JP2007087104A - Voice output controller and voice output control method, recording medium and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a user to easily retrieve his or her desired item from a menu. <P>SOLUTION: A taste learning part 103 learns the taste of a user shown by use frequency as the user's selection frequency of each item in a menu. When the item in the menu is indicated, or the indication of the item is released, a sound effect setting part 111 sets the tone, scale and effect of a sound effect based on the position of the item in the menu, and sets the strength of the sound effect based on the taste of the user corresponding to the item. A sound effect output control part 112 makes a speaker output the sound effect with the set tone, scale, effect and strength. This invention may be applied to a DTV(Digital Television). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an audio output control device and method, a recording medium, and a program, and more particularly to an audio output control device and method, a recording medium, and a program that enable a desired item to be easily searched from a menu. .

  Conventionally, in a user interface that allows the user to select items that are currently read out by reading out the items in the menu in order at predetermined intervals and performing a predetermined operation, It has been proposed to output sounds of different timbres and scales (see, for example, Patent Document 1). By outputting voices of different timbres and scales for each item, it is possible to intuitively know the item currently selected.

JP 2004-215255 A

  By the way, in recent years, various electronic devices (for example, television devices) can reach a desired item more quickly as the number of items in a menu increases due to an increase in contents, functions, setting items, and the like. In addition, the menu scrolling speed tends to be increased. However, if the scroll speed of the menu is increased, there is a high possibility that a desired item is missed or the position of the displayed menu is lost.

  In the invention described in Patent Document 1, since sound is output in the same way for all items, when the menu is scrolled at high speed, sound for each item is output continuously at very short intervals. Therefore, after all, it is difficult to know which item is the selection target, and the desired item may be missed.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and allows a desired item to be easily searched from a menu.

  An audio output control apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is an audio output control apparatus that controls output of a sound effect associated with display of a menu including a plurality of items, and learning means that learns user preferences for the items And sound effect output control means for controlling the output of the sound effect corresponding to the instruction of the item in the menu based on the user's preference.

  The learning means can learn the user's preference indicated by the frequency with which the item is selected from the menu.

  The sound effect output control means can change the type or intensity of the sound effect or the effect applied to the sound effect so as to emphasize that the item preferred by the user is instructed. .

  The sound effect output control means may further change the sound effect based on the position of the instructed item in the menu.

  The sound effect output control means can be controlled to output the sound effect when the item is instructed or when the instruction of the item is canceled.

  The sound effect output control means can be controlled to output different sound effects when the item is instructed and when the item is instructed.

  When the menu is composed of a plurality of levels, the sound effect output control means can change the sound effects based on the displayed menu level.

  An audio output control apparatus or program according to one aspect of the present invention provides an audio output control method for controlling output of a sound effect associated with display of a menu including a plurality of items, or a menu display including a plurality of items. A program for causing a computer to execute a sound output control process for controlling the output of sound effects accompanying the learning, learning a user's preference for the item, and instructing the item in the menu based on the user's preference Controlling the output of the corresponding sound effect.

  In one aspect of the present invention, a user's preference for the item of a menu including a plurality of items is learned, and based on the user's preference, the sound effect corresponding to the instruction of the item in the menu is stored. The output is controlled.

  As described above, according to one aspect of the present invention, when an item in a menu is designated, a sound effect corresponding to the user's preference for the designated item can be output. In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a desired item can be easily searched from a menu.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. Correspondences between constituent elements of the present invention and the embodiments described in the specification or the drawings are exemplified as follows. This description is to confirm that the embodiments supporting the present invention are described in the detailed description of the invention. Accordingly, although there are embodiments that are described in the detailed description of the invention but are not described here as embodiments corresponding to the constituent elements of the present invention, It does not mean that the embodiment does not correspond to the configuration requirements. Conversely, even if an embodiment is described here as corresponding to a configuration requirement, that means that the embodiment does not correspond to a configuration requirement other than the configuration requirement. It's not something to do.

  An audio output control device according to one aspect of the present invention (for example, the control unit 11 in FIG. 1) is an audio output control device that controls output of a sound effect associated with display of a menu composed of a plurality of items, Based on learning means (for example, the preference learning unit 103 in FIG. 6) that learns the user's preference for the item, the output of the sound effect corresponding to the instruction of the item in the menu is controlled based on the user's preference. Sound effect output control means (for example, the sound effect processing unit 102 in FIG. 6).

  An audio output control method or program according to an aspect of the present invention is an audio output control method for controlling output of a sound effect associated with display of a menu including a plurality of items, or a menu display including a plurality of items. Is a program for causing a computer to execute a sound output control process for controlling the output of a sound effect associated with a learning step (for example, step S10 in FIG. 10) for learning the user's preference for the item, and the user's preference. And a sound effect output control step (for example, step S7 in FIG. 10) for controlling the output of the sound effect corresponding to the instruction of the item in the menu.

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

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a DTV (Digital Television) 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The DTV 1 is configured by connecting each processing unit via a bus 12 to a control unit 11 configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. Is done.

  The terrestrial analog broadcast receiving unit 13 receives a terrestrial analog television broadcast signal under the control of the control unit 11 and outputs an image signal (video signal) and an audio signal obtained by demodulation to the bus 12 via the interface 14. . The control unit 11 instructs the terrestrial analog broadcast receiving unit 13 to receive the channel selected by the user by operating the remote controller 31. Similarly, an instruction corresponding to an operation by the user is given from the control unit 11 to other broadcast receiving units.

  The terrestrial digital broadcast receiving unit 15 corresponds to digital television broadcast and data broadcast, and receives the terrestrial digital broadcast according to the control by the control unit 11. The terrestrial digital broadcast receiving unit 15 outputs the image signal and audio signal of the program obtained by decoding the broadcast signal, EPG (Electronic Program Guide) data, and the like to the bus 12 via the interface 16.

  A BS (Broadcasting Satellite) broadcast receiving unit 17 supports BS television broadcasting, BS audio broadcasting (radio broadcasting), and data broadcasting, and receives BS digital broadcasting according to control by the control unit 11. The BS broadcast receiving unit 17 outputs an image signal, audio signal, EPG data, and the like of the program obtained by decoding the broadcast signal to the bus 12 via the interface 18.

  A CS (Communications Satellite) broadcast receiving unit 19 corresponds to CS television broadcast, CS audio broadcast, and data broadcast, and receives CS digital broadcast according to control by the control unit 11. The CS broadcast receiving unit 19 outputs an image signal, audio signal, EPG data, etc. of the program obtained by decoding the broadcast signal to the bus 12 via the interface 20.

  The display image generation / output unit 21 displays various images on the display 22 according to control by the control unit 11. For example, the display image generation / output unit 21 is configured to display a program based on image data supplied from the terrestrial analog broadcast reception unit 13, the terrestrial digital broadcast reception unit 15, the BS broadcast reception unit 17, and the CS broadcast reception unit 19 via the bus 12. Are displayed on the display 22. The audio of the program is output from the speaker 24 by the control unit 11 or the like in accordance with the display timing of the program image by the display image generation / output unit 21.

  The display image generation / output unit 21 has an OSD (On Screen Display) function, and is a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for a user to perform various operations using the DTV 1 according to control by the control unit 11. A menu screen is displayed on the display 22. Icon data such as characters and symbols arranged on the menu screen is stored in the display data storage unit 41 of the memory 32.

  Further, when the control unit 11 notifies that the operation on the menu screen has been performed by the user, the display image generation / output unit 21 switches the display of the menu screen accordingly.

  The display 22 is configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, and displays program images, menu screens, and the like according to control by the display image generation / output unit 21 performed via the bus 12 and the display interface 23. The menu screen displayed on the display 22 will be described in detail later.

  The speaker 24 is supplied from the terrestrial analog broadcast receiving unit 13, the terrestrial digital broadcast receiving unit 15, the BS broadcast receiving unit 17, and the CS broadcast receiving unit 19 through the bus 12 and the audio output interface 25 according to control by the control unit 11 and the like. Outputs audio corresponding to the audio data.

  The speaker 24 outputs sound effects associated with the display of the menu screen corresponding to the audio data supplied from the audio data storage unit 43 via the bus 12 and the audio output interface 25 according to control by the control unit 11 or the like. To do.

  The memory card drive 26 reads data from the memory card 27 inserted into a slot formed in the housing of the DTV 1 and writes data to the memory card 27. From the memory card 27, for example, still image data captured by a digital camera or the like is read and output to the display image generation / output unit 21 via the bus 12. The display image generation / output unit 21 displays a still image based on data read from the memory card 27.

  The external input / output interface 28 is a video input / output terminal, audio input / output terminal, USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal, IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 1394 terminal, HDMI (High-Definition) formed on the casing of the DTV 1. Data (signal) is transmitted / received to / from devices connected to external input / output terminals 28-1 to 28-n such as (Multimedia Interface) terminals via various cables.

  For example, when a digital camera or audio player is connected to the DTV 1 via a USB cable, the external input / output interface 28 captures still image data captured by the digital camera and audio data stored in the audio player. . The external input / output interface 28 is a digital broadcast program data (image) obtained by the terrestrial digital broadcast receiver 15 when a hard disk recorder (HDR) is connected to the DTV 1 via an IEEE1394 cable. Signal, audio signal) is output to and stored in the HDR via the IEEE1394 cable, program data stored in the HDR is acquired via the IEEE1394 cable, and the acquired data is output to the display image generation / output unit 21 Display the image of the program.

  The communication interface 29 transmits / receives data to / from various devices via a network. For example, when a network compatible recording / playback device is connected to the DTV 1 via a network, the communication interface 29 transmits the digital broadcast program data obtained by the terrestrial digital broadcast receiving unit 15 to the recording / playback device. Or the program data supplied from the recording / playback device via the network is output to the display image generation / output unit 21 to display the program image.

  The light receiving unit 30 receives infrared rays from the remote controller 31 and outputs a signal corresponding to the user operation obtained by demodulation to the control unit 11 via the bus 12. In addition to the cross key and the enter key, the remote controller 31 is also provided with, for example, a home key operated when displaying a menu screen.

  The memory 32 is composed of a flash memory or the like, in which a display data storage unit 41, an EPG data storage unit 42, an audio data storage unit 43, and a preference information storage unit 44 are formed.

  The display data storage unit 41 stores icon data for displaying the menu screen.

  The EPG data storage unit 42 stores EPG data acquired by the terrestrial analog broadcast receiving unit 13, the terrestrial digital broadcast receiving unit 15, the BS broadcast receiving unit 17, and the CS broadcast receiving unit 19. The EPG data includes information such as the broadcast station name (channel name), title, broadcast start time, broadcast end time, performer, program genre, etc. of each program, and is used for displaying the program guide. The EPG data acquired by the communication interface 29 by downloading from a predetermined server may be stored in the EPG data storage unit 42 and used for displaying the program guide.

  The sound data storage unit 43 stores sound effect setting data, which is data for setting sound effects that are output when the menu screen is displayed, sound data corresponding to each sound effect, and the like. Details of the sound effect setting data will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The preference information storage unit 44 stores preference information representing the user's preference for items in the menu screen. Details of the preference information will be described later.

  Here, a menu screen displayed by the DTV 1 having the above configuration will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a menu screen displayed on the display 22.

  A menu screen as shown in FIG. 2 is displayed, for example, when a home key provided on the remote controller 31 is pressed by the user. From this screen, the user can perform selection operations of various functions prepared in the DTV 1 in addition to selection of broadcast waves and selection of programs broadcast on the selected broadcast waves. The dotted lines shown in FIG. 2 are given for convenience of explanation, and are not actually displayed on the menu screen.

  The menu screen has a category icon array R1 in which a plurality of category icons are arranged in a row, and an item icon array R2 in which item icons representing items belonging to a category selected from the category icon array R1 are arranged in a row. Is constructed by crossing slightly at the upper left position.

  As shown in FIG. 2, for example, the category icon array R1 is displayed in the horizontal direction (horizontal direction) of the display 22, and the item icon array R2 is a vertical direction (direction perpendicular to the array direction of the category icon array R1). (Vertical direction). Data of icons constituting these arrays is stored in the display data storage unit 41 of FIG.

  The category icon array R1 is configured, for example, by arranging icons representing nine types of categories. Details of each category will be described later. In the example of FIG. 2, among the nine categories, a photo icon 51 representing a “photo” category, a music icon 52 representing a “music” category, and “video”. A video icon 53 representing a category of terrestrial broadcasting, a terrestrial broadcasting icon 54 representing a category of “terrestrial broadcasting”, a BS broadcasting icon 55 representing a category of “BS broadcasting”, a CS broadcasting icon 56 representing a category of “CS broadcasting”, “ An external input icon 57 representing the “external input” category is displayed.

  When the user operates the remote controller 31 to switch the display range, a setting icon representing the “setting” category and a network icon representing the “network” category are also displayed as appropriate.

  In the example of FIG. 2, the video icon 53 is selected from the category icons arranged in the horizontal direction, and the currently selected video icon 53 is displayed slightly larger than the other category icons. Yes. Under the video icon 53, the characters “Video” indicating that the video category is selected are displayed.

  In the example of FIG. 2, item icons 61 to 63 are displayed as icons representing items belonging to the video category selected by the user. The number of items belonging to a category differs for each category. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, icons representing a predetermined number of items are displayed on the menu screen.

  The item icon 61 is an icon representing an item selected when setting a recording reservation, and the item icon 62 is an icon representing an item selected when confirming reservation contents. The item icon 63 is an icon representing the HDR connected to the DTV 1 via the IEEE1394 cable. By selecting the item icon 63, the user can reproduce a recorded program stored in the HDR.

  In the example of FIG. 2, the item icons 61 among the item icons 61 to 63 are surrounded by the cursor 71 and are displayed in a state where the item icon 61 is arranged in the center of the cursor 71, that is, in a state where the item icon 61 is instructed. Has been. On the right side of the item icon 61, a character “recording reservation” is displayed indicating that a recording reservation can be set by selecting it.

  In such a menu screen, the user can basically select a category by a horizontal operation (left and right buttons) of a cross key provided in the remote controller 31, and a vertical operation (up and down buttons). In this case, an item belonging to the selected category can be designated.

  The entire category icons constituting the category icon array R1 are collectively moved and displayed in accordance with the horizontal operation by the user. Further, the entire item icons constituting the item icon array R2 are collectively moved and displayed according to the vertical operation by the user.

  For example, in the state of FIG. 2 in which “video” is selected, when the user presses the left button only once, the entire category icons constituting the category icon array R1 move to the right, and the video icon 53 is now displayed. A music icon 52 is displayed at the displayed position, and a photo icon 51 is displayed at the position where the music icon 52 is displayed. At the position where the photo icon 51 is displayed, a setting icon representing “setting”, for example, arranged on the left side of the photo icon 51 on the category icon array R1 is displayed.

  Similarly, the video icon 53 is displayed at the position where the terrestrial broadcast icon 54 is displayed, the terrestrial broadcast icon 54 is displayed at the position where the BS broadcast icon 55 is displayed, and the CS broadcast icon 56 is displayed. The BS broadcast icon 55 is displayed at the position where it is. The CS broadcast icon 56 is displayed at the position where the external input icon 57 is displayed, and the external input icon 57 displayed at the right end in FIG. 2 is not displayed.

  As a result, “music” is selected instead of “video”, and item icons representing items belonging to “music” are displayed side by side in the vertical direction as the item icon array R2.

  On the other hand, when the user presses the right button only once in the state of FIG. 2, the entire category icons constituting the category icon array R1 move to the left as opposed to pressing the left button. "Is selected. In addition, item icons representing items belonging to the category of “terrestrial broadcasting” are displayed side by side in the vertical direction as an item icon array R2.

  In addition, when the user presses the down button only once in the state of FIG. 2, the entire item icons constituting the item icon array R2 move upward, and the item icon 61 is displayed on the video icon 53, An item icon 62 is displayed at the position where the item icon 61 is currently displayed. At this time, a “reservation confirmation” character indicating that the item icon 62 is selected when confirming the reservation content is displayed next to the cursor 71.

  In addition, an item icon 63 is displayed at a position where the item icon 62 is displayed, and an item icon constituting the item icon array R2 is arranged below the item icon 63 at a position where the item icon 63 is displayed. Item icon is newly displayed.

  On the other hand, when the user presses the up button only once in the state of FIG. 2, there is no item icon arranged on the item icon 61 as the item icon constituting the item icon array R2, for example, the operation is invalid. (The display cannot be switched).

  Also, the user continuously scrolls the menu screen at a high speed (hereinafter also referred to as high-speed scrolling) by continuously pressing (long pressing) one of the up / down / left / right buttons of the cross key provided on the remote controller 31. ). For example, by long-pressing the left or right button of the cross key, the entire category icons constituting the category icon array R1 move continuously in the left or right direction at high speed. Further, for example, by long-pressing the upper or lower button of the cross key, the entire item icons constituting the item icon array R2 move continuously in the upward or downward direction at high speed.

  Furthermore, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 10 and the like, a sound effect is output from the speaker 24 as the category icon or item icon displayed in the menu screen moves.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating another display example of the menu screen.

  When the determination key provided in the remote controller 31 is pressed in the state of FIG. 2 in which “recording reservation” which is one of the items belonging to the video category is instructed, and “recording reservation” is selected, the screen of FIG. The screen is switched to the screen shown in FIG. 3, and on the screen after the switching, icons representing items defined as items in a layer below “recording reservation” are displayed side by side in the vertical direction. Next to each icon is a letter describing each item.

  In the example of FIG. 3, an item for designating a recording time zone of a program broadcast by terrestrial digital broadcasting, an item for designating a recording time zone of a program broadcast by BS digital broadcasting, CS digital broadcasting (CS1) Icons and characters relating to items for specifying the recording time zone of programs broadcasted by, and items for specifying the recording time zone of programs broadcast by CS digital broadcasting (CS2) are displayed.

  By selecting a predetermined item from the items displayed side by side in the vertical direction, the user can specify a recording time zone of a program broadcast on each broadcast wave. For example, the cursor 71 is displayed in a state in which an item of digital terrestrial broadcasting displayed at the top of the items in the lower hierarchy is indicated, and the user specifies (selects) an item by an operation in the vertical direction. The item indicated by the cursor 71 can be selected by pressing the enter key.

  In the example of FIG. 3, the category icons constituting the category icon array R1 disappear from the screen leaving only the selected video icon 53, and the display position of the item icon array R2 moves to the left end of the screen. Icons and characters representing lower-level items are displayed in the empty space.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing still another display example of the menu screen.

  When the video category is selected from the category icon array R1 and the right button of the cross key is pressed only once in the state of FIG. 2, as shown in FIG. 4, the state of “terrestrial broadcasting” is selected. The item icons representing items belonging to “terrestrial broadcasting” are displayed side by side in the vertical direction.

  In the example of FIG. 4, item icons 81 and 82 are displayed above the terrestrial broadcast icon 54, and channel icons 83 to 86 are displayed below.

  The item icon 81 is an icon representing an item selected when displaying a program guide of a program broadcast by terrestrial analog broadcasting, and the item icon 82 displays a program guide of a program broadcast by terrestrial digital broadcasting. It is an icon representing an item that is sometimes selected. Channel icons 83 to 86 are icons representing 1 channel, 3 channels, 4 channels, and 5 channels, respectively, as indicated by the numbers.

  The user can switch the item indicated by the cursor 71 by pressing the upper and lower buttons of the cross key, and by pressing the enter key in a state where a predetermined item is indicated, the item indicated at that time is changed. Accordingly, it is possible to display a program guide or to watch a program broadcast on the selected channel.

  In the example of FIG. 4, one channel is designated, and “terrestrial analog television” characters representing a group to which the designated channel belongs are displayed on the left side of the cursor 71. The “terrestrial broadcasting” includes a “terrestrial analog television” group (a group of programs received by the terrestrial analog broadcast receiving unit 13 in FIG. 1) and a “terrestrial digital television” group (the reception of terrestrial digital broadcasting in FIG. 1). When a channel belonging to the “terrestrial digital television” group is instructed, a character representing it is displayed.

  Also, to the right of the cursor 71, “Movie“ XXXXX ”, which is the title of the program broadcast on the designated channel,“ MHK General ”, which is the name of the broadcast channel, and In addition, “10: 00-12: 00 am” that is a broadcast time zone (broadcast start time and broadcast end time) is displayed over two lines. These pieces of information are displayed based on the EPG data stored in the EPG data storage unit 42. Similarly, when another channel is designated, a program title or the like is displayed on the right side of the icon representing the channel. In the menu screen of FIG. 4, a network icon 58 representing “network” is displayed at the right end of the category icon array R1.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a definition map that defines an array of categories and items.

  As shown with diagonal lines, the categories are “Settings”, “Photo”, “Music”, “Video”, “Terrestrial Broadcasting”, “BS Broadcasting”, “CS Broadcasting”, “External Input” from the left. ”And“ network ”.

  “Setting” is a category related to various settings. In “Settings”, select “Demo mode” when displaying the demo screen from the top, “Inquiry” when displaying the contact information, or when displaying the message from the manufacturer. “Notification”, “Keyword hit setting” item selected when registering a keyword as a reference for selecting the recommended program when the recommended program selected by the DTV 1 is displayed is prepared. The

  In “Settings”, “Image quality” selected when setting the image quality, “Sound quality” selected when setting the sound quality, and “Screen mode” selected when setting the screen mode are set. ”,“ Display settings ”selected when setting the display,“ Broadcast settings ”selected when setting the received broadcast,“ Reservation settings ”selected when setting the reservation, Items of “external input / output setting” selected when setting an external device connected to the DTV 1 and “audio input / output setting” selected when setting audio input / output are prepared.

  Furthermore, “setting” includes “photo setting” selected when setting related to still image display, “memory card setting” selected when setting related to the memory card 27, and via an IEEE1394 cable. "IEEE 1394 device settings" selected when setting the connected devices, "Network device settings" selected when setting the devices connected via the network, the power mode of the DTV 1 “Setting of power consumption” selected when performing settings, “Communication settings” selected when performing settings related to communication functions, “Various settings and others” selected when performing other settings, Manufacturing of DTV 1 “Equipment information” selected when displaying information such as numbers and “Easy setting” items selected when displaying wizards related to settings are provided Is done.

  “Photo” is a category related to still image display. “Photo” is a “DLNA device” selected when a still image is taken from a digital camera compatible with the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) connected to the DTV 1 through the network and displayed on the display 22 from above. “Memory card / USB” is selected, which is selected when a still image is captured from the memory card 27 or from a digital camera connected via a USB cable and displayed on the display 22.

  “Music” is a category related to music. In “Music”, “DLNA device”, which is selected when music is taken in from a DLNA-compatible audio player connected to the DTV 1 via the network and output from the speaker 24, from the memory card 27, Alternatively, an item “memory card / USB” selected when music is taken in from an audio player connected via a USB cable and is output from the speaker 24 is prepared.

  “Video” is a category related to recording of a program. In “Video”, items of “reserved recording” selected when setting a recording reservation and “reservation confirmation” selected when confirming reservation contents are prepared from the top.

  “Video” includes “IEEE1394 device” selected when recording a program on a recording / playback device connected via an IEEE1394 cable, or playing back a recorded program from the recording / playback device, via a network. “DLNA device” selected when a program is recorded on a DLNA compatible recording / playback device connected to the DTV 1 or a recorded program is played back from the recording / playback device, and the video stored in the memory card 27 is displayed. An item “memory card / USB” is prepared, which is selected when playing back or playing back a moving image stored in a device connected via a USB cable.

  “Terrestrial broadcasting” is a category relating to terrestrial analog broadcasting and terrestrial digital broadcasting. “Terrestrial broadcasting” is selected from the top when “terrestrial D Data EPG” is selected when displaying a data broadcasting program guide, or when displaying a program guide of a program broadcast by digital terrestrial broadcasting. “Earth D TV EPG” and “Earth E EPG” selected when displaying a program guide of a program broadcast by terrestrial analog broadcasting are prepared.

  Also, for “terrestrial broadcasting”, select a terrestrial analog broadcasting channel, select “terrestrial A Ch” (channel icon) selected when viewing the program, select a terrestrial digital broadcasting channel, and watch the program. The “terrestrial D TV Ch” (channel icon) selected when the user selects the data broadcasting channel and the “terrestrial D Data Ch” (channel icon) selected when viewing the program are prepared. .

  “BS broadcasting” is a category related to BS digital broadcasting. “BS Broadcast”, from the top, “Data EPG” selected when displaying a data broadcast program guide, and “Radio EPG” selected when displaying a program guide of a program broadcast on a radio broadcast In addition, an item “TV EPG” to be selected when displaying a program guide of a program broadcast by BS digital broadcasting is prepared.

  Also, “BS Broadcast” is selected when you select a BS broadcast channel and select “TV Ch” (channel icon) that is selected when viewing a program, and when you select a radio broadcast channel and listen to the radio. “Radio Ch” (channel icon), “Data Ch” (channel icon) items that are selected when a data broadcasting channel is selected and a program is viewed are prepared.

  “CS broadcasting” is a category related to CS digital broadcasting. In “CS broadcasting”, from the top, “Data EPG” selected when displaying the data broadcasting program guide for each of CS1 and CS2, and when displaying the program guide of the program broadcasted by radio broadcasting Items of “Radio EPG” to be selected and “TV EPG” to be selected when displaying a program guide of a program broadcast by CS digital broadcasting are prepared.

  “CS Broadcast” is selected when listening to the radio by selecting a channel of CS broadcast and selecting “TV Ch” (channel icon) selected when watching a program, and selecting a channel of radio broadcast. “Radio Ch” (channel icon), “Data Ch” (channel icon) items that are selected when a data broadcasting channel is selected and a program is viewed are prepared.

  “External input” is a category related to switching of an input signal from an external device to the DTV 1. “External input” includes “LINE1” to “LINE3” selected when selecting the output of the equipment connected to the LINE1 to 3 terminals from the top, and the equipment connected to the composite 1 and 2 terminals. “Compo1” and “Compo2” selected when selecting the output, “HDMI1” and “HDMI2” selected when selecting the output of the device connected to the HDMI1 and 2 terminals, PC (Personal Computer) The item of “PC” selected when selecting the output from is prepared.

  “Network” is a category related to various processes performed by connecting to a network. In “Network”, for example, an item of “Internet browser” selected when a browser is started and a Web screen is displayed there is prepared.

  For each item, an item in a lower hierarchy is appropriately prepared. When an item in an upper hierarchy is selected, an item in a lower hierarchy is displayed.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a menu screen display function realized by the control unit 11 in FIG. 1 executing a predetermined program. When the control unit 11 executes the program, a menu screen display function including the menu display control unit 101, the sound effect processing unit 102, and the preference learning unit 103 is realized.

  The menu display control unit 101 controls the display image generation / output unit 21 based on a signal supplied from the light receiving unit 30 and corresponding to a user operation using the remote controller 31, and refers to FIGS. The menu screen described above is displayed on the display 22.

  When the item icon is newly designated by the cursor 71 as the menu screen is scrolled, the menu display control unit 101 displays the item represented by the item icon designated by the cursor 71 and the position of the item on the menu. , And information indicating that the item icon is designated is supplied to the sound effect setting unit 111. Further, when the instruction of the item icon designated by the cursor 71 is canceled as the menu screen is scrolled, the menu display control unit 101 displays the item represented by the item icon whose instruction is released, and the menu of the item. Information indicating that the upper position and the instruction of the item icon are canceled is supplied to the sound effect setting unit 111.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the instruction of the item icon is released from the item icon 61 designated by the cursor 71 in order to designate another item icon 62. That means.

  The position of each item on the menu is, for example, the position in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) and the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) when the item icons representing each item are two-dimensionally arranged in the display order, and It is indicated by the position in the hierarchical direction (Z-axis direction) of the menu including the item.

  Further, the menu display control unit 101 supplies the preference learning unit 103 with information indicating the item represented by the item icon selected by the user from the menu.

  The sound effect processor 102 controls the output of the sound effect corresponding to the instruction of the item in the menu from the speaker 24 based on the user's preference. The sound effect processing unit 102 is configured to include a sound effect setting unit 111 and a sound effect output control unit 112.

  The sound effect setting unit 111 is an item icon in the menu screen by the cursor 71 based on the sound effect setting data stored in the sound data storage unit 43 and the preference information stored in the preference information storage unit 44. In response to the instruction, the type and intensity of the sound effect output from the speaker 24 are set.

  FIG. 8 is a table showing an example of the data structure of sound effect setting data. The X-axis direction in the table indicates the horizontal direction when the item icons representing each item in the menu are arranged two-dimensionally in the display order, and the Y-axis direction indicates the item icon representing each item in the menu. The vertical direction when two-dimensionally arrayed in order is shown, and the Z-axis direction shows the menu hierarchy direction. For example, in the menu defined by the definition map of FIG. 5 described above, coordinates in the X-axis direction (X coordinate) are assigned in the order of 1, 2, 3,... From the leftmost category “setting” to the right. . In each category, coordinates in the Y-axis direction (Y coordinates) are assigned in the order of 1, 2, 3,... From the top item to the bottom. Further, with the menu defined by the definition map in FIG. 5 as the highest hierarchy, coordinates in the Z-axis direction (Z coordinate) are assigned in the order of 1, 2, 3,... Therefore, for example, the coordinates of “Demo Mode” in FIG. 5 are (X, Y, Z) = (1, 1, 1), and the coordinates of “Reservation Confirmation” are (X, Y, Z) = (4, 2). , 1).

  The sound effect setting data is data that defines sound effects corresponding to each item (representing item icon) based on the position (coordinates) of each item. Specifically, a different tone color is defined for each X coordinate, a different scale is defined for each Y coordinate, and a different effect is defined for each Z coordinate. Yes. Therefore, when the item icon pointed to by the cursor 71 moves in the X-axis direction (horizontal direction), the tone color of the sound effect changes, and by moving in the Y-axis direction (vertical direction), the scale of the sound effect Changes. Further, the effect applied to the sound effect changes as the menu hierarchy moves.

  In addition, there are two types of sound effects such as a focus sound and a passing sound. The focus sound is a sound effect for notifying that an item (item icon) is designated when the item icon is designated by the cursor 71. The passing sound is an effect for notifying that the instruction of the item (item icon) is released when the instruction by the cursor 71 is released, that is, that the item (item icon) is about to pass. It is a sound.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the item icon 61 is designated, a focus sound corresponding to the item icon 61 (more precisely, the coordinates of the item represented by the item icon 61) is output, and FIG. As shown, when the instruction of the item icon 61 is released, a passing sound corresponding to the item icon 61 (more precisely, the coordinates of the item represented by the item icon 61) is output.

  The preference information is specifically indicated by the frequency of use, which is the frequency with which the user has selected each item in the menu. The usage frequency of each item is indicated, for example, by the number of times each item has been selected in a history of a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) immediately before the user has selected an item from the menu screen.

  The sound effect setting unit 111 sets the type of sound effect (tone color and scale) and the effect to be applied to the sound effect based on the position of each item on the menu and the sound effect setting data. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the sound effect setting unit 111 sets the strength (sound pressure level) of the sound effect based on the usage frequency of each item. In the case of the example shown in FIG. 9, the strength of the sound effects for the items whose usage frequency is 0 to 4 times is set to 0 dB, and the strength of the sound effects for the items whose usage frequency is 5 to 9 times is set to 3 dB. The strength of the sound effect for the item whose use frequency is 50 times or more is set to 30 dB. That is, the stronger the sound effect is output, the higher the frequency of use (the item the user likes and uses).

  The sound effect setting unit 111 supplies the sound effect output control unit 112 with information indicating the tone color, scale, effect, and strength of the set sound effect.

  The sound effect output control unit 112 controls the sound output interface 25 to read out the sound color and scale sound data set by the sound effect setting unit 111 from the sound data storage unit 43. The sound effect output control unit 112 controls the sound output interface 25 to apply the effect set to the sound effect based on the sound data, and further, the effect sound effect applied to the speaker 24 with the set strength. Output from.

  The preference learning unit 103 learns the user's preference for each item by calculating the frequency (usage frequency) at which each item in the menu is selected by the user. The preference learning unit 103 stores the preference information indicated by the calculated usage frequency in the preference information storage unit 44 via the bus 12.

  Next, the menu screen display control process executed by the DTV 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This process is started, for example, when the user performs an operation for displaying a menu screen using the remote controller 31.

  In step S1, the menu display control unit 101 displays a menu screen. Specifically, the light receiving unit 30 supplies a signal corresponding to a menu screen display operation by the user to the menu display control unit 101 via the bus 12. The menu display control unit 101 controls the display image generation / output unit 21 to display, for example, the menu screen shown in FIG.

  In step S2, the menu display control unit 101 determines whether an operation on the menu screen has been performed. The menu display control unit 101 repeatedly executes the determination process in step S2 until it is determined that an operation on the menu screen has been performed, and the user performs an operation on the menu screen using the remote controller 31. When the signal corresponding to the operation on is supplied, it is determined that the operation on the menu screen has been performed, and the process proceeds to step S3.

  In step S <b> 3, the menu display control unit 101 determines whether or not an instruction to scroll the menu screen is given based on a signal from the light receiving unit 30. If it is determined that scrolling of the menu screen has been instructed, the process proceeds to step S4.

  In step S4, the menu display control unit 101 obtains a position for scrolling the menu screen. Specifically, the menu display control unit 101 obtains a position for scrolling the menu screen, that is, a position for moving the category icon and the item icon, based on a signal from the light receiving unit 30.

  When an item icon is newly designated by the cursor 71 as the menu screen is scrolled, the menu display control unit 101 displays the item represented by the item icon designated by the cursor 71, the position of the item on the menu, and , Information indicating that the item icon is designated is supplied to the sound effect setting unit 111. Further, when the instruction of the item icon designated by the cursor 71 is canceled as the menu screen is scrolled, the item represented by the item icon whose instruction is released, the position of the item on the menu, and the item icon Information indicating that the instruction of the item icon is released is supplied to the sound effect setting unit 111.

  In step S5, the sound effect setting unit 111 sets the type and strength of the sound effect. Specifically, when a new item icon is designated by the cursor 71, the sound effect setting unit 111 is represented by the item icon based on the sound effect setting data stored in the sound data storage unit 43. Sets the tone, scale, and effect of the sound effect (focus sound) corresponding to the position of the item on the menu. The sound effect setting unit 111 sets the strength of the sound effect corresponding to the frequency of use of the item based on the preference information stored in the preference information storage unit 44.

  Further, when the instruction of the item icon designated by the cursor 71 is cancelled, the sound effect setting unit 111 corresponds to the position on the menu of the item represented by the item icon based on the sound effect setting data. Sets the tone, scale, and effect of the sound effect (passing sound). The sound effect setting unit 111 sets the strength of the sound effect corresponding to the frequency of use of the item based on the preference information stored in the preference information storage unit 44.

  The sound effect setting unit 111 supplies the sound effect output control unit 112 with information indicating the tone color, scale, effect, and strength of the set sound effect.

  In step S6, the menu display control unit 101 scrolls the menu screen. Specifically, the menu display control unit 101 controls the display image generation / output unit 21 to display on the display 22 a menu screen in which the category icon and the item icon are moved to the position obtained in step S4.

  In step S7, the sound effect output control unit 112 outputs a sound effect. Specifically, the sound effect output control unit 112 controls the sound output interface 25 to read out sound data of tone color and scale set by the sound effect setting unit 111 from the sound data storage unit 43. The sound effect output control unit 112 controls the sound output interface 25 to apply the effect set by the sound effect setting unit 111 to the sound effect based on the sound data, and further converts the effect sound effect to the sound effect. The speaker 24 outputs the signal for a predetermined time with the strength set by the setting unit 111.

  Note that when another sound effect output condition is satisfied during the output of the sound effect (for example, when the pass sound output condition is satisfied during the output of the focus sound, or when the focus sound is output during the output of the pass sound. If the condition is satisfied), the output of the sound effect is controlled based on a predetermined priority. For example, based on a predetermined priority order, later sound effects are output with priority, or passing sound (or focus sound) is output with priority.

  Also, when the item icon is instructed or when the item icon is not instructed, the sound effect output process is not performed in step S7, and if the sound effect is already being output, the effect is output. Sound output continues.

  In step S8, the menu display control unit 101 determines whether scrolling of the menu screen is completed. If it is determined that the menu screen has not been scrolled, that is, if the menu screen has not been scrolled to the scroll position instructed by the user's operation, the process returns to step S4. Thereafter, until it is determined in step S8 that scrolling of the menu screen has been completed, the processing in steps S4 to S8 is repeatedly executed, and scrolling of the menu screen is performed.

  If it is determined in step S8 that the scrolling of the menu screen has been completed, that is, if the menu screen has been scrolled to the scroll position instructed by the user's operation, the process returns to step S2, and the above-described step S2 and subsequent steps are performed. Processing is executed.

  In step S3, when it is determined that the icon movement is not instructed, the process proceeds to step S9.

  In step S9, the menu display control unit 101 determines whether an item in the menu has been selected. Specifically, for example, when the user presses the enter key of the remote controller 31, the menu display control unit 101 is represented by an item icon currently designated by the cursor 71 based on a signal from the light receiving unit 30. The process proceeds to step S10.

  In step S10, the preference learning unit 103 performs a learning process. Specifically, the menu display control unit 101 supplies information indicating items selected (used) by the user to the preference learning unit 103. The preference learning unit 103 calculates the frequency (usage frequency) at which each item in the menu is selected so as to reflect the selection of the item by the user this time. The preference learning unit 103 updates the preference information stored in the preference information storage unit 44 with the calculated use frequency.

  In step S11, the menu display control unit 101 determines whether or not an instruction to change the menu hierarchy has been given. For example, when the user instructs to change the hierarchy of the menu displayed on the display 22 by pressing the enter key of the remote controller 31, the menu display control unit 101 selects the menu based on the signal from the light receiving unit 30. It is determined that the change of the hierarchy has been instructed, and the process returns to step S1. In step S1, a menu of the instructed hierarchy is displayed on the display 22, and thereafter, the processes in and after step S2 are executed.

  If it is determined in step S11 that the menu hierarchy is not instructed, for example, if the user has instructed processing for an item in the menu, such as content playback or channel selection, the processing proceeds to step S12.

  If it is determined in step S9 that an item in the menu is not selected, that is, if it is instructed to end the display of the menu screen instead of scrolling the menu screen and selecting an item in the menu, The processes of S10 and S11 are skipped, and the process proceeds to step S12.

  In step S12, the menu display control unit 101 controls the display image generation / output unit 21 to end the display of the menu screen, and the menu screen display process ends.

  As described above, sound effects having different types and strengths are output based on the position of the item icon indicated by the cursor 71 or the item icon for which the instruction has been released, and the user's preference. It is possible to search for a desired item quickly and easily without relying on it. Therefore, even when the menu screen is scrolled at high speed, a desired item can be reliably searched.

  Moreover, since the strength of the sound effect changes based on the user's preference, it is possible to quickly and easily search for items frequently used by the user.

  Furthermore, since not only the focus sound but also a passing sound different from the focus sound is output, it is possible to immediately recognize that the desired item has been passed, and the desired item can be quickly reached.

  As described above, the user's preference for the item of the menu constituted by a plurality of items is learned, and the output of the sound effect corresponding to the instruction of the item in the menu is controlled based on the user's preference. In this case, when an item in the menu is designated, a sound effect corresponding to the user's preference for the designated item can be output. In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a desired item can be easily searched from a menu.

  In addition, although the example which learns the usage frequency of the item in a menu as a user's preference was shown above, for example, a user directly likes preference information which shows a user's preference or a frequently used item, a category, etc. You may make it input. Further, based on information other than the usage frequency, for example, the user's preference may be learned based on information such as the type of content that the user has viewed in the past and the device connected to the DTV 1.

  Further, in the above, the menu of the method of moving the items in the menu with the cursor fixed is taken as an example. However, the present invention designates the menu in other methods, for example, the items in the menu such as the cursor. The present invention can also be applied to menus for moving display parts, drop-down menus, and the like.

  Also, in the above, menus in which item icons are arranged two-dimensionally and have a hierarchical structure have been taken as an example. The present invention can also be applied to arranged menus, one-level menus, and the like.

  Furthermore, in the above, an example using a menu for displaying an item icon representing an item has been described. However, a menu for displaying an item name as it is may be used.

  Moreover, in the above, although the example which changes the strength of a sound effect based on a user preference was shown, the kind of sound effect (tone, melody, scale, etc.) so that the item which a user prefers may be emphasized. Or you may make it change the effect given to a sound effect.

  Furthermore, in the above, an example in which the type of sound effect is changed by changing the tone color or scale of the sound effect based on the position in the menu of each item (item icon) has been shown. For example, the melody or rhythm of the sound effect may be changed.

  Moreover, in the above, although the example which changes a sound effect based on the position in the menu of each item (item icon) was shown, you may make it change a sound effect based on each item, for example. . As a result, even in a menu in which the number of items is increased or decreased or the arrangement of items is changed, the same sound effect is always output for each item, so that the user can easily search for a desired item. become.

  Further, only one of the focus sound and the passing sound may be output as necessary.

  Further, for example, when the number of menu items is not so large and there is little possibility that the position of the displayed menu will not be known, the sound effect may be changed based only on the preference information.

  In addition to the DTV described above, the present invention can be applied to a device that displays a menu, such as a personal computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a mobile phone, and various AV devices.

  The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware or can be executed by software. When a series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software executes various functions by installing a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware or various programs. For example, it is installed from a program recording medium in a general-purpose personal computer or the like.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a personal computer that executes the above-described series of processing by a program. The CPU 201 executes various processes according to programs stored in the ROM 202 or the storage unit 208. The RAM 203 appropriately stores programs executed by the CPU 201 and data. The CPU 201, ROM 202, and RAM 203 are connected to each other via a bus 204.

  An input / output interface 205 is also connected to the CPU 201 via the bus 204. Connected to the input / output interface 205 are an input unit 206 made up of a keyboard, mouse, microphone, and the like, and an output unit 207 made up of a display, a speaker and the like. The CPU 201 executes various processes in response to commands input from the input unit 206. Then, the CPU 201 outputs the processing result to the output unit 207.

  A storage unit 208 connected to the input / output interface 205 includes, for example, a hard disk, and stores programs executed by the CPU 201 and various data. The communication unit 209 communicates with an external device via a network such as the Internet or a local area network.

  Further, a program may be acquired via the communication unit 209 and stored in the storage unit 208.

  The drive 210 connected to the input / output interface 205 drives a removable medium 211 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, and drives the programs and data recorded therein. Get etc. The acquired program and data are transferred to and stored in the storage unit 208 as necessary.

  As shown in FIG. 11, a program recording medium that stores a program that is installed in a computer and is ready to be executed by the computer includes a magnetic disk (including a flexible disk), an optical disk (CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only). Memory, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a magneto-optical disk, a removable medium 211 that is a package medium made of a semiconductor memory, a ROM 202 in which a program is temporarily or permanently stored, or a storage unit 208 It is comprised by the hard disk etc. which comprise. The program is stored in the program recording medium using a wired or wireless communication medium such as a local area network, the Internet, or digital satellite broadcasting via a communication unit 209 that is an interface such as a router or a modem as necessary. Done.

  In the present specification, the step of describing the program stored in the program recording medium is not limited to the processing performed in time series in the order described, but is not necessarily performed in time series. Or the process performed separately is also included.

  The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of DTV which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a menu screen. It is a figure which shows the other example of a menu screen. It is a figure which shows the other example of a display of a menu screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a definition map. It is a block diagram which shows the example of a structure of the function implement | achieved by the control part of FIG. It is a figure which shows the other example of a display of a menu screen. It is a block diagram which shows the example of a structure of sound effect setting data. It is a figure for demonstrating the setting method of the strength of a sound effect. It is a flowchart explaining the menu screen display control process of DTV. And FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a personal computer.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 DTV, 11 Control part, 21 Display image production | generation output part, 22 Display, 24 Speaker, 41 Display data storage part, 43 Voice data storage part, 44 Preference information storage part, 71 Cursor, 101 Menu display control part, 102 Sound effect processing unit, 103 preference learning unit, 111 sound effect setting unit, 112 sound effect output control unit, 201 CPU, 202 ROM, 203 RAM, 208 recording unit, 210 drive, 211 removable media

Claims (10)

In an audio output control device that controls the output of a sound effect associated with the display of a menu composed of a plurality of items,
Learning means for learning a user's preference for the item;
A sound output control device comprising: sound effect output control means for controlling the output of the sound effect corresponding to the instruction of the item in the menu based on the user's preference. The voice output control device according to claim 1, wherein the learning unit learns the user's preference indicated by a frequency with which the item is selected from the menu. The sound effect output control means changes the type or intensity of the sound effect or the effect applied to the sound effect so as to emphasize that the item that the user likes is instructed. The audio output control device described. The sound output control device according to claim 1, wherein the sound effect output control unit further changes the sound effect based on a position of the instructed item in the menu. The sound output control device according to claim 1, wherein the sound effect output control unit performs control so that the sound effect is output when the item is instructed or when the instruction of the item is canceled. The sound output control device according to claim 5, wherein the sound effect output control unit performs control so that the sound effect is different when the item is instructed and when the instruction of the item is canceled. The sound output control device according to claim 1, wherein the sound effect output control unit changes the sound effect based on the displayed hierarchy of the menu when the menu includes a plurality of hierarchies. In the audio output control method for controlling the output of sound effects accompanying the display of a menu composed of a plurality of items,
Learn user preferences for the items,
An audio output control method including a step of controlling output of the sound effect corresponding to an instruction of the item in the menu based on the user's preference. An audio output control process for controlling the output of a sound effect associated with the display of a menu composed of a plurality of items,
A learning step of learning user preferences for the item;
A program for causing a computer to execute a sound output control process including: a sound effect output control step for controlling output of the sound effect corresponding to an instruction of the item in the menu based on the user's preference.   A recording medium on which the program according to claim 9 is recorded.

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