JP2009055136A - Support information output apparatus, video image output apparatus, method of controlling support information output apparatus, program and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To output support information for supporting the operation of an apparatus by a user to an output destination suitable for the state of the apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: A support information output apparatus 100 includes: a support information generating section 101 for generating support information; an output destination detecting section 107 for detecting output apparatus capable of outputting the support information generated by the support information generating section; an output destination selecting section 108 for selecting an output destination of the support information from among the output apparatus detected by the output destination detecting section 107. In the output apparatus 100, the output destination selecting section 108 determines whether an equipment output apparatus mounted on or externally connected to a video output apparatus 120 is included in the output apparatuses detected by the output destination detecting section 107. In this way, the output destination of the support information can be selected after recognizing the state of the video output apparatus 120. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention provides control of a support information output device, a video output device, and a support information output device for generating support information for supporting the use of a device by a user and outputting the support information to an optimum output destination. The present invention relates to a method, a program, and a recording medium.

  In recent years, a large number of electrical products have become popular in each household. Among them, televisions that receive various program broadcasts and video recorders that can record the broadcasts and watch them at the time desired by viewers exist in most homes. In addition, there are cases where a video game or a personal computer is played and a video performance such as a movie is enjoyed at home using a high-performance sound system. Among these devices, many devices are connected to each other and operate by cooperation. For example, a video recorder needs to be connected to a television.

  However, there are many devices that require complicated connection during setup and complicated operations during use.

  For example, since there are various methods such as composite connection, S terminal connection, component connection, D terminal connection, HDMI terminal connection, etc. as a connection method between the video recorder and the television, the user is likely to be confused. Regarding the connection of antennas, it is necessary to properly connect satellite broadcasting and terrestrial waves, and after connecting to digital terrestrial input, connecting to analog input, the number of connection methods and procedures are extremely complicated. is there. As for the operation of the video recorder, video editing operations and recording reservations are difficult operations for many users.

  If the user does not know how to connect or operate the device, the user refers to the manual or the like. However, in general, the manual of the device contains operation instructions for all the functions of the device, so the manual is enormous. The manual is usually provided on a paper medium. For this reason, the user needs to select a large amount of paper that matches his environment, which is extremely complicated.

  As a solution to such a problem, many products have been developed in which support information for supporting the user's work is stored in a storage device or the like so that the user can refer to it appropriately.

  For example, the “interactive operation support system” disclosed in Patent Document 1 stores information for supporting operation of home appliances and the like and a character image set according to the content of the information in a storage device. This is a technique for combining a character image with information for operating home appliances and outputting the result on a display in accordance with a voice uttered by a user.

  In such a technique for user support, it is necessary to generate and present information desired by the user from information stored in advance according to the conditions input by the user. Patent Documents 2 and 3 have been proposed as techniques for generating information from information stored in advance according to conditions input by a user.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a distribution device that determines the content and display mode of an article according to the genre such as “politics” and “economy” designated by the user and the browsing environment of the user, and outputs it to a printing device or the like. Has been.

In Patent Document 3, a photography location, a map, and the like set for each area of a sightseeing spot are stored in a storage device, and the photography location is selected according to the area selected by the user to the bookbinding device. A system for outputting and creating a guidebook is disclosed.
JP 2005-56170 A (published March 3, 2005) JP 2005-316832 A (published on November 10, 2005) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-275770 (released on October 6, 2005)

  However, the conventional configuration causes a problem that the support information cannot be output to an output destination suitable for the state of the device.

  For example, the configuration of outputting support information to the display as in Patent Document 1 is not suitable for outputting support information for explaining wiring work. This is because during the wiring work, the video recorder or the television receiver is often turned off and the work is often performed, and thus the support information cannot be displayed on a display such as a television in many cases.

  In addition, when the video editing operation is performed by the video recorder, it may not be preferable to display the support information on the display. Editing video information requires complicated operations such as scene deletion and insertion. However, during editing work, it is necessary to display a lot of information such as the video information and commands necessary for editing on the screen, and the area for displaying support information such as operation procedures becomes narrower or disappears. There are many cases. Even if the display on the screen can be appropriately switched to the manual reference, the operation becomes complicated.

  On the other hand, when supporting information is presented in a paper medium, as described above, there are problems such as an enormous amount of paper medium and a long time required for searching. Also, in order to support the video editing work, it is necessary to explain complicated operations, so it may be preferable to present the support information on the display rather than outputting the support information to a paper medium.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is a support information output device, a video output device, and a support capable of outputting support information to an output destination suitable for the state of the device. It is an object to provide a control method, a program, and a recording medium for an information output apparatus.

  In order to solve the above problems, a support information output device according to the present invention is a support information output device that outputs support information for supporting the use of a device, and includes support information acquisition means for acquiring the support information; Selecting an output destination of the support information from an output destination detecting means for detecting an output device capable of outputting the support information acquired by the support information acquiring means and an output device detected by the output destination detecting means Whether or not the output device selected by the output destination detection means includes a device output device mounted on or externally connected to the device. It is characterized by judging.

  A control method for a support information output apparatus according to the present invention is a control method for a support information output apparatus that outputs support information for supporting the use of a device, wherein the support information output device uses the device. Detected in the support information generation step for generating support information for support, the output destination detection step for detecting the output device capable of outputting the support information acquired in the support information generation step, and the output destination detection step An output destination selection step for selecting an output destination for outputting the support information from among the output devices. In the output destination selection step, the device is included in the output device detected in the output destination detection step. It is characterized by determining whether or not a device output device mounted or externally connected is included.

  According to the above configuration, after recognizing whether an output device capable of outputting support information includes a device output device mounted or externally connected to a device whose use is supported by the support information. Thus, the output destination of the support information can be selected.

  As a result, the output destination of the support information can be selected after recognizing the state of the device that is the support target. That is, if the device output device cannot output the support information, there is a high possibility that the device cannot be used, for example, the setup is not completed or the setup is not normal. In this case, according to said structure, assistance information can be output to the output apparatus etc. which were provided separately from the said apparatus. On the other hand, if the device output device can output support information, it means that the device is in a usable state to some extent. At this time, for example, when a video recorder is used as the device, if support information can be output to a television connected to the video recorder, support information with complex contents can be displayed in a form that is easy to view. Thus, according to the above configuration, the output destination of the support information can be selected after the state of the device is recognized.

  Therefore, support information can be output to an output destination suitable for the state of the device.

  In the support information output device according to the present invention, when the output destination selection unit determines that the device output device is included in the detected output device, the output destination selection unit selects the device output device. preferable.

  According to the above configuration, when the device output device can output support information, the support information is automatically output to the device output device.

  Therefore, support information can be output to an output destination suitable for the state of the device more easily.

  In the support information output device according to the present invention, when the output destination selection unit determines that the device output device is included in the detected output unit, the output destination detection unit detects the output device detected by the output destination detection unit. It is more preferable to display a screen from which the user can select the device output device.

  According to the above configuration, since it is displayed so that it is possible to specify which output device is the device output device, the user recognizes whether the device output device can output the support information, and then outputs it. A device can be selected. For example, when a plurality of output devices are detected, the plurality of output devices are displayed as options and displayed so that it can be specified which output device is mounted or connected to the target device supported. Can do.

  Therefore, the support information can be output to an output destination suitable for the state of the device and in accordance with the user's request.

  In the support information output device according to the present invention, the support information acquisition unit acquires device identification information for identifying the device, associates the device identification information with the support information, and transmits the device identification information to the output destination selection unit. The output destination detecting means acquires output destination identification information for identifying the detected output device, and outputs the output destination identifying information to the output destination selecting means, and identifies the device output device. Output destination identification information for specifying the device identification information of the device, and the output destination selection unit is configured to output the output destination detection unit based on the device identification information and the output destination identification information. The output destination identification information corresponding to the device output device mounted on the device is identified from the output destination identification information acquired by the device, and the output device corresponding to the output destination identification information that matches the device identification information is determined as the device. And more preferably one to identify as an output device.

  According to the above configuration, the support information output apparatus can select the output destination after more accurately recognizing the device.

  Therefore, support information can be output to an output destination suitable for the state of the device more reliably.

  The support information output device according to the present invention further includes an alternative output device capable of outputting the support information, and the output destination selection means includes the alternative output device as the output device in an output destination candidate. Is more preferable.

  According to the above configuration, the device output device mounted on or externally connected to the device whose use is supported by the support information is in a state where the support information cannot be output or is connected to the other support information output. Even if the output device cannot output the support information, the support information can be output from at least the alternative output device provided in the support information output device.

  Therefore, support information can be output even when the device is in an unusable state.

  In the support information output device according to the present invention, it is more preferable that the support information output device further includes connection means for connecting to an output device provided separately from the device.

  According to the above configuration, even when the device output device is in a state where the support information cannot be output, the support information can be output to an output device provided separately from the device.

  Therefore, even if the support information cannot be output to the device output device, the support information can be output.

  In the support information output device according to the present invention, the support information is a combination of a plurality of pieces of configuration information, and the support information acquisition unit selects the configuration information from candidate information that is candidates for the configuration information. Device information, which is information including the device identification information, is acquired from a device information acquisition unit that acquires the device information, and a plurality of candidate information is obtained based on the device information. More preferably, the support information is generated by extracting candidate information used for generating the support information from the stored candidate information storage means.

  According to said structure, the said assistance information acquisition means acquires the apparatus identification information which specifies an apparatus, and produces | generates assistance information based on the said apparatus information. Therefore, support information corresponding to the device can be generated. Therefore, it is possible to generate support information with more appropriate contents.

  Moreover, the video output device according to the present invention is characterized by including the support information output device according to the present invention described above.

  According to the above configuration, since the support information output device according to any one of the present invention described above is provided, the support information can be output to an output destination suitable for the state of the video output device.

  The support information output device and the video output device may be realized by a computer. In this case, the support information output device and the video output device are operated by causing the computer to operate as the respective units. A program realized by a computer and a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded also fall within the scope of the present invention.

  The support information output device according to the present invention is a support information output device that outputs support information for supporting the use of a device as described above, and includes support information acquisition means for acquiring the support information, and the support information. Output destination detection means for detecting an output device capable of outputting the support information acquired by the acquisition means, and output destination selection means for selecting the output destination of the support information from the output devices detected by the output destination detection means And the output destination selection means determines whether the output device detected by the output destination detection means includes a device output device mounted on or externally connected to the device. is there.

  Accordingly, it is possible to select the output destination of the support information after recognizing the state of the support target device. In other words, the fact that the device output device cannot output support information is highly likely that the device is in an unusable state, for example, the setup is not completed or the setup is not normal. In this case, according to said structure, assistance information can be output to the output apparatus etc. which were provided separately from the said apparatus. On the other hand, if the device output device can output support information, it means that the device is in a usable state to some extent. At this time, for example, when a video recorder is used as the device, if support information can be output to a television connected to the video recorder, support information with complex contents can be displayed in a form that is easy to view. As described above, according to the above configuration, it is possible to select the output destination of the support information after recognizing the state of the device.

<Embodiment 1>
An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, the information generation device (support information output device) 100 generates support information for explaining a method of connecting the video output device (device) 120 to the television (device output device) 130 and the antenna 140. The case where it is a thing is demonstrated.

[Support information]
First, support information generated by the information generation apparatus 100 will be described.

  In this specification, “support information” means information for supporting the use of a device by a user. For example, when setting up a device, a manual for connecting the device to another device, a device, The manual etc. which explain the usage method are mentioned when using it. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the information generation apparatus 100 generates information for supporting connection work between the video output apparatus 120, the television 130, and the antenna 140 as support information.

  In addition, the information generation apparatus 100 generates support information by combining a plurality of pieces of information. At this time, in order for the information generating apparatus 100 to generate support information, information to be combined is hereinafter referred to as “configuration information”. In this specification, “candidate information” means information that is a candidate for configuration information.

  In this embodiment, the configuration information includes image information indicating the video output device 120, image information indicating an input terminal of the television 130 (hereinafter referred to as “TV input terminal”), and a terminal of the antenna 140 (hereinafter referred to as “antenna”). Terminal information), image information indicating a connection cable connecting the video output device 120 and the television 130 (hereinafter simply referred to as “connection cable”), an antenna 140 and the video output device 120. Image information indicating a cable to be connected (antenna cable) is used.

  A support information generation unit 101 to be described later can generate support information for various types of devices. For this reason, the configuration information storage unit 103 stores information (candidate information) that is a candidate for configuration information used when generating support information. Which candidate information is used as the configuration information from the candidate information stored in the configuration information storage unit 103 when generating the support information is specified by the device information and the related information.

  Here, the device information is at least a part of information for identifying configuration information from candidate information. In this embodiment, as the device information, the video output device identification information, the TV 130 model number (hereinafter referred to as “TV model number”), the TV input terminal ID information, and the antenna terminal ID are included. Three types of information are used. That is, either the TV model number or the TV input terminal ID may be used. The ID (identification information) is information used to specify individual information among a plurality of pieces of information belonging to each attribute. The attribute is information indicating the type of device information, related information, configuration information, and the like. For example, the attribute is information for specifying whether the information represents a television input terminal or an antenna terminal. is there.

  The related information is information of the remaining part other than the device information among the information for specifying the configuration information from the candidate information. The related information is stored in the related information storage unit 104 in association with the device information. In the present embodiment, the connection cable ID and the antenna cable ID are used as the related information.

  That is, if the video output device identification information, which is device information, information on one of the TV model number and TV input terminal ID, and the antenna terminal ID can be acquired, the connection cable ID and the antenna cable ID are also specified. Then, configuration information used to generate support information is specified by the device information and related information.

[Configuration of Information Generating Device 100]
Next, the configuration of the information generation apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described based on FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information generating apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.

  The information generation apparatus 100 includes a support information generation unit (support information acquisition unit) 101, a device information acquisition unit (device information acquisition unit) 102, a configuration information storage unit (candidate information storage unit) 103, a related information storage unit 104, and an input unit. 105, a display unit 106, an output destination detection unit (output destination detection unit) 107, an output destination selection unit (output destination selection unit) 108, and an output unit 109. In addition, the information generation device 100 is connected to the video output device 120.

  The support information generation unit 101 functions as support information acquisition means of the support information output device according to the present invention. Specifically, the support information generation unit 101 generates support information and outputs the generated support information to the output destination selection unit 108.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the support information acquisition unit of the support information output apparatus according to the present invention has a configuration for generating support information will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The support information acquisition unit may acquire support information from a storage device in which support information created in advance is stored.

  The device information acquisition unit 102 functions as device information acquisition means of the support information output apparatus according to the present invention. Specifically, the device information acquisition unit 102 acquires device information. In addition, the device information acquisition unit 102 can display information that prompts the user to input device information, device information options, and the like on the display unit 106. When displaying device information options as images, candidate information is extracted from the configuration information storage unit 103 and output to the display unit 106. In addition, the device information acquisition unit 102 acquires the video output device identification information from the video output device 120 and outputs the video output device identification information to the support information generation unit 101 as device information.

  The configuration information storage unit 103 functions as candidate information storage means of the support information output apparatus according to the present invention, and stores candidate information. Although the data structure will be described in detail later, the configuration information storage unit 103 stores candidate information, its attributes, and IDs in association with each other.

  The related information storage unit 104 stores related information. Although the data structure of the data stored in the related information storage unit 104 will be described in detail later, the related information storage unit 104 stores device information and related information in association with each other.

  The configurations of the configuration information storage unit 103 and the related information storage unit 104 are not particularly limited as long as they can store the configuration information and the related information, for example, RAM (random access memory), HDD (hard disk drive), for example. ). Further, the configuration information storage unit 103 and the related information storage unit 104 are built in the information generation device 100, but an external storage device may be used.

  The input unit 105 receives input of device information from the user and outputs it to the device information acquisition unit 102. The configuration of the input unit 105 is not particularly limited as long as the user can input the above-described device information. For example, the input unit 105 can be configured with an input key, a mouse, or the like.

  The display unit 106 prompts the user to input device information or presents options. For example, text information such as “Please input the TV model number” is displayed as information prompting the user to input the TV model number, or candidate information is displayed as a choice of device information.

  The output destination detection unit 107 functions as an output destination detection unit of the support information output device according to the present invention. Specifically, an output device that can output the support information generated by the support information generation unit 101 is detected.

  The output destination selection unit 108 functions as output destination selection means of the support information output apparatus according to the present invention. Specifically, an output device that outputs support information is selected from the output devices detected by the output destination detection unit 107. It is determined whether the output device detected by the output destination detection unit 107 includes a device output device (television 130). When it is determined that the output device includes the television 130, the television 130 is selected.

  In this embodiment, the television 130 functions as a device output device. In the present specification, the “apparatus output device” is an output device for support information that is generated by the support information output device according to the present invention and supports work for using the device, and is mounted on the device or connected externally. Output device.

  The output unit 109 functions as an alternative output device for the support information output device according to the present invention. Thereby, even when the support information cannot be output to the video output unit 121, the support information can be output from the output unit 109. In other words, by providing an alternative output device, it is possible to output the support information of the device even when the device to be set up or operated is unusable, such as when power is not supplied to the device such as video. it can. The configuration of the output unit 109 is not limited as long as support information can be output. You may comprise by a conventionally well-known printer, a display, etc.

  The video output device 120 is a device that can output video. The video output device 120 includes a video output unit 121, a video input unit 122, a video storage unit 123, and an identification information storage unit 124. In the present specification, the “video output device” means a device that displays video information on a display such as a television, such as a video recorder, a DVD recorder, or an HDD (hard disk drive) recorder.

  The video output unit 121 displays video information and support information on the television 130.

  The video input unit 122 acquires video information from the antenna 140 and outputs the video information to the video output unit 121 and / or the video storage unit 123.

  The video storage unit 123 stores the video information output from the video input unit 122.

  The identification information storage unit 124 stores video output device identification information that can identify the video output device 120. The configurations of the video storage unit 123 and the identification information storage unit 124 are not particularly limited as long as video information and video output device identification information can be stored. For example, a random access memory (RAM) or HDD What is necessary is just to comprise. In addition, the video storage unit 123 and the identification information storage unit 124 are built in the video output device 120 in this embodiment, but an external storage device may be used.

[Operation of Information Generating Device 100]
Next, the operation of the information generating apparatus 100 will be described.

  First, the device information acquisition unit 102 operates to acquire device information. Processing performed in the device information acquisition unit 102 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed by the device information acquisition unit 102.

  First, the device information acquisition unit 102 determines whether video output device identification information can be acquired (S201). For example, if the video output device 120 and the television 130 are already connected, and electricity is supplied to each, the video output device identification information can be obtained from the identification information storage unit 124 even when the antenna 140 is not connected. It is possible to obtain.

  If the device information acquisition unit 102 cannot acquire the video output device identification information in step S201, an image prompting to input the video output device identification information is displayed on the display unit 106 (S202). As a result, the display unit 106 displays the image shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed by the display unit 106 when prompting the user to input video output device identification information. When the user inputs the model number of the video output device to the input unit 105 in accordance with the screen P101 shown in FIG. 3, the input unit 105 outputs the model number to the device information acquisition unit 102 as video output device identification information. In the present embodiment, the model number of the video output device is the video output device identification information as it is, but is not limited to this. A storage device that associates the model number with the video output device identification information may be provided to identify the video output device identification information from the model number input by the user.

  When the device information acquisition unit 102 acquires the video output device identification information, the device information acquisition unit 102 then causes the display unit 106 to display an image that prompts input of the TV model number (S204). As a result, the display unit 106 displays the image shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed by the display unit 106 when prompting the user to input a TV model number. If the user inputs a television model number to the input unit 105 in accordance with the display on the screen P102 shown in FIG. 4, the input unit 105 outputs the television model number to the device information acquisition unit 102. Then, the device information acquisition unit 102 performs step S208. When the model number of the television is unknown to the user, the user inputs “0” according to the screen P102. Then, the input unit 105 outputs a signal indicating that the TV model number is unknown to the device information acquisition unit 102. Next, the device information acquisition unit 102 performs step S206.

  In step S206, the device information acquisition unit 102 causes the display unit 106 to display information that prompts the user to select a television input terminal. Then, the display unit 106 displays the screen shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 106 when the user selects the shape of the television input terminal. As shown on the screen P103, the display unit 106 displays options for the television terminal. This is because the device information acquisition unit 102 acquires candidate information from the configuration information storage unit 103 based on the attribute of the device information intended for acquisition (here, the candidate information whose attribute is “TV terminal” is acquired). And output to the display unit 106. The user selects one of the TV terminals 1 to 4 shown on the screen P <b> 103 and inputs it to the input unit 105. The input unit 105 receives the selection by the user, and outputs one of the selected 1 to 4 to the device information acquisition unit 102 as a TV terminal ID.

  In step S208, the device information acquisition unit 102 causes the display unit 106 to display an image that prompts the user to select an antenna terminal. Specifically, the device information acquisition unit 102 extracts candidate information whose attribute is an antenna terminal from the configuration information storage unit 103 and causes the display unit 106 to display the candidate information as options. Then, the display unit 106 displays a screen P104 shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 106 when the user selects an antenna terminal. The user selects one of the antenna terminals 1 to 4 shown on the screen P <b> 104 and inputs it to the input unit 105. The input unit 105 accepts selection by the user, and outputs one of the selected 1 to 4 to the device information acquisition unit 102 as an antenna terminal ID.

  Next, the device information acquisition unit 102 outputs the acquired device information to the support information generation unit 101.

  The device information acquisition unit 102 obtains the above operation by interpreting and executing information described by BML (Broadcast Markup Languege). The language that defines the operation of the device information acquisition unit 102 is not limited to BML, but the device information acquisition unit 102 uses a language that can specify the display area and display time of an image, such as BML. The operation can be easily described, and the cost can be reduced. For the same reason, the operation of the support information generation unit 101 described later is also preferably described in a markup language such as BML or XML. In the present embodiment, the operation of the support information generation unit 101 will be described as being described in BML. Note that the markup language is a language that defines the appearance of information to be displayed, including the structure of a document such as a paragraph, the display area of an image, and the display time.

  BML is similar to HTML (HyperText Markup Language), and can generate a display area and a button by describing a tag. That is, a square frame enclosing the numbers 1 to 4 shown in FIG. 4 may be used as a button so that the button can be selected with a touch panel or a mouse.

  As a function for interpreting and executing BML, ECMAScript can be executed in the described information. ECMAScript is a script language developed to standardize Java (registered trademark) Script and JScript widely used in WWW browsers. By using this, information in the field and information related to button operations can be acquired and used for processing. In order to obtain user's input and interpret it, a program described in ECMAScript may be used. In addition, the device information acquisition unit 102 may start a browser (for example, Internet Explorer of Windows (registered trademark)) for interpreting and executing the markup language such as the above-described BML and ECMAScript. . Although not specifically described below, it is assumed that processing of the support information generation unit 101 and the device information acquisition unit 102 is performed by ECMAScript.

  Next, processing performed by the support information generation unit 101 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed by the support information generation unit 101.

  The support information generation unit 101 acquires device information (S701), and then acquires related information (S702).

  In the related information storage unit 104, related information is stored in association with device information in the data structure shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of data stored in the related information storage unit 104. As shown in FIG. 8, in the related information storage unit 104, the connection cable ID and the antenna cable ID are stored in association with the video output device identification information, the TV model number, the TV input terminal ID, and the antenna terminal ID.

  If the video output device identification information, which is the device information, the TV model number or the TV input terminal ID, and the antenna terminal ID are determined, the connection cable ID and the antenna cable ID that are related information are also specified. In this embodiment, (video device identification information, TV model number, TV input terminal ID, antenna terminal ID, connection cable ID, antenna cable ID) = (MV-1001,-, 2, 1, 2, 1). The case will be described. In this case, the TV input terminal ID is acquired from the TV model number and the TV input terminal ID.

  Then, in step S701 and S702, the support information generation unit 101 (video device identification information, television input terminal ID, antenna terminal ID, connection cable ID, antenna cable ID) = (MV-1001, 2, 1, 2, 1). ) Device information and related information.

  After step S702, the support information generation unit 101 acquires configuration information corresponding to the device information and related information (S703).

  The configuration information storage unit 103 stores configuration information in the data structure shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of data stored in the configuration information storage unit 103. As shown in FIG. 9, device information or related information, configuration information, and information indicating attributes of the configuration information are stored in association with each other. In addition, since the same configuration information is associated with the TV model number and the TV input terminal ID, if either one can be acquired, the same support information can be generated.

  In step S703, the support information generation unit 101 acquires configuration information and attributes associated therewith based on the device information and related information acquired up to step S702.

  After the support information generation unit 101 acquires the configuration information, the support information is generated by combining the configuration information (S704). For example, a layout is set in advance on which position on the screen and which attribute configuration information is displayed in which display area, and the configuration information obtained in step S703 is inserted into each display area. For example, if the display area of the antenna terminal, the display area of the antenna cable, and the display area of the video output device are set in this order and the configuration information is inserted into each display area, the antenna terminal and the video output device are connected to the antenna. Image information representing a state of connection with a cable can be generated. Moreover, the attribute linked | related with each structure information may be displayed as character information, and the arrow etc. which show the insertion direction of a terminal etc. may be displayed between structure information.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of the support information generated. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of support information generated by the support information generation unit 101. As shown in FIG. 10, an image showing a state where the antenna 140 and the video output device 120 are connected with an antenna cable is displayed on the upper stage of the image H101, and the video output apparatus 120 and the television 130 are connected on the lower stage of the image H101. An image showing the connection is displayed. In addition, the attribute of the used configuration information is displayed as character information, and an arrow or a circle is displayed in the terminal insertion direction or insertion position.

  The support information generation unit 101 associates the generated support information with the acquired video output device identification information and outputs the associated information to the output destination selection unit 108 (S705).

  Next, the operation of the output destination selection unit 108 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed by the output destination selection unit 108.

  When acquiring the support information (S1001), the output destination selection unit 108 instructs the output destination detection unit 107 to detect an output destination to which the support information can be output (S1002).

  The output destination detection unit 107 detects the output destination based on the instruction. When an output destination capable of outputting support information is detected, the result is received as output destination recognition information. At the same time, output destination identification information for identifying which device the output destination is mounted on is also acquired. The output destination recognition information and the output destination identification information are associated with each other and returned to the output destination selection unit 108 as an output destination detection result. In the present embodiment, (1) information that associates video output device identification information with output destination recognition information that indicates that the television 130 has been detected, and (2) output destination recognition information that indicates that the output unit 109 has been detected. Information associated with output destination identification information indicating that the output unit 109 is mounted on the information generation apparatus 100 is returned to the output destination selection unit 108 as an output destination detection result.

  In this way, if the video output device identification information is acquired even when the output device is detected, it is determined whether or not the television 130 is included in the output device capable of outputting the support information when selecting the output destination. Can be determined. In other words, it can be determined that the video output device 120 is connected to the television 130. Therefore, an output destination suitable for the state of the video output device 120 can be selected.

  If the output destination that can output the support information cannot be detected, the output destination detection unit 107 returns an output destination detection result indicating that there is no output destination that can be output. However, in the present embodiment, since the information generation apparatus 100 includes the output unit 109, the output destination detection unit 107 outputs at least an output destination detection result indicating that the output unit 109 is usable as an output destination selection unit. It will return to 108.

  When the output destination selection unit 108 acquires the output destination detection result, it is determined whether or not the output destination detection result is a result indicating that there is at least one output destination to which support information can be output (S1003). . In this embodiment, since at least the output unit 109 can output support information as described above, the process proceeds to step S1004.

  Next, the video output device identification information associated with the support information is collated with the output destination detection result (S1004). As a result, if there is output destination recognition information associated with the output destination identification information that matches the video output device identification information, the support information is output to the output destination (video output unit 121) specified by the output destination recognition information. (S1005). If there is no output destination recognition information associated with identification information that matches the video output device identification information, support information is output to the output destination (output unit 109) specified by the output destination recognition information indicating the usable output destination. Output.

  In the present embodiment, a case has been described in which support information for supporting connection work between the television 130 and the video output device 120 is output even when support information can be output to the television 130. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is not a thing. When the support information can be output to the television 130, the television 130 and the video output device 120 are connected. Therefore, when the video output unit 121 can be used, only support information for supporting the connection work between the antenna 140 and the video output device 120 may be output.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the output unit 109 is used when the support information cannot be output to the television 130 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the image output device 120 and the information generation device 100 may further include a connection unit for connecting to an output device such as a printing device or a display provided separately.

  In this embodiment, the case has been described in which when the output destination detection unit 107 detects the television 130, the output destination selection unit 108 automatically selects the television 130, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the output destination selection unit 108 may have a configuration in which the television 130 and the output unit 109 are displayed and the user selects which of the support information is output.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the output destination selection unit 108 collates the video output device identification information associated with the support information with the output destination identification information included in the output destination detection result, so that the output destination detection unit Although it is determined whether or not the television 130 is included in the output destination detected by 107, the present invention is not limited to this. The output destination selection means provided in the support information output device according to the present invention, when recognizing the output destination, acquires information that can identify the function of the device provided with the output destination, and collates it with the content of the support information Thus, it may be determined whether or not a device output device is included in the detected output destination. For example, the output destination selection means acquires information that can specify that the video reproduction function is provided from the video output device, and collates it with support information. When the support information is information for connecting the device to the TV or information for editing the video, the output device provided in the device having the video playback function can be specified as the device output device. .

<Embodiment 2>
The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. For convenience of explanation, constituent elements having functions similar to those of the constituent elements according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. In the present embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[Configuration of Information Generating Device 200]
First, the configuration of the information generation apparatus 200 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a schematic structure of the information generating apparatus 200 according to this embodiment.

  The video output device 220 according to the present embodiment incorporates an information generation device 200. The video output device 220 is connected to the printing machine 210.

  The information generation device 200 includes a display unit 206 instead of the display unit 106 included in the information generation device 100 according to Embodiment 1, and includes an output destination selection unit 208 instead of the output destination selection unit 108. Instead of the output unit 109, an external output connection unit (connection means) 209 is provided.

  The display unit 206 displays a screen for allowing the user to select which of the support information is output when the output destination detection unit 107 detects the external output connection unit 209 and the television 130 as the support information output device. Is also provided.

  The output destination selection unit 208 displays a screen for allowing the user to select which of the support information is output when the output destination detection unit 107 detects the external output connection unit 209 and the television 130 as the support information output device. It also has a function of instructing the display unit 206 to do so.

  The external output connection unit 209 is for connecting the printing machine 210 and the information generation apparatus 200. The configuration of the external output connection unit 209 is not limited as long as it can be connected to the printing machine 210. The external output connection unit 209 may be connected to the printer 210 by a wired connection such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus), for example, and connected to the printer 210 by infrared communication or wireless communication defined by IEEE802.11. You may do. Instead of the printing press 210, a portable terminal may be connected to display support information on the terminal. Further, when the printing press 210 is connected to the external output connection unit 209, the output destination detection unit 107 can recognize the printing press 210 as an output device capable of outputting support information, and output destination recognition information and output The pre-identification information can be acquired. As described above, by further including the external output connection unit 209 for connecting to the printing press 210 provided separately from the video output device 220, the video output unit 121 is in a state where the support information cannot be output. Can also output support information.

[Operation of Information Generating Device 200]
Next, the operation of the information generation device 200 will be described. The operation of the information generation device 200 is the same as that of the information generation device 100 according to Embodiment 1 until the support information generation unit 201 outputs the support information.

  The operation of the output destination selection unit 208 will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed by the output destination selection unit 108.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the operations up to step S1003 are the same as the operation of the output destination selection unit 108 of the first embodiment. After step S1003, the output destination selection unit 208 determines whether the output destination detection unit 107 has detected the printing press 210 and the television 130 as the support information output device (S1301). If it is either one, instead of outputting the support information to the output unit 109 in step 1006, step S <b> 1004 of the output destination selection unit 108 of the first embodiment except that the support information is output to the printing press 210 (S <b> 1307). The same operation as the subsequent operation is performed.

  If it is determined in step S1301 that the output destination detection unit 107 has detected both the printing press 210 and the television 130, the output destination selection unit 208 displays a screen for allowing the user to select the output destination of support information. The selection screen display information to be displayed on the screen is output to the display unit 206 (S1302). FIG. 14 is an example of a screen displayed by the display unit 206, and is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen that is displayed in order to allow the output destination user of support information to select. In accordance with the instruction on the screen P201, the user inputs which of the television and the printing machine he or she wants to output support information, and the output destination selection unit 208 receives the selection (S1303).

  Next, the output destination selection unit 208 determines whether the selection received in step S1303 is a television or a printing press (S1304). If the selection is a selection to display on the television, the output destination selection unit 208 outputs support information to the television 130 (S1305). If the selection is to display on the printing press (NO in S1304), the output destination selection unit 208 outputs support information to the printing press 210 (S1306).

<Embodiment 3>
The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. For convenience of explanation, constituent elements having functions similar to those of the constituent elements according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. In the present embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[Support information]
First, support information generated by the information generation apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment will be described. The support information according to the present embodiment is support information for supporting connection work when the video output device 120 connected to the television 130 and the antenna 140 is connected to another device. In the present embodiment, devices other than the television 130 and the antenna 140 connected to the video output device 120 are hereinafter referred to as “additional devices”.

  The device information includes state identification information indicating the state of the video output device 120 before the additional device is connected, a model number of the additional device (hereinafter referred to as “additional device model number”), the video output device 120 and the additional device. An ID of a connection method (hereinafter simply referred to as “connection method”) is used. In addition, the apparatus information at the time of connecting an additional apparatus is not limited to this, You may use the information etc. which show the terminal shape of an additional apparatus similarly to Embodiment 1. FIG.

  As related information, an ID of a connection cable (hereinafter referred to as “additional device connection cable”) between the video output device 120 and the additional device is used.

  As the configuration information, image information indicating the state of the video output device 120 before the additional device is connected, image information indicating the additional device connection cable, and image information indicating the additional device are used.

[Configuration of Information Generating Device 300]
Next, the configuration of the information generation device 300 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the information generating apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment.

  The information generation device 300 is a support information generation unit 301 instead of the support information generation unit 101, the device information acquisition unit 102, the configuration information storage unit 103, and the related information storage unit 104 included in the information generation device 100 according to the first embodiment. A device information acquisition unit 302, a configuration information acquisition unit 303, and a related information storage unit 304.

  The support information generation unit 301 generates support information. In the process of generating the support information, when the configuration information is acquired, the support information generation unit 101 according to the first embodiment acquires the configuration information from the configuration information storage unit 103. However, the support information generation unit 301 instructs the configuration information acquisition unit 303 to acquire configuration information.

  The device information acquisition unit 302 acquires device information such as the state identification information.

  The configuration information acquisition unit 303 is connected to a server (candidate information storage unit) 311 via the Internet 310, and acquires candidate information and configuration information from the server 311. That is, the server 311 functions as candidate information storage means of the support information output apparatus according to the present invention, and stores candidate information and configuration information.

  The related information storage unit 304 stores device information and related information in association with each other. Specifically, the state identification information, the additional device model number and the connection method, and the additional device connection cable are stored in association with each other.

[Operation of Information Generating Device 300]
Next, the operation of the information generating apparatus 300 will be described. In the present embodiment, the support information generation unit 301 previously creates support information for supporting the work of connecting the video output device 120 to the television 130 and the antenna 140 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Shall. The support information is stored in a storage device (not shown), and the device information acquisition unit 302 can acquire the support information.

  First, the device information acquisition unit 302 operates to acquire device information. Processing performed by the device information acquisition unit 302 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed by the device information acquisition unit 302.

  The device information acquisition unit 302 acquires state identification information (S1601). Specifically, it recognizes that the video output device 120 is connected to the TV 130 and the antenna 140 from the content of the support information generated when the video output device 120 is connected to the TV 130 and the antenna 140, and this Information representing a state is created and used as state identification information. The method for acquiring the state identification information is not limited to this. For example, a device for analyzing which device the video output device 120 is connected to by detecting a terminal or the like of the video output device 120 is provided, and the device information acquisition unit 102 acquires state identification information from the device. May be. In this embodiment, the video output device 120 is described as being connected to the television 130 and the antenna 140.

  Next, an image for prompting input of the model number of the additional device is displayed on the display unit 106 (S1602). Thereby, for example, as shown in FIG. 4 described above, the user is prompted to input the model number of the additional device. When the device information acquisition unit 302 acquires the model number of the additional device (S1603), the device information acquisition unit 302 prompts input of a connection method (S1604). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the connection method candidates numbered 1 to 4 are displayed, and any number is selected by the user. The device information acquisition unit 302 receives the number selected by the user as a connection method ID (S1605). Finally, the acquired state identification information, additional device model number, and connection method ID are output to the support information generating unit 301 as device information.

  Next, processing performed by the support information generation unit 301 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed by the support information generation unit 301.

  The support information generation unit 301 acquires device information (S1701) and then acquires related information (S1702).

  In the related information storage unit 304, related information is stored in association with the device information in the data structure shown in FIG. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of data stored in the related information storage unit 304. As shown in FIG. 18, in the related information storage unit 304, state identification information, additional device model number, connection method ID, and additional device connection cable ID are stored in association with each other.

  If the state identification information, the additional device model number, and the connection method ID, which are device information, are determined, the additional device connection cable ID, which is related information, is also specified. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which (state identification information, additional device model number, connection method ID, additional device connection cable ID) is (1, GAM-1003, 3, 3). That is, in step S1702, the support information generation unit 301 acquires information such as (state identification information, additional device model number, connection method ID, additional device connection cable ID) = (1, GAM-1003, 3, 3).

  After acquiring the related information in step S1702, the support information generating unit 301 instructs the configuration information acquiring unit 303 to acquire the configuration information corresponding to the device information and the related information (S1703). Specifically, the support information generation unit 301 outputs the acquired device information and related information to the configuration information acquisition unit 303.

  The server 311 stores configuration information in the data structure shown in FIG. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of data stored in the server 311. As shown in FIG. 19, device information or related information, configuration information, and information indicating attributes of the configuration information are stored in association with each other.

  The related information storage unit 304 acquires configuration information from the server 311 via the Internet 310 based on the device information and the related information acquired by the support information generation unit 301 up to step S1702.

  Next, the related information storage unit 304 outputs the acquired configuration information to the support information generation unit 301. Upon receiving the configuration information (S1704), the support information generation unit 301 generates support information by combining the configuration information (S1705).

  FIG. 20 shows an example of the support information generated. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of support information generated by the support information generation unit 301. As shown in FIG. 20, the image H301 shows an image for explaining an operation of connecting an additional device to the video output device 120 already connected to the television 130 using the additional device connection cable. Yes. When the output destination is a printing apparatus, the image shown in the image H301 is printed.

  The support information generation unit 301 associates the generated support information with the acquired video output device identification information and outputs the associated information to the output destination selection unit 108 (S1706).

  The operation of the information generation apparatus 300 after the support information acquisition unit 301 outputs the support information is the same as that of the information generation apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

<Embodiment 4>
The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. For convenience of explanation, constituent elements having functions similar to those of the constituent elements according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. In the present embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[Support information]
The information generation apparatus 400 according to the present embodiment generates support information for supporting the work for connecting the video output apparatus 120 to the television 130 and the antenna 140 as in the first embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the support information is composed of one piece of image information. Although details will be described later, a support information acquisition unit (support information acquisition unit) 401 extracts one piece of image information from image information that is a plurality of support information candidates stored in advance. Note that image information displayed as support information in this embodiment is referred to as “support image”.

  In this embodiment, video output device identification information, a TV model number or a TV input terminal ID, and an antenna terminal ID are used as device information. If these pieces of device information are specified, image information serving as support information is specified. That is, in the present embodiment, the related information described in the first embodiment is not used.

[Configuration of Information Generating Device 400]
Next, the configuration of the information generation device 400 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of information generating apparatus 400 according to the present embodiment.

  The information generation apparatus 400 includes a support information acquisition unit 401 instead of the support information generation unit 101, the device information acquisition unit 102, the configuration information storage unit 103, and the related information storage unit 104 included in the information generation apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. A device information acquisition unit 402, an element information storage unit 403, and a support image storage unit 404.

  The support information acquisition unit 401 acquires support information for supporting the work for connecting the video output device 120 to the television 130 and the antenna 140 from the support image storage unit 404 and outputs the support information to the output destination selection unit 108. Is.

  The device information acquisition unit 402 acquires device information. When a plurality of pieces of information that are candidates for device information are displayed on the display unit 106 as options, the element information is extracted from the element information storage unit 403 and output to the display unit 106. The element information is image information indicating information that is a candidate for device information. For example, when the TV input terminal ID is acquired as the device information, a plurality of element information indicating the shape of the TV input terminal is displayed on the display unit 106.

  The element information storage unit 403 stores element information. The element information storage unit 403 stores element information in association with attributes and IDs.

  The support image storage unit 404 stores information serving as support image candidates. Although the data structure will be described in detail later, it is stored in association with device information.

[Operation of Information Generating Device 400]
Next, the operation of the information generation device 400 will be described.

  Device information acquisition section 402 performs substantially the same operation as in the first embodiment. The differences are as follows. In the first embodiment, when device information candidates are displayed on the display unit 106, the candidate information extracted from the configuration information storage unit 103 based on the attribute of the device information to be acquired is displayed. In contrast, when the device information candidate is displayed on the display unit 106, the device information acquisition unit 402 displays the element information extracted from the element information storage unit 403 based on the attribute of the device information intended for acquisition. .

  Next, processing performed by the support information acquisition unit 401 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed by the support information acquisition unit 401.

  When the support information acquisition unit 401 acquires device information from the device information acquisition unit 402 (S2201), the support information acquisition unit 401 determines whether a support image corresponding to the device information can be extracted from the support image storage unit 404 (S2202).

  The support image storage unit 404 stores an image that is a candidate for a support image in association with the device information in the data structure shown in FIG. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of data stored in the support image storage unit 404. As shown in FIG. 23, the support image storage unit 404 stores video output device identification information, a TV model number, a TV input terminal ID, and an antenna terminal ID in association with images that are candidates for support images.

  When the video output device identification information, the TV model number or the TV input terminal ID, and the antenna terminal ID are determined, the support image is specified.

  In step S2202, when the support information acquisition unit 401 acquires a support image, the support information acquisition unit 401 associates the generated support information with the acquired video output device identification information and outputs it to the output destination selection unit 108 ( S2203).

  The operation of the information generation apparatus 400 after the support information acquisition unit 401 outputs the support information is the same as that of the information generation apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

<Embodiment 5>
The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIG. For convenience of explanation, constituent elements having functions similar to those of the constituent elements according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. In the present embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[Configuration of Information Generating Device 500]
First, the configuration of the information generating apparatus 500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the information generating apparatus 500 according to the present embodiment.

  The information generation apparatus 500 includes a support information generation unit 101 and a configuration information acquisition unit 503 instead of the support information generation unit 101 and the configuration information storage unit 103 included in the information generation apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

  The video output device 520 includes a video storage unit 523 instead of the video storage unit 123 included in the video output device 120.

  The support information generation unit 501 generates support information. In the process of generating the support information, when the configuration information is acquired, the support information generation unit 101 according to the first embodiment acquires the configuration information from the configuration information storage unit 103. However, the support information generation unit Reference numeral 501 instructs the configuration information acquisition unit 503 to acquire configuration information.

  The configuration information acquisition unit 503 acquires configuration information from the video storage unit 523.

  The video storage unit 523 stores video information and candidate information. The data structure of the data related to the stored candidate information is the same as that of the configuration information storage unit 103 according to the first embodiment.

[Operation of Information Generating Device 500]
The operation of the information generation device 500 is substantially the same as that of the information generation device 100, but differs in the following points.

  After acquiring the related information, the support information generation unit 501 instructs the configuration information acquisition unit 503 to acquire configuration information corresponding to the device information and the related information. Specifically, the support information generation unit 501 outputs the acquired device information and related information to the configuration information acquisition unit 503. Then, the configuration information acquisition unit 503 acquires configuration information from the candidate information stored in the video storage unit 523 based on the device information and related information. Based on the configuration information, the support information generation unit 501 generates support information by the same process as the support information generation unit 101 according to the first embodiment.

  As described above, since the video storage unit 523 stores candidate information, related information, and the like, it is possible to reduce the number of members used as the storage unit of the information generation apparatus 500, and thus the cost is reduced.

  Note that the method for storing the same candidate information as the configuration information storage unit 103 according to Embodiment 1 in the video storage unit 523 is not particularly limited. For example, a DVD-ROM or the like storing the candidate information may be provided and installed in the video storage unit 523, or if the video output device 520 is provided as a set with the information generation device 500, The candidate information may be stored in the video storage unit 523.

  Here, also in the present embodiment, the operation of the support information generation unit 501 is described in BML as in the first embodiment.

  In the prior art, when the video output device stores a manual or the like, there is the following problem in using the same storage device as the recorded program or the like. For example, there is a problem that it is not desirable in terms of cost to separately install a ROM for recording a manual in a device that uses a hard disk drive (HDD) for program recording. In order to use the HDD used for program recording in order to reduce the cost, it is necessary to separately implement a method for recording a manual separately from the format and file type for recording the program. In this case, the software becomes complicated, special program techniques are required, and there is a problem that simple implementation is not possible. However, as described in this embodiment, the operation of the support information generation unit 501 is described in BML, so that the format of the configuration information stored in the video storage unit 523 is the same as that of video information such as a recorded program. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to provide an information generation device (support information output device) and a video output device that can be programmed easily and at a low cost without causing the above-described problems.

  The operation of the information generation apparatus 500 after the support information acquisition unit 501 outputs the support information is the same as that of the information generation apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

<Embodiment 6>
The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. Note that the information generating apparatus 600 according to the present embodiment has a configuration similar to the information generating apparatus 400 described in the fourth embodiment. Therefore, in the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, components having the same functions as those of the components according to the fourth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. In the present embodiment, differences from the fourth embodiment will be mainly described.

[Support information]
The information generation apparatus 600 according to the present embodiment generates support information for supporting the work for connecting the video output apparatus 120 to the television 130 and the antenna 140 as in the fourth embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the support information is composed of moving image information. Although details will be described later, support information is generated by the support information acquisition unit 601 extracting moving image information from a plurality of pieces of moving image information that are stored in advance and are candidates for support information. Note that the moving image information displayed as support information in the present embodiment is referred to as “support moving image”.

  In the present embodiment, video output device identification information, TV model number or TV input terminal ID, and antenna terminal ID are used as device information. If these pieces of device information are specified, moving image information serving as support information is specified. That is, in the present embodiment, the related information described in the first embodiment is not used.

[Configuration of Information Generating Device 600]
Next, the configuration of the information generation apparatus 600 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of information generating apparatus 600 according to the present embodiment.

  The information generation device 600 includes a support information acquisition unit 601 and a display (alternate output device) 609 instead of the support information acquisition unit 401 and the output unit 109 included in the information generation device 400. Further, the support image storage unit 404 included in the information generation apparatus 400 is not provided.

  The video output device 620 includes a video storage unit 623 instead of the video storage unit 123 included in the video output device 120.

  The support information acquisition unit 601 acquires support information for supporting work for connecting the video output device 120 to the television 130 and the antenna 140 from the video storage unit 623 and outputs the support information to the output destination selection unit 108. .

  The display 609 can reproduce and display a moving image. That is, the support information according to the present embodiment can be reproduced and displayed.

  The video storage unit 623 stores video information that is candidates for support information in addition to video information.

[Operation of Information Generating Device 600]
Next, the operation of the information generation device 600 will be described.

  The operation of the device information acquisition unit 402 is as described in the fourth embodiment.

  When the device information acquisition unit 402 outputs the acquired device information to the support information acquisition unit 601, the support information acquisition unit 601 starts an operation for acquiring support information.

  The operation of the support information acquisition unit 601 is almost the same as the operation of the support information acquisition unit 401, but differs in the following points. That is, the support information acquisition unit 401 performs an operation of acquiring a support image from the support image storage unit 404, while the support information acquisition unit 601 performs an operation of acquiring a support moving image from the video storage unit 623.

  The data structure of the moving image candidate information stored in the video storage unit 623 is almost the same as the data structure of the support image storage unit 404 shown in FIG. 23 described above, but differs in the following points. That is, the video storage unit 523 stores moving image information that is a candidate for a support moving image instead of the image information that is a candidate for a support image stored in the support image storage unit 404.

  When the support information acquisition unit 601 acquires the support video, the support information acquisition unit 601 outputs the support video to the output destination selection unit 108.

  Here, an example of the support information created by the information generating apparatus 600 is shown in FIG. FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of support information created by the information generation apparatus 600. In FIG. 26, (a) shows a menu screen, (b) shows one scene of a reproduced video in support information for supporting work for connecting the antenna 140 to the video output device 620, and (c) ) Shows one scene of the reproduced moving image in the support information for supporting the work for connecting the television 130 to the video output device 620.

  When the support information is reproduced, first, an image H601 is displayed. The user can select whether to see the explanation of the connection between the antenna 140 and the video output device 120 or to see the explanation of the connection between the television 130 and the video output device 120. When “wiring with antenna” is selected in the image H601, a moving image for explaining the operation of connecting the antenna 140 to the video output device 120 is reproduced as shown in the image H602. Similarly, when “wiring with television” is selected in the image H601, a moving image for explaining the operation of connecting the television 130 to the video output device 120 is reproduced as shown in the image H603.

  When outputting support information to the display 609, the selection of “wiring with antenna” and “wiring with TV” may be performed via the input unit 105, and the display 609 is configured by a touch panel display. The display 609 may accept selection by the user. Further, when the support information is output to the video output unit 121, the selection may be performed by a remote control operation or the like, or may be configured to be performed via the input unit 105. When the video output unit 121 is usable, only information for supporting the connection work between the antenna 140 and the video output device 620 may be automatically reproduced.

  The operation of the information generation apparatus 600 after the support information generation unit 601 outputs the support information is the same as that of the information generation apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

<Embodiment 7>
The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. For convenience of explanation, constituent elements having functions similar to those of the constituent elements according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. In the present embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[Support information]
First, support information generated by the information generation apparatus 700 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  The support information according to the present embodiment is support information including audio information for supporting connection work between the television 130 and the antenna 140 and the video output device 120. The audio information included in the support information is hereinafter referred to as “support audio information”.

  Furthermore, when the support information generated by the information generation apparatus 700 is displayed on a display, an image indicating the support information can be enlarged or reduced.

  The information used as device information is the same as in the first embodiment.

  As related information, in addition to the related information used in the first embodiment, a support voice information ID is used. The support voice information ID is information for specifying support voice information.

  As the configuration information, support voice information is used in addition to the related information used in the first embodiment.

[Configuration of Information Generating Device 700]
Next, the configuration of the information generation apparatus 700 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the information generating apparatus 700 according to this embodiment.

  The information generation device 700 includes a support information generation unit 101, a device information acquisition unit 102, a configuration information storage unit 103, a related information storage unit 104, a display unit 106, and an output unit 109 included in the information generation device 100 according to the first embodiment. Instead, a support information generation unit 701, a device information acquisition unit 702, a configuration information storage unit 703, a related information storage unit 704, a display unit 706, and an output unit 709 are provided.

  The support information generation unit 701 is support information for supporting work for connecting the video output device 120 to the television 130 and the antenna 140, generates support information including audio information, and outputs the output destination selection unit 108. Is output. The operation of the support information generation unit 701 is described in BML as in the support information generation unit 101, and a tag for displaying an image enlargement button, a reduction button, etc., which will be described later, is incorporated in the support information. it can.

  The device information acquisition unit 702 acquires device information. In addition, when an option of information that is a candidate for device information is displayed on the display unit 706, the candidate information is extracted from the configuration information storage unit 703 and output to the display unit 706. In addition, the device information acquisition unit 702 acquires audio information for prompting input of device information (hereinafter referred to as “guide audio”) from the configuration information storage unit 703 and outputs it to the display unit 706.

  The configuration information storage unit 703 stores candidate information. The data structure will be described in detail later. The configuration information storage unit 703 also stores guide voices.

  The related information storage unit 704 stores related information. Although the data structure of data stored in the related information storage unit 704 will be described in detail later, the related information storage unit 704 stores device information and related information in association with each other.

  The display unit 706 prompts the user to input device information or presents options based on an instruction from the device information acquisition unit 702. For example, text information such as “Please input the TV model number” is displayed as information prompting the user to input the TV model number, or the antenna terminal shape options are presented. Further, the display unit 706 can output a guide voice. For example, when the character information is displayed, a voice that reads out the character information can be output as a guide voice.

  The output unit 709 functions as an alternative output device for the support information output device according to the present invention. Audio information included in the support information can also be reproduced. The configuration of the output unit 709 is not particularly limited as long as the support information generated by the information generation device 700 can be output, but may be configured with a conventionally known speaker or the like.

[Operation of Information Generating Device 700]
Next, the operation of the information generation apparatus 700 will be described.

  The operation of the device information acquisition unit 702 is substantially the same as the operation of the device information acquisition unit 102 according to Embodiment 1, but differs in the following points. That is, when prompting the input of device information, the guide voice is acquired from the configuration information storage unit 703 and output to the display unit 706.

  The device information acquisition unit 702 acquires guide voice from the configuration information storage unit 703. The data structure of the data related to the guide voice stored in the configuration information storage unit 703 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of data stored in the configuration information storage unit 703. As shown in FIG. 28, the related information storage unit 704 stores attributes and guide voice information in association with each other.

  In the step of instructing the display unit 706 to display a screen for prompting the input of the model number of the video output device 120, the device information acquisition unit 702 guides the configuration information storage unit 703 to associate with the attribute “video output device identification information”. Audio information is acquired and output to the display unit 706. The display unit 706 reproduces the guide voice information output from the device information acquisition unit 702 and emits a voice “Please input the video model number”. Similarly, the device information acquisition unit 702 selects “Enter TV model number” or “TV terminal shape” when prompting the user to input a TV model number or prompting the user to select a TV input terminal. “Please” is displayed on the display unit 706.

  Upon acquiring the device information, the device information acquisition unit 702 outputs these to the support information generation unit 701.

  The operation of the support information generation unit 701 is substantially the same as the operation of the support information generation unit 101 according to Embodiment 1, but differs in the following points. That is, it is different in that the support voice information ID is acquired as related information. Here, the data structure of the data stored in the related information storage unit 704 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of data stored in the related information storage unit 704.

  As shown in FIG. 29, the related information storage unit 704 includes video device identification information that is device information, a TV model number, a TV input terminal ID, and an antenna terminal ID, and connection cable ID, antenna cable ID, and support audio that are related information. The information ID is stored in association with each other. If the support information generation unit 701 acquires device information, the support information generation unit 701 can acquire related information associated with the device information. In the present embodiment, the support voice information includes two types of support voice information that supports the connection between the antenna 140 and the video output device 120 and the support voice information that supports the connection between the television 130 and the video output device 120. The case where the support information is a combination of two types of support voice information will be described. For example, support voice information ID1 + a shown in FIG. 29 means information in which the support voice information ID “1” and the information “a” are combined in this order.

  When the support information generation unit 701 acquires device information and related information, the support information generation unit 701 acquires configuration information from the configuration information storage unit 703. However, the support information generation unit 701 is different from the support information generation unit 101 in that support audio information is acquired as configuration information. Here, a data structure of data stored in the configuration information storage unit 703 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of data related to support voice information stored in the configuration information storage unit 703.

  Similar to the configuration information storage unit 103, the configuration information storage unit 703 stores the configuration information indicated by the image, the ID, and the attribute in association with each other using the data structure shown in FIG. The support voice information, the ID, and the attribute are stored in association with each other according to the structure.

  When the support voice information ID1 + a is acquired as the related information, the support information generation unit 701 acquires the support voice information associated with the support voice information ID1 and a from the configuration information storage unit 703, and combines them in this order. Shall.

  After assembling configuration information such as support voice information, the support information generation unit 701 incorporates a tag for displaying an image enlargement button, a reduction button, and a button for moving the center of the image to be displayed.

  The support information generated by the support information generation unit 701 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating an example of support information generated by the support information generation unit 701.

  For example, when the support information generated by the support information generation unit 701 is displayed on the output unit 709, an image H701 similar to the support information generated by the support information generation unit 101 in the first embodiment is displayed as shown in FIG. The However, the difference is that a button for enlarging an image and a button for reducing an image are displayed below the image H701. The user can enlarge or reduce the output image. Accordingly, when the user wants to see in detail the image explaining the connection of the antenna line displayed in the upper part of the image H701, the user operates the display unit 706 by operating the enlargement button and the button for moving the center of the displayed image. The state of connecting the antenna line can be enlarged and displayed at the center of the screen. It should be noted that the processing by the operation of each button is preferably implemented by ECMAScript. Further, a plurality of images having different sizes may be associated as the configuration information, and may be appropriately switched every time the user selects an enlarge button or a reduce button.

  The operation of the information generation device 700 after the support information generation unit 701 outputs the support information is the same as the operation of the information generation device 100 according to the first embodiment.

<Eighth embodiment>
The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. For convenience of explanation, constituent elements having functions similar to those of the constituent elements according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. In the present embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[Support information]
First, support information generated by the information generation apparatus 800 according to the present embodiment will be described. The support information according to the present embodiment is information for supporting the operation of the video output device 820. For example, it is support information for supporting video information editing work such as erasing unnecessary scenes and editing titles of the video information stored in the video storage unit 123 in the video output device 120.

  Information used as device information is video device identification information, operation information ID, and remote control ID. The operation information ID is information for specifying what kind of operation support information is generated. The remote control ID is information for specifying the remote control used by the user.

  As related information, a playback button ID, a fast forward button ID, and a fast reverse button ID are used. These are information for specifying the shape of each button. In this embodiment, in order to indicate to the user which button should be pressed while performing the operation, support information incorporating the image information of each button is generated. Therefore, the ID of each button is used as related information in order to identify each button provided on the remote controller used by the user.

  As the configuration information, image information indicating operation information, a remote control, a playback button, a fast forward button, and a fast reverse button is used.

[Configuration of Information Generating Device 800]
Next, the configuration of the information generation apparatus 800 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 32 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of information generating apparatus 800 according to the present embodiment.

  The information generation device 800 is a support information generation unit 801 instead of the support information generation unit 101, the device information acquisition unit 102, the configuration information storage unit 103, and the related information storage unit 104 included in the information generation device 100 according to the first embodiment. A device information acquisition unit 802, a configuration information storage unit 803, a related information storage unit 804, and a display (alternative output device) 809.

  The support information generation unit 801 generates support information for supporting the video editing work of the video output device 820 and outputs the support information to the output destination selection unit 108 or the display 809.

  Further, the support information generation unit 801 outputs the generated support information in association with the video identification information. Specifically, the support information generation unit 801 incorporates video information selected by the user into a partial area of the screen on which the generated support information is displayed so that the video information can be displayed while being reproduced. Thereby, the user can also see the support information while actually watching the video to be edited.

  The device information acquisition unit 802 acquires device information. In addition, when an option of information that is a candidate for device information is displayed on the display unit 106, the candidate information is extracted from the configuration information storage unit 803 and output to the display unit 106. Furthermore, the thumbnail information is acquired from the video storage unit 123, and information that prompts the user to select which video to edit is displayed on the display unit 106.

  The configuration information storage unit 803 stores image information (candidate information) indicating operation information, a remote controller, and the like. The data structure will be described in detail later.

  The related information storage unit 804 stores related information. The related information storage unit 704 stores device information and related information in association with each other. The data structure of the data stored in the related information storage unit 704 will be described in detail later.

  The display 809 can output the support information, extract the video information from the video storage unit 123 based on the video identification information associated with the support information, and output the video information incorporated in the support information.

  The video output device 820 includes a video output unit 821 instead of the video output unit 121 included in the video output device 120.

  The video output unit 821 can output the support information, extract the video information from the video storage unit 123 based on the video identification information associated with the support information, and output the support information.

[Operation of Information Generating Device 800]
The operation of the device information acquisition unit 802 is substantially the same as the operation of the device information acquisition unit 102 according to Embodiment 1, but differs in the following points. That is, in addition to the acquisition of the device information, a thumbnail image for specifying which video information editing support information is requested by the user is displayed. Specifically, it is as follows.

  The device information acquisition unit 802 acquires thumbnail information from the video storage unit 123 before starting the acquisition of device information, and prompts the display unit 106 to select information about which video to edit for the user. Display. A screen displayed on the display unit 106 at this time will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen on which the device information acquisition unit 802 acquires thumbnail information from the video storage unit 123 and causes the display unit 106 to display the thumbnail information.

  As shown in FIG. 33, video information stored in the video storage unit 123 is displayed in a thumbnail format on a screen P801. For example, the user selects one of the numbers 1 to 6 shown on the screen P801 via the input unit 105. The input unit 105 outputs the received number to the device information acquisition unit 802 as video identification information.

  The device information acquisition unit 802 that has acquired the video identification information starts acquiring device information. The device information acquisition unit 802 acquires the operation information ID and the remote control ID in the same manner as the device information acquisition unit 102 according to the first embodiment. For example, the screen shown in FIG. 34 is displayed on the display unit 106 in order to acquire the operation information ID. FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 106 in order for the device information acquisition unit 802 to acquire the operation information ID. As shown in FIG. 34, the display unit 106 displays a screen P802. The user selects any number from 1 to 3 via the input unit 105 in accordance with screen P802. The input unit 105 outputs the received number to the device information acquisition unit 802 as the operation information ID.

  When the device information acquisition unit 802 acquires the device information and the video identification information, the device information acquisition unit 802 outputs them to the support information generation unit 801.

  The operation of the support information generation unit 801 is substantially the same as the operation of the support information generation unit 101 according to Embodiment 1, but the related information and configuration information to be acquired are different.

  The data structure of the data stored in the related information storage unit 804 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of data stored in the related information storage unit 804. As shown in FIG. 35, the related information storage unit 804 associates video device identification information, operation information ID, and remote control ID, which are device information, with playback button ID, fast forward button ID, and fast reverse button ID, which are related information. I remember.

  The support information generation unit 801 acquires related information based on the acquired device information.

  Next, the support information generation unit 801 acquires configuration information from the configuration information storage unit 803 based on the acquired device information and related information.

  The data structure of the data stored in the configuration information storage unit 803 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of data stored in the configuration information storage unit 803. As shown in FIG. 36, the related information storage unit 804 stores attributes, IDs, and configuration information in association with each other.

  The support information generation unit 801 acquires configuration information based on the acquired device information and related information. Then, support information is generated by combining the acquired configuration information, and is output to the output destination selection unit 108 in association with the video identification information.

  The support information created by the support information generation unit 801 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating an example of support information generated by the support information generation unit 801. As illustrated in FIG. 37, the support information generation unit 801 generates, for example, an image H801 that is an explanatory diagram for deleting an unnecessary scene. Further, since the video identification information is associated with the support information, the video information specified by the video identification information is embedded and displayed in the area h801.

  The operation after the support information generation unit 801 outputs the support information is the same as that of the information generation apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

  Note that the present embodiment may have a configuration that allows the user to select an output destination, as in the second embodiment. When editing a video, it is better to refer to the support information while playing the video on the full screen of the TV without displaying the video in a part of the area like the image H801. It may be preferable. Thus, if the user has a configuration for selecting an output destination, the user can select an output destination of support information that is more suitable for his / her work.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a case has been described in which video is embedded in the image generated as support information as in the above-described region h801, and the support information is displayed while the video is played back. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Absent. For example, the video may not be embedded in the support information. Since the step of acquiring information such as video identification information can be omitted, the support information output device can be manufactured at low cost. At this time, the output unit 809 may be selected with priority over the video output unit 821. When the support information is displayed on the television 130 via the video output unit 821, it is necessary to frequently switch the video and the support information on the television 130 when actually editing the video. Thus, by outputting the support information to the output unit 809, such trouble can be saved.

<Embodiment 9>
The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIG. For convenience of explanation, constituent elements having functions similar to those of the constituent elements according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. In the present embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  The configuration of the information generation apparatus 900 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 38 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of information generating apparatus 900 according to the present embodiment.

  The information generation apparatus 900 according to the present embodiment is built in the video output apparatus 920.

  Further, the information generation apparatus 900 according to the present embodiment does not include the configuration information storage unit 103 and the related information storage unit 104 unlike the information generation apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. In addition, the video output device 920 includes a storage unit (candidate information storage unit) 923 instead of the video storage unit 123 of the video output device 120 according to Embodiment 1.

  The storage unit 923 stores related information like the related information storage unit 104. Moreover, it functions also as candidate information storage means with which the support information output apparatus according to the present invention is provided, and stores candidate information like the configuration information storage unit 103.

  That is, in the first embodiment, the configuration information, the related information, and the video information are stored in three independent devices, that is, the configuration information storage unit 103, the related information storage unit 104, and the video storage unit 123. The storage unit 923 of this embodiment stores all information. Thereby, the number of parts can be reduced.

<Embodiment 10>
The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. For convenience of explanation, components having the same functions as those of the components according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. In the present embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  In this embodiment, a case where the information generation apparatus 1000 is wirelessly connected to the video output apparatus 1020 will be described.

  A case where the user does not rely on the acquisition of the video output device identification information will also be described. That is, even when the user does not know the video output device identification information and the device information acquisition unit 1002 cannot output the video output device identification information, the information generation device 1000 uses the preset video output device identification information, Generate support information.

[Configuration of Information Generating Apparatus 1000]
First, the configuration of the information generation apparatus 1000 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 39 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the information generating apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment.

  The information generation apparatus 1000 includes a transmission / reception unit 1010. The video output device 1020 includes a transmission / reception unit 1025. As a result, the information generating apparatus 1000 and the video output apparatus 1020 can be connected wirelessly. The specific configuration of the transmission / reception units 1010 and 1025 is not limited as long as data such as support information can be transmitted and received. For example, the RFID tag can be read and written to each other. The transmission / reception units 1010 and 1025 may be configured to transmit and receive data such as support information by infrared communication such as IrSimple or Bluetooth. When the amount of information to be transmitted / received is large, IrSimple, Bluetooth, or the like is preferable.

  By performing wireless communication in this way, the user can use the information generating apparatus 1000 even at a position away from the video output apparatus 1020. For example, when there is an antenna terminal at a distant position, the user can input device information after moving to a position where the antenna terminal is located.

  Further, the information generation apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment includes a device information acquisition unit 1002 instead of the device information acquisition unit 102 included in the information generation apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1.

  The device information acquisition unit 1002 acquires device information. When the video output device identification information cannot be acquired from the video output device 1020, the video output device identification information registered in advance is used. Thus, even when the user does not know the video output device identification information and the device information acquisition unit 1002 cannot output the video output device identification information, some support information can be generated and presented to the user. Therefore, the user can connect the television 130 or the like while inferring from the support information. The video output device identification information registered in advance is not particularly limited. For example, the identification information of the video output device with the largest number of units sold may be used, or the identification information of the video output device shipped at the same time may be used. In the present embodiment, a case where “MV-1001” is used as the video output device identification information when the device information acquisition unit 1002 cannot acquire the video output device identification information will be described.

[Operation of Information Generating Device 1000]
Processing performed by the device information acquisition unit 1002 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed by the device information acquisition unit 1002.

  The process flow of the device information acquisition unit 1002 is substantially the same as the process flow of the device information acquisition unit 102, but differs in the following points. That is, as shown in FIG. 40, when the device information acquisition unit 1002 cannot acquire the video output device identification information, the device information acquisition unit 1002 outputs “MV-1001” as the video output device identification information. For example, the case where the wireless communication fails or the case where the video output apparatus 1020 is not supplied with electricity can be considered. The subsequent operation of the information generation apparatus 1000 is the same as that of the information generation apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

<Embodiment 11>
The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. For convenience of explanation, constituent elements having functions similar to those of the constituent elements according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. In the present embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  The information generation apparatus 1100 according to the present embodiment supports information for supporting connection work between the video output apparatus 120, the television 130, and the antenna 140 as support information, and information for supporting video editing work by the video output apparatus 120. These two types of information are generated.

  In the present embodiment, when the information generation apparatus 1100 generates support information for connection work, the support information is output to the output unit 109, and when support information for editing work is generated, it can be output to the television 130. For example, a description will be given of a case of outputting to the television 130 and outputting to the output unit 109 if the output to the television 130 is impossible. This is because when the user requests connection work support information, the video output device 120 is turned off and the TV 130 is often unusable. It is set to output. In addition, when the user requests support information for editing work, the video output device 120 is often connected to the television 130, so that the support information is set to be output to the television 130 as much as possible. When the support information cannot be output to 130, the support information is set to be output to the output unit 109.

[Configuration of Information Generating Device 1100]
The configuration of the information generation device 1100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 41 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of information generating apparatus 1100 according to the present embodiment.

  In place of the support information generation unit 101, the related information storage unit 104, and the output destination selection unit 108 included in the information generation device 100 according to Embodiment 1, the information generation device 1100 includes a support information generation unit 1101 and a related information storage unit 1104. The output destination selection unit 1108 is provided.

  The support information generation unit 1101 generates the above-described two types of support information. Also, information for designating an output destination (hereinafter referred to as “output destination designation information”) is output to the output destination selection unit 1108 in association with support information. The output destination designation information will be described in detail later.

  The related information storage unit 1104 stores the output destination designation information in association with the related information.

  The output destination selection unit 1108 selects the output destination of the support information. Depending on the type of support information, the output destination selection unit 1108 always selects the output unit 109 as the output destination of support information, or outputs the television 130 as much as possible. Or select as a destination.

[Operation of Information Generating Device 1100]
The operation of the information generation device 1100 is substantially the same as that of the information generation device 100 according to Embodiment 1 until the support information generation unit 1101 generates support information. However, the following points are different.

  When the support information generation unit 1101 acquires the related information from the related information storage unit 1104, the support information generation unit 1101 acquires the device information and output destination designation information associated with the related information. Then, the support information generation unit 1101 associates the output destination designation information and the video output device identification information with the generated support information and outputs the information to the output destination selection unit 1108.

  The related information storage unit 1104 stores each data in the data structure shown in FIG. 42 is a diagram showing a data structure of data stored in the related information storage unit 1104. FIG. 42A shows a data structure of data used for generating connection work support information. (B) shows the data structure of data used to generate editing support information.

  As shown in FIG. 42A, the related information storage unit 1104 stores output destination designation information in association with device information and related information used for generating connection work support information. Further, as shown in FIG. 42B, the related information storage unit 1104 stores output destination designation information in association with device information and related information used for generating editing work support information. When the output destination designation information is “1”, the output destination selection unit 1108 described later selects the output unit 109 as the output destination of the support information, and when “2”, output to the television 130 is possible. Television 130 is selected.

  Next, the operation of the output destination selection unit 1108 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed by the output destination selection unit 1108.

  As shown in FIG. 43, the processing up to the output destination selection unit 108 according to Embodiment 1 is the same until the output destination selection unit 1108 acquires the output destination detection result from the output destination detection unit 107 (S1003).

  After acquiring the output destination detection result, the output destination selection unit 1108 determines output destination designation information associated with the support information (S4301). When the output destination designation information is “1”, the support information is output to the output unit 109 (S4302). When the output destination designation information is “2”, the processing after step S1004 is performed. The processing after step S1004 is the same as the processing at step S1004 of the output destination selection unit 108 according to the first embodiment. Thus, if the support information can be output to the television 130, the support information can be output to the television 130. If the support information cannot be output, the support information is output to the output unit 109.

<Embodiment 12>
The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. 44 and 45. FIG. For convenience of explanation, constituent elements having functions similar to those of the constituent elements according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. In the present embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which support information is output to the output unit 109 when electricity is supplied for the first time. This assumes that there are many cases where the television 130 is not connected to the video output device 120 when electricity is first supplied to the information generating device 1200.

[Configuration of Information Generating Device 1200]
The configuration of the information generation device 1200 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 44 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of information generating apparatus 1200 according to the present embodiment.

  The information generation device 1200 includes an output destination selection unit 1208 instead of the output destination selection unit 108 included in the information generation device 100 according to Embodiment 1.

  The output destination selection unit 1208 selects an output destination of support information, and can determine whether or not the supply of electricity to the information generation device 1200 is the first time.

[Operation of Information Generating Device 1200]
The operation of the information generation apparatus 1200 is the same as that of the information generation apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 until the support information generation unit 101 generates support information.

  After the support information generation unit 101 outputs support information, the output destination selection unit 1208 starts operation. The operation of the output destination selection unit 1208 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed by the output destination selection unit 1208.

  After the output destination selection unit 1208 obtains the support information (S1001), it is determined whether or not electricity is supplied to the information generation device 1200 for the first time. If it is determined to be the first time, the support information is output to the output unit 109 (S4502). When it is determined that it is not the first time, the processing after step S1002 is performed. The processing after step S1002 is the same as the processing of the output destination selection unit 108 according to the first embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the case has been described in which the output destination selection unit 1208 determines whether or not electricity is supplied to the information generation apparatus 1200 for the first time. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, the support information generation unit 101 and the device information acquisition unit 102 determine whether or not electricity is supplied to the information generation device 1200 for the first time, and information indicating the determination result is used as device information or support information. It may be related.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  Finally, each block of the information generation apparatus of each embodiment described above, in particular, the device information acquisition unit, the support information generation unit, the support information acquisition unit, and the output destination selection unit may be configured by hardware logic. As described above, it may be realized by software using a CPU.

  That is, the device information acquisition unit, the support information generation unit, the support information acquisition unit, and the output destination selection unit are a CPU (central processing unit) that executes instructions of a control program that realizes each function, and a ROM (read that stores the program) only memory), a RAM (random access memory) for expanding the program, and a storage device (recording medium) such as a memory for storing the program and various data. An object of the present invention is to provide a program code (execution format program, intermediate code program) of the control program of the device information acquisition unit and the support information generation unit, the support information acquisition unit, and the output destination selection unit, which are software that realizes the functions described above , The source program) is recorded in a computer-readable manner, and the recording medium is supplied to the device information acquisition unit, the support information generation unit, the support information acquisition unit, and the output destination selection unit, and is recorded by the computer (or CPU or MPU). This can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code recorded on the medium.

  Examples of the recording medium include a tape system such as a magnetic tape and a cassette tape, a magnetic disk such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk / hard disk, and an optical disk such as a CD-ROM / MO / MD / DVD / CD-R. Card system such as IC card, IC card (including memory card) / optical card, or semiconductor memory system such as mask ROM / EPROM / EEPROM / flash ROM.

  In addition, the device information acquisition unit, the support information generation unit, the support information acquisition unit, and the output destination selection unit may be configured to be connectable to a communication network, and the program code may be supplied via the communication network. The communication network is not particularly limited. For example, the Internet, intranet, extranet, LAN, ISDN, VAN, CATV communication network, virtual private network, telephone line network, mobile communication network, satellite communication. A net or the like is available. Also, the transmission medium constituting the communication network is not particularly limited. For example, even in the case of wired such as IEEE 1394, USB, power line carrier, cable TV line, telephone line, ADSL line, etc., infrared rays such as IrDA and remote control, Bluetooth ( (Registered trademark), 802.11 wireless, HDR, mobile phone network, satellite line, terrestrial digital network, and the like can also be used. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a computer data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program code is embodied by electronic transmission.

  As described above, the support information output device according to the present invention is more optimal for a manual that shows a connection procedure and usage method to other devices required when the user uses a device such as a video output device. Since it can output to an output device, use of a device by a user can be supported. The support information output apparatus according to the present invention can be applied to various home appliances including audio equipment such as a video deck.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the information generation apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process performed in the apparatus information acquisition part of the information generation apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed when the display part of the information generation apparatus shown in FIG. 1 prompts the user to input video output device identification information. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed when the display part of the information generation apparatus shown in FIG. 1 prompts the user to input a television model number. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed when the display part of the information generation apparatus shown in FIG. 1 makes a user select the shape of a television input terminal. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed when the display part of the information generation apparatus shown in FIG. 1 makes a user select an antenna terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process performed in the assistance information generation part of the information generation apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the data which the related information storage part of the information generation apparatus shown in FIG. 1 memorize | stores. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the data which the structure information storage part of the information generation apparatus shown in FIG. 1 memorize | stores. It is a figure which shows an example of the support information which the support information generation part of the information generation apparatus shown in FIG. 1 produced | generated. It is a chart which shows the flow of the process performed in the output destination selection part of the information generation apparatus shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the information generation apparatus which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process performed in the output destination selection part of the information generation apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is an example of a screen displayed by a display unit of the information generation device illustrated in FIG. 12, and is an example of a screen displayed for a support information output destination user to select. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the information generation apparatus which concerns on further another embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process performed in the apparatus information acquisition part of the information generation apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process performed in the assistance information generation part of the information generation apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the data which the related information storage part of the information generation apparatus shown in FIG. 15 memorize | stores. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the data which the server of the information generation apparatus shown in FIG. 15 memorize | stores. It is a figure which shows an example of the support information which the support information generation part of the information generation apparatus shown in FIG. 15 produced | generated. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the information generation apparatus which concerns on further another embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process performed in the assistance information acquisition part of the information generation apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the data which the assistance image memory | storage part of the information generation apparatus shown in FIG. 21 memorize | stores. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the information generation apparatus which concerns on further another embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the information generation apparatus which concerns on further another embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the support information which the information generation apparatus of the information generation apparatus shown in FIG. 25 produces. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the information generation apparatus which concerns on further another embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the data which the structure information storage part of the information generation apparatus shown in FIG. 27 memorize | stores. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the data which the related information storage part of the information generation apparatus shown in FIG. 27 memorize | stores. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the data which the structure information storage part of the information generation apparatus shown in FIG. 27 memorize | stores. It is a figure which shows an example of the support information which the support information generation part of the information generation apparatus shown in FIG. 27 produces | generates. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the information generation apparatus which concerns on further another embodiment of this invention. FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen that the device information acquisition unit of the information generation device illustrated in FIG. 32 acquires thumbnail information from the video storage unit and displays the thumbnail information on the display unit. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the display part in order that the apparatus information acquisition part of the information generation device shown in FIG. 32 may acquire operation information ID. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the data which the related information storage part of the information generation apparatus shown in FIG. 32 memorize | stores. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the data which the structure information storage part of the information generation device shown in FIG. 32 memorize | stores. It is a figure which shows an example of the support information which the support information generation part of the information generation device shown in FIG. 32 produces | generates. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the information generation apparatus which concerns on further another embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the information generation apparatus which concerns on further another embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process performed by the apparatus information acquisition part of the information generation apparatus shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the information generation apparatus which concerns on further another embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the data which the related information storage part of the information generation apparatus shown in FIG. 41 memorize | stores. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process performed in the output destination selection part of the information generation apparatus shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the information generation apparatus which concerns on further another embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process performed in the output destination selection part of the information generation apparatus shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200 Information generation device (support information output device)
101, 301, 501, 701, 801, 1101 Support information generation unit (support information acquisition means)
102, 302, 402, 702, 802, 1002 Device information acquisition unit (device information acquisition means)
103, 303, 503, 703 Configuration information storage unit (candidate information storage means)
104, 304, 704, 804, 1104 Related information storage unit 107 Output destination detection unit (output destination detection means)
108, 208, 1108, 1208 Output destination selection unit (output destination selection means)
109, 709 Output unit (alternative output device)
120, 220, 520, 620, 820, 920, 1020 Video output device (device)
121, 821 Video output unit 122 Video input unit 123, 523, 623 Video storage unit 130 Television (device output device)
209 External output connection (connection means)
210 Printing machine (output device)
310 Internet 311 server (candidate information storage means)
401 601, support information acquisition unit (support information acquisition means)
609, 809 Display (alternative output device)
923 storage unit (candidate information storage means)

Claims (11)

A support information output device that outputs support information for supporting the use of a device,
Support information acquisition means for acquiring the support information;
Output destination detection means for detecting an output device capable of outputting the support information acquired by the support information acquisition means;
Output destination selection means for selecting an output destination of the support information from the output device detected by the output destination detection means,
The output destination selecting means determines whether or not the output device detected by the output destination detecting means includes a device output device mounted on or externally connected to the device. Support information output device.   2. The support according to claim 1, wherein when the output destination selection unit determines that the device output device is included in the detected output device, the device output device is selected. 3. Information output device.   When the output destination selection means determines that the device output device is included in the detected output means, the user selects the device output device from the output devices detected by the output destination detection means The support information output device according to claim 1, wherein the support information output device is displayed so that it can be performed. The support information acquisition unit acquires device identification information for identifying the device, associates the device identification information with the support information, and outputs the device identification information to the output destination selection unit.
The output destination detection means acquires output destination identification information for identifying the detected output device, and outputs it to the output destination selection means,
The output destination identification information for identifying the device output device can identify the device identification information of the device,
Based on the device identification information and the output destination identification information, the output destination selection unit outputs the output destination corresponding to the device output device mounted on the device from the output destination identification information acquired by the output destination detection unit. 2. The support information output device according to claim 1, wherein identification information is specified, and an output device corresponding to the output destination identification information that matches the device identification information is specified as the device output device. Further comprising an alternative output device capable of outputting the support information,
2. The support information output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output destination selection unit includes the alternative output apparatus as the output apparatus in an output destination candidate.   The support information output device according to claim 1, further comprising connection means for connecting to an output device provided separately from the device. The support information is a combination of a plurality of pieces of configuration information,
The support information acquisition means is
Device information that is information for identifying the configuration information from among the candidate information that is candidates for the configuration information and that includes the device identification information is obtained from a device information acquisition unit that acquires the device information. ,Acquired,
Based on the device information, the candidate information used for generating the support information is extracted from candidate information storage means in which a plurality of candidate information is stored,
The support information output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support information is generated.   A video output device comprising the support information output device according to claim 1. A control method of a support information output device that outputs support information for supporting the use of a device,
The support information output device is
A support information generation step for generating support information for supporting the use of the device;
An output destination detection step for detecting an output device capable of outputting the support information acquired in the support information generation step;
From the output device detected in the output destination detection step, including an output destination selection step of selecting an output destination to output the support information,
In the output destination selection step, it is determined whether the output device detected in the output destination detection step includes a device output device mounted on or externally connected to the device. Output device control method.   The program which operates a computer as each means of the assistance information output device of any one of Claims 1-8.   The computer-readable recording medium which recorded the program of Claim 10.

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