U.S. patent application number 13/936877 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-07 for apparatus capable of executing at least reproducing process on content, recording and reproducing system, and title information managing method.
The applicant listed for this patent is Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba. Invention is credited to Katsuya Ohno.
Application Number | 20130294744 13/936877 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40136592 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130294744 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ohno; Katsuya |
November 7, 2013 |
APPARATUS CAPABLE OF EXECUTING AT LEAST REPRODUCING PROCESS ON
CONTENT, RECORDING AND REPRODUCING SYSTEM, AND TITLE INFORMATION
MANAGING METHOD
Abstract
According to one embodiment, there is provided an apparatus
capable of executing at least a reproducing process on content. The
apparatus includes a title information acquiring unit configured to
acquire title information on content subjected at least to the
reproducing process for each of content obtained via a network and
content obtained from a removable recording medium, and a history
holding unit configured to hold the title information acquired by
the title information acquiring unit, as a history.
Inventors: |
Ohno; Katsuya; (Tokyo,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
40136592 |
Appl. No.: |
13/936877 |
Filed: |
July 8, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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12140231 |
Jun 16, 2008 |
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13936877 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
386/239 ;
386/353 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 27/322 20130101;
H04N 9/87 20130101; G11B 27/034 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
386/239 ;
386/353 |
International
Class: |
H04N 9/87 20060101
H04N009/87 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 25, 2007 |
JP |
2007-166632 |
Claims
1. An apparatus configured to execute at least a reproducing
process of a content, the apparatus comprising: a title information
acquiring module configured to acquire title information of the
content that is to be subjected to the reproducing process from a
source of the content, before the content is reproduced, wherein
the content is received from at least two sources selected from the
group consisting of a broadcasting wave, a network, and a removable
recording medium; and a history holding module configured to hold,
in a lump, the title information acquired by the title information
acquiring module as a history.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein for the content received from
the network, the title information acquiring module is configured
to acquire title information via a server providing the
content.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein for the content retrieved from
the removable recording medium, the title information acquiring
module is configured to acquire title information from the
recording medium if the title information is recorded in the
recording medium.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein for the content retrieved from
the removable recording medium, the title information acquiring
module is configured to acquire title information from a
predetermined server via a network on the basis of information
inherent in the content if the title information is not recorded in
the recording medium.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is capable of
executing a recording process on the content received from
broadcast signals.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein for the content received
through the broadcasting wave, the title information acquiring
module is configured to acquire title information from an
electronic program guide.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a control module
configured to transmit a list of the title information contained in
the history held in the history holding module to an external
device in response to a predetermined command transmitted from the
external device via the network.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a control module
configured to search the history using title information or a part
of the title information transmitted from an external device via
the network, and to a search a search result to the external
device.
9. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a control module
configured to search, when the content is either downloaded or
programmed is be recorded, the history for title information on the
content and to provide an indication to a user if the title
information is present in the history.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a control module
configured to cause a display of a screen which allows a user to
specify whether or not to save title information as part of a
history.
11. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the history holding module is
configured to hold title information of the content has been
subjected to the recording process in addition to title information
of the content that has been subjected to the reproducing
process.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a control module
configured to cause a display of a screen which allows a user to
modify the history.
13. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a control module
configured to execute a predetermined authenticating process
between the apparatus and the external device, and to permit the
apparatus to provide information to the external device if the
authentication succeeds.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the title information
acquiring module is configured to acquire a second title
information of a second content related to a first content, the
second content retrieved separately from the first content, and the
history holding module is further is configured to hold the title
information of the second content.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a control module
configured to cause a display of a message related to the title
information of the second content or to notify a user of the title
information via a network.
16. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a control module
configured to cause a display of a screen which allows a user to
specify whether or not to acquire title information via a
network.
17. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a control module
configured to acquire title information from a predetermined server
via a network and transmit the acquired title information to the
external device when external device transmits a predetermined
command to the apparatus via a network.
18. A recording and reproducing system comprising: a reproducing
apparatus configured to execute a reproducing process on a content;
and a recording and reproducing apparatus connected to the
reproducing apparatus via a network and configured to execute a
recording process and the reproducing process on a content, each of
the reproducing apparatus and the recording and reproducing
apparatus comprising a title information acquiring module
configured to acquire title information of a content to be
subjected to the reproducing process from a source of the content,
before the content is reproduced, wherein the content is received
from at least two sources selected from the group consisting of a
broadcasting wave, a network, and a removable recording medium, and
a history holding module configured to hold, in a lump, the title
information acquired by the title information acquiring module as a
history.
19. The recording and reproducing system of claim 18, wherein at
least one of the reproducing apparatus and the recording and
reproducing apparatus further comprises a control module configured
to transmit title information contained in the history held in the
history holding module of each of the reproducing apparatus and the
recording and reproducing apparatus, to an external device in
response to a predetermined command transmitted from the external
device via the network or a predetermined operation performed in
one of the reproducing apparatus and the recording and reproducing
apparatus.
20. A title information managing method applied to an apparatus
configured to execute at least a reproducing process of a content
using a processor, the method comprising: acquiring title
information of the content to be subjected to the reproducing
process from a source of the content, before the content is
reproduced, wherein the content is received from at least two
sources selected from the group consisting of a broadcasting wave,
a network, and a removable recording medium; and holding, in a
lump, the acquired title information as a history.
21. An apparatus configured to output video content, comprising: a
title information acquiring module configured to acquire title
information of the content that is to be subjected to the
reproducing process from a source of the content, before the
content is reproduced, wherein the content is received from
different types of sources; and a control module configured to
detect whether or not the content has already been reproduced,
using the acquired title information of the content, and to output
information indicating that the content has already been reproduced
if the content has already been reproduced.
22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the control module is
configured to cause a display of a message inquiring whether or not
an acquisition of the content is to be executed as well as the
message indicating that the content has already been reproduced if
the content has already been reproduced.
23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the control module is
configured to cause a display of a message inquiring whether or not
a recording programming of the content is be set as well as the
message indicating that the content has already been reproduced if
the content has already been reproduced.
24. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the title information
comprises information indicating a reproduction count of the
content.
25. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the title information
comprises information indicating at least one of a title, genre,
synopsis, cast, director, reproduction count, and source.
26. A title information managing method applied to an apparatus
configured to execute at least a reproducing process of a content
using a processor, the method comprising: acquiring title
information of the content to be subjected to the reproducing
process from a source of the content, before the content is
reproduced, wherein the content is received from different types of
sources; and detecting whether or not the content has already been
reproduced, using the acquired title information of the content,
and outputting information indicating that the content has already
been reproduced if the content has already been reproduced.
Description
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS
[0001] Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic
priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed
with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference
under 37 CFR 1.57. In particular, this application is a divisional
application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/140,231, filed
Jun. 16, 2008, and entitled "APPARATUS CAPABLE OF EXECUTING AT
LEAST REPRODUCING PROCESS ON CONTENT, RECORDING AND REPRODUCING
SYSTEM, AND TITLE INFORMATION MANAGING METHOD," which is based upon
and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application
No. 2007-166632, filed Jun. 25, 2007, both of which are hereby
incorporated by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] One embodiment of the invention relates to an apparatus
capable of executing at least a reproducing process on content, a
recording and reproducing system, and a title information managing
method.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Generally, recording and reproducing apparatuses capable of
executing processes of recording and reproducing contents includes
a library function of managing the titles of the contents recorded
in a hard disk or the like through broadcasting waves or the like.
However, the library function manages only the titles of the
recorded contents and cannot manage the titles of contents
reproduced from other sources, for example, the titles of contents
of digital versatile discs (DVDs) rented at shops or the like.
[0006] Various techniques of managing information on contents have
been proposed which techniques are different from the management of
the titles.
[0007] For example, Jpn. Pat. Appin. KOKAI Publication No.
2005-167818 discloses reception of content and reception and
storage of public metadata (user information, program recording
information, material organization information, reproduction
control information, evaluation/statistics information, link
information, and historical information). Jpn. Pat. Appin. KOKAI
Publication No. 2004-72396 discloses storage of not only EPG data
but also data (viewing rate information, recording rate
information, and the like) related to the content. Jpn. Pat. Appin.
KOKAI Publication No. 2003-316367 discloses storage of historical
information on actions such as downloading, streaming reproduction,
and reproduction skipping of the content.
[0008] As described above, the conventional library function
manages only the title of the content recorded through the
broadcasting wave or the like. Thus, although the title of content
obtained from a single source can be managed, the titles of
contents from different sources cannot be managed in an integrated
fashion. Consequently, it is impossible to display the titles of
various reproduced contents on a display unit, for example,
contents reproduced from a removable recording medium (package
medium or the like) and contents acquired and reproduced via a
network. This applies not only to recording and reproducing
apparatuses but also reproducing apparatuses (playback-only
apparatuses).
[0009] Furthermore, the above-described integrated management
cannot be achieved using the techniques described in the
above-described three documents.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] A general architecture that implements the various feature
of the invention will now be described with reference to the
drawings. The drawings and the associated descriptions are provided
to illustrate embodiments of the invention and not to limit the
scope of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing an example of the
configuration of a system including a recording and reproducing
apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is an exemplary diagram showing an example of a
history held in a recording and reproducing title history holding
unit in FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 3 is an exemplary flowchart showing an operation for
saving title information on content obtained through broadcasting
waves, as a reproduction history;
[0014] FIG. 4 is an exemplary flowchart showing an operation for
saving title information on content obtained by streaming or
downloading via a network;
[0015] FIG. 5 is an exemplary flowchart showing an operation for
saving title information on content obtained from an optical disc
that is a removable recording medium, as a reproduction
history;
[0016] FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram showing an example of an
authenticating process based on a check of a password;
[0017] FIG. 7 is an exemplary diagram showing an example of a
screen displayed on a terminal in response to a request for a
search of a reproduction history;
[0018] FIG. 8 is an exemplary diagram showing an example of a
screen displayed on the terminal in response to a request for
browsing of the reproduction history;
[0019] FIG. 9 is an exemplary diagram showing an example of a
screen displayed on a display device when recording programming is
specified for the same title as that previously reproduced;
[0020] FIG. 10 an exemplary diagram showing an example of a screen
displayed on the display device when downloading is specified for
the same title as that previously reproduced;
[0021] FIG. 11 is an exemplary diagram showing an example of a list
of preview titles displayed on the display device or the screen of
the terminal;
[0022] FIG. 12 is an exemplary diagram of an example of a system
that manages the titles of contents from different sources using a
reproducing apparatus; and
[0023] FIG. 13 is an exemplary diagram showing an example of a
system that manages the titles of contents from different sources
using the recording and reproducing apparatus and the reproducing
apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] Various embodiments according to the invention will be
described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.
In general, according to one embodiment of the invention, there is
provided an apparatus capable of executing at least a reproducing
process on content. The apparatus includes a title information
acquiring unit configured to acquire title information on content
subjected at least to the reproducing process for each of content
obtained via a network and content obtained from a removable
recording medium; and a history holding unit configured to hold the
title information acquired by the title information acquiring unit,
as a history.
[0025] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing an example of the
configuration of a recording and reproducing apparatus according to
an embodiment of the invention.
[0026] The present system has a recording and reproducing apparatus
1, a display device 2, a remote controller 3, a server 4, and a
terminal 5. The recording and reproducing apparatus 1, the server
4, and the terminal 5 can be connected together via a network
N.
[0027] The recording and reproducing apparatus 1 can execute
processes of recording and reproducing various contents from
different sources, such as contents obtained through a broadcasting
wave H, contents obtained via the network N, and contents obtained
from an optical disc D as a removable recording medium (package
medium or the like).
[0028] The display device 2 displays, on a screen, contents
reproduced or output from the recording and reproducing apparatus 1
and various pieces of information related to the contents.
[0029] The remote controller 3 is an input device via which the
recording and reproducing apparatus 1 or the display device 2 is
operated.
[0030] The server 4 is an information processing apparatus that can
provide various pieces of information such as content and title
information on the content, and a different content accompanying
the above-described content and title information on the different
content, to the recording and reproducing apparatus 1 or the like
via the network N.
[0031] The recording and reproducing apparatus 1 has a control unit
11, a network interface 12, an optical disc driving unit 13, a
recording unit 14, a reproducing process unit 15, a title
information acquiring unit 16, a recording and reproducing title
history holding unit 17, a title information comparing unit 18, and
a display processing unit 19. The recording unit 14 has a tuner
unit 14a, an electronic program guide (EPG) acquiring unit 14b,
recording title information 14c, a recording process unit 14d, and
a hard disk 14e.
[0032] The control unit 11 corresponds to a processor that is
responsible for the operation of the whole recording and
reproducing apparatus 1. The control unit 11 implements various
functions by executing predetermined programs.
[0033] The network interface 12 is a communication device that
executes an interface process between the recording and reproducing
apparatus 1 and the network N.
[0034] The optical disc driving unit 13 is a device that, for
example, drives the optical disc D (for example, DVD) as a
recording media that is removable from the recording and
reproducing apparatus 1, to read data from the optical disc D.
[0035] The recording unit 14 records contents obtained through the
broadcasting wave H and contents obtained via the network N. The
recording unit 14 has a function of allowing the recording title
information holding unit 14c to hold title information on content
as recording history every time a process of recording the content
is executed. The tuner unit 14a extracts content such as a
broadcasting program from the broadcasting wave H received by an
antenna. The EPG acquiring unit 14b acquires EPG provided through
the broadcasting wave H. The recording title information holding
unit 14c acquires title information on content to be subjected a
recording process by the recording unit 14, from, for example, EPG.
The recording process unit 14d executes a process of recording
content and information on the content. The hard disk 14e stores,
for example, content subjected to the recording process by the
recording process unit 14d. The title information may be recorded
in the hard disk 14e.
[0036] The reproducing process unit 15 executes a process of
reproducing contents obtained through the broadcasting wave H
(real-time reproduction, reproduction after recording), a process
of reproducing content obtained via the network N (streaming
reproduction, reproduction after downloading), and a process of
reproducing content obtained from the optical disc D.
[0037] The title information acquiring unit 16 acquires title
information on content subjected to at least to the reproducing
process, for each of the content obtained through the broadcasting
wave H, the content obtained via the network N, and the content
obtained from the optical disc D. The title information acquiring
unit 16 can acquire not only the title information on the content
subjected to the reproducing process but also title information on
content subjected to the recording process (the title information
held in the recording title information holding unit 14c).
[0038] For the content obtained through the broadcasting wave H,
the title information acquiring unit 16 acquires the title
information from, for example, EPG. For the content obtained via
the network N, the title information acquiring unit 16 acquires the
title information, for example, from the server 4 providing the
content, via the network N. For the content obtained from the
optical disc D, the title information acquiring unit 16 acquires
the title information from the optical disc if the title
information is recorded in the optical disc D. On the other hand,
if the title information is not recorded in the optical disc D, the
title information acquiring unit 16 acquires the title information,
for example, from the server 4 via the network N on the basis of
the optical disc D or information inherent in the contents.
[0039] The title information acquiring unit 16 can acquire the
title information on the different content (for example, the
different content that can be downloaded via the network N) which
accompanies the content subjected to the reproducing process and
which can be acquired separately from the content subjected to the
reproducing process. Furthermore, the title information acquiring
unit 16 can acquire the title information, for example, from the
server 4 through the network N when the terminal 5 transmits a
predetermined command to the apparatus via the network N.
[0040] The recording and reproducing title history holding unit 17
holds the title information acquired by the title information
acquiring unit 16, as a history. The recording and reproducing
title history holding unit 17 can hold the title information on the
content subjected to the reproducing process and the title
information on the content subjected to the reproducing process
(the title information held in the recording title information
holding unit 14c), as a history.
[0041] When a certain piece of title information is specified by
the terminal 5, the remote controller 3, or the like, the title
information comparing unit 18 compares this title information with
each piece of the title information contained in the history held
in the recording and reproducing history holding unit 17 to
determine whether or not the search target title information is
present in the history.
[0042] The display processing unit 19 forms an image that displays
content reproduced or output from the recording and reproducing
apparatus 1 and various pieces of information accompanying the
content, and outputs the image to the display device 2.
[0043] If the control unit 11 fails to acquire the title
information on the contents to be subjected to the recording
process by the recording unit 14, from EPG, the control unit 11 can
allow the display device 2 to display a message urging the user to
input title information or can acquire the title information via
the network N.
[0044] Furthermore, in response to a predetermined operation of the
remote controller 3 on the recording and reproducing apparatus 1,
the control unit 11 can allow the display device 2 to output,
through the display processing unit 19, a list of the title
information contained in the history held by the recording and
reproducing history holding unit 17.
[0045] Upon receiving, at the network interface 12, a predetermined
command transmitted from the terminal 5 via the network N, the
control unit 11 can transmit, for example, the list of the title
information contained in the history held in the recording and
reproducing history holding unit 17.
[0046] Upon receiving, at the network interface 12, the title
information or a part of the title information transmitted from the
terminal 5 via the network N, the control unit 11 can search the
history held in the recording and reproducing history holding unit
17 for this title information and return the result of the search
(for example, the presence or absence of the search target title
information) to the terminal 5.
[0047] Furthermore, when content is downloaded or recording
programming is set, the control unit 11 can search the recording
and reproducing history holding unit 17 for the title information
on the content. If corresponding title information is present in
the recording and reproducing history holding unit 17, the control
unit 11 can provide a display gathering the user's attention, on
the display device 2 (or the terminal 5).
[0048] The control unit 11 can also allow the display device 2 (or
terminal 5) to display a screen on which the user can specify
whether or not to save the title information to the recording and
reproducing history holding unit 17 as a history.
[0049] The control unit 11 can also allow the display device 2 (or
terminal 5) to display a screen on which the user can change
(correct, delete, or the like) the history saved in the recording
and reproducing history holding unit 17.
[0050] Furthermore, when the terminal 5 accesses the recording and
reproducing apparatus 1, the control unit 11 executes a
predetermined authenticating process (a check of a password or the
like) between the recording and reproducing apparatus 1 and the
terminal 5. If the authentication succeeds, the control unit 11
permits the recording and reproducing apparatus 1 to provide the
information to the terminal 5.
[0051] In providing information to the terminal 5, the control unit
11 can execute an encoding process that allows the encoded
information to be decoded at the terminal 5 via the authenticating
process.
[0052] The control unit 11 can also allow the display device to
display a message relating to the title information on the
different content which accompanies the content subjected to the
reproducing process and which can be acquired separately from the
content subjected to the reproducing process. Alternatively, the
control unit 11 can allow the message to be communicated to the
terminal 5 via the network.
[0053] The control unit 11 can also allow the display device 2 to
display a screen on which the user can specify whether or not to
acquire the title information via the network N.
[0054] Furthermore, when the terminal 5 transmits a predetermined
command to the recording and reproducing apparatus via the network
N, the control unit 11 can acquire corresponding title information
from the server 4 via the network N and transmit the title
information acquired to the terminal 5.
[0055] FIG. 2 is an exemplary diagram showing an example of the
history held in the recording and reproducing title history holding
unit 17.
[0056] The individual pieces of title information recorded in the
recording and reproducing title history holding unit 17 as a
history include the title and the genre, synopsis, cast and
director, reproduction count, and source of the title. Thus,
besides the basic pieces of information (title, genre, synopsis,
cast, and director) on the title, the "reproduction count" and the
"source" are held as a history; the "reproduction count" indicates
the number of times that the title has been reproduced so far and
the "source" indicates from what source the title has been
obtained. All or a part of the history can be displayed on the
terminal 5 or the display device 2 in response to an instruction
from the user.
[0057] FIGS. 3 to 5 are exemplary flowcharts showing that an
operation of saving title information as a reproduction history
during a process of reproducing content varies depending on the
source of the content.
[0058] First, with reference to FIG. 3, description will be given
of an operation of saving the title information on the content
obtained through the broadcasting wave H, as a reproduction
history.
[0059] Here, it is assumed that the title information on the
content obtained through the broadcasting wave H is already saved
in the recording title information holding unit 14c.
[0060] To reproduce the content, the control unit 11 determines
whether or not to save the title information on the content as a
reproduction history (step S11). Here, the user may be urged to
specify whether or not to save the title information every time the
reproduction process is executed or whether or not to save the
title information may be determined in accordance with information
preset by the user.
[0061] If the title information is not saved, the process is ended.
Otherwise, the title information on the content is acquired from
the recording title holding unit 14c (step S12).
[0062] Finally, the title information acquired is stored in the
recording and reproducing title history holding unit 17 as a
reproduction history (step S13).
[0063] Now, with reference to FIG. 4, description will be given of
an operation for saving the title information on the content
obtained by streaming or downloading via the network N, as a
reproduction history.
[0064] Here, it is assumed that the title information on the
content is already saved on the server 4.
[0065] To reproduce the content, the control unit 11 determines
whether or not to save the title information on the content as a
reproduction history (step S21). Here, the user may be urged to
specify whether or not to save the title information every time the
reproduction process is executed or whether or not to save the
title information may be determined in accordance with information
preset by the user.
[0066] If the title information is not saved, the process is ended.
Otherwise, corresponding title information is acquired from the
server 4 providing the content, via the network N (step S22).
[0067] Finally, the title information acquired is stored in the
recording and reproducing title history holding unit 17 as a
reproduction history (step S23).
[0068] In the case of the content obtained by streaming or
downloading via the network N, the server 4 providing the content
may have the user's viewing history (including the title
information). In this case, the title information is not acquired
during reproduction, but when the terminal 5 or the like accesses
the recording and reproducing apparatus 1 (in order to request
browsing of the reproduction history), all of the viewing history
may be acquired from the content server.
[0069] Now, with reference to FIG. 5, description will be given of
an operation for saving the title information on the content
obtained from the optical disc D, as a reproduction history.
[0070] Here, it is assumed that the title information may be
recorded in the optical disc D together with the content or the
title information is held on the server 4 providing the content
instead of being recorded in the optical disc D together with the
content.
[0071] To reproduce the content, the control unit 11 determines
whether or not to save the title information on the content as a
reproduction history (step S31). Here, the user may be urged to
specify whether or not to save the title information every time the
reproduction process is executed or whether or not to save the
title information may be determined in accordance with information
preset by the user.
[0072] If the title information is not saved, the process is ended.
Otherwise, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the title
information is present in the optical disc D (step S32).
[0073] If the title information is present in the optical disc D,
the title information is acquired from the optical disc D (step
S33). On the other hand, if the title information is not present in
the optical disc D, the control unit 11 determines whether or not
to transmit information inherent in the optical disc (or
information inherent in the content) to the server 4 in order to
acquire the title information (step S34). Here, the user may be
urged to specify whether or not to acquire the title information
via the network every time the reproduction process is executed or
whether or not to acquire the title information via the network may
be determined in accordance with information preset by the
user.
[0074] If the title information is not acquired via the network,
the process is ended. On the other hand, if the title information
is acquired via the network, the information inherent in the
optical disc D (or the information inherent in the content) is
transmitted to the server 4 (step S35). The title information is
then received from the server 4 (step S36).
[0075] Finally, the title information acquired is stored in the
recording and reproducing title history holding unit 17 as a
reproduction history (step S37).
[0076] As described above, the user can specify whether or not to
save the title information as a reproduction history. Furthermore,
even after the title information is saved as a reproduction
history, the user can perform edition or deletion of the
reproduction history, addition of a reproduction history, or the
like. If the title information cannot be obtained from the content
source, it is possible to store, as a reproduction history, the
title information acquired by the user operating the remote
controller 3 or the terminal 5 to perform a search on the Internet
or the title information directly input by the user via the remote
controller 3 or the terminal 5.
[0077] The recording and reproducing apparatus 1 according to the
present embodiment can search the history stored in the recording
and reproducing title history holding unit 17 or the title
information held in the recording title information holding unit
14c, for the title information transmitted from external equipment
such as the terminal 5 via the network N. The recording and
reproducing apparatus 1 can then return the presence or absence of
the history to the external equipment. Alternatively, the recording
and reproducing apparatus can transmit all or a part of the history
in accordance with a command transmitted via the network N. In this
case, to prevent the information in the history from being unfairly
acquired by the external equipment, it is possible to execute an
authenticating process between the external equipment and the
recording and reproducing apparatus 1. An example of the
authenticating process will be described below.
[0078] FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram showing an example of the
authenticating process based on a check of a password.
[0079] When a password "PWD" is input to the terminal 5, the
terminal 5 transmits the password "PWD" to the recording and
reproducing apparatus 1 via the network.
[0080] Upon receiving the password "PWD", the recording and
reproducing apparatus 1 determines whether or not the password
"PWD" is appropriate. Upon determining that the password "PWD" is
appropriate, the recording and reproducing apparatus 1 transmits a
command transmission permission notification to the terminal 5 via
the network.
[0081] After the terminal 5 receives the command transmission
permission notification, when the user inputs a search request for
determining whether or not a title "TITLE" is present in the
reproduction history, the terminal 5 transmits a command requesting
a search for the title "TITLE" to the recording and reproducing
apparatus 1 via the network.
[0082] Upon receiving the command requesting the a search for the
title "TITLE", the recording and reproducing apparatus 1 searches
the history stored in the recording and reproducing title history
holding unit 17 or the title information held in the recording
title information holding unit 14c, for the title "TITLE". Upon
obtaining a search result indicating the presence or absence of the
title "TITLE", the recording and reproducing apparatus 1 transmits
the search result to the terminal 5 via the network.
[0083] Upon receiving the search result, the terminal 5 displays
the search result on the screen. Thus, the user can browse the
search result.
[0084] In the above-described authenticating process, information
different from the password may be used to protect the history.
[0085] In the present embodiment, when downloading the contents or
setting recording programming, the recording and reproducing
apparatus 1 can search the history saved in the recording and
reproducing title history saving unit 17, for the title information
to be downloaded or to be programmed for recording. If
corresponding title information is present, the recording and
reproducing apparatus 1 can display a screen that gathers the
user's attention.
[0086] Now, with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, description will be
given of an example of information displayed on the screen of the
terminal 5 connected to the recording and reproducing apparatus 1
via the network N.
[0087] FIG. 7 is an exemplary diagram showing an example of a
screen displayed on the terminal 5 in response to a request for a
search of the reproduction history.
[0088] As shown in a display A, when a screen urging the user to
input title information is displayed on the terminal 5, for
example, a "title A" is input and transmitted to the recording and
reproducing apparatus 1 through the network N. The recording and
reproducing apparatus 1 searches for the "title A". Here, it is
assumed that the "title A" is present in the reproduction
history.
[0089] When a search result is returned to the terminal 5, the
terminal 5 displays a screen showing, for example, the found "title
A" together with a message "Reproduction history information found"
as shown in a display B.
[0090] FIG. 8 is an exemplary diagram showing an example of a
screen displayed on the terminal 5 in response to a request for
browsing of the reproduction history.
[0091] As shown in a display C, when a screen urging the user to
specify whether or not to acquire the title information is
displayed on the terminal 5, for example, "YES" is specified and
transmitted to the recording and reproducing apparatus 1 through
the network N. The recording and reproducing apparatus 1 then reads
the reproduction history and returns the title and the like
contained in the reproduction history to the terminal 5.
[0092] When a search result is returned to the terminal 5, for
example, a screen showing "Title A", "Title B", . . . is displayed
on the terminal 5 as a "reproduction history list" as shown in a
display D.
[0093] Now, with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, description will be
given of information displayed on the screen of the display device
2 connected to the recording and reproducing apparatus 1.
[0094] FIG. 9 is an exemplary diagram showing an example of a
screen displayed on the display device 2 when recording programming
of the same title as that previously reproduced is specified.
[0095] For example, when recording of a television program or the
like is programmed, if corresponding title is found as a result of
a search of the reproduction history held in the recording and
reproducing title history holding unit 17 for EPG title information
on the recording target program, then for example, a screen showing
a selection item "YES/NO" is displayed on the display device 2
together with messages "Title previously reproduced" and "Recording
programming to be executed?" as shown in FIG. 9.
[0096] FIG. 10 is an exemplary diagram showing an example of a
screen displayed on the display device 2 when downloading of the
same title as that previously reproduced is specified.
[0097] For example, also when downloading is executed to view a
download content, if corresponding title is found as a result of a
search of the recording and reproducing title history for title
information on the downloading target, then for example, a screen
showing a selection item "YES/NO" is displayed on the display
device 2 together with messages "Title previously reproduced" and
"Downloading to be executed?" as shown in FIG. 10.
[0098] Furthermore, content which is downloaded from the server
specified in the information contained in a certain content and
which is different from the certain content may include previews of
movies. For the content including the previews, contents that the
user desires to view can be listed by acquiring the titles of the
previews. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, a list
showing preview titles is displayed on the display device 2 or the
terminal 5.
[0099] The recording and reproducing history holding unit 17
manages the broadcasting date, release date, rental start date,
downloading start date, broadcasting time, and the like of content
checked in such a list as described above together with the title
of the content. Thus, in the case of the broadcasting wave, the
user can be urged to view the content by automatically executing
recording programming or transmitting an appropriate message to the
terminal 5 by mail on the broadcasting day or the day preceding the
broadcasting day.
[0100] In the description of the present embodiment, the recording
and reproducing title information holding unit 17 manages the title
information on the content recorded in the hard disk 14e or the
like in the recording unit 14 and the title information on the
content previously reproduced from the removable recording medium
such as DVD. However, the embodiment can be varied such that the
recording and reproducing title information holding unit 17 manages
only the title information on the content currently recorded in the
hard disk 14e or the like in the recording unit 14
[0101] (Title Management by the Reproducing Apparatus)
[0102] In the above-described example, the recording and
reproducing apparatus 1 manages the titles of the contents from the
different sources in an integrated fashion. However, instead, a
reproducing apparatus (playback-only apparatus) that executes the
reproducing process on contents can manage the titles of the
contents from the different sources in an integrated fashion. An
example is shown below.
[0103] FIG. 12 is an exemplary diagram showing an example of a
system that manages the titles of the contents from the different
sources using the reproducing apparatus. Components of the
reproducing apparatus which are the same as the corresponding
components in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and
will not be specifically described. Differences from the apparatus
in FIG. 1 will be mainly described.
[0104] The reproducing apparatus 1' has a title information
acquiring unit 16' (similar to the above-described title
information acquiring unit 16) that acquires title information on
the content subjected to the reproducing process by the reproducing
process unit 15 for each of the content (streaming contents)
obtained via the network N and the content obtained from the
optical disc D, which is a removable recording medium, and a
reproducing title history holding unit 17' (similar to the
above-described recording and reproducing title history holding
unit 17) that holds the title information acquired by the title
information acquiring unit 16' as a history.
[0105] For the content (streaming content) obtained via the network
N, the title information acquiring unit 16' acquires the title
information, for example, from the server 4 providing the content,
via the network N. For the content obtained from the optical disc
D, the title information acquiring unit 16' acquires the title
information from the optical disc if the title information is
recorded in the optical disc D, or for example, from the server 4
via the network N on the basis of the optical disc D or information
inherent in the content if the title information is not recorded in
the optical disc D.
[0106] (Title Management by the Recording and Reproducing Apparatus
and the Reproducing Apparatus)
[0107] In the above-described example, the titles of the contents
from the different sources are managed using the recording and
reproducing apparatus or the reproducing apparatus.
[0108] FIG. 13 is an exemplary diagram showing an example of a
system that manages the titles of the contents from the different
sources using the recording and reproducing apparatus and the
reproducing apparatus. Components of the recording and reproducing
apparatus and reproducing apparatus which are the same as the
corresponding components in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same
reference numerals and will not be specifically described.
Differences from the apparatus in FIG. 1 will be mainly
described.
[0109] The present system includes the reproducing apparatus 6 in
addition to the recording and reproducing apparatus 1, the display
device 2, the server 4, and the terminal 5.
[0110] The reproducing apparatus 6 has functions similar to those
of the reproducing apparatus 1', shown in FIG. 12. The reproducing
apparatus 6 has a title information acquiring unit 26 that acquires
title information on the content subjected to the reproducing
process by a reproducing process unit 25 for each of the content
(streaming content) obtained via the network N and the content
obtained from the optical disc D, which is a removable recording
medium, and a reproducing title history holding unit 27 that holds
the title information acquired by the title information acquiring
unit 26 as a history.
[0111] The recording and reproducing apparatus 1 includes the same
components as those shown in FIG. 1.
[0112] For example, if the terminal 5 as external equipment
transmits a predetermined command to the recording and reproducing
apparatus 11 via the network N or a predetermined operation is
performed on the recording and reproducing apparatus 1 through the
remote controller 3, the control unit 11 of the recording and
reproducing apparatus 1 can transmit, to the display device 2, the
title information contained in the history held in the recording
and reproducing title history holding unit 17 and the title
information contained in the history held in the reproducing title
history holding unit 27.
[0113] Specifically, the control unit 11 of the recoding and
reproducing apparatus 1 acquires the title information contained in
the history held in the recording and reproducing title history
holding unit 17 in the recording and reproducing apparatus 1. The
control unit 11 also acquires the title information contained in
the history held in the reproducing title history holding unit 27
of the reproducing apparatus 6 via the network. When a list of the
individual pieces of title information acquired is formed, the
information from the recording and reproducing apparatus 1 and the
information from the reproducing apparatus 6 may be displayed in
separate lists or may both be displayed in one list.
[0114] Thus, the embodiments make it possible to check all the
contents from the different sources to be checked via external
equipment such as a cellular phone, the contents having previously
been recorded in or reproduced from the recording and reproducing
apparatus or the reproducing apparatus. This makes it possible to
prevent the user from mistakenly renting or purchasing contents
already viewed by the user. Furthermore, by transmitting the title
information contained in the reproduction history or the recording
history from the recording and reproducing apparatus or the
terminal to the predetermined server, it is possible to load
contents and related information agreeable to the user's taste,
from the server into the recording and reproducing apparatus.
[0115] While certain embodiments of the inventions have been
described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example
only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions.
Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be
embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various
omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the methods and
systems described herein may be made without departing from the
spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims and their
equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as
would fall within the scope and spirit of the inventions.
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