Video display device

Abstract

To provide a more user-friendly video display device, even when shared by multiple users. [Solution] The video display device includes: an individual information storage unit that stores information regarding setting changes applied to the video display device and information regarding the operator who instructed the video display device to change the settings, as individual setting information and operator information, respectively, in association with each other; an operator identification unit that identifies the operator who operates the video display device; an operator confirmation unit that checks whether the information of the operator who operates the video display device identified by the operator identification unit matches the operator information stored in the individual information storage unit; and a control unit that, as a result of the confirmation process in the operator confirmation unit, if the information of the operator who operates the video display device identified by the operator identification unit matches the operator information stored in the individual information storage unit, reads the individual setting information stored in the individual information storage unit in association with the operator information, and applies the setting changes based on the read individual setting information to the video display device.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present invention relates to a video display device. [[Background Art]]

[0002] Generally, in a video display device such as a television device, a user of the video display device can adjust image quality such as brightness, contrast, and color tone according to the user's own preference. However, when the user intends to adjust the image quality of the video display device, the user has to manually change each set value while checking the video displayed on the video display device, which requires time and effort. As a technique for reducing this time and effort, there is a technique described in Patent Document 1 below.

[0003] Patent Document 1 below discloses that, in a state where N is an integer of 3 or more, and an image quality adjustment screen showing N sample images with different values of the image quality parameter is displayed on the display unit, when two sample images are selected, the image quality adjustment screen is changed to display N or less than N sample images whose image quality parameter values are between the values of the two selected sample images, and when one sample image is selected in a state where the image quality adjustment screen showing N or less than N sample images is displayed on the display unit, the value of the image quality parameter of the image displayed on the display unit is set to the value of the selected sample image, which enables easy image quality setting according to the selected sample image. [[Prior Art Literature]] [[Patent Literature]]

[0004] [[Patent Document 1]] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2007-147828 [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0005] In the case of a video display device such as a television placed in a living room, the user is not limited, and it is conceivable that multiple users may share the video display device. If there are multiple users and each user has different preferences for settings such as picture quality, each user must either tolerate settings that do not suit their preference and use the video display device, or adjust the picture quality and other settings every time they use the video display device, which cannot be said to be user-friendly.

[0006] In the aforementioned situation, it is desirable for the video display device to identify each user and automatically change settings according to each identified user. However, Patent Document 1 does not take the aforementioned problem into consideration. Furthermore, even when the video display device has a function for recording digital broadcast programs and displays a list of recorded programs, the video display device would be more user-friendly if it could identify each user and automatically set the display method of the content corresponding to each identified user.

[0007] The objective of the present invention is to provide a video display device that is more user-friendly, even when shared by multiple users, taking into consideration the aforementioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] As a means to solve the aforementioned problems, the present invention may, for example, use a video display device having the configuration described in the claims.

[0009] For example, a video display device capable of displaying content includes a tuner that receives broadcast program content via digital broadcasting, a communication unit that communicates with a mobile information terminal via a home network and acquires content via an external network, a display unit capable of displaying the content received by the tuner or the content acquired by the communication unit, a storage unit that acquires and stores user information relating to the person operating the mobile information terminal from the mobile information terminal via the communication unit, stores the setting content for the setting items of the video display device in association with the user information relating to the person operating the mobile information terminal, and a controller. The controller then performs operator identification processing by comparing operator information relating to a new operator obtained from a new mobile information terminal via the communication unit with operator information relating to an operator stored in the storage unit. If the identification processing identifies that the operator information relating to the new operator corresponds to the operator stored in the storage unit, it performs a first control to display settings based on the settings for the setting items of the video display device corresponding to the operator information of that operator. If the identification processing identifies that the operator information relating to the new operator does not correspond to the operator stored in the storage unit, it performs a second control to display settings with the settings for the setting items of the video display device set to the standard setting. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] By using the technology of the present invention, it is possible to provide a more user-friendly video display device, even when shared by multiple users. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram of an image display device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the operator identification process in the embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the operator identification process in the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating operator identification processing according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a screen diagram illustrating an OSD display for clearly indicating an operator according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating operator identification processing according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating operator identification processing according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a portable information terminal according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a screen diagram illustrating an OSD display for clearly indicating an operator according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating operator identification processing according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a remote controller according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating setting change processing performed according to an operator identified by operator identification processing according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating setting change processing performed according to an operator identified by operator identification processing according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating individual setting update processing and new operator information storage processing according to an embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a setting menu configuration of a video display device according to an embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating individual settings related to recorded content display according to an embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating individual settings related to display layout according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the video display apparatus according to the present embodiment. The video display apparatus 100 includes a main control unit 101, a system bus 102, a ROM 103, a RAM 104, a broadcast receiving unit 110, a display unit 121, a display processing unit 122, a speaker 123, an audio processing unit 124, a storage unit 130, a video input unit 141, an operator identification unit 142, an audio input unit 143, an external interface 150, and an operation unit 160.

[0014] The video display apparatus 100 may be a television apparatus with a recording function that incorporates a recording and playback function for digital broadcast programs, or may be a recording-compatible television apparatus that does not incorporate a recording and playback function and can record and play back digital broadcast programs on an externally connected HDD (Hard Disc Drive) or the like. The video display apparatus 100 may also be an Internet-compatible television apparatus capable of displaying video content stored in a content server connected to a network such as the Internet. Furthermore, the video display apparatus 100 may be a tablet terminal, a stationary / portable PC (Personal Computer), a game console, or the like having a digital broadcast reception function and a recording and playback function for received digital broadcast programs, or may be a tablet terminal, a stationary / portable PC, a game console, or the like capable of displaying video content stored in a content server connected to a network such as the Internet. Still further, the video display apparatus 100 may be a combination of a recording and playback device such as an HDD recorder or a BD (Blu-ray Disc) recorder and a monitor device, or may be a combination of an STB (Set Top Box) capable of receiving digital broadcasts and / or receiving video content stored in a content server connected to a network such as the Internet and a monitor device. The video display apparatus 100 may also be a display apparatus with a touch panel capable of displaying and outputting graphics and characters input using the touch panel.

[0015] The main control unit 101 is a microprocessor unit that controls the entire video display device 100 according to a predetermined program. The system bus 102 is a data communication path for sending and receiving data between the main control unit 101 and various parts within the video display device 100. The ROM (Read Only Memory) 103 is a memory that stores the basic operating programs of the video display device 100, such as the operating system and predetermined application programs. For example, a rewritable ROM such as EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM) or flash ROM is used. By updating the program stored in the ROM 103, it is possible to upgrade the version of the basic operating program and expand its functions. Note that the ROM 103 does not have to be configured independently as shown in Figure 1, but may use a part of the storage area within the storage unit 130 described later. The RAM (Random Access Memory) 104 is the work area when the basic operating program or each application is executed. Also, the ROM 103 and RAM 104 may be integrated with the main control unit 101.

[0016] The broadcast receiving unit 110 performs signal processing such as receiving and decoding digital broadcast waves. In particular, the tuner 111 extracts the signal of the channel selected by the user operating the video display device 100 from the broadcast wave received by an antenna (not shown in the diagram) and demodulates the TS (Transport Stream) signal. The separation unit 112 separates the TS signal into packetized video data, audio data, and associated information data, and outputs the video data to the video decoder 113, the audio data to the audio decoder 114, and the associated information data to the information decoder 115. The video decoder 113 decodes the video data output from the separation unit 112 and outputs it as a video signal to the display processing unit 122. The audio decoder 114 decodes the audio data output from the separation unit 112 and outputs it as an audio signal to the audio processing unit 124. The information decoder 115 processes the supplementary information data output from the separation unit 112, and in particular acquires SI (Service Information) information, including program information such as the program name, genre, and broadcast start / end date and time for each program.

[0017] The display unit 121 is a display device such as a liquid crystal panel, and provides the video signal processed by the display processing unit 122 to the user of the video display device 100. The display processing unit 122 also performs format conversion, superimposition of menus and other OSD (On Screen Display) signals on the input video signal as needed. The speaker 123 provides the audio signal processed by the audio processing unit 124 to the user of the video display device 100.

[0018] The storage unit 130 is used to store various operation settings of the video display device 100, information about the user of the video display device 100, and various applications that run on the video display device 100, as well as for recording digital broadcast programs. The storage unit 130 consists of an individual information storage area 131 that stores operator information of the video display device 100 and information related to individual settings for each operator, a program recording area 132 that stores recordings of digital broadcast programs and information related to recording digital broadcast programs (such as reservation information), and an other information storage area 133.

[0019] Furthermore, a portion of the other information storage area 133 may be used to replace all or part of the functions of the ROM 103. In addition, the video display device 100 can have its functions expanded by downloading new applications from an application server connected to a network such as the Internet. In this case, the downloaded new applications are stored in the other information storage area 133. By deploying and executing the new applications stored in the other information storage area 133 on the RAM 104, the video display device 100 can realize a variety of new functions.

[0020] The storage unit 130 needs to retain the stored information even when the video display device 100 is not receiving power. Therefore, devices such as flash ROM, SSD (Solid State Drive), or HDD are used.

[0021] The video input unit 141 is a camera that inputs image data of the surroundings and objects by converting light input from the lens into electrical signals. The video input unit 141 may be built into the video display device 100 as an integrated unit, or it may be a separate camera connected to a USB interface, etc., as described later. The operator identification unit 142 performs a process (hereinafter referred to as operator identification process) to identify the person operating the video display device 100 or the terminal device used to operate the video display device 100 (hereinafter, the person and the terminal device are collectively referred to as the operator). Details of the operator identification process will be described later. In Figure 1, the operator identification unit 142 is described as an independent unit, but the main control unit 101 may operate to realize the same function using the RAM 104 as a work area. The audio input unit 143 is, for example, a microphone that converts the user's voice, etc., into audio data for input. The audio input unit 143 may be built into the video display device 100 as an integrated unit, or it may be a separate microphone connected to a USB interface, etc., as described later.

[0022] The external interface 150 is a group of interfaces for extending the functionality of the video display device 100. In this embodiment, it consists of a LAN (Local Area Network) interface 151, an audio input / output unit 152, a video input / output unit 153, and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface 154. The LAN interface 151 connects to a network such as the Internet via wired or wireless connection to send and receive information. The LAN interface 151 is equipped with a coding circuit, a decoding circuit, etc. The audio input / output unit 152 and the video input / output unit 153 input audio / video signals from an external audio / video output device and output audio / video signals to an external audio / video input device. If the video display device 100 is an HDD recorder, BD recorder, or STB, a monitor device should be connected to the audio input / output unit 152 and the video input / output unit 153. The USB interface 154 is used for connecting USB devices such as keyboards or memory cards. If the video display device 100 does not have a built-in recording and playback function and records digital broadcast programs to an externally connected HDD device, etc., then the HDD device, etc., can be connected to the USB interface 154.

[0023] The operation unit 160 is an instruction input unit that inputs operation instructions to the video display device 100. In this embodiment, it consists of an operation key 161 arranged in a row of button switches and a remote control receiver 162 that receives infrared signals from a remote control. Alternatively, the video display device 100 may be operated using a touch panel placed on top of the display unit 121 instead of the operation key 161. Both methods may be used in combination. The video display device 100 may also be operated using a keyboard connected to the USB interface 154. The video display device 100 may also be operated using a portable information terminal or PC connected to the network via the LAN interface 151.

[0024] The example configuration of the video display device 100 shown in Figure 1 includes components that are not essential to the present invention, such as the external interface 150, but their absence will not impair the effects of the present invention. Furthermore, the configuration may also include components such as a communication unit that enables mobile telephone network communication, an email sending / receiving unit, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, and a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver.

[0025] The video display device 100 of this embodiment has a function that performs operator identification processing under the control of the operator identification unit 142 and automatically changes settings according to the identified operator.

[0026] An example of performing the operator identification process described above by inputting an image of the person operating the video display device 100 is explained below.

[0027] For example, as shown in Figure 2, if person A (400a) is the operator who operates the video display device 100 using the remote control 200, first, the video input unit 141 inputs an image of person A (400a), who is the operator of the video display device 100. Furthermore, the operator identification unit 142 extracts face information (operator information) from the input image and performs face recognition processing by comparing the extracted face information with face information that the user of the video display device 100 has previously stored in the individual information storage area 131. If person A (400a) has already registered their own face information in the individual information storage area 131, the face recognition processing enables the operator identification unit 142 to identify that person A (400a) is the operator of the video display device 100.

[0028] Alternatively, the video input unit 141 inputs an image of person A (400a), who is the operator of the video display device 100, and the operator identification unit 142 extracts gesture information (operator information) of person A (400a) from the input image and performs gesture recognition processing by comparing the extracted gesture information with gesture information that the user of the video display device 100 has previously stored in the individual information storage area 131. If person A (400a) has already registered their own gesture information in the individual information storage area 131, the gesture recognition processing enables the operator identification unit 142 to identify that person A (400a) is the operator of the video display device 100.

[0029] Furthermore, when performing operator identification processing using gesture recognition processing, it is preferable to configure the system to recognize that a gesture for operator identification processing has been performed after a predetermined operation. Specifically, for example, if the remote control 200 is equipped with a "gesture input" button, gesture recognition for operator identification processing should be performed after the "gesture input" button is pressed. Alternatively, the operator may utter a predetermined keyword (for example, "start gesture input"), and after the video display device 100 recognizes the keyword, the operator may perform a gesture for operator identification processing, which the video display device 100 then recognizes. Doing so can improve the recognition efficiency in the gesture recognition processing.

[0030] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, if there are multiple people viewing the video display device 100 (three people: person A (400a), person B (400b), and person C (400c)), the video input unit 141 inputs images of the multiple people and also detects infrared light output by the remote control transmitter 240 of the remote control 200. In this way, the operator identification unit 142 extracts the face images of the multiple people and the positions of the human bodies connected to the face images from the input images, and further analyzes the positional relationship between the extracted face images and human body positions and the detected infrared light, thereby identifying person A (400a), who is holding the remote control 200, as the operator of the video display device 100. Furthermore, the operator identification unit 142 can identify that person A (400a) is the operator of the video display device 100 by performing face recognition processing or gesture recognition processing on the identified person A (400a).

[0031] Regarding the facial recognition processing and gesture recognition processing, existing publicly known technologies may be used, and therefore, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0032] Furthermore, an example of performing the operator identification process by inputting the voice of the person operating the video display device 100 is described below.

[0033] For example, as shown in Figure 4, if person A (400a) is the operator who operates the video display device 100 using the remote control 200, first, the voice input unit 143 inputs the voice spoken by person A (400a), who is the operator of the video display device 100. Furthermore, the operator identification unit 142 extracts predetermined keyword information (operator information) from the input voice and performs voice recognition processing to compare the extracted keyword information with keyword information that the user of the video display device 100 has previously stored in the individual information storage area 131. If person A (400a) has already registered keyword information that they themselves have defined in the individual information storage area 131, the voice recognition processing enables the operator identification unit 142 to identify that person A (400a) is the operator of the video display device 100.

[0034] The keyword information may be phrases such as "I will operate," "Start operation," or "Activate," or it may be the name of a person or pet, or a word such as "mountain" or "river." In addition, in the speech recognition process, the voice quality does not need to match as long as the keyword matches.

[0035] Alternatively, the voice input unit 143 inputs the voice spoken by person A (400a), who is the operator of the video display device 100, and the operator identification unit 142 further extracts voiceprint information (operator information) by performing voiceprint analysis on the input voice, and performs voiceprint analysis processing by comparing the extracted voiceprint information with voiceprint information that the user of the video display device 100 has previously stored in the individual information storage area 131. If person A (400a) has already registered their own voiceprint information in the individual information storage area 131, the voiceprint analysis processing enables the operator identification unit 142 to identify that person A (400a) is the operator of the video display device 100.

[0036] While the voice used in the voiceprint analysis process can be any phrase or word, using predetermined phrases (for example, "I will operate it") or words can improve the analysis efficiency of the voiceprint analysis process.

[0037] Furthermore, regarding the speech recognition processing and voiceprint analysis processing, existing publicly known technologies may be used, and therefore, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0038] If the person operating the video display device 100 is a person who has previously stored their own information in the individual information storage area 131, then when the person operates the video display device 100, an OSD (On-Screen Display) may be set to display an indication that the person is operating the video display device 100.

[0039] For example, as shown in Figure 5, if person A (400a), who has pre-stored their own operator information in the individual information storage area 131, is identified as the operator of the video display device 100 by the operator identification process, then when person A (400a) operates the video display device 100, an OSD display 121-1 indicating that the video display device 100 is being operated by person A (400a) will be displayed on the display unit 121. In this way, it becomes possible to clearly identify who is operating the video display device 100, especially when there are multiple people viewing the video display device 100.

[0040] The timing at which the video display device 100 displays the OSD display 121-1 may be at all times when the video display device 100 is operated, or it may be only at times when a predetermined operation (such as an operation related to changing the settings of the video display device 100) is performed.

[0041] The aforementioned operator identification process may be performed only at predetermined timings (such as when the power is turned on or when the device wakes from sleep mode). Alternatively, it may be performed each time the video display device 100 receives a control command from the remote control 200, or it may be performed periodically at predetermined time intervals.

[0042] Furthermore, in recent years, it has become common to use mobile information terminals such as smartphones and tablet devices as terminals for operating digital broadcast receiving television equipment by running dedicated applications.

[0043] An example of applying the above technology and performing the operator identification process by inputting sound output from a portable information terminal (a terminal device for operating the video display device 100) owned by the person operating the video display device 100 is described below.

[0044] For example, as shown in Figure 6, the portable information terminal 300 has a function to transmit infrared signals to operate the video display device 100 in place of the remote control 200, and if person A (400a) is the operator who operates the video display device 100 using the portable information terminal 300, first the audio input unit 143 inputs the sound output from the portable information terminal 300 owned by person A (400a), who is the operator of the video display device 100. Furthermore, the operator identification unit 142 digitally samples the input sound and converts it into sound data (operator information), and performs sound source analysis processing by comparing the sound data with sound data that the user of the video display device 100 has previously stored in the individual information storage area 131. If person A (400a) has already registered the sound data they themselves selected in the individual information storage area 131, the operator identification unit 142 can identify that person A (400a) is the operator of the video display device 100 through the sound source analysis processing.

[0045] The aforementioned sound data may include animal sounds, musical instrument sounds, popular songs, etc. Furthermore, existing publicly known techniques may be used for the sound source analysis process; therefore, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0046] Furthermore, an example of performing the operator identification process by communication with a terminal device such as a portable information terminal that operates the video display device 100 will be described below.

[0047] For example, as shown in Figure 7, if the portable information terminal 300 owned by person A (400a) is the operator of the video display device 100, the portable information terminal 300 transmits control commands and operator information to the video display device 100 via the router device 360 ​​in response to the operation of person A (400a). Meanwhile, in the video display device 100, the main control unit 101 interprets and executes the transmitted control commands, and at the same time, the operator identification unit 142 performs operator identification processing using the transmitted operator information.

[0048] Specifically, if the portable information terminal 300 in this embodiment has the configuration shown in the block diagram in Figure 8, when person A (400a) operates the operation unit 340 of the portable information terminal 300 (which has already established communication with the video display device 100 through an authentication process), the main control unit 301 first converts the operation into a control command for the video display device 100. Next, the main control unit 301 transmits operator information, superimposed on the control command, from the LAN communication unit 352 to identify the portable information terminal 300 as the operator of the video display device 100 in the operator identification process of the operator identification unit 142.

[0049] The video display device 100 receives the control command with the operator information superimposed, transmitted via the router device 360, through the LAN interface 151, and the main control unit 101 interprets and executes the received control command. Simultaneously, the operator identification unit 142 extracts the operator information from the received control command with the operator information superimposed, and compares it with operator information previously stored in the individual information storage area 131. If the operator information of the mobile information terminal 300 is already registered in the individual information storage area 131, the comparison process allows the operator identification unit 142 to identify that the operator of the video display device 100 is the mobile information terminal 300.

[0050] The operator information may be data such as the product name or model number of the personal information terminal 300, or data such as the production number or serial number. If the personal information terminal 300 is equipped with a telephone communication function, it may be the telephone number used for the telephone communication function or other unique number data associated with the telephone number. It may also be a keyword, passcode, or owner number arbitrarily determined by the owner of the personal information terminal 300. Furthermore, the operator information may be stored in the ROM 303, RAM 304, or storage unit 310, or it may be stored in a memory card (not shown) connected to the memory interface 341. Owner data stored in association with the telephone number or unique number on an internet data server may also be downloaded and used as operator information.

[0051] Furthermore, it is desirable that the personal information terminal 300 be equipped with a user authentication function for authenticating the owner of the personal information terminal 300, and that the operator information be enabled (transmitted) only when the owner of the personal information terminal 300 is successfully authenticated by the user authentication function.

[0052] The process of authenticating the owner of the mobile information terminal 300 may be performed by entering a password or passcode into the operation unit 340. Alternatively, it may be performed by facial recognition by inputting a facial image into the video input unit 322, or by other image recognition. Alternatively, it may be performed by voice recognition or voiceprint analysis by inputting voice into the voice input unit 324, or by sound source analysis by inputting instrument sounds or popular songs. Alternatively, it may be performed by fingerprint recognition by inputting a fingerprint into a fingerprint input unit (not shown in the diagram). It may also be performed by biometric authentication that recognizes patterns such as palm prints, irises, or veins. It may also be performed by touch authentication by touching predetermined positions on a touch panel placed on top of the operation unit 340 in a predetermined order.

[0053] In this way, by equipping the personal digital assistant 300 with a user authentication function, it becomes possible to prevent a third party other than the owner of the personal digital assistant 300 from using the operator information of the personal digital assistant 300.

[0054] Furthermore, if the portable information terminal 300 is identified as the operator of the video display device 100 through operator identification processing, when the portable information terminal 300 operates the video display device 100, an OSD display 121-2 indicating that the portable information terminal 300 is operating the video display device 100 may be displayed, as shown in Figure 9.

[0055] Furthermore, if information indicating that person A (400a) is the owner of the portable information terminal 300 having the operator information is also stored in the individual information storage area 131, the operator identification unit 142 can indirectly identify that person A (400a) is the person using the portable information terminal 300 who is the operator of the video display device 100.

[0056] In this case, the portable information terminal 300 may be identified as the operator of the video display device 100 through operator identification processing, and when the video display device 100 is operated by the portable information terminal 300, an OSD display 121-1 indicating that person A (400a) is operating the video display device 100 may be displayed.

[0057] The timing at which the video display device 100 displays OSD display 121-2 or OSD display 121-1 may be at all times when the mobile information terminal 300 sends a control command to the video display device 100 in response to the operation of person A (400a), or it may be only at times when a predetermined operation (such as an operation related to changing the settings of the video display device 100) is performed.

[0058] The aforementioned operator identification process may be performed only at predetermined timings (such as when the power is turned on, when the device wakes from sleep mode, when communication is established between the video display device 100 and the portable information terminal 300, etc.). Alternatively, it may be performed each time the video display device 100 receives a control command from the portable information terminal 300, or it may be performed periodically at predetermined time intervals. It may also be performed by the video display device 100 requesting the portable information terminal 300 to transmit operator information.

[0059] Next, an example of performing the operator identification process by pre-storing operator information in the remote control 200 will be described below.

[0060] For example, as shown in Figure 10, if person A (400a) is an operator who operates the video display device 100 using the remote control 200, person A (400a) stores operator information in the remote control 200 in advance to identify themselves. Furthermore, the remote control 200 transmits control commands and the operator information to the video display device 100 in response to the operation of person A (400a). Meanwhile, in the video display device 100, the main control unit 101 interprets and executes the transmitted control commands, and at the same time, the operator identification unit 142 performs operator identification processing using the transmitted operator information.

[0061] An example of a method for pre-storing operator information in the remote control 200 to allow the video display device 100 to identify person A (400a) is described below.

[0062] For example, if the remote control 200 of this embodiment has the configuration shown in the block diagram in Figure 11, person A (400a) can input a predetermined access key (operator information) that has been predetermined and stored in the individual information storage area 131 from the operation unit 220 of the remote control 200 and store it in the RAM 204. Alternatively, person A (400a) can bring their personal information terminal 300 close to the remote control 200 to establish communication between the proximity wireless communication unit 353 of the personal information terminal 300 and the proximity wireless communication unit 252 of the remote control 200, and the remote control 200 can read the operator information held by the personal information terminal 300 and store it in the RAM 204. Or, person A (400a) can connect a memory card 260 (or something similar) containing predetermined identification information (operator information) that has been predetermined and stored in the individual information storage area 131 to the memory interface 252 of the remote control 200.

[0063] When person A (400a) operates the operating unit 220 of the remote control 200, which has been stored with the operator information described above, the main control unit 201 superimposes the operator information onto a control command for controlling the video display device 100 and transmits it as an infrared signal from the remote control transmitter 240.

[0064] In the video display device 100, the remote control receiver 162 receives the control command superimposed with the operator information, and the main control unit 101 interprets and executes the control command. Simultaneously, the operator identification unit 142 extracts any of the operator information from the received control command superimposed with the operator information and compares it with operator information previously stored in the individual information storage area 131. If person A (400a) has previously registered operator information for self-identification in the individual information storage area 131, the comparison process allows the operator identification unit 142 to identify that the operator of the video display device 100 is the portable information terminal 300.

[0065] Furthermore, if the remote control 200 is used by a person other than person A (400a), the process of storing operator information in the remote control 200 to identify the other person will be performed again. In this way, operator identification processing can be performed even when multiple people view the video display device 100 and the remote control 200 is shared among the multiple people.

[0066] The operator identification process may be performed each time the video display device 100 receives a control command from the remote control 200, or it may be performed by the remote control 200 periodically transmitting operator information to the video display device 100 at predetermined time intervals, regardless of the operation by person A (400a).

[0067] The above illustrates an example of operator identification processing. The methods described in the above example may be used individually or in combination with other methods. Furthermore, methods different from those described above may also be used. Examples of different methods for operator identification processing include biometric authentication, such as checking fingerprints, palm prints, veins, or irises, and the input of a login password.

[0068] The video display device 100 in this embodiment further performs a setting change process that applies individual settings for each operator according to the operator identified in the operator identification process described above. Figures 12 and 13 are a diagram and a flowchart illustrating the setting change process performed by the video display device 100 according to the operator identified in the operator identification process.

[0069] The video display device 100 shown in Figure 12 is assumed to have operator information and individual settings for person A (400a), operator information and individual settings for person B (400b), and operator information and individual settings for person C (400c) pre-stored in the individual information storage area 131, associated with the operator information of the operator of the video display device 100 and the individual settings for the operator.

[0070] In this state, when the power of the video display device 100 is turned on using a terminal device such as a remote control or a portable information terminal (S101), the main control unit 101 of the video display device 100 performs startup processing such as initialization of each part, and at the same time, the operator identification unit 142 performs operator identification processing (S102). The operator identification processing performed in S102 may be the method described in the above example. If the operator is successfully identified in the operator identification processing of S102 (S103), and it is confirmed that the identified operator is stored in advance as the operator of the video display device 100 (S104), that is, if the operator information of the person operating the video display device 100 or the operator information of the terminal device used to operate the video display device 100 matches the operator information stored in the individual information storage area 131, the main control unit 101 reads the individual settings for the identified operator from the individual information storage area 131 (S105) and applies the read individual settings (S106).

[0071] For example, if person A (400a) is identified as the operator of the video display device 100 in the series of processes from S102 to S104, the main control unit 101 reads the individual settings for person A (400a) stored in the individual information storage area 131 in association with the operator information of person A (400a) and applies them. Similarly, if person B (400b) is identified as the operator of the video display device 100, the individual settings for person B (400b) are read from the individual information storage area 131 and applied, and if person C (400c) is identified, the individual settings for person C (400c) are read and applied.

[0072] On the other hand, if the operator is not identified in the series of processes from S102 to S103, or if the operator is identified in the series of processes from S102 to S104, but it is not confirmed that the operator information of the identified operator is stored in the individual information storage area 131 (for example, if the person identified in the operator identification process is person D (400d), or if the operator information of the identified terminal device is not stored in the individual information storage area 131, etc.), the main control unit 101 reads the standard settings of the video display device 100 from the ROM 103 (S115) and applies the read standard settings (S106).

[0073] In this embodiment, when the power is turned off, or when the operator is changed midway through operation, the video display device 100 performs a process to update the individual settings for each operator stored in the individual information storage area 131 as needed (when the process of S105 is selected when executing the flowchart shown in Figure 13), or a process to newly store the operator information of the new operator and the individual settings for the new operator in the individual information storage area 131 (when the process of S115 is selected when executing the flowchart shown in Figure 13). Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating the process to update the individual settings for each operator stored in the individual information storage area 131 when the power of the video display device 100 is turned off (Figure 14(A)), or the process to newly store the operator information of the new operator and the individual settings for the new operator in the individual information storage area 131 (Figure 14(B)).

[0074] When a control command is transmitted from a terminal device such as a remote control or a portable information terminal while the display device 100 is waiting for a control command, the display device 100 receives the control command via the remote control receiver 162 or the LAN interface 151 (S201). Next, the main control unit 101 checks whether the received control command is a power off command (S202). In S202, if the control command received in S201 is not a power off command, the main control unit 101 executes the received control command, and then the display device 100 returns to the control command waiting state.

[0075] On the other hand, in S202, if the control command received in S201 is a power off command, the main control unit 101 reads and applies the individual settings for each operator or the standard settings provided by the video display device 100, and then checks whether the operator has changed the settings of the video display device 100 (S203). In S203, if it is determined that the settings have been changed, the main control unit 101 performs a process to update the individual settings for each operator stored in the individual information storage area 131 (S204: if the process of reading and applying the individual settings for each operator has been performed), or a process to newly store the operator information of a new operator and the individual settings for the new operator in the individual information storage area 131 (S214: if the process of reading and applying the standard settings provided by the video display device 100 has been performed). Furthermore, after performing the process in S204 or S214, the main control unit 101 performs a termination process to turn off the power of the video display device 100 (S205).

[0076] If it is determined in S203 that no setting changes were made, the process in S204 or S214 should not be executed, and the termination process to turn off the power of the video display device 100 should be performed instead.

[0077] Furthermore, if the operator of the video display device 100 is changed midway through the process, first, the same process as S203 and S204 in Figure 14(A) (if the process of reading and applying individual settings for each operator has been performed) or the same process as S203 and S214 in Figure 14(B) (if the process of reading and applying the standard settings provided by the video display device 100 has been performed) should be executed. After that, depending on the newly identified operator, the same process as S105 and S106 in Figure 13 (if the operator information of the newly identified operator is already stored in the individual information storage area 131) or the same process as S115 and S106 in Figure 13 (if the operator information of the newly identified operator is not stored in the individual information storage area 131) should be performed.

[0078] Through the above processing, the video display device 100 of this embodiment becomes capable of performing a setting change process that automatically applies individual settings for the operator identified in the operator identification process described above.

[0079] In the example described above, it was assumed that individual settings for each operator are stored in the individual information storage area 131 of the video display device 100. However, as a different example, the individual settings for each operator may be stored in the storage unit 310 of the portable information terminal 300.

[0080] In this case, in the flowchart process shown in Figure 13, if the operator is successfully identified in the series of processes from S102 to S104, and it is confirmed that the operator information of the identified operator is stored in the individual information storage area 131, the main control unit 101 should apply the individual settings for the identified operator, which were obtained from the storage unit 310 of the portable information terminal 300 via communication through the LAN interface 151.

[0081] When the user operates the portable information terminal 300 to change the settings of the video display device 100, the main control unit 301 can recognize the content of the setting changes made on the video display device 100. Therefore, if individual settings for each user are stored in the storage unit 310 of the portable information terminal 300, it is possible to update the individual settings for each user or to newly store individual settings for a new user without having to obtain information about the content of the setting changes made on the video display device 100 through communication with the video display device 100.

[0082] However, if the video display device 100 is a touch panel-equipped display device such as an electronic whiteboard device with a touch panel, the settings of the touch panel-equipped display device can be changed by operating the touch panel, without operating the portable information terminal 300. In this case, when updating individual settings for each operator, or when storing new individual settings for a new operator, the main control unit 301 will, in the process of S204 or S214 in Figure 14, obtain information regarding the content of the setting changes made on the touch panel-equipped display device by communicating with the touch panel-equipped display device.

[0083] The following describes, with examples, the items that can be set in the individual settings for the operator, which are applied to the operator identified by the operator identification process in the video display device 100 of this embodiment.

[0084] If the video display device 100 is a television device for receiving digital broadcasts, it is common for items such as picture quality, sound quality, and operating mode when viewing digital broadcast programs to be changeable according to preference. Therefore, in the video display device 100 of this embodiment, for example, settings related to picture quality such as brightness, black level, hue and color saturation, settings related to sound quality such as intensity for each sound range, and settings related to the operation of devices such as the operating mode of the built-in frame rate conversion circuit, backlight brightness, and on / off of energy-saving mode can be stored in the individual information storage area 131 as individual settings for each operator.

[0085] In this way, the video display device 100 of this embodiment can identify the operator through the operator identification process, and depending on the identified operator, it can read and apply individual settings such as image quality settings, sound quality settings, and device operation settings that have been previously stored in the individual information storage area 131 for that operator. As a result, the person operating the video display device 100 or the person operating the terminal device used to operate the video display device 100 can apply and use image quality, sound quality, and other settings that they have set according to their own preferences, without being affected by setting changes made by others.

[0086] However, it is not necessarily required to store all setting items that can be set by the operator of the video display device 100 as individual settings for each operator in the individual information storage area 131. For example, if the setting menu configuration of the video display device 100 in this embodiment is as shown in Figure 15, it is desirable to store the settings of each item in "Video Settings" and each item in "Audio Settings" as individual settings in the individual information storage area 131, according to the preferences of each operator. On the other hand, items such as "Reception Settings" and "Communication Settings" which are subordinate to "Initial Settings" should not be stored in the individual information storage area 131 as individual settings for each operator, but rather only one setting should be stored in the other information storage area 133 or similar as a common setting for the video display device 100.

[0087] In other words, in this embodiment, the settings in the "Reception Settings" item are settings related to the region in which the video display device 100 is used, settings related to broadcasting stations that can be received in the said region, etc., and are not items that are normally changed according to the preferences of each operator. Furthermore, the settings in the "Communication Settings" item are settings related to the IP (Internet Protocol) address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS (Domain Name System) server of the LAN interface 151 of the video display device 100, etc., and once the settings are made immediately after the introduction of the video display device, there is no need to change the settings frequently thereafter.

[0088] Therefore, by not storing the settings related to the "reception settings" item and the "communication settings" item as individual settings for each operator in the individual information storage area 131, it becomes possible to reduce the required capacity of the individual information storage area 131.

[0089] Furthermore, if the video display device 100 is a television device that has a built-in function for recording and playing back digital broadcast programs, it is common for it to have a function to display a list of recorded digital broadcast programs. Therefore, in the video display device 100 of this embodiment, the initial display position setting when displaying a list of recorded programs, etc., can be stored in the individual information storage area 131 as individual settings for each operator.

[0090] For example, the folder structure in the list of recorded programs displayed by the video display device 100 of this embodiment is as shown in Figure 16. Furthermore, the video display device 100 of this embodiment is shared by three people, Person A, Person B, and Person C, and each of the three people records digital broadcast programs. In this case, when the video display device 100 of this embodiment identifies Person A as the operator through the operator identification process, it reads and applies the individual settings for Person A from the individual information storage area 131, thereby changing the settings so that the "Person A's Recorded Programs" folder, located in a subfolder of the "User" folder, is the initial display position in the list of recorded programs. Similarly, when Person B is identified as the operator through the operator identification process, the "Person B's Recorded Programs" folder, located in a subfolder of the "User" folder, is set as the initial display position. If the operator information of the operator identified by the operator identification process is not stored in the individual information storage area 131, the standard settings can be read and applied from the ROM 103, thereby changing the settings so that the "All" folder is the initial display position in the list of recorded programs. Alternatively, you could choose not to allow the list view.

[0091] In this way, when a person operating the video display device 100 of this embodiment, or a person operating a terminal device used to operate the video display device 100, requests the video display device 100 to display a list of recorded programs, the folder in which their recorded programs are stored can be quickly displayed, and the contents can be easily checked.

[0092] Furthermore, if the video display device 100 is a television device that has the function of connecting to a network such as the Internet, and the function of network searching and other application execution, then, as shown in Figure 17, the display unit 121 can simultaneously display the digital broadcast program video window 121-3, the Internet access URL (Uniform Resource Locator) list window 121-4, the application icon list window 121-5 that can be executed on the video display device 100, and so on. In the video display device 100 of this embodiment, the display positions of the digital broadcast program video window 121-3, the Internet access URL list window 121-4, and the application icon list window 121-5 can be freely arranged, and the layout of the display positions of each window can be stored in the individual information storage area 131 as individual settings for each operator.

[0093] Furthermore, the initial display channel in the digital broadcast program video window 121-3, the favorite URLs in the Internet access URL list window 121-4, the icons of frequently used applications in the application icon list window 121-5, etc., may be set according to each user's preferences and stored in the individual information storage area 131 as individual settings for each user.

[0094] In this way, the video display device 100 of this embodiment can identify the operator through the operator identification process, and depending on the identified operator, it can read and apply individual settings that have been previously stored in the individual information storage area 131, such as the display position of the operator's window, the initial display channel, favorite URLs, and icons of frequently used applications. As a result, the person operating the video display device 100 or the person operating the terminal device used to operate the video display device 100 can use the video display device 100 with a window layout set according to their own preferences, without being affected by setting changes made by others.

[0095] Furthermore, if the video display device 100 is a television device capable of displaying video content stored on a content server connected to a network such as the Internet, it becomes possible to download and store video content from the content server, or to purchase paid video content on the content server and stream it. In addition, it is desirable that the video display device 100 not only be able to display a list of numerous video contents on the content server, but also have a function to display only the downloaded video content in a list, or a function to display only the purchased video content in a list. In this case, the video display device 100 of this embodiment can store a list of video content downloaded by each operator, a list of video content purchased, etc., as individual settings for each operator in the individual information storage area 131.

[0096] In this way, the video display device 100 of this embodiment identifies the operator through the operator identification process, and can read a list of video content downloaded or purchased by the identified operator from the individual information storage area 131. As a result, when a person operating the video display device 100 or a person operating a terminal device used to operate the video display device 100 requests the video display device 100 to display a list of downloaded video content or a list of purchased video content, it becomes possible to extract and display only the video content that the person themselves downloaded or purchased from among a large amount of video content.

[0097] Although examples of embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it goes without saying that the configurations for realizing the technology of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, the numerical values ​​and messages appearing in the text and figures are merely examples, and using different ones will not impair the effects of the present invention.

[0098] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the present invention described above may be implemented in hardware, for example, by designing them using an integrated circuit. Alternatively, they may be implemented in software by having a microprocessor or the like interpret and execute a program that implements each of these functions. The program may be stored in advance in the ROM 103 of the video display device 100 or in the other information storage area 133 of the storage unit 130, or it may be obtained from an application server on the Internet via the LAN interface 151. Alternatively, the program stored on a memory card may be obtained via the USB interface 154.

[0099] Furthermore, the control lines and information lines shown in the diagram are those deemed necessary for explanation purposes and do not necessarily represent all control lines and information lines in the actual product. In reality, it is safe to assume that almost all components are interconnected. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0100] 100: Video display device, 101: Main control unit, 102: System bus, 103: ROM, 104: RAM, 110: Broadcast receiving unit, 111: Tuner, 112: Separation unit, 113: Video decoder, 114: Audio decoder, 115: Information decoder, 121: Display unit, 122: Display processing unit, 123: Speaker, 124: Audio processing unit, 130: Storage unit, 131: Individual information storage area, 132: Program recording area, 133: Other information storage area, 141: Video input unit, 142: Operator identification unit, 143: Audio input unit, 150: External interface, 151: LAN interface, 152: Audio input unit, 153: Video input / output unit, 154: USB interface, 160: Operation unit, 161: Operation keys, 162: Remote control receiver unit, 200: Remote control, 201: Main control unit, 202: 310: System bus, 203: ROM, 204: RAM, 210: Display unit, 220: Operation unit, 231: Accelerometer, 232: Gyroscope, 240: Remote control transmitter, 251: Proximity wireless communication unit, 252: Memory interface, 260: Memory card, 300: Mobile information terminal, 301: Main control unit, 302: System bus, 303: ROM, 304: RAM, 310: Storage unit, 321: Display unit, 322: Video input unit, 323: Speaker, 324: Audio input unit, 331: Accelerometer, 332: Gyroscope, 333: Geomagnetic sensor, 334: GPS receiver, 335: Illuminance sensor, 340: Operation unit, 341: Memory interface, 351: Mobile telephone network communication unit, 352: LAN communication unit, 353: Proximity wireless communication unit, 360: Router device, 370: WAN (Wide Area Network)

Claims

1. A video display device, A communication unit that communicates with external terminals via a network, A voice input unit capable of acquiring voice output from the operator, A display unit capable of displaying content acquired via a network, A storage unit that stores the content of a display screen applied to the video display device and operator information relating to the operator who operates the video display device in association with the operator information, and stores operator voiceprint-related information relating to the operator's voiceprint in association with the operator information, Equipped with a controller, The aforementioned controller, When the voice input unit acquires a voice recording of a predetermined keyword, it performs identification processing using the voiceprint of the voice recording and the voiceprint-related information of the operator stored in the memory unit. When the identification process identifies that the operation is performed by a first operator corresponding to the operator information registered in advance and stored in the storage unit, a first process is executed to display the content stored in association with the operator information of the first operator. If the aforementioned identification process identifies that the operation is performed by an unregistered user not stored in the memory unit, the system controls the execution of a second process that displays the default content. When the external terminal receives modified content from the standard content settings via the communication unit by the unregistered operator, the modified content is stored in the storage unit in association with the operator information of the unregistered operator. A video display device characterized in that, upon receiving a control command from the external terminal via the communication unit to change the content by the first operator, the display of the content on the video display device is changed and stored in the storage unit in association with the operator information of the first operator.

2. The video display device according to claim 1, The video display device is characterized in that the content of the standard setting is different from the content of the video display device stored in association with the operator information of the first operator.

3. The video display device according to claim 1, The video display device is characterized in that the content of the video display device is the content of a settings menu screen consisting of multiple contents.

4. The video display device according to claim 1, The video display device is characterized in that the content of the video display device includes content that is set in association with operator information relating to the operator of the external terminal, and content that is set in common regardless of the operator information relating to the operator of the external terminal.

5. The video display device according to claim 1, The video display device is characterized in that, when the first process is performed, the display unit displays an indication of the first operator identified.

6. The video display device according to claim 1, The video display device is characterized in that the content of the video display device is a URL for internet access.

7. The video display device according to claim 1, The video display device is characterized in that the content of the video display device is an icon of an application that can be executed on the video display device.

8. The video display device according to claim 1, A video display device characterized in that, when the voice input unit acquires a voice recording of a predetermined keyword while in sleep mode, it wakes up from sleep mode, performs identification processing using the voiceprint of the voice recording and operator voiceprint-related information stored in the memory unit, and when the identification processing identifies that the operation is performed by a first operator corresponding to the operator information that has been registered in advance and stored in the memory unit, it performs a first process of displaying content stored in association with the operator information of the first operator.

9. A method for displaying images using an image display device, The aforementioned video display device is A communication unit that communicates with external terminals via a network, A voice input unit capable of acquiring voice output from the operator, A display unit capable of displaying content acquired via a network, A storage unit that stores the content of a display screen applied to the video display device and operator information relating to the operator who operates the video display device in association with the operator information, and stores operator voiceprint-related information relating to the operator's voiceprint in association with the operator information, Equipped with a controller, The aforementioned controller, When the voice input unit acquires a voice recording of a predetermined keyword, it performs identification processing using the voiceprint of the voice recording and the voiceprint-related information of the operator stored in the memory unit. When the identification process identifies that the operation is performed by a first operator corresponding to the operator information registered in advance and stored in the storage unit, a first process is executed to display the content stored in association with the operator information of the first operator. If the identification process identifies that the operation is performed by an unregistered user not stored in the memory unit, the system controls the execution of a second process that displays the default content. When the external terminal receives modified content from the standard content settings via the communication unit by the unregistered operator, the modified content is stored in the storage unit in association with the operator information of the unregistered operator. When the communication unit receives a control command from the external terminal via the communication unit to change the content by the first operator, the display of the content on the video display device is changed and stored in the storage unit in association with the operator information of the first operator. Video display method.

10. The video display method according to claim 9, The video display method is characterized in that the content of the standard setting is different from the content of the video display device stored in association with the operator information of the first operator.

11. The video display method according to claim 9, A video display method characterized in that the content of the video display device is the content of a settings menu screen consisting of multiple contents.

12. The video display method according to claim 9, A video display method characterized in that the content of the video display device includes content that is set in association with operator information relating to the operator of the external terminal, and content that is set in common regardless of the operator information relating to the operator of the external terminal.

13. The video display method according to claim 9, A video display method characterized in that, when the first process is performed, the display unit displays an indication of the first operator identified.

14. The video display method according to claim 9, A video display method characterized in that the content of the video display device is a URL for internet access.

15. The video display method according to claim 9, A video display method characterized in that the content of the video display device is an icon of an application that can be executed on the video display device.

16. The video display method according to claim 9, A video display method characterized in that, when the voice input unit acquires a voice recording of a predetermined keyword while in sleep mode, the device wakes from sleep mode, performs identification processing using the voiceprint of the voice recording and operator voiceprint-related information stored in the memory unit, and when the identification processing identifies that the operation is performed by a first operator corresponding to the operator information that has been registered in advance and stored in the memory unit, the device performs a first process of displaying content stored in association with the operator information of the first operator.

Images