JP2010134381A - Display method, display, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a display method, a display and a computer program, capable of saving electric power while restraining an image not enjoyed by a user from being displayed, as to a wall picture function of displaying an image on a display part using a liquid crystal panel or the like, when the user does not look at and listen to a TV program, a DVD content or the like. <P>SOLUTION: A moving image of image quality optimum for the looking and listening, illuminated with high brightness by a backlight 22, is displayed on the display part 20, when the user looks at and listens to the TV program, and a sound is output from a loudspeaker 293 (electric power consumption is high). A stationary image of image quality suitable for the looking and listening in a short distance, illuminated with middle brightness, is displayed on the display part 20, when the user does not look at and listen to the TV program, but exits in the vicinity of the display 2 (electric power consumption is in a middle level). A still image of image quality visible from a long distance, illuminated with low brightness, is displayed on the display part 20, when the user does not exist in the vicinity of the display 2 (electric power consumption is low). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a display method, a display device, and a computer program for displaying a moving image or a still image on a display unit.

  In recent years, an electronic photo frame that displays a still image taken with a digital camera has become widespread. In the electronic photo frame, a plurality of still images are sequentially read from a connected USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, and these are switched and displayed at regular intervals.

Incidentally, in recent years, display devices including a display unit using a liquid crystal display panel have been increased in size. In addition, display devices are becoming thinner, and wall-mounted or wall-mounted display devices are used.
When such a display device stops displaying an image, the black color of the display screen occupies a large wall area. As a result, there is a possibility that the atmosphere of the room in which the display device is installed may be impaired, and there is a problem that the user feels uncomfortable.

  In order to eliminate the above inconveniences, when the user is not viewing a TV program or DVD content (hereinafter referred to as unviewed), a still image stored in advance in the display device itself or a USB memory There has been proposed a technique for sequentially displaying still images read out from a display unit.

By the way, conventionally, a display device that displays a moving image or a still image having an optimal resolution according to the distance to the user has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).
JP 2000-276123 A

However, in the conventional display device, each part of the display device operates to display a still image when not viewing. For this reason, there exists a problem that the power saving of a display apparatus cannot be achieved.
In order to solve this problem, when a still image is displayed when not viewed, for example, a circuit for improving the image quality of the still image may be turned off to lower the luminance of the backlight of the liquid crystal display panel. In this case, sufficient power saving can be achieved.

However, in this case, since the image quality of the displayed still image is lowered and the display screen is darkened, the displayed still image may be unbearable for the user.
On the other hand, Patent Document 1 does not describe power saving when displaying a still image when not viewing.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and its main object is to display the first image with very high image quality and to be moderately bright and medium when the first image is not displayed. The second image is displayed with the image quality of the image, and the second image is displayed, and then the third image is displayed with the dark and low image quality, thereby suppressing the display of the image unbearable for the user. However, an object is to provide a display method, a display device, and a computer program that can save power.

  The display method according to the present invention is a display method for displaying an image on a display device, wherein a first display control step for displaying the first image on the display device with a first brightness and a first image quality; In a case where the first image is not displayed, a second image is displayed on the display device with a second brightness that is darker than the first brightness and / or a second image quality that is lower than the first image quality. 2 display control step, and after displaying the second image, the display device has a third brightness that is darker than the second brightness and / or a third image quality that is lower than the second image quality. And a third display control step of displaying a third image.

  A display device according to the present invention is a display device including a display unit that displays an image, and a first display control unit that displays a first image on the display unit with a first brightness and a first image quality, Second display control means for displaying a second image on the display unit at a second brightness that is darker than the first brightness and / or a second image quality that is lower than the first image quality; Third display control means for displaying a third image on the display unit with a third brightness lower than the brightness and / or a third image quality lower than the second image quality; the first display control means; Switching means for switching image display by each of the second display control means and the third display control means, and when the image display by the first display control means is not executed, the switching means is provided by the second display control means. Switch to image display, second display control After the image display by the stage is performed, characterized in that are to switch to a display image according to the third display control means.

  In the display device according to the present invention, when image display by the sensor that detects a physical quantity indicating a peripheral state and the second display control unit is executed, the second display unit is configured based on the detection result of the sensor. Continuation determining means for determining whether or not to continue displaying an image, and when the continuation determining means determines that the display is not possible, the switching means switches to image display by the third display control means. It is characterized by being.

  In the display device according to the present invention, the sensor is an optical sensor that detects ambient brightness, and the continuation determination unit determines NO when the detection result of the optical sensor is a predetermined threshold value or less. It is characterized by the above.

  The display device according to the present invention includes: a receiving unit that receives an image display execution command by the first display control unit or the second display control unit; and a detection result of the optical sensor when the receiving unit receives the execution command. Further comprising: result determination means for determining whether or not the threshold is equal to or greater than the threshold; and threshold change means for changing the threshold to a value corresponding to the detection result when the result determination means determines that the determination is negative. When the reception unit receives an execution command, the switching unit switches to image display by the first display control unit or the second display control unit.

  The display device according to the present invention further includes a receiving unit that receives an image display execution command by the first display control unit or the second display control unit, and when the receiving unit receives the execution command, the switching unit Is switched to image display by the first display control means or the second display control means.

  The display device according to the present invention includes a clock unit, a time storage unit that stores a time to switch to image display by the second display control unit, and a time counted by the clock unit is stored in the time storage unit. Time determining means for determining whether or not a certain time has been reached, and when it is determined that the time determining means has reached, the switching means switches to image display by the second display control means. It is characterized by being.

  In the display device according to the present invention, the display unit includes a liquid crystal display panel, and further includes a backlight that illuminates the display unit, and the first display control unit includes the display unit on the backlight. The second display control means is configured to cause the backlight to illuminate the display unit with a second brightness that is darker than the first brightness. The third display control means causes the backlight to illuminate the display unit with a third brightness that is darker than the second brightness.

  The display device according to the present invention includes a high image quality improvement unit that performs a high image quality process on a moving image and then outputs the image to the display unit, and a low image quality image that performs a low image quality process on a still image and outputs the still image to the display unit. And the first image is a moving image, the second image and the third image are still images, and the first display control means turns on the image quality improving unit. The low image quality reduction unit is turned off, the second display control unit is configured to turn off both the image quality improvement unit and the low image quality reduction unit, and the third display control unit includes: The image quality improving section is turned off and the image quality reducing section is turned on.

  A computer program according to the present invention is a computer program for operating a computer to display an image on a display device, the computer having a first brightness and a first image quality, and a first image on the display device. The first display control step for displaying the image, and when the computer does not execute the image display in the first display control step, the second brightness that is darker than the first brightness and / or the first image quality. A second display control step of displaying a second image on the display device with a low second image quality; and after the image display in the second display control step is executed by the computer, the second brightness A third display control step of displaying a third image on the display device with a third brightness that is darker and / or a third image quality that is lower than the second image quality. And wherein the Rukoto.

  In the present invention, the display device includes a display unit that displays an image, a first display control unit, a second display control unit, a third display control unit, and a switching unit. This display device is driven by electric power and operates according to a computer program based on the display method according to the present invention, for example, and the switching means is an image display by each of the first display control means, the second display control means, and the third display control means. Are switched at an appropriate timing to execute the first display control step, the second display control step, and the third display control step.

The first display control means executes a first display control step of displaying the first image on the display unit of the display device with the first brightness and the first image quality. The power consumed at this time is the first power consumption (high power consumption).
The user is located in the vicinity of the display device and intentionally watches the first image. Therefore, in order to improve the aesthetics of the display unit, for example, an image quality improving circuit for increasing the image quality is turned on, and the luminance of the display unit itself or the backlight of the display unit using the liquid crystal display panel is improved. The

When the image display by the first display control unit is not executed (that is, when the first image is not displayed), the switching unit switches to the image display by the second display control unit. At this time, the second display control means causes the second image to be displayed on the display unit of the display device with the second brightness lower than the first brightness and / or the second image quality lower than the first image quality. 2 The display control step is executed. The power consumed at this time is the second power consumption (medium power consumption) lower than the first power consumption.
The second image may be the same as or different from the first image.

  A user located near the display device may gaze at the second image, but may not gaze at the second image. Therefore, in order to achieve both improvement in the aesthetics of the display unit and power saving, for example, the image quality improving circuit is turned off, and the luminance of the display unit itself or the luminance of the backlight is not changed. Alternatively, the luminance of the display unit itself or the luminance of the backlight is lowered while the image quality improving circuit is turned on.

After the image display by the second display control means is executed (that is, after the second image is displayed), the switching means switches to the image display by the third display control means. At this time, the third display control means causes the display unit of the display device to display the third image with the third brightness that is darker than the second brightness and / or the third image quality that is lower than the second image quality. 3 The display control step is executed. The power consumed at this time is a third power consumption (low power consumption) lower than the second power consumption.
The third image may be the same as or different from the second image.

  A user who exists at a position away from the display device rarely watches the third image. Even if the user looks closely, it is difficult for a user who is present at a position away from the display device to determine whether the displayed image is good or bad. Accordingly, in order to prioritize power saving over improving the aesthetic appearance of the display unit, for example, the image quality improving circuit is turned off, and the luminance of the display unit itself or the luminance of the backlight is lowered.

In this invention, a sensor and a continuation determination means are further provided.
The sensor detects a physical quantity indicating the surrounding state.
The continuation determination unit determines whether or not to continue the display of the second image based on the detection result of the sensor when the image display by the second display control unit is being executed.
When the image display by the second display control means is being executed and the continuation determination means determines NO, the switching means switches to the image display by the third display control means.
The physical quantity detected by the sensor is desirably an index for determining whether or not a user exists in the vicinity of the display device.

That is, when the second image is displayed, it is determined whether or not a user exists near the display device based on the detection result of the sensor. When there is no user in the vicinity of the display device, the possibility that the user gazes at the image is very low, and even if he / she gazes, it is considered difficult to determine whether the displayed image is good or bad. For this reason, when the user does not exist in the vicinity of the display device, the display of the second image is not continued and the third image is displayed.
As a result, sufficient power saving can be achieved.
On the other hand, when a user exists in the vicinity of the display device, the user may watch the image. For this reason, the display of the second image is continued.

In the present invention, the optical sensor detects ambient brightness.
The continuation determination unit determines NO when the detection result of the optical sensor is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold (that is, when the periphery of the display device is dark). On the other hand, when the detection result of the optical sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold (that is, when the periphery of the display device is bright), the continuation determination unit determines to continue displaying the second image.
When the periphery of the display device is bright, there is a possibility that the user exists near the display device, and when the periphery of the display device is dark, the possibility that the user exists near the display device is very low.

That is, when the second image is displayed and the periphery of the display device is dark, it is very unlikely that the user will gaze at the image. Even if the user gazes, the image quality of the displayed image is low. Good or bad is considered difficult to distinguish. For this reason, when the periphery of the display device is dark, the display of the second image is not continued and the third image is displayed.
As a result, sufficient power saving can be achieved.
On the other hand, when the periphery of the display device is bright, the user may watch the image. For this reason, the display of the second image is continued.

The present invention further includes a receiving unit, a result determining unit, and a threshold changing unit.
The accepting means receives an image display execution command by the first display control means (that is, a command to display the first image) or an image display execution command by the second display control means (that is, the second image). Command to be displayed). When the receiving unit receives an image display execution command from the first display control unit, the switching unit switches to image display by the first display control unit. On the other hand, when the receiving unit receives an image display execution command from the second display control unit, the switching unit switches to image display by the second display control unit.

  For this reason, when the second image or the third image is displayed, the first image can be manually displayed by, for example, the user operating the remote controller of the display device. Alternatively, when the first image or the third image is displayed, for example, the user can manually display the second image by operating the remote controller of the display device.

By the way, the result determination unit determines whether or not the detection result of the optical sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold when the reception unit receives the execution command.
When the result determination means determines NO (that is, when a command to display the first image or the second image is received and the detection result of the optical sensor is less than a predetermined threshold value) This is a case where the user is present in the vicinity of the display device even though the periphery is dark. That is, it is considered that the user may gaze at the image near the display device even if the periphery of the display device is dark.
For this reason, the threshold value changing means changes the predetermined threshold value to a value corresponding to the detection result of the optical sensor.

Therefore, after the threshold change, the second image is switched to the third image when the periphery of the display device is darker than before the threshold change.
On the other hand, when the periphery of the display device is brighter than the predetermined threshold after the change, the display of the second image is continued.
As a result, sufficient power saving can be achieved while improving user convenience.

In the present invention, a receiving means is further provided.
The accepting means receives an image display execution command by the first display control means (that is, a command to display the first image) or an image display execution command by the second display control means (that is, the second image). Command to be displayed). When the receiving unit receives an image display execution command from the first display control unit, the switching unit switches to image display by the first display control unit. On the other hand, when the receiving unit receives an image display execution command from the second display control unit, the switching unit switches to image display by the second display control unit.

  For this reason, when the second image or the third image is displayed, the first image can be manually displayed by, for example, the user operating the remote controller of the display device. Alternatively, when the first image or the third image is displayed, for example, the user can manually display the second image by operating the remote controller of the display device.

The present invention further includes a clock unit, a time storage unit, and a time determination unit.
The clock means keeps time.
The time storage means stores the time to switch to the image display by the second display control means (that is, the time to display the second image), and the time determination means indicates that the time measured by the clock means is the time storage means It is determined whether or not the time stored in is reached.

The time stored in the time storage means is, for example, a time set in advance by the user, or a time at which the user previously desired to display the second image.
For this reason, when it determines with the time determination means having reached, a switching means switches to the image display by a 2nd display control means.
As a result of the above, when the first image or the third image is displayed, the second image is automatically displayed at the time when the user desires or may possibly display the second image. Can be displayed automatically.

In this invention, the backlight which illuminates the display part which uses a liquid crystal display panel is further provided.
The first display control unit displays the first image on the display unit and causes the backlight to illuminate with the first brightness. The power consumed at this time is the first power consumption. Since the backlight illuminates the brightest, the first image displayed on the display unit is very easy to see.
The second display control means displays the second image on the display unit and causes the backlight to illuminate with the second brightness. The power consumed at this time is the second power consumption. Since the backlight illuminates moderately brightly, the second image displayed on the display unit is reasonably easy to see.

The third display control means displays the third image on the display unit and causes the backlight to illuminate with the third brightness. The power consumed at this time is the third power consumption. Since the backlight illuminates the darkest, the third image displayed on the display unit is relatively difficult to see.
That is, by increasing / decreasing the brightness of the backlight in three steps, the power consumption can be increased / decreased in three steps, and the visibility of the image displayed on the display unit can be adjusted in three steps.

The present invention further includes an image quality improving unit (for example, an FRC circuit) and a low image quality improving unit (for example, a resolution reducing circuit).
The first display control means displays the moving image as the first image on the display unit. Although the image quality reduction unit is turned off, the image quality improvement unit is turned on, and the power consumed at this time is the first power consumption. Since the quality of the moving image is improved, the first image displayed on the display unit is very easy to see.
The second display control means displays a still image as the second image on the display unit. Since both the high image quality improvement unit and the low image quality reduction unit are turned off, the power consumed at this time is the second power consumption. The still image is not improved in image quality, but is not reduced in image quality, so the second image displayed on the display unit is reasonably easy to see.

The third display control means displays a still image that is the third image on the display unit. Although the image quality improving unit is turned on, the brightness with which the backlight illuminates the still image can be further reduced by the amount that the image quality improving unit is turned off and the image quality of the still image is reduced. For this reason, the power consumed at this time is the third power consumption. Since the image quality of the still image is reduced, the third image displayed on the display unit is relatively difficult to see.
That is, by increasing / decreasing the image quality to three levels, the power consumption can be increased / decreased to three levels, and the visibility of the image displayed on the display unit can be adjusted to three levels.

  In the present invention, various means included in the display device of the present invention are realized by software using hardware elements of a computer, and the display device including the computer is used in the display method of the present invention. To function as.

According to the display method of the present invention and the display device of the present invention, the aesthetics of the display unit can be greatly improved when the user is very likely to gaze at the image displayed on the display unit. In addition, when there is a possibility that the user is gazing at the image displayed on the display unit, it is possible to improve the aesthetics of the display unit and achieve appropriate power saving. Furthermore, sufficient power saving can be achieved when the user is very unlikely to gaze at the image displayed on the display unit.
As a result of the above, it is possible to save power while suppressing the display of an image unbearable for the user according to the level of the possibility that the user gazes at the image.

  In the case of the computer program of the present invention, for example, a conventional display device can function as a display device used in the display method of the present invention (that is, the display device of the present invention). Accordingly, not only the configuration in which the display device of the present invention is manufactured and shipped from the factory, but also the display device already shipped from the factory can be used as the display device of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings illustrating embodiments thereof.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of a display system including a display device 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
First, the hardware configuration of the display system according to the present embodiment will be described.
The display system shown in the figure includes an image transmission device 1, a display device 2, a remote controller (remote controller) 3, a communication line 4, and a portable recording medium 6.

  The image transmission device 1 is placed on a rack 51 that protrudes from an indoor wall 5. The image transmission apparatus 1 is a tuner and receives a TV broadcast signal related to terrestrial digital broadcast, digital satellite broadcast, or analog broadcast. The image transmission device 1 performs appropriate signal processing on the received TV broadcast signal to generate a video signal, and transmits the generated video signal to the display device 2. Here, the video signal includes moving image data and audio data that are synchronized with each other and blinking data to be described later.

  A red LED and a blue LED are arranged on the front portion of the casing of the image transmission device 1 so as to correspond to one display window. The red LED is turned on when the image transmission device 1 is in a standby state, and is turned off when the image transmission device 1 is in an on state. Conversely, the blue LED is turned off when the image transmission device 1 is in the standby state, and is turned on when the image transmission device 1 is in the on state. When the image transmission device 1 is in the off state, both LEDs are turned off. That is, when the display window is shining blue, the image transmission device 1 is in an on state, when it is shining red, it is in a standby state, and when the display window is not shining, it is in an off state.

The image transmission device 1 may be any device that transmits at least moving image data or still image data to the display device 2. For this reason, the image transmission device 1 is not limited to a tuner, and may be a reception device that receives a video signal distributed from an external server computer via an IP network, for example, and may send a video signal to a built-in hard disk. It may be a recorder that records and reproduces. Alternatively, the image transmission device 1 may be a recorder that records and reproduces a video signal on a portable recording medium such as a DVD or a Blu-ray disc based on the Blu-ray standard.
Further, the image transmission device 1 is not limited to the configuration placed on the rack 51 protruding from the wall 5. For example, the image transmission device 1 may be placed on a rack installed on the floor. The structure embedded in may be sufficient.

  The display device 2 is a wall-mounted liquid crystal display, and is attached to the wall 5 using bolts or nails. The display device 2 includes a display unit 20 using a liquid crystal display panel, and the display screen of the display unit 20 is arranged in the front center portion of the housing 200 of the display device 2. A memory slot 27 is disposed on the side surface of the housing 200. The memory slot 27 is a USB slot to which a USB memory is detachably connected. In the display device 2, data recorded in the USB memory is read from the USB memory connected to the memory slot 27. An LED that lights up when the display device 2 is in an on state and turns off when the display device 2 is in a standby state or an off state is disposed on the front peripheral edge of the housing 200.

In the present embodiment, the case where the display device 2 is in the on state means the case where the display device 2 is in a viewing mode, which will be described later, and the case where the display device 2 is in the standby state, the display device 2 will be described later. This means the case of either the gallery mode or the interior mode.
A moving image is displayed on the display unit 20 in the viewing mode, and a still image is displayed on the display unit 20 in each of the gallery mode and the interior mode. Details of each mode will be described later. When the display device 2 is in the off state, the display device 2 does not operate and nothing is displayed on the display unit 20.

The display device 2 is not limited to a liquid crystal display, and may be an organic EL display, a plasma display, or the like.
The display device 2 is not limited to the wall-mounted type, and may be a wall-mounted type, for example, or may be a type in which the display screen of the display unit 20 is exposed and embedded in the concave portion of the wall 5.
Further, the memory slot 27 is not limited to a configuration in which a USB memory is detachably connected, and may be a configuration in which an SD (registered trademark) card, a memory card, a hard disk, or the like is detachably connected.

  Furthermore, two LEDs having different emission colors are arranged on the front peripheral edge of the housing 200. When the display device 2 is in the on state, the green LED is lit, and when in the standby state, the red LED is lit. A configuration may be employed in which all the LEDs are turned off when the LED is turned on and in the off state. In addition, even in the same standby state, a configuration in which the color or luminance of the light emitting LED changes between the gallery mode and the interior mode may be used.

The image transmission device 1 and the display device 2 are connected using a communication line 4. The communication line 4 is an HDMI cable based on the HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface: registered trademark) standard, and a video signal and various control signals are transmitted and received through the communication line 4.
The communication line 4 is not limited to the HDMI cable, and may be a cable based on another standard.
Further, the image transmission device 1 and the display device 2 may be connected wirelessly. In this case, for example, video signals and various control signals are transmitted and received by wireless communication using millimeter waves in the 60 GHz band.

The remote control 3 is a device for remotely operating the image transmission device 1 and the display device 2 in the Bluetooth (registered trademark) system, and various operation keys including a power key 331 and a gallery key 332 are provided on one surface of the casing. Is provided.
The remote controller 3 is not limited to a Bluetooth remote control device, and may be an infrared or RF remote control device. In addition, a configuration in which separate remote controllers are used for the image transmission device 1 and the display device 2 may be employed.

The portable recording medium 6 is a USB memory, and is connected to the display device 2 via a memory slot 27.
The portable recording medium 6 is not limited to the USB memory as long as it corresponds to the standard of the memory slot 27 provided in the display device 2.

Next, the hardware configurations of the image transmission device 1, the display device 2, and the remote controller 3 will be described in more detail.
2, 3, and 4 are block diagrams illustrating the main configuration of the image transmission device 1, the display device 2, and the remote controller 3.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the communication line 4 includes an HDMI line 41 and a CEC line 42. Video signals are transmitted / received via the HDMI line 41, and various control signals are transmitted / received via the CEC line 42.

As shown in FIG. 3, the portable recording medium 6 records still image data of a still image to be displayed on the display unit 20 in both the gallery mode and the interior mode. The user, for example, records still image data of a landscape photographed with a digital camera on the portable recording medium 6, and then connects the portable recording medium 6 to the memory slot 27.
Here, the still image data is image data in JPEG format or BMP format, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image transmission device 1 includes a first control unit 11, an operation unit 13, a storage unit 15, a reception unit 16, a clock unit 18, a broadcast reception unit 190, a signal processing unit 191, and an HDMI signal transmission unit. 192 and the like, which are connected to each other using a bus 111 and various signal lines.

The storage unit 15 uses a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and stores a control program 1P and data necessary for executing the control program 1P.
The first control unit 11 includes a microprocessor and a cache memory. The first control unit 11 is a control center of the image transmission device 1, uses the RAM of the storage unit 15 as a work area, controls each unit of the device according to the control program 1P and data stored in the ROM of the storage unit 15, Various software functions according to the embodiment are executed.

The operation unit 13 includes an operation button provided on the front surface of the housing of the image transmission apparatus 1, and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation button operated by the user to the first control unit 11.
The receiving unit 16 is a Bluetooth standard transceiver, and receives an operation signal transmitted from the remote controller 3. The operation signal received by the receiving unit 16 is output to the first control unit 11. The first control unit 11 to which the operation signal is input executes various processes according to the input operation signal.
The clock unit 18 outputs date / time information indicating the current time to the first control unit 11, for example.

The broadcast receiving unit 190 receives a TV broadcast signal. Below, the case where the broadcast receiving part 190 receives the TV broadcast signal which concerns on digital broadcasting is illustrated. In this case, the broadcast receiving unit 190 receives a TV broadcast signal as a data stream broadcast according to a protocol such as MPEG2 or MPEG4.
The broadcast receiving unit 190 generates a video signal by performing various signal processing such as demodulation processing and decoding processing on the received TV broadcast signal, and outputs the generated video signal to the signal processing unit 191.

The signal processing unit 191 performs image processing on the moving image data included in the input video signal. For this purpose, the signal processing unit 191 converts the RGB color of the moving image data and the format of the moving image data into the number of pixels that can be displayed on the display unit 20 of the display device 2. Includes a scaler and the like inside. The video signal that has been subjected to image processing by the signal processing unit 191 is output to the HDMI signal transmission unit 192.
The HDMI signal transmission unit 192 transmits the input video signal to the HDMI signal reception unit 292 of the display device 2 via the HDMI line 41.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the display device 2 includes a display unit 20, a second control unit 21, a backlight 22, an operation unit 23, an optical sensor 24, a storage unit 25, a reception unit 26, a memory slot 27, a clock unit 28, A signal processing unit 290, a data separation unit 291, an HDMI signal receiving unit 292, a speaker 293, and an image processing unit 294 are provided, and these are connected to each other using a bus 211 and various signal lines.

The storage unit 25 uses a ROM, a RAM, an EEPROM, a hard disk, and the like, and stores a control program 2P and data necessary for executing the control program 2P.
The storage unit 25 stores still image data. The still image data is, for example, still image data of a picture read by a scanner, and is written in the storage unit 25 at the time of shipment from the factory.

  Furthermore, the storage unit 25 functions as a time storage unit. For this purpose, the storage unit 25 stores a time at which the viewing mode or the interior mode should be shifted to the gallery mode (hereinafter referred to as a transition time). The transition time is not stored in the storage unit 25 in advance, but is written in the storage unit 25 in response to a user operation as described later.

  Further, the storage unit 25 stores a light amount threshold value. The light amount threshold value is for comparison with a light amount detection value of the optical sensor 24, as will be described later. The default light amount threshold value is written in the storage unit 25 at the time of shipment from the factory, but the second control unit 21 may write it in the storage unit 25 as described later. When comparing with the light amount detection value of the optical sensor 24, the light amount threshold value written by the second control unit 21 is referred to in preference to the default light amount threshold value.

  The second control unit 21 includes a microprocessor and a cache memory. The second control unit 21 is a control center of the display device 2, uses the RAM of the storage unit 25 as a work area, controls each unit of the device according to the control program 2P and data stored in the ROM or EEPROM of the storage unit 25, Various software functions according to the present embodiment are executed. The control program 2P includes the computer program of the present invention. The control program 2P may be installed in the ROM of the storage unit 25 when shipped from the factory, or may be downloaded to the EEPROM of the storage unit 25 after shipment from the factory.

The display unit 20 is a liquid crystal display module and displays a moving image based on the input moving image data or displays a still image based on the input still image data. The display screen of the display unit 20 on which nothing is displayed looks black.
The backlight 22 is an LED backlight, and a plurality of LEDs are arranged in a matrix in order to illuminate the liquid crystal display panel of the display unit 20 from the back side. Each LED included in the backlight 22 is turned on and off based on blinking data input to the backlight 22. Note that the backlight 22 is not limited to an LED backlight, and may be a backlight using a cold cathode tube, for example.

The operation unit 23 includes operation buttons provided on the side surface of the housing 200 of the display device 2, and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation button operated by the user to the second control unit 21. The second control unit 21 to which the operation signal is input executes various processes according to the input operation signal.
The optical sensor 24 detects the brightness around the display device 2 and outputs a light amount detection value as a detection result to the second control unit 21. For this reason, the optical sensor 24 includes a light receiving element, and the magnitude of the light amount detection value corresponds to the amount of light received by the light receiving element. When the light amount detection value is large, the periphery of the display device 2 is bright, and when it is small, the display device 2 is dark.

The receiving unit 26 is a Bluetooth standard transceiver, and receives an operation signal transmitted from the remote controller 3. The operation signal received by the receiving unit 26 is output to the second control unit 21.
When the portable recording medium 6 is connected to the memory slot 27, the second control unit 21 reads still image data recorded on the portable recording medium 6. The read still image data may be written in the storage unit 25.
The clock unit 28 functions as a clock unit, and outputs, for example, date / time information indicating the current time to the second control unit 21.

The HDMI signal receiving unit 292 receives a video signal via the HDMI line 41 and outputs the received video signal to the signal processing unit 290.
The signal processing unit 290 separates the input video signal into display data including moving image data and blinking data, and audio data. Next, the signal processing unit 290 outputs the separated display data to the data separation unit 291 and outputs the separated audio data to the speaker 293.
The speaker 293 outputs sound corresponding to the input sound data.

The data separation unit 291 separates the input display data into moving image data and blinking data. Next, the data separation unit 291 outputs the separated moving image data to the image processing unit 294 and outputs the separated blinking data to the backlight 22.
Not only the video signal received by the HDMI signal receiving unit 292 but also the still image data read from the storage unit 25 or the still image data read from the portable recording medium 6 is input to the signal processing unit 290. Sometimes it is done. The signal processing unit 290 outputs the input still image data to the data separation unit 291, and the data separation unit 291 outputs the input still image data to the image processing unit 294.

  The image processing unit 294 performs appropriate image processing on the input moving image data or still image data. For this purpose, the image processing unit 294 includes an image quality improving circuit 2a that functions as an image quality improving unit and a resolution reducing circuit 2b that functions as a image quality reducing unit. The image quality improving circuit 2a is, for example, an FRC circuit, and changes the frame rate of moving image data to improve the image quality of moving image data. On the other hand, the resolution reduction circuit 2b reduces the resolution of still image data by thinning out appropriate pixels of the still image data without changing the size of the still image data. The signal processing unit 290 controls on / off of each of the image quality enhancement circuit 2a and the resolution reduction circuit 2b.

  Here, turning on (off) the image quality improving circuit 2a means executing (not executing) the image quality improving process in the image quality improving circuit 2a to which image data is input. Similarly, when the resolution reduction circuit 2b is turned on (off), the resolution reduction process in the resolution reduction circuit 2b to which image data is input is executed (not executed). If various kinds of image processing are not executed, the power consumption of the image processing unit 294 is reduced. In the case where the image quality enhancement processing (resolution reduction processing) is not executed, the image data may bypass the image quality enhancement circuit 2a (resolution reduction circuit 2b).

In the viewing mode, the image quality improving circuit 2a is turned on and the resolution reducing circuit 2b is turned off. At this time, the moving image data is improved in image quality by the image quality improving circuit 2a, but is not reduced in the resolution reducing circuit 2b. As a result, the moving image based on the moving image data that has passed through the image processing unit 294 has high image quality.
In the case of the gallery mode, both the image quality enhancement circuit 2a and the resolution reduction circuit 2b are turned off. At this time, the still image data is neither improved in image quality by the image quality improving circuit 2a nor reduced in resolution by the resolution reducing circuit 2b. As a result, the still image based on the still image data that has passed through the image processing unit 294 has a medium image quality.

  In the interior mode, the image quality improving circuit 2a is turned off and the resolution reducing circuit 2b is turned on. At this time, the still image data is not improved in image quality by the image quality improvement circuit 2a, but is reduced in resolution by the resolution reduction circuit 2b. As a result, the still image based on the still image data that has passed through the image processing unit 294 has low image quality.

Meanwhile, the signal processing unit 290 is controlled by the second control unit 21 to perform display control of the display unit 20, brightness control of the backlight 22, and image processing control of the image processing unit 294.
As the brightness control of the backlight 22, the signal processing unit 290 specifically performs PWM control of the backlight 22. In PWM control, the brightness of an LED is adjusted by changing the pulse width to be input to the LED. Information relating to the pulse width is input to the backlight 22 as information relating to brightness adjustment of the LEDs. Note that the signal processing unit 290 may adjust the luminance of the LED by changing a current value to be supplied to the LED.

In the viewing mode, lighting / extinguishing of each LED of the backlight 22 and brightness adjustment are executed according to blinking data included in the video signal. As a result, the backlight 22 illuminates the display unit 20 with high luminance as a whole.
In the gallery mode, each LED of the backlight 22 is lit in principle, but the luminance is adjusted to be lower than the average luminance in the viewing mode. As a result, the backlight 22 illuminates the display unit 20 with a medium brightness as a whole.
In the interior mode, some of the LEDs of the backlight 22 are turned off in accordance with the pixels thinned out by the image processing unit 294, and the remaining portions are turned on with a luminance equal to or lower than the luminance in the gallery mode. As a result, the backlight 22 illuminates the display unit 20 with low luminance as a whole.

The first control unit 11 of the image transmission device 1 and the second control unit 21 of the display device 2 are connected via the CEC line 42 of the communication line 4 and transmit and receive various control signals based on the HDMI standard. Do.
When the receiving unit 26 of the display device 2 receives an operation signal for operating the image transmission device 1 among the operation signals transmitted from the remote controller 3, a control signal corresponding to the operation signal is displayed on the second display device 2. 2 The data is transmitted from the control unit 21 to the first control unit 11 of the image transmission apparatus 1 via the CEC line 42. Conversely, when the reception unit 16 of the image transmission device 1 receives an operation signal for operating the display device 2, a control signal corresponding to the operation signal is transmitted from the first control unit 11 of the image transmission device 1 to the display device. Is transmitted to the second second control unit 21 via the CEC line 42.

The 1st control part 11 which received the control signal performs various processings according to the received control signal. Similarly, the 2nd control part 21 which received the control signal performs various processing according to the received control signal.
Hereinafter, a case where the receiving unit 26 of the display device 2 receives the operation signal and outputs the operation signal to the second control unit 21 will be exemplified, and a control signal corresponding to the operation signal for operating the display device 2 is set to the second control. The description of the case where the unit 21 receives from the first control unit 11 is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 4, the remote controller 3 includes a third control unit 31, an operation unit 33, a storage unit 35, and a transmission unit 36, which are connected to each other using a bus 311 and various signal lines. .
The storage unit 35 uses a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and stores a control program and data necessary for executing the control program.
The third control unit 31 includes a microprocessor and a cache memory. The third control unit 31 is a control center of the remote controller 3, uses the RAM of the storage unit 35 as a work area, controls each unit of the apparatus according to the control program and data stored in the ROM of the storage unit 35, and this embodiment Various software functions related to the above are executed.

  The operation unit 33 includes operation keys such as a power key 331 and a gallery key 332 provided on the casing of the remote controller 3. The transmission unit 36 is a Bluetooth standard transceiver. When the operation key of the operation unit 33 is operated, an operation signal corresponding to the operated operation key is transmitted from the transmission unit 36.

  The power key 331 is for turning on the display device 2 when the display device 2 is in a standby state. The power key 331 is used to put the display device 2 in a standby state when the display device 2 is in an on state. In other words, the power key 331 is used to shift the display device 2 in the gallery mode or the interior mode to the viewing mode and shift the display device 2 in the viewing mode to the gallery mode.

The gallery key 332 is used to shift the display device 2 in the viewing mode or the interior mode to the gallery mode.
When the power key 331 is operated, a power signal is transmitted as an operation signal. When the gallery key 332 is operated, a gallery signal is transmitted as an operation signal.
The power signal for shifting the display device 2 to the viewing mode functions as an image display execution command by the first display control means, and the power signal and the gallery signal for shifting the display device 2 to the gallery mode are 2 Each functions as an image display execution command by the display control means.

An operation button for outputting a power signal and a gallery signal may be provided on the operation unit 13 of the image transmission device 1 or the operation unit 23 of the display device 2.
By the way, the display system is not provided with operation keys and operation buttons for shifting the display device 2 in the viewing mode or the gallery mode to the interior mode. That is, the user can manually shift to the viewing mode and the gallery mode, but the user cannot manually shift to the interior mode. This is because the interior mode is a mode to be shifted to when the user is not in the vicinity of the display device 2.

Here, the viewing mode, the gallery mode, and the interior mode will be described in detail.
In the viewing mode, a video signal is transmitted from the image transmission device 1 to the display device 2. In the display device 2, a high-quality moving image based on the received video signal is displayed on the display unit 20, and in synchronization with this moving image, the backlight 22 illuminates the display unit 20 very brightly, and the speaker 293. Will output audio. Therefore, the power consumption in the viewing mode is high.

That is, the viewing mode is a mode in which a moving image (first image) of a TV program is displayed on the display unit 20 with image quality and high brightness that are optimal for viewing, and audio is output from the speaker 293. In the viewing mode, the display device 2 is used for viewing moving images and sounds, like a normal television device.
A still image may be displayed in the viewing mode. In this case, the image processing unit 294 may be provided with an image quality improving circuit for still images, and the still image data of the still image to be displayed may be improved in image quality. The still image displayed in the viewing mode may be the same as the still image displayed in the gallery mode or the interior mode, but may be different. For example, a TV program schedule or a still image indicating the setting status of the display device 2 is displayed on the display unit 20.

The transition to the viewing mode is performed when the user views a moving image. The display device 2 according to the present embodiment is in the gallery mode or the interior mode, and shifts to the viewing mode when the power key 331 of the remote controller 3 is operated.
In addition, for example, when the user reserves the viewing start time and the reserved viewing start time is reached, the display device 2 may shift to the viewing mode.
Further, authentication may be requested when shifting to the viewing mode.
By the way, when the display device 2 in the off state is turned on, it operates in the viewing mode. Below, the description about the on / off transition of the display device 2 is omitted.

  In the gallery mode, no video signal is output from the image transmission device 1 to the display device 2. In the display device 2, when the portable recording medium 6 is connected to the memory slot 27, still image data is read from the portable recording medium 6, and when not connected, still image data is stored from the storage unit 25. Is read out. At this time, in the display device 2, a still image of medium quality based on the read still image data is displayed on the display unit 20, and the backlight 22 illuminates the display unit 20 appropriately brightly, and the sound is Not output. Therefore, the power consumption in the gallery mode is medium.

In other words, the gallery mode is a mode in which a landscape or painting still image (second image) is displayed on the display unit 20 with an image quality suitable for viewing at a short distance and a medium luminance. In the gallery mode, the display device 2 is used for viewing a still image in the same manner as the paintings displayed in the gallery.
Such a function of displaying a still image corresponds to a so-called wall picture function.

  In the gallery mode, a plurality of types of still images may be switched and displayed at regular intervals. A moving image may be displayed in the gallery mode. In this case, even in the gallery mode, the image quality improvement circuit 2a may be turned on to improve the quality of the moving image data. The moving image displayed in the gallery mode may be the same as or different from the moving image displayed in the viewing mode.

The transition to the gallery mode is performed when the user does not view the moving image and the sound and the user exists in the vicinity of the display device 2.
Even when the user does not actively watch the moving image and the sound, it is considered that the user existing in the vicinity of the display device 2 often visually recognizes the display unit 20 up close. At this time, if a still image such as a landscape or a picture is displayed on the display unit 20 with an appropriate image quality, the aesthetic appearance of the display unit 20 is improved, and the discomfort caused by the display device 2 being attached to the wall 5. Can be reduced.

  By the way, the still image in the gallery mode only needs to have image quality and brightness suitable for viewing at a short distance. For this reason, there is no problem even if the image quality and brightness according to the gallery mode are set lower than the image quality and brightness according to the viewing mode. In addition, by reducing the image quality and brightness, the power consumption can be made lower than the power consumption in the viewing mode.

The display device 2 according to the present embodiment is in the viewing mode, and shifts to the gallery mode when the power key 331 of the remote controller 3 is operated. This is a case where the user finishes viewing the moving image and the sound.
The display device 2 is in the viewing mode or the interior mode, and shifts to the gallery mode when the gallery key 332 of the remote controller 3 is operated. This is a case where the user actively desires the transition to the gallery mode.

Further, when the display device 2 is in the viewing mode or the interior mode and the current time (that is, the time measured by the clock unit 28 at the present time) reaches the transition time stored in the storage unit 25, the gallery mode is displayed. Migrate to However, when the transition time is not stored in the storage unit 25, it is always determined that the current time has not reached the transition time.
In the present embodiment, the current time when the power key 331 or the gallery key 332 is operated is written in the storage unit 25 as the transition time. The transition time is a time at which the user previously desires to shift to the gallery mode. That is, the case where the current time reaches the transition time is a case where the user may desire to shift to the gallery mode.

Note that the timing at which the display device 2 shifts to the gallery mode is not limited to that described above. For example, when a long time has passed since the transition to the viewing mode, or no video signal is input to the display device 2. It may be the case. Alternatively, in the viewing mode, when a predetermined time has elapsed since any of the operation unit 13 of the image transmission device 1, the operation unit 23 of the display device 2, and the operation unit 33 of the remote controller 3 was last operated, The display device 2 may shift to the gallery mode.
In the interior mode, whether or not the display device 2 shifts to the gallery mode depending on whether or not the user is in the vicinity of the display device 2 or whether or not the user is gazing at the display unit 20. It may be determined.

A plurality of types of transition times to be shifted to the gallery mode may be stored. Alternatively, the new transition time may be overwritten on the already stored transition time.
Further, the user may be able to select whether or not to store the transition time.
Further, a configuration in which the user sets the transition time may be used. In this configuration, the case where the current time reaches the transition time is a case where the user surely desires the transition to the gallery mode.
Furthermore, in order to suppress the inconvenience of switching to a still image without permission even when the user is watching a moving image and sound, a display device is displayed when the current time reaches the transition time only in the interior mode. 2 may enter gallery mode.

  In the interior mode, as in the gallery mode, no video signal is output from the image transmission device 1 to the display device 2. The display device 2 reads the same still image data as the still image data read in the gallery mode. At this time, in the display device 2, a low-quality still image based on the read still image data is displayed on the display unit 20, and the backlight 22 illuminates the display unit 20 slightly darkly, so that no sound is output. Therefore, the power consumption in the interior mode is low.

In other words, the interior mode is a mode in which a landscape or painting still image (third image) is displayed on the display unit 20 with image quality and low brightness that can withstand visual recognition. In the interior mode, the display device 2 has an effect as an interior, similar to the paintings displayed in the reception room.
Note that the still image displayed in the interior mode may be different from the still image displayed in the gallery mode.

The transition to the interior mode is performed when the user is not present near the display device 2.
It is considered that a user who does not exist in the vicinity of the display device 2 rarely actively watches the still image displayed on the display unit 20 even though he / she visually recognizes the display unit 20 from a distance. At this time, if a still image such as a landscape or a picture is displayed on the display unit 20 with an appropriate image quality, the aesthetic appearance of the display unit 20 is improved, and the discomfort caused by the display device 2 being attached to the wall 5. Can be reduced.

By the way, the still image in the interior mode only needs to have image quality and brightness that are not unsightly when viewed at a long distance. For this reason, there is no problem even if the image quality and brightness according to the interior mode are set lower than the image quality and brightness according to the gallery mode. In addition, by further reducing the image quality and brightness, the power consumption can be made lower than that in the gallery mode.
If the brightness related to the gallery mode is high, for example, only the display device 2 may shine brightly in a dark room where the user does not exist. There is a risk of discomfort to the user.

In order to determine whether or not a user is present in the vicinity of the display device 2, the light amount detection value of the optical sensor 24 is used.
When the light amount detection value of the optical sensor 24 exceeds the light amount threshold value stored in the storage unit 25, the periphery of the display device 2 is bright (for example, during the daytime or at night when the lamp is lit). I understand. For this reason, the second control unit 21 determines that the user is present in the vicinity of the display device 2. On the other hand, when the light amount detection value of the optical sensor 24 is equal to or smaller than the light amount threshold value stored in the storage unit 25, it can be seen that the periphery of the display device 2 is dark (for example, at night when the lamp is turned off). For this reason, the second control unit 21 determines that there is no user in the vicinity of the display device 2.

When the user exists in the vicinity of the display device 2 in the gallery mode, the display device 2 continues the gallery mode. On the other hand, when there is no user near the display device 2 in the gallery mode, the display device 2 shifts from the gallery mode to the interior mode.
In the present embodiment, the light amount threshold value can be changed according to the usage pattern of the user. If the light amount threshold value is always constant, the display device 2 changes from the gallery mode to the interior mode even though the user who uses the display device 2 exists in the vicinity of the display device 2 in a place darker than the light amount threshold value. There is a risk that the user may closely watch a low-quality still image.

  The change of the light amount threshold is executed when the light amount detection value detected by the optical sensor 24 when the power key 331 or the gallery key 332 of the remote controller 3 is operated is less than the light amount threshold stored in the storage unit 25. Is done. At this time, the second control unit 21 causes the storage unit 25 to store the light amount detection value at the time of operation as a new light amount threshold value in the form of overwriting the already stored light amount threshold value. However, the default light amount threshold value is not overwritten. When a reset key (not shown) of the remote controller 3 is operated, the light amount threshold value written by the second control unit 21 is deleted.

Note that the user may be able to select whether or not to store the light amount threshold value.
Further, the condition for determining the presence / absence of the user is not limited to the brightness around the display device 2. For example, the distance from the display device 2 to the user (if the user is far away, the user does not exist), the weight added to the floor near the display device 2 (if the user is light, the user does not exist), the current time (from midnight to early morning, the user The presence / absence of the user may be determined based on, for example, a period of time after transition to the gallery mode (the user does not exist if a long time has elapsed).

Alternatively, based on the temperature distribution in the vicinity of the display device 2 (if there is an object around 36 ° C., the user will be present), the volume in the vicinity of the display device 2 (if there is a loud sound, the user will be present), etc. The presence or absence of the user may be determined. Otherwise, the presence or absence of the user may be determined based on the usage history of the display device 2.
Furthermore, when the periphery of the display device 2 suddenly becomes dark, the user approaches the vicinity of the display device 2, and when the user suddenly becomes bright, the user is considered to have moved away from the vicinity of the display device 2. The presence / absence of the user may be determined based on the change in height.

  Further, it may be determined whether to continue the gallery mode or to shift to the interior mode by determining whether or not the user is gazing at the display unit 20 instead of the presence or absence of the user. In this case, the user's face or eyes are detected, and if the user's face or eyes are directed toward the display unit 20, it is determined that the user is gazing at the display unit 20.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of video transmission / reception processing executed between the display device 2 and the image transmission device 1, and FIGS. 6 and 7 show a procedure of image display processing executed by the display device 2. It is a flowchart to show. Each process of S23, S24, S28, and S30 shown in FIG. 5 is a part of the image display process shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, and each process of S23, S24, and S28 shown in FIG. It is equal to the process of S30 shown.
First, the video transmission / reception process shown in FIG. 5 will be described. Here, it is assumed that the image transmission device 1 and the display device 2 are in a standby state. The display device 2 in the standby state is in either the gallery mode or the interior mode.

  The second control unit 21 of the display device 2 in the standby state requests the image transmission device 1 to transmit a video signal when the standby state is turned on (that is, the gallery mode or the interior mode is changed to the viewing mode). To do. For this purpose, the second control unit 21 transmits a video request signal, which is a control signal, to the image transmission device 1 via the CEC line 42 (S23). Next, the second control unit 21 shifts each unit of the display device 2 to the viewing mode (S24). As a result, the display device 2 is turned on.

  The second control unit 21 of the display device 2 in the on state requests the image transmission device 1 to stop transmission of the video signal when the on state changes to the standby state (that is, when the viewing mode shifts to the gallery mode). For this purpose, the second control unit 21 transmits a stop request signal, which is a control signal, to the image transmission apparatus 1 via the CEC line 42 (S28). Subsequently, the 2nd control part 21 makes each part of display 2 shift to gallery mode (S30). As a result, the display device 2 enters a standby state.

On the other hand, the first control unit 11 of the image transmitting apparatus 1 in the standby state determines whether or not a video request signal has been received via the CEC line 42 (S11), and if not received (NO in S11). ) And S11 are repeatedly executed.
When the video request signal is received (YES in S11), the first control unit 11 turns on each unit of the image transmission device 1 (S12).
The first control unit 11 of the image transmission device 1 in the on state causes the HDMI signal transmission unit 192 to transmit the video signal to the display device 2 (S13), and receives the stop request signal via the CEC line 42. It is determined whether or not (S14).
When the stop request signal has not been received (NO in S14), the first control unit 11 repeatedly executes the process of S14 while continuing to transmit the video signal.

  When the stop request signal is received (YES in S14), the first control unit 11 stops the transmission of the video signal from the HDMI signal transmission unit 192 (S15), and sets each unit of the image transmission device 1 in the standby state (S15). S16). After the process of S16 ends, the first control unit 11 returns the process to S11.

Next, the image display process shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 will be described. Here, it is assumed that the display device 2 is in the interior mode.
As shown in FIG. 6, the second control unit 21 of the display device 2 in the interior mode determines whether a power signal is received via the receiving unit 26 (S21).
When the power signal is received in the interior mode (YES in S21), the second control unit 21 calls and executes a subroutine (see FIG. 8) for performing a brightness / darkness confirmation process described later (S22).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine of the brightness / darkness confirmation processing procedure executed by the display device 2.
The second control unit 21 acquires the light amount detection value of the optical sensor 24 (S51), and determines whether or not the acquired light amount detection value is equal to or greater than the light amount threshold value stored in the storage unit 25 (S52). . That is, the second control unit 21 in S52 functions as a result determination unit.

  When the light amount detection value of the optical sensor 24 is less than the light amount threshold value (NO in S52), the second control unit 21 stores the light amount detection value acquired in S51 in the storage unit 25 as a new light amount threshold value (S53). ) Return the process to the original routine. That is, the light amount threshold value is changed when the periphery of the display device 2 is dark although the user is surely present in the vicinity of the display device 2. The second control unit 21 in S53 functions as a threshold changing unit.

  When the light amount detection value of the optical sensor 24 is equal to or greater than the light amount threshold value (YES in S52), the second control unit 21 returns the process to the original routine. That is, when the user is surely present in the vicinity of the display device 2 and the periphery of the display device 2 is bright, the current light amount threshold value is maintained.

As shown in FIG. 6, after the process of S22 is completed, the second control unit 21 transmits a video request signal to the image transmission device 1 (S23). As a result, a video signal is given from the image transmission device 1 to the display device 2.
Next, the second control unit 21 shifts each unit of the display device 2 to the viewing mode (S24). In the process of S <b> 24, the second control unit 21 controls the signal processing unit 290 to display a high-quality moving image on the display unit 20 with high luminance, and outputs sound from the speaker 293. That is, the signal processing unit 290 in S24 is controlled by the second control unit 21 and functions as a first display control unit.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of viewing mode display processing executed by the signal processing unit 290 of the display device 2.
The signal processing unit 290 that has been controlled by the second control unit 21 and has shifted to the viewing mode determines whether or not a video signal has been input from the HDMI signal receiving unit 292 (S61). NO), the process of S61 is repeatedly executed.
When a video signal is input (YES in S61), the signal processing unit 290 controls the image processing unit 294 to turn on the image quality improving circuit 2a (S62) and turn off the resolution reducing circuit 2b (S63). ), The backlight 22 is PWM-controlled and illuminated with high luminance (S64). In this state, the signal processing unit 290 displays a moving image on the display unit 20 (S65).

As shown in FIG. 6, after the process of S24 is completed, the second control unit 21 of the display device 2 in the viewing mode determines whether or not a power signal is received via the receiving unit 26 (S25).
When the power signal is received in the viewing mode (YES in S25), the second control unit 21 calls and executes a subroutine for performing the brightness check process (S26). The second control unit 21 stores the current time measured by the clock unit 28 in the storage unit 25 as a transition time (S27). Further, the second control unit 21 transmits a stop request signal to the image transmission device 1 (S28). As a result, no video signal is given to the display device 2.

  After the process of S28 is completed, the second control unit 21 reads still image data from the portable recording medium 6 or the storage unit 25 (S29) and shifts each unit of the display device 2 to the gallery mode as shown in FIG. (S30). In the processing of S30, the second control unit 21 inputs the still image data read out in S29 to the signal processing unit 290, and further controls the signal processing unit 290 to obtain a medium quality moving image. The display unit 20 displays the brightness. That is, the signal processing unit 290 in S30 is controlled by the second control unit 21 and functions as a second display control unit.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the gallery mode display process executed by the signal processing unit 290 of the display device 2.
The signal processing unit 290 that has been controlled by the second control unit 21 and has shifted to the gallery mode determines whether still image data has been input to itself (S71), and if it has not been input (NO in S71), The process of S71 is repeatedly executed. By the way, even if a video signal is input to the signal processing unit 290 after shifting to the gallery mode, the input video signal may be discarded and the processing from S71 onward may be executed.

  When still image data is input (YES in S71), the signal processing unit 290 controls the image processing unit 294 to turn off the image quality improvement circuit 2a (S72) and turn off the resolution reduction circuit 2b ( S73), the backlight 22 is PWM-controlled and illuminated with a medium brightness (S74). In this state, the signal processing unit 290 displays a still image on the display unit 20 (S75).

As shown in FIG. 6, when the power signal is not received in the interior mode (NO in S21), has the second control unit 21 received the gallery signal via the receiving unit 26 as shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not (S31).
When the gallery signal is received in the interior mode (YES in S31), the second control unit 21 calls and executes a subroutine for performing the light / dark confirmation process shown in FIG. 8 (S32). The second control unit 21 stores the current time measured by the clock unit 28 in the storage unit 25 as a transition time (S33). After the process of S33 is completed, the second control unit 21 executes the processes of S29 and S30 to shift each unit of the display device 2 to the gallery mode.

When the gallery signal is not received in the interior mode (NO in S31), the second control unit 21 determines whether or not the current time measured by the clock unit 28 has reached the transition time stored in the storage unit 25. Is determined (S34). The second control unit 21 in S34 functions as time determination means.
When the current time has reached the transition time in the interior mode (YES in S34), the second control unit 21 executes the processes of S29 and S30 to shift each unit of the display device 2 to the gallery mode.
If the current time has not reached the transition time in the interior mode (NO in S34), the second control unit 21 returns the process to S21.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the power signal is not received in the viewing mode (NO in S25), the second control unit 21 determines whether or not the gallery signal is received via the receiving unit 26 (S35). ).
When the gallery signal is received in the viewing mode (YES in S35), the second control unit 21 moves the process to S26, and calls and executes a subroutine for performing the light / dark confirmation process shown in FIG. Then, the 2nd control part 21 performs processing of S27-S30, and makes each part of display 2 shift to gallery mode.

When the gallery signal is not received in the viewing mode (NO in S35), the second control unit 21 determines whether or not the current time counted by the clock unit 28 has reached the transition time stored in the storage unit 25. Is determined (S36). The second control unit 21 in S36 functions as a time determination unit.
When the current time has reached the transition time in the viewing mode (YES in S36), the second control unit 21 executes the processes of S28 to S30 to shift each unit of the display device 2 to the gallery mode.
When the current time has not reached the transition time in the viewing mode (NO in S36), the second control unit 21 returns the process to S25.

As shown in FIG. 7, after the process of S30 is completed, the second control unit 21 of the display device 2 in the gallery mode determines whether or not a power supply signal has been received via the receiving unit 26 (S41).
When the power supply signal is received in the gallery mode (YES in S41), the second control unit 21 performs the processes of S22 to S24 illustrated in FIG. 6 to shift each unit of the display device 2 to the viewing mode.

When the power signal is not received in the gallery mode (NO in S41), the second control unit 21 acquires the light amount detection value of the optical sensor 24 (S42), and the acquired light amount detection value is stored in the storage unit 25. It is determined whether or not it is equal to or less than the light amount threshold value that is set (S43). The second control unit 21 in S43 functions as a continuation determination unit.
In the gallery mode, when the light amount detection value of the optical sensor 24 exceeds the light amount threshold value (NO in S43), the second control unit 21 returns the process to S41.

  In the gallery mode, when the light amount detection value of the optical sensor 24 is equal to or smaller than the light amount threshold value (YES in S43), the second control unit 21 reads still image data from the portable recording medium 6 or the storage unit 25 (S44), Each part of the display device 2 is shifted to the interior mode (S45). In the process of S45, the second control unit 21 inputs the still image data read out in S44 to the signal processing unit 290, and further controls the signal processing unit 290 to display a low-quality moving image with a low luminance. 20 is displayed. That is, the signal processing unit 290 in S45 is controlled by the second control unit 21 and functions as a third display control unit.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of interior mode display processing executed by the signal processing unit 290 of the display device 2.
The signal processing unit 290 that has been controlled by the second control unit 21 and has shifted to the interior mode determines whether still image data has been input to itself (S81), and if it has not been input (NO in S81), The process of S81 is repeatedly executed.
When still image data is input (YES in S81), the signal processing unit 290 controls the image processing unit 294 to turn off the image quality improvement circuit 2a (S82) and turn on the resolution reduction circuit 2b ( (S83) The backlight 22 is PWM-controlled and illuminated with low luminance (S84). In this state, the signal processing unit 290 displays a still image on the display unit 20 (S85).

  Incidentally, the power consumption of the resolution reduction circuit 2b is lower than the power consumption of the image quality improvement circuit 2a. In addition, when the resolution reduction circuit 2b consumes power, the power consumption of the backlight 22 is reduced. Therefore, when the resolution reduction circuit 2b is turned on, the power consumption in the interior mode does not exceed the power consumption in the viewing mode or the power consumption in the gallery mode.

As shown in FIG. 7, after the process of S45 is completed, the second control unit 21 of the display device 2 in the interior mode returns the process to S21 (see FIG. 6).
By executing the video transmission / reception processing as described above, the second control unit 21 functions as a switching unit. Moreover, the 2nd control part 21 in S21, S25, S31, S35, and S41 functions as a reception means.
By the way, when the user operates the gallery key 332 while the display device 2 is in the gallery mode, the second control unit 21 discards the received gallery signal.

Since it takes time to shift from the gallery mode or the interior mode to the viewing mode, the user operates the power key 331 a plurality of times until the display content of the display unit 20 is switched from the still image to the moving image. There is a fear. At this time, there arises a disadvantage that the transition to the viewing mode and the transition to the gallery mode are repeatedly executed.
In order to eliminate such inconvenience, the remote control 3 may be provided with a viewing resumption key for shifting the display device 2 in the gallery mode or the interior mode to the viewing mode, in addition to the power key 331 and the gallery key 332. .

  In the configuration in which the viewing resumption key is provided, when the user operates the viewing resumption key while the display device 2 is in the gallery mode or the interior mode, the second control unit receives an operation signal corresponding to the viewing resumption key. 21 executes the processing of S22 to S24 shown in FIG. 6 to shift each part of the display device 2 to the viewing mode. On the other hand, when the user operates the power key 331 while the display device 2 is in the gallery mode or the interior mode, the second control unit 21 discards the received power signal.

Finally, the reduction in resolution of still image data and the reduction in brightness of the backlight 22 in the interior mode will be described.
FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the display unit 20 and the backlight 22.
The display screen of the display unit 20 is virtually divided into a plurality of rectangular display areas 20a, 20a,... Arranged in a matrix. The backlight 22 is provided with LEDs 221 corresponding to the display areas 20a. The numbers juxtaposed in the horizontal and vertical directions in the figure indicate the addresses of the display areas 20a, 20a,... And the LEDs 221, 221,.
Each display area 20a includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix.

In the resolution reduction circuit 2b of the image processing unit 294, a brightness reduction process is executed. When the brightness reduction process is executed, first, based on the still image data, for example, an average brightness value relating to all the pixels included in the display area 20a at the address (1, 1) is calculated.
When the calculated average luminance value is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the luminance values related to all the pixels included in the display area 20a are changed to “0” (that is, without changing the size of the still image data, The pixels of the still image data are thinned out). As a result, the display area 20a becomes a black block.

On the other hand, when the calculated average luminance value exceeds a predetermined value, the luminance value of the pixel included in the display area 20a is not changed. As a result, a color or monochrome still image is displayed in the display area 20a.
Next, in the resolution reduction circuit 2b, the same luminance reduction processing is executed for the display area 20a at the address (1, 2), and thereafter, the addresses (1, 3), (1, 4),. 4 and 5), the same luminance reduction processing is sequentially executed.

  The processing result in the resolution reduction circuit 2b is given to the signal processing unit 290. In this case, for example, when the average luminance value related to the display area 20a at the address (1, 1) is not more than a predetermined value, and the average luminance value related to the display area 20a at the address (1, 2) exceeds the predetermined value. For example, the signal processing unit 290 turns off the LED 221 at the address (1, 1) and turns off the LED 221 at the address (1, 2). That is, the LED 221 corresponding to the display area 20a made into a black block by the brightness reduction process is turned off. Thereafter, the signal processing unit 290 turns on or off the LEDs 221 at the addresses (1, 3), (1, 4),..., (4, 5) based on the processing result in the resolution reduction circuit 2b.

Note that a configuration in which the image processing unit 294 does not perform the brightness reduction process (that is, pixels of still image data are not thinned) may be employed. Even in this case, when the average luminance value related to each display area 20a is low (high), the signal processing unit 290 turns off the LED 221 corresponding to the display area 20a.
Further, before calculating the average luminance value, the pixels of the still image data may be thinned out as appropriate (for example, every other pixel), or the luminance values of all the pixels may be reduced uniformly. In this case, it is expected that the number of LEDs 221, 221,.

Further, an edge may be extracted based on still image data, and pixels included in this area may be thinned out when the average luminance value of the area surrounded by the extracted edge is low.
When thinning out pixels, it is not limited to a configuration in which all the pixels included in each display region 20a are thinned out, and may be configured to be thinned out under appropriate conditions. This is, for example, a configuration in which only pixels having a low luminance value are thinned out, or a configuration in which every other pixel is thinned out in a region where RGB pixel values are uniformly spread. The region where the RGB pixel values are uniformly spread is, for example, a region where the difference between the pixel value of the target pixel and the pixel values of the eight pixels around the target pixel is within a predetermined range.

  Further, only in the region where the RGB pixel values are uniformly spread, the lighting ratio of the LEDs 221, 221,... May be reduced, and the display region 20 a having a high RGB green pixel value (that is, visually looks bright). The LED 221 corresponding to the display area 20a) may be turned off. Further, the LED 221, 221,... May be turned on / off under the same conditions (for example, every other piece) for any still image data.

  Furthermore, the resolution of still image data may be reduced even in the gallery mode. However, the degree of resolution reduction in the gallery mode should be set to be smaller than the degree of resolution reduction in the interior mode. In the gallery mode, the lighting ratio of the LEDs 221, 221,... Of the backlight 22 may be reduced. However, the number of LEDs 221, 221,... That are turned off in the gallery mode should be set to be smaller than the number of LEDs 221, 221,.

The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is not intended to include the above-described meanings, but is intended to include meanings equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope of the claims.
For example, in this embodiment, the image transmission device 1 and the display device 2 are illustrated as separate display systems, but the display device 2 itself has the functions (tuner function, recorder function, etc.) of the image transmission device 1. And the display device 2 may be used alone.

Further, the power consumption may be increased or decreased only by increasing or decreasing the brightness of the backlight 22. Furthermore, the resolution reduction circuit 2b may be always turned off, and the power consumption may be increased or decreased by increasing / decreasing the brightness of the backlight 22 and turning on / off the image quality improving circuit 2a.
When the display unit 20 uses a self-luminous display panel, it is not necessary to include the backlight 22, so instead of increasing or decreasing the brightness illuminated by the backlight 22, the brightness emitted by the display unit 20 is increased. The power consumption may be increased or decreased by increasing or decreasing.
Furthermore, as long as the effect of the present invention is obtained, the display device 2 may include components that are not disclosed in the embodiment.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the outline | summary of the display system containing the display apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the image transmission apparatus which transmits a video signal to the display apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the display apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the remote control for operating remotely the display apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the video transmission / reception process performed between the display apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and an image transmission apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the image display process performed with the display apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the image display process performed with the display apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the brightness / darkness confirmation process procedure performed with the display apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the display process of the viewing-and-listening mode which the signal processing part of the display apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention performs. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the display process of the gallery mode which the signal processing part of the display apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention performs. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the display process of an interior mode which the signal processing part of the display apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention performs. It is a schematic diagram explaining the structure of the display part and backlight of the display apparatus which concern on embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

2 Display device 20 Display unit 21 Second control unit 22 Backlight 24 Optical sensor (sensor)
25 storage unit (time storage means)
2a High image quality circuit (high image quality part)
2b Low resolution circuit (Low image quality part)
2P control program (computer program)
28 Clock part (clock means)

Claims (10)

In a display method for displaying an image on a display device,
A first display control step of displaying a first image on the display device with a first brightness and a first image quality;
When the first image is not displayed, the second image is displayed on the display device with a second brightness lower than the first brightness and / or a second image quality lower than the first image quality. A second display control step;
After the second image is displayed, the third image is displayed on the display device with a third brightness that is darker than the second brightness and / or a third image quality that is lower than the second image quality. And performing a third display control step. In a display device including a display unit for displaying an image,
First display control means for displaying a first image on the display unit with a first brightness and a first image quality;
Second display control means for displaying a second image on the display unit with a second brightness lower than the first brightness and / or a second image quality lower than the first image quality;
Third display control means for displaying a third image on the display unit at a third brightness lower than the second brightness and / or a third image quality lower than the second image quality;
Switching means for switching image display by each of the first display control means, the second display control means, and the third display control means,
The switching means switches to image display by the second display control means when image display by the first display control means is not executed, and after the image display by the second display control means is executed, 3. A display device characterized by switching to image display by a display control means. A sensor for detecting a physical quantity indicating a peripheral state;
Continuation determining means for determining whether or not to continue displaying the second image based on the detection result of the sensor when image display by the second display control means is being performed,
The display device according to claim 2, wherein when the continuation determination unit determines NO, the switching unit switches to image display by the third display control unit. The sensor is an optical sensor that detects ambient brightness,
The display device according to claim 3, wherein the continuation determination unit determines that the detection result is negative when the detection result of the optical sensor is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value. Receiving means for receiving an image display execution command by the first display control means or the second display control means;
A result determination unit that determines whether the detection result of the optical sensor is equal to or greater than the threshold when the reception unit receives an execution command;
And a threshold value changing means for changing the threshold value to a value corresponding to the detection result when the result judging means judges no,
5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when the reception unit receives an execution command, the switching unit switches to image display by the first display control unit or the second display control unit. Display device. A receiving means for receiving an image display execution command by the first display control means or the second display control means;
5. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, when the receiving unit receives an execution command, the switching unit switches to image display by the first display control unit or the second display control unit. The display device according to any one of the above. Clock means;
Time storage means for storing a time to switch to image display by the second display control means;
Time determination means for determining whether the time measured by the clock means has reached the time stored in the time storage means; and
7. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, when it is determined that the time determination unit has reached, the switching unit switches to image display by the second display control unit. 8. Display device. The display unit uses a liquid crystal display panel,
A backlight for illuminating the display unit;
The first display control means causes the backlight to illuminate the display unit with a first brightness,
The second display control means causes the backlight to illuminate the display unit with a second brightness that is darker than the first brightness.
The said 3rd display control means makes the said backlight illuminate the said display part by 3rd brightness darker than the said 2nd brightness, The any one of Claim 2 to 7 characterized by the above-mentioned. The display device described in 1. An image quality improving unit that outputs the image to the display unit after performing an image quality improving process on the moving image;
An image quality reduction unit that performs still image quality reduction processing and outputs the still image to the display unit;
The first image is a moving image, the second image and the third image are still images;
The first display control means is configured to turn on the high image quality unit and turn off the low image quality unit,
The second display control means is configured to turn off both the image quality improving unit and the image quality reducing unit,
The display device according to claim 8, wherein the third display control unit turns off the image quality improving unit and turns on the low image quality improving unit. A computer program for operating a computer that displays an image on a display device,
A first display control step of causing a computer to display a first image on the display device at a first brightness and a first image quality;
When the image display in the first display control step is not executed on the computer, the display device has a second brightness lower than the first brightness and / or a second image quality lower than the first image quality. A second display control step for displaying a second image on the display;
After the image display in the second display control step is executed on the computer, the display is performed with a third brightness that is darker than the second brightness and / or a third image quality that is lower than the second image quality. A computer program for causing a device to execute a third display control step of displaying a third image.

Images