JP5127068B2 - Screen display control system, screen display control method, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a screen display control system that controls transition of screen display until the next content display when the time until the next content display is long.

  With the development of the Internet society, the amount of information exchanged on the Internet is very large. The proportion of moving image traffic in Internet traffic has increased year by year, and the amount of information transmitted and received in one communication has increased.

  Under such circumstances, IPTV services for viewing programs and moving image works through IP have become widespread. In the IPTV service, it is necessary to receive a moving image via IP, perform processing such as decoding, and display it. With the current communication technology, the time from selection to display of a moving image is relatively long. An invention is known in which intermediate content is inserted between the currently displayed content and the target content during this screen transition (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The present invention is a technique for displaying, as intermediate content, information limited to a currently viewed Web page or channel when screen display transitions until the next content display.

JP 2005-004479 A

  When IPTV, terrestrial digital broadcasting, VOD viewing, content acquisition on the Web, information transmission, etc., screen transition does not occur for a long time, and it is often the case that one screen remains stopped. In this case, the user feels stress both potentially and clearly. This is partly due to the fact that the screen does not change immediately.

  An example of displaying an hourglass or the like on the screen is known as the screen display. In the case of displaying an hourglass, since the hourglass is first displayed, the screen is hardly changed, and new information is not presented. Further, conventionally, information is generally displayed as soon as possible. If the time until the next information is displayed is long, screen transition does not occur for a long time.

  Conventionally, it is important to display what kind of content is displayed before the target content is displayed, and there is a problem that processing for displaying intermediate content is necessary and the load is large.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a screen display control system that does not cause the user to feel stress when the time to be displayed next is relatively long before displaying the content to be displayed, and that reduces the load on the image display system. Objective.

When receiving the content selection signal, the screen display control system of the present invention has a time measuring means for starting time measurement, a display availability determining means for determining whether or not the content and intermediate information can be displayed, and the above time. At the same time as the start of measurement, if the screen display is changed and the content can be displayed, the content is displayed. On the other hand, the content is not displayed and the intermediate time when the measured time has passed the predetermined time. If information can be displayed, it has an intermediate information display means for displaying intermediate information.

  According to the present invention, if the time is relatively long before the content to be displayed next is displayed, there is an effect that the user is not stressed and the load on the image display system is small.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a screen display control system 100 that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. In Example 1, it is a figure which shows the example which displays the intermediate information actually. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the screen display control system 100. It is a block diagram which shows the screen display control system 200 which is Example 2 of this invention. In Example 2, it is a figure which shows the example of the acquired program information. It is a graph used for prediction waiting time calculation, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the relationship between a bit rate and prediction waiting time. It is a figure which shows the example which displayed program information actually. The same applies to the following embodiments. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the screen display control system 200. It is a block diagram which shows the screen display control system 300 which is Example 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the graph used for display time determination of intermediate information. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the screen display control system 300. It is a figure which shows the screen display control system 400 which is Example 4 of this invention. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the screen display control system 400.

  The mode for carrying out the invention is the following embodiment.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a screen display control system 100 that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  In the first embodiment, when content reception is started, time measurement is started and a black screen is displayed. When the content can be displayed, the content is displayed. In this embodiment, intermediate information other than the black screen is displayed if the content cannot be displayed even after 3 seconds from the time measurement, and the content is displayed when the content can be displayed.

  The screen display control system 100 is an IPTV that is embedded in an STB (Set Top Box) and displays information such as contents transmitted via IP on a display.

  The screen display control system 100 includes an input control unit 11, an output control unit 21, a transmission / reception unit 31, and an information storage unit 41.

  An input unit 61, an output unit 71, and a network NW1 are connected to the screen display control system 100, and a server SV1 is connected to the screen display control system 100 via the network NW1.

  The server SV1 holds intermediate information and content. The content is a video work stored in the server SV1. The same applies to the following embodiments.

  The input means 61 is an STB remote control in the first embodiment, and a content selection signal from the remote control is transmitted to the input control means 11 incorporated in the STB.

  When receiving the content selection signal from the input unit 61, the input control unit 11 transmits the content selection signal to the output control unit 21 and the transmission / reception unit 31.

  When receiving the content selection signal from the input control means 11, the transmission / reception means 31 inquires and receives the content corresponding to the server SV1 via the network NW1. Further, the intermediate information is periodically inquired and received from the server SV1 via the network NW1. The information storage means 41 stores the received information.

The “intermediate information” is image information or video information displayed on the output means 71 during a standby time until the next content is displayed.
The intermediate information is, for example, today's fortune-telling, word, recommended content, and the like.

  The information storage unit 41 processes and stores the content and intermediate information received from the transmission / reception unit 31 into a displayable format. When the information can be displayed, a displayable signal is transmitted to the output control means 21.

  Upon receiving the content selection signal command from the input control unit 11, the output control unit 21 displays a black screen on the output unit 71 and starts measuring the elapsed time since the content selection signal was received from the input control unit 11. To do.

  When the elapsed time exceeds 3 seconds, the output control unit 21 tries to display new intermediate information. If the output control unit 21 receives a new intermediate information display enable signal from the information storage unit 41, the output control unit 21 stores it in the information storage unit 41. The new intermediate information is displayed on the output means 71. At this time, when the display of content is given top priority and the content display enable signal is received from the information storage unit 41, the output control unit 21 causes the output unit 71 to display the content.

  The output means 71 is a TV display, and this TV display displays a black screen, intermediate information, and content in accordance with reception from the output control means 21.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example in which intermediate information is actually displayed in the first embodiment.

  Next, the operation of the screen display control system 100 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the screen display control system 100.

  In S <b> 1, the user selects and inputs content via a remote controller that is an example of the input unit 61. In S <b> 2, when receiving the content selection signal from the input control unit 11, the output control unit 21 displays a black screen on the TV display as the output unit 71.

  In S <b> 3, the output control unit 21 that has received the content selection signal from the input control unit 11 measures the elapsed time after receiving the content selection signal from the input control unit 11, and stores it in the storage device.

  In S4, the transmission / reception means 31 that has received the content selection signal from the input control means 11 inquires of the server SV1 via the network NW1, starts receiving the content according to the content selection signal, and stores the received information as information storage Transmit to means 41.

  In S5, the information storage unit 41 processes the received information into a displayable format, and stores the processed information in the information storage unit 41. In S6, based on whether or not a content displayable signal is received from the information storage unit 41, the output control unit 21 checks whether the content stored in the information storage unit 41 can be displayed. If display is possible (YES), the process proceeds to S11, and if not possible (NO), the process proceeds to S7.

  In S7, it is determined whether the elapsed time measured by the output control means 21 has passed, for example, 3 seconds. If the elapsed time exceeds 3 seconds (YES), the process proceeds to S8. If, for example, within 3 seconds (NO), the process returns to S6. In S8, based on whether or not the output control means 21 has received the intermediate information displayable signal from the information storage means 41, it is checked whether or not new intermediate information can be displayed. If it is possible (YES), the process proceeds to S9. If it is not possible (NO), the process returns to S6.

  If it is determined in S8 that the intermediate information can be displayed, the elapsed time measurement by the output control means 21 is reset in S9. In step S <b> 10, the output control unit 21 displays new intermediate information stored in the information storage unit 41 on the display as the output unit 71.

  In S11, if it is determined in S6 that the content can be displayed, the elapsed time measurement by the output control means 21 is terminated. In S12, the output control means 21 causes the output means 71 to display the contents according to the content selection signal and the contents of the information storage means 41.

  Next, consider the case of acquiring content that requires, for example, 8 seconds before being displayed.

  When a content selection signal is input at S1, a black screen is displayed on the display at S2, the elapsed time is measured at S3, an inquiry to the server is started at S4, and the received information is processed at S5. And accumulate. In S6, it is checked whether or not a content display enable signal has been received. If the content cannot be displayed, it is determined in S7 whether 3 seconds have elapsed since the start of measurement. If three seconds have not elapsed, the process returns to S6 to check whether the content can be displayed. That is, it waits for either 3 seconds or a content display enable signal is received. The content takes 8 seconds to display, and since the content display signal is not received in 3 seconds, the process proceeds to S8.

  In S8, it is checked whether or not intermediate information can be displayed based on the presence or absence of an intermediate information displayable signal. If the intermediate information cannot be displayed, the process returns to S6 to check whether the content can be displayed. That is, it waits to receive either a content display enable signal or an intermediate information display enable signal.

  When the intermediate information display enable signal is received first, the elapsed time measurement is reset in S9, and the measurement starts from 0. In S10, the intermediate information is presented on the display as the output means 71, and the process returns to S6. .

  Here, if the content cannot be displayed further, it is checked in S7 whether or not the reset elapsed time has passed for 3 seconds. If 3 seconds elapse before receiving the content display enable signal, it is checked in S8 whether new intermediate information can be displayed. If display is possible, the elapsed time measurement is reset in S9, new intermediate information is presented in S10, and the process returns to S6.

  If it is not possible to display the content in S6, it is checked in S7 whether the reset elapsed time has elapsed for 3 seconds. Since the time required for display is 8 seconds, a content display enable signal is received before 3 seconds elapse, and the process proceeds to S11. In S11, the measurement of the elapsed time is finished, and in S12, the content is displayed on the display as the output means 71.

  Embodiment 1 is an embodiment in an IPTV that has a screen display control system in an STB and displays information such as contents received via IP. On the other hand, Embodiment 1 may be applied to the case where content is displayed using a network, such as streaming using STB or PC, viewing of a moving image by downloading, connection to a network game, or the like. The first embodiment may be applied to broadcast broadcasting such as terrestrial digital broadcasting. Thus, the network NW1 and the server SV1 need not be limited to the above form. The same applies to the following other embodiments.

  In the first embodiment, the input control unit 11, the output control unit 21, the transmission / reception unit 31, and the information storage unit 41 are incorporated in the STB of the IPTV, but may be provided as software on a PC or a network. It may be configured in a TV main body or the like. The same applies to the following other embodiments.

  The input means 61 is an STB remote control. However, the STB or the TV itself may be used as the input means 61, and an input device such as a mouse or a keyboard connected to the PC is used as the input means 61. You may make it use as. The same applies to the following other embodiments.

  In the first embodiment, the input unit 61 inputs the content selection signal to select the next content, but instead of doing this, a desired content is displayed from the content displayed in the list such as a program table or a content table. The content may be selected as the next content. Further, when the moving image content is input and the connection start button is pressed, the input information may be handled. Further, it may be handled as selecting content by inputting a channel number. The same applies to the following other embodiments.

  The output unit 71 is a TV display, but an image display device such as a PC screen or a display may be used as the output unit 71. The same applies to the following other embodiments.

  In the first embodiment, the black screen / intermediate information is displayed on the TV display of the output unit 71, but an image, a moving image, characters, or the like may be displayed on the TV display of the output unit 71. Further, for example, information obtained from the network such as “today's fortune telling” or “today's word”, information about images, moving images, and contents may be displayed on the TV display of the output means 71 as intermediate information. Good. Information obtained from software installed in the TV may be displayed on the TV display of the output means 71 as intermediate information. The same applies to the following other embodiments.

  In the first embodiment, it takes time to display the content to be displayed next. However, when it takes time to move to the next screen after the completion of the download or the connection completion, the first embodiment is changed. You may make it apply. The same applies to the following other embodiments.

  The output control means 21 determines whether or not the elapsed time has elapsed for 3 seconds, but may set a time other than 3 seconds instead of 3 seconds.

  The information storage unit 41 transmits a displayable signal to the output control unit 21 when the intermediate information and content can be displayed. For example, the output control unit 21 confirms the storage status of the information storage unit 41. The output control means 21 may recognize that the intermediate information and the content can be displayed. The same applies to the following other embodiments.

  The output control unit 21 is an example of a time measurement unit that starts time measurement when a content selection signal is received.

  The output control unit 21 is an example of a content display availability determination unit that determines whether or not content and intermediate information can be displayed.

  The output control means 21 changes the screen display simultaneously with the start of the time measurement, displays the content when the content can be displayed, and even if a predetermined time elapses as a result of the time measurement, the content is displayed. This is an example of an intermediate information display means for displaying intermediate information if cannot be displayed.

  When changing the above-mentioned screen display, a black screen, a monochrome screen other than black, or displaying intermediate information can be considered.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a screen display control system 200 that is Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

  In the second embodiment, when channel number information is input, time measurement is started and a black screen is displayed. Then, a standby time that is a time until the program starts to be displayed is predicted. If the predicted standby time is within 4 seconds and the program can be displayed, the program is displayed. If the program cannot be displayed, When the program information is displayed and the program can be displayed, the program is displayed. on the other hand. In the embodiment, if the estimated waiting time is longer than 4 seconds, 50% of the time is waited, program information is displayed when 50% has elapsed, and content is displayed when the program can be displayed. is there.

  In the screen display control system 200, information such as contents incorporated in the STB and sent via the IP is displayed on the display, and the prediction means 52 indicates the time (standby time) until the program can be displayed. This is an example of prediction.

  The screen display control system 200 includes input control means 12, output control means 22, transmission / reception means 32, information storage means 42, and prediction means 52.

  An input unit 62, an output unit 72, and a network NW1 are connected to the screen display control system 200, and a server SV1 is connected to the screen display control system 200 via the network NW1.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of acquired program information in the second embodiment.

  The program information includes channel numbers, channel names, program names, program details, and the like. The program is a video and audio being broadcast. The same applies to the following embodiments.

  The input means 62 is an STB remote controller, from which the channel number is transmitted to the input control means 12 incorporated in the STB.

  When the input control unit 12 receives the channel number information from the input unit 62, the channel number information is transmitted to the output control unit 22, the transmission / reception unit 32, and the prediction unit 52.

  When the transmission / reception means 32 receives the channel number from the input control means 12, the transmission / reception means 32 inquires of the server SV1 about the program information and the program (contents) corresponding to the received channel number via the network NW1, and receives from the server SV1. The received information is transmitted to the information storage means 42. Further, the transmission / reception unit 32 measures the bit rate information of the network NW1 at regular intervals, and transmits the obtained bit rate information to the prediction unit 52.

  The information storage means 42 processes and stores the program information and programs received from the transmission / reception means 32 in a displayable format. When these pieces of information can be displayed, a displayable signal is transmitted to the output control means 22.

  FIG. 6 is a graph used for calculating the predicted standby time, and is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the bit rate and the predicted standby time.

  When the prediction unit 52 receives the channel number information from the input control unit 12, the bit rate information received from the transmission / reception unit 32 is compared with the graph shown in FIG. 6 until the program can be displayed (standby time). Is transmitted to the output control means 22.

  When receiving the channel number information from the input control means 12, the output control means 22 causes the output means 72 to display a black screen and starts measuring the elapsed time since receiving the channel number. The output control means 22 has the following rule, and determines the content of display on the output means 72 based on this rule and the presence / absence of a displayable signal received from the information storage means 42. The above rule attempts to display program information if the predicted standby time is within 4 seconds, for example, but if the predicted standby time is 4 seconds or longer, the elapsed time exceeds 50% of the predicted standby time. Up to this rule, no attempt is made to display program information (information on the next content).

  The TV display as the output means 72 displays a black screen, program information, and a program in accordance with the signal received from the output control means 22.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example in which program information is actually displayed. The same applies to the following embodiments.

  Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the screen display control system 200.

  In S 21, a channel number is input via the remote controller of the input unit 62, and information on the input channel number is transmitted to the input control unit 12. In S 22, channel number information is transmitted from the input control means 12 to the output control means 22, and the output control means 22 displays a black screen on the TV display as the output means 72.

  In S23, the output control unit 22 starts measuring the elapsed time after receiving the channel number information from the input control unit 12. In S24, the channel number information is transmitted from the input control means 12 to the transmission / reception means 32. The transmission / reception means 32 inquires of the server SV1 via the network NW1 and starts receiving information (contents) corresponding to the channel number. Information (content) is transmitted to the information storage means 42.

  In S25, the information storage means 42 processes and stores the received information in a displayable format. In S26, when the prediction unit 52 receives the channel number from the input control unit 12, the bit rate information acquired by the transmission / reception unit 32 is compared with the time shown in FIG. 6 until the program can be displayed. A certain waiting time is predicted and transmitted to the output control means 22. That is, the time (standby time) until the program starts to be displayed is predicted.

  In S27, the output control means 22 determines whether or not the standby time of the program received from the prediction means 52 is within 4 seconds. If it is within 4 seconds (YES), the process proceeds to S29, and if it is 4 seconds or more (NO), the process proceeds to S28. In S28, if it is determined in S27 that the estimated standby time is 4 seconds or longer, the output control means 22 determines whether or not the elapsed time after receiving the channel number information has reached 50% of the estimated standby time. Confirm. If it has elapsed (YES), the process proceeds to S29, and if it has not elapsed (NO), the process returns to S28.

  In S29, the output control means 22 checks whether or not the program information can be displayed based on whether or not the program information displayable signal received from the information storage means 42 has been received. If the program information can be displayed, that is, if there is a displayable signal (YES), the process proceeds to S30, and if there is no displayable signal (NO), the process returns to S29. In S <b> 30, the output control unit 22 displays the program information stored in the information storage unit 42 on the display as the output unit 72.

  In S31, the output control unit 22 checks whether the program in the information storage unit 42 can be displayed according to whether or not the program displayable signal is received from the information storage unit 42. If display is possible, that is, if there is a program display enable signal (YES), the process proceeds to S32. If display is impossible, that is, if there is no program display enable signal (NO), the process returns to S31. In S32, the output control means 22 ends the elapsed time measurement. In S33, the output control means 22 transmits the program stored in the information storage means 42 to the output means 72 for display.

  For example, if the information reception bit rate is 15 Mbps, when channel number 1 is input in S21, a black screen is displayed on the display in S22, the elapsed time is measured in S23, and the server is accessed in S24. In S24, information processing and storage are executed.

  In S26, it is assumed that the time until the content is displayed is predicted to be 8 seconds using FIG. In S27, it is determined whether the estimated waiting time is within 4 seconds. Since the predicted waiting time is 8 seconds and not within 4 seconds, the process proceeds to S28.

  In S28, it is checked whether or not the elapsed time has reached 50% of the estimated standby time. If 4 seconds which is 50% of the estimated waiting time of 8 seconds has not been reached, the process returns to S28 and waits until 4 seconds are reached. When it reaches 4 seconds, whether or not the program information can be displayed is asked in S29. Here, if program information display is impossible, it will return to S29 and will wait until program information display becomes possible. If the program information can be displayed, the program information is displayed in S30, and it is checked in S31 whether the program can be displayed. If the program cannot be displayed, the process returns to S31 and waits until the program can be displayed. If the program can be displayed, the time measurement is terminated in S32, and the program is displayed on the display in S33.

  The rule of the output control means 22 is that if the estimated standby time is within 4 seconds, for example, an attempt is immediately made to display program information (information on the next content etc.), while the estimated standby time is 4 seconds or more. If so, the rule is that an attempt to display program information is not immediately executed until 50% of the estimated waiting time has passed. The program (next content) may be displayed with the highest priority. Moreover, although the rule of whether the estimated standby time is shorter than 4 seconds is used, the time of 4 seconds may be set arbitrarily, and may not be a fixed value. Further, based on the past average display time or the like, the calculated number of seconds may be dynamically set and used instead of the above four seconds.

  Moreover, although the rule of whether the elapsed time has passed 50% of the estimated standby time is used, the value of the percentage is arbitrary. Further, it may be determined whether or not the elapsed time has passed a certain value. A rule based on which the remaining time until reaching the value of the predicted standby time becomes shorter than a certain value may be used. The output control means 31 switches the screen display only once before displaying the content, but the number of times of switching may be set to any number. The same applies to the following other embodiments.

  In addition, although channel numbers, channel names, program names, and program details are assumed as program information, moving images and recommended programs related to programs may be used as program information. The same applies to the following other embodiments.

  The transmission / reception means 32 acquires the bit rate information of the network NW1 at regular intervals. However, the bit rate may be constantly measured, and the bit rate is set every time an event such as channel reselection occurs. You may make it measure.

  The latest bit rate received by the predicting means 52 is predicted in light of the graph of FIG. 6, and the time when the content can be displayed is predicted. However, a graph other than that shown in FIG. 6 may be used. Further, when predicting the time when the content can be displayed, the time when the content can be displayed may be predicted using the average value of the past bit rates held by the prediction unit 52.

  The output control unit 22 is an example of a time measurement unit that starts time measurement when a content selection signal is received.

  The output control unit 22 is an example of a display availability determination unit that determines whether or not content and intermediate information can be displayed.

  The prediction unit 52 is an example of a standby time prediction unit that predicts a standby time from the reception of the content selection signal to the start of display of the content.

  The output control means 22 changes the screen display simultaneously with the start of the time measurement, displays the content when the content can be displayed, and displays the intermediate information if the predicted waiting time is within a predetermined time. In addition, if the predicted waiting time is longer than the predetermined time and the set time has not elapsed, the screen display is changed, the predicted waiting time is longer than the predetermined time, and the set This is an example of intermediate information display means for displaying intermediate information if time has elapsed.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a screen display control system 300 that is Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

  The screen display control system 300 is an embodiment in an IPTV that incorporates a screen display control system in an STB and displays information such as contents received via IP on a display.

  In the third embodiment, when reception of the content selection signal is started, time measurement is started and a black screen is displayed. When the content can be displayed, the content is displayed. If the content cannot be displayed after the specified time has elapsed from the time measurement, intermediate information other than the black screen is displayed. If the content can be displayed, the content is displayed.

  The screen display control system 300 includes input control means 13, output control means 23, transmission / reception means 33, and information storage means 43.

  An input unit 63, an output unit 73, and a network NW1 are connected to the screen display control system 300, and a server SV1 is connected to the screen display control system 300 via the network NW1.

  The input means 63 is an STB remote control, and a content selection signal is transmitted from the input means 63 to the input control means 13 incorporated in the STB.

  When receiving the content selection signal from the input unit 63, the input control unit 13 transmits the content selection signal to the output control unit 23 and the transmission / reception unit 33.

  When receiving the content selection signal from the input control means 13, the transmission / reception means 33 inquires the server SV1 via the network NW1 and receives the corresponding intermediate information and content. The received information is transmitted to the information storage means 43. In addition, the server SV1 is periodically inquired via the network NW1 to receive intermediate information. The received information is transmitted to the information storage means 43. The “intermediate information” is information displayed during a standby time until the next content is displayed on the output unit 73.

  The information storage unit 43 processes and stores the intermediate information and content received from the transmission / reception unit 33 in a displayable format. When these pieces of information can be displayed, a displayable signal is transmitted to the output control means 23.

  When receiving the content selection signal from the input control means 13, the output control means 23 causes the output means 73 to display a black screen and starts measuring the elapsed time since the content selection signal was received. The output control means 23 determines the display time of the intermediate information.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a graph used for determining the display time of intermediate information.

  The number of characters of the displayed intermediate information is extracted from the information storage unit 43, and the display time of the intermediate information is determined by referring to the extracted number of characters in the graph shown in FIG. Based on the determined display time (standby time), elapsed time, and presence / absence of a display enable signal received from the information storage means 43, it is determined whether display on the output means 73 is possible.

  The TV display as the output unit 73 displays a black screen, intermediate information, and content in accordance with the signal received from the output control unit 23.

  Next, the operation of the screen display control system 300 of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the screen display control system 300.

  In S <b> 41, the user inputs a content selection signal via a remote controller that is an example of the input unit 63, and the content selection signal is transmitted to the input control unit 13. When the output control means 23 receives the content selection signal from the input control means 13 in S 42, the input control means 13 displays a black screen on the TV display as the output means 73 via the output control means 23.

  In S <b> 43, the output control unit 23 that has received the content selection signal from the input control unit 13 starts measuring the elapsed time after receiving the content selection signal from the input control unit 13.

  In S44, the transmission / reception means 33 that has received the content selection signal from the input control means 13 inquires of the server SV1 via the network NW1, starts receiving the content according to the content selection signal, and receives the received information as information storage means. 43.

  In S45, the information storage unit 43 processes the received information into a displayable format and stores it. In S46, based on whether or not a content displayable signal is received from the information storage unit 43, it is checked whether or not the content stored in the information storage unit 43 can be displayed. If display is possible (YES), the process proceeds to S51, and if impossible (NO), the process proceeds to S47.

  In S47, the output control means 23 inquires and confirms the number of characters of the displayed intermediate information from the information storage means 43, and determines the display time of the intermediate information from the graph shown in FIG. 10 according to the confirmed number of characters. . And it is judged whether the elapsed time after receiving the content selection signal from the input control means 13 has passed the determined display time. If the elapsed time exceeds the determined display time (YES), the process proceeds to S48, and if not (NO), the process returns to S46.

  In S48, the output control means 23 checks whether or not new intermediate information can be displayed, depending on whether or not an intermediate information displayable signal has been received from the information storage means 43. If new intermediate information can be displayed (YES), the process proceeds to S49. If new intermediate information cannot be displayed (NO), the process returns to S46.

  When it is determined in S48 that the intermediate information can be displayed, in S49, the output control unit 23 resets the operation for measuring the elapsed time. In S <b> 50, the output control unit 23 displays the new intermediate information stored in the information storage unit 43 on the display as the output unit 73.

  In S51, when it is determined in S46 that the content can be displayed, the measurement of the elapsed time by the output control means 23 is terminated. In S <b> 52, the output control unit 23 displays the content of the information storage unit 43 according to the content selection signal on the output unit 73.

  For example, when a content selection signal is input in S41, a black screen is displayed on the display in S42, an elapsed time is measured in S43, an inquiry to the server is started in S44, and an inquiry is received in S45. Process and store information.

  In S46, it is checked whether or not a content displayable signal has been received. If the content cannot be displayed, in S47, the display time is determined from the number of characters on the displayed screen, that is, the black screen. Since the number of characters in the black screen is 0, judging from the graph shown in FIG. 10, the presentation time is 0 seconds, and it is assumed that 0 seconds have elapsed, and the process proceeds to S48.

  In S48, it is checked whether or not new intermediate information can be displayed according to the presence or absence of the intermediate information displayable signal. If new intermediate information cannot be displayed, the process returns to S46 to check whether the content can be displayed. That is, it waits until it receives a content display enable signal or an intermediate information display enable signal.

  When the intermediate information display enable signal is received first, the elapsed time measurement is reset in S49, the measurement starts from 0, new intermediate information is presented on the display in S50, and the process returns to S46.

  In S46, the content display enable signal is checked again. If the content cannot be displayed, the display time is determined in S47 based on the number of characters in the displayed intermediate information screen.

  From the graph shown in FIG. 10, if the number of characters is 40, the display time is determined to be 6 seconds. Therefore, if the elapsed time exceeds 6 seconds, the process proceeds to S48, and if 6 seconds have not elapsed, Returning to S46, it is checked whether the content can be displayed. That is, it waits for either the elapse of 6 seconds or the reception of a content display enable signal.

  When a content displayable signal is received, the elapsed time measurement is terminated in S51, and the content is displayed on the display in S52.

  Based on the graph shown in FIG. 10, the output control means 23 determines the display time from the number of characters to be displayed, but the algorithm for determining the display time from the number of characters may be another algorithm, and is limited to the shape of the graph. There is no need.

  Further, the attribute of the intermediate information used for determining the display time is not limited to the number of characters but may be other attributes such as the size of information and the number of images.

  The output control unit 23 is an example of a time measurement unit that starts time measurement when a content selection signal is received.

  The output control unit 23 is an example of a display availability determination unit that determines whether or not content and intermediate information can be displayed.

  The output control means 23 changes the screen display at the same time as the start of time measurement, displays the content if the content can be displayed, and even if the specified time elapses from the time measurement, the content is displayed. This is an example of an intermediate information display means for displaying intermediate information if cannot be displayed.

  The output control unit 23 is an example of a display time determining unit that determines a display time according to the amount of information displayed and the quality of the information.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a screen display control system 400 that is Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

  In the fourth embodiment, when a channel number is input, time measurement is started and a black screen is displayed. Then, the estimated waiting time, which is the time until the program starts to be displayed, is predicted using the past required time. When this estimated waiting time is within 4 seconds and the program can be displayed, the program is displayed. If the program cannot be displayed, the program information is displayed. If the program can be displayed, the program is displayed. On the other hand, if the predicted standby time is longer than 4 seconds, the program waits for 50% of the time, displays program information when 50% has elapsed, and displays the content when the program can be displayed. Then, a required time, which is a time from when the channel number is input until the program can be displayed, is transmitted to the prediction means.

  The screen display control system 400 is an example of an IPTV that incorporates a screen display control system in an STB and displays information such as contents received via IP on a display.

  The screen display control system 400 includes an input control unit 14, an output control unit 24, a transmission / reception unit 34, an information storage unit 44, and a prediction unit 54.

  An input unit 64, an output unit 74, and a network NW1 are connected to the screen display control system 400, and a server SV1 is connected to the screen display control system 400 via the network NW1.

  The input means 64 is an STB remote controller, from which channel number information is transmitted to the input control means 14 incorporated in the STB.

  When receiving the channel number information from the input unit 64, the input control unit 14 transmits the channel number information to the output control unit 24, the transmission / reception unit 34, and the prediction unit 54.

  When the transmission / reception means 34 receives the channel number information from the input control means 14, the transmission / reception means 34 inquires and receives the program information and program corresponding to the received channel number from the server SV1 via the network NW1. The received information is transmitted to the information storage unit 44.

  The information storage means 44 processes and stores the program information and programs received from the transmission / reception means 34 into a displayable format. When these pieces of information can be displayed, a display enable signal is transmitted to the output control means 24.

  When the output control means 24 receives the channel number information from the input control means 14, the output control means 24 displays a black screen on the output means 74 and starts measuring the elapsed time since the channel number was received. The output control means 24 has the following rules, and judges the display contents / timing to the output means 74 from the rules and the presence / absence of a displayable signal received from the information storage means 44.

  The rule attempts to display program information if the estimated waiting time is within 4 seconds, for example, but if the estimated waiting time is 4 seconds or more, for example, the program waits until the elapsed time exceeds 50% of the estimated waiting time. The rule is not to display information.

  The output control unit 24 transmits to the prediction unit 54 the time from when the channel number is received until the program is displayed.

  When the prediction unit 54 receives the channel number information from the input control unit 14, the prediction unit 54 receives the average of the program display times of the past day received from the output control unit 24 and accumulated, and the time until the program can be displayed ( Predicted waiting time) and transmitted to the output control means 27.

  The TV display as the output unit 74 displays a black screen, program information, and a program in accordance with reception from the output control unit 24.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the screen display control system 400.

  In S 61, a channel number is input via the remote controller of the input unit 64, and information on the input channel number is transmitted to the input control unit 14. In S 62, the input control unit 14 transmits channel number information to the output control unit 24, and the output control unit 24 displays a black screen on the TV display that is the output unit 74.

  In S63, the output control means 24 starts measuring the elapsed time after receiving the channel number information from the input control means 14.

  In S66, when the prediction unit 54 receives the channel number information from the input control unit 14, it is possible to display the average program display time of the past day received and stored from the output control unit 24. It transmits as time until it becomes (predicted waiting time). That is, the time until the program starts to be displayed (predicted standby time) is predicted.

  In S67, the output control unit 24 determines whether or not the estimated standby time is within 4 seconds. If the predicted standby time is 4 seconds or more (NO), the process proceeds to S68, and if it is within 4 seconds (YES), the process proceeds to S29. If it is determined in S67 that the predicted standby time is 4 seconds or longer, the output control means 24 determines in S28 whether or not the elapsed time after receiving the channel number information has reached 50% of the predicted standby time. Find out. If it has elapsed (YES), the process proceeds to S69, and if it has not elapsed (NO), the process returns to S68.

  S68 is a case in which it is determined in S67 that the predicted standby time is 4 seconds or more, and whether or not the elapsed time after receiving the channel number information has reached 50% of the predicted standby time is output control. The means 24 determines. If 50% of the estimated waiting time has elapsed (YES), the process proceeds to S69, and if 50% of the estimated waiting time has not elapsed (NO), the process returns to S68.

  In S69, the output control means 24 checks whether or not the program information can be displayed based on whether or not the program information displayable signal is received from the information storage means 44. If the program information can be displayed, that is, if there is a displayable signal (YES), the process proceeds to S70, and if there is no displayable signal (NO), the process returns to S69. In S <b> 70, the output control unit 22 displays the program information stored in the information storage unit 44 on the display as the output unit 74.

  In S <b> 71, the output control unit 24 checks whether the program of the information storage unit 44 can be displayed according to whether or not the program displayable signal is received from the information storage unit 44. If display is possible, that is, if there is a program display enable signal (YES), the process proceeds to S72. If not, that is, if there is no program display enable signal (NO), the process returns to S71 again.

  In S72, after the measurement of the elapsed time (actual standby time) by the output control means 24 is completed, in S73, the required display time required for program display (required from the input of the channel program to the display of the program). The output control unit 24 transmits the standby time and actual standby time) to the prediction unit 54, and in S74, the output control unit 24 transmits the program of the information storage unit 44 to the output unit 74 and displays it on the display.

  In the fourth embodiment, the accumulated past actual standby time is averaged for one day, but the accumulated past actual standby time is set to a period other than one day, such as one week or one month, for example. You may make it average about. Moreover, you may make it use the display frequency displayed in the past instead of a period. Further, the period and the number of times may be used together.

  The output control unit 24 is an example of a time measurement unit that starts time measurement when reception of the content designation signal is started. The output control unit 24 is an example of a display availability determination unit that determines whether or not content and intermediate information can be displayed. The prediction unit 54 is an example of a standby time prediction unit that predicts a standby time from the reception of the content selection signal to the start of displaying a program.

  The output control unit 24 changes the screen display simultaneously with the start of the time measurement, displays the content when the content can be displayed, and displays the intermediate information if the predicted waiting time is within a predetermined time. Further, if the predicted waiting time is longer than the predetermined time and the set time has not elapsed, the screen is changed, and the predicted waiting time is longer than the predetermined time and set. This is an example of intermediate information display means for displaying intermediate information if time has elapsed. The output control unit 24 is an example of a transmission unit that transmits an actual standby time, which is a time from when a content selection signal is input to when a program can be displayed, to the standby time prediction unit.

  Further, if the means in each of the above embodiments is replaced with a step, the above embodiment is an example of a screen display control method. That is, in the above-described embodiment, when a content selection signal is received, a time measurement step for starting time measurement, a content display availability determination step for determining whether the content and intermediate information can be displayed, and the time At the same time as the start of measurement, if the screen display is changed and the content can be displayed, the content is displayed on the display means. If the result of the time measurement indicates that the content cannot be displayed even after a predetermined time has elapsed. And an intermediate information display step for displaying the intermediate information on the display means.

  Further, in the embodiment, when a content selection signal is received, a time measurement step for starting time measurement, a program display availability determination step for determining whether or not content and intermediate information can be displayed, and the content selection A standby time prediction step for predicting a standby time from the reception of a signal to the start of displaying a program, and simultaneously with the start of the time measurement, the screen display is changed, and when the content can be displayed, the content is displayed on the display means. If the predicted standby time is within a predetermined time, intermediate information is displayed on the display means, and further, the predicted standby time is longer than the predetermined time and the time for which the predicted standby time is set is displayed. If the time has not elapsed, the screen display is changed, and if the estimated waiting time is longer than the predetermined time and the set time has elapsed, the intermediate An example of a screen display control method characterized by and an intermediate information display step of displaying on the display means the distribution.

  In addition, when the content selection signal is received, the above embodiment is displayed with a time measurement step for starting time measurement, and a content display availability determination step for determining whether the content and intermediate information can be displayed. Information display time determination step for determining the display time of the information being displayed, and simultaneously with the start of the time measurement, when the screen display is changed and the content can be displayed, the content is displayed on the display means, and the time measurement is performed. If the content cannot be displayed even after a specified time elapses, an intermediate information display step of displaying intermediate information on the display means is an example of the screen display control method.

  In the embodiment, when the content selection signal is received, a time measurement step for starting time measurement, a program display availability determination step for determining whether or not the content and intermediate information can be displayed, and the content When the standby time prediction unit predicts the standby time from the reception of the selection signal until the content starts to be displayed, and simultaneously with the start of the time measurement, the screen display is changed and the content can be displayed. The content is displayed on the display means, and if the predicted standby time is a predetermined time, intermediate information is displayed on the display means, and the predicted standby time is longer than the predetermined time and the set time If not, the screen display is changed, the estimated waiting time is longer than the predetermined time, and the set time has elapsed. Then, an intermediate information display step for displaying the intermediate information on the display means, and a transmission for transmitting an actual standby time, which is a time from when the content selection signal is input until the program can be displayed, to the standby time prediction means It is an example of the screen display control method characterized by having a step.

  Moreover, the said Example can be grasped | ascertained as an example of a program. That is, the said Example is an example of the program which makes a computer function as each means which comprises the invention of any one of Claims 1-4. Further, the above embodiment can be grasped as an example of a recording medium. That is, the said Example is an example of the computer-readable recording medium which recorded the program of Claim 9.

100, 200, 300, 400 ... screen display control system,
11, 12, 13, 14 ... input control means,
21, 22, 23, 24 ... output control means,
31, 32, 33, 34 ... transmission / reception means,
41, 42, 43, 44 ... information storage means,
52, 54 ... prediction means,
61, 62, 63, 64 ... input means,
71, 72, 73, 74 ... output means,
SV1 ... server,
NW1 ... Network.

Claims (10)

A time measuring means for starting time measurement upon receipt of the content selection signal;
Display enable / disable determining means for determining whether or not content and intermediate information can be displayed;
Simultaneously with the start of the time measurement, and change the screen display, if ready to view the content, to display the content, whereas, when the time has not yet the time measurement is ready to view the content has exceeded the predetermined time Intermediate information display means for displaying intermediate information if intermediate information can be displayed on the screen;
A screen display control system comprising: The screen display control system according to claim 1,
There is a display time determination means that determines the display time according to the amount of information and the quality of the intermediate information,
The screen display control system , wherein the intermediate information display means is means for displaying the next intermediate information when the determined display time has elapsed since the intermediate information was displayed . In the screen display control system according to claim 1 or 2,
Wait time prediction means for predicting a wait time from the reception of the content selection signal to the start of displaying a program,
The screen display control system , wherein the predetermined time is a time determined based on the standby time . The screen display control system according to claim 2,
The screen display control system , wherein the waiting time is a time predicted based on network bit rate information or a time predicted based on a past required time . A time measurement step of starting time measurement upon receipt of the content selection signal;
A display permission determination step for determining whether or not the content and intermediate information can be displayed;
At the same time as the start of the time measurement, when the screen display is changed and the content can be displayed, the content is displayed. If intermediate information can be displayed in the intermediate information display step, intermediate information display step for displaying the intermediate information;
A screen display control method characterized by comprising: The screen display control method according to claim 5,
A display time determination step for determining the display time according to the amount of information and the quality of the intermediate information;
The intermediate information display step is a step of displaying the next intermediate information when the determined display time has elapsed after displaying the intermediate information . In the screen display control method according to claim 5 or 6,
A standby time prediction step of predicting a standby time from the reception of the content selection signal to the start of displaying a program;
The screen display control method, wherein the predetermined time is a time determined based on the standby time . The screen display control method according to claim 6,
The screen display control method, wherein the standby time is a time predicted based on network bit rate information or a time predicted based on a past required time .   A program for causing a computer to function as each means constituting the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 9 is recorded.

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