JP7152769B2 - Relay device, display system, control method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a relay device, display system, control method, and program.

In recent years, display devices capable of displaying relatively high-resolution video called 4K or 4K2K have become widespread. Also, with the advancement of network technology, there is a technology for transmitting video via a network.

An increase in image resolution generally results in an increase in the amount of communication when transmitting the image over a network and an increase in the processing load of the device that transmits or receives the image. In addition to the resolution, the difference between the interlaced method and the progressive method also affects the amount of communication. Therefore, when transmitting video via a network, the transmission device appropriately adjusts the display mode determined by the resolution of the video to be transmitted.

Patent Literature 1 discloses a technology related to an output device that outputs a video signal having a resolution corresponding to the system configuration of a multi-display system. The technique described in Patent Literature 1 is a technique for adjusting the resolution of an image output from an output device by changing setting information for the resolution of an image that can be displayed by a display device.

JP 2017-16133 A

However, it is not always possible to change the setting information of the transmitting device or the display device in order to change the display mode of the video displayed by the display device. For example, it is impossible for a person who does not have administrative authority to change the settings of a transmission device or a display device that requires predetermined administrative authority to change settings. It may be impossible to change the setting because the method or interface for changing the setting of the transmission device or the display device is unknown. In addition, the settings may not be changed as intended by the operator due to the specifications or malfunction of the transmission device or the display device. Furthermore, when the user finds it troublesome to change the display mode, or when the user does not have the skill to change the display mode, the settings are not changed appropriately.

As described above, depending on whether or not the setting of the transmission device or the display device can be changed, there is a problem that the amount of communication transmitted by the transmission device may not be controlled.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a relay device or the like that controls the display mode of a display device regardless of whether the settings of the transmission device or the display device can be changed. .

To solve the above problems, a relay device according to an aspect of the present invention provides a display device for displaying video transmitted by a transmission device, a port connected to a display device via a signal line conforming to a video transmission standard, and a network. a communication interface connected to the transmission device through the transmission device; an acquisition unit that acquires first information indicating a plurality of display modes of the display device through the port; a generating unit that generates second information indicating one or more display modes from which information indicating the display mode is removed; and providing the second information generated by the generating unit to the transmitting device via the communication interface. and a providing unit.

According to this, the relay device controls the transmitting device to transmit video data in a display mode other than a predetermined display mode among a plurality of display modes that the display device can use to display video. As a result, the relay device can prohibit the display device from displaying video in a predetermined display mode. Also, in this control, it is not necessary to change the setting information of the transmitter or the display device. In this way, the relay device controls the display mode of the display device regardless of whether the settings of the transmission device or the display device can be changed.

Further, the providing unit further (a) transmits a pseudo-disconnection signal indicating that the connection between the relay device and the display device has been disconnected to the transmission device via the communication interface; (b) after transmitting the pseudo disconnection signal, sending a pseudo connection signal that indicates that the relay device and the display device have been connected to the transmission device via the communication interface; ) After transmitting the pseudo-connection signal, the first information or the second information may be provided to the transmitting device via the communication interface.

According to this, the relay device causes the display device to recognize that the connection between the relay device and the display device has been disconnected and restored in a situation where the connection between the relay device and the display device has not actually been disconnected. to provide a new display mode list. As a result, the transmission device is made to pseudo-recognize that the connection with the display device has been established, and the display mode of the video transmitted by the transmission device is changed. As a result, the relay device performs control to switch the display mode of the display device regardless of whether the settings of the transmission device or the display device can be changed.

Further, the relay device may further include a first receiving unit that receives an operation by a user, and the providing unit may transmit the pseudo disconnection signal when the first receiving unit receives the operation. .

According to this, the relay device can switch the display mode of the display device with the user's operation as a trigger.

Further, the relay device further includes a second reception unit that receives third information indicating a specified display mode designated by the transmission device from the transmission device, and the generation unit is configured such that the second reception unit when three information is received, the display mode different from the specified display mode indicated by the third information is the second information removed from the first information as the predetermined display mode, and the specified display mode is the second information; The providing unit may generate the second information indicating the second information, and the providing unit may transmit the pseudo disconnection signal when the second receiving unit receives the third information.

According to this, the relay device can prohibit the display device from displaying an image in a display mode other than the designated display mode received from the transmission device. Also, in this control, it is not necessary to change the setting information of the transmitter or the display device. Therefore, the relay device controls switching of the display mode of the display device to the display mode specified by the display device regardless of whether the setting of the transmission device or the display device can be changed.

Further, the relay device further includes a third reception unit that receives a request signal including an identifier of one of the transmission devices from one of the plurality of transmission devices, and the generation unit The second information in which a display mode different from the corresponding display mode pre-associated with the identifier of the one transmitting device included in the request signal is removed from the first information as the predetermined display mode, The second information indicating the display mode may be generated, and the provision unit may transmit the pseudo disconnection signal when the third reception unit receives the request signal.

According to this, the relay device can prohibit the display device from displaying an image in a display mode other than the display mode associated with the transmission device that has transmitted the request signal among the plurality of transmission devices. Also, in this control, it is not necessary to change the setting information of the transmitter or the display device. Therefore, the relay device controls switching of the display mode of the display device to a display mode suitable for the transmission device regardless of whether the settings of the transmission device or the display device can be changed.

Further, the relay device further receives, via the communication interface, video data of video in a display mode selected by the transmission device from among the one or more display modes indicated by the second information, and received A relay unit that relays the video data by transferring the port may be provided.

According to this, the relay device relays the video data transmitted by the transmission device to the display device. Thereby, the relay device can control the display mode of the display device and display the image in the controlled display mode on the display device regardless of whether the settings of the transmission device or the display device can be changed.

Also, the plurality of display modes may include 4K and FullHD, and the predetermined display mode may include 4K.

According to this, the relay device can easily display video in a display mode different from 4K regardless of whether the setting of the transmission device or the display device can be changed for a display device that can display video in a 4K display mode. can be displayed.

A display system according to an aspect of the present invention includes the above relay device, the display device connected to the port, and the transmission device connected to the communication interface.

According to this, the display system has an effect similar to that of the relay device.

Further, a control method according to an aspect of the present invention includes a port connected to a display device for displaying video transmitted by a transmission device with a signal line conforming to a video transmission standard, and a port connected to the transmission device via a network. and a communication interface, comprising: an obtaining step of obtaining through the port first information indicating a plurality of display modes of the display device; and the first information obtained by the obtaining step. a generating step of generating second information indicating one or more display modes from which information indicating a predetermined display mode is removed from the information; and transmitting the second information generated in the generating step via the communication interface. and a providing step of providing to the device.

As a result, the same effects as those of the relay device can be obtained.

A program according to an aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the above control method.

As a result, the same effects as those of the relay device can be obtained.

The present invention can be realized not only as an apparatus, but also as a method in which processing means constituting the apparatus are used as steps, as a program for causing a computer to execute the steps, or as a computer-readable program in which the program is recorded. It can also be implemented as a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or as information, data, or signals indicating the program. These programs, information, data and signals may then be distributed over a communication network such as the Internet.

According to the present invention, the relay device or the like can control the display mode of the display device.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a display system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the relay device according to the first embodiment. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display mode list provided by the display device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a display mode list generated by the relay device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing display mode setting processing in the display system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing display mode change processing in the display system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a relay device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a transmitting apparatus according to Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a management table according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the transmitting device according to Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 11 is a flow diagram showing processing executed by the relay device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the display system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a management table according to the third embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flow diagram showing processing executed by the relay device according to the third embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

All of the embodiments described below represent preferred specific examples of the present invention. Numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of components, steps, order of steps, and the like shown in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, among the constituent elements in the following embodiments, constituent elements that are not described in independent claims representing the highest level concept of the present invention will be described as arbitrary constituent elements constituting more preferred embodiments. In addition, the same code|symbol may be attached|subjected to the same component and description may be abbreviate|omitted.

(Embodiment 1)
In this embodiment, a relay device and the like that control the display mode of a display device regardless of whether the setting of the display device can be changed will be described.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a display system 1 according to this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the display system 1 includes a relay device 10, a display device 20, and a transmission device 30. FIG. The display system 1 is a reproduction system in which the video data transmitted by the transmission device 30 is relayed by the relay device 10 and reproduced by the display device 20 .

The relay device 10 and the display device 20 are connected by a signal line L conforming to the video transmission standard. Here, a case where the video transmission standard is HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) and the signal line L is an HDMI (registered trademark) cable will be described as an example. Alternatively, DVI (Digital Visual Interface) or DP (Display Port) may be used.

Also, the relay device 10 and the transmission device 30 are connected to each other via a network N so as to be communicable. The network N is a wireless LAN conforming to the IEEE802.11a, b, g, n standards, etc., a wired LAN conforming to the IEEE802.3 standard, etc., a mobile phone network, or other public communication networks.

The display device 20 is a video display device that displays video based on received video data. The video data received by the display device 20 is video data transmitted by the transmission device 30 and relayed by the relay device 10 . When the video data is encoded, it is decoded by a known decoding technique, and then the video based on the video data is displayed.

The display device 20 can display images in multiple display modes. The display mode is determined by a set of parameters such as the resolution at which the image is displayed, whether it is interlaced or progressive, or the refresh rate. Display modes include 4K, FullHD, and VGA as specific examples. 4K is 3840x2160, progressive mode, and 60 Hz for each of the above parameters. FullHD is 1920×1080 resolution, progressive mode, and 60 Hz for each of the above parameters. For VGA, the above parameters are VGA resolution, progressive mode, and 60 Hz. Here, as an example, it is assumed that the display device 20 can display video in three display modes of 4K, FullHD, and VGA. It should be noted that the display mode may be more simply determined by a combination of the resolution and whether it is interlaced or progressive, or may be determined by the resolution alone.

When the display device 20 is connected to the relay device 10 via the signal line L, the display device 20 provides the relay device 10 via the signal line L with a display mode list, which is information indicating one or more display modes that the display device 20 can display. Specifically, the display mode list provided by the display device 20 includes three display modes of 4K, FullHD, and VGA. The display mode list corresponds to EDID (Extended Display Identification Data).

The relay device 10 is a relay device that is connected to each of the transmission device 30 and the display device 20 and relays information or data between the transmission device 30 and the display device 20 . When the display mode list is provided from the display device 20 , the relay device 10 generates a new display mode list based on the display mode list and provides it to the transmission device 30 . Further, when the relay device 10 receives the video data from the transmission device 30 , the relay device 10 relays the video data by transmitting the received video data to the display device 20 . Moreover, when the relay device 10 is connected to the display device 20 , the relay device 10 transmits a connection signal indicating that the connection has been established to the transmission device 30 . Also, when the connection with the display device 20 is disconnected, the relay device 10 transmits a disconnection signal indicating the disconnection to the transmission device 30 . The relay device 10 also includes a virtual network driver (not shown), and transfers data transmitted and received from the transmission device 30 via the network N to a device connected to its own interface (for example, USB). It may have functions. Here, the virtual network driver is a driver for receiving encapsulated data transmitted from the transmitting device 30 and arriving via the network, and extracting data from the encapsulated data (performing decapsulation). is the driver. Note that the relay device 10 and the transmission device 30 have an application (virtual connection tool (not shown)) above the virtual network driver, and establish a session between the relay device 10 and the transmission device 30 (using the virtual connection tool). connection processing), packet data can be exchanged between the devices via the network. As a result, the transmission device 30 can use devices locally connected to the relay device 10 as if they were directly connected and controlled. Using such a function, the relay device 10 may generate a new display mode list based on the display mode list provided from the display device 20 and provide it to the transmission device 30 .

The transmission device 30 is a transmission device that transmits video data. The transmission device 30 transmits video data to the display device 20 via the relay device 10 . The transmitting device 30 acquires the display mode list from the display device 20 before transmitting the video data, selects one display mode from among the display modes included in the acquired display mode list, and selects the selected display mode. Send the corresponding video data. For example, the transmission device 30 preferentially selects a display mode with a higher resolution from among the acquired display modes, preferentially selects a progressive display mode rather than an interlaced display mode, or selects a display mode whose refresh rate is Prefer higher display modes.

When the transmission device 30 receives the connection signal from the relay device 10, the transmission device 30 transmits a request signal for acquiring the display mode list of the display device 20 connected to the relay device 10, and displays the display transmitted in response to the request signal. A mode list is obtained from the display device 20 . The transmission device 30 can be realized, for example, by executing software for video transfer on a general-purpose computer, and can be realized, for example, by a technique for controlling an IC chip that performs video processing and is mounted on the relay device 10.

Here, the display system 1 adjusts the display mode of the video displayed by the display device 20 through processing by the relay device 10 without changing the settings of the display device 20 . Thereby, the relay device 10 controls the display mode of the display device 20 regardless of whether the setting of the display device 20 can be changed.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the relay device 10 according to this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2 , relay device 10 includes port 11 , communication IF 12 , acquisition unit 13 , generation unit 14 , provision unit 15 , relay unit 16 , and reception unit 17 .

The port 11 is a port that complies with the video transmission standard, and is specifically an HDMI (registered trademark) port. The port 11 is connected to the display device 20 by an HDMI (registered trademark) cable, which is the signal line L, and can transmit and receive information or video data to and from the display device 20 .

Communication IF 12 is a communication interface connected to network N. FIG. Communication IF 12 is connected to transmission device 30 via network N. FIG. The communication IF 12 can transmit/receive information or video data to/from the transmission device 30 .

Acquisition unit 13 acquires display mode list 41 (corresponding to first information) indicating a plurality of display modes of display device 20 via port 11 . The display mode list 41 acquired by the acquisition unit 13 includes three display modes, 4K, FullHD, and VGA, for example.

The generation unit 14 generates a new display mode list 42 based on the display mode list 41 acquired by the acquisition unit 13 . Specifically, the generation unit 14 generates a display mode list 42 (corresponding to the second information) indicating one or more display modes obtained by removing information indicating a predetermined display mode from the display mode list 41 acquired by the acquisition unit 13. ). The generation of the display mode list 42 by the generation unit 14 may be performed by the generation unit 14 removing a part of the information indicating the predetermined display mode included in the display mode list 41 . In other words, the generation unit 14 obtains the display mode list 42 by correcting or altering the display mode list 41 by removing information indicating a predetermined display mode.

The providing unit 15 provides the display mode list 42 generated by the generating unit 14 to the transmission device 30 via the communication IF 12 . The display mode list 42 may be provided by the providing unit 15 in response to a request from the transmission device 30, or may be provided regardless of the presence or absence of the request.

When the providing unit 15 provides the display mode list 42 to the transmission device 30, the transmission device 30 selects one display mode from among the display modes included in the provided display mode list 42, and displays the image in the selected display mode. Send data. Since the display mode list 42 is generated by excluding the predetermined display modes included in the display mode list 41 by the generation unit 14, the transmission device 30 generates the video data in the predetermined display mode excluded by the generation unit 14. is prohibited from being sent.

For example, when the generation unit 14 generates the display mode list 42 from which the 4K display mode is removed as the predetermined display mode, the transmission device 30 is prohibited from transmitting video data in the 4K display mode. When video data in the 4K display mode is transmitted over the network N and the amount of communication is relatively large and the display device 20 does not properly reproduce the video, the 4K display mode is switched as described above. By generating the display mode list 42 that does not include the display mode list 42, the amount of communication can be suppressed.

The providing unit 15 can also switch the display mode list provided to the transmitting device 30 . In that case, a pseudo disconnection signal and a pseudo connection signal are used so that the transmitting device 30 can recognize that the display mode list provided by the providing unit 15 has been switched. Here, the pseudo disconnect signal is a signal that simulates disconnection of the physical connection between the relay device 10 and the display device 20 . A pseudo-connection signal is a signal that pseudo-indicates that a physical connection has been established between the relay device 10 and the display device 20 . The pseudo disconnection signal and the pseudo connection signal can be the same signals as the disconnection signal and the connection signal, respectively. sent regardless of whether

Specifically, the providing unit 15 (a) transmits a pseudo disconnection signal to the transmitting device 30 via the communication IF 12, and (b) transmits a pseudo connection signal via the communication IF 12 after transmitting the pseudo disconnection signal. After transmitting to the transmitting device 30 and (c) transmitting the pseudo connection signal, the display mode list 41 or 42 is provided to the transmitting device 30 via the communication IF 12 . If the above (a) and (b) are performed while the providing unit 15 is providing the display mode list 41, and the display mode list 42 is provided in (c) above, the display mode list provided by the providing unit 15 can be obtained. can be switched from the display mode list 41 to the display mode list 42 . On the contrary, if the above (a) and (b) are performed while the providing unit 15 is providing the display mode list 42 and the above (c) provides the display mode list 41, the providing unit 15 provides The display mode list can be switched from the display mode list 42 to the display mode list 41 .

The pseudo-disconnection signal is sent from the providing unit 15 to the transmitting device 30 to indicate that there is no physical connection between the port 11 and the HDMI (registered trademark) cable, which is the signal line L (no hot plug detection). This is the signal that is sent on purpose. In addition, the pseudo connection signal is a pseudo connection signal sent from the providing unit 15 to the transmitting device 30 that there is a physical connection (hot plug detection) between the port 11 and the HDMI (registered trademark) cable, which is the signal line L. This is the signal that is sent on purpose. In other words, the providing unit 15 can pseudo-control the physical connection between the relay device 10 and the display device 20 via an HDMI (registered trademark) cable.

Also, the relay unit 16 transfers the video data received by the communication IF 12 to the port 11 and transmits the video data from the port 11 to the display device 20 . The video data transmitted by the transmission device 30 is the video data of the display mode selected by the transmission device 30 from among the one or more display modes indicated by the display mode list 42 .

The accepting unit 17 is a user interface that accepts user operations. Specifically, the operation accepted by the accepting unit 17 is an operation for switching the display mode. For example, when the reception unit 17 receives an operation to switch the display mode from 4K to a display mode different from 4K (for example, FullHD), the reception unit 17 controls the provision unit 15 to transmit a pseudo disconnection signal, After that, the transmission of the pseudo-connection signal and the transmission of the display mode list 42 are performed. The receiving unit 17 can also receive an operation to switch the display mode from a display mode different from 4K to 4K. In this case, the reception unit 17 causes the display mode list 41 to be transmitted after causing the pseudo disconnection signal and the pseudo connection signal to be transmitted in the same manner as described above. In this way, the reception unit 17 can provide a function of switching the display mode between 4K and a display mode different from 4K based on the user's operation. Such a functional portion of the receiving section 17 is also called a first receiving section.

Note that the reception unit 17 may receive a setting of a predetermined display mode (for example, 4K) specified by the user from the transmission device 30 via the communication IF 12, or a switch (not shown) provided in the relay device 10 may be pressed. It may be accepted by In this way, the reception unit 17 can hold in advance a resolution that is not desired to be displayed on the display device 20 (display is prohibited).

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display mode list 41 provided by the display device 20 according to this embodiment. The display mode list 41 is information indicating a list of display modes that the display device 20 can use to display images.

As shown in FIG. 3, the display mode list 41 includes three display modes of 4K, FullHD, and VGA.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display mode list 42 generated by the relay device 10 according to this embodiment. A display mode list 42 is a display mode list obtained by removing a predetermined display mode from the display mode list 41 .

As shown in FIG. 4, the display mode list 42 includes two display modes, FullHD and VGA. This is a display mode list obtained by removing the 4K display mode as a predetermined display mode from the display mode list 41 (see FIG. 3) provided by the display device 20 .

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing display mode control processing in the display system 1 according to the present embodiment. The series of processes shown in FIG. 5 is executed when the display device 20 capable of displaying images in 4K, FullHD, and VGA display modes is prohibited from displaying images in 4K and displays images in FullHD. It is a process that Note that the series of processes shown in FIG. 5 will be described on the assumption that the reception unit 17 has received an instruction from the user in advance to prohibit the display of 4K video.

In step S121, the display device 20 provides the relay device 10 with the display mode list 41 (see FIG. 3).

In step S111, the acquiring unit 13 of the relay device 10 acquires the display mode list 41 provided by the display device 20 in step S121.

In step S112, the generation unit 14 of the relay device 10 generates a display mode list 42 (see FIG. 4) in which a predetermined display mode is excluded from the display mode list 41 acquired in step S111. The generator 14 generates the display mode list 42 by, for example, altering the display mode list 41 to exclude the 4K display mode.

In step S<b>113 , the provision unit 15 of the relay device 10 provides the display mode list 42 generated in step S<b>112 to the transmission device 30 via the communication IF 12 .

In step S131, the transmission device 30 acquires the display mode list 42 provided by the relay device 10 in step S113.

In step S132, the transmitting device 30 selects one display mode to be used for display by the display device 20 from among the display modes included in the display mode list 42 acquired in step S131. Here, it is assumed that the transmission device 30 selects FullHD from the display modes included in the display mode list 42 .

In step S133, the transmission device 30 transmits the video data of FullHD, which is the display mode selected in step S132.

In step S<b>114 , the relay unit 16 of the relay device 10 receives the FullHD video data transmitted by the transmission device 30 in step S<b>133 via the communication IF 12 , and transfers the received video data to the port 11 . to relay.

In step S122, the display device 20 receives the video data transmitted by the relay device 10 in step S114, and displays FullHD video based on the video data.

Through the series of processes shown in FIG. 5 , the relay device 10 can control the display mode of the video displayed by the display device 20 by modifying the display mode list acquired from the display device 20 .

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing display mode change processing in the display system 1 according to the present embodiment. A series of processes shown in FIG. 6 shows processing when the display mode is switched to display 4K video in a state where the display device 20 displays FullHD video by the processing in FIG.

In step S<b>211 , the relay device 10 waits until the reception unit 17 receives the user's operation for switching the display mode. Then, when the reception unit 17 receives the operation, the process proceeds to step S212.

In step S<b>212 , the provision unit 15 of the relay device 10 generates a pseudo disconnection signal and transmits it to the transmission device 30 . Upon receiving the pseudo disconnection signal, the transmission device 30 recognizes that the connection between the relay device 10 and the display device 20 via the HDMI (registered trademark) cable has been disconnected. At this time, the connection between the relay device 10 and the display device 20 via the HDMI (registered trademark) cable is actually maintained.

In step S<b>213 , the provision unit 15 of the relay device 10 generates a pseudo-connection signal and transmits it to the transmission device 30 . Upon receiving the pseudo-connection signal, the transmission device 30 recognizes that the connection between the relay device 10 and the display device 20 via the HDMI (registered trademark) cable has been restored. At this time, the connection between the relay device 10 and the display device 20 via the HDMI (registered trademark) cable is actually maintained.

In step S231, the transmission device 30 transmits a request signal for acquiring the display mode list to the relay device 10 in response to receiving the pseudo connection signal in step S213.

In step S214, the provision unit 15 of the relay device 10 receives the request signal transmitted by the transmission device 30 in step S231, and provides the display mode list 41 according to the received request signal. The provided display mode list 41 may be obtained by the obtaining unit 13 in step S111, or may be generated by adding 4K, which is a predetermined display mode, to the display mode list 42. good too. The transmitting device 30 acquires the display mode list 41 provided by the providing unit 15 .

In step S232, the transmitting device 30 selects one display mode to be used for display by the display device 20 from among the display modes included in the display mode list 41 acquired in step S214. Here, it is assumed that the transmitting device 30 selects 4K among the display modes included in the display mode list 41 .

In step S233, the transmitting device 30 transmits 4K video data in the display mode selected in step S232.

In step S215, the relay unit 16 of the relay device 10 receives the video data (4K video data) transmitted by the transmission device 30 in step S233 via the communication IF 12, and transfers the received video data to the port 11. to relay video data.

In step S221, the display device 20 receives the video data transmitted by the relay device 10 in step S215, and displays 4K video based on the video data.

Through the series of processes shown in FIG. 6, the relay device 10 dynamically controls whether or not to modify the display mode list acquired from the display device 20 based on the user's operation. The display mode of the image to be displayed can be switched.

As described above, the relay device according to the present embodiment allows the transmission device to transmit video data in a display mode other than a predetermined display mode among a plurality of display modes that can be used by the display device to display video. Control. As a result, the relay device can prohibit the display device from displaying video in a predetermined display mode. Also, in this control, it is not necessary to change the setting information of the transmitter or the display device. In this way, the relay device controls the display mode of the display device regardless of whether the settings of the transmission device or the display device can be changed.

Further, the relay device causes the display device to recognize that the connection between the relay device and the display device has been disconnected and restored in a situation where the connection between the relay device and the display device has not actually been disconnected, so that the display device Provides a display mode list. As a result, the transmission device is made to pseudo-recognize that the connection with the display device has been established, and the display mode of the video transmitted by the transmission device is changed. As a result, the relay device performs control to switch the display mode of the display device regardless of whether the settings of the transmission device or the display device can be changed.

Further, the relay device can switch the display mode of the display device in response to the user's operation.

Also, the relay device relays video data transmitted by the transmission device to the display device. Thereby, the relay device can control the display mode of the display device and display the image in the controlled display mode on the display device regardless of whether the settings of the transmission device or the display device can be changed.

In addition, the relay device can easily cause a display device capable of displaying video in a 4K display mode to display video in a display mode different from 4K, regardless of whether the settings of the transmission device or the display device can be changed. be able to.

(Embodiment 2)
In this embodiment, a relay device and the like that control the display mode of a display device regardless of whether the setting of the display device can be changed will be described. In particular, a technique for controlling the display mode of the display device to the display mode designated by the display device without changing the setting of the display device will be described.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the relay device 10A according to this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7, the relay device 10A includes a port 11, a communication IF 12, an acquisition unit 13, a generation unit 14A, a provision unit 15, a relay unit 16, and a reception unit 17A. Here, relay device 10A differs from relay device 10 in that it includes generation unit 14A and reception unit 17A, respectively, instead of generation unit 14 and reception unit 17 in the first embodiment. This point will be mainly described.

The accepting unit 17A is a processing unit that accepts from the transmitting device 30 a switching signal including third information indicating the specified display mode specified by the transmitting device 30 . For example, the designated display mode is a 4K or FullHD display mode, which is determined and transmitted by the transmitting device 30 . Upon receiving the third information, the receiving unit 17A provides the received third information to the generating unit 14A. Such a functional portion of the receiving section 17A is also called a second receiving section.

Note that the reception unit 17A may further include the functions of the reception unit 17 of the first embodiment.

Generation unit 14A, in addition to the function of generation unit 14 of Embodiment 1, generates second information indicating the specified display mode indicated by the third information when reception unit 17A receives the third information. More specifically, the generating unit 14A determines that the display mode different from the specified display mode indicated by the third information is the second information removed from the first information as the predetermined display mode, and indicates the specified display mode. Generate second information.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of transmitting apparatus 30 according to this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 8 , the transmission device 30 includes a processing section 31 , a monitoring section 32 and a communication IF 33 .

The processing unit 31 is a processing unit that performs processing related to applications on the computer that is the transmission device 30 . The processing unit 31 operates or stops an application on the OS based on an OS (Operation System) of the computer or a user's operation. Also, the processing unit 31 can operate one or more applications concurrently.

The monitoring unit 32 monitors the application being operated by the processing unit 31 and acquires information (also referred to as application information) indicating the application being operated by the processing unit 31 . Note that, when the processing unit 31 is operating a plurality of applications, the monitoring unit 32 acquires information indicating one active application among them as application information. Note that the monitoring unit 32 may acquire application information indicating a newly active application at the timing when the active application is switched.

In addition, the monitoring unit 32 associates an application operated by the processing unit 31 with a predetermined display mode suitable for displaying an image associated with the application on the display device 20 and holds the display mode. is doing. Then, when the application information is acquired from the processing unit 31, the monitoring unit 32 specifies the display mode associated with the acquired application information as the “specified display mode”, and information indicating the specified display mode (that is, the second 3) is provided to the relay device 10A via the communication IF 33. For example, when the monitoring unit 32 acquires that the spreadsheet application is active, the monitoring unit 32 provides the relay device 10A with the third information indicating the display mode of "4K" as the designated display mode.

Communication IF 33 is a communication interface connected to network N. FIG. The communication IF 33 is connected via the network N to the relay device 10A.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a management table T1, which is an example of a management table according to this embodiment. The management table T1 is a table that associates an application operated by the processing unit 31 with a predetermined display mode suitable for displaying an image related to the application on the display device 20 .

For example, in the management table T1, the display mode of "4K" is associated with the spreadsheet application and the photo display application. This is because these applications generally have relatively little image movement and prefer high-definition display, so the “4K” display mode is suitable.

Further, for example, in the management table T1, the display mode "FullHD" is associated with the moving image display application and the game application. This is because these applications generally involve a relatively large amount of image movement, and it is desirable to emphasize movement rather than high-definition display, so the “FullHD” display mode is suitable.

Note that the default application in the management table T1 means an application other than other applications (spreadsheet, photo display, video display, or game) described in the management table T1.

Hereinafter, the processing of the transmission device 30 and the relay device 10A in this embodiment will be described.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing processing executed by transmitting device 30 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 10, in step S301, the monitoring unit 32 acquires application information.

In step S302, the monitoring unit 32 determines whether or not the application operated by the processing unit 31 has been switched based on the application information acquired in step S301. When the processing unit 31 operates a plurality of applications, the monitoring unit 32 determines whether or not the active application among them has been switched. Various methods can be used for the determination. For example, when the monitoring unit 32 acquires the application information multiple times, the application information acquired immediately before is different from the application information acquired this time. Determine whether or not If it is determined that the application has been switched (Yes in step S302), the process proceeds to step S303; otherwise (No in step S302), the process proceeds to step S301.

In step S303, the monitoring unit 32 acquires, as a designated display mode, a display mode suitable for the application indicated in the application information acquired in step S301. For example, when acquiring the specified display mode, the monitoring unit 32 can acquire the display mode with which the application indicated in the application information acquired in step S301 is associated in the management table T1.

In step S304, the monitoring unit 32 generates a switching signal (including third information) for controlling the relay device 10A so that the display device 20 displays in the designated display mode acquired in step S302, and the communication IF 33 to the relay device 10A via the

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing processing executed by relay device 10A according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 11, in step S311, the reception unit 17A determines whether or not a switching signal has been received from the transmission device 30 via the communication IF 12. FIG. This switching signal is the switching signal transmitted by the transmitter 30 in step S304 (see FIG. 10). If it is determined that the switching signal has been received (Yes in step S311), the process proceeds to step S312, otherwise (No in step S311), step S311 is executed again. That is, the receiving unit 17A waits in step S311 until receiving the switching signal.

In step S312, the generation unit 14A acquires the specified display mode from the switching signal received in step S311. Then, the generation unit 14A sets the display mode to be removed from the display mode list 41 to a mode different from the acquired specified display mode. As a result, the generation unit 14A thereafter generates the display mode list 42 from which the display mode list 41 is removed from the display mode that is different from the acquired specified display mode. In other words, the generator 14A generates the display mode list 42 including the acquired specified display modes.

In step S313, the relay device 10A performs processing for switching the display mode. This process is the same as the process from step S211 to step S215 in FIG.

As a result, the image transmitted by the transmission device 30 is displayed on the display device 20 in the designated display mode designated by the transmission device 30 .

In this way, the relay device 10A can set the display mode of the video transmitted by the transmission device 30 to be suitable for the application operated by the transmission device 30 without changing the settings of the transmission device 30 or the display device 20. Can be controlled to display mode. In other words, the relay device 10A can prohibit the display device 20 from displaying an image in a display mode other than the display mode suitable for the application that the transmission device 30 is operating.

For example, during a class or lecture at school, when a user such as a teacher or a lecturer operates the transmission device 30 to display images showing the contents of the class or lecture while switching them on the display device 20, the user may There is an advantage that the image is displayed on the display device 20 in an appropriate display mode without being conscious of switching the display mode.

As described above, the relay device can prohibit the display device from displaying an image in a display mode other than the specified display mode received from the transmission device. Also, in this control, it is not necessary to change the setting information of the transmitter or the display device. Therefore, the relay device controls switching of the display mode of the display device to the display mode specified by the display device regardless of whether the setting of the transmission device or the display device can be changed.

(Embodiment 3)
In this embodiment, a relay device and the like that control the display mode of a display device regardless of whether the setting of the display device can be changed will be described. In particular, in a network in which any one of a plurality of display devices can be connected to a relay device, a technique for controlling the display mode according to the display device will be described.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the display system 2 according to this embodiment.

12, the display system 2 includes a relay device 10B, a display device 20, and a plurality of transmitters 30, 30A, . . . , 30N (hereinafter also referred to as transmitters 30 and the like).

The display system 2 is a reproduction system in which video data transmitted by one of the plurality of transmission devices 30 or the like is relayed by the relay device 10B and reproduced by the display device 20 . Note that the number of transmission devices 30 and the like may be two or more, and the number is not limited. In addition, among the transmission devices 30 and the like, the transmission device that causes the display device 20 to display video data can change dynamically.

A relay device 10B according to the present embodiment has a configuration similar to that of the relay device 10A according to the second embodiment. However, the processing of the generation unit 14A and the processing of the reception unit 17A are partially different. Hereinafter, processing of the generation unit 14A and the reception unit 17A in this embodiment will be described.

17 A of reception parts which concern on this Embodiment receive the request signal containing the identifier of one transmission device from one transmission device among several transmission devices 30 grade|etc.,. The request signal is a signal for exchanging information prior to transmission of video data from the transmission device 30 or the like to the display device 20 via the relay device 10B, and includes the request signal of the first embodiment. It is a concept. The identifier of the transmission device 30 or the like included in the request signal is, for example, an IP (Internet Protocol) address of the transmission device 30 or the like. ) address or any other information that can uniquely identify the transmitting device. Such a functional portion of the receiving section 17A is also called a third receiving section.

The generation unit 14A according to the present embodiment generates second information indicating the corresponding display mode associated in advance with the identifier of one transmission device included in the request signal received by the reception unit 17A. More specifically, the generation unit 14A sets a display mode different from the corresponding display mode pre-associated with the identifier of one transmission device included in the request signal received by the reception unit 17A as the predetermined display mode, which is the first information to generate the second information removed from the second information indicating the corresponding display mode.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a management table T2, which is an example of a management table according to this embodiment.

The management table T2 is a table that associates the identifier of the transmission device 30 and the like with a predetermined display mode suitable for displaying the image output by the transmission device 30 and the like on the display device 20 .

In FIG. 13, as an example, the IP address of transmitting device 30 is 192.168.0.1, the IP address of transmitting device 30A is 192.168.0.2, and the IP address of transmitting device 30N is 192.168.0.2. 168.0. N is shown.

For example, in the management table T2, the display mode "4K" is associated with the transmission devices with IP addresses of 192.168.0.1 to 3. For example, the “4K” display mode is generally suitable for transmission devices that are expected to display images with relatively little movement or high-definition images.

Further, in the management table T2, the display mode of "FullHD" is associated with the transmission devices with IP addresses of 192.168.0.4 to N. FIG. For example, in general, the “FullHD” display mode is suitable for a transmission device that is expected to display an image with a relatively large amount of movement, or an image in which movement is more important than high-definition display. is.

Processing of the relay device 10B according to the present embodiment will be described below.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing processing executed by relay device 10B according to the present embodiment.

In step S411, the reception unit 17A determines whether or not a request signal has been received from any one of the plurality of transmission devices 30 or the like. If it is determined that the request signal has been received (Yes in step S411), the process proceeds to step S412; otherwise (No in step S411), step S411 is executed again. That is, the receiving unit 17A waits in step S411 until receiving the request signal.

In step S412, the reception unit 17A acquires the IP address as the identifier of the transmission device from the request signal received in step S411.

In step S413, the reception unit 17A acquires the display mode associated with the IP address acquired in step S412. For example, when acquiring the display mode, the reception unit 17A can acquire the display mode associated with the application indicated by the IP address of the transmission device acquired in step S412 in the management table T2.

In step S414, the generating unit 14A sets the display mode to be removed from the display mode list 41 to the display mode acquired in step S413. As a result, the generation unit 14A thereafter generates the display mode list 42 from which the display modes different from the acquired display modes are removed from the display mode list 41 . In other words, the generator 14A generates the display mode list 42 including the acquired display modes.

In step S415, the relay device 10B performs processing for switching the display mode. This process is the same as the process from step S211 to step S215 in FIG.

As a result, the image transmitted by the transmitting device 30 is displayed on the display device 20 in a display mode suitable for the transmitting device that has transmitted the request signal, among the plurality of transmitting devices 30 and the like.

For example, when assuming use in a school, each of the transmission devices 30 and the like is used to some extent. For example, the transmission device 30, which is a computer that is often used for art classes, is often used to transmit still images such as photographs or illustrations to the display device 20. FIG. On the other hand, the transmission device 30, which is a computer that is often used in physical education classes, is often used to transmit images for displaying moving images to the display device 20. FIG. In such a case, there is an advantage that the image is displayed on the display device 20 in an appropriate display mode without the user being conscious of the setting of the display mode.

As described above, the relay device can prohibit the display device from displaying an image in a display mode other than the display mode associated with the transmission device that has transmitted the request signal among the plurality of transmission devices. Also, in this control, it is not necessary to change the setting information of the transmitter or the display device. Therefore, the relay device controls switching of the display mode of the display device to a display mode suitable for the transmission device regardless of whether the settings of the transmission device or the display device can be changed.

The present invention can be realized not only as an apparatus, but also as a method in which processing means constituting the apparatus are used as steps, as a program for causing a computer to execute the steps, or as a computer-readable program in which the program is recorded. It can also be implemented as a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or as information, data, or signals indicating the program. These programs, information, data and signals may then be distributed over a communication network such as the Internet.

Although the relay apparatus and the like of the present invention have been described above based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. As long as it does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention, the present embodiment includes various modifications that a person skilled in the art can think of, and the form constructed by combining the components of different embodiments is also included in the scope of the present invention. .

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be applied to relay devices that control display modes of display devices. Specifically, it can be applied to a relay device that is connected to a transmission device via a network and causes a display device to display video data received from the transmission device via the network.

1, 2 display system 10, 10A, 10B relay device 11 port 12, 33 communication IF
13 acquisition unit 14, 14A generation unit 15 provision unit 16 relay unit 17, 17A reception unit 20 display device 30, 30A, 30N transmission device 31 processing unit 32 monitoring unit 41, 42 display mode list L signal line N network T1, T2 management table

Claims (11)

a port connected by a signal line conforming to a video transmission standard to a display device for displaying video transmitted by the transmission device;
a communication interface connected to the transmitting device via a network;
an acquisition unit that acquires first information indicating a plurality of display modes of the display device through the port;
a generating unit configured to generate second information indicating one or more display modes obtained by removing information indicating a predetermined display mode from the first information obtained by the obtaining unit;
a providing unit that provides the second information generated by the generating unit to the transmitting device via the communication interface;
The predetermined display mode is a display mode specified by a user as a display mode prohibited to be displayed by the display device. The relay device further
A first reception unit that receives an operation by the user,
The first reception unit receives an operation specifying the predetermined display mode,
When the generating unit generates the second information,
The second information indicating the one or more display modes is generated by removing the information indicating the predetermined display mode received by the first receiving unit from the first information obtained by the obtaining unit. 2. The relay device according to 1. The providing unit further
(a) transmitting a pseudo-disconnection signal, which indicates pseudo-disconnection between the relay device and the display device, to the transmission device via the communication interface;
(b) after transmitting the pseudo disconnection signal, sending a pseudo connection signal to the transmitting device via the communication interface, which indicates that the relay device and the display device are connected in a pseudo manner;
2. The relay device according to claim 1, wherein (c) provides said first information or said second information to said transmission device via said communication interface after said pseudo connection signal is transmitted. The relay device further
A first reception unit that receives an operation by a user is provided,
The providing unit
The relay device according to claim 3, wherein the pseudo disconnection signal is transmitted when the first reception unit receives the operation. The relay device further
a second reception unit that receives third information indicating a designated display mode designated by the transmission device from the transmission device;
The generating unit
When the second receiving unit receives the third information, the second information obtained by removing the display mode different from the specified display mode indicated by the third information and the predetermined display mode from the first information generate and
The providing unit
The relay device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the pseudo disconnection signal is transmitted when the second reception unit receives the third information. The relay device further
a third receiving unit that receives a request signal including an identifier of one of the transmitting devices from one of the plurality of transmitting devices;
The generating unit generates the second information in which the display mode different from the corresponding display mode pre-associated with the identifier of the transmitting device included in the request signal and the predetermined display mode are removed from the first information. to generate
The providing unit
The relay device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the pseudo disconnection signal is transmitted when the third reception unit receives the request signal. The relay device further
receiving video data of video in a display mode selected by the transmitting device from among the one or more display modes indicated by the second information via the communication interface, and transferring the received video data to the port; 7. The relay device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a relay unit that relays by. the plurality of display modes including 4K and FullHD;
The relay device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said predetermined display mode includes 4K. A relay device according to any one of claims 1 to 8;
the display device connected to the port;
and the transmission device connected to the communication interface. A control method for a relay device comprising: a port connected to a display device for displaying video transmitted by a transmission device with a signal line conforming to a video transmission standard; and a communication interface connected to the transmission device via a network. There is
an obtaining step of obtaining through the port first information indicating a plurality of display modes of the display device;
a generating step of generating second information indicating one or more display modes in which information indicating a predetermined display mode is removed from the first information obtained in the obtaining step;
a providing step of providing the second information generated in the generating step to the transmitting device via the communication interface;
The predetermined display mode is a display mode specified by a user as a display mode prohibited to be displayed by the display device. Control method. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 10.

Images