JP2012095199A - Video content output device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem that a user has to find and push buttons to which functions to be operated are allocated from a remote controller where the plurality of buttons are arranged at every operation through the remote controller when the user is to generally operate an electronic apparatus outputting contents such as TV by using the remote controller.SOLUTION: To solve the problem, there is provided a video content output device that includes: when a home button depression signal is received from the remote controller equipped with the buttons of a home menu and the like, outputting a menu which is to be displayed on the highest position in a hierarchy structure based on display information; and thereafter outputting the menu in accordance with the hierarchy structure in response to selection of the button.

Description

  The present invention relates to a menu interface that is output to a video content output device that can be operated by a remote control device.

  Normally, when an electronic device that outputs content such as a TV is to be operated using a remote control device, a user needs to press an appropriate button from a group of buttons in which specific functions provided in the remote control device are predetermined. There is.

  Today, with the advancement of technology, the functions of electronic devices are diversified, such as electronic devices being equipped with a large number of functions and being able to link a plurality of devices. Accordingly, the remote control device is provided with a variety of functions and a number of buttons for enabling a plurality of devices to be remotely operated. A user who uses a remote control device in which a large number of buttons are arranged as described above needs to search the remote control device for a button to which a function to be operated is assigned for each operation.

JP 2006-41584 A

  Therefore, a technique as shown in Patent Document 1 is provided. Specifically, this is a technology that can reduce the number of buttons on a remote control device by providing common operation buttons for a TV built-in device and an external connection device, and switching these to any device.

  However, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, it is possible to reduce the number of buttons for operating a plurality of devices, but it is still necessary to operate a large number of buttons as selection targets. .

  Therefore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, when a home button pressing signal is received from a remote control device having a home menu button, a menu to be displayed at the top in a hierarchical structure is output based on display information. Then, a video content output device is provided that outputs a menu according to the hierarchical structure in response to selection of a button thereafter. Specifically, the video content output device is as follows.

  In the first invention, there is provided a video content output device operated by a remote control device having a home button for calling an operation menu, and a communication unit with the remote control device, a video output unit for outputting video content, An operation button display information holding unit for displaying operation buttons corresponding to all remote control operations so that the display structure on the display screen is a hierarchical structure, and an execution process in response to pressing of the operation buttons on the display screen When the home button pressing signal of the remote control device is received via the communication unit and the processing table holding unit for holding the processing table to be displayed, the operation button to be displayed at the highest level in the hierarchical structure is output based on the display information. A button image output unit for outputting an operation button according to the hierarchical structure according to the selection of the button thereafter , To provide a video content output device comprising an instruction unit for executing processes selected from the process table in response to the selection of the operation button via the remote control, in that it comprises.

  In the second invention, the video content output device according to the first invention is operated by a remote control device capable of outputting direction instruction information, and operation buttons are arranged on a peripheral portion of the display screen in accordance with the directions that can be instructed. There is provided a video content output device that further includes an arrangement information holding unit that holds arrangement information that is information for the purpose.

  In the third invention, when the video content is output for display screen display based on the second invention and the operation buttons are arranged at the periphery of the display screen, the video content is reduced and displayed at the center of the display screen. Provided is a video content output device further including a video content reduction display unit.

    In the fourth invention, an operation for displaying operation buttons corresponding to all remote control operations operated by a remote control device having a home button for calling an operation menu so that the display structure on the display screen is a hierarchical structure. An operation method of a video content output device including a button display information holding unit, and an operation button to be displayed at the top in the hierarchical structure when a home button pressing signal of a remote control device is received via a communication unit When a first button video output step for outputting video based on the operation button display information and the operation button displayed at the top in the first button video output step is pressed, the button is selected. In response, the operation buttons are output according to the hierarchical structure, and then the operation buttons are sequentially output according to the hierarchical structure. It provides an operating method of the video content output apparatus characterized by comprising: a second button image output step of order, the.

  According to the present invention as described above, it is possible to operate the device without operating many buttons. Thus, it is possible to save the trouble of searching for an appropriate button from the remote control device when operating the device.

Schematic diagram of a video content output apparatus of Embodiment 1 Schematic diagram of a video content output apparatus of Embodiment 1 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration in a video content output apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. The figure which showed an example of the operation button information hold | maintained in the operation button display information holding part in the video content output device of Example 1. The figure showing an example which made the operation button in the actual television apparatus the hierarchical structure The figure showing an example which made the operation button in the actual television apparatus the hierarchical structure The figure showing an example which made the operation button in the actual television apparatus the hierarchical structure The figure showing an example which made the operation button in the actual television apparatus the hierarchical structure The figure showing an example which made the operation button in the actual television apparatus the hierarchical structure The figure which showed an example of the process table which defined the execution process hold | maintained by the process table holding | maintenance part in the video content output device of Example 1. FIG. The figure which showed an example of the arrangement | positioning method of the operation button in the video content output device of Example 1. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration in a video content output device The flowchart showing an example of the flow which outputs the operation button which belongs to the highest level of the operation button display information holding | maintenance part from reception of the home button press signal in the video content output device of Example 1. The flowchart showing an example of the flow which acquires and outputs one lower operation button after selecting an operation button in the state in which the operation button was output on the display screen in the video content output device of Example 1. The figure showing an example of a functional structure in the video content output device of Example 2. The figure which showed an example of the arrangement information which the arrangement information holding part in the video content output device of Example 2 hold | maintains, and the actual arrangement example corresponding to it Conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration in a video content output apparatus according to the second embodiment. The flowchart showing an example of the flow which outputs the operation button which belongs to the highest level of the operation button display information holding | maintenance part from reception of the home button press signal in the video content output device of Example 2. The flowchart showing an example of the flow which acquires and outputs one lower operation button after selecting an operation button in the state in which the operation button was output on the display screen in the video content output device of Example 2. The figure showing an example of a functional structure in the video content output device of Example 3. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of an operation of a video content reduction display unit in the video content output device according to the third embodiment. Conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration in a video content output apparatus according to Embodiment 3 The operation button belonging to the highest level of the operation button display information holding unit is output from the reception of the home button pressing signal in the video content output device of the third embodiment, and when the video content is output on the display screen, the display is reduced. Flow chart showing an example of the flow In the video content output apparatus according to the third embodiment, the operation button is selected in the state where the operation button is output on the display screen, and then the next lower operation button is acquired and output, and the video content is output on the display screen. A flowchart showing an example of the flow of the reduced display when

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and can be carried out in various modes without departing from the scope of the invention.

  The first embodiment will mainly describe claims 1 and 4. In the second embodiment, claim 2 will be mainly described. In the third embodiment, claim 3 will be mainly described.

  Example 1

    <Overview>

  As shown in FIG. 1A (a), the video content output apparatus according to the present embodiment outputs an operation button defined in the highest hierarchy by receiving a home button pressing signal from the outside, and thereafter, FIG. 1B (b) As shown in FIG. 1B, the video content output apparatus outputs the operation buttons as shown in FIG. 1B (c) in accordance with the hierarchical structure shown in FIG. 1A (a) in accordance with the selection of the operation buttons. is there.

    <Functional configuration>

  The functional blocks of the present embodiment described below can be realized as hardware, software, or both hardware and software. Specifically, if a computer is used, a CPU, a main memory, a bus or a secondary storage device (a hard disk or a non-volatile memory), a driver program for controlling those hardware, and other application programs are included. can give.

  In addition, these hardware and software process the program developed on the main memory with the CPU, process and store data stored on the memory and hard disk, data input via the interface, etc. This is used for output processing or for controlling each hardware component. The present invention can be realized not only as an apparatus but also as a method. A part of the invention can be configured as software. Furthermore, a software product used for causing a computer to execute such software and a recording medium on which the product is fixed are naturally included in the technical scope of the present invention. (Same throughout this specification)

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the video content output apparatus according to the present embodiment. The “video content output device” (0201) of this embodiment includes a “communication unit” (0202), a “video output unit” (0203), an “operation button display information holding unit” (0204), and a “processing table”. It has a “holding unit” (0205), a “button video output unit” (0206), and a “command unit” (0207).

  The “communication unit” (0202) receives a signal transmitted from a remote control device having a home button for calling an operation menu. Specifically, a signal such as a home button pressing signal transmitted from a remote control device having a home button for calling an operation menu is received.

  Here, the “remote control device” transmits an operation signal (for example, power ON / OFF, channel switching, image quality setting change, etc.) for operating an electronic device (for example, a video content output device in the present application). It is a “remote control device” that can be (received as necessary). The “home button for calling up the operation menu” is a button provided in the “remote control device”, and the operation button belonging to the highest level among the operation buttons defined in the hierarchical structure when pressed. This is a button for transmitting a home button pressing signal which is a signal for outputting.

  The “video output unit” (0203) outputs video content. Specifically, it is for outputting video content such as a program to a display. The configuration itself related to the output of the video content is performed using a publicly known technique, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted. For example, in the case of digital broadcasting, a video signal included in a digital broadcast signal encoded by the MPEG method The information obtained by performing the decoding process by the decoder is output.

  The “operation button display information holding unit” (0204) holds operation button display information for displaying operation buttons corresponding to all remote control operations so that the display structure on the display screen is a hierarchical structure. Specifically, button information represented by a GUI corresponding to buttons to be arranged on the remote control device necessary for operating all functions of the video content output device is hierarchically held.

  FIG. 3A shows an example of operation button information actually held by the operation button display information holding unit in the present embodiment. FIG. 3A (a) is a conceptual diagram based on data held in the operation button display information holding unit. As shown in FIG. 3A (a), the operation button display information of this embodiment is composed of a plurality of operation buttons. Each operation button is assigned a name according to a function or category to be assigned, such as “system setting”, “image quality setting”, “automatic channel setting”, and “operation manual”. Each operation button has a hierarchical structure in which upper and lower relationships with other operation buttons are associated with each other according to the function and category. For example, the “operation manual” (second hierarchy) is associated with “information” (first hierarchy) at the upper level and “operation edition” and “setting edition” at the lower level.

  In this way, by defining the operation buttons in a hierarchical structure, it is possible to adopt a configuration that allows operation only by outputting the minimum necessary operation buttons on the display screen. Thereby, when operating the device, the user can bother to look at the remote control device from the display screen and search for an appropriate button.

  FIG. 3A (b) shows an example in which a part of the operation buttons having the hierarchical structure shown in FIG. 3A (a) is actually converted into data. As shown in FIG. 3A (b), the data of this example is “serial number” for defining unique data, “name” indicating the name of the operation button, and identifying whether the data belongs to the highest hierarchy. It consists of “highest bit”, “upper relationship” and “lower relationship” that define the upper and lower relationship of operation buttons, and “button image data” that defines the button image used when actually outputting to the display. ing.

  Here, the “operation buttons corresponding to all remote control operations” are operation buttons necessary for remotely operating all the functions of the electronic device. For example, “channel button”, “play”, “fast forward”, “rewind”, “input switching”, “program guide”, etc., which are arranged on the remote control device, are arranged on the remote control device when operating electronic devices. Any operation button can be used.

  FIG. 3B is an example in which operation buttons in an actual television device have a hierarchical structure. When this embodiment is actually implemented, operation buttons having a hierarchical structure as shown in FIG. 3B are held in the operation button display information holding unit.

  The operation button in the present embodiment may be configured such that one operation button is defined a plurality of times. For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, “sleep timer” is defined as “setting” − “attached function setting” − “safety / energy saving” − “timer setting” and “tool” − “timer function”. Condition. Further, the operation button may be configured to display / hide according to the situation. For example, when the “Auto Volume” operation button is selected and the “Auto Volume Function” is activated, the operation buttons for adjusting the volume (for example, “high” and “low”) are not output. is there.

  Furthermore, the video content output apparatus of the present embodiment has a learning function such as AI, and changes the upper and lower relations of the operation buttons defined in the hierarchical structure according to the learning or the like according to the operation frequency or tendency of the user. A function for changing the menu structure may be provided. For example, when the “subtitle display” operation button shown in FIG. 3B is frequently selected, operation buttons (for example, subordinate to “tool”, “ When an operation button “operation history” is provided, it is conceivable to move (or copy) to a lower level). In addition, in the flow from the highest level operation button (in this example, “Attached function setting”) to “Subtitle display”, it is possible to arrange the operation buttons (for example, “safe / energy saving”, “function switching”). It may be possible to move (or copy) to the hierarchy where the is defined.

  In addition to changing the menu configuration using AI, the menu configuration may be changed by an input from the user. For example, the channel number that can be selected is changed according to the region selected by the user in the “region setting”. In addition, a function may be provided in which operation buttons defined in a hierarchical structure can be edited by user input.

  The “processing table holding unit” (0205) holds a processing table indicating execution processing in response to pressing of an operation button on the display screen. Specifically, for each operation button, an execution process to be executed when the operation button displayed in a state where the operation button is displayed on the display screen is pressed is held.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of a processing table that defines the execution processing actually held by the processing table holding unit in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the processing table employs a configuration in which “execution processing” is associated with a serial number for specifying an operation button as a key. For example, the operation button “005: automatic channel setting” defines that an application for automatic channel setting is defined.

  Note that the execution process does not necessarily have to be defined for the operation button. For example, when the operation button is selected by not defining the execution process like the operation button “system setting” shown in FIG. 4, the operation button of the next lower level is displayed on the display screen without performing the execution process. It becomes possible to output.

  The “button image output unit” (0206) outputs an operation button to be displayed at the highest level in the hierarchical structure based on the display information when the home button pressing signal of the remote control device is received via the communication unit. Thereafter, the operation buttons are video output according to the hierarchical structure in accordance with the selection of the buttons. Specifically, first, when the communication unit receives a home button press signal from the outside, an operation defined in the highest hierarchy of the operation button display information held in the operation button display information holding unit Get the button and output it on the display screen. When the operation button output on the display screen is selected, the execution process associated with the operation button selected from the processing table is executed or selected from the operation button display information holding unit. An operation button belonging to the lower hierarchy associated with the operation button is acquired, and the operation button is output on the display screen.

  Here, “selecting a button” means selecting an operation button output on the display screen by operating the remote control device. For example, a button can be selected by operating a cursor output on the display screen using a remote control device, or a button can be selected by receiving an input of a direction input button of the remote control device. Conceivable. In addition to this, it is also conceivable to select a button by receiving an input (tap, sweep) by operating a remote control device provided with a touch pad.

  An example of acquiring the operation button defined at the highest level from the operation button display information holding unit and outputting it on the display screen when the home button pressing signal is actually received using FIG. 3A will be described.

  Here, it is assumed that a home button pressing signal is received via the communication unit. When the home button press signal is received, the button video output unit specifies the record whose “most significant bit” is “1” from the data shown in FIG. 3A (b) (records with serial numbers 001 to 004 are specified). ). When the record is specified, the data input to the “button image data” of the specified record is acquired and the image data indicated by the data is specified (001.jpg, 002.jpg, 003.jpg, 004). .Jpg is specified). When the image data is specified, the specified image data is output on the display screen.

  Next, an example of outputting an operation button in accordance with the hierarchical structure according to the selection of the button will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 4.

  Here, when the operation buttons belonging to the highest layer are output on the display screen ("System settings", "Image quality settings", "Channel settings", "Information" are output on the display screen), ”Is selected. When “Channel setting” is selected, it is determined from the data shown in FIG. 4 whether there is an execution process to be executed by “Channel setting” (“Execution process” in “Channel setting” in this example is “NULL”). It is determined that there is no execution process). As a result of the determination, if there is an execution process, the execution process is performed. If there is no execution process as a result of the determination, the “channel setting” record is specified from the data shown in FIG. 3A (b). When the record is specified, the data input in the “subordinate relation” of the specified record is acquired (in this example, “005, 006, 007” is acquired). When the data is acquired, the record indicated by the acquired data is specified (in this example, the records “005: automatic channel setting”, “006: manual channel setting”, “007: program guide channel setting”) are specified. ). When the record is specified, the button image data is specified from the specified record (005.jpg, 006.jpg, and 007.jpg are specified). When the image data is specified, the specified image data is output on the display screen.

  Here, the button video output unit outputs the operation button acquired from the operation button display information holding unit on the display screen. However, in this embodiment, the button video output unit is not limited to the arrangement. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, a configuration in which the operation buttons are arranged in a vertical line at the end on the display screen is conceivable (right end in this example). Moreover, as shown in FIG.5 (b), the structure put together and arrange | positioned at the four corners on a display screen can also be considered (in this example, it collects on the lower right). In the second embodiment, a configuration in which operation buttons are arranged on the peripheral edge of the display screen will be described.

  The “command section” (0207) performs an execution process selected from the process table in accordance with the selection of the operation button via the remote controller. Specifically, the execution associated with the operation button selected from the processing table holding unit when the operation button is selected while the operation button is output on the display screen by the button image output unit. Acquire and execute the process.

  In the present embodiment, the “video content output device” is not particularly limited, but it is considered that the television device is mainly suitable. In addition to the television device, a terminal device such as a personal computer capable of outputting content, or a portable terminal such as a mobile phone or a PDA may be suitable. Furthermore, application to car navigation is also possible.

    <Hardware configuration>

  FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration in the video content output apparatus according to the present embodiment. The operation of each hardware component in the video content output apparatus of the present embodiment will be described using this figure.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the video content output apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a “CPU” (0601) that performs various arithmetic processes and controls, and a “main memory” (0602). In addition, a “storage device” (0603) for storing operation button display information and a processing table, an “infrared receiving unit” (0605) for receiving a signal from a remote control device, and a “display” for outputting video content “I / O” (0604) such as “screen” (0606) is also provided. These are connected to each other by a data communication path such as a “system bus” to transmit / receive information and process information.

      <When a home button press signal is received>

  Here, it is assumed that the video content output apparatus according to the present embodiment receives a home button pressing signal via “I / O” (0604). When the home button press signal is received, the “button video output program” (0607) developed in the work area of “main memory” (0602) is called. The “button video output program” (0607) acquires information on the operation button belonging to the highest level from the operation button display information stored in the “storage device” (0603). When the operation button information is acquired, the operation button is output on the “display screen” (0606).

      <When an operation button is selected while the operation button is output on the display screen>

  Here, it is assumed that the operation button is selected by operating the remote control device in a state where the operation button is output on the display screen. When the operation button is selected, the “button video output program” (0607) developed in the work area of the “main memory” (0602) is stored in the “processing table” stored in the “storage device” (0603). From the above, it is determined whether or not the execution process associated with the selected operation button can be acquired. If the execution process can be acquired as a result of the determination, the execution process is acquired and transferred to the “instruction program” (0608) expanded in the work area of the “main memory” (0602). Then, the “instruction program” (0608) executes processing based on the delivered execution processing. If the result of the determination is that the execution process cannot be acquired, the “button video output program” (0607) is selected from the “operation button display information” stored in the “storage device” (0603). The operation buttons belonging to the subordinate operation button are acquired. Then, the acquired operation button is output to the “display screen” (0606).

    <Process flow>

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart in the video content output apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7A (a) is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of outputting the operation button belonging to the highest level of the operation button display information holding unit from reception of the home button pressing signal. FIG. 7B (b) is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of acquiring and outputting the next lower operation button after selecting the operation button in a state where the operation button is output on the display screen.

  First, the flowchart shown in FIG. 7A (a) will be described.

  Here, it is assumed that a home button pressing signal is received (S0701). When the home button press signal is received, information on the operation button belonging to the highest level is acquired from the operation button display information (S0702). When the operation button information is acquired, the operation button is output on the display screen (S0703).

  Next, the flowchart shown in FIG. 7B (b) will be described.

  Here, it is assumed that the operation button is selected by operating the remote control device in a state where the operation button is output on the display screen (S0750). When the operation button is selected, an execution process associated with the selected operation button is acquired from the processing table (S0751), and it is determined whether acquisition is possible (S0752). If it is determined that the determination result is acquired, the acquired execution process is executed (S0753). If the determination result indicates that the determination result could not be acquired, an operation button belonging to the lower level of the selected operation button is acquired (S0754). When the operation button is acquired, the acquired operation button is output to the display screen (S0755).

  <Effect of invention>

  The video content output device according to the present embodiment outputs an operation button defined in the highest hierarchy by receiving a home button pressing signal, and outputs an operation button according to a hierarchical structure according to the selection of the operation button. Is possible.

  << Example 2 >>

    <Overview>

  The video content output apparatus according to the present embodiment is based on the video content output apparatus according to the first embodiment, and when the operation buttons are arranged on the display screen, the operation buttons are arranged at the peripheral portion of the display screen. This is a video content output device.

  In the present embodiment, the portions described in the previous embodiment are omitted, and only characteristic portions in the present embodiment will be described.

    <Functional configuration>

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the video content output apparatus according to the present embodiment. The video content output apparatus according to the present embodiment is further provided with an “arrangement information holding unit” (0808) based on the video content output apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  The “arrangement information holding unit” (0808) holds arrangement information that is information for arranging operation buttons on the peripheral edge of the display screen in accordance with a direction that can be designated. Specifically, information indicating how to arrange the operation buttons on the periphery of the display screen is held.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of arrangement information to be held and an actual arrangement example corresponding thereto. For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, when the arrangement information holds information “4” or “up / down / left / right”, the operation buttons are arranged at the upper / lower / left / right positions on the display screen. is there. Similarly, FIG. 9B shows an example in which eight operation buttons are arranged on the periphery.

  The arrangement information does not need to be composed of a single data. For example, as shown in FIG. 9C, the arrangement information is composed of a plurality of data (in this example, two data “lower right” and “4”). May be. The arrangement information in the present embodiment is not limited to the form described in this example, and various forms are conceivable.

  Here, the video content output apparatus according to the present embodiment may be configured to acquire in advance a direction in which the remote control apparatus can be directed. In this case, the video content output apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an “instruction direction acquisition unit” for acquiring directions in which the direction of the remote control device can be indicated, and for rewriting the arrangement information held in the arrangement information holding unit. A configuration including an “arrangement information update unit” is conceivable.

    <Hardware configuration>

  FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration in the video content output apparatus according to the present embodiment. The operation of each hardware component in the video content output apparatus of the present embodiment will be described using this figure.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the video content output apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a “CPU” (1001) and a “main memory” (1002) for performing various arithmetic processes and controls. Also, a “storage device” (1003) for storing arrangement information, operation button display information, processing table, etc., an “infrared receiving unit” (1005) for receiving a signal from a remote control device, and for outputting video content “I / O” (1004) such as “display screen” (1006) is also provided. These are connected to each other by a data communication path such as a “system bus” to transmit / receive information and process information.

      <When a home button press signal is received>

  Here, it is assumed that the video content output apparatus according to the present embodiment receives a home button pressing signal via “I / O” (1004). When the home button press signal is received, the “button video output program” (1007) developed in the work area of the “main memory” (1002) is called. The “button video output program” (1007) acquires information on operation buttons belonging to the highest level from the operation button display information stored in the “storage device” (1003). When the operation button information is acquired, the arrangement information stored in the “storage device” (1003) is acquired. And if arrangement information is acquired, an operation button will be outputted to the peripheral part of a "display screen" (1006) according to the acquired arrangement information.

      <When an operation button is selected while the operation button is output on the display screen>

  Here, it is assumed that the operation button is selected by operating the remote control device in a state where the operation button is output on the display screen. When the operation button is selected, the “button video output program” (1007) developed in the work area of the “main memory” (1002) is read from the processing table stored in the “storage device” (1003). It is determined whether or not the execution process associated with the selected operation button can be acquired. If it is determined that the determination result can be acquired, the execution process is acquired and transferred to the “instruction program” (1008) developed in the work area of the “main memory” (1002). The “instruction program” (1008) executes processing based on the delivered execution processing. When the determination result indicates that the acquisition is impossible, the “button video output program” (1007) selects the operation selected from the operation button display information stored in the “storage device” (1003). Get the operation buttons that belong to the lower level of the button. When the operation button is acquired, the arrangement information stored in the “storage device” (1003) is acquired. When the arrangement information is acquired, the operation buttons are output to the “display screen” (1006) according to the arrangement information. If the operation button cannot be acquired, this process is terminated.

    <Process flow>

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart in the video content output apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 11A (a) is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of outputting the operation button belonging to the highest level of the operation button display information holding unit from reception of the home button pressing signal. FIG. 11B (b) is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of acquiring and outputting the next lower operation button after selecting the operation button in a state where the operation button is output on the display screen.

  First, the flowchart shown in FIG. 11A (a) will be described.

  Here, it is assumed that a home button pressing signal is received (S1101). When the home button press signal is received, information on the operation button belonging to the highest level is acquired from the operation button display information (S1102). When the operation button information is acquired, the layout information is acquired (S1103). When the arrangement information is acquired, an operation button is output on the display screen according to the arrangement information (S1104).

  Next, the flowchart shown in FIG. 11B (b) will be described.

  Here, it is assumed that the operation button is selected by operating the remote control device in a state where the operation button is output on the display screen (S1150). When the operation button is selected, an execution process associated with the operation button selected from the processing table is acquired (S1151), and it is determined whether or not it has been acquired (S1152). If the determination result indicates that the determination result is acquired, the acquired execution process is executed (S1153). If the determination result indicates that the determination result could not be obtained, an operation button belonging to the lower level of the selected operation button is acquired (S1154). When the operation button is acquired, arrangement information is acquired (S1155). When the arrangement information is acquired, the acquired operation button is output on the display screen according to the acquired arrangement information (S1156).

  <Effect of invention>

  By operating the remote control device and performing direction input with the video content output device of the present embodiment, it becomes possible to select operation buttons arranged on the peripheral edge of the display screen corresponding to the input direction. .

  Example 3

    <Overview>

  The video content output device according to the present embodiment is based on the video content output device according to the second embodiment. When the operation button is output to the peripheral portion of the display screen while the video content is being output on the display screen, The video content output apparatus is characterized in that the video content is reduced and output to the center of the screen according to the size of the area.

  In the present embodiment, the portions described in the previous embodiment are omitted, and only characteristic portions in the present embodiment will be described.

    <Functional configuration>

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the video content output apparatus according to the present embodiment. The video content output apparatus according to the present embodiment is further provided with a “video content reduced display unit” (1209) based on the video content output apparatus according to the second embodiment.

  The “video content reduced display portion” (1209) displays the video content in the middle of the display screen when the video content is output for display screen display and the operation buttons are arranged at the periphery of the display screen. To do. Specifically, when the operation button is output to the peripheral portion on the display screen in a state where the video content is output, the output video content is reduced according to the size of the area where the operation button is arranged. Display.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the video content reduction display unit in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13A, first, assume that video content is output on the display screen. When an operation button is to be output on the display screen in this state, the video content reduction display unit is an area in which the operation button output to the peripheral portion of the display screen is arranged as shown in FIG. An area in which video content is output according to the size is reduced and displayed at the center of the screen.

    <Hardware configuration>

  FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration in the video content output apparatus according to the present embodiment. The operation of each hardware component in the video content output apparatus of the present embodiment will be described using this figure.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the video content output apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a “CPU” (1401) that performs various arithmetic processes and controls, and a “main memory” (1402). Also, a “storage device” (1403) for storing arrangement information, operation button display information, a processing table, etc., an “infrared receiving unit” (1405) for receiving a signal from a remote control device, and for outputting video content An “I / O” (1404) such as a “display screen” (1406) is also provided. These are connected to each other by a data communication path such as a “system bus” to transmit / receive information and process information.

      <When a home button press signal is received>

  Here, it is assumed that the video content output apparatus according to the present embodiment receives a home button pressing signal via “I / O” (1404). When the home button press signal is received, the “button video output program” (1407) developed in the work area of the “main memory” (1402) is called. The “button video output program” (1407) acquires information on the operation button belonging to the highest level from the operation button display information stored in the “storage device” (1403). When the operation button information is acquired, the arrangement information stored in the “storage device” is acquired. Then, according to the acquired arrangement information, an operation button is output to the peripheral portion of the “display screen” (1406). Here, when the video content is output on the display screen, the “video content reduced display program” (1409) developed in the work area of the “main memory” (1402) is output to the peripheral portion of the display screen. The area where the video content is output is reduced in accordance with the size of the area where the operation buttons are arranged.

      <When an operation button is selected while the operation button is output on the display screen>

  Here, it is assumed that the operation button is selected in the state where the operation button is output on the display screen. When the operation button is selected, the “button video output program” (1407) developed in the work area of the “main memory” (1402) is read from the processing table stored in the “storage device” (1403). It is determined whether or not the execution process associated with the selected operation button can be acquired. If the determination result is that it can be acquired, the execution process is acquired and transferred to the “instruction program” (1408) expanded in the work area of the “main memory” (1402). Then, the “instruction program” (1408) executes processing based on the delivered execution processing. When the determination result indicates that the acquisition is impossible, the “button video output program” (1407) is selected from the operation button display information stored in the “storage device” (1403). Acquires an operation button belonging to a lower level of the operation button. When the operation button is acquired, the arrangement information stored in the “storage device” (1403) is acquired. When the arrangement information is acquired, the operation buttons are output to the “display screen” (1406) according to the arrangement information.

Here, when the video content is output on the display screen, the “video content reduced display program” (1409) developed in the work area of the “main memory” (1402) is output to the peripheral portion of the display screen. The area where the video content is output is reduced in accordance with the size of the area where the operation buttons are arranged.

    <Process flow>

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart in the video content output apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 15A (a) shows the flow of outputting the operation button belonging to the highest level of the operation button display information holding unit from the reception of the home button pressing signal and reducing the display when the video content is output on the display screen. It is a flowchart showing an example. FIG. 15B (b) shows that the operation button is selected on the display screen and then the next lower operation button is acquired and output, and the video content is output on the display screen. In the case, it is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of reduced display.

  First, the flowchart shown in FIG. 15A (a) will be described.

  Here, it is assumed that a home button pressing signal is received (S1501). When the home button pressing signal is received, information on the operation button belonging to the highest level is acquired from the operation button display information (S1502). When the operation button information is acquired, arrangement information is acquired (S1503). When the arrangement information is acquired, an operation button is output on the display screen according to the arrangement information (S1504). When the operation button is output, it is determined whether video content is output on the display screen (S1505). As a result of the determination, if it is output, the area where the video content is output is reduced in accordance with the size of the area where the operation button output to the peripheral part of the display screen is arranged (S1506). If it has not been output, the process ends.

  Next, the flowchart shown in FIG. 15B (b) will be described.

  Here, it is assumed that the operation button is selected by operating the remote control device in a state where the operation button is output on the display screen (S1550). When the operation button is selected, an execution process associated with the operation button selected from the processing table is acquired (S1551), and it is determined whether the operation button has been acquired. (S1552). If it is determined that the determination result is acquired, the acquired execution process is executed (S1553). If the determination result indicates that the determination result could not be acquired, an operation button belonging to the lower level of the selected operation button is acquired (S1554). When the operation button is acquired, arrangement information is acquired (S1555). When the arrangement information is acquired, the acquired operation button is output on the display screen according to the acquired arrangement information (S1556). When the operation button is output, it is determined whether video content is output on the display screen (S1557). As a result of the determination, if it is output, the area where the video content is output is reduced in accordance with the size of the area where the operation button output to the peripheral part of the display screen is arranged (S1558). If it has not been output, the process ends.

  <Effect of invention>

  With the video content output device of the present embodiment, the area where the video content is output can be reduced in accordance with the size of the area where the operation button is output when the operation button is output to the periphery of the display screen. It becomes possible.

0201 Video content output device 0202 Communication unit 0203 Video output unit 0204 Operation button display information holding unit 0205 Processing table holding unit 0206 Button video output unit 0207 Command unit 0808 Arrangement information holding unit 1209 Video content reduced display unit

Claims (4)

A video content output device operated by a remote control device having a home button for calling an operation menu,
A communication unit with the remote control device;
A video output unit for outputting video content;
An operation button display information holding unit for displaying operation buttons corresponding to all remote control operations so that the display structure on the display screen is a hierarchical structure;
A processing table holding unit that holds a processing table indicating execution processing in response to pressing of an operation button on the display screen;
When a home button pressing signal of the remote control device is received via the communication unit, the operation button to be displayed at the highest level in the hierarchical structure is output based on display information, and then the hierarchical structure is selected according to the button selection. A button image output unit for outputting the operation button according to the image,
A video content output device comprising: an instruction unit for performing an execution process selected from the process table in response to selection of an operation button via a remote controller. The video content output device according to claim 1, further operated by a remote control device capable of outputting direction indication information,
The video content output device according to claim 1, further comprising an arrangement information holding unit that holds arrangement information that is information for arranging an operation button on a peripheral part of a display screen according to the direction that can be instructed.   The video content reduction display unit further reduces the video content at the center of the display screen when the video content is output for display on the display screen and the operation button is arranged at the periphery of the display screen. The video content output device according to 1. Operation button display information holding unit for displaying operation buttons corresponding to all remote control operations operated by a remote control device having a home button for calling an operation menu so that the display structure on the display screen is a hierarchical structure. A method of operating a video content output device comprising:
A first button video output for outputting an operation button to be displayed at the highest level in the hierarchical structure based on the operation button display information when a home button pressing signal of the remote control device is received via the communication unit Steps,
When the operation button displayed at the top in the first button image output step is pressed, the operation button is output according to the hierarchical structure according to the selection of the button, and thereafter, the operation is sequentially performed according to the hierarchical structure. A second button image output step for outputting the button image;
A method of operating a video content output apparatus comprising:

Images