BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a contents using method, a contents using system, a contents using program, and a server and electronic device used in a same system and more particularly to the contents using method in which, contents such as image data or a like, after having been stored by the server, are transferred to the electronic device and are reproduced by the electronic device, to the contents using system to which the above contents using method is applied, to the contents using program to have a computer implement the above contents using method, and to the server and the electronic device making up the same system.

[0003] The present application claims priority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-143875 filed on May 17, 2002, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] A conventional contents using system chiefly includes a server such as a personal computer, workstation, or a like and a portable electronic device. The server employed in the conventional contents using system has a television broadcast receiving function of, after having performed signal processing on a broadcast wave or a CATV (Community Antenna TeleVision) signal received by an antenna, displaying its image on a display unit or outputting its amplified voice from a speaker. The portable electronic device refers to an electronic device to which power is supplied by a battery, dry cell, or a like, including a computer such as a notebook-type computer, a palm-size-type computer, a pocket-type computer, or a like, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a portable cellular phone, a PHS (Personal Handy-Phone System) or a like. These portable electronic devices, though not having a television broadcast receiving function, have a reproducing function of displaying an image on a display unit by receiving image data through a cable, storage medium, or a like, and/or of outputting an amplified voice from a speaker. All servers to be explained thereafter are described on premises that they have the above-mentioned television broadcast receiving function and all portable electronic devices to be explained thereafter are also described on premises that they have the above-mentioned reproduction function.

[0006] In the above contents using system, conventionally, a user, when reproducing contents of image data of a television program or a like by using a portable electronic device, have to take procedures shown below. First, the user instructs a server to start a contents recording program and performs processing of presetting the contents using system to record contents that the user wants to watch and listen to and then has a storage device such as a hard disk or a like being embedded in the server or being added externally to the server store an image file of the contents.

[0007] Next, the user instructs the server to start a data format converting program in order to convert a data format and/or a data size of an image file of the contents being stored in the above storage device to a data format and/or a data size that can be reproduced by the portable electronic device. Since this causes the server to read the image file, the user checks, by operating the portable electronic device, a data format and/or a data size that can be reproduced by the portable electronic device and changes setting of the data format converting program based on a result from the checking process.

[0008] Therefore, the sever, after having converted a data format of an image file or a like according to change in setting made by the user, once stores the image file obtained by the conversion into a small-sized storage medium such as a flexible disk, SD (Secure Digital) memory card (trademark), memory stick (trademark) or a like. Then, the user, after having taken out the small-sized storage medium in which the image file obtained by the conversion are stored from the server and having inserted it into the portable electronic device, stores the image file obtained by the conversion into a storage device embedded in the portable electronic device and runs the contents reproducing program being stored in the storage device also embedded in the portable electronic device to reproduce the contents.

[0009] As described above, in the conventional contents using system, when the contents of image data such as a television program or a like are reproduced by the portable electronic device, the user has to perform various complicated procedures, which requires time and labor and which causes inconvenience as explained below.

[0010] Since the storage device embedded in the portable electronic device has too small a capacity to store an image file, in order to store a new image file in the storage device, it is necessary to delete image files or a like that have been stored before. In this case, since the user has to delete an image file while checking the image files or the like having been already stored in the above storage device one by one, it takes much time and there is a danger of deleting, by mistake, image files or a like that are needed.

[0011] Moreover, since there is a big difference in storage capacity between the storage device embedded in a server or added externally to the server and the storage device embedded in the portable electronic device, by converting a data format of the image file to a data format having a high image compression rate, it is necessary to make smaller a data size of an image file to be stored in the storage device embedded in the portable electronic device. An image compression method includes, for example, MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 recommended by MPEG (Moving Picture Expert Group) of ISO (International Organization for Standardization). The MPEG-2 (bit rate: 1 Mbps to 100 Mbps) is a specification being targeted on a high-level image and voice quality to be used in broadcasting, while the MPEG-4 is a specification (bit rate: up to 10 Mbps) made such that it may be applied to a multimedia, the Internet, and a mobile communication device in the future.

[0012] It is assumed that, after an image file is stored in a data format of the MPEG-2 in the storage device embedded in the server or added externally to the server, the image file is converted to a data format of the MPEG-4 and is then stored in the storage device embedded in the portable electronic device. The server has to make the conversion of the data format from the MPEG-2 to the MPEG-4, however, since it takes about one hour to convert an image file for a two hour television program from the data format of the MPEG-2 to the data format of the MPEG-4, a big load is put on a CPU (Central Processing Unit) making up the server. As a result, a problem arises that, when the user wants to use the server, an application program other than the data format converting program substantially becomes unusable.

[0013] Moreover, in the conventional contents using system, when the user, after having watched, to some midpoint, a program of which broadcasting time is comparatively long, for example, a movie, a drama, or a live program of sport having a long broadcasting time by using the portable electronic device, again wants to watch the same program from a point where he/she discontinued watching the program, he/she cannot watch the program unless its recorded image file is fast-forwarded to the point where he/she discontinued watching it from a point where he/she begun watching it. Also, in the conventional contents using system, if the user, after having watched, to some midpoint, a program by using the portable electronic device, wants to watch the same program by using the server from the point where he/she discontinued watching the program, or if the user, having watched, to some midpoint, the program by using the server, watches the same program by using the portable electronic device from the point where he/she discontinued watching the program, he/she cannot watch the program unless he/she manipulates the server or the portable electronic device to have an image file fast-forwarded to the point where he/she discontinued watching it from a start point of the image file.

[0014] The inconvenience described above also occurs not only in the portable cellular phone but also in a stationary-type electronic device whose storage device has small storage capacity and which, though not having the television broadcast receiving function, has such the reproducing function as explained above. An electronic device of this kind includes a personal computer or workstation having the television broadcast receiving function.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a contents using method that enables a user to watch freely contents by a simple operation by either of an electronic device or a server and enables the user to use the server for other applications without a need for paying attention to transfer of an image file from the server to the electronic device. It is another object of the present invention to provide a contents using system to which the contents using method is applied. It is still another object of the present invention to provide a contents using program to have a computer implement the above contents using method. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a server and a electronic device making up the above system.

[0016] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a contents using method including:

[0017] a first step of storing contents by a server at a date and at a time both being designated by a user;

[0018] a second step of converting quality of the contents by the server according to storage capacity or display capability of a storage section and display section making up an electronic device; and

[0019] a third step of transferring, after having confirmed connection between the server and the electronic device, contents obtained after the quality conversion, from the server to the electronic device.

[0020] In the foregoing first aspect, a preferable mode is one wherein the server and the electronic device are connected to each other through a cable, by wireless, or via a network.

[0021] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the electronic device includes a portable electronic device to which power is supplied by a battery, a dry cell, a solar cell or a fuel cell.

[0022] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the electronic device is made up of a first electronic device having the display section and a second electronic device having a controlling section to store contents obtained after the quality conversion transferred from the storage section and the server in the storage section and to display the contents on the display section.

[0023] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the electronic device is made up of a first electronic device having the display section and the storage section and a second electronic device having a controlling section to store contents obtained after the quality conversion and transferred from the server in the storage section and to display the contents on the display section.

[0024] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the server and the electronic device are connected to each other through a cradle serving as a platform having a function of connecting the electronic device to the server to carry out a data exchange and wherein, in the third step, the server, after having confirmed that the electronic device has been inserted into the cradle, transfers contents obtained after the quality conversion to the electronic device.

[0025] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein, in the second step, the storage capacity and the display capability are acquired as a result of having been pre-input in the electronic device by the user or as a result of having displayed contents serving as a sample which have been transferred to the electronic device and have been displayed on the display section when the server was first connected to the electronic device.

[0026] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein, in the first step, storage presetting information about presetting of storing the contents is input into the electronic device and the electronic device transfers the storage presetting information to the server and the server stores the contents based on the storage presetting information.

[0027] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein, in the first step, the server transfers a contents acquiring schedule table needed to input the storage presetting information to the electronic device and the storage presetting information is input based on the contents acquiring schedule table in the electronic device.

[0028] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the storage presetting information contains at least one of information about a name of the contents, storage starting date and time, storage terminating date and time, transfer flag indicating whether or not transfer is needed, identification number of a destination to which transfer is made which designates the destination to which transfer is made, and quality conversion of the contents.

[0029] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein, when a plurality of the electronic devices exists and a device identification number is assigned to each of the electronic devices, the storage presetting information contains the device identification number and wherein, in the third step, contents obtained after the quality conversion is transferred only to the electronic devices to which the device identification numbers have been assigned.

[0030] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein, when a plurality of the users exists and a user identification number is assigned to each of the users, the storage presetting information contains the user identification numbers and wherein, in the third step, contents obtained after the quality conversion are transferred only to the electronic device to which the storage presetting information containing the user identification numbers have been transferred in the first step.

[0031] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein, when the electronic device is constructed so that a plurality of the storage sections is freely detachable and attachable and a storage section identification number set by the user for each of the storage sections is assigned to the storage section, the storage presetting information contains the storage section identification number and, in the third step, contents obtained after the quality conversion are transferred only to the electronic devices each being equipped with the storage section to which the storage section identification number has been assigned.

[0032] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein, in the second step, when a plurality of information about the quality conversion exists for the contents having same contents, quality of the contents is converted so as to have the highest quality.

[0033] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein, in the second step, the server converts quality of the contents during a conversion enabling time band being not used by the user.

[0034] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the conversion enabling time band is set by the user in advance, or by the server based on a state of use of the server by the user in a past, or by the server based on a time band set in advance by the user and the state of use of the server.

[0035] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein, in the second step, the server starts the conversion of quality of the contents from a conversion start enabling date and time being the earliest date and time at which time being expected to be required for the conversion of quality of the contents is able to be secured.

[0036] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein, in the first step, the contents are divided into a plurality of elements and stored and wherein, in the second step, quality of the plurality of the elements is sequentially converted, and wherein, in the third step, the plurality of elements obtained after the quality conversion is sequentially transferred from the server to the electronic device.

[0037] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein, in the second step, when the conversion of quality of an arbitrary one of the plurality of elements is discontinued while quality of the plurality of elements is being sequentially converted, the conversion of quality is restarted from the arbitrary one from which the conversion had been discontinued after a normal operation is restored.

[0038] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein, in the second step, when the conversion of quality of an arbitrary one of the plurality of elements becomes successful, the arbitrary one being stored in the server is deleted.

[0039] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein, in the third step, when transfer of an arbitrary one of the plurality of elements is discontinued while the plurality of the elements obtained after the quality conversion is sequentially transferred, the transfer is restarted from the arbitrary one from which the transfer had been discontinued after a normal operation is restored.

[0040] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein, in the third step, when the transfer of an arbitrary element of the plurality of elements becomes successful, the arbitrary one being stored in the server is deleted.

[0041] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein, in the third step, when a free disk space of the storage capacity is not enough to store the contents or the elements, the contents or the elements to be deleted under specified conditions set in advance are sequentially selected and deleted, out of a plurality of the contents or the elements being stored in the storage section, until the free disk space of the storage capacity is increased so as to become enough to store the contents or the elements.

[0042] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein, in the third step, when a free disk space of the storage capacity is not enough to store the contents or the elements, the contents or the elements to be transferred under specified conditions set in advance are sequentially selected and transferred, out of a plurality of the contents or the elements being stored in the storage section, until the free disk space of the storage capacity is increased so as to become enough to store the contents or the elements.

[0043] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein, in the third step, when a free disk space of the storage capacity is not enough to store the contents or the elements, part of a plurality of the contents or the elements being stored in the storage section is sequentially displayed on the display section or a display section of the server and the contents or the elements being sequentially selected by the user are sequentially deleted until the free disk space of the storage capacity is increased so as to become enough to store the contents or the elements.

[0044] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein, in the third step, when a free disk space of the storage capacity is not enough to store the contents or the elements, the contents or the elements having same contents as the contents or the elements being stored in the server, out of a plurality of the contents or the elements being stored in the storage section, are sequentially selected for deletion until the free disk space of the storage capacity is increased so as to become enough to store the contents or the elements.

[0045] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein, in the third step, when a free disk space of the storage capacity is not enough to store the contents or the elements, the contents or the elements to be deleted based on predetermined conditions set in advance are sequentially selected for deletion, out of a plurality of the contents or the elements having been reproduced and being stored in the storage section of the electronic device, until the free disk space of the storage capacity is increased so as to become enough to store the contents or the elements.

[0046] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein a transfer completion date and time at which the transfer of the contents and the elements is completed is configured so as to be capable of being set by the user and wherein, in the second step, the server calculates time required for the transfer and for the quality conversion by performing an inverse operation from the transfer completion date and time and sets a quality conversion starting date and time at which the conversion of quality is started, and starts the conversion of quality of the contents or the elements at the set quality conversion starting date and time.

[0047] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein, in the second step, when use of the server by the user is detected, the server does not start or discontinues the conversion of quality of the contents and the elements.

[0048] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein, in the second step, when use of the server by the user is not detected for a period of time exceeding a predetermined time, the server starts or restarts the conversion of quality of the contents or the elements.

[0049] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein, in the third step, when use of the server by the user is detected, the server does not start or discontinues transfer of the contents or the elements obtained after the quality conversion.

[0050] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein, in the third step, when use of the server by the user is not detected for a period of time exceeding a predetermined time, the server starts or restarts transfer of the contents or the elements obtained after the quality conversion.

[0051] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein use of the server by the user is judged or confirmed by identifying the user, by detecting a fact that an operating section of the server has been manipulated by the user, or by detecting an intention of the server to use the server.

[0052] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein, in the second or the third step, the quality conversion of the contents or the elements, or transfer of the contents or the elements obtained after the quality conversion is stopped or discontinued when a load on a controlling section of the server exceeds a threshold value for a first period of time within a first predetermined period, and is started or restarted when the load on the controlling section becomes less than a threshold value for a second period of time within a second predetermined period.

[0053] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the server is so constructed that the contents or the elements are able to be reproduced and wherein, in the third step, the server transfers the contents or the elements obtained after the quality conversion and a reproduction point of the contents or the elements obtained after the quality conversion to the electronic device and wherein a fourth step is included in which the contents or the elements obtained after the quality conversion are reproduced from the reproduction point by the electronic device.

[0054] Also, a preferable mode is one that wherein, further includes a fifth step of transferring, when the contents or the elements having same contents as the contents or the element being stored in the storage section of the electronic device are stored in the storage section of the server at a time when the server is connected to the electronic device, the reproduction point currently existing from the electronic device to the server and of storing the reproduction point currently existing in the storage section of the server or of renewing the reproduction point.

[0055] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the portable electronic device includes a notebook-type, a palm-size-type, a pocket-type computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a portable cellular phone, or a PHS (Personal Handy-phone System) According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a contents using system including:

[0056] a server to store contents and to transfer the contents to an electronic device and to reproduce the contents by the electronic device;

[0057] wherein the server stores the contents at a date and at a time both being designated by a user, converts quality of the contents according to storage capacity or display capability of a storage section and display section making up the electronic device, and transfers, after having confirmed connection between the server and the electronic device, the contents obtained after the quality conversion, from the server to the electronic device.

[0058] In the foregoing second aspect, a preferable mode is one wherein the server and the electronic device are connected to each other through a cable, by wireless, or via a network.

[0059] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the electronic device includes a portable electronic device to which power is supplied by a battery, a dry cell, a solar cell or a fuel cell.

[0060] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the electronic device is made up of a first electronic device having the display section and a second electronic device having a controlling section to store contents obtained after the quality conversion and transferred from the storage section and the server in the storage section and to display the contents on the display section.

[0061] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the electronic device is made up of a first electronic device having the display section and the storage section and a second electronic device having a controlling section to store contents obtained after the quality conversion and transferred from the server in the storage section and to display the contents on the display section.

[0062] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the server and the electronic device are connected to each other through a cradle serving as a platform having a function of connecting the electronic device to the server to carry out a data exchange and wherein the server, after having confirmed that the electronic device has been inserted into the cradle, transfers contents obtained after the quality conversion to the electronic device.

[0063] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the storage capacity and the display capability are acquired as a result of pre-inputting by the user or as a result of displaying contents serving as a sample which have been transferred to the electronic device and have been displayed on the display section when the server was first connected to the electronic device.

[0064] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the electronic device transfers storage presetting information about presetting of storing the contents input by the user and the server stores the contents based on the storage presetting information.

[0065] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the server transfers a contents acquiring schedule table needed to input the storage presetting information to the electronic device and the electronic device transfers the storage presetting information input by the user who made reference to the contents acquiring schedule table.

[0066] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the storage presetting information contains at least one of information about a name of the contents, storage starting date and time, storage terminating date and time, transfer flag indicating whether or not transfer is needed, identification number of a destination to which transfer is made which designates the destination to which transfer is made, and quality conversion of the contents.

[0067] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein, when a plurality of the electronic devices exists and a device identification number is assigned to each of electronic devices, the storage presetting information contains the device identification numbers and wherein the server transfers contents obtained after the quality conversion only to the electronic devices to which the device identification numbers have been assigned.

[0068] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein, when a plurality of the users exists and a user identification number is assigned to each of the users, the storage presetting information contains the user identification numbers and wherein the server transfers contents obtained after the quality conversion only to the electronic device to which the storage presetting information containing the user identification numbers have been transferred.

[0069] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein, when the electronic device is configured so that a plurality of the storage sections is freely detachable and attachable and a storage section identification number set by the user for each of the storage sections is assigned to the storage section, the storage presetting information contains the storage section identification numbers and the server transfers contents obtained after the quality conversion only to the electronic devices each being equipped with the storage section to which the storage section identification number has been assigned.

[0070] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein, when a plurality of information about the quality conversion exists for the contents having same contents, quality of the contents is converted so as to have the highest quality.

[0071] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the server converts quality of the contents during a conversion enabling time band being not used by the user. Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the conversion enabling time band is set by the user in advance, or by the server based on a state of use of the server by the user in a past, or by the server based on a time band set in advance by the user and the state of use of the server.

[0072] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the server starts the conversion of quality of the contents from a conversion start enabling date and time being the earliest date and time at which time being expected to be required for the conversion of quality of the contents is able to be secured.

[0073] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the server divides the contents into a plurality of elements, stores them, sequentially converts quality of the plurality of the elements, and sequentially transfers the plurality of the elements obtained after the quality conversion, from the server to the electronic device.

[0074] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein, when the conversion of quality of an arbitrary one of the plurality of elements is discontinued while quality of the plurality of the elements is being sequentially converted, the conversion of quality is restarted from the arbitrary one from which the conversion had been discontinued, after the normal operation is restored.

[0075] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the server, when the conversion of quality of an arbitrary one of the plurality of elements becomes successful, deletes the arbitrary one being stored in the storage section of the server.

[0076] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the server, when transfer of an arbitrary one of the plurality of elements is discontinued while the plurality of the elements obtained after the quality conversion is sequentially transferred, restarts the transfer from the arbitrary one from which the transfer had been discontinued, after the normal operation is restored.

[0077] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the server, when the transfer of an arbitrary one of the plurality of elements becomes successful, deletes the arbitrary one being stored in the storage section of the server.

[0078] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the server, when a free disk space of the storage capacity is not enough to store the contents or the elements, sequentially selects and deletes the contents or the elements to be deleted under specified conditions set in advance, out of a plurality of the contents or the elements being stored in the storage section of the electronic device, until the free disk space of the storage capacity is increased so as to become enough to store the contents or the elements.

[0079] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the server, when a free disk space of the storage capacity is not enough to store the contents or the elements, sequentially selects the contents or the elements to be transferred to the server itself under specified conditions set in advance so as to be transferred to the server itself, out of a plurality of the contents or the elements being stored in the storage section of the electronic device, until the free disk space of the storage capacity is increased so as to become enough to store the contents or the elements.

[0080] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the server, when a free disk space of the storage capacity is not enough to store the contents or the elements, sequentially displays part of a plurality of the contents or the elements being stored in the storage section of the electronic device on the display section or a display section of the server itself and sequentially deletes the contents or the elements being sequentially selected by the user until the free disk space of the storage capacity is increased so as to become enough to store the contents or the elements.

[0081] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the sever, when a free disk space of the storage capacity is not enough to store the contents or the elements, sequentially selects and deletes the contents or the elements having same contents as the contents or the elements being stored in a storage section of the server itself, out of a plurality of the contents or the elements being stored in the storage section of the electronic device, until the free disk space of the storage capacity is increased so as to become enough to store the contents or the elements.

[0082] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the server, when a free disk space of the storage capacity is not enough to store the contents or the elements, sequentially selects and deletes the contents or the elements to be deleted based on specified conditions set in advance, out of a plurality of the contents or the elements having been reproduced and being stored in the storage section of the electronic device, until the free disk space of the storage capacity is increased so as to become enough to store the contents or the elements.

[0083] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein a transfer completion date and time at which the transfer of the contents and the elements is completed is configured so as to be capable of being set by the user and wherein, the server calculates time required for the transfer and for the quality conversion by performing an inverse operation from the transfer completion date and time and sets a quality conversion starting date and time at which the conversion of quality is started, and starts the conversion of quality of the contents or the elements at the set quality conversion starting date and time.

[0084] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the server, when use of the server by the user is detected, does not start or discontinues the conversion of quality of the contents and the elements.

[0085] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the server, when use of the server by the user is not detected for a period of time exceeding a predetermined time, starts or restarts the conversion of quality of the contents or the elements.

[0086] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the server, when use of the server by the user is detected, does not start or discontinues transfer of the contents or the elements obtained after the quality conversion.

[0087] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the server, when use of the server by the user is not detected for a period of time exceeding a predetermined time, starts or restarts transfer of the contents or the elements obtained after the quality conversion.

[0088] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the server judges whether or not use of the server by the user, by identifying the user, by detecting a fact that an operating section of the server has been manipulated by the user, or by detecting an intention of the server to use the server.

[0089] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the server stops or discontinues the quality conversion of the contents or elements, or transfer of the contents or the elements obtained after the conversion when a load on a controlling section of the server exceeds a threshold value for a first period of time within a first predetermined period and starts or restarts the quality conversion of the contents or the elements, or transfer of the contents or elements obtained after the quality conversion when the load on the controlling section becomes less than a threshold value for a second period of time within a second predetermined period.

[0090] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the server is so constructed that the contents or the elements are able to be reproduced and wherein the server transfers the contents or the elements obtained after the quality conversion by the server and a reproduction point of the contents or the elements obtained after the quality conversion to the electronic device and wherein the electronic device reproduces the contents or the elements obtained after the quality conversion from the reproduction point.

[0091] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein when the contents or the elements having same contents as the contents or the elements being stored in the storage section of the electronic device are stored in the storage section of the server at a time when the server is connected to the electronic device, the server receives a reproduction point currently existing transferred from the electronic device and stores or renews the reproduction point currently existing in the storage section of the server itself.

[0092] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein a plurality of the servers is connected through a network and which transfers contents, after having stored them by a server and reproduces the contents by an electronic device.

[0093] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the electronic device is configured so as to be capable of being connected to the network through any one of a plurality of the servers or directly.

[0094] Also, a preferable mode is one wherein the portable electronic device includes a notebook-type, a palm-size-type, a pocket-type computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a portable cellular phone, or a PHS (Personal Handy-phone System).

[0095] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a server for being used in the contents using system as recited in the above second aspect.

[0096] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic device for being used in the contents using system as recited in the above aspect.

[0097] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a contents using program to have a computer implement a contents using method including:

[0098] a first step of storing contents by a server at a date and at a time both being designated by a user;

[0099] a second step of converting quality of the contents by the server according to storage capacity or display capability of a storage section and display section making up an electronic device; and

[0100] a third step of transferring, after having confirmed connection between the server and the electronic device, contents obtained after the quality conversion, from the server to the electronic device.

[0101] With the above configurations, since the contents using method of the present invention includes the first step of storing contents by the server at the date and at the time both being designated by the user, the second step of converting quality of contents by the server according to storage capacity of the storage section and the display section making up the image display device, and the third step of transferring contents obtained by the quality conversion, after having confirmed connection between the server and the image display device, from the server to the image display device, the server can be used for other applications without a need for paying attention to transfer of an image file from the server to the electronic device.

[0102] With another configurations, since contents are stored after having been divided into a plurality of elements, quality of a plurality of elements is sequentially converted and a plurality of elements obtained after the quality conversion is sequentially transferred from the server to the image display device, excellent conversion efficiency and transfer efficiency of contents can be achieved and time required for the processing can be shorted.

[0103] With still another configuration, since the server is so constructed that contents can be reproduced and since the server transfers both contents obtained after the quality conversion and a reproduction point of contents obtained after the quality conversion by the server to the image display device and contents obtained after the quality conversion can be reproduced from a reproduction point in the image display device, same contents can be watched and listened to freely by either of the image display device or the server.

[0104] With still another configuration, if free disk space is not enough to store contents, since contents to be deleted under predetermined conditions preset in advance out of a plurality of contents being stored in the storage section are sequentially deleted until the free disk space is increased and it becomes enough to store contents, even if the image display device has little storage capacity, it is made possible for a user to avoid unintended deletion of files.

[0105] With still another configuration, since a plurality of servers is connected to one another through the network and the contents, after having been stored in any one of the servers, are transferred to the image display device in which the contents are reproduced, so long as a network environment is provided, it is possible to capture a file or an element even in an area to which the user has moved.