JP2007096890A - Television receiver - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a television receiver by which a viewer is authenticated without requiring a special operation. <P>SOLUTION: A CPU 110 installed in the television receiver includes a remote control signal light receiving detection part 420 which detects an instruction included in a signal from a remote control terminal, a photographic instruction part 430 which makes a camera execute a photographic operation based on the detected photographic instruction, a re-photographic instruction part 440 which executes the photographic operation with the camera again based on analysis results from an analyzer, a viewer restriction execution part 440 which restricts viewing of television to a preset mode based on the analysis results and a password authentication part 450 which executes authentication processing by detecting an input password and comparing the password with a password preliminarily stored in a memory. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to control of a television receiver, and more particularly to control of an operation corresponding to a recognized viewer by recognizing the viewer.

  A television receiver (hereinafter simply referred to as “TV”) displays a program regardless of the viewer. However, some types of programs to be broadcast are not preferable for minors, for example, and it may be preferable for such programs to have certain restrictions on viewing.

  Therefore, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-46803 (Patent Document 1) discloses a remote control device that can prevent confusion and unauthorized operation caused by misuse due to an unspecified operation by an unspecified person.

  Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2003-223422 (Patent Document 2) discloses a personal authentication system that realizes smooth provision of various services by digital broadcasting.

  Japanese translations of PCT publication No. 2004-509490 (Patent Document 3) discloses a remote control device capable of interacting with a so-called set-top box and providing contents and the like based on identification of a remote control user.

  Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-117185 (Patent Document 4) discloses a digital television device capable of switching user settings.

Further, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-167343 discloses a message processing device that notifies a user of an incoming message without disturbing the viewing of a television program.
JP 2003-46803 A JP 2003-223422 A Special table 2004-509490 gazette JP 2005-117185 A JP 2005-167343 A

  However, in order to switch the setting according to the viewer of the television, some operation is often required, and the television having the setting function has also lacked convenience.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and a first object of the present invention is to provide a television receiver capable of realizing an operation according to a viewer.

  The second object is to provide a television receiver capable of performing control according to a viewer who is a target of viewing control even when a plurality of viewers are viewing.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a television receiver according to an aspect of the present invention includes a receiving unit that receives a broadcast signal and a light receiving unit that receives an input of a control signal for controlling the operation of the television receiving device. . The control signal includes a channel selection instruction. The television receiver, based on a channel selection instruction, generates a channel selection unit that acquires a broadcast signal of a channel for which channel selection is instructed from a broadcast signal received by the reception unit, and shoots a subject to generate image data. A storage unit that stores an image capturing unit, a feature amount calculated from image data generated by capturing a viewer in advance, and channel selection data representing a channel that can be selected by the channel selection unit according to the viewer An image of the viewer's face is obtained from the image capturing unit for capturing the viewer in response to the input of the control signal, and the image data of the viewer captured in response to the input of the control signal. Calculated by a detection means for extracting an included image area, a calculation means for calculating a feature amount of a face image based on data corresponding to the image area, and a feature quantity and calculation means stored in a storage unit With features Accordingly, an authentication unit for confirming whether or not the viewer is a viewer registered in the television receiver, a display unit for displaying an image, and a replay by the imaging unit until confirmation by the authentication unit is successful. Display control means for displaying a character image prompting photographing on the display unit, and control of channel selection based on channel selection data when the viewer is confirmed to be a viewer registered in the television receiver Control means.

  A television receiver according to another aspect of the present invention is for controlling a feature amount calculated from image data generated by photographing a viewer in advance and an operation of the television receiver according to the viewer. A storage unit for storing control data; an acquisition unit for acquiring image data generated by photographing by a viewer; an input unit for receiving an input of a command to the television receiver; and a memory in response to the input of the command Authentication means for confirming whether or not the viewer is a viewer registered in the television receiver based on the feature amount stored in the section and the image data acquired by the acquisition means, and authentication means And a control means for controlling the operation of the television receiver based on the control data in accordance with the result of the confirmation.

  Preferably, the input means includes receiving means for receiving a control signal transmitted from the outside. The authentication means confirms whether or not the viewer is registered in the television receiver in response to receiving the control signal.

  Preferably, the authentication unit is calculated by a calculation unit that calculates a feature amount of the facial image based on the viewer image data acquired by the acquisition unit, and a feature amount and calculation unit stored in the storage unit. Confirmation means for confirming whether or not the viewer is a viewer registered in the television receiver based on the feature amount.

  Preferably, the acquisition unit includes an external input unit that receives an input of data output from an imaging device connected to the television receiver. The imaging device photographs a subject and outputs image data of the subject. The calculation means calculates a feature amount based on data input via the external input unit.

  Preferably, the acquisition unit includes an imaging unit that captures a subject and generates image data. The calculating means calculates the feature amount based on the image data generated by the imaging unit.

  Preferably, the television receiver further includes a notification unit that prompts a viewer to re-shoot based on a result of confirmation by the authentication unit.

  Preferably, the notification unit includes a display unit that displays an image, and a display control unit that displays a character image that prompts re-photographing on the display unit.

  Preferably, the notification unit includes a sound output unit that outputs a sound, and an output control unit that causes the sound output unit to output a sound prompting re-shooting.

  Preferably, the television receiving device further includes a detection unit that detects that the viewer authentication has failed based on a result of the confirmation by the authentication unit. The storage unit further stores reference data prepared for operating the television receiver according to a predetermined reference. The control means controls the operation of the television receiving device based on the reference data when it is detected that the viewer authentication has failed.

  Preferably, the acquisition unit includes a generation unit that captures a subject and generates image data. The input means includes receiving means for receiving a control signal transmitted from a remote control terminal that controls the television receiver. The authentication means includes a specifying means for specifying the position of the transmission source of the control signal, an extracting means for extracting image data of a plurality of faces from the image data generated by the generating unit, a position specified by the specifying means, Based on the image data of each face extracted by the extracting means, operator specifying means for specifying the operator of the remote control terminal, and whether the specified operator is a viewer registered in the television receiver Confirmation means for confirming whether or not.

  Preferably, the storage unit further stores reference data prepared for operating the television receiver according to a predetermined reference. The control means controls the operation of the television receiving device based on the reference data when it is confirmed that the specified viewer is not registered.

  Preferably, the storage unit further stores a password set in advance to limit viewing of the television receiver. The television receiver further includes a receiving unit that receives a password input by the viewer, and a releasing unit that releases the viewing restriction when the password input through the receiving unit matches a preset password. Prepare.

  Preferably, the television receiving apparatus further includes a receiving unit that receives a broadcast signal. The input means includes a light receiving unit that receives an input of a control signal for controlling the operation of the television receiver. The control signal has a channel selection instruction. The television receiving apparatus further includes a channel selection unit that acquires a broadcast signal of a channel instructed to be selected from the broadcast signal received by the reception unit based on the channel selection instruction. The control means controls channel selection based on the channel selection data when it is confirmed that the viewer is a viewer registered in the television receiver.

  With the television receiver according to the present invention, viewing control according to the viewer can be realized. In addition, the television receiving apparatus can realize control according to the viewer who is the target of viewing control even when a plurality of viewers are viewing.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

<First Embodiment>
With reference to FIG. 1, a usage mode of television 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a television 100 is installed in a room 10.

  In the room 10, a TV 100 and a chair 11 are arranged. A viewer 12 sits on the chair 11. The viewer 12 has a remote control terminal 300. Television 100 includes a camera 150 and a light receiving unit 106 that receives a remote control signal. In the following, a case where a signal from the remote control terminal 300 is transmitted in response to an operation for selecting a channel of the television 100 will be described in order to simplify the description. However, the technical idea according to the present invention is not limited to this, and is similarly applied to a signal transmitted in response to an operation of the remote control terminal 300. For example, when the volume of the television 100 is changed, the present invention can be applied to other cases such as an on-screen display such as character display on the display screen of the television 100.

  The configuration of the television 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the television 100 from the front.

  The television 100 includes a display 130, speakers 140a and 140b, and a camera 1509. The speakers 140a and 140b are speakers that can output stereo sound, for example. The positions of the speakers 140a and 140b are not limited to those shown in FIG. For example, each speaker may be disposed on the side surface of the housing of the television 100. The camera 150 is arranged at the center of the front of the television 100, for example, but may not be the center.

  The camera 150 captures a subject that exists within a captureable range. The subject includes a viewer of the television 100, a remote control terminal operated by the viewer, and the like. The camera 150 is preferably capable of receiving near-infrared light when photographing a remote control terminal. Therefore, the camera 150 preferably does not have an infrared cut filter.

  The configuration of the television 100 will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of television 100.

  In addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 2, the television 100 includes an antenna 102 that receives a video / audio signal, a tuner 114 that acquires a video / audio signal of a channel connected to the antenna 102 and instructed to select a channel, and an external video / audio signal. An external input unit 104 that receives a signal input, a light receiving unit 106 that receives a signal from the remote control terminal 300, an operation unit 108 that receives an instruction input to the television 100, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls the operation of the television 100 110). The CPU 110 includes a memory 112. The remote control terminal 300 emits infrared light for controlling the operation of the television 100. The configuration of the remote control terminal 300 will be described later.

  The television 100 is further connected to the external input unit 104 and the tuner 114, and is output from the switching circuit 116 that switches the output destination of the video / audio signal based on the signal from the CPU 110 and from the switching circuit 116 based on the signal from the CPU 110. A signal processing circuit 120 that outputs a video signal and an audio signal separately, a display 130 that displays the video, and a driver 128 that outputs the video signal output from the signal processing circuit 120 to the display 130. Is provided.

  The signal processing circuit 120 separates a signal from the switching circuit 116 into a video signal and an audio signal, and an OSD (On Screen) for generating an image displayed on the display 130 based on the signal from the CPU 110. Display) circuit 124.

  The television 100 further receives an audio signal output from the separation circuit 122, amplifies the audio signal based on an instruction from the CPU 110, and outputs audio from the amplifiers 136a and 136b and amplifiers 136a and 136b, respectively. Speakers 140a and 140b that output sound based on the signal are provided.

  The television 100 further includes an analysis device 160 that performs an analysis process on the image data stored in the memory 152 based on a command from the CPU 110. The image data is generated by photographing with the camera 150. Alternatively, it may be input via the external input unit 104.

  The CPU 110 that realizes the television 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of functions realized by CPU 110.

  CPU 110 includes an input unit 410, a remote control signal light reception detection unit 420, a shooting command unit 430, a re-shooting command unit 440, a guest viewer restriction execution unit 440, a password authentication unit 450, and an output unit 460. .

  CPU 110 accepts data input from the outside via a data bus. Here, the outside means the analysis device 160, the light receiving unit 106, and the operation unit 108. The remote control signal light receiving detection unit 420 identifies the signal of the remote control terminal 300 received by the light receiving unit 106 and detects an instruction included in the signal. The shooting command unit 430 generates a command for causing the camera 150 to perform a shooting operation based on the shooting instruction detected by the remote control signal light receiving detection unit 420. This command is output via the output unit 460 and transmitted to the camera 150.

  The re-shooting command unit 440 generates a command for causing the camera 150 to perform the shooting operation again based on the analysis result from the analysis device 160. This command is output via the output unit 460 and transmitted to the camera 150. Based on the analysis result from the analysis device 160, the guest viewer restriction execution unit 450 generates a command for limiting the viewing of the television 100 to a preset mode. This command is output via the output unit 470 and is used to limit the operation by the tuner 114 or the switching circuit 116.

  Password authentication unit 460 detects a password input based on a signal received by light receiving unit 106 or an operation performed on operation unit 108, and the password is stored in memory 112 in advance. The authentication process is executed by comparing with the existing password. As a result of the authentication, if the viewer who has entered the password is a viewer registered in advance, viewing according to the pre-registered data becomes possible. Otherwise, the viewer is determined to be a guest viewer and is restricted by the guest viewer restriction execution unit 450.

  With reference to FIG. 5, the structure of the analyzer 160 is demonstrated. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of functions realized by analysis device 160.

  The analysis device 160 includes an input unit 510, a light emission position detection unit 520, a face image region extraction unit 530, a feature amount calculation unit 540, a data write command unit 550, a personal authentication unit 560, and an authentication result generation unit. 570 and an output unit 580.

  The input unit 510 receives a command input from the CPU 110 via a signal line (not shown). The input unit 510 receives input of data stored in the memory 152.

  The light emission position detection unit 520 detects the light emission position in the remote control terminal 300 based on the image data from the camera 150. The face image area extraction unit 530 extracts an image area corresponding to the face of the subject based on the image data read from the memory 152. This extraction process will be described later.

  The feature amount calculation unit 540 calculates the feature amount of the image based on the data corresponding to the face image region extracted by the face image region extraction unit 530. The feature amount refers to data representing the feature on the image of the area calculated from the data for specifying the extracted area. In the present embodiment, the feature amount includes an eye interval, an eye-to-mouth interval, an eye-to-eye corner interval, and the like. In addition to these feature quantities, the size of the eyes, the ratio of the pupil area to the eye area, and the like may be used as the feature quantities. Alternatively, the length, area, shape, and the like of a region where black and white shading is likely to appear, such as eyebrows, eyelashes, and a mole of skin, may be used as the feature amount.

  The data write command unit 550 stores the feature amount calculated by the feature amount calculation unit 540 in the memory 152. A command for storage is output via the output unit 580. The personal authentication unit 560 performs subject authentication processing based on the feature amount calculated by the feature amount calculation unit 540 and the feature amount of the viewer stored in the memory 152 in advance. The authentication process is performed, for example, by calculating a difference between the calculated feature value and a feature value stored in advance. In this case, when the difference is smaller than a predetermined range, it is determined that the photographed subject is the same as the subject registered in advance. Otherwise, it is determined that an unregistered subject has been shot.

  Authentication result generation unit 570 generates data representing the result of authentication by personal authentication unit 560. This data is transmitted to the CPU 110 via the output unit 580.

  With reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the data structure of the television 100 will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram conceptually showing one mode of data storage in memory 152. Memory 152 includes areas 610 and 620 for storing data.

  Data (image ID (Identification)) for specifying an image stored in the memory 152 is stored in the area 610. The image data is stored in the area 620 as a face image file. The data stored in the areas 610 and 620 are associated with each other. Therefore, the face image file is specified by specifying the image ID.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an aspect of data storage in the memory 112 inside the CPU 110. The memory 112 includes tables 710, 720, 730, and 740. The table 710 includes areas 712 and 714 for storing data. Data (viewer ID) for specifying the viewer of television 100 is stored in area 712. Control contents of the television 100 corresponding to the viewer are stored in an area 712. The data stored in the areas 712 and 714 are associated with each other. For example, the viewer with the viewer ID “01” is prohibited from viewing the television 100 from “0:00 to 6:00”. The viewer with the viewer ID “02” can view only the channel 100. On the other hand, viewing of the viewer ID “04” is not prohibited. Note that the control content stored in the area 714 is not limited to that shown in FIG. Specifically, an operation that can be executed by the television 100 may be defined.

  In the table 720, data for managing viewing by the guest viewer is stored in areas 722 and 724, respectively. Control targets for viewing of the television 100 are stored in the area 722. The state of the control target is stored in area 724. The data stored in the areas 722 and 724 are associated with each other. For example, when the restriction target is “channel 10”, the state is set to prohibit channel selection (area 724). Therefore, the guest viewer cannot select the channel 10.

  In the table 730, data (viewer ID) for identifying the viewer is stored in the area 732. The password registered in advance is stored in area 734. The data stored in the areas 732 and 734 are associated with each other. Therefore, by specifying the viewer ID, the password registered by the viewer is uniquely specified.

  In the table 740, data for prompting the viewer of the television 100 to re-shoot with the camera 150 is stored in areas 742 and 744, respectively. This data may be either text or video / audio. That is, when text data is used, a character image corresponding to the text is displayed on the display 130. On the other hand, when an audio signal is used, audio based on the signal is output from the speakers 140a and 140b, respectively.

For example, when the OSD message is referred to and combined with the video by the OSD circuit 124, the display 130 displays a message “Please re-shoot”. Thereby, the viewer of the television 100 can know that the photographing by the camera 150 must be performed again.
A remote control terminal 300 that transmits a control signal to the television 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the appearance of remote control terminal 300.

  Remote control terminal 300 includes an infrared light emitting unit 360 for emitting an infrared signal in response to a user operation, a display 302 for displaying information, and an operation unit 340 for receiving an instruction input by a viewer. The operation unit 340 includes a key group 304 that accepts input of movement and confirmation of a cursor displayed on the display 302, a numeric button 306, and an up / down button 308.

  The key group 304 includes a movement key 324 for moving the cursor in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction, and a confirmation button 314 for accepting data input for confirming the selected item by detecting the pressing. The up / down button 308 includes a channel selection button 328 that receives an input of a channel up / down instruction, and a volume adjustment button 308 that adjusts increase / decrease in volume.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of functions realized by remote control terminal 300.

  The remote control terminal 300 is connected to the infrared light emitting unit 360 and executes a predetermined process based on a signal input from the outside to execute control for transmitting an infrared signal, and a channel selection button 328. A channel selection circuit 320 for outputting an instruction to select a selected channel in response to the input, and an operation unit 340 are included. It should be noted that other circuits that the remote control terminal 300 normally has, for example, a circuit that generates a signal for adjusting increase / decrease in volume, and a circuit that generates a signal for instructing display of an on-screen display can be easily understood by those skilled in the art. Is. Therefore, those descriptions are not described here.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 10, a description will be given of face image data extraction processing performed to realize the television according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram conceptually showing the face image stored in the memory 152.

  When the photographing process is normally executed with the subject positioned in front of the display 130 of the television 100, the data generated by the photographing process is stored in the memory 152. The face of the subject includes a skin color portion and a portion that is not. For example, hair, eyebrows or pupils are often black. For example, when binarization processing or shading processing of image data is performed on such an object image, images having different shading levels are generated.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 10, eyebrows 1002a and 1002b, pupils 1004a and 1004b, and a mouth 1008 are recognized. When the scale in the area of the memory 152 is specified in advance, for example, the eye interval 1012, the eye lengths 1010 and 1014, the mouth width 1016, and the distance 1018 between the corner of the eye and the center of the mouth Are calculated respectively.

  In this case, for example, by storing the value of the interval 1012 and the value of the interval 1018 in the memory 152 as left and right direction information and up and down direction information, respectively, the position of the subject corresponding to the image generated by the shooting by the camera 150 is determined. It is possible to easily identify whether or not The interval can be expressed by the number of pixels constituting the image data. Specifically, the number of pixels between facial feature points can be used as the “interval” described above. The feature points of the face are not limited to those described above, and may be those normally used in face recognition techniques such as eyes, nose, mouth and the like.

  A control structure of television 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing executed by CPU 110 to register a viewer.

  In step S 1110, CPU 110 detects reception of a signal transmitted from remote control terminal 300 based on a signal from light receiving unit 106. This signal is transmitted in response to an operation on remote control terminal 300. The signal is, for example, a signal that indicates channel selection, volume increase / decrease, on-screen display, and other operations of the television 100. In step S <b> 1120, CPU 110 transmits an instruction for shooting by camera 150 to camera 150 based on the detection of the shooting instruction from the remote control signal. In step S <b> 1130, CPU 110 detects the light emission position of remote control terminal 300 from image data generated based on shooting by camera 150.

  In step S1140, CPU 110 extracts image data corresponding to the face of the subject from the image data acquired by shooting. In step S1150, CPU 110 compares the face estimated from the image data with the light emission position. In step S1160, CPU 110 determines whether or not the extracted image data is image data of the face of the subject. If the extracted image data is the image data of the subject's face (YES in step S1160), the process proceeds to step S1180. If not (NO in step S1160), the process proceeds to step S1170.

  In step S 1170, CPU 110 sends a display instruction for a message prompting re-shooting to OSD circuit 124. In step S1180, CPU 110 stores the extracted image data in memory 152 as image data of the face of the subject.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing executed by CPU 110 when the subject operates the remote control terminal. The subject is a viewer of the television 100.

  In step S1210, CPU 110 detects reception of a signal from remote control terminal 300 based on the signal received by light receiving unit 106. In step S1212, CPU 110 sends a shooting instruction to camera 150 in response to the detection. In response to the instruction, the camera 150 performs a shooting process using a preset shooting mode. Image data generated by shooting is stored in an area secured in the memory 152.

  In step S1214, CPU 110 detects the light emission position of remote control terminal 300. In step S1216, CPU 110 extracts image data corresponding to the face of the subject from the image data acquired by photographing. In step S1218, CPU 110 compares the face estimated from the image data with the light emission position.

  In step S1220, CPU 110 determines whether or not the extracted image data is face image data. If the extracted image data is face image data (YES in step S1220), the process proceeds to step S1230. If not (NO in step S1220), the process proceeds to step S1280.

  In step S1230, CPU 110 performs authentication processing by comparing the acquired image data with the image data stored in memory 152. In step S1240, CPU 110 determines whether or not the authentication process is successful. If the authentication process is successful (YES in step S1240), the process proceeds to step S1250. If not (NO in step S1240), the process proceeds to step S1260.

  In step S1250, CPU 110 executes viewing control on television 100 based on the authenticated viewer data. When this control is executed, the viewer can only view based on pre-registered data. For example, the viewable channel and the viewable time are limited.

  In step S1260, CPU 110 determines whether or not the number of authentication processes is within a preset limit number. If the number of authentication processes is within the limit number (YES in step S1260), the process proceeds to step S1280. If not (NO in step S1260), the process proceeds to step S1270.

  In step S 1270, CPU 110 executes viewing control by television 100 based on guest viewer data registered in advance. When this control is executed, only specific functions are possible.

  In step S1280, CPU 110 sends a display instruction for a message prompting re-shooting to OSD circuit 124. When this command is sent, the OSD circuit 124 combines the character image corresponding to the data with the video signal output from the separation circuit 122 based on the data stored in the memory 112. When the combined signal is output, the display 130 displays a message prompting re-shooting along with the video.

  A display mode of the television 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 shows a character display screen on display 130.

  Screen (A) represents a screen displayed when authentication processing by television 100 fails. Screen (B) represents a message displayed when viewing control by television 100 is being executed. In the screen (B), it can be seen that viewing of “Channel 10” is restricted.

  The screen (C) is a screen indicating that viewing is prohibited from “0:00 to 6:00”. When displaying this screen, the display 130 also displays the current time. With such a display, the viewer can easily understand that the time is currently limited. Screen (D) represents a screen displayed on display 130 for prompting the input of a password. When the viewer operates the buttons on the remote control terminal 300, the display 130 receives data input according to the signal transmitted from the remote control terminal and displays the received state.

  Screen (E) represents a screen displayed when the viewer is recognized as a guest viewer as a result of the viewer authentication process. When such a screen is displayed, even based on a viewer registered in advance, viewing based only on the function assigned for the guest viewer becomes possible.

<Modification>
Hereinafter, modifications of the present embodiment will be described. Television 100 according to this modification is different from the television according to the above-described embodiment in that it has a function of identifying a viewer who is operating a remote control terminal when there are a plurality of viewers. Note that the television according to this modification is realized by the same hardware configuration as that shown in FIG. The above identification function is realized by executing software for realizing the processing. Therefore, description of the hardware configuration will not be repeated here.

  With reference to FIG. 14, a control structure of television 100 according to the present modification will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing executed by CPU 110.

  In step S <b> 1410, CPU 110 sends an instruction to capture an optical signal from remote control terminal 300 to camera 150. The camera 150 performs a shooting operation according to a preset shooting mode based on the instruction. In step S1420, CPU 110 specifies the position of the light source based on the image data acquired by shooting. For example, filter processing is performed on the image data, and a position where the degree of change in shading is higher than the surrounding area is specified as the light source.

  In step S1430, CPU 110 determines whether or not a plurality of face images have been extracted. This determination is made based on whether or not there are a plurality of face image data in the vicinity of the specified light source position. If a plurality of face images have been extracted (YES in step S1430), the process proceeds to step S1440. If not (NO in step S1430), the process proceeds to step S1450.

  In step S1440, CPU 110 specifies the face image of the operator of remote control terminal 300 based on each face image and the position of the light source. For example, it is determined whether or not the position of the face image that exists in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction with respect to the position of the light source is within a preset range, and the face image closest to the light source is specified, whereby the remote controller The face image of the operator of the terminal 300 is specified.

  In step S1450, CPU 110 executes analysis processing of the specified face image. In step S1460, CPU 110 executes a viewer authentication process based on the analysis result. In step S1470, CPU 110 generates an authentication result. When such an authentication result is generated, the CPU 110 executes viewing restriction by the television 100 while referring to data stored in the memory 152 in advance.

  As described above, according to television 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, television 100 shoots the viewer and authenticates the viewer according to the operation of remote control terminal 300 by the viewer. The operations include channel selection, volume increase / decrease, on-screen display on / off switching, and other operations for controlling the operation of the television 100. These operations are normal operations on the remote control terminal 300 such as pressing a corresponding button. Therefore, no special operation by the viewer is required, and information as an operator is provided to the television 100. Therefore, convenience in viewing control of the television 100 can be improved.

  Also, by executing the authentication process in response to the remote control operation, the viewer can concentrate on watching the television without being aware of the authentication process being performed. Therefore, the viewer does not feel uncomfortable.

<Second Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Television 1500 according to the present embodiment is different from television 100 having the function in that it does not have an image analysis function. That is, the television 1500 can receive an input of a result analyzed by an external analysis device, and can perform a volume control and other functions based on the input result. In this case, a television receiving apparatus having a normal vigor can be used as the television 1500.

  With reference to FIG. 15, a hardware configuration of television 1500 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The television 1500 does not have a camera, a memory, and an analysis device 160 as compared with the configuration of the television 100 shown in FIG. Television 1500 further includes an interface 1510 connected to CPU 110. The camera unit 1600 is electrically connected to the interface 1510 via a connection cable (not shown). The interface 1510 receives an input of a signal output from the camera unit 1600 and transmits it to the CPU 110.

  A camera unit 1600 having an analysis function will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of camera unit 1600.

  The camera unit 1600 includes a CPU 1610, an input unit 1620, a lens 1630, a CCD element 1640, a signal processing circuit 1650, a memory 1660, an analysis device 1670, and an interface 1680.

  The input unit 1620 receives an external signal input. The signal input from the outside includes a control signal input from the television 1500, or a signal from a corresponding remote control terminal when the camera unit 1600 has a remote control function. The signal is transmitted to the CPU 1610. The CPU 1610 controls the hardware operation of the camera unit 1600 based on the input signal.

  The lens 1630 is disposed at a predetermined position with respect to the camera unit 1600. The optical signal collected by the lens 1630 is transmitted to the CCD element 1640. The CCD element 1640 is driven based on an instruction from the CPU 1610, converts an optical signal into an electric signal, and sends the generated electric signal to the signal processing circuit 1650.

  The signal processing circuit 1650 performs predetermined signal processing on the charge output from the CCD element 1640 based on an instruction output from the CPU 1610. Data output from the signal processing circuit 1650 is stored in an area secured in advance in the memory 1660.

  The analysis device 1670 reads data stored in the memory 1660 based on a command from the CPU 1610, and executes analysis processing using the data. Specifically, the analysis device 1670 realizes the same function as that realized by the analysis device 160 shown in FIG.

  The interface 1680 receives an input of a signal output from the analysis device 1670. The interface 1680 outputs the signal to the outside of the camera unit 1600. As a result, the analysis result is transmitted to the television 1500.

  As described above, according to television 1500 according to the present embodiment, viewing control can be realized based on data from camera unit 1600. Therefore, by connecting the camera unit 1600 to a television and mounting a program or arithmetic circuit for realizing viewing control on the television, a television capable of realizing viewing control in response to a remote control operation can be easily provided. it can.

<Third Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where there is only one television viewer is described, but there may be a plurality of viewers. In this case, control according to the operator of the remote control terminal is executed. For example, the viewer who is operating the remote control terminal is specified from the image of the remote control terminal that is shot in accordance with the shooting of the viewer and the image of each viewer. If the identified viewer is a viewer registered in advance on the television, as described above, viewing control is executed based on the registered data.

  Note that the television according to the present embodiment has the same hardware configuration as that of the television according to the first or second embodiment, except for the configuration for realizing the functions described below. Therefore, description thereof will not be repeated here. Note that the functions specific to the present embodiment can be realized in software by causing a CPU to execute a program that realizes the functions, for example. Or you may implement | achieve in hardware by combining the circuit element which implement | achieves the said function.

  With reference to FIG. 17, a data structure in the television according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a concept of data stored in the memory 152 by photographing a plurality of viewers. This data is generated by photographing with the camera 150 executed in response to the operation of the remote control terminal.

  As shown in FIG. 17, images 1710, 1720, and 1730 representing three viewers and an image 1750 of the remote control terminal 300 are stored in the memory 152. Image 1750 includes image 1751 representing the light source of infrared light emitting unit 360 of remote control terminal 300. In such a case, the viewer operating the remote control terminal 300 is specified as follows, for example.

  First, the positional relationship between each viewer and the remote control terminal 300 is specified. The positional relationship is expressed as a distance between the viewer and the remote control terminal, for example. Specifically, the positional relationship is expressed as a horizontal distance and a vertical distance between each viewer and the remote control terminal. Each distance can be specified as a distance on the memory based on the image data stored in the memory 152. The distance in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction is represented by, for example, coordinates of each viewer's eye and the light source.

  In the example shown in FIG. 17, the positional relationship between the image 1710 and the remote control terminal image 1750 is specified as a vertical distance 1711 and a horizontal distance 1712. The positional relationship between the image 1720 and the image 1750 of the remote control terminal is specified as a vertical distance 1721 and a horizontal distance 1722. The positional relationship between the image 1730 and the image 1750 of the remote control terminal is specified as a vertical distance 1731 and a horizontal distance 1732. After the positional relationship between each viewer and the remote control terminal is specified in this way, the viewer who is operating the remote control terminal 300 is specified as follows.

  That is, the viewer usually performs the operation while holding the remote control terminal 300 below the position of the eyes. Therefore, the CPU of the television determines that the viewer whose eye position is below the position of the remote control terminal is a viewer who is not operating the remote control terminal. This determination is made based on the coordinates of the eyes of each viewer used to derive the vertical distances 1711, 1721, 1731 and the coordinates of the image 1751 of the light source.

  In the example shown in FIG. 17, the viewer corresponding to the images 1720 and 1730 is recognized as a viewer who does not operate the remote control terminal 300. The viewer corresponding to the image 1710 is recognized as the viewer operating the remote control terminal 300. Therefore, if viewer information corresponding to the image 1710 is stored in the television, the television executes viewing control according to the information.

  In the example shown in FIG. 17, there may be a case where there are a plurality of viewers whose eye positions are higher than the position of the remote control terminal. For example, this is a case where another image is extracted adjacent to the image 1710. In this case, it is determined that a viewer who exists at a position close to the remote control terminal is operating the remote control terminal. This determination is made, for example, by detecting an image that exists in a place where the distance between the eyes and the light source is the smallest in the horizontal direction.

  As described above, according to the present modification, even when a plurality of viewers are watching TV, the remote control terminal 300 is controlled based on the positional relationship between the image of the light source of the remote control terminal and the image of each viewer. The viewer who is operating can be estimated. As a result, viewing control according to the viewer is realized.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  The present invention can be applied to a television receiver that can acquire image data, such as a television receiver that includes a CCD camera, and a television receiver that is connected to an imaging device that can output image data.

It is a figure showing the state in which the television 100 which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention is installed. It is a figure showing the television 100 from the front. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of television 100. FIG. It is a block diagram showing the structure of the function implement | achieved by CPU110. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of functions realized by an analysis device 160. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually showing one mode of data storage in a memory 152. 3 is a diagram illustrating an aspect of data storage in a memory 112. FIG. It is a figure showing the external appearance of the remote control terminal 300. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of functions realized by remote control terminal 300. FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually showing face image data stored in a memory 152. FIG. It is a flowchart (the 1) showing the procedure of the process which CPU110 performs. It is a flowchart (the 2) showing the procedure of the process which CPU110 performs. It is a figure showing the display screen of the character in the display. It is a flowchart showing the procedure of the process which CPU110 of the television 100 which concerns on the modification of 1st Embodiment performs. It is a block diagram showing the hardware constitutions of the television 1500 which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a camera unit 1600. FIG. It is a figure showing the concept of the data stored in the memory 152 of the television which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  10 rooms, 11 chairs, 12 viewers, 100, 1500 TV, 102 antenna, 104 external input unit, 106 light receiving unit, 108 operation unit, 110, 1610 CPU, 112, 152, 312, 1660 memory, 114 tuner, 116 switching Circuit, 120, 1650 signal processing circuit, 122 separation circuit, 124 OSD circuit, 128 driver, 130, 302 display, 136a, 136b amplifier, 140a, 140b speaker, 150 camera, 160, 1670 analysis device, 300 remote control terminal, 304 keys Group, 306 numeric buttons, 308 up / down buttons, 310 control circuit, 314 confirm button, 318 volume control button, 320 channel tuning circuit, 324 movement key, 328 tuning button, 360 infrared Light emitting unit, 410, 510, 1620 input unit, 420 remote control signal light receiving detection unit, 440 re-shooting command unit, 450 guest viewer restriction execution unit, 460 password authentication unit, 520 light emission position detection unit, 530 face image region extraction unit, 540 Feature amount calculation unit, 550 Data write command unit, 560 Personal authentication unit, 570 Authentication result generation unit, 470, 580 Output unit, 1510, 1680 Interface, 1600 Camera unit, 1630 Lens, 1640 CCD element.

Claims (14)

A television receiver,
A receiver for receiving broadcast signals;
A light receiving unit that receives an input of a control signal for controlling the operation of the television receiver, the control signal includes a channel selection instruction,
Based on the instruction of channel selection, from the broadcast signal received by the receiving unit, a channel selection unit for acquiring the broadcast signal of the channel instructed channel selection,
An imaging unit that shoots a subject and generates image data;
A storage unit for storing a feature amount calculated from image data generated by photographing a viewer in advance and channel selection data representing a channel that can be selected by the channel selection unit according to the viewer;
In response to the input of the control signal, photographing control means for causing the imaging unit to photograph a viewer;
Detecting means for extracting an image region including an image of the viewer's face from image data of the viewer photographed in response to the input of the control signal;
Calculation means for calculating a feature amount of the face image based on data corresponding to the image region;
Authentication for confirming whether or not the viewer is a viewer registered in the television receiving device based on the feature amount stored in the storage unit and the feature amount calculated by the calculation unit Means,
A display for displaying an image;
Display control means for displaying on the display section a character image prompting re-photographing by the imaging section until confirmation by the authentication means is successful;
A television receiving device comprising: control means for controlling the channel selection based on the channel selection data when the viewer is confirmed to be a viewer registered in the television receiving device. A television receiver,
A storage unit for storing a feature amount calculated from image data generated by photographing a viewer in advance, and control data for controlling the operation of the television receiver according to the viewer;
Acquisition means for acquiring image data generated by photographing of the viewer;
Input means for receiving an input of a command to the television receiver;
In response to the input of the command, the viewer is registered in the television receiver based on the feature amount stored in the storage unit and the image data acquired by the acquisition unit. Authentication means for confirming whether or not
A television receiver comprising: control means for controlling the operation of the television receiver based on the control data in accordance with the result of confirmation by the authentication means. The input means includes receiving means for receiving a control signal transmitted from the outside,
3. The television receiver according to claim 2, wherein the authentication unit confirms whether or not the viewer is registered in the television receiver in response to reception of the control signal. The authentication means includes
Calculation means for calculating a feature amount of the face image based on the image data of the viewer acquired by the acquisition means;
Confirmation as to whether or not the viewer is a viewer registered in the television receiving device based on the feature amount stored in the storage unit and the feature amount calculated by the calculation unit The television receiver according to claim 2, comprising: means. The acquisition unit includes an external input unit that receives input of data output from an imaging device connected to the television receiver, and the imaging device images a subject and outputs image data of the subject. ,
The television receiving device according to claim 4, wherein the calculation unit calculates the feature amount based on data input via the external input unit. The acquisition means includes an imaging unit that images a subject and generates image data;
The television receiving device according to claim 4, wherein the calculation unit calculates the feature amount based on image data generated by the imaging unit.   The television receiving device according to claim 2, further comprising notification means for prompting re-photographing by the viewer based on a result of confirmation by the authentication means. The notification means includes
A display for displaying an image;
The television receiver according to claim 7, further comprising display control means for displaying the character image for prompting re-photographing on the display unit. The notification means includes
An audio output unit for outputting audio;
The television receiver according to claim 7, further comprising output control means for causing the sound output unit to output sound for prompting the re-shooting. Based on the result of confirmation by the authentication means, further comprising detection means for detecting that the viewer authentication has failed,
The storage unit further stores reference data prepared for operating the television receiver according to a predetermined reference,
The television receiving device according to claim 2, wherein the control means controls the operation of the television receiving device based on the reference data when it is detected that the viewer authentication has failed. The acquisition unit includes a generation unit that shoots a subject and generates image data,
The input means includes receiving means for receiving a control signal transmitted from a remote control terminal that controls the television receiving device;
The authentication means includes
A specifying means for specifying a position of a source of the control signal;
Extraction means for extracting image data of a plurality of faces from the image data generated by the generation unit;
An operator specifying means for specifying an operator of the remote control terminal based on the position specified by the specifying means and the image data of each face extracted by the extracting means;
The television receiver according to claim 2, further comprising confirmation means for confirming whether or not the identified operator is a viewer registered in the television receiver. The storage unit further stores reference data prepared for operating the television receiver according to a predetermined reference,
12. The television reception according to claim 11, wherein the control means controls the operation of the television receiving device based on the reference data when it is confirmed that the specified viewer is not registered. apparatus. The storage unit further stores a password set in advance to limit viewing of the television receiver;
Accepting means for accepting input of a password by the viewer;
The television reception according to claim 10, further comprising: a release unit that releases the restriction on viewing when a password input through the reception unit matches the preset password. apparatus. A receiving unit for receiving a broadcast signal;
The input means includes a light receiving unit that receives an input of a control signal for controlling an operation by the television receiver, and the control signal has a channel selection instruction,
Based on the instruction of channel selection, further comprises a channel selection unit that acquires the broadcast signal of the channel instructed to select from the broadcast signal received by the reception unit,
The said control means controls the said channel selection based on the said channel selection data, when it is confirmed that the said viewer is the viewer registered into the said television receiver. TV receiver.

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