is
selected, a content menu for selecting content with a photo
category of "day of the week" is displayed at the right side of the
sommelier menu. A list of menu items for classifying content
classified as photo by day of the week taken or by day of the week
recorded is displayed at a content menu for selecting content of
photo's classified by "day of the week".
[0217] Button 191-6 is a button for selecting content with a photo
category of "time", with the characters "time" being displayed at
the button 191-6. When button 191-6 is selected, a content menu for
selecting content with a photo category of "time" is displayed at
the right side of the sommelier menu. A list of menu items for
classifying content classified as photo by time taken or by time
recorded is displayed at a content menu for selecting content of
photo's classified by "time".
[0218] Button 191-7 is a button for selecting content recorded in
semiconductor memory 44 installed at the drive 31, and the
characters "memory stick (trademark) (E:)" are displayed at the
button 191-7. When button 191-7 is selected, a content menu for
selecting content recorded in the semiconductor memory 44 is
displayed at the right side of the sommelier menu.
[0219] Button 191-8 is a button for selecting content recorded in
semiconductor memory 44 installed at the drive 31, and the
characters "memory stick (F:)" are displayed at the button 191-8.
When button 191-8 is selected, a content menu for selecting content
recorded in the semiconductor memory 44 is displayed at the right
side of the sommelier menu.
[0220] The button 191-9 is a button for selecting a server program
for playing back (displaying) content of a photo collection, and
the characters "photo server" are displayed on the button 191-9.
When the button 191-9 is selected, a list of server programs for
selecting a server program for displaying photo collection content
is displayed at the right side of the sommelier menu.
[0221] Button 191-10 is a button for selecting content with a photo
category of "event", with the characters "event" being displayed at
the button 191-10. When button 191-10 is selected, a content menu
for selecting content with a photo category of "event" is displayed
at the right side of the sommelier menu. A list of menu items for
selecting content, of content of a photo collection, taken
consecutively over more than a fixed number of days, is displayed
at a content menu for deleting content of the photo category of
"event".
[0222] When individual discrimination is not necessary, the buttons
191-1 to 191-10 are referred to simply as "button 191".
[0223] Further, when the cursor 113 is moved upwards from a state
where the cursor 113 designates the button 191-1, a sommelier menu
for selecting content of a music collection is displayed.
Similarly, when the cursor 113 is moved downwards from a state
where the cursor 113 designates the button 191-10, a sommelier menu
for selecting content of a personal video collection is
displayed.
[0224] In the event that content belonging to button 191-1 to
button 191-4 is deleted, button 191-1 to button 191-4 are not
deleted. Further, if content belonging to button 191-5 to button
191-10 is deleted, button 191-5 to button 191-10 are deleted.
[0225] Further, with the media selection menu shown in FIG. 7, if
button 112-5 is selected, a sommelier menu for selecting content of
the DVD collection shown in FIG. 12 is displayed. Content of the
DVD collection is classified into one or a plurality of items
(hereinafter referred to as DVD category).
[0226] Button 211-1 and button 211-2 are then displayed as menu
items of the sommelier menu for selecting the DVD category.
[0227] Button 211-1 is a button for selecting content recorded on a
CD-ROM installed at the drive 31, and the characters "CD" are
displayed at the button 211-1. When button 211-1 is selected,
button 212 for selecting content recorded on the CD-ROM installed
at the drive 31 is displayed at the right side of the sommelier
menu. An image enabling a user to relate to the CD-ROM is displayed
at the button 212.
[0228] Button 211-2 is a button for selecting content recorded on a
DVD installed at the drive 31, and the characters "DVD" are
displayed at the button 211-2. When button 211-2 is selected, a
button for selecting content recorded on the DVD installed at the
drive 31 is displayed at the right side of the sommelier menu.
[0229] When individual discrimination is not necessary, the buttons
211-1 and 211-2 are referred to simply as "button 211".
[0230] Further, when the cursor 113 is moved upwards from a state
where the cursor 113 designates the button 211-1, a sommelier menu
for selecting content of a personal video collection is displayed.
Similarly, when the cursor 113 is moved downwards from a state
where the cursor 113 designates the button 211-2, a sommelier menu
for selecting content of a broadcast video collection is
displayed.
[0231] Moreover, when the cursor 113 is moved upwards from a state
where the cursor 113 designates the button 212, a sommelier menu
for selecting content of a personal video collection is displayed.
Similarly, when the cursor 113 is moved downwards from a state
where the cursor 113 designates the button 212, a button for
selecting content recorded on a DVD is displayed.
[0232] With the multimedia playback application program according
to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to
select content from another content collection without returning to
the media selection menu if content of another content collection
is selected from a sommelier menu or content menu for selecting
content of a content collection.
[0233] Further, it is possible to construct images displayed at the
display of the output unit 28 by the multimedia playback
application program in the manner shown in FIG. 13 to FIG. 15.
[0234] With the multimedia playback application program, as shown
in FIG. 13, a content playback screen for content being played back
selected from the content menu is displayed in a background screen
231 of the window 111 at the same time as displaying a media
selection menu in the window 111.
[0235] In the event that one of buttons 112-1 to 112-5 is selected
as a result of a user operating the input unit 27, a sommelier menu
is displayed for the selected button 112. For example, if the
button 112-1 is selected, a sommelier menu for selecting content of
a broadcast video collection is displayed as shown in FIG. 14.
[0236] Button 131-1, button 131-3, button 131-4, button 132-1 to
button 132-7, and button 131-12 are displayed as menu items of a
sommelier menu for selecting broadcast video categories.
[0237] In the example in FIG. 14, if button 131-1 is selected, of
the buttons 132 displayed at the content menu, button 131-1 to
button 132-7 are displayed as menu items of the sommelier menu.
Further, if the cursor 113 is moved onto the button 131-4, images
241-1 to 241-5 representing menu items of the content menu are
displayed at the right side of the sommelier menu.
[0238] In the event that button 131-4 is selected from a state
where the cursor 113 designates the button 131-4 or if the cursor
is moved one to the right from a state where the cursor 113
designates the button 131-4, the content menu shown in FIG. 15 is
displayed.
[0239] In FIG. 15, button 251-1 to button 251-5 for selecting
content corresponding to image 241-1 to image 241-5 are displayed
as menu items of the content menu. Content title and broadcast date
and time is also displayed for the corresponding images 241-1 to
241-5 at button 251-1 to button 251-5. When individual
discrimination is not necessary, the buttons 251-1 to 251-5 are
referred to simply as "buttons 251".
[0240] Further, if one of the buttons 251-1 to 251-5 is selected
(playback is designated), playing back of content corresponding to
the selected button 251 is started, and playback of the played back
content in the background screen 231 is stopped.
[0241] In this manner, with the multimedia playback application
program, it is possible to select other content without halting the
playback of content during content playback.
[0242] Further, if the folder setting dialogue button 114 in the
upper right of the window ill is clicked, the output unit 28
displays a folder setting dialogue window 261 shown in FIG. 16.
[0243] The user then performs various settings for the multimedia
playback application program by operating the input unit 27 so as
to select (click on) various buttons in the folder setting dialogue
window 261.
[0244] For example, in the case of adding or deleting playback
content at the multimedia playback application program, a user
operates the input unit 27, clicks on the characters "watch
content" of a button 262 of this hierarchical layer structure, and
clicks on characters displayed in this hierarchical structure below
the characters "watch content", so as to select a folder it is
wished to add content to or a folder recorded with content it is
wished to delete. A name containing the path of the selected folder
is displayed in a selected folder display column 263.
[0245] Button 264 is clicked when a user wishes to add content
recorded in the folder displayed in the selected folder display
column 263, and button 265 is clicked when a user wishes to delete
content recorded in the folder displayed at the selected folder
display column 263. The characters "add (W)" are displayed at the
button 264 and the characters "delete (W)" are displayed at the
button 265.
[0246] When a user operates the input unit 27 so as to select a
folder recorded with content it is wished to add or delete, clicks
button 264 or button 265, then clicks button 267, at the multimedia
playback application program, settings for addition or deletion of
content to be played back is complete, and window 261 is closed.
The characters "OK" are displayed at the button 267.
[0247] At the folder setting dialogue, in the event of playing back
recorded content at another apparatus connected to the information
processing apparatus via a communication network, a user operates
the input unit, clicks the button 266, and carries out setting as
necessary in a newly displayed window. The characters "prepare
network media function (W)" are displayed at button 266.
[0248] When the button 268 is clicked, various settings carried out
at the folder setting dialogue are halted and window 261 is closed.
The characters "cancel" are displayed at the button 268.
[0249] Further, when button 269 is clicked, a help window (not
shown) is displayed at the output unit 28. Descriptions of various
settings occurring in the folder setting dialogue are displayed in
the help window.
[0250] Next, a description is given with reference to FIG. 17 of
processing for updating menu item information performed by the
information processing apparatus executing the information
processing program.
[0251] In step S11, the recording controller 71 acquires content
data designated as a result of a user operating the input unit
27.
[0252] In step S12, the display controller 72 acquires attribute
information from the recording controller 71 and acquires menu item
information from the recording unit 29.
[0253] For example, in step S11, the recording controller 71-1
acquires content data designated as a result of a user operating
the input unit 27 from the tuner 26, and generates attribute
information based on information indicating attributes contained in
the acquired content data.
[0254] More specifically, if content data is acquired from the
tuner 26, the recording controller 71-1 receives EPG acquired from
the tuner 26 or received by the communication unit 30, and
generates attribute information based on iEPG provided by the
communication unit 30.
[0255] The recording controller 71-1 may also acquire content data
from other apparatuses connected to the information processing
apparatus, via the communication unit 30 or a USB (Universal Serial
Bus) port etc.
[0256] Further, for example, the recording controller 71-2 may
acquire attribute information by extracting attribute information
contained in a header of the content data. For example, the
recording controller 71 may acquire attribute information by
extracting attribute information contained in a file corresponding
to the content data.
[0257] Moreover, in step S12, the display controller 72 acquires
menu item information from the menu item information database 93 of
the recording unit 29.
[0258] In step S13, the attribute information retriever 94 of the
display controller 72 determines whether or not there is a keyword
not classified under menu items recorded in the menu item
information database 93 in attribute information acquired from the
recording controller 71 based on attribute information acquired
from the recording controller 71 and menu item information acquired
from the recording unit 29.
[0259] For example, in step S13, the attribute information
retriever 94 determines whether or not a keyword not classified
under a menu item is contained in the attribute information
acquired from the recording controller 71 by detecting the presence
of keywords classified under menu items in the respective keywords
contained in the attribute information acquired from the recording
controller 71.
[0260] In step S13, if it is determined that a keyword not
classified under a menu item recorded in the menu item information
database 93 is contained in the acquired attribute information,
step S14 is proceeded to, and the menu item generator 95 of the
display controller 72 generates a new menu item for the
unclassified keyword the content acquired by the recording
controller 71 belongs to.
[0261] In step S15, the display controller 72 controls the
recording unit 29, records the generated menu item in the menu item
information database 93, and updates the menu item information.
[0262] More specifically, in step S15, the display controller 72
generates information showing which content belongs to the
generated menu item. The display controller 72 then updates the
menu item information by controlling the recording unit 29 so as to
record the newly generated menu item and information indicating
which content belongs to the menu item in the menu item information
database 93.
[0263] On the other hand, in step S13, if it is determined that a
keyword not classified under the menu items recorded in the menu
item information database 93 is not contained in the acquired
attribute information, it is not necessary to add a new menu item.
Step S16 is therefore proceeded to, and the display controller 72
controls the recording unit 29 so that the menu item information is
updated in order to correspond with content data acquired in the
processing of step S11.
[0264] More specifically, the display controller 72 generates
(updates) information indicating which menu items content belongs
to in such a manner that content acquired by the recording
controller 71 is contained in the classified menu items. The
display controller 72 then controls the recording unit 29 so as to
record information indicating which content belongs to the
generated menu item in the menu item information database 93.
[0265] In step S17, the recording controller 71 controls the
recording unit 29 and records acquired content data in content
database 91.
[0266] In step S18, the recording controller 71 controls the
recording unit 29 and records attribute information for the
generated content data in the attribute information database 92 so
that menu item information updating processing is complete.
[0267] In this way, when the recording controller 71 acquires
content, the information processing apparatus classifies the
acquired content and updates the menu item information.
[0268] It is preferable to update the menu item information if the
multimedia playback application program is started up. In this
event, the display controller 72 acquires attribute information and
menu item information from the recording unit 29, and the attribute
information retriever 94 of the display controller 72 determines
whether or not corresponding menu items have been generated for all
of the content recorded in the content database 91, i.e. for all of
the attribute information, based on the acquired attribute
information and menu item information. In the event that it is
determined that a menu item is not generated, the display
controller 72 generates menu item information as with the
processing of step S14.
[0269] In the event that deletion of content is designated as a
result of a user operating the input unit 27, the recording
controller 71 deletes the designated content and attribute
information corresponding to the designated content from the
recording unit 29 as a result of a user operating the input unit
27. In the event that content and attribute information is deleted,
the display controller 72 carries out menu item deletion
processing.
[0270] With reference to the flowchart of FIG. 18, a description is
given of processing for deleting menu items by the display
controller 72.
[0271] In step S31, the display controller 72 refers to the menu
item information database 93 to determine whether or not other
content is contained in the menu item to which the deleted content
belonged.
[0272] In step S31, if other content is not contained in the menu
item to which the deleted content belonged, there is no content
belonging to this menu item, and step S32 is proceeded to. The
display controller 72 controls the recording unit 29 so that the
menu item to which the deleted content belonged is deleted from the
menu item information database 93, and the menu item deletion
processing is complete.
[0273] More specifically, in step S32, the display controller 72
controls the recording unit 29 in such a manner that information
indicating the menu item the deleted content belonged to and which
content belonged to the menu item the deleted content belonged to
are deleted from the menu item information database 93.
[0274] In step S31, if it is determined that other content is
contained in the menu item to which the deleted content belonged,
content belonging to the menu item is left as is, the processing of
step S32 is skipped, and the menu item deletion processing is
complete.
[0275] In the event that content is deleted, the display controller
72 controls the recording unit 29 and deletes menu items that no
longer need to be displayed.
[0276] In the event that a user operates the input unit 27 so as to
move the cursor 113 and select a menu item, the display controller
72 generates a menu displaying a menu item to which the selected
menu item belongs.
[0277] A description is given of processing for menu generation
performed by the display controller 72 with reference to the
flowchart of FIG. 19.
[0278] In step S51, the display controller 72 determines whether or
not a menu item of the media selection menu is selected. In the
event that it is determined that a menu item of the media selection
menu is selected, step S52 is proceeded to, and sommelier menu
generation processing is carried out. Details of processing for
generating a sommelier menu are described later but in the
processing for generating the sommelier menu, a sommelier menu is
generated, and the procedure proceeds to step S55.
[0279] Further, in step S51, if it is determined that a menu item
of the media selection menu is not selected, step S53 is proceeded
to, and the display controller 72 determines whether or not a menu
item of a sommelier menu has been selected.
[0280] In step S53, if it is determined that a menu item of a
sommelier menu is selected, step S54 is proceeded to, and the
display controller 72 carries out content menu generation
processing. Details of processing for generating a content menu are
described later but in the processing for generating the content
menu, a content menu is generated, and the procedure proceeds to
step S55.
[0281] In step S53, if it is determined that a menu item of a
sommelier menu is not selected, step S55 is proceeded to.
[0282] In step S55, the display controller 72 supplies a menu for
the selected menu item to the output unit 28, and the output unit
28 displays the menu supplied by the display controller 72 on a
display of the output unit 28.
[0283] When a menu item is selected, the display controller 72
generates a menu for the selected menu item, provides data for
displaying the generated menu to the output unit 28, and displays
the menu provided by the display controller 72 on the display of
the output unit 28.
[0284] Next, a description is given with reference to the flowchart
of FIG. 20 of processing for generating a sommelier menu
corresponding to the processing of step S52 of FIG. 19.
[0285] In step S71, the display controller 72 determines whether or
not a menu item for selecting content of the broadcast video
collection is selected at the media selection menu. In the event
that it is determined that a menu item for selecting content of the
broadcast video collection is selected, step S72 is proceeded to,
the display controller 72 refers to menu item information recorded
in the menu item information database 93 so as to generate a
sommelier menu for displaying broadcast video categories, and the
processing is complete.
[0286] In step S71, if it is determined that a menu item for
selecting content of the broadcast video collection is not selected
at the media selection menu, step S73 is proceeded to, and the
display controller 72 determines whether or not a menu item for
selecting content of the personal video collection is selected at
the media selection menu.
[0287] In step S73, if it is determined that a menu item for
selecting content of the personal video collection is selected,
step S74 is proceeded to, the display controller 72 generates a
sommelier menu for displaying personal video categories while
referring to menu item information recorded in the menu item
information database 93, and processing is complete.
[0288] Further, in step S73, if it is determined that a menu item
for selecting content of the personal video collection is not
selected, step S75 is proceeded to, and the display controller 72
determines whether or not a menu item for selecting content of the
music collection is selected at the media selection menu.
[0289] In step S75, if it is determined that a menu item for
selecting content of the music collection is selected, step S76 is
proceeded to, the display controller 72 generates a sommelier menu
for displaying music categories while referring to menu item
information recorded in the menu item information database 93, and
processing is complete.
[0290] In step S75, if it is determined that a menu item for
selecting content of the music collection is not selected, step S77
is proceeded to, and the display controller 72 determines whether
or not a menu item for selecting content of the photo collection is
selected at the media selection menu.
[0291] In step S77, if it is determined that a menu item for
selecting content of the photo collection is selected, step S78 is
proceeded to, the display controller 72 generates a sommelier menu
for displaying photo categories while referring to menu item
information recorded in the menu item information database 93, and
processing is complete.
[0292] Moreover, if it is determined in step S77 that a menu item
for selecting content of the photo collection is not selected, the
display controller 72 does not generate a sommelier menu and the
processing is complete.
[0293] In this manner, the display controller 72 generates a
sommelier menu.
[0294] A description is now given with reference to the flowchart
of FIG. 21 of processing for generating a content menu
corresponding to the processing of step S54 of FIG. 19.
[0295] In step S91, the display controller 72 determines whether or
not a menu item for selecting a broadcast video category is
selected at the sommelier menu. In the event that it is determined
that a menu item for selecting a broadcast video category is
selected, step S92 is proceeded to. The display controller 72 then
generates a content menu displaying content of the broadcast video
category with reference to menu item information recorded in the
menu item information database 93 and attribute information
recorded in the attribute information database 92, and processing
is complete.
[0296] In the event that it is determined in step S91 that a menu
item for selecting a broadcast video category is not selected at
the sommelier menu, step S93 is proceeded to. The display
controller 72 then determines whether or not a menu item for
selecting the personal video category is selected at the sommelier
menu.
[0297] In step S93, if it is determined that a menu item for
selecting content of the personal video category is selected, step
S94 is proceeded to, the display controller 72 generates a content
menu for displaying content of the personal video category while
referring to menu item information recorded in the menu item
information database 93 and attribute information recorded in the
attribute information database 92, and processing is complete.
[0298] In the event that it is determined in step S93 that a menu
item for selecting the personal video category is not selected,
step S95 is proceeded to. The display controller 72 then determines
whether or not a menu item for selecting the music category is
selected at the sommelier menu.
[0299] In step S95, if it is determined that a menu item for
selecting content of the music category is selected, step S96 is
proceeded to, the display controller 72 generates a content menu
for displaying content of the music category while referring to
menu item information recorded in the menu item information
database 93 and attribute information recorded in the attribute
information database 92, and processing is complete.
[0300] In the event that it is determined in step S95 that a menu
item for selecting the music category is not selected, step S97 is
proceeded to. The display controller 72 then determines whether or
not a menu item for selecting the photo category is selected at the
sommelier menu.
[0301] In step S97, if it is determined that a menu item for
selecting content of the music category is selected, step S98 is
proceeded to, the display controller 72 generates a content menu
for displaying content of the photo category while referring to
menu item information recorded in the menu item information
database 93 and attribute information recorded in the attribute
information database 92, and processing is complete.
[0302] Moreover, if it is determined in step S97 that a menu item
for selecting the photo category is not selected, the display
controller 72 does not generate a content menu and the processing
is complete.
[0303] In this manner, the display controller 72 generates a
content menu.
[0304] Further, if a menu item for selecting content of a content
collection different to content being played back during playback
of content, the display controller 72 carries out processing to
halt playback of content.
[0305] A description is now given with reference to the flowchart
of FIG. 22 of processing for stopping playback of content performed
by the display controller 72.
[0306] In step S111, the display controller 72 determines whether
or not a menu item for selecting content of a different content
collection to the content being played back is selected. In the
event that it is determined that a menu item for selecting content
different to the content collection of the content being played
back is not selected, step S111 is returned to. This determination
process is then repeated until there is a determination that a menu
item for selecting content of a content collection different to the
content being played back is selected.
[0307] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S111 that a
menu item for selecting content of a content collection different
to that of the content being played back is selected, step S112 is
proceeded to. The display controller 72 then determines whether or
not the selected menu item is a menu item for selecting content of
the DVD collection.
[0308] In the event that it is determined in step S112 that the
selected menu item is not a menu item for selecting content of the
DVD collection, step S113 is proceeded to. The display controller
72 then determines whether or not playback of the newly selected
content has started.
[0309] For example, in step S113, the display controller 72
determines whether or not playback of newly selected content has
started based on a signal indicating playback of content supplied
by the playback controller 73.
[0310] In step S113, if it is determined that playback of the newly
selected content has not started, the display controller 72 returns
to step S113, and the determination processing is repeated until it
is determined that playback of the newly selected content has
started.
[0311] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S113 that
playback of the newly selected content has commenced, the display
controller 72 proceeds to step S114, and displaying of the image
displayed at the output unit 28 is switched over from the image
displayed for content being played back to an image displaying the
newly selected content for which playback has started.
[0312] For example, in step S114, the display controller 72 changes
over displaying of the image displayed at the output unit 28 by
switching over the image signal supplied to the output unit 28 from
the image signal for the content being played back to the image
signal for the newly selected content for which playback has
started.
[0313] In step S115, the display controller 72 controls the
playback controller 73, stops playback of content that was played
back up to this time, and processing for stopping playback of the
content is complete.
[0314] Further, if it is determined in step S112 that the selected
menu item is a menu item for selecting content of the DVD
collection, step S116 is proceeded to. The display controller 72
then controls the playback controller 73-3 so as to halt playback
of the content of the DVD collection.
[0315] In step S117, the display controller 72 supplies prescribed
still images to the output unit 28 as display images for the
application program that played back the DVD collection content.
The output unit 28 then displays the still images supplied by the
display controller 72 at the display of the output unit 28, and if
playback of new content has started, images for the played back
content are displayed, and processing is complete.
[0316] In this way, if playback of content for a content collection
different to the content being played back starts while the content
is being played back, the display controller 72 is capable of
halting playback of content without playback of the content being
interrupted.
[0317] The information processing apparatus therefore enables
addition and deletion of menu items for display content classified
in individual categories in accompaniment with the addition and
deletion of content without a user operation being required.
Further, the embodiment of the present invention also enables
selection of content classified in other categories without
playback of content being interrupted.
[0318] A description is given of where a user operates a mouse and
keyboard constituting an input unit 27 in order to carry out
various designations and settings but a remote controller may also
be used as an input unit 27.
[0319] According to the embodiment of the present invention,
playback of content is possible because content to be played back
may be designated at the multimedia playback application program.
Further, according to the present invention, addition and deletion
of menu items takes place based on attribute information and menu
item information. Menu items for displaying content classified into
categories may therefore be added or deleted without user operation
being required.
[0320] Moreover, according to the embodiment of the present
invention, menu item information is recorded in the same
hierarchical layer. It is therefore possible to select content
classified in another category without interrupting playback of
content.
[0321] The series of processes described above are executed using
hardware, but may also be executed using software. When the series
of processes is implemented using software, the programs included
in this software may be built-into dedicated hardware of a
computer. Further, as it is possible to implement various functions
by installing the various programs, installation is also possible
from a recording medium to, for example, a general-purpose personal
computer.
[0322] As shown in FIG. 5, in addition to packaged media that are
separate from a personal computer such as the magnetic disc 41
(including flexible discs), the optical disc 42 (including CD-ROMs
and DVDs), magneto-optical discs 43 (including MDs
(Mini-Discs)(recorded Trademark)), or semiconductor memory 44 etc.
recorded with programs for distribution to provide programs to
users, the recording medium may also be provided to the user
through pre-installation on a computer or in the form of a hard
disc etc. containing a ROM 22 or recording unit 29 recorded with
the program.
[0323] A program for executing the series of processes described
above may also be installed on a computer via an interface such as
a router or modem etc., or via a wired or wireless communication
medium such as a local area network, the Internet, or digital
satellite broadcasting etc., as necessary.
[0324] Further, in this specification, the steps described by
programs stored in recording media are for processing carried out
in chronological order in the order disclosed but this processing
by no means has to be carried out in chronological order, and these
processes may also be executed in parallel or individually.
[0325] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that
various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and
alternations may occur depending on design requirements and other
factors insofar as they are within the scope of the appended claims
or equivalents thereof.
* * * * *