JP2003023700A - Controller and method, recording medium, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a controller that can simply control a plurality of devices. SOLUTION: A television receiver 4 displays metaphors 43 corresponding to a plurality of devices connected to a network. The size of the metaphors 43 displayed on a sound volume/sound source position display section 41 indicates a sound volume of a device corresponding to the metaphor 43 and the position of the metaphors 43 depicts the position of a sound source. The position of the sound source is decided depending on the relation to a position of a user position setting metaphor 44. A device displayed on the sound volume/ sound source position display section 41, that is, desired by a user for sound output is selected from the metaphors 43 displayed on the sound data selection display section 42.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a control device and method, a recording medium, and a program, and more particularly to a control device and method, a recording medium suitable for use in controlling a device that handles sounds connected to a network. And about the program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A technique called a home network has been proposed. A home network is a LAN (Local Area Network) that connects devices installed in the home so that they can exchange data with each other, or a network within the home and a network outside the home. With this, for example, it is possible to operate a device in the home from outside the home.

[0003]

Even if various devices are connected by a home network so that they can exchange data with each other, the operation itself of those devices is
This is performed by operating buttons or dials of the remote controller or the like which are provided in the devices themselves or correspond to the devices.

For example, when a television receiver and an audio device are connected to the network and the volume of the television receiver is desired to be changed, the television receiver main body or the corresponding remote controller is operated. It is not performed by operating the main body of the audio device or the corresponding remote controller.

That is, even if the device is connected to the network, in order to operate the desired device, there is a problem that the device body or the corresponding remote controller must be operated. As a result, if the number of devices increases, the number of devices themselves for operating remote controllers and the like also increases. Further, since the remote controllers are not compatible with each other, that is, the operation methods are not uniform, some users may be confused when performing the same operation (for example, changing the volume) on different devices. There was a possibility of doing.

Some devices such as television receivers and audio devices that handle sound can set the volume and the sound source position (balance), but these settings are
The specifications are unique to each device, and there are problems such as setting each device separately.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides uniformity in the operation of devices connected to a network, particularly devices that handle sound.
An object of the present invention is to provide a user-friendly user interface by visually recognizing sound-related settings.

[0008]

The control device of the present invention includes a display control means for controlling the display of a metaphor corresponding to a device connected to a network, and a size of the metaphor whose display is controlled by the display control means. Therefore, the position of the sound source of the device corresponding to the metaphor is determined by the volume control means for controlling the volume of the sound output from the device corresponding to the metaphor and the display position of the metaphor whose display is controlled by the display control means. And setting means for setting.

The display control means may control the display on the panel for operating the equipment connected to the network.

The control method of the present invention uses the display control step for controlling the display of the metaphor corresponding to the device connected to the network and the size of the metaphor whose display is controlled by the processing of the display control step. Setting to set the position of the sound source of the device corresponding to the metaphor by the volume control step that controls the volume of the sound output from the device that corresponds to the metaphor, and the display position of the metaphor whose display is controlled by the processing of the display control step. And a step.

The program of the recording medium according to the present invention is controlled by the display control step for controlling the display of the metaphor corresponding to the device connected to the network and the size of the metaphor whose display is controlled by the processing of the display control step. The position of the sound source of the device corresponding to the metaphor is set by the volume control step that controls the volume of the sound output from the device corresponding to that metaphor and the display position of the metaphor whose display is controlled by the processing of the display control step. And a setting step for setting.

The program of the present invention causes a display control step for controlling the display of the metaphor corresponding to the device connected to the network, and the size of the metaphor whose display is controlled by the processing of the display control step, A volume control step that controls the volume of the sound output from the corresponding device, and a setting step that sets the position of the sound source of the device corresponding to that metaphor, depending on the display position of the metaphor whose display is controlled by the processing of the display control step. And make the computer execute.

In the control device and method and the program of the present invention, the display of the metaphor corresponding to the device connected to the network is controlled, and the sound output from the device corresponding to the metaphor is controlled according to the size of the metaphor. Is controlled, and the position of the sound source of the device corresponding to the metaphor is set by the display position of the metaphor.

[0014]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a system including a control device to which the present invention is applied and a device controlled by the control device. The system shown in FIG.
Various devices are connected by a network 1 configured by an AN (Local Area Network).

A control device 2 is connected to the network 1, and the control device 2 has a speaker 3 to be controlled.
Are connected. Further, the network 1 includes a television receiver 4, a tuner 5, and a BS (Broadcasting Sat).
ellite) tuner 6, CS (communication satellit)
e) Tuner 7, CD (Compact Disc) player 8, D
VD (Digital Versatile Disc) player 9, MD (Mi
ni Disc) (trademark) player 10 is connected.

The tuner 5 processes signals of television broadcasting and radio broadcasting broadcast by terrestrial waves, extracts signals desired by the user, and supplies them to the television receiver 4 and the like. Tuner 5, BS Tuner 6, and CS
The tuner 7 may be directly connected to the television receiver 4, but here it is assumed to be connected via the network 1.

Although not shown, each of the television receiver 4 to the MD player 10 is provided with a corresponding remote controller, which allows the user to perform a desired operation.

The control device 2 is supplied with an audio signal from the television receiver 4 to the MD player 10, controls the speaker 3 based on the supplied audio signal and a user's instruction, and outputs a volume desired by the user. And the sound source position (balance). FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the control device 2. The control device 2 includes a main body 21 and a remote controller 22.

The main body 21 includes a remote controller 22.
A reception unit 23 for receiving a signal from is provided on the front surface. The main body 21 is also provided with a terminal connected to the speaker 3 and a terminal connected to the network 1 (both not shown). The remote controller 22
A transmission unit 24 that transmits a signal to the main body 21 is provided. Communication between the main body 21 and the remote controller 22 is performed wirelessly using infrared rays or the like. It may be connected by wire.

Further, the main body 21 and the receiving section 23 may be separately provided, and the receiving section 23 may be connected to the network 1. In this case, the main body 21 and the receiving unit 23 can be provided in different rooms, and the main body 21 can be installed in a place where a signal cannot be received from the remote controller 22. The remote controller 22 may be connected to the network 1.

The remote controller 22 is provided with volume buttons 25-1 and 25-2. Volume button 25
-1 is operated when the volume is increased, and the voice button 25-2 is operated when the volume is decreased. The arrow buttons 26-1 to 26-4 are used for the operation screen (G
It is operated when moving a cursor (selection item) on the UI). The enter button 27 is operated when an item selected by moving the cursor is entered.

The remote controller 22 may be like a mouse. Further, a touch panel or the like may be provided so that operation using the touch panel can be performed.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the internal structure of the main body 21. The network connection unit 31 of the main body 21 is connected to the network 1 and inputs sound data from the television receiver 4 to the MD player 10. The signal from the remote controller 22 received by the receiver 23 is G
UI (graphic user interface) control unit 3
2, the sound data selection unit 33 and the volume / sound source position setting unit 34.

The GUI control section 32 performs control for displaying a screen based on the user's instruction from the remote controller 22 received by the receiving section 23, for example, on the television receiver 4. Specifically, when the screen is displayed on the television receiver 4, data for the screen to be displayed is generated, and the generated data is transmitted via the network connection unit 31 and the network 1 to the television. It is transmitted to the receiver 4.

The above-mentioned screen to be displayed on the television receiver 4 is displayed not on the television receiver 4 but on the remote controller 22 provided with a display (not shown) composed of liquid crystal or the like. In such a case, the GUI controller 32 is included in the remote controller 22 and need not be provided in the main body 21. Of course, it may be provided in the main body 21 so that the screen is displayed on the television receiver 4 and the display of the remote controller 22.

The sound data selection unit 33 receives the data from the television receivers 4 to M input via the network connection unit 31.
The sound data supplied from the D player 10 is selected according to a user's instruction and output to the output control unit 35. The volume / sound source position setting unit 34 sets a volume and a sound source position according to a user's instruction, and outputs the set data to the output control unit 35.
Output to. The output control unit 35 synthesizes a plurality of sound data based on the data from the sound data selection unit 33 and the volume / sound source position setting unit 34, and outputs the sound data to the speaker 3.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of a screen generated by the GUI control unit 32 and displayed on the television receiver 4. The screen is composed of a volume / sound source position display section 41 and a sound data selection display section 42. The volume / sound source position display section 41 and the sound data selection display section 42 include a metaphor 4
3-1 to 43-5 (hereinafter, metaphors 43-1 to 43
If there is no need to distinguish −5 individually, just use metaphor 4
3) is displayed.

Here, the metaphor 43 has an elliptical shape as shown in FIG. 4, and is displayed as an object operated by the user. The size of the metaphor 43 displayed on the volume / sound source position display unit 41 indicates the volume. That is,
The larger the display area of the metaphor 43, the louder the volume output from the speaker 3. The position of the metaphor 43 displayed on the volume / sound source position display section 41 represents the position of the sound source.

A user position setting metaphor 44 is also displayed on the volume / sound source position display section 41. The user position setting metaphor 44 is for designating a place where the user is quasi-positioned (regardless of the position where the user is actually), and is displayed in the center of the volume / sound source position display unit 41 as a default. . That is, the user can change the position of the sound source heard by the actual user by changing the position of the user position setting metaphor 44.

Here, the installation location of the speaker 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the speaker 3 is the speaker 3
It is composed of four speakers -1 to 3-4, and they are installed at the four corners of the room 51, respectively. The image of the room 51 is the volume / sound source position display unit 41. The side of the room 51 where the television receiver 4 is installed is
This corresponds to the upper side of the volume / sound source position display portion 41 in the figure.

A metaphor 43-1 of the CS tuner 7 and a metaphor 43-2 of the CD player 8 are displayed on the volume / sound source position display section 41 shown in FIG. The metaphor 43-1 of the CS tuner 7 is displayed on the upper side of the volume / sound source position display portion 41, and the metaphor 43-2 of the CD player 8 is displayed.
Is displayed below the volume / sound source position display section 41. In addition, the metaphor 43-1 of the CS tuner 7 is a CD
It is displayed larger than the metaphor 43-2 of the player 8.

That is, in the state shown in FIG. 4, the user 52 (FIG. 5) receives the sound from the CS tuner 7 from the room 5
From the front of 1, louder than the sound of the CD player 8,
The sound from the CD player 8 can be heard from the rear of the room.
The user 52 is, for example, the metaphor 43 of the CS tuner 7.
When -1 is changed to a large size, the sound from the CS tuner 7 becomes loud. For example, when the user 52 moves the metaphor 43-1 of the CS tuner 7 to the right, C
The sound from the S tuner 7 is changed so that it can be heard mainly from the right side.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6A, when the user position setting metaphor 44 is located in the metaphor 43-2 of the CD player 8 (at a position such that it is located behind the room 51 in a pseudo manner). When the user position setting metaphor 44 is located), as shown in FIG. 6 (B), even if the actual user 52 is located in the central portion of the room 51, it is as if shown in FIG. 6 (A). User position setting metaphor 44
The sound is output from each of the speakers 3-1 to 3-4 so that the sound can be heard, as in the case of being located behind the room 51 in which is located.

In this way, the room 51 of the actual user 52 is
Regardless of the existing position of the user, by operating the metaphor 43 and the user position setting metaphor 44 displayed on the volume / sound source position display unit 41, the actual user 5
2 can change the volume of the sound from the device corresponding to each metaphor 43, the user 52 can change the position of the sound source without moving, and the position of the pseudo sound source can be changed. You can experience it.

In the display example of the volume / sound source position display section 41 shown in FIG. 4, an example in which two metaphors 43 are displayed is shown. However, as shown in FIG. 7A, one metaphor 43 is displayed.
-1 may be displayed. Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, two metaphors 43-1 and 43-2 are
It may be displayed overlapping. Further, as shown in FIG. 7C, three metaphors 43-1, 43-2, 43-4 are provided.
May be displayed. That is, the user can select as many sound sources as desired (sounds from a plurality of desired devices can be output at the same time), and the volume and the position of the sound sources from those devices can be selected. Can be set freely.

As shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C,
When a plurality of metaphors 43 are displayed on the volume / sound source position display section 41, it is convenient for the user to display them in different colors so that the metaphors 43 can be distinguished. Further, it is convenient for the user to display the metaphor 43 in focus and the metaphor 43 not in focus so as to be distinguished from each other.

Further, the metaphors 43 are overlapped,
When one metaphor 43 is hidden by the other metaphor 43 and becomes invisible, one metaphor 43 is displayed in a semi-transparent manner and the other metaphor 4 is displayed.
It is better to display so that 3 can be seen.

Referring again to FIG. 4, the selection of the metaphor 43 to be displayed on the volume / sound source position display section 41, that is, the selection of the device which outputs the sound from the speaker 3, is displayed on the sound data selection display section 42. It is performed by selecting from the metaphors 43 that are present. In the sound data selection display section 42,
All devices connected to network 1, or
Among the devices connected to the network 1, the metaphor 43 corresponding to the device capable of outputting sound data is displayed.

The user operates the arrow buttons 26-1 to 26-2 (FIG. 2) of the remote controller 22 to change from the plurality of metaphors 43 displayed on the sound data selection display section 42 to the desired metaphor 43. When the focus is applied and the metaphor 43 with the focus is desired to be displayed on the volume / sound source position display section 41, the enter button 27 is operated.

By operating the enter button 27,
The metaphor 43 displayed on the sound data selection display unit 42, which is in focus, is displayed on the volume / sound source position display unit 41. At that time, the volume / sound source position display unit 41
The metaphor 43 whose display is moved to may not be displayed on the sound data selection display section 42, or
The display may be left.

By operating the arrows 45-1 and 45-2 displayed on the lower side of the sound data selection display section 42,
A metaphor 43 corresponding to a device connected to the network 1 that is not completely displayed on the sound data selection display unit 42.
Can be displayed. That is, the arrow 45 displayed on the lower side of the sound data selection display section 42 causes the scroll function of the sound data selection display section 42 to be executed.

The user operates the arrow button 25-1 on a desired metaphor 43 among the metaphors 43 displayed on the volume / sound source position display section 41 to bring the desired metaphor 43 into focus. At this time, the volume can be operated by operating the volume button 25. According to the operation of the volume button 25, the size of the metaphor 43 displayed on the volume / sound source position display section 41 is also changed.

The display example shown in FIG. 4 is an example, and other displays may be performed. For example, the sound data selection display section 42
What executes the scroll function of is not limited to the arrow 45. For example, on the right side of the sound data selection display unit 42,
The scroll function may be realized by providing a scroll bar. The shape of the metaphor 43 is as shown in FIG.
Although it is shown as an ellipse, it may be another figure such as a circle or a quadrangle, and the metaphor 43 displayed on the volume / sound source position display section 41 and the sound data selection display section 42 may be the same figure. , Different shapes may be used.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
The operation of the control device 2 will be described. In step S1, a predetermined button on the main body 21 or the remote controller 22 is operated, so that the screen shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the television receiver 4 under the control of the GUI control unit 32 (FIG. 3). Is displayed in.

A screen (GUI) for setting the volume and the sound source position as shown in FIG. 4 on the television receiver 4.
Dedicated button for issuing instructions to display (not shown)
Is provided on the main body 21 or the remote controller 22, and when the button is operated, as the processing of step S1,
A GUI may be displayed. Alternatively, the decision button 27 of the remote controller 22 may be set to be used as a button for issuing an instruction to display the GUI.

When the user gives an instruction to display a GUI, in step S1, the G instruction is given in accordance with the instruction.
The UI control unit 32 generates GUI data, and outputs the generated GUI data to the television receiver 4 via the network connection unit 31, so that the television receiver 4 is displayed as shown in FIG. GUI is displayed.

In step S2, it is determined whether or not a device has been selected. The device selection in step S2 is
This is a process corresponding to the process in which the user selects a device that outputs a sound, and is a process in which a desired metaphor 43 is selected from the sound data selection display unit 42 and the display is moved to the volume / sound source position display unit 41.

When it is determined in step S2 that the device is selected, the process proceeds to step S3, and the GUI control unit 32 executes the process of displaying the selected metaphor 43 on the volume / sound source position display unit 41. . On the other hand, if it is determined that the device is not selected in step S2, the process proceeds to step S4, and it is determined whether or not the volume is set.

Whether the volume is set or not is determined by determining whether the signal received by the receiving unit 23 (FIG. 3) is the volume button 25.
Is performed by determining whether or not the signal is an output signal. In step S4,
If it is determined that the volume is set, the size of the metaphor 43 displayed on the volume / sound source position display unit 41 and targeted for processing is changed under the control of the GUI control unit 32 in step S5. Be seen.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S4 that the sound volume is not set, the flow advances to step S6 to determine whether or not the sound source position is set. This is the volume
With one of the metaphors 43 displayed on the sound source position display unit 41 in focus, the reception unit 2
This is performed by determining whether or not the signal received by 3 is output by operating the arrow button 26.

If it is determined in step S6 that the sound source position is set, the flow advances to step S7 to change the display position of the metaphor 43 displayed on the volume / sound source position display section 41 and to be processed. It is performed under the control of the GUI control unit 32.

In step S5 or step S7, the size and display position of the metaphor 43 are changed, and the sound output from the speaker 3 is also changed corresponding to the change. The process for changing the sound, that is, the process for generating (calculating) the sound data supplied to the speaker 3 is performed in step S8. The process of calculating the sound data in step S8 will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the process of step S3 is completed or the process of step S8 is completed, the process proceeds to step S9, and it is determined whether the process of changing the volume or the sound source position by the GUI is completed. The determination in step S9 is made by, for example, the main body 21 or the remote controller 2
2 is provided with a dedicated button for instructing the end of the processing by the GUI, and it is performed by determining whether or not the signal is output by operating the button.

Alternatively, for example, the remote controller 2
It is determined whether or not the end is instructed by setting that it is the end instruction that the second decision button 27 is operated twice consecutively, and by determining whether or not the signal is such a signal. You may do it.

In step S9, when it is determined that the process is finished, the process proceeds to step S10, and when it is determined that the process is not finished, the process returns to step S2, and the subsequent processes are repeated. Since the end is instructed in step S10, a normal screen (image of the selected program) is displayed on the television receiver 4 instead of the GUI display.

The process of calculating the sound data in step S8 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In step S21, the volume / sound source position setting unit 3
4 (FIG. 3), the size of the metaphor 43 having each sound information is acquired. The metaphor 43 having each sound information is the metaphor 43 displayed in the volume / sound source position display section 41.
That is.

The volume of the metaphor 43 is calculated in step S22 in accordance with the size information of the metaphor 43 acquired in step S21. The volume is proportional to the size. For example, the volume may be calculated by using a simple linear function by multiplying the size by a predetermined value, or a table showing the relationship between the size and the volume may be held. Alternatively, it may be calculated based on the table.

In step S23, the coordinate information of each metaphor 43 displayed on the volume / sound source position display section 41 is acquired. The metaphor 43, as shown in FIG.
It is displayed as a shape such as an ellipse. The coordinate information of the metaphor 43 is, for example, the coordinates of the center of the figure as the metaphor 43. In step S24, the sound source position is calculated based on the acquired coordinate information of each metaphor 43.

The sound source position is calculated by calculating the relative value between the coordinates of each metaphor 43 and the coordinates of the user position setting metaphor 44. The change in the relative value corresponds to the change in the sound source position. For example, when the volume is not changed, the total sum of the volume output from the speakers 3-1 to 3-4 remains unchanged. , Each speaker 3-1
By changing the distribution of the volume output from each of 3 to 3-4, it is as if the position of the sound source is changed. Various methods are conceivable for changing the position of the sound source, and any method may be used.

In step S25, the output controller 35
Uses the data respectively output from the sound data selection unit 33 and the sound volume / sound source position setting unit 34 to generate sound data corresponding to all the metaphors 43 displayed on the sound volume / sound source position display unit 41. .

That is, the sound data selection unit 33 determines the volume / volume.
The sound data from the device corresponding to the metaphor 43 displayed on the sound source position display unit 43, in other words, the sound data from the device that the user desires to output as a sound,
It selects from a plurality of sound data input via the network connection unit 31 and outputs it to the output control unit 35.

The output control unit 35 outputs the sound data from the sound data selection unit 33 to each of the speakers 3-1 to 3-4 (based on the sound volume and sound source position data set by the sound volume / sound source position setting unit 34). The sound data supplied to FIG. 5) is generated. The generated sound data is supplied to the corresponding speakers 3-1 to 3-4. In this way
In step S26, a sound is output from each of the speakers 3-1 to 3-4.

As described above, since the volume and the sound source position of the device connected to the network 1 can be changed while looking at the screen, in other words, the volume can be changed while visually confirming, which is easy for the user to operate. It becomes possible to provide a user interface. In addition, network 1
Since the volume and the sound source position of the device connected to can be collectively operated, it is not necessary to handle a plurality of remote controllers and the like, and the usability can be improved.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the volume and the sound source position of the device connected to the network 1 are set has been described as an example, but in order to further improve the usability, for example, FIG. As shown in A), the operation panel 61 that can also operate the devices connected to the network 1 may be displayed on the volume / sound source position display unit 41.

With such an operation panel 61, operations such as reproduction, stop, pause, fast forward, and rewind of music or video contents can be performed. The operation target of the operation panel 61 is a device displayed on the volume / sound source position display unit 41 and corresponding to the focused (selected) metaphor 43.

As shown in FIG. 10B, the recording reservation panel 62 may be displayed so that recording reservation can be made. It may be possible to select a program or a tuner. Basically, network 1
You can operate the devices connected to the
GUI that can be performed by one remote controller 22
As described above, various panels can be displayed on the volume / sound source position display section 41 so that the screen can be visually recognized.

The display of these panels is not limited to the volume / sound source position display section 41, and may be displayed on the sound data selection display section 42. Also, those panels may be displayed by a predetermined operation when the user desires, or may be always displayed on the screen. Further, when it is always displayed on the screen, it may be displayed in a small size, and may be displayed large only when instructed.

In the above-described embodiment, the control device 2 is described as a single unit, but other devices, for example,
It may be configured to be incorporated in the television receiver 4. If you do so, the remote controller 2
2 may be included in the remote controller corresponding to the television receiver 4.

The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware, but can also be executed by software. When a series of processes is executed by software, it is possible to execute various functions by installing a computer in which the programs that make up the software are built into dedicated hardware, or by installing various programs. The recording medium is installed in a general-purpose personal computer, for example.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an internal configuration example of a general-purpose personal computer. The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101 of the personal computer is an RO
Various processes are executed according to a program stored in M (Read Only Memory) 102. RAM (Random A
In the ccess Memory) 103, data and programs necessary for the CPU 101 to execute various processes are appropriately stored. The input / output interface 105 is connected to an input unit 106 including a keyboard and a mouse, and outputs a signal input to the input unit 106 to the CPU 101. Further, the input / output interface 105 is also connected to the output unit 7 including a display and a speaker.

Further, the input / output interface 105 includes a storage unit 108 including a hard disk,
Also, a communication unit 109 for exchanging data with other devices via a network such as the Internet is also connected. The drive 110 includes a magnetic disk 121, an optical disk 122, a magneto-optical disk 123, a semiconductor memory 12
It is used when reading or writing data from a recording medium such as No. 4 or the like.

The recording medium is a magnetic disk 121 on which the program is recorded, which is distributed in order to provide the program to the user separately from the personal computer.
(Including flexible disk), optical disk 122
(CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), DVD (Dig
(including ital Versatile Disc)), magneto-optical disc 12
3 (including MD (Mini-Disc) (registered trademark)) or a package medium including a semiconductor memory 124, etc., and stores a program provided to a user in a state where the computer is pre-installed. The ROM 102 and the hard disk including the storage unit 108 are configured.

In this specification, the steps for describing the program provided by the medium are not limited to the processing performed in time series according to the order described, but may be performed in parallel even if the processing is not necessarily performed in time series. Alternatively, it also includes processes that are individually executed.

In the present specification, the system means
It represents the entire apparatus composed of a plurality of devices.

[0075]

As described above, according to the control device, the method, and the program of the present invention, the display of the metaphor corresponding to the device connected to the network is controlled, and the metaphor is handled according to the size of the metaphor. By controlling the volume of the sound output from the device and setting the position of the sound source of the device corresponding to the metaphor according to the display position of the metaphor, the user can collectively perform the operations related to the sound of multiple devices. In addition, it is possible to perform it while visually recognizing it, and thus it is possible to provide a user interface that is easy to use.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a network system including a control device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a control device 2.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an internal configuration example of a main body 21.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a GUI.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a layout relationship between a room and speakers.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between GUI setting and an actual user position.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example of a GUI.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the control device 2.

9 is a flowchart illustrating details of a sound data calculation process in step 8 of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of another GUI.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a medium.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 network, 2 control devices, 3 speakers,
4 television receiver, 21 main body, 22 remote controller, 23 receiver, 24 transmitter,
25 volume button, 26 arrow button, 27 decision button, 31 network connection part, 32 GUI
Control unit, 33 sound data selection unit, 34 volume / sound source position setting unit, 35 output control unit, 41 volume / sound source position display unit, 42 sound data selection display unit, 43 metaphor, 44 user position setting metaphor, 61 operation panel, 62 Recording reservation panel

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A display control unit that controls the display of a metaphor corresponding to a device connected to a network, and the size of the metaphor whose display is controlled by the display control unit corresponds to the metaphor. Volume control means for controlling the volume of the sound output from the device, and setting means for setting the position of the sound source of the device corresponding to the metaphor by the display position of the metaphor whose display is controlled by the display control means. A control device comprising: 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the display control means also controls a display on a panel for operating a device connected to the network. 3. A display control step of controlling display of a metaphor corresponding to a device connected to a network, and a size of the metaphor whose display is controlled in the processing of the display control step corresponds to the metaphor. A volume control step of controlling the volume of the sound output from the device, and a display position of the metaphor whose display is controlled in the process of the display control step are used to set the position of the sound source of the device corresponding to the metaphor. A control method comprising: a setting step. 4. A display control step of controlling display of a metaphor corresponding to a device connected to a network, and a size of the metaphor whose display is controlled by the processing of the display control step corresponds to the metaphor. A volume control step of controlling the volume of the sound output from the device, and a display position of the metaphor whose display is controlled in the process of the display control step are used to set the position of the sound source of the device corresponding to the metaphor. A recording medium on which a computer-readable program is recorded, comprising a setting step. 5. A display control step for controlling display of a metaphor corresponding to a device connected to a network, and a size of the metaphor whose display is controlled in the processing of the display control step correspond to the metaphor. A volume control step of controlling the volume of the sound output from the device, and a display position of the metaphor whose display is controlled in the process of the display control step are used to set the position of the sound source of the device corresponding to the metaphor. A program that causes a computer to perform setting steps.