Content viewing device and long-press detection method

Abstract

In content viewing devices that can be operated using operation buttons that allow for long-press operation, this prevents unintended actions from being performed by the user. [Solution] The content viewing device includes a receiving unit that receives an operation signal from an input device equipped with an operation button, which indicates an operation to press a first operation button that is an operation button used for long-press and short-press operations; a determination unit that performs a determination process to determine whether or not the operation to press the first operation button is a long-press operation, based on the operation signal received by the receiving unit and determination conditions relating to the pressing time of the operation button; and a setting unit that sets the determination conditions used in the determination process based on the user's operation using the input device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a content viewing device and a long-press determination method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a content viewing device that can be operated using an operation button capable of a long-press operation is known. For example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-79626) discloses the following television receiver. That is, the television receiver is a television receiver including a plurality of channel numeric keys and a television monitor, and receives the broadcast of the corresponding channel by an operation of pressing down a channel numeric key by a user using the television receiver, and outputs the received broadcast content to the television monitor. When the channel numeric key is pressed down for a predetermined time longer than the tuning time, which is the time from the start of the operation of the channel numeric key to the end of the reception of the channel corresponding to the channel numeric key, the reception of the channel corresponding to the operated channel numeric key is determined, and the broadcast content of the determined channel is output to the television monitor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In such a content viewing device, it is determined whether the operation of pressing the operation button is a long-press operation or a short-press operation, and processing corresponding to the determination result is performed.

[0005] However, in conventional content viewing devices described in Patent Document 1, etc., even if a user presses an operation button intending to perform a long press operation, processing corresponding to a short press operation may be performed, or even if a user presses an operation button intending to perform a short press operation, processing corresponding to a long press operation may be performed.

[0006] This disclosure was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a content viewing device and a long-press detection method that can prevent unintended processing from occurring in a content viewing device that can be operated using an operation button that can be long-pressed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The content viewing device of this disclosure includes: a receiving unit that receives an operation signal from an input device equipped with an operation button, which indicates an operation to press a first operation button that is an operation button used for long-press and short-press operations; a determination unit that performs a determination process to determine whether or not the operation to press the first operation button is a long-press operation, based on the operation signal received by the receiving unit and a determination condition relating to the pressing time of the operation button; and a setting unit that sets the determination condition used in the determination process based on the user's operation using the input device.

[0008] One aspect of this disclosure can be implemented not only as a content viewing device equipped with such characteristic processing steps, but also as a program for causing a computer to execute such characteristic processing steps. Furthermore, one aspect of this disclosure can be implemented as a semiconductor integrated circuit that implements part or all of the content viewing device, or as a system including the content viewing device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, in a content viewing device that can be operated using operation buttons that can be long-pressed, it is possible to prevent unintended processing from occurring. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a broadcasting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of a remote control used to operate a content viewing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a content viewing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of determination information in the storage unit of a content viewing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a determination process by an instruction unit in a content viewing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of a determination process by an instruction unit in a content viewing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a determination process by an instruction unit in a content viewing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of a determination process by an instruction unit in a content viewing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a settings screen displayed by the settings unit in a content viewing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation procedure when a content viewing device according to the embodiment of this disclosure performs a determination process. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation procedure when a content viewing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure updates a determination threshold. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] First, the embodiments of this disclosure will be listed and explained. (1) The content viewing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a receiving unit that receives an operation signal indicating an operation of pressing a first operation button, which is the operation button used for a long-press operation and a short-press operation, from an input device having operation buttons, a determination unit that performs a determination process of determining whether the operation of pressing the first operation button is a long-press operation based on the operation signal received by the receiving unit and a determination condition related to the pressing time of the operation button, and a setting unit that sets the determination condition used in the determination process based on the operation content of the user using the input device.

[0012] In this way, by setting a determination condition based on the operation content of the user using the input device and performing a determination process of determining whether the operation of pressing the first operation button is a long-press operation using the determination condition, for example, the determination process can be performed using a determination condition suitable for the operation tendency of the user with respect to the input device. Therefore, based on the result of the determination process, the process intended by the user can be performed. Accordingly, in a content viewing device that can be operated using an operation button capable of a long-press operation, it is possible to prevent a process unintended by the user from being performed.

[0013] (2) In the above (1), the setting unit may update the determination condition used in the determination process based on the operation history of the user with respect to a second operation button, which is the operation button used only for a short-press operation in the input device.

[0014] With such a configuration, based on the operation history of the user with respect to the second operation button, for example, the pressing time of the short-press when the user performs a short-press operation can be calculated, and the determination condition can be updated based on the calculated pressing time.

[0015] (3) In the above (1) or (2), the content viewing device may further include a storage unit that stores a plurality of the determination conditions, and the setting unit may select the determination condition used in the determination process from among the plurality of determination conditions.

[0016] With such a configuration, using a plurality of determination conditions created in advance, it is possible to set the determination conditions used in the determination process with simple processing.

[0017] (4) In the above (3), the storage unit may store the plurality of determination conditions respectively corresponding to a plurality of users, and the setting unit may select, as the determination condition used in the determination process, the determination condition corresponding to the user who is using the input device.

[0018] With such a configuration, for example, it is possible to set a determination condition suitable for the user who is using the input device from among a plurality of determination conditions created in consideration of individual differences in pressing time.

[0019] (5) In the above (3) or (4), the storage unit may store the plurality of determination conditions respectively corresponding to the plurality of input devices, and the setting unit may select, as the determination condition used in the determination process, the determination condition corresponding to the input device that the user is using.

[0020] With such a configuration, for example, it is possible to set a determination condition suitable for the input device that the user is using from among a plurality of determination conditions created in consideration of individual differences in pressing time for each input device.

[0021] (6) In any one of the above (1) to (5), the setting unit may set the plurality of determination conditions respectively corresponding to the plurality of first operation buttons.

[0022] With such a configuration, since the determination condition can be set for each operation button, the determination condition can be set in consideration of the pressing time for each operation button.

[0023] (7) A long-press determination method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a long-press determination method for a content viewing device, comprising the steps of: receiving an operation signal from an input device equipped with an operation button, indicating an operation to press a first operation button which is an operation button used for long-press and short-press operations; performing a determination process to determine whether the operation to press the first operation button is a long-press operation based on the received operation signal and a determination condition relating to the pressing time of the first operation button; and setting the determination condition to be used in the determination process based on the content of the user's operation using the input device.

[0024] In this way, by setting judgment conditions based on the user's operation using the input device and performing a judgment process to determine whether pressing the first operation button is a long press operation, it is possible to perform the judgment process using judgment conditions that are appropriate to the user's operation tendencies with respect to the input device. Therefore, the user's intended processing can be performed based on the result of the judgment process. Consequently, in a content viewing device that can be operated using an operation button capable of long press operations, it is possible to prevent unintended processing from occurring.

[0025] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated. Furthermore, at least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any way.

[0026] [Configuration and Basic Operation] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a broadcasting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 1, the broadcasting system 301 comprises a plurality of content viewing devices 101, a plurality of display devices 111, and a content transmission device 201. The content viewing device 101 is, for example, an STB (Set Top Box). The content viewing device 101 is connected to the display device 111 via, for example, an HDMI® cable. The display device 111 is, for example, a television set. The user can operate the content viewing device 101 using a remote control 121. The remote control 121 is an example of an input device. The content viewing device 101, the display device 111, and the remote control 121 are installed in the user's home.

[0027] For example, the content transmission device 201 is installed in the station building of a cable television operator that distributes content such as programs. The content transmission device 201 transmits a stream in which the content is divided into multiple broadcast packets to the content viewing device 101. The stream includes, for example, audio information, video information, EPG (Electronic Program Guide) information, subtitle information, and SI (Service Information). The broadcast packets are IP packets, including, for example, TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) packets.

[0028] The content viewing device 101 can receive content from digital broadcasts and IP broadcasts, and can record and play back the received content. More specifically, the content viewing device 101 receives streams via a network. Alternatively, the content viewing device 101 may receive streams via an antenna. The content viewing device 101 plays back the received or recorded content on the display device 111 connected to the content viewing device 101. The display device 111 displays the content played back by the content viewing device 101 on its screen.

[0029] (Remote control) Figure 2 shows an example of a remote control used to operate a content viewing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 2, the remote control 121 is equipped with a plurality of operation buttons Bt. The remote control 121 is equipped with operation button Bt1, which is used for long-press and short-press operations, and operation button Bt2, which is used only for short-press operations. Operation button Bt1 is an operation button Bt which causes the content viewing device 101 to perform different operations depending on whether the user long-presses or short-presses the operation button Bt1. Operation button Bt1 is an example of a first operation button. Operation button Bt2 is an example of a second operation button.

[0030] For example, the remote control 121 includes the following operation buttons Bt1: a rewind button Bt11, a fast forward button Bt12, up / down / left / right keys Bt13, and channel up / down keys Bt14.

[0031] Furthermore, for example, the remote control 121 includes the following as operation buttons Bt2: a power button Bt21, a recording list display button Bt22, a recording button Bt23, a select button Bt24, a program guide display button Bt25, ten numeric buttons Bt26 numbered from 0 to 9, and volume up / down keys Bt27.

[0032] When an operation button Bt is pressed by the user, the remote control 121 transmits an operation signal S to the content viewing device 101 indicating the operation of pressing the operation button Bt. More specifically, the remote control 121 transmits an operation signal S to the content viewing device 101 that includes the remote control ID, which is the identification information of the remote control 121, and the button ID, which indicates the pressed operation button Bt.

[0033] For example, the remote control 121 is a Bluetooth remote control that conforms to the Bluetooth® standard. In this case, when the user presses an operation button Bt, the remote control 121 sends an operation signal Son, which is an operation signal S indicating that the pressing of the operation button Bt has begun, to the content viewing device 101. Subsequently, when the user releases the operation button Bt, the remote control 121 sends an operation signal Soff, which is an operation signal S indicating that the pressing of the operation button Bt has ended, to the content viewing device 101.

[0034] The remote control 121 may also be an infrared remote control. In this case, when the user presses the operation button Bt, the remote control 121 transmits an operation signal Son to the content viewing device 101. Thereafter, until the user releases the operation button Bt, the remote control 121 transmits an operation signal Srp, which is an operation signal S including a repeat code, to the content viewing device 101 at transmission timings according to a predetermined transmission cycle.

[0035] (Configuration of content viewing device) Figure 3 shows the configuration of a content viewing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Since the multiple content viewing devices 101 in the broadcasting system 301 are configured to each have the same units, the configuration of one content viewing device 101 will be described below.

[0036] Referring to Figure 3, the content viewing device 101 comprises a content receiving unit 10, a processing unit 20, and a storage unit 30. The processing unit 20 includes an operation signal receiving unit 21, a content processing unit 22, an instruction unit 23, and a setting unit 24. The operation signal receiving unit 21 is an example of a receiving unit. The instruction unit 23 is an example of a determination unit. Part or all of the content receiving unit 10 and the processing unit 20 are implemented by a processing circuit (Circuitry) including, for example, one or more processors. The storage unit 30 is, for example, a non-volatile memory included in the above processing circuit. The storage unit 30 may also be an external non-volatile memory connected to the content viewing device 101.

[0037] For example, the content viewing device 101 is connected to the HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 40 via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable. The content viewing device 101 may be connected to multiple HDDs 40, or it may be connected to a USB memory stick or SSD (Solid State Drive) instead of an HDD 40.

[0038] The content receiving unit 10 receives the stream via a network or antenna. More specifically, the content receiving unit 10 receives broadcast packets that make up the stream and outputs the received broadcast packets to the processing unit 20.

[0039] The processing unit 20 stores the broadcast packets received from the content receiving unit 10 in the storage unit 30. The processing unit 20 also performs the process of outputting the content. More specifically, the processing unit 20 performs the process of playing back the content using the information stored in the storage unit 30, and transmits the obtained video information and audio information to the display device 111.

[0040] The storage unit 30 includes a recording DB 31 and a program information DB 32. The recording DB 31 is a database of recorded content. Hereinafter, recorded content will also be referred to as recorded content. Identification information for each recorded content is registered in the recording DB 31. For example, the identification information includes at least one of the following: network ID, transport stream ID, service ID, and program start date and time.

[0041] The program information DB32 is a database of broadcast programs. The program information DB32 registers program information such as the event information table (EIT) acquired from the stream by the content receiving unit 10, and the program guide based on the EPG created using the EIT. The program information DB32 is updated periodically as the EIT is acquired periodically by the content receiving unit 10.

[0042] Figure 4 shows an example of judgment information in the storage unit of a content viewing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 4, the storage unit 30 stores judgment information F1 that shows the correspondence between each operation button Bt1 and a judgment threshold Jc related to the pressing time Tp of the operation button Bt1. The judgment threshold Jc is an example of a judgment condition.

[0043] For example, the memory unit 30 stores multiple judgment thresholds Jc corresponding to multiple users. More specifically, the judgment information F1 includes a default judgment threshold Jc1, a judgment threshold Jc2 corresponding to user A, and a judgment threshold Jc3 corresponding to user B as judgment thresholds Jc. In the example shown in Figure 4, the default judgment threshold Jc1 for each operation button Bt1 is 1 second.

[0044] For example, the memory unit 30 stores multiple judgment thresholds Jc corresponding to multiple remote controls 121. More specifically, the memory unit 33 stores judgment information F1 for each remote control 121.

[0045] (processing) Referring again to Figure 3, the operation signal receiving unit 21 in the processing unit 20 receives an operation signal S from the remote control 121. The operation signal receiving unit 21 outputs the received operation signal S to the instruction unit 23 and the setting unit 24.

[0046] The instruction unit 23 receives an operation signal S from the operation signal receiving unit 21 and determines the user's operation based on the remote control ID and button ID included in the received operation signal S. The instruction unit 23 then generates an operation instruction C corresponding to the user's operation and outputs the generated operation instruction C to the content processing unit 22.

[0047] The content processing unit 22 performs various processes according to the operation instructions C received from the instruction unit 23.

[0048] For example, after the content viewing device 101 is started up, the setting unit 24 sets the judgment threshold Jc to be used in the instruction unit 23. More specifically, the setting unit 24 receives an operation signal S from the operation signal receiving unit 21 and obtains a remote control ID from the received operation signal S. Based on the obtained remote control ID, the setting unit 24 obtains judgment information F1 corresponding to the remote control 121 currently in use by the user from the storage unit 30. Then, the setting unit 24 obtains a default judgment threshold Jc1 from the obtained judgment information F1 and outputs it to the instruction unit 23.

[0049] The instruction unit 23 receives the judgment threshold Jc1 from the setting unit 24 and holds the received judgment threshold Jc1.

[0050] The instruction unit 23 determines whether the operation button Bt pressed by the user is operation button Bt1 or Bt2, based on the remote control ID and button ID included in the operation signal S received from the operation signal receiving unit 21.

[0051] (Processing when operation button Bt2 is pressed) If the operation button Bt pressed by the user is operation button Bt2, the instruction unit 23 generates a short-press operation instruction Ca, which is an operation instruction C corresponding to the user's operation, and outputs it to the content processing unit 22.

[0052] For example, when the user presses the program guide display button Bt25, the instruction unit 23 outputs a short-press operation instruction Ca25 to the content processing unit 22 indicating that the program guide should be displayed. The content processing unit 22 receives the short-press operation instruction Ca25 from the instruction unit 23 and, in accordance with the received short-press operation instruction Ca25, retrieves the program guide from the program information DB32 and displays the program guide on the display device 111.

[0053] Furthermore, for example, when the program guide is displayed on the display device 111 and the user presses the record button Bt23, the instruction unit 23 outputs a short-press operation instruction Ca23 to the content processing unit 22 indicating that the program indicated by the cursor in the program guide should be recorded. The content processing unit 22 receives the short-press operation instruction Ca23 from the instruction unit 23 and records the program, i.e., the content, in accordance with the received short-press operation instruction Ca23. More specifically, the content processing unit 22 controls the content receiving unit 10 to acquire the broadcast packet corresponding to the content to be recorded, saves it to the HDD 40 as recorded content, and registers the identification information of the recorded content in the recording DB 31.

[0054] Furthermore, for example, when the user presses the recording list display button Bt22, the instruction unit 23 outputs a short-press operation instruction Ca22 to the content processing unit 22 indicating that a list of recorded content should be displayed. The content processing unit 22 receives the short-press operation instruction Ca22 from the instruction unit 23 and, in accordance with the received short-press operation instruction Ca22, retrieves the recording DB31 from the storage unit 30 and processes the display of the list of recorded content on the display device 111.

[0055] Furthermore, for example, if the user presses the OK button Bt24 while the list of recorded content is displayed on the display device 111, the instruction unit 23 outputs a short-press operation instruction Ca24 to the content processing unit 22 indicating that the recorded content pointed to by the cursor in the list should be played. The content processing unit 22 receives the short-press operation instruction Ca24 from the instruction unit 23 and plays the recorded content according to the received short-press operation instruction Ca24. More specifically, the content processing unit 22 acquires the broadcast packet corresponding to the recorded content indicated by the short-press operation instruction Ca24 from the HDD 40. The content processing unit 22 then uses the information contained in the acquired broadcast packet to play the recorded content and transmits the obtained video information and audio information to the display device 111.

[0056] Furthermore, for example, if the user presses one of the three numeric buttons Bt26 that indicate a three-digit channel number, the instruction unit 23 outputs a short-press operation instruction Ca26 indicating that channel number to the content processing unit 22. The content processing unit 22 receives the short-press operation instruction Ca26 from the instruction unit 23 and performs the process of playing the broadcast content for that channel number according to the received short-press operation instruction Ca26. More specifically, the content processing unit 22 acquires a broadcast packet corresponding to the broadcast content for that channel number by controlling the content receiving unit 10. The content processing unit 22 then performs the process of playing the content using the information contained in the acquired broadcast packet and transmits the obtained video information and audio information to the display device 111.

[0057] (Processing when operation button Bt1 is pressed) On the other hand, if the operation button Bt pressed by the user is operation button Bt1, the instruction unit 23 performs a determination process to determine whether the operation of pressing operation button Bt1 is a long press operation, based on the operation signal S received by the operation signal receiving unit 21 and the determination threshold Jc.

[0058] More specifically, the instruction unit 23 determines whether the operation of pressing the operation button Bt1 is a long press or a short press, based on the pressing time Tp of the operation button Bt1 and the judgment threshold Jc that it holds. Each time the instruction unit 23 determines whether the operation of pressing the operation button Bt1 is a long press or a short press, it stores the pressing time Tp and the judgment result in the storage unit 30 in association with each other.

[0059] Figures 5 and 6 show an example of a determination process by the instruction unit in a content viewing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 5 and 6 show the determination process when the remote control 121 is a Bluetooth remote control.

[0060] Referring to Figure 5, the instruction unit 23 receives the operation signal Son from the operation signal receiving unit 21 at time 11 and waits for the arrival of time t13, which is time t11 plus the determination threshold Jc. If the instruction unit 23 receives the operation signal Soff from the operation signal receiving unit 21 at time t12, prior to time t13, that is, if the press time Tp is less than the determination threshold Jc, it determines that pressing the operation button Bt1 is a short press operation. The instruction unit 23 then generates a short press operation instruction Ca according to the user's operation and outputs it to the content processing unit 22.

[0061] Referring to Figure 6, the instruction unit 23 determines that pressing the operation button Bt1 is a long press operation if time t13 arrives before it receives the operation signal Soff from the operation signal receiving unit 21, that is, if the pressing time Tp is greater than or equal to the determination threshold Jc. The instruction unit 23 then generates a long press operation instruction Cb according to the user's operation and outputs it to the content processing unit 22.

[0062] Subsequently, if the instruction unit 23 receives an operation signal Soff from the operation signal receiving unit 21 at time t12, it generates a stop instruction Cc and outputs it to the content processing unit 22.

[0063] Figures 7 and 8 show an example of a determination process by an instruction unit in a content viewing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 7 and 8 show the determination process when the remote control 121 is an infrared remote control.

[0064] Referring to Figure 7, the instruction unit 23 receives the operation signal Son from the operation signal receiving unit 21 and waits for the arrival of time t23, which is the time t21 when the operation signal Son was received by the operation signal receiving unit 21 plus the determination threshold Jc. If the arrival of the operation signal Srp ceases before time t23, that is, if the press time Tp is less than the determination threshold Jc, the instruction unit 23 determines that the operation of pressing the operation button Bt1 is a short press operation. The instruction unit 23 then generates a short press operation instruction Ca according to the user's operation and outputs it to the content processing unit 22.

[0065] Referring to Figure 8, the instruction unit 23 determines that pressing the operation button Bt1 is a long press operation if time t23 arrives before the arrival of the operation signal Srp ceases, that is, if the press time Tp is greater than or equal to the determination threshold Jc. The instruction unit 23 then generates a long press operation instruction Cb corresponding to the user's operation and outputs it to the content processing unit 22.

[0066] Subsequently, if the operation signal Srp ceases to arrive at time t22, the instruction unit 23 generates a stop instruction Cc and outputs it to the content processing unit 22.

[0067] Referring again to Figure 3, for example, when the program guide is displayed on the display device 111, if the user briefly presses one of the up, down, left, or right keys Bt13, the instruction unit 23 outputs a short-press operation instruction Ca13 to the content processing unit 22 indicating that the cursor in the program guide should be shifted by one column or one row. The content processing unit 22 receives the short-press operation instruction Ca13 from the instruction unit 23 and performs the process of shifting the cursor in the program guide displayed on the display device 111 by one column or one row according to the received short-press operation instruction Ca13.

[0068] Meanwhile, when the program guide is displayed on the display device 111, if the user presses and holds down one of the up, down, left, or right keys Bt13, the instruction unit 23 outputs a long-press operation instruction Cb13 to the content processing unit 22 indicating that the cursor should be continuously shifted in the program guide. The content processing unit 22 receives the long-press operation instruction Cb13 from the instruction unit 23 and performs a process to shift the cursor in the program guide displayed on the display device 111 at a predetermined speed in accordance with the received long-press operation instruction Cb13.

[0069] Subsequently, the content processing unit 22 receives a stop instruction Cc13 from the instruction unit 23 and stops the cursor shift in the program guide in accordance with the received stop instruction Cc13.

[0070] Furthermore, for example, if the user briefly presses the channel up / down key Bt14 while broadcast content on channel Ch11 is being played, the instruction unit 23 outputs a short-press operation instruction Ca14 to the content processing unit 22 indicating that the channel should be shifted by one. The content processing unit 22 receives the short-press operation instruction Ca14 from the instruction unit 23 and, in accordance with the received short-press operation instruction Ca14, performs the process of playing the broadcast content of channel Ch12, which is adjacent to channel Ch11.

[0071] Meanwhile, when the user presses and holds the channel up / down key Bt14 while broadcast content on channel Ch11 is being played, the instruction unit 23 outputs a long-press operation instruction Cb14 to the content processing unit 22 indicating that the selected channel should be shifted continuously. The content processing unit 22 receives the long-press operation instruction Cb14 from the instruction unit 23 and, in accordance with the received long-press operation instruction Cb14, performs a process of shifting the selected channel at a predetermined speed while displaying the number of the selected channel on the display device 111.

[0072] Subsequently, the content processing unit 22 receives a stop instruction Cc14 from the instruction unit 23 and performs the process of playing the broadcast content of the currently selected channel in accordance with the received stop instruction Cc14.

[0073] Furthermore, for example, if the user briefly presses the fast-forward button Bt12 while the recorded content is being played back, the instruction unit 23 outputs a short-press operation instruction Ca12 to the content processing unit 22 indicating that the playback scene should be fast-forwarded. The content processing unit 22 receives the short-press operation instruction Ca12 from the instruction unit 23 and performs a process to fast-forward the playback scene of the recorded content for a predetermined time, for example, 30 seconds, according to the received short-press operation instruction Ca12.

[0074] Meanwhile, if the user presses and holds the fast-forward button Bt12 while the recorded content is being played back, the instruction unit 23 outputs a long-press operation instruction Cb12 to the content processing unit 22 indicating that the playback scene should be fast-forwarded. The content processing unit 22 receives the long-press operation instruction Cb12 from the instruction unit 23 and performs a process to fast-forward the playback scene at a predetermined speed according to the received long-press operation instruction Cb12.

[0075] Subsequently, the content processing unit 22 receives a stop instruction Cc12 from the instruction unit 23 and performs a process to stop fast-forwarding in accordance with the received stop instruction Cc12.

[0076] (Resetting the judgment threshold Jc) The setting unit 24 sets the judgment threshold Jc to be used in the judgment process based on the user's operations using the remote control 121. For example, from among the multiple judgment thresholds Jc in the storage unit 30, the setting unit 24 selects the user who is using the remote control 121 and the judgment threshold Jc corresponding to that remote control 121 as the judgment threshold Jc to be used in the judgment process.

[0077] More specifically, the press time Tp of the operation button Bt2 differs for each user. The memory unit 30 stores short-press time information that shows the correspondence between a user and the average value A1 of the press time Tp of the operation button Bt2 performed by that user.

[0078] The setting unit 24 calculates the pressing time Tp of the operation button Bt2 based on the operation signal S received from the operation signal receiving unit 21, and performs estimation processing to estimate the user who is using the remote control 121 based on the calculated pressing time Tp and the short-press time information in the storage unit 30. Specifically, the setting unit 24 identifies the average value A1 in the short-press time information that is closest to the calculated pressing time Tp. The setting unit 24 estimates that the user corresponding to the identified average value A1 is the user who is using the remote control 121.

[0079] Referring again to Figure 4, for example, the setting unit 24 estimates in the estimation process that the user using the remote control 121 is user A. Then, the setting unit 24 obtains the determination threshold Jc2 corresponding to user A from among the determination thresholds Jc in the determination information F1 corresponding to the remote control 121 being used by the user.

[0080] For example, the setting unit 24 sets multiple judgment thresholds Jc corresponding to multiple operation buttons Bt1. More specifically, in the example shown in Figure 4, among the judgment thresholds Jc2 corresponding to user A, the judgment threshold Jc1 for the rewind button Bt11 and the fast-forward button Bt12 is 1.05 seconds, and the judgment threshold Jc1 for the up / down / left / right keys Bt13 and the channel up / down keys Bt14 is 1.1 seconds. The setting unit 24 outputs the acquired judgment thresholds Jc2 to the instruction unit 23.

[0081] The instruction unit 23 receives the judgment threshold Jc2 from the setting unit 24 and holds the received judgment threshold Jc2 instead of the judgment threshold Jc1. Then, the instruction unit 23 performs the judgment processing using the judgment threshold Jc2 instead of the judgment threshold Jc1.

[0082] The setting unit 24 may determine which user is using the remote control 121 based on the user's login information, instead of the press time Tp and short press time information of the operation button Bt2. More specifically, when a user starts using the content viewing device 101, they log in by providing the content viewing device 101 with login information including their user ID. The setting unit 24 determines which user is using the remote control 121 based on the login information received from the user, obtains the determination threshold Jc corresponding to the determined user, and outputs it to the instruction unit 23. In this case, for example, after the content viewing device 101 is started up, the setting unit 24 outputs the determination threshold Jc corresponding to the user using the remote control 121 to the instruction unit 23 without outputting the default determination threshold Jc1 to the instruction unit 23.

[0083] Furthermore, the setting unit 24 may estimate the user currently using the remote control 121 based on the current time, instead of the press time Tp and short-press time information of the operation button Bt2. More specifically, the storage unit 30 stores usage information that shows the correspondence between time periods and users using the content viewing device 101. This usage information is generated, for example, based on the results of past estimation processing by the setting unit 24. When the content viewing device 101 is started, the setting unit 24 determines the user currently using the remote control 121 based on the current time and usage information, obtains the determination threshold Jc corresponding to the determined user, and outputs it to the instruction unit 23. In this case, for example, after the content viewing device 101 is started, the setting unit 24 outputs the determination threshold Jc corresponding to the user currently using the remote control 121 to the instruction unit 23 without outputting the default determination threshold Jc1 to the instruction unit 23.

[0084] (Example 1 of updating the judgment threshold Jc) The setting unit 24 updates the judgment threshold Jc used in the judgment process based on the user's operation history for the operation button Bt2. For example, the setting unit 24 updates the judgment threshold Jc based on the user's operation history during the daily use of the remote control 122, without accepting any user operation to set the judgment threshold Jc.

[0085] More specifically, the setting unit 24 calculates the user's press time Tp for the operation button Bt2 based on the operation signal S received from the operation signal receiving unit 21. Each time the setting unit 24 calculates the press time Tp for the operation button Bt2, it stores the calculation result in the storage unit 30.

[0086] The setting unit 24 periodically or irregularly calculates the average value A2 of the user's press time Tp of the operation button Bt2 based on the calculation results accumulated in the storage unit 30 during a predetermined period P. The setting unit 24 compares the calculated average value A2 with the average value A1 of the user's press time Tp indicated by the short-press time information, determines a new judgment threshold Jc based on the comparison result, and updates the judgment information F1 in the storage unit 30 using the determined judgment threshold Jc.

[0087] For example, the setting unit 24 determines that the user's short press time Tp is trending downwards if the average value A2 of the user's press time Tp during the target period P is smaller than the average value A1 of the user's press time Tp indicated by the short press time information, and the difference between the average value A2 and the average value A1 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. The setting unit 24 then determines a new judgment threshold Jc for each operation button Bt1 corresponding to the user in the judgment information F1 to be a smaller value.

[0088] On the other hand, for example, if the average value A2 of the user's press time Tp during the target period P is greater than the average value A1 of the user's press time Tp indicated by the short-press time information, and the difference between the average value A2 and the average value A1 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the setting unit 24 determines that the user's short-press time Tp is trending upwards. The setting unit 24 then determines a new judgment threshold Jc for each operation button Bt1 corresponding to the user in the judgment information F1 to be a larger value.

[0089] The setting unit 24 updates the judgment threshold Jc in the judgment information F1 of the storage unit 30 to the determined judgment threshold Jc. In addition, along with the update of the judgment threshold Jc, the setting unit 24 updates the average value A1 indicated by the short-press time information in the storage unit 30 to the average value A2.

[0090] (Example 2 of updating the judgment threshold Jc) The setting unit 24 updates the judgment threshold Jc used in the judgment process based on the user's operation history for operation button Bt1, instead of the user's operation history for operation button Bt2.

[0091] More specifically, the setting unit 24 periodically or irregularly acquires the judgment results stored in the storage unit 30 by the instruction unit 23. Based on the acquired judgment results, the setting unit 24 calculates the average value A3 of the press time Tp when the operation button Bt1 is briefly pressed by the user. The setting unit 24 refers to the judgment information F1 in the storage unit 30 and, if the difference between the judgment threshold Jc of the operation button Bt1 corresponding to the user and the average value A3 of the press time Tp when the operation button Bt1 is briefly pressed is greater than or equal to a predetermined value V1, it determines a new judgment threshold Jc for the operation button Bt1 in the judgment information F1 to a smaller value. The predetermined value V1 is, for example, 0.1 seconds.

[0092] Specifically, for example, if the average value A3 of the press time Tp when the rewind button Bt11 is briefly pressed by user A is 0.9 seconds, the setting unit 24 determines that the new judgment threshold Jc for the rewind button Bt11 in judgment information F1 is a value smaller than 1.05 seconds, because the difference between the judgment threshold Jc1 for the rewind button Bt11 and the average value A3 is 0.15 seconds. Then, the setting unit 24 updates the judgment threshold Jc for the rewind button Bt11 in judgment information F1 in the storage unit 30 to the determined judgment threshold Jc.

[0093] In this way, by updating the judgment threshold Jc based on the user's operation history for operation button Bt1, the judgment threshold Jc can be updated for each operation button Bt1.

[0094] Furthermore, if the difference between the judgment threshold Jc of the operation button Bt1 corresponding to the user and the average value A3 of the press time Tp when the operation button Bt1 is short-pressed is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the setting unit 24 may, instead of updating the judgment threshold Jc of the user, create a new judgment threshold Jc for the user and add the created judgment threshold Jc to the judgment information F1.

[0095] Figure 9 shows an example of a settings screen displayed by the settings unit in a content viewing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] Referring to Figure 9, for example, the setting unit 24 displays a setting screen G1 on the display device 111, which includes the current value of the judgment threshold Jc and the newly determined judgment threshold Jc. If the setting unit 24 receives a user operation to allow the update while the setting screen G1 is displayed, it updates the judgment threshold Jc. On the other hand, if the setting unit 24 receives a user operation to not allow the update while the setting screen G1 is displayed, it does not update the judgment threshold Jc.

[0097] [Operation Flow] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation procedure when a content viewing device according to the embodiment of this disclosure performs a determination process.

[0098] Referring to Figure 10, first, the content viewing device 101 performs an estimation process to estimate which user is using the remote control 121 (step S11).

[0099] Next, the content viewing device 101 sets the judgment threshold Jc used in the judgment process to the judgment threshold Jc corresponding to the estimated user (step S12).

[0100] Next, the content viewing device 101 waits for the arrival of an operation signal S (NO in step S13), and when it receives the operation signal S from the remote control 121 (YES in step S13), it determines whether the operation button Bt pressed by the user is operation button Bt1 or Bt2 based on the remote control ID and button ID included in the received operation signal S (step S14).

[0101] Next, if the operation button Bt pressed by the user is operation button Bt2 (NO in step S15), the content viewing device 101 performs processing according to the user's operation. Specifically, for example, if the user presses the program guide display button Bt25, the content viewing device 101 performs processing to display the program guide on the display device 111 (step S16). Next, the content viewing device 101 waits for the arrival of a new operation signal S (NO in step S13).

[0102] On the other hand, if the operation button Bt pressed by the user is operation button Bt1 (YES in step S15), the content viewing device 101 performs a determination process to determine whether the operation of pressing operation button Bt1 is a long press operation, based on the received operation signal S and the set determination threshold Jc (step S17).

[0103] Next, if the content viewing device 101 determines that the operation of pressing the operation button Bt1 is a short press operation (NO in step S18), it performs processing according to the content of the user's short press operation. Specifically, for example, if the program guide is displayed on the display device 111 and the user short presses the up / down / left / right key Bt13, the content viewing device 101 performs processing to shift the cursor by one column or one row in the program guide (step S19). Next, the content viewing device 101 waits for the arrival of a new operation signal S (NO in step S13).

[0104] On the other hand, if the content viewing device 101 determines that the operation of pressing the operation button Bt1 is a long press operation (YES in step S18), it performs processing according to the content of the user's long press operation. Specifically, for example, if the program guide is displayed on the display device 111 and the user long presses the up / down / left / right key Bt13, the content viewing device 101 performs processing to shift the cursor in the program guide at a predetermined speed until the user releases the up / down / left / right key Bt13 (step S20). Next, the content viewing device 101 waits for the arrival of a new operation signal S (NO in step S13).

[0105] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation procedure when a content viewing device according to an embodiment of this disclosure updates a determination threshold. For example, the content viewing device 101 performs the process shown in Figure 11 periodically or irregularly.

[0106] Referring to Figure 11, first, the content viewing device 101 calculates the average value A2 of the time Tp for pressing the operation button Bt2 by the user (step S31).

[0107] Next, the content viewing device 101 compares the calculated average value A2 with the average value A1 of the press time Tp indicated by the short press time information (step S32).

[0108] Next, the content viewing device 101 determines that the user's short press time Tp is decreasing if the average value A2 is smaller than the average value A1 and the difference between the average value A2 and the average value A1 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (NO in step S33). In the determination information F1, it updates the determination threshold Jc of each operation button Bt1 corresponding to the user to a smaller value (step S34).

[0109] On the other hand, if the content viewing device 101 finds that the average value A2 is greater than the average value A1, and the difference between the average value A2 and the average value A1 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (YES in step S33), it determines that the user's short press duration Tp is tending to increase, and updates the determination threshold Jc of each operation button Bt1 corresponding to that user in the determination information F1 to a larger value (step S35).

[0110] In the content viewing device 101 according to the embodiment of this disclosure, the operation signal receiving unit 21 is configured to receive an operation signal S from the remote control 121, but it is not limited to this. The operation signal receiving unit 21 may also be configured to receive an operation signal S indicating the operation of pressing an operation button Bt from a keyboard equipped with an operation button Bt. Alternatively, the operation signal receiving unit 21 may be configured to receive an operation signal S indicating the operation of pressing an operation button Bt from an operation panel mounted on the content viewing device 101, which is equipped with an operation button Bt.

[0111] Furthermore, while the content viewing device 101 according to the embodiment of this disclosure is configured such that the storage unit 30 stores multiple judgment thresholds Jc, it is not limited to this configuration. The storage unit 30 may be configured to store only one judgment threshold Jc. In this case, the setting unit 24 obtains the judgment threshold Jc from the storage unit 30 after the content viewing device 101 is started and outputs it to the instruction unit 23. While the content viewing device 101 is running, the setting unit 24 updates the judgment threshold Jc used in the judgment process based on the user's operation history for the operation button Bt, and outputs the updated judgment threshold Jc to the instruction unit 23. The instruction unit 23 receives the updated judgment threshold Jc from the setting unit 24 and performs the judgment process using the received judgment threshold Jc.

[0112] Furthermore, while the content viewing device 101 according to the embodiment of this disclosure is configured such that the storage unit 30 stores multiple judgment thresholds Jc corresponding to multiple users, it is not limited to this configuration. The storage unit 30 may be configured to store multiple judgment thresholds Jc corresponding to multiple operation tendencies. An operation tendency is, for example, the pressing time Tp of the operation button Bt2. In this case, the setting unit 24 calculates the pressing time Tp of the operation button Bt2 based on the operation signal S received from the operation signal receiving unit 21, and based on the calculated pressing time Tp, selects a judgment threshold Jc from among the multiple judgment thresholds Jc in the storage unit 30 that is suitable for the user using the remote control 121. Since the operation tendencies may change depending on the user's state, by selecting a judgment threshold Jc based on the user's operation tendencies in this way, it is possible to set a judgment threshold Jc that is suitable for the current user.

[0113] Furthermore, while the content viewing device 101 according to the embodiment of this disclosure is configured such that the storage unit 30 stores judgment information F1 for each remote control 121, it is not limited to this configuration. The storage unit 30 may be configured to store only one judgment information F1.

[0114] Furthermore, while the content viewing device 101 according to the embodiment of this disclosure is configured such that the setting unit 24 updates the judgment threshold Jc, it is not limited to this configuration. The setting unit 24 may also be configured not to update the judgment threshold Jc.

[0115] Furthermore, in the content viewing device 101 according to the embodiment of this disclosure, the setting unit 24 is configured to set multiple judgment thresholds Jc corresponding to each of the multiple operation buttons Bt1, but it is not limited to this. The setting unit 24 may also be configured to set a common judgment threshold Jc for each of the operation buttons Bt1.

[0116] Furthermore, while the content viewing device 101 according to the embodiment of this disclosure is configured to receive content broadcast in the broadcasting system 301 and to record and play back the received content, it is not limited to this configuration. The content viewing device 101 may be configured to receive content provided by video sharing services such as YouTube®, in addition to or instead of broadcast content; it may be configured to receive content provided by VOD (Video On Demand) services such as Netflix®; or it may be configured to receive content provided by OTT (Over The Top) services.

[0117] Furthermore, the content viewing device 101 may be configured to acquire content from external memory such as USB (Universal Serial Bus)® memory, instead of receiving content via a network, or in addition to receiving content via a network, or it may be configured to acquire downloaded content from the storage device of the content viewing device 101. In this case, for example, the content viewing device 101 is used for digital signage.

[0118] The embodiments described above should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the above description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included.

[0119] Each process (each function) of the above-described embodiment is implemented by a processing circuit (Circuitry) including one or more processors. The processing circuit may consist of one or more memories, various analog circuits, various digital circuits, etc., in addition to the one or more processors, as well as an integrated circuit. The one or more memories store programs (instructions) that cause the one or more processors to execute each of the above processes. The one or more processors may execute each of the above processes according to the programs read from the one or more memories, or they may execute each of the above processes according to logic circuits that have been pre-designed to execute each of the above processes. The processors may be various processors suitable for computer control, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Furthermore, the physically separated multiple processors may cooperate with each other to execute each of the above processes. For example, the processors installed in each of several physically separated computers may cooperate with each other via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), and the Internet to perform the above processes. The program may be installed in the memory via the network from an external server device, or it may be distributed on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory), and semiconductor memory, and then installed in the memory from the recording medium.

[0120] The above description includes the following features. [Note 1] A receiving unit that receives an operation signal from an input device equipped with an operation button, which indicates an operation to press the first operation button, which is an operation button used for long-press and short-press operations, A determination unit performs a determination process to determine whether the operation of pressing the first operation button is a long press operation, based on the operation signal received by the receiving unit and a determination condition regarding the pressing time of the operation button. The system includes a setting unit that sets the determination conditions used in the determination process based on the user's operations using the input device, The aforementioned content viewing device further, It includes a storage unit that stores multiple determination conditions corresponding to multiple users, The setting unit estimates the user currently using the input device based on the user's operation history for the second operation button, which is an operation button used only for short presses on the input device. The setting unit is a content viewing device that selects a determination condition from among the plurality of determination conditions that corresponds to the user's estimation result as the determination condition used in the determination process.

[0121] [Note 2] A content viewing device, Equipped with a processing circuit, The aforementioned processing circuit is An input device equipped with an operation button receives an operation signal indicating the pressing of a first operation button, which is an operation button used for long-press and short-press operations. Based on the received operation signal and the determination conditions regarding the pressing time of the operation button, a determination process is performed to determine whether the operation of pressing the first operation button is a long press operation. A content viewing device that sets the determination conditions used in the determination process based on the user's operations using the input device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 10 Content receiving unit 20 Processing Units 21 Operation signal receiving unit 22 Content Processing Unit 23 Instruction section 24. Settings Section 30 Storage section 31 Recording Database 32 Program Information Database 40 HDD 101 Content viewing device 111 Display device 121 Remote control 201 Content Transmission Device 301 Broadcasting System Bt11 Rewind button Bt12 Fast Forward Button Bt13 Up / Down / Left / Right Keys Bt14 Channel Up / Down Key BT21 Power Button Bt22 Recording List Display Button BT23 Recording Button Bt24 Confirm button Bt25 Program Guide Display Button Bt26 Numeric Buttons Bt27 Volume Up / Down Keys F1 Judging Information Jc judgment threshold Tp press time Son operation signal Soff operation signal Srp operation signal t11,t12,t13,t21,t22,t23 time G1 Settings Screen

Claims

1. A receiving unit that receives an operation signal from an input device equipped with an operation button, which indicates an operation to press the first operation button, which is an operation button used for long-press and short-press operations, A determination unit performs a determination process to determine whether the operation of pressing the first operation button is a long press operation, based on the operation signal received by the receiving unit and a determination condition regarding the pressing time of the operation button. A content viewing device comprising a setting unit that sets the determination conditions used in the determination process based on the user's operations using the input device.

2. The content viewing device according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit updates the determination conditions used in the determination process based on the user's operation history for the second operation button, which is an operation button used only for short presses in the input device.

3. The aforementioned content viewing device further, It includes a storage unit that stores multiple of the aforementioned determination conditions, The content viewing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the setting unit selects the judgment condition to be used in the judgment process from among the plurality of judgment conditions.

4. The storage unit stores the multiple determination conditions corresponding to each of the multiple users, The content viewing device according to claim 3, wherein the setting unit selects the determination condition corresponding to a user who is using the input device as the determination condition to be used in the determination process.

5. The storage unit stores the plurality of determination conditions corresponding to each of the plurality of input devices, The content viewing device according to claim 3, wherein the setting unit selects the determination condition corresponding to the input device being used by the user as the determination condition to be used in the determination process.

6. The content viewing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the setting unit sets a plurality of determination conditions corresponding to a plurality of first operation buttons.

7. A method for detecting a long press in a content viewing device, The steps include receiving an operation signal from an input device equipped with an operation button, which indicates an operation to press a first operation button used for long-press and short-press operations, The steps include: performing a determination process to determine whether the operation of pressing the first operation button is a long press operation, based on the received operation signal and a determination condition regarding the pressing time of the first operation button; A long-press detection method, comprising the step of setting the determination conditions to be used in the determination process based on the user's operation using the input device.

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