Display device and display method

Abstract

The invention relates to a display device and a display method. There is provided a display device including a display screen; and a control circuit configured to display, on the display screen, a current display including a plurality of items, each individual item of the plurality of items being located at an individual display position in the current display, and each individual item of the plurality of items having an individual display; and in a case where a desired item is selected from among the displayed plurality of items by a user operation, displaying an individual display of the selected item together with the current display, the individual display being displayed at a display position relative to the individual display position of the selected item.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the patent application with application number 202080040556.7 and invention name “Display control device and display control method”, whose international application date is June 3, 2020 and international application number is PCT / JP2020 / 021969, and which entered the national stage on November 30, 2021. The entire contents of the application are incorporated herein for reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present technology relates to a display control device and a display control method, and more particularly, to a display control device and a display control method capable of further improving operability. Background Art

[0003] In recent years, display control devices such as television receivers have been able to provide various functions as their performance has been improved.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for displaying an image of a web page corresponding to the selected object together with an image superimposed on the browsing screen when an image (object) displayed on the browsing screen of a television receiver is selected (see paragraphs 0172 and 0173 and Fig.14 ).

[0005] Reference List

[0006] Patent Documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-128247 Summary of the invention

[0008] Problems to be solved by the present invention

[0009] However, according to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, when multiple display screens are displayed, the relevance between the selected object and the web page corresponding to the object is unclear, which reduces operability. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the operability when multiple display screens are displayed.

[0010] The present technology has been made in view of such circumstances, and its object is to further improve operability.

[0011] Solution to the problem

[0012] A display control device according to one aspect of the present technology is a display control device including a control unit, which displays multiple items associated with a display screen, and when a desired item is selected from multiple display items through user operation, displays a selected display screen corresponding to the selected item together with a currently displayed display screen, and the selected display screen is displayed at a position relative to the display position of the selected item.

[0013] A display control method according to one aspect of the present technology is a display control method comprising causing a display control device to display multiple items associated with a display screen; and in a case where a desired item is selected from multiple display items through user operation, displaying a selected display screen corresponding to the selected item together with a currently displayed display screen, the selected display screen being displayed at a position relative to a display position of the selected item.

[0014] In a display control device and a display control method according to one aspect of the present technology, multiple items associated with a display screen are displayed, and when a desired item is selected from multiple display items through user operation, a selected display screen corresponding to the selected item is displayed together with the currently displayed display screen, and the selected display screen is displayed at a position relative to the display position of the selected item.

[0015] A display control device according to an aspect of the present technology may be an independent device or an internal block forming a single device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 : is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an embodiment of a display control device to which the present technology is applied.

[0017] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A block diagram of an example of a functional configuration of a control unit in FIG.

[0018] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 An example of what the remote control in .

[0019] Figure 4 An example of transitioning from one screen to a two-screen is shown.

[0020] Figure 5 An example of a screen displaying an input switching menu is shown.

[0021] Figure 6 A first example of a selection item selected from a plurality of items is shown.

[0022] Figure 7 A first example of a two-screen display is shown.

[0023] Figure 8 A second example of a selection item selected from a plurality of items is shown.

[0024] Fig. 9 A second example of a two-screen display is shown.

[0025] Fig.10 An example of a transition from a two-screen to a three-screen is shown.

[0026] Fig.11 A first example of an association between an activity item and a display screen is shown.

[0027] Fig.12 A second example of an association between an activity item and a display screen is shown.

[0028] Fig.13 A first example of a control menu is shown.

[0029] Fig.14 A first example of the functionality of the control menu is shown.

[0030] Fig.15 A second example of a control menu is shown.

[0031] Fig.16 A second example of the functionality of the control menu is shown.

[0032] Fig.17 An example of behavior performed when a control item of a control menu on a two-split screen is operated is shown.

[0033] Fig.18 An example of a display screen to be operated is shown.

[0034] Fig.19 An example of the entire screen to be operated and the display screen is shown.

[0035] Fig. 20 An example of using blank space in a two-screen display is shown.

[0036] Fig.21 Another example of a two-screen display is shown.

[0037] Fig. 22 This is a flowchart showing the flow of two-screen display processing.

[0038] Fig.23 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an embodiment of a display system to which the present technology is applied.

[0039] Fig.24 A configuration example of a computer is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the description will be provided in the following order.

[0041] 1. Embodiments of the present technology

[0042] 2. Modify the example

[0043] 3. Computer configuration

[0044] <1. Embodiment of the present technology>

[0045] (Display control device configuration)

[0046] Figure 1 A configuration example of an embodiment of a display control device to which the present technology is applied is shown.

[0047] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment, the display control device 10 is, for example, a television receiver as a liquid crystal display device, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display device, etc. The display control device 10 includes a control unit 100, signal input units 101-1 to 101-N (N: 1 or an integer greater than 1), a signal processing unit 102, a display unit 103, a speaker 104, and an operation receiving (acceptance, acceptance) unit 105.

[0048] The control unit 100 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a microcomputer, etc. The control unit 100 is a main control device (processing device) that controls the operation of each unit and performs various arithmetic processing, and controls the operation of each unit of the display control device 10 .

[0049] The signal input unit 101-1 includes, for example, a tuner, etc. In the case where the signal input unit 101-1 is a tuner, the signal input unit 101-1 performs processing such as a demodulation process on a broadcast signal received via an antenna (not shown), and supplies the resultant signal to the signal processing unit 102. The broadcast signal here transmits broadcast content (e.g., television programs) transmitted according to a predetermined broadcast system (e.g., terrestrial broadcasting, satellite broadcasting, or cable television broadcasting).

[0050] Note that the signal input unit 101-1 is not limited to a tuner and may be a communication module or the like, and a signal of communication content provided by a moving image streaming service via a communication network such as the Internet may be input to the signal processing unit 102. Examples of the communication content provided by the moving image streaming service include moving image content provided by an over-the-top (OTT) service.

[0051] Furthermore, the signal input unit 101 - 1 may be an interface conforming to a predetermined standard, such as a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI (registered trademark)) or a Universal Serial Bus (USB).

[0052] For example, in Figure 1In the configuration of , the signal processing unit 102 receives input of signals of recorded video content recorded by a recorder (recorder and player) or a network storage, game content reproduced by a game console, recorded content recorded on a recording medium such as a semiconductor memory or an optical disk, and other content via an interface conforming to a predetermined standard. Note that the recorded video content may be recorded on a storage by a television receiver.

[0053] Each of the signal input units 101-2 to 101-N and the signal input unit 101-1 includes a tuner, a communication module, an interface conforming to a predetermined standard, etc., and supplies various signals to the signal processing unit 102. Note that in the following description, the signal input units 101-1 to 101-N will be referred to as the signal input unit 101 unless there is a need to particularly distinguish the signal input units.

[0054] The signal processing unit 102 includes, for example, a system on chip (SoC), etc. The signal processing unit 102 performs processing such as decoding on the signal supplied from each signal input unit 101 , supplies the resulting image signal to the display unit 103 , and supplies the resulting audio signal to the speaker 104 .

[0055] The display unit 103 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display unit, an OLED display unit, etc. Under the control of the control unit 100, the display unit 103 processes the image signal supplied from the signal input unit 101 and displays an image of content such as a television program or a moving image, various screens (e.g., a menu screen, etc.), etc.

[0056] For example, in the case where the display control device 10 is a liquid crystal display device, the display unit 103 serving as a liquid crystal display unit is a display panel in which pixels including liquid crystal elements and thin film transistor (TFT) elements are arranged two-dimensionally, and the display unit 103 is driven by the control unit 100 to modulate light emitted from a backlight (not shown), thereby performing display. Meanwhile, for example, in the case where the display control device 10 is an OLED display device, the display unit 103 serving as an OLED display unit is a display panel in which pixels including self-luminous elements are arranged two-dimensionally, and is driven by the control unit 100 to perform display.

[0057] Under the control of the control unit 100, the speaker 104 processes the audio signal supplied from the signal input unit 101 and outputs the sound of the content such as a television program or a moving image.

[0058] The operation receiving unit 105 includes, for example, a near field wireless communication module, an infrared light receiving module, etc. The operation receiving unit 105 receives a signal (receives light) such as a wireless signal or an infrared signal transmitted from the remote controller 20 and supplies the received signal to the control unit 100 as an operation signal.

[0059] The control unit 100 controls the operation of each unit in response to a command corresponding to the operation signal supplied from the operation receiving unit 105. Note that as the near-field wireless communication, communication conforming to a standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be performed.

[0060] (Functional configuration of control unit)

[0061] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 An example of the functional configuration of the control unit 100 in FIG.

[0062] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment, the control unit 100 includes an operation detection unit 121, an operation determination unit 122, and a display control unit 123.

[0063] The operation detection unit 121 detects an operation of the remote controller 20 by the user based on the operation signal supplied from the operation reception unit 105 , and supplies the detection result thereof to the operation determination unit 122 .

[0064] The operation determination unit 122 determines the details of the operation performed by the user based on the detection result supplied from the operation detection unit 121 , and supplies the determination result thereof to the display control unit 123 .

[0065] The display control unit 123 controls display of content images, various screens, and the like displayed on the display unit 103 based on the determination result supplied from the operation determination unit 122 .

[0066] (Remote control configuration)

[0067] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 An example of the appearance of the remote controller 20 in FIG.

[0068] The remote controller 20 includes a button group 201 as physical buttons including various buttons and a direction button 202 for moving a cursor (pointer) up, down, left, and right on a screen.

[0069] The button group 201 includes, for example, a power button 201A for turning on or off the power of the display control device 10 , an input switching button 201B for switching signals to be input from the signal input units 101 - 1 to 101 -N, and other buttons.

[0070] The direction button 202 includes an up key 211 for moving a cursor upward, a down key 212 for moving a cursor downward, a left key 213 for moving a cursor leftward, and a right key 214 for moving a cursor rightward. In addition, the direction button 202 also includes an OK button 215 located at the center thereof, which is pressed when confirming a selection.

[0071] The remote controller 20 also includes a channel selection button group 203 including symbol buttons "1" to "12", a volume adjustment button 204 for arbitrarily adjusting the volume in an upward direction or a downward direction, and a channel selection button 205 for arbitrarily selecting a channel in an upward direction or a downward direction.

[0072] Notice, Figure 3 The appearance of the remote controller 20 is just an example, and the remote controller 20 may further include other buttons and the like.

[0073] The display control device 10 configured as described above can provide various functions, and can provide, for example, a function of displaying a plurality of display screens at the same time. This function of displaying a plurality of display screens is assumed to be used in, for example, the following use case.

[0074] First, there is a situation where a user who is watching content other than a television program (eg, a moving image provided by an OTT service) temporarily switches to the two-part screen in order to determine whether to switch from the content to the television program.

[0075] At this time, it is assumed that the user wishes to watch a two-screen display in which the display screen of the TV program is displayed together with the display screen of the motion image provided by the OTT service while continuing to watch the motion image. In addition, it is also assumed that, in the case of such a two-screen display, the user wishes to perform an operation (e.g., fast movement, skipping advertisements, etc.) on the second screen (i.e., the display screen of the TV program) and then easily switch to either display screen of the two-screen display.

[0076] To cope with this situation, for example, the display control device 10 needs to temporarily display a two-split screen, that is, continue to display the motion image provided by the OTT service on one display screen, and display the TV program in an operable state on another display screen until the user who is watching the motion image provided by the OTT service determines the desired TV program.

[0077] Therefore, the display control device 10 provides, for example, the following user interfaces (UI elements) as a function of displaying multiple display screens. That is, the display control device 10 provides a UI element for converting a screen into a two-screen while the user is viewing content, a UI element for adding an arbitrary display screen as a second screen, a UI element for operating the added display screen, and a UI element for displaying an arbitrary display screen of the two-screen as one screen.

[0078] Since such a user interface is provided, when a user who is watching a certain moving image changes the screen to a two-split screen, and then, while continuing to watch the moving image on one display screen, the user desires to watch a television program displayed on the other display screen, the user can switch the content to be watched from the moving image to the television program simply by displaying the other display screen as a single screen. At the same time, when the screen changes to a two-split screen, and the user does not want to watch the television program displayed on the other display screen, the user can continue to watch the moving image by simply displaying one display screen as a single screen (returning to the display of one display screen).

[0079] Therefore, the user can determine the content to be watched next while continuing to watch the desired content. This makes it possible to reduce the time from the end of watching certain content to the start of watching the next content.

[0080] Secondly, in order to watch two different contents (for example, a TV program and a game) at the same time, there is a case where the screen is switched to a two-screen.

[0081] At this time, for example, it is assumed that the user wishes to watch a two-screen display in which a display screen of a soccer broadcast program is displayed together with a display screen of the soccer game while playing a soccer game. Further, in the case of such a two-screen display, it is also assumed that the user wishes to realize a two-screen display of an arbitrary piece of content and to change the volume balance, image size, etc. of each screen of the two-screen.

[0082] Therefore, as a function of displaying multiple display screens, the display control device 10 provides a UI element for displaying an arbitrary piece of content as a two-split screen and a UI element for performing an operation of adjusting the volume balance between left and right display screens and the image size of the left and right display screens.

[0083] Hereinafter, a function of displaying a plurality of display screens, which is provided by the display control device 10 to which the present technology is applied, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0084] Note that the function of displaying a plurality of display screens can be considered to be, for example, a function corresponding to a so-called multi-screen function, a picture-in-picture (PIP) function, a picture-by-picture (PBP) function, etc. Further, in order to distinguish between the screen of the display unit 103 (the entire screen) and one or more screens displayed on the display unit 103, the latter screen will be referred to as a display screen.

[0085] (Example of transition from one screen to two screens)

[0086] Figure 4 An example of transition from one screen to two-split screen is shown as a function of displaying a plurality of display screens.

[0087] Figure 4 Examples of actions in response to operations OP11 to OP13 , each of which is an operation of the remote controller 20 by the user, are shown, which are performed with the display screen 151 showing an image of content displayed on the screen of the display unit 103 of the display control device 10 .

[0088] Here, for example, when the display screen 151 is displayed as one screen, when the input switching button (input) 201B is operated for the first time by the operation OP11 of the user holding the remote controller 20, the input switching menu 161 is superimposed and displayed in the lower area of ​​the display screen 151 displayed on the entire screen.

[0089] The input switching menu 161 is a user interface (UI) for switching multiple inputs in the case where the display control device 10 supports multiple inputs. Multiple items 171 associated with the display screen 151 are displayed in the input switching menu 161. For example, in the case where the input can be switched not only to the input from the tuner but also to the input from the player, recorder, game console, external storage, OTT service, etc. as multiple inputs, the item 171 having information (label) corresponding to each input is displayed.

[0090] Here, among the multiple items 171 displayed in the input switching menu 161, the currently selected item 171 associated with the currently displayed display screen 151 will also be referred to as an active (valid) item 171 (171-1A, 171-2A, etc.) in order to distinguish the active item 171 from the other items 171. In addition, the desired item 171 selected from the multiple items 171 by the user operation will also be referred to as a selected item 171 (171-2S, etc.).

[0091] In addition, among the multiple items 171, in particular, the item 171 displayed in the left area of ​​the active item 171 (171-1A, etc.) will also be referred to as the left item 171 (171-2L, etc.), and the item 171 displayed in the right area of ​​the active item 171 (171-1A, etc.) will also be referred to as the right item 171 (171-2R, etc.).

[0092] At this time, when the user selects the left item 171-2L from the plurality of items 171 as the operation OP12, the display screen 151-1 corresponding to the active item 171-1A and the display screen 151-2L corresponding to the left item 171-2L are displayed as a two-part screen. Note that as the operation OP12, for example, the direction button 202 is operated to place the cursor on the left item 171-2L, and the up key 211 is pressed in this state.

[0093] In this two-screen display, the display screen 151-2L corresponding to the left item 171-2L is displayed in the left area of ​​the entire screen, and the display screen 151-1 corresponding to the active item 171-1A is displayed in the right area of ​​the entire screen. In addition, the input switching menu 161 is displayed in the area below the two-screen.

[0094] That is, when the active item 171-1A is set as the reference and the left item 171-2L displayed in the left area of ​​the active item is selected, the display screen 151-2L corresponding to the left item 171-2L is displayed in the area corresponding to the left area (the left area of ​​the entire screen).

[0095] Meanwhile, when the user selects the right item 171-2R from the plurality of items 171 as operation OP13, the display screen 151-1 corresponding to the active item 171-1A and the display screen 151-2R corresponding to the right item 171-2R are displayed as a two-part screen. Note that, as operation OP13, for example, the direction button 202 is operated to place the cursor on the right item 171-2R, and the up key 211 is pressed in this state.

[0096] In this two-screen display, the display screen 151-2R corresponding to the right item 171-2R is displayed in the right area of ​​the entire screen, and the display screen 151-1 corresponding to the active item 171-1A is displayed in the left area of ​​the entire screen. In addition, the input switching menu 161 is displayed in the area below the two-screen.

[0097] That is, when the active item 171-1A is set as the reference and the right item 171-2R displayed in the right area of ​​the active item is selected, the display screen 151-2R corresponding to the right item 171-2R is displayed in the area corresponding to the right area (the right area of ​​the entire screen).

[0098] Note that, although the details will be described later, in this two-screen display, a control menu 163 ( Fig.15 ) instead of input switching menu 161.

[0099] Next, we will refer to Figures 5 to 9 A specific example of transition from one screen to a two-screen will be described using a display example of the entire screen in FIG.

[0100] like Figure 5As shown, when the user who is watching a TV program presses the input switching button 201B, the input switching menu 161 is superimposed and displayed in the lower area of ​​the display screen 151 of the TV program displayed on the entire screen. A plurality of items 171 are displayed in the input switching menu 161, each of which has information (e.g., a label such as a character string or an icon) corresponding to a player, a game, a TV, an external storage, or an OTT service written thereon.

[0101] Here, the item 171 for TV is used as the active item 171-1A and is thus highlighted (e.g., displayed enlarged, surrounded by a colored frame, or displayed in other ways) compared to the other items 171. Further, the items 171 for player and game are used as the left item 171-2L, and the items 171 for external storage and OTT service ( Figure 5 "Network video service" and "Online video distribution" in the text are used as items 171-2R on the right.

[0102] At this time, if Figure 6 As shown, when the user places the cursor on the left item 171-2L of the game and operates the direction button 202 and presses the up key 211, the left item is selected as the selected item 171-2S, and the Figure 7 The two-part screen is shown.

[0103] exist Figure 7 In the two-screen display of the left-side split screen, the display screen 151-2L corresponding to the left-side item 171-2L of the game is displayed in the left area of ​​the entire screen, and the display screen 151-1 of the TV program is displayed in the right area of ​​the entire screen. In addition, in the input switching menu 161 below the left-right split screen, the item 171 of the game that undergoes the transition to the two-screen is highlighted as the active item 171-2A compared with the other items 171.

[0104] As described above, when the left item 171-2L of the game displayed in the left area of ​​the active item 171-1A of the TV is selected while the display screen 151 of the TV program is displayed as one screen, the display screen 151-2L of the game (the selected display screen) is displayed at a position (the left area of ​​the entire screen) relative to the display position of the selected left item 171-2L (the selected item 171-2S). At the same time, the display screen 151-1 of the TV program (the active display screen) is displayed in the right area relative to the left area of ​​the entire screen.

[0105] Note that Figure 7, the activity item 171 - 2A of the game and the display screen 151 - 2L are associated with each other by the numerical icon “1”, while the activity item 171 - 1A of the television program and the display screen 151 - 1 are associated with each other by the numerical icon “2”.

[0106] Furthermore, if Figure 8 As shown, when the user places the cursor on the right item 171-2R of the external storage and operates the direction button 202 and presses the up key 211, the right item is selected as the selected item 171-2S, and the Fig. 9 The two-part screen shown in .

[0107] exist Fig. 9 In the two-screen display of the left-right split screen, the display screen 151-2R corresponding to the right item 171-2R of the external storage is displayed in the right area of ​​the entire screen, and the display screen 151-1 of the TV program is displayed in the left area of ​​the entire screen. Further, in the input switching menu 161 below the left-right split screen, the item 171 of the external storage that undergoes the transition to the two-screen is highlighted as the active item 171-2A compared to the other items 171.

[0108] As described above, when the display screen 151 of the television program is displayed as one screen and the right-side item 171-2R of the external storage displayed in the right-side area of ​​the active item 171-1A of the television program is selected, the display screen 151-2R of the external storage (selected display screen) is displayed at a position (right-side area of ​​the entire screen) relative to the display position of the selected right-side item 171-2R (selected item 171-2S). At the same time, the display screen 151-1 of the television program (active display screen) is displayed in the left-side area relative to the right-side area of ​​the entire screen.

[0109] Note, still in Fig. 9 , the activity item 171 - 1A of the television program and the display screen 151 - 1 are associated with each other by the numerical icon “1”, and the activity item 171 - 2A of the external storage and the display screen 151 - 2R are associated with each other by the numerical icon “2”.

[0110] As described above, when a desired item 171 (171-2L, 171-2R) is selected from a plurality of display items 171 by a user operation, the display control device 10 displays a display screen 151 (151-2L, 151-2R) corresponding to the selected item 171 (171-2S) at a position relative to the display position of the selected item 171 (171-2S). This makes it possible to improve the operability of the user in the case of displaying a plurality of display screens by using the function of displaying a plurality of display screens.

[0111] That is, it is assumed that when converting one screen into a two-split screen, the user views the entire screen while viewing the active item 171-1A as the reference. Therefore, in the case where the left item 171-2L displayed in the left area of ​​the reference is selected, the display screen 151-2L is displayed in the left area of ​​the entire screen. At the same time, in the case where the right item 171-2R displayed in the right area of ​​the reference is selected, the display screen 151-2R is displayed in the right area of ​​the entire screen.

[0112] Since such display is performed when one screen is converted into a two-screen, the relationship between the two-screen display screens 151-1 and 151-2 and the currently selected items 171 serving as active items 171-1A and 171-2A becomes clear. This makes it possible to enhance the user's visibility, thereby improving operability.

[0113] Here, the two-split screen display function can also be realized by providing the remote controller 20 with a two-split screen key for converting one screen into a two-split screen. However, it is necessary to physically provide a new button, and further, it is difficult to specify the content to be displayed as a two-split screen according to the operation of the two-split screen key. Meanwhile, the present technology can display the image of the desired content as a two-split screen by using the existing direction button 202 as it is, without providing a new physical button.

[0114] Further, the above description shows that, in the case where the up key 211 is pressed in the state of one screen while the cursor is placed on a desired item 171 (171-2L, 171-2R) among the plurality of items 171, the desired item 171 is selected as the selected item 171 (171-2S), and the one screen is converted into a two-screen. However, when the determination button 215 is pressed while the cursor is being placed on the desired item 171 (171-2L, 171-2R), the display screen 151 corresponding to the item 171 where the cursor is placed is displayed as one screen.

[0115] As described above, when the determination button 215 is operated instead of the up key 211 while the cursor is placed on the desired item 171, an operation similar to normal input switching is performed. Therefore, a display function of multiple display screens (two-screen) can be realized without impairing the input switching function provided by the input switching menu 161.

[0116] (Example of transition from two-screen to three-screen)

[0117] The above description shows an example in which the two-split screen of the display screens 151-1 and 151-2 is used as a function of displaying a plurality of display screens. However, the same applies to three or more split screens. Fig.10An example of transition from a two-split screen to a three-split screen as a function of displaying a plurality of display screens is shown.

[0118] Fig.10 An example of reaction in response to operations OP21 to OP23 , each of which is an operation of the remote controller 20 by the user, is shown, which is performed while images of different contents are displayed as two-split screens on the screen of the display unit 103 of the display control device 10 .

[0119] In this two-screen display, the second item 171 from the left among the five items 171 displayed in the input switching menu 161 is used as the active item 171-1A, and the display screen 151-1 corresponding to the active item 171-1A is displayed in the left area of ​​the entire screen. In addition, the second item 171 from the right among the five items 171 is used as the active item 171-2A, and the display screen 151-2 corresponding to the active item 171-2A is displayed in the right area of ​​the entire screen.

[0120] At this time, when the leftmost left item 171-3L is selected as the operation OP21 from the five items 171, the display screens 151-1 and 151-2 are respectively displayed in the upper left and upper right areas of the entire screen divided into four parts, and the display screen 151-3L corresponding to the left item 171-3L is displayed in the lower left area thereof. Further, the input switching menu 161 is displayed in the lower left and lower right areas, and the input switching menu 161 is superimposed and displayed on a part of the lower left display screen 151-3L.

[0121] In this three-screen display, the display screens 151-1 and 151-3L corresponding to the active items 171-1A and 171-3A are both displayed in the left area of ​​the entire screen, and the display screen 151-2 corresponding to the active item 171-2A is displayed in the right area of ​​the entire screen.

[0122] That is, in a case where active items 171-1A and 171-2A are set as a reference and the left item 171-3L displayed in the left area of ​​the active items is selected, the display screen 151-3L (selected display screen) is displayed at a position (the left area of ​​the entire screen) relative to the display position of the selected left item 171-3L (selected item 171-3S).

[0123] At the same time, when the middle item 171-3M among the five items 171 is selected as operation OP22, the display screens 151-1 and 151-2 are respectively displayed in the upper left and upper right areas of the two-part screen into which the entire screen is vertically divided, and the display screen 151-3M corresponding to the middle item 171-3M is displayed in the middle of the lower area.

[0124] In this three-screen display, display screens 151-1 and 151-2 corresponding to active items 171-1A and 171-2A are displayed in the upper right and upper left areas of the entire screen, respectively, and display screen 151-3M corresponding to active item 171-3A is displayed in the lower center area of ​​the entire screen.

[0125] That is, in a case where active items 171-1 and 171-2 are set as a reference and the middle item 171-3M displayed in the middle area between the active items is selected, the display screen 151-3M (selected display screen) is displayed at a position (the area between the left and right areas of the entire screen) relative to the display position of the selected middle item 171-3M (selected item 171-3S).

[0126] Further, in the case where the rightmost item 171-3R is selected from the five items 171 as operation OP23, the display screens 151-1 and 151-2 are respectively displayed in the upper left and upper right areas of the four-part screen into which the entire screen is divided, and the display screen 151-3R corresponding to the right item 171-3R is displayed in its lower right area.

[0127] In this three-part screen display, the display screen 151-1 corresponding to the active item 171-1A is displayed in the left area of ​​the entire screen, and the display screens 151-2 and 151-3R corresponding to the active items 171-2A and 171-3A are both displayed in the right area of ​​the entire screen.

[0128] That is, in a case where active items 171-1A and 171-2A are set as a reference and the right item 171-3R displayed in the right area of ​​the active items is selected, the display screen 151-3R (selected display screen) is displayed at a position (the right area of ​​the entire screen) relative to the display position of the selected right item 171-3R (selected item 171-3S).

[0129] Note that the above description shows an example of two-screen display and three-screen display as an example of the function of displaying a plurality of display screens. However, also in the case of displaying four or more display screens, similarly, the display screen 151 corresponding to the selected item 171 can be displayed at a position relative to the display position of the selected item 171. Therefore, even in the case of displaying four or more display screens, its operability can be improved.

[0130] Further, similar display is also applicable to the case where multiple display screens are displayed as a two-dimensional list. In addition, the above description shows an example in which, in the case of a two-screen display, the display screens 151-1 and 151-2 are displayed as arranged in the left-right direction (i.e., the horizontal direction). However, for example, the display screens 151-1 and 151-2 may be displayed as arranged in the up-down direction (i.e., the vertical direction).

[0131] Further, the above description shows a case where images of different kinds of content are displayed on multiple display screens, such as a television program and a game or a television program and a moving image. However, the same kind of content can be displayed. For example, by allowing the signal input units 101-1 to 101-N to receive inputs from multiple tuners, television programs of different channels can be displayed as two-part screens. Further, in the case of displaying the display screen 151 corresponding to the selected item 171, a visual effect can be added. For example, the display screen 151 can be displayed as unfolding from the item 171.

[0132] (Relationship between multi-screen display and project)

[0133] Incidentally, in the case where the number of items 171 to be displayed in the input switching menu 161 increases, all items 171 cannot be displayed on the screen. This makes it difficult to understand the relationship between the plurality of display screens 151 displayed as two-screen or three-screen and the active items 171.

[0134] For example, Fig.11 As shown in A, assuming that display screens 151-1 and 151-2 are displayed as a two-screen display, active item 171-α corresponding to display screen 151-1 is displayed in input switching menu 161, but active item 171-β corresponding to display screen 151-2 is outside the screen.

[0135] However, "α" and "β" are written for the convenience of description, but are not actually written. Therefore, active items 171-α and 171-β cannot be associated with display screens 151-1 (α) and 151-2 (β). Further, for the convenience of explanation, hidden item 171 is also shown, but in fact only the item 171 represented by the five squares in the input switching menu 161 is displayed, and the item 171 represented by the four squares on the right is hidden (can be displayed by scrolling).

[0136] In this case, it is difficult to understand the relationship between the item 171 displayed in the input switching menu 161 and the two-screen display screens 151-1 and 151-2, that is, the relationship between the active item 171-α (171-β) and the display screen 151-1 or 151-2.

[0137] That is, in Fig.11 In the example in A of FIG. 1 , the user cannot easily understand which one of the display screens 151-1 and 151-2 is associated with the active item 171-α displayed in the input switching menu 161. Therefore, for example, in the case where the two-split screen is changed to the three-split screen, there may be a problem such as it being difficult to understand to which area of ​​the screen currently displaying the display screens 151-1 and 151-2 as the two-split screen the third display screen 151-3 is added.

[0138] In view of this, in order to easily understand the positional relationship between the active item 171 and the plurality of display screens 151 , the display control device 10 may provide, for example, the following two methods as a function of displaying the plurality of display screens.

[0139] like Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 1B , the first method is to associate the active item 171 with the plurality of display screens 151 by using association information such as numbers and symbols, for example. Fig.11 In the example in B, the display screens 151 - 1 and 151 - 2 and the activity items 171 - 1A and 171 - 2A corresponding thereto are associated with each other by association information indicating numbers.

[0140] Specifically, in the case of a two-screen display, the number "1" is assigned to the display screen 151-1 and the active item 171-1A in the left area to associate the display screen and the active item with each other. At the same time, the number "2" is assigned to the display screen 151-2 and the active item 171-2A in the right area to associate the display screen and the active item with each other.

[0141] exist Fig.11 In the example of B, the number "1" is displayed as the associated information 181-1 in the portion above the display screen 151-1, and the number "1" is also displayed on the active item 171-1A. Therefore, the user can recognize that the active item 171-1A corresponds to the display screen 151-1.

[0142] Further, in Fig.11 In the example of B, the number "2" is displayed as the associated information 181-2 in the portion above the display screen 151-2, but the item 171 on which the number "2" is displayed is not displayed. However, because the active item 171-1A is displayed, the user can recognize that the active item 171-2A is beyond the screen, that is, it is hidden (for example, it can be displayed by scrolling to the left).

[0143] As described above, because the active items 171 and the corresponding display screens 151 are associated with each other by using the numbers "1" and "2", even if one active item 171 is displayed on the screen and the other active item 171 is beyond the screen, it can be easily understood which of the display screens 151 displayed as a two-split screen is associated with one active item 171.

[0144] Note that, also in the above Figure 7 and Fig. 9 In the display example of , active items 171 - 1A and 171 - 2A are associated with display screens 151 - 1 and 151 - 2 by numbers “1” and “2”.

[0145] like Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 1B, the second method is to prevent the active item 171 from exceeding the screen even when there are a large number of items 171 to be displayed in the input switching menu 161. Note that Fig.12 A and Fig.11 A shows a question regarding the positional relationship between the active item 171 and the corresponding display screen 151 .

[0146] exist Fig.12 In the example in B of FIG. 1 , in a case where the active item 171 exceeds the screen, at least a portion of the active item 171 is displayed in the input switching menu 161 (on the screen).

[0147] Specifically, in a two-screen display, when the active item 171-1A corresponding to the display screen 151-1 in the left area is displayed on the screen but the active item 171-2A corresponding to the display screen 151-2 in the right area is outside the screen, a portion of the active item 171-2A (for example, approximately the left half area) is displayed in the input switching menu 161 (including the area on the right end).

[0148] Because, in Fig.12 In the example in B, a part of active item 171-2A is displayed together with active item 171-1A in input switching menu 161, and the positional relationship between active items 171-1A and 171-2A and left and right display screens 151-1 and 151-2 displayed as a two-screen display becomes clear.

[0149] As described above, because at least a portion of the activity item 171 that goes beyond (goes off) the screen is displayed on the screen, even if one activity item 171 is displayed on the screen and another activity item 171 goes beyond the screen, it can be easily understood which of the display screens 151 displayed as a two-split screen each activity item 171 is associated with.

[0150] Notice, Fig.12The example in B shows a case where active item 171-2A exceeds the screen. However, in the case where active item 171-1A exceeds the screen, a portion (eg, approximately the right half area) of active item 171-1A may be displayed in input switching menu 161 (including the area at the left end).

[0151] Further, in the case where both active items 171-1A and 171-2A exceed the screen, only a portion of active item 171-1A (e.g., the basic right half area) and a portion of active item 171-2A (e.g., the basic left half area) need to be displayed in the input switching menu 161 (including the left and right end areas).

[0152] Note that the above-mentioned first and second methods are merely examples, and other methods may be used as long as the positional relationship between the active item 171 and the corresponding display screen 151 (active display screen) can be displayed so as to be recognizable to the user when there are multiple pairs of active items 171 and display screens 151 (active display screens).

[0153] (Example of control menu)

[0154] The above description exemplifies the case where the input switching menu 161 is displayed in an area below a plurality of display screens such as a two-split screen or a three-split screen. However, for example, a menu screen such as a control menu may be displayed.

[0155] For example, Fig.13 As shown, in a similar manner to the above-described input switching menu 161, a plurality of control items 172 may be displayed as the control menu 162, to which functions such as adding and deleting the display screen 151 are assigned. The functions assigned to the control items 172 may include, for example Fig.14 Functions shown.

[0156] First, the function of adding a display screen 151 is to add a display screen 151 corresponding to a (desired) control item 172 by operating the direction button 202 and pressing the up key 211 while placing the cursor on the control item 172. With this function, one screen is converted to a two-split screen or a two-split screen is converted to a three-split screen.

[0157] Second, the function of reducing the display screen 151 is to delete the display screen 151 corresponding to the (desired) control item 172 to be reduced by operating the direction button 202 while placing the cursor on the control item 172 and pressing the down key 212. With this function, the two-split screen is converted to one screen or the three-split screen is converted to the two-split screen.

[0158] Third, the function of switching the object to be operated is to switch the control item 172 to be operated by operating the direction button 202 while placing the cursor on the control item 172 and focusing on the desired control item 172. With this function, the desired control item 172 can be selected.

[0159] exist Fig.13 In the example of , display screens 151 - 1 and 151 - 2 are displayed on the left and right sides of the two-part screen.

[0160] This two-screen display is performed, for example, when display screen 151-1 is displayed as one screen and up key 211 is pressed while the cursor is placed on control item 172-2, or when display screen 151-2 is displayed as one screen and up key 211 is pressed while the cursor is placed on control item 172-1.

[0161] Further, when the down key 212 is pressed while the cursor is placed on the control item 172-2 in the two-screen display, the display screen 151-2 is deleted and the display screen 151-1 is displayed as one screen. Alternatively, when the down key 212 is pressed while the cursor is placed on the control item 172-1 in the two-screen display, the display screen 151-1 is deleted and the display screen 151-2 is displayed as one screen.

[0162] As described above, the input switching menu 161 is an example of the control menu 162, and in the case where the first operation (e.g., pressing the up key 211) is performed on the desired control item 172, the desired control item 172 is selected as the selected control item 172, and the display screen 151 (selected display screen) is displayed. Further, in the case where the second operation (e.g., pressing the down key 212) is performed on the active item 172 as the currently selected control item 172, the display screen 151 (active display screen) corresponding to the active item 172 is hidden.

[0163] Further, for example, Fig.15 As shown in FIG. 1 , a dedicated menu for controlling multiple display screens (such as a two-screen or a three-screen) may be displayed as a control menu 163. One or more control items 173 are displayed in the control menu 163. The functions assigned to the control items 173 may include, for example, Fig.16 Functions shown.

[0164] When the control item 173-1 marked as "one screen: left" is operated (selected), the two-part screen changes to one screen of the display screen 151-1 displayed on the left side of the two-part screen. On the other hand, when the control item 173-2 marked as "one screen: right" is operated, the two-part screen changes to one screen of the display screen 151-2 displayed on the right side of the two-part screen.

[0165] In the case of operating the control item 173 - 3 whose flag is “leftward operation / rightward operation”, the operation target of the two-part screen is changed to the left display screen 151 - 1 or the right display screen 151 - 2 .

[0166] When the control item 173-4 labeled "Zoom in: Zoom in to the left" is selected, the area of ​​the left display screen 151-1 of the two-part screen is enlarged, and the area of ​​the right display screen 151-2 is reduced. At the same time, when the control item 173-5 labeled "Zoom in: Zoom in to the right" is selected, the area of ​​the right display screen 151-2 of the two-part screen is enlarged, and the area of ​​the left display screen 151 is reduced.

[0167] In the case where the control item 173-6 labeled "Volume balance: turn up left" is selected, the volume of the sound corresponding to the image displayed on the left display screen 151-1 of the two-split screen is turned up, and the volume of the sound corresponding to the image displayed on the right display screen 151-2 is turned down. In the case where the control item 173-7 labeled "Volume balance: turn up right" is selected, the volume of the sound corresponding to the image displayed on the right display screen 151-2 of the two-split screen is turned up, and the volume of the sound corresponding to the image displayed on the left display screen 151-1 is turned down.

[0168] That is, in a two-screen display, crosstalk is allowable, and therefore the sounds corresponding to the images respectively displayed on the left display screen 151-1 and the right display screen 151-2 can be adjusted to a volume balance such as 30:70, rather than a volume balance such as 100:0 or 0:100.

[0169] When the control item 173 - 8 labeled “Close” is selected, the control menu 163 is closed.

[0170] Notice, Fig.16 The functions of are merely examples, and at least one function may be assigned to the control item 173. Further, functions other than Fig.16 In addition, as an operation of the control item 173, for example, when a predetermined button such as the determination button 215 is pressed while the cursor is placed on a desired control item 173, a function corresponding to the control item 173 is executed.

[0171] Here, we will refer to Fig.17 A specific example of the operation on the control item 173 displayed in the control menu 163 is described. Fig.17 Examples of reactions (behaviors, actions) performed in response to operations OP31 to OP36 , each of which is an operation by the user on the remote controller 20 , are shown.

[0172] Here, first, operation OP31 is performed, and one screen is changed to a two-split screen. Thereafter, when a predetermined button such as the input switching button 201B is operated as operation OP32, the control menu 163 is displayed in the area below the two-split screen. The control menu 163 displays various item labels ( Fig.16 ) multiple control items 173 marked.

[0173] At this time, when the control item 173-1 is selected as the operation OP33, the two-part screen is changed to one screen of the left display screen, and the left display screen 151-1 is displayed on the entire screen. At the same time, when the control item 173-2 is selected as the operation OP34, the two-part screen is changed to one screen of the right display screen, and the right display screen 151-2 is displayed on the entire screen.

[0174] Further, in Fig.17 ( Fig.17 An example of selecting various control items 173 as operation OP35 is shown in the portion surrounded by dotted lines in FIGS.

[0175] Here, when the control item 173-5 is selected as the operation OP35-1, the area of ​​the right display screen 151-2 of the two-part screen is enlarged, while the area of ​​the left display screen 151-1 is reduced, that is, the image sizes of the left and right display screens are scaled in tandem ( Fig.17 A).

[0176] Note that, although not shown, in the case where the control item 173-4 is selected, the area of ​​the left display screen 151-1 of the two-split screen is enlarged, while the area of ​​the right display screen 151-2 thereof is reduced.

[0177] Meanwhile, when the control item 173-6 is selected as the operation OP35-2, the volume of the sound corresponding to the image displayed on the left display screen 151-1 of the two-screen is turned up, and the volume of the sound corresponding to the image displayed on the right display screen 151-2 is turned down ( Fig.17 In this example, the ratio between the volume corresponding to the left display screen 151-1 and the volume corresponding to the right display screen 151-2 is 30:70.

[0178] At the same time, when the control item 173-7 is selected, the volume of the sound corresponding to the image displayed on the right display screen 151-2 of the two-screen is turned up, and the volume of the sound corresponding to the image displayed on the left display screen 151-1 is turned down, that is, the mixed balance of the volume on the two-screen is adjusted. Note that normal volume operation can be performed even in the two-screen display as in the single-screen display.

[0179] Further, when the control item 173-3 is selected as the operation OP35-3, the operation object on the two-part screen is changed to the left display screen 151-1 or the right display screen 151-2. In this example, the right display screen 151 is used as the operation object, and the right display screen ( Fig.17 The area above the C) displays an icon (“ Fig.17 remote control icon in the ").

[0180] Note that when the control item 173 - 8 is selected as the operation OP36 or when a predetermined time (eg, 30 seconds, etc.) has elapsed, the control menu 163 is closed.

[0181] As described above, since the control menu 163 is displayed as a menu screen for displaying a plurality of screens such as a two-split screen, operations can be performed on the plurality of screens (active display screens) immediately after the plurality of screens are displayed.

[0182] Note that in order to display the control menu 163 as the menu screen, for example, the menu screen only needs to be switched from the input switching menu 161 to the control menu 163 at the time when the one screen is switched to the two-split screen.

[0183] (How to operate multiple screens on the screen)

[0184] Fig.18 An example of a display screen 151 to be operated in a two-split screen display is shown.

[0185] exist Fig.18 In the case of two-screen display, Fig.18 A shows an example of a screen on which the control menu 163 is superimposed, and Fig.18 B illustrates an example of a screen on which the control menu 163 is not superimposed.

[0186] Further, in Fig.18 In the case where a predetermined operation is performed by the user as operation OP41 while the screen in A is being displayed, the control menu 163 is closed, and the screen changes from Fig.18 The picture in A changes to Fig.18 At the same time, in Fig.18In the case where a predetermined operation is performed by the user as operation OP42 while the screen in B is being displayed, the control menu 163 is opened, and the screen changes from Fig.18 The picture in B changes to Fig.18 The picture in A.

[0187] Here, because the control menu 163 is displayed Fig.18 Therefore, by operating the control item 173-3, the left display screen 151-1 or the right display screen 151-2 can be selected as the display screen 151 to be operated on the two-split screen.

[0188] For example, in Fig.18 In the case where the control item 173-3 of the control menu 163 is operated on the screen in A and the operation OP41 is performed while the right display screen 151-2 is selected as the operation object, the control menu 163 is closed, and Fig.18 The screen in A changes to Fig.18 The picture in B.

[0189] At this time, Fig.18 On the screen in B of FIG. 1 , the key for operating the screen is sent to the right display screen 151-2 currently selected as the operation object. Therefore, the user can operate the right display screen 151-2 (the content displayed thereon) by operating the remote controller 20.

[0190] That is, even when the control menu 163 is closed, the state of the display screen 151 to be operated selected by (the control item 173-3 of) the control menu 163 is maintained. In other words, one display screen 151 of the two-split screen has control rights in the two-split screen display, and in order to switch the control, it is necessary to operate (the control item 173-3 of) the control menu 163.

[0191] However, the calling operation of the function is common to all functions provided by the display control device 10, such as the control menu 163, and is not transmitted to the display screen 151 to be operated, but is used as a common function of the display control device 10, such as in the case of one screen display. For example, examples of the operation corresponding to the common function include not only the activation of the control menu 163, but also operations on power, volume, etc., activation of the main menu, and activation of the input switching menu 161.

[0192] Specifically, Fig.19 As shown, examples of operations corresponding to the general functions related to the entire display control device 10 include activation of a menu screen such as the control menu 163 and operations on power, volume, etc. ( Fig.19A), and examples of operations corresponding to the inherent functions related to the display screen 151 (active display screen) to be operated include: Fig.19 B) Operation of images or sounds of contents displayed.

[0193] Note that the above description shows an example of operating the control item 173-3 of the control menu 163 to select the display screen 151 to be operated on the two-split screen. However, instead of the control menu 163, another menu screen such as the control menu 162 may be activated to select the display screen 151 to be operated in response to a predetermined operation.

[0194] (Other display mode examples)

[0195] The display mode of the above-mentioned multiple screens (two-screen, three-screen, etc.) is only an example, and various display modes can be adopted.

[0196] For example, Fig. 20 As shown, when a menu screen such as the input switching menu 161 or the control menu 163 is hidden in the two-screen display, there is a blank space in the area above and below the two-screen of the entire screen. Therefore, the blank space can be used for display.

[0197] exist Fig. 20 In the embodiment, each of the display screens 151-1 and 151-2 of the two-split screen is a horizontally long screen having an aspect ratio of 16:9 or the like, but, for example, at least one display screen 151 of the two-split screen may be a vertically long screen including blank areas above and below the screen. In particular, the OTT service may support vertically long display of a screen such as a menu screen in some cases. In this case, for example, the menu screen of the OTT service may be displayed larger by providing a vertically long display screen 151 according to a screen such as a menu screen. This makes it possible to enhance the visibility of the menu screen.

[0198] Furthermore, for example, in Fig. 20 In the display screen 151-1 or 151-2, subtitles of the content displayed on the display screen 151-1 or 151-2, a screen for performing various settings (eg, a control panel, etc.), and the like may be displayed by using the blank spaces above and below the two-split screen.

[0199] Furthermore, the above description shows a case where a two-split screen is displayed when the item 171 in the input switching menu 161 is selected. However, a plurality of display screens may be displayed, for example, one screen may be converted to a two-split screen when another display item (item) is selected.

[0200] For example, Fig.21As shown, in a case where the program list 191 is superimposed on the lower area of ​​the image of the TV program on the display screen 151, and the desired TV program is selected by, for example, pressing the up key 211 while the cursor 192 is placed on the desired program portion (item), the selected TV program can be displayed as a two-split screen together with the TV program currently being viewed.

[0201] Note that at this time, the display screen 151 of the selected television program (selected display screen) is displayed at a position relative to the display position of the program portion (selected item) selected from the program schedule 191.

[0202] Specifically, while watching the program "All Japan Football Special", a program part in the left area of ​​its program part (active item) is selected (for example, a left item such as "General News" or "Go and Shogi Channel"), a display screen 151 (active display screen) of the football program is displayed in the right area of ​​the entire screen, and a display screen 151 (selected display screen) corresponding to the selected program part (selected item) in the left area is displayed in the left area of ​​the entire screen.

[0203] At the same time, while watching the program "All Japan Soccer Special", a program part in the right area of ​​its program part (active item) is selected (for example, a right item such as "Sports TV" or "Travel Channel"), a display screen 151 (active display screen) of the football program is displayed in the left area of ​​the entire screen, and a display screen 151 (selected display screen) corresponding to the selected program part (selected item) in the right area is displayed in the right area of ​​the entire screen.

[0204] Further, here, the case where a program part (item) displayed in the program table 191 is selected has been described. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in the case of operating a recommendation item such as a TV program or website, an item corresponding to one of various applications, etc. (for example, pressing the up key 211), the display screen 151 corresponding to the selected item can be displayed as a two-split screen.

[0205] (Two-screen display processing)

[0206] Next, we will refer to Fig. 22 The flowchart describes the flow of the two-screen display process executed by the control unit 100.

[0207] In step S11 , the operation detection unit 121 detects an operation of the remote controller 20 by the user based on the operation signal from the operation reception unit 105 .

[0208] In step S12 , based on the detection result in step S11 , the operation determination unit 122 determines whether the item 171 displayed in the input switching menu 161 is selected.

[0209] In the case where it is determined in the determination processing of step S12 that the item 171 has been selected by, for example, pressing the up key 211 while the cursor is placed on the item 171, the processing proceeds to step S13.

[0210] In step S13 , based on the detection result in step S11 , the operation determination unit 122 determines whether the selected item 171 - 2S is the left item 171 - 2L displayed in the left area of ​​the active item 171 - 1A.

[0211] In the case where it is determined in the determination process of step S13 that the selected item 171 - 2S is the left-side item 171 - 2L, the process proceeds to step S14 .

[0212] In step S14, the display control unit 123 displays the display screen 151-2L corresponding to the selected item 171-2S (selected left item 171-2L) in the left area of ​​the entire screen, and displays the display screen 151-1 corresponding to the active item 171-1A in the right area of ​​the entire screen.

[0213] Meanwhile, in the case where it is determined in the determination processing in step S13 that the selected item 171 - 2S is the right-side item 171 - 2R, the processing proceeds to step S15 .

[0214] In step S15, the display control unit 123 displays the display screen 151-2R corresponding to the selected item 171S (selected right item 171-2R) in the right area of ​​the entire screen, and displays the display screen 151-1 corresponding to the active item 171-1A in the left area of ​​the entire screen.

[0215] Note that, in the case where it is determined in the determination process of step S12 that the item 171 is not selected, the process proceeds to step S 16. In step S16, the control unit 100 controls each unit to perform a predetermined process in response to a predetermined operation.

[0216] For example, when the down key 212 is pressed while the cursor is placed on an active item 171 corresponding to one of the display screens 151 in the two-screen display, the other display screen 151 is displayed as one screen. Also, for example, when the enter button 215 is pressed while the cursor is placed on any item 171, the display screens 151 corresponding to the item 171 are displayed as one screen.

[0217] When the processing in step S14, S15 or S16 is finished, the two-screen display processing is terminated.

[0218] In the above, the flow of the two-split screen display process has been described. In this two-split screen display process, when one screen is converted into a two-split screen, the relationship between the selected item 171 and the display screen 151 becomes clear. This makes it possible to enhance the visibility of the user, thereby improving the operability.

[0219] Notice, Fig. 22 The flow of the two-screen display process is shown, and the process flow of displaying multiple screens, that is, three or more screens will not be described. However, also in the process of displaying multiple screens, that is, three or more screens, the relationship between the selected item 171 and the display screen 151 becomes clear. This makes it possible to improve operability.

[0220] <2. Modification example>

[0221] Hereinabove, the display control device 10 has been described as a television receiver, but is not limited to this description and may be, for example, an electronic device such as a display, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a head-mounted display, or a game console.

[0222] Furthermore, in the above description, the display control device 10 has been described as a television receiver including the display unit 103 such as a liquid crystal display unit or an OLED display unit and the speaker 104. However, a display control device to which the present technology is applied may not include the display unit 103 or the speaker 104.

[0223] (Display system configuration)

[0224] Fig.23 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an embodiment of a display system to which the present technology is applied.

[0225] Fig.23 The display system includes a display control device 30, a display device 40, and an audio output device 50. The display control device 30 is, for example, an electronic device such as a set-top box, a recorder, or a player.

[0226] Further, the display device 40 is an electronic device such as a display, a television receiver, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, etc. The audio output device 50 is an electronic device such as a speaker device, etc. The display control device 30 is connected to the display device 40 and the audio output device 50 by a cable or the like via an interface conforming to a predetermined standard.

[0227] exist Fig.23In the embodiment, the display control device 30 includes a control unit 300, signal input units 301-1 to 301-N, a signal processing unit 302, an image signal output unit 303, an audio signal output unit 304, and an operation receiving unit 305. Fig.23 In the embodiment, the display device 40 includes a display unit 400. In addition, the audio output device 50 includes a speaker 500.

[0228] Fig.23 The display control device 30 and Figure 1 The display control device 10 is different in that an image signal output unit 303 and an audio signal output unit 304 are provided instead of the display unit 103 and the speaker 104. However, other configurations, namely, the control unit 300, the signal input units 301-1 to 301-N, the signal processing unit 302, and the operation receiving unit 305 are similar to the control unit 100, the signal input units 101-1 to 101-N, the signal processing unit 102, and the operation receiving unit 105.

[0229] The image signal output unit 303 outputs the image signal from the signal processing unit 302 to the display device 40 via a predetermined interface. The audio signal output unit 304 outputs the audio signal from the signal processing unit 302 to the audio output device 50 through a predetermined interface.

[0230] In the display device 40, the display unit 400 is similar to Figure 1 Further, in the audio output device 50, the speaker 500 is similar to Figure 1 The speaker 104. That is, Fig.23 In the display system, images and various screens displayed on the screen of the display device 40, audio output from the audio output device 50, and the like are controlled by the display control device 30.

[0231] Notice, Fig.23 The case where the display control device 30 is connected to both the display device 40 and the audio output device 50 via a predetermined interface such as a cable is shown. However, the present technology is not limited to wired connection, and for example, the image signal and the audio signal may be transmitted by wireless communication according to a communication method that complies with a predetermined standard. Further, the system means a group of multiple components (devices, modules (components), etc.), and it is not important whether all components are contained in the same housing.

[0232] In addition, the above description shows that the operation of the display control device 10 and the display control device 30 is performed by the user's operation of the remote controller 20. However, the present technology is not limited to this, and for example, voice operation, gesture operation, etc. can be performed in response to the user's speech, gesture, etc. Further, the display control device 10 (or the display control device 30) and the remote controller 20 can perform not only near-field wireless communication and infrared communication, but also communication according to other communication methods. The communication method is not limited to wireless communication, but can also be wired communication.

[0233] <3. Computer Configuration>

[0234] The above series of processing (for example, Fig. 22 The two-screen display processing of the display device) can be executed by hardware or software. In the case where a series of processes are executed by software, a program forming the software is installed in a computer of each device. Fig.24 : is a block diagram showing a configuration example of hardware of a computer that executes the above-described series of processes by a program.

[0235] exist Fig.24 In the computer of FIG. 1 , a central processing unit (CPU) 1001, a read-only memory (ROM) 1002, and a random access memory (RAM) 1003 are connected to each other via a bus 1004. The bus 1004 is also connected to an input / output interface 1005. The input / output interface 1005 is connected to an input unit 1006, an output unit 1007, a storage unit 1008, a communication unit 1009, and a drive 1010.

[0236] The input unit 1006 includes a microphone, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. The output unit 1007 includes a speaker, a display, etc. The storage unit 1008 includes a hard disk, a nonvolatile memory, etc. The communication unit 1009 includes a network interface, etc. The drive 1010 drives a removable recording medium 1011 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory.

[0237] In the computer configured as described above, the above-described series of processing is performed by the CPU 1001 loading a program recorded on the ROM 1002 or the storage unit 1008 into the RAM 1003 via the input / output interface 1005 and the bus 1004 and executing the program.

[0238] The program executed by the computer (CPU 1001) can be provided by being recorded on, for example, the removable recording medium 1011 as a package medium or the like. Furthermore, the program can be provided via a wired or wireless transmission medium such as a local area network, the Internet, or digital satellite broadcasting.

[0239] In the computer, by attaching the removable recording medium 1011 to the drive 1010, the program can be installed in the storage unit 1008 via the input / output interface 1005. Further, the program can also be received by the communication unit 1009 through a wired or wireless transmission medium to be installed in the storage unit 1008. In addition, the program can also be pre-installed in the ROM 1002 or the storage unit 1008.

[0240] Here, in this specification, the processing performed by the computer according to the program is not necessarily performed in the time sequence shown in the flowchart. That is, the processing performed by the computer according to the program also includes processing performed in parallel or individually (for example, parallel processing or object processing). In addition, the program can be processed by one computer (processor) or by multiple computers in a distributed manner.

[0241] also, Fig. 22 Each step in the two-screen display process can be executed by a single device or can be shared and executed by multiple devices. In addition, in the case of a single step including multiple processes, the multiple processes included in the single step can be executed by a single device or can be shared and executed by multiple devices.

[0242] Note that the present technology is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present technology. For example, the present technology can have a configuration of cloud computing in which a single function is shared and jointly processed by multiple devices via a network.

[0243] Further, the present technology may also have the following configurations.

[0244] (1) A display control device comprising:

[0245] a control unit that displays a plurality of items associated with the display screen, and

[0246] When a desired item is selected from a plurality of display items by a user operation, the control unit displays a selected display screen corresponding to the selected item together with a currently displayed display screen, the selected display screen being displayed at a position relative to a display position of the selected item.

[0247] (2) The display control device according to (1), wherein

[0248] When the selected item is selected while the control unit is displaying an active display screen corresponding to an active item as a currently selected item, the control unit displays the selected display screen at a position relative to a display position of the selected item based on a display position of the active item.

[0249] (3) The display control device according to (2), wherein

[0250] The control unit displays the active display picture in a second area different from the first area where the selected display picture is displayed.

[0251] (4) The display control device according to (3), wherein

[0252] In a case where the selected item is displayed in the left area of ​​the active item, the control unit displays the selected display screen in an area corresponding to the left area and displays the active display screen in an area corresponding to the right area relative to the left area, and

[0253] When the selected item is displayed in the right area of ​​the active item, the control unit displays the selected display screen in the area corresponding to the right area and displays the active display screen in the area corresponding to the left area relative to the right area.

[0254] (5) The display control device according to (3), wherein

[0255] In a case where the selected item is displayed in the area between the first active item and the second active item, the control unit displays a first active display screen corresponding to the first active item in the left area of ​​the entire screen, displays a second active display screen corresponding to the second active item in the right area of ​​the entire screen, and displays the selected display screen in the area between the left area and the right area.

[0256] (6) The display control device according to (5), wherein

[0257] In a case where the selected item is displayed in the left area of ​​the first active item, the control unit displays the first active display picture and the selected display picture in the left area of ​​the entire screen, and displays the second active display picture in the right area of ​​the entire screen, and

[0258] In case the selected item is displayed in the right area of ​​the second active item, the control unit displays the first active display picture in the left area of ​​the entire screen, and displays the second active display picture and the selected display picture in the right area of ​​the entire screen.

[0259] (7) The display control device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein

[0260] A plurality of items are displayed on a predetermined menu screen.

[0261] (8) The display control device according to (7), wherein:

[0262] The menu screen includes an input switching menu for switching a signal to be input; and

[0263] In a case where a first operation is performed on a desired item among a plurality of items displayed in the input switching menu, the control unit selects the desired item as a selected item and displays a selected display screen, and

[0264] In a case where a second operation is performed on an active item displayed in the input switching menu as a currently selected item, the control unit hides an active display screen corresponding to the active item.

[0265] (9) The display control device according to (8), wherein:

[0266] The first operation includes operating an up key of a direction button provided on the remote controller; and

[0267] The second operation includes an operation on a down key of the direction button.

[0268] (10) The display control device according to (7), wherein:

[0269] The menu screen includes a control menu displaying one or more control items, wherein each item is assigned a function of controlling an active display screen corresponding to an active item that is a currently selected item; and

[0270] In case a desired control item is selected from one or more control items displayed in the control menu, the control unit controls the active display screen according to a function assigned to the selected control item.

[0271] (11) The display control device according to (10), wherein:

[0272] The function includes at least one of a function of transitioning an active display screen to one screen, a function of changing an active display screen to be operated, a function of enlarging or reducing a size of an active display screen, or a function of changing a volume according to an active display screen.

[0273] (12) The display control device according to any one of (2) to (6), wherein

[0274] In the case where there are a plurality of pairs of active items and active display pictures, the control unit performs display so that a positional relationship between each active item and the corresponding active display picture is identifiable.

[0275] (13) The display control device according to (12), wherein

[0276] The control unit displays association information in which each activity item is associated with a corresponding activity display screen.

[0277] (14) The display control device according to (12), wherein

[0278] In case that the active item exceeds the screen, the control unit displays at least a portion of the active item on the screen.

[0279] (15) The display control device according to any one of (2) to (6), wherein:

[0280] The user operation includes an operation corresponding to a general function related to the entire device and an operation corresponding to a unique function related to the active display screen; and

[0281] When an operation corresponding to the inherent function is performed, the control unit controls the active display screen.

[0282] (16) The display control device according to any one of (1) to (15), wherein

[0283] The user operation includes the operation of the direction buttons set in the remote control.

[0284] (17) The display control device according to any one of (1) to (16), wherein

[0285] Displays an image of what is displayed on the screen.

[0286] (18) The display control device according to any one of (2) to (6), wherein:

[0287] The active display screen displays an image of the first content; and

[0288] The selected display screen displays an image of second content different from the first content.

[0289] (19) The display control device according to (17), wherein:

[0290] Content includes broadcast content; and

[0291] The display control device used as a television receiver further includes a display unit that displays an image of content and a speaker that outputs sound of the content.

[0292] (20) A display control method comprising:

[0293] causing the display control device to display a plurality of items associated with the display screen, and

[0294] When a desired item is selected from a plurality of display items by a user operation, the display control device is caused to display a selected display screen corresponding to the selected item together with the currently displayed display screen, and the selected display screen is displayed at a position relative to the display position of the selected item.

[0295] Reference Mark List

[0296] 10 Display control device

[0297] 20 Remote Control

[0298] 30 Display control device

[0299] 40 Display device

[0300] 50 audio output device

[0301] 100 control units

[0302] 100,101-1~101-N signal input unit

[0303] 102 signal processing unit

[0304] 103 Display Unit

[0305] 104 speakers

[0306] 105 Operation receiving unit

[0307] 121 Operation detection unit

[0308] 122 Operation determination unit

[0309] 123 Display Control Unit

[0310] 300 control unit

[0311] 301-1~301-N signal input unit

[0312] 302 Signal Processing Unit

[0313] 303 Image signal output unit

[0314] 304 audio signal output unit

[0315] 305 Operation receiving unit

[0316] 400 display unit 500 speaker 1001 CPU

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: Display screen; as well as a control circuit configured to display a current display on the display screen including a plurality of items, each individual item of the plurality of items being located at an individual display position in the current display, and each individual item of the plurality of items having an individual display; as well as In a case where a desired item is selected from the displayed plurality of items by a user operation, a separate display of the selected item is displayed together with the current display, the separate display being displayed at a display position relative to the separate display position of the selected item.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: In a case where the selected item is displaying an active display screen corresponding to an active item that is a currently selected item, the control circuit displays the selected display screen at the position relative to the display position of the selected item based on the display position of the active item.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The control circuit displays the active display picture in a second area different from a first area in which the selected display picture is displayed.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: In a case where the selected item is displayed in a left area of ​​the active item, the control circuit displays the selected display screen in an area corresponding to the left area, and displays the active display screen in an area corresponding to a right area relative to the left area, and When the selected item is displayed in the right area of ​​the active item, the control circuit displays the selected display screen in an area corresponding to the right area and displays the active display screen in an area corresponding to the left area relative to the right area.

5. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: In a case where the selected item is displayed in an area between a first active item and a second active item, the control circuit displays a first active display screen corresponding to the first active item in a left area of ​​the entire screen, displays a second active display screen corresponding to the second active item in a right area of ​​the entire screen, and displays the selected display screen in an area between the left area and the right area.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: In a case where the selected item is displayed in a left area of ​​the first active item, the control circuit displays the first active display picture and the selected display picture in the left area of ​​the entire screen, and displays the second active display picture in the right area of ​​the entire screen, and When the selected item is displayed in the right area of ​​the second active item, the control circuit displays the first active display picture in the left area of ​​the entire screen, and displays the second active display picture and the selected display picture in the right area of ​​the entire screen.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of items are displayed on a predetermined menu screen.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein: The menu screen includes an input switching menu for switching input signals; as well as In a case where a first operation is performed on the desired item among the plurality of items displayed in the input switching menu, the control circuit selects the desired item as the selected item and displays the selected display screen, and In a case where a second operation is performed on an active item that is a currently selected item displayed in the input switching menu, the control circuit hides an active display screen corresponding to the active item.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein: The first operation includes operating an up key of a direction button provided in the remote controller; and The second operation includes an operation on a down key of the direction button.

10. The display device according to claim 7, wherein: The menu screen includes a control menu displaying one or more control items, wherein each control item is assigned a function of controlling an active display screen corresponding to an active item that is a currently selected item; and In a case where a desired control item is selected from the one or more control items displayed in the control menu, the control circuit controls the active display screen according to a function assigned to the selected control item.

11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein: The function includes at least one of the following: a function of changing the active display screen to one display screen, a function of changing the active display screen to be operated, a function of enlarging or reducing the size of the active display screen, and a function of changing the volume according to the active display screen.

12. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: In the case where there are a plurality of pairs of the activity item and the activity display screen, the control circuit performs display so that a positional relationship between each activity item and the corresponding activity display screen is identifiable.

13. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: The control circuit displays association information of each activity item and the corresponding activity display screen.

14. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: In a case where the active item exceeds the display screen, the control circuit displays at least a portion of the active item on the display screen.

15. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The user operation includes an operation corresponding to a general function related to the entire device and an operation corresponding to a unique function related to the active display screen; as well as The control unit controls the active display screen when the operation corresponding to the inherent function is performed.

16. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The user operation includes an operation on a direction button provided in the remote controller.

17. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The display screen displays an image of content.

18. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The active display screen displays an image of a first content; and The selected display screen displays an image of second content different from the first content.

19. The display device according to claim 17, wherein: The content includes broadcast content; and The display device used as a television receiver includes the display screen that displays the image of the content and a speaker that outputs the sound of the content.

20. A display method, comprising: The display device is caused to perform the following: displaying on a display screen a current display including a plurality of items, each individual item of the plurality of items being located at an individual display position in the current display and each individual item of the plurality of items having an individual display; and In a case where a desired item is selected from the displayed plurality of items by a user operation, a separate display of the selected item is displayed together with the current display, The individual display is displayed at a display position relative to the individual display position of the selected item.

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