Information processing device, program, and information processing system

Abstract

The present technology relates to an information processing device, a program, and an information processing system that enable all users, including visually impaired people, to correctly connect a first electronic apparatus and a second electronic apparatus. A connection information acquiring unit acquires connection information indicating the state of a connection between a television receiver and an audio device. On the basis of the connection information acquired by the connection information acquiring unit, a speech acquiring unit acquires speech data of connection guidance speech, which is speech for guiding the connection between the television receiver and the audio device. A speech output control unit outputs the connection guidance speech on the basis of the speech data acquired by the speech acquiring unit. The present technology can, for example, be applied to smartphones or the like that communicate with audio devices connected to television receivers.

Description

Information Processing Apparatus, Program, and Information Processing System

[0001] The present technology relates to an information processing apparatus, a program, and an information processing system, and particularly to an information processing apparatus, a program, and an information processing system that enable all users including visually impaired persons to correctly connect a first electronic device and a second electronic device.

[0002] In recent years, a viewing method has become popular in which a user connects an audio device to a television receiver via an HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) (registered trademark) cable and outputs the audio input to the television receiver from the audio device to perform viewing with high-quality sound.

[0003] In this viewing method, the user can also make the television receiver function as a center speaker (partially) by connecting the television receiver and the audio device with an ACS (Acoustic Center Sync) cable to coordinate the audio outputs of the television receiver and the audio device. Hereinafter, this function is referred to as the ACS function.

[0004] When the user performs viewing using such a viewing method, it is necessary to connect the television receiver and the audio device via a cable such as an HDMI cable or an ACS cable when setting up the audio device. Therefore, a connection guidance screen for guiding the user to connect the television receiver and the audio device has been devised.

[0005] On the other hand, in a television receiver, it has also been devised to detect a change in the connection / disconnection state of a cable to an external terminal and notify information regarding the external terminal in which the state change has been detected by sound or voice (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0006] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-194534

[0007] However, it was not considered that the system would output audio guidance for connecting the first and second electronic devices. Consequently, it was difficult for users who rely on non-visual information, such as visually impaired individuals, to correctly connect the first and second electronic devices. Therefore, there is a demand for a method that enables all users, including visually impaired individuals, to correctly connect the first and second electronic devices, but this demand has not been adequately met.

[0008] This technology was developed in light of these circumstances, and aims to enable all users, including visually impaired individuals, to correctly connect the first electronic device and the second electronic device.

[0009] The information processing device of the first aspect of this technology includes a connection information acquisition unit that acquires connection information representing the connection status of a first electronic device and a second electronic device. The information processing device of the first aspect of this technology also includes a voice acquisition unit that acquires voice data of a connection guidance voice, which is a voice that guides the connection of the first electronic device and the second electronic device, based on the connection information acquired by the connection information acquisition unit. The information processing device of the first aspect of this technology further includes an output control unit that outputs the connection guidance voice based on the voice data acquired by the voice acquisition unit.

[0010] The process that the program of the first aspect of this technology causes a computer to execute includes obtaining connection information representing the connection status between a first electronic device and a second electronic device. The process that the program of the first aspect of this technology causes a computer to execute also includes obtaining audio data of a connection guidance voice, which is an audio message guiding the connection between the first electronic device and the second electronic device, based on the connection information. The process that the program of the first aspect of this technology causes a computer to execute further includes outputting the connection guidance voice based on the audio data.

[0011] In the first aspect of this technology, connection information representing the connection status between a first electronic device and a second electronic device is acquired, and based on the connection information, audio data of a connection guidance voice, which is an audio message guiding the connection between the first electronic device and the second electronic device, is acquired. Based on the audio data, the connection guidance voice is output.

[0012] The second aspect of this technology is an information processing system comprising an information processing device and a first electronic device. The information processing device includes a connection information acquisition unit that acquires connection information representing the connection status of the first electronic device and the second electronic device. The information processing device also includes a voice acquisition unit that acquires voice data of a connection guidance voice, which is a voice that guides the connection of the first electronic device and the second electronic device, based on the connection information acquired by the connection information acquisition unit. The information processing device further includes an output control unit that outputs the connection guidance voice based on the voice data acquired by the voice acquisition unit.

[0013] In a second aspect of this technology, an information processing device and a first electronic device are provided. The information processing device acquires connection information representing the connection status between the first electronic device and the second electronic device. Based on the connection information, the information processing device acquires audio data of a connection guidance voice that guides the connection between the first electronic device and the second electronic device, and outputs the connection guidance voice based on the audio data.

[0014] This figure shows an example configuration of one embodiment of an information processing system to which this technology is applied. This block diagram shows an example configuration of a television receiver and an audio device. This block diagram shows an example hardware configuration of a smartphone. This block diagram shows an example configuration of a connection guidance unit. This figure shows an example of HDMI connection guidance voice. This figure shows an example of ARC / eARC connection guidance voice. This figure shows an example of ACS connection guidance voice. This figure shows an example of ACS connection re-guidance voice. This is a flowchart explaining the setup process. This is a part of a flowchart explaining the details of the HDMI connection guidance process. This is another part of a flowchart explaining the details of the HDMI connection guidance process. This figure shows an example of the ARC / eARC connection guidance screen. This figure shows an example of the ARC / eARC connection re-guidance screen. This is a flowchart explaining the details of the ACS connection guidance process. This figure shows an example of the ACS connection guidance screen. This figure shows an example of the ACS connection re-guidance screen.

[0015] The following describes the embodiments for implementing this technology (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments"). The explanation will be given in the following order: 1. One Embodiment (Information Processing System)

[0016] <1. One Embodiment> <Example of Information Processing System Configuration> Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of one embodiment of an information processing system to which this technology is applied.

[0017] In the following explanation, we will use the example of connecting a television receiver (display device) and an audio device, but this technology can also be applied to connecting two other electronic devices. In the following explanation, we will use an HDMI cable and an ACS cable as examples of cables to connect the two electronic devices, but other cables such as a DisplayPort cable may also be used, or a single cable that has the functions of both an HDMI cable and an ACS cable may be used.

[0018] The information processing system 10 in Figure 1 consists of a television receiver 11, an audio device 12, a smartphone 13, a cloud server 14, an HDMI cable 15, and an ACS cable 16. The user connects the television receiver 11 and the audio device 12 via the HDMI cable 15 and the ACS cable 16 according to the screen and sound output from the smartphone 13.

[0019] Specifically, the television receiver 11 (second electronic device) has an HDMI input terminal for connecting an HDMI cable 15 and an ACS input terminal for connecting an ACS cable 16. The HDMI input terminal is an HDMI terminal capable of receiving video signals, audio signals, etc., as TMDS signals via the TMDS (Transition Minimized Differential Signaling) channel. HDMI input terminals include ARC (Audio Return Channel) / eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) compatible ARC / eARC terminals and ARC / eARC incompatible HDMI input terminals. An ARC / eARC compatible terminal is an HDMI input terminal that supports at least one of ARC and eARC and is capable of transmitting audio signals in the opposite direction to the TMDS signal.

[0020] When the HDMI input terminal of the television receiver 11 is connected to the HDMI output terminal of the audio device 12 via an HDMI cable 15, it is possible to exchange CEC messages compliant with the HDMI-CEC standard via, for example, the CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) line. For example, the television receiver 11 transmits television type information, which represents the model and specifications of the television receiver 11, to the audio device 12 via the CEC line.

[0021] The television receiver 11 receives content such as broadcast programs via a network or antenna. When the ARC / eARC compatible terminal of the television receiver 11 is connected to the HDMI output terminal of the audio device 12 via an HDMI cable 15, negotiation is performed in accordance with the HDMI standard, and an ARC connection / eARC connection is established. As a result, the ARC / eARC compatible terminal of the television receiver 11 can transmit the audio signal of the received content to the HDMI output terminal of the audio device 12.

[0022] When the ACS input terminal of the television receiver 11 is connected to the ACS output terminal of the audio device 12 via the ACS cable 16, the television receiver 11 can implement the ACS function.

[0023] In the following, the connection between the HDMI input terminal of the television receiver 11 and the HDMI output terminal of the audio device 12 via the HDMI cable 15 will be referred to as an HDMI connection. The connection between the ACS input terminal of the television receiver 11 and the ACS output terminal of the audio device 12 via the ACS cable 16 will be referred to as an ACS connection.

[0024] The audio device 12 has an HDMI output terminal and an ACS output terminal. The HDMI output terminal is an HDMI terminal capable of outputting video signals, audio signals, etc., as TMDS signals via the TMDS channel. The audio device 12 detects whether there is an HDMI connection with the television receiver 11, whether an ARC / eARC connection has been established, and whether an ACS connection has been established.

[0025] The HDMI output terminal of the audio device 12 receives television type information transmitted via the CEC line from the television receiver 11 connected to it via HDMI. When an ARC connection / eARC connection is established, the HDMI output terminal of the audio device 12 receives an audio signal transmitted from the ARC / eARC compatible terminal. The audio device 12 outputs the sound corresponding to that audio signal.

[0026] The audio device 12 (first electronic device) is connected to, for example, a smartphone 13 via BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) (Bluetooth is a registered trademark) communication. The audio device 12 transmits connection status information, such as whether or not an HDMI connection is established, whether or not an ARC / eARC connection is established, or whether or not an ACS connection is established, as well as TV type information, audio type information, etc., to the smartphone 13 via BLE communication. The audio type information is information that represents the model and specifications of the audio device 12.

[0027] The smartphone 13 (information processing device) receives connection status information, TV type information, audio type information, etc., transmitted from the audio device 12 via BLE communication. Based on the connection status information, the smartphone 13 displays a connection guidance screen that guides the user to either an ARC / eARC connection or an ACS connection. The smartphone 13 communicates with the cloud server 14 via a network such as the internet.

[0028] For example, the smartphone 13 transmits the connection status information, along with the TV type information and audio type information, to the cloud server 14 based on the connection status information. As a result, the smartphone 13 receives audio data from the cloud server 14 that provides connection guidance for HDMI connection, ARC / eARC connection, or ACS connection, corresponding to the connection status information and the TV type information and audio type information. The audio data for the connection guidance voice may be an audio file containing an audio signal, or it may be text information, table information, or pattern information that the smartphone 13 uses to output the connection guidance voice.

[0029] The smartphone 13 also sends connection error information indicating an ACS connection error and TV type information to the cloud server 14 based on the connection status information and user operations. As a result, the smartphone 13 receives audio data from the cloud server 14 of an ACS connection re-guidance voice prompting the user to reconnect to the ACS, corresponding to the TV type information and connection error information. The smartphone 13 outputs audio corresponding to the received audio data.

[0030] The cloud server 14 stores audio data for connection guidance voices, associating connection status information with TV type information and audio type information. The cloud server 14 also stores audio data for ACS connection re-guidance voices, associating connection error information with TV type information.

[0031] The cloud server 14 reads the audio data of connection guidance voices stored in association with the connection status information transmitted from the smartphone 13, as well as the TV type information and audio type information, and sends it to the smartphone 13. The cloud server 14 also reads the audio data of ACS connection re-guidance voices stored in association with the connection error information transmitted from the smartphone 13, as well as the TV type information, and sends it to the smartphone 13.

[0032] The HDMI cable 15 may or may not support HEC (HDMI Ethernet Channel). Communication between the audio device 12 and the smartphone 13 may be via a method other than BLE communication.

[0033] <Example of configuration of television receiver and audio device> Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the television receiver 11 and audio device 12 shown in Figure 1.

[0034] The television receiver 11 includes a content receiving unit 31, a control unit 32, a display 33, a speaker 34, an HDMI port 35, and an ACS input terminal 36.

[0035] The content receiving unit 31 receives content such as broadcast programs via a network or antenna. For example, the content receiving unit 31 selects a predetermined channel, demodulates the broadcast signal of that channel, and extracts the video and audio signals of the broadcast program content. The content receiving unit 31 supplies the received video and audio signals of the content to the control unit 32.

[0036] The control unit 32 controls various parts of the television receiver 11. For example, the control unit 32 displays the video content on the display 33 based on the video signal supplied from the content receiving unit 31. The control unit 32 also outputs the audio content to the speaker 34 based on the audio signal supplied from the content receiving unit 31.

[0037] The control unit 32 causes the television type information of the television receiver 11 to be transmitted from the HDMI input terminal of the HDMI port 35 via the CEC line of the HDMI cable 15. This television type information is stored, for example, in a memory unit (not shown) built into the control unit 32. Note that the television type information may also be transmitted via a line other than the CEC line of the HDMI cable 15.

[0038] The control unit 32 causes the audio signal supplied from the content receiving unit 31 to be transmitted via the HDMI cable 15 from the ARC / eARC compatible terminal 41 of the HDMI port 35. The control unit 32 causes the HDMI input terminal to receive commands transmitted via the CEC line, etc., of the HDMI cable 15. The control unit 32 performs processing such as turning on the power of the television receiver 11 in response to the command.

[0039] The control unit 32 controls communication with the audio device 12 via the ACS cable 16 connected to the ACS input terminal 36, thereby realizing the ACS function. As a result, the speaker 34 functions as a center speaker.

[0040] The HDMI port 35 has an ARC / eARC compatible terminal 41 and an ARC / eARC non-compatible terminal 42. In the following, unless there is a need to distinguish between the ARC / eARC compatible terminal 41 and the ARC / eARC non-compatible terminal 42, they will simply be referred to as the TV-side HDMI input terminals.

[0041] Near the ARC / eARC compatible terminal 41, one or more protrusions indicating that it is an ARC / eARC compatible terminal may be provided as identification information for the ARC / eARC compatible terminal. Similarly, near the ACS input terminal 36, one or more protrusions indicating that it is an ACS input terminal may be provided as identification information for the ACS input terminal.

[0042] The audio device 12 includes an HDMI port 51, an ACS output terminal 52, a control unit 53, a Bluetooth communication unit 54, and a speaker 55.

[0043] The HDMI port 51 has an HDMI input terminal 61 and an HDMI output terminal 62 to which an HDMI cable 15 can be connected. One or more bumps indicating that it is an HDMI output terminal may be provided as identification information of the HDMI output terminal in the vicinity of the HDMI output terminal 62. One or more bumps indicating that it is an ACS output terminal may be provided as identification information of the ACS output terminal in the vicinity of the ACS output terminal 52.

[0044] The bumps as identification information are formed by, for example, a sticker and are affixed in the vicinity of the ARC / eARC-compatible terminal 41, the ACS input terminal 36, the HDMI output terminal 62, or the ACS output terminal 52 that is identified by the identification information. The identification information may not be provided in the vicinity as long as it is provided corresponding to the ARC / eARC-compatible terminal 41, the ACS input terminal 36, the HDMI output terminal 62, or the ACS output terminal 52 that is identified by the identification information.

[0045] The control unit 53 controls each part of the audio device 12. For example, the control unit 53 detects the presence or absence of an HDMI connection between the HDMI output terminal 62 and the TV-side HDMI input terminal, the establishment of an ARC / eARC connection, and the presence or absence of an ACS connection between the ACS input terminal 36 and the ACS output terminal 52. The control unit 53 supplies connection information including connection state information representing the detection result to the Bluetooth communication unit 54.

[0046] The control unit 53 causes the HDMI output terminal 62 to receive the TV type information transmitted via the CEC line of the HDMI cable 15 from the TV-side HDMI input terminal HDMI-connected to the HDMI output terminal 62. The control unit 53 supplies the TV type information to the Bluetooth communication unit 54.

[0047] The control unit 53 causes the HDMI output terminal 62 to receive the audio signal transmitted via the HDMI cable 15 from the ARC / eARC-compatible terminal 41 for which the ARC / eARC connection with the HDMI output terminal 62 has been established. Then, the control unit 53 causes the speaker 55 to output sound based on the audio signal.

[0048] The control unit 53 supplies the audio type information of the audio device 12 to the Bluetooth communication unit 54. This audio type information is stored, for example, in a storage unit (not shown) incorporated in the control unit 53. The control unit 53 performs processes such as a process of transmitting a command to turn on the power to the TV-side HDMI input terminal via the CEC line or the like of the HDMI cable 15 from the HDMI output terminal 62 in response to a command supplied from the Bluetooth communication unit 54.

[0049] The Bluetooth communication unit 54 performs BLE communication with the smartphone 13. For example, the Bluetooth communication unit 54 transmits the connection information, TV type information, and audio type information supplied from the control unit 53 to the smartphone 13 by BLE communication. The Bluetooth communication unit 54 receives a command transmitted from the smartphone 13 by BLE communication and supplies the command to the control unit 53.

[0050] <Smartphone Hardware Configuration Example> Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the smartphone 13 in Fig. 1.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 3, the smartphone 13 is configured by connecting a processing circuit 71, a storage unit 72, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 73, an input unit 74, an output unit 75, and a communication unit 76 via a bus 77.

[0052] The processing circuit 71 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like. The processing circuit 71 controls various parts of the smartphone 13 and performs various processes by loading a program stored in the memory unit 72 into the RAM 73 and executing it. For example, the processing circuit 71 controls various parts of the smartphone 13 and performs connection guidance processing to guide the connection between the television receiver 11 and the audio device 12. The memory unit 72 is composed of flash memory and the like.

[0053] The input unit 74 includes a touch panel 81. The touch panel 81 is formed on the display 91 of the output unit 75. The touch panel 81 receives user operations on a screen such as a connection guide screen displayed on the display 91 and supplies operation position information representing the location of the operation to the processing circuit 71. The output unit 75 includes the display 91 and a speaker 92.

[0054] The communication unit 76 includes a Bluetooth communication unit 101, a mobile communication unit 102, and a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) communication unit 103. The Bluetooth communication unit 101 communicates with the audio device 12 via BLE. The mobile communication unit 102 connects to the internet via a mobile phone network and communicates with, for example, a cloud server 14. The Wi-Fi communication unit 103 connects to the internet using Wi-Fi technology and communicates with, for example, a cloud server 14. Communication with the cloud server 14 may be performed by either the mobile communication unit 102 or the Wi-Fi communication unit 103, but the following description will focus on the case where the mobile communication unit 102 communicates with the cloud server 14.

[0055] The program executed by the processing circuit 71 can be provided via a wired or wireless transmission medium, such as a local area network or the internet. In this case, the program can be received by the communication unit 76 via the wired or wireless transmission medium and installed in the storage unit 72. Alternatively, the program can be pre-installed in the storage unit 72.

[0056] The program executed by the smartphone 13 may be a program that is processed chronologically in the order described herein, or it may be a program that is processed in parallel or at necessary times, such as when a call is made.

[0057] As described above, the processing circuit 71 in Figure 3 functions as a connection guide unit that performs connection guidance processing.

[0058] <Example of Connection Guide Configuration> Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of such a connection guide.

[0059] The connection guidance unit 120 in Figure 4 is composed of a connection information acquisition unit 121, a type information acquisition unit 122, a command generation unit 123, a screen generation unit 124, a display control unit 125, an audio acquisition unit 126, and an audio output control unit 127.

[0060] The connection information acquisition unit 121 controls the Bluetooth communication unit 101 to perform GATT communication via BLE communication with the audio device 12 and acquires connection information transmitted from the audio device 12.

[0061] The type information acquisition unit 122 controls the Bluetooth communication unit 101 to perform GATT communication via BLE communication with the audio device 12 and acquires television type information transmitted from the audio device 12. The type information acquisition unit 122 also controls the Bluetooth communication unit 101 to acquire audio type information transmitted from the audio device 12 via BLE communication advertising.

[0062] The command generation unit 123 generates a command for the audio device 12 and supplies it to the Bluetooth communication unit 101, thereby transmitting the command to the audio device 12. Alternatively, the command generation unit 123 may transmit the command to the audio device 12 by supplying the generated command to an interface other than the Bluetooth communication unit 101, such as the Wi-Fi communication unit 103. Similarly, the connection information acquisition unit 121 and the type information acquisition unit 122 may acquire information by controlling an interface other than the Bluetooth communication unit 101, such as the Wi-Fi communication unit 103.

[0063] The screen generation unit 124 generates various screens. For example, the screen generation unit 124 generates a connection guidance screen based on the connection status information included in the connection information acquired by the connection information acquisition unit 121.

[0064] The screen generation unit 124 generates an activation confirmation screen to check whether or not a demo sound, which is a sound based on an audio signal for demonstrating the ACS function, has been output. Based on the operation position information and the activation confirmation screen displayed on the display 91, the screen generation unit 124 generates an ACS connection re-guidance screen that prompts the user to reconnect to the ACS. The display control unit 125 controls the display 91 to display screens such as the connection guidance screen, terminal search guidance screen, activation confirmation screen, and ACS connection re-guidance screen generated by the screen generation unit 124.

[0065] The voice acquisition unit 126 supplies the connection status information obtained by the connection information acquisition unit 121, and the television type information and audio type information obtained by the type information acquisition unit 122, to the mobile communication unit 102. The mobile communication unit 102 then transmits the connection status information and the television type information and audio type information to the cloud server 14 via a REST (Representational State Transfer) API or the like. The voice acquisition unit 126 controls the mobile communication unit 102 to acquire the audio data of the connection guidance voice corresponding to the connection status information and the television type information and audio type information received by the mobile communication unit 102.

[0066] The voice acquisition unit 126 also supplies connection error information and TV type information to the mobile communication unit 102 based on the operation position information and the activation confirmation screen displayed on the display 91. The mobile communication unit 102 then transmits the connection error information and TV type information to the cloud server 14 via a REST API or the like. The voice acquisition unit 126 controls the mobile communication unit 102 to acquire the ACS connection re-guidance voice data corresponding to the connection error information and TV type information received by the mobile communication unit 102.

[0067] The audio output control unit 127 outputs connection guidance audio and ACS connection re-guidance audio to the speaker 92 based on the audio data acquired by the audio acquisition unit 126.

[0068] <Examples of connection guidance voices> Figures 5 to 7 show examples of connection guidance voices corresponding to voice data stored in the cloud server 14, associated with connection status information, audio type information, and television type information.

[0069] As shown in Figure 5, the cloud server 14 stores audio data for HDMI connection guidance voice messages, associated with connection status information indicating the absence of an HDMI connection and audio type information. The HDMI connection guidance voice message notifies the user of the location of the HDMI output terminal 62 based on the audio type information and prompts the user to connect the HDMI cable 15 to the HDMI output terminal 62 and the HDMI input terminal on the TV side.

[0070] Specifically, if the audio type information indicates that the HDMI output terminal 62, which does not have identification information, is located on the back, the HDMI connection guidance voice will indicate that the location of the HDMI output terminal 62 is on the back. For example, in this case, the HDMI connection guidance voice would say, "The HDMI terminal on the audio device is on the back. Any HDMI terminal on the TV will do. Let's connect the HDMI cable."

[0071] On the other hand, if the audio type information indicates that an HDMI output terminal 62 with a raised dot is provided on the back as identification information, the identification information will also be announced in the HDMI connection guidance voice message. Therefore, for example, in this case the HDMI connection guidance voice message would say, "The HDMI terminal of the audio device is on the back. There is a raised dot near the terminal. Any HDMI terminal on the TV will do. Let's connect the HDMI cable."

[0072] As shown in Figure 6, the cloud server 14 stores audio data for ARC / eARC connection guidance voice messages, associated with connection status information indicating that no ARC / eARC connection has been established and television type information. The ARC / eARC connection guidance voice message notifies the location of the ARC / eARC compatible terminal 41 based on the television type information and prompts the user to connect the HDMI cable 15 to the HDMI output terminal 62 and the ARC / eARC compatible terminal 41.

[0073] Specifically, if the TV type information indicates that the ARC / eARC compatible terminal 41, which does not have identification information, is located on the left side, the ARC / eARC connection guidance voice will indicate that the location of the ARC / eARC compatible terminal 41 is on the left side. For example, in this case, the ARC / eARC connection guidance voice will say, "The terminal on the TV is incorrect. Please try a different HDMI terminal. The terminal is on the left side of the TV."

[0074] On the other hand, if the TV type information indicates that an ARC / eARC compatible terminal 41 with three protruding dots is provided on the left side as identification information, the identification information will also be announced in the ARC / eARC connection guidance voice message. Therefore, for example, in this case the ARC / eARC connection guidance voice message would say, "There is an HDMI input terminal with three protruding dots nearby on the left side of the TV. Please reconnect the HDMI cable to that terminal."

[0075] If the TV type information indicates an unknown specification, the ARC / eARC connection guidance voice will not inform you of the location of the ARC / eARC compatible terminal 41. For example, in this case, the ARC / eARC connection guidance voice will say, "The terminal on the TV is incorrect. Please try a different HDMI terminal."

[0076] As shown in Figure 7, the cloud server 14 stores audio data for ACS connection guidance voices, associated with connection status information indicating the absence of an ACS connection, audio type information, and television type information. The ACS connection guidance voice is a connection guidance voice that notifies the location of the ACS input terminals 36 and 52 based on the audio type information and television type information, and prompts the user to connect the ACS cable 16 to the ACS input terminal 36 and the ACS output terminal 52.

[0077] Specifically, if the audio type information indicates a specification without rear identification, where the ACS output terminal 52, which does not have identification information, is located on the rear, the ACS connection guidance voice will indicate that the rear is the location of the ACS output terminal 52. If the television type information indicates a specification without left-side identification, where the ACS input terminal 36, which does not have identification information, is located on the left side, the ACS connection guidance voice will indicate that the left side is the location of the ACS input terminal 36. Therefore, for example, if the audio type information indicates a specification without rear identification and the television type information indicates a specification without left-side identification, the ACS connection guidance voice will include "The ACS terminal for the audio device is on the rear." This ACS connection guidance voice will also include "The ACS terminal for the television is on the left side. Let's connect the ACS cable."

[0078] On the other hand, if the TV type information indicates a specification with left-side identification, where the ACS input terminal 36, which has a raised dot as identification information, is located on the left side, the identification information of the ACS input terminal 36 is also announced in the ACS connection guidance voice. Therefore, for example, if the audio type information indicates a specification without rear identification and the TV type information indicates a specification with left-side identification, the ACS connection guidance voice will include "The ACS terminal for the audio device is on the back." This ACS connection guidance voice will also include "The ACS terminal for the TV is on the left side. There is a raised dot near the terminal. Let's connect the ACS cable."

[0079] If the audio type information indicates a specification with rear identification, where the ACS output terminal 52, which has a raised dot as identification information, is located on the rear, the identification information of the ACS output terminal 52 is also announced in the ACS connection guidance voice. Therefore, for example, if the audio type information indicates a specification with rear identification and the TV type information indicates a specification without left-side identification, the ACS connection guidance voice will include "The ACS terminal of the audio device is on the rear. There is a raised dot near the terminal." This ACS connection guidance voice will also include "The ACS terminal of the TV is on the left side. Let's connect the ACS cable."

[0080] On the other hand, when the audio type information indicates a specification with rear identification and the TV type information indicates a specification with left-side identification, the ACS connection guidance voice includes "The ACS terminal on the audio device is on the rear. There is a raised dot near the terminal." This ACS connection guidance voice also includes "The ACS terminal on the TV is on the left side. There is a raised dot near the terminal. Let's connect the ACS cable."

[0081] <Example of ACS connection re-guidance voice> Figure 8 shows an example of ACS connection re-guidance voice corresponding to voice data stored in the cloud server 14 in association with connection error information and TV type information.

[0082] As shown in Figure 8, the cloud server 14 stores audio data for ACS connection re-guidance, associated with connection error information and TV type information. The ACS connection re-guidance voice notifies the user of the location of the ACS input terminal 36 based on the TV type information and prompts the user to reconnect the ACS cable 16 to the ACS input terminal 36.

[0083] Specifically, if the TV type information indicates a specification without left-side identification, the ACS connection re-guidance voice will indicate that the ACS input terminal 36 is located on the left side. For example, in this case, the ACS connection re-guidance voice will say, "The TV's ACS terminal is on the left side. Let's reconnect the ACS cable."

[0084] On the other hand, if the TV type information indicates a specification with left-side identification, the identification information for the ACS output terminal 52 is also announced in the ACS connection re-guidance voice message. Therefore, for example, in this case the ACS connection re-guidance voice message would say, "The ACS terminal of the TV is on the left side. There is a raised dot near the terminal. Let's connect the ACS cable."

[0085] <Explanation of Setup Process> Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the setup process performed on the smartphone 13. This setup process is initiated, for example, when the user connects the audio device 12 to the television receiver 11 by operating the touch panel 81 and instructing it to run a predetermined application.

[0086] In step S11 of Figure 9, the Bluetooth communication unit 101 of the smartphone 13 detects one or more audio devices, including the audio device 12 in its vicinity, under the control of the processing circuit 71. Specifically, the Bluetooth communication unit 101 receives information, including audio type information, transmitted from the audio devices in its vicinity via advertising, which is a broadcast communication of BLE communication. The Bluetooth communication unit 101 supplies the information, including the audio type information, to the processing circuit 71.

[0087] In step S12, the processing circuit 71 displays an audio device selection screen on the display 91 for selecting one of the audio devices detected in step S11. The user operates the touch panel 81 while viewing the audio device selection screen to select the desired audio device 12.

[0088] In step S13, the processing circuit 71 determines, based on the operation position information supplied from the touch panel 81, whether or not the desired audio device 12 has been selected by the user on the audio device selection screen displayed on the display 91.

[0089] If it is determined in step S13 that audio device 12 is not selected, the system waits until audio device 12 is selected. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S13 that audio device 12 is selected, the processing circuit 71 controls the Bluetooth communication unit 101 to request a connection to the selected audio device 12 and proceeds to step S14.

[0090] In step S14, the processing circuit 71 controls the Bluetooth communication unit 101 and sends an initial setup request command to the selected audio device 12, requesting initial setup via BLE communication's GATT (Generic attribute profile) communication. The Bluetooth communication unit 54 of the audio device 12 receives this command and supplies it to the control unit 53. As a result, the control unit 53 starts the initial setup.

[0091] In step S15, the connection guidance unit 120 performs HDMI connection guidance processing to guide the user through the HDMI connection. Details of this HDMI connection guidance processing will be explained later with reference to Figures 10 and 11.

[0092] In step S16, the connection guidance unit 120 performs ACS connection guidance processing to guide the user to the ACS connection. Details of this ACS connection guidance processing will be explained later with reference to Figure 14. The setup process then ends.

[0093] <Explanation of HDMI connection guidance process> Figures 10 and 11 are flowcharts that explain the details of the HDMI connection guidance process in step S15 of Figure 9.

[0094] In step S30 of Figure 10, the type information acquisition unit 122 of the connection guidance unit 120 acquires the audio type information of the audio device 12 selected by the user from the information including the audio type information received by the Bluetooth communication unit 101. The type information acquisition unit 122 stores the audio type information in the storage unit 72 or RAM 73.

[0095] In step S31, the connection information acquisition unit 121 acquires HDMI connection information, which is the connection information for the HDMI connection transmitted from the audio device 12, by controlling the Bluetooth communication unit 101. If the electronic device connected to the audio device 12 via HDMI is a television receiver 11, the HDMI connection information includes not only the connection status information for the HDMI connection but also power status information indicating the on / off state of the television receiver 11. In response to the processing in step S31, the screen generation unit 124 may generate an HDMI connection status confirmation screen that notifies that the status of the HDMI connection has been checked and display it on the display 91.

[0096] In step S32, the screen generation unit 124 determines whether the audio device 12 is connected to the television receiver 11 via HDMI, based on the connection status information of the HDMI connection information acquired in step S31. If it is determined in step S32 that there is no HDMI connection, that is, if the HDMI cable 15 is not connected to the HDMI input terminal and HDMI output terminal 62 on the TV side due to the HDMI cable 15 not being connected or incorrectly connected, the process proceeds to step S33.

[0097] In step S33, the screen generation unit 124 generates an ARC / eARC connection guidance screen that guides users through the HDMI connection between the ARC / eARC compatible terminal 41 and the HDMI output terminal 62, and displays it on the display 91.

[0098] In step S34, the audio acquisition unit 126 acquires audio data for HDMI connection guidance based on the audio type information acquired in step S30 and the connection status information of the HDMI connection information acquired in step S31.

[0099] Specifically, the audio acquisition unit 126 transmits the connection status information and audio type information of the HDMI connection to the cloud server 14 by supplying them to the mobile communication unit 102. The cloud server 14 receives the connection status information and audio type information, reads the audio data of the HDMI connection guidance voice stored in association with the connection status information and audio type information, and transmits it to the smartphone 13. As a result, the audio acquisition unit 126 acquires the audio data via the mobile communication unit 102.

[0100] In step S35, the audio output control unit 127 outputs an HDMI connection guidance voice to the speaker 92 based on the audio data acquired in step S34. The user connects the HDMI cable 15 according to the ARC / eARC connection guidance screen and the HDMI connection guidance voice, and then operates the connection complete button on the ARC / eARC connection guidance screen. On the other hand, if the user cannot find a terminal that appears to be an ARC / eARC compatible terminal 41 according to the ARC / eARC connection guidance screen and the HDMI connection guidance voice, they operate the terminal unknown button on the ARC / eARC connection guidance screen.

[0101] In step S36, the screen generation unit 124 determines, based on the operation position information supplied from the touch panel 81, whether or not the connection complete button on the ARC / eARC connection guidance screen displayed on the display 91 has been operated by the user. If it is determined in step S36 that the connection complete button has been operated, the process returns to step S31, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

[0102] If it is determined in step S36 that the connection complete button has not been pressed, that is, if the terminal unknown button on the ARC / eARC connection guidance screen has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S37.

[0103] In step S37, the screen generation unit 124 generates a terminal search guidance screen prompting the user to search for the ARC / eARC compatible terminal 41 and displays it on the display 91. The user searches for the ARC / eARC compatible terminal 41 by looking at the terminal search guidance screen, and when they connect the HDMI cable 15 to a terminal that they believe to be the ARC / eARC compatible terminal 41, they operate the connection complete button on the terminal search guidance screen. On the other hand, if the user cannot find a terminal that they believe to be the ARC / eARC compatible terminal 41 by looking at the terminal search guidance screen, they operate the terminal unknown button on the terminal search guidance screen.

[0104] In step S38, the screen generation unit 124 determines, based on the operation position information supplied from the touch panel 81, whether or not the connection complete button on the terminal search guidance screen displayed on the display 91 has been operated by the user. If it is determined in step S38 that the connection complete button has been operated, the process returns to step S31, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

[0105] If it is determined in step S38 that the connection complete button has not been pressed, that is, if the unknown terminal button on the terminal search guidance screen has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S55 in Figure 11.

[0106] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S32 that an HDMI connection is established, the process proceeds to step S39. In step S39, the connection information acquisition unit 121 determines whether the power status information of the HDMI connection information acquired in step S31 indicates an ON state. If it is determined in step S39 that it indicates an ON state, the process proceeds to step S44 in Figure 11.

[0107] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S39 that the device is not in an ON state, the process proceeds to step S40. In step S40, the connection information acquisition unit 121 determines whether the power status information of the HDMI connection information acquired in step S31 represents an OFF state. If it is determined in step S40 that the device is in an OFF state, the process proceeds to step S41.

[0108] In step S41, the command generation unit 123 generates a command for the audio device 12 to turn on the power of the television receiver 11. The command generation unit 123 transmits the command to the audio device 12 by supplying it to the Bluetooth communication unit 101. The control unit 53 of the audio device 12 transmits the command to the television receiver 11 via the HDMI cable 15. The control unit 32 of the television receiver 11 turns on the power in response to the command and transmits power status information indicating the ON state to the audio device 12.

[0109] In response to the processing in step S41, the screen generation unit 124 may generate a TV power-on notification screen that notifies that the power of the television receiver 11 has been automatically turned on, and display it on the display 91 for a certain period of time (for example, 5 seconds or more).

[0110] In step S42, the connection information acquisition unit 121 determines whether the power state of the television receiver 11 is ON or OFF. Specifically, the connection information acquisition unit 121 controls the Bluetooth communication unit 101 to perform BLE GATT communication with the audio device 12 and acquires power state information from the audio device 12. The connection information acquisition unit 121 then determines whether the power state information indicates that the device is ON or OFF.

[0111] If the power status information indicates an ON state, the connection information acquisition unit 121 determines in step S42 that the power status of the television receiver 11 is ON, and proceeds to step S44.

[0112] On the other hand, if the power status information indicates an off state, the connection information acquisition unit 121 determines in step S42 that the power status of the television receiver 11 is not on, that is, the television receiver 11 was unable to turn on its own. The process then proceeds to step S43.

[0113] If it is determined in step S40 that the power status information does not indicate an off state, that is, if the power status information was not acquired, the process proceeds to step S43.

[0114] In step S43, the screen generation unit 124 generates a power-on guidance screen prompting the user to turn on the television receiver 11 and displays it on the display 91. The connection information acquisition unit 121 then controls the Bluetooth communication unit 101 to perform BLE GATT communication with the audio device 12 and acquires power status information from the audio device 12. The process then returns to step S39, and the processes in steps S39 and S40 are repeated based on this power status information.

[0115] In step S44 of Figure 11, the connection information acquisition unit 121 acquires ARC / eARC connection information, which is the connection information for the ARC / eARC connection transmitted from the audio device 12, by controlling the Bluetooth communication unit 101. This ARC / eARC connection information includes not only the connection status information of the ARC / eARC connection, but also port number acquisition information indicating whether or not the port number of the ARC / eARC compatible terminal 41 from the television receiver 11 has been acquired. If the port number acquisition information indicates that the port number has been acquired, the ARC / eARC connection information also includes that port number. This port number is acquired by the audio device 12 from the television receiver 11 via the CEC line of the HDMI cable 15.

[0116] In response to the processing in step S44, the screen generation unit 124 may generate an ARC / eARC connection status confirmation screen that notifies that the status of the ARC / eARC connection is being checked, and display it on the display 91 for a certain period of time (for example, 5 seconds or more).

[0117] In step S45, the type information acquisition unit 122 acquires television type information transmitted from the audio device 12 by controlling the Bluetooth communication unit 101. This television type information is acquired by the audio device 12 from the television receiver 11 via the CEC line of the HDMI cable 15.

[0118] In step S46, the screen generation unit 124 determines whether an ARC / eARC connection has been established between the television receiver 11 and the audio device 12 based on the connection status information of the ARC / eARC connection information acquired in step S44. If it is determined in step S46 that an ARC / eARC connection has been established, the screen generation unit 124 generates an HDMI connection completion screen indicating that the HDMI cable 15 is properly connected and displays it on the display 91. The process then returns to step S15 in Figure 9 and proceeds to step S16.

[0119] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S46 that an ARC / eARC connection has not been established, the process proceeds to step S47. In step S47, the screen generation unit 124 determines whether or not the ARC / eARC connection information obtained in step S44 includes the port number of the ARC / eARC-compatible terminal.

[0120] If it is determined in step S47 that a port number is included, the process proceeds to step S48. In step S48, the screen generation unit 124 generates an ARC / eARC connection guidance screen with a port number, which notifies the port number to guide the ARC / eARC connection and prompts the user to reconnect the HDMI cable 15, and displays this screen on the display 91. The process then proceeds to step S50.

[0121] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S47 that the port number is not included, the process proceeds to step S49. In step S49, the screen generation unit 124 generates a port number-less ARC / eARC connection guidance screen and displays it on the display 91. The port number-less ARC / eARC connection guidance screen is a screen that guides the user through the ARC / eARC connection without notifying them of the port number of the ARC / eARC compatible terminal 41 and prompts them to reconnect the HDMI cable 15. In the following, unless there is a need to distinguish between the port number-included ARC / eARC connection guidance screen and the port number-less ARC / eARC connection guidance screen, they will be referred to as the ARC / eARC connection re-guidance screen. After the processing in step S49, the process proceeds to step S50.

[0122] In step S50, the audio acquisition unit 126 acquires audio data of the ARC / eARC connection guidance voice based on the connection status information, audio type information, and television type information of the ARC / eARC connection information.

[0123] Specifically, the audio acquisition unit 126 transmits connection status information, audio type information, and television type information of the ARC / eARC connection information to the mobile communication unit 102, thereby transmitting it to the cloud server 14. The cloud server 14 reads the ARC / eARC connection guidance voice data stored in association with the connection information, audio type information, and television type information, and transmits it to the smartphone 13. As a result, the audio acquisition unit 126 acquires the voice data via the mobile communication unit 102.

[0124] In step S51, the audio output control unit 127 outputs an ARC / eARC connection guidance voice to the speaker 92 based on the audio data acquired in step S50. The user searches for a terminal that appears to be an ARC / eARC compatible terminal 41 according to the ARC / eARC connection guidance screen and the ARC / eARC connection guidance voice, and after reconnecting the HDMI cable 15 to that terminal, operates the connection complete button on the ARC / eARC connection re-guidance screen. On the other hand, if the user cannot find a terminal that appears to be an ARC / eARC compatible terminal 41 according to the ARC / eARC connection guidance screen and the ARC / eARC connection guidance voice, the user operates the terminal unknown button on the ARC / eARC connection re-guidance screen.

[0125] In step S52, the screen generation unit 124 determines, based on the operation position information supplied from the touch panel 81, whether the connection complete button on the ARC / eARC connection re-guidance screen displayed on the display 91 has been operated by the user. If it is determined in step S52 that the connection complete button has been operated, the process returns to step S44, and the subsequent processes are repeated. In this case, the process in step S45 may be skipped.

[0126] If it is determined in step S52 that the connection complete button has not been pressed, that is, if the terminal unknown button on the ARC / eARC connection re-guidance screen has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S53.

[0127] Furthermore, the ARC / eARC connection re-guidance screen may include, in addition to the connection complete button and the terminal unknown button, an FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) button to instruct the display of the FAQ screen. In this case, if it is determined in step S52 that the connection complete button has not been pressed, it is determined whether or not the terminal unknown button has been pressed by the user. If the terminal unknown button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S53. If the terminal unknown button has not been pressed, i.e., if the FAQ button has been pressed, the screen generation unit 124 generates the FAQ screen and displays it on the display 91. The setup process then ends.

[0128] The processes in steps S53 and S54 are the same as those in steps S37 and S38 in Figure 10, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0129] If it is determined in step S54 that the connection complete button has been pressed, the process returns to step S44 and the subsequent processes are repeated. In this case, the process in step S45 may be skipped.

[0130] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S54 that the connection complete button has not been pressed, that is, if the terminal unknown button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S55.

[0131] In step S55, the screen generation unit 124 generates an ARC / eARC incompatibility notification screen that indicates the television receiver 11 does not support ARC / eARC connection, and displays it on the display 91. Then the process returns to step S15 in Figure 9 and proceeds to step S16.

[0132] If it is determined in step S54 that the connection complete button has not been pressed, a terminal re-search guidance screen may be displayed before the processing in step S55, which includes the terminal unknown button and the connection complete button, prompting the user to search for the ARC / eARC compatible terminal 41 again.

[0133] In this case, if the user presses the "Connection Complete" button on the terminal re-search guidance screen, the process returns to step S44, and the subsequent processes are repeated. On the other hand, if the "Unknown Terminal" button on the terminal re-search guidance screen is pressed, the process proceeds to step S55. The terminal re-search guidance screen may also include an explanation button to display an explanation screen describing the HDMI cable. In this case, if the user presses the explanation button, the explanation screen is displayed.

[0134] The ARC / eARC non-support notification screen may include a transition button to instruct the user to proceed to the next process and a help guide button to display the help guide screen. In this case, after the process in step S55, if the user operates the transition button, the process returns to step S15 in Figure 9 and proceeds to step S16. On the other hand, if the help guide button is operated, the screen generation unit 124 displays the help guide screen, and the setup process ends.

[0135] If an error occurs in obtaining the port number from the television receiver 11, the audio device 12 may include acquisition error information representing the port number acquisition error in the ARC / eARC connection information instead of the port number acquisition information. Port number acquisition errors can occur, for example, due to errors during port number acquisition, or errors in the CEC line, such as the television receiver 11 being turned off.

[0136] If the ARC / eARC connection information contains acquisition error information, and it is determined in step S46 that the ARC / eARC connection has not been established, an acquisition error screen is displayed. This acquisition error screen includes an FAQ button, a reacquisition button to instruct the user to reacquire the ARC / eARC connection information, a transition button, etc. When the user operates the FAQ button, the screen generation unit 124 displays the FAQ screen, and the setup process ends. When the user operates the reacquisition button, the process returns to step S44, and the subsequent processes are repeated. At this time, the process in step S45 may be skipped. When the user operates the transition button, the process returns to step S15 in Figure 9, and proceeds to step S16.

[0137] <Examples of ARC / eARC connection guidance screen and HDMI connection guidance audio> Figure 12 shows an example of the ARC / eARC connection guidance screen displayed on the display 91 when HDMI connection guidance audio is output from speaker 92.

[0138] In the example shown in Figure 12, the audio data for the HDMI connection guidance voice shown in Figure 5 is stored in the cloud server 14, and the audio type information indicates that an HDMI output terminal 62 without identification information is provided on the back.

[0139] In this case, as shown in Figure 12, the following voice prompt for HDMI connection guidance is output from speaker 92: "The HDMI terminal on the audio device is on the back. Any HDMI terminal on the TV will do. Let's connect the HDMI cable."

[0140] As shown in Figure 12, the ARC / eARC connection guidance screen 140 displays text and images that guide the user through connecting, for example, an ARC / eARC compatible terminal 41 to an HDMI cable 15 to an HDMI output terminal 62. The ARC / eARC connection guidance screen 140 also includes a connection complete button 141 and a terminal unknown button 142. The connection complete button 141 displays the text "Connecting to ARC" to indicate that it is a connection complete button. The terminal unknown button 142 displays the text "ARC not found on TV" to indicate that it is a terminal unknown button.

[0141] Furthermore, when the ARC / eARC connection guidance screen 140 is displayed on the display 91, the text for the connection complete button 141 and the unknown terminal button 142 will be read aloud as needed. This allows all users, including those with visual impairments, to operate the connection complete button 141 and the unknown terminal button 142.

[0142] <Examples of ARC / eARC connection re-guidance screen and ARC / eARC connection guidance audio> Figure 13 shows an example of the ARC / eARC connection re-guidance screen displayed on the display 91 when the ARC / eARC connection guidance audio is output from the speaker 92.

[0143] In the example shown in Figure 13, the cloud server 14 stores the audio data of the ARC / eARC connection guidance voice shown in Figure 6, and the TV type information is used as identification information, representing the specification in which an ARC / eARC compatible terminal 41 with three convex dots is provided on the left side.

[0144] In this case, as shown in Figure 13, the following voice prompt for ARC / eARC connection is output from speaker 92: "There is an HDMI input terminal with three protruding dots located near the left side of the TV. Please reconnect the HDMI cable to that terminal."

[0145] As shown in Figure 13, the ARC / eARC connection re-guidance screen 160 displays text and images prompting, for example, to reconnect the HDMI cable 15 to the ARC / eARC compatible terminal 41. In the example in Figure 13, the ARC / eARC connection re-guidance screen 160 also includes a connection complete button 161, a terminal unknown button 162, and an FAQ button 163. The connection complete button 161 displays the text "Connected to ARC" to indicate that it is a connection complete button. The terminal unknown button 162 displays the text "ARC not found on TV" to indicate that it is a terminal unknown button. The FAQ button 163 displays the text "Having trouble?" to indicate that it is an FAQ button.

[0146] Furthermore, when the ARC / eARC connection re-guidance screen 160 is displayed on the display 91, the text for the connection complete button 161, the terminal unknown button 162, and the FAQ button 163 will be read aloud as needed. This allows all users, including those with visual impairments, to operate the connection complete button 161, the terminal unknown button 162, and the FAQ button 163. The ARC / eARC connection re-guidance screen 160 does not necessarily have to include the FAQ button 163.

[0147] <Explanation of ACS connection guidance process> Figure 14 is a flowchart that explains the details of the ACS connection guidance process in step S16 of Figure 9.

[0148] In step S71 of Figure 14, the connection information acquisition unit 121 acquires ACS connection information, which is the connection information of the ACS connection transmitted from the audio device 12, by controlling the Bluetooth communication unit 101. This ACS connection information includes not only the connection status information of the ACS connection, but also ACS compatibility information indicating whether or not the television receiver 11 supports ACS connection. Note that the ACS compatibility information may be included in the ACS connection information only if the television receiver 11 supports ACS connection.

[0149] In step S72, the connection information acquisition unit 121 determines whether the television receiver 11 supports ACS connection based on the ACS compatibility information of the ACS connection information acquired in step S71. If it is determined in step S72 that the television receiver 11 supports ACS connection, the process proceeds to step S73. In this case, before the processing in step S73, the screen generation unit 124 may generate an ACS function explanation screen that explains the ACS function and display it on the display 91.

[0150] In step S73, the screen generation unit 124 determines whether the television receiver 11 and the audio device 12 are connected via ACS based on the connection status information of the ACS connection information. If it is determined in step S73 that they are connected via ACS, that is, if the ACS cable 16 is connected to the ACS input terminal 36 and the ACS output terminal 52, the process proceeds to step S74.

[0151] In step S74, the command generation unit 123 generates a demo sound playback command that instructs the playback of the demo sound. The command generation unit 123 transmits the demo sound playback command to the audio device 12 by supplying it to the Bluetooth communication unit 101. The control unit 53 of the audio device 12 transmits an activation command to the television receiver 11 via the HDMI cable 15 or the like, in response to this demo sound playback command, to activate the ACS function setting data. The control unit 53 then transmits the demo sound audio signal to the television receiver 11 via the ACS cable 16. As a result, the television receiver 11 implements the ACS function using the activated setting data and outputs the demo sound from the speaker 34.

[0152] Furthermore, when the control unit 53 receives a demo sound playback command from the smartphone 13, it may output an audio message from the speaker 55 to notify that the ACS function has been enabled.

[0153] If it is determined in step S73 that an ACS connection is established, the screen generation unit 124 may generate a playback screen including a play button for instructing the playback of a demo sound and display it on the display 91 before processing in step S74. In this case, processing waits until the user operates the play button, and when the play button is operated, the processing in step S74 is performed. The playback screen may also include a transition button in addition to the play button, and if the transition button is operated, processing may proceed to step S78.

[0154] In step S75, the screen generation unit 124 generates an activation confirmation screen and displays it on the display 91. After the user hears the demo sound, they operate the activation confirmation button on the activation confirmation screen.

[0155] In step S76, the command generation unit 123 determines whether the activation confirmation button on the activation confirmation screen displayed on the display 91 has been operated, based on the operation position information supplied from the touch panel 81. If it is determined in step S76 that the activation confirmation button has been operated, the process proceeds to step S77.

[0156] In step S77, the command generation unit 123 generates a demo sound stop command that instructs the system to stop playing the demo sound. The command generation unit 123 transmits this demo sound stop command to the audio device 12 by supplying it to the Bluetooth communication unit 101. The control unit 53 of the audio device 12 responds to this demo sound stop command by terminating the transmission of the demo sound audio signal to the television receiver 11. As a result, the output of the demo sound from the speaker 34 stops.

[0157] After step S77, the process returns to step S16 in Figure 9, and the setup process ends. After step S77, the screen generation unit 124 may generate an ACS connection completion screen indicating the completion of the ACS connection and display it on the display 91. In this case, the setup process may end after the ACS connection completion screen is displayed for a predetermined time, or the setup process may end when the user operates the transition button on the ACS connection completion screen.

[0158] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S72 that the system does not support ACS connection, the process proceeds to step S78. In step S78, the command generation unit 123 generates a command instructing the television receiver 11 to send an activation command. The command generation unit 123 sends this command to the audio device 12 by supplying it to the Bluetooth communication unit 101. The control unit 53 of the audio device 12 sends an activation command to the television receiver 11 via the HDMI cable 15 or the like in response to this command. The television receiver 11 activates the ACS function setting data in response to this activation command. After the processing in step S78, the process returns to step S16 in Figure 9, and the setup process is completed.

[0159] If it is determined in step S73 that the ACS connection is not established, that is, if the ACS cable 16 is not connected to the ACS input terminal 36 and the ACS output terminal 52 due to being unconnected or incorrectly connected, the process proceeds to step S79.

[0160] In step S79, the command generation unit 123 generates a command instructing the transmission of a disable command to disable the ACS function setting data. The command generation unit 123 transmits this command to the audio device 12 by supplying it to the Bluetooth communication unit 101. The control unit 53 of the audio device 12 transmits the disable command to the television receiver 11 via the HDMI cable 15 or the like in response to this command. The television receiver 11 disables the ACS function setting data in response to this disable command.

[0161] In step S80, the screen generation unit 124 generates an ACS connection guidance screen that guides users through the ACS connection between the ACS input terminal 36 and the ACS output terminal 52, and displays it on the display 91.

[0162] In step S81, the audio acquisition unit 126 acquires audio data of the ACS connection guidance voice based on the connection status information, audio type information, and television type information of the ACS connection information.

[0163] Specifically, the voice acquisition unit 126 transmits the connection status information, audio type information, and television type information of the ACS connection information to the mobile communication unit 102, thereby transmitting it to the cloud server 14. The cloud server 14 reads the ACS connection guidance voice data stored in association with the connection status information, audio type information, and television type information, and transmits it to the smartphone 13. As a result, the voice acquisition unit 126 acquires the voice data via the mobile communication unit 102.

[0164] In step S82, the audio output control unit 127 outputs an ACS connection guidance voice message to the speaker 92 based on the audio data acquired in step S81. The user connects the ACS cable 16 according to the ACS connection guidance screen and the ACS connection guidance voice message. After a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed since the processing in step S82, the connection information acquisition unit 121 acquires ACS connection information from the audio device 12 by controlling the Bluetooth communication unit 101.

[0165] In step S83, the screen generation unit 124 determines, based on the operation position information supplied from the touch panel 81, whether or not the transition button in the ACS connection guidance screen displayed on the display 91 has been operated by the user. If it is determined in step S83 that the transition button has not been operated, the process proceeds to step S84.

[0166] In step S84, the connection information acquisition unit 121 determines whether the television receiver 11 and the audio device 12 are connected via ACS based on the ACS connection information acquired a predetermined time after the processing in step S82. If it is determined in step S84 that they are connected via ACS, the process proceeds to step S74, and the subsequent processing is carried out.

[0167] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S83 that the transition button has not been operated, or if it is determined in step S84 that an ACS connection has not been established, the process proceeds to step S78, and the subsequent processes are carried out.

[0168] If it is determined in step S84 that the ACS connection is not established, the screen generation unit 124 may generate a reconfirmation screen prompting the user to check the use and insertion depth of the ACS cable 16, and display it on the display 91. In this case, if the user operates the transition button on the reconfirmation screen, the process proceeds to step S78, and the subsequent processes are carried out. On the other hand, if the user does not operate the transition button on the reconfirmation screen, the process returns to step S84.

[0169] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S76 that the activation confirmation button has not been operated, the process proceeds to step S85. In step S85, the command generation unit 123 generates a demo sound stop command in the same manner as in step S77 and supplies it to the Bluetooth communication unit 101. As a result, the output of the demo sound from the speaker 34 stops.

[0170] In step S86, the command generation unit 123 generates a command instructing the transmission of a disable command, similar to the process in step S79, and supplies it to the Bluetooth communication unit 101. As a result, the television receiver 11 disables the ACS function setting data.

[0171] In step S87, the screen generation unit 124 generates an ACS connection re-guidance screen and displays it on the display 91.

[0172] In step S88, the audio acquisition unit 126 acquires audio data for the ACS connection re-guidance voice based on the connection error information and the TV type information acquired in step S45 of Figure 10.

[0173] Specifically, the voice acquisition unit 126 transmits connection error information and TV type information to the mobile communication unit 102, thereby sending it to the cloud server 14. The cloud server 14 reads the ACS connection re-guidance voice data stored in association with the connection error information and TV type information, and transmits it to the smartphone 13. As a result, the voice acquisition unit 126 acquires the voice data via the mobile communication unit 102.

[0174] In step S89, the audio output control unit 127 outputs an ACS connection re-guidance voice message to the speaker 92 based on the audio data acquired in step S88. The user connects the ACS cable 16 according to the ACS connection re-guidance screen and the ACS connection re-guidance voice message, and then operates the connection complete button on the ACS connection guidance screen.

[0175] In step S90, the screen generation unit 124 determines, based on the operation position information supplied from the touch panel 81, whether the connection complete button on the ACS connection re-guidance screen displayed on the display 91 has been operated by the user. If it is determined in step S90 that the connection complete button has been operated, the process returns to step S74, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

[0176] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S90 that the connection complete button has not been operated, the process proceeds to step S91. In step S91, the screen generation unit 124 determines, based on the operation position information supplied from the touch panel 81, whether or not the transition button in the ACS connection re-guidance screen displayed on the display 91 has been operated by the user. If it is determined in step S83 that the transition button has not been operated, the process returns to step S90, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

[0177] If it is determined in step S91 that the transition button has been operated, the process proceeds to step S78, and the subsequent processes are carried out.

[0178] <Examples of ACS connection guidance screen and ACS connection guidance audio> Figure 15 shows an example of the ACS connection guidance screen displayed on the display 91 when the ACS connection guidance audio is output from the speaker 92.

[0179] In the example shown in Figure 15, the cloud server 14 stores the audio data of the ACS connection guidance voice shown in Figure 7, with the audio type information representing the specification without rear identification and the TV type information representing the specification with left-side identification.

[0180] In this case, as shown in Figure 15, the following voice prompt for ACS connection guidance is output from speaker 92: "The ACS terminal on the audio device is on the back. The ACS terminal on the TV is on the left side. There is a raised dot near the terminal. Let's connect the ACS cable."

[0181] As shown in Figure 15, the ACS connection guidance screen 180 displays text and images that guide users through the connection of the ACS cable 16 to the ACS input terminal 36 and the ACS output terminal 52, for example. The ACS connection guidance screen 180 also includes a transition button 181. The transition button 181 has the text "Connect Later" displayed to indicate that it is a transition button.

[0182] Furthermore, if the ACS connection guidance screen 180 is displayed on the display 91, the text for the transition button 181 will be read aloud as needed. This allows all users, including those with visual impairments, to operate the transition button 181.

[0183] <Examples of ACS connection re-guidance screen and ACS connection re-guidance audio> Figure 16 shows an example of the ACS connection re-guidance screen displayed on the display 91 when the ACS connection re-guidance audio is output from the speaker 92.

[0184] In the example shown in Figure 16, the cloud server 14 stores the audio data of the ACS connection re-guidance voice message shown in Figure 8, and the TV type information indicates that it has left-side identification.

[0185] In this case, as shown in Figure 16, the following message is output from speaker 92 as an ACS connection re-guidance: "The ACS terminal on the TV is on the left side. There is a raised dot near the terminal. Let's reconnect the ACS cable."

[0186] As shown in Figure 16, the ACS connection reconnection guidance screen 200 displays text and images prompting, for example, to reconnect the ACS cable 16 to the ACS input terminal 36. The ACS connection reconnection guidance screen 200 also includes a connection complete button 201 and a move-to button 202. The connection complete button 201 displays the text "Reconnected" to indicate that it is a connection complete button. The move-to button 202 displays the text "Proceed to the next step without connecting" to indicate that it is a move-to button.

[0187] Furthermore, if the ACS connection re-guidance screen 200 is displayed on the display 91, the text for the connection complete button 201 and the transition button 202 will be read aloud as needed. This allows all users, including those with visual impairments, to operate the connection complete button 201 and the transition button 202.

[0188] In the above explanation, the ACS connection reconnection guidance screen 200 and the ACS connection reconnection guidance voice prompt the user to reconnect the ACS cable 16 to the ACS input terminal 36. However, the user may also be prompted to reconnect the ACS cable 16 to the ACS output terminal 52. Alternatively, the user may be prompted to reconnect the ACS cable 16 to both the ACS input terminal 36 and the ACS output terminal 52.

[0189] Furthermore, for buttons on screens other than the ARC / eARC connection guidance screen 140, the ARC / eARC connection re-guidance screen 160, the ACS connection guidance screen 180, and the ACS connection re-guidance screen 200, text describing the content of the button will be read aloud as needed. This allows all users, including visually impaired individuals, to operate each button. The smartphone 13 may also be controlled to accept voice input instructions from the user when text describing the content of the buttons on the screen is being read aloud, or during a predetermined time after the text has been read aloud. For example, by allowing the smartphone 13 to accept voice input instructions regarding connections corresponding to the read-aloud text, users who rely on non-visual information, including visually impaired individuals, can process the information more easily. Voice input instructions may be acquired as voice instruction signals via a microphone (not shown) on the smartphone 13, or via a microphone on an externally connected device, either wired or wirelessly.

[0190] As described above, in the smartphone 13, the connection information acquisition unit 121 acquires connection information, the voice acquisition unit 126 acquires voice data for connection guidance based on that connection information, and the voice output control unit 127 outputs connection guidance based on that voice data. Therefore, all users, including visually impaired individuals, can correctly perform HDMI and ACS connections between the television receiver 11 and the audio device 12. Thus, the accessibility of the information processing system 10 is improved.

[0191] In the information processing system 10, audio data for connection guidance voices and ACS connection re-guidance voices are stored in the cloud server 14. Therefore, by simply updating the data stored in the cloud server 14, it is possible to easily accommodate changes such as expansion of the types of television receivers 11 and audio devices 12, updating of audio content, and expansion of information associated with connection guidance voices and ACS connection re-guidance voices. In other words, there is no need to update the application on the smartphone 13 in response to such changes.

[0192] Furthermore, connection guidance voice and ACS connection re-guidance voice may also notify the shape of the convex points. Identification information is not limited to convex points. In this embodiment, the identification information is formed by a seal, but the identification information may also be integrally formed with the main body of the television receiver 11 or audio device 12. In addition, the identification information may be configured to be electrically or mechanically operable. For example, the television receiver 11 or audio device 12 may be provided with a light-emitting part or a haptic display part (not shown) to display the identification information. In that case, for example, based on user operation during the setup process, the smartphone 13 may send an instruction signal to the television receiver 11 or audio device 12 to cause the light-emitting part or haptic display part to display the identification information.

[0193] Alternatively, the audio data for connection guidance voices and ACS connection re-guidance voices may be stored in the storage unit 72 instead of the cloud server 14.

[0194] In this embodiment, information is exchanged between the television receiver 11 and the smartphone 13 via the audio device 12, but it may also be done directly without going through the audio device 12. The smartphone 13 may communicate with the television receiver 11 instead of the audio device 12, and the audio device 12 may exchange information with the smartphone 13 via the television receiver 11.

[0195] In this specification, a system means a collection of multiple components (devices, modules (parts), etc.), regardless of whether all components are located in the same enclosure. Therefore, multiple devices housed in separate enclosures and connected via a network, and a single device containing multiple modules in one enclosure, are both considered systems.

[0196] The embodiments of this technology are not limited to those described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of this technology.

[0197] For example, this technology can be configured as cloud computing, where a single function is shared and processed collaboratively by multiple devices via a network.

[0198] Furthermore, each step described in the flowchart above can be performed by a single device, or it can be divided and performed by multiple devices.

[0199] Furthermore, if a single step includes multiple processes, those processes can be executed by a single device or shared among multiple devices.

[0200] The effects described herein are merely illustrative and not limited to those described herein; other effects may also occur.

[0201] This technology can take the following configurations: (1) An information processing device comprising: a connection information acquisition unit that acquires connection information representing the connection status of a first electronic device and a second electronic device; a voice acquisition unit that acquires voice data of a connection guidance voice, which is a voice that guides the connection of the first electronic device and the second electronic device, based on the connection information acquired by the connection information acquisition unit; and an output control unit that outputs the connection guidance voice based on the voice data acquired by the voice acquisition unit. (2) The information processing device according to (1) above, configured such that the connection information represents the connection status of the connection between the first electronic device and the second electronic device via a cable. (3) The information processing device according to (2) above, configured such that the first electronic device has a first terminal for connecting the cable, the second electronic device has a second terminal for connecting the cable, and the connection guidance voice is a voice that prompts the connection of the cable to the first terminal and the second terminal. (4) The information processing device according to (3), further comprising a first type information acquisition unit that acquires first type information representing the type of the first electronic device from the first electronic device, wherein the voice acquisition unit acquires the voice data based on the connection information and the first type information, and the connection guidance voice is configured to notify the location of the first terminal and prompt the connection of the cable to the first terminal and the second terminal. (5) The information processing device according to (4), wherein the first electronic device also has first terminal identification information indicating that it is the first terminal corresponding to the first terminal, and the connection guidance voice is configured to notify the location of the first terminal and the first terminal identification information and prompt the connection of the cable to the first terminal and the second terminal. (6) The information processing device according to (4) or (5), wherein the voice acquisition unit is configured to acquire the voice data stored in association with the first type information. (7) The information processing device according to (6), wherein the voice data is configured to be acquired from an external device via a network.(8) The information processing device according to (3), further comprising: a first type information acquisition unit that acquires first type information representing the type of the first electronic device from the first electronic device; and a second type information acquisition unit that acquires second type information representing the type of the second electronic device from the first electronic device or the second electronic device, wherein the voice acquisition unit acquires voice data based on the connection information, the first type information, and the second type information; and the connection guidance voice is configured to notify the location of the first terminal and the second terminal and to prompt the connection of the cable to the first terminal and the second terminal. (9) The information processing device according to (8), wherein the first electronic device also has first terminal identification information indicating that it is the first terminal corresponding to the first terminal; and the connection guidance voice is configured to notify the location of the first terminal and the second terminal and the first terminal identification information and to prompt the connection of the cable to the first terminal and the second terminal. (10) The information processing apparatus according to (9), wherein the second electronic device also has second terminal identification information indicating that it is the second terminal corresponding to the second terminal, and the connection guidance voice is configured to notify the location of the first terminal and the second terminal, as well as the first terminal identification information and the second terminal identification information, and to prompt the connection of the cable to the first terminal and the second terminal. (11) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (8) to (10), wherein the voice acquisition unit is configured to acquire the voice data stored in association with the first type information and the second type information. (12) The information processing apparatus according to (11), wherein the voice data is configured to be stored in an external device. (13) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (2) to (12), wherein one of the first electronic device and the second electronic device is an audio device and the other is a display device, the cable is an HDMI cable, and the connection is an ARC connection or an eARC connection.(14) An information processing device according to any one of (2) to (12), wherein one of the first electronic device and the second electronic device is an audio device and the other is a display device, and the cable is a cable for linking the audio output of the display device and the audio device. (15) An information processing device according to any one of (1) to (14), configured to control the acquisition process of an audio instruction signal via a microphone that instructs processing related to the connection in response to the output of the connection guidance voice. (16) A program for causing a computer to execute a process that includes acquiring connection information representing the connection status of the first electronic device and the second electronic device, acquiring audio data of a connection guidance voice which is an audio that guides the connection of the first electronic device and the second electronic device based on the connection information, and outputting the connection guidance voice based on the audio data. (17) An information processing system comprising: an information processing device having: a connection information acquisition unit that acquires connection information representing the connection status of a first electronic device and a second electronic device; an audio acquisition unit that acquires audio data of a connection guidance voice that guides the connection between the first electronic device and the second electronic device based on the connection information acquired by the connection information acquisition unit; and an output control unit that outputs the connection guidance voice based on the audio data acquired by the audio acquisition unit; and the first electronic device. (18) The information processing system according to (17), further comprising the second electronic device. (19) The information processing system according to (18), wherein one of the first electronic device and the second electronic device is an audio device and the other is a display device, the cable is an HDMI cable, and the connection is an ARC connection or an eARC connection. (20) The information processing system according to (18), wherein one of the first electronic device and the second electronic device is an audio device and the other is a display device, and the connection is a connection via a cable for linking the audio output of the display device and the audio device.

[0202] 10 Information processing system, 11 Television receiver, 12 Audio equipment, 13 Smartphone, 14 Cloud server, 15 HDMI cable, 16 ACS cable, 36 ACS input terminal, 42 ARC / eARC compatible terminal 41, 52 ACS output terminal, 62 HDMI output terminal, 121 Connection information acquisition unit, 122 Type information acquisition unit, 126 Audio acquisition unit, 127 Audio output control unit

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising: a connection information acquisition unit that acquires connection information representing the connection status of a first electronic device and a second electronic device; a voice acquisition unit that acquires voice data of a connection guidance voice that guides the connection between the first electronic device and the second electronic device based on the connection information acquired by the connection information acquisition unit; and an output control unit that outputs the connection guidance voice based on the voice data acquired by the voice acquisition unit.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, configured such that the connection information represents the state of the connection between the first electronic device and the second electronic device via a cable.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first electronic device has a first terminal for connecting the cable, the second electronic device has a second terminal for connecting the cable, and the connection guidance voice is configured to prompt the connection of the cable to the first terminal and the second terminal.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a first type information acquisition unit that acquires first type information representing the type of the first electronic device from the first electronic device, wherein the voice acquisition unit acquires voice data based on the connection information and the first type information, and the connection guidance voice is configured to notify the location of the first terminal and prompt the connection of the cable to the first terminal and the second terminal.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first electronic device also has first terminal identification information that indicates that the first terminal corresponds to the first terminal, and the connection guidance voice is configured to notify the location of the first terminal and the first terminal identification information, and to prompt the connection of the cable to the first terminal and the second terminal.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the voice acquisition unit is configured to acquire the voice data stored in association with the first type information.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, configured to acquire the aforementioned audio data from an external device via a network.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: a first type information acquisition unit that acquires first type information representing the type of the first electronic device from the first electronic device; and a second type information acquisition unit that acquires second type information representing the type of the second electronic device from the first electronic device or the second electronic device, wherein the voice acquisition unit acquires voice data based on the connection information, the first type information, and the second type information; and the connection guidance voice is configured to notify the location of the first terminal and the second terminal and to prompt the connection of the cable to the first terminal and the second terminal.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the first electronic device also has first terminal identification information that indicates that the first terminal corresponds to the first terminal, and the connection guidance voice is configured to notify the location of the first terminal and the second terminal and the first terminal identification information, and to prompt the connection of the cable to the first terminal and the second terminal.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the second electronic device also has second terminal identification information that indicates that it is the second terminal corresponding to the second terminal, and the connection guidance voice is configured to notify the location of the first terminal and the second terminal, as well as the first terminal identification information and the second terminal identification information, and to prompt the connection of the cable to the first terminal and the second terminal.

11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the voice acquisition unit is configured to acquire the voice data stored in association with the first type information and the second type information.

12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, configured such that the audio data is stored in an external device.

13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein one of the first electronic device and the second electronic device is an audio device and the other is a display device, the cable is an HDMI cable, and the connection is configured to be an ARC connection or an eARC connection.

14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein one of the first electronic device and the second electronic device is an audio device and the other is a display device, and the cable is configured to link the audio output of the display device and the audio device.

15. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, configured to control the acquisition process of an audio instruction signal via a microphone that instructs the process related to the connection, in response to the output of the connection guidance voice.

16. A program for causing a computer to perform a process that includes: acquiring connection information representing the connection status of a first electronic device and a second electronic device; acquiring audio data of a connection guidance voice that guides the connection between the first electronic device and the second electronic device based on the connection information; and outputting the connection guidance voice based on the audio data.

17. An information processing system comprising: an information processing device having: a connection information acquisition unit that acquires connection information representing the connection status of a first electronic device and a second electronic device; a voice acquisition unit that acquires voice data of a connection guidance voice that guides the connection of the first electronic device and the second electronic device based on the connection information acquired by the connection information acquisition unit; and an output control unit that outputs the connection guidance voice based on the voice data acquired by the voice acquisition unit; and the first electronic device.

18. The information processing system according to claim 17, further comprising the second electronic device.

19. The information processing system according to claim 18, wherein one of the first electronic device and the second electronic device is an audio device and the other is a display device, and the connection is configured to be an ARC connection or an eARC connection via an HDMI cable.

20. The information processing system according to claim 18, wherein one of the first electronic device and the second electronic device is an audio device and the other is a display device, and the connection is configured to be a connection via a cable for linking the audio output of the display device and the audio device.

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