JP2007080323A - Image output device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image output device provided with a plurality of image generation means including a means for reading images recorded by a recording medium, wherein the plurality of images including the image read can simultaneously be outputted from the recording medium. <P>SOLUTION: The image output device 1 is provided with a plurality of drive parts (read means) of a DVD drive part 21 and a BD drive part 22, a combined image for which the image read by the DVD drive part 21 from a DVD and the image read by the BD drive part 22 from a BD are combined is generated in an image processing part (combination means) 40, the generated combined image is outputted, and thus the images recorded in the plurality of recording media are simultaneously outputted. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image output apparatus that outputs a broadcast image or an image recorded on a recording medium, and more particularly to an image output apparatus that outputs an image recorded on a plurality of types of recording media.

  A television receiver that displays an image of a broadcast program receives a broadcast signal of two types of programs through two channels and displays a two-screen display or generates a small screen in one screen. Some broadcast images of two types of programs can be displayed simultaneously on two screens. By using such a television receiver, the user can listen to two types of programs at the same time. Conventionally, an image output device for outputting an image recorded on a recording medium for recording an image in a predetermined data format such as a magnetic tape, an optical disk, or a hard disk to a television receiver has been widespread. An image output apparatus that records an image of a broadcast program on a recording medium and outputs the recorded image at a later date is also widespread. As a technique using a television receiver and an image output apparatus capable of displaying these two screens, Patent Document 1 discloses an image output from each image output apparatus by connecting a plurality of image output apparatuses to the television receiver. Is disclosed for simultaneously displaying the image on a television receiver.

On the other hand, Blu-ray Disc (registered trademark) and HD DVD (High Definition DVD) have been announced as optical discs having an increased recording capacity compared to conventional optical discs. Hereinafter, the Blu-ray disc is referred to as BD. The recording capacity of these large-capacity optical discs exceeds the recording capacity of DVD, and can record a larger amount of images or higher quality images. As a technique using a playback device capable of playing back an image recorded by a BD, Patent Literature 2 simultaneously outputs a plurality of images recorded by the BD by a method such as generating an image including a small screen in the screen. Techniques to do this are disclosed.
JP 2004-72449 A JP 2005-123775 A

  Incidentally, recently, an image output apparatus that can use a plurality of recording media has been developed. This image output apparatus is used to share the function of outputting images recorded on different types of recording media, or to perform image dubbing between a plurality of recording media. If it becomes possible to simultaneously output images recorded on each of a plurality of recording media, the usefulness of this image output apparatus will be further improved. However, the conventional technique includes a technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 that outputs images simultaneously with a plurality of playback devices, or a technique disclosed in Patent Document 2 that outputs a plurality of images recorded on a recording medium simultaneously. Even in the case of an image output device that can use a plurality of recording media, the technology for simultaneously outputting the images recorded on the plurality of recording media has not been developed yet.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to record an image recorded on a recording medium, such as a configuration including a plurality of optical disk drives capable of reading different types of optical disks. An image output apparatus provided with a plurality of image generation means including means for reading out the image, and capable of simultaneously outputting a plurality of images including an image read from a recording medium.

  An image output apparatus according to the present invention includes a plurality of image generation units that generate an image, and an output unit that outputs an image generated by any one of the image generation units. The plurality of image generation units record an image. In an image output apparatus including one or a plurality of readout means for generating an image by reading out an image from a recording medium, a plurality of images generated by the plurality of image generation means including at least one of the readout means The image processing apparatus includes a combination unit that performs a predetermined process to generate a combination image obtained by combining the plurality of images, and the output unit includes a unit that outputs the combination image generated by the combination unit.

  In the present invention, the image output apparatus includes a plurality of image generation units including a reading unit that reads an image recorded on a recording medium, and a combined image obtained by combining a plurality of images including an image read from the recording medium by the reading unit. By generating and outputting, a plurality of images are output simultaneously.

  An image output apparatus according to the present invention is an image output apparatus comprising a plurality of reading means for reading an image from a recording medium for recording an image, and an output means for outputting an image read from the recording medium by any one of the reading means. A combination unit that generates a combination image by combining the plurality of images by performing predetermined processing on the plurality of images read from the recording medium by the plurality of reading units, and the output unit includes the combination unit And a means for outputting the combined image generated.

  In the present invention, the image output apparatus includes a plurality of reading means for reading an image recorded on the recording medium, and the plurality of reading means generates and outputs a combined image obtained by combining the plurality of images read from the recording medium. Thus, a plurality of images read from a plurality of recording media are simultaneously output.

  In the image output apparatus according to the present invention, at least one of the reading means includes a means for receiving a portable recording medium, and a means for reading an image from the recording medium received by the means. Means for causing the reading means to start reading an image from the recording medium when the reading means irrelevant to the arbitrary image accepts a portable recording medium when outputting an image; and the combination means And a means for generating a combined image in which the image read by the reading means is combined with the arbitrary image.

  In the present invention, the image output device combines the image read from the recording medium with the image being output when the reading unit receives a portable recording medium while outputting an arbitrary image. By generating and outputting a combined image, in addition to the image being output, an image recorded by a recording medium received later is also output.

  An image output apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a means for determining whether or not the reading means can read an image from a recording medium when the power is turned on; and the reading means reads an image from the recording medium. And a means for causing the reading means to start reading an image from a recording medium when the reading is possible.

  In the present invention, the image output device checks the presence or absence of a recording medium when the power is turned on, and outputs an image from a recording medium that can read an image when the power is turned on.

  In the image output apparatus according to the present invention, the plurality of reading units are arranged at different positions, and the combination unit includes the plurality of reading units in the combination image of the images read from the recording medium. The relative position of each of the plurality of readout means corresponds to the relative position seen from a specific direction.

  In the present invention, the image output apparatus associates a relative position where a plurality of images read from a recording medium by a plurality of reading units are combined in a combined image with a relative position provided with the plurality of reading units.

  In the image output apparatus according to the present invention, sound corresponding to the content of the image is associated with the image, and a means for selecting any one of a plurality of images combined in the combined image; The apparatus further comprises means for generating sound associated with the image selected by the means, and means for outputting the sound generated by the means.

  In the present invention, the image output device selects one of the images included in the combined image and outputs the sound associated with the selected image.

  The image output apparatus according to the present invention further includes means for outputting information indicating an image associated with an output sound.

  In the present invention, when the image output device outputs the sound associated with the image included in the combined image, the image output device displays the information indicating which image is associated with the sound as the character information. Output in the format.

  The image output apparatus according to the present invention includes a selection unit that selects one of a plurality of images combined in the combination image in a state where the output unit outputs the combination image, And a means for causing the output means to stop outputting the combined image and causing the output means to output the image selected by the selection means.

  In the present invention, the image output device stops outputting the combined image and outputs only one image included in the combined image when outputting a combined image obtained by combining a plurality of images. It is possible.

  The image output apparatus according to the present invention includes a unit that switches an image to be output by the output unit to an image other than the image selected by the selection unit among the plurality of images, and the other image is the read-out device. And means for causing the output means to output the other image from a portion where the output of the other image is stopped in a state of being combined in the combined image when the means is an image read from a recording medium. It is characterized by providing.

  Also, in the present invention, the image output device puts the image whose output has been stopped by stopping the output of the combined image into a paused state, switches the image to be output, and resumes outputting the image from the paused portion. Is possible.

  An image output apparatus according to the present invention comprises: means for selecting one of a plurality of images combined in the combined image; means for receiving a processing instruction for the image selected by the means; And a means for executing processing on the image according to the instruction received.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, the image output apparatus selects one image included in the combined image, and performs various processes such as stop, fast forward, and rewind on the selected image in accordance with an instruction received from the user. Can be executed individually.

  In the present invention, since the image output device outputs a plurality of images including an image read from the recording medium at the same time, the user can output a plurality of images such as an image of a broadcast program and an image recorded on a DVD. Can be confirmed at the same time.

  In the present invention, since the image output device outputs a plurality of images read from a plurality of recording media at the same time, the user can simultaneously confirm the images recorded on the plurality of recording media such as DVD and BD. Is possible.

  In the present invention, the image output device also outputs an image to be recorded on the newly received recording medium while outputting the one image. Even when one image such as a recorded image is being output by the image output apparatus, it is possible to check the recorded contents of another recording medium.

  In the present invention, since the image output apparatus outputs an image from a recording medium from which an image can be read when the power is turned on, the user can determine whether or not a recording medium such as a DVD or a BD is present when the image output apparatus is turned on. It is possible to check the recording contents of the recording medium accepted by the image output apparatus.

  In the present invention, the relative position in the combined image of a plurality of images read from a recording medium such as a DVD and a BD by a plurality of reading means such as a DVD drive unit and a BD drive unit provided in the image output apparatus is Since the plurality of reading means correspond to the relative positions provided in the image output apparatus, a user operating the image output apparatus can use any of the plurality of images included in the output combined image on any recording medium. It is possible to easily recognize whether the image is a recorded image.

  In the present invention, even when the image output apparatus outputs a combined image obtained by combining a plurality of images, the user can hear the sound associated with any one of the images.

  In the present invention, even when the image output apparatus outputs a combined image obtained by combining a plurality of images, the user can easily confirm which image is associated with the sound output. Can do.

  Further, in the present invention, when the user wants to focus on one image included in the combined image, the user outputs only one image to the image output device, and the one image is not obstructed by another image. It becomes possible to watch.

  In the present invention, when it is desired to view again an image whose output has been stopped by stopping the output of the combination image, it is possible to resume viewing the image from the portion where the output has been stopped.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, the image output apparatus can individually execute various processes such as stop, fast forward, and rewind on each image included in the combined image in accordance with an instruction received from the user. Therefore, the present invention has an excellent effect such that the user can view each image by a method desired by the user, such as fast-forwarding unnecessary portions.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of an image output apparatus 1 according to the present invention. The image output apparatus 1 of the present invention is connected to a television receiver 5 and is configured to perform a process of outputting an image by causing the television receiver 5 to display an image. The image output apparatus 1 includes a CPU 11 that performs calculations for controlling the operation of the entire image output apparatus 1. Connected to the CPU 11 are a RAM 14 that stores information necessary for the CPU 11 to perform various calculations, and a ROM 13 that stores a control program for the CPU 11 to control the image output apparatus 1. Also connected to the CPU 11 are an operation unit 15 that accepts various processing instructions when operated by a user, and a remote control receiving unit 16 that receives a signal transmitted from a remote controller (remote control) 6 operated by the user. Has been.

  The image output apparatus 1 also receives a DVD as a portable recording medium, reads a data recorded on the DVD, and a BD drive that accepts a BD and reads the data recorded on the BD. Part 22. The DVD drive unit 21 and the BD drive unit 22 are reading means according to the present invention. The image output apparatus 1 also includes a decoding unit 30 that decodes data. The decoding unit 30 internally includes a DVD decoder 31 that decodes data read from the DVD into image data and audio data, and a read from the BD. And a BD decoder 32 for decoding the output data into image data and audio data. The DVD drive unit 21 is connected to a DVD decoder 31, and the BD drive unit 22 is connected to a BD decoder 32. The DVD drive unit 21 inputs data read from the DVD to the DVD decoder 31, and the DVD decoder 31 decodes the input data. The BD drive unit 22 inputs the data read from the BD to the BD decoder 32, and the BD decoder 32 decodes the input data.

  Connected to the DVD decoder 31 and the BD decoder 32 is an image processing unit (combining means) 40 for processing image data and transmitting audio data. The DVD decoder 31 and the BD decoder 32 input the decoded image data and audio data to the image processing unit 40. The image processing unit 40 performs a process of changing the size of two types of images represented by the image data input from the DVD decoder 31 and the BD decoder 32 and a process of changing the image quality, and combines the two types of images. Processing to generate a combined image on the screen is performed. The DVD drive unit 21, the BD drive unit 22, the decoding unit 30, and the image processing unit 40 are connected to the CPU 11 and are configured to be controlled by the CPU 11.

  The image processing unit 40 is connected to an output unit (output unit) 12 that outputs image data and audio data to the outside. The output unit 12 can be connected to the television receiver 5 using a cathode ray tube display or a liquid crystal display. The image processing unit 40 inputs image data representing the generated combined image and predetermined audio data to the output unit 12, and the output unit 12 receives the image data and audio data input from the image processing unit 40 as a television receiver. Output to 5. The television receiver 5 displays an image and outputs sound based on the image data and sound data from the image output device 1.

  FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of the appearance of the image output apparatus 1 according to the present invention as seen from the front. In the image output apparatus 1, the DVD drive unit 21 and the BD drive unit 22 are arranged at different positions in front view, the DVD drive unit 21 is arranged on the left side, and the BD drive unit 22 is arranged on the right side. It is. The DVD drive unit 21 includes a DVD tray that can be pulled out, and the BD drive unit 22 similarly includes a BD tray. The DVD tray and the BD tray are usually stored in the casing of the image output apparatus 1 and are hidden by the DVD lid 211 and the BD lid 221. By recording the DVD logo on the lid 211 and the BD logo on the lid 221, the user confirms where the DVD drive unit 21 and the BD drive unit 22 are located. can do. The image output apparatus 1 receives a predetermined instruction from the operation unit 15 or the remote control receiving unit 16 to open the lid 211 and push the DVD tray to the outside, open the lid 221 and push the BD tray to the outside. It has become. The DVD tray has a shape on which a DVD can be placed, and the BD tray has a shape on which a BD can be placed. The image output apparatus 1 accepts a predetermined instruction by the operation unit 15 or the remote control reception unit 16 to pull in the DVD tray and the BD tray, accept the DVD by the DVD drive unit 21, and accept the BD by the BD drive unit 22. It has a possible configuration. The lid 211 may be a part of the DVD tray, and the lid 221 may be a part of the BD tray.

  When the user operates the operation unit 15 or the remote control 6, the operation unit 15 or the remote control reception unit 16 performs various processes such as output, stop, and fast-forwarding of images recorded on the recording medium DVD or BD. The instruction is accepted. When the operation unit 15 or the remote control receiving unit 16 receives an image output instruction in a state where the DVD drive 21 or the BD drive unit 22 receives a DVD or BD recording medium, the image output apparatus 1 Executes processing for outputting an image to be recorded. At this time, the CPU 11 causes the DVD drive unit 21, the BD drive unit 22, the decoding unit 30, and the image processing unit 40 to execute the following processing. The DVD drive unit 21 or the BD drive unit 22 reads data from the recording medium and inputs the data to the DVD decoder 31 or BD decoder 32. The DVD decoder 31 or BD decoder 32 decodes the input data into image data and audio data. Input to the image processing unit 40. The image processing unit 40 performs predetermined processing such as size adjustment or color correction of the image represented by the input image data. The output unit 12 outputs the image data and audio data processed by the image processing unit 40 to the television receiver 5, and the television receiver 5 displays an image based on the image data from the output unit 12, The sound based on the sound data from the output unit 12 is output. In this way, the image output apparatus 1 outputs an image recorded on a recording medium such as a DVD or a BD.

  When the DVD drive unit 21 accepts a DVD and the BD drive unit 22 accepts a BD, the operation unit 15 or the remote control receiver 16 receives an instruction to output an image from the DVD and BD. The output device 1 executes processing for simultaneously outputting images from the DVD and BD. At this time, the CPU 11 causes the DVD drive unit 21, the BD drive unit 22, the decoding unit 30, and the image processing unit 40 to execute the following processing. The DVD drive unit 21 reads data from the DVD and inputs it to the DVD decoder 31, the BD drive unit 22 reads the data from the BD and inputs it to the BD decoder 32, and the DVD decoder 31 and the BD decoder 32 display the input data as an image. Data and audio data are decoded and input to the image processing unit 40. The image processing unit 40 generates a combined image in which two types of images represented by the image data input from the DVD decoder 31 and the BD decoder 32 are combined. The output unit 12 outputs image data representing the combined image generated by the image processing unit 40 to the television receiver 5, and the television receiver 5 displays the combined image based on the image data from the output unit 12.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a combination image displayed by the television receiver 5. A combined image in which an image based on the data read from the DVD and an image based on the data read from the BD are combined in two screens is displayed. In this way, an image from the DVD and an image from the BD are output simultaneously. When generating the combined image, the image processing unit 40 associates the relative position where the image from the DVD and the image from the BD are combined with the relative position of the DVD drive unit 21 and the BD drive unit 22 in the front view. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the image output apparatus 1 includes the DVD drive unit 21 on the left side and the BD drive unit 22 on the right side when viewed from the front. A combined image is generated so that the image from the DVD is on the left side and the image from the BD is on the right side on the screen of the John receiver 5.

  The image output apparatus 1 can also output a combined image obtained by reducing either an image from a DVD or an image from a BD. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a combined image in which one image is a main image and the other image is a smaller sub-image. FIG. 4A shows an image obtained by expanding an image from the BD over the entire screen and reducing and combining the image from the DVD. FIG. 4B shows an image expanded from the BD by expanding the image from the DVD over the entire screen. An image obtained by reducing and combining the images is shown. When the operation unit 15 or the remote control reception unit 16 receives a predetermined instruction, the image processing unit 40 changes the size of the image represented by the image data from the DVD decoder 31 and the BD decoder 32 and reduces the image to one image. To generate a combined image. At this time, the image processing unit 40 generates a combined image so that the position of the reduced image on the screen corresponds to the relative position of the DVD drive unit 21 and the BD drive unit 22. That is, when the image from the DVD is reduced, as shown in FIG. 4A, a combined image in which the reduced image from the DVD is arranged on the left side of the screen according to the position of the DVD drive unit 21 is generated. To do. When the image from the BD is reduced, as shown in FIG. 4B, a combined image in which an image obtained by reducing the image from the BD is arranged on the right side of the screen according to the position of the DVD drive unit 21 is generated. .

  As described above, the image output apparatus 1 of the present invention outputs the image from the DVD and the image from the BD simultaneously by outputting the combined image obtained by combining the image from the DVD and the image from the BD. Therefore, the user can check the images recorded on the DVD and BD at the same time. Further, the image output apparatus 1 associates the relative position where the image from the DVD and the image from the BD are combined in the combined image with the relative position of the DVD drive unit 21 and the BD drive unit 22 in the front view. Therefore, the user who operates the image output apparatus 1 can easily recognize which recording medium each of the two types of images included in the output combination image is an image recorded on. .

  The image output apparatus 1 executes processing for outputting an image and outputting sound. The CPU 11 causes the output unit 12 to output data for a menu screen for selecting an image to be output sound, and causes the television receiver 5 to display the menu screen. When the television receiver 5 displays a menu screen and receives a predetermined instruction from the operation unit 15 or the remote control reception unit 16, the CPU 11 receives an image from a DVD or an image from a BD as an image to be output. The designation of any of the images is accepted. The CPU 11 executes a process of selecting a designated image and outputting a sound associated with the selected image. That is, when an image from the DVD is selected, the image processing unit 40 inputs the audio data decoded by the DVD decoder 31 to the output unit 12 according to the control of the CPU 11, and the output unit 12 outputs the input audio data to the television set. The television receiver 5 outputs the sound associated with the image from the DVD. When an image from the BD is selected, the image output apparatus 1 outputs sound associated with the image from the BD. Note that the image output apparatus 1 does not accept the designation of the image using the menu screen, but executes a process of accepting the designation of the image by the user operating a predetermined switch provided on the operation unit 15 or the remote controller 6. May be.

  Further, when outputting the sound, the image output apparatus 1 performs processing for outputting information indicating an image associated with the sound being output. That is, the CPU 11 causes the output unit 12 to output information for indicating in text which sound is being output and the sound associated with which image, and the television receiver 5 includes the information from the output unit 12. Based on the image, the character information indicating the sound associated with which image is being output is displayed superimposed on the image. Note that the image processing unit 40 may perform a process of outputting the character information by generating a combined image in which the character information is superimposed.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an output example of character information indicating to which image the sound being output is associated with the sound. By displaying the text information “sound on” over the image from the DVD, it is indicated that the sound associated with the image from the DVD is being output. When outputting sound associated with an image from a BD, the image output apparatus 1 outputs similar character information superimposed on the image from the BD. In this way, even when the image output apparatus 1 outputs a combined image in which two types of images are combined, the user can listen to the sound associated with one of the images, and any image can be heard. It is possible to easily confirm whether or not the voice associated with is output.

  The image output apparatus 1 may display character information at a position different from the image on the screen of the television receiver 5 so as not to overlap the image. Further, the image output apparatus 1 may perform processing indicating an image associated with the sound being output by displaying a predetermined symbol instead of characters. Further, the image output apparatus 1 performs a process of outputting information indicating an image associated with the sound being output in the same manner even when outputting a combined image obtained by reducing any of the images as shown in FIG. At this time, the image output apparatus 1 may perform a process of outputting sound associated with the main image, or may perform a process of outputting sound associated with the reduced sub image. Note that the image output apparatus 1 may perform a process of automatically setting so as to output sound associated with the larger image when any one of the images is reduced as illustrated in FIG. 4. Further, the image output apparatus 1 may perform a process of simultaneously outputting sounds associated with both images instead of either one of the sounds.

  Similarly to the audio output, the image output apparatus 1 individually performs various processes such as stop, fast forward, and rewind for each of the image from the DVD or the image from the BD while outputting the combined image. Can be executed. When the image output apparatus 1 receives a predetermined instruction from the operation unit 15 or the remote control reception unit 16 in a state where the combined image is being output, the CPU 11 designates either an image from a DVD or an image from a BD. And instructions for various processes such as stop, fast forward and rewind. For example, when an instruction for fast-forward processing is received for an image from a DVD, the CPU 11 causes the image processing unit 40 to generate a combination image in which a portion of the image from the DVD is fast-forwarded, thereby causing the CPU 11 to start from the DVD included in the combination image. Fast forward the image. At this time, the image portion from the DVD is fast-forwarded in the combined image shown in FIG. Even when a processing instruction is received for an image from the BD, the CPU 11 performs the same processing. The image output apparatus 1 can also simultaneously execute various types of processing such as stop, fast forward, and rewind for each of the two types of images. In this way, the image output apparatus 1 can execute processing such as fast-forwarding for individual images, and the user can view the image by his / her desired method such as fast-forwarding unnecessary parts. It becomes.

  Further, the image output apparatus 1 performs a process of outputting the content recorded on the recording medium received by the DVD drive unit 21 or the BD drive unit 22 when the power is turned on. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing performed by the image output apparatus 1 when the power is turned on. When the image output apparatus 1 is powered on (S11), is the CPU 11 accepting the recording medium by causing the DVD drive unit 21 and the BD drive unit 22 to try to read data from the DVD or BD recording medium? It is determined whether or not (S12). When the DVD drive unit 21 and the BD drive unit 22 do not accept any recording medium (S12: NO), the CPU 11 ends the process. When the DVD drive unit 21 or the BD drive unit 22 accepts a recording medium (S12: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether or not two types of recording media, DVD and BD, are accepted (S13). When both types of recording media, DVD and BD, are accepted (S13: YES), the CPU 11 causes the DVD drive unit 21 and the BD drive unit 22 to start reading data recorded on the DVD and BD ( S14). The CPU 11 causes the DVD decoder 31 and the BD decoder 32 to decode the read data, causes the image processing unit 40 to generate a combined image, and causes the output unit 12 to output the image data, thereby causing the image from the DVD and the image from the BD to be output. A combined image combining the above is output (S15).

  If the received recording medium is only one of DVD or BD and not two types in step S13 (S13: NO), the CPU 11 drives the recording medium of the DVD drive unit 21 or BD drive unit 22 that has received the recording medium. The reading of data recorded on the recording medium is started in the section (S16). The CPU 11 outputs the image by causing the decoding unit 30 to decode the data read from the recording medium by the drive unit, appropriately processing the decoded data by the image processing unit 40, and outputting the decoded data to the output unit 12 (S17). In step S15 or step S17, the CPU 11 ends the process. In this way, the image output apparatus 1 checks the presence / absence of a recording medium when the power is turned on, and outputs an image from the recording medium accepted when the power is turned on. Therefore, the user can confirm the presence or absence of the recording medium when the image output apparatus 1 is turned on. Further, when the image output apparatus 1 accepts the recording medium, the user can easily know the recorded contents of the recording medium. It becomes possible.

  The image output apparatus 1 reads data from the received recording medium when receiving another recording medium while outputting an image based on the data read from the recording medium of the DVD or BD. Processing for starting output of an image based on the read data is performed. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing performed by the image output apparatus 1 when another recording medium is received while an image based on data read from one recording medium is being output. The image output apparatus 1 reads data from one DVD or BD recording medium with one of the DVD drive unit 21 and the BD drive unit 22 and outputs an image (S21). At this time, the CPU 11 waits at any time for the other drive unit to accept another recording medium (S22). When the other drive unit does not accept another recording medium (S22: NO), the CPU 11 continues to wait for another recording medium to be accepted by the other drive unit. When the other drive unit accepts another recording medium (S22: YES), the CPU 11 causes the other drive unit that accepted the recording medium to start reading data recorded on the recording medium (S23). . The CPU 11 causes the DVD decoder 31 and the BD decoder 32 to decode the data read by the DVD drive unit 21 and the BD drive unit 2, causes the image processing unit 40 to generate a combined image, and causes the output unit 12 to output the image data. The combination image obtained by combining the image from the DVD and the image from the BD is output (S24). The image processing unit 40 may perform a process of generating a combined image obtained by combining two types of images having the same size as shown in FIG. 3, and data read from a recording medium received later as shown in FIG. A process of generating a combined image obtained by reducing an image based on the above may be performed. At this time, the display screen of the television receiver 5 displaying the image is changed to a screen for displaying a two-screen combination image as shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. In step S24, the CPU 11 ends the process. In this way, when the image output apparatus 1 receives another recording medium while outputting an image to be recorded on one recording medium, the image output apparatus 1 also outputs an image recorded on the received recording medium. Therefore, the user can check the recorded contents of the other recording medium while outputting the image even when the image output apparatus 1 is outputting the image recorded on the one recording medium. It becomes.

  The image output apparatus 1 can also select and output only one image from two types of images included in the combination image to be output. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing for selecting and outputting one image from two types of images that can be output by the image output apparatus 1 and switching the image to be output. The image output apparatus 1 reads data from the DVD and BD by the DVD drive unit 21 and the BD drive unit 22, and outputs a combined image obtained by combining the image from the DVD and the image from the BD (S31). While outputting the combined image, the CPU 11 waits for an instruction to select one image as an image to be output (S32). If no instruction to select one image is received (S32: NO), the CPU 11 continues to wait for an instruction to be received. When the operation unit 15 or the remote control reception unit 16 receives a predetermined instruction and receives an instruction to select one image as an image to be output (S32: YES), the CPU 11 follows the instruction from the DVD or BD. One image is selected, output of the combined image is stopped, and processing for outputting the selected image is performed (S33). That is, the CPU 11 continues the operation of one drive unit of the DVD drive unit 21 or the BD drive unit 22, stops the other drive unit from reading data from the recording medium, and changes the data read by one drive unit to Based on this, the image processing unit 40 generates the image, and the image data representing the image is output to the output unit 12.

  Next, the CPU 11 stores the portion where the output of the other image is stopped in the RAM 14 (S34). For example, the CPU 11 causes the RAM 14 to store the address of the portion where reading of data on the recording medium is stopped. While outputting one image, the CPU 11 waits for an instruction to switch the image to be output (S35). If there is no reception of an instruction to switch an image to be output (S35: NO), the CPU 11 continues to wait for an instruction reception. When the operation unit 15 or the remote control reception unit 16 receives a predetermined instruction and receives an instruction to switch an image to be output (S35: YES), the CPU 11 stops outputting one of the images, and A process of outputting the other image from the portion where the output is stopped is performed (S36). That is, the CPU 11 stops one drive unit from reading data from the recording medium, causes the other drive unit to start reading data from the portion of the recording medium indicated by the address stored in the RAM 14, and The image processing unit 40 generates an image based on the data read by the drive unit, and the output unit 12 outputs image data representing the image. CPU11 complete | finishes a process above.

  In this way, when outputting a combined image obtained by combining two types of images, the image output apparatus 1 can stop outputting the combined image and output only one image. is there. At this time, the image output apparatus 1 keeps the other image whose output has been stopped by stopping the output of the combined image in a paused state, switches the image to be output, and outputs the other image from the temporarily stopped portion. Can be resumed. Therefore, when the user wants to pay attention to one image included in the combined image, the user can output only one image to the image output apparatus 1 and view the one image without being disturbed by other images. It becomes. Furthermore, when the viewer wants to view another image whose output has been stopped, he / she can resume viewing the image from the portion where the output has been stopped.

  In the present embodiment, the image output apparatus 1 according to the present invention has a configuration including the DVD drive unit 21 and the BD drive unit 22 that accept DVDs and BDs, which are optical disks, as the reading unit according to the present invention. Further, a form provided with a reading means capable of receiving other types of recording media may be employed. For example, the image output apparatus 1 may include a read unit that can accept a magnetic disk, a magnetic tape, a semiconductor memory card, or a portable hard disk as a recording medium. The image output apparatus 1 of the present invention does not accept a portable recording medium as a reading means according to the present invention, but incorporates a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory, and images recorded by the built-in recording medium. The form provided with the read-out means to read may be sufficient.

  Further, the image output apparatus according to the present invention may be configured to include other types of image generation means as the image generation means according to the present invention, in addition to the reading means for reading data recorded on the recording medium. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the image output apparatus 7 including image generation means of a type other than the reading means. The image output device 7 includes, as image generation means according to the present invention, a BD drive unit 22, a tuner unit 71 for receiving various broadcasts such as terrestrial broadcast, satellite broadcast, cable broadcast, analog broadcast, and digital broadcast. It has. The tuner unit 71 is connected to the CPU 11 and the image processing unit 40 and is further connected to an external antenna or communication line (not shown). The tuner unit 71 receives the broadcast image data and inputs the received image data to the image processing unit 40. The image processing unit 40 performs appropriate processing on the image data input from the BD decoder 32 and the image data input from the tuner unit 71 to generate a combined image that combines the image from the BD and the broadcasted image. To do. Other configurations and functions in the image output device 7 are the same as those in the image output device 1 whose internal configuration is shown in FIG. 1, and the corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. In this configuration, the image output device 7 can simultaneously output an image from the BD and a broadcast image.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a mode of outputting a combined image obtained by combining two types of images is shown, but the image output apparatus of the present invention is not limited to this, and three or more types of images according to the present invention are used. It may be configured to include a generation unit and output a combined image obtained by combining three or more types of images. Further, the reading means included in the image output apparatus may have a function of recording a broadcast image on a recording medium.

  In the present embodiment, the image output apparatus 1 according to the present invention has been described as performing the process of outputting an image by causing the external television receiver 5 to display the image. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, a display screen such as a liquid crystal display may be provided in the main body of the image output apparatus 1 and processing for displaying an image on the display screen may be performed.

It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the image output device of this invention. It is a front view which shows the example of the external appearance which looked at the image output device of this invention from the front. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of the combination image which a television receiver displays. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of the combined image which made one image the main image and made the other image a smaller sub-image. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of an output of the character information which shows the audio | voice currently output being the audio | voice linked | related with which image. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing performed by the image output apparatus when power is turned on. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing performed by the image output apparatus when another recording medium is received while an image based on data read from one recording medium is being output. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process which selects and outputs one image from two types of images which an image output device can output, and also switches the image to output. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structural example of the image output apparatus provided with the kind of image generation means other than a read-out means.

Explanation of symbols

1, 7 Image output device 11 CPU
12 Output unit 15 Operation unit 16 Remote control reception unit 21 DVD drive unit (reading means)
22 BD drive unit (reading means)
30 Decoding unit 31 DVD decoder 32 BD decoder 40 Image processing unit (combining means)
5 Television receiver 6 Remote control 71 Tuner (image generation means)

Claims (10)

A plurality of image generation means for generating an image; and an output means for outputting an image generated by any one of the image generation means, wherein the plurality of image generation means reads the image from a recording medium for recording the image. In an image output apparatus including one or a plurality of readout means for generating an image,
A combination unit configured to perform a predetermined process on the plurality of images generated by each of the plurality of image generation units including at least one of the reading units and generate a combined image by combining the plurality of images;
The image output apparatus, wherein the output means includes means for outputting the combination image generated by the combination means. In an image output apparatus comprising a plurality of reading means for reading an image from a recording medium for recording an image, and an output means for outputting an image read from the recording medium by any of the reading means,
A plurality of reading means, each of which includes a combination means for performing a predetermined process on a plurality of images read from a recording medium and generating a combination image combining the plurality of images;
The image output apparatus, wherein the output means includes means for outputting the combination image generated by the combination means. At least one of the reading means is
Means for receiving a portable recording medium;
Means for reading an image from a recording medium received by the means;
When the output unit outputs an arbitrary image, when the reading unit irrelevant to the arbitrary image accepts a portable recording medium, the reading unit starts reading the image from the recording medium. Means,
3. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a unit that causes the combination unit to generate a combination image in which the image that the reading unit has started reading is combined with the arbitrary image. Means for determining whether the reading means is capable of reading an image from a recording medium when the power is turned on;
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a unit that causes the reading unit to start reading an image from the recording medium when the reading unit is capable of reading an image from the recording medium. The image output device according to one. The plurality of reading means are arranged at different positions from each other,
The combination means includes
A means for causing each of the plurality of reading means to correspond to a relative position of the image read from the recording medium in the combined image with a relative position viewed from a specific direction of each of the plurality of reading means. The image output device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The image is associated with sound corresponding to the content of the image,
Means for selecting any image from a plurality of images combined in the combined image;
Means for generating sound associated with the image selected by the means;
The image output apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means for outputting the sound generated by the means.   The image output apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising means for outputting information indicating an image associated with the sound to be output. In a state where the output unit is outputting the combined image, a selecting unit that selects any image from a plurality of images combined in the combined image;
8. The image according to claim 1, further comprising: a unit that stops the output of the combined image by the output unit, and causes the output unit to output the image selected by the selection unit. Output device. Means for switching an image to be output by the output means to an image other than the image selected by the selection means among the plurality of images;
When the other image is an image read from the recording medium by the reading unit, the other image is output from the portion where the output of the other image is stopped in a state of being combined in the combined image. The image output apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising: a unit that outputs the unit. Means for selecting any image from a plurality of images combined in the combined image;
Means for receiving an instruction for processing the image selected by the means;
The image output apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a unit that executes processing according to the instruction received by the unit for the image.

Images