JP2005267646A - Device and method for controlling display - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a key to be used for an operation to be intuitively recognized at that time point. <P>SOLUTION: When a password to be inputted in the case of viewing a program with age limit is set, for example, two items, i.e., a menu item for inputting the password and a menu item for inputting an age to be limited are displayed on a menu picture. When one of the menu items is selected, an up key and a down key are operated so as to move a cursor to one item. A determination key is operated to determine the item. Accordingly, a vertical key effectiveness mark 111 and a determination key effectiveness mark 112 are displayed. Besides, a menu key mark 113 is displayed since a menu key is operated when the setting processing is terminated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a display control apparatus and method, and particularly corresponds to a key that allows a plurality of symbols to be displayed in the same arrangement as a plurality of keys and that allows effective input at that time among the plurality of symbols. The present invention relates to a display control apparatus and method for displaying a symbol in a state different from a symbol for which valid input cannot be performed.

  For example, an apparatus that displays an image on a predetermined screen, such as a CRT, is widely used, such as a VTR.

  In such an apparatus, when a predetermined setting is performed, a menu having a plurality of menu items is displayed. Then, the user selects a menu item corresponding to a desired setting by operating an operation unit provided on the housing of the apparatus or an operation unit provided on the remote controller as shown in FIG. 14, for example. .

  In such a device, when a menu having a plurality of menu items is displayed, as shown in FIG. 15, for example, a method for moving a cursor indicating a menu item, a method for determining selection of a menu item, etc. Some are displayed at the bottom of.

  However, in the above-described apparatus, as shown in FIG. 15, symbols corresponding to each operation key are displayed in a different arrangement from the actual operation unit (FIG. 14), so the symbols displayed on the screen Has the problem that it is difficult to intuitively determine the operation keys shown.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and displays a plurality of symbols respectively corresponding to a plurality of keys in the same arrangement as the plurality of keys, and is effective at that time among the plurality of symbols. The key corresponding to the key that can be used for the input can be displayed in a state different from the symbol that cannot be used for the effective input, and the user can select the operation key used for the operation performed at that time. It makes it possible to recognize intuitively.

  The display control device according to the present invention determines whether the processing executed by the execution means corresponding to the direction key or the determination key is valid or invalid in the items input by the input means for the direction key and the determination key. A symbol that is a predetermined image data corresponding to a direction key or a determination key, and that generates a symbol imitating the arrangement of the direction key and the determination key, based on a determination result of the determination unit and a determination result of the determination unit And a display control means for controlling the display of the display means so that the generated symbol is displayed in a state simulating the arrangement of the direction key and the determination key together with the screen. A symbol corresponding to an invalid direction key or determination key and a symbol corresponding to an invalid direction key or determination key are generated separately

  The display control means can display characters that explain the operation corresponding to the valid input in correspondence with the symbols.

  The symbol generation means can generate a symbol having the same arrangement and shape as the direction key or the determination key.

  The symbol generating means includes four symbols corresponding to the four keys arranged in a ring as direction keys and one key arranged in the center of the four keys arranged in a ring as a decision key. The display control unit can control the display of the generated symbol on the display unit.

  The display control method according to the present invention determines whether the processing executed by the execution means corresponding to the direction key or the determination key is valid or invalid in the item input by the input means for the direction key and the determination key. A symbol that is a symbol that is predetermined image data corresponding to a direction key or a determination key, and that generates a symbol imitating the arrangement of the direction key and the determination key, based on a determination step for determination and a determination result of the determination step Including a generation step and a display control step for controlling display of the display means so that the generated symbol is displayed together with the screen in a state simulating the arrangement of the direction key and the determination key. A symbol corresponding to a valid direction key or enter key is generated separately from a symbol corresponding to an invalid direction key or enter key And wherein the Rukoto.

  In the display control apparatus and method according to the present invention, the processing executed by the execution means corresponding to the direction key or the decision key is valid or invalid in the items input by the input means for the direction key and the decision key. Based on the result of the determination, a symbol that is predetermined image data corresponding to the direction key or the determination key, which is a symbol simulating the arrangement of the direction key and the determination key, is generated together with the screen. The display of the display means is controlled so that the generated symbol is displayed in a state simulating the arrangement of the direction key and the determination key, and the symbol corresponding to the valid direction key or determination key and the invalid direction key or determination are determined. It is generated separately from the symbol corresponding to the key.

  According to the present invention, a plurality of symbols are displayed on the display means in the same arrangement as the plurality of keys, and among the plurality of symbols, a symbol corresponding to a key that can be effectively input at that time is displayed. Since the symbols are displayed in a state different from symbols that cannot be input, the user can intuitively recognize the operation keys used for the operation performed at that time.

  BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The best mode of the present invention will be described below. The correspondence relationship between the disclosed invention and the embodiments is exemplified as follows. Although there are embodiments which are described in this specification but are not described here as corresponding to the invention, the embodiments correspond to the invention. It does not mean that it is not a thing. Conversely, even if an embodiment is described herein as corresponding to an invention, that means that the embodiment does not correspond to an invention other than the invention. It is not a thing.

  Further, this description does not mean all the inventions described in the specification. In other words, this description is for the invention described in the specification and not claimed in this application, i.e., for the invention that will be applied for in the future or that will appear as a result of amendment and added. It does not deny existence.

  According to the present invention, a display control apparatus is provided. In this display control device (for example, IRD2 in FIG. 1), regarding the direction key and the determination key, in the item to be input by the input unit, the processing executed by the execution unit corresponding to the direction key or the determination key is effective. Alternatively, the image data is predetermined image data corresponding to a direction key or a decision key based on a determination unit (for example, the CPU 29 that executes the process of step S2 in FIG. 5) and determination result of the determination unit. Symbol generation means (for example, the CPU 29 in FIG. 3) that generates symbols that imitate the arrangement of the direction key and the determination key, and the generated symbol simulates the arrangement of the direction key and the determination key together with the screen. Display control means for controlling the display of the display means so as to be displayed in the state (for example, the CPU 29 that executes the process of step S3 in FIG. 5). The provided, symbol generation means may be generated by distinguishing the symbols corresponding to the valid direction key or the enter key, and a symbol corresponding to the invalid direction key or the enter key.

  The display control means can display characters that explain the operation corresponding to the valid input in correspondence with the symbols.

  The symbol generation means can generate a symbol having the same arrangement and shape as the direction key or the determination key.

  The symbol generating means includes four symbols corresponding to the four keys arranged in a ring as direction keys and one key arranged in the center of the four keys arranged in a ring as a decision key. The display control unit can control the display of the generated symbol on the display unit.

  According to the present invention, a display control method is provided. This display control method determines whether the processing executed by the execution means corresponding to the direction key or the determination key is valid or invalid in the items input by the input means for the direction key and the determination key. Based on the determination step (for example, the process of step S2 in FIG. 5) and the determination result of the determination step, the symbol is predetermined symbol data corresponding to the direction key or the determination key, and the direction key and the determination key A symbol generation step (for example, the process of step S3 in FIG. 5) for generating a symbol imitating the arrangement and the screen so that the generated symbol is displayed in a state imitating the arrangement of the direction key and the determination key. Display control step (for example, the process of step S3 in FIG. 5) for controlling the display of the display means, and the symbol generation step is an effective one A symbol corresponding to the key or the key may be generated by distinguishing the symbol corresponding to the invalid direction key or the enter key.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of an AV (Audio Video) system to which the present invention is applied. In this embodiment, the AV system is an IRD (Integrated Receiver / Decoder) that demodulates a signal received by a parabolic antenna 1 from a radio wave transmitted from a transmitting device (not shown) via a satellite (broadcast satellite or communication satellite). ) 2 and a television receiver 3 (display means).

  A command can be input to the IRD 2 (or the television receiver 3) by an infrared (IR) signal by a remote commander 6 (input means). That is, when a predetermined switch of the remote commander 6 is operated, the corresponding IR signal is emitted from the IR signal transmitting unit 72 (FIG. 4) and incident on the IR signal receiving unit 39 (FIG. 2) of the IRD2. It is made like that.

  The IRD 2 supplies its output to the television receiver 3 via an AV line 4 constituted by, for example, three lines of a composite video signal line, an audio L signal line, and an audio R signal line. Further, the IRD 2 has an AV device control signal transmission / reception unit 2A, and the television receiver 3 has an AV device control signal transmission / reception unit 3A. These are connected to each other by a control line 5 made of wired SIRCS (Wired Sony Infrared Remote Control System) (trademark).

  FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of the front of the IRD 2. A lid 52 is provided at the center of the casing 51 (input means) so that it can be opened and closed, so that the IC card 33 can be mounted therein. A power key 53 is provided on the left side of the IRD 2. The power key 53 is operated when the power is turned on or off. Below the power key 53, an IR signal receiving unit 39 for receiving an IR signal from the remote commander 6 is provided.

  The LED 55 is turned on when a predetermined message is transmitted to the IRD 2 via a satellite. When the user outputs this message to the television receiver 3 for display and confirms this, the LED 55 is turned off. An LED 56 disposed below the LED 55 is lit when the IRD 2 is communicating via a telephone line.

  The program guide key 57 and the menu key 58 are operated when displaying an electronic program guide or menu on the television receiver 3, respectively.

  Up key 61, down key 62, left key 63, and right key 64 are annularly arranged on the upper, lower, left and right sides of the determination key 65. The up key 61, the down key 62, the left key 63, and the right key 64 (hereinafter, these keys are also referred to as direction keys as appropriate) are operated when the cursor is moved in the vertical and horizontal directions. The determination key 65 is operated when selecting (selecting) selection. The channel up key 59 and the channel down key 60 are operated when the received channel is up or down.

  FIG. 3 shows an internal configuration example of the IRD 2. An RF signal output from an LNB (Low Noise Block downconverter) 1a of the parabolic antenna 1 is supplied to the tuner 21 of the front end 20 and demodulated. The output of the tuner 21 is supplied to the QPSK demodulating circuit 22 and QPSK demodulated. The output of the QPSK demodulator circuit 22 is supplied to an error correction circuit 23, where an error is detected and corrected, and is corrected as necessary.

  An IC card 33 composed of a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like stores a key necessary for decrypting the encryption together with a decryption program. When a signal transmitted via a satellite is encrypted, a key and a decryption process are required to decrypt the encryption. Therefore, this key is read from the IC card 33 via the card reader interface 32 and supplied to the demultiplexer 24. The demultiplexer 24 uses this key to decrypt the encrypted signal.

  The IC card 33 stores accounting information as well as keys and decryption programs necessary for decryption.

  The demultiplexer 24 receives a signal output from the error correction circuit 23 of the front end 20 and temporarily stores it in a data buffer memory (DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or SRAM (Static Random Access Memory)) 35. Then, this is read out as appropriate, the decoded video signal is supplied to the MPEG video decoder 25, and the decoded audio signal is supplied to the MPEG audio decoder 26.

  The MPEG video decoder 25 appropriately stores the input digital video signal in the DRAM 25a, and executes a decoding process of the video signal compressed by the MPEG method. The decoded video signal is supplied to the NTSC encoder 27 and converted into an NTSC luminance signal (Y), chroma signal (C), and composite signal (V). The luminance signal and the chroma signal are respectively output as S video signals via the buffer amplifiers 28Y and 28C. The composite signal is output from the buffer amplifier 28V via the AV line 4.

  As the MPEG video decoder 25, an MPEG2 decoding LSI (STi3500) manufactured by SGS-Thomson Microelectronics can be used. The outline is introduced by Martin Bolton on pages 101 to 110 of Nikkei BP "Nikkei Electronics" 1994.14 (no. 603), pages 101 to 110, for example.

  MPEG2-Transportstream is described in pages 231 to 253 of “Latest MPEG Textbook” issued on August 1, 1994 by ASCII Corporation.

  The MPEG audio decoder 26 appropriately stores the digital audio signal supplied from the demultiplexer 24 in the DRAM 26a, and executes the decoding process of the audio signal compressed by the MPEG method. The decoded audio signal is D / A converted by the D / A converter 30, the left channel audio signal is output from the buffer amplifier 31L via the AV line 4, and the right channel audio signal is output from the buffer amplifier 31R. Are output via the AV line 4.

  The RF modulator 41 converts the composite signal output from the NTSC encoder 27 and the audio signal output from the D / A converter 30 into an RF signal and outputs the RF signal. In addition, when the TV mode is set, the RF modulator 41 passes an NTSC RF signal input from an AV device such as a cable box to the VCR or other AV device (none of which is shown). Output as is.

  In the case of this embodiment, these video signals and audio signals are supplied to the television receiver 3 via the AV line 4.

  A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 29 (execution means, symbol generation means) executes various processes in accordance with programs stored in the ROM 37. For example, the tuner 21, the QPSK demodulation circuit 22, the error correction circuit 23, and the like are controlled. Further, the AV device control signal transmission / reception unit 2A is controlled, and a predetermined control signal is output to another AV device (in this embodiment, the television receiver 3) via the control line 5. Receive control signals from AV equipment.

  A predetermined command can be directly input to the CPU 29 by operating various keys (FIG. 2) on the front panel 40. When the remote commander 6 (FIG. 4) is operated, an IR signal is emitted from the IR signal transmission unit 72, the IR signal is received by the IR signal reception unit 39, and the light reception result is supplied to the CPU 29. Accordingly, a predetermined command can be input to the CPU 29 also by operating the remote commander 6.

  Further, the demultiplexer 24 takes in EPG (Electrical Program Guide) data and the like in addition to the MPEG video data and audio data supplied from the front end 20 and supplies them to the EPG area 35A of the data buffer memory 35 for storage. EPG information is information about programs of each broadcast channel up to 24 hours after the current time (in the case of EPG2 and EPG1-2) or 150 hours later (in the case of EPG2, EPG3, EPG1-2, and EPG1-3) (for example, In addition to the still image of the program, channel, broadcast time, title, category, etc.) are included. Since this EPG information is frequently transmitted, the latest EPG can always be held in the EPG area 35A.

  In an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) 38, data (for example, reception history of the tuner 21 for four weeks, channel number received immediately before a predetermined operation is performed) after the power is turned off are stored in the EEPROM 38. Last channel)) and the like are stored as appropriate. This memory is used, for example, when the same channel as the last channel is received again when the power is turned on. When the last channel is not stored, the channel stored as a default in the ROM 37 is received.

  Further, when the sleep mode is set, the CPU 29 operates the minimum circuits such as the front end 20, the demultiplexer 24, and the data buffer memory 35 even when the power is off, and is included in the received signal. The current time is counted from the time information, and control for causing each circuit to perform a predetermined operation at a predetermined time is also executed. For example, timer automatic recording is executed in conjunction with an external VCR.

  Furthermore, the CPU 29 controls the MPEG video decoder 25 when it is desired to generate predetermined OSD (On-Screen Display) data. In response to this control, the MPEG video decoder 25 generates predetermined OSD data, writes it to the OSD area of the DRAM 25a, reads it out, and outputs it. Thereby, predetermined characters, figures, images (for example, characters, symbols, icons, screens superimposed on a normal screen) and the like can be appropriately output to the television receiver 3 for display.

  The SRAM 36 is used as a work memory for the CPU 29. The modem 34 exchanges data via a telephone line under the control of the CPU 29.

  FIG. 4 shows a configuration example of the remote commander 6. An IR signal transmitter 72 for generating an IR signal corresponding to the operation of various keys is provided at the upper part. The power key 73 is operated when the power of the IRD 2 is turned on or off, and the television power key 74 is operated when the power of the television receiver 3 is turned on or off. The mute key 75 is operated when the audio signal is muted or unmuted. The switch key 76 is operated when the IRD 2 is remotely controlled by the remote commander 6, and the switch key 77 is operated when the television receiver 3 is remotely operated by the remote commander 6.

  The input switching key 78 is operated when switching the input to the IRD 2 or the television receiver 3. The screen display key 79 is operated to switch a state in which characters of a predetermined electronic program guide are displayed on the television receiver 3. The dual voice key 80 is operated when switching a plurality of channels as voice channels.

  The numeric keypad 81 is operated when inputting numbers from 0 to 9. The number 0 key and the “channel selection” key are operated when the number 10 or 12 is input, and the key arranged between the two is operated when the number 11 is input.

  The menu key 82 is operated when displaying a menu, and the promotion key (promo key) 83 is operated when displaying a promotion channel. The program explanation key 84 is operated to display program explanation information in the electronic program guide. The multi key 85 is operated as an electronic program guide when displaying a reduced screen of each broadcast channel on one screen as, for example, 4 × 4 multi screens. The program guide key 86 is operated when displaying an electronic program guide. The jump key 87 is operated when shifting to the last channel.

  An up key 88, a down key 89, a left key 90, and a right key 91 (these keys are also referred to as direction keys as appropriate hereinafter) are operated to move the cursor in the vertical and horizontal directions, respectively. The arranged decision key 92 is operated when inputting a decision of selection. The channel up / down key 94 is operated when incrementing or decrementing the received channel by one. The up key 88, down key 89, left key 90, right key 91, and enter key 92 are an up key 61, a down key 62, a left key 63, a right key 64 and a enter key provided in the main body of the IRD 2 shown in FIG. It corresponds to the key 65, and its arrangement shape also corresponds. The channel up / down key 94 corresponds to the channel up key 59 and the channel down key 60 of FIG.

  The volume up / down key 93 is operated when the volume is increased or decreased by a certain amount.

  Next, the basic operation will be described. When the user operates, for example, the numeric keypad 81 of the remote commander 6 to input a predetermined channel number, an IR signal corresponding to the input number is output from the IR signal transmission unit 72. This IR signal is received by the IR signal receiver 39 of IRD2. When receiving a signal corresponding to the IR signal from the IR signal receiving unit 39, the CPU 29 controls the tuner 21 to receive the channel corresponding to the input number.

  The tuner 21 demodulates the signal corresponding to the channel number designated by the CPU 29 from the signal supplied from the LNB 1 a and outputs the demodulated signal to the QPSK demodulation circuit 22. The signal QPSK demodulated by the QPSK demodulator 22 is further input to the error correction circuit 23, subjected to error correction processing, and then input to the demultiplexer 24. In the demultiplexer 24, the input data is separated into video data and audio data, and the video data is supplied to the MPEG video decoder 25 and the audio data is supplied to the MPEG audio decoder 26, respectively. The MPEG video decoder 25 decodes the input video data by the MPEG method and then outputs it to the NTSC encoder 27. The NTSC encoder 27 converts the input video data into an NTSC video signal. This video signal is supplied to the television receiver 3 via the AV line 4 as a composite video signal via the amplifier 28V, for example.

  Also, the MPEG audio decoder 26 decodes the input audio data by the MPEG method and outputs it to the D / A converter 30. The D / A converter 30 performs D / A conversion on the input audio data, and outputs it as left and right analog audio signals via the amplifiers 31L and 31R. This audio signal is also output to the television receiver 3 via the AV line 4. In this way, the image and sound of the program instructed by the user operating the remote commander 6 are output to the television receiver 3.

  In addition, when the demultiplexer 24 detects EPG data from the received signal, the demultiplexer 24 supplies the EPG data to the data buffer memory 35, and stores the EPG area 35A in the upper part.

  When a predetermined key of the remote commander 6 is operated to read out the EPG information, the CPU 29 reads out the EPG data stored in the EPG area 35A and converts it into the MPEG video decoder 25 and converts it into OSD data. Let The OSD data is output to the NTSC encoder 27, and is superimposed on an image of a normal program and output.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 5, the operation when selecting a viewing program and various settings using a menu will be described.

  First, in step S1, the CPU 29 of the IRD 2 displays a menu image corresponding to, for example, EPG data on the television receiver 3. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the program title and channel number (in this case, “Charlott Gainsbourg... 155”) and menu description (in this case) are superimposed on a preview image of a predetermined program. , "Please press this program ...") and menu items ("Purchase" in this case) are displayed as menu images.

  Next, in step S2, the CPU 29 determines whether or not all of the up keys 61 and 88, the down keys 62 and 89, the left keys 63 and 90, and the right keys 64 and 91 are valid in the operation at that time. When it is determined that all of these keys are valid, in step S3, the up / down / left / right key valid mark is displayed at a predetermined position, and the character of “select” is displayed next to the mark, and then in step S10. Proceed to

  As shown in FIG. 7, the up / down / left / right key valid marks are arranged in the same manner as the actual operation unit (direction key and determination key), and correspond to the symbol K1 corresponding to the up key 61, 88 and the down key 62, 89. , A symbol K3 corresponding to the left keys 63 and 90, a symbol K4 corresponding to the right keys 64 and 91, and a symbol K5 corresponding to the decision keys 65 and 92. As shown in FIG. 8A, in the up / down / left / right key valid mark, valid keys (up keys 61 and 88, down keys 62 and 89, left keys 63 and 90, and right keys 64 and 91) are used. Corresponding symbols K1 to K4 are displayed in yellow, for example, and symbols K5 corresponding to invalid keys (decision keys 65 and 92) are displayed in dark gray, for example.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2 that any one of the up keys 61 and 88, the down keys 62 and 89, the left keys 63 and 90, and the right keys 64 and 91 is not valid, the process proceeds to step S4, and the CPU 29 It is determined whether the left keys 63 and 90 and the right keys 64 and 91 are valid in the operation at the time. When the CPU 29 determines that the left keys 63 and 90 and the right keys 64 and 91 are valid, in step S5, the left / right key valid mark is displayed at a predetermined position, and the character “select” is displayed next to the mark. After the display, the process proceeds to step S10.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the left / right key valid mark is composed of symbols K1 to K5 arranged in the same manner as the actual operation unit. As shown in FIG. 8B, in the left / right key valid mark, symbols K3 and K4 corresponding to valid keys (left keys 63 and 90 and right keys 64 and 91) are displayed in yellow, for example. Symbols K1, K2, and K5 corresponding to invalid keys (up keys 61 and 88, down keys 62 and 89, and enter keys 65 and 92) are displayed in dark gray, for example.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S4 that one of the left keys 63, 90 and the right keys 64, 91 is not valid, the process proceeds to step S6, and the CPU 29 performs the up key 61, 88 and the down key 62, in the operation at that time. It is determined whether 89 is valid. When determining that the up key 61, 88 and the down key 62, 89 are valid, the CPU 29 displays the up / down key valid mark at a predetermined position in step S7, and the character "select" next to the mark. Is displayed, and then the process proceeds to step S10.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the up / down key valid mark includes symbols K1 to K5 arranged in the same manner as the actual operation unit. As shown in FIG. 8C, in the up / down key valid mark, symbols K1, K2 corresponding to valid keys (up key 61, 88 and down key 62, 89) are displayed in yellow, for example, and are invalid. Symbols K3 to K5 corresponding to various keys (left keys 63 and 90, right keys 64 and 91, and enter keys 65 and 92) are displayed in dark gray, for example.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S6 that any one of the up keys 61 and 88 and the down keys 62 and 89 is not valid, the process proceeds to step S8, and the CPU 29 validates only the left keys 63 and 90 in the operation at that time. Determine whether or not. If it is determined that only the left keys 63 and 90 are valid, the CPU 29 displays a left key valid mark at a predetermined position in step S9, and displays a character “cancel” next to the mark, and then the step 29 Proceed to S10. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8 that the left keys 63 and 90 are not valid, the process proceeds to step S10.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the left key valid mark is composed of symbols K1 to K5 arranged in the same manner as the actual operation unit. As shown in FIG. 8D, in the left key valid mark, the symbol K4 corresponding to the valid key (left key 63, 90) is displayed in yellow, for example, and the invalid key (up key 61, 88, The symbols K1 to K3 and K5 corresponding to the down keys 62 and 89, the light keys 64 and 91, and the enter keys 65 and 92) are displayed in dark gray, for example.

  Next, in step S10, the CPU 29 determines whether or not the decision keys 65 and 92 and the write keys 64 and 91 are valid in the operation at that time, and the decision keys 65 and 92 and the write keys 64 and 91 are valid. In step S11, the determination key and the right key valid mark are displayed at predetermined positions, the character “determine” is displayed next to the mark, and the process proceeds to step S14.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the enter key and the right key valid mark are composed of symbols K1 to K5 arranged in the same manner as the actual operation unit. As shown in FIG. 8 (e), symbols K4 and K5 corresponding to valid keys (decision keys 65 and 92 and light keys 64 and 91) are displayed in, for example, yellow in the enter key and right key valid mark. Then, symbols K1 to K3 corresponding to invalid keys (up keys 61 and 88, down keys 62 and 89, and left keys 63 and 90) are displayed in dark gray, for example.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S10 that any one of the enter keys 65 and 92 and the write keys 64 and 91 is not valid, the process proceeds to step S12, and the CPU 29 validates the enter keys 65 and 92 in the operation at that time. Determine whether or not. When determining that the decision keys 65 and 92 are valid, the CPU 29 displays the decision key valid mark 101 at a predetermined position in step S13, for example, as shown in FIG. ”Is displayed, and then the process proceeds to step S14.

  The determination key valid mark is composed of symbols K1 to K5 arranged in the same manner as the actual operation unit, as shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 8 (f), in the enter key valid mark, the symbol K5 corresponding to the valid key (decision keys 65 and 92) is displayed in yellow, for example, and the invalid key (up keys 61 and 88). Symbols K1 to K4 corresponding to the down keys 62 and 89, the left keys 63 and 90, and the right keys 64 and 91) are displayed in dark gray, for example.

  Next, in step S14, the CPU 29 determines whether or not the menu keys 58 and 82 are valid in the operation at that time, and if it is determined that the menu keys 58 and 82 are valid, the menu 29 in step S15. After the key mark is displayed at a predetermined position and the character “END” is displayed next to the mark, the process proceeds to step S16. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S14 that the menu keys 58 and 82 are not valid, the process proceeds to step S16.

  As shown in FIG. 8G, the menu key mark is composed of a button pattern and “menu” characters, imitating the menu keys 58 and 82.

  In step S16, the CPU 29 determines whether or not the numeric keypad 81 is valid in the operation at that time. If the numeric keypad 81 is determined to be valid, the numeric keypad mark is displayed at a predetermined position in step S17. After the character “input” is displayed next to the mark, the process proceeds to step S18. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S16 that the numeric keypad 81 is not valid, the process proceeds to step S18.

  As shown in FIG. 8 (h), the numeric keypad is composed of twelve buttons in a pattern similar to the numeric keypad 81. Of the numeric key marks, portions corresponding to the numbers 0 to 9 are displayed in yellow, for example, and other portions (portions corresponding to keys that are not used) are displayed in dark gray, for example.

  As described above, after displaying the keys that are valid at that time separately from the invalid keys, in step S18, the process waits until one of the valid keys is operated.

  When any valid key is operated in step S18, the CPU 29 performs a process corresponding to the key in step S19.

  When the process is completed, the CPU 29 determines in step S20 whether or not to end the selection process on the screen. If it is determined that the process is not ended, the CPU 29 returns to step S18 and waits until the next operation is performed. . On the other hand, if it is determined to end, the selection process on the screen is ended, and the process proceeds to step S21.

  Next, in step S21, it is determined whether or not the next menu screen is to be displayed. If it is determined that the next menu screen is to be displayed, the process returns to step S1 and the same processing is performed corresponding to the next menu screen. Do. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S21 that the next menu screen is not displayed, the menu selection process is terminated.

  For example, if a program is purchased on the screen shown in FIG. 6, it is determined in step S21 that the next menu screen is displayed, and the process returns to step S1, and the types of video, audio, and data are arranged as shown in FIG. The menu screen is displayed.

  Of the video, audio, and data menu items, the up keys 61 and 88, the down keys 62 and 89, the left keys 63 and 90, and the right keys 64 and 91 are operated to indicate a desired menu item, and the enter keys 65 and 92 are selected. To select the menu item, the up / down / left / right key valid mark 106 and the enter key valid mark 107 are displayed in steps S2 to S17.

  Then, in steps S18 and S19, the user selects video, audio and data to be viewed. The instructed item is displayed in yellow, and the other items are displayed in white. A check mark is displayed at the head of the determined item. Then, after all selections are completed, the “confirm” menu item is selected, and the selection on this menu screen is completed.

  As another example, when setting a password to be input when viewing an age-restricted program, as shown in FIG. 10, on the menu screen, a menu item for entering the password and the restriction Two items of menu items for inputting the age to be displayed are displayed up and down.

  When selecting one of these menu items, the cursor is moved to one of the items by operating the up keys 61 and 88 and the down keys 62 and 89 (that is, the display color of the menu item is changed from white to yellow). Since the item is selected by operating the enter keys 65 and 92, the up / down key valid mark 111 and the enter key valid mark 112 are displayed as shown in FIG. Further, when the setting process is ended, the menu keys 58 and 82 are operated, so that the menu key mark 113 is displayed.

  For example, when a menu item for inputting a personal identification number is selected, the numeric keypad 115 is displayed as shown in FIG. 11 because the numeric keypad 81 is used to input a four-digit personal identification number.

  Then, when the first digit number is input with the numeric keypad 81, as shown in FIG. 12A, the number is displayed and corresponds to the left keys 63 and 90 operated when canceling the number. The left key valid mark 122 is displayed next to the numeric key mark 115.

  Further, until a four-digit number is input with the numeric keypad 81, the numeric key mark 115 and the left key valid mark 122 are displayed together with the menu key mark 123 as shown in FIGS. 12 (b) and 12 (c). .

  When the input of the fourth digit is completed with the numeric keypad 81, the enter key 65, 92 is then operated to determine the input code number, so that as shown in FIG. An enter key valid mark 124 is displayed next to the left key valid mark 122. At this time, since the ten key 81 is not used, the ten key mark 115 is erased.

  When the enter keys 65 and 92 are operated, the personal identification number is registered, and the screen returns to the original menu screen as shown in FIG.

  As described above, the symbols are displayed according to the actual shape and arrangement of the operation unit, and further, the symbols corresponding to the valid operation keys and the symbols corresponding to the invalid operation keys are displayed separately. On the other hand, it is possible to intuitively recognize the operation keys effective at that time. Therefore, even when many operation keys are provided, the key to be operated can be easily determined.

  The symbol display described above is not limited to the selection of a viewing program and the age restriction setting, and can be appropriately performed when an operation on the operation unit (such as the remote commander 6) is required. .

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the AV system to which this invention is applied. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the front of IRD2 of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the example of an internal structure of IRD2 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the remote commander 6 of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement of selection using a menu. It is a figure which shows an example of the menu screen displayed on the television receiver of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the arrangement | sequence of the symbol corresponding to an actual operation part. It is a figure which shows the example of the symbol displayed on the television receiver of FIG. It is a figure which shows the other example of the menu screen displayed on the television receiver of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the symbol in the menu screen which sets an age restriction | limiting. It is a figure which shows the other example of arrangement | positioning of the symbol in the menu screen which sets an age restriction | limiting. It is a figure which shows the further another example of arrangement | positioning of the symbol in the menu screen which sets an age restriction | limiting. It is a figure which shows the further another example of arrangement | positioning of the symbol in the menu screen which sets an age restriction | limiting. It is a figure which shows an example of an operation key. It is a figure which shows an example of the conventional menu screen.

Explanation of symbols

  1 Parabolic antenna, 2 IRD, 3 Television receiver, 6 Remote commander, 21 Tuner, 23 Error correction circuit, 24 Demultiplexer, 25 MPEG video decoder, 25a DRAM, 26 MPEG audio decoder, 26a DRAM, 29 CPU, 35 Data Buffer memory, 35A EPG area, 36 SRAM, 37 ROM, 38 EEPROM, 39 IR signal receiver

Claims (5)

Direction keys operated when moving the cursor up / down / left / right, and input means having a determination key arranged at the center of the direction keys for determining selection by the cursor;
Execution means for executing processing corresponding to the input from the input means;
In a display control device of an electronic device system comprising: display means for displaying a screen for performing input for executing the processing;
With respect to the direction key and the determination key, it is determined whether a process executed by the execution unit corresponding to the direction key or the determination key is valid or invalid in an item input by the input unit. Judgment means,
Symbol generation for generating a symbol which is predetermined image data corresponding to the direction key or the determination key and imitates the arrangement of the direction key and the determination key based on the determination result of the determination unit Means,
Display control means for controlling the display of the display means so that the generated symbol is displayed together with the screen in a state simulating the arrangement of the direction key and the determination key,
The display control device, wherein the symbol generation unit generates a symbol corresponding to the valid direction key or the determination key and a symbol corresponding to the invalid direction key or the determination key. The display control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays a character explaining an operation corresponding to the valid input in correspondence with the symbol. The display control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the symbol generation unit generates a symbol having the same arrangement and shape as the direction key or the determination key. The symbol generation means includes four symbols corresponding to four keys arranged in a ring as direction keys and one arranged in the center of the four keys arranged in a ring as a decision key. Generate one symbol corresponding to the key of
The display control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit controls display of the generated symbol on the display unit. Direction keys operated when moving the cursor up / down / left / right, and input means having a determination key arranged at the center of the direction keys for determining selection by the cursor;
Execution means for executing processing corresponding to the input from the input means;
In a display control method for an electronic device system comprising: display means for displaying a screen for performing input for executing the processing;
With respect to the direction key and the determination key, it is determined whether a process executed by the execution unit corresponding to the direction key or the determination key is valid or invalid in an item input by the input unit. A decision step;
Symbol generation for generating a symbol which is predetermined image data corresponding to the direction key or the determination key and imitates the arrangement of the direction key and the determination key based on the determination result of the determination step Steps,
A display control step for controlling display of the display means so that the generated symbol is displayed together with the screen in a state imitating the arrangement of the direction key and the determination key,
The display control method, wherein the symbol generation step distinguishes and generates a symbol corresponding to the valid direction key or the determination key and a symbol corresponding to the invalid direction key or the determination key.

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