JP2008304616A - Display device and control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology of preventing prolonged use of external equipment connected to a television. <P>SOLUTION: When the "game input" is selected as a source for the contents of the television (S12), an operation state acquisition part confirms whether or not the history of a game can be stored (S14). A progress determination part corresponding to automatic history storing (Y of S14) starts a timer operation (S18). A host CPU monitors whether or not there are instructions for input switching from a user (S20), and if there are no instructions of an input switching (N of S20), the progress determination part determines whether or not the use time of the game reached a permission time (S24). When determined that the use time reached the permission time (Y of S24), the game is uniquely stopped (S25), and the operation state acquisition part confirms whether or not the history of the game can be stored into a game machine (S26), and if the history of the game can be stored (Y of S28), the game machine stores the history to a storage part (S30). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a display device and a control method. For example, when playing back an external device, if the playback time exceeds a predetermined time, the user is prompted to end viewing or the external device performs a predetermined operation. And a control method.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, home game devices have been owned in many homes, and game content (hereinafter simply referred to as “games”) is displayed on a large screen connected to a television set that is becoming larger in size, such as a liquid crystal television. . While at home, the user can enjoy the game with powerful images that could not be experienced in the past.

  By the way, one of the big challenges when enjoying a game is to forget the lapse of time, and play the game continuously for a long time. LCD TVs are said to be much easier on the eyes than conventional CRT TVs because of their characteristics, but they want to avoid playing for a long time. There are many parents who want to limit the time the child plays the game, but it is difficult to keep an eye on the child's behavior at all times, leaving it to the child's autonomy. In addition to a game, for example, in a DVD video or the like that records a drama, the content may span a plurality of volumes, and viewing may not be interrupted.

  Therefore, some TVs have a function that prevents the game from being played continuously for a long time by displaying the elapsed game time every time a certain time has elapsed since the “game” screen was selected and displayed. Yes.

  As an example of such a function, there is a technique in which a time during which a game can be displayed is limited so that the user can recognize the end timing of the usage time (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this technique, when the game mode is started, time counting is started. Then, as the end time approaches, the brightness of the video display unit (screen) gradually decreases. Further, when the usage time ends, the output of the signal input from the game machine to the video display unit is stopped. Thereafter, the signal input from the game machine is not output until the prohibition time of a predetermined period elapses, thereby making it impossible to substantially use the game machine.

  Further, there is a technique for displaying the elapsed time of the game and automatically turning off the power when a preset time has elapsed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

In addition, there is a technique for calling attention with an alarm or voice so that the user is not too addicted to play for a long time (see Patent Document 3).
JP 2005-205025 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 08-23485 JP-A-10-118335

  By the way, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is possible to urge the play of a game and the interruption of viewing of an external input device such as a DVD by gradually reducing the brightness of the screen. In such a case, there is a problem that if the game history cannot be saved in time or if the game is too dark, the operation becomes unclear. In that case, there is a possibility that a person other than the user turns off the power of the game machine and the history is not saved.

  In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, the TV is turned off after warning of a long play, but there is a possibility that the TV is turned on immediately in order to continue playing the game. Whether or not to interrupt was left to the user's consciousness, and did not perform the intended function sufficiently. In addition, since the user turns on the power again to save the history, there is a problem that the user can continue playing the game without saving the history.

  Similarly, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 3, interruption of the game is left to the user's judgment, and there is a problem that it is difficult to prevent continuous play of the game for a long time. In any technique, only the operation of the television is controlled.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for preventing long-term use of an external device connected to a television. Another aspect is to provide a technique for realizing an environment in which a user can easily stop using an external device for a predetermined period.

The device according to the present invention relates to a display device. This device is a display device that acquires and displays a signal output from an external device, and includes a control signal output unit that outputs a control signal for controlling the external device connected to the display device, and the external device An elapsed time detection unit that detects an elapsed time of reproducing the signal, and a progress determination unit that determines progress of the elapsed time with respect to a preset reference time, and the control signal output unit The control signal corresponding to the progress is output.
The control signal may be a signal for temporarily stopping the operation of an external device connected to the display device.
The control signal may be a signal for turning off the power of an external device connected to the display device.
Moreover, you may have a notification part which outputs predetermined notification information according to the said control signal.
The predetermined notification information may be displayed by video or OSD (On Screen Display).
The control signal may be output to the external device via an HDMI interface.
An operation state acquisition unit that acquires the operation state of the external device via the HDMI interface may be included.
Moreover, you may provide the notification display control part which controls the area | region and aspect which should display the said predetermined notification information.
Moreover, you may provide the reference time setting part which receives the setting of the said reference time from a user.
The reference time setting unit may receive a setting of authentication information for changing or canceling the setting of the reference time from a user.
Moreover, you may have the permission acquisition part which acquires the permission which outputs the said control signal from a user.
The method according to the present invention relates to a method for controlling an external device. The method includes a signal acquisition step of acquiring a signal to be reproduced from an external device, an elapsed time acquisition step of acquiring an elapsed time of reproducing the signal acquired from the external device, and the elapsed time relative to a predetermined reference time. A progress determination step for determining progress, and a control signal output step for outputting a control signal for controlling the external device according to the progress of the elapsed time determined in the progress determination step;
Have
Moreover, you may have a display process which displays the predetermined image | video according to the said control signal.
Further, an operation state acquisition step of acquiring the operation state from the external device may be included, and the control signal output step may change the operation state of the external device.

  According to the present invention, when an external device connected to the display device, for example, a game machine, a DVD player, a DVD recorder, or the like is used for a predetermined time, the use is interrupted and the operation of the external device is controlled. Since it was made possible, it is possible to realize an environment in which the user can easily stop using it.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter simply referred to as “embodiment”) will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, when playing a game, when a predetermined time has elapsed, a warning is displayed on the display screen of a television serving as a display device, and a history is saved. When the game machine has a function of automatically saving history, a control signal is output so as to automatically save from the television to the game machine and to turn off the power. In addition, when using a DVD recorder, if the user views more than a predetermined time, the video recorder is paused or turned off. Hereinafter, the mode in which a warning is displayed, the history is automatically saved, or the power is turned off when the set time is reached is referred to as “timer mode” for convenience. The operation other than the mode is referred to as “normal operation mode”.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a state in which the television 10 and the game machine 30 according to the present embodiment are connected by an HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) cable 50. Devices connected by an interface according to the HDMI standard can realize transmission of video and audio signals and transmission of control signals between devices with a single cable without providing any other special interface. Here, the HDMI cable 50 includes a stream line 51 that includes a plurality of lines and transmits video and audio signals in one direction, and a CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) line 52 that transmits control signals in both directions. It is configured. Here, the transmission direction of the stream line 51 is from the game machine 30 to the television 10.

  The television 10 includes a host CPU (central processing unit) 11, a reproduction output unit 17, a display unit 16, and an HDMI terminal 18 to which the HDMI cable 50 is connected.

  The host CPU 11 comprehensively controls functions (each component) of the television 10. The display unit 16 includes, for example, a liquid crystal panel and a drive driver thereof. The reproduction output unit 17 includes a tuner that receives and demodulates a broadcast wave, a decoding unit that decodes the demodulated signal, and the like, outputs a video signal to the display unit 16, and outputs an audio signal to a speaker (not shown).

  Further, the television 10 is connected via a front microcomputer 12 that controls input / output of control signals from an external device, the remote controller 19, etc., a light receiving unit 15 that receives a signal from the remote controller 19 that operates the television 10, and an HDMI terminal 18. The external connection interface 13 for transmitting and receiving control signals to and from the game machine 30 by connecting the CEC line 52 and the HDMI receiver 14 are provided. The HDMI receiver 14 is connected to an HDMI transmitter 34 of a game machine 30 described later via an HDMI cable 50 and acquires a video signal and an audio signal from the game machine 30.

  Furthermore, the television 10 includes an external device control unit 20 that outputs a signal for controlling an operation such as stopping of the connected external device. The external device control unit 20 is connected to the game machine 30 connected as an external device. In order to prevent playing for a long time, a stop of the game play is urged, and if necessary, the game machine 30 is stopped or a control signal is output to the game machine 30 so as to save the game history. In response to the control signal, the game machine 30 stores a game history or turns off the power. For this purpose, the external device control unit 20 includes a time management unit 21, a control signal output unit 22, an operation state acquisition unit 23, and a notification unit 24.

  The time management unit 21 further includes an elapsed time detection unit 25, a progress determination unit 26, a time setting unit 27, and a password setting unit 28.

  The elapsed time detector 25 detects an input time of a video signal or an audio signal input from the game machine 30 via the HDMI terminal 18. Specifically, when an input system (source) connected to the game machine 30 as an image to be displayed by the remote controller 19, for example, “game input” is selected, the timing is stored as the start time, and the start time The elapsed time from is calculated as the game usage time. Further, the present invention is not limited to this, and the time when a video signal or an audio signal is input to the HDMI receiver 14 after “game input” is selected may be used as a reference.

  The time setting unit 27 functioning as a reference time setting unit receives a setting of a reference time (hereinafter, also referred to as “permitted time”) that allows the user to play the game, and stores it in the memory. The progress determination unit 26 determines how much the game usage time has progressed with respect to the permission time stored in the time setting unit 27. In other words, it functions as a kind of timer and prevents the user from watching (playing) for a long time. Further, the password setting unit 28 as a permission acquisition unit receives a password (authentication information) for canceling or changing the set permission time from the user and stores it in a predetermined memory. The permission time and password are set by, for example, displaying a setting screen M1 shown in FIG. This display may be performed by the OSD, or a predetermined video may be displayed instead of the video game screen. The time setting unit 27 sets not only the game permission time but also the permission time for viewing on the same screen for each input source of “external input 1”, “external input 2”, and “PC input”, for example. Is possible.

  Here, on menu screen M1, the user selects item “viewing restriction” M2 using remote controller 19, and further selects “game input” M3 as the external input to be set. Then, as shown in the figure, in the setting area M4, permission time areas M5 to M7 into which the permission time and warning timing are to be input, and a password area M8 for inputting a password are displayed. Subsequently, the user operates the remote controller 19 and inputs, for example, “1 hour 00 minutes” as the permission time. With this setting, when the elapsed time reaches 1 hour, a warning is displayed on the display unit 16. In addition, the timings of the second and third warnings are input to the two permission time regions M6 and M7 to which the warning timing is input. Here, the second warning timing is “10 minutes later”, and the third warning timing is “5 minutes later” from the second time. The displayed warning will be described later. Then, a four-digit number such as “0001” is input as the password. Finally, pressing the “OK button” M9 ends the setting of the permission time and the password. When canceling the set permission time and password, the user inputs the set password into the password area M8 and then presses the “release button” M10.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 1, the progress determination unit 26 compares the game usage time calculated by the elapsed time detection unit 25 with the permission time set by the time setting unit 27, and is at a predetermined timing. If it is determined that the permitted time and the warning timing set in the time setting unit 27, the notification unit 24 is notified of this.

  The notification unit 24 displays a warning as notification information on the display screen of the display unit 16 based on the notification from the progress determination unit 26. At the same time, the user is asked whether or not to save the history of the game machine 30.

  When the control signal output unit 22 displays a warning on the display screen, the control signal output unit 22 outputs a signal for temporarily stopping the progress of the game to the game machine 30, and the notification unit 24 confirms that the history storage is desired. Then, a control signal is output to the game machine 30 through the CEC line 52 so that “history saving processing is performed and a completion notification is returned”. When the control signal output unit 22 receives a notification that the history storage has been completed, the control signal output unit 22 outputs a control signal to the game machine 30 so as to turn off the power, and to the host CPU 11, the television 10. Is instructed to turn off the power supply 67.

  The operation state acquisition unit 23 inquires whether the operation of the game machine 30 can be controlled from the television 10 via the CEC line 52 at the timing when the connection with the game machine 30 is confirmed. Specifically, an inquiry is made as to whether control of “pause the game temporarily” and “save history” is possible, receives a response from the game machine 30, and stores it in a predetermined memory.

  The game machine 30 includes a host CPU 31 that comprehensively controls the functions (components) of the game machine 30, an execution processing unit 36 that reproduces game content, and a storage unit that saves history and records various settings. 37 and an HDMI terminal 38 to which an HDMI cable 50 for connecting to the television 10 is connected.

  The game machine 30 further includes a controller interface 32 that accepts the operation of the game machine 30 by the controller 39, an external connection interface 33 that is connected to the television 10 via the HDMI terminal 38, and a game that is played by the execution processing unit 36. And an HDMI transmitter 34 for transmitting the video and audio signals to the television 10.

  The operation for preventing long-time viewing by the configuration of the television 10 and the game machine 30 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  As a signal acquisition process, when the user operates the remote controller 19 to select “game input” as the content source of the television 10 (S12), the operation state acquisition unit 23 sets the CEC line 52 as the operation state acquisition process. In response to a request (control signal) from the television 10 to the game machine 30, it is confirmed whether or not the game history can be stored (S14). That is, the operation state acquisition unit 23 checks whether or not automatic history storage is supported.

  If there is a response from the television 10 that the automatic history storage is not supported (N in S14), the television 10 performs the operation in the normal operation mode (S16), and the operation of this flow is finished.

  On the other hand, when there is a response from the television 10 indicating that automatic history storage is supported (Y in S14), the progress determination unit 26 starts a viewing prevention timer operation as an elapsed time acquisition step (S18).

  When the viewing prevention timer operation starts, the host CPU 11 monitors whether or not there has been an instruction to change the source, that is, input switching from the user (S20). When there is an input switching instruction (Y in S20), the host CPU 11 notifies the progress determination unit 26 of the fact, and the progress determination unit 26 stops the viewing prevention timer operation and cancels the timer operation mode (S22). The operation of the flow ends.

  When there is no input switching instruction (N in S20), as described in FIG. 2, the progress determination unit 26 determines whether the usage time of the game has passed for a predetermined period, that is, the permission time. Is determined (S24). When the permission time has not been reached (N in S24), the process returns to S20.

  When it is determined that the permitted time has been reached (Y in S24), as a control signal output step, the control signal output unit 22 outputs a control signal to the game machine 30 so as to pause, The operation state acquisition unit 23 confirms whether or not history storage is possible in the game machine 30 (S26). That is, since it is assumed that the game machine 30 cannot store the game machine 30 from the progress of the game, the confirmation is performed.

  When the game machine 30 responds that the game history can be saved (Y in S28), the control signal output unit 22 saves the history to the game machine 30 via the CEC line 52. The game machine 30 receives the notification and stores the history in the storage unit 37 (S30).

  When the saving is finished, the game machine 30 notifies that via the CEC line 52, and in the television 10, as a display process, the notification unit 24 finishes saving the history on the display unit 16 as shown in FIG. A screen for confirming to the user whether or not to end the game and the game is displayed (S32).

  Then, on the confirmation screen shown in FIG. 4, when the user operates the remote controller 19 and presses the button “Yes” B <b> 1 (Y in S <b> 34), the control signal output unit 22 sends the game machine 30 to the game machine 30. The notification is made by outputting a control signal to turn off the power (S36), and the progress determination unit 26 stops the viewing prevention timer operation and the timer mode is released (S38). Then, the progress determination unit 26 starts the operation of the restart prevention timer so that the user cannot turn on the power again and resume the game for a predetermined period (S39). The restart prevention timer continues to operate even when the power of the television 10 is off, and the television 10 does not display the input from the game machine 30 on the display unit 16 for a predetermined period.

  Further, when the user operates the remote controller 19 and presses the button “No” B2 on the confirmation screen shown in FIG. 4 (N in S34), the warning timing is updated (S42), and the progress of the game machine 30 is resumed. Then (S44), the process returns to S18.

  Returning to the description of the processing in S28, when there is a response from the game machine 30 that the game history cannot be stored (N in S28), the notification unit 24 displays a predetermined area on the display screen of the display unit 16, for example, The elapsed time is displayed at the corner of the screen that does not hinder the display of the game (S40), the warning timing is updated (S42), the progress of the game machine 30 is resumed (S44), and the process returns to S18.

  In the warning timing update process (S42), as described in FIG. 2, the progress determination unit 26 sets the permission time to the second warning timing or the third warning timing according to the number of loops. Update. The permitted time is not updated after the third time. However, the same update time may be used thereafter, and the control signal output unit 22 forcibly turns off the power of the game machine 30. A signal may be output. In addition, unlike the case of FIG. 3, the display screen for the second or more warning may be warned with a stricter expression.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent the game machine 30 connected to the television 10 from playing for a long time. In addition, since the history can be saved before the game machine 30 is terminated, the user can terminate the game without wasting progress. In addition, the user can be prompted to finish multiple times.

(Second Embodiment)
In the second embodiment, the television 10 is connected not to the game machine 30 but to a DVD recorder. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing a state where the television 10 and the DVD recorder 60 according to the present embodiment are connected by the HDMI cable 50. Since the configuration different from that of the first embodiment is the configuration of the DVD recorder 60, the description of the configuration of the television 10 is omitted here.

  The DVD recorder 60 includes a host CPU 61 that comprehensively controls the functions (components) of the DVD recorder 60, a recording / playback unit 66 that plays back and records content, and a memory that stores history and records various settings. Unit 71 and an HDMI terminal 68 to which the HDMI cable 50 for connecting to the television 10 is connected. Further, the DVD recorder 60 includes a light receiving unit 65 that receives an operation signal from the remote controller 69, a front microcomputer 62, an external connection interface 63 that is connected to the television 10 via the HDMI terminal 68, and a recording / playback unit 66. And an HDMI transmitter 64 that transmits video and audio signals of content to the television 10. The recording / playback unit 66 includes a DVD drive device, an HDD drive device, and a digital broadcast tuner.

  The operation for preventing long-time viewing by the configuration of the television 10 and the DVD recorder 60 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The same operations as those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same processing numbers.

  As a signal acquisition process, when the user operates the remote controller 69 to select “external input 1” to which the DVD recorder 60 is connected as the content source of the television 10 (S12a), the time setting unit 27 becomes long. In order to prevent time viewing, it is confirmed whether or not the user has set viewing time notification (S14a). This notification setting is set in advance by the user on the same screen as the menu screen M1 shown in FIG.

  When the viewing time notification is not set (N of S14a), the television 10 performs the operation in the normal operation mode (S16), and the operation of this flow ends.

  On the other hand, when the viewing time notification is set (Y in S14a), the progress determination unit 26 starts a timer operation as an elapsed time acquisition step (S18).

  When the timer operation starts, the host CPU 11 monitors whether or not there is a source change instruction, that is, an input switching instruction from the user (S20). When there is an input switching instruction (Y in S20), the host CPU 11 notifies the progress determination unit 26 to that effect, and the progress determination unit 26 stops the timer operation and releases the timer mode (S22). The operation ends.

  When there is no input switching instruction (N in S20), as the progress determination step, whether the progress determination unit 26 has watched (displayed) the DVD recorder 60 for a predetermined period of time, that is, whether the permission time has been reached. Is determined (S24). When the permission time has not been reached (N in S24), the process returns to S20.

  When it is determined that the permission time has been reached (Y in S24), as the operation state acquisition step, the operation state acquisition unit 23 confirms to the DVD recorder 60 whether or not playback can be paused ( S26a). For example, when the DVD recorder 60 is performing a recording operation, it is not paused.

  When there is a reply from the DVD recorder 60 that it can be paused (Y in S28a), the control signal output unit 22 controls the DVD recorder 60 via the CEC line 52 to pause playback. The DVD recorder 60 receives the control signal, and the recording / playback unit 66 pauses playback (S30a).

  When playback is paused, the DVD recorder 60 notifies that via the CEC line 52. In the television 10, as a display process, the notification unit 24 displays the viewing time on the display unit 16 as shown in FIG. That the permitted time has been reached and that the DVD recorder 60 that is the source of the external input 1 has been paused is displayed, and at the same time, a confirmation screen as to whether or not to continue the reproduction is displayed (S32).

  Then, on the confirmation screen shown in FIG. 7, when the user operates the remote controller 69 and presses the button “Yes” B4 (Y in S34), the control signal output unit 22 sends the DVD recorder 60 to the DVD recorder 60. A control signal is output to turn off the power (S36a), and the progress determination unit 26 stops the timer operation and the timer mode is released (S38). Then, the progress determination unit 26 starts the operation of the restart prevention timer so that the user cannot turn on the power again and resume the game for a predetermined period (S39). On the confirmation screen shown in FIG. 7, when the user operates the remote controller 19 and presses the button “No” B5 (N in S34), the warning timing is updated (S42), and the process returns to S18.

  Returning to the description of the processing in S28a, when there is a response from the DVD recorder 60 that playback cannot be paused (N in S28a), as a display process, the notification unit 24 displays a predetermined area on the display screen of the display unit 16 For example, the elapsed time is displayed at the corner of the screen that does not hinder the display of the content of the DVD recorder 60 (S40), the warning timing is updated (S42), and the process returns to S18.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the viewing time of the DVD recorder 60 from extending for a long time. Further, when the predetermined permission time is reached, it is confirmed whether the DVD recorder 60 is in a state where it can be paused, and the reproduction of the content is paused when possible. Therefore, an operation contrary to the user's intention, for example, an operation that stops recording as well as playback while recording is not performed.

(Third embodiment)
In the third embodiment, when an external device such as a game machine or a DVD recorder is viewed for a predetermined time, not only is the game history saved and playback paused, but a “parent mode” is provided. When the mode is selected, it can be forcibly terminated and a password is used for setting and releasing the mode. Here, it is assumed that the parent's viewing time is set to a predetermined time by the parent.

  In the following embodiment, the second embodiment is an extension of the second embodiment in which the external device is a DVD recorder, and can be realized by the configuration shown in FIG. 5 of the second embodiment. Therefore, the description of the configuration is omitted, and the setting of the parent mode and the operation thereof will be described. Note that the present invention can be similarly applied to a configuration (FIG. 1) that extends the first embodiment in which the external device is a game machine.

  FIG. 8 is a screen displayed on the display unit 16 of the television 10 when the parent mode is set. The user operates the remote controller 19 to display the menu screen M1 and selects “ON” or “OFF” in the mode selection area M11. When “ON” is selected, various setting items (M12 to M15, M9, M10) are displayed in the setting area M16 as shown in the figure. When “OFF” is selected, the setting item or the like may not be displayed, and the setting item shown in the setting area M4 in FIG. 2 is displayed, which is the same as in the second embodiment. A configuration may be employed in which processing is selected.

  When “ON” is selected in the mode selection area M11 and the setting area M16 shown in the figure is displayed, the user inputs a time period during which viewing is permitted in the permission time setting area M12. Further, in the forced termination setting area M13, it is selected whether or not to forcibly turn off the power of the DVD recorder 60 connected to the external input 1 when the viewing time reaches the above-described permission time.

  When “Yes” is selected, the power of the DVD recorder 60 is turned off after a predetermined time, for example, 5 seconds after displaying a warning to turn off the power. When “No” is selected, the DVD recorder 60 is stopped and warned a predetermined number of times at a predetermined interval such as 1 minute, and then the power of the DVD recorder 60 is turned off. As the number of warnings (loop upper limit), the user inputs a desired number in the loop upper limit setting area M14. For example, when “4” times are input, the fifth warning is not issued and the power of the DVD recorder 60 is turned off. In the password input area M15, a password for setting and canceling the parent mode is input. When the user presses the button “OK” M9, the parent mode is set. When the user presses the button “Cancel” M10, the parent mode is canceled. This password is also displayed on the warning screen when viewing for a predetermined time so that it can be input, and the parent mode is canceled when the set password is input.

  The operation for preventing long-time viewing in the parent mode will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  As a signal acquisition process, when the user operates the remote controller 69 to select “external input 1” to which the DVD recorder 60 is connected as the content source of the television 10 (S12a), the time setting unit 27 displays the parent setting. Check whether the mode is selected (S14c).

  When the parent mode is not selected (N in S14c), the television 10 performs the operation in the normal operation mode (S16), and the operation of this flow ends.

  On the other hand, when the parent mode is selected (Y in S14c), as the elapsed time acquisition process, the progress determination unit 26 sets the flag of the loop count n that is the number of warnings to “0” (S17c). The prevention timer operation is started (S18).

  When the viewing prevention timer operation starts, the host CPU 11 monitors whether or not there is an input switching instruction from the user (S20). When there is an input switching instruction (Y in S20), the host CPU 11 notifies the progress determination unit 26 to that effect, and the progress determination unit 26 stops the viewing prevention timer operation and cancels the timer mode (S22). Then, the progress determination unit 26 starts the operation of the restart prevention timer so that the user cannot turn on the power again and resume the game for a predetermined period (S39), and the operation of this flow ends.

  When there is no input switching instruction (N in S20), as the progress determination step, the progress determination unit 26 determines whether the viewing (display) of the DVD recorder 60 has reached the permitted time (S24). When the permission time has not been reached (N in S24), the process returns to S20.

  When it is determined that the permitted time has been reached (Y in S24), the progress determination unit 26 confirms whether or not forced termination is set (S25c).

  When the forced termination is set (Y in S25c), as a display process, the notification unit 24 of the television 10 displays on the display unit 16 that the viewing time has reached the permitted time (S25d). Then, after a lapse of a predetermined time, for example, 5 seconds, as a control signal output process, the control signal output unit 22 outputs a control signal to the DVD recorder 60 so as to turn off the power of the DVD recorder 60 (S36a). The progress determination unit 26 stops the viewing prevention timer operation, and the timer mode is released (S38).

  When the forced termination is not set (N in S25c), the progress determination unit 26 determines whether or not the loop count n exceeds the warning count N set on the setting screen illustrated in FIG. 8 (S25e). ).

  If the number of loops n exceeds the number of warnings N (Y in S25e), the process proceeds to S25, indicating that the viewing time has reached the permitted time (S25d), and the DVD recorder 60 is turned off. (S36a), the timer mode is canceled (S38), and the progress determination unit 26 starts the operation of the restart prevention timer (S39).

  When the loop count n does not exceed the warning count N (N in S25e), as the operation status acquisition process, the operation status acquisition unit 23 checks with the DVD recorder 60 whether or not playback can be paused. (S26a).

  When there is a reply from the DVD recorder 60 that it can be paused (Y in S28a), the control signal output unit 22 outputs a control signal to the DVD recorder 60 so as to pause playback, and the DVD recorder The 60 recording / playback unit 66 pauses playback (S30a).

  When playback is paused, the DVD recorder 60 notifies the television 10 to that effect via the CEC line 52, and as a display process, the notification unit 24 displays a warning as shown in FIG. (S32). Specifically, the notification unit 24 displays in the first notification area M21 of the display unit 16 that the viewing time has reached the permitted time and the DVD recorder 60 that is the source of the external input 1 has been paused, and the second notification In the area, whether to continue playback of the DVD recorder 60 is displayed, and if it is continued, a message indicating that a password input is requested is displayed. In the third notification area, when the password is not entered or entered, a predetermined number of times (here (4 times) after warning, a message that the power of the DVD recorder 60 is turned off is displayed.

  Then, when the user operates the remote controller 69 on the confirmation screen shown in FIG. 10 and presses the button “Yes” M24 indicating that reproduction is to be ended (Y in S34), the control signal output unit 22 displays the DVD recorder. A control signal is output so that the power of the DVD recorder 60 is turned off with respect to 60 (S36), the progress determination unit 26 stops the timer operation, and the timer mode is released (S38). Then, the progress determination unit 26 starts the operation of the restart prevention timer (S39).

  When the button “Yes” M24 is not pressed (N in S34) and the user inputs a correct password in the password input area M25 and presses the button “No” M26 (Y in S35c), the parent mode is canceled, The normal operation mode is entered, the reproduction of the DVD recorder 60 is continued (S35d), and the operation of this flow ends.

  When the user presses the button “No” M26 without inputting the correct password in the password input area M25 (N in S35c), the notification unit 24 deletes the confirmation screen in FIG. 10 (S41a), and as a control signal output process, The control signal output unit 22 outputs a control signal to the DVD recorder 60 so as to cancel the pause of playback of the DVD recorder 60, and the recording / playback unit 66 of the DVD recorder 60 resumes playback upon receiving the control signal (S41b). . When erasing the confirmation screen, the control signal output unit 22 may display that the password has not been entered or has been entered incorrectly.

  Subsequently, the progress determination unit 26 increments the loop count n (S42c), and returns to the process of S18. When the loop count n is 1 or more, the timer period is not the above-described permission time, but is extremely shorter than the permission time, for example, 1 minute.

  Even when the DVD recorder 60 replies that the playback cannot be paused in the process of S28a (N in S28a), the process proceeds to the process of S42c, and the progress determination unit 26 increments the loop count n (S42c). , The process returns to S18.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the preset permission time is reached, the DVD recorder 60 that is an external device can be stopped, and in order not to stop the DVD recorder 60, it is necessary to input a password. Therefore, continuation of viewing can be further prevented. In particular, it is effective in preventing long-time viewing by children and the like.

  In the above, this invention was demonstrated based on embodiment. This embodiment is an exemplification, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to combinations of the respective constituent elements and processing processes, and such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention. .

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a state in which a television and a game machine are connected via an HDMI cable according to the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting screen displayed on the display part based on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart shown about operation | movement of long-time viewing prevention by the television and game machine based on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen for displaying that the log | history preservation | save was complete | finished based on 1st Embodiment, and confirming with a user whether the game is complete | finished. It is the figure which showed the state with which the television and DVD recorder based on 2nd Embodiment are connected with the HDMI cable with the functional block diagram. It is a flowchart shown about operation | movement of long-time viewing prevention by the television and DVD recorder based on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen for displaying that the DVD recorder was paused and confirming whether reproduction | regeneration is continued based on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the display part of a television, when setting parent mode based on 3rd Embodiment. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation for preventing long-time viewing including a parent mode by a television and a DVD recorder according to a third embodiment. It is the figure which showed an example of the warning screen displayed when the parent mode based on 3rd Embodiment is selected.

Explanation of symbols

10 TV 11 Host CPU
12 Front microcomputer 13 External connection interface 14 HDMI receiver 15 Light receiving unit 16 Display unit 17 Playback output unit 18 HDMI terminal 19 Remote controller 20 External device control unit 21 Time management unit 22 Control signal output unit 23 Operation state acquisition unit 24 Notification unit 25 Elapsed time detection unit 26 Progress determination unit 27 Time setting unit 28 Password setting unit 30 Game machine 31 Host CPU
32 Controller Interface 33 External Connection Interface 34 HDMI Transmitter 36 Execution Processing Unit 37 Storage Unit 38 HDMI Terminal 39 Controller 50 HDMI Cable 51 Stream Line 52 CEC Line 60 DVD Recorder 61 Host CPU
62 front microcomputer 63 interface for external connection 64 HDMI transmitter 65 light receiving unit 66 recording / reproducing unit 67 power supply unit 68 HDMI terminal 69 remote control 71 storage unit

Claims (14)

A display device that acquires and displays a signal output from an external device,
A control signal output unit for outputting a control signal for controlling an external device connected to the display device;
An elapsed time detector that detects an elapsed time when the signal of the external device is displayed;
A progress determination unit that determines progress of the elapsed time with respect to a preset reference time;
Have
The display device characterized in that the control signal output unit outputs the control signal according to the progress of the elapsed time.   The display device according to claim 1, wherein the control signal is a signal for temporarily stopping the operation of the external device connected to the display device.   The display device according to claim 1, wherein the control signal is a signal for turning off a power supply of the external device connected to the display device.   The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that outputs predetermined notification information in accordance with the control signal.   The display device according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined notification information is displayed by video or OSD.   The display device according to claim 1, wherein the control signal is output to the external device via an HDMI interface.   The display device according to claim 6, further comprising an operation state acquisition unit configured to acquire an operation state of the external device via an HDMI interface.   The display device according to claim 5, wherein the notification unit controls a region and a mode in which the predetermined notification information is to be displayed.   The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a reference time setting unit that receives the setting of the reference time from a user.   The display device according to claim 9, wherein the reference time setting unit receives a setting of authentication information for changing or canceling the setting of the reference time from a user.   The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a permission acquisition unit that acquires permission to output the control signal from a user. A signal acquisition step of acquiring a signal to be reproduced from an external device;
An elapsed time acquisition step of acquiring an elapsed time of reproducing a signal acquired from the external device;
A progress determination step of determining progress of the elapsed time with respect to a predetermined reference time;
A control signal output step for outputting a control signal for controlling the external device according to the progress of the elapsed time determined in the progress determination step;
A method for controlling an external device, comprising:   The control method according to claim 12, further comprising a display step of displaying a predetermined video according to the control signal. Having an operation state acquisition step of acquiring the operation state from the external device;
The control method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the control signal output step changes an operation state of the external device.

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