JP2010258909A - Display device, display method, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a display device, a display method, a program and a recording medium which gives satisfactory explanations on product functions to a user. <P>SOLUTION: The display device 100 is equipped with: a subcontent acquisition part 1 to acquire a plurality of pieces of explanatory information with display formats differing from each other for respectively representing the functions of the device; a display procedures determination part 7 to determine display procedures for displaying the plurality of pieces of explanatory information; and a video output part 9 to display the plurality of pieces of explanatory information in accordance with the display procedures determined. Accordingly, various functions of the display device are effectively demonstrated to the user watching the device, and the functions of the product are completely shown to the user. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a display device that displays explanatory information related to the function of its own device, a method for displaying the explanatory information, a program, and a recording medium.

  In recent years, in the market of thin digital televisions, for example, televisions equipped with a variety of functions such as an increase in screen size, enhancement of functionality, or networking have become mainstream. When the user confirms the functions installed in the television, the user compares them while looking at the product catalog or the feature label attached to the product.

  However, for example, when there is no catalog of the product or when the feature label is peeled off from the product, the user cannot check the feature of the product. Further, when a new product comes out, the catalog or feature label of the old product is not necessary and is discarded. This is a problem in terms of environmental load.

  In addition, the functions of AV equipment such as digital TV or BD (Blu-ray Disc (registered trademark)) recorders are complicated, and it is particularly difficult to explain functions that are not related to display, such as energy saving mode, or network connection. It is difficult for the user to grasp various functions.

  In addition, each company conducts training before sales in order to intensify product development competition in a short period of time, so that sales representatives at dealers acquire sales knowledge of new products. However, it is difficult for salespersons to understand all the features of new products that are developed one after another, for example, to explain accurately to users at stores, and the promotion costs for that are becoming enormous. Under these circumstances, there has been a demand for a promotion mechanism that can greatly improve the cost and effectiveness.

  Therefore, if it is possible to visually explain various functions of the own device, it is effective for the user to grasp the functions. For this reason, a technology for mounting a demo function to introduce product features has been considered.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an advertising advertisement by independently distributing images, product introductions, corporate advertising advertisements, and the like that are different from television broadcasting on a television screen that is viewed by many people at an electronic store. A technology for providing an effective system as a field is described. In this technology, a video such as a corporate advertisement is distributed on a television screen in a store at a specified time by automatically switching between television broadcasting and Internet distribution in accordance with a command from a server that controls video distribution.

  Patent Document 2 describes a technique for operating a demonstration function for a predetermined time when the human body motion detection unit detects that the state of the detection area has changed when the demonstration function switch is on.

  In Patent Document 3, a storefront limited reception system (CAS) card inserted into a product is identified, and image quality and sound quality suitable for storefront display are automatically set, or a storefront demonstration is performed. It is described.

  Patent Document 4 describes a technique for allowing a user to select whether or not to enable a demonstration mode on the demonstration mode setting screen and which function to perform when the mode is enabled. Yes.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 describes a technique for accepting a user operation during display of a demonstration image and performing a demonstration according to the operation.

JP 2007-174611 A (July 5, 2007) JP 2008-294697 A (released on December 4, 2008) JP 2007-288432 A (November 1, 2007) JP 2007-81600 A (published March 29, 2007) JP 2007-225909 A (published September 6, 2007)

  The prior art described above is not sufficient to explain the product functions to the user.

  For example, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 is limited to general contents in which a video displayed on a television screen is switched between a television broadcast screen and a screen for advertisement obtained from the Internet. Moreover, the technique of patent document 2 is the content which detects the presence or absence of a human body, and switches on and off of a demonstration function. Further, the technique of Patent Document 3 displays general contents such as image quality and sound quality settings suitable for store display and a store display demo.

  Note that the demonstration method described in Patent Document 4 or 5 is not sufficient to explain the functions of the product to the user.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a display device, a display method, a program, and a recording medium that can sufficiently explain the functions of a product to a user.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the display device according to the present invention obtains a plurality of pieces of explanation information each representing a function of the own device and having different display forms, and when displaying the plurality of pieces of explanation information And a display unit for displaying the plurality of explanation information according to the determined display procedure.

  According to said structure, the display apparatus which concerns on this invention is a display apparatus which displays the explanatory information showing the function of an own apparatus. Specifically, a plurality of pieces of explanation information each representing the function of the own device and having different display forms are acquired, and the obtained pieces of explanation information are continuously displayed according to a display procedure.

  In this specification, “explanation information” is intended to describe information for explaining the function of the device itself. The description information may be displayed as, for example, a still image, video, or text, but is not limited thereto, and may be output as audio, for example.

  In addition, for example, when the display device according to the present invention is connected to an external device, the acquisition unit can acquire description information other than the description information built in the display device. Therefore, more information can be provided to the user.

  Further, in the display device according to the present invention, when displaying the plurality of pieces of acquired explanation information, the display means displays the explanation information according to a display procedure in which an order or a period for displaying the explanation information is designated.

  As described above, the display device according to the present invention does not repeatedly display the description information representing a specific function, but continuously displays the description information representing a plurality of different functions. Furthermore, it can be displayed in a different form for each of a plurality of functions.

  Therefore, it is possible to effectively demonstrate various functions of the own device to the user who views the display device, and the functions of the product can be sufficiently explained to the user.

  The display device according to the present invention preferably further includes a storage unit that stores the plurality of explanation information, and the acquisition unit acquires the plurality of description information stored in the storage unit.

  According to said structure, the display apparatus which concerns on this invention is provided with the memory | storage means to memorize | store the some description information showing the function of an own apparatus. Therefore, the acquisition unit acquires the description information displayed by the display unit from the description information stored in the storage unit according to the display procedure.

  In addition, the display device according to the present invention preferably further includes a connection unit that connects to an external device, and the acquisition unit acquires the plurality of explanation information from the external device connected by the connection unit.

  According to said structure, the display apparatus which concerns on this invention is provided with the connection means for connecting with an external apparatus, and acquires description information from the external apparatus connected by the connection means. For example, an instruction to display the explanation information acquired from the external device may be written in the display procedure. In this case, first, it is confirmed whether or not the connection unit is connected to an external device. When the connection unit is connected to the external device, the acquisition unit acquires the description information from the external device.

  Therefore, in addition to the explanation information stored in advance in the own device, a wide variety of information can be acquired from the external device and provided to the user.

  The display device according to the present invention preferably further includes content acquisition means for acquiring display content, and the display means displays the display content and the plurality of pieces of explanatory information in combination.

  According to said structure, the display apparatus which concerns on this invention is further provided with the content acquisition means which acquires display content. Further, the display means displays the acquired display content and explanation information in combination. Thereby, the user can see the explanation of the function of the display device represented by the explanation information while viewing the display content.

  In the display device according to the present invention, the acquisition unit acquires information indicating the display procedure from the external device, and the determination unit performs the display procedure based on the acquired information indicating the display procedure. It is preferable to determine.

  According to said structure, an acquisition means acquires the information which shows a display procedure from an external apparatus, ie, a scenario, and a determination means determines a display procedure based on this scenario. Thus, a plurality of pieces of explanatory information can be displayed according to the display procedure shown in another scenario without changing the scenario built in the own apparatus.

  The display device according to the present invention further includes switching means for switching the operation mode in the device, and the display means displays the display content and the plurality of explanation information in a form corresponding to the operation mode. preferable.

  According to the above configuration, the switching unit switches the operation mode in the display device, and the display unit displays a plurality of explanation information in a form corresponding to the operation mode. For example, when the operation mode is set to the “normal mode” in which no demonstration is performed, the switching unit switches to the “demo mode” in which the demonstration is executed. This starts the demo.

  The operation mode may be switched based on, for example, a setting input by the user or a type of B-CAS card. In this way, a display that meets the needs of the user can be made.

  Further, in the display device according to the present invention, the switching means is configured to operate the operation mode based on the encrypted information read from a recording medium storing encrypted information for recognizing at least the device itself. Is preferably switched.

  Furthermore, in the display device according to the present invention, the recording medium is a B-CAS card inserted in the own device, and the switching means can switch the operation mode based on the type of the B-CAS card. preferable.

  According to said structure, in the display apparatus which concerns on this invention, based on the information recorded on the recording medium which recognizes an own apparatus, an operation mode is switched. For example, when a B-CAS card is used as the recording medium, explanatory information is displayed depending on the application, such as a store front display B-CAS card, a home B-CAS card, or a business B-CAS card. can do.

  In the display device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the plurality of explanation information includes an audio signal and further includes audio output means for outputting the audio signal.

  According to said structure, the description information acquired in a display apparatus may contain the audio | voice signal other than the image signal. Therefore, the description information representing the function of the own device can be output not only visually but also as sound, so that the function of the display device can be introduced to the user more effectively.

  In the display device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the display means displays the plurality of pieces of explanatory information on a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or an EL (electroluminescence) display.

  Thus, by displaying a plurality of pieces of explanatory information on a thin display such as a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or an EL display, it is possible to effectively provide the user with an explanation of the function of the device.

  The display device according to the present invention preferably further includes broadcast wave receiving means for receiving broadcast waves, and the display means displays display content acquired from the received broadcast waves. Furthermore, in the display device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the display unit displays the display content acquired from the broadcast wave and the explanation information in combination.

  According to said structure, the display apparatus which concerns on this invention acquires display content from a broadcast wave. Here, the display content in this specification is, for example, a television program.

  Further, the display device displays a combination of a television program acquired from a broadcast wave and a plurality of explanation information representing the function of the device itself. Therefore, the user can view the explanation information while watching a television program, for example.

  In order to solve the above problems, the display method according to the present invention obtains a plurality of pieces of explanation information each representing a function of the own device and having different display forms, and when displaying the plurality of pieces of explanation information. And a display step for displaying the plurality of pieces of explanatory information in accordance with the determined display procedure.

  According to said structure, the function of an own apparatus is each represented, The some description information from which a display form mutually differs is acquired, The acquired information is displayed according to a display procedure. Therefore, it is possible to effectively demonstrate various functions of the own device to the user who views the display device.

(Program and recording medium)
The display device according to the present invention may be realized by a computer. In this case, a program for realizing the display device in the computer by operating the computer as each of the above-described means and a computer-readable recording medium recording the program also fall within the scope of the present invention.

  According to the present invention, an acquisition means for acquiring a plurality of explanation information each representing a function of the own device and having different display forms, and a determination means for determining a display procedure when displaying the plurality of explanation information are determined. Display means for displaying the plurality of explanation information according to the display procedure. Therefore, the function of the product can be sufficiently explained to the user.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the display apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow of a series of demonstration displays in a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A shows a case where display content and explanation information are combined and displayed, and FIG. 2B shows a case where explanatory information different from FIG. 2A is displayed, FIG. 2C shows a case where two different pieces of explanatory information are displayed, and FIG. The case where only display content is displayed is shown. It is explanatory drawing which shows acquisition of the description information from the sub content memory | storage part of the display apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, or an external device. It is a figure which shows an example of the scenario used in the display apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating the display procedure illustrated in FIG. 4 along the time axis. FIG. 5A illustrates a flow of demonstration when connected to an external device, and FIG. 5B illustrates connection to the external device. The flow of the demonstration when not done is shown. It is a flowchart which shows the demonstration execution flow in the display apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows a main content and a sub content with the form according to operation mode. It is explanatory drawing which shows a main content and a subcontent in the form according to the operation mode along the time axis. It is a figure which shows the display screen at the time of demo mode in the display apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state when the channel is switched from the display screen illustrated in FIG. 9, (a) of FIG. 10 illustrates a state where display of sub-contents is temporarily stopped when the channel is switched, and (b) of FIG. 10 is illustrated. The sub-content display is continued when the channel is switched. It is explanatory drawing which shows the volume of main content and a subcontent in the form according to the operation mode along the time axis. It is a figure which shows the place which connects the some display apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, and displays a demonstration interlockingly.

  An embodiment of the display device 100 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Schematic configuration of display device 100)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the display device 100 includes a sub content acquisition unit (acquisition unit) 1, a sub content storage unit (storage unit) 2, an external device connection unit (connection unit) 3, an external device connection determination unit 4, and main content. Acquisition unit (content acquisition unit) 5, video / audio separation unit 6, display procedure determination unit (determination unit) 7, video synthesis processing unit 8, video output unit (display unit) 9, audio processing unit 10, audio output unit (audio) Output means) 11, control section 12, mode switching section (switching means) 13, timer section 14, and timer calibration section 15.

  The display device 100 is a display device that displays explanatory information representing the function of the own device. Specifically, a plurality of pieces of explanation information each representing the function of the own device and having different display forms are acquired, and the obtained pieces of explanation information are continuously displayed according to a display procedure.

  In this specification, “explanatory information” is intended to explain the function of the device itself, that is, information for demonstration (hereinafter also simply referred to as “demo”). The description information may be displayed as, for example, a still image, video, or text, but is not limited thereto, and may be output as audio, for example.

  Specific examples of the description information include information representing the performance of the display device 100, information representing various setting methods in the display device 100, information representing a connection method between the display device 100 and the external device 200, and the like.

  Note that the display device 100 according to the present embodiment can be connected to the external device 200. For this reason, the description information displayed on the display device 100 may include information acquired from the external device 200. Information acquired from the external device 200 includes, for example, information that represents the specific function of the display device 100 in more detail, the latest information on the technology related to the display device 100, and information related to the external device 200.

  Further, the display device 100 displays the acquired explanation information according to a display procedure.

  In the present specification, the “display procedure” intends a procedure that specifies the order or period of displaying these pieces of explanation information when displaying a plurality of pieces of explanation information.

  That is, the display procedure specifies how to display the explanation information when, for example, an operation mode in the display device 100 described later is set to “demo mode” for executing a demonstration. Note that the program describing the display procedure used in the display device 100 may be one type or a plurality of types. Hereinafter, this program may be referred to as a “scenario”.

  As described above, the display device 100 does not repeatedly display the description information representing a specific function, but displays a plurality of different description information according to the display procedure. Furthermore, it can be displayed in a different form for each of a plurality of functions.

  Therefore, it is possible to effectively demonstrate various functions of the own device to the user who views the display device 100, and the functions of the product can be sufficiently explained to the user.

  Next, each configuration of the display device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described below.

(Each component of the display device 100)
The sub content acquisition unit 1 acquires explanatory information indicating the function of the display device 100. Specifically, the sub content acquisition unit 1 acquires the description information from the sub content storage unit 2 or the external device 200.

  In this specification, the term “description information” may be referred to as “sub-content” in order to distinguish it from main content acquired by the main content acquisition unit 5 described later.

  The sub-content storage unit 2 stores a plurality of explanation information.

  The sub-content storage unit 2 may store a scenario in addition to the description information. In this case, the sub content acquisition unit 1 acquires the scenario stored in the sub content storage unit 2 together with the description information.

  The external device connection unit 3 connects the display device 100 and the external device 200. Examples of the external device 200 include a server device, an HDD (hard disk drive), a memory device, and the like.

  In addition, the connection method with the external apparatus 200 by the external apparatus connection part 3 may be either wired connection or wireless connection. When the external device connection unit 3 is connected to the external device 200 via a network, the interface is not particularly limited. For example, the Internet, HDMI, IEEE 1394 (i.Link), PLC (power line carrier communication), Examples include USB (Universal Serial Bus), IrSimple (high-speed infrared communication system), IrDA, LAN, wireless LAN, and UWB.

  The external device connection determination unit 4 determines whether or not the display device 100 and the external device 200 are connected by the external device connection unit 3.

  For example, the scenario acquired by the sub-content acquisition unit 1 may be instructed to “display sub-content acquired from the external device 200”. In this case, the external device connection determination unit 4 confirms the connection state of the external device connection unit 3 in order to confirm whether the sub content acquisition unit 1 can acquire the sub content from the external device 200. The sub content acquisition unit 1 selects a sub content acquisition destination according to the determination result.

  The main content acquisition unit 5 acquires display content.

  In this specification, the display content acquired by the main content acquisition unit 5 is referred to as “main content” in order to distinguish it from the description information (sub content) acquired by the sub content acquisition unit 1. The main content includes, for example, content such as television programs or video information distributed over a network.

  Examples of the acquisition source of the main content by the main content acquisition unit 5 include a terrestrial digital broadcasting system, a storage device such as a memory or a hard disk, an external device 200 such as a BD (Blu-ray Disc (registered trademark)) recorder, or a DVD recorder. Further, the main content is not limited to that acquired from the external device 200, and may be stored in advance in the display device 100, for example.

  In the block diagram shown in FIG. 1, it is described that the sub content acquisition unit 1 and the main content acquisition unit 5 acquire each content from the same external device 200. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the sub content acquisition unit 1 and the main content acquisition unit 5 can acquire each content from different external devices 200, respectively.

  The video / audio separation unit 6 separates video data and audio data included in the main content. That is, when the main content is acquired by the main content acquisition unit 5, the main content includes video data and audio data such as an MPEG2 transport stream (TS) or an MPEG2 program stream (PS), and a video stream and an audio stream. Are input as multiplexed encoded stream data. In this case, the encoded stream data is separated and sent to the video composition processing unit 8 or the audio processing unit 10.

  The video data referred to here may include display data such as image data or character data. Further, the main content acquired by the main content acquisition unit 5 does not necessarily include video data and audio data in a synchronized form, and may include only one of video data and audio data. .

  In addition, when audio data is included in the sub-content acquired by the sub-content acquisition unit 1, the video / audio separation unit 6 may separate the image data and audio data included in the sub-content.

  The display procedure determination unit 7 determines a display procedure when displaying a plurality of pieces of explanatory information on the display device 100.

  That is, the display procedure determination unit 7 instructs the sub-content acquisition unit 1 to acquire a scenario when the operation mode is switched to “demo mode” in which a demonstration is executed by a mode switching unit 13 described later. Thereafter, the display procedure determination unit 7 determines the display procedure based on the acquired scenario, and instructs the sub-content acquisition unit 1 to acquire the sub-content.

  The video composition processing unit 8 processes the video data separated by the video / audio separation unit 6 and sends it to the video output unit 9. The processing by the video composition processing unit 8 includes, for example, processing such as image quality adjustment, data format restoration, or arrangement adjustment of sub-contents and main content on the display screen. The video composition processing unit 8 sends the video data processed in this way to the video output unit 9 as a video signal. Note that the video composition processing unit 8 may perform processing for adding a display effect to the sub-contents. Details of the display effect will be described later.

  The video output unit 9 outputs (displays) the video signal sent from the video composition processing unit 8 in accordance with the display procedure determined by the display procedure determination unit 7. As an output destination of the image signal by the video output unit 9, for example, a display unit such as a liquid crystal display, a plasma display (PDP), or an EL (Electro Luminescence Display), or An external device may be mentioned. In addition, as a display means, it is not limited to this, Other thin display displays may be sufficient.

  The audio processing unit 10 processes the audio data separated by the video / audio separation unit 6 to produce an audio signal that is finally output. That is, the audio processing unit 10 performs processing such as decompression of a compressed format, frequency adjustment, or volume adjustment on the separated audio data. The audio processing unit 10 processes the audio data in this way, converts it into an audio signal, and sends it to the audio output unit 11.

  The audio output unit 11 outputs the audio signal processed by the audio processing unit 10. The audio output unit 11 may output an audio signal through a speaker, for example, or may send an audio signal to an external audio output device.

  The control unit 12 controls overall processing in the display device 100. For example, the control unit 12 controls the video composition processing unit 8 to synthesize and display the sub content with the main content.

  The mode switching unit 13 switches the operation mode in the display device 100.

  In this specification, the operation mode refers to various forms that indicate how video (or an image) is output in the video output unit 9. For example, a “demonstration mode” for executing a demo, Mode ".

  Note that switching of the operation mode by the mode switching unit 13 may be performed by, for example, displaying a screen (menu screen) for setting the operation mode in the display device 100 on the display and allowing the user to set the operation mode. Further, the mode switching unit 13 may switch the operation mode based on the encrypted information read from the recording medium in which the encrypted information for recognizing the device itself is stored. An example of this recording medium is a B-CAS card.

  The timer unit 14 is a timer for measuring time.

  The timer calibration unit 15 calibrates the time of the timer unit 14. For example, when the main content acquisition unit 5 acquires the main content from the digital broadcast, the time information is superimposed on the main content. Therefore, the time of the timer unit 14 can be calibrated using the time information. Note that the method for acquiring the time from the outside is not limited to this. For example, when the display device 100 is connected to the external device 200 via the IP network, the time can be acquired by NTP or the like.

  Further, for example, when the control unit 12 can determine whether or not the time held by the timer unit 14 is calibrated, how to display the main content and the sub-content based on the determination result You may control.

(Demo display)
Next, an example of a demonstration display on the display device 100 will be described.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow of a series of demonstration displays on the display device 100. FIGS. 2A to 2D show a series of cycles in one scenario.

  As described above, the display device 100 continuously displays a plurality of pieces of explanatory information representing the function of the own device according to the scenario (display procedure). That is, as shown in FIGS. 2A to 2D, the display device 100 switches the type or display form of the sub-contents to be displayed and continuously displays them.

  Specifically, when the demo mode is started, the sub-content 20A is superimposed on the main content 21 and displayed on the display 16 as shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the main content 21 displayed on the display 16 is a television program.

  The sub-content 20A is information related to the performance of the own device acquired from the sub-content storage unit 2. Here, the display effect may be given to the displayed sub-contents by the processing of the video composition processing unit 8.

  As the display effect, for example, there is an animation effect in which the display form changes with the expansion or reduction of the sub-contents or time. Other display effects include, for example, text data telop display (display in which characters flow vertically or horizontally), image data slide-in, slide-out, pan or zoom display, or moving image data switching. Examples include fade-in or fade-out.

  The sub-content 20A shown in FIG. 2A has a display effect so as to be a transparent color. Therefore, the main content 21 can be seen through from above the sub-content 20A. Further, the characters of the sub-content 20A may be displayed as a telop. When the sub-content 20A is displayed for a preset time in the scenario, the sub-content 20A is switched to the next sub-content 20B.

  FIG. 2B shows a display of sub-content 20B different from the sub-content 20A shown in FIG. At this time, the sub content 20B indicates information representing the performance of the display device 100 different from the sub content 20A.

  Next, after the display shown in (b) of FIG. 2 is completed, two different sub contents 20C are now displayed ((c) of FIG. 2). At this time, the sub-contents 20C are displayed in different sizes, one showing information indicating the latest energy-saving technology of the display device 100, and the other information actually performing this latest energy-saving technology. Is displayed. When this demonstration ends, as shown in FIG. 2D, the display of the sub-content is stopped and only the main content is displayed. As a result, the one-cycle demo mode shown in the scenario ends.

  Thus, since the display device 100 can continuously display a plurality of sub-contents in one scenario, a demonstration can be effectively performed for a user who views the display device 100.

  The scenario used in the display device 100 may be a scenario stored in the sub-content storage unit 2, but it is preferable that the scenario can be acquired from the external device 200 as shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating acquisition of explanatory information from the sub-content storage unit 2 of the display device 100 or the external device 200.

  Thereby, the contents of the scenario can be changed without changing the program in the display device 100. Further, the scenario to be used may be changed depending on, for example, a time zone or a day of the week.

(scenario)
Here, an example of the scenario used in the display device 100 according to the present embodiment is shown in FIGS. The scenarios shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 are simply described for convenience of explanation, but are not limited to this and may be in any other format.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the scenario 22 used in the display device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the scenario 22 shown in FIG. 4 along the time axis. FIG. 5A shows the flow of the demonstration when connected to an external device, and FIG. Shows the flow of the demonstration when not connected to an external device.

  4 and 5, each scenario described in the scenario 22 is represented as “scenario A” or “scenario B”, respectively, and the displayed sub-contents are “sub-content A1” or “sub-content A2”, respectively. And the like.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in “scenario A” described in scenario 22, it is instructed to start the demo from 5 minutes every hour and repeat the scenario four times.

  Specifically, in the display device 100 that executes the scenario A, when the operation mode is switched to the “demo mode”, the sub-content A1 is first displayed for 30 seconds. Next, when the display of the sub content A1 is completed, the sub content A2 is displayed for 1 minute. Thereafter, the external device connection determination unit 4 confirms the connection with the external device 200 in accordance with an instruction to acquire sub-contents from the external device 200.

  As a result, when it is determined that the external device connection unit 3 is connected to the external device 200, the sub content acquisition unit 1 acquires sub content from the external device 200. At this time, the sub-content acquisition unit 1 may acquire “scenario B” which is a scenario different from the scenario A.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in scenario B, first, sub-content B is displayed, and then sub-content C acquired from another external device 200 'is displayed. If the display device 100 and the external device 200 ′ are not connected, the sub content B is repeatedly displayed instead of the sub content C. The display device 100 can continue the demonstration according to the scenario B acquired in this way. A series of flows in this scenario 22 is shown in FIG.

  As a language that can describe the layout in the plane direction or the content switching in the time direction in the scenario, for example, there is SMIL (Synchronized Multimedia Integration Language). In addition to this, a scenario can also be written using expressions such as SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the external device connection unit 3 is not connected to the external device 200, the sub content acquisition unit 1 acquires the sub content A3 from the sub content storage unit 2 as an alternative process. When the acquired sub content A3 is displayed for 3 minutes, only the main content is displayed for 5 minutes without displaying the sub content, and the scenario is repeated from the beginning. A series of flows in this scenario 22 is shown in FIG.

  As described above, in the display device 100, the order in which the plurality of sub contents are displayed and the display period are managed by the scenario.

(Operation of Display Device 100)
Next, the operation of the display device 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a demonstration execution flow in the display device 100 according to the present embodiment.

  In the display device 100, first, it is determined according to the switching of the operation mode by the mode switching unit 13 whether the control unit 12 starts the demonstration, that is, whether to display the explanation information (step S1). For example, when a mode for starting a demo is set by a menu operation by the user, the control unit 12 starts the demo mode when a condition for shifting to the demo operation is satisfied.

  In addition, as described above, the operation mode may be switched depending on the type of B-CAS card inserted into the display device 100.

  For example, in domestic digital broadcasting, a receiver is authenticated by a B-CAS card. In many stores, store-use B-CAS cards, which are different from home-use B-CAS cards, are often inserted. Therefore, it may be determined whether a store-front B-CAS is inserted in the display device 100 or another B-CAS card is inserted, and the operation mode may be switched.

  On the other hand, when the condition for shifting to the demo operation is not satisfied, the control unit 12 determines that the normal viewing mode, that is, the mode for displaying only the main content, and does not execute the demo.

  Next, when the mode is shifted to the demo mode, the sub content acquisition unit 1 acquires the scenario and the sub content stored in the sub content storage unit 2 (step S2).

  The scenario acquired by the sub-content acquisition unit 1 is analyzed by the display procedure determination unit 7. Thereby, it is analyzed whether or not it is necessary to determine the connection state with the external device 200, that is, whether or not the scenario is instructed to acquire sub-contents from the external device 200 (step S3).

  As a result of the analysis, for example, when connection with the external device 200 is required, such as network connection, the external device connection determination unit 4 confirms the connection state (step S4). On the other hand, when the connection with the external device 200 is unnecessary, the process proceeds to step S7 described later, and the sub-content is displayed by the video output unit 9.

  Next, when the connection to the network is confirmed by the determination of the external device connection determination unit 4, for example, the sub content acquisition unit 1 acquires the sub content from the external device 200 (step S5). The external device 200 is not particularly limited, and for example, sub-contents may be acquired from a server device, HDD, memory device, or the like.

  On the other hand, when the connection with the external device 200 is not confirmed by the determination of the external device connection determination unit 4, the sub content acquisition unit 1 acquires another sub content stored in the sub content storage unit 2 as a substitute content ( Step S6).

  Thereafter, the display device 100 executes a demonstration according to the scenario acquired by the sub-content acquisition unit 1 (step S7). When setting the execution time of the demonstration, the timer unit 14 and the timer calibration unit 15 manage the time.

  When the display of one sub-content is completed, the control unit 12 refers to the scenario and determines whether to display another sub-content (step S8). As a result, when the demo operation is ended with the currently displayed sub-content, the mode is shifted to the normal viewing mode, that is, the mode in which only the main content is displayed, and the demonstration is ended.

  On the other hand, when it is necessary to display another sub-content or to repeatedly display the sub-content currently displayed, the process returns to step S2 and is processed again.

(Combination of sub contents)
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the main content and the sub content in a form corresponding to the operation mode, and FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the main content and the sub content in a form corresponding to the operation mode along the time axis.

  As described above, the display device 100 can adjust the arrangement for displaying the main content and the sub-content. That is, when the video composition processing unit 8 receives the video data separated by the video / audio separation unit 6, the video composition processing unit 8 adjusts the arrangement based on the control of the control unit 12 when the main content and the sub-content are used as final display screens.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, the main content 21 may be displayed on a large screen, and the sub-content 20 may be displayed on the main content 21 in a small size. Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, the main content 21 and the sub-content 20 may be displayed side by side without overlapping. Further, as shown in FIG. 7C, the sub-content 20 may be displayed on a large screen, and the main content 21 may be superimposed on the sub-content 20 and displayed small.

  Further, these displays may be continuously displayed according to the scenario as shown in FIG. That is, only the main content 21 or the sub-content 20 may be displayed first, and then the sub-content 20 of the small screen may be displayed on the main content 21 of the large screen. At this time, the sub-contents 20 on the large screen and the sub-contents 20 on the small screen can display different sub-contents.

(Operation when switching channels)
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display screen in the demonstration mode in the display device 100. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state when the channel is switched from the display screen shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 10 (a) shows a state where the demonstration display is paused when the channel is switched. (B) shows the demonstration continued at the time of channel switching.

  In the display device 100 according to the present embodiment, the behavior when a control instruction is issued during execution of a scenario may be as follows. In the examples shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, it is intended that the main content 21 displayed on the display 16 is a television program.

  On the display 16 shown in FIG. 9, a TV program of “10 channels” is displayed. At this time, for example, when the user performs an operation of changing the channel to “6 channels”, a character (channel call) 23 indicating the designated channel is displayed on the screen.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 10 (a), when displaying the channel call 23, the demonstration may be paused and the display of the sub-content 20 may be interrupted, or as shown in FIG. 10 (b). In addition, the channel call 23 may be displayed on the sub-content 20 without interrupting the display of the sub-content 20. Note that it may be set not to accept a channel switching instruction unless it is a specific control instruction.

  Further, for example, the operation at the time of channel switching may be controlled according to the type of the sub-content 20. For example, when the sub-content 20 acquired by the sub-content acquisition unit 1 is a movie acquired via a network, the movie display and the TV program channel switching operation cannot be performed at the same time. In this case, the demonstration is temporarily stopped, the display of the sub-content 20 is interrupted, or the display of the sub-content 20 is continued without receiving the channel switching control.

  On the other hand, when the sub-content 20 is a text telop display, the channel can be switched while the sub-content 20 is displayed.

(Output of explanation information by voice)
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the volume levels of the main content and the sub content in a form corresponding to the operation mode along the time axis. In FIG. 11, the vertical axis represents the volume level, and the horizontal axis represents time.

  As described above, since the audio data may be included in the sub content, the audio of the sub content may be superimposed on the audio of the main content and output. In this case, for example, according to the scenario, the volume of each content may be changed in conjunction with the video output.

  That is, only the main content audio 30 is output in the section in which the scenario is instructed to “output only main content”, and in the section instructed to “output the sub-content”, the main content audio 30 is also output. The sub-content audio 31 can be output.

  At this time, it is preferable to perform control so that the volume is close to the volume when only the audio 30 of the main content is being output. Therefore, when outputting the sub-content audio 31, the volume level of the main content audio 30 may be lowered.

(Demo display on multiple display devices 100)
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a state where a plurality of display devices 100 are connected to display a demo in conjunction with each other.

  The display device 100 according to the present embodiment can be connected to another display device 100 to simultaneously display a demo. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, the three display devices 100A, 100B, and 100C can be connected to display the sub-contents 20 having the same contents at the same time.

  Further, the sub-contents 20 displayed on these display devices 100 are not limited to the same sub-content 20, and different sub-contents 20 may be displayed for demonstration. For example, the display device 100A performs a demonstration explaining the entire function of the device itself, the display device 100B performs a detailed demonstration regarding “function 1” in the overall description of the display device 100, and the display device 100B performs the entire display device 100A. A detailed demonstration regarding “Function 2” in the explanation can be performed.

  In this way, by connecting a plurality of display devices 100 and starting a demonstration at the same time, for example, when performing a demonstration of the display device 100 at a storefront, the user can perform more than when performing a demonstration on one display device 100. You can raise your attention. Therefore, the function of the product can be transmitted to the user more effectively.

  A method for connecting the plurality of display devices 100 is not particularly limited, and may be connected through a network or a USB, for example.

  Further, the timing for starting the demonstrations simultaneously on the plurality of display devices 100 may be controlled by, for example, time control by the timer unit 14 or network control acquired from the external device 200.

  Note that the display device 100 according to the present embodiment may incorporate a BD recorder, for example. By incorporating a BD recorder in this way, a corresponding demo such as explanatory information about the BD recorder may be executed.

  Further, the display device 100 according to the present embodiment may be a television set further provided with broadcast wave receiving means (not shown) for receiving broadcast waves. In this case, the video output unit 9 displays a television program (display content) acquired from the received broadcast wave.

  Thereby, in the display apparatus 100, the television program acquired from a broadcast wave and the some description information showing the function of an own apparatus are combined and displayed. Therefore, the user can view the demonstration display while viewing the television program.

(Program and recording medium)
Finally, each block included in the display device 100 may be configured by hardware logic. Alternatively, it may be realized by software using a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as follows.

  That is, the display device 100 includes a CPU that executes instructions of a control program that realizes each function, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores the control program, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that expands the control program into an executable format. ), And a storage device (recording medium) such as a memory for storing the control program and various data.

  With this configuration, the object of the present invention can be achieved by a predetermined recording medium. The recording medium only needs to record the program code (execution format program, intermediate code program, source program) of the control program of the display device 100, which is software that realizes the above-described functions, in a computer-readable manner. This recording medium is supplied to the display device 100. Thereby, the display device 100 (or CPU or MPU) as a computer may read and execute the program code recorded on the supplied recording medium.

  The recording medium that supplies the program code to the display device 100 is not limited to a specific structure or type. That is, the recording medium includes, for example, a tape system such as a magnetic tape and a cassette tape, a magnetic disk such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk / hard disk, and an optical disk such as a CD-ROM / MO / MD / DVD / CD-R. A disk system, a card system such as an IC card (including a memory card) / optical card, or a semiconductor memory system such as a mask ROM / EPROM / EEPROM / flash ROM can be used.

  Further, even if the display device 100 is configured to be connectable to a communication network, the object of the present invention can be achieved. In this case, the program code is supplied to the display device 100 via the communication network. The communication network is not limited to a specific type or form as long as it can supply the program code to the display device 100. For example, the Internet, an intranet, an extranet, a LAN, an ISDN, a VAN, a CATV communication network, a virtual private network, a telephone line network, a mobile communication network, a satellite communication network, or the like may be used.

  The transmission medium constituting the communication network may be any medium that can transmit the program code, and is not limited to a specific configuration or type. For example, wired communication such as IEEE 1394, USB (Universal Serial Bus), power line carrier, cable TV line, telephone line, ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) line, infrared light such as IrDA or remote control, Bluetooth (registered trademark), 802. 11 wireless, HDR, mobile phone network, satellite line, terrestrial digital network, etc. can also be used. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a computer data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program code is embodied by electronic transmission.

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

  The present invention can be used for a display device that displays a demonstration for explaining the function of the device on a thin display such as a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or an EL display, for example, a liquid crystal television or a BD built-in television. Etc. can be used.

1 Sub-content acquisition unit (acquisition means)
2 Sub-content storage unit (storage means)
3 External device connection (connection method)
4 External device connection determination unit 5 Main content acquisition unit (content acquisition means)
6 Video / Audio Separation Unit 7 Display Procedure Determination Unit
8 Video composition processing section 9 Video output section (display means)
10 audio processing unit 11 audio output unit (audio output means)
12 control unit 13 mode switching unit (switching means)
14 Timer unit 15 Timer calibration unit 100 Display device

Claims (15)

Representing each function of the own device, obtaining means for obtaining a plurality of explanation information having different display forms,
Determining means for determining a display procedure when displaying the plurality of explanation information;
A display device comprising: display means for displaying the plurality of explanation information in accordance with the determined display procedure. It further comprises storage means for storing the plurality of explanation information,
The display device according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the plurality of pieces of explanatory information stored in the storage unit. It further comprises a connection means for connecting to an external device,
The display device according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the plurality of pieces of explanatory information from the external device connected by the connection unit. The acquisition means acquires information indicating the display procedure from the external device,
The display device according to claim 3, wherein the determination unit determines the display procedure based on the acquired information indicating the display procedure. It further comprises content acquisition means for acquiring display content,
The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays the display content and the plurality of explanation information in combination. It further comprises switching means for switching the operation mode in its own device,
The display device according to claim 5, wherein the display unit displays the display content and the plurality of explanation information in a form corresponding to the operation mode.   The switching means switches the operation mode based on the encrypted information read from a recording medium storing at least encrypted information for recognizing the device itself. The display device described in 1.   8. The display according to claim 7, wherein the recording medium is a B-CAS card inserted into the apparatus, and the switching means switches the operation mode based on a type of the B-CAS card. apparatus.   The display device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of explanation information includes an audio signal and further includes audio output means for outputting the audio signal.   The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays the plurality of pieces of explanatory information on a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or an EL (electroluminescence) display. A broadcast wave receiving means for receiving the broadcast wave;
The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays display content acquired from the received broadcast wave.   12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein the display unit displays the display content acquired from the broadcast wave and the explanation information in combination. An acquisition step for acquiring a plurality of pieces of explanatory information each representing a function of the own device and having different display forms;
A determination step for determining a display procedure when displaying the plurality of pieces of explanatory information;
A display method comprising: a display step for displaying the plurality of pieces of explanatory information in accordance with the determined display procedure.   A program for operating the display device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, for causing a computer to function as each of the above means.   The computer-readable recording medium which has recorded the program of Claim 14.

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