JP2004221672A - Information browsing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate the confirmation of information capable of being browsed and the search of information to be desirably browsed. <P>SOLUTION: A file display area 28 displays a TV program and a list display area 27 displays a channel list 27a respectively in an area 24. Further, an area 35 displays a list 37 of introduction information of files with a category among categories such as recorded program files registered in a library, a moving picture file and a still picture file from a camera, when the introduction information 21 is clicked, a file display area 28 displays the image of a corresponding file, and a list display area 27 displays the file list of the category. When any of tab changeover buttons 14a to 14d is selected, a kind of the file whose image is displayed in the area 24 is switched, and when either of tab switching buttons 15a, 15b is selected, the display of the area 35 is switched into a list of the library file or a TV program guide. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an information browsing apparatus that has a function of receiving a TV (television) program and acquiring and storing image information from a portable camera, and allows such information to be browsed as appropriate.
[0002]
[Prior art]
When watching a TV program on a TV receiver, in order to know the TV program currently being broadcast or to search for a TV program that is likely to be of interest, the user usually looks at the TV program table in newspapers and magazines. However, in recent years, TV program information has been superimposed or multiplexed on a broadcast signal of a TV program and transmitted. The TV program information is received, and a TV program table is created from the TV program information. There is also proposed a technique for displaying a screen on the screen (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0003]
Such TV program information includes titles and detailed information of each TV program, broadcast time, channel, and category of the program (movie, sport, drama, etc.). A program table in a form in which a list of broadcast TV programs for each time of each channel is displayed in a list, or a program table in a form in which TV programs of all channels are classified and displayed by category, are superimposed on the TV programs. In particular, in the case of a TV program whose category is “movie”, the title of the movie is put on the program guide so that the movie is displayed in a limited area within the program guide. Is displayed so that the contents of the information can be guessed.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-11-261976
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in recent years, TV receivers have been diversified, and in addition to receiving and recording TV programs, information of a portable camera is taken in and displayed as an image, and a disc-shaped recording medium such as a DVD (hereinafter referred to as a disc). ), A function of capturing recorded information and displaying an image has been added.
[0006]
The same applies to a PC (Personal Computer). In addition to the original functions of the PC, the PC receives a TV program, fetches information from a portable camera, fetches information from a disc, and fetches the fetched information. Functions that can be displayed on a screen and browsed as needed are being added.
[0007]
As described above, when the TV receiver and the PC become multifunctional, the types and amounts of information to be handled become very large. In such a case, a list of viewable information is created and displayed, as in the program guide described in Patent Document 1, and a desired information item is selected from the list to obtain the information. May be displayed as an image, but this list is also large, making it very difficult to search for the desired information, and even knowing what information is available Is also difficult.
[0008]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an information browsing apparatus which solves such a problem and enables easy confirmation of information that can be browsed and search for information to be browsed.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is to register and save information files of different genres in a library, and to make it possible to browse the files of this library as needed, Introductory information including images and comments is created for one or more files in the library, which is representative for each genre, and the introduction information is used to select a file in the corresponding library. A menu screen including a list of the menu items is displayed on the display unit.
[0010]
On the menu screen, the menu items of each genre are arranged and displayed at random.
[0011]
The TV program guide can be received. On the menu screen, the list of the introduction information of the files in the library and the received TV program guide are displayed in different areas.
[0012]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention divides a display screen into two parts, a first area and a second area. The first area is an area for displaying a file list for selecting a file. The area is an area for displaying an image of a file selected in the file list of the first area, and the first area is capable of switching a list of files of different types, and the second area is a file for displaying an image. Is switchable.
[0013]
The file types are a received TV program file, a library file registered in a library, and a disk file to be imported from a disk-shaped recording medium. When displaying, the file list displayed in the first area is one of a TV program guide and a list of library file introduction information.
[0014]
In the second area, a file selected from the list displayed in the first area is displayed as an image.
[0015]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing one embodiment of an information browsing apparatus according to the present invention, wherein 1 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), 2 is a display unit, 3 is an input unit, 4 is a disk drive, 5 is a hard disk, and 6 Is a tuner, 7 is a camera reading unit, 8 is an EPG (Electronic Program Guide), 9 is a library, 10 is a file, 10a is introduction information, 10b is a data body, and 11 is a browsing program.
[0016]
In the figure, the information browsing apparatus of this embodiment has the functions of a PC, receiving a TV (television) program, taking in data from a disc such as a CD (Compact Disc) or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), and using a portable camera. The function of taking in data is added.
[0017]
That is, TV programs and audio data are received by the tuner 6 and displayed on the display unit 2. In addition, the received TV program and audio data can be recorded and recorded on the hard disk 5 by operating the input unit 3, and are stored in the folder as one file on the hard disk 5. Also, the TV program for which recording reservation has been made is received by the tuner 6 when the reservation date and time comes, and is stored in the folder as one file on the hard disk 5. Further, a camera reading unit 7 is provided, to which a portable camera (a video camera, a digital still camera, or the like) can be directly connected, and the card-shaped memory built in the portable camera can be attached. Thereby, the image data (moving image data, still image data, etc.) recorded in the card-shaped memory is read, and is stored in the folder as one file on the hard disk 5. Further, data (hereinafter, referred to as Internet data) obtained via the Internet (not shown) by the input unit 3 is also stored in the folder as one file on the hard disk 5. Data (audio data such as image data and music) of a disk (not shown) captured by the disk drive 4 is displayed on the display unit 2.
[0018]
When these folders are registered in the library 9 on the hard disk 5, the files stored in the folders become available as described later.
[0019]
The input unit 3 includes operation means such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a remote controller, as well as communication means with the Internet.
[0020]
Information on the broadcasted TV program (EPG added to the vertical retrace period of the TV signal in terrestrial TV broadcasting or EPG packet-multiplexed with the TV signal in digital satellite broadcasting) is received by the tuner 6, and is stored in the RAM or the like. In the semiconductor memory 7.
[0021]
In the following, the file 10 stored in the folder registered in the library 9 is targeted, but the data input as described above is converted into the file 10 as the file 10 registered in the library 9. The files 10 are stored in a folder, and each file 10 includes its introduction information 10a and a data body 10b. The introduction information 10a includes a file name, a comment for guiding the file 10, and a representative image of the file 10 (for example, the first image in the case of moving image data, and the first image in the case of still image data. (A still image) and a thumbnail (reduced image). This file name is associated with an identification code (not shown) added to the data body 10b, whereby the introduction information 10a is associated with the corresponding data body 10b.
[0022]
Here, a TV program received and recorded by the tuner 6, moving image data and still image data (photos and the like) read from a portable camera (not shown) by the camera reading unit 7, and the Internet captured from the input unit 3. The data is stored in a folder as a single file. When storing the data, the data is classified into genres according to the type. Here, the genre includes a recorded program file for a TV program, a moving image file, a still image file, an audio file, and an Internet data file, but other genres may be included. May be used. Such a genre is represented, for example, by genre data included in the file name.
[0023]
The hard disk 5 also stores a browsing program 11. When the CPU 1 activates the browsing program 11, the library 9 and the EPG 8 stored in the hard disk 5 are displayed on the display unit 2 and browsed. By using the library 9 and the EPG 8 displayed on the display unit 2, the user can select a TV program and browse a desired file (data body 10b) of the library 9.
[0024]
It is also possible to create a new folder and distribute files of a predetermined genre to the new folder. For example, by creating a folder for each genre, files can be classified for each genre.
[0025]
Next, a specific example of the information browsing method in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 will be described.
[0026]
Now, it is assumed that the hard disk 5 stores the library 9 and the EPG 8 of the file 10. In the library 9, a plurality of folders may be registered, and files of each genre may be randomly stored in the respective folders (ie, files 10 of a plurality of genres are mixed in the same folder). A folder may be set for each genre, and only files of the same genre may be stored in the same folder.
[0027]
When the power is turned on to start the information browsing device, an initial menu screen (not shown) is displayed on the display unit 2. The initial menu screen includes various menus such as a menu for selecting a PC function, a menu for receiving a TV program, and a menu for selecting a TV program and a library, and any of these menus can be selected by a click operation. Like that.
[0028]
Therefore, assuming that the menu of the TV program or the library 9 is selected, the CPU 1 activates the browsing program 11 and displays a list of the TV program and the library 9 on the display unit 2 as shown in FIG. The Air screen 12 is displayed. Tab display areas 14 and 15 are provided on the upper side and the lower side of the Air screen 12, respectively. The tab display area 14 at the upper side includes an “Air” switching tab 14 a for switching to the Air screen 12, a “TV” switching tab 14 b for switching to the TV program screen, and a “Library Viewer (library) for switching to the library screen. -Viewer) switching tab 14c, a "Disc" switching tab 14d for switching to a disk screen for displaying data read from the disk, and the like are displayed in a clickable manner.
[0029]
In the tab display area 14, the tab selector 16 is displayed so as to overlap any one of the switching tabs 14a to 14d, and the switching tab on which the tab selector 16 overlaps is selected. On the Air screen 12, the “Air” switching tab 14 a is selected by the tab selector 16.
[0030]
On the Air screen 12, a TV program / library list screen 13 is displayed between the tab display areas 14 and 15. The TV program / library list screen 13 is divided into a TV program column 17, a library column 18, and an Internet column 19 in order from the top, and the library column 18 is further divided into four sub-columns 18a to 18d. I have.
[0031]
In the TV program column 17 of the TV program / library list screen 13, a TV program table in which TV program introduction information 20 currently broadcasted by each receivable TV station (channel) is arranged in the horizontal direction at intervals. Is displayed. The TV program introduction information 20 is obtained from an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) 8 stored in the hard disk 5 (FIG. 1), and includes a thumbnail (reduced image) 20a of the TV program and simple information such as a channel and a program category. And a comment 20b containing a brief introduction (note that the title may be used instead of the thumbnail 20a). Thus, the content of the TV program can be grasped to some extent by looking at the TV program introduction information 20.
[0032]
In the library section 18, introduction information of representative files in all genres of the library 9 (here, recorded program files, moving image files, still image files, audio files, Internet data files) (that is, library file introduction) Information) 21 is displayed. The library file introduction information 21 uses the introduction information 10a of the library 9 stored in the hard disk 5 in FIG. 1, and is divided into genres and distributed to the sub-columns 18a to 18d of the library column 18, respectively. However, in this case, the sub-columns 18a to 18d are randomly allocated to each other at intervals regardless of the genre. This library file introduction information 21 also includes a thumbnail 21a and a comment 21b corresponding to the introduction information 10a of the library 9 shown in FIG.
[0033]
The Internet section 19 displays a list of Internet data introduction information 22 of the Internet data displayed in the library section 18, such as weather forecasts, transfer guidance, search, and sports, which are frequently used by the owner of the apparatus. You. The Internet data introduction information 22 also includes a shortcut 22a corresponding to a thumbnail and a comment 22b corresponding to the introduction information 10a of the library 9 shown in FIG.
[0034]
The TV program section 17, the library section 18 and the Internet section 19 are constantly scrolling from right to left on the screen, whereby the TV program introduction information 20 and the library file introduction information 21 selected for display, the Internet data All the introduction information 22 is displayed. For example, in the TV program section 17, the TV program introduction information 20 of three channels can be displayed at the same time. However, since the TV program section 17 is scrolled, the TV program introduction information 20 of other channels appears sequentially from the right side. The TV program introduction information 20 of all channels can be viewed. The same applies to the library section 18 and the Internet section 19, in which the library file introduction information 21 and the Internet data introduction information 22 of each genre can all be viewed. In addition, since the pieces of introduction information 20, 21, and 22 are arranged and displayed at an interval from each other, each of them is very easy to see as compared with a case where they are arranged and displayed together.
[0035]
When any of the introduction information 20, 21, 22 displayed on the TV program / library list screen 13 is clicked (a touch operation may be performed. The same applies to the following), information introduced by the clicked introduction information ( Screen to display data). That is, when one of the TV program introduction information 20 in the TV program column 17, for example, the TV program introduction information 20 of 1ch (first channel) is clicked, the video of the TV program of this channel is displayed, as shown in FIG. The TV / EPG screen 24 is displayed on the display unit 2 (FIG. 1). Note that, even when the “TV” switching tab 14b is clicked on the Air screen 12, the TV / EPG shown in FIG. 3 displays the video of the last channel viewed before this point, like a normal TV receiver. The screen 23 is displayed on the display unit 2.
[0036]
3, the TV / EPG screen 23 is vertically divided into a TV area 24 and an EPG area 25. The TV area 24 is provided with a tab display area 14 similar to that of FIG. The area excluding the tab display area 14 is divided into two parts, left and right. One area (for example, the left side) forms an image display area 26, and the other area forms a channel list display area 27. The image display area 26 includes a TV program display area 28 for displaying a video of a TV program, a “channel” switching button 29a, an “enlarge” button 29b, and a “return” button 29c for selecting each channel (TV broadcast station). And an operation area having operation buttons. In the channel list display area 27, a list 27a of station names and channel names of each TV station is displayed, and any of them can be selected by clicking.
[0037]
When the TV screen is switched from the Air screen 12 (FIG. 2) to the TV / EPG screen 23, the TV program selected in the TV program column 17 of the Air screen 12 is displayed in the TV program display area 28 of the image display area 26 as described above. The TV program corresponding to the introduction information 20 or the TV program of the channel set in the tuner 6 (FIG. 1) when the "TV" switching tab 14b of the Air screen 12 is clicked is displayed (this is a conventional TV program). This is the same as the display start state when the power of the TV receiver is turned on).
[0038]
When switching the TV program displayed in the TV program display area 28, the channel may be switched in order by clicking the “channel” switching button 29a displayed in the image display area 26. If the channel number of the desired TV program is known, it may be selected by clicking the channel from the channel list 27a in the channel list display area 27. When the channel is selected in this way, the display is switched to the program video of the selected channel in the TV program display area 28.
[0039]
In the TV area 24, the "TV" switching tab 14b is selected in the tab display area 14. When the "enlarge" button 29b in the image display area 26 is clicked, the image display area 26 is enlarged and displayed on the entire display screen of the display unit 2 (FIG. 1), and "return" is performed in such a display state. When the button 29c is clicked, the display returns to the original display state of the TV / EPG screen 23 shown in FIG.
[0040]
In the EPG area 25, a TV program table 30 based on the EPG 8 stored in the hard disk 5 (FIG. 1) is displayed. The TV program table 30 has the same configuration as a normal program table with the horizontal axis as the channel axis and the vertical axis as the broadcast time axis. Further, by performing a click operation on the left and right scroll bar 31b, it is possible to scroll in the left and right directions, respectively. Thereby, the TV program table 30 for one day can be viewed. If the user wants to view a program table of another date and time, the user clicks on a desired date from the broadcast date list 32 and designates it. Thereby, the TV program guide 30 displayed in the EPG area 25 is switched to the program guide on the designated date.
[0041]
The TV program table 30 is used to search for a TV program that the user wants to watch from the currently broadcast TV programs, and select a channel of the TV program in the channel list display area 27 of the TV area 24 to display the TV program. The TV program of the channel can be displayed in the program display area 28. Further, by clicking a desired TV program in the TV program table 30, and further clicking a "reservation" button 31c, a recording reservation of the TV program can be made. By clicking the “reservation list” button 31d, a list of TV programs reserved for recording can be displayed in the channel list display area 27. Such reservation information is stored, for example, in a built-in memory (not shown) of the CPU 1 (FIG. 1). When the reserved date and time comes, the TV program reserved for recording is received from the tuner 6, It is stored in a folder set on the hard disk 5 and recorded. In order for this recorded program to be registered in the library 9, this folder must be registered in the library 9 as described later. The same applies not only to recorded program files, but also to data imported from a portable camera and Internet data imported from the Internet.
[0042]
Here, in the switching tab area 15 of the EPG area 25, an “EPG” switching tab 15a and a “Library” switching tab 15b are displayed. At this time, the “EPG” switching tab 15a is selected by the tab selector 33. It has been done.
[0043]
In the TV / EPG screen 23, when the “Library” switching tab 15b is clicked and selected in the tab display area 15 of the EPG area 25, the display on the display unit 2 (FIG. 1) is changed to the TV / library screen 34 shown in FIG. Switch to.
[0044]
In the TV / library screen 34, the same TV area 24 as the TV / EPG screen 23 is set in the upper half, and the library display area 35 is set in the lower half. That is, when the “Library” switching tab 15b in the tab display area 15 of the EPG area 25 is selected on the TV / EPG screen 23 shown in FIG. 3, the EPG area 25 is switched to the library display area 35, and the TV / library screen 34 is displayed. You get it.
[0045]
On the upper side of the library display area 35, genre switching buttons for switching the genre of the library 9, that is, a "recorded program" switching button 36a, a "moving image" switching button 36b, a "still image" switching button 36c, a "audio" Switch button 36d and an "Internet" switch button 36e, and one of them is in a selected state (here, the "recorded program" switch button 36a is selected by a hatched cursor). The genre “recorded program” is selected), and the genre to be selected can be switched by clicking another genre switching button. A list 37 of the introduction information 21 of the genre (here, a recorded program) selected by the genre switching buttons 36a to 36e is displayed in an area below the genre switching buttons 36a to 36e. The introduction information list 37 includes the library file introduction information 21 in the genre selected by the genre switching buttons 36a to 36e among the library file introduction information 21 displayed in the library section 18 shown in FIG. is there. Here, it is assumed that the “recorded program” switching button 36 a has been selected, so that the library file introduction information 21 of the recorded program file among the library file introduction information 21 displayed in the library section 18. If the user wants to see the introduction information of the genre “movie”, the user may click the “movie” switching button 36b.
[0046]
Note that, depending on the genre, there is a case where all the library file introduction information 21 cannot be displayed at the same time. Therefore, when it is desired to view other library file introduction information 21 of the same genre, the list of library file introduction information 21 may be scrolled vertically and horizontally by operating the up / down scroll bar 31a and the left / right scroll bar 31b.
[0047]
On the left side of the display area of the introduction information list 37, a list 38 of folders registered in the library 9 (FIG. 1) is displayed. When one of the genre switching buttons 36a to 36e, for example, the "recorded program" switching button 36a is selected, the genre is designated as a representative of the recorded program files stored in the folders listed in the folder list 38. The library file introduction information 21 is displayed in the introduction information list 37.
[0048]
A tab display area 15 is provided at the lower side of the library display area 35, and two display switching tabs of an “EPG” switching tab 15a and a “Library” switching tab 15b are displayed on the tab display area 15. In the library display area 35, the “Library” switching tab 15b is in a state selected by the tab selector 33.
[0049]
According to the TV / library screen 34, the contents of the library 10 can be confirmed while watching a TV program in the TV area 24. For example, when the user wants to check a file (moving image file) of the genre “moving image” in the display state shown in FIG. The introduction information list 37 including the library file introduction information 21 of the representative moving image file from the inside is displayed.
[0050]
When the desired library file introduction information 21 in the introduction information list 37 is clicked, a library viewer / library screen 39 shown in FIG. 5 is displayed. In the library viewer / library screen 39, the library display area 35 of the TV / library screen 34 shown in FIG. 4 is set as it is in the lower half thereof. The library area 40 in which the image of the library file specified in the library display area 35 is displayed is set.
[0051]
The library area 40 has a tab display area 14 on the upper side thereof, and the area excluding the tab display area 14 is divided into two sides, one of which (for example, the left side) forms an image display area 41. The other area forms a library file list display area 42.
[0052]
The image display area 41 is the same as the image display area 26 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, but here, a library file display area 43 is provided, and the image of the file selected in the library display area 35 ( The content of the data body 10b shown in FIG. 1 is displayed. The image display area 41 is provided with a “channel” switching button 29a, an “enlarge” button 29b, and a “return” button 29c, which are the same as those of the image display area 26 in FIGS. When the "file switching" button 29a is clicked, images of other library files in the same genre as the library file currently displayed in the image display area 41 are switched and displayed.
[0053]
In the library file list display area 42, a list 42a of library files of the same genre as the library file currently displayed in the image display area 41 is displayed. By clicking any one of them, one library file is displayed. The image of the selected library file can be displayed in the library file display area 43.
[0054]
Below the library file list display area 42, genre switching buttons, that is, a "recorded program" switching button 44a, a "moving image" switching button 44b, a "still image" switching button 44c, an "audio" switching button 44d, and an "Internet" button Switch button 44e is provided, and one of them is in a selected state (here, the "recorded program" switch button 44a is selected by a hatched cursor to select the genre "recorded program". It is assumed that the genre has been selected), and the genre switching button to be selected can be changed by performing a click operation. For example, when the "moving image" switching button 44b is clicked, the image of one file belonging to the genre "moving image" is displayed in the library file display area 43, and the genre " A genre file list 42a belonging to "movie" is displayed.
[0055]
In the library viewer / library screen 39, in the library display area 35, a button of a desired genre among the genre tab switching buttons 36a to 36e is clicked to display an introduction information list 37 of this genre. By clicking and selecting a desired library file introduction information 21 from the introduction information list 37, the library area 40 is similarly displayed for the file corresponding to the library file introduction information 21 and the genre file list 42a of the genre. It can be.
[0056]
In this way, a desired file of the library 9 is selected using the “file switching” button 29a in the library area 40 and the genre file list 42a in the library file list display area 42, and further, the tab switching buttons 44a to 44e. And can be displayed in the library file display area 43, and can be selected using the introduction information list 37 in the library display area 35 and further using the tab switching buttons 36a to 36e. It can be displayed in the library file display area 43. In particular, when the library display area 35 is used, the next library file can be searched for while the contents of the library file are displayed in the library file display area 43. For example, when the related library files are to be sequentially viewed, Is preferred.
[0057]
When the “Library Viewer” switching button 14 c in the tab display area 14 is clicked on the Air screen 12 shown in FIG. 2, the display is switched to the library viewer / library screen 39. However, in the library viewer / library screen 39 in this case, a predetermined genre (for example, the genre “recorded program”) is in a selected state, and the “recorded program” is displayed in the library file list display area 42. A genre file list 42a and an introduction information list 37 of "recorded programs" are displayed in the library display area 35, however, no images are displayed in the library file display area 43 (in contrast to this). The image of the first file of this genre "recorded program" may be displayed), and the library file display area 43 is displayed by clicking any file in the genre file list 42a or the introduction information list 37. Will be displayed on the screen.
[0058]
When the "EPG" switching tab 15a is clicked in the tab display area 15 of the library viewer / library screen 39, a library viewer / EPG screen 45 shown in FIG. This library viewer / EPG screen 45 is obtained by switching the library display area 35 to the EPG area 25 shown in FIG. 3 on the library viewer / library screen 39 shown in FIG. While viewing the file in the area 43, the user can check the TV program table 26a to check what TV program is currently being broadcast.
[0059]
When a disk (not shown) is mounted on the disk drive 4 (FIG. 1), the user clicks a “Disc” switching tab 14d in the tab display area 14 of the library viewer / EPG screen 45, or When the "Disc" switching tab 14d is clicked in the tab display area 14 of the TV / EPG screen 23 shown in FIG. 3, a disk / EPG screen 46 shown in FIG.
[0060]
In the disc / EPG screen 46, a disc area 47 is set in an upper half thereof, and an EPG area 25 shown in FIGS. 3 and 6 is set in a lower half thereof. That is, when the “Disc” switching tab 14 d in the tab display area 15 is selected on the library viewer / EPG screen 45 shown in FIG. 6, the library area 40 is switched to the disk area 47 and the disk / EPG screen 46 is obtained. is there.
[0061]
The disc area 47 has a tab display area 14 at an upper side thereof, and the area excluding the tab display area 14 is divided into two right and left sides, one of which (for example, the left side) forms an image display area 48. The other area forms a list display area 49.
[0062]
The image display area 48 is the same as the image display area 26 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, but here, a disk file display area 50 for displaying the image of the file of the disk is provided. The image display area 48 is provided with an "enlarge" button 29b and a "return" button 29c similar to the image display area 26 in FIGS.
[0063]
Data such as moving image data and still image data is stored as files (hereinafter, referred to as disk files) on the disk, and a file list (hereinafter, referred to as a disk file list) indicating a recording start position of the disk files and the like. Is also recorded. When the "Disc" switching tab 14d in the tab display area 14 is clicked on the disc / EPG screen 46 (FIG. 7), the disc file list 49a is read from the disc and displayed in the list display area 49. When a desired disk file is clicked in the disk file list 49a, the disk file is read from the disk and displayed in the disk file display area 50 of the image display area 48.
[0064]
The lower half of the disc / EPG screen 46 is an EPG area 25, on which a TV program guide 30 is displayed. Thus, while watching the playback file of the disc in the disc file display area 50, it is possible to know what TV program is being broadcast from the TV program table 30, and which TV programs are likely to be interesting. .
[0065]
If the user wishes to view the library 9 while looking at the disk file in the disk file display area 50, the user may click the “Library” switching tab 15b in the tab display area 15 on the disk / EPG screen 46. Thereby, the disk / library screen 51 shown in FIG. 8 in which the EPG area 25 of the disk / EPG screen 46 is switched to the library display area 35 is displayed.
[0066]
The disc / EPG screen 46 (FIG. 7) is also displayed by clicking the "Disc" switching tab 14d in the tab display area 14 on the Air screen 12 shown in FIG. Alternatively, the disk / library screen 51 (FIG. 8) may be displayed.
[0067]
As described above, the display screen of the display unit 2 (FIG. 1) has an area for displaying images in the upper half thereof and a list of TV programs and libraries in the lower half thereof, except for the Air screen 12 (FIG. 2). The areas to be displayed are set individually, and the display contents of these areas can be switched independently of each other. While viewing the displayed screen, various types of files such as what kind of files are present, etc. You can search for the file you want to see. Then, when there is a file to be viewed, an image of the file can be displayed by clicking the introduction information of the file in the list.
[0068]
In FIG. 1, in order to register a file captured by the tuner 6 or the camera reading unit 7 in the library 9, a folder for storing the file must be registered in the library 9. A specific example of this registration method will be described with reference to FIG.
[0069]
First, by clicking the “Library Viewer” switching tab 14 c in the tag display area 14 on the Air screen 12 shown in FIG. 2, the library viewer / library screen 39 shown in FIG. Is displayed. As described above, when the “Library Viewer” switching tab 14c in the tab display area 14 is clicked on the other screen described above, and the “Library” switching tab 14c in the tab display area 15 is clicked. This library viewer / library screen 39 is obtained.
[0070]
On the library viewer / library screen 39, an “add” button 52a is provided at the lower left corner of the library display area 35. When this “add” button 52a is clicked, as shown in FIG. A dialog box 53 for adding a folder pops up. The dialog box 53 includes a library folder list 54. A desired folder in the list 54 is clicked to add a check mark, and when an “OK” button 55 is clicked, the clicked folder is displayed. Is registered in the library 9. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 9C, the registered folder is displayed in the folder list 38 of the library display area 35.
[0071]
FIG. 9 shows a case where the first folder is registered in the library 9, and this folder is used for storing files read from the tuner 6 and the camera reading unit 7. If the user wants to view a file stored in another folder with Library Viewer, the user may perform an operation to register the folder in the library 9 in the same manner.
[0072]
Library files of each genre are mixed and stored in each folder. However, if one of the genre switching buttons 36a to 36e is clicked and selected in the library display area 35 such as the library viewer / library screen 39 shown in FIG. 5, for example, the genre corresponding to the selected genre switching button 36 is displayed. The library file is searched from all the folders registered in the library 9, and the introduction information of the representative library file is displayed in the introduction information list 37. In this way, the library file of the folder registered in the library 9 becomes a target of image display in the library file display area 43, and the file is stored in order to display the image in the library file display area 43. A folder must be registered in the library 9.
[0073]
Here, a library file that is representative of each genre for which the introduction information 21 is displayed in the introduction information list 37 is, for example, one selected for each folder. In FIG. 1, for example, the camera reading unit 7 captures moving image data of a portable video camera, captures still image data (photo data) of a portable digital still camera, and further receives a TV program received by the tuner 6. Are recorded in the same folder as a single file (ie, moving image data as a moving image file, still image data as a still image file, and a recorded TV program as a recorded program file). When this folder is registered in the library 9 as described above, the first one of the moving image files stored in the registered folder becomes a representative of the genre “moving image”, and the first one of the still image files is also stored. The saved one is the representative of the genre "still image", and the one saved at the beginning of the recorded program file There will be a representative of the genre "recorded program", so that the introduction information 21 of these representative file is displayed in the introduction information list 37. These representative files are set for each folder. According to this, for example, when a camera is shot at a tourist spot or the like, these shot image data are stored in the same folder, and the introduction information 21 of one representative library file is displayed in the introduction information list 37. By clicking the introduction information 21, it is possible to view the file photographed at the sightseeing spot or the like as described with reference to FIGS.
[0074]
On the Air screen 12 in FIG. 2 and the like, the thumbnail 20 a and the comment 20 b in the TV program introduction information 20 use the information of the EPG (electronic program guide) received by the tuner 6 (FIG. 1), but are displayed in the library column 18 and the like. The comment 21b of the library file introduction information 21 is input by the user. FIG. 10 shows a specific example of the comment input operation.
[0075]
First, by clicking the "Library Viewer" switching tab 14c in the tag display area 14 on the Air screen 12 shown in FIG. 2, the library viewer / library screen 39 shown in FIG. Is displayed. As described above, the user clicks the “Library Viewer” switching tab 14c in the tab display area 14 on the other screen described above, and clicks the “Library Viewer” switching tab 14c in the tab display area 15 to click the tab. Also, this library viewer / library screen 39 is obtained.
[0076]
On this library viewer / library screen 39, click on the comment 21 area of the library introduction information 21 of the desired file to change or newly create a comment in the introduction information list 37, and click an "update" button 52b. As shown in FIG. 10B, a comment dialog box 56 is displayed. When a desired comment is entered in a comment field 56a of this dialog box 56 and an “OK” button 58 is clicked, a comment is displayed as shown in FIG. A library viewer / library screen 39 is displayed, and the comment 21b targeted on the library viewer / library screen 39 is updated or newly created.
[0077]
In this manner, the comment 21b of each of the introduction information 21 in the introduction information list 37 displayed in the library display area 35 can be made desired by the user. For example, in the case of a moving image file or a still image file imported from a portable camera, the commentary may include the shooting location, shooting date and time, and the name of the subject. In the case of a recorded program file, the type or title of the program such as a drama or movie is a comment.
[0078]
When the comment 21b is updated or newly created, by clicking on the area of the comment 21b, the library file corresponding to the clicked comment 21b is displayed as an image in the library file display area 43 of the library area 40. While viewing the display image, a comment can be created with reference to the display image.
[0079]
As described above, according to the embodiment, the file of the library includes the file of the Internet information downloaded via the Internet as a file of one genre, and includes at least one representative of the file of the Internet information. Introductory information is created for a file, and is displayed on the menu screen as a menu item along with menu items of other genres. It is possible to provide an information browsing apparatus for displaying the determined specific Internet information file introduction information in an area different from the library file introduction information and the TV program guide.
[0080]
Further, according to the above-described embodiment, when a predetermined introduction information or a predetermined TV program is selected from a TV program table on the menu screen, a library file corresponding to the selected introduction information or the selected TV program is displayed as an image. In addition, when a library file is displayed as an image, a list of all library files in the genre to which the library file belongs is displayed in a selectable manner. When a TV program is displayed as an image, a list of all channels is displayed. It is possible to provide an information browsing device that selectively displays the information.
[0081]
Further, according to the above embodiment, an information browsing apparatus is provided in which files of a library are stored in folders registered in the library, and files of one or more genres are mixed and stored in the same folder. be able to.
[0082]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, since the list of the introduction information of the representative file among the stored information (data) is displayed on the menu screen, the menu displayed on this menu screen is displayed. And the introduction information consists of an image of the file and a comment that guides the file, so it is easy to see what information is saved. Can be confirmed.
[0083]
Further, according to the present invention, an area for displaying a file and an area for displaying a list of files are provided on the same display screen, and in these areas, a file and a list for displaying images can be changed independently of each other. Thus, while viewing the image of the displayed file, other files can be confirmed and searched for, so that the multi-functionalization can be used more effectively.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an information browsing device according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a first specific example of a screen displayed on a display unit in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a view showing a second specific example of a screen displayed on the display unit in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a third specific example of a screen displayed on the display unit in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a fourth specific example of a screen displayed on the display unit in FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a fifth specific example of a screen displayed on the display unit in FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is a view showing a sixth specific example of a screen displayed on the display unit in FIG. 1;
FIG. 8 is a view showing a seventh specific example of a screen displayed on the display unit in FIG. 1;
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a specific example of a method of registering a folder for saving a file in the library in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of a method of inputting a comment of introduction information in the library introduction information list shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 8;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 CPU
2 Display
3 Input section
4 disk drive
5 Hard disk
6 Choosing
7 Camera reading section
8 EPG (Electronic Program Guide)
9 Library
10 files
10a Introduction information
10b Data body
11 Viewing program
12 Air screen
13 TV program / library list screen
14, 15 Tag display area
14a-14d, 15a, 15b Switching tag
17 TV program column
18 Library section
19 Internet section
20 TV program introduction information
21 Library Introduction Information
22 Internet Information
23 TV / EPG screen
24 TV area
25 EPG area
27 Channel list display area
28 TV program display area
30 TV program table
34 TV / Library screen
35 Library display area
36a-36e Genre switching button
37 Introduction Information List
39 Library Viewer / Library Screen
40 Library area
42 Library file list display area
43 Library file display area
44a-44e Genre switching button
45 Library Viewer / EPG screen
46 Disk / EPG screen
47 disk area
49 Disc file list display area
50 Disk file display area
51 Disk / Library screen
52a "Add" button
52b "Update" button
53 Folder dialog box
54 Folder List
56 Comment dialog box
57 Comments

Claims (6)

What is claimed is: 1. An information browsing apparatus, comprising: a file storage unit for registering and storing files of information of different genres in a library, wherein the files of the library can be browsed as appropriate.
For one or more files of the library that are representative for each genre among the files of the library stored in the file storage unit, introduction information including images and comments is created,
An information browsing apparatus comprising: a unit for displaying the introduction information as a menu item for selecting a file of the library corresponding thereto; and displaying a menu screen including a list of the menu items on a display unit while scrolling the menu screen. . In claim 1,
The information browsing apparatus, wherein the menu items of the respective genres are randomly arranged and displayed on the menu screen. In claim 1,
A receiving means for receiving a TV (television) program guide;
The information browsing apparatus, wherein the menu screen displays the list of the introduction information of the files of the library and the received TV program guide in different areas. The display screen of the display unit is divided into a first area and a second area, and the first area is used as an area for displaying a file list for selecting a file, and the second area is used as an area for displaying the first area. An area for displaying the image of the file selected in the file list,
In the first area, first switching means for switching a list of files of different types is provided, and in the second area, second switching means for switching the type of a file to be displayed is provided. An information browsing device characterized by the following. In claim 4,
The file types are a received TV (television) program file, a library file registered in a library, and a disk file to be imported from a disk-shaped recording medium,
When displaying an image of a received TV program file, library file, or disc file in the second area, the file list displayed in the first area may be any one of a TV program table and a list of introduction information of the library file. An information browsing device characterized by being one of them. In claim 4 or 5,
An information browsing apparatus, wherein a file selected from a list displayed in the first area is displayed in the second area.

Images