Video signal switching device and video signal switching method

Abstract

The present invention includes a signal count acquisition unit (501) and a switching unit (502). The signal count acquisition unit (501) acquires the number of video signals inputted to a plurality of video terminals of an electronic device provided therewith, each video terminal capable of accepting an externally supplied video signal as input. The switching unit (502) performs switching on the basis of the acquired number of video signals and a threshold value, such that when the acquired number of video signals exceeds the threshold value, the switching unit switches to the video signal from the video terminal corresponding to an operable element given operating input from among operable elements respectively assigned to the plurality of video terminals to which the video signals are inputted, whereas when the acquired number of video signals is the threshold value or less, the switching unit switches video signals every time operating input is given to one operable element assigned as the operable element that can accept operations for switching the video signals.

Description

Video signal switching device and video signal switching method

[0001] The present invention relates to a video signal switching device and a video signal switching method.

[0002] A display device having multiple video terminals is provided with a video signal switching device that allows the user to arbitrarily switch the video terminal that accepts the input of a video signal. Such video signal switching devices can be broadly classified into the following two types.

[0003] (1) A method in which keys or buttons corresponding to the video terminals are provided, and the user selects the video terminal by directly operating the key or button of the desired option on the remote control or main unit. (2) A method in which the video terminals are switched in sequence each time a key or button is pressed.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 1 proposes a system that determines whether or not a corresponding video signal is currently being input to each of a plurality of video terminals, and based on the determination result, displays only the information of the video terminal that is currently being input as selection candidate information, thereby enabling faster switching to the desired video terminal.

[0005] JP 2011-40958 A

[0006] In the method of providing keys or buttons corresponding to the video terminals, it is necessary to provide as many keys or buttons as there are video terminals, which requires a large amount of space for the keys and buttons. Also, in the method of switching video signals in sequence each time a key or button is pressed, as the number of video terminals increases, it becomes necessary to press the key or button multiple times to switch to the desired video terminal. Therefore, it takes a long time to switch to the desired video terminal.

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a video signal switching device and a video signal switching method that allow a desired video terminal to be easily selected from a plurality of video terminals.

[0008] A video signal switching device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a signal number acquisition unit that acquires the number of video signals input to the video terminals of an electronic device that has a plurality of video terminals to which externally supplied video signals can be input, and a switching unit that, based on the number of acquired video signals and a threshold value, switches to a video signal from a video terminal corresponding to an operator that has been operated and input, among operators assigned to the plurality of video terminals to which the video signals are input, when the number of acquired video signals exceeds the threshold value, and switches the video signal each time an operation input is made to one operator that is assigned as an operator that can accept a video signal switching operation when the number of acquired video signals is equal to or less than the threshold value.

[0009] A video signal switching method according to one aspect of the present invention includes the steps of: acquiring the number of video signals input to a plurality of video terminals of an electronic device that has the plurality of video terminals to which externally supplied video signals can be input; and, based on the number of acquired video signals and a threshold value, switching to a video signal from a video terminal corresponding to an operator that has been operated and input, among operators assigned to the plurality of video terminals to which the video signals are input, when the number of acquired video signals exceeds the threshold value; and, when the number of acquired video signals is equal to or less than the threshold value, switching the video signal each time an operation input is made to one operator that is assigned as an operator that can accept a video signal switching operation.

[0010] According to the present invention, if the number of video signals is equal to or less than a threshold value, the video signals can be switched by operating one operator, and if the number of video signals exceeds the threshold value, the video signals can be switched by operating one of the multiple operators corresponding to the input terminal, thereby making it easy to select a desired video terminal from among the multiple video terminals.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the front of a display device to which a video signal switching device according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a display device to which a video signal switching device according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a display device to which a video signal switching device according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a process when switching a video input in a display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a process when switching a video input in a display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a process when switching a video input in a display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a process when switching a video input in a display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a process when switching a video input in a display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The following describes embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. First Embodiment Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the front of a display device 1 to which a video signal switching device according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

[0013] As shown in Fig. 1, a video display unit 10 is disposed on the front surface of the display device 1 via a bezel 11. A liquid crystal display, for example, is used as the video display unit 10. The video display unit 10 may be a display element other than a liquid crystal type, such as an organic electroluminescent display element, an inorganic electroluminescent display element, a PALC (Plasma Address Liquid Crystal), a PDP (Plasma Display Panel), or an FED (Field Emission Display). The video display unit 10 may also be a projector.

[0014] A plurality of operators 20, 21, 22-1 to 22-4 are arranged below the periphery of the video display unit 10. The functions of the operators 20, 21, 22-1 to 22-4 are indicated by OSD (On-Screen Display) images E20, E21, E22-1 to E22-4 below the video display unit 10, corresponding to the positions of the operators 20, 21, 22-1 to 22-4. Mechanical switches or electrostatic switches can be used as the operators 20, 21, 22-1 to 22-4. For example, an OSD image E20 is arranged in a position on the video display unit 10 above and near the operator 20, and the operator 20 and the OSD image E20 correspond to each other. For example, for operator 22-1, an OSD image E22-1 is arranged in a position above and near operator 22-1 on video display unit 10, and operator 22-1 and OSD image E22-1 correspond to each other. For example, for operator 22-3, an OSD image E22-3 is arranged in a position above and near operator 22-3 on video display unit 10, and operator 22-3 and OSD image E22-3 correspond to each other.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the rear surface of a display device 1 to which the video signal switching device according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of video terminals 30-1, 30-2, and 30-3 are arranged on the rear surface of the display device 1. The video terminals 30-1, 30-2, and 30-3 can input externally supplied video signals. The video terminal 30-1 is, for example, a USB-C (Universal Serial Bus Type C) terminal, the video terminal 30-2 is, for example, a DP (DisplayPort) terminal, and the video terminal 30-3 is, for example, an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) terminal (HDMI is a registered trademark). Note that although three video terminals 30-1 to 30-3 are illustrated here, the number of video terminals is not limited to this. Furthermore, the video terminals 30-1, 30-2, and 30-3 may also include other types of terminals, such as a DVI (Digital Visual Interface) terminal or a VGA (Video Graphics Array) terminal.

[0017] 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a display device 1 to which the video signal switching device according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied. As shown in FIG. 3, the display device 1 includes a video display unit 10, video input units 101a to 101c, an input selection unit 102, a signal detection unit 103, a video processing unit 104, a control unit 105, an OSD display control unit 106, a light receiving unit 107, and a switch unit 120. Operators 20, 21, and 22-1 to 22-4 are arranged in the switch unit 120. The display device 1 also includes video terminals 30-1 to 30-3.

[0018] External electronic devices (for example, personal computers (PCs)) are connected to the video terminals 30-1 to 30-3. Video signals from the video terminals 30-1 to 30-3 are supplied to an input selection unit 102 and a signal detection unit 103 via video input units 101-1 to 101-3.

[0019] Based on the video selection signal output by the control unit 105 , the input selection unit 102 selects one video signal from the video signals input to the video terminals 30 - 1 to 30 - 3 , and supplies the selected video signal to the video processing unit 104 .

[0020] The signal detection unit 103 detects the presence or absence of video input from the video terminals 30 - 1 to 30 - 3 , and outputs the result to the control unit 105 .

[0021] The video processing unit 104 performs predetermined signal processing on the video signal output by the input selection unit 102 and causes the video display unit 10 to display the processed video signal.

[0022] The control unit 105 is made up of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, and performs various processes based on programs. In this embodiment, the control unit 105 switches the functions of the controls 20, 21, and 22-1 to 22-4 when selecting a video input, depending on the number of video terminals from which video input has been received among the video terminals 30-1 to 30-3, and displays the functions on the screen using OSD images E20, E21, and E22-1 to E22-4.

[0023] More specifically, the control unit 105 realizes the functions of a signal number acquisition unit 1051 that acquires the number of video signals input to video terminals 30-1 to 30-3 that can input video signals supplied from the outside, and a switching unit 1052 that switches the function of each of the operators 20, 21, 22-1 to 22-4 in accordance with the acquired number of video signals.

[0024] That is, control unit 105 acquires the number of video signals input from the outside to video terminals 30-1 to 30-3 from the detection signal of signal detection unit 103. If the acquired number of video signals is equal to or less than threshold value K, control unit 105 assigns functions to operators 20, 21, 22-1 to 22-4 based on an operation input to one of the operators (e.g., operator 20) that is assigned as an operator capable of accepting an operation to switch video signals, so that the video input is switched in sequence each time the operation input is made to that one operator (hereinafter referred to as toggle operation mode). Then, in response to this, control unit 105 displays the functions of operators 20, 21, 22-1 to 22-4 as OSD images E20, E21, E22-1 to E22-4.

[0025] Furthermore, when the number of acquired video signals is equal to or greater than a threshold value (K+1), the control unit 105 assigns the controls 20, 21, and 22-1 to 22-4 to the video terminals 30-1 to 30-3 in correspondence with each other, and sets a function so that operating an assigned control (e.g., control unit 22-1 to 22-3) switches the corresponding video terminal (e.g., video terminals 30-1 to 30-3) (hereinafter referred to as an all-display selection operation mode). In response to this, the control unit 105 displays the functions of the controls 20, 21, and 22-1 to 22-4 in the OSD images E20, E21, and E22-1 to E22-4. Here, when the number of acquired video signals is equal to or less than a threshold value K, one control (e.g., control unit 20) is assigned as a control capable of accepting a video signal switching operation. This one operator is assigned from among operators (e.g., operator 20, operator 22-4) different from operators (e.g., operators 22-1 to 22-3) that are assigned as operators capable of accepting a video signal switching operation when the number of acquired video signals is equal to or greater than a threshold value (K+1). In this embodiment, when assigning one operator, a case where the operator is assigned to operator 20 will be described, but it may also be assigned to operator 22-4.

[0026] Note that control unit 105 does not perform switching even when an operation input is performed when the number of detected video signals is equal to or less than the threshold value and the number of acquired video signals is 1. This not performing switching may mean accepting an operation input but not performing switching, or may mean not accepting an operation input from operators 20, 21, and 22-1 to 22-4 and not performing switching.

[0027] Based on the control signal from the control unit 105, the OSD display control unit 106 generates an OSD display signal, superimposes it on the video signal from the video processing unit 104, and displays it on the video display unit 10. In this embodiment, based on the control signal from the control unit 105, the OSD display control unit 106 generates OSD images E20, E21, and E22-1 to E22-4 corresponding to the controls 20, 21, and 22-1 to 22-4.

[0028] The light receiving unit 107 receives an infrared signal from a remote control (not shown) and transmits it to the control unit 105 .

[0029] As described above, the switch section 120 has the operators 20, 21, and 22-1 to 22-4 arranged therein.

[0030] Next, a process for switching video inputs on the display device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following example, the threshold value K is set to 2. Also, the video terminal 30-1 (USB-C terminal) corresponds to the operator 22-1, the video terminal 30-2 (DP terminal) corresponds to the operator 22-2, and the video terminal 30-2 (HDMI terminal) corresponds to the operator 22-3.

[0031] 4 to 9 are explanatory diagrams of the process when switching the video input in the display device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 shows a case where there is one video input. In this example, as shown in Fig. 4, a video signal V1 is input to the video terminal 30-1 (USB-C terminal), and no video signal is input to the other video terminals 30-2 (DP terminal) and 30-3 (HDMI terminal).

[0032] When there is one video input, OSD images E21 and E22-1 to E22-3 as shown in FIG. 4 are displayed. Because operator 21 functions as an exit operator, "EXIT" is displayed as OSD image E21. Because operators 22-1 to 22-3 correspond to video terminals 30-1 to 30-3, respectively, OSD images E22-1 to E22-3 display "USB-C (indicating the name of video terminal 30-1)," "DP (indicating the name of video terminal 30-2)," and "HDMI (indicating the name of video terminal 30-3)," respectively. Here, because there is no video input to video terminals 30-2 and 30-3, OSD images E22-2 and E22-3 are grayed out. Because video signal V1 is input only to video terminal 30-1, video terminal 30-1 is the only selectable video terminal. As a result, the background color of the text in OSD image E22-1 is displayed in a predetermined color (e.g., yellow) different from the background colors of the other OSD images, thereby indicating that video terminal 30-1 is selected. When the video input is 1, the video input cannot be switched no matter which control is operated.

[0033] 5 and 6 show a case where there are two video inputs. In this example, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a video signal V1 is input to the video terminal 30-1 (USB-C terminal), and a video signal V3 is input to the video terminal 30-3 (HDMI terminal). No video signal is input to the video terminal 30-2 (DP terminal). In this example, the threshold value K is set to 2, so when there are two video inputs, the number of video signals is equal to or less than the threshold value K. When the number of video signals is equal to or less than the threshold value K, the video inputs are switched in sequence based on the operation input of one operator. In this example, the operator 20 functions as an input selector switch, and the video inputs are switched in sequence each time the operator 20 is operated. In other words, when the number of video signals is equal to or less than the threshold value K, the toggle operation mode is entered.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 5, "USB-C" is displayed as OSD image E20. This indicates that the next video input to be selected is video terminal 30-1 (USB-C terminal). Furthermore, since the control 21 functions as an exit switch, "EXIT" is displayed as OSD image E21.

[0035] Furthermore, because controls 22-1 to 22-3 correspond to video terminals 30-1 to 30-3, respectively, OSD images E22-1 to E22-3 are displayed as "USB-C (indicating video terminal 30-1)," "DP (indicating video terminal 30-2)," and "HDMI (indicating video terminal 30-3)," respectively. Here, since no video is input to video terminal 30-2, OSD image E22-2 is grayed out. Furthermore, if video terminal 30-3 (HDMI terminal) is currently selected, the background color of the text in OSD image E22-3 is displayed in a predetermined color (e.g., yellow) that is different from the background colors of the other OS images.

[0036] Here, when the operator 20 is operated once, the selected video input becomes the video terminal 30-1 (USB-C terminal), and the OSD image is switched to one such as that shown in Fig. 6. As shown in Fig. 6, since the selected video input has switched to the video terminal 30-1 (USB-C terminal), the background color of the text in the OSD image E22-1 is displayed in a predetermined color (e.g., yellow) that is different from the background colors of the other OS images. Furthermore, since the next video input to be selected becomes the video terminal 30-3 (HDMI terminal), "HDMI" is displayed as the OSD image E20.

[0037] In this way, when there are two video inputs, each time the operator 20 is operated, the OSD image alternates between the OSD image shown in Fig. 5 and the OSD image shown in Fig. 6, and the selected video input alternates between the video terminal 30-3 (HDMI terminal) and the video terminal 30-1 (USB-C). For the currently selected video input, the background color of the text in the OSD image is displayed in a predetermined color (e.g., yellow) that is different from the background colors of the other OS images. Furthermore, the name of the video terminal through which the video signal is input or the name of the type of video signal that will be switched to when the next operation input is performed is displayed in the OSD image E20 to notify the user of the video input.

[0038] 7 to 9 show a case where there are three video inputs. In this example, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, a video signal V1 is input to video terminal 30-1 (USB-C terminal), a video signal V2 is input to video terminal 30-2 (DP terminal), and a video signal V3 is input to video terminal 30-3 (HDMI terminal). In this example, the threshold value K is set to 2, so when there are three video inputs, the number of video signals is equal to or greater than the threshold value (K+1). When the number of video signals is equal to or greater than the threshold value (K+1), the controls 22-1 to 22-4 are associated with the video terminals 30-1 to 30-3, respectively, and operating the controls 22-1 to 22-3 switches to the corresponding video terminals 30-1 to 30-3. In other words, when the number of video signals is equal to or greater than the threshold value (K+1), the all-display selection operation mode is activated.

[0039] 7, because operator 21 functions as an exit switch, "EXIT" is displayed as OSD image E21. Furthermore, because operators 22-1 to 22-3 correspond to video terminals 30-1 to 30-3, respectively, "USB-C (indicating video terminal 30-1)," "DP (indicating video terminal 30-2)," and "HDMI (indicating video terminal 30-3)" are displayed as OSD images E22-1 to E22-3, respectively. Furthermore, if video terminal 30-1 (USB-C terminal) is currently selected, the background color of the text in OSD image E22-1 is displayed in a predetermined color (e.g., yellow).

[0040] Here, when the operator 22-2 is operated, the selected video input becomes the video terminal 30-2 (DP terminal) corresponding to the operator 22-2, and the OSD image is switched to one such as that shown in Fig. 8. As shown in Fig. 8, since the selected video input is switched to the video terminal 30-2 (DP terminal), the background color of the text in the OSD image E22-2 is displayed in a predetermined color (for example, yellow).

[0041] Next, when the operator 22-3 is operated, the selected video input becomes the video terminal 30-3 (HDMI terminal) corresponding to the operator 22-3, and the OSD image is switched to the one shown in Fig. 9. As shown in Fig. 9, since the selected video input is switched to the video terminal 30-3 (HDMI terminal), the OSD image E22-3 turns a predetermined color (for example, yellow).

[0042] In this way, in the case where there are three video inputs, operating operator 22-1 switches the video input to the corresponding video terminal 30-1 (USB-C terminal), operating operator 22-2 switches the video input to the corresponding video terminal 30-2 (DP terminal), and operating operator 22-3 switches the video input to the corresponding video terminal 30-3 (HDMI terminal). Furthermore, for the currently selected video input, the background color of the text in the corresponding OSD image is displayed in a predetermined color (for example, yellow).

[0043] As described above, in this embodiment, when the number of video signals is equal to or less than the threshold value K, the toggle operation mode is set, and the video input is switched in sequence each time the operator 20 is operated. When the number of video signals is equal to or greater than the threshold value (K+1), the all-display selection operation mode is set, and when any of the operators 22-1 to 22-3 assigned in association with the video terminals 30-1 to 30-3 is operated, the corresponding video input is switched to.

[0044] Furthermore, in the toggle operation mode, the OSD image E20 displays text indicating which video input will be switched to when the next operation input is performed, thereby providing notification. In contrast, in the all-display-selection operation mode, the OSD image E20 does not display text indicating which video input will be switched to next, thereby rendering the OSD image E20 in a non-notification state. This allows the user to determine whether the toggle operation mode or the all-display-selection operation mode is set from the OSD image E20 of the operator 20, which serves as the input selector switch. For example, if some notification is displayed in the OSD image E20, the user can determine that the toggle operation mode is selected (see FIGS. 5 and 6 ), and if no notification is displayed, the user can determine that the all-display-selection operation mode is selected (see FIGS. 7 to 9 ).

[0045] 10 is a flowchart showing the process according to the first embodiment of the present invention. (Step S101) The control unit 105 acquires the detection result of the video signals from the video terminals 30-1 to 30-3 from the detection signal of the signal detection unit 103, and proceeds to step S102.

[0046] (Step S102) Control unit 105 determines whether or not a video signal is present from video terminals 30-1 to 30-3. If no video signal is detected (step S102: No), control unit 105 proceeds to step S103. If a video signal is detected (step S102: Yes), control unit 105 proceeds to step S105.

[0047] (Step S103) The control unit 105 determines whether or not a video signal has been detected after going through all of the video terminals 30-1 to 30-3, and if not (Step S103: No), the process returns to Step S102. If a video signal has not been detected after going through all of the video terminals 30-1 to 30-3 (Step S103: Yes), the control unit 105 proceeds to Step S104.

[0048] (Step S104) After going through all of the video terminals 30-1 to 30-3, if no video signal is detected at any of the video terminals 30-1 to 30-3 (step S103: Yes), the control unit 105 displays only each of the video terminals 30-1 to 30-3 in grayout as an OSD image (OSD images E22-1 to E22-3), and ends the processing.

[0049] (Step S105) Control unit 105 determines whether the number of video terminals from which video signals are detected among video terminals 30-1 to 30-3 is equal to or greater than threshold value K. If the number of video terminals from which video signals are detected among video terminals 30-1 to 30-3 is equal to or less than threshold value K (step S105: Yes), control unit 105 proceeds to step S106, and if the number is not equal to or less than threshold value K (equal to or greater than K+1) (step S105: No), control unit 105 proceeds to step S112.

[0050] (Step S106) Control unit 105 determines whether the number of video terminals from which a video signal has been detected among video terminals 30-1 to 30-3 is 1. If the number of video terminals from which a video signal has been detected is 1 (step S106: Yes), control unit 105 proceeds to step S107, and if the number of video terminals from which a video signal has been detected is not 1 (step S106: No), control unit 105 proceeds to step S109.

[0051] (Step S107) The control unit 105 displays, as OSD images (OSD images E22-1 to E22-3), the video terminals among the video terminals 30-1 to 30-3 from which no video signal is detected in grayout, and displays the background color of the text in the OS image corresponding to the video terminal from which a video signal is detected in a predetermined color (e.g., yellow) different from that of the other OS images, and proceeds to step S108.

[0052] (Step S108) The control unit 105 does not switch the input because there is only one input video signal.

[0053] (Step S109) If the number of video terminals from which a video signal has been detected among video terminals 30-1 to 30-3 in step S106 is not 1 (step S106: No), control unit 105 grays out the video terminals from which a video signal has not been detected among video terminals 30-1 to 30-3 as OSD images (OSD images E22-1 to E22-3), and displays the background color of the text in the OS image corresponding to the currently selected video terminal in a predetermined color (e.g., yellow) different from that of the other OS images. Furthermore, control unit 105 displays the video terminal to be selected next as OSD image E20.

[0054] (Step S110) When switching the video input, the user operates the operation element 20 that functions as an input changeover switch.

[0055] (Step S111): In response to the operation of the operator 20, the control unit 105 switches the video input to the next video terminal.

[0056] (Step S112) In step S105, if the number of video terminals from which video signals are detected among video terminals 30-1 to 30-3 is not equal to or less than threshold value K (is equal to or greater than K+1) (step S105: No), OSD images E22-1 to E22-3 are displayed in association with controls 22-1 to 22-3 that are options for video terminals 30-1 to 30-3. Furthermore, control unit 105 displays the background color of the text in the OS image corresponding to the currently selected video terminal in a color (e.g., yellow) that is different from that of the other OS images.

[0057] (Step S113) To switch the video input, the user operates the operator corresponding to the desired video terminal among the operators 22-1 to 22-3.

[0058] (Step S114): The control unit 105 switches to the video input corresponding to the operated operator among the operators 22-1 to 22-3.

[0059] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 11 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a display device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 11, the same parts as those in the first embodiment described above are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0060] In this embodiment, n (n is an integer) video terminals 30-1 to 30-n are provided. Correspondingly, n video input units 101-1 to 101-n are provided. A signal detection unit 103 detects the presence or absence of video signals from the n video terminals 30-1 to 30-n, and an input selection unit 102 selects a desired video signal from the n video inputs.

[0061] This embodiment also includes a measurement unit 200 that measures the user's usage. The measurement unit 200 measures the time that each video terminal 30-1 to 30-n has been selected as a display target, and calculates the usage frequency based on the length of that time. Here, the longer the time, the higher the usage frequency.

[0062] The measurement unit 200 also measures the number of times each of the video terminals 30-1 to 30-n has been selected as a switching destination, and calculates the frequency of use based on the number of times. Here, the greater the number of times, the higher the frequency of use.

[0063] In addition, the measurement unit 200 may be configured to count the number of times a device has been selected as a switching destination if a certain period of time (e.g., 10 minutes) has passed since the device was switched until the next switching operation input is made.

[0064] The usage status measured by the measurement unit 200 is sent to the control unit 105. Then, the switching unit 1052 of the control unit 105 determines the video input to be preferentially selected by referring to the usage status. For example, in the initial state, a video terminal with a high frequency of video use is set based on the measurement results of the measurement unit 200. Furthermore, in the toggle operation mode, the video input may be switched in descending order of frequency of use. Furthermore, in the all-display selection operation mode, the video terminals corresponding to the controls 22-1 to 22-3 may be arranged in descending order of frequency of use.

[0065] In this embodiment, a threshold setting switch 201, a priority setting switch 202, and a switching order setting switch 203 are also provided.

[0066] The threshold setting switch 201 can be used to set a threshold K for the number of video inputs used to determine whether to set the toggle operation mode or the all-display selection operation mode. For example, a predetermined value may be set for the threshold K at an initial stage, and when the user operates the threshold setting switch 201, the control unit 105 may change the value of the threshold K to a value corresponding to the operation input. This allows the user to change the value of the threshold K to any value. Furthermore, the priority setting switch 202 can be used to set a video terminal that is to be prioritized as a video input. The switching order setting switch 203 can be used to set the order of video inputs that are switched each time a control is operated in the toggle operation mode.

[0067] That is, the switching unit 1052 accepts operational input to register the order in which the video signals are switched using the switching order setting switch 203, and when the number of detected video signals is below a threshold, switches the video signals according to the registered order based on the operation of the operator 20.

[0068] Furthermore, when the number of detected video signals is equal to or less than the threshold value, the switching unit 1052 switches the video signals from the plurality of video terminals 30-1 to 30-n in accordance with the priority order.

[0069] Furthermore, when the number of detected video signals is equal to or less than the threshold value, the switching unit 1052 switches the video signals from the video terminals 30-1 to 30-n in order of the most frequently used video terminal.

[0070] The operation of the threshold setting switch 201, the priority setting switch 202, and the switching order setting switch 203 may be performed using an operator provided on the display device 1, or may be performed using a remote control for inputting operations to the display device 1.

[0071] 12 and 13 are flowcharts showing the processing in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] As shown in Fig. 12, in this embodiment, a setting process (step S202) is performed before an input switching process (step S201). The setting process (step S201) refers to the process of making various settings using the threshold setting switch 201, the priority setting switch 202, and the switching order setting switch 203. As described above, the input switching process (step S202) is the process of switching the video input depending on the number of video terminals 30-1 to 30-n to which video input has been applied. This process is basically the same as the process shown in Fig. 10, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0073] 13 is a flowchart showing the setting process (step S201 in FIG. 12) according to the second embodiment of the present invention. (Step S301) The control unit 105 determines whether or not an input switching signal has been received. If the control unit 105 has received the input switching signal (step S201: Yes), the process proceeds to step S302.

[0074] (Step S302) The control unit 105 determines whether or not the threshold value K has been set by operating the threshold value setting switch 201. If the threshold value K has been set (Step S302: Yes), the control unit 105 proceeds to step S303, and if the threshold value K has not been set (Step S302: No), the control unit 105 proceeds to step S304.

[0075] (Step S303) The control unit 105 changes the threshold value K based on the value set by the threshold value setting switch 201, and the process proceeds to step S305.

[0076] (Step S304) The control unit 105 does not change the threshold value K, and the process proceeds to step S305.

[0077] (Step S305) The control unit 105 determines whether or not a priority has been set by operating the priority setting switch 202. If a priority has been set (step S305: Yes), the control unit 105 proceeds to step S306, and if a priority has not been set (step S305: No), the control unit 105 proceeds to step S307.

[0078] (Step S306) The control unit 105 changes the priority based on the setting of the priority setting switch 202, and proceeds to step S308.

[0079] (Step S307) The control unit 105 proceeds to step S308 without changing the priority.

[0080] (Step S308) The control unit 105 determines whether or not a switching order has been set by operating the switching order setting switch 203. If a switching order has been set (step S308: Yes), the control unit 105 proceeds to step S309, and if a priority has not been set (step S308: No), the control unit 105 proceeds to step S310.

[0081] (Step S309) The control unit 105 changes the switching order based on the setting of the switching order setting switch 203, and ends the setting process (step S201).

[0082] (Step S310) The control unit 105 ends the setting process (step S201) without changing the switching order.

[0083] <Modifications and Applications> In the above-described embodiment, the OSD images E22-1 to E22-4 display the terminal names of the video terminals, but USB names may also be displayed. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a modification of the present invention. USB devices can be connected to the display device 1. In FIG. 14, OSD images E32-1 to E32-4 display the names of USB devices connected to the display device 1. If the USB device is a hard disk, disconnection of communication during a write or read operation may result in damage to the USB device. By displaying the USB device name, the switching state of the USB device when switching the video input terminal can be known, thereby protecting the USB device.

[0084] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a plurality of operators 20, 21, 22-1 to 22-4 arranged on the video display unit 10 are operated, but the present invention can also be applied to operators arranged on a remote control.

[0085] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the multiple operators 20, 21, 22-1 to 22-4 are provided on the periphery of the front surface of the display device 1, but the operators 20, 21, 22-1 to 22-4 may be provided on the surface opposite to the surface on which the display screen of the display device 1 is provided. Furthermore, the multiple operators 20, 21, 22-1 to 22-4 may be operators that can be physically pressed down, or may be touch operators that accept operational input by detecting a change in capacitance.

[0086] 15 is a block diagram of another aspect of the video signal switching device according to the present invention. The video signal switching device according to the present invention includes a signal number acquisition unit 501 and a switching unit 502. The signal number acquisition unit 501 acquires the number of video signals input to video terminals 530-1 to 530-n of an electronic device equipped with a video terminal capable of receiving externally supplied video signals. Based on the acquired number of video signals and a threshold value, if the acquired number of video signals exceeds the threshold, the switching unit 501 switches to a video signal from a video terminal corresponding to an operator 522-1 to 522-n to which an operation input has been made among the operators assigned to the plurality of video terminals 530-1 to 530-n to which the video signals are input. If the acquired number of video signals is equal to or less than the threshold, the switching unit 501 switches to a video signal based on an operation input made to one of the operators 522-1 to 522-n.

[0087] All or part of the display device 1 in the above-described embodiment may be implemented by a computer. In this case, a program for implementing this function may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be loaded into a computer system and executed. Note that the term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" may also include media that dynamically store programs for a short period of time, such as communication lines used when transmitting programs via networks such as the Internet or telephone lines, or media that store programs for a fixed period of time, such as volatile memory within a computer system that serves as a server or client. The program may also be designed to implement part of the aforementioned functions, or may be capable of implementing the aforementioned functions in combination with programs already stored in the computer system, or may be implemented using a programmable logic device such as an FPGA.

[0088] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes designs within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0089] 20, 21, 22-1 to 22-n operators 30-1 to 30-n video terminals 102 input selection section 103 signal detection section 104 video processing section 105 control section 106 OSD display control section 1051 signal number acquisition section 1052 switching section

Claims

1. A signal number acquisition unit that acquires the number of video signals input to the video terminals of an electronic device having a plurality of video terminals capable of inputting video signals supplied from the outside, and based on the acquired number of video signals and a threshold value, when the acquired number of video signals exceeds the threshold value, switches to the video signal from the video terminal corresponding to the operator for which an operation input has been made among the operators respectively assigned to the plurality of video terminals to which the video signals are input, and when the acquired number of video signals is less than or equal to the threshold value, a switching unit that switches the video signal every time an operation input is made to one operator assigned as an operator capable of receiving the switching operation of the video signal.

2. The video signal switching device according to claim 1, wherein the switching unit does not perform switching even when the operation input is performed when the detected number of video signals is less than or equal to the threshold value and the acquired number of video signals is 1.

3. The video signal switching device according to claim 1, wherein the switching unit sequentially switches the detected video signals every time an operation input is made to one operator capable of receiving the switching operation of the video signal when the detected number of video signals is less than or equal to the threshold value.

4. The video signal switching device according to claim 1, further comprising a display control unit that displays an OSD image on the display screen of the electronic device, and the display control unit displays, on the OSD screen, a notification indicating which video signal will be switched to when the next operation input is made when the detected number of video signals is less than or equal to the threshold value.

5. The video signal switching device according to claim 4, wherein the display control unit displays the name of the video terminal selected according to the operation input on the OSD screen and displays the notification in a display mode different from the display of the name when the detected number of video signals is less than or equal to the threshold value.

6. The video signal switching device according to claim 4, wherein the display control unit turns off the notification when the detected number of video signals exceeds the threshold value.

7. The switching unit has previously received from the operator an operation input for registering the order in which video signals are to be switched, and when the number of the detected video signals is less than or equal to the threshold value, switches the video signals according to the registered order based on the operation input. The video signal switching device according to claim 1.

8. The switching unit switches the video signals according to the priority order among a plurality of video signals when the number of the detected video signals is less than or equal to the threshold value. The video signal switching device according to claim 1.

9. The switching unit switches the video signals in the order of the video terminals with higher usage frequencies among a plurality of video terminals among a plurality of video signals when the number of the detected video signals is less than or equal to the threshold value. The video signal switching device according to claim 1.

10. The one operator is assigned from among operators different from the operators respectively assigned to the plurality of video terminals. The video signal switching device according to claim 1.

11. The video signal switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a control unit that changes the value of the threshold based on an operation input from a user.

12. A step of obtaining the number of video signals input to the video terminals of an electronic device including a plurality of video terminals capable of inputting video signals supplied from the outside, and based on the obtained number of video signals and a threshold value, when the obtained number of video signals exceeds the threshold value, switching to the video signal from the video terminal corresponding to the operator for which an operation input has been made among the operators respectively assigned to the plurality of video terminals to which the video signals are input, and when the obtained number of video signals is less than or equal to the threshold value, a step of switching the video signal each time an operation input is made to one operator assigned as an operator capable of receiving the video signal switching operation. A video signal switching method including.

Images