JP2011040958A - Image display device and image display method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To further improve operability of an image display device compatible with various types of input image signals. <P>SOLUTION: The image display device 100 is provided with an image input part 1, an operating part 5, an image projection part 4, an input state determination part 21 and an input information display part 23. The input state determination part 21 determines whether corresponding main image signal 6 is being input to each of a plurality of input terminals. The input information display part 23 creates a GUI image for displaying only information of input terminals receiving the main image signal 6 as selection candidate information, on the basis of the determination result of the input state determination part 21. Further, the input information display part 23 superposes a sub image signal corresponding to the created GUI image, on the main image signal 6 to be input to an input terminal selected by the operation part 5. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image display apparatus and an image display method, and more particularly to an image display apparatus and an image display apparatus that display a desired image by switching image signals input to each of a plurality of input terminals.

  In recent years, an opportunity to use an image display device such as a projector has increased in appreciation of movies at home and presentations at conferences. Such an image display device includes a plurality of various types of input terminals in order to cope with diversification of AV (Audio Visual) devices and information devices to be connected. Then, the user switches and selects these input terminals by operating means such as a remote controller, and displays a desired image on an external screen, for example.

  Therefore, conventionally, in the image display apparatus as described above, various techniques have been proposed in order to further improve the operability (convenience) at the time of switching and selecting the input terminal (projected image) (for example, (See Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  Patent Document 1 proposes a technique of providing an OSD (On Screen Display) circuit unit that displays an input terminal in a graphic in addition to displaying the name of the input signal, and switching the input signal using the graphic display.

  Patent Document 2 proposes a technique for indicating a signal state such as presence / absence of an input signal by a display means. Specifically, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for indicating a signal state such as presence / absence of an input signal by using different display forms for a terminal connected to a video source and a terminal not connected to a video source. Proposed.

JP 2007-212618 A JP 2007-2127767 A

  As described above, conventionally, in an image display apparatus such as a projector, for example, various techniques have been proposed for display methods of input terminals and their connection states in order to improve the operability. However, from the viewpoint of improving operability, the above technique is not sufficient, and further operability is desired to be improved.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to further improve the operability of an image display apparatus that can handle various types of input image signals.

  In order to solve the above problems, an image display device according to the present invention includes an image input unit, an operation unit, an image projection unit, an input state determination unit, and an input information display unit. The function is as follows. The image input unit has a plurality of input terminals. The operation unit selects at least one input terminal from the plurality of input terminals. The image projection unit enlarges and projects an image corresponding to the main image signal input to the input terminal selected by the operation unit. The input state determination unit determines whether or not a corresponding main image signal is currently input to each of the plurality of input terminals. Then, the input information display unit creates a graphical user interface image that displays only information on the input terminal to which the main image signal is currently input as selection candidate information based on the determination result of the input state determination unit. Further, the input information display unit superimposes the sub image signal corresponding to the created graphical user interface image on the main image signal input to the input terminal selected by the operation unit.

  The image display method of the present invention is performed according to the following procedure. First, it is determined whether or not a corresponding main image signal is currently input to each of a plurality of input terminals, and an input state of the main image signal is detected. Next, based on the detected input state of the main image signal, a graphical user interface image that displays only the information of the input terminal to which the main image signal is currently input as selection candidate information is created. Next, the sub-image signal corresponding to the created graphical user interface image is superimposed on the main image signal corresponding to the selected main image. Then, an image corresponding to the main image signal on which the sub-image signal is superimposed is enlarged and projected to the outside.

  Note that “image” in this specification means not only moving images but also still images.

  As described above, in the present invention, when a graphical user interface image that displays input terminal information as user selection candidate information is displayed superimposed on the main image, the main image signal is currently input as the selection candidate information. Display only information on the input terminals that are currently connected. Therefore, according to the present invention, the user can more easily recognize what external device is currently connected to the image display apparatus.

  In the present invention, unnecessary information of an input terminal to which no image signal is currently input is not displayed on the graphical user interface image. Therefore, the number of input terminal selection candidates in the graphical user interface image can be minimized, and switching to and selection of a desired input terminal can be performed more quickly.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to more easily recognize what external device is currently connected to the image display apparatus, and it is possible to more quickly switch to and select a desired input terminal. it can. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to further improve the operability of an image display apparatus that can handle various types of input image signals.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an image display apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of input terminals in the image display apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of an input palette display operation in the image display apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a display example of a main image and an input palette in the image display apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of an input pallet update operation in the image display apparatus according to the first embodiment. 6A and 6B are display examples of the input palette in the image display apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of an image display device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an update operation of information such as the name of the external device displayed on the input palette in the image display apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a first connection example of an external device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a display example of the input palette in the first connection example. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a second connection example of the external device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a display example of the input palette in the second connection example. FIG. 13 is another display example of the input palette in the second connection example. FIG. 14 is another display example of the input palette in the second connection example.

Hereinafter, a configuration example of an image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in the following order with reference to the drawings. However, in the following example, a projector will be described as an example of the image display device, but the present invention is not limited to this.
1. 1. First embodiment: basic configuration example of image display apparatus Second embodiment: configuration example of an image display device having a CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) function

<1. First Embodiment>
[Configuration of image display device]
FIG. 1 shows a block configuration of an image display apparatus (projector) according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The image display apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes an image input unit 1, a signal processing unit 2, a panel output unit 3, an image projection unit 4, and an operation unit 5. The image input unit 1, the signal processing unit 2, the panel output unit 3, and the image projection unit 4 are electrically connected in this order from the input side of the image signal 6 (main image signal). The operation unit 5 is connected to a later-described control unit 22 in the signal processing unit 2.

  For the sake of simplification of description, the image input unit 1 and the signal processing unit 2 in FIG. 1 show only components necessary for the determination processing and display processing of the input state of the image signal 6, and the image signal For example, the configuration of the processing line 6 such as image adjustment is omitted. Note that the determination processing and display processing of the input state of the image signal 6 in the image input unit 1 and the signal processing unit 2 are performed in the background of processing such as image adjustment of the image signal 6. In this embodiment, the configuration of the image signal 6 on the processing line can be the same as the configuration of a conventional projector.

  The image input unit 1 includes an input terminal unit 11, a terminal switching unit 14, and a frequency separation circuit 15.

  FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of the input terminal unit 11. The input terminal unit 11 of the present embodiment includes an analog input terminal unit 12 configured from a plurality of analog signal input terminals, and a digital input terminal unit 13 configured from a plurality of digital signal input terminals. In FIG. 2, for the sake of simplicity, all input terminals are indicated by double circles, but in actuality, each input terminal has a configuration (for example, shape, number of pins, etc.) conforming to the corresponding standard. ).

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the analog input terminal unit 12 is configured with four different types of analog signal input terminals. Specifically, the analog input terminal unit 12 includes an input terminal 12a for composite video signal (video signal) (hereinafter referred to as a video terminal), and an external device such as a video tape recorder is connected to the video terminal 12a. The The analog input terminal unit 12 includes an S (Separate) -video signal input terminal 12b (hereinafter referred to as an S-Video terminal), and an external device such as a video tape recorder that outputs an S video signal is S -Connected to the Video terminal 12b. The analog input terminal unit 12 includes a D-sub (D-subminiature) terminal 12c, and an external device such as a personal computer or a digital television is connected to the D-sub terminal 12c. Further, the analog input terminal unit 12 includes an input terminal 12d for component video signals (hereinafter referred to as a component terminal), and an external device such as a video tape recorder that outputs the component video signal is connected to the component terminal 12d. Is done. In addition, each of the input terminals 12 a to 12 d is connected to an input terminal of the terminal switching unit 14.

  In addition, the structure of the input terminal group of the analog input terminal part 12 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 2, It can comprise arbitrarily according to a use etc. For example, at least one of the four input terminals 12a to 12d may be provided, or a plurality of input terminals of the same type may be provided. Moreover, you may provide the input terminal for analog signals other than the kind shown in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the digital input terminal unit 13 is divided into two HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) standard digital signal input terminals 13a and 13b (hereinafter referred to as first and second HDMI respectively). Terminal). An external device such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) recorder or a BD (Blu-ray Disc: registered trademark) recorder that outputs an HDMI standard digital signal is connected to the first HDMI terminal 13a or the second HDMI terminal 13b.

  In addition, the structure of the input terminal group of the digital input terminal part 13 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 2, It can comprise arbitrarily according to a use etc. For example, the digital input terminal unit 13 may be configured with one HDMI terminal, or may be provided with three or more HDMI terminals. Further, an input terminal for digital signal other than the HDMI terminal may be provided.

  The first HDMI terminal 13a and the second HDMI terminal 13b are connected to an auto input search unit 21 described later in the signal processing unit 2. Then, the digital input terminal unit 13 outputs an applied voltage (5 V) signal (hereinafter referred to as an HPD signal) of each HDMI terminal obtained by a hot plug detect function to the auto input search unit 21.

  The terminal switching unit 14 includes a selection unit such as a switch, for example, and selects a desired input terminal from the input terminal group of the analog input terminal unit 12. The output terminal of the terminal switching unit 14 is connected to the input terminal of the frequency separation circuit 15. The terminal switching unit 14 is a switching unit used to determine the input state of the image signal 6, and a switching unit for switching the main image to be projected is separately provided on the processing line of the image signal 6.

  The frequency separation circuit 15 sets parameters such as the HV (Horizontal Vertical) synchronization frequency, the type of the synchronization signal, and the polarity of the synchronization signal of the image signal 6 input through the input terminal selected by the terminal switching unit 14. To detect. These detection parameters differ depending on the type of the input image signal 6. Then, the frequency separation circuit 15 outputs an identification signal corresponding to the detected parameter to an auto input search unit 21 (to be described later) in the signal processing unit 2.

  Although not shown in FIG. 1, the image input unit 1 is connected to the processing line of the image signal 6, for example, a chroma conversion unit that converts the chroma format of the input video signal, An HDMI receiver for receiving a signal is provided.

  The signal processing unit 2 includes a control unit 22 and an on-screen display unit 23 (input information display unit).

  The control unit 22 is configured by an arithmetic control device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), for example, and controls processing and operation of each unit of the image display device 100. For example, the switching operation of the input terminal in the terminal switching unit 14 in the image input unit 1 is also controlled by the control unit 22.

  In addition, the control unit 22 includes an auto input search unit 21 (input state determination unit) that determines an input state of the image signal 6 to the image input unit 1 (a connection state of an external device). The function of the auto input search unit 21 is as follows. However, in the present embodiment, the following functions of the auto input search unit 21 can be stopped.

  The auto input search unit 21 receives the image signal 6 based on the identification signal corresponding to the HV synchronization frequency output from the image input unit 1, parameters such as the type and polarity of the synchronization signal, and the HPD signal. Determine which input terminal is present. The auto input search unit 21 has a memory (not shown), and temporarily stores information related to the input state of the image signal 6 at the previous determination in the memory. Further, the auto input search unit 21 compares the information related to the current input state of the image signal 6 with the information related to the input state of the image signal at the previous determination to determine whether or not the input state information needs to be updated. judge. When the input status information needs to be updated, the auto input search unit 21 updates the information related to the input status of the image signal 6 and outputs a signal corresponding to the update information to the on-screen display unit 23. To do.

  The on-screen display unit 23 generates (draws) a GUI (Graphical User Interface) image (hereinafter referred to as an input palette) that displays input terminal information (for example, input terminal type name) as user selection candidate information. An on-screen display unit 23 (hereinafter referred to as an OSD (On Screen Display) unit) converts an image signal (sub-image signal) corresponding to the generated input palette into an image signal (sub-image signal) corresponding to the currently projected main image ( Superimposed on the main image signal).

  At this time, if the above function of the auto input search unit 21 is ON, the OSD unit 23 is based on the information output from the auto input search unit 21 and information on the input terminal to which the image signal 6 is currently input. Are displayed as selection candidate information on the input palette. On the other hand, when the function of the auto input search unit 21 is OFF, the OSD unit 23 displays information on all input terminals on the input palette.

  Although not shown in FIG. 1, the signal processing unit 2 has a function of performing predetermined processing on the image signal 6 on the processing line of the image signal 6, as in the case of a conventional projector. For example, the signal processing unit 2 includes an IP (Interlace Progressive) conversion unit that changes an interlaced image into a progressive image, an image size conversion unit that changes an image size, an image adjustment unit that adjusts image quality, and the like.

  The panel output unit 3 performs predetermined image processing on the image signal 6 output from the signal processing unit 2, and outputs the processed image signal 6 to the image projection unit 4. The panel output unit 3 can be configured similarly to that of a conventional projector, and includes, for example, a gamma correction unit 31, a uniformity correction unit 32, a panel drive unit 33, and the like. The gamma correction unit 31 corrects the gamma value of the input image signal 6 so as to match the gamma characteristic of the display panel 42 described later in the image projection unit 4. The uniformity corrector 32 reduces display unevenness on the screen of the display panel 42. Further, the panel drive unit 33 drives and controls a display panel 42 to be described later in the image projection unit 4.

  The image projection unit 4 optically processes the light beam emitted from the light source based on the image signal 6 output from the panel output unit 3 to form image light, and the image light is applied to an external screen, for example. Magnified projection. The image projection unit 4 can be configured similarly to that of a conventional projector, and includes, for example, a light source lamp 41, a display panel 42, a projection optical system 43, and the like.

  The light source lamp 41 can be composed of a discharge light source lamp such as an ultra-high pressure mercury lamp, a metal halide lamp, or a xenon lamp, for example. Further, as the light source lamp 41, for example, a solid light emitting element such as a light emitting diode, a laser diode, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) element, or a silicon light emitting element may be used.

  The display panel 42 can be constituted by, for example, a transmissive LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel. In such a display panel 42, the arrangement of liquid crystal molecules enclosed in a liquid crystal cell (not shown) is changed on the basis of a drive signal from the panel drive unit 33, so that light emitted from the light source lamp 41 is transmitted to the liquid crystal cell. Permeate or block by unit. As a result, image light corresponding to the drive signal from the panel drive unit 33 is emitted from the display panel 42 to the projection optical system 43.

  As the display panel 42, a liquid crystal panel of an arbitrary method can be used. For example, a reflective liquid crystal display panel, an LCOS (Liquid Crystal On Silicon) panel, or the like can be used. As the display panel 42, for example, a liquid crystal panel with a built-in drive circuit, a liquid crystal panel with a drive circuit attached externally, or the like can be used. Furthermore, as the display panel 42, for example, a liquid crystal panel of a simple matrix method, a TFD (Thin Film Diode) active matrix method, a passive matrix method, an optical rotation mode method, a birefringence mode method, or the like can be used.

  The projection optical system 43 enlarges and projects the image light emitted from the display panel 42 toward an external screen, for example. The projection optical system 43 can be the same as the projection optical system used in a conventional projector.

  The operation unit 5 can be configured by, for example, a remote controller including buttons and keys, and the like, for example, buttons and keys on an operation panel provided in the main body of the image display apparatus 100. In the operation unit 5, all operations of the image display device 100 such as ON / OFF operation of the image display device 100, image quality adjustment operation of the projected image, volume adjustment operation, input palette display operation, input terminal switching and selection operation, for example. It can be performed. The operation unit 5 is connected to the control unit 22 in the signal processing unit 2, and when a user performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 5, an operation signal corresponding to the operation is output to the control unit 22, A predetermined operation is performed.

[Display and update operation of input palette]
Next, the display and update operations of the input palette that displays information related to the input status of the image signal 6 in the image display apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described. The processing described below is performed in the background of the main image processing line.

  First, the display operation of the input palette in the image display apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the input palette display operation. However, here, the operation when the function of the auto input search unit 21 is in the ON state will be described.

  First, for example, the user performs an operation to display a switching menu (input palette) of a main image to be projected using a predetermined key (for example, “INPUT” key described later) of the operation unit 5 (step S1). Thereby, the operation unit 5 outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation to the control unit 22 in the signal processing unit 2. Then, the control unit 22 operates the auto input search unit 21 based on the input operation signal.

  Next, the auto input search unit 21 detects the presence or absence of the HPD signal output from the digital input terminal unit 13 or the identification signal of the image signal 6 output from the analog input terminal unit 12 and receives the image signal 6. The input terminal is discriminated (step S2). Next, the OSD unit 23 generates an input palette based on the determination result in the auto input search unit 21, and superimposes a signal corresponding to the input palette on the image signal 6 corresponding to the currently projected main image. (Step S3).

  Then, the image display apparatus 100 projects the main image on which the input palette is superimposed, for example, on an external screen, and displays the input palette on the main image (step S4). However, at this time, only the information of the input terminal to which the image signal 6 is currently input is shown as selection candidate information in the input palette displayed on the main image. In the present embodiment, the input state of the image signal is determined as described above, and the input palette is displayed on the main image.

  FIG. 4 shows a display example when a main image and an input palette are projected on an external screen or the like. In the example shown in FIG. 4, an input palette 51 is displayed on a part of the main image 50, and the input palette 51 lists selection blocks in which the terminal names of input terminals to which the image signal 6 is currently input are described. The In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the example in which the input palette 51 is displayed near the upper left corner in the main image 50 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the display position of the input palette 51 is arbitrarily set. can do.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4, the block 52a displayed as “Video” in the input palette 51 is a selection block of the Video terminal 12a, and the block 52b displayed as “S-Video” is the S-Video terminal 12b. This is a selection block. A block 52c displayed as “D-sub” is a selection block of the D-sub terminal 12c, and a block 52d displayed as “Component” is a selection block of the Component terminal 12d. A block 53a labeled “HDMI 1” is a selection block of the first HDMI terminal 13a, and a block 53b labeled “HDMI 2” is a selection block of the second HDMI terminal 13b.

  Further, “INPUT” displayed in the “Sel” column at the lower end in the input palette 51 shown in FIG. 4 corresponds to an operation key when the input palette 51 is displayed on the main image by the operation unit 5. “↑” and “↓” correspond to selection keys when the selection block is switched by the operation unit 5. The cross symbol displayed in the “Set” field at the bottom of the input palette 51 corresponds to the enter button on the operation unit 5.

  Further, in the input palette 51 shown in FIG. 4, the color of the selected block of the currently selected input terminal and the color of the character in the selected block are displayed in reverse with respect to those of the unselected selected block. In other words, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the image signal 6 is currently input from an external device to all input terminals, and the image input to the first HDMI terminal 13 a is projected as the main image 50.

  Note that the input palette 51 is linked to the operation unit 5, and a selection block (color is selected in the example shown in FIG. 4) that is selected and displayed in the input palette 51 in accordance with a user's operation using the selection key of the operation unit 5. The selected block to be inverted is switched. In this embodiment, every time the selected block in the input palette 51 is switched, the main image 50 is also switched to the input image of the selected input terminal.

  Next, the update operation of the input pallet 51 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the update operation of the input palette 51.

  First, as shown in FIG. 4, with the input palette 51 displayed, the control unit 22 selects a predetermined input terminal and determines whether or not the image signal 6 is input (step S11). At this time, if the selected input terminal is an input terminal in the analog input terminal unit 12, the auto input search unit 21 detects the identification signal of the image signal 6 output from the analog input terminal unit 12. It is determined whether or not the image signal 6 is input to the selected input terminal. When the selected input terminal is an input terminal in the digital input terminal unit 13, the auto input search unit 21 is selected by detecting the presence or absence of the HPD signal output from the digital input terminal unit 13. It is determined whether or not the image signal 6 is input to the input terminal.

  However, when the selected input terminal is the input terminal in the analog input terminal unit 12 in step S11, the control unit 22 inputs the image so that the selected input terminal and the frequency separation circuit 15 are connected. The terminal switching unit 14 in the unit 1 is switched and controlled.

  Next, the auto input search unit 21 compares the information on the input status at the previous determination at the selected input terminal with the information on the input status obtained this time, and determines whether to update the display of the input palette 51. Determination is made (step S12).

  At this time, the auto input search unit 21 determines that the update is not necessary if the information on the input status at the previous determination in the selected input terminal is the same as the information on the input status obtained this time. The auto input search unit 21 determines that updating is necessary when the information on the input status at the previous determination in the selected input terminal is different from the information on the input status obtained this time.

  Here, when it is not necessary to update the input pallet 51, the determination in step S12 is No, the auto input search unit 21 does not output update information to the OSD unit 23, and the control unit 22 performs input for searching for an input situation. The terminal is changed (step S15). Thereafter, the above-described steps S11 and S12 are repeated.

  On the other hand, when it is necessary to update the input palette 51, the determination in step S12 is Yes, and the auto input search unit 21 notifies the OSD unit 23 of the change (update) information of the input status at the selected input terminal (step). S13). Specifically, in the selected input terminal, the image signal 6 was input at the time of the previous determination, but when the image signal 6 is currently interrupted, the auto input search unit 21 uses the information of the input terminal. A signal indicating deletion from the input pallet 51 is output to the OSD unit 23. Conversely, when the image signal 6 was not input at the previous determination, but the image signal 6 is currently input, the auto input search unit 21 displays information on the selected input terminal on the input palette 51. A signal to this effect is output to the OSD unit 23.

  Next, the OSD unit 23 updates (redraws) the input palette 51 based on the update information output from the auto input search unit 21 (step S14). Specifically, when a signal to delete the information of the input terminal selected from the auto input search unit 21 is input from the input palette 51, the OSD unit 23 deletes the selected block of the input terminal. The input palette 51 is redrawn. On the other hand, when a signal indicating that the information of the input terminal selected from the auto input search unit 21 is displayed on the input palette 51 is input, the OSD unit 23 inputs the input palette 51 to which the selected block of the input terminal is added. Redraw.

  Then, the control part 22 changes the input terminal which searches an input condition (step S15), and repeats the operation | movement of said step S11-S14. Note that the input terminal search order can be set arbitrarily. In the present embodiment, as described above, the input state of the image signal at each input terminal is determined, and the display of the input palette 51 is updated. Note that the update operation of the input palette 51 described above is repeatedly performed while the input palette 51 is being displayed. Thereby, the input pallet 51 can be automatically updated in real time.

  In this embodiment, the example in which the input palette is updated while the input palette is displayed has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. Even when the input palette is not displayed, it may be always performed in the background. In this case, the time for displaying the input palette for the first time can be further shortened.

  6A and 6B show display examples when the input palette 51 is updated. 6A is a display example of the input palette before update, and FIG. 6B is a display example of the input palette after update. Here, a case is considered where the input state of the image signal 6 before the update is the state shown in FIG. That is, the input state before the update (FIG. 6A) is that the image signal 6 is input from the external device to all the input terminals, and the image input to the first HDMI terminal 13a is the main image 50. Consider the case of projection.

  Here, consider a case where, in the state shown in FIG. 6A, for example, external devices connected to input terminals other than the first HDMI terminal 13a are simultaneously disconnected from those input terminals. In this case, the OSD unit 23 redraws the input palette from which the selection blocks 52a to 52d and 53b of the input terminals other than the first HDMI terminal 13a are deleted. Therefore, in this case, as shown in FIG. 6B, the input palette 55 displaying only the selected block 53a of the first HDMI terminal 13a is displayed superimposed on the main image 50.

  Further, in the state shown in FIG. 6A, for example, when an external device connected to an input terminal other than the first HDMI terminal 13a is sequentially removed from each input terminal, it corresponds each time one external device is removed. The input palette with one selected block deleted is redrawn and displayed. Finally, as shown in FIG. 6B, the input palette 55 in which only the selection block 53a of the first HDMI terminal 13a remains is displayed.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the number of input terminals to which the image signal 6 is input is reduced, the overall size of the input pallet is reduced according to the number of input terminals reduced. To do. Conversely, when the number of input terminals to which the image signal 6 is input increases, the overall size of the input pallet is increased according to the number of input terminals increased. For example, in the input situation shown in FIG. 6B, after that, when an external device is connected to all the input terminals and the image signal 6 is input, the input pallet is as shown in FIG. 6A. The drawing is redrawn to increase the size of the input palette.

  That is, in the present embodiment, the size of the entire input pallet is appropriately changed according to the number of input terminals to which the image signal 6 is currently input. This process is performed by the OSD unit 23 based on the update information input from the auto input search unit 21.

  As described above, in the image display device 100 of the present embodiment, only information on the input terminal to which an image signal is currently input can be displayed on the input palette as user selection candidate information. In the present embodiment, the displayed input palette (image signal input status) can be automatically updated in real time. Therefore, the user can easily recognize the information of the main image that can be viewed now in real time.

  In this embodiment, the number of input terminal selection candidates in the input palette can be minimized, so that the user can select a desired main image more quickly and more reliably. Further, the following effects can be obtained by minimizing the number of input terminal selection candidates in the input palette. For example, even when the user performs switching of the input terminal by a toggle operation and skips the target input terminal excessively, the time until switching to the target input terminal can be further shortened.

  As described above, according to the image display apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the operability can be further improved, and the stress felt by the user during operation can be reduced.

  For users who frequently use specific input terminals, when information on all input terminals is displayed as in the past, unnecessary information increases, so that information on the main image that can be viewed at present is recognized. It becomes more difficult. However, in the image display apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, only information on the input terminal to which an image signal is currently input can be displayed on the input palette, so that even a user who uses a lot of specific input terminals can view the main image. Image information can be easily recognized in real time.

  In recent years, with the spread of digitization of home appliances and the like, the frequency of using the input terminal of the digital input terminal unit 13 is increasing. In the future, this trend will further accelerate, and it is expected that the frequency of use of input terminals will be biased. In such a situation, when information on all input terminals is displayed as in the conventional case, information (unnecessary information) on input terminals that are not used by the user increases. It becomes more difficult to recognize information. However, in the image display apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, only the information of the input terminal to which the image signal is currently input can be displayed on the input palette. Can be recognized in real time.

<2. Second Embodiment>
In the second embodiment, a configuration example of an image display device (projector) having a CEC function will be described. The CEC function is a function that uses a CEC line of an HDMI cable to connect a plurality of connected digital devices in a path configuration and can control each other.

[Configuration of image display device]
FIG. 7 shows a schematic block configuration of an image display apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 7, the same components as those of the image display device (FIG. 1) of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  The image display apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment includes an image input unit 201, a signal processing unit 202, a panel output unit 3, an image projection unit 4, and an operation unit 5. The image input unit 201, the signal processing unit 202, the panel output unit 3, and the image projection unit 4 are electrically connected in this order from the input side of the image signal 6. The operation unit 5 is connected to a later-described control unit 204 in the signal processing unit 202.

  In this embodiment, the configuration other than the image input unit 201 and the signal processing unit 202 is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, description of configurations other than the image input unit 201 and the signal processing unit 202 is omitted here.

  In order to simplify the description here, the image input unit 201 and the signal processing unit 202 in FIG. 7 show components necessary for the determination processing and display processing of the input state of the image signal 6, and the image signal 6 For example, the configuration of the processing line such as image adjustment is omitted. The configuration of the processing line for the image signal 6 can be the same as the configuration of a conventional projector, as in the first embodiment.

  Similar to the first embodiment, the image input unit 201 includes the input terminal unit 11, the terminal switching unit 14, and the frequency separation circuit 15.

  The input terminal unit 11 includes an analog input terminal unit 12 and a digital input terminal unit 13 as in the first embodiment (FIG. 2). In this embodiment, the digital input terminal unit 13 is electrically connected to a CEC unit 205 (described later) in the signal processing unit 202. The configuration of the image input unit 201 is the same as that of the first embodiment except that the digital input terminal unit 13 and a CEC unit 205 described later are electrically connected. The configurations of the terminal switching unit 14 and the frequency separation circuit 15 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  The signal processing unit 202 includes an OSD unit 203 and a control unit 204.

  As in the first embodiment, the control unit 204 includes an arithmetic control device such as a CPU, and controls processing and operation of each unit of the image display device 200. The control unit 204 includes an auto input search unit 21 and a CEC unit 205 (information acquisition unit) connected to the OSD unit 203. Since the auto input search unit 21 has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here.

  The CEC unit 205 communicates with an external device connected to the first HDMI terminal 13a and / or the second HDMI terminal 13b of the digital input terminal unit 13 using the CEC line of the HDMI cable, and the properties of the external device and, for example, the device Get detailed information such as name. Then, the CEC unit 205 decodes the acquired information and outputs the decoded information to the OSD unit 203.

  The OSD unit 203 is input based on information on the input status of the image signal 6 output from the auto input search unit 21 and the CEC unit 205 and information such as names of external devices connected to the digital input terminal unit 13, respectively. Create and update palettes. Then, the OSD unit 203 superimposes the image signal (sub-image signal) corresponding to the generated input palette on the image signal 6 (main image signal) of the main image, and outputs the superimposed image signal to the panel output unit 3. To do.

  Also in this embodiment, the function of the auto input search unit 21 can be switched ON / OFF. When the function of the auto input search unit 21 is ON, the OSD unit 203 inputs only information related to the input terminal to which the image signal 6 is currently input as selection candidate information, as in the first embodiment. Display on the palette. On the other hand, when the function of the auto input search unit 21 is OFF, the OSD unit 203 displays information on all input terminals on the input palette.

[Display and update operation of input palette]
Next, the display and update operations of the input palette in the image display apparatus 200 of the present embodiment will be described.

  First, the display operation of the input palette in the image display apparatus 200 of the present embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the basic procedure of the display operation of the input palette is the same as that of the first embodiment (FIG. 3). However, in the present embodiment, not only information on the input terminal to which the image signal 6 is input but also information on the name of the external device connected to the input terminal of the digital input terminal unit 13 is displayed on the input palette. . Here, an example will be described in which information such as a name of an external device is displayed in a selection block of a corresponding HDMI terminal. However, the display position of information such as the name of the external device is not limited to this, and can be displayed at an arbitrary position.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the signal processing unit 202 is connected to the input terminal of the digital input terminal unit 13 as well as the information of the input terminal to which the image signal 6 is input in step S2 in FIG. Information such as the name of the external device is also detected. The other processing procedures are the same as those in the first embodiment (FIG. 3). The specific procedure for acquiring and displaying information such as the name of the external device connected to the input terminal of the digital input terminal unit 13 is the same as the procedure for updating the information of the external device described later. Here, the description is omitted.

  Next, the update operation of the input palette in the image display apparatus 200 of the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, in the input palette, information on the input terminal to which the image signal 6 is input and information on the external device connected to the input terminal of the digital input terminal unit 13 such as a name are updated. In the present embodiment, the operation of updating the information of the input terminal to which the image signal 6 is input is the same as that in the first embodiment (FIG. 5), and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

  Here, an operation of updating information such as a name of an external device connected to the input terminal of the digital input terminal unit 13 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure of an operation for updating information such as a name of the external device connected to the input terminal of the digital input terminal unit 13.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, an example will be described in which the name of an external device connected to the input terminal of the digital input terminal unit 13 (hereinafter referred to as OSD-Name) is displayed on the input palette. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any information can be used as information on the external device displayed on the input palette as long as it can be acquired by the CEC function. The information on the external device displayed on the input pallet is set as appropriate according to, for example, the application.

  First, the CEC unit 205 transmits a polling message signal to an external device via the CEC line in the HDMI cable connected to the first HDMI terminal 13a and / or the second HDMI terminal 13b of the digital input terminal unit 13 (step S21). ).

  Next, the CEC unit 205 detects the presence / absence of a response signal from the external device to the polling message signal, and determines whether or not the external device is connected to the first HDMI terminal 13a and / or the second HDMI terminal 13b (step). S22).

  If no external device is connected to both the first HDMI terminal 13a and the second HDMI terminal 13b, step S22 is No. In this case, the CEC unit 205 outputs to the OSD unit 203 a command signal for not displaying OSD-Name and information on an input terminal for not displaying OSD-Name (step S23). Thereafter, the OSD unit 203 updates (redraws) the display of the OSD-Name in the input palette based on the OSD-Name undisplayed information output from the CEC unit 205 (step S28). In this case, since no external device is connected to both the first HDMI terminal 13a and the second HDMI terminal 13b, the selection block itself corresponding to the first HDMI terminal 13a and the second HDMI terminal 13b is not displayed on the display palette.

  On the other hand, when an external device is connected to at least one of the first HDMI terminal 13a and the second HDMI terminal 13b, a response signal from the external device to the polling message signal is input to the CEC unit 205, so step S22 is Yes. It becomes a judgment.

  In this case, the CEC unit 205 sends an OSD-Name data signal transmission request to the external device via the CEC line in the HDMI cable connected to the first HDMI terminal 13a and / or the second HDMI terminal 13b (step S24). ). Next, the CEC unit 205 determines whether or not an OSD-Name data signal is returned from the external device (step S25).

  Here, when the connected external device does not own the OSD-Name data, there is no return of the OSD-Name data signal, so that the determination in step S25 is No. In this case, the CEC unit 205 outputs to the OSD unit 203 a command signal for not displaying OSD-Name and information on an input terminal for not displaying OSD-Name (step S23). Thereafter, the OSD unit 203 updates the display of the OSD-Name in the input palette based on the OSD-Name undisplayed information output from the CEC unit 205 (step S28). In this case, the selected block corresponding to the HDMI terminal to which the external device is connected is displayed in the input palette, but the OSD-Name of the external device is not displayed.

  On the other hand, if there is a reply of the OSD-Name data signal, step S25 is Yes. However, when an external device is connected to both the first HDMI terminal 13a and the second HDMI terminal 13b, if there is a reply of the OSD-Name data signal from at least one of them, Step S25 is Yes.

  If step S25 is Yes, the CEC unit 205 decodes the received OSD-Name data signal (step S26). Next, the CEC unit 205 outputs the decoded OSD-Name information and information on the input terminal that displays the OSD-Name to the OSD unit 203 (step S27).

  Next, the OSD unit 203 updates the display of the OSD-Name in the input palette based on the OSD-Name display information output from the CEC unit 205 (step S28). In this case, the OSD-Name of the external device is displayed in the selected block corresponding to the HDMI terminal that has returned the OSD-Name data signal.

  In this embodiment, as described above, information such as OSD-Name of the external device connected to the digital input terminal unit 13 is updated. Further, in the present embodiment, when the input palette is first displayed by a user's predetermined operation, the OSD-Name information of the external device connected to the HDMI terminal is acquired and displayed according to the procedure shown in FIG. To do.

  In addition, the update operation of information such as OSD-Name of the external device described above is performed in accordance with a periodically transmitted polling message transmission cycle. Note that the external device information update operation described above may be performed only while the input palette is displayed, or may be performed periodically regardless of whether the input palette is displayed or not displayed.

[Input palette display example]
9 and 10 show a first display example of the input palette in the image display apparatus 200 of the present embodiment. 9 is a diagram illustrating a first connection example between the first HDMI terminal 13a and the second HDMI terminal 13b and various external devices, and FIG. 10 is an input palette in the first connection example illustrated in FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a display. Further, in the input palette 310 shown in FIG. 10, the same components as those of the input palette 51 (FIGS. 4 and 6) of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  In the first connection example, as shown in FIG. 9, a case where a BD (registered trademark) recorder 301 is connected to the first HDMI terminal 13a and a DVD recorder 302 is connected to the second HDMI terminal 13b is considered. Assume that the OSD-Names of the BD (registered trademark) recorder 301 and the DVD recorder 302 are “BD (registered trademark)” and “DVD”, respectively. Although not shown in FIG. 9, it is assumed that corresponding external devices are connected to the input terminal group of the analog input terminal unit 12 and the image signal 6 is input.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 10, selection blocks corresponding to all input terminals are displayed on the input palette 310. In the selection block 311 of the first HDMI terminal 13a in the input palette 310, the OSD-Name “BD (registered trademark)” of the BD (registered trademark) recorder 301 is displayed together with the input terminal information (“HDMI 1”). Is done. In addition, in the selection block 312 of the second HDMI terminal 13b in the input palette 310, the OSD-Name “DVD” of the DVD recorder 302 is displayed together with the input terminal information (“HDMI 2”).

  FIGS. 11 and 12 show a second display example of the input palette in the image display apparatus 200 of the present embodiment. 11 is a diagram illustrating a second connection example between the first HDMI terminal 13a and the second HDMI terminal 13b and various external devices, and FIG. 12 is an input palette in the second connection example illustrated in FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a display. Further, in the input palette 320 shown in FIG. 11, the same components as those of the input palette 51 (FIGS. 4 and 6) of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  In the second connection example, as shown in FIG. 11, a DVD player 304 and a BD (registered trademark) recorder 305 are connected to the first HDMI terminal 13a via an amplifier 303, and a DVD recorder is connected to the second HDMI terminal 13b. Consider the case where 306 is connected. The OSD-Names of the amplifier 303, the DVD player 304, the BD (registered trademark) recorder 305, and the DVD recorder 306 are “AMP”, “DVD-P”, “BD (registered trademark) -R”, and “DVD-R”, respectively. ”. Although not shown in FIG. 11, it is assumed that corresponding external devices are connected to the input terminal group of the analog input terminal unit 12 and the image signal 6 is input.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 12, the input pallet 320 displays selection blocks corresponding to all the input terminals. Then, in the selection blocks 321 to 324 corresponding to the first HDMI terminal 13a and the second HDMI terminal 13b, the corresponding OSD-Name is displayed together with the information of the input terminal.

  In the display example shown in FIG. 12, all the external devices connected to the first HDMI terminal 13a are displayed in parallel in the input palette 320. That is, in the display example shown in FIG. 12, three selected blocks related to the first HDMI terminal 13a are displayed in the input palette 320. Specifically, the selection block 321 of the amplifier 303 (“AMP”), the selection block 322 of the DVD player 304 (“DVD-P”), and the BD (registered trademark) recorder 305 (“BD (registered trademark) -R”). ") Selection block 323 is individually displayed.

  Note that when there are a plurality of external devices connected to the first HDMI terminal 13a as in the second connection example (FIG. 11), the display example of the input palette is not limited to the example of FIG. The selection block of the first HDMI terminal 13a may be made one, and when the user selects the selection block of the first HDMI terminal 13a, the OSD-Name of the external device connected to the first HDMI terminal 13a may be popped up. .

  FIGS. 13 and 14 show display examples. 13 is a display example of the input palette 330 when the user has selected an input terminal other than the first HDMI terminal 13a, and FIG. 14 is an input when the user has selected the first HDMI terminal 13a. 4 is a display example of a palette 330.

  When the user selects an input terminal other than the first HDMI terminal 13a, only the triangular display button 331a indicating that a plurality of external devices are connected is displayed in the selection block 331 of the first HDMI terminal 13a. The When the user operates the operation unit 5 to select the first HDMI terminal 13a, a pop-up palette 333 that displays the OSD-Name of the external device connected to the first HDMI terminal 13a is displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the pop-up palette 333 is displayed so as to be connected to the selection block 331 of the first HDMI terminal 13a as in the example shown in FIG. 14, but the present invention is not limited to this. The display form of the pop-up palette 333 can be arbitrarily set.

  As described above, also in the image display apparatus 200 of the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the input palette includes only information on the input terminal where the image signal is currently input as user selection candidate information. Can be displayed. In the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the displayed input palette (image signal input status) can be automatically updated in real time. Therefore, in this embodiment, the same effect as the first embodiment can be obtained.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, not only information on the input terminal to which the image signal 6 is currently input but also information such as the name of the external device connected to the input terminal of the digital input terminal unit 13 is displayed on the input palette. can do. Therefore, the user can more easily recognize only the information of the main image that can be viewed now in real time.

  In the second embodiment, as an example of a method for acquiring information related to an external device connected to the input terminal of the digital input terminal unit 13, a method based on the CEC standard has been described as an example. It is not limited to this. Any method can be used as long as it can communicate with a connected external device and acquire information about the external device.

  In the first and second embodiments, the input terminal information, or the input terminal information and the information related to the external device are displayed in the input palette. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It can be in any display form. For example, an external device connected to each input terminal may be displayed as an icon, and the path structure may be displayed by connecting the icons with, for example, a line.

  In the first and second embodiments, the example in which the input state of the image signal 6 at the HDMI input terminal is detected using the HPD signal has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the input status of the image signal 6 at the HDMI input terminal may be determined by determining the type and polarity of the synchronization signal of the signal output from the HDMI receiver (not shown) in the image input unit 1. As another determination method, it is also possible to determine the input status of the image signal 6 at the HDMI input terminal by detecting a response signal of a polling message obtained via the CEC line. However, in this case, since the polling message is periodically transmitted, the HPD signal or the output signal of the HDMI receiver is used as in the above embodiment when the input status is updated in real time. preferable.

  In the first and second embodiments, the example of the image display device that projects one main image onto an external screen, for example, has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to an image display device that can display a plurality of main images simultaneously, and the same effect can be obtained.

  Further, in the first and second embodiments, the projector is exemplified as the image display device, but the present invention is not limited to this. Any device that has a function of selecting a desired image from various types of input images and enlarging and projecting the image to the outside can be applied to any device, and the same effect can be obtained.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,201 ... Image input part, 2,202 ... Signal processing part, 3 ... Panel output part, 4 ... Image projection part, 5 ... Operation part, 6 ... Image signal, 11 ... Input terminal part, 12 ... Analog input terminal part , 13 ... Digital input terminal section, 14 ... Terminal switching section, 15 ... Frequency separation circuit, 21 ... Auto input search section, 22, 204 ... Control section, 23, 203 ... On-screen display section (OSD section), 50 ... Main Image, 51, 55, 310, 320, 330 ... Input palette, 100, 200 ... Image display device, 205 ... CEC section

Claims (6)

An image input unit having a plurality of input terminals;
An operation unit for selecting at least one of the input terminals from the plurality of input terminals;
An image projection unit that enlarges and projects an image corresponding to the main image signal input to the input terminal selected by the operation unit;
An input state determination unit that determines whether or not the corresponding main image signal is currently input to each of the plurality of input terminals;
Based on the determination result of the input state determination unit, creates a graphical user interface image that displays only the information of the input terminal where the main image signal is currently input as selection candidate information, and corresponds to the graphical user interface image An input information display unit that superimposes the sub-image signal to be superimposed on the main image signal input to the input terminal selected by the operation unit. In addition, an information acquisition unit that communicates with an external device connected via the input terminal and acquires information about the external device;
The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the input information display unit subscribes information related to the external device acquired by the information acquisition unit to the graphical user interface image. The image display apparatus according to claim 2, wherein an input terminal connected to the information acquisition unit is an HDMI standard input terminal, and the information acquisition unit acquires information on the external device by a method compliant with the CEC standard. The plurality of input terminals include a plurality of analog signal input terminals different from each other,
The input state discriminating unit is connected to each analog signal input terminal based on the HV synchronization frequency, the type of the synchronization signal, and the polarity of the synchronization signal of the main image signal input to each input terminal for the analog signal. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not the corresponding main image signal is currently input. The plurality of input terminals include HDMI standard input terminals;
The input state determination unit determines whether or not the main image signal is currently input to the HDMI standard input terminal based on a voltage signal obtained by a hot plug detect function at the HDMI standard input terminal. Item 4. The image display device according to Item 1. Determining whether or not a corresponding main image signal is currently input for each of a plurality of input terminals, and detecting an input state of the main image signal;
Based on the detected input state of the main image signal, a graphical user interface image is generated that displays only information of the input terminal to which the main image signal is currently input as selection candidate information, and the graphical user interface image Superimposing a sub-image signal corresponding to the main image signal corresponding to the selected main image;
An image display method comprising: enlarging and displaying an image corresponding to the main image signal on which the sub-image signal is superimposed.

Images