JP2000197153A - Centralized control system for plural equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a user from feeling uncomfortable at the time of the rising operation of this system by displaying the desired screen of a user on an image display during the rising operation of the system. SOLUTION: At the time of mode setting, a top screen shown in a figure is displayed on a display 13. Plural content keys 4, volume adjusting key 40, and mode setting key 41 to be operated at the time of setting a mode are plotted on this top screen. When a user touches the mode setting key 41 based on the top screen, a mode selection screen is projected on the display 13. Three mode selection keys for indicating a normal screen mode, desired screen mode, or direct screen mode are plotted on this mode selection screen. Thus, the desired screen of the user is displayed on an image display during the rising operation of the system so that the user can be prevented from feeling uncomfortable.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a centralized control system for centrally controlling and operating a plurality of controlled devices such as AV (audio / visual) devices.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, video cameras, digital video disc (DVD) players, video cassette recorders (V
2. Description of the Related Art A plurality of AV devices, such as CRs, laser disk (LD) players, compact disk (CD) players, and television (TV) receivers, have become widespread for ordinary households. These AV devices can be remotely controlled individually using a dedicated infrared remote controller attached to each AV device.

However, in order to operate one or a plurality of desired AV devices among a plurality of AV devices, a dedicated remote controller attached to the AV device to be operated is selected from a plurality of remote controllers. It is necessary to operate a plurality of keys provided on the remote controller, and the operation is extremely complicated. In addition, since the types of operation keys are different for each remote controller, it is necessary to learn how to operate all the remote controllers, and there is a problem that operation is difficult especially for a beginner.

Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG.
An AV equipment group (2) including a player (21), two VCRs 1 and 2 (22) (23), a CD player (24), a TV set (25) and an AV amplifier (26) is provided by an equipment control device (1). ) Is connected to the host computer (10), and the input / output device is a keyboard (11), a touch panel input device (12), and a display (13).
There has been proposed a GUI (graphical user interface) type centralized control system that can centrally operate the AV equipment group (2) by using the GUI.

In the above-mentioned centralized control system, when the power is turned on to the host computer (10), until the system start-up operation is completed, for example, as shown in FIG. The start-up screen is displayed on the display (13), and when the start-up operation of the system is completed, the top screen as shown in FIG.
It is reflected in 3). On the top screen, a plurality of content keys (4) for classifying and displaying a plurality of AV devices to be controlled by purpose and a volume control key (40) common to the AV devices are drawn.

When the user touches the content key (4) displayed as "VCR1" based on the screen display shown in FIG. 14, the power of the VCR1 is turned on, the power of the TV receiver is turned on, and the AV input is switched. The device setting operation is started, and as shown in FIG. 15, an operation screen on which a plurality of operation keys (41) for normal playback, stop, recording, fast forward playback, rewind playback, etc. are drawn is displayed on the display (13). It is. Then, when the user touches the operation key (41) for normal reproduction based on the screen display shown in FIG.
The normal playback operation of (22) is started, and the playback image of VCR1 (22) is displayed on the screen of the TV set (25).

[0007]

However, in the above centralized control system, each time the user turns on the power to the host computer (10), the system shown in FIG. Since the start-up screen as shown is projected on the display (13), there is a problem of giving the user discomfort. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a centralized control system for a plurality of devices that does not cause a user to feel uncomfortable when starting up the system.

[0008]

A centralized control system for a plurality of devices according to the present invention comprises connecting a plurality of devices to be controlled to a centralized control device having an image display and an information input device. A system for centrally controlling and operating devices, wherein a centralized control device includes a system start-up unit that starts a system start-up operation in response to a user command, and a user's desired screen during the system start-up operation. Image display means for displaying on an image display.

In the centralized control system for a plurality of devices according to the present invention, the centralized control device includes a personal computer,
A mouse-type input device connected to a personal computer,
It can be configured using a display or the like. In the above centralized control system, when the user turns on the power to the centralized control device and issues a system start-up operation start command to the system start-up means, the system start-up operation is started. During the start-up operation, a screen desired by the user is displayed on the image display. Therefore, every time the centralized control device is turned on, the user is uncomfortable as in the conventional centralized control system in which the start-up screen for notifying that the system is being started is displayed every time. Absent.

More specifically, the centralized control device has a storage means for storing a plurality of images to be displayed on an image display during a system start-up operation, and is selected and set in advance from these images. It is possible to display the desired image on the image display during the system start-up operation, wherein the image display means selects one of the plurality of images stored in the storage means in response to a user's command. Image selection screen display means for displaying an image selection screen for selecting a desired image, and an image previously selected and set from the image selection screen by operating an information input device, on the image display during system start-up operation. Display means for displaying selected images.

In the specific configuration, the storage means includes, for example, an image of an initial screen for selecting a desired device as a control target from a plurality of devices connected to the centralized control device, and various operations performed by each device. The image of the operation screen for performing the operation is stored. In the centralized control system having the specific configuration, the user previously displays an image selection screen on the image display by operating the information input device, and displays an image to be displayed on the image display during system startup operation. Select and set. After the desired image is selected and set in this way, when the user turns on the central control device, the selected and set image is displayed on the image display until the system start-up operation is completed. become.

More specifically, the plurality of devices to be controlled include a plurality of video output devices, and the centralized control device includes a plurality of devices to be controlled which are selected and set in advance from a plurality of devices to be controlled. It is possible to display the output video of the video output device on the image display during the system start-up operation, the image display means, from a plurality of devices to be controlled, according to a user command A device selection screen display means for displaying a device selection screen for selecting a desired video output device on which an output video is to be displayed on an image display, and by operating an information input device before starting a system start-up operation. For a video output device selected and set in advance from the device selection screen, a device control means for creating a control signal for operating the device and transmitting the control signal to the device, and an operation started upon receiving the control signal. And comprising an output image display means for displaying on the image display device to output image of the image output device in the system startup operation was.

[0013] In the specific configuration, the central control device is connected to a video output device such as a TV receiver or a VCR. In the centralized control system having the specific configuration, the user previously displays the device selection screen on the image display by operating the information input device, and displays the output image during the system start-up operation. Select and set the device. After the desired video output device is selected and set in this way, when the user turns on the central control device, a control signal for operating the desired video output device is created and transmitted to the device. You. As a result,
The video output device operates according to the control signal. Then, until the system start-up operation ends,
The output video of the video output device whose operation has been started as described above is displayed on the image display. For example, a TV broadcast image is displayed on the image display device when the video output device whose operation has been started is a TV receiver, and a reproduced image is displayed on the image display device when the video output device is a VCR.

More specifically, the plurality of devices to be controlled include a plurality of video output devices, and the central control device includes a plurality of images to be displayed on an image display during a system start-up operation. A normal screen mode in which a storage means is stored, and a start-up screen notifying that the system is being started up is displayed on the image display during the system start-up operation,
A favorite screen mode for displaying a desired image previously selected and set from the plurality of images on the image display during the system startup operation, and a plurality of devices to be controlled during the system startup operation. It is possible to select and set a desired mode from three modes of a direct screen mode in which an output video of a desired video output device selected and set in advance is displayed on an image display. And the image display means includes:
Mode selection screen display means for displaying a mode selection screen for selecting a desired mode from the three modes on the image display in response to a user command, and a favorite screen mode by operating the information input device. When selected, an image selection screen for selecting a desired image from a plurality of images stored in the storage means is displayed on the image display, and the direct screen mode is selected by operating the information input device. Selection screen display means for displaying, on the image display, a device selection screen for selecting a desired video output device for displaying an output video from among a plurality of devices to be controlled, Mode determining means for determining a mode that has been set, and in the direct screen mode, before the system start-up operation is started, the device is operated by operating an information input device. Device control means for creating a control signal for operating the device and transmitting the control signal to the device with respect to a video output device selected and set in advance from the selection screen; Display the raised screen on the image display, in the favorite screen mode, display the image previously selected and set from the image selection screen by operating the information input device on the image display, and in the direct screen mode, display the control signal. Image display control means for displaying, on an image display, an output video of the video output device which has started operation upon receipt.

[0015] In the specific configuration, the central control device is connected to a video receiver such as a TV receiver or a VCR. Further, the storage means includes, for example, an image of an initial screen for selecting a desired device as a control target from a plurality of devices connected to the central control device, and an operation screen for causing each device to perform various operations. Image is stored.

In the centralized control system having the specific configuration, the user displays a mode selection screen on the image display in advance by operating the information input device, and displays the normal screen mode, the favorite screen mode, and the direct screen mode. One of the three modes is selected and set. If the mode selected by the user is the favorite screen mode, an image selection screen is displayed on the image display, and the user selects and sets an image to be displayed on the image display during the system startup operation. When the mode selected by the user is the direct screen mode, a device selection screen is displayed on the image display, and the user selects and sets a video output device that does not display an output video during the system start-up operation. I do.

After the desired mode has been selected and set in this way, when the user turns on the power to the central control device, the currently selected and set mode is determined, and in the normal operation mode, the system start-up operation ends. Until the start, the startup screen is displayed on the image display. In the favorite screen mode, an image selected and set from the image selection screen, for example, an initial setting for selecting a desired device from among a plurality of devices as a control target until the system start-up operation is completed. The image of the screen or the image of the operation screen for causing each device to perform various operations is displayed on the image display. In the direct screen mode, first, a control signal for operating the video output device selected and set from the device selection screen is created and transmitted to the device. As a result, the video output device operates according to the control signal. Until the system start-up operation is completed, the output image of the video output device in which the operation has started, for example, a TV broadcast image or a reproduced image of a VCR is displayed on the image display.

[0018]

According to the centralized control system for a plurality of devices according to the present invention, the screen desired by the user is displayed on the image display during the system start-up operation, so that the user does not feel uncomfortable. .

[0019]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention applied to a centralized control system shown in FIG. 12 for a plurality of AV devices will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. In the centralized control system of this embodiment, at the time of system start-up operation, a normal screen mode for displaying a start-up screen similar to the conventional one on the display (13) as shown in FIG. A top screen as shown in FIG. 1 for selecting a desired AV device from among a plurality of AV devices as a control target, and an operation screen as shown in FIG. 5 for allowing each AV device to perform various operations are displayed ( It is possible to select and set one of three modes, a favorite screen mode for projecting the image on the display 13) and a direct screen mode for projecting the output image of a video output device such as a VCR on the display 13 as shown in FIG. It is possible.

The host computer (10) of this embodiment shown in FIG. 12 has a built-in memory (not shown). The memory has a startup screen for displaying the startup screen shown in FIG. Data, top screen data for displaying the top screen shown in FIG. 1, and a plurality of operation screen data for displaying an operation screen as shown in FIG. 5 are stored for each AV device. Further, a table described later is stored in the memory.

In the centralized control system of this embodiment,
When setting the mode, first, the display (13)
The top screen shown in is displayed. On the top screen, a plurality of content keys (4) and a volume adjustment key (4
In addition to 0), a mode setting key (41) to be operated when setting the mode is drawn. When the user touches the mode setting key (41) based on the top screen shown in FIG. 1, a mode selection image as shown in FIG. 2 is displayed on the display (13). The mode selection screen includes three mode selection keys (42), (42), and (42) representing a normal screen mode, a favorite screen mode, and a direct screen mode, and a determination key (43) to be operated when the selection mode is determined. ) And a return key (44) to be operated when returning to the top screen shown in FIG. 1 are drawn.

Then, based on the mode selection screen shown in FIG. 2, the user selects a mode selection key "normal screen".
When the user touches the enter key (43) after touching (42), the normal screen mode is set.

Also, a user selects a mode selection key displayed as "favorite screen" based on the mode selection image shown in FIG.
When the user touches the enter key (43) after touching (42), the screen selection image shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the display (13). Like the content key (4) on the top screen shown in FIG. 1, the screen selection screen includes a plurality of operation screen selection keys (45) in which a plurality of AV devices to be controlled are classified and displayed according to purpose, and “Top”. The top screen selection key (46) displayed with "", the confirmation key (47) to be operated when confirming the selection screen, and the return key (48) to be operated when returning to the mode selection screen shown in FIG. Is drawn. The user touches any one of the plurality of operation screen selection keys (45) and the top screen selection key (46) based on the screen selection screen of FIG. 3 and then touches the enter key (47). When operated, the favorite screen mode is set. For example, an operation screen as shown in FIG. 5 for performing various operations on the VCR 1 at the time of system start-up operation is displayed.
To display it in (13), the user touches the operation screen selection key (45) displayed as "VCR1". Also, the top screen shown in Fig. 1 is displayed during system startup operation.
When not displaying on (13), use the top screen selection key (46)
Touch operation.

Further, when the user touches the mode selection key (42) displayed as "Direct screen" based on the mode selection screen shown in FIG. The device selection image shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the display (13). Like the content key (4) on the top screen shown in FIG. 1, the device selection screen includes a plurality of device selection keys (49) in which a plurality of AV devices to be controlled are classified and displayed according to purpose. A determination key (50) to be operated when determining and a return key (51) to be operated when returning to the mode selection image shown in FIG. 2 are drawn. When the user touches any of the plurality of device selection keys (49) based on the device selection screen in FIG. 4 and then touches the enter key (50), the direct screen mode is set. Will be. For example, when the playback image of the VCR1 is to be displayed on the display (13) during the system start-up operation, the device selection key (49) displayed as "VCR1"
Touch operation.

FIGS. 7 to 9 show tables stored in the memory of the host computer (10) of this embodiment. The table contains a mode discrimination code as shown,
A field for writing a screen discrimination code and a device discrimination code is provided. In the field for writing a mode discrimination code, “00” indicating normal screen mode, “01” indicating favorite screen mode, or direct screen mode Is written. A 16-bit screen discrimination code is assigned to each of the plurality of operation screen selection keys (45) and top screen selection keys (46) shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. As shown, the screen identification code is written in the screen identification code writing column. A 16-bit device identification code is assigned to each of the plurality of device selection keys (49) shown in FIG. 4, and only in the direct screen mode, as shown in FIG. The discrimination code is written.

FIG. 10 shows a host computer of this embodiment.
This shows a code writing procedure according to (10). First,
In step S1, it is determined whether or not a touch operation has been performed on the mode setting key (41). If the determination is no, the same determination is repeated in step S1. On the other hand, if the user
When the mode setting key (41) is touched based on the top screen shown in (1), YES is determined in step S1, and the process proceeds to step S2 to display the mode selection image shown in FIG. 2 on the display (13). . Then, in a step S3, it is determined whether or not the enter key (43) shown in FIG. 2 is touched. Here, the user selects one of the three mode selection keys (42), (42), and (42) based on the mode selection image shown in FIG.
If the enter key (43) is touched after touching any key, it is determined that the answer is yes and the process proceeds to step S4. On the other hand, if it is determined that no, the process proceeds to step S3.
Repeat the same judgment at.

In step S4, it is determined which of the three mode selection keys (42), (42) and (42) has been touched. If the mode selection key touched by the user is the mode selection key (42) displayed as "normal screen" in FIG. 2, the process proceeds to step S5, where the mode selection key is stored in the memory as shown in FIG. Then, the mode discrimination code “00” is written in the mode discrimination code writing column of the table in which the procedure is performed, and the procedure ends. As a result, the normal screen mode is set.

If the mode selection key touched by the user is the mode selection key (42) displayed as "Preference Screen" in FIG. 2, step S4 to step S6
Then, the screen selection screen shown in FIG.
Is displayed in step S7 in FIG.
7) It is determined whether or not a touch operation has been performed. Here, based on the screen selection screen shown in FIG. 3, the user touches any one of the plurality of operation screen selection keys (45) and the top screen selection key (46), and then presses the enter key (47). If a touch operation is performed, it is determined to be yes and the process proceeds to step S8, while if it is determined to be no, the same determination is repeated in step S7. In step S8, as shown in FIG. 8, the mode discrimination code "01" is written in the mode discrimination code writing field of the table stored in the memory, and the touched operation screen selection key is written in the screen discrimination code writing field. (45) or the screen discrimination code of the top screen selection key (46), for example, "000" when the operation screen selection key (45) displayed as "VCR1" in FIG. 3 is touched.
Write "0" to end the procedure. As a result, the favorite screen mode is set.

If the mode selection key touched based on the mode selection image shown in FIG. 2 is the mode selection key (42) displayed as "direct screen", the process proceeds from step S4 to step S4 in FIG. Moving to S9, FIG.
Is displayed on the display (13), it is determined in step S10 in FIG. 10 whether or not the enter key (50) is touched. Here, the user selects one of a plurality of device selection keys (49) based on the device selection image shown in FIG.
If the enter key (50) is touch-operated after touching any key, it is determined to be yes and the process proceeds to step S11. If it is determined to be no, the process proceeds to step S10.
Repeat the same judgment at. In step S11, as shown in FIG. 9, the mode discrimination code "10" is written in the mode discrimination code writing column of the table stored in the memory, and the touched device selection key ( 49) device identification code, for example, FIG.
If the device selection key (49) displayed as "TV" is touch-operated, "0010" is written and the procedure is terminated. As a result, the direct screen mode is set.

FIG. 11 shows the host computer (10) from when the power switch is turned on until it is turned off.
Represents a series of procedures. As shown in the drawing, first, in step S21, it is determined whether or not the power switch has been pressed. If the determination is no, the same determination is repeated in step S21. On the other hand, if the determination is yes in step S21, the power is turned on in step S22, and in step S23, the mode determination code is read from the table stored in the memory. Subsequently, in step S24, the currently set mode is determined based on the mode determination code read in step S23.

In step S24, when the mode discrimination code is "00" as shown in FIG. 7, it is determined that the normal screen mode is set, and the process proceeds to step S25. In step S26, the startup screen shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the display (13). Then, in step S27, after performing the system start-up operation, in step S28, the top screen shown in FIG.
Move to

In step S24 in FIG. 11, when the mode discrimination code is "01" as shown in FIG. 8, it is determined that the screen is the favorite screen mode, and the flow shifts to step S29 to be stored in the memory. Read the screen discrimination code from the table. Next, in Step S30, Step S
After reading the top screen data or the operation screen data from the memory based on the screen identification code read in 29, in step S31, the top screen shown in FIG. 1 or the operation screen of the AV device having the screen identification code shown in FIG. ,
For example, in the case of VCR1, an operation screen as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display (13). Then, step S32
Then, a system start-up operation is performed, and step S44 is performed.
Move to

In step S24 of FIG. 11, when the mode discrimination code is "10" as shown in FIG. 9, it is determined that the mode is the direct screen mode, and the flow shifts to step S33 to be stored in the memory. After reading the device identification code from the table, in step S34, it is determined whether or not the device identification code read in step S33 is for a video output device. Here, for example, if the device identification code is that of the VCR1, the determination is yes and the process proceeds to step S35, while if the device identification code is that of a CD player, the determination is no and the process proceeds to step S39.

In step S35, a device setting operation is performed based on the device identification code read in step S33. For example, if the device identification code read as described above is that of the VCR1, the power of the VCR1 is turned on,
Device setting operations such as turning on the power of the TV receiver and switching of the AV input are performed. Subsequently, in step S36, the output video of the video output device, for example, the reproduced image of the VCR 1 is displayed on the display (13) as shown in FIG.
At 7, the system is started up. Then, in step S38, an operation screen as shown in FIG. 5 for causing the video output device, for example, the VCR 1 to perform various operations is displayed on the display (13), and the process proceeds to step S44.

On the other hand, if the device identification code read out in step S33 is that of an audio output device and the determination in step 34 is NO, the process proceeds to step S39 as described above, and proceeds to step S33. The device setting operation is performed based on the device identification code read out. For example, if the device identification code read as described above is for a CD player, the power of the CD player is turned on, the AV
Device setting operations such as power-on of the amplifier and selection of a CD are performed. Subsequently, in step S40, the output sound of the audio output device, for example, the reproduction sound of the CD player is output. In step S41, operation screen data is read from the memory based on the device identification code read in step S33, and in step S42, various operations are performed on an audio output device having the device identification code, for example, a CD player. Display the operation screen for performing
Display in 3). Thereafter, in step S43, the system is started up, and the process proceeds to step S44.

In step S44, when the user performs a touch operation on an operation key displayed on the top screen or the operation screen, an operation corresponding to the touch operation is executed. Further, in step S45, it is determined whether or not the power switch has been pressed, and if no, the process proceeds to step S44.
On the other hand, if the determination is yes, the process proceeds to step S4.
Then, the procedure goes to 6, and the power is turned off, and the procedure is terminated.

According to the above procedure, when the user selects the normal screen mode based on the mode selection screen shown in FIG. 2, the power-on of the host computer (10) and then the system start-up operation is completed. Until then, as before,
The startup screen shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the display (13), and when the system startup operation is completed, the top screen shown in FIG. 1 is displayed on the display (13).

When the user selects a favorite screen mode based on the mode selection screen shown in FIG. 2 and then selects, for example, "VCR1" based on the screen selection screen shown in FIG. An operation screen as shown in FIG. 5 for causing the VCR 1 to perform various operations is displayed on the display (13) during a period from when the power is turned on to (10) until the system start-up operation is completed, and the system start-up operation is performed. After that, the same operation screen is continuously displayed on the display (13). Also, if the user
“T” representing the top screen based on the screen selection screen shown in FIG.
When "op" is selected, the top screen shown in FIG. 1 is displayed on the display (13) from the time the power is turned on to the host computer (10) to the end of the system startup operation, and the system startup operation is performed. The top screen will be continuously displayed on the display (13) even after the process is completed.

After the user selects the direct screen mode based on the mode selection image shown in FIG.
For example, when “VCR1” which is a video output device is selected based on the device selection image shown in FIG.
During the period from when the power is turned on at (0) to the end of the system start-up operation, a reproduced image of the VCR 1 is displayed on the display (13) as shown in FIG. Will be displayed as shown in FIG. When the user selects, for example, "Music" representing a CD player as an audio output device based on the device selection image shown in FIG. 4, the system is turned on after the power is turned on to the host computer (10). Until the operation is completed, the playback sound of the CD player is output, and an operation screen for causing the CD player to perform various operations is displayed on the display (13). Subsequently, the same operation screen is displayed on the display (13).

In the centralized control system of this embodiment,
If the host computer (10) is set to the favorite screen mode or the direct screen mode as described above, the desired screen selected by the user in advance is displayed on the display (13) during the system startup operation. During the system start-up operation, the user does not feel discomfort unlike the conventional centralized control system in which the start-up screen shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the display (13) every time.

The configuration of each part of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the technical scope described in the claims. For example, in the above embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which either the top screen or the operation screen is displayed on the display in the favorite screen mode, but other images are stored in the memory and the top screen is stored. It is also possible to adopt a configuration for displaying an image other than the operation screen.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a top screen displayed on a display in a centralized control system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a mode selection image.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a screen selection image in a favorite screen mode.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a device selection screen in a direct screen mode.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on a display when an operation screen of the VCR 1 is selected in a favorite screen mode.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on a display when VCR1 is selected in the direct screen mode.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a table stored in a memory of a host computer in a normal screen mode.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a table stored in a memory of a host computer in a favorite screen mode.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a table stored in a memory of a host computer in a direct screen mode.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a code writing procedure by the host computer.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a series of procedures of the host computer from when the power switch is turned on to when it is turned off.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a centralized control system.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a startup screen displayed on a display during a system startup operation.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a top screen displayed on a display in a conventional centralized control system.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an operation screen displayed on a display when VCR1 is selected based on the top screen.

[Explanation of symbols]

 (1) Device control device (11) Keyboard (12) Touch panel input device (13) Display (2) AV device group (4) Content key (41) Mode setting key (42) Mode selection key (45) Operation screen selection key (46) Top screen selection key (49) Device selection key

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A system in which a plurality of devices to be controlled are connected to a centralized control device having an image display and an information input device, and these devices are intensively controlled and operated.
The centralized control device includes a system start-up unit that starts a system start-up operation in response to a user's instruction, and an image display unit that displays a user's desired screen on an image display during the system start-up operation. Centralized control system for multiple devices. 2. The centralized control device includes a storage unit in which a plurality of images to be displayed on an image display during a system start-up operation are stored, and a desired image selected and set in advance from these images is provided. It is possible to display an image on an image display during a system start-up operation, and the image display means is configured to output a desired image from a plurality of images stored in a storage means in response to a user command. Image selection screen display means for displaying an image selection screen for selecting the image, and selection for displaying an image previously selected and set from the image selection screen by operating the information input device on the image display during system start-up operation. An image display means.
2. A centralized control system for a plurality of devices according to the above. 3. The plurality of devices to be controlled include a plurality of video output devices, and the central control device is configured to control a desired video output device selected and set in advance from the plurality of devices to be controlled. An output image can be displayed on an image display during a system start-up operation, and the image display means does not display the output image from among a plurality of devices to be controlled in response to a user instruction. Device selection screen display means for displaying a device selection screen for selecting a desired video output device to be displayed on the image display device, and before starting the system start-up operation, operating the information input device to change the device selection screen from the device selection screen. Device control means for generating a control signal for operating the device for a video output device selected and set in advance and transmitting the control signal to the device; and a video output device started to operate in response to the control signal 2. A centralized control system for a plurality of devices according to claim 1, further comprising output image display means for displaying an output image of the device on an image display during a system start-up operation. 4. A plurality of devices to be controlled include a plurality of video output devices, and the centralized control device stores a plurality of images to be displayed on an image display during a system start-up operation. A normal screen mode for displaying a start-up screen on the image display for notifying that the system is being started during the system start-up operation; and A favorite screen mode for displaying a desired image selected and set in advance on the image display,
During the system start-up operation, a desired mode is selected from among three modes of a direct screen mode in which an output video of a desired video output device selected and set in advance from a plurality of devices to be controlled is displayed on an image display. The image display means can select and set a mode selection screen for displaying a mode selection screen for selecting a desired mode from the three modes on an image display in response to a user's instruction. When a favorite screen mode is selected by operating the screen display means and the information input device, an image selection screen for selecting a desired image from a plurality of images stored in the storage means is displayed on the image display device. While displaying, when the direct screen mode is selected by the operation of the information input device, the desired video output to display the output video from multiple devices to be controlled Screen display means for displaying a device selection screen for selecting a device on the image display, mode discriminating means for discriminating the mode selected and set by the user, and in the direct screen mode, before starting the system start-up operation. Device control means for generating a control signal for operating the device and transmitting the control signal to the device for a video output device previously selected and set from the device selection screen by operating the information input device; During the raising operation, the startup screen is displayed on the image display in the normal operation mode, and the image previously selected and set from the image selection screen is displayed on the image display by operating the information input device in the favorite screen mode. In the direct screen mode, the output video of the video output device that has started operation in response to the control signal is displayed on the image display. 2. The centralized control system for a plurality of devices according to claim 1, further comprising image display control means.