JP2024033665A - Output device and output method - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides an output device and an output method that make it easier for a user to recognize the reason for starting a device even when the user may not be able to understand the reason for starting the device.
The output device includes an output section that outputs information, a power control section that starts the output device based on a start input for starting the output device, and a start that indicates the content of the start input. an acquisition unit that acquires information from the power supply control unit; and the activation input belongs to the second input out of a predetermined first input based on a user operation and a second input other than the first input. In this case, the device includes a generation unit that generates output data including the activation information, and an output control unit that causes the output data to be output from the output unit.
[Selection diagram] Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to an output device and an output method.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, devices are known that can change the on/off state of a power source using a plurality of means. In such devices, there is known a means for displaying the on/off state of the device and means for transitioning the power on/off state so as not to confuse the user of the device. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a device that has a plurality of light emitting sources that emit light of different colors, and that displays an on/off state of the device and a means for transitioning between the on/off state of the power source based on the difference in the combination of the emitted light colors. .

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-353095

In the device described in Patent Document 1, the transition means for turning the power on and off is indicated by the color of the emitted light. However, as the number of power supply on/off state transition means increases, the number of emitted light colors indicating the power supply on/off state transition means also increases. As the number of emitted light colors increases, the difference in appearance between different emitted colors becomes smaller, making it difficult to distinguish the emitted colors. Furthermore, if the light emitting source emits light in a color that the user does not understand, the user may mistakenly believe that a device failure has occurred.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems. An object of the present disclosure is to provide an output device and an output method that make it easier for the user to recognize the reason for starting the device, even when the user may not be able to understand the reason for starting the device.

An output device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an output section that outputs information, a power supply control section that starts the output device based on a start input for starting the output device, and a power supply control section that starts the output device based on a start input for starting the output device. an acquisition unit that acquires activation information indicated from the power supply control unit; and the activation input is selected from a predetermined first input based on a user operation and a second input other than the first input. If the device belongs to , the device includes a generation unit that generates output data including the activation information, and an output control unit that causes the output data to be output from the output unit.

An output method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is an output method performed by an output device, which includes the steps of activating the output device based on a startup input for activating the output device, and indicating the contents of the startup input. the step of acquiring activation information, and when the activation input belongs to the second input out of a predetermined first input based on a user operation and a second input other than the first input, including the activation information; The method includes the steps of generating output data and outputting the output data to an output unit.

1 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an output device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first process executed by a control unit in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of displaying output data. It is a figure which shows an example of a setting screen. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen for information on a history of activation or deactivation. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen for displaying details of information on a history of activation or deactivation. It is a figure which shows another example of a setting screen. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second process executed by the control unit in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of displaying output data in a first aspect. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an output device according to a second embodiment. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed by the control unit in FIG. 10. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed by the determination unit in FIG. 10. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an output device according to a third embodiment. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the control unit in FIG. 13. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed by the determination unit in FIG. 13. FIG.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, in the drawings, the same or equivalent constituent elements are given the same reference numerals, and if the explanation regarding the same or equivalent constituent elements is duplicated, it will be omitted as appropriate.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an output device 10 according to the first embodiment. The output device 10 is a device that can output information in the form of images or sounds, for example. In this embodiment, the output device 10 will be described as a television receiver (hereinafter also simply referred to as "television"). However, the output device 10 does not necessarily have to be a television, and may be another device capable of outputting information.

In this embodiment, the user is a user of the output device 10, for example, a viewer of the television that is the output device 10. The user may be, for example, a user who mainly uses the output device 10 (main user). However, the user is not limited to the main user, and may include other users. For example, the user may include any user who can operate the output device 10.

As shown in FIG. 1, the output device 10 includes a control section 11, a storage section 12, a communication section 13, an input section 14, and an output section 15 as functional sections.

The control unit 11 controls and manages the entire output device 10, including each functional section of the output device 10. The control unit 11 performs various controls by, for example, operating a control program stored in the storage unit 12. For example, the control unit 11 can be configured by a control device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit).

As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 11 includes a power supply control unit 111, an acquisition unit 112, a generation unit 113, a determination unit 114, and an output control unit 115. The power supply control unit 111, the acquisition unit 112, the generation unit 113, the determination unit 114, and the output control unit 115 may each be configured by one independent control device (for example, a CPU or an MPU). Alternatively, the functions executed by the power supply control section 111, the acquisition section 112, the generation section 113, the determination section 114, and the output control section 115 may be integrated into one or more control devices.

The power supply control unit 111 controls starting and stopping of the output device 10 . Here, starting refers to a state in which the output device 10 is on, and stopping refers to a state in which the output device 10 is off. That is, the power control unit 111 controls turning on and off the power of the output device 10 . When the power supply control unit 111 turns on the power of the output device 10, the output device is activated. When the power supply control unit 111 turns off the power of the output device 10, the output device is stopped.

The power supply control unit 111 starts the output device 10 based on a start input for starting the output device 10 . The startup input may be a physical input, such as an operation input to a power key 141 of the input unit 14, which will be described later, or an electrical input, such as a signal to control power on/off. Good too.

Nowadays, means for controlling the power on/off of the output device 10 such as a television are diversified, and the output device 10 receives an input for starting the output device 10 based on these various means as a start input. It can be done. For example, the activation input includes an operation input to the power source 141 provided in the output device 10, a signal input based on a signal received from a remote controller (hereinafter also referred to as "remote control") for remotely controlling the output device 10, and a signal input to the output device 10. 10 and a signal input based on a signal received from an external device connected to the output device 10 so as to be able to communicate information. In this specification, such classification of activation input is also referred to as activation input type. That is, the output device 10 can be activated by multiple types of activation inputs.

For example, when an operation input is performed on a power key 141 of the input unit 14, which will be described later, the power supply control unit 111 uses the operation input as a startup input and turns on the power. Specifically, when an operation input is performed on the power key 141 while the output device 10 is stopped, the power supply control unit 111 starts the output device 10 using the operation input as a startup input.

The remote control receives operation input from the user. For example, when an operation input for starting the output device 10 is performed on the remote control, a signal for starting the output device 10 is transmitted from the remote control to the output device 10. When the output device 10 receives the signal through the communication unit 13 or the like, the signal is input to the power supply control unit 111 . The power supply control unit 111 uses the signal as a startup input to turn on the power.

Various conditions can be set on the output device 10 automatically or by setting input by the user. The power supply control unit 111 can control power on/off based on conditions set inside the output device 10 . For example, when a timer for starting the output device 10 is set, the control unit 11 sends a control signal for starting the output device 10 based on the time of the set timer to the power supply control. 111. The power supply control unit 111 uses the control signal as a startup input to turn on the power. Alternatively, for example, if a viewing reservation for viewing a specific program is set for the output device 10, the control unit 11 may set the viewing reservation to the output device 10 at the start time or end time of the program specified in the set viewing reservation. , a control signal for starting the output device 10 is input to the power supply control section 111. The power supply control unit 111 uses the control signal as a startup input to turn on the power.

The power control unit 111 can control power on/off based on a signal received from an external device. The external device is, for example, a source device that transmits a content signal to the output device 10, or a terminal device such as a smartphone installed with application software (hereinafter also simply referred to as an “app”) that can control the output device 10. Including. The external device is connected to the output device 10 in a wired manner via a communication path such as a cable so that information can be communicated therewith. Alternatively, the external device is connected to the output device 10 wirelessly via a network such as the Internet so as to be able to communicate information. The external device may be connected to the output device 10 for information communication using other methods such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or wireless LAN (Local Area Network). For example, when the output device 10 receives a control signal for starting the output device 10 from a source device or an external device such as a smartphone, the control signal is input to the power supply control unit 111. The power supply control unit 111 uses the control signal as a startup input to turn on the power. For example, when a signal for casting video content is transmitted to the output device 10 from an external device such as a smartphone, the control unit 11 sends a control signal to start the output device 10 based on the signal. It is input to the power supply control section 111. The power supply control unit 111 uses the control signal as a startup input to turn on the power.

The power supply control unit 111 is not limited to the case illustrated here, and can control turning on and off of the power of the output device 10 based on a startup input for starting the output device 10.

In this manner, the output device 10 can be activated based on various types of activation inputs. However, due to the diversification of means for activating the output device 10 (that is, the types of activation inputs), the output device 10 may be activated not necessarily according to the user's intention. Furthermore, if the output device 10 is activated without the user's intention, the user may not be able to grasp the reason why the output device 10 was activated. The output device 10 according to the present embodiment makes it easy for the user to recognize the reason for activation even in such a case.

The acquisition unit 112 acquires startup information from the power supply control unit 111. The activation information is information indicating the contents of the activation input. That is, the activation information is information indicating what kind of input the output device 10 is activated based on. Specifically, when the activation input is an operation input to the power key 141, the activation information indicates that the activation is performed by the operation input to the power key 141. Alternatively, if the activation input is a control signal based on a set timer, the activation information indicates activation by the timer. The same applies to other activation inputs.

When the power supply control unit 111 starts up the output device 10 based on the start-up input, it outputs start-up information to the acquisition unit 112 in accordance with the control. As for the startup information, for example, startup information corresponding to each startup input is stored in advance in the storage unit 12, and the power supply control unit 111 selects the startup information according to the startup input by referring to the storage unit 12, The selected activation information may be provided to the acquisition unit 112 by outputting it to the acquisition unit 112. The acquisition unit 112 acquires the activation information output from the power supply control unit 111.

The generation unit 113 generates output data including activation information when the activation input belongs to the second input of the first input and the second input. The first input is a predetermined input based on a user operation, and the second input is an input other than the first input. In this embodiment, the activation input to the power supply control unit 111 is classified as either a first input or a second input.

For example, the generation unit 113 can determine whether the activation input belongs to the second input by referring to the storage unit 12. For example, the generation unit 113 determines which of the first input and the second input the activation input belongs to by referring to the storage unit 12. Specifically, the storage unit 12 stores a plurality of types of activation inputs in association with the first input or the second input. For example, the storage unit 12 stores an operation input to the power key 141 and an operation input to the remote control in association with the first input. Further, other types of input are stored in association with the second input. In this case, the generation unit 113 refers to the storage unit 12 to determine whether the activation input that triggered the output device 10 is associated with either the first input or the second input. When the activation input is associated with the first input, the generation unit 113 determines that the activation input belongs to the first input, and when the activation input is associated with the second input, the generation unit 113 determines that the activation input belongs to the first input. It is determined that the input belongs to the second input.

The first input can include any input based on user operation. For example, the first input includes input that is clearly based on the user's intention. Specifically, for example, the first input includes an operation input to the power key 141 or an operation input to the remote control. On the other hand, the second input may include all inputs other than the first input. Therefore, the second input may include, for example, an input that is not clearly based on the user's intention, or an input that is not based on the user's intention. For example, the second input may include an input based on a timer, an input based on a viewing reservation, and an input from an external device. However, the distribution of the first input and the second input is not limited to the example described here. For example, input based on a timer can be said to be input based on user operation if the timer is set by the user, and therefore can be said to be input based on the user's intention. As such, a timer-based input may be included in the first input. On the other hand, even if the user sets it, he or she may forget that he or she has set it. In this case, the timer-based input is not necessarily based on the user's intention when the output device 10 is activated. Therefore, in this case, the timer-based input may be included in the second input. Therefore, whether each input is included in the first input or the second input may be appropriately determined and stored in the storage unit 12 depending on, for example, the usage mode of the user. The data may be stored in the unit 12. It is preferable that whether each input is included in the first input or the second input is determined based on whether or not it is based on the user's intention when the output device 10 is activated.

Note that all of the plurality of types of activation inputs do not necessarily have to be stored in association with the first input or the second input. For example, the storage unit 12 may store only the activation input associated with the first input. In this case, the generation unit 113 refers to the storage unit 12 to determine whether the activation input that triggered the activation of the output device 10 is associated with the first input. When the activation input is associated with the first input, the generation unit 113 determines that the activation input belongs to the first input, and when the activation input is not associated with the first input, the generation unit 113 determines that the activation input belongs to the first input. It is determined that the input belongs to the second input.

The association between the activation input and the first input or the second input may be stored in the storage unit 12 in advance, for example, or may be appropriately set based on a predetermined operational input by the user of the output device 10. Further, the association between the activation input and the first input or the second input may be changeable as appropriate.

Furthermore, in the above example, it has been explained that the generation unit 113 determines whether the activation input belongs to the second input. However, this determination does not necessarily have to be performed by the generation unit 113. For example, the control unit 11 or any of the functional units included in the control unit 11 (for example, the determination unit 114, etc.) may refer to the storage unit 12 and determine whether or not the activation input belongs to the second input. good. In the present embodiment, the following description will be made assuming that the generation unit 113 determines whether the activation input belongs to the second input by referring to the storage unit 12.

The output data is data to be output to the output unit 15. The output data may be an image displayed on the display section 151 (described later), a sound outputted from the sound output section 152, or both. The output data includes at least activation information. That is, when the output data is an image, the output data includes image information indicating the content of the activation input. Further, when the output data is sound, the output data includes sound information indicating the content of the activation input.

The determining unit 114 determines whether there is a high possibility that the activation input is the user's intention. The determining unit 114 can determine whether the activation input is likely to be the user's intention using various methods. For example, the determination unit 114 can determine whether the activation input is likely to be the user's intention based on the usage history of the output device 10. The usage history is stored in the storage unit 12, for example. The usage history particularly includes history information regarding starting and stopping of the output device 10. For example, the usage history includes history information regarding the time when the output device 10 was started or stopped. For example, the usage history includes history information regarding the time when the output device 10 was activated (that is, the time when the power was on). The usage history is automatically acquired by the control unit 11 based on, for example, the on/off state of the power supply of the output device 10, and is stored in the storage unit 12.

Therefore, the determination unit 114 determines whether the activation input input to the power supply control unit 111 is likely to be the user's intention, based on the usage history stored in the storage unit 12. Details of the determination process executed by the determination unit 114 will be explained in the second process described later.

The output control section 115 controls the output from the output section 15. For example, the output control unit 115 controls the output of images from the display unit 151. For example, the output control section 115 controls the output of sound from the sound output section 152. The output control unit 115 outputs predetermined content from the output unit 15, for example. The content is obtained from, for example, an external source device.

In this embodiment, the output control unit 115 causes the output unit 15 to output the output data generated by the generation unit 113. For example, the output control unit 115 causes the display unit 151 of the output unit 15 to output an image based on the output data together with the content image. A specific example of output data will be described later.

The storage unit 12 is a storage medium that can store programs and data. The storage unit 12 can be configured with, for example, a semiconductor memory or a magnetic memory. Specifically, the storage unit 12 can be configured by, for example, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). The storage unit 12 may store, for example, a program for operating the control unit 11. Specifically, the storage unit 12 stores, for example, a program for causing the control unit 11 to execute the processing described in this embodiment.

In this embodiment, the storage unit 12 stores a plurality of types of activation inputs in association with either the first input or the second input. Specifically, the storage unit 12 stores a predetermined activation input based on a user operation among the plurality of types of activation input in association with the first input. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the storage unit 12 stores a history of activation or deactivation that is not based on the user's intention. The details of the history of activation or deactivation not based on the user's intention will be described later.

The communication unit 13 performs information communication with external devices. For example, the communication unit 13 performs information communication with a source device as an external device via a communication path such as a cable. Alternatively, the communication unit 13 performs information communication with a terminal device such as a smartphone as an external device via a network, for example. The communication unit 13 is configured to include an appropriate interface depending on the information communication method. Further, the communication section 13 may include an operation signal receiving section that receives an operation signal transmitted from a remote controller.

The input unit 14 receives operation input from the user. In this embodiment, the input unit 14 includes a power key 141 and an operation key 142. The power key 141 and the operation key 142 are, for example, physical operation buttons.

The power key 141 is an input key for switching the power of the output device 10 on and off. When the user performs an operation input by pressing the power key 141, the power control unit 111 switches the power of the output device 10 between on and off states.

The operation key 142 is an input key for causing the output device 10 to execute a predetermined process. The operation keys 142 accept operation inputs such as changing the channel to be viewed or changing the volume.

Note that the input unit 14 does not necessarily have to be an operation button. For example, a touch sensor may be provided on the display section 151, and the touch sensor provided on the display section 151 may function as the input section 14.

The output unit 15 outputs information. In this embodiment, the output section 15 includes a display section 151 and a sound output section 152.

The display unit 151 is a device that displays images. The display unit 151 is configured with a well-known display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electro-luminescence display (OELD), or an inorganic electro-luminescence display (IELD). Ru. The display unit 151 displays, for example, an image of content or an image of output data generated by the generation unit 113 under the control of the output control unit 115.

The sound output unit 152 is a device that outputs sound. The sound output unit 152 includes, for example, a speaker that outputs sound. The sound output section 152 outputs, for example, the audio of the content or the audio of the output data generated by the generation section 113 under the control of the output control section 115 .

Next, a specific example of the process executed by the control unit 11 of the output device 10 will be described with reference to a flowchart. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the first process executed by the control unit 11 in FIG. The first process indicates a first example of a process executed by the control unit 11. Note that it is assumed that the output device 10 is stopped at the start of the flow in FIG. 2 . That is, at the start of the flow shown in FIG. 2, the power of the output device 10 is off.

First, the power supply control unit 111 determines whether a startup input is detected (step S11). For example, when detecting a user's operation input to the power key 141 to start the output device 10, the power supply control unit 111 determines that a start input has been detected. For example, when the communication unit 13 receives a signal for starting the output device 10 from the remote controller, the power supply control unit 111 determines that a starting input has been detected. For example, the power supply control unit 111 uses a timer for starting the output device 10 or, if a viewing reservation is set, a control signal for starting the output device 10 at the time set in the timer or viewing reservation. When this is received, it is determined that a startup input has been detected. For example, when the power supply control unit 111 receives a control signal for starting the output device 10 from an external device via the communication unit 13, it determines that a starting input has been detected.

If the power supply control unit 111 determines that a startup input has not been detected (No in step S11), it repeats step S11 periodically or irregularly until it determines that a startup input has been detected.

If the power supply control unit 111 determines that a startup input has been detected (Yes in step S11), it starts the output device 10 based on the startup input (step S12). In this case, the output control unit 115 may cause the display unit 151 to display specific content or a specific display screen, for example. Furthermore, when the power supply control unit 111 starts up the output device 10 , it outputs startup information indicating the contents of the startup input to the acquisition unit 112 .

The acquisition unit 112 acquires startup information from the power supply control unit 111 (step S13).

When the acquisition unit 112 acquires the activation information, the generation unit 113 determines whether the activation input is intended by the user (step S14). The generation unit 113 can determine whether the activation input is intended by the user by determining whether the activation input belongs to the second input. Specifically, in the present embodiment, when the generation unit 113 determines that the activation input does not belong to the second input, that is, when it determines that the activation input belongs to the first input, the generation unit 113 determines that the activation input is based on the user's intention. It is determined that On the other hand, in this embodiment, when the generation unit 113 determines that the activation input belongs to the second input, it determines that the activation input is not intended by the user.

As described above, the first input is a predetermined input based on a user operation. In other words, the activation input determined to belong to the first input is based on at least a user operation. Specifically, the startup input that is determined to belong to the first input is generated as a result of a user's voluntary operation, such as an operation input to the power key 141 or an operation input to the remote control. This is the startup input. Therefore, when the activation input belongs to the first input, the generation unit 113 can determine that the activation input is based on the user's intention.

On the other hand, the second input is an input other than the first input. In other words, all activation inputs that are determined not to belong to the first input are determined to belong to the second input. Since the startup input belonging to the second input is not a startup input confirmed to be based on at least a user operation, it is determined in step S14 that it is not based on the user's intention.

Note that, for example, if the operation input to the remote control is not associated with the first input in the storage unit 12, the generation unit 113 may determine that the operation input to the remote control belongs to the second input. In this case, even if the operation input to the remote control is actually based on a user operation, it is determined in step S14 of this embodiment that the activation input is not based on the user's intention. In this way, whether or not the activation input is based on the user's intention may be determined based on the association between the activation input and the first input or the second input, which is stored in the storage unit 12.

If the generation unit 113 determines that the activation input is not intended by the user (No in step S14), it generates output data (step S15). In this embodiment, the generation unit 113 generates output data including, for example, image information indicating the contents of the activation input.

The output control unit 115 outputs the output data generated by the generation unit 113 in step S15 (step S16). For example, the output control section 115 outputs the output data by displaying it on the display section 151.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display example of output data. That is, FIG. 3 shows an example of the output data 50 displayed on the display section 151. As shown in FIG. 3, the output data 50 is displayed superimposed on, for example, a content image displayed on the display unit 151.

The output data 50 includes information indicating the contents of the activation input. In the example shown in FIG. 3, text information such as "The power was turned on by the on timer (every Saturday)" is written as information indicating the contents of the startup input. By looking at the output data 50 displayed on the display unit 151, the text information allows the user to recognize that the activation input is due to a timer set every Saturday. In other words, the user can recognize that the activation input is due to the timer as the reason why the output device 10 is activated. Thereby, the output device 10 can make the user recognize the reason for activation. In this manner, in this embodiment, when it is determined that the activation input is not intended by the user, the content of the activation input is indicated by the output data. Therefore, even if the user does not understand the reason for starting the output device 10, the user can be made aware of the reason for starting the output device 10.

The output data 50 is further configured based on information indicating that the output device 10 is to be stopped after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since outputting the output data 50, an operation button 51 for terminating the output of the output data 50, and a startup input. The output device 10 may include at least one of a transition button 52 for transitioning to a setting screen for setting whether or not to start the output device 10.

For example, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the output data 50 includes information indicating that the output device 10 is to be stopped after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since outputting the output data 50. "Power off" text information is displayed. The length of time indicated by xx in this character information may be determined as appropriate, and may be determined, for example, in the range of several minutes to several tens of minutes. Alternatively, the length of time indicated by xx may be configurable by the user. The power supply control unit 111 inputs an operation to erase the display of the output data 50 (in this example, an operation input to the operation button 51) before the xx minutes have elapsed since the display of the output data 50. If not accepted, the output device 10 is stopped.

For example, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the output data 50 includes an operation button 51 for ending the output of the output data 50. The operation button 51 is a button displayed on the display section 151. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, text information "Do you want to erase the display?" is displayed near the operation button 51 (on the left side in FIG. 3), asking whether to erase the display of the output data 50. be done. Further, the text "Yes" is displayed on the operation button 51. When the user wants to erase the display of the output data 50, the user performs an operation input to select the operation button 51 on the display unit 151, for example, by operating the remote control. Upon receiving the operation input, the output control unit 115 ends displaying the output data 50. In this case, the output control unit 115 continues to display images of the content, for example.

For example, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the output data 50 includes a transition button 52 for transitioning to a setting screen for setting whether to activate the output device 10 based on the activation input. The transition button 52 is a button displayed on the display section 151. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, near the transition button 52 (upper left side in FIG. 3), there is a message indicating that it is possible to transition to the setting screen. If you select "Next", the text information "You can change the on-timer settings" will be displayed. The character information displayed here is changed as appropriate depending on the activation input (that is, the reason why the output device 10 is activated). Furthermore, the words "Next" are displayed on the transition button 52. When setting whether or not to start the output device 10 based on the start input (for example, when changing settings), the user presses the transition button 52 on the display unit 151 by operating the remote control, for example. Perform the operation input to select. When the output control unit 115 receives the operation input, it displays a setting screen (step S17 in FIG. 2). In other words, the transition button 52 functions as a shortcut button to the setting screen.

Note that the output control section 115 may output sound from the sound output section 152 when displaying the output data 50 on the display section 151. The sound at this time may be a buzzer sound, a chime, a melody, etc., or may be an audio guide. By outputting sound from the sound output section 152, it is possible to notify the user that the output data 50 has been displayed on the display section 151. That is, by outputting the sound, the user becomes more aware of the output data 50 displayed on the display unit 151.

Furthermore, the output control unit 115 may notify the user of the content of the activation input only by outputting sound from the sound output unit 152 instead of displaying it on the display unit 151. In this case, the sound output unit 152 outputs, for example, a sound indicating the contents of the activation input.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen. Specifically, FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting whether or not to execute a start input using a timer. On the setting screen shown in FIG. 4, the user can set the timer on or off by operating a remote control, for example. Further, when turning on the timer, the user may be able to set the time, day of the week, whether or not to repeat, channel, volume, etc. For example, if the user does not want the timer to perform the activation input, the user sets the timer to OFF. As a result, after the setting, the activation input by the timer is not executed, and therefore the output device 10 is not activated based on the activation input by the timer. When the user completes the settings on the settings screen, the user performs an operation input to close the settings screen, for example, on the remote controller. The output control unit 115 of the output device 10 closes the setting screen based on the signal received from the remote controller. In this way, the flow shown in FIG. 2 ends.

Note that in the flow shown in FIG. 2, step S17 of displaying a setting screen is described next to step S16 of outputting output data, but step S17 does not necessarily have to be executed. For example, the output control unit 115 may display the setting screen only when receiving an operation input for selecting the transition button 52. If step S17 is not executed, the flow shown in FIG. 2 may end after step S16 is executed.

On the other hand, in step S14, if the generation unit 113 determines that the startup input is due to the user's intention (Yes in step S14), the generation unit 113 determines whether there is a history of startups or stops not based on the user's intention. (Step S18). For example, the output device 10 is activated based on the activation input while the user is not around the output device 10 due to going out etc. (step S12), and it is determined that the activation input is not the user's intention. (No in step S14) As described with reference to FIG. 3, it is assumed that the output device 10 automatically stops after a predetermined period of time (xx minutes) has elapsed. In this case, the fact that the device has been started and stopped in this way is stored in the storage unit 12 as a history of starting or stopping.

The history of activation or deactivation is history information indicating that activation or deactivation was performed without the user's intention. Specifically, the start or stop history includes the time when the start or stop was performed without the user's intention, and the type of start input or stop input. Here, the stop input is an input for stopping the output device 10, and there are various means similar to the start input. The details of the stop input by each means may correspond to the start input. For example, the stop input includes an operation input to the power key 141, an input of a control signal from an external device, and the like.

The history of starting or stopping is stored in the storage unit 12 every time starting or stopping is performed without user intention. In step S18, the generation unit 113 determines whether or not there is a history of activation or deactivation stored in the storage unit 12 in this manner. At this time, the generation unit 113 may determine whether there is a history of activation or deactivation before determining in step S14 that the activation input is based on the user's intention.

When the generation unit 113 determines that there is no history of activation or deactivation (No in step S18), this flow ends.

On the other hand, when the generation unit 113 determines that there is a history of activation or deactivation (Yes in step S18), the output control unit 115 outputs information on the history of activation or deactivation (step S19). The output control unit 115 displays information on the history of starting or stopping on the display unit 151, for example.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen for information on activation or stoppage history. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the display screen for information on activation or stoppage history indicates that information on activation or stoppage history exists. In other words, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the text information "There is a notification regarding power on/off" indicates that there is information on the start or stop history. Below the text information, buttons labeled "View" and "Do not view" are displayed. When the user performs an operation of selecting one of the buttons using, for example, a remote control, the output control unit 115 performs screen display based on the operation. For example, when the user performs an operation of selecting the "Do not view" button, the output control unit 115 finishes displaying the information on the history of activation or deactivation shown in FIG. 5 . On the other hand, when the user selects the "view" button, detailed information on the history of activation or deactivation is displayed. In other words, the "view" button functions as a shortcut button to a screen that displays details of activation or deactivation history information.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen for displaying details of starting or stopping history information. As shown in FIG. 6, the date and time and information indicating the contents of the startup input are displayed for each item of the startup or shutdown history on the display screen of details of the startup or shutdown history information. Note that if there is a history of stoppage, the display screen displaying details of the information on the history of start-up or stoppage also includes information indicating the contents of the stoppage input.

The detailed display screen for the information on the start or stop history includes a setting screen for setting whether or not to start the output device 10 based on the start input indicated by the item for each item in the start or stop history. A transition button 53 for transitioning to is displayed. The transition button 53 is a button displayed on the display section 151. For example, in the example shown in Figure 6, the start or stop history items include ``Power turned on by on timer (every Saturday)'', ``Power turned on by application (Abcdef)'', and ``Due to an error in the main unit. Items indicating the contents of the startup input such as "The power has been turned off." are displayed, and for each item, a transition button 53 with "Next" written on it is displayed. When setting whether or not to start the output device 10 based on the start input (for example, when changing settings), the user selects the desired setting on the display unit 151 by, for example, operating the remote control. An operation input is performed to select the item migration button 53. When the output control unit 115 receives the operation input, it displays a setting screen (step S17 in FIG. 2). In other words, the transition button 53 functions as a shortcut button to the setting screen.

For example, assume that the user performs an operation input to select the transition button 53 for an item indicating the content of the startup input, "The power was turned on by the on timer (every Saturday)." In this case, the output control unit 115 displays a setting screen shown in FIG. 4, for example. The details of the setting screen in FIG. 4 have been described above, so the explanation will be omitted here.

For example, assume that the user performs an operation input to select the transition button 53 for an item indicating the content of the startup input, "The power was turned on by an application (Abcdef)." In this case, the output control unit 115 displays a setting screen shown in FIG. 7, for example. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of the setting screen. Specifically, FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting whether to execute a startup input based on a control signal from an application. On the setting screen shown in FIG. 7, the user can set whether or not to execute a startup input based on a control signal from the application, for example, by operating a remote control. For example, the user can uninstall the app. By uninstalling the app, the output device 10 will no longer accept activation input based on the app, so the output device 10 will no longer be activated by the activation input based on the app. When the user completes the settings on the settings screen, the user performs an operation input to close the settings screen, for example, on the remote controller. The output control unit 115 of the output device 10 closes the setting screen based on the signal received from the remote controller. In this way, the flow shown in FIG. 2 ends.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the output control unit 115 can display different setting screens depending on the content of the startup input. In addition, as shown in Figure 6, on the display screen for the details of startup or stoppage history information, for an item whose startup or stoppage history information has been displayed once, from the next time onwards, the same item will be displayed in the startup or stoppage history. It does not need to be displayed as information. That is, when the user starts the output device 10 next time, the items of the history of starting or stopping that were displayed in the past are no longer displayed. As a result, history information that has been checked once is no longer displayed, which can prevent confusion for the user.

In the above embodiment, it has been explained that if the startup input is not based on the user's intention, the output data 50 is displayed on the screen as shown in FIG. However, the display mode of the output data 50 is not limited to the mode shown in FIG. 3. The output control unit 115 may display the output data 50 in any manner recognizable by the user. For example, the output control unit 115 may display the output data 50 by displaying an icon indicating startup information on a part of the display screen of the display unit 151. Further, in addition to displaying the icon, it may be indicated that the power on/off of the output device 10 has been controlled by changing the color of the light emitted from the light emitting unit included in the output device 10. Furthermore, by outputting a sound from the sound output unit 152 or making the icon blink, it is possible to make it easier for the user to recognize that the icon as the output data 50 is displayed. By using icons or the like, the display of the output data 50 can be simplified.

As described above, in the first process of the present embodiment, when the activation input belongs to the second input, the generation unit 113 generates output data including activation information, and the output control unit 115 outputs the output data from the output unit 15. let Therefore, when the output device 10 is activated based on an activation input that may not be the user's intention, activation information is output. The user can know the reason for activation by checking the output activation information. Thereby, the output device 10 makes it easier for the user to recognize the reason for activation even when the user may not be able to understand the reason for activation. Further, since the user can recognize the reason for activation, even if the output device 10 is activated without the user's intention, the user can confirm that the unintended activation is not a malfunction.

Next, the second process will be described as a specific example of the process executed by the control unit 11 of the output device 10. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the second process executed by the control unit 11 in FIG. The second process indicates a second example of the process executed by the control unit 11. In the second process, the generation unit 113 generates different output data depending on the determination result by the determination unit 114. Therefore, in the second process, different output data is output depending on the determination result by the determination unit 114. The second process will be described with reference to the flow in FIG. 8, while omitting the explanation of the same points as the first process as appropriate.

In the second process, steps S11 to S14 are the same as the first process, so detailed explanations will be omitted here. Further, the process when the generation unit 113 determines in step S14 that the startup input is based on the user's intention (that is, in the case of Yes in step S14) is also the same as the first process, so it will not be described here. Detailed explanation will be omitted.

In step S14, if the generating unit 113 determines that the activation input is not the user's intention (No in step S14), the determining unit 114 determines whether there is a high possibility that the activation input is the user's intention. (Step S21). Specifically, the determination unit 114 determines whether the activation input is likely to be the user's intention, based on the usage history stored in the storage unit 12. As described above, the usage history includes history information regarding starting and stopping of the output device 10. The determination unit 114 determines, based on the history information, whether the frequency at which the output device 10 was activated in the past during the time period in which the activation input was input is equal to or higher than a predetermined frequency. The predetermined frequency is a frequency that serves as a threshold value for the determination criterion, and is stored in the storage unit 12 in advance, for example. For example, the determination unit 114 determines that, based on the usage history, if a startup input is input during a time period in which the output device 10 is activated at a predetermined frequency or higher, there is a high possibility that the startup input is the user's intention. judge. On the other hand, the determination unit 114 determines that, for example, based on the usage history, if the activation input is input during a time period in which the output device 10 is activated less than a predetermined frequency, the activation input may be the user's intention. It is determined to be low. That is, in the present embodiment, the determination unit 114 determines whether the activation input is the user's intention based on whether the time period in which the activation input is input is a time period with a predetermined frequency or more based on the past usage history. Determine whether the possibility is high. If the frequency at which the output device 10 is activated is equal to or higher than a predetermined frequency during the time period in which the activation input is input, it is determined that the activation input was input during a time period in which the output device 10 is activated frequently. . Therefore, in this case, it is determined that there is a high possibility that the user is trying to start the output device 10, and that it is highly likely that the activation input is the user's intention as described above. On the other hand, if the frequency at which the output device 10 is activated is less than the predetermined frequency during the time period in which the activation input is input, the activation input is input during a time period during which the output device 10 is activated less frequently. It happens. Therefore, in this case, it is determined that the possibility that the user is trying to start the output device 10 is low, and that the possibility that the activation input is the user's intention is low as described above.

If the determining unit 114 determines that the activation input is likely to be the user's intention (Yes in step S21), the generating unit 113 generates output data in the first mode (step S15a). Then, the output control unit 115 outputs the output data generated in step S15a (step S16).

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a display example of output data in the first mode. That is, FIG. 9 shows an example of the output data 54 displayed on the display section 151. As shown in FIG. 9, the output data 54 is displayed superimposed on, for example, a content image displayed on the display unit 151.

As shown in FIG. 9, the output data 54 of the first aspect is displayed on a part of the display screen (lower right in FIG. 9), unlike the output data 50 shown in FIG. 3, for example. As a result, for example, the range in which the content image displayed on the display unit 151 is overlapped with the output data 54 becomes smaller. In this way, if there is a high possibility that this is the user's intention, there is a high possibility that the user is looking at the image of the content displayed on the display unit 151. Therefore, by narrowing the range that is superimposed on the content image, it is possible to narrow the range in which the content image that the user may be viewing is hidden.

The output data 54 in the first aspect may include only part of the information included in the output data 50 described in FIG. 3. For example, the output data 54 of the first aspect includes information indicating the content of the activation input. In the example shown in FIG. 9, text information such as "The power was turned on by the on timer (every Saturday)" is written as information indicating the contents of the startup input. By looking at the output data 54 displayed on the display unit 151, the text information allows the user to recognize that the activation input is due to a timer set every Saturday. In other words, the user can recognize that the activation input is due to the timer as the reason why the output device 10 is activated. Thereby, the output device 10 can make the user recognize the reason for activation. In this manner, in this embodiment, when it is determined that the activation input is not intended by the user, the content of the activation input is indicated by the output data. Therefore, even if the user does not understand the reason for starting the output device 10, the user can be made aware of the reason for starting the output device 10.

As shown in FIG. 9, the output data 54 of the first aspect includes, for example, an operation button 51 for terminating the output of the output data 54, and a setting for setting whether or not to start the output device 10 based on a start input. It may include at least one of a transition button 52 for transitioning to a setting screen for configuring.

For example, in the example shown in FIG. 9, the output data 54 includes an operation button 51 for ending the output of the output data 54. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 9, the output data 54 includes a transition button 52 for transitioning to a setting screen for setting whether or not to activate the output device 10 based on the activation input. The functions of the operation button 51 and the transition button 52 may be the same as those described in FIG. 3, so detailed description thereof will be omitted here. When the output control unit 115 receives the operation input for the transition button 52, it displays a setting screen (step S17 in FIG. 2).

On the other hand, when the determining unit 114 determines that the activation input is unlikely to be the user's intention (No in step S21), the generating unit 113 generates output data in the second mode (step S15b). Then, the output control unit 115 outputs the output data generated in step S15b (step S16).

The output data of the second aspect may be the same as the output data generated in step S15 of the flow of FIG. That is, the output data generated in step S15b may be the same as the output data 50 shown in FIG. 3. Therefore, the display example of the output data in the second mode is the same as that in FIG. 3. In this way, if it is unlikely that this is the user's intention, it is unlikely that the user is looking at the image of the content displayed on the display unit 151. Therefore, it is possible to give priority to presenting the output data 50 to the user and having the user confirm the activation information, rather than narrowing the range to be superimposed on the content image.

In this way, in the second process, different output data can be output depending on whether the activation input is likely to be the user's intention. Therefore, if there is a high possibility that this is the user's intention, the area in which the content image is hidden is reduced, and if there is a low possibility that this is the user's intention, priority is given to presenting the output data 50 to the user. This makes it easier to output output according to the actual situation. In other words, it is possible to eliminate the annoyance caused by displaying output data for the user and to respond flexibly depending on the situation.

In the explanation regarding the second process, it was explained that different types of output data are output depending on whether the activation input is likely to be the user's intention. However, what is different does not necessarily have to be the aspect of the output data. For example, the time during which the output data is displayed on the display unit 151 may be changed depending on whether the activation input is likely to be the user's intention.

Furthermore, in the description regarding the second process, it has been explained that it is determined based on the usage history stored in the storage unit 12 whether or not there is a high possibility that the activation input is the user's intention. However, the method for determining whether the activation input is likely to be the user's intention is not limited to this. For example, the determination unit 114 may perform weighting according to the type of activation input and calculate a numerical value indicating the possibility that the activation input is the user's intention. The determining unit 114 may determine whether the activation input is likely to be the user's intention, based on whether the calculated numerical value is greater than or equal to a threshold value.

[Second embodiment]
FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the output device 20 according to the second embodiment. The output device 20 according to the second embodiment will be explained while omitting the explanation of the same points as the output device 10 according to the first embodiment as appropriate.

As shown in FIG. 10, the output device 20 according to the second embodiment includes a control section 11, a storage section 12, a communication section 13, an input section 14, an output section 15, and an illuminance sensor 16 as functional sections. and. That is, the output device 20 according to the second embodiment differs from the output device 10 according to the first embodiment in that it further includes an illuminance sensor 16. In the second embodiment, the configurations and functions of the control unit 11, storage unit 12, communication unit 13, input unit 14, and output unit 15 are the same as in the first embodiment, so detailed explanations will be omitted here. .

The illuminance sensor 16 measures the illuminance around the output device 20 . A known illuminance sensor can be used as the illuminance sensor 16. The illuminance sensor 16 outputs illuminance information as a measurement result to the control unit 11.

In the second embodiment, the determination unit 114 of the control unit 11 refers to the illuminance information and determines whether the activation input is likely to be the user's intention. Here, an example of the process executed by the control unit 11 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 11.

In the flowchart of FIG. 11, steps S11 to S13 are the same as those in the first embodiment, so detailed explanations will be omitted here.

In this embodiment, the control unit 11 acquires illuminance information from the illuminance sensor 16 (step S22).

The generation unit 113 then determines whether the activation input is intended by the user (step S14). Step S14 is the same as in the first embodiment. Further, the processing when the generation unit 113 determines in step S14 that the activation input is based on the user's intention (that is, in the case of Yes in step S14) is also the same as in the first embodiment.

In step S14, if the generating unit 113 determines that the activation input is not the user's intention (No in step S14), the determining unit 114 determines whether there is a high possibility that the activation input is the user's intention. (Step S23). In step S23, the determination unit 114 uses the illuminance information acquired in step S22 in addition to the usage history described in the second process of the first embodiment to determine whether the activation input is likely to be the user's intention. Determine.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed by the determining unit 114 to determine whether the activation input is likely to be the user's intention. That is, FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing details of step S23 in the flow of FIG. 11.

First, the determination unit 114 determines, based on the usage history stored in the storage unit 12, whether the time period in which the activation input was input is a time period with a predetermined frequency or more, based on the past usage history. (Step S31). That is, the determination unit 114 determines, based on the usage history, whether the frequency at which the output device 10 was activated in the past during the time period in which the activation input was input is equal to or higher than a predetermined frequency.

If the determining unit 114 determines that the time period in which the activation input was input is a time period with a predetermined frequency or more based on the past usage history (Yes in step S31), the activation input may be the user's intention. It is determined that the quality is high (step S33). If the output device 10 is activated at a predetermined frequency or higher during the time period in which the activation input is input, the activation input is input during a time period in which the output device 10 is activated frequently. . Therefore, in this case, it is determined that there is a high possibility that the user is trying to start up the output device 10, and that there is a high possibility that the activation input is the user's intention as described above.

On the other hand, if the determination unit 114 determines that the time period in which the activation input is input is a time period in which the frequency is less than the predetermined frequency based on the past usage history (No in step S31), the Based on the illuminance information, it is determined whether the illuminance is equal to or higher than a predetermined illuminance (step S32). The predetermined illuminance is an illuminance that serves as a threshold value for the determination criterion, and is stored in the storage unit 12 in advance, for example. The predetermined illuminance is set, for example, as a threshold value that can be used to determine whether or not the lighting in the room where the output device 10 is placed is on.

If the determining unit 114 determines that the illuminance is equal to or higher than the predetermined illuminance (Yes in step S32), it determines that the activation input is likely to be the user's intention (step S33). In other words, if the activation input is input during a time period in which the frequency at which the output device 10 is activated is less than a predetermined frequency, and the illuminance measured by the illuminance sensor 16 is equal to or higher than the predetermined illuminance, the determination unit 114 determines that the activation It is determined that the input is likely to be the user's intention. If the illuminance is equal to or higher than the predetermined illuminance, there is a high possibility that the user is in a room where the output device 10 is installed, and therefore it is considered that the user may be trying to start up the output device 10 and view the content. It will be done. Therefore, in the present embodiment, even if the activation input is input during a time period in which the output device 10 is activated less than the predetermined frequency, if the illuminance is equal to or higher than the predetermined illuminance, the activation input is received by the user. It is determined that there is a high possibility that this was intentional. In this way, convenience can be improved by estimating whether the user is in the room based on the illuminance and executing processing based on the estimation result.

On the other hand, if the determination unit 114 determines that the illuminance is less than the predetermined illuminance (No in step S32), it determines that the activation input is unlikely to be the user's intention (step S34). In other words, if the activation input is input during a time period in which the output device 10 is activated less than a predetermined frequency, and the illuminance measured by the illuminance sensor 16 is less than the predetermined illuminance, the determination unit 114 determines that the activation It is determined that the possibility that the input is the user's intention is low. If the illuminance is less than the predetermined illuminance, it is highly likely that the user is not in the room where the output device 10 is placed, for example, and therefore it is considered that the activation of the output device 10 is unlikely to be the user's intention. Therefore, in this case, it is determined that the possibility that the activation input is the user's intention is low.

Referring again to FIG. 11, in step S23, the determining unit 114 determines whether the activation input is likely to be the user's intention, for example, by the method described with reference to FIG. If the determining unit 114 determines that the activation input is likely to be the user's intention (step S33 in FIG. 12, Yes in step S23 in FIG. 11), it generates output data in the first mode (step S15a).

On the other hand, when determining that the activation input is unlikely to be the user's intention (No in step S34 in FIG. 12 and step S23 in FIG. 11), the determination unit 114 generates output data in the second mode (step S15b). ).

The subsequent processing of generating and arranging output data in step S15a and step S15b is the same as the second processing of the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation will be omitted here.

In this way, in the second embodiment, illuminance information is used to determine whether or not there is a high possibility that the activation input is the user's intention. Therefore, for example, it can be determined whether the activation input is likely to be the user's intention, using the estimation result of whether the user is present in the room. This increases convenience and improves the accuracy of determining whether the activation input is likely to be the user's intention.

[Third embodiment]
FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an output device 30 according to the third embodiment. The output device 30 according to the third embodiment will be described while omitting the description of the same points as the output device 10 according to the first embodiment as appropriate.

As shown in FIG. 13, the output device 30 according to the third embodiment includes a control section 11, a storage section 12, a communication section 13, an input section 14, an output section 15, and a detection section 17 as functional sections. and. That is, the output device 30 according to the third embodiment differs from the output device 10 according to the first embodiment in that it further includes a detection section 17. In the third embodiment, the configurations and functions of the control unit 11, storage unit 12, communication unit 13, input unit 14, and output unit 15 are the same as in the first embodiment, so detailed explanations will be omitted here. .

The detection unit 17 detects the presence or absence of a user. The detection unit 17 can be configured using, for example, any mechanism capable of detecting the presence of a person.

For example, the detection unit 17 can be configured with a human sensor that detects surrounding people. The human sensor is, for example, a proximity sensor, and detects objects existing in the surroundings. For example, the proximity sensor can detect whether an object is present within a predetermined distance from the output device 10. Thereby, the proximity sensor can detect the presence of the user as an object within a predetermined distance from the output device 10. The proximity sensor may be configured using any method such as a capacitance method, an ultrasonic method, an infrared method, or an electromagnetic induction method. The proximity sensor outputs information regarding whether or not an object is detected to the control unit 11. The control unit 11 can determine the presence or absence of a user based on the output from the proximity sensor.

Alternatively, the detection unit 17 can be configured, for example, by a camera that images the surroundings. The camera includes a known imaging mechanism. The camera outputs the captured image to the control unit 11. The control unit 11 can determine the presence or absence of a user by analyzing the image acquired from the camera. In particular, when the detection unit 17 is a camera, the control unit 11 determines through image analysis whether the person seen in the camera is, for example, a user registered in advance and stored in the storage unit, or a person other than the user. It is also possible to determine whether

In the third embodiment, the determination unit 114 of the control unit 11 uses information acquired from the detection unit 17 to determine whether the activation input is likely to be the user's intention. Here, an example of processing executed by the control unit 11 in the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 14. Note that in this specification, the information acquired by the control unit 11 from the detection unit 17 is also referred to as "detection information" hereinafter. When the detection unit 17 is a human sensor, the detection information is an output regarding whether or not the detection unit 17 is detecting an object. When the detection unit 17 is a camera, the detection information is a captured image.

In the flowchart of FIG. 14, steps S11 to S13 are the same as those in the first embodiment, so detailed explanations will be omitted here.

In this embodiment, the control unit 11 acquires detection information from the detection unit 17 (step S24).

The generation unit 113 then determines whether the activation input is intended by the user (step S14). Step S14 is the same as in the first embodiment. Further, the processing when the generation unit 113 determines in step S14 that the activation input is based on the user's intention (that is, in the case of Yes in step S14) is also the same as in the first embodiment.

In step S14, if the generating unit 113 determines that the activation input is not the user's intention (No in step S14), the determining unit 114 determines whether there is a high possibility that the activation input is the user's intention. (Step S25). In step S25, the determination unit 114 uses the detection information acquired in step S24 in addition to the usage history described in the second process of the first embodiment to determine whether the activation input is likely to be the user's intention. Determine.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed by the determining unit 114 to determine whether the activation input is likely to be the user's intention. That is, FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing details of step S25 in the flow of FIG.

First, the determination unit 114 determines, based on the usage history stored in the storage unit 12, whether the time period in which the activation input was input is a time period with a predetermined frequency or more, based on the past usage history. (Step S31). That is, the determination unit 114 determines, based on the usage history, whether the frequency at which the output device 10 was activated in the past during the time period in which the activation input was input is equal to or higher than a predetermined frequency.

If the determination unit 114 determines that the time period in which the activation input was input is a time period with a predetermined frequency or more based on the past usage history (Yes in step S31), the determination unit 114 uses the detection information acquired from the detection unit 17. Based on this, it is determined whether the presence of the user has been detected (step S35). For example, when the detection unit 17 is a human sensor, the determining unit 114 may determine that the presence of a user is detected when the human sensor detects the presence of a person. When the detection unit 17 is a camera, the determination unit 114 may determine that the presence of a user has been detected when the presence of a person is detected by analyzing the image captured by the camera. Alternatively, when the detection unit 17 is a camera, the determination unit 114 analyzes the image captured by the camera, and when detecting the presence of a user registered in advance and stored in the storage unit 12, determines the presence of the user. It may be determined that it has been detected.

When the determination unit 114 determines that the presence of the user has been detected (Yes in step S35), the determination unit 114 determines that the activation input is likely to be the user's intention (step S33). In other words, the determination unit 114 determines, based on the usage history, if the activation input is input during a time period in which the output device 10 is activated at a predetermined frequency or more, and the detection unit 17 detects the presence of the user. , it is determined that the activation input is intended by the user. If a person is detected, there is a high possibility that the user is in a room where the output device 10 is installed, for example, and therefore it is highly likely that the user is trying to start up the output device 10 and view the content. . Therefore, in the present embodiment, if a startup input is input during a time period in which the output device 10 is activated at a predetermined frequency or higher, and a person is detected, there is a possibility that the startup input is the user's intention. is determined to be high. In this way, when the presence of a person is detected, it is determined that the activation input is likely to be the user's intention, thereby improving the determination accuracy.

On the other hand, when determining that the presence of the user is not detected (No in step S35), the determination unit 114 determines that the possibility that the activation input is the user's intention is low (step S34). In other words, the determination unit 114 determines, based on the usage history, that if the activation input is input during a time period in which the output device 10 is activated at a predetermined frequency or more, and the detection unit 17 does not detect the presence of the user. , it is determined that the activation input is not intended by the user. Even if the activation input is input during a time period in which the output device 10 is activated at a predetermined frequency or higher, if the presence of the user is not detected, the user is not in the room where the output device 10 is placed. not exist. Therefore, in this case, the possibility that the user is trying to view the content on the output device 10 is low. Therefore, even if a startup input is input during a time period in which the output device 10 is activated at a predetermined frequency or higher, it is determined that the possibility that the startup input is the user's intention is low. In this way, by determining that the activation input is unlikely to be the user's intention when the presence of a person is not detected, the determination accuracy can be improved.

Note that if the determination unit 114 determines in step S31 that the time period in which the activation input is input is a time period in which the frequency is less than the predetermined frequency based on the past usage history (No in step S31), the determination unit 114 determines that the activation input is is determined to be unlikely to be the user's intention (step S34).

Referring again to FIG. 14, in step S25, the determination unit 114 determines whether the activation input is likely to be the user's intention, for example, by the method described with reference to FIG. If the determining unit 114 determines that the activation input is likely to be the user's intention (step S33 in FIG. 15, Yes in step S25 in FIG. 14), it generates output data in the first mode (step S15a).

On the other hand, when determining that the activation input is unlikely to be the user's intention (No in step S34 in FIG. 15 and step S25 in FIG. 14), the determination unit 114 generates output data in the second mode (step S15b). ).

The subsequent processing of generating and arranging output data in step S15a and step S15b is the same as the second processing of the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation will be omitted here.

In this way, in the third embodiment, the detection information is used to determine whether the activation input is likely to be the user's intention. Therefore, for example, it can be determined whether the activation input is likely to be the user's intention, using detection information on whether the user is present in the room. Thereby, it is possible to improve the accuracy of determining whether the activation input is likely to be the user's intention.

In particular, when the detection unit 17 is a camera, it is necessary to determine whether the activation input is likely to be the user's intention, for example, if information that can identify the main user (such as an image or name) is stored in the storage unit 12. It is stored in advance, and when an operation input is made to the output device 30, it can be determined based on whether the main user is included in the image captured by the camera of the output device 30. The main user may be automatically determined by the output device 30 based on the frequency of operation of the output device 30 or the frequency of being nearby when the output device 30 is activated, or Users may also be registered.

Further, the output device 30 may determine whether the activation input is likely to be the user's intention from information included in the control signal received from the external device. For example, when the external device sends a control signal to the output device 30, by including information about the user who owns the external device in the control signal, the output device 30 receives the information about the user who owns the external device, and By determining whether the user's information and the main user's information registered in the output device 30 match, it is possible to determine whether there is a high possibility that the activation input is the user's intention.

Further, the information that can identify the main user may be such that a user who often operates the output device 30 with a remote control or the like is determined to be the main user, and the facial image of that user is automatically stored as the main user information. .

Furthermore, the output device 30 can also determine whether or not the startup input is likely to be the user's intention for a user other than the main user, for example, who can operate the output device. In this case, the determination as to whether the activation input is likely to be the user's intention is made based on user information identified from the facial image of the user sitting in front of the output device 30 and information sent from the external device to the output device 30. The execution may be performed based on whether or not the user information included in the control signal matches. In other words, when the user who is in front of the output device 30 at the time of startup is the same user who made the startup settings, the output device 30 determines that the startup input is likely to be the user's intention. You can go.

In the third embodiment, when the detection unit 17 is a camera, the control unit 11 executes different control depending on whether or not the person in the image is a user as a result of analyzing the image captured by the camera. Good too. For example, the camera serving as the detection unit 17 captures an image when an operation input for setting is performed on the output device 10. The control unit 11 analyzes the image taken at this time, recognizes the person (user) appearing in the image as the configurator, and stores the configurator and the input settings in the storage unit 12 in association with each other. Thereafter, when controlling the output device 10, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the setter is shown in the image by analyzing the image captured by the camera. When the control unit 11 determines that the configurator is shown, it executes processing based on the settings associated with the configurator. When the control unit 11 determines that the configurator is not displayed, it does not execute processing based on the setting contents associated with the configurator. By utilizing the camera in this way, the output device 10 can perform appropriate processing depending on whether the person around the output device 10 is the configurator or not.

Regarding the flows described in each of the above embodiments, the order of each step is an example, so the processes do not necessarily have to be executed in the order described in the flows. For example, in the flow of FIG. 2, the activation of the output device 10 described in step S12 may be performed after the determination in step S14 is made. The same applies to other steps and other flows.

Further, in the flows described in each of the above embodiments, the functional unit that is the main body that executes each step is an example. Therefore, the execution entity of each step is not necessarily limited to that described in the above embodiment. For example, in the flow of FIG. 2, it has been explained that step S14 and step S18 are executed by the generation unit 113. However, these steps do not necessarily need to be executed by the generation unit 113, and may be executed by other functional units. The same applies to other steps.

In the embodiment described above, the generation unit 113 determines whether the activation input is based on the user's intention, that is, whether the activation input belongs to the second input, and determines whether the activation input is not based on the user's intention. It was explained that output data is generated when a determination is made. However, for example, the output control unit 115 may determine whether the activation input is based on the user's intention. In this case, the generation unit 113 generates output data without determining whether the activation input is intended by the user. The output control unit 115 outputs output data when determining that the activation input is not intended by the user.

In each embodiment described in this specification, the case where the output device 10 is activated based on the activation input has been described. However, even when a stop input is input, the output device 10 can execute the corresponding process. Unlike the start input, the stop input is an input for stopping the output device 10, so the power supply control unit 111 stops the output device 10 based on the stop input. If the stop input belongs to the second input, that is, if it is determined that the stop input is not intended by the user, the control unit 11 generates output data including stop information. In this way, the process corresponding to the start input can also be executed for the stop input. Note that in the case of a stop input, unlike a start input, the power is turned off, so the generated output data does not have to be output immediately. For example, after stopping the output device 10 based on the stop input, the control unit 11 may output the generated output data the next time the output device 10 is activated. Alternatively, if the stop input belongs to the second input, the control unit 11 may not stop the output device 10 immediately, but may stop the output device 10 after outputting the output data for a certain period of time.

Regarding the stop input, the power supply control unit 111 can stop the output device 10 when an abnormality occurs in the output device 10. For example, when the control unit 11 detects that an internal abnormality such as a hang-up has occurred in the output device 10 through processing based on a predetermined program, the control unit 11 inputs a signal indicating that an abnormality has occurred to the power supply control unit 111. do. The power supply control unit 111 may use the signal as a stop input to control the power supply to be turned off.

Although the present disclosure has been described based on the drawings and embodiments, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can easily make various changes and modifications based on the present disclosure. It should therefore be noted that these variations and modifications are included within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the functions included in each functional unit or each step can be rearranged to avoid logical contradictions, and multiple functional units or steps can be combined or divided into one. It is.

10, 20, 30 output device 11 control unit 12 storage unit 13 communication unit 14 input unit 15 output unit 16 illuminance sensor 17 detection unit 50, 54 output data 51 operation button 52, 53 transition button 111 power supply control unit 112 acquisition unit 113 generation Section 114 Judgment section 115 Output control section 141 Power key 142 Operation key 151 Display section 152 Sound output section

Claims (10)

an output section that outputs information;
a power supply control unit that starts the output device based on a start input for starting the output device;
an acquisition unit that acquires startup information indicating the content of the startup input from the power supply control unit;
a generation unit that generates output data including the activation information when the activation input belongs to the second input out of a predetermined first input based on a user operation and a second input other than the first input; and,
an output control unit that causes the output data to be output from the output unit;
An output device comprising: further comprising a storage unit that stores a plurality of types of activation inputs in association with either the first input or the second input;
The generation unit determines whether the activation input belongs to the second input by referring to the storage unit.
The output device according to claim 1. The storage unit stores at least one of an operation input to a power key provided in the output device and an operation input to a remote controller for remotely controlling the output device, in association with the first input. The output device according to item 2. The output data includes information indicating that the output device is to be stopped after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since outputting the output data, an operation button for terminating the output of the output data, and The output device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of a transition button for transitioning to a setting screen for setting whether to activate the output device. further comprising a determination unit that determines whether or not the activation input is likely to be a user's intention, based on a usage history of the output device,
The output device according to claim 1, wherein the generation section generates the different output data depending on the determination result by the determination section. The determination unit includes:
Based on the usage history, if the activation input is input during a time period in which the output device is activated at a predetermined frequency or higher, it is determined that the activation input is likely to be the user's intention;
Based on the usage history, if the activation input is input during a time period in which the output device is activated at a frequency lower than the predetermined frequency, determining that the activation input is unlikely to be the user's intention;
The output device according to claim 5. It is further equipped with an illuminance sensor that measures illuminance.
The determination unit includes:
Based on the usage history, if the activation input is input during a time period in which the output device is activated less than a predetermined frequency, and the illuminance measured by the illuminance sensor is equal to or higher than the predetermined illuminance, the activation It is determined that the input is likely to be the user's intention,
Based on the usage history, when the activation input is input during a time period in which the frequency at which the output device is activated is less than the predetermined frequency, and the illuminance measured by the illuminance sensor is less than the predetermined illuminance; determining that the activation input is unlikely to be intended by the user;
The output device according to claim 5. further comprising a detection unit that detects the presence or absence of a user;
The determination unit includes:
Based on the usage history, if the activation input is input during a time period in which the output device is activated at a predetermined frequency or more, and the detection unit detects the presence of a user, the activation input is It is determined that this is due to the user's intention,
Based on the usage history, when the activation input is input during a time period in which the frequency at which the output device is activated is equal to or higher than the predetermined frequency, and the presence of a user is not detected by the detection unit, the activation input is is determined to be unintentional by the user,
The output device according to claim 5. The storage unit stores a history of startups or shutdowns indicating that startups or shutdowns were performed that were not intended by the user;
The start or stop history includes the time when the start or stop was performed without the user's intention, and the type of start input or stop input,
If the activation input belongs to the first input and there is a history of activation or stoppage before the output device is activated based on the activation input, the output control unit outputs information on the activation or stoppage history. output,
The output device according to claim 2. An output method performed by an output device, the output method comprising:
activating the output device based on an activation input for activating the output device;
obtaining boot information indicating the contents of the boot input;
If the activation input belongs to the second input out of a predetermined first input based on a user operation and a second input other than the first input, generating output data including the activation information;
outputting the output data to an output section;
including output methods.

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