JP2008104505A - Display system, game system, and game display system provided with them - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide excellent operability without the need of shifting a remote controller or a controller for operations from one hand to the other and without the need of consciously turning the direction of the remote controller or the controller to a direction different from a screen when switching the output source of a display device between a display device side and a game machine side. <P>SOLUTION: A game machine 20 is connected to a television 10. The game machine 20 and the television 10 are connected by an HDMI cable 50 and control signals by CEC are exchanged between the game machine 20 and the television 10. Then, the game machine 20 connected to the television 10 is made operable using the remote controller 30 of the television 10 and the television 10 is made operable using the controller 40 of the game machine 20 similarly. The control signals are exchanged by CEC commands, and control based on the key operation of the remote controller 30 or the controller 40 is performed according to the CEC commands in respective devices. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a display system, a game system, and a game display system including these, and more specifically, connects a display device and a game machine, and connects an output source of the display device between the display device side and the game machine side. It is related to the system that can be used by switching.

A system in which a television and a game machine are connected by a signal line and a game content screen is displayed on the television so that the game can be enjoyed is generally popular.
In such a system, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses that the connection between the input device and the game device main body is made wireless so that the game can be performed by remote control operation and the reliability of the game reset operation is ensured. A remote control game system is disclosed in which a playback device such as a television can be remotely controlled.

  In the system of Patent Document 1, a remote control receiver is connected to both a game device and a playback device such as a television, and a game control signal and a television control signal transmitted by the remote control transmitter are discriminated by the remote control receiver. To control. Here, the game device and playback device can be operated with a wireless remote control, and when the reset signal is detected a predetermined number of times, the game can be interrupted and restarted, ensuring the reliability of the reset operation can do.

Patent Document 2 discloses a remote control system that allows a television and a video game device to be operated wirelessly by a single commander, and allows selection and setting of a television brand to be controlled. In this system, a “TV / game switching key for switching game / TV” is given to the commander, and in the case of “game”, a signal is sent to the receiver connected to the game machine to control the game machine, and “TV” In this case, the TV is operated by outputting a signal to the TV.
JP-A-8-276072 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-9371

However, in the remote control game system of Patent Document 1, since the remote control receiver is connected to the game machine, the user needs to operate with the remote control transmitter always directed to the game machine receiver. When operating a television, there is a problem that intuitive operation becomes difficult and operability is deteriorated.
Similarly, in the remote control system of Patent Document 2, when operating the respective devices of the television and the game machine, the controller is provided on the game machine side for operating the game machine, and on the television side when operating the television. (Commander) must be turned, and there is a problem that operability is poor.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and connects the display device and the game machine with a simple connection structure, and switches the output source of the display device between the display device side and the game machine side. Sometimes it is not necessary to change the remote controller or controller for operation, and it is not necessary to consciously point the remote controller or controller in a direction different from the screen, and to operate the display device and the game machine with good operability. It is an object of the present invention to provide a display system, a game system, and a game display system including these.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a first technical means of the present invention includes a display device that includes an HDMI interface and that can input and display stream data of game content from an external game machine connected by the HDMI interface. In the display system including a remote controller for controlling the display device, the display device determines whether the key input signal is a display device control signal for controlling the display device according to the key input signal transmitted from the remote controller, or a game If the key input signal is a display device control signal, the display device itself is controlled according to the display device control signal to control the game device. In the case of a signal, a CEC command defined by HDMI is generated based on the game machine control signal and transmitted to an external game machine In which was characterized by Rukoto.

  According to a second technical means, in the first technical means, the display device has means for storing the key operation of the remote controller in association with the function of the game machine corresponding to the key operation, and a key input signal from the remote control If there is a game machine function associated with the key operation of the remote controller, it is determined that the key input signal is a game machine control signal, and a game machine control signal for executing the function is generated. It is characterized by that.

  According to a third technical means, in the second technical means, the display device acquires the model information of the game machine from an external game machine, and based on the model information, the function of the game machine associated with the key operation of the remote controller is obtained. A feature is that a setting menu screen for setting can be generated and displayed.

  According to a fourth technical means, in the second technical means, the display device acquires the model information of the game machine from an external game machine, and based on the model information, the function of the game machine associated with the key operation of the remote controller is obtained. It is characterized by being set automatically.

  According to a fifth technical means, in any one of the first to fourth technical means, the remote controller can switch between a mode for outputting the display device control signal and a mode for outputting the game machine control signal. It is characterized by that.

  A sixth technical means includes a game machine having an HDMI interface and capable of outputting game content stream data to an external display device connected by the HDMI interface, and a controller for controlling the game machine. In the game system, the game machine determines whether the key input signal is a game machine control signal for controlling the game machine or a display device control signal for controlling the display device in accordance with the key input signal transmitted from the controller. If the key input signal is a game machine control signal, the game machine itself is controlled according to the game machine control signal. If the key input signal is a display device control signal, it is defined by HDMI. A CEC command is generated based on a display device control signal and transmitted to an external display device. That.

  A seventh technical means includes a means for the game machine according to the sixth technical means to store the key operation of the controller in association with the function of the display device corresponding to the key operation, and a key input signal from the controller If there is a function of the display device associated with the key operation of the controller, it is determined that the key input signal is the display device control signal, and a display device control signal for executing the function is generated. It is characterized by that.

  According to an eighth technical means, in the seventh technical means, the game machine acquires the model information of the display device from an external display device, and the function of the display device associated with the key operation of the controller is based on the model information. A feature is that a setting menu screen for setting can be generated and output.

  According to a ninth technical means, in the seventh technical means, the game machine acquires the model information of the display device from an external display device, and the function of the display device associated with the key operation of the controller is based on the model information. It is characterized by being set automatically.

  According to a tenth technical means, in any one of the sixth to ninth technical means, the controller can switch between a mode for outputting the game machine control signal and a mode for outputting the display device control signal. It is characterized by that.

  According to an eleventh technical means, any one of the first to fifth technical means and any of the sixth to tenth technical means are connected to each other via an HDMI interface, and the game machine of the game system is controlled by a remote controller. The display device can be controlled by a controller.

  According to the present invention, when a display device and a game machine are connected with a simple connection structure, and the output source of the display device is switched between the display device side and the game machine side, the remote controller or controller for operation is changed. The display device and the game machine can be operated with good operability without the necessity of directing the direction of the remote controller or controller in a direction different from the screen.

  According to the present invention, the above-described effects can be achieved by connecting with a single HDMI cable without the need to connect the display device and the game machine with a special communication line. According to the present invention, when the display device is operated with the remote controller for the display device, even when the operation is performed by displaying the output source from the game machine, the remote controller for the display device is used for the game machine. There is no need to switch to a controller, and high convenience for the user can be obtained.

  Similarly, when an operation is performed with a controller for a game machine, an operation that should be originally performed with the display device, such as lowering the volume of the display device, can be performed with the controller for the game machine. Sex can be obtained. At this time, naturally, the receiving unit of the remote controller for the display device is provided on the TV, and the controller for the game machine is connected to the game machine, so that the user can operate without being aware of the location of each device. It becomes.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, by making it possible to use a remote controller for a display device and a controller for a game machine at the same time, for example, in a game that requires simultaneous operation by two people, one person can use a controller for a game machine. By operating the remote controller for display operation, the other person can operate simultaneously, and it is not necessary to equip the game machine body with two controllers as standard equipment, and the configuration is simplified.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a game display system according to the present invention. The game display system includes a display device and a game machine connected to each other, and further includes a remote controller for controlling the display device and a controller for controlling the game machine.
In the present embodiment, the television 10 is used as an example of a display device. A game machine 20 is connected to the television 10. The game machine 20 and the television 10 are connected by a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) cable 50, and control signals by CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) are exchanged between the game machine 20 and the television 10.

  By using the game system connected using the HDMI interface as described above, the game machine 20 connected to the television 10 can be operated using the remote controller 30 that is an accessory of the television 10. Similarly, the controller 10 which is an accessory of the game machine 20 can be used to operate the television 10. These control signals are exchanged between the television 10 and the game machine 20 by the HDMI CEC command. Each device can perform control based on key operations of the remote controller 30 or the controller 40 in accordance with these CEC commands.

  HDMI is a DVI (Digital Visual Interface) standard for connecting PCs and displays, with an audio transmission function and copyright protection function arranged for AV equipment. Control signals are compatible with bidirectional transmission. Yes. CEC is a control protocol standardized by HDMI, and by exchanging CEC commands, which are control signals based on the protocol, between devices, mutual communication between the television 10 and the game machine 20 by a remote controller or controller is performed. Enable operation. In this case, a CEC vendor command can be created and exchanged in order to control the connected device.

The HDMI cable 50 includes a TMDS (Transition Minimized Differential Signaling) line (digital signal transfer line) 51 for transmitting a video / audio signal, which is a digital signal, in a differential manner, and a control signal (CEC command) common between devices. And a CEC line 52, which is a bidirectional bus for transmitting.
In addition, the HDMI cable includes a DDC line (not shown) used for transmission of EDID (Extended Display Identification Data), HDCP authentication, and the like. This EDID can include the device vendor name and model information. The model information can be acquired from the connected device and used for key operation setting menu display, automatic key operation setting processing, and the like. .

  A stream including video / audio is transmitted using the TMDS line 51. The TMDS line 51 is a serial transmission line, and includes, for example, three data transmission lines for each channel of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) and one clock transmission line. The video signal decomposed into R, G and B is transmitted as a baseband signal in the transmission path, and the audio signal is inserted in the blanking period of the video signal and transmitted simultaneously with the video signal. HDMI also supports transmission of multi-surround audio signals such as 5.1 ch and 6.1 ch, and can simultaneously transmit multi-surround audio signals by inserting them into video signals.

  In order to realize the function according to the present invention, a CEC command transferred via the CEC line 52 is used. As described above, CEC is a control protocol standardized by HDMI, and the CEC command is a control signal based on the CEC protocol. Various operations are controlled between the television 10 and the game machine 20 by exchanging information between devices using the CEC command.

In the configuration of FIG. 1, the game machine 20 includes an HDMI transmitter 21, a HOST CPU 22, a controller I / F 23, and a CEC I / F 24.
The HDMI transmitter 21 reads video data and audio data such as game content recorded on the medium, and converts the audio signal into an HDMI format stream inserted in the blanking period of the video signal. Then, the converted stream is transferred to the television 10 through the TMDS line 51. The HOST CPU 22 includes an HDMI controller and controls the operation of the HDMI transmitter 21.

The CEC I / F 24 connects the CEC line 52 in the HDMI cable 50 and enables bidirectional communication of CEC commands with the television 10. The operation of the CEC I / F 24 is controlled by the HOST CPU 22, and an HDMI-connected device can be controlled by a CEC command. The controller I / F 23 constitutes an interface with the controller 40 and sends a control signal input from the controller 40 to the HOST CPU 22.
In addition, the game machine 20 has means for storing the key operation of the controller 40 in association with the function of the television 10 corresponding to the key operation. This means is realized by the HOST CPU 22 and a built-in or separate memory.

  On the other hand, the television 10 includes a HOST CPU 11 incorporating a HDMI receiver, a monitor microcomputer 12, a CEC I / F 13, and a light receiving unit 14. The television 10 receives the stream sent from the game machine 20 by the HOST CPU 17 with a built-in HDMI receiver. Further, the CEC line 52 is connected to the game machine 20 by the CEC I / F 13.

The HOST CPU 11 has a built-in HDMI receiver and controls the entire apparatus. The HDMI receiver and the HOST CPU may be separated from each other.
The monitor microcomputer 12 includes a controller for the CEC line 52 and monitors a CEC command transferred from the CEC line 52. The monitor microcomputer 12 controls the light receiving unit 14 that receives a remote control signal from the remote controller 30. Even when the HOST CPU 11 is down in the standby mode of the television 10 or the like, the monitor microcomputer 12 operates to maintain a state in which transmission / reception of CEC commands and reception of control signals from the remote controller 30 are possible.

In the television 10, the video / audio of the stream is separated by the HDMI receiver built in the HOST CPU 17, performs predetermined video signal processing and audio signal processing as necessary, and displays video on a display screen such as a display. The sound is output from the speaker.
The television 10 also has means for storing the key operation of the remote controller 30 in association with the function of the game machine 20 corresponding to the key operation. This means is realized by the HOST CPU 11 and a built-in or separate memory.

  In the embodiment according to the present invention, as described above, by exchanging CEC commands between the television 10 and the game machine 20, the game machine 20 can be controlled using the television remote control 30, Further, the television 10 can be controlled using the controller 40 for the game machine.

With the system as described above, it is not necessary to connect the television 10 and the game machine 20 with a special communication line, and the television 10 is operated by the remote control 30 for the television 10 by connecting with the single HDMI cable 50. Even when the operation is performed by displaying the output source from the game machine 20, the remote controller 30 does not need to be replaced with the controller 40 for the game machine 20.
Similarly, when an operation is performed by the controller 40 for the game machine 20, an operation that should be originally performed on the television 10 such as lowering the volume of the television 10 can be performed by the controller 40. At this time, the user can operate without being aware of the location of each device.

Further, according to the above system, since the remote controller 30 for the television 10 and the controller 40 for the game machine 20 can be used at the same time, for example, in a game that requires simultaneous operation by two people, one person uses the controller 40 for the game machine 20. The other person can operate the remote controller 30 for the television 10 at the same time, and the game machine 20 does not need to have two controllers 40 as standard equipment.
Further, for example, when the output source of the game machine 20 is displayed on the television 10, the controller 40 can be operated to store the captured image of the displayed video in a predetermined recording device or recording medium. In this case, by transmitting a CEC command generated in response to a predetermined key operation of the controller 40 from the game machine 20 to the television 10, the television 10 can execute a capture image recording process.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a key arrangement of a remote controller applied to the present invention. The remote controller 30 includes a power key 31 for turning on / off the television 10 as an example of a display device, a numeric keypad 32 for switching channels and inputting various settings, and a direction for moving a cursor on the display screen. A key 33, a determination key 34 for determining input settings and the like, and a return key 35 for returning the input settings and input screen to the previous state are provided.

In this embodiment, the remote control 30 is provided with a mode switching key 36 so that the user can arbitrarily switch between the television mode and the game mode.
For the key group on the remote controller 30 such as the numeric keypad 32, the direction key 33, and the enter key 34, a predetermined function is set in advance for a predetermined key operation.
The remote controller 30 transmits a key input signal when an input operation is performed on the key group. The key input signal is a control signal transmitted to the television 10.

  At this time, the device to be controlled can be switched according to the mode setting of the mode switching key 36 of the remote controller 30. That is, the television 10 can be controlled by the key operation of the remote controller 30 in the television mode, and the game machine 20 can be controlled by the key operation of the remote control 30 in the game mode.

  In the television 10, key operations of the remote controller 30 and functions of the game machine 20 corresponding to the key operations are stored in advance in association with each other. In this case, the key operation of the remote controller 30 and the key operation of the controller 40 may be associated with each other. Association of these key operations can be arbitrarily set by the user.

  In the television 10, the key input signal from the remote controller 30 is analyzed, and if there is a function of the game machine 20 associated with the key operation of the remote controller 30, the key input signal is a control signal for controlling the game machine 20. It is determined that it is a (game machine control signal). Further, it is determined whether or not the key input signal from the remote controller 30 is a control signal (display device control signal) for operating the television set in advance in the television 10. The television 10 controls the television 10 or the game machine 20 according to the determination result of the control signal.

  Depending on the mode setting of the mode switching key 36, the remote controller 30 can send different control signals even with the same key operation. In the television 10, the function of the game machine 20 is set for a predetermined key operation of the remote controller 30 in the game mode, and the function of the television 10 is set for the predetermined key operation in the television mode. Keep it.

  When the key input signal from the remote controller 30 is a control signal for controlling the television, the control unit (HOST CPU 11) of the television 10 controls the display screen, audio output, and the like of the television 10. On the other hand, when controlling the game machine 20, the HOST CPU 11 of the television 10 transmits a CEC command to the game machine 20 through the CEC line 52. The CEC command is generated according to a control signal transmitted from the remote controller 30 set to the game mode, and the control signal transmitted from the remote controller 30 is converted into a control signal according to a key operation of the controller 40. It is a thing.

  The game machine 20 that has received the CEC command controls the video / audio stream of the game content to be transmitted using the TMDS line 51 of the HDMI cable 50 according to the command information. The television 10 receives this stream and performs video display and audio output.

  The association of the function of the game machine 20 with the key operation of the remote controller 30 in the game mode can be arbitrarily set. For example, when the direction key 33 of the remote controller 30 is operated, the direction key (cross key or the like) of the controller 40 It is preferable to make settings that are easy for the user to operate, such as performing the same control as when operating.

  Further, as another example of the control method of the television 10 and the game machine 20 by the remote controller 30, the key operation for the television and the key operation for the game machine are not overlapped without providing the mode switching key as described above. Can be set to In this case, settings such as simultaneous operation of a plurality of keys may be performed so that key operations do not overlap between modes. Here, the key operation for the television and the key operation for the game machine are uniquely determined, and the user can arbitrarily perform the key operation for the television or the game machine without switching the mode.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a key arrangement of a controller applied to the present invention. The controller 40 is provided with a start key 41 for starting a game, a cross key 42 for moving a character, and various function keys 43.
In this embodiment, the controller 40 is provided with a television operation key 44. When the user operates other keys while pressing the television operation key 44, a television set in advance according to each key operation is provided. Ten functions can be performed.

Here, predetermined functions are set in advance for key operations on the key group of the cross key 42 and various function keys 43 of the controller 40. The controller 40 transmits a key input signal when an input operation is performed on the key group. The key input signal is a control signal transmitted to the game machine 20.
At this time, the device to be controlled can be switched according to the operation state of the television operation key 44. That is, the television 10 can be controlled by the key operation of the controller 40 when the television operation key 44 is pressed, and the game machine 20 is operated by the key operation of the controller 40 when the television operation key 44 is not pressed. Can be controlled.

  In the game machine 20, the key operation of the controller 40 and the function of the television 10 corresponding to the key operation are stored in advance in association with each other. In this case, the key operation of the controller 40 and the key operation of the remote controller 30 may be associated with each other. Association of these key operations can be arbitrarily set by the user.

  In the game machine 20, the key input signal from the controller 40 is analyzed, and if there is a function of the television 10 associated with the key operation of the controller 40, the key input signal is used as a control signal for controlling the television 10 ( Display device control signal). Further, it is determined whether or not the key input signal from the controller 40 is a control signal (game machine control signal) for operating the game machine itself set in the game machine 20 in advance. In the game machine 20, the television 10 or the game machine 20 is controlled according to the determination result of the control signal.

  The controller 40 can send different control signals even for the same key operation according to the operation state of the television operation key 44. In the game machine 20, when the TV operation key 44 of the controller 40 is pressed, the function of the TV 10 is set in association with the predetermined key operation, and when the TV operation key 44 is not pressed, the predetermined operation is performed. Settings for controlling the game machine 20 are made in accordance with key operations.

  When controlling the game machine 20 at this time, the control part (HOST CPU22) of the game machine 20 controls itself. For example, the video / audio stream of the game content transmitted to the television 10 is controlled using the TMDS line 51 of the HDMI cable 50. The television 10 receives this stream and performs video display and audio output.

  On the other hand, when controlling the television 10, the HOST CPU 22 of the game machine 20 transmits a CEC command to the television 10 through the CEC line 52. The CEC command is generated according to a control signal when the television operation key 44 is pressed, and is obtained by converting the control signal transmitted from the controller 40 into a control signal according to the key operation of the remote controller 30. It is. The television 10 that has received the CEC command controls screen display and audio output of the television 10 in accordance with the command information.

  As in the case of the remote controller 30, the association of the function of the television 10 with the key operation of the controller 40 in the television mode can be arbitrarily set. For example, when the cross key 42 is operated, the direction key 33 of the remote controller 30 is set. It is preferable to make settings that are easy for the user to operate, such as performing the same control as when operating.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of the key arrangement of the controller applied to the present invention. As in the example of FIG. 3, the controller 40 is provided with a start key 41 for starting a game, a cross key 42 for moving a character, and various function keys 43. In the present embodiment, the controller 40 is provided with a mode switching key 45 so that the user can arbitrarily switch between the game mode and the television mode.

The device to be controlled can be switched according to the setting state of the mode switching key 45 of the controller 40. That is, the television 10 can be controlled by the key operation of the controller 40 in the television mode, and the game machine 20 can be controlled by the key operation of the controller 40 in the game mode.
The game machine 20 receives this control signal, determines whether the control signal is a signal for controlling the game machine 20 or the television 10, and controls the game machine 20 or the television 10 according to the determination result. Control of the game machine 20 and the television 10 based on the control signal is the same as in the above example.

  The controller 40 does not have the television operation key 44 and the mode switching key 45 as described above, and the key operation for the television and the key operation for the game machine are duplicated with respect to the keys provided in the controller 40. You may make it set so that it may not. Here, the key operation for the television and the key operation for the game machine are uniquely determined, and the user can arbitrarily perform the key operation for the television or the game machine without switching the mode.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a setting menu for key operation on a television, and shows an example of a setting menu for setting a game control function of a game machine for key operation of a remote control key of the television.
The user can perform a predetermined operation on the remote controller 30 to display a setting menu as shown in FIG. 5 on the display screen of the television 10, and can set the function of the game machine 20 for the key operation of the remote controller 30. . The setting menu of FIG. 5 shows an example in which the game control function by the controller 40 is set for the key operation of the remote controller 30 in the game mode in the embodiment in which the mode is switched by the remote controller 30.

  For example, in the example of FIG. 5, “Up”, “Down”, “Left”, “Right”, “Determine”, and “Return” are set as key operations of the remote controller 30. “Up”, “Down”, “Left”, and “Right” correspond to the operation of the direction key 33 in FIG. 2, “Enter” corresponds to the operation of the Enter key 34, and “Return” corresponds to the return key 35. The operation is applicable.

  The game control function of the controller 40 is set for the key operation of the remote controller 30. Thereby, when each key of the remote controller 30 is operated, the game control function set for the key operation can be executed by the game machine 20.

  Here, the “upper” of the remote control 30 is “upper controller”, and similarly “down” is “lower controller”, “left” is “controller left”, “right” is “controller”. “Controller A” is set for “right” and “decision”, and “controller B” is set for “return”. “Upper Controller”, “Lower Controller”, “Left Controller”, and “Right Controller” correspond to functions executed when the cross key 42 in FIGS. 3 and 4 is operated up, down, left, and right, respectively. Further, “controller A” and “controller B” correspond to functions to be executed when the function keys 43 A and B are operated, respectively.

  When setting the game control function of the game machine 20 in response to the key operation of the remote controller 30, for example, a list of game machine functions is prepared in advance on the TV 10, and the user can arbitrarily function by displaying the list. Can be selected. At this time, the model information of the game machine may be acquired from the game machine 20 and a function list corresponding to the model information may be displayed so that the user can select the function. The model information of the game machine can be acquired by EDID based on the above-mentioned HDMI standard. Further, the game machine specific function information for notifying the television 10 may be held in advance by the game machine 20 so that it can be transferred to the television 10.

  As yet another example, a game control function corresponding to the key operation of the remote controller 30 may be automatically set on the television 10 based on the model information of the game machine acquired from the game machine 20. That is, in this case, simply connecting the game machine 20 and the TV 10, the TV 10 can acquire model information from the game machine 20 and automatically set the function of the game machine 20 associated with the key operation of the remote controller 30. it can.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of the key operation setting menu on the television, and shows an example of the setting menu for setting the key operation of the television remote control for the game control function of the game machine. .
In the example of FIG. 5, the function of the operated side (game machine) is set for the key operation of the operated side (television), but in this example, the operated side (game machine) is set. The key operation of the operating side (television) can be set for the function.

  The user performs a predetermined operation on the remote control 30 to display a setting menu as shown in FIG. 6 on the display screen of the television 10, and the key operation of the remote control 30 of the television 10 is performed for the game control function of the game machine 20. Can be set in association with each other.

  For example, in the example of FIG. 6, “up”, “down”, “left”, “right”, “A”, “B”, and “START” are set as the game control functions of the game machine 20. “Up”, “Down”, “Left” and “Right” correspond to game control functions executed when the cross key 42 in FIGS. 3 and 4 is operated, and “A” and “B” are function keys. This corresponds to the game control function when 43 is operated, and “START” corresponds to the game control function when the start key 41 is operated.

  The key operation of the remote controller 30 is set for the game control function of the game machine 20. Thereby, when each key of the remote control 30 is operated, the game control function of the game machine 20 set in association with the key operation of the remote control 30 can be executed by the game machine 20.

  Here, “up” of the game control function of the game machine 20 is “on the remote control”, “down” the “remote control”, “left” “remote control left”, “right”. On the other hand, “remote control right” and “A” are set in association with “remote control determination”, “B” in “remote control return”, and “START” in association with “remote control menu”. “Remote control up”, “Remote control down”, “Remote control left”, and “Remote control right” correspond to key operations when the direction key 33 in FIG. 2 is operated up, down, left, and right, respectively. “Determination” corresponds to the key operation of the determination key 34, and “Return on remote control” corresponds to the key operation of the return key 35.

  When setting the key operation of the remote controller 30 for the game control function, a list of game control functions corresponding to the model information of the game machine is prepared in advance on the TV 10 in the same manner as in the above example, and the acquired game machine The list may be displayed and selected according to the model information, or the game control function unique to the game machine may be held in the game machine 20 in advance and transferred to the television 10. Alternatively, the game control function of the game machine 20 according to the key operation of the remote controller 30 may be automatically set on the television 10 based on the model information of the game machine acquired from the game machine 20.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a setting menu for key operations by a game machine, and shows an example of a setting menu for setting a TV function for key operations of a controller of the game machine.
The user performs a predetermined operation on the controller 40 to display a menu as shown in FIG. 7 on the display screen of the television 10 connected to the game machine 20. Can be set. The setting menu in FIG. 7 shows an example in which the function of the television 10 is set for the key operation of the controller 40 in the television mode in the embodiment in which the mode is switched by the controller 40.

  For example, in the example of FIG. 7, “Up”, “Down”, “Left”, “Right”, “A”, “B”, and “START” are set as key operations of the controller 40. “Up”, “Down”, “Left” and “Right” correspond to the key operation of the cross key 42 in FIGS. 3 and 4, and “A” and “B” correspond to the key operation of the function key 43. “START” corresponds to the key operation of the start key 41.

And the function (television function) of the television 10 is set with respect to the key operation of these controllers 40. Thus, when each key of the controller 40 is operated, the TV function set for the key operation can be executed by the TV 10.
Here, “up” of the controller 40 is “channel up” of the TV 10, and similarly “down” is “channel down”, “left” is “volume up”, and “right” is “down”. “Remote control determination” is set for “Volume down” and “A”, “Return to remote control” is set for “B”, and “Remote control menu” functions are set for “START” in association with each other.

  When setting the TV function for the key operation of the controller 40, a function list corresponding to the TV model information is prepared in advance, and the key operation list can be displayed and selected according to the acquired TV model information. It may be. The model information can be acquired by the EDID described above. Alternatively, the TV-specific function information may be stored in advance on the TV 10 and transferred to the game machine 20.

  As yet another example, a television function corresponding to a key operation of the controller 40 may be automatically set by the game machine 20 based on the television model information acquired from the television 10. That is, in this case, simply connecting the game machine 10 and the television 20 allows the game machine 20 to acquire model information from the television 10 and automatically set the function of the television 10 associated with the key operation of the controller 40. .

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating another example of a setting menu for key operations by a game machine, and is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting menu for setting a controller key operation in association with a TV function.
In the example of FIG. 7, the function of the operated side (television) is set for the key operation of the operated side (controller), but in this example, the function of the operated side (television) is set. On the other hand, the key operation of the operating side (game machine) can be set.

  The user performs a predetermined operation on the controller 40 of the game machine 20 to display a menu as shown in FIG. 8 on the display screen of the television 10 connected to the game machine 20, so that the game machine has a function corresponding to the function of the television 10. 20 key operations of the controller 40 can be set. This setting menu can be applied to an embodiment that uses different key operations without switching modes.

  In the setting menu of FIG. 8, the function of the television 10 and the key operation of the controller 40 can be set in association with each other. For example, in the example of FIG. 8, “Volume Up”, “Volume Down”, “Mute”, “Channel Up”, “Channel Down”, and “Menu” are set as functions of the television.

These TV functions are set in association with the key operations of the controller 40. Thus, when each key of the controller 40 is operated, the TV function associated with the key operation can be executed by the TV 10.
Here, “controller L + on controller” of the controller 40 (“L” (Left) and “up” using the function key 43 and the cross key 42 of the controller 40 simultaneously with “volume up” of the television 10 In the same manner, “controller L + controller down” for “volume down”, “controller L + A” for “mute”, “controller R + controller up” for “channel up”, “channel down”. “Controller R + Lower Controller” is set for “Menu”, and “Controller R + START” is set for “Menu”.

  When setting the key operation of the controller 40 for the function of the television 10, as in the above example, a list of functions corresponding to the television model information is prepared in advance in the game machine 20, and the acquired television model A list of functions may be displayed and selected according to the information, or functions unique to the television may be held in advance on the television 10 and transferred to the game machine 20. Alternatively, the function of the television 10 according to the key operation of the controller 40 may be automatically set in the game machine 20 based on the television model information acquired from the television 10.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a processing example of the television when the television and the game machine are connected. First, when the game machine 20 and the television 10 are connected (step S1), the television 10 acquires model information of the game machine from the game machine 20 (step S2). As the model information of the game machine 20, for example, model information acquired by EDID can be used as described above, and model information prepared exclusively for the game machine 20 may be acquired. .

And in the television machine 10, the key operation of the remote controller for executing the function (game control function) of the game machine 20 is set (step S3). Here, for example, the user uses the setting menu as shown in FIG. 5 or 6 to set the function of the game machine 20 according to the key operation of the remote controller 30.
At this time, based on the model information of the game machine acquired in step S2, the function of the game machine that can be set in the setting menu can be displayed in a state where user selection is possible. The setting information is stored in the television 10 so that it is not necessary to set the key operation from the next time.

  At this time, based on the model information of the game machine acquired from the game machine 20, the function of the game machine 20 according to the key operation of the remote controller 30 may be automatically set on the television 10. That is, in this case, simply connecting the game machine 20 and the TV 10, the TV 10 acquires model information from the game machine 20 and automatically sets the key operation of the game machine 20 to be assigned to the key operation of the remote controller 30. Thus, by setting the function of the game machine according to the key operation of the remote controller 30, the game machine 20 can be controlled according to the key operation of the remote control 30.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing in the television when a key operation on the remote controller is performed.
When the television 10 receives a key input signal that is a control signal transmitted from the remote controller 30 by a key operation on the remote controller 30 (step S11), the key input signal is a control signal for controlling the game machine 20. Whether or not (step S12).

  If the key input signal is a control signal for controlling the game machine 20, it is further determined whether or not the output from the game machine 20 is selected and displayed on the television 10 (step S 13). When the output from the game machine 20 is selected, the control signal of the controller 40 corresponding to the key input signal from the remote controller 30 is transmitted to the game machine 20 (step S14). That is, in order to execute the function of the game machine associated with the key input signal from the remote controller 30, a control signal of the controller 40 that can execute the function is generated and transmitted to the game machine 20. Then, the process returns to step S11 to wait for the next key input signal.

  On the other hand, if the key input signal is not a control signal for controlling the game machine 20 in step S12, or if the television 10 does not select the output from the game machine 20 in step S13, the received key input signal is Processing is performed by the television 10 (step S15). Then, the process returns to step S11 to wait for the next key input signal.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a processing example of the game machine when the television and the game machine are connected.
First, when the game machine 20 and the television 10 are connected (step S21), the game machine 20 acquires model information of the television 10 from the television 10 (step S22). As the model information of the television 10, model information acquired by EDID or model information prepared exclusively can be used as in the case of the above-described game machine.

  And in the game machine 20, the key operation of the controller 40 for performing the function of the television 10 is set (step S23). Here, for example, the user sets the function of the television 10 according to the key operation of the controller 40 using the setting menu as shown in FIG. At this time, based on the TV model information acquired in step S22, the TV functions that can be set in the setting menu can be displayed in a state that can be selected by the user. The setting information is stored in the game machine 20 so that it is not necessary to set the key operation from the next time.

  At this time, the function of the television 10 corresponding to the key operation of the controller 40 may be automatically set based on the television model information acquired from the television 10. That is, in this case, simply connecting the game machine 10 and the television 20, the game machine 20 acquires model information from the television 10 and automatically sets the function of the television 10 associated with the key operation of the controller 40. Thus, by setting the function of the television 10 according to the key operation of the controller 40, the television 10 can be controlled according to the key operation of the controller 40.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a processing example in the game machine when there is a key operation of the controller.
When the game machine 20 receives a key input signal that is a control signal transmitted from the controller 40 by a key operation on the controller 40 (step S31), the key input signal is a control signal for controlling the television 10. Whether or not (step S32).

  When the key input signal of the controller 40 is a control signal for controlling the television 10, the control signal of the remote controller 30 corresponding to the key input signal from the controller 40 is transmitted to the television 10 (step S33). That is, in order to execute the function of the game machine 20 associated with the key input signal from the controller 40, a control signal of the remote controller 30 that can execute the function is generated and transmitted to the television 10. A key code included in a key input signal transmitted from the remote controller 30 can be used as the control signal. Then, the process returns to step S31 to wait for the next key input signal.

  On the other hand, if the key input signal is not a control signal for controlling the television 10 in step S32, the game machine 20 processes the key input signal of the controller 40 (step S34). Then, the process returns to step S31 to wait for the next key input signal.

It is a figure showing roughly the example of composition of the game display system concerning the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the keyboard layout of the remote control applied to this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the keyboard layout of the controller applied to this invention. It is a figure which shows the other example of the keyboard layout of the controller applied to this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting menu of the key operation in a television. It is a figure which shows the other example of the setting menu of the key operation in a television. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting menu of the key operation by a game machine. It is a figure which shows the other example of the setting menu of the key operation by a game machine. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the example of a process of the television when a television and a game machine are connected. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process example in the television when there is key operation of a remote control. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process example of the game machine when a television and a game machine are connected. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process example in a game machine when there exists key operation of a controller.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Television, 11 ... HOST CPU, 12 ... Monitor microcomputer, 13 ... CEC I / F, 14 ... Light-receiving part, 17 ... HOST CPU, 20 ... Game machine, 21 ... HDMI transmitter, 22 ... HOST CPU, 23 ... Controller I / F, 24 ... CEC I / F, 30 ... Remote control, 31 ... Power key, 32 ... Ten key, 33 ... Direction key, 34 ... Enter key, 35 ... Return key, 36 ... Mode switching key, 40 ... Controller, 41 ... Start key, 42 ... cross key, 43 ... function key, 44 ... TV operation key, 45 ... mode switching key, 50 ... HDMI cable, 51 ... TMDS line, 52 ... CEC line.

Claims (11)

In a display system comprising an HDMI interface, a display device capable of inputting and displaying stream data of game content from an external game machine connected via the HDMI interface, and a remote control for controlling the display device,
In accordance with a key input signal transmitted from the remote controller, the display device is a display device control signal for controlling the display device, or a game machine control signal for controlling the game machine When the key input signal is the display device control signal, the display device itself is controlled in accordance with the display device control signal, and in the case of the game machine control signal, A display system that generates a CEC command defined in the HDMI based on the control signal for a game machine and transmits the generated CEC command to the external game machine. The display system according to claim 1, wherein the display device includes means for storing a key operation of the remote controller in association with a function of the game machine corresponding to the key operation.
Analyzing the key input signal from the remote control, if there is a function of the game machine associated with the key operation of the remote control, it is determined that the key input signal is the control signal for the game machine, and the function A display system for generating the game machine control signal to be executed.   3. The display system according to claim 2, wherein the display device acquires model information of the game machine from the external game machine, and a function of the game machine associated with key operation of the remote controller based on the model information. A display system, characterized in that a setting menu screen for setting can be generated and displayed.   3. The display system according to claim 2, wherein the display device acquires model information of the game machine from the external game machine, and a function of the game machine associated with key operation of the remote controller based on the model information. A display system characterized by automatically setting.   5. The display system according to claim 1, wherein the remote controller can switch between a mode for outputting the display device control signal and a mode for outputting the game machine control signal. 6. A display system characterized by In a game system comprising an HDMI interface, a game machine capable of outputting stream data of game content to an external display device connected by the HDMI interface, and a controller for controlling the game machine,
In accordance with the key input signal transmitted from the controller, the game machine is a game machine control signal for controlling the game machine, or a display device control signal for controlling the display device. When the key input signal is the game machine control signal, the game machine itself is controlled according to the game machine control signal, and in the case of the display device control signal, A game system, wherein a CEC command defined in the HDMI is generated based on the display device control signal and transmitted to the external display device. The game system according to claim 6, wherein the game machine includes a unit that stores a key operation of the controller in association with a function of the display device according to the key operation,
Analyzing the key input signal from the controller, if there is a function of the display device associated with the key operation of the controller, it is determined that the key input signal is the control signal for the display device, and the function is A game system for generating the display device control signal to be executed.   8. The game system according to claim 7, wherein the game machine acquires model information of the display device from the external display device, and a function of the display device associated with a key operation of the controller based on the model information. A game system, characterized in that a setting menu screen for setting can be generated and output.   8. The game system according to claim 7, wherein the game machine acquires model information of the display device from the external display device, and a function of the display device associated with a key operation of the controller based on the model information. A game system characterized by automatically setting.   10. The game system according to claim 6, wherein the controller can switch between a mode for outputting the game machine control signal and a mode for outputting the display device control signal. A game system characterized by   The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and the game system according to any one of claims 6 to 10 are connected to each other via an HDMI interface, and the game of the game system is performed by the remote controller. A game display system characterized in that a machine can be controlled and the display device can be controlled by the controller.

Images