Abstract: A mail server employed in a client service provider receives an email destined for a user cataloged in advance in the client service provider. If the email has a file attached thereto, the format of the attached file is examined. If the format of the attached file is found to be a format categorized as a format of a first file format group set in advance, the format is converted into another format belonging to a category other than the first file format group, that is, a second file format group set in advance. Then, the attached file is replaced by a file having the other format.

Abstract: A control command attaching the same identifier to related commands is input from an application to an AV data processing control device. Further, a command for linking this identifier and a trigger generated by a contact input-1 is input. When the contact input-1 is generated, all control commands containing the identifier are executed. Further, when the link of the contact input-1 and the identifier of the control command is invalidated, even if the contact input-1 is generated, none of the linked control commands are executed. The execution of the control commands is carried out by controlling the controlled devices by the IDCs.

Abstract: The software of the system has a hierarchical structure. In the highest hierarchical level, a GUI 103, an automation and traffic control 104 that can be designated by the user are disposed. In the next hierarchical level, an application software program 102 is disposed through an I/F or a network. The software program 102 is connected to an MTP 105a and an SMS 105b through a network or a common memory 101c. The software program 102 conceptually substitutes a device into a stream. Thus, the devices are indirectly controlled. Up to this hierarchical level, a real-time characteristic is not required. In the lower hierarchical level than a root IDC 105c, an IDC 111, an I/O 112, and various devices 113 are connected through a network 109. In this hierarchical level, attributes of the devices are considered and the real-time characteristic is assured.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a cassette auto changer selectively takes out a plurality of cassettes accommodated within a predetermined cassette accommodating unit to load the cassette into a recording and/or a reproducing means and is enabled to further easily confirm the state of the cassette auto changer and operate the cassette auto changer. By arranging the configuration in such a manner that the states of the portions of the cassette auto changer are collectively visually illustrated on a display screen of a monitor and the respective portions are controlled on the display screen, the confirmation of the states of the portions of the cassette auto changer can further easily be made and they can be operated further easily.