JP2006011575A - Display device and operation guidance provision method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily and certainly master various operations without referring to an instruction manual or the like provided by a paper medium. <P>SOLUTION: Operation guidance display including appearance display of a monitor device is displayed on a display screen of an LCD 101 by use of display information of an EEPROM 174 by a control part 170 and a composition part 186. Simultaneously, an image signal for displaying an image on a display screen portion in the appearance display of the monitor device included in the operation guidance display is formed from an image signal forming a normal display image displayed on the display screen of a display element when not performing the operation guidance display, by a child screen processing part 185, and is composed with the operation guidance display in the composition part 186. The display or the like of the display screen portion of the appearance display is changed according to operation input received through a touch panel 103 or the like. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention provides an image processing apparatus that provides image information to a display unit having various display elements such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display, and a CRT (Cathode-Ray Tube). The present invention relates to an operation guidance providing method used in the image processing apparatus.

  For example, when an electronic device such as a television receiver is newly purchased and used, it may be confusing without knowing how to operate the device. In such a case, generally, the user will learn how to operate by referring to an instruction manual (operation manual) attached to the electronic device. However, operating an electronic device while referring to the instruction manual is cumbersome and often difficult to understand.

Therefore, in Patent Document 1 described later, for example, when the operation procedure is not known, the operation procedure to be performed next is displayed by displaying characters, numbers, figures, and the like indicating the operation procedure to be performed next on the display. Is disclosed in a way that is easy to understand for users. By using the technique described in Patent Document 1, it is possible to operate the electronic device as intended by performing an appropriate operation without referring to the instruction manual of the electronic device to be operated. I have to.
JP-A-8-279206

  By the way, the technique described in Patent Document 1 described above is effective as a technique for improving the usability of an electronic device because it can easily present an operation procedure to be performed next. However, in today's electronic devices that have come to be equipped with a wide variety of functions, the user can easily and surely learn various operations for using various functions. It is desired. That is, it is not sufficient to provide only the operation procedure to be performed next to the user.

  In general, the instruction manual for the electronic device to be operated has an operation explanation for all available functions. Therefore, by operating the electronic device according to the description in the instruction manual for the electronic device to be operated, It is possible to learn an operation procedure when using a target function.

  However, even if the operation is performed in accordance with the description in the instruction manual, it may not be known whether the electronic device is operating as described in the instruction manual, and the user may be confused. In other words, in the instruction manual, the explanation of the state after a predetermined operation on the electronic device may be simplified or omitted, and the state described in the instruction manual and the actual state of the electronic device There are many cases where it is not clear whether or not they match.

  In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method that allow various operations to be easily and reliably learned without referring to an instruction manual provided by a paper medium. .

In order to solve the above-described problem, a display device according to claim 1 is provided.
A display unit having a display element for displaying an image;
A receiving means for receiving an operation input from a user;
Storage means for storing display information for performing operation guidance display including appearance display of the display device section;
When an operation input for performing the operation guidance display is received through the reception unit, the operation guidance display is displayed on the display screen of the display element based on the display information stored in the storage unit. Operation guidance display processing means to be
An image of an image to be displayed on a display screen portion on an appearance display of the display device portion of the operation guidance display from an image signal of an image to be displayed on the display screen of the display element when the operation guidance display is not performed. Forming means for forming a signal;
Synthesis processing means for synthesizing an image corresponding to an image signal formed by the forming means so as to be displayed on a display screen portion on an appearance display of the display device section;
One of the display of the display screen portion on the external appearance display of the display device unit and the operation guidance display other than the display screen portion on the external appearance display in response to the operation input from the user received through the reception means Or a display control means for controlling to change both.

  According to the display device of the first aspect of the present invention, when the operation input for performing the operation guidance display is accepted through the accepting means, the display information of the storage means is used by the operation guidance display processing means, and the display device The operation guidance display including the appearance display of the display unit is displayed on the display screen of the display element of the display unit. At the same time, when the operation guidance display is not performed, an image is displayed on the display screen on the appearance display of the display unit included in the operation guidance display from an image signal that forms a normal display image displayed on the display screen of the display element. An image signal for this is formed by the forming means.

  An image based on the image signal formed by the forming unit is combined with the operation guidance display by the combining unit. Then, according to the operation input received through the receiving means, one or both of the image displayed on the display screen portion on the appearance display and the operation guidance display other than the display screen portion of the appearance display are changed by the display control means. To be done.

  In this way, one or both of the image of the display screen part on the appearance display and the operation guidance display other than the display screen part of the appearance display are changed according to the operation input actually performed. It is possible to clearly show the user how the display on the display device unit changes in response to the operation input, that is, how the image processing apparatus to be operated operates.

  Then, the user can easily and surely learn the operation input procedure (operation procedure) for executing the target function by actually experiencing it. In this case, it is only necessary to perform an operation input according to the operation guidance display displayed on the display screen of the display element, so that it is not necessary to refer to an instruction manual or the like.

A display device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the display device according to the first aspect,
When the operation guidance display is not performed, the image to be displayed on the display screen of the display element is an image according to image information provided by a television broadcast signal, an image according to information received or transmitted through a communication network And an image corresponding to image information provided from an external device, or an image corresponding to image information stored in an accessible storage medium.

  According to the display device of the second aspect of the present invention, when the operation guidance display is not performed, the display screen of the display element includes (1) an image of a television broadcast program, (2) a Web page and an electronic mail. Information received or transmitted through a communication network such as (3) Images corresponding to image signals from various external devices such as DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) players and VTRs (Video Tape Recorders), (4) Own device An image corresponding to an image signal (image information) recorded on a recording medium such as a memory or an external memory can be displayed.

  Therefore, when the operation guidance display is performed, one of the images shown in (1) to (4) as described above is displayed as the operation guidance display according to the operation input from the user. It is displayed on the display screen portion on the appearance display of the included display device section.

  Accordingly, the target image can be displayed on the display screen of the display element by performing any operation, and the image displayed on the display screen of the display element is changed by performing any operation input. It is possible to clearly indicate to the user an operation procedure related to image display and an operation procedure for selecting a display image so that the user can learn easily and reliably. That is, the operation procedure of the image processing apparatus having various functions can be easily learned.

A display device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the display device according to the first or second aspect,
When an operation input for ending the operation guidance display is received through the reception unit, the operation input up to that time is validated, and the image displayed on the display screen portion on the appearance display of the display device unit is displayed. It is characterized by comprising switching means for switching to display on the entire display screen of the element.

  According to the display device of the third aspect of the present invention, the operation guidance display is performed after the operation input for performing the operation guidance display is received through the reception unit, the operation guidance display is performed, and the operation guidance is performed. When the operation input for ending is accepted, the operation input accepted during the operation guidance display is validated, and the image displayed on the display screen portion on the external display is displayed on the display element of the display unit. The display is returned to the normal display mode in which it is displayed on the entire surface of the display screen.

  As a result, the operation guidance display can be terminated in a state where all the operation inputs received during the operation guidance display are valid, and the display can be quickly and smoothly shifted to the normal display state. The use of the display device can be continued so that the image information is provided. In other words, various operations can be easily and reliably learned through the operation guidance display, and the operation performed according to the operation guidance display is enabled, and the mode in which the target image information is provided can be easily set. To be able to migrate.

  Since the operation guidance display changes according to the user's operation input, the operation input performed by the user and the operation guidance display that changes in accordance with the operation input without referring to the instruction manual etc. Clearly indicate to the user who is the operator what operation the display device will perform in response to changes in the image displayed on the display screen on the device's external display. Can do.

  As a result, the user can easily and surely learn various operation procedures for causing the display device to perform the desired operation through the operation input actually performed and the change of the operation guidance display that changes in accordance with the operation input. Will be able to.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of an apparatus and a method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, various functions such as a TV broadcast reception function, a browser function, an e-mail function, and an external device connection function are provided, and images and sounds from various sources are reproduced and output. A case where the present invention is applied to a monitor display device that can be used (hereinafter simply referred to as a monitor device) will be described as an example.

  Note that the monitor device described below is used in a home and can be used anywhere in the home, so that the monitor device is reduced in size and thickness, and is easy to carry. Also, in the following description, various “operation button switches (hardware keys)” provided on the monitor device and accepting operation inputs from the user are referred to as “XX operation buttons”. Omitted.

[External appearance of monitor device]
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the appearance of an example of a monitor device. As shown in FIG. 1, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 101 is provided on the front of the monitor device 100, and a touch panel 103 is provided on the display screen. , 106 are provided. In addition, a remote control signal light receiving unit 107 that receives an infrared remote control signal from a remote controller (hereinafter abbreviated as a remote control) is provided at the lower left position of the front face of the monitor device 100.

  An index button 111, a jump button 112, and channel buttons (channel + button and − button) 113 and 114 are provided on the right side portion of the front surface of the monitor device 100 below the speaker 106, and on the left side portion of the front surface. Are provided with a charging lamp (LED) 115 and an automatic mail transmission / reception lamp (LED) 116 on the lower side of the speaker 105.

  The index button 111 displays an index screen as shown in the figure on the LCD 101 when pressed, and the user touches one of the menus with a touch pen or a finger to select a TV channel, You can operate external devices, access the Internet, create and send emails, display and create albums, and more.

  The jump button 112 is capable of receiving the channel that was previously received by pressing this button.

  When the channel button 113 is pressed, the operation screen displayed on the LCD 101 is switched in the order of TV (each broadcast channel) → external device → Internet → mail → album → TV (each broadcast channel). When the channel button 114 is pressed, the operation screen displayed on the LCD 101 is switched in the reverse order to the above order. That is, the channel buttons 113 and 114 have both a function as a channel selection button for a television broadcast channel and a function as a selection button for a function to be executed.

  Here, an album is an image taken with a digital camera and recorded on a memory card such as a Memory Stick (registered trademark), displayed on the LCD 101, processed on the LCD 101, attached to an e-mail created on the LCD 101, After processing, the image is stored in the monitor device 100 or in a memory card, or the television image is stored as a still image, or the image received by e-mail or acquired on the Internet is stored in the monitor device 100 or the memory card. It is a function that can be processed on the LCD 101 and attached to a mail created on the LCD 101, or an image stored in the monitor device 100 or a memory card can be uploaded to the Internet. .

  As the processing of the image, it is possible to change the color or brightness of the image and add characters or pictures to the image by handwriting input.

  On the upper surface of the monitor device 100, a groove 121 in which the touch pen 119 is accommodated, a standby lamp (LED) 122, a power button 123, a line lamp (LED) 124, a line disconnect button 125, a print button 126, a mute button 127, and a volume increase. A button 128 and a volume reduction button 129 are provided.

  On the left side of the monitor device 100, a knob 131 for adjusting the brightness of the LCD 101, a headphone connection terminal 132, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal 133, a keyboard connection terminal 134, and an AC power adapter connection terminal 135 is provided.

  On the right side of the monitor device 100, a slot 142 into which the memory card 141 is mounted (loaded) and a lamp (LED) 143 for the memory card are provided. On the bottom surface of the monitor device 100, a charging terminal 151, 152 is provided.

  On the back surface of the monitor device 100, a handle portion 161 for gripping the monitor device 100 is provided, and a U-shaped stand 163 for allowing the monitor device 100 to stand up is attached so as to be openable and closable. A battery storage portion is provided in a portion surrounded by 163, and the battery is stored therein. In addition, a connection terminal with an external device and a connection terminal with a communication line are provided on the back of the monitor device 100.

  Furthermore, a reception antenna for receiving a television broadcast signal is also provided in the monitor device 100 of this embodiment.

[Configuration example of monitor device]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of the monitor device 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the monitor device 100 of this embodiment is provided with an LCD 101 and speakers 105 and 106 for providing information to the user. In addition, a touch panel 103, a key operation unit 109, and a remote control signal light receiving unit 107 are provided in order to receive an operation input from the user. That is, the monitor device 100 according to this embodiment includes three different receiving units that receive an operation input from a user.

  And the control part 170 is provided in the housing | casing of the monitor apparatus 100 as shown in FIG. The control unit 170 controls each unit of the monitor device 100 according to this embodiment, and includes a central processing unit (CPU) 171, a read only memory (ROM) 172, a random access memory (RAM) 173, and an EEPROM. (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM) 174 is a microcomputer formed by being connected through a CPU bus 175.

  Here, the ROM 172 stores various programs executed by the CPU 171 and various data necessary for processing. The RAM 173 is mainly used as a work area (work area) in various processes. The EEPROM 174 is a so-called non-volatile memory, and holds various data, parameters, and the like that should be held even when the monitor device 100 is powered off. In this embodiment, the EEPROM 174 also stores various display information such as display information (display data) for performing operation guidance display, which will be described later, and can be read and used as necessary. I am doing so.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the monitor device 100 includes an antenna 180 for receiving a television broadcast signal, a channel selection unit 181, a demodulation unit 182, a selector 183, a main image processing unit 184, a sub-screen processing unit 185, a synthesis unit 186, Video processing unit 187, audio processing unit 188, coordinate detection unit 191, key interface (hereinafter abbreviated as key I / F) 192, digital / analog conversion unit (hereinafter abbreviated as A / D conversion unit) 193 , A communication interface 196, a communication interface (hereinafter abbreviated as communication I / F) 197, video signal input terminals V1 and V2, and audio signal input terminals A1 and A2.

  In FIG. 2, a remote controller 195 is a dedicated remote controller for the monitor apparatus 100 of this embodiment. The connection end MJ is connected to a communication line L drawn indoors from a communication network such as a telephone network. For example, when the communication network is a telephone network, the connection end MJ is connected to the telephone line L. That would be a modular jack.

  The monitor device 100 according to the present embodiment includes an image and sound of a television broadcast program, an image and sound provided from an external device, an image and sound acquired through a communication network, an image recorded on the memory card 141, Audio can be reproduced and output. The operation will be described below in order.

  The television broadcast signal received by the receiving antenna 180 is supplied to the channel selection unit 181. The channel selection unit 181 selects a television broadcast signal corresponding to the channel selection control signal corresponding to the user's channel selection operation input from the control unit 170, converts the selected television broadcast signal into an intermediate frequency signal, and demodulates the signal. 182. The demodulator 182 demodulates the intermediate frequency signal supplied thereto, separates it into an image signal (video signal) and an audio signal, and supplies them to the selector 183.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the selector 183 is also supplied with image signals (video signals) and audio signals supplied through the video input terminals V1 and V2 and the audio input terminals A1 and A2. In addition, information such as web page information such as images and voices, e-mails to be transmitted, contents of received e-mails, etc. acquired through the communication line L, communication I / F 197, and communication unit 196, or memory I / F Image information and the like recorded on the connected memory card 141 can be supplied to the selector 183 through the control unit 170 and the D / A conversion unit 193. Here, the D / A conversion unit 193 converts image data and audio data, which are digital data from the control unit 170, into analog signals.

  The selector 183 supplies which image signal to the main image processing unit 184 and which audio signal to the audio processing unit 188 in accordance with a switching control signal formed in the control unit 170 in response to a user's switching operation input. Switch between. In addition, when an instruction to display a small screen is given by the user, which image signal is supplied to the small screen processing unit 185 is switched. The main image processing unit 184 that has received the supply of the image signal from the selector 183 forms an image signal of an image to be displayed on the entire display screen of the LCD 101, and supplies this to the combining unit 186.

  As will be described later, the combining unit 186 combines the image based on the image signal from the main image processing unit 184 and the image based on the image signal from the small screen processing unit 185 when displaying the small screen on the display screen of the LCD 101. When the operation guidance display is performed, the image based on the image signal from the sub-screen processing unit 185 and the image based on the image signal from the control unit 170 are combined, or when displaying various messages, the main image is displayed. A process of combining an image based on the image signal from the processing unit 184 and an image based on the image signal from the control unit 170 is performed.

  The child screen processing unit 185 receives the supply of image information to be displayed on the child screen from the selector 183, and performs a thinning process or an interpolation process to display the information in the child screen display area. The image signal of the image is formed.

  When the sub screen function is used, for example, the text of the received e-mail is displayed on the entire display screen of the LCD 101 and the sub screen is displayed on a part of the display screen of the LCD 101 while checking the e-mail. Two images with different supply routes are displayed simultaneously on the display screen of the LCD 101. For example, an image of a sports broadcast program can be displayed on the sub-screen so that the state of the sport cannot be overlooked. So that you can see them.

  Of course, an image corresponding to an image signal supplied through a different route such as an image of a web page and an image of a television program, an image displayed by an album function and an image of a television program is used as the main screen. Different images can be simultaneously displayed on the parent screen and a child screen provided in a part of the parent screen.

  The image signal from the synthesis unit 186 is supplied to the video processing unit 187. Based on the image signal from the synthesizing unit 186, the video processing unit 187 forms an image signal for supplying to the LCD 101 and displaying an image on the display screen of the LCD 101, and supplies this to the LCD 101. Thereby, an image of a TV broadcast program provided by the TV broadcast signal received and selected, an image by a video signal from an external device received through the video input terminals V1 and V2, and supplied through the control unit 170 and the D / A conversion unit 193 Among the images based on the image data acquired through the communication network and the images based on the image data from the memory card 141, the target image corresponding to the operation input from the user is displayed on the LCD 101.

  Similarly, the audio processing unit 188 that has been supplied with the audio signal from the selector 183 performs a predetermined filtering process and level adjustment process on the supplied audio signal to form an output audio signal, This is supplied to the speakers 105 and 106. Thereby, the audio of the TV broadcast program provided by the TV broadcast signal received and selected, the audio by the audio signal from the external device received through the audio input terminals A1 and A2, and supplied through the control unit 170 and the D / A conversion unit 193. Among the sounds based on the sound data acquired through the communication network and the sounds based on the sound data from the memory card 141, the target sound corresponding to the operation input from the user is emitted from the speakers 105 and 106. .

  As described above, the monitor device 100 according to this embodiment includes the key operation unit 109, the remote controller 195, and the touch panel 103 as reception units that receive operation inputs from the user, and also receives a television broadcast signal reception channel selection function. Web page browsing function using a connection function to a communication network, an e-mail function for creating, sending or receiving an e-mail, and an album function for displaying and using image data stored in the memory card 141 Is provided.

  As described above, the multifunctional monitor device 100 according to this embodiment is not operated while viewing the instruction manual even when it is first used. The monitor device 100 of this embodiment has an operation simulation mode in which an operation simulation can be performed. An operation guidance display is performed in the operation simulation mode, and an operation corresponding to the operation guidance is performed, so that a change in the operation of the monitor device 100 according to the operation is presented to the user, and the intended function is used. In addition to being able to learn the operation easily and reliably, the target function can be easily executed and used.

[Example of operation guidance display]
3 and 4 are diagrams for explaining a display example of the operation guidance display displayed in the operation simulation mode. As will be described later, in the monitoring apparatus 100 according to this embodiment, after the power is turned on, the control unit 170 shifts itself to the operation simulation mode by performing an operation input instructing to display the operation guidance. Then, a predetermined operation guidance display is performed using the display information stored in the EEPROM 174, and an operation input from the user is accepted.

  In this case, the operation input for instructing to perform the operation guidance display is, for example, a menu (so-called software key including the display and the touch panel 103) for instructing to perform the operation guidance display displayed on the display screen of the LCD 101. When the control unit 170 detects the contact position via the coordinate detection unit 191, the control unit 170 displays an operation guidance.

  For example, in the example shown in the front view of FIG. 1, the symbol 101a is a menu for displaying the contents of the instruction manual on the LCD 101, and the symbol 101b is a menu for instructing to display the operation guidance. It is. Therefore, on the index display screen, the operation guidance display can be performed by bringing a finger or a touch pen into contact with a menu for instructing the operation guidance display.

  In this case, the control unit 170 supplies the display information for displaying the operation guidance among the display information stored and held in the EEPROM 174 to the combining unit 186 so that the operation guidance is displayed on the display screen of the LCD 101. To. It should be noted that the operation guidance display is also performed by operating a predetermined operation button (hardware key) provided on the housing of the monitor device 100 or a predetermined operation button (hardware key) of the remote controller 195. 100 can be instructed.

  Then, as described above, the operation input for instructing to display the operation guidance is performed, and the operation guidance is displayed for the basic operation for selecting the TV broadcast channel or browsing the web page. Then, the control unit 170 reads display information necessary for displaying the operation guidance from the EEPROM 174, and supplies the display information to the synthesis processing unit 186, so that, for example, an operation guidance display as shown in FIG. Do.

  In FIG. 3, the outermost square frame indicates the display screen range of the display screen of the actual LCD 101 of the LCD 101, and the mode name display 11 indicating the current operation mode and the screen title display are displayed on the display screen of the LCD 101. 12, an appearance display 13 of the monitor device 100 of this embodiment, and a guidance display 14 a are displayed. The appearance display 13 shows an appearance when the surface (front side) including the display screen of the LCD 101 of the monitor device 100 is viewed from the side opposite thereto.

  The mode name display 11 in this case indicates that the current operation mode is the operation simulation mode and the operation guidance display is being performed. The screen title display 12 in this case indicates that the displayed operation guidance display is the first operation guidance display of the basic operation guidance display.

  In the appearance display 13, a portion corresponding to the display screen of the LCD 101 (a portion indicated by a dotted line in the appearance display 13 in FIG. 3) displays an image that changes according to the operation in practice. The active screen area 13S is used. In this case, the active screen area 13 </ b> S shows a case where an index screen that is displayed first after the power is turned on or that is displayed by pressing the index button 111 is displayed.

  And the display of (1)-(5) attached | subjected with respect to the external appearance display 13 shows the menu (software key) part to which the different function was allocated, (1)-(in the guidance display 14a). This corresponds to the description in (5). In this case, the seven menu groups indicated by (1) (parts consisting of software keys to which the numbers 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 are assigned) are channel selection keys for the television broadcast channel. The menu indicated by (2) is an input switching key for accepting a signal from an external device.

  The menu indicated by (3) is an execution key for a so-called browser function for accessing the Internet and referring to a Web page on the Internet. The menu indicated by (4) is an execution key for the e-mail function. By selecting the menu (software key) indicated by (4), an e-mail is created and transmitted, or an e-mail addressed to itself It is possible to perform functions related to e-mail, such as receiving and displaying. The menu indicated by (5) is an execution key for the album function, and is used when the image data stored in the memory card 141 is read and displayed as a list and used.

  Then, in the appearance display 13, contact within the active screen area 13 </ b> S indicated by the dotted line is enabled, and a target menu is selected from the menus (software keys) displayed in the active screen area 13 </ b> S. Will be able to.

  Therefore, the user confirms the meaning of each software key displayed in the active screen area 13S of the appearance display 13 by the guidance display 14a, and the software displayed in the active screen area 13S in order to execute the intended function. By performing a touch operation on a menu for executing a target function from the keys, the function can be executed.

  For example, in FIG. 3, when one of the channel selection keys of the television broadcast channel indicated by (1) is selected, the control unit 170 of the monitor device 100 receives the operation through the touch panel 103 and the coordinate detection unit 191. Which menu (software key) is selected, a channel selection control signal for receiving and selecting a television broadcast signal corresponding to the selected menu is formed, and this is supplied to the channel selection unit 181. In this case, the control unit 170 controls the selector 183, receives and selects the channel selection unit 181, supplies the image signal of the television broadcast program demodulated by the demodulation unit 182 to the sub-screen processing unit 185, and the television broadcast The audio signal of the program is supplied to the audio processing unit 188.

  Thereby, the operation guidance display displayed on the display screen of the LCD 101 of the monitor device 100 changes as shown in FIG. That is, the mode name display 11 is not changed, but the screen title display 12 is changed to one indicating that it is the second operation guidance display of the basic operation guidance display. Then, in the active screen area 13S of the appearance display 13, as shown in FIG. 3, an image of a television broadcast program broadcast on the television broadcast channel selected from the index screen display is displayed.

  In the case of the example shown in FIG. 4, the active screen area 13S shows a case where an image of a news program broadcast on the selected television broadcast channel is displayed. Further, the sound of the television broadcast program is emitted from the speakers 105 and 106 of the monitor device 100.

  As the guidance display 14b, information about the power button (power on / off button), information about the channel + and-buttons for changing the channel, information about the volume + and-buttons for changing the volume Other guidance information is displayed. In addition, the displays (1), (2), and (3) shown in the appearance display 13 correspond to the operation buttons. That is, in the appearance display 13, (1) indicates the position of the power button, (2) indicates the position of the channel + and-buttons, and (3) indicates the position of the volume + and-buttons. .

  In the state shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 170 forms a channel selection control signal to be supplied to the channel selection unit 181 by actually operating the channel buttons 113 and 114 of the actual monitor device 100 shown in FIG. Then, the TV broadcast channel corresponding to the operation is selected, the image of the newly selected TV broadcast program is displayed in the active screen display area 13S of the external appearance display 13, and the sound of the TV broadcast program is displayed on the monitor device 100. The speakers 105 and 106 can emit sound.

  Further, the user can change the channel selection and volume of the TV broadcast channel through the remote controller 195 by using other displays (display information of a word or less) on the guidance display 14b, or, as shown in FIG. A screen is displayed, and through this display and the touch panel 103, the user can be notified that the television broadcast channel can be changed.

  As described above, when the operation guidance display is performed, the monitor device 100 according to the present embodiment enters the operation simulation mode, displays the appearance display 13 of the own device on the display screen of the LCD 101, and displays characters and symbols. The display information can provide the user with easy-to-understand operation procedures.

  Then, by actually operating the monitor device 100 according to the provided operation guidance information, the control unit 170 of the monitor device 100 actually controls each unit according to the operation, and the appearance display 13 is displayed. By changing the display image of the active screen area 13S or changing the sound emitted from the speakers 105 and 106, the user can actually see how the monitor device 100 operates in accordance with the operation performed. Can be presented.

  In other words, by actually operating the monitor device 100 while viewing the operation guidance display displayed on the display screen of the LCD 101 of the monitor device 100, the display such as the appearance display 13 is changed according to the operation. It is possible to perform a simulation of the operation of the monitor device according to the above. Thereby, it is possible to easily and surely learn an operation procedure performed for using a target function.

  The previous page icon 14B and the next page icon 14N below the guidance display 14a portion shown in FIG. 3, and the previous page icon 14B and the next page icon 14N below the guidance display 14b portion shown in FIG. This is selected when the page of guidance display is to be changed. Further, the end icon 14E of the guidance display 14a portion shown in FIG. 3 and the end icon 14E of the guidance display 14b portion shown in FIG. 4 accept an instruction to end the operation guidance display.

  Then, in the monitor device 100 of this embodiment, as described above, the operation guidance display is performed, and after receiving the operation input from the user, the predetermined operation input for ending the operation guidance display is received. In this case, it is possible to return to the normal operation state (normal display state) with the state after the operation. That is, the link of the operation state can be continued between the operation simulation mode for displaying the operation guidance and the normal operation mode other than the operation simulation mode.

  For example, if you do not know how to select a TV broadcast channel, display the operation guidance, select the TV broadcast channel, and then exit the operation guidance display. When the operation input performed in the simulation mode is enabled and the TV broadcast channel selected by the operation input is selected, the mode is changed to the normal operation mode, and the selected TV broadcast channel is selected. The television broadcast program provided by can be continuously viewed.

  In addition, after performing an operation for displaying a web page by connecting to the Internet according to the operation guidance display, when the operation guidance display is terminated, the mode is changed to a normal web page browsing mode, and You can continue browsing.

  In the same manner as the operation guidance display for selecting a TV broadcast channel, an operation for browsing a Web page by connecting to the Internet, an operation for creating and sending an e-mail, an e-mail addressed to the own device The operation guidance display can also be performed for operations such as receiving an image and displaying it on the LCD 101, and operating an album function for displaying a list of still images stored in the memory card.

  Then, by performing an operation according to the displayed operation guidance display, the monitor device 100 changes the operation guidance display displayed on the display screen of the LCD 101 such as the appearance display 13 in accordance with the performed operation, and performs the operation. Accordingly, how the monitor device 100 operates is clearly presented to the user so that the user can easily and surely learn the target operation.

[Operations Related to Operation Guidance Display on Monitor Device 100]
Next, with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, the operation when the operation guidance display is performed in the monitor device 100 of this embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation in the case of instructing to perform the operation guidance display. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation when an instruction to display the operation guidance is given, and FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining in detail the processing performed in step S203 shown in FIG. It is a flowchart.

  In the monitor device 100 of this embodiment, when the power button 123 is pressed down and the power is turned on, the control unit 170 executes the process shown in FIG. 5 and, as shown in the front view of FIG. An index screen on which a plurality of menus (software keys) corresponding to selectable functions is displayed is displayed (step S101). The index screen is displayed by supplying index screen display information from the control unit 170 to the combining unit 186.

  As shown in FIG. 1 or 3, the index screen in step S101 includes a plurality of channel selection keys for television broadcast channels, input switching keys for receiving signals from external devices, and execution of browser functions. In addition to a key and an execution key for an e-mail function, although not shown, for example, an instruction manual display instruction key, an operation guidance display execution key, and the like are provided.

  And the control part 170 of the monitor apparatus 100 is made to receive the operation input from a user, and judges whether the operation input from a user was received (step S102). If it is determined in step S102 that the operation input from the user is not accepted, the process in step S102 is repeatedly waited. If it is determined in step S102 that an operation input from the user has been received, the control unit 170 determines whether the received operation input is an operation input for displaying an operation guidance (whether the operation guidance has been selected). It is determined whether or not (step S103).

  If it is determined in step S103 that the operation guidance display is selected, the control unit 170 executes the operation guidance routine shown in FIG. 6 (step S104). Then, after the operation guidance routine in step S104 is completed, the processing from step S102 is repeated.

  If it is determined in the determination process of step S103 that the received operation input is not a selection to perform an operation guidance display, a process corresponding to the operation, for example, a change of a TV broadcast channel, browsing of a Web page, electronic Processing such as execution of the mail function and execution of the album function is performed (step S105), and thereafter, the processing from step S102 is repeated.

  As described above, in the monitor device 100 of this embodiment, when the index screen is displayed, by performing a predetermined operation, it is instructed to perform the operation guidance display, and the operation guidance display can be performed. I can do it.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the monitor device 100 when an instruction to display the operation guidance is given, and is a flowchart for explaining the processing executed in step S104 shown in FIG. .

  When receiving an operation input for instructing to perform an operation guidance display, the control unit 170 of the monitor device 100 executes an operation guidance routine shown in FIG. 6, and first displays a selection menu on the LCD 101 (step S201). The selection menu is displayed by supplying display data of the selection menu from the control unit 170 to the combining unit 186.

  The selection menu displayed in step S201 is used to select which operation guidance display is to be performed. For example, (1) operation guidance display related to the TV function, and (2) operation guidance display related to the Web browsing function. , (3) Operation guidance display related to the e-mail function, (4) Operation guidance display related to the album function, (5) Other operation guidance display, and the like can be selected.

  And the control part 170 of the monitor apparatus 100 is made to receive the operation input from a user, and judges whether the operation input was received (step S202). If it is determined in step S202 that the operation input from the user is not accepted, the processing from step S202 is repeated to enter the operation input waiting state.

  When it is determined in the determination process of step S202 that the selection input from the user has been received, the control unit 170 transitions to the operation simulation mode, performs an operation guidance display according to the received selection input, and performs an operation input from the user. And an operation simulation process for changing the display on the LCD 101 according to the operation input is executed (step S203). Then, after the process of step S203, the operation guidance routine shown in FIG. 6 is terminated.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the processing executed in step S203 of the operation guidance routine shown in FIG. Upon receiving an operation input for performing the desired operation guidance display, the control unit 170 of the monitor device 100 supplies display data for performing the instructed operation guidance display to the synthesis unit 186, for example, FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the operation guidance display including the appearance display 13 and the guidance display 14a is displayed on the display screen of the LCD 101 (step S301).

  Then, the control unit 170 performs normal display on the active screen area 13S of the appearance display 13 of the displayed operation guidance (Step S302). Here, in the monitor device 100 of this embodiment, for example, the normal display is such that an index screen on which each function can be selected is displayed, and an operation input for selecting the function can be performed. To be done.

  Thereafter, the control unit 170 receives an operation input from the user while viewing the operation guidance display, and determines whether the operation input has been received (step S303). If it is determined in step S303 that no operation input has been received, the process in step S303 is repeated. If it is determined that operation input has been received in step S303, the operation input is an instruction to end the operation guidance display. It is determined whether the input is an operation (step S304).

  If it is determined in step S304 that the received operation input is not an end operation input, the control unit 170 displays in steps S301 and S302 in accordance with the received operation input from the user. The display of the active screen area of the external appearance display 13 and the operation guidance display other than the active screen area are changed (step S305), and the processing from step S303 is repeated to continuously accept the operation input from the user. .

  In step S304, when it is determined that the operation input from the accepting user is the end operation input, the control unit 170 receives from the user who has accepted the operation guidance display (accepted in the operation simulation mode). The state corresponding to the operation input is maintained and the mode is changed to the normal mode (step S306), and the process shown in FIG. 7 is terminated.

  As described above, in the monitor device 100 of this embodiment, it is not necessary to learn the operation of the monitor device 100 by performing the operation while looking at the instruction manual. An operation guidance display is displayed on the LCD 101, and an operation input is actually performed on the monitor device 100 in accordance with the operation guidance display, so that the appearance display 13 of the monitor device 100 that is displaying the operation guidance is activated according to the operation input. By changing the display image and other displays in the screen area 13S, the operation input performed and the operation of the monitor device 100 corresponding thereto can be learned in association with each other.

  That is, the monitor device 100 of this embodiment puts information about the operation manual into the EEPROM 174 so that it can be displayed on the display screen of the LCD 101, and at the same time the display displayed on the display screen of the LCD 101 of the monitor device 100 The image (display content) is displayed on the display screen portion of the appearance display (virtual display) of the monitor device 100 that displays the display screen of the LCD 101.

  Then, an operation manual is displayed on the display screen of the LCD 101 in a so-called wizard format (interactive format), provided to the user, accepting an operation input by the user, and an external display or guidance of the monitor device 100 according to the accepted operation input. By changing the display, it is possible to provide an operation manual in a simulation form so that the user can easily and reliably learn the operation. That is, a simulation-type on-screen manual can be realized.

  In the monitor device 100 of the above-described embodiment, when the operation guidance display is performed and the operation guidance display is terminated after the operation input from the user is received, the operation guidance display is accepted. All operation inputs are regarded as valid, and the normal operation mode is changed in the operated state. However, it is not limited to this.

  For example, the operation input accepted when the operation guidance is displayed is valid only when the operation guidance is displayed, and when the operation guidance display is terminated, the operation performed during that time is invalidated. It is also possible to return to the state before the operation guidance display. In this case, it is effective when mastering how to operate the monitor device by intensively performing operation simulation.

  In the above-described embodiment, the LCD 101 realizes a function as a display element, and the touch panel 103, the coordinate detection unit 191, the key operation unit 109, and the remote control 195 realize a function as a reception unit that receives an operation input. . Further, the EEPROM 174 realizes a function as a storage unit that stores and holds display information for displaying operation guidance, and the control unit 170 and the synthesis unit 186 cooperate to realize a function as an operation guidance display processing unit. Further, the sub-screen processing unit 185 realizes a function as a forming unit that forms an image signal of an image to be displayed in the active screen area on the appearance display.

  Also, the composition unit 186 realizes a function as a composition processing means for compositing the operation guidance display and the image displayed in the active screen area on the appearance display, and functions as a display control means for controlling the display to change. The control unit 170 is realized. Further, the selector 183 realizes a function as switching means for switching an image to be displayed on the display screen of the LCD 101.

  In the above-described embodiment, the touch panel 103, the coordinate detection unit 191, the key operation unit 109, and the remote controller 195 are used as reception units that receive operation inputs. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a camera unit that captures a moving image may be provided to accept a user's hand gesture (so-called gesture), and accept the accepted gesture as an operation input. For example, an operation input can be performed by a gesture, such as increasing the volume when the right hand is swung to the right and decreasing the volume when the right hand is swung to the left. In this case, the controller 170 performs image recognition processing for recognizing the movement of the captured image.

  Further, a microphone may be provided and used as a receiving means for receiving an operation input. In this case, the user's voice collected by the microphone is converted into a digital signal, and the control unit 170 performs pattern matching with voice data prepared in advance, so that “channel up”, “channel down” By producing a voice, it is possible to input an operation to an electronic device such as a monitor device.

  In the embodiment described above, for example, when the icon 101a on the index screen is selected, the contents of the instruction manual can be displayed and the instruction manual can be read, and when the icon 101b on the index screen is selected, The operation guidance display is described. However, it is not limited to this.

  For example, when confirming the contents of the instruction manual on the display screen of the display element, for example, by performing a predetermined operation, the operation simulation mode is set to display the operation guidance, and the operation simulation may be performed. it can. That is, when necessary, the operation guidance display is performed as described above to confirm the actual operation procedure and experience how the image changes according to the operation (the monitor device 100 operates). It can also be made possible.

  In the above-described embodiment, the operation guidance display has been described as being performed by supplying the display information held in the EEPROM 174 to the combining unit 186, but is not limited thereto. Of course, display information for displaying the operation guidance may be supplied from the control unit 170 to the main image processing unit 184 via the D / A conversion unit 193 and the selector 183, for example.

  In addition, it is possible to provide data for displaying the contents of the instruction manual and data for displaying the operation guidance via a communication network such as the Internet or a storage medium such as a memory card. In this case, the instruction manual and operation guidance display can be changed.

  Of course, a program for realizing an additional function is downloaded via a recording medium such as a communication network or a memory card, and instruction information and operation guidance display corresponding to the added function are displayed. Information can also be downloaded.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a monitor device has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied to an image output device that outputs an image signal (video signal) such as a VTR, a DVD player, or a video camera connected to a monitor device. In this case, a display device having a display element such as a television receiver connected to the image output device is indispensable.

  That is, the present invention can also be applied to a display device including various image output devices and an image display device such as a television receiver. That is, the present invention can also be applied to a display device in which a device portion that processes an image signal (video signal) and a device portion that has a display element that displays an image are separated.

It is a figure for demonstrating the external appearance of the monitor apparatus to which one embodiment of this invention was applied. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structure of the monitor apparatus with which one Embodiment of this invention was applied. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the operation guidance display performed in the monitor apparatus shown in FIG. 1, FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the operation guidance display performed in the monitor apparatus shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the monitor device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the monitor device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the monitor device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Monitor apparatus, 101 ... LCD, 103 ... Touch panel, 105, 106 ... Speaker, 107 ... Remote control signal light-receiving part, 109 ... Key operation part 109, 140 ... Memory interface, 141 ... Memory card, 170 ... Control part, 171 ... CPU, 172 ... ROM, 173 ... RAM, 174 ... EEPROM, 175 ... CPU bus, 180 ... antenna for receiving TV broadcast signals, 181 ... channel selection unit, 182 ... demodulation unit, 183 ... selector, 184 ... main image processing unit 185 ... child screen processing unit, 186 ... synthesis unit, 187 ... video processing unit, 188 ... audio processing unit, 191 ... coordinate detection unit, 192 ... key interface, 193 ... digital / analog conversion unit, 196 ... communication unit, 197 ... Communication interface, V1, V2 ... Video signal input terminals, A1, A2 ... Sound Input terminal of the signal, 195 ... remote control, MJ ... connection end, L ... communication line

Claims (6)

A display unit having a display element for displaying an image;
A receiving means for receiving an operation input from a user;
Storage means for storing display information for performing operation guidance display including appearance display of the display unit;
When an operation input for performing the operation guidance display is received through the reception unit, the operation guidance display is displayed on the display screen of the display element based on the display information stored in the storage unit. Operation guidance display processing means to be
An image of an image to be displayed on a display screen portion on an appearance display of the display device portion of the operation guidance display from an image signal of an image to be displayed on the display screen of the display element when the operation guidance display is not performed. Forming means for forming a signal;
Synthesis processing means for synthesizing an image corresponding to an image signal formed by the forming means so as to be displayed on a display screen portion on an appearance display of the display device section;
One of the display of the display screen portion on the external appearance display of the display device unit and the operation guidance display other than the display screen portion on the external appearance display in response to the operation input from the user received through the reception means Or an image processing apparatus comprising: a display control unit configured to control to change both. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1,
When the operation guidance display is not performed, an image to be displayed on the display screen of the display element is an image according to an image signal provided by a television broadcast signal, an image according to information received or transmitted through a communication network An image processing apparatus comprising: an image according to an image signal provided from an external device; or an image according to an image signal stored in an accessible storage medium. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
When an operation input for ending the operation guidance display is received through the reception unit, the operation input up to that time is validated, and the image displayed on the display screen portion on the appearance display of the display device unit is displayed. An image processing apparatus comprising switching means for switching to display on the entire display screen of an element. An operation guidance providing method used in an image processing apparatus that operates in accordance with an accepted operation input and outputs an image signal of an image displayed on a display screen of a display element of a display device unit,
When an operation input for performing the operation guidance display is received, the operation guidance display is displayed based on display information for performing the operation guidance display including the appearance display of the display device unit stored in the storage unit. An operation guidance display step for displaying on the display screen of the display element;
A forming step of forming an image signal of an image to be displayed on a display screen portion on an appearance display of the display device section from image information of an image to be displayed on the display screen of the display element when the operation guidance display is not performed. When,
A composition processing step for compositing an image according to image information formed in the forming step so as to be displayed on a display screen portion on an appearance display of the display device unit;
One or both of the display of the display screen portion on the appearance display of the display device section and the operation guidance display other than the display screen portion on the appearance display according to an operation input from the user that is received at any time And a display control step for controlling so as to change the operation guidance. An operation guidance providing method according to claim 4,
When the operation guidance display is not performed, the image to be displayed on the display screen of the display element is an image according to image information provided by a television broadcast signal, an image according to information received or transmitted through a communication network An operation guidance providing method comprising: an image according to image information provided from an external device; or an image according to image information stored in an accessible storage medium. The operation guidance providing method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein
When an operation input for ending the operation guidance display is received, the operation input received so far is validated, and an image displayed on the display screen portion on the appearance display of the display device unit is displayed on the display element. A method for providing operation guidance, characterized by switching to display on the entire screen.

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