Abstract:
An image processing apparatus is capable of displaying a first image obtained from a broadcast wave and a second image reproduced from a storage medium on a display unit. The apparatus comprises a first image processing unit adapted to increase a size of the first image if an instruction for temporarily stopping a reproduction of the second image is detected while the first image and the secod image are displayed on the display unit; and a second image processing unit adapted to decrease a size of the second image if the instruction for temporarily stopping the reproduction of the second image is detected while the first image and the second image are displayed on the display unit.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus having a display mode for displaying an image obtained from a broadcast wave and an image reproduced from a storage medium, and a control method thereof. 
     2. Related Background Art 
     Regarding conventional image processing apparatus, there has been known an apparatus having a display mode for displaying an image obtained from a broadcast wave (broadcast image, hereinafter) and an image reproduced from a storage medium (accumulation image, hereinafter) (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-304287). 
     However, in the conventional image processing apparatus, when the display mode for displaying the broadcast image and the accumulation image is switched to a display mode for displaying only the broadcast image, the reproduction of the accumulation image cannot be stopped automatically or temporarily. Consequently, a user must instruct a stoppage or a temporary stoppage of the reproduction of the accumulation image after the display mode is switched, which makes an operation complex. 
     Additionally, in the conventional image processing apparatus, even if the reproduction of the accumulation image is temporarily stopped while the broadcast image and the accumulation image are displayed, a size of the broadcast image cannot be automatically increased. If the size of the broadcast image can be automatically increased, the broadcast image can be made easier to be viewed than the accumulation image. However, the conventional image processing apparatus has no such functions. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An object of the present invention is to overcome the above-described drawbacks. 
     Another object of the present invention is to improve operability of an image processing apparatus having a display mode for displaying a broadcast image and an accumulation image. 
     According to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus having a first display mode for displaying the first image obtained from a broadcast wave and a second image reproduced from a storage medium on display means, and a second display mode for displaying the first image on the display means but not displaying the second image, the apparatus comprising: control means for stopping the reproduction of the second image when an instruction for switching the first display mode to the second display mode is detected. 
     According to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a control method in an image processing apparatus having a first display mode for displaying a first image obtained from a broadcast wave and a second image reproduced from a storage medium on display means, and a second display mode for displaying the first image on the display means but not displaying the second image on the display means, the method comprising the steps of: detecting an instruction for switching the first display mode to the second display mode; and stopping the reproduction of the second image when the instruction is detected. 
     According to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus having a display mode for displaying a first image obtained from a broadcast wave and a second image reproduced from a storage medium on display means, the apparatus comprising: synthesizing means for not synthesizing the first image and the second image when an instruction for temporarily stopping the reproduction of the second image is detected while the first image and the second image are displayed on the display means. 
     According to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a control method in an image processing apparatus having a display mode for displaying a first image obtained from a broadcast wave and a second image reproduced from a storage medium on display means, the method comprising the steps of: detecting an instruction for temporarily stopping the reproduction of the second image while the first image and the second image are displayed on the display means; and executing control not to synthesize the first image and the second image when the instruction is detected. 
     According to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus having a first display mode for displaying a first image obtained from a broadcast wave and a second image reproduced from a storage medium on display means, and a second display mode for displaying the second image on the display means but not displaying the first image, the apparatus comprising: determining means for determining whether an instruction for switching the first display mode to the second display mode is detected or not; and recording means for starting recording of the first image when the instruction is detected. 
     According to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a control method in an image processing apparatus having a first display mode for displaying a first image obtained from a broadcast wave and a second image reproduced from a storage medium on display means, and a second display mode for displaying the second image on the display means but not displaying the first image, the method comprising the steps of: determining whether an instruction for switching the first display mode to the second display mode is detected or not; and starting recording of the first image when the instruction is detected. 
     According to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus capable of displaying a first image obtained from a broadcast wave and a second image reproduced from a storage medium on a display unit, the apparatus comprising: a first image processing unit adapted to increase a size of the first image if an instruction for temporarily stopping a reproduction of the second image is detected while the first image and the second image are displayed on the display unit; and a second image processing unit adapted to decrease a size of the second image if the instruction for temporarily stopping the reproduction of the second image is detected while the first image and the second image are displayed on the display unit. 
     According to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method used in an image processing apparatus capable of displaying a first image obtained from a broadcast wave and a second image reproduced from a storage medium on a display unit, the method comprising the steps of: increasing a size of the first image if an instruction for temporarily stopping a reproduction of the second image is detected while the first image and the second image are displayed on the display unit; and decreasing a size of the second image if the instruction for temporarily stopping the reproduction of the second image is detected while the first image and the second image are displayed on the display unit. 
     Still other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become fully apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing main components of an image processing apparatus of each embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a view showing a remote controller  52  and operation keys thereof. 
         FIG. 3  is a view showing an example of a menu screen for an HDD  30 . 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart showing a part of an operation process of an image processing apparatus of a first embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart showing a remaining part of the operation process of the image processing apparatus of the first embodiment. 
         FIGS. 6A ,  6 B and  6 C are views each showing an example of an image displayed on a display device  26  of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart showing an operation process of an image processing apparatus of a second embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart showing an operation process of an image processing apparatus of a third embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart showing an operation process of an image processing apparatus of a fourth embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is a flowchart showing an operation process of an image processing apparatus of a fifth embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is a view showing an example of an image displayed on the display device  26  of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Next, a plurality of embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     First Embodiment 
       FIG. 1  shows main components of a digital broadcast receiver which is an image processing apparatus of each embodiment of the present invention. The image processing apparatus receives a digital broadcast compliant with digital video broadcasting (DVB). Additionally, the image processing apparatus complies with an MPEG-2 system (reference: ISO/IEC 13818-1 International Standard MPEG-2 Systems), an MPEG-2 video (reference: ISO/IEC 13818-2 International Standard MPEG-2 Video) and an MPEG-2 audio (reference: ISO/IEC 13818-3 International Standard MPEG-2 Audio). 
     A central processing unit (CPU)  62  controls functions of the image processing apparatus in accordance with programs recorded in a program memory  58 . The program memory  58  is a storage medium for recording programs to be executed by the CPU  62 . A bus  50  connects the CPU  62  with other circuits. A random access memory (RAM)  56  is a work memory of the CPU  62 . A nonvolatile memory  60  is a memory for recording a state of the image processing apparatus when a power supply is turned OFF. 
     An antenna  10  receives the digital broadcast compliant with the DVB. A digital tuner  12  receives a transport stream designated by the CPU  62 . A demodulation &amp; error correction unit  14  demodulates the transport stream obtained from the digital tuner  12  to correct its error. 
     A demultiplexer  16  separates an image stream (broadcast image stream, hereinafter) and an audio stream (broadcast audio stream, hereinafter) from the transport stream obtained from the demodulation &amp; error correction unit  14 , and supplies the broadcast image stream to an image decoder  18  and the broadcast audio stream to the audio decoder  38 . 
     The image decoder  18  decodes the broadcast image stream supplied from the demultiplexer  16  and generates the broad cast image. A resolution conversion unit  20  adjusts a resolution of the broadcast image obtained from the image decoder  18  to change a size of the broadcast image. 
     An HDD interface  28  records the transport stream obtained from the demodulation &amp; error correction unit  14  in a hard disk drive (HDD)  30 , and reproduces a transport stream designated by the CPU  62  from the HDD  30 . 
     A demultiplexer  32  separates an image stream (accumulation image stream, hereinafter) and an audio stream (accumulation audio stream, hereinafter) from the transport stream obtained from the HDD interface  28 , and supplies the accumulation image stream to an image decoder  34  and the accumulation audio stream to an audio decoder  40 . 
     The image decoder  34  decodes the accumulation image stream obtained from the demultiplexer  32  and generates the accumulation image. A resolution conversion unit  36  adjusts a resolution of an accumulation image obtained from the image decoder  34  to change a size of the accumulation image. 
     A synthesis unit  22  outputs, in accordance with an instruction from the CPU  62 , any one of the broadcast image obtained from the resolution conversion unit  20 , the accumulation image obtained from the resolution conversion unit  34 , and a synthetic image containing the broadcast image obtained from the resolution conversion unit  20  and the accumulation image obtained from the resolution conversion unit  34 . Additionally, the synthesis unit  22  superposes, in accordance with an instruction from the CPU  62 , display information obtained from an on-screen display (OSD)  64  on a part of the broadcast image, and display information obtained from the OSD  64  on a part of the accumulation image. A D/A converter  24  subjects the broadcast image, the accumulation image or the synthetic image outputted from the synthesis unit  22  to D/A conversion. A display device  26  displays the broadcast image, the accumulation image or the synthetic image obtained from the D/A converter  24 . 
     The audio decoder  38  decodes the broadcast audio stream supplied from the demultiplexer  16  to generate a broadcast audio. The audio decoder  40  decodes the accumulation audio stream supplied from the demultiplexer  32  to generate an accumulation audio. 
     A switch  42  selects the audio decoder  38  or  40  in accordance with an instruction from the demultiplexer  16 . A D/A converter  44  subjects the broadcast audio or the accumulation audio obtained from the switch  42  to D/A conversion. An amplifier  46  amplifies the broadcast audio or the accumulation audio obtained from the D/A converter  44 . A speaker  48  outputs the broadcast audio or the accumulation audio obtained from the amplifier  46 . 
     A remote controller  52  remote-controls the image processing apparatus. A remote control interface  54  receives a remote control code outputted from the remote controller  52 , and supplies the received remote control code to the CPU  62 . 
       FIG. 2  shows the remote controller  52  and operation keys thereof. 
     A reference numeral  70  denotes a transmission unit. The transmission unit  70  outputs a corresponding remote control code when one of the keys  72  to  114  is pushed. 
     A reference numeral  72  denotes a power supply key,  84  an HDD menu key,  74  a determination key,  76  a right cursor key,  78  a lower cursor key,  80  a left cursor key, and  82  an upper cursor key. 
     Reference numerals  86  to  96  denote operation keys for controlling the HDD  30 :  86  a fast-return key,  88  a reproduction key,  90  a fast-forward key,  92  a recording key,  94  a stop key, and  96  a pause key. 
     A reference numeral  104  denotes a channel selection key, and  106  a program table key. When pushing of the program table key  106  is detected, the CPU  62  displays an electronic program table (EPG) on the display device  26 . A reference numeral  108  denotes a channel down key, and  110  a channel up key. A reference numeral  112  denotes a volume down key, and  114  a volume up key. 
     Reference numerals  98  to  102  denote window control keys:  100  a 2-window key for switching a display mode to a 2-window mode (display mode for displaying an accumulation image and a broadcast image on the display device  26 ),  98  a left window key, and  102  a right window key. When the left window key  98  is pushed on the 2-window mode, the left window becomes active and an audio corresponding to an image on the left window is outputted from the speaker  48 . On the other hand, when the right window key  102  is pushed on the 2-window mode, the right window becomes active and an audio corresponding to an image on the right window is outputted from the speaker  48 . 
       FIGS. 4 and 5  are flowcharts explaining an operation process of the image processing apparatus of a first embodiment. 
     Step S 11 : the CPU  62  determines whether a power supply is ON or not. If the power supply is ON, the process proceeds to step S 12 . In this case, the CPU  62  is set on a broadcast mode (display mode for displaying a broadcast image but not an accumulation image on the display device  26 ). 
     Step S 12 : the CPU  62  reads a channel number stored in the nonvolatile memory  60  (channel number written in the nonvolatile memory  60  by the CPU  62  when a power supply is turned OFF), and instructs the digital tuner  12  to receive a broadcast wave corresponding to the channel number. 
     Step S 13 : the digital tuner  12  outputs a transport stream designated by the CPU  62 . The demodulation &amp; error correction unit  14  demodulates the transport stream obtained from the digital tuner  12  to correct its error. 
     Step S 14 : the demultiplexer  16  separates a broadcast image stream and a broadcast audio stream from the transport stream obtained from the demodulation and error correction unit  14 , and supplies the broadcast image stream to the image decoder  18  and the broadcast audio stream to the audio decoder  38 . 
     Step S 15 : the image decoder  18  starts decoding of the broadcast image stream, and the audio decoder  38  also starts decoding of the broadcast audio stream. The resolution conversion unit  20  adjusts a resolution of the broadcast image obtained from the image decoder  18  to match a size of the broadcast image with a screen size of the display device  26 . The OSD  64  generates display information (e.g., “6ch”) indicating a channel number of the broadcast image. The synthesis unit  22  superposes the display information obtained from the OSD  64  on a part of the broadcast image obtained from the resolution conversion unit  20 , and supplies the broadcast image to the D/A converter  24 . The switch  42  selects a broadcast audio obtained from the audio decoder, and supplies it to the D/A converter  44 . 
     Step S 16 : the display device  26  displays a broadcast image obtained from the D/A converter  24 . The speaker  48  outputs a broadcast audio obtained from the amplifier  46 . 
     Step S 17 : the CPU  62  determines whether the HDD menu key  84  has been pushed or not. If the pushing of the HDD menu key  84  is detected, the CPU  62  starts control for the process from step S 18  to step S 23 . In this case, the CPU  62  is set on an HDD mode from the broadcast mode (display mode for displaying an accumulation image but not a broadcast image on the display device  26 ). 
     Step S 18 : the CPU  62  causes the OSD  64  to generate a menu screen for the HDD  30 , and display the menu screen on the display device  26 .  FIG. 3  shows an example of a menu screen displayed on the display device  26 . According to the embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 3 , a title of an accumulation image recorded in the HDD  30  and a thumbnail image are displayed on the menu screen. A user uses the cursor keys  76  to  82  and the determination key  74  to select an accumulation image to be reproduced. A reference numeral  120  of  FIG. 3  denotes the thumbnail image of an accumulation image selected by the user. 
     Step S 20 : the HDD interface  28  starts reproduction of a transport stream of the accumulation image selected by the user. 
     Step S 21 : the demultiplexer  32  separates an accumulation image stream and an accumulation audio stream from the transport stream obtained from the HDD interface  28 , and supplies the accumulation image stream to the image decoder  34  and the accumulation audio stream to the audio decoder  40 . 
     Step S 22 : the image decoder  34  starts decoding of the accumulation image stream, and the audio decoder  40  also starts decoding of the accumulation audio stream. The resolution conversion unit  36  adjusts a resolution of the accumulation image obtained from the image decoder  34  to math a size of the accumulation image with a screen size of the display device  26 . The OSD  64  generates display information (e.g., “HDD PLAY”) indicating on-going reproduction of the accumulation image. The synthesis unit  22  superposes the display information obtained from the OSD  64  on a part of the accumulation image obtained from the resolution conversion unit  36 , and supplies the accumulation image to the D/A converter  24 . The switch  42  selects an accumulation audio obtained from the audio decoder  40 , and supplies it to the D/A converter  44 . 
     Step S 23 : the display device  26  displays an accumulation image obtained from the D/A converter  24 . The speaker  48  outputs an accumulation audio obtained from the amplifier  46 . 
     Step S 24 : the CPU  62  determines whether the 2-window key  100  has been pushed or not. If the pushing of the 2-window key  100  is detected, the CPU  62  starts control for the process from step S 25  to step S 26 . In this case, the CPU  62  is set on a 2-window mode from the HDD mode (display mode for displaying a broadcast image and an accumulation image on the display device  26 ). Additionally, the CPU 62  makes a window (left window) that displays the accumulation image active. 
     Step S 25 : the resolution conversion unit  20  adjusts a resolution of the broadcast image obtained from the image decoder  18  (image of a channel last seen by the user) to set a size of the broadcast image to a size of about ¼ of a screen size of the display device  26 . The OSD  64  generates display information (e.g., “6ch”) indicating a channel number of the broadcast image. The synthesis unit  22  superposes the display information obtained from the OSD  64  on a part of the broadcast image obtained from the resolution conversion unit  20 . On the other hand, the resolution conversion unit  36  adjusts a resolution of the accumulation image obtained from the image decoder  34  to set a size of the accumulation image to a size of about ¼ of a screen size of the display device  26 . The OSD  64  generates display information (e.g., “HDD PLAY”) indicating ongoing reproduction of the accumulation image. The synthesis unit  22  superposes the display information obtained from the OSD  64  on a part of the accumulation image obtained from the resolution conversion unit  36 . 
     Step S 26 : the synthesis unit  22  generates a synthetic image containing the broadcast image obtained from the resolution conversion unit  20  and the accumulation image obtained from the resolution conversion unit  36 . The D/A converter  24  subjects the synthetic image obtained from the synthetic unit  24  to D/A conversion. The display device  26  displays the synthetic image obtained from the D/A converter  24 . An example of an image displayed on the display device  26  at this time is shown in  FIG. 6A . In  FIG. 6A , a reference numeral  130  denotes a screen of the display device  26 ,  132  an accumulation image, and  134  a broadcast image. Additionally at this time, an accumulation audio is outputted from the speaker  48 . In order to switch the audio outputted from the speaker  48  to a broadcast audio, the user only needs to push the right window key  102  (because the broadcast image is displayed on the right of the screen). 
     Step S 27 : the CPU  62  determines whether the right window key  102  has been pushed or not. If the pushing of the right window key  102  is detected, the CPU  62  makes the right window active, and starts control for the process of step S 28 . 
     Step S 28 : the switch  42  selects the broadcast audio obtained from the audio decoder  38 , and supplies it to the D/A converter  44 . The speaker  48  outputs the accumulation audio obtained from the amplifier  46 . At this time, in order to raise a volume of the broadcast audio, the user only needs to push the volume up key  114 . In order to lower the volume of the broadcast audio, the user only needs to push the volume down key  112 . If the user wishes to display a broadcast image of another channel on the right window, the user only needs to push the channel down key  108  or the channel up key  110 . 
     Step S 30 : the CPU  62  determines whether the 2-window key  100  has been pushed or not. If the pushing of the 2-window key  100  is detected, the CPU  62  starts control for the process from step S 31  to step S 32 . In this case, the CPU  62  is set on a broadcast mode from the 2-window mode because the right window displaying the broadcast image is active. 
     Step S 31 : the HDD interface  28  temporarily stops the reproduction of the transport stream automatically. The switch  42  selects a broadcast audio obtained from the audio decoder  38 , and supplies it to the D/A converter  44 . The speaker  48  outputs the broadcast audio obtained from the amplifier  46 . 
     Step S 32 : the resolution conversion unit  20  adjusts a resolution of the broadcast image obtained from the image decoder  18  to match a size of the broadcast image with a screen size of the display device  26 . The OSD  64  generates display information (e.g., “6ch”) indicating a channel number of the broadcast image. The synthesis unit  22  synthesizes the display information obtained from the OSD  64  and the broadcast image obtained from the resolution conversion unit  20 . Additionally, the synthesis unit  22  does not synthesize the broadcast image and the accumulation image whose reproduction has been temporarily stopped, and supplies only the broadcast image to the D/A converter  24 . The D/A converter  24  subjects the broadcast image obtained from the synthesis unit  22  to D/A conversion. The display device  26  displays the broadcast image obtained from the D/A converter  24 .  FIG. 6B  shows an example of an image displayed by the display device  26  at this time. In  FIG. 6B , a reference numeral  130  denotes a screen of the display device  26 , and  134  a broadcast image. As shown in  FIG. 6B , as the broadcast image can be displayed on the entire screen, the broadcast image can be made easier to be viewed. 
     Step S 33 : the CPU  62  determines whether the 2-window key  100  has been pushed or not. If the pushing of the 2-window key  100  is detected, the CPU  62  starts control for the process from step S 34  to step S 36 . In this case, the CPU  62  returns to the 2-window mode from the broadcast mode. 
     Step S 34 : the HDD interface  28  automatically resumes the reproduction of the transport stream from the part temporarily stopped in step S 31 . 
     Step S 35 : the resolution conversion unit  20  adjusts a resolution of the broadcast image obtained from the image decoder  18  to set a size of the broadcast image to a size of about ¼ of a screen size of the display device  26 . The OSD  64  generates display information (e.g., “6ch”) indicating a channel number of the broadcast image. The synthesis unit  22  superposes the display information obtained from the OSD  64  on a part of the broadcast image obtained from the resolution conversion unit  20 . On the other hand, the resolution conversion unit  36  adjusts a resolution of the accumulation image obtained from the image decoder  34  to set a size of the accumulation image to a size of about ¼ of a screen size of the display device  26 . The OSD  64  generates display information (e.g., “HDD PLAY”) indicating on-going reproduction of the accumulation image. The synthesis unit  22  superposes the display information obtained from the OSD  64  on a part of the accumulation image obtained from the resolution conversion unit  36 . 
     Step S 36 : the synthesis unit  22  generates a synthetic image containing the broadcast image obtained from the resolution conversion unit  20  and the accumulation image obtained from the resolution conversion unit  36 . The D/A converter  24  subjects the synthetic image obtained from the synthesis unit  22  to D/A conversion. The display device  26  displays the synthetic image obtained from the D/A converter  24 .  FIG. 6C  shows an example of an image displayed by the display device  26  at this time. In  FIG. 6C , a reference numeral  130  denotes a screen of the display device  26 ,  132  an accumulation image, and  134  a broadcast image. Additionally at this time, in order to switch an audio outputted from the speaker  48  to an accumulation audio, the user only needs to push the left window key  98  (because the accumulation image is displayed on the left of the screen). 
     As discussed above, according to the image processing apparatus of the first embodiment, when the 2-window mode (display mode for displaying the synthetic image containing the broadcast image and the accumulation image on the display device  26 ) is switched to the broadcast mode (display mode for displaying only the broadcast image on the display device  26 ), the reproduction of the accumulation image and the accumulation audio can be temporarily stopped automatically. Thus, it is possible to omit time and labor for instructing the image processing apparatus to temporarily stop the reproduction, whereby convenience is provided. 
     According to the image processing apparatus of the first embodiment, when the display mode for displaying only the broadcast image is switched back to the display mode for displaying the synthetic image containing the broadcast image and the accumulation image, the reproduction of the accumulation image and the accumulation audio can be automatically resumed from the temporarily stopped part. Thus, it is possible to omit time and labor for instructing the image processing apparatus to resume the reproduction. 
     The aforementioned functions of the first embodiment can also be realized by programs to be executed by the CPU  62  of  FIG. 1 . 
     Furthermore, the image processing apparatus shown in  FIG. 1  uses the hard disk drive. However, the apparatus can also be realized by using a storage medium such as a tape drive or a magneto-optical disk. 
     Second Embodiment 
       FIG. 7  is a flowchart explaining an operation process of the image processing apparatus of a second embodiment. The image processing apparatus of the second embodiment is similar in constitution and functions to the image processing apparatus of the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted. Additionally, the process from step S 11  to step S 22  of  FIG. 4 , and the process from step S 23  to step S 26  of  FIG. 5  are also similar to those of the first embodiment, and thus detailed description will be omitted. 
     Step S 41 : after the process of step S 26 , the CPU  62  determines whether the pause key  96  has been pushed or not. If the pushing of the pause key  96  is detected (i.e., instruction to request a temporary stoppage of the reproduction of the accumulation image and the accumulation audio is detected), the CPU  62  starts control for the process from step S 42  to step S 43 . 
     Step S 42 : the HDD interface  28  temporarily stops the reproduction of the transport stream automatically. The switch  42  selects a broadcast audio obtained from the audio decoder  38 , and supplies it to the D/A converter  44 . The speaker  48  automatically starts outputting of the broadcast audio obtained from the amplifier  46 . 
     Step S 43 : the resolution conversion unit  20  adjusts a resolution of the broadcast image obtained from the image decoder  18  to match a size of the broadcast image with a screen size of the display device  26 . The OSD  64  generates display information (e.g., “6ch”) indicating a channel number of the broadcast image. The synthesis unit  22  superposes the display information obtained from the OSD  64  on a part of the broadcast image obtained from the resolution conversion unit  20 . At this time, the synthesis unit  22  can also synthesize display information (icon or the like) indicating a temporary stoppage of the reproduction of the accumulation image with the broadcast image. Additionally, the synthesis unit  22  does not synthesize the broadcast image and the accumulation image whose reproduction has been temporarily stopped, and supplies only the broadcast image to the D/A converter  24 . The D/A converter  24  subjects the broadcast image obtained from the synthesis unit  22  to D/A conversion. The display device  26  displays the broadcast image obtained from the D/A converter  24 .  FIG. 6B  shows an example of an image displayed by the display device  26  at this time. In  FIG. 6B , a reference numeral  130  denotes a screen of the display device  26 , and  134  a broadcast image. As shown in  FIG. 6B , as the broadcast image can be displayed on the entire screen, the broadcast image can be made easier to be viewed. 
     Step S 44 : the CPU  62  determines whether the reproduction key  88  or the pause key  96  has been pushed or not. If the pushing of the reproduction key  88  or the pause key  96  is detected (i.e., instruction to request resumption of the reproduction of the accumulation image and the accumulation audio is detected), the CPU  62  starts control for the process from step S 45  to step S 47 . 
     Step S 45 : the HDD interface  28  automatically resumes the reproduction of the transport stream from the part temporarily stopped in step S 42 . The switch  42  selects an accumulation audio obtained from the audio decoder  40 , and supplies it to the D/A converter  44 . The speaker  48  automatically starts outputting of the accumulation audio obtained from the amplifier  46 . 
     Step S 46 : the resolution conversion unit  20  adjusts a resolution of the broadcast image obtained from the image decoder  18  to set a size of the broadcast image to a size of about ¼ of a screen size of the display device  26 . The OSD  64  generates display information (e.g., “6ch”) indicating a channel number of the broadcast image. The synthesis unit  22  superposes the display information obtained from the OSD  64  on a part of the broadcast image obtained from the resolution conversion unit  20 . On the other hand, the resolution conversion unit  36  adjusts a resolution of the accumulation image obtained from the image decoder  34  to set a size of the accumulation image to a size of about ¼ of a screen size of the display device  26 . The OSD  64  generates display information (e.g., “HDD PLAY”) indicating on-going reproduction of the accumulation image. The synthesis unit  22  superposes the display information obtained from the OSD  64  on a part of the accumulation image obtained from the resolution conversion unit  36 . 
     Step S 47 : the synthesis unit  22  generates a synthetic image containing the broadcast image obtained from the resolution conversion unit  20  and the accumulation image obtained from the resolution conversion unit  36 . The D/A converter  24  subjects the synthetic image obtained from the synthesis unit  22  to D/A conversion. The display device  26  displays the synthetic image obtained from the D/A converter  24 .  FIG. 6C  shows an example of an image displayed by the display device  26  at this time. In  FIG. 6C , a reference numeral  130  denotes a screen of the display device  26 ,  132  an accumulation image, and  134  a broadcast image. Additionally at this time, an accumulation audio is outputted from the speaker  48 . In order to switch the audio outputted from the speaker  48  to a broadcast audio, the user only needs to push the right window key  102  (because the broadcast image is displayed on the right of the screen). 
     As discussed above, according to the image processing apparatus of the second embodiment, when the instruction to temporarily stop the reproduction of the accumulation image is detected while the broadcast image and the accumulation image are displayed on the display device  26 , the displaying of the accumulation image whose reproduction has been temporarily stopped can be automatically stopped, and the size of the broadcast image can be automatically increased. Thus, the broadcast image can be made easier to be viewed. Moreover, in this case, when the instruction to resume the reproduction of the accumulation image is detected, the sizes of the accumulation image and the broadcast image can be automatically restored to original sizes, and outputting of the accumulation audio can be automatically started. 
     Incidentally, the aforementioned functions of the second embodiment can use the functions of the first embodiment. In other words, the image processing process of the second embodiment may be executed by the functions of the first embodiment. 
     Additionally, the aforementioned functions of the second embodiment can also be realized by programs to be executed by the CPU  62  of  FIG. 1 . 
     Third Embodiment 
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart explaining an operation process of the image processing apparatus of a third embodiment. The third embodiment explained herein is a partial modification of the first embodiment. Specifically, the process of step S 34  of  FIG. 5  is replaced by the process of step S 51  of  FIG. 8 . The process from step S 11  to step S 22  of  FIG. 4 , the process from step S 23  to step S 33  of  FIG. 5 , and the process from step S 35  to step S 36  of  FIG. 5  are similar to those of the first embodiment, and thus detailed description will be omitted. 
     Step S 51 : the HDD interface  28  resumes the reproduction of the transport stream a little before the part temporarily stopped in step S 31  (e.g., 3 seconds before). 
     As discussed above, according to the image processing apparatus of the third embodiment, since the reproduction of the transport stream can be resumed before a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds before), it is possible to prevent overlooking of the accumulation image immediately after the resumption. 
     Incidentally, the aforementioned functions of the third embodiment can be applied not only to the image apparatus of the first embodiment but also to the image apparatus of the second and fifth embodiments. 
     Additionally, the aforementioned functions of the third embodiment can also be realized by programs to be executed by the CPU  62  of  FIG. 1 . 
     Fourth Embodiment 
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart explaining an operation process of the image processing apparatus of a fourth embodiment. The image processing apparatus of the fourth embodiment explained herein is a partial modification of the image processing apparatus of the first embodiment. The image processing apparatus of the fourth embodiment is similar in constitution and functions to the image processing apparatus of the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted. In the fourth embodiment described herein, the process from step S 27  to step S 36  of  FIG. 5  is replaced by the process from step S 61  to S 66  of  FIG. 9 . Additionally, the process from step S 11  to step S 22  of  FIG. 4 , and the process from step S 23  to S 26  of  FIG. 5  are also similar to those of the first embodiment, and thus detailed description will be omitted. 
     Step S 61 : after the process of step S 26 , the CPU  62  determines whether the volume up key  114  has been pushed or not. If the pushing of the volume up key  114  is detected, the CPU  62  starts control for the process of step S 62 . 
     Step S 62 : the amplifier  46  raises a volume of the accumulation audio. The speaker  48  outputs the accumulation audio obtained from the amplifier  46 . 
     Step S 63 : the CPU  62  determines whether the 2-window key  100  has been pushed or not. If the pushing of the 2-window key  100  is detected, the CPU  62  starts control for the process from step S 64  to step S 66 . 
     Step S 64 : the HDD interface  28  automatically starts a process for recording the transport stream obtained from the demodulation &amp; error correction unit  14  in the HDD  30 . In other words, the recording of the transport stream under reception is automatically started. 
     Step S 65 : the HDD interface  28  continues the recording of the transport stream under reception until a start of a next program in accordance with an instruction from the CPU  62 . 
     Step S 66 : the resolution conversion unit  36  adjusts a resolution of the accumulation image obtained from the image decoder  34  to match a size of the accumulation image with a screen size of the display device  26 . The OSD  64  generates display information (e.g., “HDD PLAY”) indicating on-going reproduction of the accumulation image. The synthesis unit  22  superposes the display information obtained from the OSD  64  on a part of the accumulation image obtained from the resolution conversion unit  36 . At this time, the synthesis unit  22  can also superpose display information (icon or the like) indicating on-going recording of the broadcast image on a part of the accumulation image. Additionally, the synthesis unit  22  does not synthesize the accumulation image and the broadcast image which is currently recorded, and supplies only the accumulation image to the D/A converter  24 . The D/A converter  24  subjects the accumulation image obtained from the synthesis unit  22  to D/A conversion. The display device  26  displays the accumulation image obtained from the D/A converter  24 . 
     As discussed above, according to the image processing apparatus of the fourth embodiment, when the 2-window mode (display mode for displaying the synthetic image containing the broadcast image and the accumulation image on the display device  26 ) is switched to the HDD mode (display mode for displaying only the accumulation image on the display device  26 ), the recording of the broadcast image and the broadcast audio can be automatically started. Thus, sequels of the broadcast image and the broadcast audio can be conveniently viewed and listened to after the viewing and listening of the accumulation image and the accumulation audio. 
     Incidentally, the aforementioned functions of the fourth embodiment can be applied not only to the image processing apparatus of the first embodiment but also to the image processing apparatus of the second and fifth embodiments. 
     Additionally, the aforementioned functions of the fourth embodiment can also be realized by programs to be executed by the CPU  62  of  FIG. 1 . 
     Fifth Embodiment 
       FIG. 10  is a flowchart explaining an operation process of the image processing apparatus of the fifth embodiment. The image processing apparatus of the fifth embodiment is similar in constitution and functions to the image processing apparatus of the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted. Additionally, the process from step S 11  to step S 22  of  FIG. 4 , and the process from step S 23  to step S 26  of  FIG. 5  are also similar to those of the first embodiment, and thus detailed description will be omitted. 
     Step S 101 : after the process of step S 26 , the CPU  62  determines whether the pause key  96  has been pushed or not. If the pushing of the pause key  96  is detected (i.e., instruction to request a temporary stoppage of the reproduction of the accumulation image and the accumulation audio is detected), the CPU  62  starts control for the process from step S 102  to step S 104 . 
     Step S 102 : the HDD interface  28  temporarily stops the reproduction of the transport stream automatically. The switch  42  selects a broadcast audio obtained from the audio decoder  38 , and supplies it to the D/A converter  44 . The speaker  48  automatically starts outputting of the broadcast audio obtained from the amplifier  46 . 
     Step S 103 : the resolution conversion unit  36  changes a resolution of an accumulation image whose reproduction has been temporarily stopped (pause image, hereinafter) to match a size of the pause image with a screen size of the display device  26 . The OSD  64  generates display information (HDD PAUSE) indicating a temporary stoppage of the reproduction of the accumulation image. The synthesis unit  22  superposes the display information obtained from the OSD  64  on a part of the pause image obtained from the resolution conversion unit  36 . On the other hand, the resolution conversion unit  20  adjusts a resolution of the broadcast image obtained from the image decoder  18  to set a size of the broadcast image to a size of about ½ of a screen size of the display device  26 . The OSD  64  generates display information (e.g., “6ch”) indicating a channel number of the broadcast image. 
     Step S 104 : the synthesis unit  22  generates a synthetic image containing the broadcast image obtained from the resolution conversion unit  20  and the pause image obtained from the resolution conversion unit  36 . The D/A converter  24  subjects the synthetic image obtained from the synthesis unit  22  to D/A conversion. The display device  26  displays the synthetic image obtained from the D/A converter  24 .  FIG. 11  shows an example of a synthetic image displayed by the display device  26  at this time. In  FIG. 11 , a reference numeral  130  denotes a screen of the display device  26 ,  132  a pause image, and  134  a broadcast image. As shown in  FIG. 11 , as the accumulation image whose reproduction has been temporarily stopped can be displayed small while the broadcast image can be displayed large, the broadcast image can be made easier to be viewed, and the temporarily stopped position of the accumulation image can be notified to the user. 
     Step S 105 : the CPU  62  determines whether the reproduction key  88  or the pause key  96  has been pushed or not. If the pushing of the reproduction key  88  or the pause key  96  is detected (i.e., instruction to request resumption of the reproduction of the accumulation image and the accumulation audio is detected), the CPU  62  starts control for the process from step S 106  to step S 108 . 
     Step S 106 : the HDD interface  28  automatically resumes the reproduction of the transport stream from the part temporarily stopped in step S 102 . The demultiplexer  32  separates the accumulation image stream from the transport stream obtained from the HDD interface  28 , and supplies it to the image decoder  34 . Additionally, the demultiplexer  32  separates the accumulation audio stream from the transport stream obtained from the HDD interface  28 , and supplies it to the audio decoder  40 . The image decoder  34  starts decoding of the accumulation image stream, and the audio decoder  40  also starts decoding of the accumulation audio stream. The switch  42  selects an accumulation audio obtained from the audio decoder  40 , and supplies it to the D/A converter  44 . The speaker  48  automatically starts outputting of the accumulation audio obtained from the amplifier  46 . 
     Step S 107 : the resolution conversion unit  20  adjusts a resolution of the broadcast image obtained from the image decoder  18  to set a size of the broadcast image to a size of about ¼ of a screen size of the display device  26 . The OSD  64  generates display information (e.g., “6ch”) indicating a channel number of the broadcast image. The synthesis unit  22  superposes the display information obtained from the OSD  64  on a part of the broadcast image obtained from the resolution conversion unit  20 . On the other hand, the resolution conversion unit  36  adjusts a resolution of the accumulation image obtained from the image decoder  34  to set a size of the accumulation image to a size of about ¼ of a screen size of the display device  26 . The OSD  64  generates display information (e.g., “HDD PLAY”) indicating on-going reproduction of the accumulation image. The synthesis unit  22  superposes the display information obtained from the OSD  64  on a part of the accumulation image obtained from the resolution conversion unit  36 . 
     Step S 108 : the synthesis unit  22  generates a synthetic image containing the broadcast image obtained from the resolution conversion unit  20  and the accumulation image obtained from the resolution conversion unit  36 . The D/A converter  24  subjects the synthetic image obtained from the synthesis unit  22  to D/A conversion. The display device  26  displays the synthetic image obtained from the D/A converter  24 .  FIG. 6C  shows an example of a synthetic image displayed by the display device  26  at this time. In  FIG. 6C , a reference numeral  130  denotes a screen of the display device  26 ,  132  an accumulation image, and  134  a broadcast image. Additionally at this time, an accumulation audio is outputted from the speaker  48 . In order to switch the audio outputted from the speaker  48  to a broadcast audio, the user only needs to push the right window key  102  (because the broadcast image is displayed on the right of the screen). 
     As discussed above, according to the image processing apparatus of the fifth embodiment, when the instruction to temporarily stop the reproduction of the accumulation image is detected while the synthetic image containing the broadcast image and the accumulation image is displayed on the display device  26 , the size of the accumulation image whose reproduction has been temporarily stopped can be decreased while the size of the broadcast image can be increased. Thus, the broadcast image can be made easier to be viewed, and the temporarily stopped part of the reproduction of the accumulation image can be notified to the user. Moreover, in this case, when the instruction to resume the reproduction of the accumulation image is detected, the sizes of the accumulation image and the broadcast image can be automatically restored to original sizes, and outputting of the accumulation audio can be automatically started. 
     It is to be noted that the aforementioned functions of the second embodiment can also be realized by programs to be executed by the CPU  62  of  FIG. 1 . 
     The above-described preferred embodiments are merely exemplary of the present invention, and are not be construed to limit the scope of the present invention. 
     The scope of the present invention is defined by the scope of the appended claims, and is not limited to only the specific descriptions in this specification. Furthermore, all modifications and changes belonging to equivalents of the claims are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.