U.S. patent application number 11/518473 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-28 for information processing apparatus, information processing method and program.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sony Corporation. Invention is credited to Hideki Asazu, Takefumi Kitayama, Takehisa Souraku, Yasushi Tsuruta.
Application Number | 20070146820 11/518473 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37935531 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070146820 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Asazu; Hideki ; et
al. |
June 28, 2007 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method and
program
Abstract
An information processing apparatus includes an acquiring unit
adapted to acquire preference information representing a user's
preference based on an operation given by the user regarding
content; a selecting unit adapted to select content and to
designate the selected content as an object for copying; and a
copying unit adapted to copy the selected content to another
information processing apparatus. Further, if the object for
copying is copied by the copying unit, the acquiring unit updates
the preference information associated with the content of the
copied object for copying.
Inventors: |
Asazu; Hideki; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Kitayama; Takefumi; (Kanagawa, JP) ;
Souraku; Takehisa; (Kanagawa, JP) ; Tsuruta;
Yasushi; (Tokyo, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LERNER, DAVID, LITTENBERG,;KRUMHOLZ & MENTLIK
600 SOUTH AVENUE WEST
WESTFIELD
NJ
07090
US
|
Assignee: |
Sony Corporation
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
37935531 |
Appl. No.: |
11/518473 |
Filed: |
September 8, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
358/479 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04H 60/65 20130101;
H04H 60/27 20130101; H04W 8/18 20130101; H04N 9/87 20130101; H04N
21/4147 20130101; H04N 21/4126 20130101; H04N 21/258 20130101; H04N
21/4667 20130101; H04N 21/4532 20130101; G06F 16/00 20190101; H04H
60/46 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
358/479 |
International
Class: |
H04N 1/04 20060101
H04N001/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 8, 2005 |
JP |
P2005-260313 |
Claims
1. An information processing apparatus, comprising: an acquiring
unit adapted to acquire preference information representing a
user's preference based on an operation given by the user regarding
content; a selecting unit adapted to select content and to
designate the selected content as an object for copying; and a
copying unit adapted to copy the selected content to another
information processing apparatus; wherein if the object for copying
is copied by the copying unit, the acquiring unit updates the
preference information associated with the content of the copied
object for copying.
2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
further comprising: an estimating unit adapted to estimate the
content fit for the user's preference based on the preference
information; and a presenting unit adapted to present to the user
information relating to the estimated content.
3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2,
further comprising: a receiving unit adapted to receive the
estimated content; and a recording controller unit adapted to cause
the received content to be recorded.
4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein: the acquiring unit is adapted to acquire the preference
information based on a number of operations representing a number
at which the operation is given by the user during replay of the
content, a number of viewings of the content, and a viewing time of
the content.
5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4,
further comprising: a deciding unit adapted to decide whether the
content that is an object for copying has been viewed; wherein if a
result of the decision by the deciding unit is that the content
that is an object for copying has not been viewed, the acquiring
unit estimates the number of operations, the number of viewings or
the viewing time of the content of the object for copying in the
another information processing apparatus, and updates the
preference information based on the estimated number of operations,
number of viewings or viewing time.
6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4,
further comprising: a receiving unit adapted to receive the number
of operations, the number of viewings or the viewing time of the
content of the object for copying from the another information
processing apparatus; wherein the acquiring unit updates the
preference information based on the number of operations, the
number of viewings or the viewing time received by the receiving
unit.
7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5,
wherein: an increase/decrease change range of a value in the number
of operations, the number of viewings, or the viewing time for the
content that is the object of copying in the another apparatus,
which are estimated by the acquiring unit, is changed depending on
still another information processing apparatus to which the copied
object for copying is sent.
8. An information processing method, comprising: acquiring
preference information representing a user's preference based on an
operation given by the user regarding content; selecting content
that is an object for copying; copying the selected content to
another information processing apparatus; and updating the
preference information associated with the content of the copied
object for copying if the object for copying is copied.
9. A program causing a computer to perform an information
processing method, the method comprising: acquiring preference
information representing a user's preference based on an operation
given by the user regarding content; selecting content that is an
object for copying; copying the selected content to another
information processing apparatus; and updating the preference
information associated with the content of the copied object for
copying if the object for copying is copied.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority from Japanese Patent
Application No. JP 2005-260313 filed on Sep. 8, 2005, the
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to an information processing
apparatus, an information processing method and a program, and more
particularly, to an information processing apparatus, an
information processing method and a program that are all adaptable
to acquire preference information representing user's preference
with higher accuracy when content is copied to a another
apparatus.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] In recent years, a content player adapted to record content
of television broadcasting programs etc. with a large capacity
recording medium such as a hard disk incorporated is in widespread
use.
[0006] Among the content players of this type, there is available a
player which acquires user's preference information from a history
(or an operation history) of operations (such as rewinding and
fast-forwarding, for instance) given by a user in the course of
replay (or viewing) of content and a viewing history of the
content, so as to perform presentation and automated recording or
replay of the content estimated to be fit for user's preference
based on the acquired preference information (See Japanese Patent
Application Publication Numbers 2005-160114, 2005-80013,
2003-23589, for instance).
[0007] Further, in the content player, content is copied (moved) to
a removable media such as a DVD-R/RW (Digital Versatile Disk
Recordable/Rewritable) and a DVD+R/RW.
[0008] Recently, viewing of content at outdoors etc. has become
possible by copying (dubbing) the content to a mobile-type player
through an external I/F (Interface) such as a USB (Universal Serial
Bus) interface, and by carrying around the mobile-type player.
[0009] However, if the content is once copied from the content
player to the mobile-type player, the user may use the mobile-type
player more than the content player to watch the copied content.
Accordingly, an inadequate amount of the operation and/or viewing
history may be stored in the content player.
[0010] Further, in a case where content, which is allowed to have
one authorized copy for protection of a copyright (or
copy-once-content), is to be copied, the content and/or
content-related information contained in the content player is
erased (or moved) when copying of the content is finished.
Accordingly, after the content have been once copied, no the
operation and/or viewing history of the once copied content is
stored.
[0011] As a result, accuracy of the preference information acquired
from the operation and/or viewing history of the content decreases.
Thus, it becomes difficult to present appropriate content estimated
to fit for the user's preference as recommending content based on
the acquired preference information.
[0012] Accordingly, it is desirable to acquire preference
information representing user's preference with higher accuracy.
The present invention addresses this issue.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] An information processing apparatus according to one aspect
of the present invention includes an acquiring unit adapted to
acquire preference information representing a user's preference
based on an operation given by the user regarding content; a
selecting unit adapted to select content and to designate the
selected content as an object for copying; and a copying unit
adapted to copy the selected content to another information
processing apparatus. Further, if the object for copying is copied
by the copying unit, the acquiring unit updates the preference
information associated with the content of the copied object for
copying.
[0014] The information processing apparatus may further include an
estimating unit adapted to estimate the content fit for the user's
preference based on the preference information; and a presenting
unit adapted to present to the user information relating to the
estimated content.
[0015] The information processing apparatus may further include a
receiving unit adapted to receive the estimated content; and a
recording controller unit adapted to cause the received content to
be recorded.
[0016] The acquiring unit may be adapted to acquire the preference
information based on a number of operations representing a number
at which the operation was given by the user in the course of
replay of the content, a number of viewings of the content and a
viewing time of the content.
[0017] The information processing apparatus may further include a
deciding unit adapted to decide whether the content that is an
object for copying has been viewed, wherein if a result of the
decision by the deciding unit is that the content that is an object
for copying has not been viewed, the acquiring unit estimates the
number of operations, the number of viewings or the viewing time of
the content of the object for copying in the another information
processing apparatus, and updates the preference information based
on the estimated number of operations, number of viewings or
viewing time.
[0018] The information processing apparatus may further include a
receiving unit adapted to receive the number of operations, the
number of viewings or the viewing time of the content of the object
for copying from the another information processing apparatus.
Further, the acquiring unit updates the preference information
based on the number of operations, the number of viewings or the
viewing time received by the receiving unit.
[0019] In the information processing apparatus, an
increase/decrease change range of a value in the number of
operations, the number of viewings, or the viewing time for the
content that is the object of copying in the another apparatus,
which are estimated by the acquiring unit, may be changed depending
on still another information processing apparatus to which the
copied object for copying is sent.
[0020] An information processing method according to one aspect of
the present invention includes acquiring preference information
representing a user's preference based on an operation given by the
user regarding content; selecting content that is an object for
copying; copying the selected content to another information
processing apparatus; and updating the preference information
associated with the content of the copied object for copying if the
object for copying is copied.
[0021] A program according to one aspect of the present invention
causes a computer to perform an information processing method, the
method including acquiring preference information representing a
user's preference based on an operation given by the user regarding
content; selecting content that is an object for copying; copying
the selected content to another information processing apparatus;
and updating the preference information associated with the content
of the copied object for copying if the object for copying is
copied.
[0022] In the above aspect of the present invention, the preference
information representing the user's preference is acquired based on
the operation given by the user to the content, the content that is
an object for copying is selected, the selected content is copied
to the another information processing apparatus, and if the object
for copying is copied, the preference information associated with
the content of the copied object for copying is updated.
[0023] As described the above, according to the present invention,
it is possible to acquire the preference information representing
the user's preference.
[0024] Further, according to the present invention, it is also
possible to acquire the user's preference information with higher
accuracy.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The features and advantages of the present invention will
become more apparent in the following description of presently
preferred embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0026] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of
one embodiment of a video recording/reproducing apparatus to which
the present invention is applied;
[0027] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration
example of a video recording/reproducing apparatus;
[0028] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration
example of a mobile apparatus;
[0029] FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of program
identification information;
[0030] FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of operation/viewing
history information;
[0031] FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of preference
information data;
[0032] FIG. 7 is a view showing an example of selection
display;
[0033] FIG. 8 is a flowchart for illustrating reproducing
process;
[0034] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for illustrating copying process;
[0035] FIG. 10 is a flowchart for illustrating recording schedule
process;
[0036] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing another functional
configuration example of a video recording/reproducing
apparatus;
[0037] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a functional
configuration example of the mobile apparatus;
[0038] FIG. 13 is a flowchart for illustrating copying process;
and
[0039] FIG. 14 is a flowchart for illustrating operation/viewing
history information update process.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] While embodiments of the present invention are now
described, it is to be understood that the following is one
illustration on a correspondence between constitutional
requirements of the present invention and the embodiments contained
in a present specification or drawings. This is a description to
ascertain that the embodiments adapted to support the present
invention are contained in the present specification or drawings.
Thus, although there is any other embodiment not shown herein as
that meeting the constitutional requirements of the present
invention, while contained in the present specification or
drawings, it is not to be construed that this embodiment is
referred to that meeting no constitutional requirements of the
present invention. Conversely, although the embodiment shown herein
is that meeting the constitutional requirements, it is not to be
construed that this embodiment is referred to that meeting no
constitutional requirements other than the above.
[0041] Firstly, an information processing apparatus according to
one aspect of the present invention includes an acquiring unit (or
a preference information management unit 68 in FIG. 2, for
instance) for acquiring, based on an operation given by a user
regarding content, preference information representing user's
preference; a selecting unit (or a copying control unit 63 in FIG.
2 to perform processing in a step S51 in FIG. 9, for instance) for
selecting content to be copied (object for copy); and a copying
unit (or the copying control unit 63 in FIG. 2 to perform
processing in a step S57 in FIG. 9, for instance) for copying the
selected content obtained by the selecting unit to another
information processing apparatus, wherein if the object for copy is
copied by the copying unit, the acquiring unit updates (or
processing in a step S56 in FIG. 9, for instance) the preference
information associated with the content of the copied object for
copy.
[0042] Secondly, the information processing apparatus according to
one aspect of the present invention further includes an estimating
unit (or a recording control unit 60 in FIG. 2, for instance) for
estimating the content fit for the user's preference; and a
presenting unit (or a presenting unit 61 in FIG. 2, for instance)
for presenting, to the user, the information associated with the
content estimated by the estimating unit.
[0043] Thirdly, the information processing apparatus according to
one aspect of the present invention further includes a receiving
unit (or a tuner 31 in FIG. 1, for instance) for receiving the
estimated content obtained by the estimating unit; and a recording
controller unit (or the recording control unit 60 in FIG. 2, for
instance) for causing the received content obtained by the
receiving unit to be recorded.
[0044] The information processing apparatus according to one aspect
of the present invention allows the acquiring unit to acquire the
preference information based on the number of operation
representing a number at which the operation was given by the user
during replay of the content, the number of viewing of the content
and a viewing time of the content (or operation/viewing history
information 351 in FIG. 5, for instance).
[0045] Fourthly, the information processing apparatus according to
one aspect of the present invention further includes a deciding
unit (or the preference information management unit 68 in FIG. 2 to
perform processing in a step S53 in FIG. 9, for instance) for
deciding based on the number of viewing whether or not the content
that is an object for copy is viewed, wherein if a result of
decision by the deciding unit is that the content that is an object
for copy is not viewed, the acquiring unit estimates the number of
operation, the number of viewing or the viewing time of the content
of the object for copy in the another information processing
apparatus, and updates the preference information based on the
estimated number of operation, number of viewing or viewing
time.
[0046] Fifthly, the information processing apparatus according to
one aspect of the present invention further includes a receiving
unit (or a copying control unit 701 in FIG. 11 to perform
processing in a step S111 in FIG. 14, for instance) for receiving,
from the another information processing apparatus, the number of
operation, the number of viewing or the viewing time of the content
of the object for copy in the another information processing
apparatus, wherein the acquiring unit updates (or processing in a
step S144 in FIG. 14, for instance) the preference information
based on the number of operation, the number of viewing or the
viewing time received by the receiving unit.
[0047] An information processing method or a program according to
one aspect of the present invention includes: acquiring (or the
step S56 in FIG. 9, for instance), based on an operation given by a
user regarding content, preference information representing user's
preference; a selecting (or the step S51 in FIG. 9, for instance)
content that is an object for copy; copying (or the step S57 in
FIG. 9, for instance) the selected content to another information
processing apparatus; and updating (or the step S56 in FIG. 9, for
instance) the preference information associated with the content of
the copied object for copy if the object for copy is copied.
[0048] Specific embodiments to which the present invention is
applicable are now described in detail with reference to
accompanying drawings.
[0049] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of
one embodiment of a video recording/reproducing apparatus 11 to
which the present invention is applicable.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 1, a server 2 is connected to the video
recording/reproducing apparatus 11 through a network 1 formed with
Internet, a WAN (Wide Area Network) or a LAN (Local Area Network)
etc.
[0051] The server 2 provides broadcasting program information (or
EPG (Electric Program Guide) information) and/or network-delivered
content data for the video recording/reproducing apparatus 11
through the network 1. It is to be noted that the EPG information
includes information such as information representing a
broadcasting schedule of programs and information used to identify
the programs (which is hereinafter referred to as program
identification information).
[0052] Further, a display apparatus 12, an antenna 13 and a mobile
apparatus 14 are all connected to the video recording/reproducing
apparatus 11. The video recording/reproducing apparatus 11 receives
a broadcast wave of a program through the antenna 13, permitting
program content data obtained by demodulating the received
broadcast wave to be recorded and/or displayed on the display
apparatus 12 after being supplied thereto. Further, the video
recording/reproducing apparatus 11 also permits the recorded
program content data etc. to be copied to the mobile apparatus
14.
[0053] The video recording/reproducing apparatus 11 includes the
tuner 31, an encoder 32, a decoder 33, an EPG acquisition module
34, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 35, a main storage device 36, a
network interface 37, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 38, a main storage
device 39, an auxiliary storage device 40, an input unit 41, a
drive 42, an external interface 44, and two buses 51 and 52.
[0054] The tuner 31, the encoder 32, the decoder 33, the EPG
acquisition module 34, the network interface 37, the auxiliary
storage device 40 and the input unit 41 are all connected to the
bus 52.
[0055] The tuner 31 demodulates the program's broadcast wave having
been received through the antenna 13, causing the resultant program
content data to be outputted to the encoder 32. There are some
cases where the EPG information (or the broadcasting program
information) is contained in a vertical blanking period of a
telecast signal of the program's broadcast wave received through
the antenna 13. If this is the case, the tuner 31 extracts the
contained EPG information, before outputting to the EPG acquisition
module 34.
[0056] The network interface 37 performs interfacing with the
network 1. For instance, the network interface 37 acquires the
content data through the network 1, causing the acquired content
data to be supplied to the encoder 32 through the bus 52. Further,
the network interface 37 is also adapted to acquire the EPG
information (which may be not only the EPG information of the
content data acquired through the network 1 but also the EPG
information of the program corresponding to the broadcast wave
received through the antenna 13) through the network 1, causing the
acquired EPG information to be supplied to the EPG acquisition
module 34 through the bus 52.
[0057] The encoder 32 encodes, in a MPEG (Moving Picture Experts
Group) manner, for instance, the supplied program content data from
the tuner 31 or the supplied content data from the network
interface 37, causing the encoded content data to be stored in the
auxiliary storage device 40 after being supplied thereto through
the bus 52.
[0058] The auxiliary storage device 40 has a recording medium of a
size providing a sufficient storage capacity, such as a hard disk,
a magnetic tape, a removable disk and a flash memory, and permits
the supplied content data from the encoder through the bus 52 to be
stored in a storage area. It is to be noted that the content data
stored in the auxiliary storage device 40 is generally referred to
as a title. Further, the auxiliary storage device 40 is also
adapted for storage of programs and/or data etc. supplied after
being read from the removable media 43 mounted to the drive 42
described later, causing the stored programs and/or the data to be
supplied to the main storage device 36 or 39 etc. based on a
request from the CPU (Central Processing Unit) 35 etc.
[0059] The stored title in the auxiliary storage device 40 is
outputted to the decoder 33 through the bus 52 based on an external
request from the CPU 35 etc. to the auxiliary storage device 40,
for instance, and is then decoded in the MPEG manner before being
supplied to the display apparatus 12. It is to be noted that if the
received program content data in the auxiliary storage 40 is not
stored, the encoder 32 and the decoder 33 may also output, to the
display apparatus 12, the outputted program content data from the
tuner 31 as it is.
[0060] The EPG acquisition module 34 causes the supplied EPG
information from the tuner 31 or the network interface 37 to be
stored in the main storage device 36 or 39 etc. after being
supplied thereto through the bus 52.
[0061] The input unit 41 includes units such as a keyboard, a
mouse, a microphone and a receiving unit for receiving a command
transmitted from a remote controller (not shown), and accepts a
command from the user, causing the accepted command to be supplied
to the CPU 35.
[0062] The CPU 35, the ROM 38 and the main storage device 39 formed
with a RAM (Random Access Memory) etc., for instance, are also
connected to the bus 52. Programs, data or parameters required for
the CPU 35 to perform various types of processing (such as
processing to control the whole video recording/reproducing
apparatus 11, for instance) are properly stored in the main storage
device 39. Programs to be run by the CPU 35 are contained in the
ROM 38.
[0063] Further, the external interface 44 required for interfacing
with the mobile apparatus 14 is also connected to the bus 52. The
external interface 44 is formed with a USB interface etc., for
instance, and permits the title to be copied to the mobile
apparatus 14 by, after reading out the title from the auxiliary
storage 40, transmitting the read title to the mobile apparatus 14
through a wired or wireless means.
[0064] Further, the drive 42 is also connected to the bus 52, and
is provided with the removable media 43 such as the magnetic disk,
the optical disk, a magneto-optical disk and a semiconductor memory
at need. A read computer program from the removable media is
installed into the auxiliary storage device 40 at need. It is to be
noted that the drive 42 may also acquire the content data from the
removable media 43, causing the acquired content data to be
supplied to the encoder 32.
[0065] The CPU 35 is also connected to the bus 51, together with
the encoder 32, the decoder 33, the EGP acquisition module 34 and
the main storage device 36. The main storage device 36 is formed
with the RAM etc., in which programs, data or parameters required
for the CPU 35 to perform various types of processing such as
control processing relating to recording schedule and video
recording based on the EGP information are properly stored.
[0066] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration
example with emphasis placed on a software configuration of the
video recording/reproducing apparatus 11 shown in FIG. 1.
[0067] The video recording/reproducing apparatus 11 shown in FIG. 2
includes the recording control unit 60, the presenting unit 61, a
viewing control unit 62, the copying control unit 63, a live
broadcast reproducing unit 64, a recording title reproducing unit
65, a recording schedule management unit 66, a recording title
management unit 67, the preference information management unit 68,
an EPG DB 69, a recording title information DB 70, an
operation/viewing history DB 71 and a preference information DB
72.
[0068] It is to be noted that the EPG DB 69 is equivalent to the
main storage device 39 in FIG. 1, while the recording title
information DB 70, the operation/viewing history DB 71 and the
preference information DB 72 are all equivalent to the auxiliary
storage device 40 in FIG. 1, for instance.
[0069] The recording control unit 60 estimates the content data fit
for the user's preference based on the preference information
supplied from the preference information management unit 68. The
recording control unit 60 also reads out program identification
information 301 (See FIG. 4 described later) contained in the EPG
information of the estimated content data from the EPG DB 69. With
the estimated content data specified as recommending content, the
recording control unit 60 causes recommending content-related
information (such as a name, a broadcast start time, a broadcast
end time and a broadcast content of the recommending content, for
instance) (which is hereinafter referred to as recommending content
information) to be displayed (or presented) on the display
apparatus 12 through the presenting unit 61 based on the program
identification information 301 of the specified recommending
content.
[0070] At this time, the user makes a selection of the recommending
content information of the recommending content to be specified as
an object for recording schedule by operating the input unit 41,
while taking a look at the displayed recommending content
information on the display apparatus 12. Provided that the
recommending content corresponding to the selected recommending
content information given by the user is specified as the object
for recording schedule, the recording control unit 60 controls the
recording schedule management unit 66 so that a recording schedule
of the specified object for recording schedule is taken.
[0071] Further, in response to information (or content of a
distribution source 314 shown in FIG. 4 described later)
representing the distribution source of the object for recording
schedule and a recording command that are both supplied from the
recording schedule management unit 66, the recording control unit
60 controls the tuner 31 so that the object for recording schedule
is received. Then, the recording control unit 60 causes the
received object for recording schedule to be stored (or recorded)
in the auxiliary storage device 40.
[0072] The recording control unit 60 controls the recording title
management unit 67 to cause the program identification information
301 contained in the EPG information corresponding to the
recommending content specified as the recorded object for recording
schedule to be stored as the recording title information in the
recording title information DB 70.
[0073] In response to a command given by the user through the input
unit 41, the viewing control unit 62 controls the live broadcast
reproducing unit 64 so that the program content data being
presently received through the tuner 31 or acquired from the server
2 is reproduced (or displayed).
[0074] Further, the viewing control unit 62 also causes
title-related information (such as a title name, for instance)
(which is hereinafter referred to as title information) to be
displayed on the display apparatus 12 based on the recording title
information supplied from the recording title management unit 67.
At this time, the user makes the selection of the title information
of the title to be specified as an object for viewing by operating
the input unit 41, while taking a look at the displayed title
information on the display apparatus 12. The viewing control unit
62 controls the recording title reproducing unit 65 so that the
title corresponding to the selected title information given by the
user is reproduced (or displayed) from the auxiliary storage device
40.
[0075] The copying control unit 63 causes a selection display 501
(see FIG. 7 described later) for selection of an object for copy to
be displayed on the display apparatus 12 based on the recording
title information supplied from the recording title management unit
67. At this time, the user makes the selection of the name etc. of
the title of the object for copy by operating the input unit 41,
while taking a look at the displayed selection display 501 on the
display apparatus 12.
[0076] Provided that the title corresponding to the selected name
etc. given by the user is specified as the object for copy, the
copying control unit 63 reads out the object for copy from the
auxiliary storage device 40, causing the read object for copy to be
copied to the mobile apparatus 14 through the external interface
44. Further, the copying control unit 63 also controls the
recording title management unit 67 so that the recording title
information of the object for copy is supplied to the preference
information management unit 68.
[0077] Under control of the viewing control unit 62, the live
broadcast reproducing unit 64 causes the program content data being
received through the tuner 31 or the content data being acquired
through the network interface 37 to be displayed on the display
apparatus 12. Under control of the viewing control unit 62, the
recording title reproducing unit 65 reproduces the title contained
in the auxiliary storage device 40.
[0078] Under control of the recording control unit 60, the
recording schedule management unit 66 takes the recording schedule
of the object for recording schedule. Specifically, the recording
schedule management unit 66 reads out the program identification
information 301 contained in the EPG information of the object for
recording schedule from the EPG DB 69, causing the read program
identification information 301 to be stored as scheduling
information in an incorporated storage unit (not shown). Then, the
recording schedule management unit 66 provides the information
representing the distribution source of the object for recording
schedule and the recording command to the recording control unit 60
at the broadcast start time of the program corresponding to the
recommending content specified as the object for recording schedule
based on both of the scheduling information contained in the
storage unit (not shown) and a present time measured by a time
measuring unit (not shown).
[0079] Under control of the recording control unit 60, the
recording title management unit 67 reads out the program
identification information 301 contained in the EPG information
corresponding to the recorded recommending content from the EPG DB
69, causing the read program identification information 301 to be
stored as the recording title information in the recording title
information DB 70. Further, under control of the copying control
unit 63, the recording title management unit 67 also reads out the
recording title information of the title specified as the object
for copy from the recording title information DB 70, causing the
read recording title information to be supplied to the preference
information management unit 68.
[0080] The preference information management unit 68 creates, based
on the recording title information supplied from the recording
title management unit 67, operation/viewing history information 351
(See FIG. 5 described later) specified as information representing
an operation history and a viewing history of the title, causing
the created operation/viewing history information 351 to be stored
in the operation/viewing history DB 71. Further, the preference
information management unit 68 also updates the operation/viewing
history information 351 contained in the operation/viewing history
DB 71, while monitoring the viewing control unit 62 and the copying
control unit 63.
[0081] Further, the preference information management unit 68
generates (or acquires) user's preference information data 401 (See
FIG. 6 described later) based on the operation/viewing history
information 351 contained in the operation/viewing history DB 71,
causing the acquired preference information data 401 to be stored
in the preference information DB 72 before being managed. Further,
the preference information management unit 68 also reads out the
preference information data 401 from the preference information DB
72, causing the read preference information data to be supplied to
the recording control unit 60.
[0082] An EPG acquiring unit 73 acquires the EPG information
supplied from the tuner 31 or the network interface 37, causing the
acquired EPG information to be stored in the EPG DB 69.
[0083] It is to be noted that when the video recording/reproducing
apparatus 11 records the content data supplied through the network
1, the EPG acquiring unit 73 acquires, from the network interface
37, information supplied together with the content data to be
recorded, that is, content data-related information equal to the
program identification information 301, causing the acquired
content data related-information to be stored in the EPG DB 69. The
recording control unit 60, the recording schedule management unit
66 and the recording title management unit 67 are all adaptable to
similarly process also the above content data-related information
as the program identification information 301 contained in the EPG
information, so that a description of the program identification
information 301 will be given as that also including a description
associated with the content data-related information, unless
otherwise required for any description in distinction from each
other.
[0084] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration
example of the mobile apparatus 14 shown in FIG. 1.
[0085] Referring to FIG. 3, a CPU 102 performs various types of
processing according to programs contained in a ROM 103 or programs
having been loaded from a storage unit 105 into a RAM 104. Data
etc. required for the CPU 102 to perform the various types of
processing is also properly stored in the RAM 104.
[0086] The CPU 102, the ROM 103 and the RAM 104 are interconnected
through a bus 101. An input/output interface 110 is also connected
to the bus 101.
[0087] A storage unit 105 formed with the hard disk etc., an output
unit 106 including units such as a display formed with a CRT
(Cathode Ray Tube) or a LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) etc. and a
speaker, an input unit 107 including units such as the keyboard and
the mouse, and a communication unit 108 formed with a modem etc.
are connected to the input/output interface 110.
[0088] The communication unit 108 performs communication with the
video recording/reproducing apparatus 11. The communication unit
108 permits the title to be copied by, after receiving the title
from the video recording/reproducing apparatus 11, causing the
received title to be stored in the storage unit 105, for
instance.
[0089] A drive 109 is also connected to the input/output interface
110 at need, and is properly provided with a removable media 111
such as the magnetic disk, the optical disk, the magneto-optical
disk and the semiconductor memory, permitting the read computer
program from the removable media to be installed into the storage
unit 105 at need.
[0090] FIG. 4 shows an example of program identification
information 301 in the EPG information stored in the RPG DB 69
shown in FIG. 2.
[0091] Referring to FIG. 4, the program identification information
301 is given as a group of various types of program-related
information formed with two items, "attribute" representing types
of information and "content" thereof. As shown in FIG. 4, the
program identification information 301 contains information of
attributes including a program ID (or an identification code) 311,
a broadcast start time 312, a broadcast end time 313, a
distribution source 314, a genre 315, a name 316, and content 317
and 318,for instance.
[0092] The program ID 311 shows an ID for identifying the program
programmed to be broadcast. The program identification information
301 shown in FIG. 4 gives the content of the program ID 311 as
"00000001", for instance. The broadcast start time 312 and the
broadcast end time 313 respectively show information representing a
broadcast schedule of the program to be broadcast. The program
identification information 301 shown in FIG. 4 gives the content of
the broadcast start time 312 as "2001/01/01 01:00:00", and the
content of the broadcast end time 313 as "2001/01/01 01:30:00", for
instance.
[0093] It is to be noted that for the content data-related
information, the broadcast start time 312 and the broadcast end
time 313 may be in blank, or it is also allowable to use
information representing a schedule of the content data to be
released for the public in the server.
[0094] The distribution source 314 shows information representing
the distribution source of the program. The program identification
information 301 shown in FIG. 4 gives the content of the
distribution source 314 as "ground wave broadcasting, XX-channel,
and YYY station", which indicates that the program corresponding to
the program identification information 301 is a program having been
sent on the air from the YYY station as a broadcast program in the
XX-channel involved in the ground wave broadcasting, for instance.
It is to be noted that for the content data-related information,
the distribution source 314 needs to be given a description of an
address etc. of the server that is releasing the content data for
the public.
[0095] The genre 315 shows information representing the genre (or a
category) of the program content, and the program identification
information 301 shown in FIG. 4 gives the content of the genre 315
as "News", for instance. The name 316 shows information
representing a name of the program, and the program identification
information 301 shown in FIG. 4 gives the content of the name 316
as "ZZZ News", for instance.
[0096] The content 317 and 318 respectively show information of
characteristic keywords representing the program content, and the
program identification information 301 shown in FIG. 4 gives the
content of the content 317 as "AAA", and the content of the content
318 as "BBB", for instance.
[0097] It is to be noted that the program identification
information 301 may be in the form of information including other
information than the information shown in FIG. 4, or that
consisting of a part of the information shown in FIG. 4.
Alternatively, information contained in the program identification
information 301 may be in the form of hierarchical-structured
information.
[0098] The recording title information is referred to the program
identification information 301 of the title, that is, the same
group of information as the program identification information 301
shown in FIG. 4 is contained in the recording title information, so
that its description is passed over.
[0099] FIG. 5 shows an example of operation/viewing history
information 351 contained in the operation/viewing history DB 71
shown in FIG. 2.
[0100] Referring to FIG. 5, the operation/viewing history
information 351 is given as a group of various types of information
representing the operation history and the viewing history of the
title and including two items, "attribute" representing types of
information, and "content" thereof. As shown in FIG. 5, the
operation/viewing history information 351 contains information of
attributes including a title ID 361, a cumulative viewing time 362,
the number of viewing 363 and the number of operation 364, for
instance.
[0101] The title ID 361 shows the content of the program ID 311
(See FIG. 4) of the program identification information 301 of the
program corresponding to the title. The operation/viewing history
information 351 shown in FIG. 5 gives the content of the title ID
361 as "00000001", for instance. The cumulative viewing time 362
shows information representing a cumulative time that the title was
viewed. The operation/viewing history information 351 shown in FIG.
5 gives the content of the cumulative viewing time 362 as "00:12:00
(12 minutes)", for instance.
[0102] The number of viewing 363 shows information representing a
number at which the title was viewed (or reproduced), and the
number of operation 364 shows information representing a number at
which the operation (or the operation other than the operation
required for replay) was given by the user in the course of replay
of the title. The operation/viewing history information 351 shown
in FIG. 5 gives the content of the number of viewing as "2", and
the content of the number of operation 364 as "6", for
instance.
[0103] It is to be noted that the operation/viewing history
information 351 may be in the form of information including other
information than the information shown in FIG. 5, or that
consisting of a part of the information shown in FIG. 5.
Alternatively, the information contained in the operation/viewing
history information 351 may be in the form of
hierarchical-structured information.
[0104] FIG. 6 shows an example of preference information data 401
contained in the preference information DB 72 shown in FIG. 2.
[0105] Referring to FIG. 6, the preference information data 401
includes, for instance, name keyword preference information 411
specified as the preference information data managed with the name
as a key, keyword preference information 412 specified as the
preference information data managed with the title content as the
key, genre preference information 413 specified as the preference
information data managed with the title genre as the key,
broadcasting time period preference information 414 representing
the preference information data managed with a title broadcasting
time period as the key, and channel preference information 415
specified as the preference information data managed with a channel
having broadcasted the title (when the title is of the acquired
content data from the server 2, the server etc. having released the
acquired content data for the public is required as the key) as the
key.
[0106] Specifically, each of the name keyword preference
information 411, the keyword preference information 412, the genre
preference information 413, the broadcasting time period preference
information 414 and the channel preference information 415 is in
the form of a table including a group of records managed with the
attribute contained in the recording title information as the key,
and requires that a score representing a degree of user's
preference is appended on a record basis.
[0107] The name keyword preference information 411 is given as the
table with the content of the title 316 shown in FIG. 4 as the key,
and includes a keyword (or the content of the name 316) and the
score (or the degree of user's preference) with respect to the
keyword.
[0108] The keyword preference information 412 is given as the table
with the entities of the content 317, 318 shown in FIG. 4 or words
contained in a detailed description (such as a description of the
content and a cast etc. of the program) of the title as the key,
and includes the keyword (or the words contained in the entities of
the content 317, 318) and the score with respect to the
keyword.
[0109] The genre preference information 413 is given as the table
with the content (such as variety, news, drama, documentary,
sports, music, and education etc.) of the genre 315 shown in FIG. 4
as the key, and includes the keyword (or the content of the genre
315) and the score with respect to the keyword.
[0110] The broadcasting time period preference information 414 is
given as the table with the broadcast start time 312 and/or the
broadcast end time 313 shown in FIG. 4 as the key, and includes the
broadcasting time period of the title obtained from the content of
the broadcast start time 312 and/or the broadcast end time 313 and
the score with respect to the broadcasting time period. In
particular, the programs have features in program arrangements
depending on the broadcasting time period, so that the broadcasting
time period preference information 414 relating to the broadcasting
time period described the above is used to represent the user's
preference.
[0111] The channel preference information 415 is given as the table
with the content of the distribution source 314 shown in FIG. 4 as
the key, and includes the information, such as the channel having
broadcasted the title (when the title is of the acquired content
data from the server 2, the name of the server etc. having released
the acquired content data for the public is also required),
obtained from the content of the distribution source 314 and the
score with respect to the information. In particular, the programs
have features in programming for each broadcasting station (or each
channel), so that the channel preference information 415 relating
to the channel is used to represent the user's preference.
[0112] These scores need to be set based on the operation/viewing
history information 351 (See FIG. 5) contained in the
operation/viewing history DB 71 shown in FIG. 2 in a manner that
provides higher values for the name keyword, the program content
keyword, the genre, the broadcasting time period and the channel
that are all contained in the recording title information
corresponding to the title having been viewed or operated by the
user, while providing lower values for the name keyword, the
program content keyword, the genre, the broadcasting time period
and the channel that are all contained in the recording title
information corresponding to the title remaining to be viewed or
operated by the user.
[0113] Specifically, setting of the scores is given in a
calculating manner that permits the score with respect to each
component (such as the name keyword, the program content keyword,
the genre, the broadcasting time period and the channel) contained
in the recording title information corresponding to the title
having been viewed by the user to be incremented by 1, while
providing no increment for the score with respect to each component
contained in the recording title information corresponding to the
title remaining to be viewed by the user. In this case, the higher
the score is, the higher the degree of preference of a
corresponding item (such as the name keyword, the program content
keyword, the genre, the broadcasting time period and the channel)
becomes attainable.
[0114] It is to be noted that the score calculating manner is not
limited to the above, and any other calculating manner may be also
taken. Specifically, it is also allowable to take a manner that
decrements the score of each item contained in the recording title
information supposed to be unnecessary to be viewed or operated by
the user, or alternatively, that gives weighting to the score for
each item.
[0115] FIG. 7 shows an example of a selection display 501 displayed
on the display apparatus 12 by the copying control unit 63 shown in
FIG. 2.
[0116] The selection display 501 shown in FIG. 7 includes a check
box 511, a recording title information display unit 512, an
execution button 513 and a cancel button 514.
[0117] The check box 511 is equivalent to the recording title
information display unit 512, and is operated (or checked) when the
user selects, as the object for copy, the title corresponding to
the displayed recording title information (or information contained
therein) on the recording title information display unit 512.
[0118] The recording title information display unit 512 provides
display of the whole or a part of the recording title information.
In one display in FIG. 7, there are shown the broadcast start time,
the broadcast end time and the name among the components of the
recording title information. Specifically, the entities of the
broadcast start time 312, the broadcast end time 313 and the name
316 all contained in the program identification information 301
shown in FIG. 4 are displayed.
[0119] The execution button 513 is selected (or operated) when the
user puts copying of the title corresponding to each check-marked
check box 511 into execution. When the execution button 513 is
selected by the user, the copying control unit 63 causes a message
describing that copying is started to be displayed on the display
apparatus 12. The cancel button 514 is selected when the user puts
selection of the object for copy to a stop.
[0120] Reproducing process to be performed by the video
recording/reproducing apparatus 11 shown in FIG. 2 is now described
with reference to FIG. 8. This reproducing process is started when
a command to reproduce (or watch) the title was given through the
operation of the input unit 41 by the user, for instance.
[0121] In a step S31, the preference information management unit 68
shown in FIG. 2 executes an initialization process. For instance,
the preference information management unit 68 initializes setting
of a timer (not shown) for measuring the viewing time and a counter
(not shown) for counting the number of operation.
[0122] The processing in the step S31 is followed by a step S32,
where the preference information management unit 68 causes the
timer (not shown) to start measurement of the viewing time
according to a start timing for replay of the title, while
monitoring the viewing control unit 62, before the process goes on
to a step S33.
[0123] In the step S33, the preference information management unit
68 decides whether or not input of any replay-related operation
(such as temporary stop, rewinding, fast-forwarding) other than the
operation adapted to issue the replay command has been given to the
input unit 41 by the user, while monitoring the viewing control
unit 62. When a result of decision is that the input of the
replay-related operation has been given, the process goes on to a
step S34.
[0124] In the step S34, the processing to cause a value of the
counter (not shown) for counting the number of operation to be
counted up by "+1" is performed, and is followed by a step S35.
[0125] Conversely, when the result of decision in the step S33 is
that no input of the replay-related operation other than the
operation adapted to issue the replay command has been given to the
input unit 41 by the user yet, the process skips the step S34 to go
on to a step S35.
[0126] In the step S35, the preference information management unit
68 decides whether or not the replay of the title is finished, that
is, the replay of the title has been put to a stop in response to
the command from the user, or the replay of all the titles of the
object for replay (or viewing) is finished, while monitoring the
viewing control unit 62. When the result of decision in the step
S35 is that no replay of the title is finished yet, the process is
returned to the step S33, causing the above processing to be
repeated until the replay of the title is finished.
[0127] Conversely, when the result of decision in the step S35 is
that the replay of the title is finished, the process goes on to a
step S36, where the preference information management unit 68
brings the operation of the timer (not shown) to a stop, leading to
a termination of measurement of the viewing time.
[0128] The process in the step S36 is followed by a step S37, where
the preference information management unit 68 acquires a count
value available at the present time from the counter (not shown),
before the process goes on to a step S38. In the step S38, the
preference information management unit 68 updates the entities of
the operation/viewing history information 351 contained in the
operation/viewing history DB 71 based on the measured viewing time
obtained by the timer (not shown) and the acquired count value
obtained from the counter (not shown).
[0129] Specifically, the preference information management unit 68
gives a sum of the content (or a value) of the present cumulative
viewing time 362 and the measured viewing time as an updated value
of the cumulative viewing time 362. Also, the preference
information management unit 68 increments the value of the present
number of viewing 363 by 1. Further, the preference information
management unit 68 also gives a sum of the content (or a value) of
the present number of operation 364 and the measured count value as
an updated value of the number of operation 364.
[0130] It is to be noted that when each of the updated values of
the cumulative viewing time 362, the number of viewing 363 and the
number of operation 364 all contained in the operation/viewing
history information 351 is not less than a prescribed threshold
value, the preference information management unit 68 reads out the
recording title information of the present object for replay from
the recording title information DB 70 through the recording title
management unit 67, and updates the preference information data 401
contained in the preference information DB 72 based on the read
recording title information.
[0131] A copying process required for the video
recording/reproducing apparatus 11 shown in FIG. 2 to copy the
title to the mobile apparatus 14 is now described with reference to
FIG. 9. This copying process is started when a copying command was
given through the operation of the input unit 41 by the user to
select the execution button 513 after checking the check box 511 of
the selection display 501 shown in FIG. 7.
[0132] In a step S51, the copying control unit 63 selects the title
to be specified as the object for copy in response to the command
supplied through the input unit 41. For instance, the copying
control unit 63 selects the title corresponding to the check box
511 having been checked by the user as the title to be specified as
the object for copy.
[0133] The processing in the step S51 is followed by a step S52,
where the copying control unit 63 decides whether or not there is
the object for copy still remaining to be copied. When the result
of decision is that there is the object for copy still remaining to
be copied, the copying control unit 63 specifies, as a present
object for copy, one of the objects for copy still remaining to be
copied, before the process goes on to a step S53.
[0134] In the step S53, the preference information management unit
68 decides based on the operation/viewing history information 351
whether or not the present object for copy has been already viewed.
For instance, the preference information management unit 68 reads
out, from the operation/viewing history DB 71, the
operation/viewing history information 351 having the same content
of the title ID 361 as that of the program ID 311 of the title
information of the present object for copy, and decides whether or
not the content of the number of viewing 363 in the
operation/viewing history information 351 is not less than 1.
[0135] When the result of decision in the step S53 is that the
present object for copy has been already viewed, or when updating
of the entities of the cumulative viewing time 362, the number of
viewing 363 or the number of operation 364 is already finished in
the reproducing process in FIG. 8, the process skips steps S54 to
S56 to go on to a step S57.
[0136] Conversely, when the result of decision in the step S53 is
that the present object for copy has not been viewed yet, the
process goes on to the step S54, where the preference information
management unit 68 estimates the time and the number of times at
which the title would be viewed by the user or the number of times
at which the operation would be given by the user after copying of
the title to the mobile apparatus 14, and updates the
operation/viewing history information 351 contained in the
operation/viewing history DB 71.
[0137] For instance, the preference information management unit 68
updates the operation/viewing history information 351 in a manner
that determines an increment or decrement range of values of the
cumulative viewing time 362, the number of viewing 363 and the
number of operation 364 based on a predefined function required to
take, as parameters, the values of the cumulative viewing time 362,
the number of viewing 363 and the number of operation 364.
[0138] After the user has completed copying of the title to the
mobile apparatus 14, the preference information management unit 68,
for instance, increments the value of the number of viewing 363 in
the operation/viewing history information 351 by 1 based on the
function required to take, as a parameter, the value of the number
of viewing 363 having been estimated that the user would be sure to
once watch the copied title.
[0139] It is to be noted that the above function may be also given
to be variable depending on a copying destination. In this case,
when the copying destination is specified as the removable media
43, for instance, it is allowable to provide a smaller increment
range of the values of the cumulative viewing time, 362, the number
of viewing 363 and the number of operation 364 as compared with the
case where the copying destination is specified as the mobile
apparatus 14, in consideration of a possibility that the copying of
an unscheduled title to be viewed is also involved as a temporary
measure.
[0140] The processing in the step S54 is followed by a step S55,
where the preference information management unit 68 decides whether
or not the values of the cumulative viewing time 362, the number of
viewing 363 and the number of operation 364 in the
operation/viewing history information 351 are less than the
prescribed threshold value. When the result of decision is that the
above values are less than the prescribed threshold value, the
process skips a step S56 to go on to a step S57.
[0141] Conversely, when the result of decision is that the values
of the cumulative viewing time 362, the number of viewing 363 and
the number of operation 364 in the operation/viewing history
information 351 are not less than the prescribed threshold value,
the process goes on to the step S56, where the preference
information management unit 68 reads out the recording title
information of the present object for copy from the recording title
information DB 70 through the recording title management unit 67,
and updates the preference information data 401 contained in the
preference information DB 72 based on the read recording title
information. In other words, the preference information management
unit 68 permits the preference information data 401 associated with
the present object for copy to be updated based on the recording
title information.
[0142] The processing in the step S56 is followed by a step S57,
where the copying control unit 63 reads out the present object for
copy from the auxiliary storage device 40, and copies the present
object for copy to the mobile apparatus 14 by providing the read
object for copy to the mobile apparatus 14 through the external
interface 44. Then, the process is returned to the step S52,
causing the above processing to be repeated until copying of all
the objects for copy is finished.
[0143] Conversely, when the result of decision in the step S52 is
that there is no object for copy still remaining to be copied, or
that copying of all the objects for copy is finished, the process
is brought to an end.
[0144] It is to be noted that while the above step S53 is required
for the preference information management unit 68 to, by deciding
whether or not the content of the number of viewing 363 is not less
than 1, decide whether or not the present object for copy has been
already viewed, it is also allowable to decide whether or not the
content of the cumulative viewing time 362, for instance, exceeds
50% of a time (which is hereinafter referred to as a total viewing
time) required for the user to watch all the titles specified as
the object for copy. In this case, in the step S54, the preference
information management unit 68 updates the content of the
cumulative viewing time 362 to provide the content as much as 50 or
100% of the total viewing time. When the content of the cumulative
viewing time 362 of the present object for copy is as much as 10%
of the total viewing time, for instance, the preference information
management unit 68 causes the content of the cumulative viewing
time 362 to be incremented by an amount as much as 40 or 90% of the
total viewing time.
[0145] When not only the number of operation 361 but also the
operation content history needs to be stored as the
operation/viewing history information 351, the preference
information management unit 68 may also update the content of the
operation/viewing history information 351 based on the stored
operation content history.
[0146] An operation such as fast-forwarding at short intervals or
skipping for 15 sec., when repeatedly given by the user earlier
than copying, for instance, is supposed to be that frequently taken
for the purpose of skipping over a commercial (CM) part contained
in the object for copy. In this case, the preference information
management unit 68 updates the operation/viewing history
information 351, on the presumption that the user would also watch
the object for copy at a probability as high as 70% after a
completion of copying. Alternatively, an edit operation, when
repeatedly given by the user earlier than copying, for instance, is
supposed to be that frequently taken for the purpose of cutting the
CM part contained in the object for copy and/or effecting a cut
operation to leave only a desired part contained therein. In this
case, the preference information management unit 68 updates the
operation/viewing history information 351 on the presumption that
the user would also watch the object for copy over and over after
the completion of copying.
[0147] Further, when no operation is given for a long period of
time since a last operation having been given by the user to watch
a beginning part of the object for copy only for a short period of
time (or 10 sec., for instance) earlier than copying, the
preference information management unit 68 updates the
operation/viewing history information 351 on the presumption that
the user would no more watch the object for copy after the
completion of copying.
[0148] Also, while the above step S53 decides whether or not the
present object for copy has been already viewed, it is also
allowable to decide whether or not the entities of the cumulative
viewing time 352, the number of viewing 363 or the number of
operation 364 in the operation/viewing history information 351 of
the present object for copy are not less than the threshold
value.
[0149] As described the above, when the title is copied to the
mobile apparatus 14, the preference information management unit 68
estimates the viewing time, the number of viewing and the number of
operation of the title in the mobile apparatus 14, updates the
operation/viewing history information 351, and causes the
preference information data 401 to be updated based on the updated
operation/viewing history information 351. Accordingly, in the case
where copying of the title to the mobile apparatus 14 serving as
the another apparatus is effected, the storage of the operation
and/or viewing history of the copied title is also ensured, causing
creation of more exact preference information data 401 to be
attained.
[0150] Recording schedule process required for the video
recording/reproducing apparatus 11 in FIG. 2 to take the recording
schedule of the content data is now described with reference to
FIG. 10. This recording schedule process is started when a
recording schedule command was given by operating the input unit 41
by the user, for instance.
[0151] In a step S71, the recording control unit 60 in FIG. 2
estimates the content data that would fit for the user's preference
based on both of the preference information data 401 supplied from
the preference information management unit 68 and the program
identification information 301 contained in the EPG DB 69.
[0152] When the key corresponding to the score of not less than the
prescribed value in the name keyword preference information 411,
the keyword preference information 412, the genre preference
information 413, the broadcasting time period preference
information 414 or the channel preference information 415 is
contained in the name 316, the content 317 and 318, the genre 315,
the broadcast start time 312, the broadcast end time 313 or the
distribution source 314, for instance, the recording control unit
60 estimates the content data corresponding to the above program
identification information 301 as the content data fit for the
user's preference.
[0153] Then, with the estimated content data specified as the
recommending content, the recording control unit 60 supplies the
recommending content information to the presenting unit 61 based on
the program identification information 301 of the specified
recommending content.
[0154] The processing in the Step S71 is followed by a step S72,
where the presenting unit 61 presents (or displays) the
recommending content information from the recording control unit 60
on the display apparatus 12. At this time, the user makes the
selection of the recommending content information of the content
data to be specified as the object for recording schedule by
operating the input unit 41, while taking a look at the presented
recommending content information on the display apparatus 12.
[0155] The processing in the step S72 is followed by a step S73,
where the recording schedule control unit 60 decides based on the
command given from the user through the input unit 41 whether or
not the user has made the selection of the recommending content
information of the content data to be specified as the object for
recording schedule. When the result of decision is that the user
has made no selection of the recommending content information, the
recording schedule control unit 60 is placed in a wait state until
the recommending content information is selected.
[0156] Conversely, when the result of decision in the step S73 is
that the user has made the selection of the recommending content
information of the content data to be specified as the object for
recording schedule, the recording control unit 60 provides the
content of the program ID 311 of the object for recording schedule,
before the process goes on to a step S74.
[0157] In the step S74, the recording schedule management unit 66
takes the recording schedule by, after acquiring the program
identification information 301 of the object for recording schedule
from the EPG DB 69 based on the content of the program ID 311 from
the recording control unit 60, causing the acquired information to
be stored in the incorporated storage unit.
[0158] After the completion of the recording schedule, the
recording schedule management unit 66 supplies the information
representing the content of the distribution source 314 and the
recording command to the recording control unit 60 at the broadcast
start time of the object for recording schedule based on both of
the content of the broadcast start time 312 of the program
identification information 301 contained in the incorporated
storage unit and the measured present time given by the time
measuring unit (not shown). The recording control unit 60 controls
the tuner 31 to receive the object for recording schedule at the
broadcast start time based on both of the information representing
the content of the distribution source 314 and the recording
command, causing the received object for recording schedule to be
stored in the auxiliary storage device 40.
[0159] After the completion of the storage of the object for
recording schedule in the auxiliary storage device 40, the
recording control unit 60 supplies the content of the program ID
311 of the program identification information 301 of the object for
recording schedule to the recording title management unit 67. The
recording title management unit 67 reads out the program
identification information 301 of the object for recording schedule
from the EPG DB 69 based on the content of the program ID 311,
causing the read program identification information to be stored as
the recording title information in the recording title information
DB 70 before providing the program ID of the recording title
information to the preference information management unit 68.
[0160] The preference information management unit 68 creates, based
on the program ID supplied from the recording title management unit
67, the operation/viewing history information 351 of the object for
recording schedule requiring that the supplied program ID is
specified as the content of the title ID 361, causing the created
operation/viewing history information to be stored in the
operation/viewing history information DB 71.
[0161] As described the above, the video recording/reproducing
apparatus 11 in FIG. 2 permits the content data fit for the user's
preference to be estimated based on the preference information data
401, and with the estimated content data specified as the
recommending content, causes the recommending content information
of the specified recommending content to be presented. Thus,
creation of the more exact preference information data 401 in the
above copying process in FIG. 9 is supposed to be adaptable to
provide the recommending content more fit for the user's preference
for the user.
[0162] Accordingly, in the case where the title contained in the
video recording/reproducing apparatus 11 is constantly viewed by
the user after being copied to the mobile apparatus 14, the video
recording/reproducing apparatus 11 may also provide the
recommending content more fit for the user's preference.
[0163] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing another functional
configuration example of the video recording/reproducing apparatus
11 in FIG. 1.
[0164] The video recording/reproducing apparatus 11 in FIG. 11 is
provided with a copying control unit 701 and a preference
information management unit 702 as substitutes for the copying
control unit 63 and the preference information management unit 68
of the video recording/reproducing apparatus 11 in FIG. 2, and
copies the operation/viewing history information 351 (See FIG. 5)
of the object for copy together with the title to be specified as
the object for copy, when copying of the title is required. It is
to be noted that like reference numerals are given to like units as
those in FIG. 2, so that their description is passed over.
[0165] Like the copying control unit 63 in FIG. 2, the copying
control unit 701 causes the selection display 501 (See FIG. 7) for
selection of the object for copy to be displayed on the display
apparatus 12 based on the recording title information supplied from
the recording title management unit 67. Further, provided that the
title corresponding to the check-marked check box 511 given by the
user is specified as the object for copy, the copying control unit
701 reads out the object for copy from the auxiliary storage device
40 in response to the command from the input unit 41.
[0166] Then, the copying control unit 701 controls the recording
title management unit 67, so that the program ID of the recording
title information of the object for copy is supplied to the
preference information management unit 702. The copying control
unit 701 appends specific information as information specifying the
video recording/reproducing apparatus 11 having been copied, before
copying of the object for copy and the supplied operation/viewing
history information 351 (See FIG. 5) from the preference
information management unit 701 to the mobile apparatus 14 through
the external interface 44 in FIG. 1. It is to be noted that the
specific information may be an ID unique to the video
recording/reproducing apparatus 11, or alternatively, when the
copying control unit 701 manages a time (which is hereinafter
referred to as a copying time) that the copying was effected, the
copying time etc. is also available as the specific
information.
[0167] Further, the copying control unit 701 reads out the
operation/viewing history information 351 and the specific
information from the mobile apparatus 14, causing the read
operation/viewing history information 351 to be supplied to the
preference information management unit 701 based on the read
specific information.
[0168] Like the preference information management unit 68 in FIG.
2, the preference information management unit 702 creates the
operation/viewing history information 351 based on the recording
title information supplied from the recording title management unit
67, causing the created operation/viewing history information to be
stored in the operation/viewing history DB 71. Further, the
preference information management unit 702 updates the
operation/viewing history information 351 contained in the
operation/viewing history DB 71, while monitoring the viewing
control unit 62 and the copying control unit 701.
[0169] Further, like the preference information management unit 68
in FIG. 2, the preference information management unit 702 generates
the user's preference information data 401 based on the
operation/viewing history information 351 contained in the
operation/viewing history DB 71, causing the generated preference
information data 401 to stored in the preference information DB 72
before being managed.
[0170] Further, the preference information management unit 702
reads out the operation/viewing history information 351 of the
object for copy from the operation/viewing history DB 71 based on
the program ID of the recording title information of the object for
copy supplied from the recording title management unit 67, causing
the read operation/viewing history information 351 to be supplied
from the copying control unit 701.
[0171] Further, the preference information management unit 702 also
updates the operation/viewing history information 351 contained in
the operation/viewing history DB 71 based on the operation/viewing
history information 351 supplied from the copying control unit
701.
[0172] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a functional
configuration example of the mobile apparatus 14 connected to the
video recording/reproducing apparatus 11 shown in FIG. 11 through
the external interface 44.
[0173] The mobile apparatus 14 in FIG. 12 includes a viewing
control unit 901, a reproducing unit 902, a preference information
management unit 903, and an operation/viewing history DB 904.
[0174] In response to the command given by the user through the
input unit 107 in FIG. 3, the viewing control unit 901 controls the
reproducing unit 902, so that the title contained in the storage
unit 105 is reproduced (or displayed). The reproducing unit 902
reproduces the title under control of the viewing control unit
901.
[0175] The preference information management unit 903 updates the
operation/viewing history information 351 contained in the
operation/viewing history DB 904, while monitoring the viewing
control unit 62. The operation/viewing history DB 904 stores the
operation/viewing history information 351 supplied from the copying
control unit 701 in FIG. 11 and the appended specific information
with respect thereto in such a manner as to be corresponded with
each other.
[0176] The copying process required for the video
recording/reproducing apparatus 11 in FIG. 11 to copy the title to
the mobile apparatus 14 is now described with reference to FIG. 13.
This copying process is started when the copying command was given
by operating the input unit 41 by the user to select the execution
button 513 after checking the check box 511 of the selection
display 501 in FIG. 7.
[0177] The processing in steps S91 and S92 is the same as that in
the steps S51 and 52 in FIG. 9, so that its description is passed
over.
[0178] The processing in the step S92 is followed by a step S93,
where the copying control unit 701 supplies the program ID of the
recording title information of the present object for viewing to
the preference information management unit 702, before the process
goes on to a step S94.
[0179] In the step S94, the preference information management unit
702 reads out, from the operation/viewing history information DB
71, the operation/viewing history information 351 having the same
content of the title ID 361 as the supplied program ID in the step
S93, causing the read operation/viewing history information to be
supplied to the copying control unit 701, before the process goes
on to a step S95.
[0180] In the step S95, the copying control unit 701 effects
appending of the specific information, before copying of the title
specified as the present object for copy and the supplied
operation/viewing history information 351 in the step S94 to the
storage unit 105 of the mobile apparatus 14 through the external
interface 44, leading to an end of the process.
[0181] As described the above, the user, if the title is once
copied to the mobile apparatus 14 in FIG. 12, may watch the copied
title at a desired place, with the mobile apparatus 14 carried
after being removed from the video recording/reproducing apparatus
11 in FIG. 11, for instance. Specifically, in response to the
viewing (or reproducing) command from the user, the viewing control
unit 901 controls the reproducing unit 902, so that the title to be
specified as the copied object for reproducing in the storage unit
105 is reproduced.
[0182] Further, the viewing control unit 901 controls the
reproducing operation to be performed by the reproducing unit 902
depending on the operation given by the user to the input unit 107
for performing the reproducing-related process other than the
reproducing process. The preference information management unit 903
updates the operation/viewing history information 351 in the
operation/viewing history DB 904 based on the viewing time, the
number of viewing or the number of operation of the title, while
monitoring the viewing control unit 901.
[0183] When copying of a new title to the mobile apparatus 14 in
FIG. 12 is required, the user makes reconnection between the mobile
apparatus 14 and the video recording/reproducing apparatus 11 in
FIG. 11. At this time, the video recording/reproducing apparatus 11
in FIG. 11 reads out the operation/viewing history information 351
and the specific information from the operation/viewing history DB
904 of the mobile apparatus 14, and updates the operation/viewing
history information 351 in the operation/viewing history DB 71
based on both of the read operation/viewing history information 351
and the read specific information.
[0184] An operation/viewing history information update process
required for the video recording/reproducing apparatus 11 in FIG.
11 to update the operation/viewing history information 351 is now
described with reference to FIG. 14. This operation/viewing history
information update process is started when the connection of the
mobile apparatus 14 to the video recording/reproducing apparatus 11
is established, for instance.
[0185] In a step S111, the copying control unit 701 reads out (or
receives) the operation/viewing history information 351 and the
specific information from the operation/viewing history DB 904 of
the mobile apparatus 14, before the process goes on to a step
S112.
[0186] In the step S112, the copying control unit 701 decides based
on the specific information whether or not the operation/viewing
history information 351 of one's own copied title is contained in
the read operation/viewing history information 351 in the step
S111.
[0187] Specifically, when the ID of the video recording/reproducing
apparatus 11 is given as the specific information, for instance,
the copying control unit 701 decides whether or not one's own
appended ID of the video recording/reproducing apparatus 11 agrees
with the specific information. Alternatively, when the copying time
is given as the specific information, the copying control unit 701
decides whether or not one's own managed copying time agrees with
the specific information.
[0188] When the result of decision in the step S112 is that the
operation/viewing history information 351 of one's own copied title
is contained, the process goes on to a step S113, where the copying
control unit 701 supplies the operation/viewing history information
351 of one's own copied title to the preference information
management unit 702, before the process goes on to a step S114.
[0189] In the step S114, the preference information management unit
702 updates, based on the title ID 361 of the supplied
operation/viewing history information 351 in the step S113, the
operation/viewing history information 351 corresponding to the same
title ID 361 as the title ID 361 of the supplied operation/viewing
history information 351, providing the operation/viewing history
information 351 to be supplied in the step S113.
[0190] The processing in the Step S114 is followed by a step S115,
where the preference information management unit 702 decides
whether or not the values of the cumulative viewing time 362, the
number of viewing 363 and the number of operation 364 of the
operation/viewing history information 351 are less than the
prescribed threshold value. When the result of decision is that the
above values are less than the prescribed threshold value, the
process is brought to an end.
[0191] Conversely, when the result of the decision in the step S115
is that the values of the cumulative viewing time 362, the number
of viewing 363 and the number of operation 364 of the
operation/viewing history information 351 are not less than the
prescribed threshold value, the process goes on to a step S116,
where the preference information management unit 702 reads out the
recording title information corresponding to the updated
operation/viewing history information 351 in the step S114 from the
recording title information DB 70 through the recording title
management unit 67, and updates the preference information data 401
in the preference information DB 72 based on the read recording
title information, leading to an end of the process.
[0192] It is to be noted that the processing in the steps S115 and
S116 needs to be taken for each updated operation/viewing history
information given in the step S114.
[0193] Conversely, when the result of decision in the step S112 is
that no operation/viewing history information 351 of one's own
copied title is contained, the process skips the steps S113 and
S114, leading to an end of the process.
[0194] As described the above, the video recording/reproducing
apparatus 11 in FIG. 11 permits one's own contained
operation/viewing history information 351 to be updated after
acquiring, from the mobile apparatus 14 in FIG. 12, the
operation/viewing history information 351 of one's own copied
title, that is, the operation/viewing history information 351 in
which the viewing time, the number of viewing and the number of
operation in the mobile apparatus 14 are all reflected, so that the
preference information data 401 created based on the updated
operation/viewing history information 351 results in more exact
preference information data.
[0195] While the above is described as related to the recording
schedule taken through the operation given by the user to select
the content data to be specified as the object for recording
schedule among the recommending content, it is to be understood
that the present invention is not limited to the above selecting
operation given by the user, and it is also allowable to automate
the recording schedule of the recommending content. Alternatively,
it is also allowable to take the recording schedule in such a
manner that automated recording schedule is used for the content
involving the corresponding preference information data 401
exceeding the prescribed threshold value among the recommending
content, while the recording schedule through the operation by the
user is used for only the content data selected as the object for
recording schedule among the remaining recommending content.
[0196] The number of operation 364 may be also in the form of
information representing not only the reproducing-related
operations having been given by the user in the course of replay of
the title, but also a number at which the operation for recording
the content data was given by the user.
[0197] As described the above, the video recording/reproducing
apparatus 11, when the object for copy is copied, ensures that the
preference information management unit 68 updates the preference
information data 401 associated with the title of the copied object
for copy, permitting the preference information data 401 to be
acquired with higher accuracy.
[0198] It is to be understood in the present specification that the
steps describing the program stored in the program recording medium
includes not only time-series processing to be performed in
described sequence, but also processing to be performed in parallel
or individually although not always performed in time series.
[0199] It is to be also understood that the embodiments of the
present invention are not limited to the above, and various changes
may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention.
* * * * *