JP4024061B2 - Portable viewing device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Industrial application fields]
The present invention relates to a portable viewing apparatus that can perform television viewing and the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, portable television receivers have been provided. Such devices receive terrestrial analog broadcasts with a built-in small tuner, and display received images on a liquid crystal display panel. In recent years, encoded video data based on MPEG4 (Moving Picture Experts Group 4) is recorded on a memory card, and this memory card is loaded into a slot of a portable viewing device, so that recorded video can be enjoyed on the go. Be able to. The encoded video data based on MPEG4 can be obtained by passing a video received by a normal television broadcast or a video taken by a handy camera through an MPEG4 encoder, or by downloading using the Internet. .
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In this way, advanced video encoding technology and equipment miniaturization have made it possible to enjoy video easily even when away from home, but a battery is used as the power source for portable viewing devices. , There is a possibility that dissatisfaction that the remaining amount of the battery is low and the program could not be watched until the end could be caused.
[0004]
An object of this invention is to provide the portable viewing-and-listening apparatus which can avoid the program viewing abandonment resulting from the low battery remaining amount as much as possible in view of said situation.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, the portable viewing device of the present invention receives means for receiving broadcast waves to generate video and audio, video display means for displaying video, and audio output means for outputting audio. Recording / reproducing means for recording and reproducing video and audio, means for outputting a remaining amount signal indicating the remaining battery level, and displaying video by the video display means and outputting sound by the audio output means , on the basis of the remaining amount signal, a first control step of reducing the display brightness of the video display unit, the video and audio received by and said recording means to stop displaying video by the video display means And a control means for controlling the second control stage for performing recording.
[0006]
With the above configuration, since the video display unit and the audio output unit are controlled step by step based on the remaining amount signal indicating the remaining battery level, the program viewing due to the low remaining battery level is controlled. Abandonment can be avoided as much as possible.
[0008]
At the time of chasing playback in which the recorded video and audio are recorded and played back while recording the received video and audio by the broadcast wave, the playback is stopped and the recording and playback are performed through the first control stage for reducing the display brightness of the video display means. The recording of the received video and audio by the means may be configured to proceed to the second control stage to be continued.
[0009]
At the time of recording / playback processing for playing back and outputting another recorded video and audio while recording the received video and audio by the broadcast wave, the playback stops through the first control stage for reducing the display brightness of the video display means. The recording of the received video and audio by the recording / reproducing means may be configured to proceed to the second control stage to be continued.
[0011]
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable viewing device including: a video display unit that displays video; an audio output unit that outputs audio; and a recording / reproducing unit that records and reproduces video and audio. And a means for outputting a remaining amount signal indicating a remaining battery level, and a control means for controlling the operation of each means based on the remaining time of the program being received and the remaining amount signal. To do.
[0012]
The portable viewing device of the present invention also includes means for receiving broadcast waves to generate video and audio, video display means for displaying video, audio output means for outputting audio, and recording and reproduction of video and audio. And a recording / reproducing means for performing the following: a means for outputting a remaining amount signal indicating the remaining battery level, control of video display stop and recording start of the received program and / or stop of playback and reception of the received program; And control means for controlling the recording continuation based on the remaining amount signal.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0014]
1 and 2 show a broadcast viewing system including a portable viewing device 2 and a stationary peripheral device 1. In this system, the stationary peripheral device 1 receives an analog broadcast, and the encoded video / audio data obtained by encoding the received broadcast is inserted into a slot 101 (for example, a compact flash card (trademark)). Or a multimedia card (trademark) or the like. A housing recess 1c is formed on the front side of the main body 1a of the stationary peripheral device 1, and the portable viewing device 2 can be inserted into the housing recess 1c. In this attached state, the portable viewing device 2 is charged from the stationary peripheral device 1.
[0015]
The portable viewing device 2 has a substantially square shape and a flat shape, and is configured to be battery-driven. The portable viewing device 2 receives the terrestrial digital broadcast by the tuner, displays the video on the liquid crystal display panel 202, and outputs the sound from the earphone. Also, the encoded video / audio data is read from the memory card 3 inserted into the slot 201 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 when the PHS data card 4 is loaded), and the video is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 202. At the same time, the sound is output from the earphone. A touch panel 211 is pasted on the liquid crystal display panel 202, and a desired instruction can be given by operating the panel with a touch pen or the like. Note that operation buttons (play / pause, stop, feed, volume, etc.) relating to viewing are provided on the casing.
[0016]
Hereinafter, the circuit configurations of the stationary peripheral device 1 and the portable viewing device 2 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
[0017]
First, the stationary peripheral device 1 will be described. The tuner 102 receives an analog broadcast and outputs this broadcast reception signal. Tuning information for starting tuner 102 and channel selection information (channel information) for receiving an arbitrary broadcast are provided from CPU 110 via I / O (input / output) circuit 103 and system bus 104. The CPU 110 receives channel selection command information (designated channel information, designated time information, etc.) from the user from the memory card 3 via the system bus 104, the PCMCIA interface 105, and the slot 101. The switch 106 has an input unit for inputting the broadcast reception signal and an input unit for inputting an external signal. The switch 106 selects one of the signals and supplies the selected signal to the A / D conversion circuit 107.
[0018]
The A / D conversion circuit 107 converts an analog signal into a digital signal and supplies it to an MPEG4 (Moving Picture Experts Group 4) encoder 108. In accordance with MPEG4, the MPEG4 encoder 108 describes, for example, the background in the video and the person in the background individually as objects, adds shape information to handle each object of this arbitrary shape, and performs DCT processing in the same way as MPEG2. Or a motion vector process or the like is performed to generate a video packet, and a continuous bit stream is output. The audio is also subjected to predetermined encoding, and the audio encoded data is incorporated into the bit stream. The SDRAM 109 is used in the above processing of the MPEG4 encoder 108.
[0019]
The bit stream (encoded video / audio data) output from the MPEG4 encoder 108 is stored in the memory card 3 via the system bus 104, the PCMCIA interface 105, and the slot 101.
[0020]
Two sets of the slot 101 and the PCMCIA interface 105 are provided. In addition to the memory card 3, the PHS data card 4 and the like can be mounted in the slot 101.
[0021]
The charging circuit 113 includes a circuit that converts alternating current from a commercial power source into a direct current, and the like. When the portable viewing device 2 is attached to the stationary peripheral device 1 as shown in FIG. The charging power is supplied to the portable viewing device 2 through the mobile phone.
[0022]
The CPU 110 performs the above-described operation control of the tuner 102 and the processing (recording processing) for storing the output of the MPEG4 encoder 108 in the memory card 3, and also data transmission / reception when the PHS data card 4 is mounted in the slot 101, Control of each functional unit based on the above, read / write control of the Flash ROM 111 and the DRAM 112, and the like are also performed.
[0023]
Next, the portable viewing device 2 will be described. The MPEG4 bit stream data stored in the memory card 3 is supplied to the MPEG4 decoder 204 via the PCMCIA interface 220 and the system bus 213. The tuner 230 that receives the terrestrial digital broadcast takes out the MPEG4 bit stream data broadcast by the terrestrial digital broadcast and supplies it to the MPEG4 decoder 204 or supplies it to the system bus 213 for recording in the memory card 3. Or The MPEG4 decoder 204 decodes the bit stream data to obtain quantization coefficients and motion vectors, and supplies video data obtained by performing inverse DCT transform, motion compensation control based on motion vectors, and the like to the graphics controller 205. . The graphics controller 205 performs processing such as color adjustment on video data (for example, R, G, B data). The graphics controller 205 also performs processing for displaying characters or the like (operation buttons, menu screens, EPG screens based on program information acquired from terrestrial digital broadcasts), etc., instructed to be output from the CPU 209 on the liquid crystal display panel 202. The audio decoder 206 receives the audio code data in the bit stream from the MPEG4 decoder 204 and decodes it to generate audio data. The SDRAM 210 is used in the above processing of the MPEG4 decoder 204.
[0024]
The LCD controller 207 drives the liquid crystal display panel 202 based on the video data supplied from the graphics controller 205. The D / A converter 208 receives the audio data output from the audio decoder 206, performs D / A conversion, and generates a right (R) sound analog signal and a left (L) sound analog signal. This is given to the earphone 203.
[0025]
Operation information for the touch panel 211 is given to the CPU 209 via the dedicated interface 212 and the system bus 213. The CPU 209 grasps the contents of the command based on the correspondence between the operation information and the display of the operation buttons on the liquid crystal display panel 202, and executes necessary processing.
[0026]
The main body key 214 corresponds to the operation buttons (play / pause, stop, feed) related to viewing described above. Operation information for the main body key 214 is given to the CPU 209 via the interface 215 and the system bus 213. The CPU 209 executes necessary processing based on the operation information.
[0027]
In addition, a communication block 216 and an interface (for example, Bluetooth (trademark), etc.) 217 are provided to enable a wireless network. Further, a flash ROM 218 and an SDRAM 219 are also provided. The mobile phone unit 231 is used for normal phone calls.
[0028]
The battery 221 is a secondary battery, and is supplied with electric power from the stationary peripheral device 1 and stored therein. The battery remaining amount management unit 240 detects the voltage value of the battery 211, generates a remaining amount signal based on this voltage value, and transmits it to the CPU 209. Of course, the remaining amount of the battery 211 may be detected regardless of the voltage value. In this embodiment, the remaining amount signal is a 10-level signal from level 1 (high remaining amount) to level 10 (low remaining amount).
[0029]
The CPU 209 also performs processing for the wireless network, data transmission / reception when the PHS data card 4 is installed in the slot 201, control of each functional unit based on the received data, read / write control of the FlashROM 218 and SDRAM 219, and the like. ing. Further, when the user designates a received program (channel and time designation) using the touch panel 211 or the like, processing for storing the information in the memory card 3 is performed. Further, the CPU 209 receives a remaining amount signal from the battery remaining amount management unit 240 and performs power saving control. This power saving control will be described later in detail.
[0030]
The portable viewing device 2 has functions such as TV watching, TV recording, TV reservation recording, normal playback, chasing playback, and backside playback.
[0031]
When “TV viewing” is selected by the user, an image representing a remote control, for example, is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 202 for channel selection, and the tuner is received to receive the program of the channel designated by the user's pen input. Control and display the program based on the acquired bitstream data of the program. In addition, when the “chasing playback” function is selected, for example, when a call is received while watching TV, an automatic TV recording process is executed from that time, and a call is received after the call ends. Playback processing is performed from the time point. Further, when the “back-recording playback” function is selected, another video data is played from the memory card 3 together with the TV recording process, and the video is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 202.
[0032]
[Normal TV viewing]
The CPU 209 performs power saving control as described below during normal TV viewing. The CPU 209 monitors the remaining amount signal from the battery remaining amount management unit 240. When the remaining amount signal becomes a signal indicating level 4, the CPU 209 instructs the backlight driving unit in the LCD panel 202 to reduce power. put out. By this instruction, the display on the LCD panel 202 becomes dark and power consumption decreases. Further, when the remaining amount signal becomes a signal indicating level 6, the operation of the elements for displaying images (MPEG4 decoder 204, graphics controller 205, LCD controller 207, LCD panel 202) is stopped while receiving the signal. Control for recording video and audio (MPEG4 data) on the memory card 3 is started. In this control, as shown in FIG. 4, messages such as “The battery is low!” And “Video display is stopped and the continuation of the program is recorded” are displayed on the LCD panel 202 for about 2 seconds, for example. It is trying to display. Further, when the remaining amount signal becomes a signal indicating level 7, the operation of the elements for audio output (audio decoder 206, D / A converter 208) is also stopped.
[0033]
[When chasing playback]
The CPU 209 performs power saving control as described below during chasing playback. The CPU 209 monitors the remaining amount signal from the battery remaining amount management unit 240. When the remaining amount signal becomes a signal indicating level 4, the CPU 209 instructs the backlight driving unit in the LCD panel 202 to reduce power. put out. By this instruction, the display on the LCD panel 202 becomes dark and power consumption decreases. Further, when the remaining signal becomes a signal indicating level 7, the process of reading the video / audio data from the memory card 3 is stopped and the elements for displaying the video (graphics controller 205, LCD controller 207, LCD panel) are stopped. 202) is stopped. On the other hand, the control for recording the received video and audio (MPEG4 data) on the memory card 3 continues.
[0034]
[During recording playback]
The CPU 209 performs power saving control as described below at the time of the back cover reproduction. The CPU 209 monitors the remaining amount signal from the battery remaining amount management unit 240. When the remaining amount signal becomes a signal indicating level 4, the CPU 209 instructs the backlight driving unit in the LCD panel 202 to reduce power. put out. By this instruction, the display on the LCD panel 202 becomes dark and power consumption decreases. Further, when the remaining signal becomes a signal indicating level 7, the process of reading the video / audio data from the memory card 3 is stopped and the elements for displaying the video (graphics controller 205, LCD controller 207, LCD panel) are stopped. 202) is stopped. On the other hand, the control for recording the received video and audio (MPEG4 data) on the memory card 3 continues.
[0035]
As described above, in normal TV viewing, chasing playback, and backside recording playback, when the remaining battery level is low, the received program cannot be viewed at that time, but recording to the memory card 3 is performed. The program can be viewed.
[0036]
In the above example, the step-by-step power saving control is performed according to the remaining battery level. However, this is not limited to such a step-by-step control. For example, when the remaining battery level is halved, etc. Control of video display stop and recording start of the received program (when watching normal TV) and control of recording continuation and playback stop of the received program (at the time of chasing playback and backside playback) may be executed (FIG. 5). reference).
[0037]
By the way, in digital broadcasting, program information (program name, program start time, program duration, genre information, etc.) as well as video / audio data of the program itself are put on the broadcast wave, and the CPU 209 starts the program start. By comparing the time and program duration with the current date and time, it is possible to know how many minutes later the currently received program will end. Therefore, the CPU 209 can perform power saving control by the remaining amount signal and the received program remaining time. For example, if the remaining time of the received program exceeds 1 hour when the remaining amount signal becomes level 5, control of recording start of the received program and stop of video display (during normal TV viewing) is executed. Will do.
[0038]
In addition, the message “This program has one hour remaining and may not be able to be watched until the end” and “Do you want to stop the video display and record the continuation of the program” are displayed as screen messages, and “YES” “ It is also possible to prepare buttons such as “view as long as the battery has without recording” and “change channel” and allow the user to select a process.
[0039]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, there is an effect that it is possible to avoid abandonment of program viewing due to a decrease in the remaining battery level as much as possible.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a mounted state of a portable viewing device and peripheral devices according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a portable viewing device.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a portable viewing device and its peripheral devices.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen message of the portable viewing device.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of driving / non-driving of each element during normal time and when power is reduced.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Stationary peripheral apparatus 102 Tuner 108 MPEG4 encoder 113 Charging circuit 2 Portable viewing apparatus 202 Liquid crystal display panel 204 MPEG4 decoder 221 Battery 240 Battery remaining amount management part 3 Memory card

Claims (6)

Means for receiving broadcast waves and generating video and audio;
Video display means for displaying video;
Audio output means for outputting audio;
Recording and reproducing means for recording and reproducing video and audio;
Means for outputting a battery level signal indicating the remaining battery level;
Wherein while the output sound by the display and the audio output means of the video by the video display means, based on the remaining amount signal, a first control step of reducing the brightness of the display of the image display means, wherein portable viewing device, characterized in that it comprises a control means for controlling the second control step of performing image display means recording the video and audio received by the stops and the reproducing means displays the image according. Said control means on the basis of the remaining amount signal, a third for recording video and audio received by the stops and the reproducing means outputs the sound by the display and the audio output means of the video by the image display means The portable viewing device according to claim 1, wherein the control stage is controlled . Means for receiving broadcast waves and generating video and audio;
Video display means for displaying video;
Audio output means for outputting audio;
Recording and reproducing means for recording and reproducing video and audio;
Means for outputting a battery level signal indicating the remaining battery level;
When the video and audio received by the recording / reproducing means are recorded and the recorded video and audio are reproduced, and the video is displayed by the video display means and the audio is output by the audio output means, the remaining amount signal based on the portable viewer, characterized in that it comprises a first control step of reducing the display brightness of the image display means, and control means for stopping the playback of recorded video and audio by said reproducing means apparatus. Means for receiving broadcast waves and generating video and audio;
Video display means for displaying video;
Audio output means for outputting audio;
Recording and reproducing means for recording and reproducing video and audio;
Means for outputting a battery level signal indicating the remaining battery level;
When recording the received video and audio by the recording and reproducing means, displaying another recorded video by the video display means, and outputting another recorded audio by the audio output means , based on the remaining amount signal, a first control step of reducing the display brightness of the image display means,
Portable viewing device, characterized in that it comprises a control means for controlling the second control step of stopping the output of the display and the audio of the further recording image. Means for receiving broadcast waves and generating video and audio;
Video display means for displaying video;
Audio output means for outputting audio;
Recording and reproducing means for recording and reproducing video and audio;
Means for outputting a battery level signal indicating the remaining battery level;
Control means for controlling the operation of each means based on the remaining time of the program being received and the remaining amount signal;
A portable viewing device comprising: Means for receiving broadcast waves and generating video and audio;
Video display means for displaying video;
Audio output means for outputting audio;
Recording and reproducing means for recording and reproducing video and audio;
Means for outputting a battery level signal indicating the remaining battery level;
Control means for performing control of video display stop and recording start of the received program and / or control of playback stop and recording continuation of the received program based on the remaining amount signal;
A portable viewing device comprising:

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