Television receiver, method of controlling shift to power saving, and program of controlling shift to power saving

Abstract

To resolve troublesomeness in controlling a shift to power saving.SOLUTION: A television receiver according to an embodiment resolves troublesomeness in viewing from outside of a detection range by comprising: a sensor which detects a person existing in a predetermined detection range and outputs a result of the detection about whether a person is detected or not; a detection unit which detects a user operation and outputs the result of the detection; and a processing device which shifts a state between a normal state and a power saving state, and prohibits the power saving state on the basis of the result of the detection from the sensor and the result of the detection from the detection unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The embodiments relate to a television receiver, a power saving transition control method, and a power saving transition control program. [Background technology]

[0002] Some electronic devices can operate in a power saving mode that reduces power consumption in addition to the normal operation mode. For example, some television receivers have a function that detects when a user has not watched a program for a predetermined period of time and transitions to a power saving state, such as turning off the display on the display device. For example, this type of television receiver is equipped with a human presence sensor, and transitions to a power saving state if no human presence is detected for a certain period of time (e.g., one minute). In the power saving state, when a human enters the detection range of the human presence sensor, the device returns to the normal operation mode.

[0003] However, there are cases where the user is outside the detection range of the human sensor, such as when watching from a counter in a kitchen that is relatively far from the television receiver. In this case, if the user wishes to continue watching, the user must move into the detection range every time the power saving state is entered. For example, the user must move into the detection range from the counter in the kitchen every minute, which is extremely cumbersome. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-228475 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the embodiments is to provide a television receiver, a power-save transition control method, and a power-save transition control program that can enable power-save transition control that eliminates complexity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The television receiver of the embodiment includes a sensor that detects a person present within a specified detection range and outputs a detection result of detection or non-detection, a detection unit that detects user operations and outputs the detection result, and a processing device that transitions between a normal state and a power saving state and prohibits the power saving state based on the detection result from the sensor and the detection result from the detection unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a television receiver according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a transition to a power saving mode in a television receiver 10A of a comparative example. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a transition to a power saving mode in a television receiver 10A of a comparative example. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a transition to a power saving mode in the television receiver 10. [Diagram 5] 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the comparative example. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the comparative example. [Figure 7] 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a third embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the third embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the third embodiment. [Figure 14]FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0009] (First embodiment) 1 is a block diagram showing a television receiver according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which power saving transition control is performed based on the user's position and the operation of a remote controller.

[0010] The television receiver 10 includes a processing device 1, a memory unit 2, a broadcast receiving unit 3, a display control unit 4, a remote control receiving unit 5, a human presence sensor unit 6, a timer circuit 8, and a power supply circuit 9. The processing device 1, the memory unit 2, the broadcast receiving unit 3, the display control unit 4, the remote control receiving unit 5, and the human presence sensor unit 6 are connected to each other by a bus 7.

[0011] The processing device 1 comprehensively controls the entire television receiver 10. The processing device 1 may be configured with a processor using a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or SoC (System on Chip), etc. The processing device 1 may operate according to a program stored in the memory unit 2 to control each unit, or may realize some or all of its functions with a hardware electronic circuit. The memory unit 2 stores the program, variables being processed by the processing device 1, setting contents, etc.

[0012] The broadcast receiving unit 3 receives television broadcasts, for example, via an antenna 20. The broadcast receiving unit 3 may also receive content from a network (not shown). When receiving television broadcast signals from the antenna 20, the broadcast receiving unit 3 may be configured with a tuner, a decoder, and the like (not shown). The tuner is controlled by the processing device 1 to select a broadcast signal of a desired channel. The decoder demodulates the broadcast signal selected by the tuner to obtain a transport stream including a desired program. The decoder performs TS decoding processing on a signal multiplexed with a transport stream (TS), to obtain digital video data and audio data of the desired program. The video data and audio data received and obtained by the broadcast receiving unit 3 are supplied to the processing device 1.

[0013] The processing device 1 performs a predetermined digital signal processing on the supplied digital video data and then outputs it to the display control unit 4. The display control unit 4 converts the input video data into a video signal in a format that can be displayed on the display device 30 and then outputs it to the display device 30. The display device 30 is constituted by a predetermined display device such as a flat display panel, and displays an image based on the input video signal.

[0014] The processing device 1 also performs a predetermined digital signal processing on the supplied digital audio data, and then outputs it to a speaker (not shown) provided in the display device 30. Thus, the audio of the program is output from the speaker. The display control unit 4 is also capable of displaying not only images of broadcasts and contents, but also various messages, operation screens, and the like, on the display device 30.

[0015] The processing device 1 controls each part based on operation information sent from an operation unit such as a switch (not shown) provided on the main body of the television receiver 10 or a remote controller 40 so that the operation content is reflected. The remote controller 40 generates and transmits an operation signal based on a user operation. The remote control receiving unit 5 of the television receiver 10 receives the remote control signal from the remote controller 40, generates operation information based on the operation of the remote controller, and outputs it to the processing device 1. The processing device 1 controls each part based on this operation information.

[0016] Such remote control may be performed by voice. For example, a voice receiving unit (not shown) configured with a microphone or the like receives the user's voice, and outputs a voice signal based on the user's voice to the processing device 1. The processing device 1 analyzes the voice of the command issued by the user by a known voice recognition process, and controls each part based on the user's voice.

[0017] The television receiver 10 is provided with a human sensor unit 6. The human sensor unit 6 detects humans using, for example, millimeter wave radar or infrared light. The human sensor unit 6 can detect humans in a predetermined detection range (hereinafter referred to as human detection range). That is, the human sensor unit 6 detects whether or not a human is present in the predetermined human detection range, and instead of the human sensor unit 6, various position sensors such as a radio wave sensor or a camera that detects whether or not a human is located within the predetermined human detection range may be used. When the human sensor unit 6 detects a human, it outputs a detection signal to the processing device 1.

[0018] The timer circuit 8 measures the time and outputs the time information to the processing device 1. The power supply circuit 9 generates a power supply voltage used in each part of the television receiver 10. The power supply circuit 9 can control the power supply and the power supply stop by operating a main switch (not shown). The power supply circuit 9 is also configured so that the processing device 1 controls the power supply to each part of the television receiver 10. The processing device 1 can set a power saving mode in which the television receiver 10 operates in a power saving state that suppresses power consumption, in addition to a normal mode in which the television receiver 10 operates in a normal state in which power is supplied to each part of the television receiver 10 to enable normal viewing, by controlling the power supply circuit 9. The normal state is a state in which power consumption is greater than that of the power saving state, such as a state in which all functions of the television receiver 10 can be realized. The power saving state may be a state in which power consumption of the television receiver 10 is reduced, or a state in which power consumption is reduced by controlling the display device 30 to turn off the display.

[0019] (Transition to power saving mode in comparative example) 2 and 3 are explanatory diagrams for explaining the transition to the power saving mode in a television receiver 10A of a comparative example. Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 show the operation modes of the television receiver 10A based on the relationship between the human detection range shown in a sector shape and the position of the person (hereinafter referred to as the viewing position). Note that the television receiver 10A differs from the television receiver 10 in the transition process by the processing device 1 between the normal mode and the power saving mode, but the hardware configuration is substantially the same as that of the television receiver 10.

[0020] The television receiver 10A transitions between normal mode and power saving mode using human detection by a human sensor or the like and time information from a timer circuit. The left side of FIG. 2 shows that the television receiver 10A is in normal mode (normal state) due to the presence of user P within human detection range A. The center of FIG. 2 shows that in the normal state, when user P leaves human detection range A, the television receiver 10A transitions to power saving mode (power saving state) a certain time after user P leaves human detection range A. Also, the right side of FIG. 2 shows that in the power saving state, when user P returns to human detection range A, the television receiver 10A returns to normal mode (normal state).

[0021] Through such operation, the television receiver 10A of the comparative example determines whether or not the user P is watching the television receiver 10A, and switches to a normal state when the user P is watching, and automatically switches to a power saving state when the user P is not watching, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption.

[0022] However, there are cases where the user P wants to watch television on the television receiver 10A from a place relatively far from the television receiver 10A, such as a counter kitchen. Fig. 3 shows this state. In the example of Fig. 3, the area near the counter kitchen K where the user P is located is outside the human detection range A. Therefore, in this case, the television receiver 10A enters a power saving state.

[0023] In such a case, the user P needs to move into the human detection range A once to return the television receiver 10A to normal mode and continue watching; however, if the user P returns to the original viewing position outside the human detection range A, the television receiver will go into power saving mode again after a certain period of time (e.g., one minute), so the user P needs to move into the human detection range A many times, which is extremely cumbersome.

[0024] (Transition to power saving mode in the first embodiment) In this embodiment, the human sensor unit 6, which is a position sensor, and the operation of the remote controller 40 are linked to infer that there is a person watching from outside the human detection range, and the transition to the power saving state is controlled. The remote controller 40 is for detecting human operations, and an appropriate device for detecting human operations may be adopted instead of the remote controller 40. For example, wireless operations using a Bluetooth (registered trademark) mouse, wired operations using CEC (Consumer Electronics Control), and operations by voice or gesture may be detected. Human operations can be detected by determining the outputs of devices such as a receiver that receives wireless operations or wired operations, a microphone that detects human voices, and a camera that detects human gestures in the processing device 1.

[0025] Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the transition to a power saving mode in the television receiver 10. As in Fig. 2, the upper part of Fig. 4 shows a sector shape indicating human detection range A, and indicates the viewing position of the user P relative to the human detection range A in each of states J1 to J4. The lower part of Fig. 4 shows, with thick lines, state transitions between the normal state (normal mode) and the power saving state (power saving mode) of the television receiver 10.

[0026] State J1 in FIG. 4 shows an example in which a user P who was in the human detection range A moves out of the human detection range A and transitions to a power-saving state, and the remote controller 40 is operated in this power-saving state. As shown by the bold line, the state is normal up to timing T1 in FIG. 4. The human sensor unit 6 detects the absence of a person in the human detection range A at timing T1. Hereinafter, the detection of the absence of a person is referred to as non-detection. When the processing device 1 receives the detection result of the human sensor unit 6, the processing device 1 instructs the power supply circuit 9 to transition to the power-saving mode at timing T2 after the non-detection continues for a predetermined waiting time (hereinafter referred to as transition waiting time) (bold dashed line portion) from the detection of non-detection, based on the time information from the timer circuit 8. As a result, for example, the power supply of the display device 30 is controlled, and the display screen of the display device 30 is turned off.

[0027] In this embodiment, when the user P wishes to watch from outside the human detection range A, the user performs a user operation in the power saving state. In the example of FIG. 4, the user P operates the remote controller 40 at timing T3 in the power saving state. A signal Si from the remote controller 40 is detected by the remote control receiving unit 5, and operation information is supplied to the processing device 1. When the processing device 1 receives operation information based on a user operation in the power saving state, it determines that the user P wishes to watch, and transitions the television receiver 10 to the normal mode. That is, the processing device 1 controls the power circuit 9 to supply power to each unit and return to the normal state.

[0028] State J2 in FIG. 4 indicates this state (hereinafter referred to as the power saving prohibited state), and state J2 is a state in which entering the power saving state is prohibited. The power saving prohibited state of state J2 is established when user P, whose viewing position is outside the human detection range A, performs a user operation in the power saving state. In the power saving prohibited state, the processing device 1 controls so as not to transition to the power saving mode even if user P is not within the human detection range A. The processing device 1 releases the power saving prohibited state when user P is detected within the human detection range A. State J3 indicates this state. At timing T4 during the power saving prohibited state, the human sensor unit 6 detects user P. The processing device 1 releases the power saving prohibited state and returns to the normal state based on the detection result of the human detection sensor unit 6.

[0029] In this normal state, when the human sensor unit 6 stops detecting the user P (timing T5), the processing device 1 transitions to the power saving mode at timing T6 after the non-detection continues for the transition waiting time. State J4 in FIG. 4 shows this power saving mode.

[0030] By such an operation, the television receiver 10 determines that the user P is watching and prohibits the transition to the power saving state even if the user P is located outside the human detection range A. This allows the user P to continue watching from outside the human detection range without requiring any complicated operations.

[0031] (operation) Next, the operation of the embodiment configured in this manner will be described with reference to Figs. 5 to 8. Figs. 5 to 8 are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the first embodiment. Figs. 5 and 6 are a set of flowcharts for explaining the operation of the comparative example, and Figs. 7 and 8 are a set of flowcharts for explaining the operation of the first embodiment. The circle symbols A to D in Fig. 5 and the circle symbols A to D in Fig. 6 indicate that the processes are linked to each other. Similarly, the circle symbols A to D in Fig. 7 and the circle symbols A to D in Fig. 8 indicate that the processes are linked to each other. Note that the same steps in Figs. 5 and 7 are given the same reference symbols, and duplicated explanations will be omitted. Also, the same steps in Figs. 6 and 8 are given the same reference symbols, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0032] First, the operation in the comparative example will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. In the comparative example, the following variables are adopted. The processing device 1 obtains various variables related to time using the output of the timer circuit 8. In addition, in order to easily distinguish between variable names and values, variable names are enclosed in parentheses and values ​​are enclosed in " " in the specification.

[0033] <variable name> :<content> :<value> (TV status) : Indicates the status of the TV receiver : Normal status, power saving status (Detection): Indicates the human detection status: Detected, Not Detected (state) : Processing status management : Detecting : Countdown in progress : Power saving (Change time) : The time when the state changed : Year, month, day, hour, minute, and second (Waiting time): Time until power saving starts after non-detection: ○.○ seconds (Duration): Time since state change: XX seconds

[0034] The variable (television state) indicates whether the television receiver is in a normal state or a power saving state ("normal state" or "power saving state"). The variable (detection) indicates whether a person has been detected in the human detection range ("detection" or "non-detection"). The variable (state) indicates whether the television receiver is in a state where a detection determination is being made as to whether a person is present in the human detection range based on the detection result from the human sensor unit 6, a countdown is being performed until the transition waiting time has elapsed, or a power saving mode is being executed ("detecting", "countdown" or "power saving"). The variable (change time) indicates the time value when the value of the variable (state) changed ("xx year xx month xx day xx hours xx minutes xx.xx seconds"). The variable (waiting time) indicates the transition waiting time, and is the value from when the non-detection occurs until when the power saving state is entered ("xx seconds"). The variable (duration) indicates the time value from when the value of the variable (state) changed ("xx.xx seconds").

[0035] When the power is turned on, various variables are initialized. That is, the current time is substituted for the variable (change time) (S1 in FIG. 5), "detecting" is substituted for the variable (state) (S2), and "normal state" is substituted for the variable (TV state) (S4). In the next step S5, the human sensor unit 6 is started and the detection state is acquired (S7). Next, "current time - variable (change time)" is substituted for the variable (duration) (S8).

[0036] In the next step S12, it is determined whether the value of the variable (state) is "detecting," "counting down," or "power saving." If it is "detecting," the process moves to circle symbol A in Fig. 6, if it is "counting down," the process moves to circle symbol B in Fig. 6, and if it is "power saving," the process moves to circle symbol C in Fig. 6.

[0037] Assume now that the state is immediately after power is turned on, that is, the television receiver 10A is operating in normal mode, and a user P is watching in human detection range A. In this case, the value of the variable (state) is the initial value of "detecting". In this case, in S21 of FIG. 6, it is determined whether the value of the variable (detection) is not "detection". Since the user P is watching in the human detection range A, the value of the variable (detection) is "detection" (NO in S21), and the process proceeds from the circle symbol D to S7. In S7, the detection state is repeatedly acquired.

[0038] Here, it is assumed that user P moves out of human detection range A. Then, in S7, the value of the variable (detection) becomes "not detected." The judgment in S21 is a YES judgment, and the process moves to S28. In S28, the variable (change time) is assigned the "current time," and in S29, the variable (state) is assigned the "countdown in progress." Then, depending on the judgment of the variable (state) in the next S12, the process moves to circle symbol B, and the judgment in S32 is made.

[0039] If the variable (detection) is not "detection" (NO in S32), that is, if the user P continues to be outside the human detection range A, in S33, it is determined whether or not the value of the variable (duration) is greater than the value of the variable (waiting time). That is, in S33, it is determined whether the "variable (duration)", which is the time from when the human sensor unit 6 determined that the user P was not in the human detection range A (non-detection), has reached the transition waiting time. If it has not reached that time (NO in S33), the process moves from the circle symbol D to S7, the acquisition of the detection state is repeated (S8), and the process returns to S32 from the circle symbol B. When the transition waiting time has elapsed since the determination of non-detection, the determination is YES in S33, and in S37, the "current time" is substituted for the variable (change time), in S38, "power saving" is substituted for the variable (state), and in S39, "power saving state" is substituted for the variable (television state).

[0040] That is, after it is determined that the user P is not within the human detection range A, when the transition standby time elapses, the television receiver 10A transitions to the power saving mode, and the variable (state) becomes "power saving".

[0041] Then, depending on the judgment of the next variable (state) in S12, the process moves to circle symbol C, and the judgment of S42 is made. If the variable (detection) is not "detection" (NO in S42), that is, if the user P continues to be outside the human detection range A, the process returns from circle symbol D7 to S7 and the process is repeated. In other words, if the user P continues to be outside the human detection range A, the values ​​of the variable (TV state) and the variable (state) do not change, and the power saving mode continues.

[0042] Here, when user P enters human detection range A, the judgment in S42 becomes YES, and in S44, the variable (change time) is assigned the “current time”, in S45, the variable (state) is assigned the “detecting” status, and in S46, the variable (TV state) is assigned the “normal state”.

[0043] That is, when the user P returns to the human detection range A, the television receiver 10A returns from the power saving mode to the normal mode, and the state transitions from the circle symbol D7 to S7, and the process is repeated.

[0044] In this way, the television receiver 10A of the comparative example transitions to power saving mode simply by checking the human detection result by the human detection sensor unit 6 and the transition waiting time after non-detection, and has the disadvantage that when attempting to watch from outside the human detection range A, the user P needs to move into the human detection range A relatively frequently.

[0045] Next, the control in the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. In Figures 7 and 8, the same steps as in Figures 5 and 6 are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0046] The flow in Fig. 7 differs from the flow in Fig. 5 in that steps S3 and S6 are added, and the flow in Fig. 8 differs from the flow in Fig. 6 in that steps S22, S27, S41, and S43 are added.

[0047] In the first embodiment, in addition to the variables used in the comparative example, the following two variables are adopted.

[0048] <variable name> :<content> :<value> (Absent operation): A user operation occurred in an undetected state: true, false (Remote control operation) :Operation was performed using the remote control :true, false

[0049] In the initial setting after power-on, the processing device 1 assigns the current time to the variable (change time) (S1 in FIG. 7), assigns "detecting" to the variable (state) (S2), assigns "false" to the variable (away operation) (S3), and assigns "normal state" to the variable (television state) (S4). Next, the processing device 1 activates the human sensor unit 6 (S5) and starts reception by the remote control receiving unit 5 (S6 in FIG. 7). After S6, the processing device 1 executes step S7.

[0050] In the comparative example of FIG. 6, once the power saving state is entered, the power saving state continues until the variable (detection) becomes "detection" in S42. In contrast, in the first embodiment, when the variable (state) is determined to be "power saving" in S12 and the process moves to the circle symbol C, the processing device 1 determines whether the value of the variable (remote control operation) is "true" in S41. The variable (remote control operation) becomes "true" when the remote control receiving unit 5 receives a signal from the remote controller 40 and the processing device 1 detects a user operation. Note that the processing device 1 resets the variable (remote control operation) to "false" when returning from the circle symbol D to S7. When the variable (remote control operation) is "false", the processing device 1 shifts the process to S42 and performs the same operation as in the comparative example.

[0051] On the other hand, if the variable (remote control operation) is "true", the processing device 1 assigns "true" to the variable (unattended operation) in S43 and then proceeds to S44. That is, in the comparative example, the process proceeds to S44 only when the variable (detection) becomes "detected" in S42, whereas in the first embodiment, the process proceeds to S44 even when the variable (remote control operation) is "true". As a result, the processing device 1 sets the variable (state) to "detecting" and the variable (television state) to "normal state", and then returns the process to S7 from the circle symbol D. That is, the television receiver 10 is released from the power saving state and operates in the normal state. In this way, the variable (unattended operation) being "true" indicates that the power saving is prohibited.

[0052] The processing device 1 moves to circle symbol A based on the judgment of the variable (state) in the next S12, and performs judgment in S22. If the variable (detection) is not "detection" (YES in S21), that is, if the user P continues to be outside the human detection range A, the processing device 1 judges whether the variable (absence operation) is "true" in S27. In this case, "true" is substituted for the variable (absence operation) in S43, and the processing device 1 moves the processing to S7 from circle symbol D. That is, in this case, since "countdown in progress" is not substituted for the variable (state) in S29, the variable (state) remains "detection in progress", and the television receiver 10 continues the normal state.

[0053] Furthermore, when the user P returns to the human detection range A, the variable (detection) becomes "detection", and the processing device 1 shifts the process from S21 to S22. In S22, the processing device 1 assigns "false" to the variable (absent operation) and shifts the process to S7 from the circle symbol D. This releases the power saving prohibited state, and the next time the user P leaves the human detection range A, it becomes possible to shift to the power saving state.

[0054] In this manner, in the present embodiment, when the user leaves the human detection range and the power saving state is entered, the power saving prohibited state is detected and the normal state is restored. This allows the user to continue watching without the need for complicated operations even if he or she remains outside the human detection range.

[0055] Second embodiment Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the second embodiment. The hardware configuration of this embodiment is similar to that of Fig. 1, but the control of the processing device 1 is different from that of the first embodiment.

[0056] In the first embodiment, an example was shown in which a user operation in the power saving state is detected and the state is transitioned to the power saving prohibited state. In the present embodiment, a user operation is detected during a period from non-detection of a person until the transition waiting time has elapsed (hereinafter, referred to as the transition waiting period) and the state is transitioned to the power saving prohibited state.

[0057] Fig. 9 explains the transition to the power saving mode in the second embodiment using the same notation as Fig. 4. As in Fig. 4, the upper part of Fig. 9 shows a sector representing human detection range A and indicates the viewing position of user P relative to human detection range A in each of states J11 to J14. Moreover, the lower part of Fig. 9 shows, with thick lines, state transitions between the normal state (normal mode) and the power saving state (power saving mode) of the television receiver 10.

[0058] 9, the thick line and the thick dashed line portion between timings T11 and T12 indicate that the transition standby period until transition to the power saving mode has begun as a result of user P, who was present within human detection range A, moving out of human detection range A. In the first embodiment, the transition to the power saving state occurs when user P remains outside human detection range A and the transition standby time has elapsed, but in this embodiment, the transition to the power saving prohibited state occurs when user P performs a user operation during the transition standby period.

[0059] In this embodiment, when the user P wishes to watch from outside the human detection range A, the user P performs a user operation during the transition waiting period. In the example of FIG. 9, the user P operates the remote controller 40 during the transition waiting period from timing T11 to T12. The signal Si from the remote controller 40 is detected by the remote control receiving unit 5, and operation information is supplied to the processing device 1. When the processing device 1 receives operation information based on the user operation during the transition waiting period, it determines that the user P wishes to watch, and transitions the television receiver 10 to a power saving prohibited state. That is, the processing device 1 controls the power circuit 9 to supply power to each unit to maintain the normal state.

[0060] State J12 in FIG. 9 indicates that user P remains outside human detection range A in the power saving prohibited state. In the power saving prohibited state, the processing device 1 controls not to transition to the power saving mode even if user P is not within the human detection range A. The processing device 1 releases the power saving prohibited state when user P is detected within the human detection range A. State J13 indicates this state. At timing T14 during the power saving prohibited state, the human sensor unit 6 detects user P. The processing device 1 releases the power saving prohibited state and returns to the normal state based on the detection result of the human sensor unit 6.

[0061] In this normal state, when the human sensor unit 6 stops detecting the user P (timing T15), the processing device 1 transitions to the power saving mode at timing T16 after the non-detection continues for the transition standby time. State J14 in FIG. 9 shows this power saving mode.

[0062] By such an operation, the television receiver 10 determines that the user P is watching based on the user's operation and prohibits the transition to the power saving state even if the user P is located outside the human detection range A. This allows the user P to continue watching from outside the human detection range without the need for complicated operations.

[0063] (operation) Next, the operation of the embodiment configured in this way will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the second embodiment. Circles A to D in Fig. 11 indicate that the processes are mutually connected to the circles A to D in Fig. 7.

[0064] Although the example in Fig. 10 shows an example in which the actions of the first embodiment and the second embodiment are performed together, a flow in which only the action of the second embodiment is performed can also be easily realized. In Fig. 10, the same steps as those in Fig. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0065] The flow in FIG. 10 differs from the flow in FIG. 8 in that steps S32 and S35 are added.

[0066] 8, once the transition waiting time is counting down, if the variable (detection) is not "detected" in the determination in S32, the countdown continues and the determination in S33 is made. In contrast, in the second embodiment, if the variable (remote control operation) is determined to be "true" in S31 (YES in S31), the variable (unattended operation) indicating a power saving prohibited state becomes "true" in S34, and the process proceeds to S35. That is, if the user operates the remote controller 40 during the transition waiting period before it is determined in S33 that the transition waiting time has elapsed, the variable (remote control operation) becomes "true" and the power saving prohibited state is entered.

[0067] That is, the television receiver 10 goes into the power saving prohibited state before going into the power saving state, and continues to operate in the normal state. In S36, the processing device 1 sets the variable (state) to “detecting”, and returns the process from the circle symbol D to S7 to repeat the process.

[0068] Other operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the power saving prohibited state continues until the variable (not present operation) becomes "false". When the user P returns to the human detection range A, the variable (detection) becomes "detection", and the processing device 1 shifts the process from S21 to S22. In S22, the processing device 1 assigns "false" to the variable (not present operation) and shifts the process from the circle symbol D to S7. This releases the power saving prohibited state, and the next time the user P leaves the human detection range A, it becomes possible to shift to the power saving state.

[0069] In this manner, in the present embodiment, by detecting a user operation during the transition waiting period after the user leaves the human detection range, the normal state can be continued as the power saving prohibited state. This allows the user to continue watching without the need for complicated operations even if he or she remains outside the human detection range.

[0070] (Third embodiment) Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the third embodiment. The hardware configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of Fig. 1, but the control of the processing device 1 is different from that of the first embodiment.

[0071] In the first embodiment, an example is shown in which a user operation is detected in the power saving state and the state is transitioned to the power saving prohibited state, and in the second embodiment, an example is shown in which a user operation is detected in the transition waiting period and the state is transitioned to the power saving prohibited state. This embodiment is an example in which the state is transitioned to the power saving prohibited state when a user operation in the normal state is not detected within a predetermined time (hereinafter, referred to as a no-operation considered time).

[0072] Fig. 11 explains the transition to the power saving mode in the third embodiment using the same notation as Fig. 4 and Fig. 9. As in Fig. 4 and Fig. 9, the upper part of Fig. 11 shows a sector shape indicating the human detection range A and indicates the viewing position of the user P relative to the human detection range A in each of states J21 to J24. Moreover, the lower part of Fig. 11 shows, with thick lines, the state transition between the normal state (normal mode) and the power saving state (power saving mode) of the television receiver 10.

[0073] State J21 in Fig. 11 indicates that user P, who was within human detection range A, performed a remote control operation at timing T21. In this embodiment, if user P wishes to watch from outside human detection range A, he or she moves out of human detection range A within the no-operation consideration time from the remote control operation (user operation). In the example in Fig. 11, user P moves out of human detection range A at timing T22 before the no-operation consideration time has elapsed since the remote control operation at timing T21.

[0074] State J22 in FIG. 11 shows the state in this case, indicating that the processing device 1 has transitioned to a power saving prohibited state by detecting no detection within the considered time of no operation after user P operates the remote control. The processing device 1 releases the power saving prohibited state when user P is detected within human detection range A. State J23 shows this state. At timing T24 during the power saving prohibited state, the human sensor unit 6 detects user P. Based on the detection result of the human sensor unit 6, the processing device 1 releases the power saving prohibited state and returns to the normal state.

[0075] In this normal state, when the human sensor unit 6 stops detecting the user P (timing T25), the processing device 1 transitions to the power saving mode at timing T26 after the non-detection continues for the transition standby time. State J24 in FIG. 11 shows this power saving mode.

[0076] By such an operation, even if the user P is located outside the human detection range A as in state J22, the television receiver 10 determines that the user P is watching and prohibits the transition to the power saving state. This allows the user P to continue watching from outside the human detection range without requiring any complicated operations.

[0077] (operation) Next, the operation of the embodiment configured in this way will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13. Figures 12 and 13 are flow charts for explaining the operation of the third embodiment. Circles A to D in Figure 12 and circles A to D in Figure 13 indicate that the processes are linked to each other.

[0078] 12 and 13 show an example in which the actions of the first to third embodiments are performed together, but a flow in which only the action of the third embodiment is performed can also be easily realized. In Fig. 12, the same steps as those in Fig. 7 are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations are omitted. In Fig. 13, the same steps as those in Fig. 10 are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations are omitted.

[0079] The flow in Fig. 12 differs from the flow in Fig. 7 in that steps S9 to S11 are added, and the flow in Fig. 13 differs from the flow in Fig. 10 in that steps S23 and S24 are added.

[0080] In the third embodiment, in addition to the variables used in the above embodiments, the following three variables are adopted.

[0081] <variable name> :<content> :<value> (Last operation time): The time of the last operation: Year, month, day, hour, minute, and second (No operation time): Time since last operation: ○.○ seconds (No operation consideration time): Indicates the no operation consideration time: Value: ○.○ seconds

[0082] 12, the processing device 1 determines whether or not the variable (remote control operation) is "true" in S9. If the variable (remote control operation) is "false", the processing device 1 assigns "current time-variable (last operation time)" to the variable (no operation time) in S11 (S11). If the variable (remote control operation) is "true", the processing device 1 assigns the current time to the variable (last operation time) in S10 (S10), and then executes the process of S11.

[0083] In each of the above embodiments, if the power saving prohibited state is not established (variable (unattended operation) is "false"), when it is determined that no detection has occurred, the state transitions to a countdown state (variable (state) is "countdown in progress") in which the transition waiting time is counted. In contrast, in the third embodiment, the processing device 1 determines in S23 whether the value of the variable (no operation time) is smaller than the value of the variable (no operation consideration time). The variable (no operation time) indicates the time since the last remote control operation, and in S23 it is determined whether the time since the last remote control operation exceeds the no operation consideration time.

[0084] If the variable (no operation time) exceeds the considered no operation time (NO in S23), the processing device 1 shifts the process to S27 and performs the same operation as in each of the above embodiments. On the other hand, if the variable (no operation time) does not exceed the considered no operation time (YES in S23), the processing device 1 shifts the process to S24, assigns "true" to the variable (unattended operation), and enters a power saving prohibited state.

[0085] In other words, when user P moves outside the human detection range A within the considered no-operation time from the last user operation in the normal state of the television receiver 10, the power saving is prohibited, and user P can continue watching from outside the human detection range A.

[0086] Other operations are the same as those of the above-described embodiments, and the power saving prohibited state continues until the variable (absent operation) becomes "false". When the user P returns to the human detection range A, the variable (detection) becomes "detected", and the processing device 1 shifts the process from S21 to S22. In S22, the processing device 1 assigns "false" to the variable (absent operation) and shifts the process from the circle symbol D to S7. This releases the power saving prohibited state, and the next time the user P leaves the human detection range A, it becomes possible to shift to the power saving state.

[0087] In this manner, in this embodiment, if the user leaves the human detection range within the considered no-operation time from the last user operation, the power saving is prohibited and the normal state can be continued. This allows the user to continue watching without the need for complicated operations even if the user continues to be outside the human detection range.

[0088] (Fourth embodiment) Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the fourth embodiment. The hardware configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of Fig. 1, but the control of the processing device 1 is different from that of the first embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the remote control receiving unit 5 can be omitted.

[0089] In the first to third embodiments, an example was shown in which the presence or absence of a person in the human detection range was detected and a transition to the power saving prohibited state was made by detecting a user operation. The fourth embodiment is an example in which the transition to the power saving prohibited state is made based on the timing of detection or non-detection of the presence or absence of a person in the human detection range.

[0090] Fig. 14 explains the transition to the power saving mode in the fourth embodiment using the same notation as Fig. 4, Fig. 9, and Fig. 11. As in Fig. 4, Fig. 9, and Fig. 11, the upper part of Fig. 14 shows a sector shape indicating the human detection range A and indicates the viewing position of the user P relative to the human detection range A in each of states J31 to J35. Moreover, the lower part of Fig. 14 shows, by means of thick lines, the state transition between the normal state (normal mode) and the power saving state (power saving mode) of the television receiver 10.

[0091] 14 indicates that at timing T31, user P who was present within human detection range A has moved out of human detection range A. If user P continues to remain outside human detection range A, the state transitions to the power saving state at timing T32, which is a transition standby time after timing T31.

[0092] In this embodiment, when user P wishes to watch from outside human detection range A, he / she returns to human detection range A once and then goes outside human detection range A again within a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as momentary allowable time) after being detected by the human sensor unit 6. State J32 in FIG. 14 shows that user P returns to human detection range A at timing T34. Furthermore, if user P goes outside human detection range A at timing T35 within the momentary allowable time from timing T34, the state transitions to a power saving prohibited state.

[0093] In other words, the permissible momentary time is a time condition for establishing a transition to a power saving prohibited state, and a transition to a power saving prohibited state is made possible by going from non-detection to detection and then from this detection to non-detection again within the permissible momentary time.

[0094] State J33 in FIG. 14 shows the state in this case, indicating that the processing device 1 has transitioned to a power saving prohibited state by detecting that the user P has been detected and not detected within the momentary allowable time. The processing device 1 releases the power saving prohibited state when the user P is detected within the human detection range A. State J34 shows this state. At timing T36 during the power saving prohibited state, the human sensor unit 6 detects the user P. The processing device 1 releases the power saving prohibited state and returns to the normal state based on the detection result of the human sensor unit 6.

[0095] In this normal state, when the human sensor unit 6 stops detecting the user P (timing T37), the processing device 1 transitions to the power saving mode at timing T38 after the non-detection continues for the transition standby time. State J35 in FIG. 14 shows this power saving mode.

[0096] By such an operation, even if the user P is located outside the human detection range A as in state J33, the television receiver 10 determines that the user P is watching and prohibits the transition to the power saving state. This allows the user P to continue watching from outside the human detection range without requiring any complicated operations.

[0097] (operation) Next, the operation of the embodiment configured in this manner will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the fourth embodiment. Circles A to D in Fig. 15 indicate that the processes are mutually connected to the circles A to D in Fig. 12.

[0098] In addition, the example of Fig. 15 shows an example in which the actions of the first to fourth embodiments are performed together, but a flow in which only the action of the fourth embodiment is performed can also be easily realized. In Fig. 15, the same steps as those in Fig. 13 are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0099] The flow in FIG. 15 differs from the flow in FIG. 13 in that steps S25 and S26 are added.

[0100] In the fourth embodiment, in addition to the variables used in the above embodiments, the following one variable is adopted.

[0101] <variable name> :<content> :<value> (Allowable time for momentary interruption):Allowable time for momentary interruption:○.○ seconds

[0102] In the third embodiment, when the power saving is not prohibited (variable (unattended operation) is "false"), if the detection is not performed without a user operation (NO in S27), the processing device 1 moves to a countdown state (variable (state) is "countdown in progress") for counting the transition waiting time. In contrast, in the fourth embodiment, the processing device 1 determines whether the value of the variable (duration) is smaller than the value of the variable (permissible momentary time) in S25. In this case, the variable (duration) is the elapsed time since the value of the variable (state) changed to "detected in progress" in S45 during power saving, and if this elapsed time is within the permissible momentary time, the processing device 1 determines that the user wishes to watch from outside the human detection range A, and moves to the power saving prohibited state in S26 by setting the variable (unattended operation) to "true". Note that, when the value of the variable (duration) exceeds the permissible momentary time (NO in S25), the processing device 1 moves the processing to S27 and performs the same operation as in each of the above embodiments.

[0103] That is, when user P enters human detection range A once while the television receiver 10 is in a power saving state, and then goes out of human detection range A again within the momentary allowable time, the power saving is prohibited, and user P can continue watching from outside human detection range A.

[0104] Other operations are the same as those of the above-described embodiments, and the power saving prohibited state continues until the variable (absent operation) becomes "false." In the power saving prohibited state, when the user P returns to the human detection range A (returns to the normal state) and the momentary allowable time within the human detection range A has elapsed, the normal state is determined.

[0105] In this manner, in this embodiment, if the user enters or leaves the human detection range within the momentary allowable time in the power saving state, the power saving is prohibited and the normal state can be continued. This allows the user to continue watching without the need for complicated operations even if he or she continues to be outside the human detection range.

[0106] In the explanation using the above flowcharts, examples have been described that enable control of the first embodiment, the first and second embodiments, the first to third embodiments, and the first to fourth embodiments. However, it is also possible to perform control when each embodiment is used alone, or to perform control by combining any of the embodiments.

[0107] (Modification) In the above-described embodiments, when the processing device 1 is switched to the power saving prohibited state, the processing device 1 is controlled to prohibit operation in the power saving state and to operate in the normal state. In contrast, the processing device 1 may set a time until the processing device 1 is switched to the power saving prohibited state when the processing device 1 is switched to the power saving prohibited state. In other words, in this case, the processing device 1 switches to the power saving state after a predetermined time has elapsed since the switching to the power saving prohibited state.

[0108] Furthermore, if the power saving prohibited state is controlled by setting the time until the power saving state is entered, processing may be performed to gradually lengthen the time until the power saving state is entered depending on the frequency of entering the power saving prohibited state.

[0109] Even when the device transitions to the power saving state because there is no one within the human detection range, the transition wait time may be gradually increased depending on the frequency of transitions to the power saving state.

[0110] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made in the implementation stage without departing from the gist of the invention. In addition, the above embodiment includes inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriate combinations of the disclosed multiple constituent elements. For example, even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiment, if the problem described in the "Problem to be Solved by the Invention" column can be solved and the effect described in the "Effect of the Invention" column can be obtained, the configuration from which the constituent elements are deleted can be extracted as the invention.

[0111] Furthermore, among the technologies described herein, many of the controls and functions described mainly in the flowcharts can be set by a program, and the above-mentioned controls and functions can be realized by having a computer read and execute the program. The program can be recorded or stored in whole or in part as a computer program product on a portable medium such as a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, or a nonvolatile memory, or on a storage medium such as a hard disk or a volatile memory, and can be distributed or provided at the time of product shipment or via a portable medium or a communication line. A user can easily realize the television receiver of this embodiment by downloading the program via a communication network and installing it on a computer, or by installing it from a recording medium on a computer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 1...processing device, 10...television receiver, 2...memory section, 20...antenna, 3...broadcast receiving section, 5...remote control receiving section, 6...human presence sensor section, 8...timer circuit, 9...power supply circuit, 30...display device, 4...display control section, 40...remote controller.

Claims

1. a sensor that detects a person present within a predetermined detection range and outputs a detection result of whether or not a person is detected; a detection unit that detects a user operation and outputs a detection result; a processing device that transitions between a normal state and a power saving state, the processing device prohibiting the power saving state based on a detection result from the sensor and a detection result from the detection unit; A television receiver comprising:

2. The processing device includes: a first power saving control for prohibiting the power saving state when the user operation from outside the predetermined detection range is detected during the power saving state; a second power saving control that prohibits the power saving state when the user operation from outside the predetermined detection range is detected within a first time period after the sensor outputs a detection result of no detection during the normal state; and a third power saving control that prohibits the power saving state when a detection result of non-detection is output from the sensor within a second time period from the detection of the user operation within the predetermined detection range; 2. A television receiver as claimed in claim 1.

3. a sensor that detects a person present within a predetermined detection range and outputs a detection result of whether or not a person is detected; A timer circuit for determining time; a processing device which transitions between a normal state and a power saving state, and which prohibits the power saving state when a non-detection result is output from the sensor within a third time period after a detection result of detection is output from the sensor during the power saving state; A television receiver comprising:

4. A power saving transition control method for a processing device that transitions between a normal state and a power saving state, comprising: Detecting a person present within a predetermined detection range to obtain a detection result of whether or not the person is detected, and detecting a user operation to obtain a detection result; at least one of a first power saving control for prohibiting the power saving state when the user operation from outside the specified detection range is detected during the power saving state, a second power saving control for prohibiting the power saving state when the user operation from outside the specified detection range is detected within a first time after the sensor outputs a detection result of non-detection during the normal state, and a third power saving control for prohibiting the power saving state when the sensor outputs a detection result of non-detection within a second time after the user operation from within the specified detection range is detected; A power saving transition control method.

5. A power saving transition control program for transitioning between a normal state and a power saving state, On the computer, Detecting a person present within a predetermined detection range to obtain a detection result of whether or not the person is detected, and detecting a user operation to obtain a detection result; at least one of a first power saving control for prohibiting the power saving state when the user operation from outside the specified detection range is detected during the power saving state, a second power saving control for prohibiting the power saving state when the user operation from outside the specified detection range is detected within a first time after the sensor outputs a detection result of non-detection during the normal state, and a third power saving control for prohibiting the power saving state when the sensor outputs a detection result of non-detection within a second time after the user operation from within the specified detection range is detected; A power saving transition control program for executing the procedure.

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