JP4200410B2 - Device selection device and device selection method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a device selection device and a device selection method, and is suitably applied to, for example, a device selection device and a device selection method for selecting output paths of a plurality of AV devices connected to a television device via IEEE1394. .
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 1394 interface, which is being standardized by the American Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, receives a plurality of data including, for example, digital information such as video data and audio data and control signals such as control signals. There is a characteristic to transmit and receive simultaneously.
[0003]
Utilizing such characteristics, for example, a video / audio selection system in which a video tape recorder or a DVD player is connected as an external device to a digital television device (hereinafter simply referred to as a television device) via an IEEE1394 interface has been proposed. ing.
[0004]
In this video / audio selection system, a television apparatus performs a predetermined conversion process (hereinafter referred to as an analog signal) in which video data supplied from a video tape recorder or a DVD player is converted into an analog signal by a decoder installed therein via an IEEE1394 interface. The video is displayed on the display unit based on the video signal obtained by performing the conversion process. The television apparatus is configured to switch the output path to a decoder in an arbitrary external device only when the internal decoder cannot perform analog conversion processing on the video data.
[0005]
This is because television devices are given priority because of the universal idea that the image quality obtained based on digital signals (video data) is better than the image quality obtained based on analog signals (video signals). The video obtained based on the digital signal (video data) is set to be displayed on the display unit.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in such a decoder, the image displayed on the display unit greatly deteriorates according to the performance.
[0007]
That is, for example, in a video tape recorder decoder, when post-processing can be performed and analog conversion processing can be performed, in the video / audio selection system, a digital signal (video data) supplied from the video tape recorder is converted into analog by the decoder in the television apparatus. Rather than the path for conversion processing, the path for outputting an analog signal (video signal) obtained by analog conversion processing with a video tape recorder to the television apparatus has better image quality. However, the television apparatus has a problem in that it cannot select which route is used to display an image with better image quality.
[0008]
The television apparatus has more input paths as a plurality of external devices are connected via the IEEE 1394 interface. However, the television apparatus has a problem that it cannot select a plurality of routes for input.
[0009]
Further, the television apparatus cannot control, for example, a DVD player when the video signal and the audio signal are connected to the video tape recorder. That is, the television device has a problem that it cannot control the device for connecting signals and the device for controlling signals separately. It is considered that convenience is improved for the user by solving such a problem.
[0010]
The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points. When a plurality of external devices are connected, a route to be input to the television device can be selected, and a device to which signals are connected and a device to be controlled are controlled separately. The present invention intends to propose a device selection device and a device selection method that are excellent in usability.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  To resolve this issueTomorrow,Among the multiple devices to be connected, the processing time required for conversion from digital to analog in the video output device and the processing time required for conversion from digital to analog in the audio output device Processing time detecting means for detecting the above and a selecting means for individually selecting a video output device to be targeted and an audio output device among a plurality of devices. This selection means is selected based on the detection result of the processing time detection means when one of the video output equipment or audio output equipment to be targeted is selected and the other audio output equipment or video output equipment is selected. A device that can be synchronized with the other device is presented as a selection candidate.
  The present invention also relates to a method for selecting a device, and among a plurality of devices to be connected, a processing time required for conversion from digital to analog in a video output device and a digital to analog in an audio output device. A processing time detecting step for detecting a processing time required for the conversion; and a selecting step for individually selecting a video output device to be a target and an audio output device among a plurality of devices. In this selection step, when one of the video output device or audio output device to be targeted is selected and the other audio output device or video output device is selected, the selection is made based on the detection result in the processing time detection means. A device that can be synchronized with the other device is presented as a selection candidate.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0013]
(1) Overall configuration of video / audio selection system
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 indicates the overall configuration of the video / audio selection system as a whole. For a digital television apparatus 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as a television apparatus) as a device selection apparatus installed in each viewer's house. A plurality of external devices are connected via an IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 1394 interface.
[0014]
The external device includes a receiver (hereinafter referred to as a DSS-IRD (Digital Satellite System-Integrated Receiver Decoder)) 2 and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) standard for use in the audiovisual field. A DVD player 3, a digital video camera recorder (hereinafter referred to as DV) 4, an AV amplifier 5 incorporating a speaker, and a digital video tape recorder (hereinafter referred to as D-VHS) 6 are configured. Is done.
[0015]
The television apparatus 1 has a configuration in which each external device (DSS-IRD2, DVD player 3, DV4, AV amplifier 5, and D-VHS6) is connected via an analog interface.
[0016]
The television apparatus 1 receives the operation signal S3 by the key operation of the remote commander 8 as input means, and outputs a control signal for controlling the external device to each external device on the premise that the IEEE1394 interface is used. In this way, the television apparatus 1 controls each external device so that the video / audio signal composed of video / audio encoded data or an analog signal encoded on the television apparatus by an encoding method such as MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group). Are input through various routes.
[0017]
Incidentally, the IEEE 1394 interface is being standardized by the American Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and has a characteristic of simultaneously transmitting and receiving a plurality of signals such as a digital signal and a control signal. The IEEE 1394 interface defines three transfer rates of 100 Mbps, 200 Mbps, and 400 Mbps, and has a characteristic that can guarantee the transfer rate in real time.
[0018]
(2) Configuration of each external device
(2-1) Configuration of digital video tape recorder
FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the D-VHS 6. When a control signal D 4 from the television apparatus 1 is received via the IEEE 1394 interface 22 in the processing circuit 21, each circuit unit is controlled based on the received control signal D 4. . As a result, the control unit 20 executes a recording process for recording the input video / audio encoded data or the video / audio signal in the tape recording / reproducing unit 24, and the recorded video / audio encoded data is recorded on the television device 1 or A reproduction process for outputting the audio / video signal to the television apparatus 1 is executed while outputting to each external device.
[0019]
In this case, in the recording process, for example, when the audio / video encoded data D40 is supplied from the AV amplifier 5 through the IEEE1394 interface 22, the control unit 20 sequentially transmits the video / audio encoded data D40 through the digital recording processing unit 23 and the recording switch 29a. The data is output to the tape recording / reproducing unit 24. The tape recording / reproducing unit 24 records the video / audio encoded data D40.
[0020]
On the other hand, in the recording process, when the video / audio signal S30 is supplied from the outside via the analog interface 26, the control unit 20 performs tape recording / reproduction via the analog recording processing unit 27 and the recording switch 29a in this order. To the unit 24. The tape recording / reproducing unit 24 records the video / audio signal S30.
[0021]
In addition, the control unit 20 reproduces the recorded video / audio encoded data D50 or the video / audio signal S50 from the tape recording / playback unit 24 via the playback switch 29b in the playback process. To the unit 28.
[0022]
The digital reproduction processing unit 25 outputs the video / audio encoded data D50 supplied from the tape recording / reproducing unit 24 to the television apparatus 1 or each external device via the IEEE 1394 interface 22.
[0023]
On the other hand, the analog reproduction processing unit 28 outputs the video / audio signal S50 supplied from the tape recording / reproducing unit 24 to the television apparatus 1 via the analog interface 26.
[0024]
(2-2) Configuration of DSS-IRD
FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the DSS-IRD 2. When the control signal D 4 from the television apparatus 1 is received via the IEEE 1394 interface 31, each circuit unit connected to the bus BUS is displayed based on the received control signal D 4. Control. As a result, the control unit 30 receives the input video / audio encoded data, outputs this to the television apparatus 1 or each external device, and outputs the video / audio signal to the television apparatus 1. .
[0025]
In this case, when receiving the video / audio encoded data D70 from the antenna (not shown) via the front end 32, the control unit 30 outputs this to the demultiplexer 33. The demultiplexer 33 distributes the video / audio encoded data D70 to generate the video encoded data D72 and the audio encoded data D73. Then, the demultiplexer 33 outputs the generated encoded video data D72 and encoded audio data D73 to the television apparatus 1 or each external device via the decoder 34 or the IEEE1394 interface.
[0026]
The decoder 34 performs a predetermined conversion process for converting the video encoded data D72 and the audio encoded data D73 supplied from the demultiplexer 33 into analog signals, thereby generating a video / audio signal S40, which is converted into an analog interface 35. Is output to the television apparatus 1 via
[0027]
On the other hand, when receiving the video / audio encoded data D20 from the DVD player 3 via the IEEE1394 interface 31, for example, the control unit 30 outputs the video / audio encoded data D20 to the demultiplexer 33. The demultiplexer 33 distributes the video / audio encoded data D20 to generate the video encoded data D22 and the audio encoded data D23. Then, the demultiplexer 33 outputs the generated encoded video data D22 and encoded audio data D23 to the IEEE 1394 interface 31 or the decoder 34.
[0028]
The decoder 34 performs a predetermined process for converting the video encoded data D22 and the audio encoded data D23 supplied from the demultiplexer 33 into analog signals, thereby generating a video / audio signal S10. And output to the television device 1.
[0029]
(2-3) Configuration of DVD player
FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the DVD player 3, and when the control signal D4 from the television apparatus 1 is received via the IEEE 1394 interface 46, each circuit unit connected to the bus BUS is displayed based on the received control signal D4. Control. Accordingly, the control unit 40 outputs the video / audio encoded data stored in the optical disc 41 to the television apparatus 1 or each external device, and outputs the video / audio signal to the television apparatus 1.
[0030]
In this case, the reading processing unit 42 of the DVD player 3 reads the video / audio encoded data D80 stored on the optical disc 41 and outputs the read video / audio encoded data D80 to the demultiplexer 43. The demultiplexer 43 distributes the video / audio encoded data D80 to generate the video encoded data D82 and the audio encoded data D83, and outputs them to the decoder 44.
[0031]
The decoder 44 generates a video / audio signal S20 by performing a predetermined conversion process for converting the video encoded data D82 and the audio encoded data D83 into analog signals. Then, the decoder 44 outputs the generated video / audio signal S20 to the television apparatus 1 via the re-encode / re-multiplexer 45 or the analog interface 47.
[0032]
The re-encoding / re-multiplexing unit 45 compresses and encodes the video / audio signal S20 supplied from the decoder 44 at a desired compression rate, and multiplexes the resulting video encoded data and audio encoded data. Video / audio encoded data D20 is generated and output to the television apparatus 1 or each external device via the IEEE1394 interface 46.
[0033]
(2-4) Configuration of digital video camera recorder
FIG. 5 shows the configuration of DV4. When a control signal D4 from the television apparatus 1 is received via the IEEE 1394 interface 51, each circuit unit connected to the bus BUS is controlled based on the received control signal D4. . As a result, the control unit 50 executes a recording process for causing the tape recording processing unit 52 to record the input video / audio encoded data or the video / audio signal, and transmits the video / audio encoded data from the tape reproduction processing unit 53 to the television apparatus. 1 or each external device and a reproduction process for outputting a video / audio signal to the television apparatus 1 is executed.
[0034]
In this case, when the video / audio encoded data D20 is supplied from the outside via the IEEE 1394 interface 51 in the recording process, the control unit 50 outputs this to the tape recording processing unit 52 via the recording switch 59. The tape recording processing unit 52 records the video / audio encoded data D20.
[0035]
On the other hand, in the recording process, when the video / audio signal S90 is supplied from the outside via the analog interface 57 in the recording process, the control unit 50 outputs this to the encoder multiplexing unit 58. The encoder multiplexing unit 58 generates a video / audio encoded data D90 by performing a predetermined process for converting the video / audio signal S90 into a digital signal, and sends this to the tape recording processing unit 52 via the recording switch 59. Output. The tape reproduction processing unit 52 records the video / audio encoded data D90.
[0036]
Further, in the reproduction process, the control unit 50 outputs the recorded video / audio encoded data D30 from the tape reproduction processing unit 53 to the demultiplexer 54 or the IEEE1394 interface 51.
[0037]
When outputting to the IEEE 1394 interface 51, the digital reproduction processing unit 53 outputs the recorded video / audio encoded data D30 to the television apparatus 1 or each external device via the IEEE 1394 interface 51.
[0038]
On the other hand, when outputting to the demultiplexer 54, the digital reproduction processing unit 53 distributes the recorded video / audio encoded data D30 to generate the video encoded data D32 and the audio encoded data D33, and these are generated. Output to the decoder 55.
[0039]
The decoder 55 performs a predetermined process for converting the video encoded data D32 and the audio encoded data D33 into analog signals, thereby generating a video / audio signal S30, which is transmitted to the television apparatus 1 via the analog interface 56. Output.
[0040]
(2-5) Configuration of AV amplifier
FIG. 6 shows the configuration of the AV amplifier 5 that receives input video / audio encoded data and outputs the video encoded data, audio encoded data, video signal, and audio signal to the television apparatus 1 or each external device. It is made to do.
[0041]
In this case, the demultiplexer 61 distributes video / audio encoded data D30 supplied from, for example, DV4 via the IEEE 1394 interface 60, thereby generating video encoded data D32 and audio encoded data D33. The demultiplexer 61 outputs the generated video encoded data D32 to the video decoder 63 and outputs the audio encoded data D33 to the audio decoder 62.
[0042]
The video decoder 63 performs a predetermined conversion process for converting the encoded video data D32 supplied from the demultiplexer 61 into an analog signal, thereby generating a video signal S60a. Then, the video decoder 63 outputs the generated video signal S60a to the television apparatus 1 via the video encoder 65 or the analog video interface 67 based on the control signal D4 supplied via the IEEE1394 interface 60.
[0043]
The video encoder 65 performs predetermined conversion processing for converting the video signal S 60 a supplied from the video decoder 63 into a digital signal, thereby generating video encoded data D 62, and outputs this to the multiplexer 68.
[0044]
On the other hand, the audio decoder 62 generates a sound signal S60b by performing a predetermined conversion process for converting the sound encoded data D33 supplied from the demultiplexer 61 into an analog signal. The audio decoder 62 outputs the generated audio signal S60b to the television apparatus 1 via the audio encoder 64 or the analog audio interface 66.
[0045]
The audio encoder 64 performs predetermined conversion processing for converting the audio signal S60b supplied from the audio decoder 62 into a digital signal, thereby generating audio encoded data D63 and outputs the audio encoded data D63 to the multiplexer 68.
[0046]
Further, the multiplexer 68 generates video / audio encoded data D60 by multiplexing the audio encoded data D62 supplied from the video encoder 65 and the audio encoded data D63 supplied from the audio encoder 64. This is output to the television apparatus 1 or each external device.
[0047]
(3) Configuration of digital television device
FIG. 7 shows a configuration of the television apparatus 1, which has a configuration in which the control unit 70 and each circuit unit are connected to the data bus BUS. In the control unit 70, a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as a CPU: Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and an EEPROM (electrically erasable EEPROM) are connected to the data bus BUS. A flash memory, which is a kind of Electrically Erasable PROM, is connected.
[0048]
The television apparatus 1 outputs video / audio encoded data D100 supplied from an antenna (not shown) via the front end 72 to the demultiplexer 74. The demultiplexer 74 distributes the video / audio encoded data D100 to generate the video encoded data D102 and the audio encoded data D103, and outputs them to the decoder 75.
[0049]
The decoder 75 generates a video signal S100a and an audio signal S100b by performing predetermined conversion processing for converting the video encoded data D102 and the audio encoded data D103 into analog signals, and outputs them to the switching unit 76. The switching unit 76 outputs the video signal S100a to the display unit 78 as output means, and outputs the audio signal S100b to the speaker 79.
[0050]
The display unit 78 displays the video obtained based on the video signal S100a supplied from the switching unit 76, and the speaker 79 outputs the audio obtained based on the audio signal S100b supplied from the switching unit 76.
[0051]
Here, the analog interface 71 of the television apparatus 1 is provided with each analog input terminal (not shown) for inputting each video / audio signal (S10 to S60) output from the analog interface of each external device. ing. When a user connects to one of the analog input terminals via a cable from each external device, the user registers an input line indicating which analog input terminal is connected to the flash memory through the key operation of the remote commander 8. Has been made. Thereby, the control part 70 can grasp | ascertain beforehand which analog input terminal the audio-video signal S1 output from each external apparatus is connected.
[0052]
Further, the control unit 70 stores capability information D5 as an identification unit and a management unit in an area specified by the memory map of the flash memory, and when an external device is newly connected to the television apparatus 1, or A capability information creation process is performed in which capability information D5 is constantly updated when the television apparatus 1 is detached.
[0053]
The capability information D5 indicates what external device is connected to the television apparatus 1 via the IEEE1394 interface, and what signal format is used by the external device connected to the television apparatus 1. In addition to indicating whether input or output is possible, the presence or absence of analog output is also indicated.
[0054]
In this case, in the video / audio selection system 10, as shown in FIG. 8, in the first area AR1 of the flash memory, the television device 1 (DTV) is stored in advance at the node number Node0. In the second area AR2, DSS-IRD2 is stored in the node number Node1. Further, in the third area AR3, D-VHS6 is stored in the node number Node2. Further, in the fourth area AR4, the DVD player (DVD) 3 is stored in the node number Node3. Further, in the fifth area AR5, an AV amplifier (AV-Amp) 5 is stored in the node number Node4. Further, in the sixth area AR6, DV (DVCR) 4 is stored in the node number Node5.
[0055]
For example, in the video / audio selection system 10, when the control unit 70 is disconnected from the AV amplifier 5, the DSS-IRD 2, and the D-VHS 6 from an external device connected via the IEEE1394, the stored storage areas are stored. Update. That is, for example, the control unit 70 stores the video tape recorder as the node number Node1 in the second area and stores the DVD player as the node number Node2 in the third area.
[0056]
As described above, in the second and subsequent areas, the node number Node is stored for each external device connected via the IEEE interface, and is divided into each area.
[0057]
The area (AR1 to AR6) stored for each node number is subdivided into areas of “Reception”, “Transmission”, and “Conversion”. The “Reception” area is an item representing each data and signal that can be input by the external device stored in each node number. The "Transmission" area is an item representing each data and signal that can be output to each external device from the video encoded data, audio encoded data, video signal, and audio signal by the external device stored in each node number. It is. Further, the “Conversion” area is an item that can convert input and output in real time.
[0058]
Then, the control unit 70 describes each data and signal corresponding to the external device in each subdivided area (“Reception”, “Transmission”, “Conversion”) with a predetermined format. In the format shown in the items of “Reception” and “Transmission”, for example, “MPEG-TS: ATSC-HD / SD + AC3” is represented, and on the left side of “:” is the multiplexing of the audio or video recorder. , And a transfer protocol such as A & M. The type of the signal format of the elementary stream is described on the right side of “:”.
[0059]
Furthermore, in the format shown in the item “Conversion”, for example, a signal format such as “MPEG-TS: MPEG2-SD + AC3 → AnalogVideo (+30) + AnalogAudio (+30)” is described. In this signal format, "MPEG-TS" digital data consisting of "MPEG-2 SD" and "AC3" can be converted in real time to analog video signal and analog audio signal respectively in 30m / sec processing time. Show.
[0060]
Further, in the capability information D5, when a plurality of signal formats are described in the same line, it indicates that the device corresponding to the node number described in the line can simultaneously perform input or output conversion processing. Further, the comma “,” indicates a delimiter of the signal format. When a comma is provided at the end of the description indicating the signal format, it indicates that the next line can be treated as the same line. Incidentally, in the signal format described in another line, the device corresponding to the node number described in that line cannot be subjected to input or output conversion processing at the same time.
[0061]
Here, in the capability information D5 connected to FIG. 1, the DTV (television device 1) having the node number Node0 has “Reception” of “MPEG-TS: ATSC-HD / SD + AC3” and “MPEG- TS: MPEG2-HD / SD + AC3 / MPEG1 Audio "," DSS-TS: DSS-HD + AC3 ", and" AnalogVideo, AnalogAudio "can be input in four signal formats.
[0062]
The DSS-IRD (DSS-IRD2) stored as the node number Node1 has “Transmission” of “DSS-TS: DSS-HD + AC3” and “DSS-TS: DSS-SD + MPEG1 Audio, AnalogVideo, AnalogAudio”. Either signal format can be output. Furthermore, DSS-IRD has “Conversion” as “DSS-TS: DSS-SD + MPEG1 Audio → AnalogVideo (+30) + AnalogAudio (+30)” and “MPEG-TS: MPEG2-SD + AC3 → AnalogVideo (+ 30) + AnalogAudio (+30) "can be converted into any signal format.
[0063]
The D-VHS (D-VHS6) stored as the node number Node2 has a "Reception" in a signal format of "MPEG-TS: AnyVideo + AnyAudio", "DSS-TS: AnyVideo + AnyAudio", or "Analog". You can enter. Furthermore, the D-VHS can output “Transmission” in a signal format of “MPEG-TS: AnyVideo + AnyAudio”, “DSS-TS: AnyVideo + AnyAudio”, or “Analog”.
[0064]
The DVD (DVD player 3) stored as the node number Node3 can be output in a signal format in which "Transmission" is "MPEG-TS: MPEG2-SD + AC3, A & M: AC3, AnalogVideo, AnalogAudio".
[0065]
The AV-Amp (AV amplifier 5) stored as the node number Node4 has “Conversion” of “DV: DV-SD + Linear → MPEG-TS: MPEG2-SD (300) + MPEG1 Audio (300), DV: DV -SD + Linear → AnalogVideo + AnalogAudio '' and `` MPEG-TS: MPEG2-SD + AC3 → AnalogVideo (+30) + AnalogAudio (+0) '' and `` MPEG-TS: MPEG2-SD → AnalogVideo (+0), A & M : AC3 → AnalogAudio (+0) "can be converted in any signal format.
[0066]
The DVCR (DV4) stored as the node number Node5 can be input in a signal format in which “Reception” is “DV: DV-SD + Linear, AnalogVideo, AnalogAudio”. Furthermore, the DVCR can output in a signal format in which “Transmission” is “DV: DV-SD + Linear, AnalogVideo, AnalogAudio”.
[0067]
After the capability information creation process of the capability information D5 is performed, when the IrDA receiving unit 77 receives an operation signal S3 for turning on the power of the television apparatus 1 through the key operation of the remote commander 8, the CPU of the control unit 70 Reads out the program stored in the ROM and the flash memory, develops it on the RAM and executes it, thereby controlling each circuit unit of the television apparatus 1 and executing various processes. .
[0068]
In this case, the control unit 70 displays a source device selection menu as shown in FIG. 9 on the display unit 78 based on the capability information D5 stored in the flash memory. As a result, the control unit 70 prompts the user to select an external device desired to be operated.
[0069]
When the IrDA receiving unit 77 receives an operation signal S3 obtained by pressing the “3” key via the remote commander 8 in response to this selection, the control unit 70 uses the source device selection menu (FIG. 9). It operates as a control means in accordance with input information, generates a control signal D4, and outputs it to an external device. Thus, the control unit 70 sets the input path so that the video / audio information (video / audio signal or video / audio encoded data) corresponding to the information input in the source device selection menu (FIG. 9) can be displayed on the display unit 78. Secure.
[0070]
Incidentally, when the television apparatus and an external device connected to the television apparatus are connected in an analog and digital manner, the user presses an analog / digital selection key provided on the remote commander 8 as necessary, It can also be set to always switch.
[0071]
In this case, when the IrDA receiving unit 77 receives the operation signal S3 obtained by pressing the analog / digital selection key via the remote commander 8, the control unit 70 displays an analog / digital selection menu as shown in FIG. Displayed on the unit 78. Here, in the analog / digital selection menu, the number set last by the user is set, and identification processing such as inversion is performed on the last set number. As a result, the control unit 70 prompts the user to select either analog (video / audio signal) output or digital (video / audio encoded data) output.
[0072]
When the IrDA receiving unit 77 receives the operation signal S3 obtained by pressing the “1” or “2” key via the remote commander 8 in response to this selection, the control unit 70 displays the analog / digital selection menu. The switching unit 76 is switched to digital output or analog output in accordance with the number input in FIG.
[0073]
Here, the user displays a control panel corresponding to each external device on the display unit 78 of the television apparatus 1 through a key operation of the remote commander 8, and performs an input operation on the displayed control panel. Accordingly, the control unit 70 outputs a control signal D4 corresponding to a user input operation such as a reproduction operation or volume control.
[0074]
In this case, when the IrDA receiving unit 77 receives the operation signal S3 obtained by pressing the control selection key provided in the remote commander 8, the control unit 70 displays the operation signal S3 based on the capability information D5 stored in the flash memory. The control device selection menu as shown in FIG. As a result, the control unit 70 prompts the user to select an external device desired to be operated.
When the IrDA receiving unit 77 receives the operation signal S3 obtained by pressing the “2” key via the remote commander 8 in response to this selection, the control unit 70 performs control corresponding to the remote commander of the DVD player. A panel (not shown) is displayed on the display unit 78.
[0075]
When the IrDA receiving unit 77 receives an operation signal S3 obtained, for example, by pressing the playback key via the key operation from the remote commander 8 to the control panel, the control unit 70 executes the playback operation. The control signal D4 is read and output to the DVD player 3 via the IEEE 1394 interface 73. As a result, the DVD player 3 executes the reproduction process in accordance with the information input from the analog / digital selection menu (FIG. 10).
[0076]
Actually, when receiving the video / audio signal S20 supplied from the DVD player 3 via the analog interface 71, the control unit 70 outputs the video / audio signal S20 to the switching unit 76. The switching unit 76 distributes the video / audio signal S20, thereby outputting the video signal S20a to the display unit 78 and outputting the audio signal S20b to the speaker 79.
[0077]
The display unit 78 displays the video obtained based on the video signal S20a supplied from the switching unit 76, and the speaker 79 outputs the audio obtained based on the audio signal S20b supplied from the switching unit 76.
[0078]
On the other hand, when receiving the video / audio encoded data D20 supplied from the DVD player 3 via the IEEE 1394 interface 73, the control unit 70 outputs this to the demultiplexer 74. The demultiplexer 74 distributes the video / audio encoded data D20 to generate the video encoded data D22 and the audio encoded data D23, and outputs them to the decoder 75.
[0079]
The decoder 75 generates a video signal S20a and an audio signal S20b by performing predetermined conversion processing for converting the video encoded data D22 and the audio encoded data D23 supplied from the demultiplexer 74 into analog signals. Output to the switching unit 76. The switching unit 76 outputs the video signal S20a supplied from the decoder 75 to the display unit 78 and outputs the audio signal S20b to the speaker 79. The display unit 78 displays the video obtained based on the video signal S20a supplied from the switching unit 76, and the speaker 79 outputs the audio obtained based on the audio signal S20b.
[0080]
Here, the user can switch to the sound from the loudspeaker composed of 5.1 channels built in the AV amplifier 5. In this case, when the IrDA receiving unit 77 receives an operation signal S3 obtained by pressing a control selection key provided on the remote commander 8, the control unit 70 displays a control device selection menu as shown in FIG. 78. At this time, the user inputs the number “4” corresponding to AV-AMP via the remote commander 8, and the DVD as the audio stream source device of the AV amplifier 5 from the selection screen (not shown) displayed subsequently. Selects the signal format output by A & M.
[0081]
As described above, when the user performs a key operation via the remote commander 8, the control unit 70 generates the control signal D4 based on the capability information D5, and outputs the control signal D4 to control each external device. While selecting an external device as a source device from among external devices connected via an interface, other external devices can be controlled separately from the external device as the source device. In addition, when the digital data and the analog signal can be output between the television apparatus 1 and the external device, the control unit 70 displays a selection menu (FIG. 10) informing the fact to prompt the selection. As a result, the user can select the digital data and analog signal paths of the external device simply by operating the keys via the remote commander 8.
[0082]
Further, by the key operation from the user via the remote commander 8, the control unit 70 can separately select the path of the video signal and the path of the audio signal based on the capability information D5.
[0083]
In this case, the television device 1 outputs a video / audio encoded data output from a specific external device designated by the user according to the user's instruction to a decoder of another external device instead of the television device. It is designed to make a choice.
[0084]
That is, when the DVD player 3 is selected as the source device, the user presses a route selection menu key provided on the remote commander 8. When the IrDA receiving unit 77 receives the operation signal S3 obtained as a result, the control unit 70, as the first operation, receives the DVD player 3 as shown in FIG. 12A based on the capability information D5 (FIG. 8) from the flash memory. A path selection menu showing video signal paths through which digital data and analog signals can be output to the television apparatus 1 is displayed on the display unit 78.
[0085]
When the IrDA receiving unit 77 receives the operation signal S3 obtained by pressing the “3” key via the remote commander 8 in response to this selection, the control unit 70 performs the following operation from the flash memory as the next operation. Based on the information D5 (FIG. 8), a path selection menu showing an audio signal path through which digital data and analog signals can be output from the DVD player 3 to the television apparatus 1 as shown in FIG. .
[0086]
When the IrDA receiving unit 77 receives an operation signal S3 obtained by pressing the “4” key via the remote commander 8 in response to this selection, the control unit 70 inputs the route selection menu (FIG. 10). A control signal D4 is generated according to the information thus output, and is output to each external device, thereby controlling each external device. As a result, the DVD player 3 outputs the video / audio encoded data to the AV amplifier 5. The AV amplifier 5 (FIG. 6) outputs a video signal to the television device 1 among the video signal and the audio signal obtained from the video / audio encoded data supplied from the DVD player 3.
[0087]
In addition, the audio signal is subjected to a predetermined encoding process for encoding again, and is output to the DSS-IRD 2. The DSS-IRD 2 (FIG. 3) outputs an audio signal obtained by performing a predetermined conversion process on the audio signal supplied from the AV amplifier 5 to the television apparatus 1. The television apparatus 1 displays the video obtained based on the video signal supplied from the AV amplifier 5 on the display unit 78 and outputs the audio obtained based on the audio signal supplied from the DSS-IRD 2 from the speaker 79. To do.
[0088]
In another example, for example, when DV4 is selected as the source device, the user presses the route selection menu key. When the IrDA receiving unit 77 receives the operation signal S3 obtained in this way, the control unit 70 digitally transmits from the DV4 as shown in FIG. 13A to the television apparatus 1 based on the capability information D5 (FIG. 8) from the flash memory. A path selection menu showing video signal paths through which data and analog signals can be output is displayed on the display unit 78.
[0089]
When the IrDA receiving unit 77 receives the operation signal S3 obtained by pressing the “3” key via the remote commander 8 in response to this selection, the control unit 70 performs the following operation from the flash memory as the next operation. Based on the information D5 (FIG. 8), a route selection menu showing an audio signal route through which digital data and analog signals can be output from the DV4 to the television apparatus 1 as shown in FIG.
[0090]
In this case, the audio signal path is, for example, “DV- (Linear) → AV-AMP- (MPEG1 Audio) → DTV” other than one option displayed in the path selection menu (FIG. 13B). There are options such as (analog) → DTV ”or“ DV- (Linear) → AV-AMP- (analog) → speaker ”. However, the control unit 70 converts the conversion time in the audio signal path such as “DV- (analog) → DTV” or “DV- (Linear) → AV-AMP- (analog) → speaker” and the “DV” in the video signal path. Based on the capability information D5, it is determined that a delay of 300 msec occurs in the conversion time of “→ MPEG”. Therefore, the control unit 70 selects only “DV- (Linear) → AV-AMP- (MPEG1 Audio) → DTV” synchronized with the conversion time of “DV → MPEG” in the selected video signal path, This is displayed on the display unit 78.
[0091]
When the IrDA receiving unit 77 receives the operation signal S3 obtained by pressing the “1” key via the remote commander 8 in response to this selection, the control unit 70 inputs the route selection menu (FIG. 13). A control signal D4 is generated according to the information thus output, and is output to each external device, thereby controlling each external device. Thereby, the DV 4 outputs the video / audio encoded data to the AV amplifier 5. The AV amplifier 5 (FIG. 6) outputs a video signal and an audio signal obtained from the video / audio encoded data supplied from the DV 4 to the television apparatus 1. The television apparatus 1 displays the video obtained based on the video signal supplied from the AV amplifier 5 on the display unit 78 and outputs the audio obtained based on the audio signal from the speaker 79.
[0092]
As described above, when the user performs a key operation via the remote commander 8, the control unit 70 displays a route selection menu (FIGS. 12 and 13) based on the capability information D5 to prompt selection. On the other hand, when the user performs an input operation via the remote commander 8, the control unit 70 generates a control signal D4 corresponding to the key operation of the remote commander 8, and outputs this to control each external device. Thus, it is possible to select a path between video information (video encoded data or video signal) that can be synchronized for each external device and audio information (audio encoded data or audio signal). Thereby, the user can know video information and audio information that can be synchronized with different external devices desired by the user from among a plurality of routes.
[0093]
Furthermore, here, the television device 1 is a signal indicating which external device the decoder uses for each signal format that can be identified by the television device 1 with respect to the signal format output by the external device in accordance with a user instruction. The route selection for each format can be input and set.
[0094]
In this case, the user presses a signal type selection menu key provided on the remote commander 8. When the IrDA receiving unit 77 receives the operation signal S3 obtained as a result, the control unit 70 displays a route selection menu for each signal format as shown in FIG. 14A based on the capability information D5 (FIG. 8) from the flash memory. Displayed on the display unit 78.
[0095]
When the IrDA receiving unit 77 receives the operation signal S3 obtained by pressing the “2” key via the remote commander 8 in response to this selection, the control unit 70 reads the capability information D5 (FIG. 8) from the flash memory. ) To display a route selection menu classified by signal format as shown in FIG.
[0096]
When the IrDA receiving unit 77 receives the operation signal S3 obtained by pressing the “1” key via the remote commander 8 in response to this selection, the control unit 70 displays a signal type route selection menu (FIG. 14). After the input setting is performed, the signal format switching processing procedure is executed on the encoded video / audio data D1 input to the television apparatus 1. In this case, the control unit 70 determines which signal format is the video encoded data of the video / audio encoded data received by the IEEE1394 in the future. When the determined signal format is “MPEG”, the control unit 70 switches the input to the DSS-IRD 2 selected from the signal format-specific path selection menu (FIG. 14A).
[0097]
In addition, when the control unit 70 determines that the signal format of the video encoded data or audio encoded data received by IEEE 1394 in the future is “DV”, the control unit 70 selects from the signal type path selection menu (FIG. 14B). The input is switched to the AV amplifier 5.
[0098]
As described above, when the user performs a key operation via the remote commander 8, the control unit 70 displays a signal type route selection menu (FIG. 14) based on the capability information D5 to prompt selection. On the other hand, when the user performs an input operation via the remote commander 8, the control unit 70 generates a control signal D4 corresponding to the key operation of the remote commander 8, and outputs this to control each external device. As a result, the control unit 70 operates as a determination unit. When the video / audio encoded data input to the television apparatus 1 is a signal format input and set in the signal format-specific path selection menu, the signal format-specific path Switch the input to the external device set as input in the selection menu.
[0099]
As a result, the user can determine the path even for an external device that does not know what signal format of the encoded video / audio data D1 is to be output. Further, even when a large number of external devices are connected to the television apparatus 1 via the IEEE 1394 interface, the user can make settings more easily than setting for each device. Furthermore, the user can select a path that can be decoded by the decoder having the best performance from the external devices connected to the television apparatus 1 via the IEEE 1394 interface and output to the television apparatus 1. it can.
[0100]
Incidentally, when the external device designated by the signal type route selection (FIG. 14) cannot be used for some reason, the control unit 70 notifies the user by displaying a message to that effect on the display unit 78. Prompt.
[0101]
(4) Signal format switching procedure
Next, the signal format switching processing procedure executed by the control unit 70 in the television apparatus 1 when an input setting is made in the signal format-specific route selection menu will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0102]
The control unit 70 of the television apparatus enters from the start step of the routine RT1 and proceeds to step SP1. In step SP1, the control unit 70 identifies which signal format is the video / audio encoded data output from the source device selected by the television apparatus 1, and selects the identified signal format and the path selection by signal format. It is determined whether or not the signal format input and set in the menu matches. If a negative result is obtained here, this indicates that the signal formats do not match. At this time, the control unit 70 proceeds to the next step SP4 and ends the signal format switching processing procedure.
[0103]
On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step SP1, this indicates that the signal formats match. At this time, the control unit 70 proceeds to the next step SP2.
[0104]
In step SP2, the control unit 70 detects whether or not the external device input and set in the signal format path selection menu can decode the video / audio encoded data. If an affirmative result is obtained here, this means that the external device can decode the encoded video / audio encoded data. At this time, the control unit 70 proceeds to the next step SP3.
[0105]
In step SP3, the control unit 70 switches the input to the external device input and set in the signal type path selection menu, thereby causing the external device to decode the video / audio encoded data, and analogly input and display the result. . Then, the process proceeds to the next step SP4, and the signal format switching processing procedure is terminated.
[0106]
On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP2, this indicates that the external device cannot be used for some reason. At this time, the control unit 70 proceeds to the next step SP5.
[0107]
In step SP5, the control unit 70 displays a message notifying that the external device cannot be used for some reason on the display unit 78, thereby prompting the user to notify, and moves to the next step SP4 to switch the signal format. The processing procedure ends.
[0108]
(5) Operation and effect
In the above configuration, when the user turns on the power of the television apparatus 1, the control unit 70 displays the source device selection menu (FIG. 9) on the display unit 78, thereby inputting to the user. Encourage you to. On the other hand, when the input setting desired by the user is made, the control unit 70 generates a control signal D4 based on the capability information D5, and outputs the control signal D4 to control each external device. Select a specific external device from the connected external devices.
[0109]
In addition, when the digital data and the analog signal can be output between the television apparatus 1 and the external device, the control unit 70 displays an analog / digital selection menu (FIG. 10) informing the fact and prompts the input. On the other hand, when the user makes desired input settings, the control unit 70 generates a control signal D4 based on the capability information D5, and outputs the control signal D4 to control each external device. Switch to the specified output path.
[0110]
The control unit 70 controls the operation of each external device by displaying a control panel corresponding to the remote commander corresponding to each external device connected via a digital cable on the display unit 78. Therefore, the user can control each external device only by possessing the remote commander 8 of the television apparatus 1.
[0111]
Furthermore, the user can set an input path for each external device or signal format as necessary. In this case, when the user presses the route selection menu key via the remote commander 8, the control unit 70 displays the route selection menu (FIGS. 12 and 13) based on the capability information D5 and prompts input. On the other hand, when the user performs an input operation via the remote commander 8, the control unit 70 generates a control signal D4 corresponding to the key operation of the remote commander 8, and outputs this to control each external device. As a result, the path of video information (video encoded data or video signal) that can be synchronized and audio information (audio encoded data or audio signal) can be selected for each external device.
[0112]
When the user presses the signal type selection menu key via the remote commander 8, the control unit 70 displays a signal type route selection menu (FIG. 14) based on the capability information D5 and prompts input. In response to this, the user performs an input operation via the remote commander 8. After the input setting of the signal format-specific route selection menu is performed, the signal format switching processing procedure is executed for the video / audio encoded data D1 input to the television apparatus 1.
[0113]
In this case, the control unit 70 identifies which signal format is the video encoded data of the video / audio encoded data received by IEEE 1394 in the future, and the signal format input and set in the path selection menu for each signal format, To determine if they match. If the control unit 70 determines that the signal formats match, the control unit 70 switches the output route to the external device selected from the signal format-specific route selection menu.
[0114]
According to the above configuration, by installing the television device 1 as a device selection device, the control unit 70 can connect the television device 1 from each external device connected via the IEEE1394 based on the created capability information D5. In addition, it is possible to display all the routes on which the video information and the audio information can be output in synchronization with each other on the display unit 78 and prompt the user to make an input setting.
[0115]
As a result, the control unit 70 selects an external device as a source device from each external device connected via the IEEE1394 interface, and selects another external device separately from the external device as the source device. Can be controlled.
[0116]
Further, the control unit 70 can prompt the user to select a route to be output for each external device or signal format as necessary based on the capability information D5. As a result, the control unit 70 selects a path that can be decoded by the most efficient decoder from the external devices connected to the television apparatus 1 via the IEEE 1394 interface and output to the television apparatus 1. can do. Thus, the user can view the video with better image quality and can listen to the audio with better sound quality.
[0117]
(6) Other embodiments
In the above-described embodiment, the case where each external device name is displayed as an option of the signal type route selection menu in the signal type route selection has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this and is shown in FIG. Such an analog input line number may be displayed. Thereby, the television apparatus 1 can cope with the case where the signal formats that the television apparatus 1 cannot know increase.
[0118]
In this case, for example, when it is desired to decode the encoded video data D2 encoded in the MPEG signal format using a decoder of an external device, the user selects the route selection menu key for each signal format provided in the remote commander 8. When the IrDA receiving unit 77 receives the operation signal S3 obtained by pressing, the control unit 70 selects a route by signal format as shown in FIG. 16A based on the analog input line registered in advance in the flash memory. The menu is displayed on the display unit 78. When the IrDA receiving unit 77 receives the operation signal S3 obtained by pressing the “3” key via the remote commander 8 in response to this selection, the control unit 70, as shown in FIG. A signal type selection menu is displayed on the display unit 78. When the IrDA receiving unit 77 receives an operation signal S3 obtained by pressing the “3” key, for example, via the remote commander 8 in response to this selection, the control unit 70 responds to the key operation of the remote commander 8. Control signal D4 is generated and output to control each external device. As a result, the control unit 70 controls the input line in which the audio / video encoded data input to the television apparatus 1 is set to be input in the signal format-specific path selection menu.
[0119]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, it has been described that each external device is connected to the television device as the device selection device via the IEEE 1394. However, the present invention is not limited to this, for example, a desktop personal computer, etc. Any device having a control unit, display means, and IEEE1394 interface that can control each external device connected via IEEE1394 based on the capability information.
[0120]
Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the control unit 70 executes various processes based on the capability information D5 as the identification unit and the management unit has been described. The identification means and the management means may be input and set via
[0121]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, according to the present invention,Among the devices to be connected, the processing time required for the conversion from digital to analog in the video output device and the processing time required for the conversion from digital to analog in the audio output device are detected. When one of the video output device or the audio output device to be selected is selected and the other audio output device or the video output device is selected, synchronous output with the selected one device is possible based on the detection result. Present the device as a selection candidate. This allows the user to select the video output device and the audio output device in a state in which they can be separately output in synchronization.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a video / audio selection system according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a digital video tape recorder.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of DSS-IRD.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a DVD player.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a digital video camera recorder.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an AV amplifier.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a television device.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a memory map of a flash memory.
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a display example of a source device selection menu screen.
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a display example of an analog / digital selection menu screen.
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a display example of a control device selection menu screen.
FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a display example of a route selection menu screen.
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a route selection menu screen display example in another example.
FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a signal type route selection menu screen display example.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a signal switching processing procedure;
FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating a display example of a signal type route selection menu screen in another example.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Digital television apparatus, 2 ... DSS-IRD, 3 ... DVD player, 4 ... Digital video camera recorder, 5 ... AV amplifier, 6 ... Digital video tape recorder, 8 ... Remote commander, 22 , 31, 46, 51, 60, 73... IEEE1394 interface, 26, 35, 47, 56, 71... Analog interface, 20, 30, 40, 50, 70... Control unit, 76. ...... Display section.

Claims (4)

Processing time detection that detects the processing time required for conversion from digital to analog in the video output device and the processing time required for conversion from digital to analog in the audio output device among multiple devices to be connected Means,
A selection means for individually selecting a video output device and an audio output device to be selected from the plurality of devices;
I have a,
The selection means is:
When one of the video output device or the audio output device to be targeted is selected and the other audio output device or video output device is selected, the selected one device is based on the detection result of the processing time detection means. A device selection device that presents a device that can be synchronized with the device as a selection candidate . Decoder detection means for detecting a device having a decoder and a signal format supported by the decoder among the plurality of devices.
Further comprising
The selection means is:
The device selection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when selecting a decoder, the decoder and the device having the decoder are presented for each signal format based on the detection result of the decoder detection means . Processing time detection that detects the processing time required for conversion from digital to analog in the video output device and the processing time required for conversion from digital to analog in the audio output device among multiple devices to be connected Steps,
A selection step of individually selecting a video output device and an audio output device to be targeted from the plurality of devices;
I have a,
In the selection step above,
When one of the video output device or the audio output device to be targeted is selected and the other audio output device or video output device is selected, the selected one device is based on the detection result of the processing time detection means. A device selection method that presents devices that can be output synchronously as selection candidates . Decoder detection step of detecting a device having a decoder and a signal format supported by the decoder among the plurality of devices.
Further comprising
In the selection step above,
4. The device selection method according to claim 3, wherein when selecting a decoder, the decoder and the device having the decoder are presented for each signal format based on the detection result of the decoder detection means .

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