Display device, method for controlling display device, program, and recording medium

Abstract

The present invention comprises: a data input unit for inputting data outputted from an output device; a display unit for displaying an image on the basis of the data; a reception unit for receiving an operation signal from an operation device; and a control unit for operating the display device on the basis of the operation signal. When an image is displayed on the basis of the data from the output device, the control unit invalidates a portion of the operation based on the operation signal. As a result, the display device or the like is provided that is capable of appropriately processing the operation signal when, for example, the data from the output device is being inputted.

Description

Display device, display device control method, program, and recording medium

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display device, etc. This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-92441, filed on June 6, 2024, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] For example, as shown in Patent Document 1, there is a broadcast receiving device that determines whether or not it is connected to an external device, and if so, determines whether or not the external device is a game console.The invention discloses that when an external device is connected to the broadcast receiving device and it is determined that the external device is a game console, the broadcast receiving device sets the settings according to the type of game console connected.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-181300

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a display device or the like that is capable of appropriately processing an operation signal when an image is displayed based on data from an output device, for example.

[0005] The display device of the present disclosure comprises a data input unit that inputs data output from an output device, a display unit that displays an image based on the data, a receiving unit that receives an operation signal from an operation device, and a control unit that operates the display device based on the operation signal, and the control unit disables part of the operation based on the operation signal when an image is displayed based on the data from the output device.

[0006] The control method for a display device disclosed herein includes a video input step of inputting data output from an output device, a display step of displaying an image based on the data, a receiving step of receiving an operation signal from an operation device, and a control step of operating the display device based on the operation signal, wherein the control step disables part of the operation based on the operation signal when an image is displayed based on the data from the output device.

[0007] The program disclosed herein realizes a video input function for inputting data output from an output device to a computer connected to a display device capable of displaying video, a display function for displaying an image on the display device based on the data, a receiving function for receiving an operation signal from an operation device, and a control function for operating the computer based on the operation signal, and the control function disables some of the operations based on the operation signal when an image is displayed based on the data from the output device.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, for example, it is possible to provide a display device or the like that is capable of appropriately processing an operation signal when data is being input from an output device.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a system in a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a hardware configuration of a display device in a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a software configuration in a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a processing flow in a first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of operation in a first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of operation in a first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a software configuration in a second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of a specific device table in a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a processing flow in a second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of operation in a second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a software configuration in a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a processing flow in a third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a processing flow in a third embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of operation in a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of operation in a third embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of a restriction table in a fourth embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a processing flow in a fourth embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining an example of operation in a fourth embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a system in a fifth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a processing flow in a sixth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining an example of operation in a sixth embodiment.

[0010] 2. Description of the Related Art Display devices capable of displaying content such as programs received as broadcast waves, videos distributed on video distribution sites, and images output by computers and the like are generally known.

[0011] Since a user, who is usually a viewer, often watches a display device at a distance from the display device itself, the display device is generally equipped with a remote control device (remote control device, hereinafter simply referred to as a "remote control"), which the user can use to, for example, change the broadcast wave (channel) received by the display device, adjust the volume, turn the power on / off, switch the input signal, and so on.

[0012] The display device also has a video input terminal such as HDMI (registered trademark), and can be connected to one or more output devices that output video. Examples of output devices that can be connected include Blu-ray (registered trademark) recording and playback devices, hard disk recorders, game consoles, and more recently, terminal devices such as smartphones.

[0013] Even when an external video is being input, the display device normally accepts operations from the remote control. Therefore, if the user unintentionally operates the channel selection key or power key on the remote control, the external video may be switched to a terrestrial broadcast program screen, or the power may be turned off.

[0014] In particular, when a game device is connected, the image on the game screen may change, causing the game to be interrupted or putting the player at a disadvantage in the game.

[0015] Hereinafter, a display device and the like according to the present disclosure that solves the above-mentioned problems will be described in the following embodiments with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments are merely examples of the invention described in the claims, and the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the description of the following embodiments.

[0016] [1. First Embodiment] [1.1 Overall Configuration] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a system 1 to which a display device according to the present disclosure can be applied. The system 1 includes a display device 10 and a remote control 20 for operating the display device 10. The display device 10 can also be connected to an output device that outputs external video. In this embodiment, a game device 30 is connected to the display device 10.

[0017] The display device 10 is, for example, a television that can receive content via digital broadcasting (terrestrial digital broadcasting / BS broadcasting / CS broadcasting) and display the received content. The display device 10 may display interactive broadcasting distributed over a network or video content distributed on a video distribution site. The display device 10 can also record the received content.

[0018] The remote control 20 is a device that can operate the display device 10. The remote control 20 transmits, for example, an operation signal using infrared rays from an infrared emitting unit to the display device 10. The display device 10 receives the operation signal from infrared rays received by an infrared receiving unit. Based on the operation signal, the display device 10 performs operations such as switching channels, switching video inputs, and turning the power on and off.

[0019] The remote control 20 also has a plurality of operation buttons. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , the operation buttons may include a power button, an input switch button, a channel selection button (channel selection button), a home button, a program guide display button, a recorded program list display button, a volume button, and the like. These operation buttons are the same as those found on a typical television device, and when a user selects an operation button, the display device 10 provides the corresponding function. The specific functions of the operation buttons have been provided by the applicant and others for a long time as television products, and are therefore clear to general consumers, including those skilled in the art, and therefore will not be described in detail.

[0020] The remote control 20 may be connected by a wireless means other than infrared. For example, a wireless method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be used, or an operation signal may be transmitted to the display device 10 by using Wi-Fi (registered trademark) / LAN, etc.

[0021] The remote control 20 may be a dedicated product for the display device 10 or a general-purpose product. The remote control 20 may be realized by installing an operation application on a user's smartphone or the like, for example.

[0022] The game device 30 outputs video (images, sounds, etc.) related to the game. For example, the game device 30 outputs video data to the display device 10 connected thereto using HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface).

[0023] Display device 10 can receive data output from game device 30 and display images and videos and output audio based on the data. For example, by switching the input destination from "television" to "external input," display device 10 can display video based on data from game device 30 connected to an external input terminal (e.g., HDMI terminal).

[0024] [1.2 Hardware Configuration] Next, the hardware configuration of the device in this embodiment will be described. The display device 10, remote control 20, and game device 30 each include at least a control unit, a storage unit, and an interface unit. Each device also has general functions as needed. Figure 2 describes the hardware configuration of the display device 10.

[0025] The control unit 100 controls the entire display device 10. The control unit 100 realizes various functions by reading and executing various programs stored in a storage device (e.g., storage 112 or ROM 114). The control unit 100 may be realized by one or more control devices / arithmetic units (CPU (Central Processing Unit), SoC (System on a Chip)). The control unit 100 may also be configured by a control circuit. The memory unit 110 is a memory device that stores necessary data and programs. The memory unit 110 stores data and programs temporarily or non-temporarily. For example, the memory unit 110 has the storage 112, the ROM 114, and the RAM 116.

[0026] The storage 112 is a non-volatile storage device capable of storing programs and data. For example, the storage 112 may be configured as a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The storage 112 may also be configured as an externally connectable USB memory. The storage 112 may also be, for example, a storage area on the cloud.

[0027] The ROM 114 is a non-volatile memory that can retain programs and data even when the power is turned off.

[0028] The RAM 116 is a main memory that is mainly used by the control unit 100 when executing processes. The RAM 116 is a rewritable memory that temporarily stores programs read from the storage 112 or the ROM 114, and data including execution results.

[0029] The operation control unit 120 receives operations from the user, gives operation instructions to each functional unit, and notifies the control unit 100 of an operation signal corresponding to the received operation. For example, when an operation signal is transmitted from the remote control 20 or the like, the operation control unit 120 receives the operation signal via the operation signal receiving unit 125 and operates the display device 10 in accordance with the received operation signal.

[0030] Here, the operation signal receiving unit 125 may receive the operation signal from the remote control 20 by infrared communication, or may receive the operation signal by wireless communication such as Bluetooth. The operation signal receiving unit 125 may also receive the operation signal via the communication unit 170.

[0031] Furthermore, the operation control unit 120 may acquire not only an operation signal from the remote control 20 but also an operation signal input from an operation switch of the display device 10, for example.

[0032] The broadcast control unit 130 receives broadcast waves transmitted by a broadcast station selected by the user, decodes video data from the broadcast waves and outputs the data to the display unit 140, and decodes audio data from the broadcast waves and outputs the data to the audio output unit 150. The broadcast control unit 130 may be configured with, for example, a digital tuner unit (terrestrial / BS / CS, etc.), an OFDM demodulation unit, a DEMUX unit, an MPEG2 decoding unit, etc. Furthermore, the broadcast control unit 130 may have multiple units.

[0033] The display unit 140 is a display device capable of displaying images of received programs and various information. The display unit 140 may be, for example, a device capable of displaying images, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display. The display unit 140 may also be, for example, a projection device such as a projector.

[0034] The audio output unit 150 outputs audio included in the content. The audio output unit 150 may be a device such as a speaker or headphones. The audio output unit 150 only needs to output sound, and may output general sounds such as music, environmental sounds, etc.

[0035] The external input unit 160 provides an interface for inputting data from another device. For example, the external input unit 160 of this embodiment provides an HDMI interface. The external input unit 160 may also receive data from another terminal device via wireless communication such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

[0036] There are several known HDMI standards, such as 1.0, 1.4, 2.0, and 2.1, and any of these standards may be used in this embodiment.

[0037] Furthermore, the display device 10 extracts a video signal and an audio signal from data received from the external input unit 160. For example, the display device 10 decodes a video signal included in the received data (HDMI signal) and outputs an image or video to the display unit 140 based on the decoded video signal. The display device 10 also decodes an audio signal included in the received data (HDMI signal) and outputs audio to the audio output unit 150 based on the decoded audio signal.

[0038] Here, the process of decoding (including processes such as extraction, separation, and demodulation) the video signal and audio signal from the data may be performed by the control unit 100, a decoding unit (not shown), a video signal separation unit, or an audio signal separation unit (not shown). In other words, the method of acquiring the video signal and audio signal from the data input from the external input unit 160 may be any known method corresponding to the data standard.

[0039] The communication unit 170 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices. For example, the communication unit 170 may be a network interface connectable to a wireless LAN or a network interface connectable to Ethernet (registered trademark) via a wired connection. The communication unit 170 may also be a communication device connectable to a mobile communication network such as LTE / 4G / 5G / 6G.

[0040] 3, the software configuration of the display device 10 will be described. The display device 10 executes a program stored in the storage unit 110 to realize the functions of a connected device determination unit 1002 and an emergency alert processing unit 1004.

[0041] The connected device determination unit 1002 acquires identification data included in the data to determine which output device is externally connected to the display device 10. For example, when the output device is connected via HDMI via the external input unit 160, the connected device determination unit 1002 acquires the identification data of the output device using EDID (Extended Display Identification Data). For example, in this embodiment, the connected device determination unit 1002 determines that the output device is a game device based on whether a signal indicating that the output device is a game device (for example, information indicating the category is game device) is transmitted from the connected output device.

[0042] The emergency alert processing unit 1004 executes processing when an emergency signal or an alert signal is received via broadcast waves or a communication path. The emergency alert processing unit 1004 receives a signal related to an earthquake early warning as an example of an emergency alert. The emergency alert processing unit 1004 may also acquire other emergency alerts, such as a nationwide instantaneous alert system (J-Alert), or may receive emergency signals or alert signals such as tsunami advisories / alerts and heavy rain alerts. The emergency alert processing unit 1004 may acquire information, for example, from a social networking service (SNS).

[0043] [1.4 Processing Flow] The processing flow of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The processing in Fig. 4 is executed when an output device is connected to the external input unit 160 or when input of a signal from the output device is detected.

[0044] The control unit 100 receives data from an external device (e.g., an externally connected output device) via the external input unit 160 (S102), and switches the display mode to the externally connected input screen (S104). Here, the control unit 100 may automatically switch the display object to an image based on data output from the output device when it receives an externally connected signal, or may switch the display object to an image based on data output from the output device when the user performs an input switching operation.

[0045] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether the input data is data from a game device (S106). That is, the control unit 100 determines whether the output device is a game device. For example, if the control unit 100 determines that data is being input from the game device 30 (S106; Yes), it disables operation of the remote control 20 (S108).

[0046] Here, invalidating the operation of the remote control 20 means that the operation signal receiving unit 125 receives an operation signal from the remote control 20 and the operation control unit 120 invalidates a part of the signal acquired as the operation signal.

[0047] Here, among the operations of the remote control 20, the operations that are disabled are preferably, for example, operations that switch the screen or mode of the display device 10. For example, by disabling the operations of the remote control 20, it is possible to prevent the display screen of the display device 10 from switching from the currently displayed screen (game screen). Among the operations of the remote control 20, operation buttons that switch the screen or mode include, for example, the following, and one or more operations of the remote control 20 corresponding to these are disabled.

[0048] ・Channel selection button (channel selection operation) ・Input switch button (input switch operation) ・Power button (power ON / OFF operation) ・Home button (home screen display operation) ・Program guide display button (program guide display operation) ・Recorded program list display button (recorded program list display operation) ・Site button (for example, operation to display a website or video site)

[0049] Note that some operation buttons on the remote control 20 may be valid. For example, the following operation buttons may be valid: Enter button (an operation button required for the disablement cancellation operation) Volume button (an operation for adjusting the volume)

[0050] After disabling the operation of the remote control 20, the control unit 100 may display the fact that the remote control 20 has been disabled to inform the user (S110). Note that the control unit 100 may select whether or not to display the fact that the remote control 20 has been disabled, depending on the user's settings. Furthermore, if the remote control 20 is a device such as a smartphone that has a display unit, the fact that the remote control 20 has been disabled may be displayed on the remote control 20.

[0051] Here, when an operation signal is input even though operation of the remote control 20 is disabled (S112; Yes), the control unit 100 may display guidance (S114). The guidance display may include, for example, a message saying "Operation by the remote control has been disabled." Furthermore, the control unit 100 may display guidance on, for example, how to cancel the disablement (how to enable operation by the remote control 20 again).

[0052] When an operation to cancel the invalidation is performed (S116; Yes), the control unit 100 displays that the operation is to be validated (S118), and validates the operation of the remote control 20 (S120).

[0053] The control unit 100 may detect a predetermined operation as the operation to release the disablement, and may detect, for example, that the operation to release the disablement has been performed when the enter key on the remote control 20 is pressed five times. The control unit 100 may also detect, as the operation to release the disablement, that a hardware switch on the display device 10 is pressed, or that a voice input including a predetermined keyword is received. The operation to release the disablement may be defined by the user, for example.

[0054] Furthermore, although the control unit 100 displays that the remote control 20 is enabled in S118, this display may not be necessary.

[0055] In this embodiment, when the control unit 100 receives a signal such as an emergency alert, it reactivates the remote control 20 (S116; No → S122; Yes). This allows the user to quickly switch to watching a TV program on the remote control 20 in order to check the information in an emergency.

[0056] Furthermore, if no disablement cancellation operation is performed or if no signal such as an emergency alert is received, control unit 100 repeatedly executes the process from S112. As a result, control unit 100 disables the operation of remote control 20 while the video output by game device 30 is being displayed, and it becomes possible to prevent the currently displayed display screen (display mode) from being switched by an operation unintentionally performed by the user.

[0057] In this embodiment, the description is given of enabling the disabled remote control 20 when a signal such as an emergency alert is received, but such a setting may be selectable by the user. Furthermore, the control unit 100 may simply disable the operation of the remote control 20 without being aware of an emergency alert or the like. In this case, the control unit 100 does not need to execute S122, and if the result of S116 is No, it is sufficient to repeat the process from S112.

[0058] [1.5 Operational Example] Next, an operational example will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0059] 5A is an example of the display screen W100 displayed in S110 of FIG. 4. The control unit 100 displays a message M100, "A game device has been connected. Remote control operation will be disabled," on the display screen W100. In other words, by displaying this message M100, the user can confirm that remote control operation will be disabled in the future.

[0060] 5A also displays an identification mark R100 indicating that remote control operation using the remote control 20 is invalid. The identification mark R100 may be displayed, for example, when the remote control 20 is invalid. The identification mark R100 may be switched between display and non-display depending on the user's settings. The identification mark R100 may also be displayed when the user operates the remote control 20.

[0061] 5(B) is an example of the display screen W110 displayed in S114 of FIG. 4. The control unit 100 displays a message M110 on the display screen W110, saying, "Current remote control operation has been disabled due to the 'remote control operation disabled during game' setting. To disable this, press the enter key five times." In other words, by displaying this message M110, the user can confirm that operation is currently disabled from the remote control 20. The user can also confirm the operation to be performed if the user wishes to resume operation of the remote control 20.

[0062] 5(C) is an example of the display screen W120 displayed in S118 of FIG. 4. The control unit 100 displays a message M120, "Game device has been disconnected. Remote control operation will be enabled," on the display screen W120. In other words, by displaying this message M120, the user can confirm that operation from the remote control 20 is once again possible.

[0063] 6 shows an example of a display screen W130 that is displayed when an Earthquake Early Warning is received as an emergency alert in S122 of FIG. 4. The control unit 100 displays a message M130, "Earthquake Early Warning received. Remote control operation will be enabled," on the display screen W130. By displaying this message M130, the user can not only confirm that an Earthquake Early Warning has been received, but also quickly check the information by operating the remote control 20.

[0064] [1.6 Effects] As described above, according to this embodiment, for example, when a game device is connected to the display device 10 using HDMI, if a signal indicating a game device is sent from the HDMI-connected device, by disabling the operation of the remote control, even if, for example, the power key or channel selection key on the remote control is pressed, the screen displayed on the display device will not change during the game, preventing the game from being interrupted.

[0065] 2. Second Embodiment A second embodiment will now be described. In the second embodiment, the operation of the remote control is disabled when the connected device is a specific device.

[0066] [2.1 Software Configuration] In the second embodiment, the description will be centered on the differences from the first embodiment, and descriptions of parts of the hardware and software configurations that are the same as those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0067] Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating the software configuration in the second embodiment. Fig. 7 replaces the software configuration in Fig. 3 in the first embodiment, and can further realize a specific device setting unit 1006. In addition, the specific device setting unit 1006 stores information about the specific device to be set in a specific device table 1102.

[0068] The specific device setting unit 1006 stores information about a specific device when the operation of the remote controller 20 is to be disabled.

[0069] Here, the specific device setting unit 1006 sets information about the device determined by the connected device determination unit 1002. For example, the connected device determination unit 1002 acquires the device name of the output device from CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) data in the HDMI signal as data. Then, the specific device setting unit 1006 can set whether to enable or disable the remote control for each acquired output device.

[0070] The information set by the specific device setting unit 1006 may be stored in a specific device table 1102. An example of the configuration of the specific device table 1102 is shown in Fig. 8. The specific device table 1102 stores the device name (e.g., "GAME-SP001") and information indicating whether the remote control operation is valid or invalid (e.g., "invalid").

[0071] In this embodiment, the information for identifying a device in the identified device table 1102 is, for example, information that can be identified in CEC data, but other information may also be used. For example, the information for identifying a device may be a product ID obtained from EDID or a physical address (address unique to the device) of the output device. Furthermore, if the information is via a network, the information for identifying a device may be, for example, an IP address or a MAC address (Media Access Control address).

[0072] Furthermore, the specified device table 1102 may be a table that stores only information (device name) of a specified device that is a device for which operation of the remote control 20 is to be invalidated. In this case, the control unit 100 may invalidate operation of the remote control 20 for an output device stored in the specified device table 1102.

[0073] [2.2 Processing Flow] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating the processing flow in this embodiment. Fig. 9 shows processing executed by the control unit 100 by replacing Fig. 4 of the first embodiment. The same processing is denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

[0074] In this embodiment, the control unit 100 switches to the input screen of the external connection and recognizes the device name of the externally connected device from the signal of the output device (S202).The control unit 100 determines whether the device name is a device for which remote control operation is enabled or disabled by referring to the specified device table 1102 (S204).

[0075] If the recognized device is a device (specific device) for which operation of the remote control 20 is invalid (S204; Yes), the control unit 100 executes the process from S108. That is, the control unit 100 invalidates operation of the remote control 20.

[0076] On the other hand, if the recognized device is not a device (specific device) for which the operation of the remote control 20 is invalidated (S204; No), the control unit 100 executes the process from S102. In other words, the control unit 100 does not invalidate the operation of the remote control 20.

[0077] In S204, the control unit 100 may validate the operation of the remote control if the device name recognized in S202 is not stored in the specified device table 1102. Furthermore, depending on the settings, the control unit 100 may invalidate the operation of the remote control if the device name recognized in S202 is not stored in the specified device table 1102.

[0078] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen W200 illustrating the operation of setting a specific device in this embodiment. The display screen W200 displays a toggle button B200 and a toggle button B202 to select whether or not to use the function of disabling the operation of the remote control 20. When the toggle button B200 is selected, the setting that disables the operation of the remote control 20 during the game is enabled, and the processing of FIG. 9 is executed.

[0079] 10A shows a state in which a new output device has been detected. For example, the device name "GAME-SP001" is displayed in area R200. When video is being input from the output device with this device name, the display screen W200 prompts the user to select, using a toggle button in area R202, whether or not to disable operation of the remote control 20.

[0080] That is, if the user selects the toggle button indicating "YES" in region R202, the device with the device name "GAME-SP001" displayed in region R200 is stored as a specific device.

[0081] When the user selects button B204, the control unit 100 may display a list of specific devices that have been stored up to that point. In addition, in the list display, the control unit 100 may set whether operation of the remote control 20 is enabled or disabled for each device.

[0082] 10B is an example of a display screen when the connected device is already stored as a specific device in the specific device table 1102. The display screen W210 displays the device name of the currently connected output device and a message that the operation of the remote control 20 will be disabled for the output device with that device name.

[0083] 3. Third Embodiment A third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, it is possible to set restricted operations of the remote controller 20.

[0084] [3.1 Software Configuration] In the third embodiment, the description will be centered on the differences from the first embodiment, and descriptions of parts of the hardware and software configurations that are the same as those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0085] Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating the software configuration according to the third embodiment. Fig. 11 replaces the software configuration of Fig. 3 according to the first embodiment, and can further implement a restriction setting unit 1008. The restriction setting unit 1008 stores the restriction details it sets in a restriction table 1104.

[0086] The restriction setting unit 1008 sets the operations of the remote control 20 that are to be restricted. For example, it is possible to individually set whether each of various operations of the remote control 20, such as a power operation, an input switching operation, a channel selection operation, a home screen operation, an audio operation, and a program guide display, is valid or invalid. The restriction setting unit 1008 then stores the settings of whether each operation is valid or invalid in the restriction table 1104.

[0087] [3.2 Processing Flow] Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating the processing flow in this embodiment. Fig. 12 shows the processing executed by the control unit 100 by replacing Fig. 4 of the first embodiment. The same processing is denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0088] When the control unit 100 determines that a signal has been input from the game device 30 (S106; Yes), the control unit 100 reads the restriction table 1104 (S302). Then, the control unit 100 invalidates the operation of the remote control 20 in accordance with the restriction table 1104 (S304).

[0089] For example, when only the power operation is set to be disabled based on the restriction table 1104, the control unit 100 determines that, among the input operation signals, only the power operation signal is disabled in S112. The control unit 100 does not disable other operation signals, and performs control based on the operation signals.

[0090] 13 is a diagram showing the process performed by the control unit 100 to update the restriction table 1104. First, the control unit 100 displays the restriction mode setting (S352). In this embodiment, the restriction mode setting is described as a setting related to the operation buttons of the remote control 20, but other restriction modes may also be set.

[0091] When an operation button to be disabled is selected from the operation buttons of the remote control 20 (S354; Yes), the control unit 100 sets the selected operation button as an operation button to be disabled (S356). Furthermore, when the selected operation button has already been set as an operation button to be disabled, the control unit 100 may set the selected operation button as an operation button to be enabled. In other words, when an operation button is selected, the control unit 100 may be able to select enable / disable in a toggle manner. Note that the operation button may be selected from the operation buttons displayed on the display unit 140, or may actually be selected as an operation button on the remote control 20.

[0092] When the selection is completed (S358; Yes), the control unit 100 updates the restriction table 1104 and ends this process.

[0093] 14A is an example of a display screen W300 showing a setting screen. The display screen W300 is a display screen on which it is possible to set disabling of operation of the remote control 20 during a game. In FIG. 14A, disabling of the remote control 20 is set to "ON."

[0094] Fig. 14(B) is an example of a display screen W310 for setting buttons to be disabled. In Fig. 14(A), when the "+" in front of "Button Settings" is selected, a submenu is expanded. The button settings submenu displays a list of operation buttons to be disabled. When the user selects one or more operation buttons from the operation buttons, the operation of the selected operation buttons is disabled.

[0095] [4. Fourth Embodiment] A fourth embodiment will be described. The fourth embodiment is an embodiment based on the first to third embodiments, and is an embodiment in which various conditions can be set as a restriction table.

[0096] In the fourth embodiment, explanations of parts having the same hardware and software configurations as the first to third embodiments will be omitted, and the explanation will focus mainly on the differences from the third embodiment.

[0097] 15 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the restriction table 1104 in this embodiment. The restriction table 1104 in this embodiment can store restriction contents that can be set by the restriction setting unit 1008. In this embodiment, the following contents can be stored in one or a combination of two or more.

[0098] (1) Time Limit The time limit is stored as a time period that is invalid when the remote control 20 is operated. The time limit may be stored as, for example, a time period, or any time period. The time limit may also be stored as one or more time periods. The time limit may also be unlimited (applies to all time periods).

[0099] (2) Invalid Operation Buttons The invalid operation buttons store operation buttons on the remote control 20 that are treated as invalid even if operated. The invalid operation buttons may store individual operation buttons or groups of operation buttons (for example, "channel selection" may store operation buttons 1 to 12, a channel selection operation button, etc.). The invalid operation buttons are, for example, the contents described in the third embodiment.

[0100] (3) Specific Device The specific device may store an output device that, when connected from outside, is to disable the remote control 20. The specific device is, for example, the content described in the second embodiment.

[0101] Fig. 16 is a combination of the process flow of Fig. 4 of the first embodiment, the process flow of Fig. 9 of the second embodiment, and the process flow of Fig. 13 of the third embodiment. The processes described in each embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the respective embodiments, and their description will be omitted.

[0102] Steps S102 to S204 are the processing flow described in the first and second embodiments. Furthermore, the control unit 100 refers to the restriction table 1104, and if the current time is not within the invalidation time limit, the control unit 100 does not invalidate the operation of the remote control 20 (S402; No → S102).

[0103] Furthermore, if the current time is within the invalidation time limit, the control unit 100 invalidates the operation of the remote controller 20 by referring to the restriction table 1104 (S302 to S112).

[0104] In addition, as shown in FIG. 16, this embodiment is a process that can be realized by combining the processes described in the first, second, and third embodiments.

[0105] 17 and 18 are diagrams illustrating the operation of setting the restriction table 1104. When a menu for setting the restriction table is executed, the control unit 100 displays the display screen W300 of Fig. 14. At this time, the display screen W300 allows the user to set "button settings," "time zone settings," and "device settings."

[0106] When the user selects each setting, the control unit 100 displays a submenu and prompts the user to input the content to be stored in the restriction table 1104. For example, when the user selects "Button Settings," the control unit 100 displays the display screen W310 of FIG. 14B in order to store the operation buttons to be treated as invalid in the restriction table 1104.

[0107] When the user selects "Time Period Setting," the control unit 100 displays the display screen W400 of Fig. 17(A) to store the time limit in the restriction table 1104. When the user selects "Device Setting," the control unit 100 displays the display screen W410 of Fig. 17(B) to store the specified device in the restriction table 1104.

[0108] [5. Fifth Embodiment] A fifth embodiment will be described. In the first to fourth embodiments, the game device 30 is connected to an HDMI terminal as an output device, but the fifth embodiment will be described using an example in which the output device is something other than the game device 30 and is connected via a terminal other than an HDMI terminal.

[0109] 18 is a diagram illustrating a system 2 according to the fifth embodiment. In the system 2, a display device 10 and a terminal device 40 are capable of communicating with each other via an access point AP.

[0110] The access point AP is, for example, a wireless LAN access point, and the access point AP and the display device 10 may be connected via a wireless LAN or a wired LAN.

[0111] The terminal device 40 is connected to an access point AP via a wireless LAN, for example. The access point AP may also be connected to a storage device and function as a DLAN (Digital Living Network Alliance) server.

[0112] The display device 10 may detect that streaming has been performed from, for example, the terminal device 40 instead of the game device 30 of the first embodiment. For example, when the control unit 100 receives streaming data from the terminal device 40 in S102 of Fig. 4, the control unit 100 switches to an input screen in which streaming is being performed from the terminal device 40 in S104.

[0113] Then, when the signal received is a streaming signal instead of a game device signal (S106; Yes), the control unit 100 disables operation of the remote control 20 (S108). Generally, when streaming is being performed on the terminal device 40, video control is often performed from the terminal device 40. Therefore, by disabling operation of the remote control 20, it is possible to prevent the screen from switching against the user's intention.

[0114] 6. Sixth Embodiment A sixth embodiment will be described. The sixth embodiment is an embodiment in which, in addition to the first embodiment, reconfirmation is performed when canceling invalidation.

[0115] In the sixth embodiment, explanations of parts having the same hardware and software configurations as those of the first embodiment will be omitted, and the explanation will focus mainly on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0116] Fig. 19 is a diagram in which the processing flow of Fig. 4 of the first embodiment is replaced. Note that the same reference numerals are used to denote common processes, and detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0117] When the disablement cancellation operation is performed (S116; Yes), the control unit 100 displays a confirmation of the disablement (S602). Here, the control unit 100 may display the confirmation of the disablement (confirmation display) by any means, for example, a window display or a pop-up display.

[0118] If the user selects to cancel the invalidation (S604; Yes), the control unit 100 transitions the process to S118. On the other hand, if the user selects not to cancel the invalidation, the control unit 100 transitions the process to S112 again.

[0119] That is, in this embodiment, after the user performs the disablement cancellation operation, the control unit 100 reconfirms with the user whether or not to cancel the disablement. In this way, when the user performs the disablement cancellation operation, a caution is displayed to reconfirm whether or not to cancel the disablement, thereby making it possible to reconfirm the user's intention.

[0120] Fig. 20 is an example of a display screen W600 for explaining the operation of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 20, the control unit 100 displays a message M600 "Do you want to disable remote control operation?" on the display screen W600. The message M600 also displays options "Yes" and "No." The user can select "Yes" or "No" to reconfirm whether or not to disable the operation and input an instruction.

[0121] [7. Modifications] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. In other words, embodiments obtained by combining technical means that are appropriately modified within the scope of the present disclosure are also included in the technical scope.

[0122] Although the above-mentioned embodiments are described separately for convenience of explanation, they can be combined to the extent possible. Furthermore, the present invention intends to obtain rights to any of the technologies described in the specification through amendments or divisional applications, etc.

[0123] In the above-described embodiment, the "display" of a message or a prompt for confirmation may be a notification to the user. For example, the guidance display or confirmation display may include a method of simply outputting or notifying, such as notification by audio means, and may be switched as appropriate between displaying on a screen, outputting by audio, outputting by alarm, etc.

[0124] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment has been described using HDMI as an example of the device connection format, other connection formats may be used. For example, at the time of filing, connection formats that can use EDID indicating display capabilities, such as DVI, VGA, and DisplayPort, may be used. Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment uses EDID as information indicating display capabilities, other information indicating display capabilities may be used. Furthermore, although two HDMI standards, the first standard and the second standard, have been described as examples, three or more standards may be mixed. Even in this case, for example, a device that outputs video can use the highest resolution that the device that displays video can output.

[0125] In addition, the programs that run on each device in each embodiment are programs that control the CPU, etc. (programs that make a computer function) so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments. Information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (e.g., RAM) during processing, and then stored in various ROMs and HDDs, from which it is read, modified, and written by the CPU as needed.

[0126] Here, the recording medium for storing the program may be any of semiconductor media (e.g., ROM, non-volatile memory card, etc.), optical recording media / magneto-optical recording media (e.g., DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), etc.), magnetic recording media (e.g., magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.), etc.

[0127] Furthermore, when distributing the program on the market, the program can be stored in a portable recording medium and distributed, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the storage device of the server device is also included in the present disclosure.

[0128] Furthermore, the above-mentioned data may not be stored within the device, but may be stored in an external device and called up as needed. For example, the data may be stored in a network attached storage (NAS) or on the cloud.

[0129] The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the configurations explicitly described in the specification, but also includes combinations of the technologies disclosed in the specification. The configurations of the present disclosure for which a patent is sought are set forth in the appended claims, but it is not intended to exclude them from the technical scope on the grounds that they are not set forth in the claims.

[0130] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned specification, the statements "in the case of" and "when" are given as examples and are not intended to limit the configuration to the described contents. The disclosure also includes configurations that are not in these cases or when they are obvious to a person skilled in the art, and the patentee intends to obtain the rights to such configurations.

[0131] Furthermore, the processes and data flows described in the specification are not limited to the order in which they are described. For example, the patent also discloses configurations in which some processes are deleted or the order is changed, and the patent holder intends to obtain the rights to such configurations.

[0132] Furthermore, although the functions described in the embodiments are executed by each device, they may be realized by a single device or may further utilize an external server.

[0133] Furthermore, each functional block or feature of the device used in the above-described embodiments may be implemented or performed by an electrical circuit, for example, an integrated circuit or multiple integrated circuits. The electrical circuit designed to perform the functions described herein may include a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or a combination thereof. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or a conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The electrical circuit may be composed of digital circuits or analog circuits. Furthermore, as advances in semiconductor technology emerge, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may utilize new integrated circuits based on that technology.

[0134] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 System 10 Display device 100 Control unit 110 Memory unit 112 Storage 114 ROM 116 RAM 120 Operation control unit 125 Operation signal receiving unit 130 Broadcast control unit 140 Display unit 150 Audio output unit 160 External input unit 170 Communication unit 20 Remote control 30 Game device

Claims

1. A display device comprising: a data input unit that inputs data output from an output device; a display unit that displays an image based on the data; a receiving unit that receives an operation signal from an operation device; and a control unit that operates the display device based on the operation signal, wherein the control unit disables part of the operation based on the operation signal when an image is displayed based on the data from the output device.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit acquires identification data from the input data, and when the output device is a specific device, the control unit disables part of the operation based on the operation signal based on the identification data.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the specific device is a game device.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit identifies the game device based on EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) or CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) included in the data.

5. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a setting unit that sets an operation to be disabled among the operations based on the operation signal, and the control unit disables the operation set by the setting unit.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein the invalidating operation is an operation of switching the display screen displayed on the display unit.

7. The display device according to claim 5, wherein the invalidating operation is at least one of an operation related to the power supply of the display device, an operation related to switching of video input, a channel selection operation, and an operation to display a program guide.

8. The display device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit displays on the display unit a setting screen for setting operations to be disabled by the setting unit.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit displays on the display unit a message that the operation based on the operation signal is disabled.

10. A display device according to claim 9, wherein when the control unit receives an operation signal while disabling operations based on the operation signal, the control unit displays on the display unit that the operation has been disabled.

11. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a communication unit connectable to a network, wherein the control unit switches the disabled operation to an enabled operation when an emergency signal is received from the communication unit or the video input unit.

12. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit switches the disabled operation to an enabled operation when the predetermined operation is performed.

13. The display device according to claim 12, wherein the control unit switches the disabled operation to enabled when the user performs the specified operation and switches the operation to enabled again.

14. A control method for a display device, comprising: a data input step of inputting data output from an output device; a display step of displaying an image based on the data; a receiving step of receiving an operation signal from an operation device; and a control step of operating the display device based on the operation signal, wherein the control step disables part of the operation based on the operation signal when an image is displayed based on the data from the output device.

15. A program that implements the following functions in a computer connected to a display device capable of displaying images: a data input function that inputs data output from an output device; a display function that displays an image on the display device based on the data; a receiving function that receives an operation signal from an operation device; and a control function that operates the computer based on the operation signal, wherein the control function disables part of the operation based on the operation signal when an image is displayed based on the data from the output device.

16. A recording medium on which the program of claim 15 is recorded.

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