JPH11150692A - Electronic device, function operating method in electronic device, and medium storing executable program in electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic device which allows a user to easily grasp the structure of the entire hierarchy of information, selects various contents that are acquired on a communication network by the user and contents that are acquired from external devices and sees them. SOLUTION: This device is provided with a hierarchy selecting means which can show a layered 1st hierarchy 150 which consists of selection items that include a guide function that acquires information to be shown on a displaying means via a communication network and simultaneously shows a 2nd hierarchy 200 that consists of plural items of selection items including a guide function which acquires information via the network in place of the display of the hierarchy 150 when a selection item including the guide function is selected and a 3rd hierarchy 300 that comprises plural contents corresponding to selection items of the guide function when a selection item of the guide function that acquires information in the items of the hierarchy 200 via the network in the displaying means.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to electronic equipment such as a television set, a monitor, and a computer.
The present invention relates to a method of operating a function in an electronic device and a medium storing a program executable in the electronic device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, television broadcast signals have been digitized and transmitted via satellites such as broadcast satellites and communication satellites.
In each home, a system for receiving this is operated. In this system, for example, nearly 80 channels can be secured, so that an extremely large number of types of programs can be broadcast. In such a system, since the number of programs that can be transmitted increases, an electronic program guide (EPG: El) for selecting a desired program is used.
(Electronic Program Guide: also referred to as program-related information) is transmitted together with the program, displayed on a monitor device, and a desired program can be quickly and reliably selected using the displayed electronic program guide. The user displays a GUI (Graphic) on the display.
Using the displayed electronic program guide, the user can quickly and appropriately grasp and select a desired program by using the displayed electronic program guide.

[0003] As an electronic device, for example, a television set (television receiver) has a multi-functionality such as displaying various kinds of program contents or a multimedia function using a communication network in order to achieve more multi-functionality. The demand for conversion is increasing. Then, it has been proposed to display a plurality of programs arranged in a matrix on a screen of a television set. In the case of such a television set, the user operates a button of the remote commander to switch from the initial screen to a display hierarchy having a reduced screen for displaying a plurality of program contents,
A method is conceivable in which the user operates the keys of the remote commander to select one of the plurality of program content screens, thereby displaying the program content on the entire screen.

[0004]

However, as described above,
On the display screen of the television receiver, when trying to select and watch a favorite broadcast program from a large number of programs,
When the user presses the key of the remote commander from the initial screen of the first hierarchy, the display is switched to a plurality of reduced screens for displaying a plurality of program contents of the second hierarchy, and the user further operates the remote commander. By operating the keys, one of the program contents represented by a plurality of reduced screens of the second hierarchy is displayed.
If a method is adopted in which one is selected and the selected one program content is displayed as the third layer on the entire display screen, the following problem arises. In other words, after the first level disappears,
Since the hierarchy is displayed and the third hierarchy is displayed after the second hierarchy disappears, it is difficult for the user to grasp the structure of the first, second and third hierarchy, and the first and second hierarchy are difficult to understand. And the third layer is changed in the order of the third layer.
It is necessary to change the hierarchy in the order of the hierarchy and the first hierarchy.
In other words, in order to allow the user to enlarge and confirm the program content selected on the third hierarchy, and to display another finally desired program content on the third hierarchy so as to fill the screen. It is necessary to repeat the switching operation of the first to third layers many times, and the operation is complicated.

[0005] The complexity of such operations is caused by, for example, acquiring information from a computer via a communication network, or acquiring information from an external device into a computer when an external device is connected to the computer. The same happens in the case. That is, when displaying information acquired via a communication network on a display screen, if a large number of types of information are acquired, it is difficult to easily select a screen having desired information from the acquired information. The same applies to the case where many types of information are obtained from the external device to the computer.
Therefore, the present invention solves the above-described problems, and enables a user to easily understand the structure of the entire information hierarchy, and to select various contents obtained on a communication network or contents obtained from an external device by a user. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic device that can be viewed and operated easily, a method of operating functions in the electronic device, and a medium storing a program executable in the electronic device.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is to provide a display device having a screen and a selection function including a guide function for acquiring information via a communication network to be displayed on the display device. When a selection item including a guide function for acquiring information via the first layer network can be displayed, the first layer layered from the items can be displayed. A second hierarchy composed of a plurality of selection items including a guide function for acquiring information via the network, and a selection item of the guide function for acquiring information via the network among the items of the second hierarchy When selected, a third content composed of a plurality of contents corresponding to the selected item of the guide function
This is achieved by an electronic device, comprising: a hierarchy selecting unit that displays a hierarchy and a hierarchy simultaneously on a display unit.

In the present invention, the hierarchy display means displays a first hierarchical hierarchy composed of selection items including a guide function for acquiring information via the communication network to be displayed on the display means. When a selection item including a guide function for acquiring information via the first hierarchy network is selected, the hierarchy display means replaces the first hierarchy display with a guide for acquiring information via the network. When the user selects a second hierarchy composed of a plurality of items corresponding to the selection items including the function and a selection item of the guide function for acquiring information via the network among the items of the second hierarchy, the guide function of the guide function is selected. A third layer composed of a plurality of contents corresponding to the selected item is simultaneously displayed on the display means.

Accordingly, when the user displays the first, second, and third layers by the selection means, the second and third layers are displayed simultaneously instead of the first layer. Since it can be displayed on the screen of the means, the user can easily grasp the hierarchical structure of the first, second and third layers. Then, instead of the first level, the second level and the third level
Since the contents of the layers can be easily displayed simultaneously on the screen of the display means, the user can easily grasp the contents of the information on the communication networks of the second and third layers, and the user can easily select the contents. Become. Then, the user can select and view various contents obtained on the communication network, and can easily perform the operation.

In the present invention, preferably, the information content in the third hierarchy is a plurality of digital images fetched from an external device, and the plurality of digital images are arranged in a matrix.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to display a first hierarchical layer composed of selection items including a guide function for acquiring information via a communication network to be displayed on a display means. When a selection item including a guide function for acquiring information via the first hierarchical communication network and a guide function for acquiring information via the first hierarchical communication network is selected, instead of displaying the first hierarchy, information is acquired via the network. When the user selects a guide function selection item for acquiring information via the network from the second hierarchy composed of a plurality of selection items including the guide function of the second selection item, the guide function is selected. A second layer and a third layer for simultaneously displaying on the display means a third layer composed of a plurality of contents of the guide function corresponding to the item.
This is achieved by a method of operating a function in an electronic device, comprising:

According to the present invention, there is provided a hierarchical system comprising a plurality of selection items including a selection item including a guide function for acquiring information via a communication network to be displayed on a display means. When a selection item including a first hierarchy display step of displaying the first hierarchy and a guide function for acquiring information via the first hierarchy network is selected, the first hierarchy is displayed instead of the first hierarchy display. When a second layer composed of a plurality of selection items including a guide function for acquiring information and a selection item of the guide function for acquiring information via the network among the items of the second layer are selected. A second layer and a third floor for simultaneously displaying on the display means a third layer composed of a plurality of contents of the guide function corresponding to the selection item of the guide function. Simultaneously displaying step, the medium executable program is stored in an electronic device characterized by having an be achieved.

Thus, when the user displays the first, second and third layers by the selection means, the second and third layers are simultaneously displayed instead of the first layer. Since it can be displayed on the screen of the means, the user can easily grasp the hierarchical structure of the first, second and third layers. Then, instead of the first level, the second level and the third level
Since the contents of the layers can be easily displayed simultaneously on the screen of the display means, the user can easily grasp the contents of the second and third layers, and the user can easily select the contents. Then, the user can select and view various contents obtained on the communication network, and can easily perform the operation.

The object of the present invention is to provide, in the present invention, a hierarchical hierarchal system comprising selection means including a display means and a guide function for acquiring information from an external device to be displayed on the display means. When a selection item that can display one layer and includes a guide function for acquiring information from an external device of the first layer is selected, a guide function for acquiring information from the external device is displayed instead of displaying the first layer. When the user selects a second level composed of a plurality of selection items including a guide item and a guide function selection item for acquiring information from an external device in the second level items, the corresponding guide function selection item is supported. 3rd composed of multiple information contents
This is achieved by an electronic device, comprising: a hierarchy selecting unit that displays a hierarchy and a hierarchy simultaneously on a display unit.

[0014] In the present invention, the hierarchical selection means includes a plurality of first selection items including a selection item including a selection function including a guide function for acquiring information from an external device to be displayed on the display device. Display hierarchy. When selecting a selection item including a guide function for acquiring information from an external device of the first hierarchy, the hierarchy selecting means performs a guide function for acquiring information from the external device in place of the display of the first hierarchy. A second hierarchy composed of a plurality of items corresponding to the selection items and a second hierarchy composed of a plurality of selection items including a guide function for acquiring information from an external device among the items of the second hierarchy When a selection item of a guide function for acquiring information from an external device among items of the second hierarchy is selected, a third hierarchy composed of a plurality of information contents corresponding to the selection item of the guide function is selected. Are simultaneously displayed on the display means.

Thus, when the user displays the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer by the layer selecting means, the second layer and the third layer are displayed instead of the first layer. At the same time, it can be displayed on the screen of the display means. Then, the user can easily grasp the hierarchical structure of the first, second, and third layers, and replace the first layer with the second and third layers.
Since the contents of the hierarchy can be easily displayed simultaneously on the screen of the display means, it is easy to grasp the information from the external devices of the second and third layers, and it is easy for the user to select the contents.

According to the present invention, there is provided a hierarchical system comprising a plurality of selection items including a selection item including a guide function for acquiring information from an external device to be displayed on a display means. When a selection item including a first hierarchy display step of displaying the first hierarchy and a guide function for acquiring information from the first hierarchy external device is selected, the information is displayed from the external device instead of the first hierarchy display. A second layer composed of a plurality of selection items including a guide function for acquiring information, and selecting a selection item of a guide function for acquiring information from an external device among the items of the second layer, the A second layer and a third layer simultaneous display step of simultaneously displaying on the display means a third layer composed of a plurality of information contents corresponding to the selection items of the guide function; The functional operating method in an electronic device, characterized, is achieved.

According to the present invention, there is provided a hierarchical system comprising a plurality of selection items including a selection item including a guide function for acquiring information from an external device to be displayed on a display means. When a first hierarchy display step for displaying the first hierarchy and a selection item including a guide function for acquiring information from outside the first hierarchy are selected, information is displayed from the external device in place of the first hierarchy display. A second hierarchy composed of a plurality of selection items including a guide function for obtaining information, and a selection of a guide function for obtaining information from an external device among the items of the second hierarchy, the guide is selected. A second hierarchy and a third hierarchy simultaneous display step of simultaneously displaying, on the display means, a third hierarchy composed of a plurality of information contents corresponding to the function selection items;
The present invention is achieved by a medium storing a program executable in an electronic device, comprising:

Accordingly, when the user displays the first hierarchy, the second hierarchy, and the third hierarchy by the hierarchy selection means, the second hierarchy and the third hierarchy are displayed instead of the display of the first hierarchy. At the same time, it can be displayed on the screen of the display means. Then, the user can easily grasp the hierarchical structure of the first, second, and third layers, and replace the first layer with the second and third layers.
Since the contents of the hierarchy can be easily displayed simultaneously on the screen of the display means, it is easy to grasp the information from the external devices of the second and third layers, and it is easy for the user to select the contents.

[0019]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are preferred specific examples of the present invention,
Although various technically preferable limits are given, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these modes unless otherwise specified in the following description.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a preferred embodiment of an electronic apparatus according to the present invention. This electronic apparatus 10 constitutes a part of a digital satellite broadcasting system as shown in FIG. 7, for example. . In FIG. 1 and FIG.
Has a monitor device 4 as a display means, a hierarchy selection means 100, a parabolic antenna 3 and the like. The monitor device 4 as a display means is, for example, a display device including a cathode ray tube (CRT). However, the monitor device 4 is not limited to a display device having a cathode ray tube, and it is of course possible to employ a display device such as a liquid crystal display device or a plasma display device. This electronic device 10
Constitutes, for example, a part of a digital satellite broadcasting system as described above, and the parabolic antenna 3 is a radio wave transmitted from the transmitting device 130 via a satellite (broadcast satellite or communication satellite) as shown in FIG. To receive. The received signal RS received by the parabola antenna 3
00 IRD (Integrated Receive)
r / Decoder) 2.

The hierarchy selecting means 100 preferably
It has an RD 2 and a remote commander 5. The remote commander 5 uses an infrared (IR) signal.
A command can be input to the remote commander 5 by a signal. The user (user) is the remote commander 5
By pressing an arbitrary key in the group of keys described later, the infrared signal IR corresponding to the function of the key is generated.
Emitted from the transmission unit 51, the IR reception unit 39 of the IRD2
Received at. The IRD 2 is a transmission / reception unit 4 of the monitor device 4.
A is electrically connected to A by a line 11.

Next, the operation section 101 provided in the IRD 2 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described with reference to FIG. The operation unit 101 is provided on the front side of the IRD 2, and includes an “up” key 102, a “right” key 103, and a “left” key.
Key 104, “down” key 105, “enter” key 106,
It has a “magic” key 107. By providing these keys on the IRD 2, the user can perform operations such as selection of a television broadcast program and determination of the selected content on the monitor device 4.

Next, the remote commander 5 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. The remote commander 5 includes a main body 5A, an IR transmitting section 51, a volume (VO)
L) key 5B, program (PROG) key 5C, mute (MUTE) key 5D, input (INPUT)
It has a key 5E, a power (POWER) key 5F, a jump (JUMP) key 5G, an active (ACTIVE) key 5H, a twin (TWIN) key 5I, a numeric key 5J, and an operation unit 5K. The operation unit 5K includes several keys in addition to the keys of the IRD 2 shown in FIG. The operation unit 5K includes an “up” key 102, a “right” key 103, a “left” key 104, a “down” key 105, a “decision” key 106, and a “magic” key 107, as shown in FIGS. , "Menu" key 108, "Multimedia" key 109, "News" key 110,
"Program guide" key 111 and "Guide while watching"
It has a key 112.

The IR transmitter 5 of the remote commander 5 shown in FIG.
One light emitting diode (LED) 76 is driven by an LED driver 75. The microcomputer 71
The user selects a key to select from the key group 82,
By transmitting a signal to the LED driver 75 so as to correspond to the key, the LED 76 transmits an IR transmission signal corresponding to the function of the key.

Next, with reference to FIG. 7, an example of the configuration of the above-described electronic device 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, the electronic device 10 can be used, for example, as a device for receiving digital satellite broadcasting. The transmitting device 130
It has a program transmission system 130A and an MPEG2 encoder / multiplexer control system 130B. The program transmission system 130A collects, for example, audiovisual data streams that are video information of a plurality of types of programs provided by a plurality of program providers, and supplies the collected audiovisual data streams to a control system 130B. Control system 130B converts these audiovisual data streams to MP
EG (Moving Picture Experts)
Group 2), data is compressed, multiplexed, and multiplexed at a predetermined transmission cycle for each program, and transmitted from the parabolic antenna 130C. The transmitted data stream is supplied to the parabolic antenna 3 of the electronic device 10 via the transponder of the satellite 130D.

Next, an example of the configuration of the IRD 2 of the electronic device 10 will be described. The parabolic antenna 3 is LNB
(Low Noise Block downconv
er) 3a, converts a signal from a satellite into a signal of a predetermined frequency, and supplies it to the IRD 2 as a received signal RS. The IRD 2 supplies its output to the monitor device 4 via a line 11 composed of three lines, for example, a video signal line, an audio L signal line, and an audio R signal line.

DSS (Digital Satelli)
te System, where DSS is a trademark) mode
This is a mode for receiving radio waves transmitted via satellites in the above-described manner, and the TV mode is a mode for receiving ordinary terrestrial television broadcasts. 3 shows an example of the internal configuration of an IRD 2 for performing reception in the DSS mode. The reception signal RS output from the LNB 3a of the parabolic antenna 3 is supplied to a tuner of the front end 20 (receiving means) and demodulated, and an error is detected, corrected, and corrected as necessary.

The demultiplexer 24 receives a signal output from the error correction circuit 23 of the front end 20 and converts the signal into a data buffer memory (DRAM (Dyna)).
MicRandom Access Memory) or SRAM (StaticRandom Accesses)
s Memory)) 35 once. Then, the demultiplexer 24 reads out this as appropriate, supplies the decoded video signal to the MPEG video decoder 25, and outputs the decoded audio signal to the MPEG audio decoder 2.
6

The MPEG video decoder 25 stores the input digital video signal in the DRAM 25a as appropriate, and executes a decoding process on the video signal compressed by the MPEG system. The decoded video signal is
NTSC (National Television S)
The signal is supplied to an encoder 27, and is converted into a luminance signal (Y), a chroma signal (C), and a composite signal (V) of the NTSC system. The luminance signal and the chroma signal are supplied to buffer amplifiers 28Y and 28C.
, And are output as S-video signals. Further, the composite signal is output via a buffer amplifier 28V.

The MPEG audio decoder 26 appropriately stores the digital audio signal supplied from the demultiplexer 24 in the DRAM 26a, and executes a decoding process of the audio signal compressed by the MPEG system. The decoded audio signal is D / A converted by the D / A converter 30, and the left channel audio signal is supplied to the speaker SP via the buffer amplifier 31L.
The audio signal of the right channel is output to the speaker SP via the buffer amplifier 31R.

CPU (Central Process)
ing Unit) 29 executes various processes according to a program stored in the ROM 37, outputs a predetermined control signal to another AV device described later via the AV device control signal transmitting / receiving unit 2A, Control signal from the AV device.

A predetermined command can be directly input to the CPU 29 by operating a key of the operation unit 101 of the front panel 40 shown in FIG. When the remote commander 5 (FIG. 24) is operated, the IR
An infrared signal is emitted from 1, and the infrared signal is received by the IR receiving unit 39, and the received light result is supplied to the CPU 29. Accordingly, a predetermined command can be input to the CPU 29 by operating the remote commander 5.

The demultiplexer 24 includes an EPG (Electronic Pro- gram) in addition to the MPEG video data and the audio data supplied from the front end 20.
(gram guide: electronic program guide; hereinafter, referred to as EPG information)) and the like, and the data is supplied to the EPG area 35A of the data buffer memory 35 and stored therein. The EPG information includes information on a program of each broadcast channel (for example, a channel, broadcast time, title, category, etc., in addition to a reduced still image of the program). This E
Since the PG information is frequently transmitted, the latest EPG information can always be held in the EPG area 35A.

An EEPROM (Electrically)
Erasable Programmable Rea
d Only Memory) 38 contains data (for example, four weeks of reception history,
The channel number (last channel) received immediately before the power is turned off is stored as appropriate. And, for example,
When the power is turned on, the same channel as the last channel is received again.

The CPU 29 performs a predetermined OSD (On-Sc
When you want to generate (Reen Display) data,
It controls the MPEG video decoder 25. The MPEG video decoder 25 generates predetermined OSD data in accordance with this control, writes the OSD data in the OSD area of the DRAM 25a, reads out the OSD data, and outputs it. Accordingly, predetermined characters, graphics, images, etc., for example, superimposed on a normal screen (characters, station logo, genre icon, still image of a number window) can be output to the monitor device 4 as appropriate and displayed.

The SRAM 36 is used as a work memory of the CPU 29. The modem 34 exchanges data via a public telephone line under the control of the CPU 29. That is, the public telephone line 80 is connected to the modem 34 of the IRD2.
And is connected to the Internet 82 via a provider 81. The Internet 82 described above is a type of communication network, and the user of the electronic device 10 can use the Internet 82 to transfer various information to the modem 3.
4 to the CPU 29 side. For the AV device control signal transmission / reception unit 2A, for example, a digital camera 70, a DVD (digital versatile disk, digital video disk) drive device 71, a CD (compact disk) drive 72,
A digital video (DV) tape recorder 73 and an 8 mm video tape recorder 74, such as a VHS video tape recorder 75, can be externally connected. DVD,
CD, DV, etc. are all trademarks.

Next, a method of displaying a screen displayed on the monitor device 4 using the IRD 2 of the electronic device 10 of FIG. 7 will be described. FIG. 8 shows a screen 4A of the monitor device 4, and FIG. 9 shows a current screen 500 of a moving image or a still image as shown in FIG. FIG. 9 shows a screen 4A of FIG.
Is displayed. FIG. 10 shows that, on this screen 4A, instead of displaying the first level 150, the second level 20 is displayed.
An example in which 0 and the third hierarchy 300 are displayed at the same time is shown.

The first hierarchy 150 shown in FIG. 9 is structured by selecting items (tags) corresponding to the functions to be displayed on the screen 4A of the monitor device 4 and hierarchized.
The selection items of the first level 150 include, for example, “program guide” 151, “guide while watching” 152, “news”
153, "Multimedia" 154, "Menu" 15
5, "video" 156, and the like. First level 15
An example of the initial screen P0 including 0 is shown in FIG.
The “program guide” 151 includes a second layer 200 and a third layer 200 shown in FIG. 10 including the contents of various programs based on various broadcast formats instead of displaying the first layer 150 when the user selects it. The hierarchy 300 can be displayed. A specific example of the initial screen P1 of the "program guide" in FIG. 10 is shown in FIG.
It is shown in FIG.

When the user selects the "guide while watching" 152 on the first level 150 in FIG. 9, the display on the first level 150 is replaced by the corresponding second level 200 in FIG.
The third layer 300 can be displayed at the same time. An example of the initial screen P2 of the “guide while watching” 152 is shown in FIG.
(B), and a specific example is shown in FIG. When the user selects “News” 153 in FIG.
Instead of displaying the first level 150, the second level 200 and the third level 300 shown in FIG. 10 are displayed at the same time. Second level 200, third level 300 corresponding to "News" 153
11C is shown in FIG. 11C, and a specific one is shown in FIG.

When the user selects "multimedia" 154 in FIG. 9, instead of displaying the first layer 150, the corresponding second layer 200 and third layer 300 in FIG. The initial screen P4 of the second layer 200 and the third layer 300 corresponding to “media” 154 is shown in FIG.
1 (D), and a more specific example is shown in FIG. When the user selects the “menu” 155 on the first level 150 in FIG. 9, the display on the first level 150 is replaced with the second level 200 and the third level 300 in FIG.
Are displayed at the same time. “Menu” 155 initial screen P5
Is shown in FIG. 11E, and a more specific example is shown in FIG.
It is shown in FIG. "Video" 1 on the first level 150 in FIG.
When the user selects 56, the second hierarchy 200 and the third hierarchy 300 shown in FIG. 10 are simultaneously displayed instead of the display of the first hierarchy 150, and specific examples thereof are shown in FIG. ing.

Further, an initial screen P1 of "program guide", an initial screen P2 of "guide while watching", an initial screen P3 of "news", an initial screen P4 of "multimedia" and an initial screen of "menu" shown in FIG. The configuration example of the screen P5 is described in more detail.

FIG. 17 shows an initial screen P1 of the "program guide".
Is shown. This program guide initial screen P1
The second hierarchy 200 is composed of a plurality of selection items called tags. The second layer 200 is terrestrial / BS2
00A, CS Digital 200B, Cable TV 200
C, each selection item (tag) of a broadcast format (broadcast category) such as the external input 200D. Third in FIG.
The hierarchy 300 is shown by arranging, for example, reduced still screens of the contents (contents) of each program in a matrix. In this example, a total of 12 types of contents are displayed. At the same time, on the lower side of the second hierarchy 200, the currently displayed current screen 500 is reduced and displayed as a moving image, for example. The display contents of the current screen 500 are as follows.
This is the same as the current screen 500 in the initial screen P0 in FIG. Each reduced screen has a channel number in the upper right part.

FIG. 18 shows an example of the initial screen P2 of the “guide while watching” shown in FIG. 11B. The second hierarchy 200 includes a plurality of selection items, ie, a movie 201A, a news 201B, and a sport 201C. , Drama 201D, variety 201E, music 201F, documentary 2
01G and children / education 201H. Third level 3
00 represents, for example, a reduced screen of four program contents (contents) as a representative. On the right side of the third hierarchy 300, a current screen 500 as a parent screen is displayed.
This current screen 500 is the current screen 500 shown in FIG.
Is a screen in which is shrunk in the width direction.

FIG. 19 shows a specific example of the initial screen P3 of "news" in FIG. 11C. Second level 200
Shows four selection items, topic 202A and international 20
2B, economy 202C, and sports 202D.
The third hierarchy 300 includes several display units 3 as selection items.
02A to 302F. The operation message 390 of the operation key can be displayed graphically below the third level 300. A current screen 500 is displayed below the second hierarchy 200.

FIG. 22 shows an example of the initial screen P4 of "multimedia". There are a homepage 203A, an album 203B, a shopping 203C, and a game 203D as selection items of the second hierarchy 200. The third hierarchy 300 shows an example of an advertisement for shopping, and a plurality of, for example, six advertisements are arranged in a matrix. Further, another horizontally long advertisement 303F is displayed below the six advertisements. A current screen 500 is displayed below the second hierarchy 200.

The "menu" initial screen P5 of FIG.
24 is shown in FIG. 24, for example. In FIG. 24, the second hierarchy 200 includes two screens 204A, image quality / sound quality 204B, wide 204C, and mode setting 204 as selection items.
D. The third layer 300 includes two screens 304A,
It has selection items such as a twin selection 304B, an operation exchange 304C, a headphone 304D, and a screen exchange 304E. Further, the fourth hierarchy 400 is the third hierarchy 300
For example, when the two screens 304A as the selection items of the third hierarchy 300 are selected, the selection items of the fourth hierarchy 400 can be cut off and displayed. An operation message 390 can be displayed below the third layer 300 and the fourth layer 400.

FIG. 20, which is an example of the characteristic portion in the embodiment of the present invention, shows an initial screen P4-2 similar to the initial screen P4 of "multimedia" in FIG. In the example of FIG. 20, when the user selects the homepage 203A in the second hierarchy 200, the third hierarchy 300 as the content is displayed on the homepages HA and H of the Internet.
B, HC, HD, HE and HF are shown. Even in this case, the current screen 500 is displayed below the second hierarchy 200.

FIG. 2 showing a characteristic portion of the embodiment of the present invention.
Reference numeral 1 denotes a multimedia initial screen P4-1, which is a display example similar to that of FIG. 22. However, when the user selects an album 203B, which is a selection item of the second hierarchy 200, the content is displayed as content. The third hierarchy 300 has various reduced screens corresponding to the album arranged in a matrix. Even in this case, the current screen 500 is displayed below the second hierarchy 200. The information source shown in the third hierarchy 300 is, for example, digital information obtained from a digital camera, and a plurality of reduced screens (photos) are arranged in a matrix based on this information.

FIG. 2 showing a characteristic portion of the embodiment of the present invention.
Also in the initial screen P4 of “Multimedia” of No. 2, when the user selects “Shopping” of the second hierarchy 200, the selection screen of the third hierarchy 300 shows an advertisement for shopping, and the shopping advertisement SA , SB, SC,
SD, SE, and SF, and another large advertisement 303F are shown. In the initial screen P4-3 of “multimedia” in FIG. 23 which is a characteristic part of the embodiment of the present invention, when the user selects the game 203D of the second layer 200, the third layer 300 is a representative of the game. Screen GA, GB, GC, G
D, GE, and GF are shown. Even in this case, the representative screen 500 is displayed.

FIG. 2 showing a characteristic portion of the embodiment of the present invention.
6 shows an operation example of the initial screen “P6” of “VIDEO” in FIG. 25. In FIG. 25 and FIG.
5B, DV tape (digital video tape) 205C,
It has a VHS video 205D and an 8-mm video 205E. In FIGS. 25 and 26, for example, when the user selects the DVD 205B of the second layer 200, the third layer 3
In 00, representative screens at predetermined time intervals in the DVD software can be arranged in a matrix as reduced screens. A current screen 500 is displayed below the second hierarchy 200. In the lower part of each reduced screen of the third hierarchy 300, for example, in the case of FIG. 25, a title display field 205F for displaying the title of the software of the DVD can be displayed, and in the case of FIG. A counter display field 205G indicating whether the user has touched or not can be displayed.

FIG. 27 shows a display example of the third layer 300 and the fourth layer 400 when the control 205A of the second layer 200 is selected. The third level 300 displays functions such as forward, stop, pause, fast forward and fast reverse of an externally connected device, for example, a DVD player.
For example, when the selection item 305A of the third hierarchy 300 is selected, a pause 405A can be displayed on the fourth hierarchy 400.

FIG. 28 shows an operation example of the initial screen P5 of the "menu" in FIG. A function corresponding to the item selected in the second hierarchy 200 is displayed on the third hierarchy 300 and the fourth hierarchy 400, respectively. FIG. 29 shows VISUs of the second hierarchy 200 as in FIG. 28 (scroll display is possible when there are many characters to be displayed) 20
By selecting 7A, the third layer 300 and the fourth layer 400 can be displayed. On the fourth layer 400, the function of an image quality adjustment indicator is displayed. FIG.
29 and FIG. 29, only the fourth layer 400 for image quality adjustment is shown in an enlarged manner.

In the display examples of the screens shown in FIGS. 16 to 30 described above, the "up" key 102, the "right" key 103 of the operation unit 130 shown in FIG. 3 or the remote commander shown in FIG.
By appropriately operating the "left" key 104 and the "down" key 105, for example, the first level 150 shown in FIG.
The display change operation between the second layer 200 and the third layer 300 shown in FIG. First level 15 in FIG.
At 0, the pointer PT moves up and down by using the “up” key 102 and the “down” key 105,
One can be selected with the pointer PT from the selection items of “program guide” 151 to “video” 156. Then, when the “enter” key 106 in FIG. 6 is pressed, the selected item is determined.

In FIG. 17, in the terrestrial / BS 200A to the external input 200D which are the second layer 200,
By operating the "up" key 102 and the "down" key 105, the pointer PT can be moved up and down. As a result, one selection item in the second hierarchy 200 can be selected, and the selection can be determined by pressing the “Enter key” 106. Also, an "up" key 102, a "right" key 103, a "left" key 104, a "down" key
By appropriately operating the key 105, the pointer PT is moved, for example, in accordance with the contents of the programs arranged in a matrix in the third hierarchy 300 shown in FIG.
Then, when the “Enter” key 106 is pressed, the third level 300
Of the program content (content) can be determined.

The pointer PT corresponds to the initial screen P0 shown in FIG.
In FIG. 17, the right side of each selection item on the first level 150 is moved up and down, and the pointer PT shows, for example, a triangular arrow shape, and the direction of the pointer PT is directed toward the second level 200 in FIG. The fact that the display change operation can be performed is displayed to the user. On the other hand, as shown in FIG.
In the case of, the direction of the pointer PT is on the left side, that is, the direction assuming the first hierarchy 150 in FIG.
As described above, the action of the pointer PT can be similarly displayed in FIGS. 18 to 30 showing other display screens.

FIGS. 8 to 10 show the first screen on the screen 4A.
A method of displaying the hierarchy 150 and displaying the second hierarchy 200 and the third hierarchy 300 instead of the display of the first hierarchy 150 is shown. When the first level 150 is displayed as shown in FIG. 9 so as to be superimposed on the current screen 500 of the screen 4A in FIG. 8, the "magic" key 107 of the operation unit 101 in FIG. 3 or the remote commander in FIG. 5 Magic
The key 107 may be pressed. Then, in the case where the second hierarchy 200 and the third hierarchy 300 are simultaneously displayed instead of the display of the first hierarchy 150, the “right” key 103 in FIG.
Alternatively, the “enter” key 106 may be pressed. Conversely, FIG.
0 instead of the display of the second layer 200 and the third layer 300,
To display the first level 150, the "left" key 104 in FIG. 6 may be pressed. Then, when the display of the first level 150 is to be deleted, the “magic” key 107 may be pressed again.

In FIG. 12A, the screen 4A shows the second layer 200 and the third layer 300. By operating the "up" key 102 or the "down" key 105 in FIG. The selection items in the hierarchy 200 can be appropriately selected. Then, by pressing the "right" key 103 or the "enter" key 106, it becomes possible to select a selection item in the third hierarchy 300 as shown in FIG. Also in this case, by pressing the “up” key 102 or the “down” key 105 as appropriate,
You can choose one. Further, when moving to the fourth hierarchy 400 as shown in FIG. 12 (C), the user presses the “right” key 103 or the “enter” key 106,
Can be selected. Conversely, FIG.
In order to return from the state of (D) to the state of FIG. 12 (C) and FIG. 12 (B), the “left” key 104 may be pressed, and FIG.
To return from the state of FIG. 2 (B) to the state of FIG. 12 (A), the “left” key 104 may be pressed again. By pressing a direct key (not shown), it is possible to return to the initial screen of each function, for example, the initial screen P1, without going through the screens shown in FIGS.

FIG. 13 shows each selection item of the first hierarchy 150 in FIG. 9, that is, a tag item. When a selection item, for example, “menu” 155 is selected, the “menu” 155 is displayed so as to be emphasized as compared with other selection items. Or "menu" which is the selected item
It is also possible to display a part other than 155 darkly. Such a display format based on light and shade can be applied to the example of the illustrated display screen. In FIG. 14A, for example, when the second hierarchy 200 has a number of characters that cannot be displayed as a selection item, it can be displayed as, for example, a variety as shown by a variety item 280. . FIG. 14 (B)
In the example shown in FIG. 7, when the variety item 280 is selected, for example, the characters can be displayed in an enlarged manner to display all the characters of the variety. That is, as a notation method of the tag name, all the constituent characters can be displayed only when selected.

FIG. 15A shows that, for example, when the selection items forming the third hierarchy are arranged in a matrix and each of them displays graphic contents, for example, 4 × 4
Can be formed. FIG. 15B shows a case where, for example, when the selection items forming the third hierarchy are text broadcasting such as text broadcasting as shown in FIG. 19, band-shaped display items are arranged as 1 × 8. Hierarchy can be configured. Thus, FIG.
A basic layout on the screen as in (A) and (B) can be configured. This idea is not limited to the third level,
It can be adopted in the hierarchy, the second hierarchy, or the first hierarchy.

Next, reference is made to FIG. FIG. 31 shows 4: 3
, A configuration example of the second layer 200 and the third layer 300 in the case of, for example, a 16: 9 wide screen television mode. As shown in FIG. 31B, in the case of the 16: 9 wide TV mode, the number of reduced screens of the third hierarchy 300, that is, the number of tags is changed so as to be different from the normal TV mode of 4: 3. Can also.
FIG. 32 illustrates an example of the movement of the pointer PT (also referred to as a cursor) in a selection item of the second hierarchy 200.
FIG. 33 shows an example of movement in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction by the pointer PT in the third hierarchy 300.

FIG. 34 shows a state in which after selecting one reduced screen 370 in the third hierarchy 300, the “Enter” key 1 in FIG.
By pressing 06, the selection screen 370 is enlarged and the screen 4A is enlarged by continuous motion. FIG. 35 shows that, on the initial screen P3, the selection item 375 of the third hierarchy 300 is selected, and
When the key 106 is pressed, the more detailed contents 37
6 shows a state displayed on the screen 4A. FIG.
Shows a state in which, when one selection screen 377 is selected on the initial screen P4 and the "Enter" key 106 is pressed, the contents of the selection screen 377 are enlarged and displayed on the screen 4A.

FIG. 37 shows a case where, for example, when the selection items constituting the third hierarchy 300, that is, the number of reduced screens cannot be displayed at one time in the screen 4A, the "up" key 102 or the "down" key in FIG. By operating the button 105, it is possible to sequentially scroll along the upward direction A1 or the downward direction A2. This scroll operation is performed by the “left” key 104 or the “right” key 103 in FIG.
By operating, it is also possible to similarly scroll in the right direction B1 or the left direction B2. Thus, the third hierarchy 300 can accommodate reduced screens, which are more selection items, arranged in a matrix.

Next, FIG. 38 shows an image displayed when the display contents are not updated in time for switching the display of the selection items (tags) or moving the pointer PT (cursor) when displaying the program contents of the third hierarchy 300. The character information is output before the image information. Thus, selection by the third-layer pointer PT can be performed without updating the image information of each reduced screen. As such a method of updating the program contents, (1) an update by a user operation and (2) an update method by an automatic update on the electronic device side can be adopted.
As a unit of the program content to be updated, a method of updating each program, that is, a method of updating each reduced screen as shown in FIG. 38, a method of updating a plurality of reduced screens included in one line collectively, Alternatively, a method of updating all the programs in the third hierarchy 300 at once for each page can be considered.

As shown in FIGS. 41A and 41B, for example, a channel number, a logo of a station of a broadcasting station, and the like can be displayed on, for example, the upper right of each reduced screen of the third hierarchy 300. As shown in FIG.
When one of the reduced screens 370 is selected, in addition to pressing the “Enter” key 106 in FIG. 3 or FIG. 6 to enlarge the reduced screen 370 to the entire screen 4A, a provisional determination mode is provided. ), The reduced screen 370 can be slightly enlarged to make it easier to see. After the user confirms the contents of the reduced screen 370 of the program in this way, the user may press the “enter” key 106 in FIG. 6 to enlarge the entire screen 4A. 11 (A), (C), (D),
As shown in (E), each initial screen P1, P3, P4, P
5 and the like, it is desirable to display the current screen 500. For example, when the current screen 500 is a moving image,
The sound may be output simultaneously from the speaker.

A terrestrial wave / B of the second layer 200 shown in FIG.
The S200A or the CS digital 200B is a tag for receiving many types of program contents by a radio wave by a terrestrial wave or a radio wave by a satellite broadcast. The contents of the program on the cable television 200C are shown in FIG.
Can be received by the IRD 2 of the electronic device 10. When the external input 206D is selected, an external signal such as a digital camera 70, a DVD player 71, a CD-drive 72, a digital video tape recorder 73, an 8 mm video tape recorder 74, or a VHS video tape recorder 75 as shown in FIG. To enter the third level 3
At 00, the required reduced screens can be arranged in a matrix. A specific configuration for automatically generating such a plurality of types of reduced screens (index images) and displaying them in a matrix form, for example, employs a technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-153157. Can be.

The contents of the second and third layers 200 and 300 shown in FIG. 19 can be obtained by text broadcasting using satellite broadcasting, for example. The reduced images showing the home pages HA to HF of the second and third layers 200 and 300 in FIG. 20, which are characteristic parts of the embodiment of the present invention, can be obtained via the Internet 82 in FIG. Each reduced image on the third layer 300 in FIG. 21 which is a characteristic part of the embodiment of the present invention is obtained by automatically generating an index image by an input signal from the digital camera 70 in FIG. Can be used as a photo album. Each reduced image on the third layer 300 in FIG. 22 which is a characteristic part of the embodiment of the present invention is a shopping advertisement SA to SF and an advertisement 30.
3F is shown. Such shopping advertisement information can be obtained from the Internet 82 of FIG. 7 or by satellite broadcasting.

FIG. 2 is a characteristic part of the embodiment of the present invention.
The third layer 300 of the third class advertises a plurality of types of games GA to GF. The contents of the advertisement of these games can be obtained from the Internet 82 or satellite broadcasting, for example. The contents of the second layer 200 and the third layer 300 in FIG. 25 can be acquired from the digital camera 70 to the digital video tape recorder 73, which are externally connected devices connected to the IRD 2 in FIG. For example, FIG.
If the image of the advertisement 303F is displayed as shown in 2, it is also possible to obtain advertisement revenue from the advertisement 303F or the like. If the operation message 390 is displayed at the same time as the operation message 390 shown in FIG. 24 which is a characteristic part of the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to visually explain how to use the operation keys.

Next, an operation example of the electronic apparatus 10 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In step S1 in FIG. 43, the user operates the operation keys of the remote commander 5 shown in FIG. 6 or the operation keys of the operation unit 101 of the IRD 2 in FIG. In step S2, "magic" of either remote commander 5 or IRD2
When the key 107 is pressed, the initial screen P0 shown in FIGS. 9 and 16 is displayed on the screen 4A in step S3. In the initial screen P0, the first hierarchy 150 is displayed so as to overlap the current screen 500 which has already been displayed. Step S4
The user operates the “up” key 102 or the “down” key 105 to select “program guide” 151 and “watching guide” 15 as selection items in the first level 150.
2, "News" 153, "Multimedia" 154,
When, for example, the pointer PT is positioned at the “program guide” 151 from the “menu” 155 and the “video” 156 and the “enter” key 106 is pressed, at step S5, the initial state of the “program guide” shown in FIG. The screen P1 is displayed.

In the initial screen P1 of the "program guide" shown in FIG.
Selection items in the hierarchy 200, for example, CS Digital 200
When the pointer PT is positioned at B and selected, and the “Enter” key 106 is pressed, the third hierarchy 300 displays the CS
Contents of the program corresponding to digital 200B (content)
Are displayed. And the user is "up"
Key 102, “right” key 103, “left” key 104,
By operating the "Down" key 105 or the like to move the pointer PT, an arbitrary reduced screen is selected, and "OK" is selected.
By pressing the key 106, the selected reduced screen can be enlarged to the full screen 4A. In this case, the sound corresponding to the reduced screen pointed by the pointer PT when the pointer PT is being moved between the third layers 300 is shown in FIG.
From the speaker SP of the monitor device 4.
At the same time, the sound of the current screen 500 can also be output from the speaker SP. The current screen 500 is a program (parent screen) watched before entering the initial screen P1 of the “program guide”, and can always display moving images and sound. If necessary, the current screen 500 can be quickly enlarged and displayed.

In FIG. 17, which is a characteristic part of the embodiment of the present invention, when selecting, for example, each content in the third hierarchy 300, the user, for example, selects the “right” key 103.
Are sequentially operated, so that the positions SP1, SP2 and SP2 corresponding to the reduced screens showing the respective contents in FIG.
... SP12 can be sequentially moved and the selected reduced screen can be selected at the selected position, for example, SP7. When the position SP12 is reached, the endless scroll can be performed so as to return to the position SP1 again. Conversely, if the user operates the “left” key 104, SP12, SP11,..., SP2, SP1
, The user can select a reduced screen showing the content. When the user operates the keys of the main body or the remote commander in this manner, the reduced screen shown in FIG.
As shown in (2), an arbitrary reduced screen can be selected by scrolling in a zigzag manner. Such a moving method is an example, and other moving methods, for example, SP1, SP
Of course, it is also possible to move in the vertical direction as in 4, SP7,....

When the "guide while watching" 152 is selected and determined in step S6 in FIG. 43 on the first hierarchy 150 in FIG. 16, an initial screen P2 of "guide while watching" shown in FIG. 18 is displayed. In this case, the current screen 500 can be displayed on the right half of the screen 4A in a display manner in which the horizontal direction is reduced. While looking at the current screen 500, the third level 30
0 screen can be selected. For example, the current screen 5
The user can select a channel on the third layer 300 while watching a drama at 00, or select a channel on the third layer 300 while watching a sports broadcast on the current screen 500, and watch the program in a two-screen state. Note that this current screen 500
Is the parent screen that was viewed immediately before entering the “guide while watching” function.
You can get out of P.

Next, as in step S7 of FIG. 43, when the news 153 is selected and determined from the first level 150 of the initial screen P0 of FIG. 16, the initial screen of “news” of FIG. P3 can be displayed. In this case, if the economy 202C of the second hierarchy 200 is selected, for example, the content corresponding to the economy can be displayed on the third hierarchy 300 in the form of teletext.

FIG. 4 showing a characteristic portion of the embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in step S8 of FIG. 3, the initial screen P0 of FIG.
When the user selects and determines “multimedia” 154 on the first level 150 in, for example, shopping information as shown in FIG. 22 can be displayed. On the initial screen P4 of the “multimedia”, if the user selects the shopping 203C on the second level 200, a shopping advertisement can be displayed on the third level 300. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 20, if the homepage 203A is selected on the second hierarchy 200, the third hierarchy 300 is displayed on the homepages HA to H.
F can be displayed. Also, as shown in FIG.
If the album 203B of the layer 200 is selected, the third layer 300 can display a plurality of photos based on, for example, an input signal from an external key. As shown in FIG.
When the game 203D of the layer 200 is selected and determined, advertisements GA to GF of reduced screens (still images) indicating the content of the game can be displayed on the third layer 300.

Next, as shown in step S9 of FIG.
When the “menu” 155 in FIG. 16 is selected and determined, an initial screen P5 of the “menu” as shown in FIG. 24 can be displayed. For example, when the two screens 204A of the second level 200 are selected, the corresponding third level 300 and fourth level 400 are selected.
Is displayed. As described above, if the user appropriately selects and determines the selection items of the first hierarchy on the initial screen P0 according to his / her preference, the second and third hierarchies corresponding to the selection items, and even the fourth hierarchy as needed. Can be displayed at the same time. In this case, the display of the first layer disappears, and the second and third layers,
The fourth level is displayed simultaneously if necessary.

In step S11 of FIG. 43, the "left key" 104 of FIG. 6 is operated one or more times as in step S10, thereby starting the initial screen P1 of the "program guide" and the initial screen of the "guide while watching". From the screen P2, the initial screen P3 of "news", the initial screen P4 of "multimedia", the initial screen P5 of "menu", the initial screen P
Can be returned to zero. When the user performs the direct key operation in step S11 without performing the operation using the magic key 107 in step S2 in FIG.
"Menu key" 108 and "news key" 11 in FIG.
0, “Multimedia key” 109, “Program guide key” 111, and “Guide key while watching” 112 can be selected and operated to directly select the initial screens P 1 to P 5 as described above. It is.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the tag of the first hierarchy is displayed by the magic key operation, and the selection operation is performed by the selection operation.
The tags of the second hierarchy indicating all the corresponding categories and the third hierarchy indicating the reduced images of the homepage corresponding to the selected category are displayed at the same time, and the desired content linked to these reduced images can be obtained. is there.

In the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which a data stream such as a program content is transmitted from the transmitting apparatus in FIG. 7 to the electronic device 10 using the satellite 130D.
The present invention is not limited to this, and a data stream may be transmitted by terrestrial waves. The data of the third hierarchy in the initial screen of the multimedia as shown in FIGS.
It can be transmitted via the Internet 82 in FIG. 7, can be supplied from any of the externally connected devices 700 in FIG. 7, or can be supplied from a satellite broadcast wave or a terrestrial wave via the transmission device 130. It is possible.
Further, the transmission device 130 and the electronic device may be connected by wire.

The computer program for realizing the function of operating the electronic apparatus of the present invention is shown in FIG.
Instead of being stored in a memory (for example, the ROM 37 or the like) in the D2, for example, it is provided by downloading from the outside to the IRD 2 of FIG. 7 via the Internet 81, the provider 81, the telephone line 80, the modem 34, and the like. You may do it. Alternatively, the computer program may be stored in a recording medium such as an FD (floppy disk) or a CD-ROM, and installed via an FD drive or a CD-ROM drive externally attached to the IRD 2.

[0079]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Since the second layer and the third layer can be simultaneously displayed instead of the first layer, the user can easily grasp the structure of the entire information layer, and various types of information that the user obtains on the communication network can be obtained. Contents and contents obtained from an external device can be selected and viewed, and the operation can be easily performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exemplary perspective view showing an example of an electronic apparatus of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of the electronic device of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing an example of the IRD shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is an exemplary view showing an example of a remote commander of the electronic apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a transmission part of the remote commander in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view showing an operation unit of the remote commander shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a view showing an example of the configuration of the electronic apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a screen on the monitor device.

FIG. 9 is a view showing a state where a first hierarchy is displayed on the screen of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which second and third layers are simultaneously displayed on a screen.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an initial screen showing a display example of a second hierarchy and a third hierarchy.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of how a selection item is selected on the second, third, and fourth layers.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged view showing selection items in a first hierarchy.

FIG. 14 is a view showing a display example of selection items in a second hierarchy.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a layer configuration in a third layer.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an initial screen including a first hierarchy.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an initial screen of a “program guide”.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an initial screen of “guide while watching”.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an initial screen of “news”.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an initial screen of “multimedia”.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing another example of the initial screen of “multimedia”.

FIG. 22 is a view showing still another example of the initial screen of “multimedia”.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing another example of the initial screen of “multimedia”.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of an initial screen of a “menu”.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an initial screen P6 of “video”.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an operation example on the initial screen of “video”.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of a state operated on an initial screen of “video”.

FIG. 28 is a view showing a state where an operation is performed on an initial screen of “menu”.

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation performed on an initial screen of a “menu”.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a state where an operation is performed on an initial screen of “menu”.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of the layout of each reduced screen constituting the third hierarchy.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an example of how a pointer (cursor) moves on a selection item in the second hierarchy.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an example of a method for selecting a reduced screen in the third hierarchy.

FIG. 34 is a view showing a state where a reduced screen in the third hierarchy is selected and enlarged.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an example of enlarging and displaying a selected portion of one teletext on the third hierarchy.

FIG. 36 is an enlarged view showing a reduced screen of a third hierarchy on a multimedia display screen.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing an example of scrolling in the third hierarchy.

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing an example of updating each program in the third hierarchy.

FIG. 39 is a diagram showing an example in which the contents of a program are updated line by line in the third hierarchy.

FIG. 40 is a diagram showing an example of updating a program for a whole page in the third hierarchy.

FIG. 41 is a diagram showing an example of displaying a channel number and a station logo on a reduced screen of the third hierarchy.

FIG. 42 is a diagram showing an example in which a reduced screen of the third hierarchy is displayed once enlarged slightly.

FIG. 43: From the display of the initial screen P0 to the initial screen of “program guide”, the initial screen of “guide while watching”, the initial screen of “news”, the initial screen of “multimedia”, and the initial screen of “menu” FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an operation example of the example.

[Explanation of symbols]

2 ... IRD, 4 ... Monitor device (display means), 5
... Remote commander, 10 ... Electronic equipment, 100
... layer selection means, 150 ... first layer, 200
..Second hierarchy, 300: Third hierarchy, 400: Fourth hierarchy, P0: Initial screen, P1: Initial screen of "program guide", P2: "Guide while watching" Initial screen, P3 ... Initial screen of "news", P4 ...
"Multimedia" initial screen, P5 ... "Menu" initial screen, PT ... Pointer (cursor)

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A hierarchical first layer comprising display means having a screen and a selection item including a guide function for acquiring information via a communication network to be displayed on the display means can be displayed. When a selection item including a guide function for acquiring information via the first hierarchy network is selected, instead of displaying the first hierarchy, a selection item including a guide function for acquiring information via the network is selected. When selecting a second hierarchy composed of a plurality of items and selecting a guide function selection item for acquiring information via the network among the items of the second hierarchy, a plurality of contents corresponding to the guide function selection item are used. An electronic apparatus, comprising: a layer selecting unit that simultaneously displays the configured third layer on the display unit. 2. The first hierarchy can be displayed so as to be superimposed on an image currently displayed on the display means. When the second hierarchy and the third hierarchy are displayed instead of the first hierarchy, one of the display means is displayed. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein an image currently displayed on the display means is separately reduced and displayed on the unit. 3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the contents of the plurality of guide functions of the third hierarchy are reduced screens of a homepage registered in advance on a communication network, and the reduced screens of the homepage are arranged in a matrix. machine. 4. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a movement operation key for selecting contents of a plurality of guide functions on a third hierarchy. 5. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the contents of the plurality of guide functions in the third hierarchy are advertisements for shopping, and the advertisements for shopping are arranged in a matrix. 6. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein the advertisement for shopping is an advertisement for introducing a game. 7. A layered first hierarchy comprising display means having a screen and a selection item including a guide function for acquiring information from an external device to be displayed on the display means, When a selection item including a guide function for acquiring information from an external device on the first hierarchy is selected, a plurality of selection items including a guide function for acquiring information from the external device are displayed instead of displaying on the first hierarchy. When a selection item of a guide function for acquiring information from an external device among the items of the second hierarchy is selected from among the items of the second hierarchy, a plurality of information contents corresponding to the selection item of the guide function And a hierarchy selecting means for simultaneously displaying a third hierarchy composed of the following on a display means. 8. The content of information on the third hierarchy is:
The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of digital images are captured from an external device, and the plurality of digital images are arranged in a matrix. 9. A first hierarchy display step of displaying a hierarchical first hierarchy composed of selection items including a guide function for acquiring information via a communication network to be displayed on a display means, When a selection item including a guide function for acquiring information via a one-layer communication network is selected, a plurality of selection items including a guide function for acquiring information via the network are displayed instead of displaying the first layer. When a selection item of the guide function for acquiring information via the network among the items of the second hierarchy is selected from the items of the second hierarchy, a plurality of guide functions corresponding to the selection item of the guide function are selected. A second hierarchy for simultaneously displaying a third hierarchy composed of contents on the display means, and a third hierarchy simultaneous display step. Function For the operation in the electronic device. 10. The first hierarchy can be displayed so as to be superimposed on the image currently displayed on the display means, and the second hierarchy is replaced with the second hierarchy instead of the first hierarchy.
The method according to claim 9, wherein when the hierarchy and the third hierarchy are displayed, an image currently displayed on the display is separately reduced and displayed on a part of the display. 11. A first hierarchy displaying a hierarchical first hierarchy composed of a plurality of selection items including a selection item including a guide function for acquiring information from an external device to be displayed on a display means. When a selection step including a display step and a guide function for acquiring information from an external device of the first hierarchy is selected, a guide function for acquiring information from the external device is included instead of the display of the first hierarchy. When the user selects a second hierarchy composed of a plurality of selection items and a selection item of a guide function for acquiring information from an external device among the items of the second hierarchy, a plurality of items corresponding to the selection item of the guide function are selected. An electronic device comprising a second layer and a third layer simultaneous display step of simultaneously displaying on the display means a third layer composed of the information content of the third layer. Function method of operation. 12. A first display for displaying a hierarchical first hierarchy composed of a plurality of selection items including a selection item including a guide function for acquiring information via a communication network to be displayed on a display means. When a selection item including a hierarchy display step and a guide function for acquiring information via the first hierarchy network is selected, a guide function for acquiring information via the network is displayed instead of displaying the first hierarchy. The selection item of the guide function for acquiring the information via the network among the items of the second hierarchy including the plurality of selection items including the second hierarchy item corresponds to the selection item of the guide function. A second layer and a third layer simultaneous display step of simultaneously displaying, on the display means, a third layer composed of a plurality of guide function contents; Medium executable program is stored in the electronic apparatus characterized Rukoto. 13. A first hierarchy displaying a hierarchical first hierarchy composed of a plurality of selection items including a selection item including a guide function for acquiring information from an external device to be displayed on a display means. When a selection step including a display step and a guide function for acquiring information from an external device of the first hierarchy is selected, a guide function for acquiring information from the external device is included instead of the display of the first hierarchy. When the user selects a second hierarchy composed of a plurality of selection items and a selection item of a guide function for acquiring information from an external device among the items of the second hierarchy, a plurality of items corresponding to the selection item of the guide function are selected. An electronic device comprising a second layer and a third layer simultaneous display step of simultaneously displaying on the display means a third layer composed of the information content of the third layer. Medium executable program is stored.