JPH07236097A - Picture eliminating device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To automatically eliminate the TV picture when audience such as children come close to the TV screen, to maintain the TV picture display at the time of a temporary passage through the prescribed area by persons other than the audience, and to prevent the audience's visual capacity from deteriorating. CONSTITUTION:In the picture eliminating device which eliminates the TV screen corresponding to the condition of viewing the TV screen, an entry detection means S3 detecting the entry of the viewer in the prescribed area close to the set TV screen and a 1st power supply cut means S5 cutting the TV power supply when the remaining time in the prescribed area reaches the prescribed short time set in advance based on the output of the means 3 are provided.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention corresponds to viewing conditions and game conditions, for example, when a family computer is connected to a television to allow a game player such as a child to play a game and to watch a television screen. The present invention relates to an image erasing device for erasing television images.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a family computer has been invented which utilizes a home television set as a display device of a television game machine. However, when a game player such as a child enjoys a game with this family computer, the game time is For a long time or if the position of the gamer is too close to the TV screen, there is a harmful effect such as a decrease in the visual acuity of the gamer. However, in the past, there is no good means for solving such a problem. This is the same when simply watching a TV screen without connecting a game console.

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention is such that when a television viewer approaches a television screen,
It is an object of the present invention to provide an image erasing device that can automatically erase a television image and can maintain a television image display when a person other than a viewer passes a predetermined area or other temporary area. .

According to a second aspect of the present invention, when the game player approaches the television screen, the television image is automatically erased, and a person other than the game player temporarily passes through a predetermined area. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image erasing device capable of maintaining a television image display when passing through a large area.

The invention according to claim 3 of the present invention, together with the object of the invention according to claim 1 or 2, turns on the television power supply when a user such as a television viewer or a game player leaves a predetermined area. An object of the present invention is to provide an image erasing device that can be automatically restored.

The invention according to claim 4 of the present invention has, in addition to the object of the invention according to claim 1 or 2, the game when playing a game at a position relatively distant from a television screen or when watching a television. An object of the present invention is to provide an image erasing device capable of automatically erasing a television image when the time or the viewing time reaches a predetermined long time.

According to the invention of claim 5 of the present invention, in addition to the object of the invention of claim 1 or 2, the area detected by the intrusion detecting means, that is, a predetermined area close to the television screen can be arbitrarily expanded or reduced. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image erasing device capable of adjusting the predetermined area according to the size of a room in which a television is installed, a viewer, and a gamer.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the object of the first or second aspect of the invention, the image erasing unit is formed separately from the television, and thus the present television is provided. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image erasing device in which an image erasing unit can be easily connected.

According to the invention of claim 7 of the present invention, in addition to the object of the invention of claim 1 or 2, by incorporating an image erasing unit in the television, the design feeling can be improved. An object is to provide an image erasing device.

[0010]

The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention is an image erasing device for erasing a television image in accordance with the viewing condition of a television screen, which is close to a preset television screen. Intrusion detecting means for detecting whether or not a viewer has entered the predetermined area, and a television when the staying time in the predetermined area reaches a preset short time based on the output of the intrusion detecting means. The image erasing device is provided with a first power supply cutoff means for cutting off the power supply.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image erasing device for erasing a television image in accordance with a game condition by connecting a family computer to a television.
Intrusion detection means for detecting whether or not a gamer has invaded a predetermined area close to a preset TV screen, and a predetermined stay time set in the predetermined area based on the output of the intrusion detection means. The image erasing device is provided with a first power supply cutoff means for cutting off the television power supply when it reaches a short time.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first or second aspect of the invention, the television power supply is provided when the intrusion detecting means detects that the user has left the predetermined area. The image erasing device is provided with a power supply restoring means for restoring the image.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first or second aspect of the invention, the staying time of the user outside the predetermined area is preset based on the output of the intrusion detecting means. The image erasing device is provided with a second power cutoff means for cutting off the television power supply when a predetermined time is reached.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first or second aspect of the invention, there is provided an image erasing device provided with area expansion / contraction means for expanding / contracting the predetermined area. To do.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the structure of the first or second aspect of the invention, a television is provided with an image erasing unit including at least the intrusion detecting means and the first power shutoff means. The image erasing device is configured separately from the image erasing device.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first or second aspect of the invention, a television is provided with an image erasing unit including at least the intrusion detecting means and the first power shutoff means. It is an image erasing device built in.

[0017]

According to the invention described in claim 1 of the present invention, the intrusion detection means detects whether or not a viewer has intruded into a predetermined area close to a television screen set in advance. The first power cutoff means cuts off the television power supply when the staying time in the predetermined area reaches a preset short time (for example, 1 to 2 minutes) based on the output of the intrusion detection means.

Therefore, while preventing television images from being erased when others (family members, small animals such as cats) other than the viewer temporarily pass through the predetermined area, the viewer is excessively close to the TV screen. If you do (if you break into the specified area),
There is an effect that the TV image can be automatically deleted.

According to the second aspect of the present invention,
The above-mentioned intrusion detection means detects whether or not the gamer has invaded a predetermined area close to a preset TV screen, and the above-mentioned first power-off means is within the predetermined area based on the output of the intrusion detection means. When the staying time in 1 reaches a preset short time (for example, 1 to 2 minutes), the television power supply is cut off.

Therefore, while preventing the deletion of the television image when someone other than the game player (family members, small animals such as cats) temporarily passes through the predetermined area, the game player is excessively close to the television screen. If you do (if you break into the designated area)
In addition, there is an effect that the television image can be automatically deleted and the game can be interrupted.

According to the invention of claim 3 of the present invention,
In addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1 or 2, the power supply restoration means automatically restores the television power supply when it is detected that the user has left the predetermined area. When the user moves to the separated proper position, it is possible to allow the restart of the viewing and the restart of the game.

According to the invention of claim 4 of the present invention,
In addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 2, the second power cutoff means described above is configured such that the user stays outside the predetermined area for a predetermined long time (for example, 1 to 2) based on the output of the intrusion detection means. When the time is reached, the television power is automatically shut off.

Therefore, even when a game is played at a proper position relatively distant from the TV screen or when watching TV, the TV image is automatically erased when the game time or watching time reaches a predetermined long time. Therefore, there is an effect that the game can be interrupted especially during the game.

According to the invention of claim 5 of the present invention,
In addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1 or 2, the predetermined area can be expanded / contracted by the operation of the area expansion / contraction means described above. Therefore, according to the size of the room in which the television is installed, the user, and the like, There is an effect that the above-mentioned predetermined area can be adjusted arbitrarily.

According to the invention of claim 6 of the present invention,
In addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1 or 2, the image erasing unit is configured separately from the television, so that the image erasing unit can be easily connected to an existing television for use. There is an effect that can be served.

According to the invention of claim 7 of the present invention,
In addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1 or 2, since the image erasing unit described above is built in the television,
There is an effect that the design feeling can be improved.

[0027]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view in which an image erasing device is connected. An RF modulator (device for converting radio waves similar to television broadcasting) is provided in an antenna input portion of a television 2 having a television screen 1 on the front surface. Family computer 3
A cassette 4 corresponding to the game content is attached to the family computer 3, and a controller 6 is connected via a line 5.

Here, the above-mentioned family computer 3 is
It has a CPU (central processing unit), a PPU (image generation processing unit), two small-capacity RAMs (temporary storage units), and an RF modulator (a device for displaying an image signal generated by the PPU on a television). The cassette 4 has a ROM for storing program data and a ROM for storing video data.

The image erasing unit 7 arranged on the top deck surface of the television 2 described above has an infrared pass filter 9 mounted on the front surface of a housing 8, and the housing 8 has
A predetermined area A close to the preset TV screen 1
(See FIG. 3) Incorporating intrusion detection means for detecting whether or not a user such as a gamer or a viewer has intruded therein.

In this embodiment, the thermopile human body sensor 10 is used as the intrusion detecting means. This thermopile human body sensor 10 radiates energy (infrared rays) from the human body.
In response to this, the sensor changes the temperature of the light-receiving part and detects this to obtain an output signal. This thermo-pile
The maximum value of the predetermined area A by the human body sensor 10 can be L = 3 m and D = 2 ^{mφ as} shown in FIG. 3, and if necessary, a thermopile and a condenser mirror system are combined. If L = 1 m is sufficient in the above-mentioned predetermined area A, an inexpensive pyroelectric infrared sensor can be used, and L = 3.
A reflection detection type ultrasonic switch may be used as another sensor for ensuring m.

FIG. 2 shows the internal structure of the image erasing unit 7. An amplifier circuit 11 for amplifying a sensor signal is connected to the output stage of the thermopile human body sensor 10 described above, and the amplifier circuit 11 also amplifies the same. Amplification gain changing unit 1 that expands or contracts the predetermined area A by changing the gain.
Connect two.

A waveform shaping section 13 including a Schmitt circuit or the like is connected to the output stage of the amplifier circuit 11 described above, and the amplified analog signal is subjected to waveform shaping to be converted into a digital signal.

The output signal tp from the waveform shaping section 13 is sent to the CPU 20 via an input / output interface (not shown).
It is configured to be input to. The above-mentioned amplifier circuit 11
For example, an operational amplifier is used as the amplification gain changing unit 1
The reference numeral 2 is composed of, for example, a variable resistor, and is configured so that a variable operation can be performed from the outside.

Based on the output signal tp and the ON / OFF signal from the television power supply circuit 14, the CPU 20 follows a program stored in the ROM 15 to measure a predetermined short time, a first timer 16 and a predetermined long time. The second timer 17, the television power supply circuit 14 described above
The RAM 18 stores necessary data.

Here, the above-mentioned first timer 16 is a timer for measuring the staying time when a game player or the like enters a predetermined area A close to the television screen 1, and the first timer 16
Is adjusted to an arbitrary predetermined time t (for example, 1 to 2 minutes) by the set time adjusting unit 21.

The above-mentioned second timer 17 is a timer for measuring the staying time of the gamer or the like outside the predetermined area A, and the second timer 17 is set by the set time adjusting unit 22 for a predetermined predetermined time T (for example, 1). ~ 2 hours).
Each of these timers 16 and 17 may be a timer external to the CPU 20 or a timer with a built-in CPU, but the set time adjusting units 21 and 22 may be used.
Is externally operable.

Further, the CPU 20 described above outputs the output signal tp.
On the basis of the above, when the staying time in the predetermined area A reaches the predetermined short time t set in advance by the first timer 16, the first power cutoff means for cutting off the television power supply (the fifth step in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4). (See step S5) and the thermopile human body sensor 10 detects that a user such as a game player has left the predetermined area A, and restores the television power supply (see step S7 in the flowchart of FIG. 4). ) And, based on the output of the thermopile human body sensor 10, when the staying time of the user such as the game player outside the predetermined area A reaches the predetermined time T preset by the second timer 17, the television power is turned off. It also serves as the second power supply cutoff means (see the ninth step S9 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 4).

The operation of the image erasing device thus constructed will be described in detail below with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG. In the first step S1, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the television power switch is turned on by the signal from the television power circuit 14, and proceeds to the next second step S2 only when the YES determination is made. It should be noted that the determination in the above-mentioned first step S1 is made by turning off the television power switch.
The N signal and the connection completion signal of the connection part connected from the RF modulator to the antenna input part of the television 2 may be ORed to make a YES determination.

Next, in a second step S2, the CPU 20 reads the output signal tp. This output signal tp is turned on when the game player enters the predetermined area A shown in FIG.
Is the signal.

Next, in a third step S3, the CPU 20 determines whether the output signal tp is ON or OFF. When tp = ON, the CPU 20 proceeds to the next fourth step S4, while tp = OF.
When it is F, the process proceeds to another eighth step S8.

In the above-described fourth step S4, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the duration of tp = ON has reached a predetermined short time (for example, 1 to 2 minutes) preset by the first timer 16, and a YES determination is made. Only then does the process move to the next fifth step S5.

At the above-mentioned fifth step S5, the game player enters the predetermined area A shown in FIG.
A predetermined short time preset by the timer 16 (for example, 1-2
The CPU 20 cuts off the television power supply and automatically erases the television image.

In the above-mentioned sixth step S6, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the output signal tp has been switched from ON to OFF, in other words, whether or not the game player or the like in the predetermined area A has left the predetermined area A. If YES, the process proceeds to the next seventh step S7, and in this seventh step S7, the CPU
Reference numeral 20 automatically returns the television power supply to allow the game to be restarted.

On the other hand, in the above-mentioned eighth step S8, the CPU
20 is tp = under the condition that the television switch is ON.
It is determined whether or not the OFF duration has reached a predetermined long time (for example, 1 to 2 hours) preset by the second timer 17,
Only when the determination is YES, the process proceeds to the next ninth step S9.

In the above-described ninth step S9, the game duration time outside the predetermined area A shown in FIG.
In response to reaching a predetermined long time (for example, 1 to 2 hours) set in advance, the CPU 20 shuts off the television power supply and automatically erases the television image.

In summary, the above-mentioned intrusion detecting means (see thermopile human body sensor 10) detects whether or not the game player has entered the predetermined area A close to the preset TV screen 1, and the above-mentioned first The power cut-off means (see fifth step S5) uses the output of the intrusion detection means to set a predetermined staying time in the predetermined area A for a predetermined short time t.
When it reaches (for example, 1-2 minutes), the television power supply is cut off.

Therefore, the game is prevented while erasing the TV image when another person (a family member or a small animal such as a cat) other than the user such as the game player or the TV viewer temporarily passes through the predetermined area A. When a person comes too close to the television screen 1 (intrudes into the predetermined area A), the television image is automatically erased and the game can be interrupted.

Further, the above-mentioned power source restoring means (see seventh step S7) automatically restores the television power source when it is detected that the game player or the like has left the predetermined area A. When a game player or the like moves to a proper position that is separated from each other, there is an effect that it is possible to allow the restart of television watching and the restart of the game.

Furthermore, the above-mentioned second power supply cutoff means (the ninth
Step S9) is, when the staying time of the gamer or the like outside the predetermined area A reaches a preset long time t (for example, 1 to 2 hours) based on the output of the intrusion detection means,
Turn off the television power automatically.

Therefore, even when the game or the television is watched at an appropriate position relatively distant from the television screen 1, the game time or the watching time is a predetermined long time T.
When it reaches, the TV image is automatically erased and the viewing is interrupted.
The effect is that the game can be interrupted.

In addition, since the predetermined area A can be expanded / contracted by operating the above-mentioned area expansion / contraction means (see the amplification gain changing unit 12), the size of the room in which the television is installed, the size of the room where the television is installed, the gamer, the viewer, etc. Correspondingly, there is an effect that the above-mentioned predetermined area A can be arbitrarily adjusted.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, since the above-mentioned image erasing unit 7 is constructed separately from the television 2, the image erasing unit 7 is simply connected to the existing television 2 for use. There is an effect that can be used. In the case where only watching TV is supported without connecting the game machine, the structure shown in FIG. 8 may be used.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the image erasing device,
In the previous embodiment, the image erasing unit 7 was constructed separately from the television 2, but in this embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the image erasing unit 7 is incorporated in the television 2. With such a configuration, there is an effect that the design feeling can be greatly improved. In other respects, the same operation and effect as those of the previous embodiment can be obtained in other respects. Therefore, in FIG. 5, the same parts as those in FIG.

FIG. 6 shows still another embodiment of the image erasing device. When the predetermined area A shown in FIG. 3 cannot secure a sufficient area range, two thermopile human bodies are used as shown in FIG. When the sensors 10 and 10 are arranged apart from each other, it is possible to secure a predetermined area approximately twice as large as the predetermined area A in FIG. If the separated positions of the two thermopile human body sensors 10 and 10 described above are adjustable, the predetermined area A shown in FIG. 6 is adjusted by adjusting the mounting positions of these thermopile human body sensors 10 and 10.
Can be scaled.

FIG. 7 shows still another embodiment of the image erasing device. When the predetermined area A shown in FIG. 6 alone cannot secure a sufficient opening angle of the area range, two images are removed as shown in FIG. The thermopile human body sensors 10 and 10 are arranged apart from each other, and these two thermopile human body sensors 1 are arranged.
When the mounting angles θ of 0 and 10 are set to a predetermined angle, it is possible to secure a sufficiently large opening angle with respect to the opening angle of the predetermined area A in FIG. In addition, when the above-mentioned two thermopile human body sensors 10, 10 are configured to be adjustable in position and the mounting angle θ is adjustable, the mounting position and the mounting angle of these two thermopile human body sensors 10, 10 are adjusted. By adjusting θ, the predetermined area A shown in FIG. 7 can be expanded or contracted.

In the correspondence between the configuration of the present invention and the above-described embodiment, the intrusion detection means of the present invention corresponds to the thermopile human body sensor 10 of the embodiment, and the first power cutoff means is the CPU 20 in the same manner. Fifth step S5 by control
Corresponding to the above, the power supply returning means is a seventh means under the control of the CPU 20.
Corresponding to step S7, the second power shutdown means is the CPU
Corresponding to the ninth step S9 by the 20 control, the area expanding / contracting means corresponds to the adjustment position of the amplification gain changing section 12 and the at least two thermopile human body sensors 10, 10 and the mounting angle adjusting structure. It is not limited to the configuration of the embodiment.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a television and a family computer to which an image erasing device of the present invention is connected.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control circuit of the image erasing device.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a predetermined area.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing image automatic deletion / automatic restoration processing.

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a television and a family computer incorporating the image erasing unit of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing an example of mounting a plurality of thermopile human body sensors.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing another mounting example of a plurality of thermopile human body sensors.

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing another embodiment of the image erasing device of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Television screen 2 ... Television 3 ... Family computer 7 ... Image erasing unit 10 ... Thermopile human body sensor (intrusion detection means) 12 ... Amplification gain change part (area expansion / reduction means) S5 ... 1st power supply cutoff means S7 ... Power supply return means S9 ... Second power supply cutoff means A ... predetermined area

Claims (7)

[Claims] Claim: What is claimed is: 1. An image erasing device for erasing a television image according to a viewing condition of a television screen, which detects whether or not a viewer has entered a predetermined area close to a preset television screen. Image deletion including intrusion detection means and first power supply interruption means for shutting off the television power supply when the staying time in the predetermined area reaches a predetermined short time preset based on the output of the intrusion detection means apparatus. 2. An image erasing device for connecting a family computer to a television and erasing television images in accordance with game conditions, wherein a game player invades a predetermined area close to a preset television screen. Intrusion detection means for detecting whether or not the first power supply cutoff means cuts off the television power supply when the staying time in the predetermined area reaches a predetermined short time preset based on the output of the intrusion detection means. An image erasing device comprising: 3. The image erasing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a power supply returning means for returning the television power supply when the intrusion detecting means detects that the user has left the predetermined area. 4. A second power supply cutoff means for cutting off the television power supply when the user stays outside the predetermined area for a predetermined long time based on the output of the intrusion detection means. The image erasing device according to 1 or 2. 5. The image erasing device according to claim 1, further comprising area expansion / contraction means for expanding / contracting the predetermined area. 6. The image erasing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image erasing unit including at least the intrusion detecting means and the first power cutoff means is configured separately from the television. 7. The image erasing device according to claim 1, wherein an image erasing unit including at least the intrusion detecting means and the first power supply cutoff means is built in a television.