Patent Publication Number: US-2007101376-A1

Title: Information processing apparatus and method, program, recording medium, and content processing apparatus and method

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      The present invention contains subject matter related to Japanese Patent Application JP 2005-319178 filed in the Japanese Patent Office on Nov. 2, 2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      The present invention relates to information processing apparatuses and methods, programs, recording media, and content processing apparatuses and methods, and more particularly, to an information processing apparatus and method, a program, a recording medium, and a content processing apparatus and method which are capable of providing information regarding a recording schedule to a user, who is viewing a program, in a more understandable way.  
      2. Description of the Related Art  
      Recorders having a function for receiving a broadcast wave, such as a television broadcast wave, and recording a received program onto a recording medium, such as a tape or a disk, are in widespread use. Various features for recording broadcast programs the user desires are proposed.  
      To prepare to record a broadcast program, generally, the user checks broadcast programs to be aired using a program listing provided by a medium, such as a newspaper, obtains information necessary for recording programming, and programs a recorder to record a desired program. However, this way of recording programming is often complicated. The user may make a mistake in programming the recorder. Unfortunately, the user may fail to record a broadcast program the user desires. If the contents of broadcast program service or airtime changes, the user may fail to record the desired program.  
      Various video recorders designed to solve the above-described problems are introduced. For example, one video recorder allows a television (TV) monitor to graphically display setup information necessary for recording programming so that the user readily confirms and inputs the information, thus preventing an error in operation. Since program listings in newspapers include unique numbers (G-Codes) each specifying a broadcasting station (channel) and its program information, another video recorder enables a user to set up a recording schedule by entering a unique number using a remote control of the video recorder.  
      In addition, a service to send information regarding programs to be broadcast to video recorders by distributing broadcast program information through communication channels, such as a broadcast wave and a network, has started. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-135356 discloses a system capable of graphically displaying such information on a TV monitor. Accordingly, recording programming has become easy.  
      In addition, the following improved functions are introduced. One function enables to keep up with a change in the contents of broadcast program service or airtime by continuously monitoring the broadcast program information. Another function enables automatic recording of a broadcast program having a high degree of association with set keywords representing user preferences on the basis of broadcast program information regarding programs to be aired.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      As described above, various functions to make recording programming easier are realized. To make these functions more user friendly, displaying broadcast program information, displaying and inputting information for setting up a recording schedule, and displaying information for confirming the set up recording schedule or the result of recording are important factors for the improvement of the convenience of users. Since it is difficult for a general text display device provided for a video recorder to display all of the above-described information, the information is often displayed on a display device, such as a display of a television receiver, used in enjoying a recorded program.  
      Disadvantageously, it may be impossible for the user to set up a recording schedule using the above-described recording programming function while viewing content, such as a broadcast program.  
      The present invention is made in consideration of the above-described problems and it is desirable to provide a mechanism capable of providing information regarding a recording schedule to a user, who is viewing a program, in an understandable way.  
      According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus that communicates with a content processing apparatus for executing a process related to recording or playback of content and has a display unit for displaying information. The information processing apparatus includes the following elements: A schedule-information acquisition section acquires schedule information regarding a recording and/or viewing schedule set up in the content processing apparatus. A result-information acquisition section acquires result information regarding the result of recording performed in accordance with the schedule information set up in the content processing apparatus. A display section displays the schedule information acquired by the schedule-information acquisition section or the result information acquired by the result-information acquisition section in a predetermined form on the display unit.  
      The content includes programs for broadcast. The information processing apparatus may further include the following elements: A program-information acquisition section acquires program information regarding the programs from an information management device connected via a network. A program-listing generation section generates display data for a program listing on the basis of the program information acquired by the program-information acquisition section.  
      The display section may display part or all of the schedule information acquired by the schedule-information acquisition section or the result information acquired by the result-information acquisition section together with the program listing corresponding to the display data generated by the program-listing generation section.  
      The schedule information acquired by the schedule-information acquisition section or the result information acquired by the result-information acquisition section may be displayed as a predetermined mark or character on the program listing.  
      The display section may display part or all of the schedule information acquired by the schedule-information acquisition section or the result information acquired by the result-information acquisition section as a list.  
      The schedule information acquired by the schedule-information acquisition section or the result information acquired by the result-information acquisition section may be displayed as a predetermined mark or character on the list.  
      The information processing apparatus may further include a GUI display control section configured to control display of a graphical user interface (GUI) that specifies a program on the basis of the program listing displayed on the display unit.  
      The information processing apparatus may further include a schedule setup instruction section configured to instruct the content processing apparatus to set up a schedule for recording or viewing the program specified by the GUI.  
      The information processing apparatus may be integrated with a mobile phone so as to communicate with the content processing apparatus using a communication function of the mobile phone.  
      According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for processing information through an information processing apparatus that communicates with a content processing apparatus for executing a process related to recording or playback of content and has a display unit for displaying information. The method includes the steps of: acquiring schedule information regarding a recording and/or viewing schedule set up in the content processing apparatus; acquiring result information regarding the result of recording performed in accordance with the schedule information set up in the content processing apparatus; and displaying the acquired schedule information or result information in a predetermined form on the display unit.  
      According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable program that allows an information processing apparatus to process information, the information processing apparatus communicating with a content processing apparatus for executing a process related to recording or playback of content and having a display unit for displaying information. The program includes the steps of: controlling acquisition of schedule information regarding a recording and/or viewing schedule set up in the content processing apparatus; controlling acquisition of result information regarding the result of recording performed in accordance with the schedule information set up in the content processing apparatus; and controlling display of the acquired schedule information or result information in a predetermined form on the display unit.  
      According to this embodiment, schedule information regarding a recording and/or viewing schedule set up in the content processing apparatus is acquired, result information regarding the result of recording performed in accordance with the schedule information set up in the content processing apparatus is acquired, and the acquired schedule information or result information is displayed in a predetermined form on the display unit.  
      According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a content processing apparatus that performs a process related to recording or playback of content and communicates with an information processing apparatus. The content processing apparatus includes the following elements: A schedule setup section sets up a schedule for recording or playback of the content on the basis of information transmitted from the information processing apparatus. A schedule-information storage section stores information regarding the schedule set up by the schedule setup section. A schedule execution section executes a recording or playback process corresponding to the schedule on the basis of the information stored in the schedule-information storage section. A result determination section determines whether the recording process executed by the schedule execution section has succeeded. The information stored in the schedule-information storage section is transmitted to the information processing apparatus in response to a request transmitted from the information processing apparatus. Information regarding the result of recording determined by the result determination section is transmitted to the information processing apparatus in response to a request transmitted from the information processing apparatus.  
      According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for processing content through a content processing apparatus that performs a process related to recording or playback of content and communicates with an information processing apparatus. The method includes the steps of: setting up a schedule for recording or playback of the content on the basis of information transmitted from the information processing apparatus; storing information regarding the schedule; transmitting the stored information regarding the schedule to the information processing apparatus in response to a request transmitted from the information processing apparatus; and transmitting information regarding the result of recording to the information processing apparatus in response to a request transmitted from the information processing apparatus. The information regarding the result of recording indicates whether the recording executed on the basis of the stored information regarding the schedule has succeeded.  
      According to this embodiment, a schedule for recording or playback of the content is set up on the basis of information transmitted from the information processing apparatus, information regarding the schedule is stored, the stored information regarding the schedule is transmitted to the information processing apparatus in response to a request transmitted from the information processing apparatus, and information regarding the result of recording, i.e., information indicating whether the recording executed on the basis of the stored information regarding the schedule has succeeded is transmitted to the information processing apparatus in response to a request transmitted from the information processing apparatus.  
      According to the present invention, schedule information regarding a recording schedule can be provided to a user who is viewing a program in a more understandable way. Furthermore, information for provision of the easily understandable schedule information can be provided. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of the structure of a recording programming system according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram of the internal structure of a mobile terminal in  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the mobile terminal, that of a recorder, and that of a program information server in  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 4  is a flowchart illustrating a process of acquiring program information;  
       FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a process of transmitting the program information;  
       FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating a process of displaying the program information;  
       FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating a process of displaying the program information on a screen;  
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart illustrating a process for general display;  
       FIG. 9  shows an example of a general display screen;  
       FIG. 10  is a flowchart illustrating a process for list display;  
       FIG. 11  shows an example of a list display screen;  
       FIG. 12  is a flowchart illustrating a schedule setup process;  
       FIG. 13  is a flowchart showing a process by the recorder; and  
       FIG. 14  is a block diagram of the structure of a personal computer. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
      Before describing an embodiment of the present invention, the correspondence between the features of the claims of the present invention and the specific elements disclosed in the specification or drawings is discussed below. This description is intended to assure that embodiments supporting the claimed invention are described in the specification or drawings. Thus, even if an element in the specification or drawings is not described as relating to a certain feature of the present invention, that does not necessarily mean that the element does not relate to that feature of the claims. Conversely, even if an element is described herein as relating to a certain feature of the claims, that does not necessarily mean that the element does not relate to other features of the claims.  
      According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus (e.g., an mobile terminal  101  in  FIG. 1 ) that communicates with a content processing apparatus (e.g., a recorder  103  in  FIG. 1 ) for executing a process related to recording or playback of content and has a display unit (e.g., a display unit  202  in  FIG. 2 ) for displaying information. The information processing apparatus includes the following elements: Schedule-information acquisition means (e.g., a schedule-information acquisition section  304  in  FIG. 3 ) acquires schedule information regarding a recording and/or viewing schedule set up in the content processing apparatus. Result-information acquisition means (e.g., a result-information acquisition section  307  in  FIG. 3 ) acquires result information regarding the result of recording performed in accordance with the schedule information set up in the content processing apparatus. Display means (e.g., a schedule display-data generation section  306 , a result display-data generation section  309 , and a combination section  310  in  FIG. 3 ) displays the schedule information acquired by the schedule-information acquisition means or the result information acquired by the result-information acquisition means in a predetermined form on the display unit.  
      The content includes programs for broadcast. The information processing apparatus may further includes the following elements: Program-information acquisition means (e.g., a program-information acquisition section  301  in  FIG. 3 ) acquires program information regarding the programs from an information management device (e.g., a program information server  107  in  FIG. 1 ) connected via a network. Program-listing generation means (e.g., a program-listing generation section  303  in  FIG. 3 ) generates display data for a program listing on the basis of the program information acquired by the program-information acquisition means.  
      The information processing apparatus may further include GUI display control means (e.g., a control display-data generation section  311  in  FIG. 3 ) configured to control display of a graphical user interface (GUI) that specifies a program on the basis of the program listing displayed on the display unit.  
      The information processing apparatus may further include schedule setup instruction means (e.g., a schedule setup instruction section  317  in  FIG. 3 ) configured to instruct the content processing apparatus to set up a schedule for recording or viewing the program specified by the GUI.  
      According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for processing information through an information processing apparatus (e.g., the mobile terminal  101  in  FIG. 1 ) that communicates with a content processing apparatus (e.g., the recorder  103  in  FIG. 1 ) for executing a process related to recording or playback of content and has a display unit (e.g., the display unit  202  in  FIG. 2 ) for displaying information. The method includes the steps of: acquiring schedule information regarding a recording and/or viewing schedule set up in the content processing apparatus (in, for example, steps S 202  and S 203  in  FIG. 6 ); acquiring result information regarding the result of recording performed in accordance with the schedule information set up in the content processing apparatus (in, for example, steps S 205  and S 206  in  FIG. 6 ); and displaying the acquired schedule information or result information in a predetermined form on the display unit (in, for example, step S 208  in  FIG. 6 ).  
      According to further another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a content processing apparatus (e.g., the recorder  103  in  FIG. 1 ) that performs a process related to recording or playback of content and communicates with an information processing apparatus (e.g., the mobile terminal  101  in  FIG. 1 ). The content processing apparatus includes the following elements: Schedule setup means (e.g., a schedule setup section  352  in  FIG. 3 ) sets up a schedule for recording or playback of the content on the basis of information transmitted from the information processing apparatus. Schedule-information storage means (e.g., a schedule-information storage section  353  in  FIG. 3 ) stores information regarding the schedule set up by the schedule setup means. Schedule execution means (e.g., a schedule execution section  355  in  FIG. 3 ) executes a recording or playback process corresponding to the schedule on the basis of the information stored in the schedule-information storage means. Result determination means (e.g., a result determination section  354  in  FIG. 3 ) determines whether the recording process executed by the schedule execution means has succeeded. The information stored in the schedule-information storage section is transmitted to the information processing apparatus in response to a request transmitted from the information processing apparatus. Information regarding the result of recording determined by the result determination section is transmitted to the information processing apparatus in response to a request transmitted from the information processing apparatus.  
      According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for processing content through a content processing apparatus (e.g., the recorder  103  in  FIG. 1 ) that performs a process related to recording or playback of content and communicates with an information processing apparatus (e.g., the mobile terminal  101  in  FIG. 1 ). The method includes the steps of: setting up a schedule for recording or playback of the content on the basis of information transmitted from the information processing apparatus (in, for example, step S 408  in  FIG. 13 ); storing information regarding the schedule (in, for example, step S 409  in  FIG. 13 ); transmitting the stored information regarding the schedule to the information processing apparatus in response to a request transmitted from the information processing apparatus (in, for example, step S 403  in  FIG. 13 ); and transmitting information regarding the result of recording to the information processing apparatus in response to a request transmitted from the information processing apparatus (in, for example, step S 406  in  FIG. 13 ). The information regarding the result of recording indicates whether the recording executed on the basis of the stored information regarding the schedule has succeeded.  
      Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.  
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a recording programming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
      Referring to  FIG. 1 , a home local area network (LAN)  100  including wired and wireless networks is constructed in, for example, a user&#39;s home. A recorder  103 , an access point  102 , a mobile terminal  101 , and a router  105  are connected to the home LAN  100 .  
      The recorder  103  functions as, for example, a digital versatile disc (DVD) recorder or a hard disk drive (HDD) recorder. The recorder  103  includes a broadcast wave receiver  121  for receiving a broadcast wave, such as television broadcast signals, through an antenna. The recorder  103  records content, e.g. a television broadcast program, received through the broadcast wave receiver  121  onto a recording medium, such as a DVD or an HDD, on the basis of an instruction from the user.  
      The recorder  103  is connected to an audio/video device  104  serving as, for example, a television receiver. A piece of content recorded by the recorder  103  is played on the basis of, for example, an instruction from the user. A video image in the piece of content is displayed on the audio/video device  104  while the corresponding audio is output. The recorder  103  and the audio/video device  104  may be combined in one unit.  
      The access point  102  is a device that links wireless devices connected via the wireless network of the home LAN  100  to the wired network of the home LAN  100 . The access point  102  transmits and receives predetermined-frequency signals to communicate with the mobile terminal  101 .  
      The mobile terminal  101  serves as, for example, a remote control (remote commander) for transmitting various commands to the recorder  103 . The mobile terminal  101  communicates with the recorder  103  through the access point  102 . The mobile terminal  101  has an operation input unit including buttons and a dial and a display unit, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD). The mobile terminal  101  is used to program the recorder  103  to record a program (i.e., to set up a schedule for recording a program in the recorder  103 ) as necessary. Furthermore, the mobile terminal  101  provides information regarding a recording schedule set up in the recorder  103  to the user. In this specification, “information regarding a recording (and/or viewing) schedule” will be called “schedule information” hereinafter.  
      The user holding the mobile terminal  101  can access the home LAN  100  in any location in the user&#39;s home and instruct the recorder  103  to execute any of various processes.  
      The devices connected to the home LAN  100  are connected to the Internet  106  via the router  105 . A program information server  107  for storing program information, such as Electronic Program Guide (EPG), regarding programs to be broadcast and distributing the program information as necessary is connected to the Internet  106 . In other words, the mobile terminal  101  can obtain the program information from the program information server  107  as necessary.  
      Programs associated with the program information obtained from the program information server  107  and those recorded (or viewed) through the recorder  103  are not limited to broadcast programs. For example, content distributed over a network, such as the Internet  106 , may be included.  
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram of the internal structure of the mobile terminal  101 .  
      Referring to  FIG. 2 , the mobile terminal  101  includes a network interface (I/F)  201 , a display unit  202 , such as an LCD, and a graphic display processor (GDP)  203 . The network I/F  201  includes a wireless LAN adapter and communicates with the access point  102 . The display unit  202  displays the program information, the schedule information, and various graphical user interfaces (GUIs). The GDP  203  controls the display unit  202  to display an image.  
      The mobile terminal  101  further includes a CPU  205 , a ROM/RAM  206 , and a data storage unit  207 . The CPU  205  executes various processes of the mobile terminal  101  on the basis of software, such as a program. The ROM stores the program and the RAM is used to load and execute the program. The data storage unit  207  stores the program information and the schedule information. The components of the mobile terminal  101  are connected to each other via a bus  208 . The mobile terminal  101  further has an input unit  204 , including buttons and a dial, through which the user operates the GUIs.  
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating the functional structure of the mobile terminal  101 , that of the recorder  103 , and that of the program information server  107 .  
      In the mobile terminal  101 , after startup, a program-information request section  300  transmits a request to acquire the program information through a communication section  318  to the program information server  107  at predetermined intervals preset during, for example, normal operation or on the basis of an instruction from the user.  
      In the program information server  107 , a program-information provision section  390  transmits, i.e., provides the program information to the mobile terminal  101  over the Internet  106  in response to the received request.  
      In the mobile terminal  101 , a program-information acquisition section  301  acquires the program information transmitted from the program information server  107  through the communication section  318 . A program-information storage section  302  stores the acquired information.  
      For example, when the user demands to display a program listing through an input section  316  (i.e., using the input unit  204 ) while viewing a screen, displayed under the control of a display control section  315 , on the display unit  202 , a program-listing generation section  303  generates display data on the basis of the program information stored by the program-information storage section  302 . A combination section  310  processes the generated display data and the display control section  315  controls the resultant data such that the program listing is displayed on the screen.  
      In the above description, it is assumed that the program-information storage section  302  stores the program information in a recording medium. The recording medium may be designed as a removable medium that is removable from the mobile terminal  101  like a memory card. The memory card, which stores the program information, may be attached to another mobile terminal or a device capable of reading the program information. The device may display the program information or set up a recording schedule, which will be described later.  
      When the mobile terminal  101  and the recorder  103  are connected to the home LAN  100 , a device-information provision section  351  included in the recorder  103  transmits device information concerning the recorder  103 . The device information includes unique information (e.g., the ID of the recorder  103 ) whereby the recorder  103  can be specified on the network. In the mobile terminal  101 , a device-information acquisition section  312  receives the device information transmitted from the recorder  103  through the communication section  318  and a device-information storage section  313  stores the acquired device information.  
      For example, when the user sets up a recording (or viewing) schedule using the recorder  103  and the audio/video device  104  by operating the recorder  103  and the GUI therefor, the user can confirm schedule information using the mobile terminal  101 .  
      After the recording (or viewing) schedule is set up in the recorder  103 , a schedule-information storage section  353  stores schedule information regarding the recording (or viewing) schedule.  
      To confirm the schedule information set up in the recorder  103 , a recorder designation section  314  in the mobile terminal  101  designates the recorder  103  on the basis of the device information regarding the recorder  103  stored by the device-information storage section  313 . A request to acquire the schedule information is transmitted from the mobile terminal  101  to the designated recorder  103 .  
      In the recorder  103 , the schedule information is read from the schedule-information storage section  353  and is transmitted to the mobile terminal  101  through a communication section  350 . In the mobile terminal  101 , a schedule-information acquisition section  304  receives the schedule information and a schedule-information storage section  305  stores the received information.  
      When the schedule information is read from the schedule-information storage section  305  in accordance with an instruction from the user, a schedule display-data generation section  306  generates display data for the schedule information, the combination section  310  processes the generated data, and the display control section  315  controls the resultant data such that information regarding the recording (or viewing) schedule is displayed on the screen.  
      In the recorder  103 , a schedule execution section  355  executes a scheduled recording on the basis of the schedule information. A moving-image storage section  356  stores data on a recording medium, such as a DVD or an HDD. The user can confirm information regarding the result of recording by the recorder  103  using the mobile terminal  101 . In this specification, “information regarding the result of recording” will be called “result information” hereinafter.  
      To confirm the result information, the recorder designation section  314  designates the recorder  103  on the basis of the device information related to the recorder  103  stored by the device-information storage section  313  of the mobile terminal  101 . A request to acquire the result information is transmitted from the mobile terminal  101  to the recorder  103 .  
      In the recorder  103 , a result determination section  354  determines whether the recording has succeeded or failed. Information indicating the result of recording based on the determination, i.e., the result information is transmitted to the mobile terminal  101  through the communication section  350 . In the mobile terminal  101 , a result-information acquisition section  307  receives the result information and a result-information storage section  308  stores the received information.  
      When the result information stored by the result-information storage section  308  is read in accordance with an instruction from the user, a result display-data generation section  309  generates display data for the result information, the combination section  310  processes the generated data, and the display control section  315  controls the resultant data such that information regarding the result of recording is displayed on the screen.  
      A control display-data generation section  311  generates display data for various GUIs, used for setup of a recording schedule in the recorder  103  using the mobile terminal  101 , on the basis of, for example, an input through the input section  316 . The combination section  310  processes the generated data. The display control section  315  controls the resultant data such that the GUIs are displayed on the screen.  
      A process of acquiring program information by the mobile terminal  101  will now be described with reference to a flowchart of  FIG. 4 .  
      In step S 101 , the program-information request section  300  refers to information output from a timer (not shown) built in the mobile terminal  101  to check the current time.  
      In step S 102 , the program-information request section  300  determines whether the current time is an appropriate time to acquire the program information. If NO, the process is returned to step S 101 .  
      As described above, after startup, the mobile terminal  101  transmits a request to acquire the program information at predetermined intervals preset during, for example, the normal operation. For instance, after a lapse of a predetermined time preset during the normal operation, it is determined in step S 102  that the current time is an appropriate time to acquire the program information. The process proceeds to step S 103 . Alternatively, if an instruction from the user is given irrespective of the passage of time, it may be determined in step S 102  that the current time is an appropriate time to acquire the program information.  
      In step S 103 , the program-information request section  300  transmits a request to acquire the program information to the program information server  107  through the communication section  318 . This request is information indicating that the mobile terminal  101  requests the program information and includes, for example, a message prompting the program information server  107  to transmit the program information and the address or ID specifying the mobile terminal  101 .  
      In step S 104 , the program-information acquisition section  301  determines whether the program information is received from the program information server  107 , the information being transmitted in response to the request transmitted in step S 103 . The program-information acquisition section  301  stands by until it is determined that the program information is received. If YES in step S 104 , the process proceeds to step S 105 .  
      In step S 105 , the program-information storage section  302  stores the received program information in a predetermined area in, for example, the data storage unit  207 .  
      A process of transmitting program information by the program information server  107  will now be described with reference to a flowchart of  FIG. 5 , the process being executed synchronously with the process of acquiring the program information by the mobile terminal  101 .  
      In step S 151 , the program-information provision section  390  determines whether a request to acquire the program information is received. The program-information provision section  390  stands by until it is determined that the request is received. When the program information server  107  receives the request which is transmitted from the mobile terminal  101  in step S 103  of  FIG. 4 , it is determined in step S 151  that the request is received. The process proceeds to step S 152 .  
      In step S 152 , the program-information provision section  390  transmits the program information to the mobile terminal  101 . Thus, the mobile terminal  101  receives the program information through the Internet  106 , the router  105 , and the access point  102 . Then, the above-described steps S 104  and S 105  in  FIG. 4  are executed.  
      As described above, the mobile terminal  101  acquires the program information from the program information server  107 .  
      A process of displaying program information by the mobile terminal  101  will now be described with reference to a flowchart of  FIG. 6 .  
      In step S 201 , the recorder designation section  314  designates a recorder. As described above, the device-information provision section  351  in the recorder  103  connected to the home LAN  100  transmits the device information related to the recorder  103  to the mobile terminal  101 . Since the device information includes the ID of the recorder  103 , the recorder  103  can be specified in the home LAN  100  using its ID. In the mobile terminal  101 , the device-information acquisition section  312  receives the device information transmitted from the recorder  103  and the device-information storage section  313  stores the received information. In step S 201 , the recorder designation section  314  designates the recorder  103  on the basis of the device information related to the recorder  103  stored by the device-information storage section  313 .  
      In step S 202 , a request to acquire schedule information is transmitted from the mobile terminal  101  through the communication section  318  to the recorder  103  designated in step S 201 . This request is information indicating that the mobile terminal  101  requests the schedule information and includes, for example, a message prompting the recorder  103  to transmit the schedule information and the address or ID specifying the mobile terminal  101 .  
      In step S 203 , the schedule-information acquisition section  304  determines whether the schedule information is received from the recorder  103 , the information being transmitted from the recorder  103  in response to the request transmitted in step S 202 . The schedule-information acquisition section  304  stands by until it is determined that the schedule information is received.  
      If YES in step S 203 , the process proceeds to step S 204 . The schedule-information storage section  305  stores the received information in a predetermined area in, for example, the data storage unit  207 .  
      In step S 205 , a request to acquire result information is transmitted from the mobile terminal  101  through the communication section  318  to the recorder  103  designated in step S 201 . This request is information indicating that the mobile terminal  101  requests the result information and includes, for example, a message prompting the recorder  103  to transmit the result information and the address or ID specifying the mobile terminal  101 .  
      In step S 206 , the result-information acquisition section  307  determines whether the result information is received from the recorder  103 , the information being transmitted from the recorder  103  in response to the request transmitted in step S 205 . The result-information acquisition section  307  stands by until it is determined that the result information is received.  
      If YES in step S 206 , the process proceeds to step S 207 . The result-information storage section  308  stores the received result information in a predetermined area in, for example, the data storage unit  207 .  
      In step S 208 , a process, which will be described below with reference to  FIG. 7 , of displaying information on the screen is executed. Consequently, the display unit  202  of the mobile terminal  101  displays the program information, the schedule information, and the result information.  
      The process in step S 208  of  FIG. 6  will now be described in detail with reference to a flowchart of  FIG. 7 .  
      In step S 221 , the combination section  310  checks a display mode. In this instance, each display mode specifies a way of displaying the program information obtained from the program information server  107  and the schedule information and the result information obtained from the recorder  103 . The display modes include a general display mode and a list display mode. In the general display mode, the program information, the schedule information, and the result information are displayed. In the list display mode, the schedule information and the result information are displayed as a list independent of the program information.  
      In step S 222 , the combination section  310  determines whether the checked display mode is the general display mode or the list display mode. It is assumed that the display mode is preset (previously selected) prior to the process in accordance with an instruction from the user.  
      When it is determined in step S 222  that it is the general display mode, the process proceeds to step S 223 . A process for general display is executed. This process will be described below with reference to  FIG. 8 .  
      On the other hand, if it is determined in step S 222  that it is the list display mode, the process proceeds to step S 224 . A process for list display is executed. This process will be described later with reference to  FIG. 10 .  
      The process for general display in step S 223  of  FIG. 7  will now be described in detail with reference to a flowchart of  FIG. 8 .  
      In step S 251 , the program-information storage section  302  reads the program information which is obtained from the program information server  107  and is stored.  
      In step S 252 , the program-listing generation section  303  generates display data relating to a program listing on the basis of the program information read in step S 251 . The generated display data is used to display the program listing based on the program information such that the abscissa represents channel number, the ordinate represents time, and programs are listed in display frames, serving as intersections of the channel number axis and the time axis.  
      In step S 253 , the schedule-information storage section  305  reads the schedule information which is obtained from the recorder  103  and is stored.  
      In step S 254 , the schedule display-data generation section  306  generates display data on the basis of the schedule information read in step S 253 . As will be described in detail below, the generated display data is used for display of the schedule information in the program listing related to the display data generated in step S 252 .  
      In step S 255 , the result-information storage section  308  reads the result information which is obtained from the recorder  103  and is stored.  
      In step S 256 , the result display-data generation section  309  generates display data on the basis of the result information read in step S 255 . As will be described in detail below, the generated display data is used for display of the result information in the program listing related to the display data generated in step S 252 .  
      In step S 257 , the combination section  310  combines three sets of the display data generated in steps S 252 , S 254 , and S 256  into resultant display data.  
      In step S 258 , the display control section  315  displays an image based on the display data obtained in step S 257  on the screen of the display unit  202 , thus providing a general display screen.  
       FIG. 9  shows an example of the general display screen. Referring to  FIG. 9 , the screen of the display unit  202  displays a program listing  401  in which the ordinate represents the time axis, the abscissa represents the channel number axis, and each display frame two-dimensionally specified by the time axis and the channel number axis includes information regarding a program, e.g., a title for the program, to be broadcast by the corresponding channel (i.e., broadcasting station) in a predetermined time slot. In this program listing, the current time is “0:35 PM WED. JULY  13 ”.  FIG. 9  shows the program listing corresponding to a predetermined time period before and after the current time (in this case, the program listing from 0:00 to 3:00 PM).  
      In  FIG. 9 , the schedule information is also displayed in the program listing  401 . Referring to  FIG. 9 , in the program listing  401 , “SV” is displayed in a box (display frame) corresponding to a program “NEWS” to be broadcast by a channel named “JAPAN GENERAL” at 2:00 PM. In this specification, “SV” is an abbreviation for “SCHEDULED VIEWING” and indicates that a schedule for viewing this program is set up in the recorder  103 . In addition, in the program listing  401 , “SR” is displayed in a box (display frame) corresponding to a drama “TEACHER OF CLASS 3-8” to be aired by a channel named “TBC” at 2:00 PM. In this specification, “SR” is an abbreviation for “SCHEDULED RECORDING” and indicates that a schedule for recording this program is set up in the recorder  103 .  
      In  FIG. 9 , the result information is also displayed in the program listing  401 . In the program listing  401  of  FIG. 9 , a shaded triangle is displayed in a box (display frame) corresponding to a program “NEWS” to be broadcast by the channel “JAPAN GENERAL” at 0:00 PM. This mark means that the recorder  103  was programmed to record this program but the recording has partially failed because of, for example, insufficient capacity of a recording medium. In addition, a shaped circle is displayed in a box (display frame) corresponding to a program “ONE-MONTH ENGLISH CONVERSATION” aired by a channel “JAPAN EDUCATIONAL” at 0:10 PM. This mark means that the recorder  103  was programmed to record this program and the recording has succeeded.  
      Under the condition that the recorder  103  has a feature for automatically recording a program having a high degree of association with set keywords representing user preferences on the basis of the program information, characters or a mark representing that a schedule for recording (or viewing) a target program is automatically set up by this feature of the recorder  103  or is set up in accordance with an instruction from the user may be displayed in addition to the characters representing the above-described recording and viewing schedule and the marks representing the results of recording.  
      The display frame of a target program may be highlighted using color or luminance contrast instead of displaying of the characters or mark representing scheduled recording (or viewing) or the result of recording and the characters or mark representing that a schedule for recording (or viewing) the corresponding program is automatically set up by the above-described feature of the recorder  103  or is set up in accordance with an instruction from the user.  
      As described above, since the schedule information regarding a recording and viewing schedule and the result information regarding the result of recording are displayed together with the program listing  401 , the user can readily and reliably know which program is scheduled to be recorded or viewed through the recorder  103  and whether the recording of each scheduled program has succeeded. In addition, since the program listing  401  with the schedule information and the result information is displayed on the display unit  202  of the mobile terminal  101 , the user who is viewing content displayed on, for example, the audio/video device  104  can easily and reliably know which program is scheduled to be recorded or viewed through the recorder  103  and whether the recording of each schedule program has succeeded.  
      The case where the schedule information and the result information are displayed together with the program listing  401  has been described. Only the schedule information may be displayed together with the program listing  401 . Alternatively, only the result information may be displayed together with the program listing  401 . In addition, only the program listing  401  may be displayed as necessary.  
      The process for list display in step S 224  of  FIG. 7  will now be described in detail with reference to a flowchart of  FIG. 10 .  
      In step S 281 , the combination section  310  specifies the kind of list. In this instance, there are two kinds of lists, i.e., a schedule list regarding the recording and viewing schedule and a result list regarding the result of recording. Any one of the two lists is selected in accordance with, for example, an indication from the user.  
      In step S 282 , it is determined which of the schedule list and the result list is selected. If it is determined in step S 282  that the schedule list is selected, the process proceeds to step S 283 .  
      In step S 283 , the schedule-information storage section  305  reads the schedule information which is obtained from the recorder  103  and is stored.  
      In step S 284 , the schedule display-data generation section  306  generates display data on the basis of the schedule information read in step S 283 . The generated display data used for display of the schedule information listed in, for example, time series is generated, as will be described in detail below.  
      On the other hand, if it is determined in step S 282  that the result list is selected, the process proceeds to step S 285 .  
      In step S 285 , the result-information storage section  308  reads the result information which is obtained from the recorder  103  and is stored.  
      In step S 286 , the result display-data generation section  309  generates display data on the basis of the result information read in step S 285 . Thus, the display data used for display of the result information listed in, for example, time series is generated, as will be described in detail later.  
      After step S 284  or S 286 , the process proceeds to step S 287 .  
      In step S 287 , the display control section  315  displays an image based on the display data generated in step S 284  or S 286  on the screen of the display unit  202 , thus providing a list display screen.  
       FIG. 11  shows an example of the list display screen. This example is obtained when it is determined in step S 282  that the schedule list is selected. The schedule information is displayed such that programs related to the recording and viewing schedule are listed in time series.  
      Six display frames are arranged vertically in  FIG. 11 . In the top display frame in  FIG. 11 , “RECORDING/VIEWING SCHEDULE LIST” is displayed.  
      In  FIG. 11 , the second to sixth display frames from the top contain information regarding scheduled programs. The second display frame includes characters “SV”, “WED. JULY 13 2:00 PM-2:05 PM”, “JAPAN GENERAL”, and “NEWS”. This means that a schedule for viewing a program “NEWS” which is to be aired by the channel “JAPAN GENERAL” from 2:00 PM to 2:05 PM on Wednesday, July 13 is set up in the recorder  103 .  
      The third display frame includes characters “SR”, “WED. July 13 2:00 PM-3:00 PM”, “TBC”, and “TEACHER OF CLASS 3-8”. This means that a schedule for recording a program “TEACHER OF CLASS 3-8” which is to be aired by the channel “TBC” from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Wednesday, July 13 is set up in the recorder  103 .  
      Similarly, the fourth to sixth display frames include characters related to respective scheduled programs.  
      Since the schedule information or the result information is listed as described above, the user can readily know which program is scheduled to be recorded or viewed through the recorder  103  and whether the recording of each scheduled program has succeeded. Advantageously, the user can obtain desired information more quickly with the list display screen than the general display screen in which the schedule information and the result information are displayed together with the program listing.  
      In addition, a list of scheduled programs or a list of the results of recording is displayed on the display unit  202  of the mobile terminal  101 . Advantageously, the user who is watching content on, for example, the audio/video device  104  can readily and rapidly know which program is scheduled to be recorded or viewed through the recorder  103  and whether the recording of each scheduled program has succeeded.  
      The schedule information and the result information may be displayed in the same list.  
      Processes executed by the recorder  103  associated with the processes by the mobile terminal  101  explained with reference to FIGS.  6  to  11  will be described later.  
      A process of setting up a schedule for recording or viewing in the recorder  103  through the mobile terminal  101  will now be described with reference to a flowchart of  FIG. 12 . This process is executed when, for example, the above-described program listing in  FIG. 9  is displayed.  
      In step S 301 , a schedule setup instruction section  317  receives an indication to specify a program. A program is specified as follows.  
      For instance, each of a focus  402  displayed as a bold line in  FIG. 9  and a focus  604  displayed as a bold line in  FIG. 11  is one of GUIs generated by the control display-data generation section  311 . In this state shown in  FIG. 9 , for example, when an operation to move the focus  402  to the left is performed in response to an operation input received through the input section  316 , the focus  402  is moved from a program “HEALTH TOPIC” to another program “DAYTIME SHOW”. Thus, the user can specify a desired program from the program listing  401 .  
      In step S 302 , the schedule setup instruction section  317  determines whether a schedule setup instruction to set up a schedule for recording (or viewing) the specified program is given. If it is determined that any schedule setup instruction is not given, the process is returned to step S 301 . For example, when the user presses the “recording program” button (not shown) on the input unit  204  of the mobile terminal  101 , it is determined in step S 302  that a schedule setup instruction to set up a schedule for recording a program specified by the focus  402  is given. The “recording program” button (and a “viewing program” button) may be omitted and only one “program” button may be arranged. In this case, when the user presses the “program” button, GUIs used for selection between recording and viewing are displayed, prompting the user to select one of them. In step S 302 , the determination may be made in accordance with the selection.  
      If it is determined in step S 302  that a schedule setup instruction to set up a schedule for recording (or viewing) is given, the process proceeds to step S 303 .  
      In step S 303 , the schedule setup instruction section  317  generates a schedule setup request corresponding to the schedule setup instruction for recording (or viewing) received in step S 302 . The schedule setup request is information including the air date, start time, and stop time of the program to be recorded (or viewed), and the channel on which the program is to be broadcast.  
      In step S 304 , the schedule setup instruction section  317  transmits the schedule setup request generated in step S 303  to the recorder  103  through the communication section  318 . The recorder  103  receives this request, so that a schedule for recording (or viewing) is set up in the recorder  103 .  
      As described above, the recording or viewing schedule is set up. The user can set up a schedule for recording or viewing a desired program simply by moving the focus on the program listing onto the desired program and pressing the “program” button. Accordingly, the user can easily and reliably set up the schedule for recording or viewing the desired program. Since the program listing  401  is displayed on the display unit  202  of the mobile terminal  101 , the user who is viewing content on the audio/video device  104  can readily and reliably set up a schedule for recording or viewing a desired program.  
      A process executed by the recorder  103  associated with the processes by the mobile terminal  101  discussed with reference to  FIGS. 6 through 12  will now be described with reference to a flowchart of  FIG. 13 .  
      In step S 401 , the communication section  350  determines whether a request to acquire schedule information is received. For example, when the recorder  103  receives the request to acquire the schedule information transmitted from the mobile terminal  101  in step S 202  of  FIG. 6 , it is determined in step S 401  that the request is received. The process proceeds to step S 402 .  
      In step S 402 , the schedule-information storage section  353  reads stored schedule information.  
      In step S 403 , the communication section  350  transmits the schedule information read in step S 402  to the mobile terminal  101 .  
      If it is determined in step S 401  that any request to acquire the schedule information is not received, alternatively, after step S 403 , the process proceeds to step S 404 .  
      In step S 404 , the communication section  350  determines whether a request to acquire result information regarding the result of recording is received. For example, when the recorder  103  receives a request to acquire the result information transmitted from the mobile terminal  101  in step S 205  of  FIG. 6 , it is determined in step S 404  that the request to acquire the result information is received. The process proceeds to step S 405 .  
      In step S 405 , the result determination section  354  determines the result of recording executed by the recorder  103  and generates result information.  
      In step S 406 , the communication section  350  transmits the result information generated in step S 405  to the mobile terminal  101 .  
      If it is determined in step S 404  that any request to acquire the result information is not received, alternatively, after step S 406 , the process proceeds to step S 407 .  
      In step S 407 , the communication section  350  determines whether a schedule setup request is received. For example, when the recorder  103  receives the schedule setup request transmitted from the mobile terminal  101  in step S 304  of  FIG. 12 , it is determined in step S 407  that the schedule setup request is received. The process proceeds to step S 408 .  
      In step S 408 , a schedule setup section  352  generates schedule setup information on the basis of the schedule setup request received in step S 407 . The generated schedule setup information includes the air date, start time, and stop time of a program to be recorded (or viewed) and the channel on which the program is to be aired, and a command to cause the recorder  103  to record the program or enable viewing of the program.  
      In step S 409 , the schedule-information storage section  353  stores the schedule setup information generated in step S 408 . Thus, the schedule execution section  355  executes the scheduled recording or viewing of the program aired on the programmed channel at the programmed time. The moving-image storage section  356  stores the recorded program.  
      If it is determined in step S 407  that any schedule setup request is not received, alternatively, after step S 409 , the process is returned to step S 401 . Steps S 401  and subsequent steps are repeated.  
      As described above, the process by the recorder  103  is executed in association with the processes by the mobile terminal  101 .  
      The case where the mobile terminal  101  serves as a remote control has been described. For example, the mobile terminal  101  may be integrated with an electronic device, such as a portable game machine, having a display that is wide enough to provide a program listing to the user.  
      Alternatively, the mobile terminal  101  may be integrated with, for example, a mobile phone. In this case, the mobile terminal  101  may be connected to the Internet  106  via a base station of a mobile phone company so as to communicate with the recorder  103  on the home LAN  100  through the router  105 .  
      The above-described series of processes can be executed by hardware or software. When the series of processes is executed by software, a program constituting the software is installed through a network or a recording medium into a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware or into a multi-purpose personal computer  500 , shown in  FIG. 14 , capable of executing various functions by installing various programs thereto.  
      Referring to  FIG. 14 , a central processing unit (CPU)  501  executes various processes in accordance with a program stored in a read only memory (ROM)  502  or a program loaded from a storage unit  508  to a random access memory (RAM)  503 . The RAM  503  also stores data necessary for the CPU  501  to execute the various processes as appropriate.  
      The CPU  501 , the ROM  502 , and the RAM  503  are connected to each other via a bus  504 . An input-output interface  505  is connected to the bus  504 .  
      An input unit  506 , an output unit  507 , the storage unit  508 , and a communication unit  509  are connected to the input-output interface  505 . The input unit  506  includes a keyboard and a mouse. The output unit  507  includes a display, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) or a liquid crystal display (LCD), and a speaker. The storage unit  508  includes a hard disk. The communication unit  509  includes a modem and a network interface card, such as a LAN card. The communication unit  509  executes communication processing over a network including the Internet.  
      A drive  510  is connected to the input-output interface  505  as necessary. A removable medium  511 , such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, is loaded into the drive  510  as appropriate. A computer program read out from the medium is installed on the storage unit  508  as necessary.  
      When the above-described series of processes is executed by software, a program constituting the software is installed on the computer  500  through a network, such as the Internet, or a recording medium including the removable medium  511 .  
      The recording medium includes not only the removable medium  511 , such as a magnetic disk (including a flexible disk), an optical disk (e.g., a compact disk-read only memory (CD-ROM) or a digital versatile disk (DVD)), a magneto-optical disk (including a MiniDisc (MD)), or a semiconductor memory, in which the program has been recorded and which is distributed in order to provide the program to a user but also the ROM  502  and the hard disk included in the storage unit  508 , in each of which the program has been recorded and which is then delivered to the user.  
      In this specification, steps executing the above-described series of processes may be performed in time series in the described order, or may be performed in parallel or individually.  
      It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occur depending on design requirements and other factors insofar as they are within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.