JP2007074027A - Image output apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a television in which entering of a password can be made with the minimum required keys. <P>SOLUTION: A password can be input using up/down keys 32, 421 and 241 for volume control and input-switching keys 33, 422 and 242 of a password input screen to be displayed on a display 27B, when viewing of a program is restricted. In this case, since there is no need to use numerical keys 31 for entering the password, password can be entered with the necessary minimum keys. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image output apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known an image display system including an image output device capable of outputting image data and an image display device capable of displaying an image based on the image data output from the image output device.

  The television is most well known as such an image display system. In a television, an image output device is configured including a tuner that selects and outputs a radio wave corresponding to a desired channel among radio waves received by an antenna, and a display that displays an image of the channel selected by the tuner. Including the image display device.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in digital broadcasting that can be output by a television, viewing of the program can be restricted by adding rating information to the program. If the program you want to watch is a program that is subject to viewing restrictions, the display will show a PIN number input screen, and use the channel tuning numeric keys provided on the remote controller to The viewing restriction can be canceled by entering the password.

  Also, televisions have been devised that specify viewers from features such as fingerprints, faces, voices, etc., determine whether viewers should be restricted from viewing, and restrict viewing and release restrictions (for example, patents). Reference 1).

JP 2000-175117 A

  However, the conventional techniques as described above have the following problems.

  First, if it is necessary to use a numeric key for channel selection provided in the remote controller to input a password, the following problem occurs.

  For example, if the remote controller is lost, the operation performed on the remote controller must be performed using the operation panel provided on the TV main body. In general, only an up / down key is provided for channel selection, and no numeric key is provided. For this reason, when the remote controller is lost, there is a problem that the password cannot be input using the numeric keys and the viewing restriction cannot be released.

  Also, in recent years, it has become possible to operate a TV by using a remote controller for a video device, but only a channel up / down key is provided as a channel selection key for TV operation. In general, it is not provided. For this reason, even with the remote controller for video equipment, there is a problem that the password cannot be input using the numeric keys and the viewing restriction cannot be released.

  Next, the television of Patent Document 1 requires a sensor, a camera, a microphone, and the like for recognizing a viewer's fingerprint, face, voice, and the like, resulting in high component costs. In addition, since it is necessary to store the personal information of viewers (owners and their families) inside the TV, there is a possibility that personal information may be leaked if the TV is discarded or if the TV is stolen. There is a problem of promoting user's anxiety.

  Note that the above problems are not limited to the case of inputting a personal identification number for releasing viewing restrictions, but are generally caused when a password is input on a password input screen displayed by the image display device.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image output apparatus capable of inputting a password with a minimum number of keys.

  An image output apparatus according to the present invention is an image output apparatus that is connected to an image display apparatus and that can be operated by an operation means including at least one set of up / down keys, and that allows a password input screen to be displayed on the image display apparatus. In the input screen display means, in the password input screen, the input character transition means for sequentially transitioning the input character at the cursor position according to the operation of the first set of up / down keys, and after the transition to the desired input character, Cursor moving means for determining an input character and moving the cursor to the next character input position when an operation of a key other than the first set of up / down keys is performed is provided.

According to the image output device having such a configuration, the input character at the cursor position can be changed according to the operation of the up / down key of the first set on the password input screen displayed by the image display device. The input character can be determined according to the operation of keys other than the first set of up / down keys. Therefore, it is not necessary to use a numeric key, and a password can be input with a minimum number of keys.
Further, unlike Patent Document 1, it is not necessary to provide a sensor, a camera, a microphone, and the like for recognizing a viewer's fingerprint, face, voice, and the like, so that the component cost can be kept low.

In the present invention as described above, the first set of up / down keys used for transition of the input character may be used for volume adjustment, channel adjustment, or other purposes. But you can. The key other than the first set of up / down keys used to determine the input character may be any key other than the first set of up / down keys, or may be a preset first key. It may be a predetermined key other than one set of up / down keys.
In the present invention, the password is not limited to only a number such as a personal identification number, but also includes a password including characters other than numbers such as alphabets.

  In the image output device of the present invention, the password input screen display means displays the password input screen on the image display device in accordance with display restriction data added to display restricted content restricted by the image display device. It is preferable that a display restriction releasing unit is provided for releasing the display restriction of the display restricted content when a predetermined password is input by the input character transition unit and the cursor moving unit.

  In the image output device having such a configuration, when display of content is restricted according to display restriction data such as rating information, a password input screen is displayed by the image display device. When a predetermined password is input using an up / down key or the like, the display restriction is released. As described above, the image output apparatus of the present invention is suitable for content display restriction and cancellation of the display restriction.

  In the image output apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that the operation means is configured integrally with the image output apparatus.

  According to the image output apparatus having such a configuration, even when the remote controller for remotely operating the image output apparatus is lost, the operation means (integrated with the image output apparatus) ( For example, a password can be input by operating a first set of up / down keys provided on an operation panel of the television main body.

  In the image output device of the present invention, the input character at the cursor position that is the target of the input character transition by the input character transition unit is displayed on the password input screen, and the cursor position of the input character transition target is moved by the cursor moving unit. After that, it is preferable that an input character display / hiding means for hiding the input character at the previous cursor position is provided.

According to the image output device having such a configuration, only the character being input is displayed on the password input screen, and the character after the input is concealed, so that the entire password is not displayed and the password is not displayed to others. It can be prevented from being known.
It is not necessary to always display the character being input. When the input character transitions by the input character transition means, the input character after the transition is displayed for a moment, and thereafter the input character transition means transitions again. The input character may be concealed until it is done. In this way, it is possible to prevent other characters from knowing the character being input.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a television 1 as an image display system.
The television 1 includes a television main body 2 that displays an image and a remote controller 3 that can operate the television main body 2. Note that a video device (not shown) is connected to the television 1, and the television main body 2 can be operated also by the remote controller 4 for the video device. As will be described later, each of the remote controllers 3 and 4 constitutes an operating means in the present invention.

  The television main body 2 includes an antenna 21A, a tuner 21B, a control unit 22, a signal receiving unit 23, an operation panel 24, a preset information storage unit 25, a memory 26, an image output unit 27A, and an image display device. The display 27B, an audio output unit 28A, and a speaker 28B are provided.

The antenna 21A receives radio waves.
The tuner 21 </ b> B selects a radio wave corresponding to a desired channel from radio waves received by the antenna 21 </ b> A and inputs the radio wave to the control unit 22.

  The control unit 22 is a part that performs general control in the television main body 2 and functionally includes a channel selection processing unit 221, an image processing unit 222, an audio processing unit 223, and a viewing restriction processing unit 224. It is prepared for.

  The channel selection processing unit 221 sets a channel to be selected by the tuner 21 </ b> B based on the preset information stored in the preset information storage unit 25 and the operations of the remote controllers 3 and 4 and the operation panel 24.

  The image processing unit 222 processes image data carried by the radio wave of the channel selected by the tuner 21B.

  The audio processing unit 223 processes audio data carried on the radio wave of the channel selected by the tuner 21B.

  The viewing restriction processing unit 224 is a part that performs program viewing restriction processing of the channel selected by the tuner 21B, and functionally, as shown in FIG. 2, a rating level setting unit 2241 and a password setting unit 2242. Rating information acquisition means 2243, viewing restriction determination means 2244, viewing restriction means 2245, password input means 2246, password confirmation means 2247, and viewing restriction release means 2248 as display restriction release means in the present invention. It is prepared for.

  The rating level setting unit 2241 sets the rating level of the television main body 2 based on the operation of the remote controllers 3 and 4 and the operation panel 24. Here, the rating level is a standard that determines whether or not to restrict the program viewing of the channel selected by the tuner 21B. In digital broadcasting, rating information (corresponding to display restriction data in the present invention) is added to a program that requires viewing restriction (corresponding to display restricted content in the present invention). By comparing the rating level set by the rating level setting means 2241, it is possible to determine whether or not to restrict the viewing of the program. Specifically, when the level of the rating information added to the program is equal to or higher than the rating level set by the rating level setting means 2241, viewing of the program is restricted, and the level of the rating information added to the program is When the rating level is lower than the rating level set by the rating level setting means 2241, viewing of the program is allowed (not restricted).

  The password setting unit 2242 sets a password for releasing the viewing restriction of the program based on the operation of the remote controllers 3 and 4 and the operation panel 24. Here, the password is not limited to a password consisting of only a number such as a personal identification number, and may include a character other than a number such as an alphabet. Further, the number of digits of the password can be set freely as appropriate.

  The rating information acquisition unit 2243 acquires rating information carried on radio waves corresponding to a desired channel input from the tuner 21B.

  The viewing restriction determination unit 2244 compares the rating information level acquired by the rating information acquisition unit 2243 with the rating level set by the rating level setting unit 2241, and the program of the channel selected by the tuner 21B. It is determined whether or not to restrict viewing. Here, the determination criteria are as described above.

  The viewing restriction unit 2245 is a unit that performs program viewing restriction when the viewing restriction determination unit 2244 determines to perform program viewing restriction, and functionally includes a password input screen display unit 22451 and an audio switching unit 22452. Configured.

  When the password restriction screen display unit 22451 determines that the viewing restriction determination unit 2244 performs the program viewing restriction, it displays a password input screen on the display 27B instead of the image of the program.

  When the audio switching means 22452 determines that the viewing restriction determination means 2244 performs the program viewing restriction, the audio switching means 22452 switches the output audio from the speaker 28B and causes the speaker 28B to output an audio different from the audio of the program. Here, the “another audio” is preferably an audio irrelevant to the viewing-restricted program, and may be silent.

  The password input unit 2246 is a unit for inputting a password on the password input screen displayed by the password input screen display unit 22451 based on the operation of the remote controllers 3 and 4 and the operation panel 24. Functionally, the password input unit 2246 An input unit 22461, an input character transition unit 22462, a cursor moving unit 22463, and an input character display / hiding unit 22464 are provided.

  The numeric key input means 22461 inputs a password based on the operation of numeric keys provided in the remote controller 3 for the television 1.

  The input character transition means 22462 is the input character at the cursor position on the password input screen based on the operation of the up / down key provided on the remote controller 3 for the television 1, the remote controller 4 for the video equipment, and the operation panel 24. Are sequentially shifted. Specifically, among the up / down keys, when the up key is operated, the input character changes one by one in one direction, and when the down key is operated, the input character is one by one in the other direction opposite to the one direction. It is supposed to transition. Here, the order of transition of the input characters can be set freely as appropriate. However, when it is necessary to input a password composed of numbers and alphabets, 0 → 1 → ... → 9 → a → b →... → z → 0 →...

  The cursor moving means 22463 is an input switching provided in the remote controller 3 for the television 1, the remote controller 4 for the video equipment, and the operation panel 24 after the input character is changed to a desired character by the input character transition means 22462. When the key operation is performed, the input character is confirmed and the cursor is moved to the next character input position on the password input screen.

  The input character display / concealing means 22464 displays the input character at the cursor position as the input character transition target by the input character transition means 22462 on the password input screen, and after the cursor position as the input character transition target is moved by the cursor moving means 22463 Hides the input character at the previous cursor position.

  The password confirmation unit 2247 confirms whether or not the password input by the password input unit 2246 matches the password set by the password setting unit 2242.

  When the password confirmation unit 2247 confirms that the passwords match, the viewing restriction release unit 2248 releases the viewing limitation of the program being performed by the viewing restriction unit 2245.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the signal receiving unit 23 receives the operation signal transmitted from the remote controllers 3 and 4 and inputs the operation signal to the control unit 22.

The operation panel 24 constitutes an operation means in the present invention capable of operating the television main body 2, and is configured integrally with the television main body 2.
The operation panel 24 includes an up / down key 241 and an input switching key 242.

  The up / down key 241 is a key for adjusting the output volume of the speaker 28B, and includes operation keys including an up key for increasing the output volume and a down key for decreasing the output volume.

  The input switching key 242 is a key for switching input of an audio / video signal (for example, a signal from the tuner 21B, a signal from an external device such as a video device) to be output to the television main body 2.

  The operation panel 24 includes an up / down key for adjusting a channel in addition to an up / down key 241 for volume adjustment (corresponding to the first set of up / down keys in the present invention) and an input switching key 242. Various keys such as are provided. However, these keys are not particularly used in the program viewing restriction process described below, and are not particularly important in the present embodiment. Therefore, description of these keys is omitted (the same applies to remote controllers 3 and 4 described later).

  The preset information storage unit 25 stores preset information related to channel settings performed in the channel selection processing unit 221 of the control unit 22.

  The memory 26 stores information necessary for viewing restriction processing in the viewing restriction processing unit 224 of the control unit 22. Specifically, the memory 26 stores the rating level 261 set by the rating level setting unit 2241, the password 262 set by the password setting unit 2242, and the like.

The image output unit 27A outputs the image data processed by the control unit 22.
The display 27B displays an image based on the image data output from the image output unit 27A.

The audio output unit 28A outputs the audio data processed by the control unit 22.
The speaker 28B outputs sound based on the sound data output from the sound output unit 28A.

  In the configuration of the television main body 2 as described above, the tuner 21B, the control unit 22, and the image output unit 27A constitute an image output device according to the present invention that outputs image data to be displayed on the display 27B as an image display device. . Therefore, the operation panel 24 as the operation means in the present invention is configured integrally with the image output apparatus.

The remote controller 3 for the television 1 constitutes an operating means in the present invention capable of remotely operating the television body 2.
The remote controller 3 includes a numeric key 31, an up / down key 32, and an input switching key 33. When these keys are pressed by a viewer or the like, the remote controller 3 can transmit an operation signal corresponding to the pressed key and operate the television main body 2.

  The numeric keys 31 are a group of keys for adjusting the channels to be output to the television main body 2, and are composed of a plurality of keys assigned numbers corresponding to the channels. In general, each numeric key 31 is often given a number from 1 to 12, but it is of course not limited thereto.

  The up / down key 32 (corresponding to the first set of up / down keys in the present invention) is the same as the up / down key 241 on the operation panel 24, and increases the output volume and decreases the output volume. The output volume of the speaker 28B can be adjusted with the down key.

  The input switching key 33 is the same as the input switching key 242 on the operation panel 24, and can perform input switching of an image / sound signal to be output to the television main body 2.

  The video device remote controller 4 includes a video device operation unit 41 for operating the video device and a television operation unit 42 for operating the television 1.

  When a key on the TV operation unit 42 is pressed by a viewer or the like, the remote controller 4 can transmit an operation signal corresponding to the pressed key and operate the TV main body 2. Accordingly, the remote controller 4 for video equipment constitutes the operating means in the present invention capable of remotely operating the television body 2.

  The television operation unit 42 includes an up / down key 421 and an input switching key 422.

  The up / down key 421 (corresponding to the first set of up / down keys in the present invention) is the same as the up / down key 241 on the operation panel 24 and the up / down key 32 on the remote controller 3, and is output. The output volume of the speaker 28B can be adjusted by the up key for increasing the volume and the down key for decreasing the output volume.

  The input switching key 422 is the same as the input switching key 242 on the operation panel 24 and the input switching key 33 on the remote controller 3, and can perform input switching of image and audio signals to be output to the television main body 2.

  Note that the television operation unit 42 of the remote controller 4 for video equipment is not provided with a key corresponding to the numeric key 31 in the remote controller 3 for the television 1. This is because the remote controller 4 for video equipment is mainly used for operation of the video equipment, so it is necessary to enhance the keys of the video equipment operation unit 41, while the keys of the television operation unit 42 are the minimum necessary. This is because it is necessary to keep things in check.

Next, viewing restriction processing performed on the television 1 having the above-described configuration will be described.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of the viewing restriction process.

  In S1, the rating information acquisition unit 2243 acquires rating information as viewing restriction data carried on radio waves corresponding to a desired channel input from the tuner 21B.

  In S <b> 2, the viewing restriction determination unit 2244 determines whether or not the rating information level acquired in S <b> 1 is equal to or higher than the rating level 261 preset by the rating level setting unit 2241 and stored in the memory 26. To do.

  If it is determined in S2 that the rating level is lower than the set level (No), the viewing restriction unit 2245 does not restrict the viewing of the program in S3, and the program is output as it is from the television main body 2. Specifically, after the image data and audio data carried by the radio wave of the channel selected by the tuner 21B are processed by the image processing unit 222 and the audio processing unit 223, the image output unit 27A and the audio output unit 28A are processed. Then, it is output from the display 27B and the speaker 28B.

If it is determined in S2 that the rating level is equal to or higher than the set level (Yes), the viewing restriction unit 2245 restricts viewing of the program in S4.
Specifically, the password input screen display means 22451 causes the image output unit 27A to output the image data of the password input screen instead of the image data of the program processed by the image processing unit 222, and displays it on the display 27B. At the same time, the audio switching unit 22452 causes the audio output unit 28A to output another audio data stored in the memory 26 in advance, instead of the audio data of the program processed by the audio processing unit 223, and outputs it from the speaker 28B. .

  FIG. 4 shows a password input screen displayed on the display 27B in S4. In the following description, it is assumed that the password is a password composed of four digits as shown in FIG. The password can be input based on key operations (S5) on the remote controllers 3, 4 and the operation panel 24.

The password input screen shown in FIG. 4 is a screen for inputting a password by operating the numeric key 31 in the remote controller 3 for the television 1. When the number key 31 of the remote controller 3 is operated on this password input screen (S6: Yes), the number corresponding to the operated number key 31 is input at the cursor position. The password can be input by S31 (S7).
In S7, the input character display / concealing means 22464 always conceals the input number with “*”.

When the key operated in S5 is one of the up / down key 32 of the remote controller 3, the up / down key 421 of the remote controller 4, and the up / down key 241 of the operation panel 24 (S8: Yes), In S9, the password input screen display means 22451 changes the password input screen.
If the key operated in S5 is a key other than the numeric key 31, up / down key 32, 421, 241 (S6: No, S8: No), an error message is displayed on the password display screen in S10. Is displayed and the operation of the numeric key 31 and the up / down keys 32, 421, 241 is prompted.

FIG. 5 shows the password input screen changed in S9.
The password input screen includes an up / down key 32 and an input switching key 33 of the remote controller 3, an up / down key 421 and an input switching key 422 of the remote controller 4, and an up / down key 241 and an input switching key 242 of the operation panel 24. It is a screen for inputting a password by the operation of. Hereinafter, as an example, a case where a password is input by operating the up / down key 241 and the input switching key 242 of the operation panel 24 will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of password input (S11) using the up / down key and the input switching key.

  When the key operated in S12 is the up / down key 241 (S13: Yes), in S14, the input character transition means 22462 displays the cursor position on the password input screen (FIG. 5) (in FIG. 5, a rectangular frame). The input character at the position surrounded by the cursor is sequentially shifted. Specifically, among the up / down keys 241, the number as the input character increases by 1 when the up key is operated, and the number as the input character decreases by 1 when the down key is operated.

  When the number at the cursor position is changed to a desired number in S14 and the input switching key 242 is operated (S13: No, S15: Yes), the cursor moving means 22463 confirms the number at the cursor position in S16. The cursor is moved to the next input position (the input position on the right in FIG. 5) on the password input screen.

  Thereafter, the processes of S12 to S16 are repeated until the input of all digits (four digits) of the password is completed (S17: Yes). If the key operated in S12 is a key other than the up / down key or the input switching key (S13: No, S15: No), an error message is displayed on the password display screen in S18, and the up key is displayed. The operation of the / down key and the input switching key is prompted.

  While the processes of S12 to S16 as described above are performed, the input character display / hiding means 22464 displays the input character at the target cursor position of the input character transition (S14) by the input character transition means 22462, and moves the cursor. After the cursor position of the input character transition target is moved by means 22463 (S16), the input character (number) at the previous cursor position is concealed by “*”.

  Returning to FIG. 3, in S <b> 19, the password confirmation unit 2247 confirms whether the password input in S <b> 7 or S <b> 11 matches the password 262 set by the password setting unit 2242 and stored in the memory 26. Then, it is determined whether or not the password is a correct password.

  If it is determined in S19 that the password is not correct (No), an error message is displayed on the password display screen in S20 to prompt the user to input the password again.

  If it is determined in S19 that the password is correct (Yes), in S21, the viewing restriction release unit 2248 releases the viewing restriction on the program performed in S4. Specifically, the viewing restriction canceling means 2248 outputs the image data of the program input from the tuner 21B and processed by the image processing unit 222 to the image output unit 27A for display on the display 27B and at the same time input from the tuner 21B. The audio data of the program processed by the audio processing unit 223 is output to the audio output unit 28A and output from the speaker 28B. As described above, after the restriction on viewing of the program is released in S21, the TV main unit 2 outputs the program as usual.

  According to the present embodiment as described above, the operation of the up / down keys 32, 421, 241 is performed on the password input screen (FIG. 5) by the up / down keys 32, 421, 241 and the input switching keys 33, 422, 242. The input character at the cursor position can be changed according to the input, and the input character can be determined according to the operation of the input switching keys 33, 422, and 242. Therefore, it is not necessary to use the numeric key 31 in the remote controller 3 for the television 1, and the password can be input with the minimum necessary key.

  Further, in the present embodiment as described above, the password input screen is displayed when viewing of the program is restricted according to the rating information, and the numeric key 31, up / down keys 32, 421, 241 are displayed. When a predetermined password is input by the input switching keys 33, 422, 242 and the like, the viewing restriction is released. Thus, the present embodiment is suitable for viewing restrictions on programs and releasing the viewing restrictions.

  Further, according to the present embodiment as described above, even if the remote controller 3 for the television 1 is lost and the password cannot be input using the numeric keys 31, the remote controller for the video equipment can be used. 4, an up / down key 421, an input switching key 422, an up / down key 241 provided on an operation panel 24 integrally formed with the television main body 2, and an input switching key 242 are operated. You can enter your password.

  Further, according to the present embodiment as described above, only the character being input is displayed on the password input screen (FIG. 5) by the up / down keys 32, 421, 241 and the input switching keys 33, 422, 242. Since the character after the input is concealed, the entire password is not displayed on the display 27B, and the password can be prevented from being known to others.

  Further, according to the present embodiment as described above, since the password can be input by the up / down key, it is possible to input the password including characters other than numerals such as alphabets, which is difficult with the number key. . Therefore, unlike the conventional case, it is not necessary to configure the password only by numbers, and the password can be complicated, so that safety and reliability can be improved.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and any modification of this embodiment within the scope that can achieve the object of the present invention is included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the input switching key is used as a key for causing the cursor moving unit 22463 to move the cursor position. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and (first set) Any key other than the up / down key may be used, and it is necessary to use a common key (input switching key) for the remote controllers 3 and 4 and the operation panel 24 as in the above embodiment. Absent. In addition, these keys may be keys set in advance as keys for moving the cursor position, such as the input switching key in the above embodiment, or any key other than the (first set) up / down key. It may be a key.

  In the above embodiment, the first set of up / down keys used for the input character transition by the input character transition means 22462 is the volume adjustment up / down key, but the channel adjustment up / down key. However, it may be an up / down key used for other purposes.

  Moreover, although the input of the password for canceling the viewing restriction of the program has been described in the embodiment, the password is not limited to the one for releasing the viewing restriction.

  In the above embodiment, when the key operated in S5 is a key other than the numeric key and the up / down key in S10 (FIG. 3) (S6: No, S8: No), the password display screen is displayed. The error message is displayed and the operation of the numeric key 31, the up / down key 32, 421, 241 is prompted, but the processing based on the operated key may be performed. For example, if the key operated in S5 is a channel adjustment key, the channel is adjusted based on the operation, and the program of the adjusted channel is output from the television main body 2. Good.

  Similarly, in the above embodiment, in S18 (FIG. 6), when the key operated in S12 is a key other than the up / down key and the input switching key (S13: No, S15: No), the password Although an error message is displayed on the display screen and the operation of the up / down key and the input switching key is prompted, processing based on the operated key may be performed. For example, if the key operated in S12 is a channel adjustment key, the channel is adjusted based on the operation, and the program of the adjusted channel is output from the television main body 2. Good. When the key operated in S12 is the numeric key 31, the display on the display 27B may be switched to the password input screen for the numeric key 31 (FIG. 4) based on the operation.

  In the embodiment, the image display device (display 27B) according to the present invention and the image output device (tuner 21B, control unit 22, image output unit 27A) according to the present invention are integrally provided in the television main body 2. However, the image display device and the image output device may be provided in separate devices. For example, an image output device according to the present invention may be provided in a video device, a DVD device, an HD (Hard Disk) device, or the like connected to a television so that the image data is output to a television including a display as an image display device. .

  In the above embodiment, the image display device according to the present invention is the display 27B provided in the television 1. However, the image display device may be a device that displays an image on another device such as a projector or a personal computer.

  The present invention can be used to input a password on a password input screen displayed by the image display device.

It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the television which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the viewing-and-listening process part in the television which concerns on the said embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the viewing restrictions process performed with the television which concerns on the said embodiment. In the said embodiment, it is a figure which shows the password input screen by a number key displayed on a display. In the said embodiment, it is a figure which shows the password input screen by the up / down key and the input switch key which are displayed on a display. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of password input by an up / down key and an input switching key in the embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Television, 2 ... Television main body, 3 ... Remote controller, 4 ... Remote controller, 21A ... Antenna, 21B ... Tuner, 22 ... Control part, 23 ... Signal receiving part, 24 ... Operation panel, 25 ... Preset information storage part, 26 ... Memory, 27A ... Image output unit, 27B ... Display, 28A ... Audio output unit, 28B ... Speaker, 31 ... Number key, 32 ... Up / down key, 33 ... Input switch key, 41 ... Video equipment operation unit, 42 ... TV operation unit, 221 ... channel selection processing unit, 222 ... image processing unit, 223 ... audio processing unit, 224 ... viewing restriction processing unit, 241 ... up / down key, 242 ... input switching key, 261 ... rating level, 262 ... password, 421 ... up / down key, 422 ... input switching key, 2241 ... rating level setting means, 2 42 ... Password setting means, 2243 ... Rating information acquisition means, 2244 ... Viewing restriction determination means, 2245 ... Viewing restriction means, 2246 ... Password input means, 2247 ... Password confirmation means, 2248 ... Viewing restriction release means, 22451 ... Password input screen Display means 22252 ... Voice switching means 22461 ... Number key input means 22462 ... Input character transition means 22463 ... Cursor movement means 22464 ... Input character display / hiding means

Claims (4)

An image output device connected to an image display device and operable by operating means including at least one set of up / down keys,
Password input screen display means for displaying a password input screen on the image display device;
In the password input screen, input character transition means for sequentially transitioning the input character at the cursor position according to the operation of the up / down key of the first set;
A cursor moving means for determining an input character and moving the cursor to a next character input position when a key operation other than the first set of up / down keys is performed after transition to a desired input character;
An image output apparatus comprising: The image output apparatus according to claim 1,
The password input screen display means causes the image display device to display the password input screen in accordance with display restriction data added to display restricted content that is restricted from being displayed by the image display device,
When a predetermined password is input by the input character transition unit and the cursor moving unit, a display restriction release unit is provided to release the display restriction of the display restriction content.
An image output apparatus characterized by that. The image output apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The operation means is configured integrally with the image output device.
An image output apparatus characterized by that. The image output device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
In the password input screen, the input character at the cursor position that is the target of the input character transition by the input character transition unit is displayed, and after the cursor position of the input character transition target is moved by the cursor moving unit, the input at the previous cursor position An input character display / hiding means for hiding the character is provided.
An image output apparatus characterized by that.

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