Display control device, display control method, and program

Abstract

To enable operability to be improved more.SOLUTION: A display control device is provided. It displays a first picture including a television program video on the whole screen of a display part, displays a second picture including the television program video on the whole screen of the display part and a first program guide superimposed on the television program video, displays a third picture including a second program guide on the whole screen of the display part, displays a fourth picture including the television program video on the whole screen of the display part and program detailed information superimposed on the television program video, executes transition from the first picture to the second picture, the third picture or the fourth picture, and executes transition between the second picture and the third picture or between the second picture and the fourth picture according to operation of an arrow key provided in a remote controller. This technology is applicable to, for example, a television receiver.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present technology relates to a display control device, a display control method, and a program, and particularly relates to a display control device, a display control method, and a program that can improve operability.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the improvement of performance, display control devices such as television receivers can provide various functions (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when providing various functions in a display control device such as a television receiver, various screens are displayed, and it is required to improve its operability.

[0005] The present technology has been made in view of such a situation, and aims to improve operability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of this technology is a display control device that displays a first screen including a television program video on the entire screen of the display unit, displays a second screen including the television program video on the entire screen of the display unit and a first program guide superimposed on the television program video, displays a third screen including a second program guide on the entire screen of the display unit, displays a fourth screen including the television program video on the entire screen of the display unit and program details superimposed on the television program video, performs transitions from the first screen to the second screen, the third screen, or the fourth screen, and performs transitions between the second screen and the third screen, or between the second screen and the fourth screen, in response to the operation of the directional keys provided on the remote controller.

[0007] The display control method and program for one aspect of this technology are the display control method and program corresponding to the display control device for one aspect of this technology described above.

[0008] In one aspect of this technology, the display control device, display control method, and program are as follows: A first screen is displayed, which includes a television program video on the entire screen of the display unit; a second screen is displayed, which includes the television program video on the entire screen of the display unit and a first program guide superimposed on the television program video; a third screen is displayed, which includes a second program guide on the entire screen of the display unit; and a fourth screen is displayed, which includes the television program video on the entire screen of the display unit and program details superimposed on the television program video. A transition is performed from the first screen to the second screen, the third screen, or the fourth screen, and a transition is performed between the second screen and the third screen, or between the second screen and the fourth screen, in response to the operation of the directional keys provided on the remote controller.

[0009] In addition, the display control device, which is one aspect of this technology, may be an independent device or an internal block that constitutes a single device. For example, the display control device, which is one aspect of this technology, may be a display control unit that constitutes a display control device for a television receiver or the like. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of one embodiment of a display control device to which this technology is applied. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the appearance of the remote controller shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This diagram shows an example of a seamless UI for television viewing. [Figure 4] Figure 3 shows the relationship between the information granularity and overview for each screen. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart explaining the flow of the display control process. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of how the program guide is currently displayed on the overlaid screen. [Figure 7] This diagram shows an example of how the program guide screen looks. [Figure 8] This diagram shows an example of how the program guide screen looks. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of how the program details information screen is displayed. [Figure 10] This diagram shows an example of a seamless UI for playing back and viewing recorded content. [Figure 11] Figure 10 shows the relationship between the information granularity and overview for each screen. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of how the content list screen is displayed. [Figure 13] This diagram shows an overview of a seamless UI. [Figure 14] This block diagram shows an example of the configuration of one embodiment of a display system to which this technology is applied. [Figure 15] This is a diagram showing an example of a computer configuration. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments of this technology will be described below with reference to the drawings. The description will be given in the following order.

[0012] 1. First Embodiment 2. Second Embodiment 3. Variation 4. Configuration of Computer

[0013] <1. First Embodiment>

[0014] (Configuration of Display Control Device) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an embodiment of a display control device to which the present technology is applied.

[0015] In FIG. 1, the display control device 10 is a television receiver configured as, for example, a liquid crystal display device or an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display device. The display control device 10 includes a signal input unit 101, a signal processing unit 102, a display control unit 103, an operation reception unit 104, a screen generation unit 105, and a display unit 106.

[0016] The signal input unit 101 is composed of, for example, a tuner. When the signal input unit 101 is configured as a tuner, it performs processes such as demodulation on the broadcast signal received via an antenna (not shown), and supplies the resulting signal to the signal processing unit 102. The broadcast signal here transmits broadcast content (for example, a TV program) transmitted according to a predetermined broadcast system such as terrestrial broadcast, satellite broadcast, or cable TV broadcast.

[0017] Note that the signal input unit 101 is not limited to a tuner, and may be configured as, for example, a communication module so that a signal of communication content (net content) distributed from a content distribution site via a communication network such as the Internet is input to the signal processing unit 102.

[0018] Furthermore, the signal input unit 101 may be configured as an interface conforming to a predetermined standard such as HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) or USB (Universal Serial Bus), so that signals from recorded content recorded by a recording device or network storage, or recorded content recorded on a recording medium such as semiconductor memory or optical disc, are input to the signal processing unit 102. Note that the recorded content may be content recorded by a television receiver and stored on storage.

[0019] The signal processing unit 102 is composed of, for example, a system-on-a-chip. The signal processing unit 102 performs processing such as decoding on the signal supplied from the signal input unit 101 and supplies the resulting video signal to the display control unit 103.

[0020] The display control unit 103 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer or a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Based on the video signal supplied from the signal processing unit 102, the display control unit 103 generates a video signal to control the driving of the display unit 106. Based on the generated video signal, the display control unit 103 drives the display unit 106.

[0021] The display unit 106 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display unit or an OLED display unit. The display unit 106 displays video from broadcast content such as television programs, or video from various screens, in accordance with the control from the display control unit 103.

[0022] For example, if the display control device 10 is a liquid crystal display device, the display unit 106 as a liquid crystal display unit is a display panel in which pixels including liquid crystal elements and TFT (Thin Film Transistor) elements are arranged in two dimensions, and displays information by modulating light emitted from a backlight (not shown) in accordance with the drive from the display control unit 103. Also, for example, if the display control device 10 is an OLED display device, the display unit 106 as an OLED display unit is a display panel in which pixels including self-emissive elements are arranged in two dimensions, and displays information in accordance with the drive from the display control unit 103.

[0023] The operation reception unit 104 is composed of, for example, a short-range wireless communication module and an infrared light receiving module. The operation reception unit 104 receives (receives) signals such as wireless signals and infrared signals transmitted from the remote controller 20, and supplies commands corresponding to the received signals to the screen generation unit 105 and other units. For short-range wireless communication, for example, communication compliant with the Bluetooth® standard can be used.

[0024] The screen generation unit 105 generates various screens based on commands supplied from the operation reception unit 104 and supplies the screen signals to the display control unit 103. The display control unit 103 drives the display unit 106 based on the screen signals supplied from the screen generation unit 105.

[0025] Note that in Figure 1, for the sake of simplicity, only the video signal sequence is shown in the display control device 10. In reality, the audio signal sequence is also included, and audio synchronized with the video of the broadcast content is output. Also, for the sake of simplicity, Figure 1 shows the case where commands from the operation reception unit 104 are supplied only to the screen generation unit 105. In reality, each part of the display control device 10 operates according to the commands from the operation reception unit 104.

[0026] (Remote controller configuration) Figure 2 shows an example of the appearance of the remote controller 20 shown in Figure 1.

[0027] The remote controller 20 is provided with physical buttons, including a group of buttons 201 such as a power button and an input switching button, and a directional pad 202 for moving the cursor (pointer) up, down, left, and right on the screen. The group of buttons 201 can include various buttons, such as the current program guide key, program guide key, and detailed information key, which will be described later.

[0028] The directional pad 202 includes an up key 211 for moving the cursor upwards, a down key 212 for moving the cursor downwards, a left key 213 for moving the cursor leftwards, and a right key 214 for moving the cursor rightwards. The directional pad 202 also includes a select button 215 in its center, which is pressed when the user wants to select an item.

[0029] The remote controller 20 is also provided with a group of channel selection buttons 203 consisting of buttons labeled "1" to "12", a volume adjustment button 204 for arbitrarily adjusting the volume in the up or down direction, and a channel selection button 205 for arbitrarily selecting a channel in the up or down direction.

[0030] Note that the appearance of the remote controller 20 shown in Figure 2 is just an example, and other buttons may be provided. Also, although the above explanation assumed that the current program guide key, program guide key, and detailed information key are assigned to the button group 201, the current program guide key, etc., may be assigned to other buttons such as the directional buttons 202.

[0031] The display control device 10 configured as described above can provide various functions, but for example, it can provide a function to seamlessly transition between the current program guide, which is displayed superimposed on a part of the video while watching a television program, and the program guide, which is displayed in full screen. The following describes the seamless screen transition function (hereinafter also called seamless UI (User Interface)) provided by the display control device 10 to which this technology is applied.

[0032] (Example of a seamless UI) Figure 3 shows an example of a seamless UI when watching a television program.

[0033] Figure 3 shows examples of screen transitions and displayed content when the user performs operations OP11 to OP17 as operations of the remote controller 20, while the display screen of the display unit 106 in the display control device 10 is displaying the TV viewing screen 141A, the current program guide superimposed screen 141B, the program guide screen 141C, or the program details superimposed screen 141D.

[0034] Here, when the TV viewing screen 141A displaying the TV program video 151 is displayed, if the current program guide key assigned to a button such as the button group 201 or the directional buttons 202 is operated as operation OP11 by, for example, a user holding the remote controller 20, the current program guide superimposed screen 141B is displayed.

[0035] In this current program guide superimposed screen 141B, the current program guide 161 and the filter section 162 are superimposed on the lower area (half screen) of the television program video 151 displayed across the entire screen of the display unit 106.

[0036] The current program guide 161 is an area that contains information about programs on other channels (comparison programs) while watching television. The information about each program displayed in the current program guide 161 (squares in the diagram) can be selected, for example, by operating the left key 213 or right key 214 of the directional buttons 202 provided on the remote controller 20.

[0037] The filter field 162 is an area that contains information about filters such as favorites, dramas, and movies (filter information). By using this filter, you can narrow down the content you want.

[0038] Here, when the program guide overlay screen 141B is currently displayed, if, as operation OP14, the user operates, for example, the down key 212 of the cross-shaped button 202 on the remote controller 20, the program guide screen 141C will be displayed. However, "when the down key 212 is operated" here means, for example, when the cursor is in the filter field 162 on the program guide overlay screen 141B, that there are no items to select downwards on the displayed screen.

[0039] In this program guide screen 141C, the program guide 171 is displayed across the entire display screen of the display unit 106 (full screen), and the filter area 162 is displayed in the area above it. In addition, in the program guide screen 141C, the television program video 151 is displayed in a sub-window in the upper right area. In other words, if we compare the area where the current program guide 161 and the filter area 162 are displayed in the current program guide superimposed screen 141B (first area) with the area where the program guide 171 and the filter area 162 are displayed in the program guide screen 141C (second area), the second area can be said to be larger than the first area.

[0040] The program guide 171 is an area containing information that summarizes the broadcast schedule of television programs in a table format, categorized by channel (broadcasting station) and broadcast time. Information about each program displayed in the program guide 171 (squares in the diagram) can be selected, for example, by operating the four directional keys on the cross-shaped button 202 provided on the remote controller 20. The filter area 162 is an area containing information about filters such as favorites.

[0041] In other words, the filter section 162 on the program guide screen 141C corresponds to the filter section 162 on the current program guide overlay screen 141B. These filter sections 162 are positioned to indicate that the current program guide 161 and the program guide 171 are related. Furthermore, the television program video 151 displayed as a sub-screen on the program guide screen 141C is a reduced version of the television program video 151 displayed in full screen on the current program guide overlay screen 141B, and is considered to be the same television program.

[0042] Here, when the program guide screen 141C is displayed, if, as operation OP15, the user operates, for example, the up key 211 of the cross-shaped button 202 on the remote controller 20, the current program guide superimposed screen 141B is displayed. However, "when the up key 211 is operated" here means, for example, when the cursor is in the filter field 162 on the program guide screen 141C, that there are no items to select upwards on the displayed screen.

[0043] Thus, when the current program guide overlay screen 141B is displayed, if the down key 212 is pressed (operation OP14), the screen transitions from the current program guide overlay screen 141B to the program guide screen 141C. Conversely, when the program guide screen 141C is displayed, if the up key 211 is pressed (operation OP15), the screen transitions from the program guide screen 141C to the current program guide overlay screen 141B. In other words, by operating the up key 211 and down key 212 of the directional buttons 202 on the remote controller 20, it is possible to switch between the current program guide overlay screen 141B and the program guide screen 141C.

[0044] Furthermore, when transitioning from the current program guide overlay screen 141B to the program guide screen 141C, the filter field 162 may move upwards within the screen, while the program guide 171 may appear from the bottom to the top. Conversely, when transitioning from the program guide screen 141C to the current program guide overlay screen 141B, the filter field 162 may move downwards within the screen, while the program guide 171 may disappear downwards. By performing such transitions, users can experience a seamless transition.

[0045] Here, in the current program guide overlay screen 141B, the filter field 162 is placed below the current program guide 161, and in the program guide screen 141C, the filter field 162 is placed above the program guide 171. By arranging it this way, compared to the case where the filter field 162 is placed at the top of both the current program guide overlay screen 141B and the program guide screen 141C, the user can experience a more seamless transition between the current program guide overlay screen 141B and the program guide screen 141C when using the up key 211 and down key 212.

[0046] Furthermore, when the TV viewing screen 141A is displayed, if the user operates a program guide key, for example, one of the buttons 201 on the remote controller 20, as operation OP12, the program guide screen 141C will be displayed directly.

[0047] On the other hand, when the program guide overlay screen 141B is currently displayed, if, for example, the user operates the up key 211 of the remote controller 20 as operation OP 16, the program details overlay screen 141D will be displayed. However, "when the up key 211 is operated" here means, for example, when the cursor is on the current program guide 161 on the current program guide overlay screen 141B, that there is no object to select upwards on the displayed screen.

[0048] In this program details superimposed screen 141D, the program details 181 are superimposed on the current program guide 161 which is superimposed on the television program video 151 on the display screen of the display unit 106.

[0049] Program details 181 are detailed information about a program selected from the current program guide 161 on the current program guide overlay screen 141B.

[0050] Here, when the program details superimposed screen 141D is displayed, if, for example, the user operates the down key 212 of the remote controller 20 as operation OP17, the current program guide superimposed screen 141B will be displayed.

[0051] Thus, when the current program guide overlay screen 141B is displayed, if the up key 211 is pressed (operation OP16), the screen transitions from the current program guide overlay screen 141B to the program details overlay screen 141D. Conversely, when the program details overlay screen 141D is displayed, if the down key 212 is pressed (operation OP17), the screen transitions from the program details overlay screen 141D to the current program guide overlay screen 141B.

[0052] In other words, by operating the up key 211 and down key 212 of the directional buttons 202 on the remote controller 20, in addition to switching between the current program guide overlay screen 141B and the program guide screen 141C as described above, it is also possible to switch between the current program guide overlay screen 141B and the program details overlay screen 141D.

[0053] Furthermore, when the TV viewing screen 141A is displayed, if the user operates a detailed information key, for example, one of the buttons 201 on the remote controller 20, as operation OP13, the program detailed information superimposed screen 141D will be displayed directly.

[0054] Here, the information granularity and overview of the current program guide 161 on the current program guide superimposed screen 141B, the program guide 171 on the program guide screen 141C, and the program details 181 on the program details superimposed screen 141D can be summarized as shown in Figure 4, for example.

[0055] In other words, in Figure 4, the finest information granularity is the information contained in Program Details 181 (detailed information), the next finest is the information contained in Current Program Guide 161 (somewhat detailed information), and the coarsest is the information contained in Program Guide 171 (coarse information). In terms of overview, the highest is the information contained in Program Guide 171 (full screen), the next highest is the information contained in Current Program Guide 161 (single column), and the lowest is the information contained in Program Details 181 (one item). In this disclosure, the information contained in Current Program Guide 161, Program Guide 171, and Program Details 181 are referred to as the first information, the second information, and the third information, respectively.

[0056] In this seamless UI using this technology, when a user operates the up key 211 or down key 212 of the directional buttons 202 on the remote controller 20, and seamlessly moves between the current program guide superimposed screen 141B and the program guide screen 141C or the program details superimposed screen 141D, the information granularity and overview of each screen change sequentially with each vertical transition of the screens (UI). Furthermore, in the seamless UI using this technology, the TV program video 151 and the filter field 162 are shared among the screens in order to display (create) a seamless appearance of these three screen states.

[0057] Furthermore, regarding the assignment of the current program guide key, program guide key, and detailed information key to the buttons provided on the remote controller 20, for example, when watching a TV program, the down key 212 can be assigned as the detailed information key, or the select button 215 can be assigned as the current program guide key. This allows the user to control not only the granularity of information after the menu screen is displayed, but also its activation, using the cross buttons 202.

[0058] (Display control processing flow) Next, the flow of the display control process performed by the display control device 10 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 5. Note that the display control process in Figure 5 shows the flow of processing when a user operates the remote controller 20 while watching a television program.

[0059] In step S11, the operation reception unit 104 receives a signal from the remote controller 20 (for example, a wireless signal or an infrared signal), and determines whether the program guide key has been operated based on the command corresponding to the received signal.

[0060] If it is determined in step S11 that the current program guide key has been operated, the process proceeds to step S12. In step S12, the display control unit 103 displays the current program guide superimposed screen 141B, generated by the screen generation unit 105, on the display unit 106 (display screen). Details of the current program guide superimposed screen 141B will be described later with reference to Figure 6.

[0061] Currently, when the program guide superimposed screen 141B is displayed, it is determined whether the down key 212 or the up key 211 of the remote controller 20 has been operated (S13, S14). If it is determined that the down key 212 has been operated (YES in S13), the process proceeds to step S18. On the other hand, if it is determined that the up key 211 has been operated (YES in S14), the process proceeds to step S22.

[0062] Furthermore, if it is determined that neither the upper key 211 nor the lower key 212 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S15. In step S15, it is determined whether any keys other than the upper key 211 and the lower key 212 have been operated. If it is determined that no other keys have been operated (NO in S15), since no keys have been operated, the process returns to step S13, and steps S13 through S15 are repeated until any key is operated.

[0063] If it is determined that another key has been pressed (YES in S15), the process proceeds to step S16. In step S16, the display control device 10 performs an action corresponding to the other key pressed.

[0064] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S11 that the program guide key is not currently being operated, the process proceeds to step S17.

[0065] In step S17, it is determined whether the program guide key has been operated. If it is determined in step S17 that the program guide key has been operated, the process proceeds to step S18. In step S18, the display control unit 103 displays the program guide screen 141C generated by the screen generation unit 105 on the display unit 106 (display screen). Details of the program guide screen 141C will be described later with reference to Figure 7.

[0066] Here, in addition to when the program guide key is operated (YES in S17), when the down key 212 is operated while the program guide overlay screen 141B is currently displayed (YES in S13), the display switches from the current program guide overlay screen 141B to the program guide screen 141C (S18).

[0067] When the program guide screen 141C is displayed, it is determined whether the up key 211 of the remote controller 20 has been operated (S19). If it is determined that the up key 211 has been operated (YES in S19), the display switches from the program guide screen 141C to the current program guide overlay screen 141B (S12).

[0068] Furthermore, if it is determined that the upper key 211 has not been operated, the process proceeds to step S20. In step S20, it is determined whether any keys other than the upper key 211 have been operated. If it is determined that no other keys have been operated (NO in S20), the process returns to step S19, and steps S19 through S20 are repeated. If it is determined that any other keys have been operated (YES in S20), the display control device 10 performs an action corresponding to the other key (S16).

[0069] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S17 that the program guide key has not been operated, the process proceeds to step S21.

[0070] In step S21, it is determined whether the detailed information key has been operated. If it is determined in step S21 that the detailed information key has been operated, the process proceeds to step S22. In step S22, the display control unit 103 displays the program detailed information superimposed screen 141D generated by the screen generation unit 105 on the display unit 106 (display screen). Details of the program detailed information superimposed screen 141D will be described later with reference to Figure 9.

[0071] Here, in addition to when the detailed information key is operated (YES in S21), when the up key 211 is operated while the current program guide superimposed screen 141B is displayed (YES in S14), the display switches from the current program guide superimposed screen 141B to the program detailed information superimposed screen 141D (S22).

[0072] When the program details superimposed screen 141D is displayed, it is determined whether the down key 212 of the remote controller 20 has been operated (S23). If it is determined that the down key 212 has been operated (YES in S23), the display switches from the program details superimposed screen 141D to the current program guide superimposed screen 141B (S12).

[0073] Furthermore, if it is determined that the down key 212 has not been operated, the process proceeds to step S24. In step S24, it is determined whether any keys other than the down key 212 have been operated. If it is determined that no other keys have been operated (NO in S24), the process returns to step S23, and steps S23 through S24 are repeated. If it is determined that any other keys have been operated (YES in S24), the display control device 10 performs an action corresponding to the other key (S16).

[0074] If it is determined in step S21 that the detailed information key has not been operated, the process proceeds to step S25. In step S25, if it is determined that another key has been operated (YES in S25), the display control device 10 performs an action corresponding to the other key (S16). On the other hand, if it is determined that no other key has been operated (NO in S25), the process returns to step S11, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

[0075] The flow of the display control process has been explained above. In this display control process, the display control unit 103 controls the display of the screen in response to the user's operation of the remote controller 20, resulting in seamless screen transitions between the current program guide superimposed screen 141B and the program guide screen 141C, and between the current program guide superimposed screen 141B and the program details superimposed screen 141D.

[0076] Figures 6 to 9 show examples of screen displays resulting from the display control process described above (Figure 5).

[0077] (Example of a currently displayed TV program guide screen) Figure 6 shows an example of the display of the current program guide superimposed screen 141B, which is displayed in step S12 of Figure 5.

[0078] In the current program guide superimposed screen 141B of Figure 6, the current program guide 161 and the filter section 162 are superimposed on the lower area (half screen) of the television program video 151 that is displayed across the entire screen of the display unit 106.

[0079] In the example in Figure 6, the current program guide 161 displays information about multiple programs arranged horizontally, representing information about programs on other channels (comparable programming). Here, the information about each program includes, for example, a thumbnail image and information such as title and time. The information about each program is selected by operating the left key 213 or right key 214 of the remote controller 20, and in the example in Figure 6, the fourth piece of information from the left is shown as selected.

[0080] Furthermore, the filter field 162 includes filters such as Favorites, Drama, Movie, and Music. In the example in Figure 6, Favorites is selected from among several filters. Note that the filters shown here are just examples; for example, sports, soccer, team names, etc., could also be included. Alternatively, various types of information could be included in the filters, such as what the user watched last week or what a specific person (for example, a celebrity) watched.

[0081] Furthermore, the current program guide 161 may display information corresponding to the selected filter, in addition to information about programs on other channels. For example, in the example in Figure 6, since "Favorites" is selected in the filter field 162, information about programs that the user has registered as favorites can also be displayed in the current program guide 161.

[0082] The current program guide superimposed screen 141B (Figure 6) is displayed when the current program guide key is pressed (YES at S11 in Figure 5), when the up key 211 is pressed when the program guide screen 141C (Figure 7) is displayed (YES at S19 in Figure 5), or when the down key 212 is pressed when the program details superimposed screen 141D (Figure 9) is displayed (YES at S23 in Figure 5).

[0083] Furthermore, when the program guide overlay screen 141B (Figure 6) is currently displayed, if the down key 212 is pressed (YES in S13 of Figure 5), the program guide screen 141C (Figure 7) is displayed, and if the up key 211 is pressed (YES in S14 of Figure 5), the program details overlay screen 141D (Figure 9) is displayed.

[0084] (Example of a TV program guide screen) Figure 7 shows an example of the program guide screen 141C displayed in step S18 of Figure 5.

[0085] In the program guide screen 141C of Figure 7, the program guide 171 is displayed across the entire display screen of the display unit 106 (full screen), and the filter field 162 and the sub-screen television program video 151 (reduced image) are displayed in the area above it.

[0086] In the example shown in Figure 7, the program guide 171 displays information summarizing the broadcast schedule of television programs in a table format, categorized by channel (broadcasting station) and broadcast time. Here, information about each program includes, for example, the title. Information about each program is selected by operating the four directional keys on the cross-shaped button 202 of the remote controller 20. Here, for example, if information about a desired program is selected and a predetermined operation is performed, detailed information about that program is displayed (Figure 8).

[0087] Furthermore, the filter field 162 in the example in Figure 7 corresponds to the filter field 162 on the current program guide overlay screen 141B (Figure 6), and includes filters such as Favorites, Drama, Movie, and Music. In the example in Figure 7, Favorites is selected from among the multiple filters. By using this filter, it is possible to narrow down the desired TV programs in the program guide 171.

[0088] In the example in Figure 7, the television program video 151 is displayed in a sub-window in the upper left area. This sub-window display corresponds to the television program video 151 that is currently displayed in full screen on the program guide overlay screen 141B (Figure 6).

[0089] The program guide screen 141C (Figure 7) is displayed when the program guide key is operated (YES at S17 in Figure 5), or when the down key 212 is operated while the current program guide overlay screen 141B (Figure 6) is displayed (YES at S13 in Figure 5). Also, when the up key 211 is operated on the program guide screen 141C (Figure 7) (YES at S19 in Figure 5), the current program guide overlay screen 141B (Figure 6) is displayed.

[0090] (Example of a program details screen) Figure 9 shows an example of the display of the program details superimposed screen 141D, which is displayed in step S22 of Figure 5.

[0091] In the program details superimposed screen 141D of Figure 9, the program details 181 are superimposed on the current program guide 161, which is superimposed on the lower area of ​​the television program video 151 that is displayed across the entire screen of the display unit 106.

[0092] In the example in Figure 9, the program details 181 include information about a program selected from the current program guide 161 on the current program guide superimposed screen 141B, such as a thumbnail image, title, and a summary of the program content.

[0093] The program details overlay screen 141D (Figure 9) is displayed when the details key is operated (YES at S21 in Figure 5), or when the up key 211 is operated while the current program guide overlay screen 141B (Figure 6) is displayed (YES at S14 in Figure 5). Also, when the down key 212 is operated on the program details overlay screen 141D (Figure 9) (YES at S23 in Figure 5), the current program guide overlay screen 141B (Figure 6) is displayed.

[0094] As described above, in order to make the transition between the current program guide overlay screen 141B (Figure 6) and the program guide screen 141C (Figure 7) or the program details overlay screen 141D (Figure 9) appear seamless, the filter field 162 is shared between the current program guide overlay screen 141B (Figure 6) and the program guide screen 141C (Figure 7).

[0095] Furthermore, in the current program guide superimposed screen 141B (Figure 6) and program details superimposed screen 141D (Figure 9), the TV program video 151 is displayed across the entire screen, while in the program guide screen 141C (Figure 7), the TV program video 151 is displayed in a sub-window, sharing the TV program video 151 to create a seamless transition between the three screens.

[0096] Furthermore, the information granularity and overview of the three screens change sequentially and continuously between the program guide screen 141C (Figure 7), the current program guide overlay screen 141B (Figure 6), and the program details overlay screen 141D (Figure 9), making the transition between the three screens appear seamless.

[0097] As a result, the user can perceive the three different screens (menu screens)—the program guide overlay screen 141B (Figure 6), the program guide screen 141C (Figure 7), and the program details overlay screen 141D (Figure 9)—as a single connected screen (menu screen), thus improving usability compared to operating each screen (menu screen) individually. In particular, when the user operates the remote controller 20, they can switch between the three screens simply by using the directional buttons 202 (up key 211, down key 212).

[0098] In conventional television sets, switching between the program guide displayed during TV viewing (current program guide) and the program guide displayed in full screen required operating individual function call keys on the remote controller. This necessitated seamless transitions via cursor movement using the directional buttons, and this technology allows for this requirement to be met with a seamless UI.

[0099] In other words, while users of conventional television sets cannot switch the menu display without looking at the remote controller and finding the function keys, the seamless UI using this technology allows users to switch the menu display and change the information granularity and overview simply by using the directional buttons 202 on the remote controller 20. Therefore, users can easily operate the system without looking at the remote controller 20. Furthermore, because the transitions between menu screens are seamless in the seamless UI using this technology, the likelihood of users getting lost and unsure of the next operation within the menu screen is reduced.

[0100] <2. Second Embodiment>

[0101] In the first embodiment described above, a seamless UI for watching television programs was explained. However, the seamless UI can be applied not only when watching television programs, but also when playing content such as programs distributed via the internet, recorded programs, or programs recorded on recording media.

[0102] In other words, in the display control device 10, the signal input unit 101 receives not only broadcast content such as television programs, but also, for example, communication content (network content) distributed by content distribution sites, recorded content recorded by recording devices, and recorded content recorded on recording media such as semiconductor memory. When playing back these contents and displaying them on the display unit 106, a seamless UI can also be applied.

[0103] Furthermore, in the seamless UI for online content playback, the current program guide overlay screen 141B and the current program guide 161, as shown in Figures 3 and 6, are displayed, along with the recommended content overlay screen and the recommended content table, respectively. The recommended content table displays content selected by the content distribution site in a single row, and the recommended content overlay screen displays a filter field along with the recommended content table. The recommended content table may also be tailored to the user's history and preferences. In addition, compared to the program guide screen 141C shown in Figures 3 and 7, the content list, filter field 162, and TV program video 151 (sub-screen) are displayed, along with the content playback video (sub-screen), respectively.

[0104] (Other examples of seamless UI) Figure 10 shows an example of a seamless UI for playback and viewing of recorded content.

[0105] Figure 10 shows examples of screen transitions and displayed content when the user performs operations OP21 to OP27 as operations of the remote controller 20, while the display screen of the display unit 106 in the display control device 10 is displaying the content playback screen 142A, the information / playback operation panel superimposed screen 142B, the content list screen 142C, or the content details superimposed screen 142D.

[0106] Here, when the content playback screen 142A, which displays the content playback video 152, is displayed, if any key is operated as operation OP21, for example by a user holding the remote controller 20, the information / playback operation panel superimposed screen 142B is displayed.

[0107] In this information / playback control panel superimposed screen 142B, the information / playback control panel 163 is superimposed on the lower area of ​​the content playback video 152 displayed across the entire screen of the display unit 106. The information / playback control panel 163 is an area where buttons corresponding to functions such as play, stop, fast forward, and rewind are displayed.

[0108] Here, when the information / playback operation panel superimposed screen 142B is displayed, if, for example, the user operates the down key 212 of the remote controller 20 as operation OP24, the content list screen 142C is displayed.

[0109] In this content list screen 142C, the content list 176 is displayed across the entire screen of the display unit 106, and the filter area 177 is displayed in the area above it. In addition, in the content list screen 142C, the content playback video 152 is displayed as a sub-window in the upper right area.

[0110] The content list 176 is an area that displays information about recorded or stored content in a predetermined display format. The filter area 177 is an area that contains information about filters.

[0111] Here, when the content list screen 142C is displayed, if, for example, the user operates the up key 211 of the remote controller 20 as operation OP25, the information / playback operation panel superimposed screen 142B is displayed.

[0112] Thus, when the information / playback control panel superimposed screen 142B is displayed, if the down key 212 is operated (operation OP24), the system transitions from the information / playback control panel superimposed screen 142B to the content list screen 142C. Conversely, when the content list screen 142C is displayed, if the up key 211 is operated (operation OP25), the system transitions from the content list screen 142C to the information / playback control panel superimposed screen 142B. In other words, by operating the up key 211 and down key 212 of the directional buttons 202 on the remote controller 20, the system can switch between the information / playback control panel superimposed screen 142B and the content list screen 142C.

[0113] Furthermore, when the content playback screen 142A is displayed, if the user operates, for example, a recording list key assigned to the button group 201 of the remote controller 20 as operation OP22, the content list screen 142C will be displayed directly.

[0114] On the other hand, when the information / playback operation panel superimposed screen 142B is displayed, if, for example, the user operates the up key 211 of the remote controller 20 as operation OP26, the content details superimposed screen 142D is displayed.

[0115] In this content details superimposed screen 142D, the content details 182 is superimposed on the information / playback operation panel 163 which is superimposed on the content playback video 152 on the display screen of the display unit 106.

[0116] Content details 182 provide detailed information about the content currently playing.

[0117] Here, when the content details superimposed screen 142D is displayed, if, for example, the user operates the down key 212 of the remote controller 20 as operation OP27, the information / playback operation panel superimposed screen 142B is displayed.

[0118] Thus, when the Information / Playback Control Panel overlay screen 142B is displayed, if the Up key 211 is operated (operation OP26), the screen transitions from the Information / Playback Control Panel overlay screen 142B to the Content Details overlay screen 142D. Conversely, when the Content Details overlay screen 142D is displayed, if the Down key 212 is operated (operation OP27), the screen transitions from the Content Details overlay screen 142D to the Information / Playback Control Panel overlay screen 142B.

[0119] Furthermore, when the content playback screen 142A is displayed, if the user operates a detailed information key, for example, one of the buttons 201 on the remote controller 20, as operation OP23, the content detailed information superimposed screen 142D will be displayed directly.

[0120] Here, the information granularity and overview of the information / playback operation panel 163 in the information / playback operation panel superimposed screen 142B, the content list 176 in the content list screen 142C, and the content details 182 in the content details superimposed screen 142D can be summarized as shown in Figure 11, for example.

[0121] In other words, in Figure 11, the finest information granularity is found in the information in Content Details 182 (detailed information), followed by the information in the Information / Playback Operation Panel 163 (somewhat detailed information), and the coarsest information is found in the Content List 176 (coarse information). In terms of overview, the highest is found in the information in the Content List 176 (full screen), followed by the information in the Information / Playback Operation Panel 163 (single column), and the lowest is found in the information in Content Details 182 (one item).

[0122] Thus, in a seamless UI using this technology, when the user operates the up key 211 or down key 212 of the directional buttons 202 and seamlessly moves between the information / playback control panel superimposed screen 142B and the content list screen 142C or the content details superimposed screen 142D, the information granularity and overview of each screen change sequentially and continuously. Furthermore, in a seamless UI using this technology, content playback video 152 and the like are shared between each screen in order to display (or create) a seamless presentation of the states of these three screens.

[0123] Furthermore, since the seamless UI used when playing such content is the same as the seamless UI used when watching television programs, as mentioned above, the user experience can be standardized regardless of how the user views the content (viewing type).

[0124] For example, Figure 12 shows an example of the display of the content list screen 142C, which is part of the seamless UI during content playback. In the content list screen 142C of Figure 12, compared to the program guide screen 141C of Figure 7, the content list 176, filter field 177, and content playback video 152 (sub-screen) are displayed, corresponding to the program guide 171, filter field 162, and TV program video 151 (sub-screen).

[0125] Figure 13 shows an overview of the seamless UI. As shown in Figure 13, for example, when there are viewing types such as television broadcasting (including set-top box (STB) input), recording (including USB, HDD, DTCP-IP (Digital Transmission Content Protection)), USB, DLNA (registered trademark) (Digital Living Network Alliance), seamless screen transitions within each viewing type provide users with a predictable and reliable user experience. Furthermore, by standardizing the operability and screen design for each viewing type, users can be provided with a reliable user experience that requires less learning.

[0126] <3. Variant>

[0127] In the above description, the display control device 10 was described as a television receiver, but it is not limited to that, and may be an electronic device such as a display device, personal computer, tablet terminal, smartphone, mobile phone, head-mounted display, or game console.

[0128] Furthermore, although the above description explained that the display control device 10 is a television receiver including a display unit 106 such as a liquid crystal display unit or an OLED display unit, the display control device to which this technology is applied may have a configuration that does not include a display unit.

[0129] (Display system configuration) Figure 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of one embodiment of a display system to which this technology is applied.

[0130] The display system shown in Figure 14 comprises a display control device 30 and a display device 40. The display control device 30 is, for example, an electronic device such as a set-top box, a recording device, or a playback device (player). The display device 40 is, for example, an electronic device such as a display device, a television receiver, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer. The display control device 30 and the display device 40 are connected by cables or the like via an interface conforming to a predetermined standard.

[0131] In Figure 14, the display control device 30 is configured to include a signal input unit 301, a signal processing unit 302, a display control unit 303, an operation reception unit 304, and a screen generation unit 305. Also in Figure 14, the display device 40 is configured to include a display unit 401.

[0132] The signal input unit 301 to the screen generation unit 305 and the display unit 401 in Figure 14 are configured in the same way as the signal input unit 101 to the screen generation unit 105 and the display unit 106 in Figure 1. That is, in the display system of Figure 14, the images and various screens displayed on the display screen of the display unit 401 on the display device 40 side are controlled by the display control device 30 on the display control device 30 side.

[0133] In Figure 14, the display control device 30 and the display device 40 are described as being connected via a predetermined interface such as a cable. However, the connection is not limited to wired connections; for example, video signals may be exchanged according to a communication method conforming to a predetermined standard. Furthermore, a system refers to a collection of multiple components (devices, modules (parts), etc.), and it is not necessary to specify whether all components are located in the same enclosure.

[0134] Furthermore, while the above description assumes that the display control device 10 and the display control device 30 are operated by the user using the remote controller 20, the system is not limited to this. For example, voice control or gesture control may be performed in response to the user's speech or gestures. Also, the display control device 10 (or display control device 30) and the remote controller 20 may communicate using methods other than short-range wireless communication or infrared communication. The communication method here is not limited to wireless communication; it may also be wired communication.

[0135] <4. Computer Configuration>

[0136] The series of processes described above (the display control processes shown in Figure 5) can be executed by hardware or by software. When the series of processes are executed by software, the programs that make up the software are installed on the computer of each device. Figure 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that executes the series of processes described above by program.

[0137] In computer 1000, the CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1001, ROM (Read Only Memory) 1002, and RAM (Random Access Memory) 1003 are interconnected by a bus 1004. An input / output interface 1005 is further connected to the bus 1004. An input / output interface 1005 is connected to an input unit 1006, an output unit 1007, a recording unit 1008, a communication unit 1009, and a drive 1010.

[0138] The input unit 1006 consists of a microphone, keyboard, mouse, etc. The output unit 1007 consists of a speaker, display, etc. The recording unit 1008 consists of a hard disk, non-volatile memory, etc. The communication unit 1009 consists of a network interface, etc. The drive 1010 drives a removable recording medium 1011 such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or semiconductor memory.

[0139] In the computer 1000 configured as described above, the CPU 1001 loads the programs stored in the ROM 1002 and the recording unit 1008 into the RAM 1003 via the input / output interface 1005 and the bus 1004, and executes them, thereby performing the series of processes described above.

[0140] The program executed by computer 1000 (CPU 1001) can be provided by recording it on a removable recording medium 1011, such as a packaged media. The program can also be provided via wired or wireless transmission media, such as a local area network, the internet, or digital satellite broadcasting.

[0141] In computer 1000, programs can be installed in the recording unit 1008 via the input / output interface 1005 by inserting the removable recording medium 1011 into the drive 1010. Alternatively, programs can be received by the communication unit 1009 via a wired or wireless transmission medium and installed in the recording unit 1008. Furthermore, programs can be pre-installed in the ROM 1002 or the recording unit 1008.

[0142] In this specification, the processes performed by a computer according to a program do not necessarily have to be performed chronologically in the order described in the flowchart. That is, the processes performed by a computer according to a program include processes that are executed in parallel or individually (e.g., parallel processing or object-based processing). Furthermore, the program may be processed by one computer (processor) or it may be processed in a distributed manner by multiple computers.

[0143] Furthermore, each step described in the flowchart above can be performed by a single device, or it can be divided and performed by multiple devices. In addition, if a single step includes multiple processes, those processes can be performed by a single device, or they can be divided and performed by multiple devices.

[0144] It should be noted that the embodiments of this technology are not limited to those described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of this technology. For example, this technology can be configured as cloud computing, in which a single function is shared and processed collaboratively by multiple devices via a network.

[0145] Furthermore, this technology can be configured as follows:

[0146] (1) In the first area of ​​the display screen, filter information related to the filter and first information related to the content are displayed. When the user performs the first operation, the filter information and the second information relating to the content are displayed in a second area larger than the first area on the display screen. It includes a display control unit that performs control. Display control device. (2) The first information includes information about content corresponding to the filter, The second information includes information about content corresponding to the filter. The display control device described in (1) above. (3) The display control unit, The first information is displayed in the upper region of the first region, and the filter information is displayed in the lower region. When the operation corresponding to the downward direction is performed as the first operation, the display switches from the filter information and the first information displayed in the first area to the filter information and the second information displayed in the second area. The display control device described in (1) or (2) above. (4) The display control unit displays the filter information and the first information superimposed on the first region corresponding to a part of the video content displayed on the display screen. The display control device described in (3) above. (5) The display control unit displays a reduced-size image of the content in the second area, along with the filter information and the second information. The display control device described in (3) above. (6) The second piece of information is coarser in granularity compared to the first piece of information. A display control device according to any one of (1) to (5) above. (7) The second piece of information is easier to understand at a glance compared to the first piece of information. A display control device according to any one of (1) to (6) above. (8) The display control unit, The filter information is displayed in the upper region of the second region, and the second information is displayed in the lower region. If the user performs an operation corresponding to an upward direction as a second operation different from the first operation, the display will be switched from the filter information and second information displayed in the second area to the filter information and first information displayed in the first area. The display control device described in (3) above. (9) When the user performs a second operation different from the first operation, the display control unit displays third information relating to the content corresponding to the first information in a third area different from the first and second areas. A display control device according to any one of (1) to (8) above. (10) When an operation corresponding to the upward direction is performed as the second operation, the display control unit superimposes the third information displayed in the third area onto at least a portion of the first information displayed in the first area. The display control device described in (9) above. (11) The third piece of information is finer in granularity compared to the first and second pieces of information. The display control device described in (9) or (10) above. (12) The third piece of information is less easily understood at a glance compared to the first and second pieces of information. The display control device according to any one of (9) to (11) above. (13) When the first operation is performed in the downward direction, the display control unit switches the display from the third information displayed in the third area to the filter information and the first information displayed in the first area. The display control device described in (10) above. (14) The first region is the lower region, which is approximately half the entire area of ​​the display screen. The second region is the region corresponding to the entire area of ​​the display screen, The display control unit displays the filter information displayed in the first area and the filter information displayed in the second area at a position that indicates that the first information displayed in the first area and the second information displayed in the second area are related. A display control device according to any one of (1) to (13) above. (15) The first information includes information about content corresponding to a selection filter chosen from among a plurality of filters, The second information includes information about content corresponding to the selection filter. A display control device according to any one of (1) to (14) above. (16) The third piece of information includes information about selected content chosen from among multiple pieces of content corresponding to the first piece of information. The display control device according to any one of (9) to (13) above. (17) The first and second operations are operations performed on the directional buttons provided on the remote controller. The display control device according to any one of (8) to (10) and (13) above. (18) The aforementioned content includes broadcast content, It is configured as a television receiver further comprising a display unit having the aforementioned display screen. A display control device according to any one of (1) to (17) above. (19) The display control device, In the first area of ​​the display screen, filter information related to the filter and first information related to the content are displayed. When the user performs the first operation, the filter information and the second information relating to the content are displayed in a second area larger than the first area on the display screen. Display control method. (20) Computers, In the first area of ​​the display screen, filter information related to the filter and first information related to the content are displayed. When the user performs the first operation, the filter information and the second information relating to the content are displayed in a second area larger than the first area on the display screen. A program to function as a display control unit that performs control operations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0147] 10 Display control device, 20 Remote controller, 30 Display control device, 40 Display device, 101 Signal input unit, 102 Signal processing unit, 103 Display control unit, 104 Operation reception unit, 105 Screen generation unit, 106 Display unit, 301 Signal input unit, 302 Signal processing unit, 303 Display control unit, 304 Operation reception unit, 305 Screen generation unit, 401 Display unit, 1000 Computer, 1001 CPU

Claims

1. The first screen, which includes the television program video on the entire screen of the display unit, The display unit displays the television program video on its entire screen, and a second screen including a first program guide superimposed on the television program video. The third screen, including the second program guide, is displayed on the entire screen of the aforementioned display unit. The size of the television program video included in the third screen is displayed to be smaller than the size of the television program video on the first screen. The display unit displays the television program video on its entire screen, and a fourth screen including program details superimposed on the television program video. A transition is performed from the first screen to the second screen, the third screen, or the fourth screen. If there is no selectable object in the direction corresponding to the operation on the current screen, a transition between the second screen and the third screen, or between the second screen and the fourth screen, is performed in response to the operation of the directional keys provided on the remote controller. The second and third screens include filter information for narrowing down desired content, and the filter information is positioned such that, on the second screen, it is located on the side of the first program guide relative to the first program guide, and on the third screen, it is located on the side of the second program guide relative to the second program guide, opposite to the first direction, thereby indicating that the transition between the second and third screens occurs continuously. Display control device.

2. When an operation corresponding to the first direction, which is downward, is performed, the display is switched from the second screen to the third screen. The display control device according to claim 1.

3. When displaying the second screen, the filter information and the first program guide are superimposed on the television program video. The display control device according to claim 1.

4. The second program guide includes information on channels and broadcast times. The display control device according to claim 1.

5. The second program guide includes information about programs broadcast at the same time on different channels. The display control device according to claim 1.

6. It is configured as a television receiver equipped with the aforementioned display unit. The display control device according to claim 1.

7. The aforementioned filter information includes at least filter information corresponding to registered favorites. The display control device according to claim 3.

8. It is configured as a display device comprising the display unit and the remote controller. The display control device according to claim 1.

9. The display control device, The first screen, which includes the television program video on the entire screen of the display unit, The display unit displays the television program video on its entire screen, and a second screen including a first program guide superimposed on the television program video. The third screen, including the second program guide, is displayed on the entire screen of the aforementioned display unit. The size of the television program video included in the third screen is displayed to be smaller than the size of the television program video on the first screen. The display unit displays the television program video on its entire screen, and a fourth screen including program details superimposed on the television program video. A transition is performed from the first screen to the second screen, the third screen, or the fourth screen. If there is no selectable object in the direction corresponding to the operation on the current screen, a transition between the second screen and the third screen, or between the second screen and the fourth screen, is performed in response to the operation of the directional keys provided on the remote controller. The second and third screens include filter information for narrowing down desired content, and the filter information is positioned such that, on the second screen, it is located on the side of the first program guide relative to the first program guide, and on the third screen, it is located on the side of the second program guide relative to the second program guide, opposite to the first direction, thereby indicating that the transition between the second and third screens occurs continuously. Display control method.

10. When an operation corresponding to the first direction, which is downward, is performed, the display is switched from the second screen to the third screen. The display control method according to claim 9.

11. When displaying the second screen, the filter information and the first program guide are superimposed on the television program video. The display control method according to claim 9.

12. The second program guide includes information on channels and broadcast times. The display control method according to claim 9.

13. The second program guide includes information about programs broadcast at the same time on different channels. The display control method according to claim 9.

14. The aforementioned filter information includes at least filter information corresponding to registered favorites. The display control method according to claim 11.

15. Computers, The first screen, which includes the television program video on the entire screen of the display unit, The display unit displays the television program video on its entire screen, and a second screen including a first program guide superimposed on the television program video. The third screen, including the second program guide, is displayed on the entire screen of the aforementioned display unit. The size of the television program video included in the third screen is displayed to be smaller than the size of the television program video on the first screen. The display unit displays the television program video on its entire screen, and a fourth screen including program details superimposed on the television program video. A transition is performed from the first screen to the second screen, the third screen, or the fourth screen. If there is no selectable object in the direction corresponding to the operation on the current screen, a transition between the second screen and the third screen, or between the second screen and the fourth screen, is performed in response to the operation of the directional keys provided on the remote controller. The second and third screens include filter information for narrowing down desired content, and the filter information is positioned such that, on the second screen, it is located on the side of the first program guide relative to the first program guide, and on the third screen, it is located on the side of the second program guide relative to the second program guide, opposite to the first direction, thereby indicating that the transition between the second and third screens occurs continuously. A program to enable the display control device to function.

Images