U.S. patent application number 13/083927 was filed with the patent office on 2011-09-01 for information providing device and metod for index information for scene changes.
Invention is credited to Takeshi HASHIMOTO, Motoki KOBAYASHI, Tatsushi NASHIDA.
Application Number | 20110214145 13/083927 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 18322557 |
Filed Date | 2011-09-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110214145 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
NASHIDA; Tatsushi ; et
al. |
September 1, 2011 |
INFORMATION PROVIDING DEVICE AND METOD FOR INDEX INFORMATION FOR
SCENE CHANGES
Abstract
The present invention relates to an information providing
apparatus and an information providing apparatus. Images which are
consecutive in time series are sequentially enlarged and displayed
such that the enlarged images are continuous spirally in the
time-series order from the inner circumferential side. In this
manner, according to the present invention, it is possible to
understand easily a before-after relationship between a large
number of images which are consecutive in time series by applying
the present invention to a set-top box for digital satellite
broadcasting, for example.
Inventors: |
NASHIDA; Tatsushi;
(Kanagawa, JP) ; HASHIMOTO; Takeshi; (Tokyo,
JP) ; KOBAYASHI; Motoki; (Chiba, JP) |
Family ID: |
18322557 |
Appl. No.: |
13/083927 |
Filed: |
April 11, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12167413 |
Jul 3, 2008 |
7937726 |
|
|
13083927 |
|
|
|
|
09601126 |
Sep 22, 2000 |
7610599 |
|
|
PCT/JP1999/006709 |
Nov 30, 1999 |
|
|
|
12167413 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
725/44 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/4532 20130101;
H04N 21/44008 20130101; H04N 21/8153 20130101; H04N 21/4312
20130101; H04N 21/4438 20130101; H04N 21/4728 20130101; H04N 21/482
20130101; H04N 5/50 20130101; H04N 21/4668 20130101; H04N 21/6143
20130101; H04N 5/44543 20130101; H04N 21/44222 20130101; H04N
21/440263 20130101; H04N 21/47 20130101; H04N 5/45 20130101; H04N
21/43615 20130101; H04N 21/42206 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
725/44 |
International
Class: |
H04N 5/445 20110101
H04N005/445 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 30, 1998 |
JP |
10-338917 |
Claims
1. An information providing apparatus for displaying information on
a screen, based on various information data provided through a
plurality of information sources, characterized by comprising:
first information obtain means for obtaining index information
concerning a content outputted from a first information source of
the plurality of information sources, from the first information
source; second information obtain means for obtaining index
information concerning a content outputted from a second
information source of the plurality of information sources, from
the second information source; menu screen display means for
displaying a categorized menu screen on the screen, based on the
obtained index information concerning the content outputted from
the first information source and the obtained index information
concerning the content outputted from the second information
source; and display means for obtaining necessary information data
from the first or second information source, in response to
selection operation on the menu screen, and for displaying
information based on the necessary information data, onto the
screen.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the
necessary information data is information data for displaying
contents of the content.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the
first information source and the information providing apparatus
are connected with each other through a network, and the first
information obtain means obtains the first information data through
the network.
4. An information providing method for displaying information on a
screen, based on various information data provided through a
plurality of information sources, characterized by comprising: a
first information obtain step of obtaining index formation
concerning a content outputted from a first information source of
the plurality of information sources, from the first information
source; a second information obtain step of obtaining index
information concerning a content outputted from a second
information source of the plurality of information sources, from
the second information source; a menu screen display step of
displaying a categorized menu screen on the screen, based on the
obtained index information concerning the content outputted from
the first information source and the obtained index information
concerning the content outputted from the second information
source; and a display step of obtaining necessary information data
from the first or second information source, in response to
selection operation on the menu screen, and of displaying
information based on the necessary information data, onto the
screen.
5. A method according to claim 4, characterized in that the
necessary information data is information data for displaying
contents of the content.
6. A method according to claim 4, characterized in that in the
first information obtain step, the first information data
concerning the first information source is obtained from the first
information source through the network.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an information providing
apparatus and an information providing method which can be applied
to, for example, a set-top box for digital satellite broadcasting
and which sequentially enlarge index images and the like and
display the enlarged index images such that the images are
consecutively arranged in time-series order on spiral layout from
the inner circumferential side, so that the before-after
relationship between many consecutive images in time series can be
easily understood.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Conventionally, in a set-top box and the like for digital
satellite broadcasting, contents and the like of broadcastings on
respective channels are displayed, for example, on a multi-screen
in order that a desired channel can be selected easily from a large
number of channels.
[0003] In this kind of video apparatus, for example, it is
considered that a desired program is recorded by connecting the
apparatus to a recording/reproducing device such as an optical disk
device, a hard disk device, or the like. In this case, it is also
considered that a desired program is watched and heard by time
shift.
[0004] If a user watches and hears the program thus recorded, there
may be a case that the user desires to watch and hear only a
specific scene. In this case, it is considered that the scene
desired by the user can be selectively provided if a head of each
scene is displayed as a still image and a corresponding scene is
reproduced by selection made by the user. Accordingly, the
operationality can be improved.
[0005] However, if those still images are displayed and disposed
simply, the before-after relationship of the still images cannot be
grasped easily, so the operationality is deteriorated
inversely.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above
problems and has an object of providing a video signal processing
apparatus and a video signal processing method by which a large
number of images which are consecutive in time series can be
displayed such that a before-after relationship between the images
can be easily understood.
[0007] An information providing apparatus according to the present
invention displays information on a screen, based on information
data provided through a plurality of information sources and is
characterized by comprising: first information obtain means for
obtaining first information data concerning a first information
source of the plurality of information sources, from the first
information source; second information obtain means for obtaining
second information data concerning a second information source of
the plurality of information sources, from the second information
source; menu screen display means for displaying a categorized menu
screen on the screen, based on the first and second information
data obtained; and display means for obtaining necessary
information data from the first or second information source, in
response to selection operation on the menu screen, thereby to
display information based on the necessary information data onto
the screen.
[0008] In the apparatus, the first information data is index
information concerning contents outputted from the first
information source, and the necessary information is information
data for displaying contents of the contents.
[0009] Also, the first information source and the information
providing apparatus are connected with each other through a
network, and the first information obtain means obtains the first
information data through the network.
[0010] Next, an information providing method according to the
present invention is to display information on a screen, based on
information data provided through a plurality of information
sources and is characterized by comprising: a first information
obtain step of obtaining first information data concerning a first
information source of the plurality of information sources, from
the first information source; a second information obtain step of
obtaining second information data concerning a second information
source of the plurality of information sources, from the second
information source; a menu screen display step of displaying a
categorized menu screen on the screen, based on the first and
second information data obtained; and a menu screen display step of
obtaining necessary information data from the first or second
information source, in response to selection operation on the menu
screen, thereby to display information based on the necessary
information data onto the screen.
[0011] In the method, the first information data is index
information concerning contents outputted from the first
information source and the necessary information is information
data for displaying contents of the contents.
[0012] Also, in the first information obtain step, the first
information data concerning the first information source is
obtained from the first information source through the network.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a set-top box according to
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal control
section of the set-top box shown in FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a remote commander of
the set-top box shown in FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the remote commander shown
in FIG. 3.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a plane view showing a main menu screen.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a relationship between
the main menu screen and menus in a lower layer with respect to
recommended channels.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a plane view showing a menu screen of the
recommended channels shown in FIG. 6.
[0020] FIGS. 8(A) to 8(C) are plane views used for explaining
transit from the main menu screen to the menu screen of recommended
channels.
[0021] FIGS. 9(A) to 9(C) are plane views used for explaining
switching of the focus on the menu screen of recommended
channels.
[0022] FIGS. 10(A) to 10(D) are plane views used for explaining
transit from the main menu of recommended channels to display of a
program.
[0023] FIG. 11 is a plane view showing a program guide.
[0024] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a relationship
between the main menu screen and menus in a lower layer with
respect to categories.
[0025] FIG. 13 is a plane view showing a menu screen of category
shown in FIG. 12.
[0026] FIG. 14 is a plane view showing a menu screen of program
selection in the category.
[0027] FIGS. 15(A) to 15(C) are plane views used for explaining
transit from the main screen of the category to the menu screen of
program selection.
[0028] FIGS. 16(A) to 16(B) are plane views used for explanation
subsequent to FIG. 15.
[0029] FIG. 17 is a plane view showing a program guide in the
category.
[0030] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing a relationship
between the main menu screen and menus in lower layers with respect
to media.
[0031] FIG. 19 is a plane view showing the menu screen of media
shown in FIG. 18.
[0032] FIG. 20 is a plane view showing a menu screen of program
selection of media.
[0033] FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in an
internal control section when switching a menu screen.
[0034] FIG. 22 is a flowchart subsequent to FIG. 21.
[0035] FIG. 23 is a plane view showing a first search screen.
[0036] FIG. 24 is a plane view showing the first search screen in
case where media are difficult to randomly access.
[0037] FIG. 25 is a plane view showing a second search screen.
[0038] FIGS. 26(A) to 26(C) are plane views used for explaining
switching of the focus in the circumferential direction on the
second search screen.
[0039] FIGS. 27(A) to 27(C) are plane views used for explaining
switching of the focus in the radial direction.
[0040] FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the
internal control section on the display of the first search
screen.
[0041] FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure on the
display of the first search screen.
[0042] FIG. 30 is a flowchart subsequent to FIG. 29.
[0043] FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the
internal control section on the display of the second search
screen.
[0044] FIG. 32 is a flowchart subsequent to FIG. 31.
[0045] FIG. 33 is a flowchart subsequent to FIG. 32.
[0046] FIG. 34 is a flowchart used for explanation of operation of
obtaining of program information.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0047] In the following, embodiments of the present invention will
be described in details with reference to appropriate drawings.
(1) Structure of Embodiments
(1-1) Entire Structure
[0048] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a set-top box according to
an embodiment of the present invention. In this set-top box 1, a
tuner 2 receives broadcasting waves of digital satellite
broadcasting which is down-converted through an antenna 3, and
demodulates a desired transport stream from these broadcasting
waves. Further, the tuner 2 demodulates image data and sound data
from the transport stream and outputs the data together with an
electronic program guide (EPG).
[0049] A program information extraction section 5 extracts
electronic program information from the output data from the tuner
2, and outputs the information to the internal control section 4,
as well as the image data and sound data to a video signal
processing section 6 and a sound signal processing section 7,
respectively.
[0050] Under control by the internal control section, the video
signal processing section 6 expands and outputs the image data
outputted from the program information extraction section 5 and
image data which is inputted from a video disk recorder 8 as an
external device. In this case, the image data is transmitted in
form of a data compression format according to MPEG (Moving Picture
Experts Group), for example.
[0051] Also, under control by the internal control section 4, the
video signal processing section 6 outputs the image data outputted
from the program information extraction section 5 to a video disk
recorder 8 in case ofrecording a desired program by the video disk
recorder 8. At this time, the video signal processing section 6
detects a scene change by comparing sequential frames with each
other, and outputs the image from which a scene is changed to
another (this image will be hereinafter called an index image), as
a still image, to the video disk recorder during recording. In this
manner, the video signal processing section 6 records an index
image of each of scenes constituting a program, onto the video disk
recorder 8. Also, the video signal processing section 6 thus
notifies the internal control section 4 of time information
indicating a relationship between a still image thus recorded and
original image data. As a result of this, in the set-top box 1,
index images thus recorded are used so that a scene desired by a
user can be selected simply.
[0052] A video mix section 9 synthesizes the image data outputted
from the video signal processing section 6 and image data outputted
from a graphics display signal preparation section 10 and outputs
the synthesized data to a monitor device 11. In this manner, in the
set-top box 1, a desired program can be watched by the monitor
device 11, and various menu screens necessary for selection of this
program can be viewed with eyes. At this time, under control by the
internal control section 4, the video mix section 9 synthesizes and
outputs these two image data pieces through processing such as
cross-fading or the like, and also synthesizes image data through
keying such that an image based on the image data outputted from
the video signal processing section 6 is embedded at a part of an
image based on image data outputted from the graphics display
signal preparation section 10.
[0053] The sound signal processing section 7 expands the sound data
outputted from the program information extraction section 5 and
sound data inputted from the video disk recorder 8 as an external
device and outputs the sound data to the speaker 12. In this
manner, in the set-top box 1, sound of a desired program can be
heard through a speaker 12. Also, under control by the internal
control section 4, the sound signal processing section 7 outputs
sound data outputted from the program information extraction
section 5 to the video disk recorder, linked with the video signal
processing section 6, when a desired program is recorded.
[0054] The video disk recorder 8 is one of various media which can
be connected to the set-top box 1, and a video tape recorder, a
compact disk player, a hard disk device, or an optical disk device
is applied as the medium.
[0055] A home-net input/output control section 13 is a control
section of an interface in this set-top box 1 to a home-network
constructed by connecting the video disk recorder 8 and the like
through an IEEE 1394 interface, and controls operation of the video
disk recorder 8 under control by the internal control section 4. In
this manner, in the set-top box 1, programs based on digital
satellite broadcasting and digital ground wave can be recorded into
the video disk recorder 8, and programs recorded in the video disk
recorder 8 can be watched and heard.
[0056] Also, when thus recording programs based on digital
satellite broadcasting and digital ground wave broadcasting, the
home-net input/output control section 13 records program
information, index images, and the like concerning these programs
together under control by the internal control section 4, and
selectively reproduces the information, index images, and the like
under control by the internal control section 4 and notifies the
internal control section 4 and the like of them.
[0057] Also, the home-net input/output control section 13 notifies
the internal control section 4 of detailed program information,
data concerning recording reservation, and the like obtained from a
predetermined server through a telephone line, in addition to the
processing as described above. The section 13 also notifies the
internal control section 4 of detailed program information obtained
from a CD-ROM attached to the video disk recorder 8. In this
manner, the set-top box 1 can obtain detailed program information
from various information sources with respect to various programs
which can be provided for users.
[0058] Under control by the internal control section 4, the
graphics display signal preparation section 10 generates and
outputs image data through various display screens (which will be
described later) with use of information thus obtained. At this
time, the graphics display signal preparation section 10 generates
image data from index images recorded in the video disk recorder 8
if necessary and outputs the image data to the video mix section 9.
In this manner, the set-top box 1 can simply select a program
desired by a user.
[0059] A communication control section 15 accesses a predetermined
accounting center through a telephone line with respect to a
program necessary for accounting process under control by the
internal control section 4 and executes processing of necessary
data exchange. In this manner, a program of a so-called paper view
or the like can be watched and heard by the set-top box 1.
[0060] An operation control section 16 receives an infrared remote
control signal transmitted from a remote commander 18, detects an
operation of an operation key provided on an operation panel of the
set-top box 1, and then sends a control signal in accordance with
the internal control section 4.
[0061] The internal control section 4 is a micro computer which
controls the operation of the set-top box 1 and also controls the
operation of the video disk recorder 8 if necessary. This section 4
executes a series of control by executing control programs stored
in a memory 19, as shown in FIG. 2.
[0062] That is, the memory 19 is comprised of an area where the
control programs are stored and an area of a data area as a work
area for a central processing unit 4A. The internal control section
4 executes the control programs by the central processing unit 4A
and issues control commands to each of circuit blocks as required.
Also, the section 4 obtains various data from each of these circuit
blocks and controls the entire operation.
[0063] In these controls, the internal control section 4 obtains
electronic program information outputted from the program
information extraction section 5, detailed program information
obtained from a server, program information obtained from a CD-ROM
attached to the video disk recorder 8, program information provided
by an optical disk, and these information pieces concerning a
program recorded in the video disk recorder 8, with respect to all
programs that can be provided through the monitor device 11 and the
speaker 12 connected to the set-top box 1. The internal control
section 4 further controls the operation of the graphics display
signal preparation section 10 so as to display a menu screen based
on program information which totally systematizes the information
pieces.
[0064] In case of recording a program of digital satellite
broadcasting or the like by the video disk recorder 8, the program
information pieces obtained as described above are recorded
together so that the programs recorded in the video disk recorder 8
can be managed by the program information pieces thus recorded.
[0065] In this management of programs, the internal control section
4 unitarily manages these program information pieces so that
programs which can be provided by the set-top box 1 can be easily
selected, and further receives a selection operation from a user
through a layered menu screen.
[0066] The internal control section 4 also records a history of
programs watched and heard by a user who uses the set-top box 1,
and controls the operation of the graphics display signal
preparation section 10 such that a favorite channel of the use is
displayed to be selectable priorly in accordance with the
history.
[0067] In this manner, the set-top box 1 displays information of
programs provided by media such as broadcasting, an optical disk,
and the like, on the screen, and thus constructs an information
providing apparatus which provides an information screen as various
information.
(1-2) Structure of Remote Commander
[0068] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an outer appearance of
the structure of a remote commander. This remote commander 18 is
formed in a substantially rod-like shape. A window 18A for
transmitting infrared rays is formed on the end surface in the
front end side. In the remote commander 18, operation keys 18B such
as ten-keys and the like are provided on the upper surface in the
top end side, and a desired program can be selected by operating
the operation keys 18B.
[0069] The upper surface of the remote commander 18 is lowered like
a step drawing a smooth curve in the back end side behind the
operation keys 18B such as ten-keys and the like, and the remote
commander 18 can be gripped at this back end side by one hand. A
button 18C having a relatively large diameter is provided at a
portion which contacts a thumb when the remote commander 18 is
gripped at the back end side with a thumb positioned upside. An
operation key 18D for cancellation is provided behind the button
18C.
[0070] The button 18C is an operation key for selection and
determination and can switches the focus of an icon on the menu
screen by operating the button 18C in the up, down, left, and right
directions as indicated by arrows A to D. Also, a focused icon can
be opened by pressing down this button as indicated by an arrow E.
This button 18C is operated in the directions indicated by the
arrows A to D and thereby functions as an operation key for making
a selection. Therefore, in this case, the button 18C will be
hereinafter called a selection operation key. The button 18C is
pressed as indicated by the arrows A to D and functions as an
operation key for making a determination. In this case, the button
18C will be hereinafter called a determination operation key. In
contrast, the operation key 18D for cancellation is an operation
key for returning to a menu screen in a higher layer just above the
layer of the screen presently displayed.
[0071] Further, the lower surface of the remote commander 18 is
lowered like a step such that a forefinger hooks on the lowered
step when the remote commander 18 is gripped with a thumb
positioned upside. At the portion where the forefinger hooks, a
press operation key (called a shift operation key hereinafter) 18E
like a gun trigger is provided. In this case, the shift operation
key 18E is an operation key which serves to switch the display
mode. In this set-top box 1, the display screen can be switched to
a screen for program guide or a search screen by operating a
predetermined operation key with the shift operation key 18E
pressed.
[0072] In this manner, in the set-top box 1, the remote commander
18 is gripped by one hand so that a desired program can be
selected. Also, if necessary, the shift operation key 18E is
pressed with the remote commander 18 gripped by one hand, and the
display screen can thus be switched.
[0073] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the remote commander 18.
The remote commander 18 detects operations of the operation keys
18B, 18C, 18D, and 18E by the central processing unit (CPU) 18G
through a predetermined interface, and drives a transmission
section 18H based on the detection result, thereby to transmit an
infrared remote control signal. At this time, when other operation
keys 18C and 18D are operated with the shift operation key 18E
pressed, the central processing unit 18G inserts a remote control
signal indicating that the other operation keys 18C and 18D are
operated, and sends sequentially a remote control signal indicating
press operation on the shift operation key 18E. In this manner, a
remote control signal is outputted such that the set-top box 1 can
detect that these operation keys are simultaneously operated.
(1-3) Layered Display of Menu Screen
[0074] FIG. 5 is a plane view showing a main menu screen which is
displayed on the monitor device 11 by the set-top box 1. When the
set-top box 1 is started to operate or in response to an operation
on the menu screen in a lower layer below the main menu screen, the
internal control section 4 displays the main menu screen. Although
each icon is formed with a figure and a text included therein so
that the contents of icons can be grasped with eyes, the figures
and texts will be partially omitted from the icons shown in the
drawings.
[0075] In this case, the main menu screen is constructed by a menu
of recommended channels (Recommended), a menu of categories
(Categories), and a menu of media (Media), each displaying nine
icons. The menu of recommended channels (Recommended) is an icon
for selecting the menu screen of recommended channels. These
recommended channels are virtual channels to which channels that
are selected with higher frequencies are assigned among channels
that are receivable through the tuner 2, with a past history used
as a reference.
[0076] In contrast, the menu of categories (Categories) is an icon
for opening a menu screen which is classified by categories, and
the menu screen classified by the categories is a menu screen for
opening programs (including programs recorded in the video disk
recorder 8 in addition to the program being presently broadcasted)
which can be watched and heard by the set-top box 1, respectively
for the categories. Also, the menu of media (Media) is an icon for
opening a menu screen for selecting media which can be watched and
heard by the set-top box 1.
[0077] As a result of this, each menu on the main menu screen is
arranged so as to construct an icon for opening a menu screen in a
lower layer. A title indicating a menu screen, a channel, or the
like presently focused is displayed at an upper portion on each
display screen including the main menu screen, and an operation
guide, a detailed commentary, or the like is displayed at a lower
portion of the screen.
[0078] The internal control section 4 controls the graphics display
signal preparation section 10 so as to display the menu of
categories (Categories) at the center of the main menu and the
menus of recommended channels (Recommended) and media (Media) in
the left and right sides of the menu of the categories,
respectively, in an initial state immediately after the power is
turned on. Further, the internal control section displays a
frame-like mark W (hereinafter called a mark of focus) so as to
surround the menu of categories (Categories) at the center in the
initial state, and notifies the user of that the menu (Categories)
at the center is presently focused, by the mark W. Note that an
arrow indicating the direction in which the selection operation key
18C can be operated is displayed together with the focus mark W, so
that the operationality for the user can be improved.
[0079] Further, in response to operation of the selection operation
key 18C of the remote commander 18 in the left and right
directions, the internal control section 4 moves leftward and
rightward the entire of the main menu screen including the menu of
recommended channels (Recommended), the menu of categories
(Categories), and the menu of media (Media) with the focus mark W
displayed at the screen center. In this manner, the internal
control section 4 switches the focused menu in response to an
operation of this selection operation key 18C in the left and right
directions. When the display is switched from a menu screen of a
lower layer to the main menu screen, the internal control section 4
displays the main menu screen, focusing the menu corresponding to
the previous menu screen immediately before the switching.
[0080] Thus, in the present embodiment, the internal control
section 4 forms a fixed focus area at the screen center on the menu
screen, and moves the entire of the menu screen by operation of the
operation key 18C, to display an icon of a focus in the focus area.
In this manner, in the set-top box 1, movements of the view point
are reduced so that the icon selected by a user can be confirmed
easily.
[0081] In this respect, FIG. 6 shows a diagram explains a
relationship between the main menu screen and menu screens of lower
layers with respect to the menu of recommended channels
(Recommended). When the determination operation key 18C is pressed
with the menu of recommended channels (Recommended) focused, the
internal control section 4 opens the menu screen of recommended
channels. Further, when the determination operation key 18C is
pressed with the menu screen of recommended channels displayed, a
program as a lowermost layer is displayed with respect to a channel
selected by the menu screen of recommended channels. Inversely,
when the cancellation operation key 18D is pressed, the display is
switched to menu screens in upper layers sequentially.
[0082] In contrast, when the shift operation key 18E and the
determination operation key 18C are simultaneously operated with
the menu screen of recommended channels displayed, the display
screen is switched to a program guide of a focused recommended
channel. Further, when the cancellation operation key 18D is
pressed on the display screen of this program guide, the display
screen returns to the original menu screen of recommended channels.
In this manner, in the present embodiment, when the shift operation
key 18E and the determination operation key 18C are operated
together, a screen different from that in the case where merely the
determination operation key 18C is operated is displayed.
[0083] FIG. 7 is a plane view showing a menu screen of recommended
channels, as a menu screen in a lower layer of the menu of
recommended channels (Recommended). The internal control section 4
displays eight icons and one child screen in correspondence with
the number of recommended channels displayed on the main menu
screen, in the menus screen of the recommended channels. The
internal control section 4 displays upper nine channels in the
order from the highest selection frequency based on the past
history, on the initial screen. That is, the internal control
section 4 arranges a child screen at the center of the menu screen
and displays a program assigned to the virtual channel of the fifth
channel as a channel at the center. Also, surrounding this center
channel, icons of first to fourth channels (1ch to 4ch) and icons
of sixth to ninth channels (6ch to 9ch) are displayed.
[0084] When the display of the menu screen of the recommended
channels is switched, the internal control section 4 controls
operation of the graphics display signal preparation section 10
such that the display is switched with a predetermined transit
screen inserted intermediately. That is, as indicated with the
arrow F in FIG. 8, the focused menu is gradually enlarged with the
focus mark W kept displayed (FIG. 8(A) and FIG. 8(B)). This menu is
enlarged until the initial screen obtains a final size, and then,
the icon of the fifth channel at the screen center is surrounded by
the focus mark
[0085] In this manner, the internal control section 4 shifts the
display screen so as to zoom in on the icon selected by the user.
Subsequently, as indicated by an arrow G, the icon of the fifth
channel (5ch) surrounded by the focus mark W is gradually enlarged
(FIG. 8(C)). The video mix section 9 is instructed of cross-fade
processing so that the display of the icon is gradually switched to
display of a program assigned to the fifth channel (5ch) as the
icon is enlarged.
[0086] In this manner, the internal control section 4 finally sets
the menu screen of the recommended channels to the display as
described above with reference to FIG. 7.
[0087] In contrast, when the user operates the selection operation
key 18C with the menu screen of recommended channels displayed, the
entire menu screen is moved as indicated by an arrow H (FIG. 9(A)),
with the focus mark W maintained at the screen center, and the
focus is switched to the icon surrounded by the mark W having a
frame-like shape. At this time, the display which has been
surrounded by the focus mark W and has been assigned to a child
screen of a program is gradually minified and switched to display
of an icon, at the same time when the entire screen is moved.
Subsequently, complementarily to this minified display, the display
of the icon surrounded by the focus mark W is enlarged gradually,
and the icon of the enlarged display is switched to a child screen
of a program by cross-fading (FIGS. 9(B) and 9(C)).
[0088] On the menu screen of recommended channels thus displayed,
the internal control section 4 receives a selection operation of
virtual channels from the user through operation of the selection
operation key 18C. When the determination operation key 18C is
pressed, the display is switched to a focused program. In this
case, as shown in FIG. 10, the child screen focused at the screen
center is gradually enlarged (FIGS. 10(A) to 10(D)) on the menu
screen, and the display of this child screen is finally enlarged
over the entire display screen. In this manner, the internal
control section 4 can select a program presently broadcasted, by
selection operation on the menu screen of virtual channels.
[0089] In contrast, when the cancellation operation key 18D is
operated with the selected program thus displayed, the display
screen is gradually minified to switch the display so as to zoom
out onto the original menu screen, on the contrary to the above
explanation. At this time, the internal control section 4 zooms out
onto the menu screen such that the icon corresponding to the
program which has been displayed is surrounded by the focus mark W.
In this manner, in the set-top box 1, even in case of transiting to
a menu screen in an upper layer, the icon which has been focused
can be easily confirmed.
[0090] Also, when the user presses the cancellation operation key
18C with the screen of recommended channels displayed, the internal
control section 4 gradually minifies the display screen and
switches the display so as to zoom out onto the original main menu
screen, on the contrary to the above explanation. In this case, the
internal control section 4 zooms out onto the main menu screen such
that the menu of recommended channels which has been selected is
surrounded by the focus mark W at the screen center.
[0091] FIG. 11 is a plane view showing the screen of a program
guide explained above with reference to FIG. 6. This program guide
is prepared by arranging guides each of which shows a start time of
broadcasting of a program and contents of the program, sequentially
from upside. Further, the guides are displayed in different text
colors respectively for different categories. In this manner,
genres of programs can be confirmed visually with ease.
[0092] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a relationship
between the main menu screen and menu screens in lower layers, with
respect to the menu of categories (Categories) on the main menu
screen. When the determination operation key 18C is pressed with
the menu screen of the categories focused, the internal control
section 4 opens the menu screen of categories. Further, when the
determination operation key 18C is pressed with this menu screen of
categories displayed, the internal control section 4 shifts the
display to a menu screen in a much lower layer with respect to the
category selected on the menu screen of categories. Further, when
the determination operation key 18C is pressed on the menu screen
in this lower layer, the internal control section 4 switches the
display to a focused program.
[0093] On the contrary to the above, when the cancellation
operation key 18D is pressed, the display is switched to a menu
screen in an upper layer sequentially.
[0094] Further, when the shift operation key 18E and the
determination operation key 18C are pressed simultaneously with the
menu screen of categories displayed, the display screen is switched
to a program guide relating to a focused category. Further, when
the cancellation operation key 18D is pressed on the display screen
of the program guide, the display screen returns to the original
menu screen of categories. In this manner, according to the present
embodiment, when the shift operation key 18E and the determination
operation key 18C are operated together, a screen different from
that in case of operating only the determination operation key 18C
is displayed.
[0095] FIG. 13 is a plane view showing the menu screen of
categories. The internal control section 4 displays nine icons on
this menu screen. Here, the internal control section 4 classifies
programs which can be provided by the set-top box 1, into nine
categories depending on program information. The menu screen of
categories is constructed by nine icons of sports, films, news,
hobby, music, education, and the like. On the menu screen, the icon
focused in the center of the menu screen is enlarged and
displayed.
[0096] The internal control section 4 switches the main menu screen
to the menu screen of categories, like the case of switching the
display to the menu screen of recommended channels from the main
menu screen. That is, the internal control section 4 switches the
display with a transit screen inserted. On the transit screen, the
menu of categories is gradually enlarged such that the display
zooms in on this menu of categories, and the icon surrounded by the
focus mark W in the center is gradually enlarged (cf. FIG. 8).
[0097] In contrast, when the user operates the selection operation
key 18C with the menu screen of categories displayed, the entire
menu screen is moved with the focus mark W maintained at the center
of the screen, and the focus is switched to the icon surrounded by
the focus mark W, like the case of the menu of recommended channels
(cf. FIG. 9). At this time, the display of the icon which has been
enlarged on the display is gradually minified at the same time when
the entire screen shifts, and subsequently, the display of the icon
newly surrounded by the focus mark W is gradually enlarged.
[0098] FIG. 14 is a plane view showing a relationship between the
menu screen of program selection in a lower layer corresponding to
one icon on the menu screen of categories and all icons grouped
into this lower layer. In the present embodiment, the internal
control section 4 displays a menu of programs which can be provided
with respect to one genre arranged on the menu screen of
categories, on the menu screen in the lower layer. At this time,
for example, if nine kinds or more of programs can be provided with
respect to the music genre corresponding to one icon arranged on
the menu of categories, the internal control section 4 assigns
icons to all of these programs that can be provided, respectively,
and creates an entire screen on which all of these icons are
arranged.
[0099] The internal control section 4 zooms in on a part of the
entire screen to display nine icons, and creates the menu screen of
program selection by displaying these nine icons. At this time,
with respect to the icon at the screen center, the program as the
contents of this icon is displayed in form of a child screen.
[0100] When switching the display from the menu screen of
categories to the menu screen of program selection, the internal
control section 4 controls the operation of the graphics display
signal preparation section 10 such that the display is switched
with a predetermined transit screen inserted therebetween. That is,
as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the focused menu is gradually enlarged
with the focus mark W kept displayed (FIGS. 15(A) and 15(B)). When
this menu becomes larger than a predetermined value, the display of
this icon is rendered gradually transparent so that icons in a
lower layer can be viewed with eyes.
[0101] Subsequently, the internal control section 4 displays the
entire screen described above with reference to FIG. 14 (cf. FIG.
15), and gradually enlarges the entire screen to display the menu
screen of program selection (FIGS. 16(A) and 16(B)). In this
manner, in the set-top box 1, the entire image of icons which
belong to the menu screen of program selection can be grasped
visually.
[0102] Further, at this time, the icon surrounded by the focus mark
W at the center is gradually enlarged, and the display of this icon
is switched to a child screen when the icon becomes equal to or
larger than a predetermined value (FIG. 16(B)).
[0103] In contrast, when the user operates the selection operation
key 18C with the menu screen of program selection displayed, the
entire menu screen (which is the entire screen displaying all icons
in this case) is moved, like in the case of the menu screen of
recommended channels (cf. FIG. 9), and the focus is switched to the
icon surrounded by the focus mark W. At this time, the display of
the child screen which has been enlarged, displayed, and surrounded
by the focus mark W is switched to display of an icon and is
gradually minified, at the same time when the entire screen shifts.
Subsequently, the display of the icon surrounded by the focus mark
W is gradually enlarged and switched to display of a child
screen.
[0104] Also, when the determination operation key 18C is pressed on
the menu screen of program selection thus displayed, the internal
control section 4 switches the display to a focused program. In
this case, on the menu screen of program selection, the child
screen focused at the screen center is gradually enlarged and
displayed (cf. FIG. 10), and the display of this child screen is
finally enlarged over the entire display screen.
[0105] In contrast, when the cancellation operation key 18C is
operated with the selected program thus displayed, the display
screen is gradually minified and switched so as to zoom out on the
original menu screen of program selection, on the contrary to the
above explanation. At this time, the internal control section 4
zooms out onto the menu screen such that the icon corresponding to
the program which has been displayed is surrounded by the focus
mark W at the screen center.
[0106] Also, when the user presses the cancellation operation key
18C with the menu screen of program selection displayed, the
internal control section 4 minifies gradually the display screen
and switches the display so as to zoom out onto the original menu
screen of categories, on the contrary to the above explanation. At
this time, on the contrary to the case explained above with
reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, the internal control section 4 zooms
out from the entire display until the entire screen based on the
icon which has been focused is displayed. Thereafter, the section 4
switches to the icon of the corresponding category and zooms out
from the icon of this category.
[0107] Also, in this case, the internal control section 4 zooms out
onto the menu screen of categories such that the icon of the
category which has been selected is surrounded by the focus mark at
the screen center.
[0108] Further, when the user presses the cancellation operation
key 18C on this menu screen of categories, the display screen is
gradually minified and is switched so as to zoom out onto the
original main menu screen, also on the contrary to the above
explanation. Also in this case, the internal control section 4
zooms out onto the main menu screen such that the menu of the
category which has been selected is surrounded by the focus mark W
at the screen center.
[0109] FIG. 17 is a plane view showing a screen of a program guide
which has been explained with reference to FIG. 12. This program
guide is prepared by arranging guides each including a start time
of broadcasting of a program and the contents of the program,
sequentially from upside. Note that FIG. 17 shows a case where no
external device is connected to the network and only those programs
that can be obtained through the tuner 2 from the set-top box 1 can
be provided.
[0110] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing a relationship
between the main menu screen and menu screens in lower layers with
respect to the menu of media (Media) on the main menu screen. When
the determination operation key 18C is pressed with the menu of
media (Media) focused on the main menu screen, the internal control
section 4 opens the menu screen of media. Further, when a source
which records a program is selected with the menu screen of media
displayed, the display is switched to a menu screen of program
selection as a menu screen in a corresponding lower layer. Further,
when the determination operation key 18C is pressed on this menu
screen of program selection, the internal control section 4
switches the display to a focused program.
[0111] On the contrary to the above, when the cancellation
operation key 18D is pressed, the display is switched back to a
menu screen in an upper layer sequentially.
[0112] Further, when the shift operation key 18E is pressed with a
program as the lowermost layer displayed, the operation mode is
switched to a first search mode, and the display screen is switched
to a corresponding first search screen. When the shift operation
key 18E is released, the menu screen of categories displayed, the
display screen is switched to the original display of the
program.
[0113] In contrast, when the determination operation key 18C is
pressed with the shift operation key 18E pressed, the operation
mode is switched to a second search mode, and the display screen is
switched to a corresponding second search screen. In the internal
control section 4, when a specific menu such as retrieve or the
like is selected on this menu screen of media, a display screen
corresponding to aimed processing is displayed by display switching
which is different from that of the layer structure explained with
reference to FIG. 18.
[0114] FIG. 19 is a plane view showing the menu screen of media.
The internal control section 4 displays nine icons on this menu
screen. That is, an icon (Guide ROM) for opening a program guide
using CD-ROM, an icon (Text Search) for opening a program search
based on text search, and an icon (Promotion) for opening a channel
of promotion based on digital satellite broadcasting are arranged
from the top in the left end. If any of these three icons is
selected, the internal control section 4 executes corresponding
processing by switching to a display screen different from menu
screens based on the layer structure as described above with
reference to FIG. 17.
[0115] Also, icons for specifying a digital video disk (DVD), a
hard disk device (HDD), and a compact disk player (CD) are arranged
from the top in the center. From the top side in the right end,
icons for specifying D-VHS, DVD-R, and VHS are respectively
arranged. The internal control section 4 enlarges and displays the
focused icon in the center of the menu screen also in this case.
The icons arranged in the center and the right side on the menu
screen indicate various media such as a video disk recorder 8
described above and the like, which can be connected to the set-top
box 1 through the home network.
[0116] The internal control section 4 switches the display to this
menu screen of media from the main menu screen, in a manner similar
to the case where the display is switched from the main menu screen
to the menu screen of recommended channels. That is, the internal
control section 4 switches the display with a transit screen
inserted. On the transit screen, the menu of media is gradually
enlarged such that the display zooms in on this menu of media, and
the icon surrounded by the focus mark W in the center is gradually
enlarged (cf. FIG. 8).
[0117] In contrast, when the user operates the selection operation
key 18C with the menu screen of media displayed, the entire menu
screen is moved with the focus mark W maintained at the center of
the screen, and the focus is switched to the icon surrounded by the
focus mark W, like the case of the menu of recommended channels
(cf. FIG. 9). At this time, the display of the icon which has been
enlarged and surrounded by the focus mark W is gradually minified
at the same time when the entire screen shifts, and subsequently,
the display of the icon newly surrounded by the focus mark W is
gradually enlarged.
[0118] FIG. 20 is a plane view showing a menu screen of program
selection in a lower layer corresponding to one icon on the menu
screen of media. The internal control section 4 layouts, for
example, index images at the start times of respective programs
among index images added during recording, to create the menu
screen of program selection. For example, with respect to a program
selection menu based on a DVD or the like which is a
reproduction-only medium, an index image recorded on the DVD disk
is displayed, and if necessary, a beginning part is reproduced to
create the menu screen.
[0119] At this time, for example, it can be considered that nine or
more programs are recorded in the hard disk device. Therefore, the
internal control section 4 assigns icons respectively to all the
programs that are grouped into the icon of the hard disk device,
and creates the entire screen by arranging all these icons.
[0120] The internal control section 4 zooms in onto a part of the
entire screen to display nine icons, and prepares the menu screen
of program selection by displaying the nine icons. At this time,
with respect to the icon at the screen center, the program as the
contents of this icon is displayed in form of a child screen.
[0121] When switching the display from the menu screen of media to
the menu screen of program selection, the internal control section
4 switches the display, inserting intermediately a transit screen
similar to the transit screen described above with reference to
FIGS. 15 and 16. That is, a focused menu is gradually enlarged with
the focus mark W kept displayed. When this menu becomes equal to or
larger than a predetermined value, the display of this icon is
rendered gradually transparent so that icons in a lower layer can
be viewed with eyes. Subsequently, the internal control section 4
displays the entire screen based on all the icons and gradually
enlarges the entire screen to display the menu screen of program
selection. Further, at this time, the icon surrounded by the focus
mark W at the center is gradually enlarged, and the display of this
icon is switched to display of a child screen when the icon becomes
equal to or larger than a predetermined value.
[0122] In contrast, when the user operates the selection operation
key 18C with the menu screen of program selection displayed, the
entire menu screen (which is the entire screen displaying all icons
in this case) is moved, like in the case of the menu screen of
recommended channels (cf. FIG. 9), and the focus is switched to the
icon surrounded by the focus mark W. At this time, the display of
the child screen which has been enlarged, displayed, and surrounded
by the focus mark W is switched to display of an icon and is
gradually minified, at the same time when the entire screen shifts.
Subsequently, the display of the icon surrounded by the focus mark
W is gradually enlarged and switched to display of a child
screen.
[0123] Also, when the determination operation key 18C is pressed on
the menu screen of program selection thus displayed, the internal
control section 4 switches the display to a focused program. In
this case, on the menu screen of program selection, the child
screen focused at the screen center is gradually enlarged and
displayed (cf. FIG. 10), and the display of this child screen is
finally enlarged over the entire display screen.
[0124] In contrast, when the cancellation operation key 18C is
operated with the selected program thus displayed, the display
screen is gradually minified and switched so as to zoom out onto
the original menu screen of program selection, on the contrary to
the above explanation. At this time, the internal control section 4
zooms out onto the menu screen such that the icon corresponding to
the program which has been displayed is surrounded by the focus
mark W at the screen center.
[0125] Also, when the user presses the cancellation operation key
18C with the menu screen of program selection displayed, the
internal control section 4 minifies gradually the display screen
and switches the display so as to zoom out onto the original menu
screen of media, on the contrary to the above explanation. At this
time, the internal control section 4 zooms out from the entire
display until the entire screen based on the icon which has been
focused is displayed. Thereafter, the section 4 switches the
display to the icon of the corresponding medium and zooms out from
the icon of this medium. Also, in this case, the internal control
section 4 zooms out onto the menu screen of media such that the
icon of the medium which has been selected is surrounded by the
focus mark W at the screen center.
[0126] Further, when the user presses the cancellation operation
key 18C on this menu screen of media, the display screen is
gradually minified and is switched so as to zoom out onto the
original main menu screen, also on the contrary to the above
explanation. Also in this case, the internal control section 4
zooms out onto the main menu screen such that the menu of the
medium which has been selected is surrounded by the focus mark W at
the screen center.
(1-4) Processing Procedure of Layer Display in Internal Control
Section 4
[0127] FIGS. 21 and 22 are flowcharts showing a processing
procedure in the internal control section 4 in case of switching
the menu screens and the like according to the zooming processing
by enlarging and minifying icons. In this processing procedure, the
internal control section 4 goes from a step SP1 to a step SP2 where
the section 4 selects corresponding icons from displayed choices
and determines the layout of the selected icons.
[0128] Subsequently, the internal control section 4 goes to a step
SP3 and displays the entire screen based on all corresponding
icons. Thereafter, in a subsequent step SP4, an aimed menu screen
is displayed. At this time, the internal control section 4 displays
the menu screen so as to zoom in from the entire screen. For
example, if displayed icons are limited and the entire screen is
equal to the menu screen like the main menu screen, the internal
control section 4 displays directly the menu screen.
[0129] Subsequently, the internal control section 4 goes to a step
SP5 and enlarges and displays a focused icon at the screen center.
In this case, in the menu screen of program selection as the
lowermost layer, a child screen is assigned to this enlarged
display.
[0130] Subsequently, the internal control section 4 goes to a step
SP6, and determines whether or not the selection operation key
(selection key) 18C is operated or not. If a positive determination
result is obtained, the section 4 goes to a step SP7 and minifies
the icon at the screen center. Subsequently, the internal control
section 4 goes to a step SP8 and moves the menu screen to switch
the focus. The section 4 subsequently returns to the step SP5 and
enlarges and displays the newly focused icon.
[0131] Otherwise, if the selection operation key (selection key)
18C is not operated at all, the internal control section 4 goes to
the step SP9 from the step SP6 (FIG. 22). The internal control
section 4 then determines whether or not the determination
operation key (determination key) 18C is pressed. If a negative
determination result is obtained, the section 4 goes to the step
SP10. The internal control section 4 then determines whether or not
the cancellation operation key (cancel key) 18D is operated. If a
negative result is obtained, the section 4 returns to the step
SP6.
[0132] In this manner, the internal control section 4 repeats the
processing procedure of the step SP6 to SP9 to SP10 to SP6 while
the determination operation key 18C; the cancellation operation key
18D, and the selection operation key 18C are operated.
[0133] When the determination operation key 18C is operated while
the processing procedure is repeated, a positive determination
result is obtained in the step SP9, so the internal control section
4 goes from the step SP9 to the step SP11. The internal control
section 4 then determines whether or not the image at the screen
center is an image linked to a program, i.e., whether or not the
image at the screen center is a child screen for introducing a
program.
[0134] If the menu screen presently displayed is a menu screen
other than the menu screen of program selection, a negative
determination result is obtained, so the internal control section 4
goes from the step SP11 to a step SP12. The internal control
section 4 further zooms in on the icon at the screen center and
thereafter returns to the step SP2. In this manner, the internal
control section 4 switches the menu screen to a lower layer
sequentially, in response to operation on the determination
operation key 18C.
[0135] In contrast, in case where the menu screen presently
displayed is a menu screen of program selection, a positive
determination result is obtained in the step SP11, so the internal
control section 4 goes from the step SP11 to the step SP13. In this
step, the internal control section 4 switches the entire operation
such that the program based on the child screen is displayed over
the entire display screen. In this manner, the internal control
section 4 displays a program selected by the user, passing through
the layers sequentially.
[0136] Subsequently, the internal control section 4 goes to the
step SP14 and determines whether or not the cancellation operation
key 18D is operated. If a negative determination result is
obtained, the step SP14 is repeated. In this manner, the internal
control section 4 continues displaying a program until the
cancellation operation key 18D is operated.
[0137] In contrast, when the cancellation operation key 18D is
operated while displaying a program, the internal control section 4
goes from the step SP14 to the step SP15 and switches the display
so as to zoom out onto the menu screen of program selection as the
menu screen immediately before. Thereafter, the internal control
section 4 returns to the step SP4. In this manner, the internal
control section 4 can switch the channel being watched and heard as
required.
[0138] In cases where the internal control section 4 thus returns
to the menu screen of program selection and where the menu screen
or the like is selected by mistake, the internal control section 4
goes from the step SP10 to the step SP16 by operation of the
cancellation operation key 18D. The internal control section 4 then
determines whether or not a menu screen in an upper layer exists
with respect to the menu screen presently displayed. If the main
menu screen is displayed, a negative determination result is
obtained, so the internal control section 4 returns from the step
SP16 to the step SP6.
[0139] In contrast, if there is an upper layer, a positive
determination result is obtained in the step SP16, so the internal
control section 4 goes from the step SP16 to a step SP17, and
switches the display so as to zoom out onto a menu screen in an
upper layer. Further, in a subsequent step SP18, the internal
control section 4 selects an icon from choices with respect to the
menu screen in the upper layer and determines the layout and the
like. Then, the section 4 returns to the step SP4.
(1-5) Display of Search Screen
[0140] FIG. 23 is a plane view showing a first search screen in
case where the shift operation key 18E is operated with a program
displayed. The internal control section 4 displays this display
screen in case where a medium whose program is displayed is a
random-accessible hard disk device or the like.
[0141] In this first search screen, the internal control section 4
displays a program which has been displayed over the entire screen,
with the program minified. Further, in the lower side of the
screen, index images of the program are arranged in the time-series
order from the left side. At this time, the internal control
section 4 displays an index image (i.e., a focused index image)
corresponding to the image presently displayed at the screen
center, with the index image enlarged in comparison with other
still images and positioned at the center in the lower side.
[0142] Further, when the selection operation key 18C is operated
with the shift operation key 18E continuously pressed, still images
positioned in the lower side are moved to the left and right in
response to this operation. At this time, as these image move, the
focus is switched to the still image which is to be displayed in
the center in the lower side, and the focused index image is
enlarged while the index image which has been enlarged is changed
into a size equal to the size of other images.
[0143] In contrast, when the determination operation key 18C is
operated with the shift operation key 18E continuously pressed, the
display image at the screen center is switched so as to correspond
to the focused index image. In this manner, in the set-top box 1,
during the period in which the shift operation key 18E is pressed,
the first search screen is displayed so that a desired scene can be
selected as if feed forward and rewind were carried out in a video
tape recorder. Further, processing corresponding to the feed
forward and rewind can be executed at instance.
[0144] To execute the processing as described above, the internal
control section 4 switches control commands to be issued to the
hard disk device or the like if necessary. In this manner, index
images necessary for forming this search screen are provided for
the graphics display signal preparation section 10.
[0145] In this respect, FIG. 24 is a plane view showing a first
search screen displayed in case where the medium is a video tape
recorder or the like which is difficult to access randomly. In this
case, it is difficult to find heads of programs by random access,
so the internal control section 4 displays icons like operation
keys of a video tape recorder, in place of still images in time
series.
[0146] Further, when the selection operation key 18C is operated
with the shift operation key 18E continuously pressed, the
brightness of these icons is switched in response to this
operation, so that the icon of the focus can be viewed with eyes.
Further, when the determination operation key 18C is pressed with
the shift operation key 18E pressed continuously, the internal
control section 4 outputs a control command for feed forward,
rewind, or the like to a video tape recorder or the like, in
correspondence with the focused icon. A reproduced image obtained
as a result of this is displayed at the screen center.
[0147] In contrast, if the press of the shift operation key 18E is
released, the internal control section 4 displays the screen
displayed at the screen center, over the entire screen, and returns
to the original display screen.
[0148] In contrast, FIG. 25 is a plane view showing a second search
screen in case where the shift operation key 18E and the
determination operation key 18C are simultaneously operated while
the menu screen of program selection in a medium is displayed. The
internal control section 4 displays this display screen if the
medium displayed in a child screen is a medium such as a hard disk
device or the like which is randomly accessible.
[0149] Then, in the second search screen, the top index image of a
program presently focused is displayed at the screen center in the
lower side, surrounded by the focus mark W. Further, index images
relating to the focused program are displayed and minified
sequentially in a direction sequentially along the time axis,
spirally toward the center of the display screen, in the
anti-clockwise direction from this index image. Further, the
display is gradually faded out toward the center of the spiral from
the outer circumferential side so that the background is seen
through.
[0150] In this respect, in the clockwise direction of the focused
index image, an index image at an earlier time point than the
presently focused index image is displayed in correspondence with
the size of the display which sequentially changes along the spiral
layout of index images. This index image is also displayed to be
faded such that the background can be seen through. In FIG. 25,
since the index image presently focused is the head of a program, a
meshed dummy index image is displayed in the display area of the
index image at an earlier time point than the presently focused
index image.
[0151] Further, the second search screen is displayed on the
background where the index images spirally spread over from the
spiral layout. In this manner, in this set-top box 1, using the
focused index image as a reference, the flow of the program which
changes in accordance with elapse of time can be visually grasped
by the layout along the time axis using perspective, so that a
desired scene can be selected easily.
[0152] That is, as shown in FIG. 26, when the selection operation
key 18E is operated in the rightward direction, the internal
control section 4, as shown in FIG. 26(A) in contrast to FIG.
26(B), with the focus mark W maintained at the present display
position, moves the display position of each index image to a
display position which is shifted to the post side by one step
equivalent to one screen in the clockwise direction. Further, in
this movement, each index image is changed to a size corresponding
to the position after the movement (or the images may be arranged
such that the image is older as the image is closer to the center
of the spiral layout and the display position of each index image
may be moved in the clockwise direction to a display position which
is shifted to the future side by one step equivalent to one
screen). Further, the internal control section 4 arranges a
subsequent future index image, at the innermost index image layout
position where an index image is lost by the movement. Further, the
internal control section 4 sets the focus at the index image moved
into the focus mark W, and in this manner, the focused index image
is switched in the time-axis direction.
[0153] On the contrary to the above, when the selection operation
key 18C is operated in the leftward direction, as shown in FIG.
26(C) in contrast to FIG. 26(B), the display position of each index
image is moved to a display position in the counter clockwise
direction in the future side by one step equivalent to one screen,
in response to this operation, with the focus mark W maintained at
the present display position. Further, during this movement, each
index image is changed to a size corresponding to the position
after the movement (or the images may be arranged such that the
image is older as the image is closer to the center of the spiral
layout and the display position of each index image may be moved in
the anticlockwise direction to a display position which is shifted
to the future side by one step equivalent to one screen). Also, the
internal control section 4 arranges a subsequent index image, at
the outermost index image layout position where an index image is
lost by the movement. At the same time, the internal control
section 4 switches the focus to the index image moved into the
focus mark W, and in this manner, the focused index image is
switched in the time-axis direction.
[0154] In contrast, when the selection operation key 18C is
operated upward, as shown in FIG. 27(A) in contrast to FIG. 27(B),
each of the index images arranged in the spiral layout is moved to
a display position shifted toward the outer circumferential side of
the spiral, in response to this operation, with the focus mark W
maintained at the present display position. Further, during this
movement, each index image is changed to a size corresponding to
the position after the movement. Further, a subsequent index image
is sequentially arranged at an index image layout position in the
inner circumferential side, where the index image is lost by this
movement. At the same time, the internal control section 4 switches
the focus to the index image moved into the focus mark W, so the
index image is switched in the time-axis direction. In this manner,
the internal control section 4 switches the display of the search
screen as if the view point was moved to the back side by one turn
along the center axis of the spiral layout, with respect to the
index images arranged spirally from the front side, and jumps over
index images equivalent to one turn of the spiral layout to switch
the focused index image in the direction along the time axis.
[0155] In contrast, when the selection operation key 18C is
operated downward, as shown in FIG. 27(C) in contrast to FIG.
27(B), each of the index images arranged in the spiral layout is
moved to a display position shifted toward the inner
circumferential side of the spiral, in response to this operation,
with the focus mark W maintained at the present display position.
Further, during this movement, each index image is changed to a
size corresponding to the position after the movement. Further, a
subsequent index image is sequentially arranged at an index image
layout position in the outer circumferential side, where the index
image is lost by this movement. At the same time, the internal
control section 4 switches the focus to the index image moved into
the focus mark W, so the index image is switched in the direction
opposite to the time-axis direction. In this manner, the internal
control section 4 switches the display of the search screen as if
the view point was moved to the front side by one turn along the
center axis of the spiral layout, with respect to the index images
arranged spirally from the front side, and jumps over index images
equivalent to one turn of the spiral layout to switch the focused
index image in the direction opposite to the time axis
direction.
[0156] In contrast, when the determination operation key 18C is
pressed, the internal control section 4 displays the focused index
image over the entire screen and starts reproducing a recorded
video from the index image.
[0157] Further, if display of a program is thus started through the
second search screen, the internal control section 4 switches the
display to the second search screen and displays index images in
the same manner as described above, when the determination
operation key 18C is operated during display of the program.
[0158] In contrast, when the cancellation operation key 18D is
operated with the second search screen displayed, the internal
control section 4 returns to the original menu screen of program
selection.
(1-6) Processing Procedure in Internal Control Section 4 in Display
of Search Screen and Retrieve Screen
[0159] FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure in
the internal control section 4 in the display of the search screen
and the display of the retrieve screen, with the operation of the
shift operation key 18E used as a standard. When the power is
turned on, the internal control section 4 goes from a step SP20 to
a step SP21 and determines whether or not the shift operation key
18E (shift key) is pressed. If the shift operation key 18E is not
pressed, the internal control section 4 goes to a step SP22 and
switches the operation to a normal screen display mode which has
been described above with respect to the layer display of menu
screens.
[0160] Subsequently, the internal control section 4 goes to a step
SP23 and determines whether or not another operation key is
operated. If no other operation key is operated, the section 4
returns to the step SP21. Otherwise, if any other operation key is
operated, the section 4 goes to a step SP24 and switches the
display to an upper layer, a lower layer, or the like in response
to the operation of the operation key. Thereafter, the internal
control section 4 returns to the step SP21.
[0161] In contrast, if the shift operation key 18E is pressed, a
positive result is obtained in the step SP21, so the internal
control section 4 goes to a step SP25 and enters into a special
screen display mode. Subsequently, the internal control section 4
goes to a step SP26 and determines whether or not any other
operation key is operated. If no other operation key is operated,
the section 4 returns to the step SP21. Otherwise, if any other
operation key is operated, the section 4 goes to a step SP27 and
switches the display screen to a display screen of program guide or
a search screen in response to the operation of the operation key.
Thereafter, the section 4 returns to the step SP21.
[0162] In this manner, the internal control section 4 displays a
screen different from a normal case only in the case where the
shift operation key 18E is pressed. Accordingly, various operations
can be executed with a reduced number of operation keys. In case
where a program is displayed, the first search screen is displayed
while the shift operation key 18E is pressed in this processing
procedure.
[0163] FIGS. 29 and 30 are flowcharts showing a processing
procedure in the internal control section 4 in the first search
screen. The internal control section 4 goes from a step SP40 to a
step SP41 and displays a program selected by the user over the
entire screen of the monitor device 11 and goes to a step SP42. The
internal control section 4 then determines whether or not the shift
operation key 18E is operated. If a negative determination result
is obtained, the section 4 returns to the step SP41.
[0164] In contrast, if a positive determination result is obtained
in the step SP42, the internal control section 4 goes to a step
SP43 and minifies the display of a video as a program (cf. FIG.
23). Subsequently, the internal control section 4 goes to a step
SP44 and obtains position information (e.g., a time code or the
like) with respect to the video being reproduced. Thereafter, the
section 4 goes to a step SP45 and obtains index images before and
after the time information as a standard, from the video disk
recorder 8, and displays these index images arranged in the lower
side of the minified video.
[0165] Subsequently, the internal control section 4 goes to a step
SP 46 and determines whether or not the shift operation key 18E is
kept continuously pressed. If a negative determination result is
then obtained, the section 4 goes to a step SP47 and erases the
index images from the display screen. In a subsequent step SP48,
the internal control section 4 makes the minified and displayed
video recover the original size, and returns to the step SP42.
[0166] In this manner, when the shift operation key 18E is pressed,
the internal control section 4 displays the first search screen.
When the press of the shift operation key 18E is released, the
original display screen is displayed.
[0167] In contrast, if the shift operation key 18E is kept
continuously pressed, the internal control section 4 goes from the
step SP46 to a step SP49 (FIG. 30), and determines whether or not
the selection operation key 18C is operated in addition to the
shift operation key 18E. If a positive determination result is
obtained, the internal control section 4 goes to a step SP50 and
moves the positions of the index images to switch the focused index
image, in response to the operation of the selection operation key
18C. The internal control section 4 then returns to the step
SP46.
[0168] In contrast, if a negative determination result is obtained
in the step SP49, the internal control section 4 goes to a step
SP51 and determines whether or not the determination operation key
18C is operated in addition to the shift operation key 18E. If a
negative determination result is obtained, the internal control
section 4 returns to the step SP46. Otherwise, if a positive
determination result is obtained, the internal control section 4
goes to a step SP52 and switches the display to a corresponding
reproduced image, with respect to the scene of the focused index
image. Then, the internal control section 4 returns to the step
SP46.
[0169] In this manner, the internal control section 4 is arranged
such that a program can be watched and heard from a desired scene
by operating the operation key 18C with the shift operation key 18E
pressed.
[0170] FIGS. 31, 32, and 33 are flowcharts showing a processing
procedure in the internal control section 4, which relate to the
second search screen. In this processing procedure, a processing
procedure when recording a program is shown together. That is, the
internal control section 4 goes to a step SP61 from a step SP60,
and selects candidates of index images while recording image data
provided sequentially through digital satellite broadcasting on the
video disk recorder 8, for example. Further, in a subsequent step
SP62, the internal control section 4 sets an index image for every
scene from the selected candidates of index images, and records the
index image as a thumbnail image into the medium under
recording.
[0171] When the determination operation key 18C is operated on the
program selection menu of media with the shift operation key 18E
pressed after program recording is thus completed, the internal
control section 4 goes to a step SP63 and sets a count value
(count) for specifying an index image to 0. Also, the number (max)
of index images displayed on the screen is set to a maximum value
which can be displayed on the second search screen.
[0172] Subsequently, the internal control section 4 goes to a step
SP64 and obtains an index image expressed by a variable
(max)-(count) from the top of the sequence of the focused program,
from the video disk recorder 8. Thereafter, the section 4 goes to a
step SP65 and calculates the coordinates, size, transparency, and
depth of this index image.
[0173] In a subsequent step SP66, the internal control section 4
displays the index image obtained in accordance with the
calculation result, on the display screen. Thereafter, the internal
control section 4 goes to a step SP67 and increases the count value
(count) by 1. Subsequently, the internal control section 4 goes to
a step SP68 and determines the count value (count) is equal to or
smaller than a maximum value (max) which can be displayed on the
second search screen. If a positive determination result is
obtained, the internal control section 4 goes to the step SP64.
[0174] In this manner, the internal control section 4 repeats a
processing procedure of the steps SP64 to SP65 to SP66 to SP67 to
SP68 to SP64 to arrange spirally the index images and thereafter
goes to a step SP70 (FIG. 32).
[0175] The internal control section 4 determines whether or not any
operation key is operated in the step SP70. If a negative
determination result is obtained, the step SP70 is repeated. In
contrast, if any operation key is operated, a positive
determination result is obtained so that the internal control
section 4 goes to a step SP71 from the step SP70 and determines
whether or not the determination operation key 18C is operated. If
a negative determination result is obtained, the internal control
section 4 goes to a step SP72 and determines whether or not the
selection operation key 18C is operated in the rightward or
leftward direction.
[0176] If a negative determination result is obtained, the internal
control section 4 goes to a step SP73 and moves the spirally
arranged index images in the spiral layout direction or a direction
opposite thereto, in correspondence with the operation direction of
the operation key 18C. Simultaneously, the section 4 changes the
sizes of the index images (cf. FIG. 26) and then returns to the
step SP70.
[0177] In contrast, if a negative determination result is obtained
in the step SP72, the internal control section 4 goes to the step
SP74 from the step SP72 and determines whether or not the selection
operation key 18C is operated in the upward or lower direction.
[0178] If a positive determination result is obtained, the internal
control section 4 goes to a step SP75 and moves the spirally
arranged index images toward the outer or inner circumferential
side in correspondence with the operation direction of the
operation key 18C and changes the sizes (cf. FIG. 27). The section
4 then returns to the step SP70.
[0179] In contrast, if a negative determination result is obtained
in the step SP74, the internal control section 4 goers to a step
SP76 and determines whether or not the cancellation operation key
17D is operated. If a negative determination result is obtained,
the internal control section 4 returns to the step SP70. Otherwise,
if a negative determination result is obtained, the section 4 goes
to a step SP77 and switches the display screen to a menu screen of
program selection (FIG. 20).
[0180] In contrast, if the determination operation key 18C is
pressed, the internal control section 4 goes to a step SP78 from
the step SP71 (FIG. 33). The index image arranged at the current
position is enlarged over the entire screen. Subsequently, the
internal control section 4 goes to a step SP79 and instructs the
video disk recorder 8 to start reproducing a scene specified by the
index image, and displays a reproduction result thereof on the
monitor device 11. In this manner, the set-top box 1 is arranged
such that the flow of time is visually grasped and a desired scene
can be easily selected.
[0181] Subsequently, the internal control section 4 goes to a step
SP80 and determines whether or not the determination operation key
18C is pressed again. If a negative determination result is
obtained, the internal control section 4 repeats the step SP80. In
contrast, if a positive determination result is obtained, the
section 4 goes to a step SP81.
[0182] The internal control section 4 then obtains an index image
corresponding to the scene presently displayed, from the video disk
recorder 8, and stops reproducing a video by the video disk
recorder 8 in a subsequent step SP82. Simultaneously, the internal
control section 4 switches the display of the video to the index
image, and thereafter goes to a step SP83 in which the section 4
gradually minifies the index image and arranges the current
position on the second search screen. At this time, the internal
control section 4 simultaneously obtains preceding and following
index images necessary for the second search screen from the video
disk recorder 8, and arranges the index images.
[0183] After the second search screen is thus displayed, the
internal control section 4 returns to the step SP70 and waits for a
subsequent operation. In this manner, the set-top box 1 can rapidly
return to the second search screen as required if a desired scene
is obtained from the second search screen and is watched and
heard.
[0184] In case where various programs which can be provided by the
set-top box 1 are systemized and managed by the main menu screen
and the like, it is necessary to obtain program information which
can be provided from the video disk recorder 8 or the like as an
external device. Therefore, when the power is turned on or when the
power of another device is turned on or by a notification from the
video disk recorder 8 whose recording medium is replaced, the
internal control section 4 executes a processing procedure shown in
FIG. 34 and various program information necessary for systemized
management as described above is thereby obtained.
[0185] That is, the internal control section 4 goes to a step SP91
from the step SP90 and determines presence or absence of an
external device connected to the home network. This determination
is carried out by sending a predetermined command to an IEEE 1394
bus by broadcasting and by monitoring a response thereto. If an
external device is newly added, a bus reset occurs so that presence
or absence of an external device can be determined.
[0186] If a negative determination result is obtained, the internal
control section 4 goes to a step SP92 and completes this processing
procedure. In contrast, if a positive determination result is
obtained, the section 4 goes to a step SP93. Based on the response
to the broadcasting, the internal control section 4 determines
whether or not the device connected to the home network has
electronic program information by sequentially issuing control
commands for devices respectively and by obtaining responses
thereto or by attribute information of the devices added to the
response to the broadcasting.
[0187] If a negative determination result is obtained, the internal
control section 4 goes to a step SP92 and completes this processing
procedure. In contrast, if a positive determination result is
obtained, the section 4 goes to a step SP94. The internal control
section 4 issues a control command to the device having electronic
program information and obtains all electronic program
information.
[0188] In accordance with the electronic program information thus
obtained, a menu of retrieve is selected by operation through the
operation keys described previously or an icon (guide ROM) for
opening a program guide using a CD-ROM assigned to the menu screen
of a medium or an icon (text retrieve) for opening a menu of
program retrieve through text retrieve is selected. The internal
control section 4 then goes to a step SP95 and calculates a display
position of the electronic program information on a corresponding
display screen. In a subsequent step SP96, the internal control
section 4 displays text information based on the electronic program
information at this calculated position, and thereafter goes to the
step SP92 where the section 4 ends this processing procedure.
[0189] In addition to this processing, the internal control section
4 starts the communication device 14 for every week to obtain
detailed program information from a predetermined server. Program
information provided by broadcasting waves is thereby compensated
for.
(2) Operation of Embodiments
[0190] In the structure described above, in the set-top box 1 (FIG.
1), a broadcasting wave obtained through the antenna 3 is selected
by the tuner 2 so that a transport stream is demodulated, when a
user selects watching/hearing of program based on digital satellite
broadcasting and a digital ground wave. Thus, a desired channel is
selected by this transport stream. Further, image data and sound
data of this channel are outputted to the monitor device 11 and the
speaker 12. In this manner, a program desired by the user is
provided.
[0191] When the user selects recording of this program, image data
and sound data obtained through the video signal processing section
6 and the sound signal processing section 7 are outputted to the
video disk recorder 8 through the home network and are recorded by
a hard disk device or an optical disk device as the video disk
recorder 8.
[0192] Also, program information of the program to be recorded is
recorded together by electronic program information obtained by the
broadcasting wave, detailed program information obtained from a
predetermined server, detailed program information obtained from a
CD-ROM attached to the video disk recorder 8, and the like.
[0193] Also, in case where the program is recorded onto a recording
medium such as a hard disk device or the like which can be randomly
accessed, the position of a scene change is detected from
sequential image data, and a head image of each scene as the image
of the scene change is minified as a thumbnail image and is
recorded together as an index image.
[0194] Also, when the user thus selects watching/hearing of a
program recorded on the video disk recorder 8 or a program provided
through a recording medium, image data and sound data obtained from
the video disk recorder 8 are inputted to a video signal processing
section 6 and a sound signal processing section 7 through the home
network. The monitor device 11 and the speaker 12 are driven by the
output signals from the video signal processing section 6 and the
sound signal processing section 7. In this case, a program desired
by the user can be provided.
[0195] In case where the user thus watches and hears a program
based on digital broadcasting or digital ground wave or where a
program provided by the video disk recorder 8 is watched and heard,
a menu screen is provided such that an aimed program can be watched
and heard easily and rapidly by program information of each program
in the set-top box 1.
[0196] That is, in the set-top box 1 (FIG. 34), when the power is
turned on or when the power of another device is turned on or by
notification from the video disk recorder 8 whose recording medium
is replaced, an external device connected to the home network is
identified by the internal control section 4 (in steps SP91 and
SP93). Based on this identification, program information added from
the external device during recording is obtained, and further, with
respect to a program such as a movie or the like provided by a
reproduction-only recording medium, program information is obtained
from this recording medium.
[0197] Further, program information is obtained from electronic
program information added to a broadcasting wave, and further,
program information with respect to receivable programs and
reproducible programs are obtained from program information
provided from a special CD-ROM and program information provided
from a predetermined server. In the set-top box 1, programs which
can be provided are classified into categories such as movie,
music, and the like, depending on this program information.
[0198] Also, in the set-top box 1, information of programs which
the user watched and heard in the past is recorded. Favourite
channels of the user are selected from broadcasting channels in
accordance with the record, and the selected broadcasting channels
are classified into first to ninth virtual channels in the order
from the highest selection frequency.
[0199] Thus, in accordance with the past history and the program
information, programs which can be provided by the set-top box 1
are classified. In the set-top box 1, when the power is turned on,
a menu added with classification based on media is displayed as a
main menu screen (FIG. 5), and further, a desired program can be
selected, following sequentially the layers by operation on the
main menu screen.
[0200] In this manner, in the set-top box 1, programs as
information screens are unitarily managed and a menu screen is
displayed. In case where a number of programs can be provided by
obtaining programs from a plurality of information sources,
information can be selected, mainly based on the contents of
information. Accordingly, the user can select a desired program
easily, rapidly, and accurately without being conscious about media
such as a video tape recorder, an optical disk, and the like. The
operationality can be improved accordingly.
[0201] That is, for example, if a user watches and hear digital
satellite broadcasting or ground wave broadcasting, the menu of
recommended channels (Recommended) is selected on the main menu
screen and then goes down the layers sequentially (FIG. 6), so a
program of a desired broadcasting channel can be watched and heard
without being conscious about digital satellite broadcasting,
ground wave broadcasting, or channels.
[0202] If the user desires to watch and hear a program of music,
movie, or the like, the user selects the menu of categories
(Categories) on the menu screen and goes down the layers
sequentially (FIG. 12). A list menu is then displayed with respect
to a desired genre. By selecting an aimed program from the menu, a
desired program can be watched and heard by selecting an aimed
program from the menu, without being conscious about whether the
program is presently being broadcasted or is recorded in the
past.
[0203] Further, if the user desires to watch and hear software
which is available on the market, the menu of media (Media) is
selected on the main menu screen and goes down the layers
sequentially (FIG. 18). A list menu of programs is then displayed
with respect to a desired medium. By selecting an aimed program
from this menu, a desired program can be watched and heard like the
case of operating the other menus of recommended channels and
categories.
[0204] When thus going down the layers from the main menu screen, a
focus area is formed at the screen center on the main menu screen,
and a focus mark W is formed so as to surround this area. Further,
in response to an operation of the selection operation key 18C
arranged on the remote commander 18, the main menu screen is moved
and the focus is switched while the focus mark W indicating the
focus area is fixed.
[0205] In this manner, in case of selecting a desired menu on the
main menu screen, a desired menu can be selected without moving
diligently the view point to look for a focused menu, and the
operationality can be improved accordingly.
[0206] Also, in case where any menu is selected on the main menu
screen, each menu is gradually enlarged and displayed (FIG. 8) on
each of the subsequent menu screens of recommended channels (FIG.
7), categories (FIG. 13), and media (FIG. 19), such that the
display zooms in on each of the menus of the recommended channels,
categories, and media.
[0207] In this manner, in the set-top box 1, a result of operation
selected by the user himself or herself is confirmed with eyes so
that switching of the menu screen can be confirmed. In case of
managing various programs by layering, error operations can be
avoided effectively. Also, the user can grasp a relationship
between the display screens before and after switching and can
observe the switching of the display screens. Therefore, the user
can avoid a situation of losing himself or herself, e.g., the user
loses which layer or class the display screen currently displayed
is in when the screen is switched at an instance. In this manner,
the operationality can be improved.
[0208] On each menu screen thus switched, a focus area is formed at
the screen center, like the case of the main menu screen, and a
focus mark W is formed so as to surround this area. Further, nine
menus are provided for each menu screen. Among the nine menus, the
menu provided in the focus area at the screen center and surrounded
by the focus mark W is enlarged and displayed.
[0209] In this manner, in case of selecting a desired menu, a
focused menu can be rapidly searched so that the operationality can
be improved accordingly.
[0210] Also, these menus are displayed as icons on the other menus
than the menu at the center. The menu focused at the center is
displayed as an icon if there are menu screens in lower layers
(FIGS. 13 and 19), and the same menu is displayed as a child screen
(FIG. 7) which shows the program if there is not a menu screen in
the lower layers.
[0211] In this manner, in the set-top box 1, whether or not a
desired program can be determined by observing this child screen
with eyes. Also, in this manner, the desired program can be rapidly
and accurately selected.
[0212] Also, in this menu screen, in response to an operation of
the selection operation key 18C provided for the remote commander
18, each screen is moved and the focus is switched, fixing the
focus mark W indicating the focus area. In accordance with this
movement, displays of menus which are out of focus are switched to
displays of small icons, and a newly focused icon is enlarged and
displayed. If there is not a menu screen in lower layers, this icon
is switched to a child screen (FIG. 9).
[0213] In this manner, in each of the menu screens in the layers
right under the main menu screen, a desired menu can be selected
easily and steadily without moving the view point diligently in
case of selecting a desired menu, so that the operationality can be
improved accordingly. Also, a desired menu can be selected by
operation unified with (or common to) the main menu, so that the
operationality can also be improved accordingly.
[0214] Thus, in case of the recommended channels whose menu screen
is in the lowermost layer subsequent to the main menu screen, it is
possible to watch and hear a desired program, going down the layers
sequentially by opening the menu thus selected (FIG. 10).
[0215] In contrast, with respect to a category or medium which has
a menu screen in a lower layer, the display screen can be switched
to a menu screen in the subsequent lower layer by selecting a menu
on each menu screen.
[0216] Also in this case, in the set-top box 1, the display of the
menu is gradually enlarged and the menu screen is switched so as to
zoom in on the focused menu, like the case of switching the display
to a menu screen in a layer lower than the main menu screen (FIG.
15).
[0217] In this manner, the user can confirm the result of
operation, which the user herself or himself selects, with eyes and
can confirm switching of the menu screen, like the case where the
display of the menu screen in layers lower than the main menu is
switched. Therefore, even if various programs are managed by
layering, operation errors can be effectively avoided so that the
operationality can be improved. Also, a desired menu can be
selected by operations unified with (or common to) the main menu,
so that the operationality can be improved accordingly.
[0218] If an icon is enlarged to be greater than a predetermined
value when the menu screen is thus switched by zoom-in, this icon
is rendered gradually transparent by transparency processing so a
subsequent menu screen is displayed. In this manner, switching of
the menu screen is perceived so that the menu screen can be
switched without a sense of incongruity.
[0219] Further, if a large number of menus are assigned to the menu
on which the display should zoom in when the menu screen is thus
switched, the entire screen where all the icons corresponding to
respective menus are arranged is once displayed and the menu screen
is switched so as to zoom in on the entire screen (FIGS. 15 and
16).
[0220] In this manner, the user can operate a next menu screen,
grasping the entire image of a huge number of programs, for
example, with respect to the category of movie. Accordingly, for
example, in case where a movie not displayed on the menu screen is
selected in a menu in the lower layer of the movie category, a
desired menu of movie can be selected without diligently returning
to the menu screen in the original layer. Accordingly, a desired
program can be selected rapidly and steadily.
[0221] Further, in the set-top box 1, each menu screen and further
the entire screen are moved and the focus is switched with the
focus area fixed in the center of the screen, even on the menu
screen in a lower layer thus displayed. Accordingly, displays of
menus out of the focus are switched to display of small icons, so
that a newly focused icon is enlarged and displayed. If there is no
menu screen in a lower layer, this icon is switched to a child
screen (FIG. 9).
[0222] In this manner, in case where a desired menu is selected on
the menu screen in the lower layer, a desired menu can be selected
easily and steadily without moving the view point diligently to
seek a focused menu, so that the operationality can be improved
accordingly. Also, a desired menu can be selected by operation
unified with (or common to) the main menu, so that the
operationality can be improved accordingly.
[0223] Thus, in the set-top box 1, the menu screen thus selected
with respect to categories and media is a menu screen of program
selection in the lowermost layer. Therefore, an aimed program can
be easily and rapidly watched and heard by selecting and opening a
desired menu.
[0224] In both of the cases where the display is shifted to a menu
screen in a lower layer and where a program is further selected
with respect to the menu selected as described above, in the
set-top box 1, the display screen can be switched to lower layers
and a program can be selected by pressing and operating the
selection operation key 18C provided on the remote commander 18, as
a determination operation key 18C.
[0225] On the contrary to the above, the user can return to menu
screen in upper layers by operating the cancellation operation key
18D. In this manner, in case of going up and down layered menu
screens, programs can be selected by unified (common) operations,
so that operation errors can be prevented accordingly and the
operationality can be improved.
[0226] Further, in case of returning to a menu screen in an upper
layer, the display screen is switched so as to zoom out and the
entire screen is displayed if necessary, on the contrary to the
case of going down to a lower layer.
[0227] In this manner, even in case of returning to upper layer,
the user can return to upper layers, grasping the entire image,
without confusion, so that a desired program can be selected
rapidly and accurately.
[0228] When the shift operation key 18E is pressed and the
determination operation key 18C is operated on the menu screen of
program selection in the lowermost layer with respect to
recommended channels and categories (FIGS. 6 and 12), to switch
thus menu screens sequentially, the display is switched to a screen
of program guide. When the cancellation operation key 18D is
operated with the screen of the program guide displayed, the
display returns to the original menu screen.
[0229] In case of a recommended channel, broadcasting schedules
with respect respective virtual channels are displayed sequentially
in the order of broadcasting times, in different colors
distinguished between categories, on the screen of the program
guide. In this manner, the programs on the broadcasting schedule
can be confirmed, and processing for setting timer recording or the
like can be executed if necessary. In contrast, in case of
categories, a broadcasting schedule and programs which can be
watched and heard by various media are displayed as a list, with
respect to a focused category, so that a desired program can be
watched and heard based on the title or the like.
[0230] In this manner, in case where a program is selected by
operation different from normal operation for program selection in
which a program is selected following layers, a desired program can
be selected by operation similar to the case of following layers
and using additionally the shift operation key 18E. Accordingly,
the operation is unified more so that the operationality is
improved.
[0231] In contrast, on the program selection menu of media, the
display is switched to the second search screen (FIG. 25) when the
shift operation key 18E and the determination operation key 18C are
operated (FIG. 18).
[0232] On the second search screen, with respect to a focused
program, index images respectively set for scenes during recording
are sequentially enlarged from the inner circumferential side, and
the enlarged images are arranged and displayed spirally from the
inner circumferential side in the time-series order. In this
manner, the user can visually grasp the before-after relationship
between the index images by perspective of the images sequentially
enlarged in the time-series order, and the total elapse of time can
be visually grasped from the spirally consecutive displays. Hence,
the flow of the program and each scene can be easily understood, so
that a head of a predetermined scene can be found easily and
rapidly. Accordingly, the operationality can be improved. Also, the
enlarged image are displayed spirally from the inner
circumferential side in the time-series order, an image in the
future is not overlapped on a image close to the present time.
[0233] Also, on the second search screen, index images closer to
the present time which should be discussed in more details are
displayed in relatively larger sizes. On the contrary, index images
far from the present time which should be less discussed are
displayed in smaller sizes. In this manner, images which the user
desires to watch and hear are displayed specifically so that the
display screen can be effectively used.
[0234] At this time, the display becomes gradually faded out as the
index images are positioned closer to the center of the spiral, so
that the background can be seen through. In this manner, the
display obtains depth, so that elapse of time can be easily
grasped.
[0235] Also, at this time, those index images are arranged on the
background spreading radially from the center of the spiral layout,
so that perspective is added also by the background. Elapse of time
can be easily grasped by the perspective.
[0236] In case of thus searching a head of a desired scene by the
index images, the index images are moved in the circumferential
direction with the focus area fixed, in response to operation of
the selection operation key 18C in the leftward and rightward
directions, and the sizes of the index images are changed to sizes
corresponding to the positions after the movement (FIG. 26). In
this manner, the index images can be switched so as to visually
follow the time axis, and the operationality can be improved
accordingly. Also, at this time, since the focus area is fixed, the
movement of the view point is prevented so that the focused index
image can be found easily.
[0237] Also, in response to operation of the selection operation
key 18C in the upward and downward directions, the index images are
moved in the directions to the inter and outer circumferential
sides with the focus fixed, and the sizes of the index images are
changed to sizes corresponding to the positions after the movement
(FIG. 27). In this manner, the index images can be switched so as
to jump greatly along the time axis, with one turn of the spiral
layout taken as a unit, so the jump in the time-axis direction can
be grasped visually. Accordingly, the operationality can be
improved. Also, at this time, since the focus area is fixed, the
view point is prevented from being moved so that a focused index
image can be easily found.
[0238] When the index images are moved to switch the focus, the
index images are set such the index images closer to the inner
circumferential side are displayed to be gradually faded, and the
index image positioned in the front side in the time axis direction
is also displayed to be faded. Therefore, for example, in case of
switching the focus in the direction along the time-axis, the index
images are displayed as if the index images floated up and came
close from the center of the spiral. On the contrary, in case of
switching the focus in the direction to the time-axis direction,
the display is switched such that an index image which has not
observed before comes into the view field.
[0239] In this manner, on the second search screen, the display is
switched as if the view point was moved between the index images
arranged three-dimensionally with the time-axis taken as a
standard. Accordingly, the operationality can be improved much
more.
[0240] After an index is thus selected, a desired program can be
reproduced from the scene with the focused index image as the top
of the scene, by operating the determination operation key 18C,
like the case of going to a menu in a lower layer (FIG. 18). On the
contrary, it is possible to return to the original program
selection menu by operating the cancellation operation key 18D,
like the case of returning to a menu screen in an upper layer. In
this manner, a head of a desired program can be found by operation
unified with (or common to) other menu screens.
[0241] In contrast, when the shift operation key 18E is pressed in
case of the screen of program display based on media, the first
menu screen is displayed only while the shift operation key 18E is
pressed (FIG. 18).
[0242] In the first menu screen (FIG. 23), if a medium can be
randomly accessed, the screen which has been displayed is minified
and displayed, and index images are sequentially arranged in a
lateral direction in the lower side of the screen. Further, the
focus area is set to the index image at the center, and this
focused index image is enlarged to be larger than the other index
images.
[0243] Also, on this first menu screen, in response to operation of
the selection operation key 18C, the layout of the index images is
scrolled with the focus area fixed, so that the focused index image
is switched. In this manner, the user can easily find a focused
index image. Also, after an index image is thus selected, the
enlarged image can be switched to a scene based on this index
image, by pressing the determination operation key 18C. After thus
selecting a desired scene, the user can return to the original
program display screen and watch and hear the program, by releasing
the press of the shift operation key 18E.
[0244] In this manner, while watching and hearing a program, it is
possible to watch the program, jumping over scenes as required.
Accordingly, the operationality can be improved.
[0245] At this time, in the set-top box 1, the first search screen
is displayed only while the shift operation key 18E is operated.
Accordingly, increase of the number of operation keys on the remote
commander 18 (FIG. 3) is prevented, so that it is possible to
provide a menu for information selection like the first search
screen, which is different from the other screens. Accordingly, in
case of providing a larger amount of information, the
operationality of an information providing apparatus of this kind
can be improved.
[0246] Also, the shift operation key 18E which is thus operated is
structured such that this key can be operated by a forefinger,
gripping the remote commander 18. In contrast, the determination
operation/selection operation key 18C is structured such that these
keys can be operated by a thumb finger, gripping the remote
commander 18 likewise. Therefore, the remote commander 18 can be
operated by one hand and a head of a desired scene can be found
easily.
[0247] At this time, since the shift operation key 18E is arranged
separately from the other operation keys 18A, 18B, 18C, and 18D,
the user can operate a search screen as a display screen of
information selection which is different from the other screens can
be operated, distinguished from a menu screen as another
information selection screen. Accordingly, operation errors can be
prevented in comparison with a case where the operation key for
selecting this search screen is arranged without distinguishing
this key from the other operation keys, so that the operationality
can be improved accordingly.
[0248] With respect to the operation key 18C which receives an
operation with the shift operation key 18E operated, a
determination function is assigned like the menu screen as another
information selection screen. Accordingly, a head of a desired
scene can be found by operation unified with (or common to) other
menu screens.
[0249] In contrast, if the operation for selecting the first menu
screen is carried out with respect to a medium such as a video tape
which is difficult to randomly access, an icon which look like an
operation key of a video tape recorder is displayed in place of an
index image, and a head of a scene can be found by operating this
icon. Also, it is possible to return to the original screen by
releasing the press of the shift operation key 18E.
[0250] Also, in this case, a head of a desired scene can be found
by operation unified with selection on the other menu screens,
operation of determination, and operation on the first menu screen
or the like. Accordingly, the operationality can be improved.
(3) Advantages of Embodiments
[0251] According to the structure as described above, index images
are sequentially enlarged in time series and are displayed such
that the enlarged images are consecutive spirally in the
time-series order from the inner circumferential side. Therefore,
the entire flow can be grasped, and the before-after relationship
between the index images can be grasped by perspective of the
enlarged images. Hence, it is possible to make the user easily
understand the flow of a program and the relationship between
scenes. Accordingly, with respect to the program based on the index
images, it is possible to grasp the flow of the program which
changes in accordance with elapse of time, so a desired scene can
be easily selected.
[0252] Also, in this manner, index images closer to the present
time which should be often discussed in details are displayed in
relatively larger sizes. On the contrary, index images far from the
present time which should be less discussed than the index image at
the present time are displayed in smaller sizes. In this manner,
images which the user desires to watch and hear are displayed
specifically so that the display screen can be effectively
used.
[0253] At this time, the display becomes gradually faded out as the
index images are positioned closer to the center of the spiral, so
that the background can be seen through. In this manner, the
display obtains depth so that elapse of time can be easily grasped.
Also, the index images are moved so as to feel as if the view point
was moved in the index images arranged three-dimensionally, and a
desired index image can thus be selected.
[0254] Also, at this time, these index images are arranged on the
background spreading radially from the center of the spiral layout,
so that perspective is added also by the background. Elapse of time
can be easily grasped by the perspective.
[0255] Further, in response to operation of an operation key, the
index images are moved in the inter and outer circumferential
directions and the sizes of the index images are changed to sizes
corresponding to the positions after the movement. In this manner,
switching between index images at a short time interval in the
circumferential direction and switching between index images at a
long time interval in the radial direction can be selectively
executed as required, and accordingly, a desired scene can be
selected easily and rapidly. Thus, the operationality can be
improved.
[0256] Also, since displays of index images are moved with fixing
the focus area based on a focus mark, movements of the view point
are reduced so that the operationality can be improved.
(4) Other Embodiments
[0257] In the embodiment described above, description has been made
of the case where the second search screen is displayed and the
index images are display spirally, with respect to only media which
can be randomly accessed. However, the present invention is not
limited hitherto. For example, in case of reproducing a program
recorded in a video tape recorder or the like, the second search
screen may be displayed and the index images may be displayed
spirally.
[0258] Also, the above embodiment has been explained with respect
to a case where a scene change is detected and an index image is
set. However, the present invention is not limited hitherto, but
index images may be set at a predetermined time interval.
[0259] Further, the above embodiment has been explained with
respect to a case where index images are displayed spirally with
respect to one program. The present invention is not limited
hitherto, but index images may be displayed spirally with respect
to a plurality of programs. In this case, head screens of the
plurality of programs may be set as index images.
[0260] Also, the above embodiment has been explained with respect
to a case where index images as time-series images according to
time elapse on a program are spirally arranged and displayed.
However, the present invention is not limited hitherto. For
example, the present invention can be widely applied to, for
example, a case where still images recorded by an editing device
and further an electronic still camera are displayed, or the
like.
[0261] Also, description has been made of a case where information
as various programs is provided by applying the present invention
to a set-top box in the above embodiment. However, the present
invention is not limited hitherto. For example, the present
invention may be widely applied to an information providing
apparatus and an information providing which provide various
information like still images and the like with index images used
as references.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0262] As described above, according to the present invention,
index images are sequentially enlarged and are displayed such that
the enlarged images are consecutive spirally in time-series order
from the inner circumferential side. Therefore, the before-after
relationship can be easily understood between a large number of
images which are consecutive in time series.
* * * * *