Display device and display method

Provided is a display device including a display mode controller for controlling a transition to a whole screen display mode for displaying an image in an entire screen of a display section, a multiple content display mode for displaying, on the screen, multiple thumbnail images related to contents, or a panel display mode for displaying, on the screen, a panel on which information related to the contents is displayed, an arrangement determination section for arranging multiple thumbnail images displayed in the multiple content display mode by category to which the contents belong, an arrangement change section for changing an arrangement of multiple thumbnail images by a user, and a boundary line display section for displaying, between two thumbnail images, a boundary line indicating a difference of the category before the arrangement of the thumbnail images is changed by the user, and for not displaying the boundary line after changed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. JP 2009-189480 filed in the Japanese Patent Office on Aug. 18, 2009, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a display device and a display method.

2. Description of the Related Art

In recent years, television devices (display devices) can receive a television broadcast signal which is digitalized and transmitted, and can also be connected to a cable television system, various external devices, and the Internet. As a result, the television devices can receive a large amount of video contents, use image providing service from a service provider, and access related information. Contents that can be used include a moving image, a still image, various data information, metadata, widget, and the like.

Therefore, in an operation of the television device, a selection of many video broadcast channels and a selection of many contents are required, and a system that can easily select a channel and content is desired.

In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 08-140007 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 08-149384, an image of a receiving broadcast channel is displayed as a parent screen. A plurality of other broadcast channels that have been already received are sequentially searched, and acquired images are categorized and displayed in a single horizontal row in a lower portion of the screen as child screens along with the parent screen. Furthermore, there is a modification step in which display data is sequentially modified.

However, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 08-140007 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 08-149384, the number of screens that can be displayed is limited, and an image display of the broadcast channel is mainly performed. Differently from Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 08-140007, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 08-149384, a display size of the child screen decreases as the child screen approaches the edge of the screen, and it is considered so that contents more than in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 08-140007 can be displayed.

In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-119755, the screen is divided into a plurality of small screens, and priorities are set for the plurality of small screens.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

However, in the related art as described above, a selection of the broadcast channel is mainly performed. Therefore, in an environment in which a cable television broadcast and a digital broadcast can be received and video data or the like is received by using the Internet as in recent years, types of handled video data and the number of broadcast channels are different from the related art. The number and types of usable contents increase when including external devices that can be connected to the television device.

Therefore, after handling usable video data that is expected to increase more and more from now on, a desired video data should be easily selected without interrupting a main image that a user is currently viewing.

As in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 08-140007, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 08-149384, and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-119755, by simply arranging and displaying contents that can be received in the lower portion or peripheral portion of the screen that displays a currently broadcast program, only a stereotypical selection method can be employed. Therefore, when displaying and selecting many contents having a hierarchical structure, there is a limit in the display area and the number of contents to be displayed, and an easy display method and selection method are not realized.

In light of the foregoing, it is desirable to provide a novel and improved display device and display method which, when a plurality of contents and a plurality of categories exist, can cause a user to recognize clearly an arrangement position state of each of contents.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a display device including a display mode controller for controlling a screen transition to a whole screen display mode for displaying an image in an entire screen of a display section, a multiple content display mode for displaying, on the screen, a plurality of thumbnail images related to contents, or a panel display mode for displaying, on the screen, a panel on which information related to the contents is displayed, an arrangement determination section for arranging a plurality of the thumbnail images displayed in the multiple content display mode by category to which the contents belong, an arrangement change section for changing an arrangement of a plurality of the thumbnail images displayed in the multiple content display mode by a user operation, and a boundary line display section for displaying, between two of the thumbnail images, a boundary line indicating a difference of the category before the arrangement of the thumbnail images is changed by the user operation, and for not displaying the boundary line after the arrangement of the thumbnail images is changed by the user operation.

The display device according to the present invention may further include an operation section for receiving a user operation to change an arrangement of a plurality of the thumbnail images displayed in the multiple content display mode, and the arrangement change section for changing an arrangement of the thumbnail images determining an operational condition in the operation unit which is different in a case that the arrangement of the thumbnail images is changed within a same category and in a case that the arrangement of the thumbnail images is changed into a different category.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a display device including a display mode controller for controlling a screen transition to a whole screen display mode for displaying an image in an entire screen of a display section, a multiple content display mode for displaying, on the screen, a plurality of thumbnail images related to contents, or a panel display mode for displaying, on the screen, a panel on which information related to the contents is displayed, and an indicator assignment section for assigning a first indicator to the thumbnail image related to a newly added content in the multiple content display mode.

The indicator assignment section may display a second indicator, in an edge portion of the screen, indicating a direction where the thumbnail image with the indicator locates when the thumbnail image with the indicator is not displayed on the screen.

The indication assignment section may assign, to the newly added contents, a third indicator indicating that the newly added content in the multiple content display mode is to be duly added by a decision operation by a user.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a display method including the steps of controlling, by a display mode controller, a screen transition to a whole screen display mode for displaying an image in an entire screen of a display section, a multiple content display mode for displaying, on the screen, a plurality of thumbnail images related to contents, or a panel display mode for displaying, on the screen, a panel on which information related to the contents is displayed, arranging, by an arrangement determination section, a plurality of the thumbnail images displayed in the multiple content display mode by category to which the contents belong, changing, by an arrangement change section, an arrangement of a plurality of the thumbnail images displayed in the multiple content display mode by a user operation, and displaying between two of the thumbnail images, by a boundary line display section, a boundary line indicating a difference of the category, before the arrangement of the thumbnail images is changed by the user operation, and for not displaying the boundary line after the arrangement of the thumbnail images is changed by the user operation.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a display method including the steps of controlling, by a display mode controller, a screen transition to a whole screen display mode for displaying an image in an entire screen of a display section, a multiple content display mode for displaying, on the screen, a plurality of thumbnail images related to contents, or a panel display mode for displaying, on the screen, a panel on which information related to the contents is displayed, and assigning, by an indicator assignment section, a first indicator to the thumbnail image related to a newly added content in the multiple content display mode.

According to the embodiments of the present invention, when a plurality of contents and a plurality of categories exist, it is possible to cause a user to recognize clearly an arrangement position state of each of contents.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

The description will be made in the following order.

1. Configuration of an Embodiment

2. Type of Display Mode

3. Details of Multiple Content Display Mode

4. Details of Panel Display Mode

5. Details of Recommendation Display Panel

<1. Configuration of an Embodiment>

[Configuration of Display Device]

First, a configuration of a display device10according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference toFIG. 2.FIG. 2is a block diagram showing a configuration of the display device10according to the embodiment.

The display device10includes, for example, an image generator12, a menu screen generator14, a display controller20, a display panel30, a memory40, a control section50, a remote control600, a communication controller60, and the like.

The display device10is, for example, a television device, and the display device10can receive broadcast programs by a broadcast wave, or receive image data and various data information via the Internet. The display device10is connected to an external device, and video data or the like is inputted into the display device10.

The image generator12generates an image signal on the basis of data related to video to be displayed on a screen. The data related to video to be displayed on a screen includes broadcast data, movie data, video data, still image data, various data information, metadata, widget, and the like. The data related to video to be displayed on a screen also includes data related to GUI such as a menu screen. The menu screen includes a multiple content display mode, a panel display mode, a simultaneous viewing mode, and the like.

The menu screen generator14generates an image signal related to menu to be displayed on the screen on the basis of the data related to video to be displayed on the screen. The menu screen generator14transmits the generated image signal related to menu to the image generator12. The image generator12transmits an image signal in which the image signal based on the data related to video and the image signal related to menu are combined together to the display controller20.

The display controller20drives the display panel on the basis of the signal generated in the image generator12.

The display panel30displays video on the basis of a drive signal or the like from the image generator12. The display panel30is a liquid crystal display panel, a plasma display panel, an organic EL display panel, or the like.

The memory40holds data related to video, data related to menu, a program executed by the control section50, and the like.

The control section50is, for example, a CPU, and the control section50causes various functional blocks provided in the display device10to operate, and performs various calculation operations.

The remote control600receives an operation by a user and outputs an operation signal. Processing in the display device10is started or stopped on the basis of the operation signal. An operation on the GUI displayed on the screen can be realized via the remote control600.

The communication controller60, for example, receives a broadcast signal, and is connected to a video recording and reproducing device or the like to receive a video signal. Further, the communication controller60is connected to the Internet, and transmits and receives information such as a video signal.

[Configuration of Remote Control]

Next, a configuration of the remote control600according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference toFIG. 22.FIG. 22is a block diagram showing the configuration of the remote control600according to the embodiment.

The remote control600includes, for example, a button section612,614, and so on, a trigger switch644, an angular velocity sensor602, an acceleration sensor604, a transmission section606, a control section608, and the like.

The button section is a collective name of a plurality of buttons provided on the remote control600that will be described with reference toFIG. 23. When a button in the button section is pressed, an operation signal corresponding to the button is generated.

The trigger switch644is provided on the front side or the back surface of the remote control600, and detects an approach or a touch of a finger of a user. When the trigger switch644is on, information related to a position, a velocity, and an acceleration detected by the angular velocity sensor602and the acceleration sensor604is enabled, and the information related to a position, a velocity, and an acceleration is transmitted to a main body of the display device10.

The angular velocity sensor602and the acceleration sensor604detect the position, the velocity, and the acceleration of the remote control600.

The transmission section606transmits the generated operation signal and the detected information related to the position, the velocity, and the acceleration to the main body of the display device10.

The control section608is, for example, a CPU, and the control section608causes various functional blocks provided in the remote control600to operate, and performs various calculation operations.

<2. Type of Display Mode>

A plurality of display modes includes, for example, the whole screen display mode, the multiple content display mode, the panel display mode, the simultaneous viewing mode, and the like, and each display mode displays one or more contents on the screen. A transition from the whole screen display mode to the multiple content display mode and vice versa, a transition from the multiple content display mode to the panel display mode, and a simultaneous display of the multiple content display mode and the panel display mode are possible.

The screen100shown inFIG. 1and the screen100inFIG. 17are screens displayed in the whole screen display mode. The screen100displayed in the whole screen display mode includes an image display area102. In the image display area102, a content reproduced by a reproducing device and a content broadcast by a broadcast wave are displayed.

FIG. 4is an illustration showing a screen200displayed in the multiple content display mode. The multiple content display mode displays contents belonging to various categories with a thumbnail image.

The screen200displayed in the multiple content display mode includes an image display area202and a thumbnail display area212. In the image display area202, a reproduced content and a broadcast content are displayed. In thumbnail display area212, a plurality of thumbnail images220A and220B (hereinafter collectively referred to as “thumbnail image220”) are displayed. The thumbnail image220may be a representative image related to a content, an icon image representing meaning of an executable program or a content as a picture or a drawing, and the like.

The thumbnail image220A is an image focused in the center of the thumbnail display area212. For example, the frame of the thumbnail image220A is enlarged compared with other thumbnail images220B, and the thumbnail image220A may be highlighted.

The thumbnail images220B are images other than the thumbnail image220A in the thumbnail display area212. A plurality of thumbnail images220B are displayed, so that it is possible to notice a user of candidates of selectable thumbnail images220in the thumbnail display area212in advance.

FIG. 6is an illustration showing an example of the thumbnail image220.

An indicator256may be displayed when the total time and the elapsed time by now of the content are known. In the indicator256, for example, the total time is displayed as a horizontally long bar, and the current time is highlighted.

As shown inFIG. 4, the screen200displayed in the multiple content display mode includes a related information display area232. In the related information display area232, information related to the content displayed in the image display area202is displayed. For example, a logo, an icon indicating the type of the content, a channel name, the title of the content, a time display, and the like are displayed in the related information display area232.

Further, as shown inFIG. 4, the screen200displayed in the multiple content display mode includes an attached information display area234. Information related to the entire display device10such as, for example, a time display is displayed in the attached information display area234. The related information display area232and the attached information display area234may be displayed on a fixed position on the screen200, or may be moved by a user operation.

FIGS. 13 to 16are illustrations showing a screen300displayed in the panel display mode. The panel display mode displays a plurality of contents by thumbnail images on a panel. The plurality of contents displayed on the panel belong to a layer lower than a layer of the contents displayed in the multiple display mode.

As shown inFIGS. 13 to 16, the screen300displayed in the panel display mode includes an image display area302, panel display areas312,314,316, and318, and the like. In the image display area302, a reproduced content and a broadcast content are displayed. In the panel display areas312,314,316, and318, a representative image related to a plurality of contents, an icon image, text information related to a content, and the like are displayed.

As shown inFIG. 13, the screen300displayed in the panel display mode further includes a related information display area304and a panel information display area320. In the related information display area304, information related to the content displayed in the image display area302is displayed. In the panel information display area320, information complementing the information displayed in the panel display areas312,314,316, and318is displayed.

Although not shown inFIGS. 13 and 14, in the screen300of the panel display mode shown inFIGS. 13 and 14, a plurality of thumbnail images may be displayed in a single horizontal row in a lower part of the screen (simultaneous display mode) in the same way as in the thumbnail display area212of the multiple content display mode.

FIG. 18is an illustration showing a screen400displayed in the simultaneous viewing mode.

As shown inFIG. 18, the screen400displayed in the simultaneous viewing mode includes an image display area402and a thumbnail display area412. In the image display area402, a reproduced content and a broadcast content are displayed. In the thumbnail display area412, a reproduction control panel420and thumbnail images430are displayed. The thumbnail images430are thumbnail images other than the reproduction control panel420.

The reproduction control panel420can be displayed in the thumbnail display area212of the multiple content display mode described above, and when a user selects the reproduction control panel420, the mode transits to the simultaneous viewing mode. In the example shown inFIG. 18, the thumbnail images430are displayed darker than the reproduction control panel420, or the reproduction control panel420is displayed in a highlighted manner, so that the reproduction control panel420is highlighted.

On the reproduction control panel420, controls such as replay, fast forward, fast rewind, and the like can be performed on the content displayed in the image display area402or contents other than the content displayed in the image display area402.

FIG. 19is an illustration showing the reproduction control panel420.

On the reproduction control panel420, a plurality of thumbnail images422and buttons including a replay button424, a fast rewind button425, and a fast forward button426which can be selected by a user are displayed. Based on this, the user can view contents in both the image display area402and the reproduction control panel420.

[Transition of Display Mode]

FIG. 1is an illustration showing a plurality of display modes that can be displayed on the display device10according to the embodiment.FIG. 3is a transition diagram showing a transition of the plurality of display modes that can be displayed on the display device10according to the embodiment.

First, in the screen100displayed in the whole screen display mode, when a “MV (Multi View)” button on the remote control600is pressed, the screen100transits to the screen200displayed in the multiple content display mode (step S102). On the contrary, in the screen200displayed in the multiple content display mode, when the “MV (Multi View)” button on the remote control600is pressed, the screen200returns to the screen100displayed in the whole screen display mode (step S104).

In the screen200displayed in the multiple content display mode, when a left key or a right key on the remote control600is operated, the thumbnail images displayed on the screen200can be moved leftward or rightward (step S112). In the multiple content display mode, when one thumbnail image is selected by “OK” button on the remote control600, the displayed content is switched, or the multiple content display mode transits to the panel display mode or the simultaneous viewing mode.

The way how the content is switched varies depending on the type of the content, and for example, the selected content is displayed in a screen102in the whole screen display mode (step S122), or displayed in a screen202in the multiple content display mode (step S124). When transiting to the panel display mode, the multiple content display mode transits to the screen300on which the display panel area312is displayed (step S126), or to the screen300on which the display panel area316is displayed (step S127). Further, the multiple content display mode may transit to the simultaneous viewing mode (step S128).

When the multiple content display mode transits to the panel display mode (steps S126and S127), the panel display areas312or316may be displayed with the thumbnail display area212, which is displayed on the screen200in the multiple content display mode, being remained. This display mode may be also called a simultaneous display mode.

In the screen300displayed in the panel display mode, when an up key or a down key on the remote control600is operated, the thumbnail images displayed in the panel display area312or316on the screen300can be moved upward or downward (step S132). In the panel display mode, when one thumbnail image is selected by the “OK” button on the remote control600, the displayed content is switched (step S134).

In the screen300displayed in the panel display mode, when the “MV” button on the remote control600is operated, the screen300returns to the screen100displayed in the whole screen display mode (step S136). In the screen400displayed in the simultaneous viewing mode, when the “MV” button on the remote control600is operated, the screen400returns to the screen100displayed in the whole screen display mode (step S142).

While the screen100in the whole screen display mode is being viewed, if new content information or related information is obtained, the screen100transits to a screen500on which a recommendation display panel512is displayed (step S152). When the recommendation display panel512is enlarged and displayed, a more detailed recommendation display panel514as shown inFIG. 21is displayed on the screen500. In the screen500on which the recommendation display panel512or514is displayed, when the “MV” button on the remote control600is operated, the screen500returns to the screen100displayed in the whole screen display mode (step S154).

When a display mode other than the multiple content display mode and the panel display mode transits to the multiple content display mode or the panel display mode, the thumbnail image that is focused in the screen200or the screen300is determined in advance.

<3. Details of Multiple Content Display Mode>

[Thumbnail Image with Indicator]

As shown inFIGS. 8A to 8C, the thumbnail image220displayed in the thumbnail display area212may include an indicator (mark)225or227indicating to which display mode the display mode transits when the thumbnail image is selected.FIGS. 8A to 8Care illustrations each showing an example of the thumbnail image220, andFIGS. 8A to 8Care diagrams shown by extracting only a thumbnail image220from the thumbnail display area212.

In a case in which the display mode transits to the whole screen display mode, for example, the thumbnail image220is the thumbnail image220-1shown inFIG. 8A, which includes an image portion222and a frame221. The frame221encloses the circumference of the image portion222.

In a case in which the display mode transits to the panel display mode, for example, the thumbnail image220is the thumbnail image220-2shown inFIG. 8B. The thumbnail image220-2includes a frame223, an image portion224, and an indicator225. The frame223encloses the circumference of the image portion224and the indicator225. The indicator225is arranged at the side of the image portion and has a vertically long rectangular shape. When the thumbnail image220-2including the indicator225is selected, for example, the display mode transits to the panel display mode as shown inFIGS. 13 to 15.

In a case in which the display mode transits to a simultaneous display of the multiple content display mode and the panel display mode, for example, the thumbnail image220is the thumbnail image220-3shown inFIG. 8C. The thumbnail image220-3includes an image portion226, an indicator227, and a frame228. The indicator227is arranged enclosing the entire image portion226, and has a horizontally long rectangular shape. The frame228encloses the circumference of the image portion226and the indicator227. When the thumbnail image including the indicator227is selected, the display mode transits to the simultaneous display mode in which the thumbnail display area is displayed in the panel display mode.

As described above, by simultaneously displaying an indicator along with an image portion (representative image or icon image) in the thumbnail image, it is easy to cause a viewer to view and recognize to which display mode among a plurality of existing display modes the display mode transits. In other words, it is possible to notify the viewer of the matter of the content by the image portion, and notify the viewer of the display mode by the indicator.

The representative image to be displayed in the image portion of the thumbnail image may be a single still image, or a plurality of still images that are sequentially displayed. The plurality of still images may be a plurality of scenes in a single content, or may be a plurality of still images respectively corresponding to each of a plurality of contents. When the thumbnail image220A is centered and highlighted, a plurality of still images can be sequentially switched by an operation of the up key or the down key on the remote control600by a user. In this way, the user can select a scene or a content desired to be displayed. When the thumbnail image220A is not centered and not highlighted, the plurality of still images are switched at a constant interval of, for example, 5 to 60 seconds, like a slide show.

[Display Operation of Thumbnail Image]

FIG. 24is a flowchart showing an operation related to display of a thumbnail image.

When the display device10obtains a content, an image to be displayed in the image portions222,224, and226of the thumbnail image220to be displayed in the thumbnail display area212can be acquired (step S201). Also, a display method indicating that the content should be displayed in the screen100of the whole screen display mode, should be displayed in the screen300of the panel display mode, or should be displayed in the screen of the simultaneous display mode depending on the content is obtained (step S202). The display method may be determined by the display device10on the basis of the content, or may be determined by a provider of the content or the like.

Next, the shape of the thumbnail image220(for example,FIGS. 8A to 8C) is determined so that the shape corresponds to the display method of the content (step S203). Thereafter, when the display mode transits to the multiple content display mode, the thumbnail image220is displayed on the screen200(step S204). When the thumbnail image220is selected by a user (step S205), the content corresponding to the thumbnail image is displayed. At this time the content is displayed in a display mode corresponding to the display method of the content (step S206). Since the display method of the content is represented by the shape of the thumbnail image, the user can predict to which display mode the display mode transits before the display mode transits.

The thumbnail image220displayed in thumbnail display area212may be determined in advance before the shipment of the display device10, or may be added by a user when the display device10is used.FIG. 5is an illustration showing a concept of all stored images210. As shown inFIG. 5, regarding all the stored images210, the thumbnail images220are arranged in a single horizontal row. The thumbnail images220displayed in the thumbnail display area212are consecutive five thumbnail images220in all the stored images210. In the thumbnail images220, by operating the left key or the right key on the remote control600, it is possible to display an adjacent hidden thumbnail image220, or hide a thumbnail image220that is displayed.

The thumbnail images included in all the stored images210can be classified into some categories214. For example, the categories214include a user favorite broadcast program category214A, a viewing history category214B, a recommended program category214C, and a network delivery content category214D obtained from IPTV (VOD) or the like. Also, there are a browser bookmark category214E and a content category214F in an external device connected by DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), USB, or the like. Furthermore, there are an image data/music data/video data category214G obtained from an external device connected by an HDMI cable or the like, and a Widget category214H. These categories are arranged sequentially from left to right in all the stored images210.

In the multiple content display mode, the thumbnail image displayed at the center is highlighted or enlarged. The thumbnail image displayed at the center can be selected by a “decision” button, and when the “decision” button is pressed, the screen transits to a content related to the thumbnail image. The thumbnail image displayed at the center can be shifted to the adjacent thumbnail image by operating the left key or the right key on the remote control600.

FIG. 7is an illustration showing an example of a viewing history thumbnail image220, andFIG. 7is a diagram shown by extracting only a viewing history thumbnail image220from the thumbnail display area212.

Differently from other thumbnail images220, the viewing history thumbnail image220is displayed by overlapping a plurality of representative images, and displayed in a pseudo three-dimensional manner as if a plurality of images were arranged in the depth direction. The plurality of images are constituted by representative images of the contents which the user has viewed on the basis of user's viewing history.

The thumbnail image displayed on the most front surface can be selected by a “decision” button, and when the “decision” button is pressed, the screen transits to a content related to the thumbnail image. The image placed on the back surface can be displayed on the front surface by operating the up key or the down key on the remote control600.

When the display mode transits from the whole screen display mode to the multiple content display mode, the thumbnail image220that is displayed and highlighted at the center of the thumbnail display area212of the multiple content display mode may be set to be the viewing history thumbnail image220shown inFIG. 7. The image220on the most front surface of the viewing history thumbnail image220after the transition is an image related to the content displayed in the image display area of the whole screen display mode before the transition to the multiple content display mode.

In the viewing history, information related to contents viewed by a user is accumulated by, for example, a favorite view history collection algorism. The favorite view history collection algorism automatically collects information indicating what content and when the user viewed, and the favorite view history collection algorism estimates a favorite of the user on the basis of the collected viewing history. The favorite view history collection algorism extracts a viewing history that may be selected by the user in the future on the basis of the favorite of the user and the viewing history in the past.

[About Adding Thumbnail Image to Thumbnail Display Area212]

FIG. 9is a conceptual diagram showing an operation in which the thumbnail image220is newly added to all the stored images210.FIGS. 10 to 12are illustrations showing the screen200of the multiple content display mode.FIG. 25is a flowchart showing an operation related to adding the thumbnail image to the thumbnail display area212.

A thumbnail image related to a favorite broadcast program content or a network delivery content displayed in the thumbnail display area212can be added to all the stored images210when a new content or service is detected via a broadcast signal or a network (step S301). The detection of the new content or service is performed on the basis of, for example, user's degree of favor, and a content and service with a high degree of favor are a subject to be added. Or, the user may add a thumbnail image to all the stored images210by using the remote control600.

Although the detected new content or service may be immediately added to the thumbnail display area212, the user may determine whether or not the content or service should be added. When the user can determine, the content or service are in a temporarily added state (step S302).

For example, when a new content or service is detected, as shown inFIG. 10, a newly addable thumbnail image220A is highlighted or enlarged in the thumbnail display area212, and a message242of “Add with OK” is displayed above the thumbnail image220A (step S303). The timing when a new content or service is detected is, for example, when the content has not been viewed by the user and a corresponding thumbnail image is not included in all the stored images210.

In a stage when the message242of “Add with OK” is displayed above the thumbnail image220A, the thumbnail image220is temporarily added to all the stored images210. When the “decision (OK)” button on the remote control600is pressed by the user (step S304), the thumbnail image220is duly added to all the stored images210, and thereafter the thumbnail image220can be displayed in the multiple content display mode (step S305).

On the other hand, the detected new content or service may be immediately added to the thumbnail display area212(step S306to step S308). There is a case in which a thumbnail image related to a content or service to which an indicator “NEW” can be added is included in the thumbnail display area212and displayed on the screen200(step S306). In this case, when a new content or service is detected, as shown inFIG. 11, an indicator (mark)244of “NEW” is displayed above a thumbnail image220B related to the newly detected content or service in the thumbnail display area212(step S308). Or, when the temporarily added new content or service is duly added, the indicator (mark)244of “NEW” may be displayed above the thumbnail image220B related to the newly added content or service for a predetermined time period estimated to be necessary for the user to recognize the indicator244.

Further, there is a case in which a thumbnail image related to a content or service to which an indicator “NEW” can be added is outside the thumbnail display area212and not displayed on the screen200(step S306). In this case, an arrow mark248and an indicator246of “NEW” are displayed in an edge portion of the thumbnail display area212(step S307). In this way, even when the thumbnail image related to newly inserted content or service is outside the thumbnail image display area212, the user can easily know in which direction the thumbnail image is added. The user can reach the newly inserted thumbnail image by referring the arrow mark248and operating the right key or the left key on the remote control600.

When a new content or service is detected, the thumbnail image is inserted in a category to which the detected content belongs in a plurality of thumbnail images arranged in a single horizontal row with the viewing history thumbnail image220being centered. At this time, if a plurality of thumbnail images are already inserted in the category, the thumbnail image is inserted near the viewing history thumbnail image220in the same category. In this way, when the display mode transits to the multiple content display mode, if the viewing history thumbnail image220is displayed at the center, a scroll operation of the thumbnail image can be reduced, so that the user can check the newly added content or service quickly.

[Rearrangement of Thumbnail Images in Thumbnail Display Area212]

FIG. 26is a flowchart showing an operation related to rearrangement of the thumbnail images in the thumbnail display area212.

The plurality of categories are arranged in the manner described inFIG. 5and [Thumbnail Display Area212] (hereinafter referred to as “normal arrangement”) in all the stored images210. At this time, a boundary line262is displayed between the categories as shown inFIGS. 10 to 12.

On the other hand, the position of the thumbnail image220can be changed in all the stored images210by a user operation. First, the thumbnail image220desired to be moved is selected by the user (step S401). Then, whether or not the moving destination of the thumbnail image220is out of the category to which the thumbnail image220belongs (goes beyond the boundary line262) by the user operation is determined (step S402).

The rearrangement method of the thumbnail images220may be a method in which the thumbnail image220is moved by operating the left key or the right key on the remote control600after the thumbnail image220desired to be moved is selected. Or, the rearrangement method may be a method in which the selected thumbnail image220is released at the moving destination after the thumbnail image220desired to be moved is selected by a free cursor method that enables a pointer to move freely on the screen. An arrow264may be displayed on the screen200, and when the arrow264is selected, the thumbnail image220moves in the same direction as the arrow or the opposite direction to the arrow.

In the rearrangement of the thumbnail images220, it is determined whether or not a necessary operation to move beyond the boundary of the category as described above is performed (step S403). When the operation to move beyond the boundary of the category is performed, all the boundary lines262are hidden (step S404). Then, the thumbnail image is displayed at the moving destination (step S405).

On the other hand, in a user operation, when the moving destination of the thumbnail image does not go beyond the boundary line of the category, and when the operation to move beyond the boundary of the category is not performed, the thumbnail image is displayed at the moving destination or the original position in the category (step S406). At this time, the boundary lines262are still displayed. In this way, it is possible to check the normal arrangement and the arrangement set by a user on the basis of presence or absence of the boundary lines262. When all the boundary lines262are hidden by the rearrangement operation of the thumbnail images by a user, if the boundary lines262are controlled to disappear along with an animation on the screen, the user can clearly recognize the operation to move beyond the boundary of the category.

The thumbnail images220included in the network delivery content category214D indicate content providers respectively. A content provider provides a plurality of contents. Therefore, when the thumbnail image220included in the network delivery content category214D is selected, the display mode transits to the panel display mode in accordance with the thumbnail image with an indicator. The user can select one content from a plurality of contents on the panel.

<4. Details of Panel Display Mode>

FIGS. 13 to 16are illustrations respectively showing the screens300of the panel display mode on which the panel display areas312,314,316, and318are displayed.

For example, as shown inFIG. 13, a plurality of thumbnail images332and text information items334are displayed in the panel display area312. The thumbnail images332are representative images related to a plurality of contents, and one still image may be displayed in the thumbnail image332or a plurality of still images may be sequentially displayed in the thumbnail image332. The text information items334are descriptions, titles, and the like respectively explaining the plurality of contents.

For example, as shown inFIG. 14, a plurality of thumbnail images332, text information items334, a logo342, a provider name344, related information items346, and the like are displayed in the panel display area314. The logo342is, for example, a logo of a provider which provides various contents via a network by using the panel display area314. The provider name344is the name of the provider. The related information items346are information related to the provider and information related to the contents arranged in the panel display area314.

Further, as shown inFIG. 15, a plurality of thumbnail images332, category names336, a provider name344, and related information346are displayed in the panel display area316. The category names336are names of category to which a plurality of contents belongs, and displayed when contents are arranged for each category. In the example shown inFIG. 15, the panel display area316expands to the entire screen300. In the layout, the image display area302, which displays a reproduced or broadcast content, is a part of the panel display area. The panel display area316may not include the image display area302.

Further, as shown inFIG. 16, a plurality of widget images352are displayed in the panel display area318. The widget image352is an image indicating a widget such as a mini-application. The widget includes an application for displaying a favorite image, an application for displaying the latest calendar, a weather forecast, or a result of a sports event, and the like.

The size, design, contents to be arranged of the panel display areas312,314,316, and318may be set in the display device10in advance, or may be customized by a user.

Further, like an example shown inFIGS. 14 and 15, the design of the panel display areas314and316for arranging the provided contents may be performed by the provider which performs a content delivery service. In this case, the display device10receives information related to the panel display areas314and316, and content information via a network. Based on this, a panel desired by the provider can be displayed on the screen300of the display device10. The display device10can provide services and functions not included when the display device10is shipped.

[Display Sizes of Image Display Area302and Panel Display Areas312,314,316, and318]

The image display area302changes the display size in accordance with a size where information other than the image display area302is displayed, such as the panel display areas312,314,316, and318, and the thumbnail display area. Information amounts of the information to be displayed in the panel display areas312,314,316, and318and the like are optimized in accordance with the sizes of the panel display areas312,314,316, and318.

Further, the panel display areas312,314,316, and318may change the sizes of the panel display areas312,314,316, and318in accordance with information amounts of the information to be displayed in the panel display areas312,314,316, and318.

[Superposed Display of Widget Image]

As shown inFIG. 16, the widget image362may be superimposed on the image display area302. The superimposed display of the widget image362is realized by selecting one widget image352, moving the widget image352, and releasing the widget image352by using the remote control600while the widget images352are displayed in the panel display area318. Although, in this embodiment, a case is described in which the widget image362is superimposed on the image display area302, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, various information such as the thumbnail image and related information can also be superimposed on the image display area.

The widget image362can be superimposed on the image display area302only when the widget image362is information related to the content displayed on the image display area302, or the widget image362can be superimposed regardless of the content displayed on the image display area302.

As shown inFIG. 17, the widget image362can be superimposed not only on the image display area302in the screen300of the panel display mode, but also on the image display area102in the screen100of the whole screen display mode. For example, after once the widget image362is superimposed in the panel display mode, it may be possible to switch between visible and hidden of the widget image362by pressing a “screen display” button provided on the remote control600.FIG. 17is an illustration showing switching between visible and hidden of the widget image362in the screen100of the whole screen display mode.

[Related Information Display Area304and Panel Information Display Area320]

The display sizes of the related information display area304and the panel information display area320are changed in accordance with the types and information amounts of the contents to be displayed in the image display area302and the panel display areas312and314. The display sizes of the related information display area304and the panel information display area320may be changed in accordance with information amounts of information to be displayed.

The information to be displayed in the related information display area304and the panel information display area320may be switched between visible and hidden considering a relationship between the content displayed in the image display area302on the screen300and the contents to be displayed in the panel display area312or314. For example, when it is determined that there is no competitive relationship between them, the panel display area312or314and the panel information display area320are displayed at the same time as the image display area302is displayed.

Or, on the contrary, there is an option in which the relationship between the content displayed in the image display area302on the screen300and the contents to be displayed in the panel display area312or314is not considered. In this case, for example, even when a competitive relationship is generated, the panel display area312or314and the panel information display area320are typically displayed at the same time as the image display area302is displayed.

The provider can determine whether or not to display the panel display area312or314and the panel information display area320considering the relationship between the content displayed in the image display area302on the screen300and the contents to be displayed in the panel display area312or314. Based on this, the provider can perform a content providing service considering competitive relationship between advertised commercial goods and services or competitive relationship between sponsors. Also, the provider can deliver contents considering the shape of the panel display area and the shape of the corresponding panel information display area.

[Display Operation of Panel Display Mode]

FIG. 27is a flowchart showing a display operation of the panel display mode.

First, information related to a panel to be displayed in the panel display mode is obtained on the basis of data delivered by the provider which provides contents, and data accumulated in the display device10in advance (step S501). Thereafter, when the display mode transits to the panel display mode (step S502), the size of the panel is determined on the basis of the shape of the panel, the size of the image display area302, and information amount of data to be displayed in the panel display area312or314and the panel is displayed on the screen (step S503).

At this time, it is determined whether or not there is related information such as data to be displayed in the related information display area304related to data to be displayed in the image display area302, and data to be displayed in the panel information display area320related to data to be displayed in the panel display area312or314(step S504). Then, for example, as a request from the provider, a display condition such as whether or not the relationship between the content displayed in the image display area302on the screen300and the contents to be displayed in the panel display area312or314is considered (step S505).

For example, regarding the information to be displayed in the related information display area304and the panel information display area320, only when there is no competitive relationship between the content displayed in the image display area302and the contents to be displayed in the panel display area312or314, the panel display area312or314and the panel information display area320are displayed at the same time as the image display area302is displayed (step S506). On the contrary, when there is competitive relationship between the content displayed in the image display area302and the contents to be displayed in the panel display area312or314, the panel display area312or314and the panel information display area320are not displayed at the same time as the image display area302is displayed (step S507).

There is a case in which the relationship between the content displayed in the image display area302on the screen300and the contents to be displayed in the panel display area312or314is not considered. In this case, regardless of the presence or absence of the competitive relationship, the panel display area312or314and the panel information display area320are typically displayed at the same time as the image display area302is displayed (step S506).

<5. Details of Recommendation Display Panel>

[Configuration of Recommendation Display Panel]

FIGS. 20 and 21are illustrations showing a screen500on which a recommendation display panel512or514is displayed. The recommendation display panel512or514is superimposed, for example, on the image display area502on the screen500, and for example, displayed in the upper right portion of the image display area502.

The recommendation display panels512and514display recommendation information for a user on the panel by referring to program information in the future, information provided by a provider, and the like on the basis of personal preference information estimated by the favorite view history collection algorism and personal preference information registered in the display device10. For example, the recommendation display panels512and514shown inFIGS. 20 and 21display information of contents recommended along with personal preference from information collected by the Internet. In particular, the recommendation display panel512shown inFIG. 20displays new arrival information of the recommended contents. The recommended contents are, for example, a broadcast program, a widget (mini-application software), contents provided by a provider, and the like, which have not yet been obtained by the user. Also, the recommended contents are contents related to an external input device newly connected to the display device10and a content currently being viewed (for example, a program broadcast at the same time, a content in a similar genre, and the like).

An icon image522and text information524related to the recommended content are displayed on the recommendation display panel (first mode)512. The icon image522, the text information524related to the recommended content, a scroll bar526, a thumbnail image532, detailed information534, and buttons536and538are displayed on the recommendation display panel (second mode)514.

The icon image522is displayed for each recommendation information, and for example, has a shape as shown inFIGS. 8A to 8Crepresenting to which display mode the display mode transits to display the recommendation information. The shape of the icon image522is not limited to the shape shown inFIGS. 8A to 8C. The text information524related to the recommended content is a title of the recommendation information, a brief content of the recommendation information, and the like. The scroll bar526is displayed when there are many recommendation information items and they are difficult to display in the recommendation display panel514. The thumbnail image532is an image related to the recommendation information whose detailed information is displayed. In the detailed information534, detailed information of the item selected on the recommendation display panel514is displayed. The buttons536and538are, for example, a selection button, a registration button, or the like.

Each recommended content displayed on the recommendation display panel514can be moved by operating the up key or the down key on the remote control600. The detailed information is displayed by pressing the “decision” button on the remote control600.

[Operation Using Recommendation Display Panel]

FIG. 28is a flowchart showing an operation related to display of the recommendation display panel.

First, information that can be displayed on the recommendation display panels512and514is obtained. At this time, when the information that can be displayed is obtained, information related to the display mode which indicates to which display mode the display mode transits is also obtained (step S601).

When the information that can be displayed on the recommendation display panels512and514is newly obtained, the recommendation display panel512is displayed in the upper right portion of the screen500in the first mode. At this time, if the displayed information524is selected, the icon image522indicating to which display mode the display mode transits is also displayed (step S602). The information that can be displayed on the recommendation display panels512and514may be all information received by the display device10, or may be limited to information according to personal preference information.

Next, it is determined whether or not a selecting operation by a user is performed by the remote control600so that the recommendation display panel512in the first mode transits to the recommendation display panel514displayed in the second mode (step S603). When the transition operation by the user is performed, the recommendation display panel514is displayed on the screen500(step S604).

Each recommended content displayed on the recommendation display panel514can be moved by operating the up key or the down key on the remote control600. At this time, whether or not an item selecting operation is performed is determined (step S605). When the item selecting operation is performed, detailed information of the selected recommended content is displayed (step S606). Further, whether or not a decision operation to display the item for which the detailed information is displayed is performed is determined (step S607). When the decision operation is performed, the recommended content is displayed on the screen in a display mode corresponding to the display method of the recommended content (step S608). The user can predict in which mode the selected recommended content is displayed by referring to the icon image522.

On the other hand, when an operation by the user is not performed in steps S603, S605, and S607, whether or not the “MV” button provided on the remote control600is operated is determined (step S609). When the “MV” button is pressed, the recommendation display panels512and514are hidden, and the display mode transits to the whole screen display mode (step S610). When the “MV” button is not operated, the recommendation display panels512and514are continuously displayed, or will be hidden after a predetermined time has elapsed.

Content displayed in the detailed information534of the recommendation display panel514will be described.

In the detailed information534, a logo name of the program, an icon of the external device, a channel name if it is a broadcast wave, a network service name, a program title, a start time and end time, a total time, and the like are displayed. When a connection device connected to the display device10or a newly connected external input device is detected, the name, manufacture name, symbol mark, and the like related to the connection device or the external input device are displayed. Further, when music data or image data such as a photograph is obtained by connecting to an external device, various information related to the music data or the image data is obtained from a network or the like, and the various information is also displayed at the same time.

The data obtained as data that can be displayed in the detailed information534can be displayed as related information, for example, in the related information display area304and the panel information display area320on the screen300of the panel display mode. Also, the data can be displayed as information related to the related information display area232or a thumbnail image on the screen200of the multiple content display mode. In other words, the data obtained as data that can be displayed in the detailed information534may be related to the main content displayed in the image display area, may be related to a thumbnail image, or may be related to a panel. As described above, newly obtained data can be utilized in various display forms, and can be used repeatedly.

The item selected by the user can be used when obtaining recommendation information next time by accumulating the item as personal preference information of the user, so that it is possible to easily provide further effective information for the user.

FIG. 23is a front view showing the remote control600according to the embodiment.

The remote control600includes, for example, a blue button612, a red button614, a green button616, a yellow button618, a widget/application button622, a screen display button624, a cross key626, a decision button628, a back button632, an option button634, an MV button638, a HOME button642, a trigger switch634, and the like.

When the display mode transits from the whole screen display mode to the multiple content display mode, the display mode can be switched by pressing the MV button638. When a display mode returns from the multiple content display mode, the panel display mode, or a screen on which the recommendation display panel is displayed to the whole screen display mode, also the display mode can be switched by pressing the MV button638.

Information in the related information display area232displayed in the multiple content display mode can be switched between visible state and hidden state by an operation of the screen display button624.

The blue button612, the red button614, the green button616, and the yellow button618are buttons for selecting a program in the EPG (Electronic Program Guide) or the like.

As the trigger switch644, a proximity sensor, an infrared blocking sensor, a push-button switch, or the like is used. The remote control600includes the angular velocity sensor602and the acceleration sensor604, and the remote control600can display a cursor on the screen and move the cursor freely.

The remote control600can perform content selecting operation on a focused (highlighted) content by a cross key operation. Similarly, the remote control600can move and place a content by an operation to hold a finger over the trigger switch644or an operation to press the trigger switch644, and a release operation after the move. Further, the remote control600can perform operations for pasting an image on the image display area, registering a content, and the like by the operation to hold a finger over the trigger switch644or the operation to press the trigger switch644, and the release operation after the move.

When the operation to hold a finger over the trigger switch644or the operation to press the trigger switch644(state of ON) is performed, an image having been focused on the screen (for example, a thumbnail image or an item) is decided as a reference position. Information related to the position, velocity, and acceleration detected by the remote control600is used on the basis of the reference position. An object can be operated on the basis of the reference position. By this, the display device10and the remote control600do not need initial reference setting such as the size of the display screen, calibration according to the position in the display screen, and the like.

In this embodiment, the screen may return to the screen before the transition by an operation to swing the remote control600or an operation to move the cursor outside of the screen.

As shown inFIG. 16, when performing a moving operation of an object (widget image), if trying to place the object on the image display area302, a moving image, a still image, or a photograph related to the selected object may be enlarged and displayed. For example, after the object is moved and placed, scaling of the object is performed by swinging the remote control600in the front-back direction or the depth direction. In this case, when swinging forward, the object is scaled up, and when swinging backward, the object is scaled down. Further, the enlargement ratio and the reduction ratio are changed depending on the acceleration of the swinging remote control600.

When registering a content from the image display area to the panel display area, or on the contrary, when registering a content from the panel display area to the image display area, the registration is completed by only an operation to select a content and move the content to the destination by the remote control600.

Although, in the past, the registration operation is performed by pressing the option button to display a menu and then performing a button operation, by the remote control600of the embodiment, a content can be registered in the moving destination by only an operation to select the content, move the content, and release the content. As described above, also in the rearrangement of the thumbnail display area212, the thumbnail images can be freely arranged by the remote control600.

FIG. 29is a flowchart showing an operation in which the remote control600is used.

First, it is determined whether or not there is an operation to turn the trigger switch644on by an operation to hold a finger over the trigger switch644or an operation to press the trigger switch644(step S701). When there is no operation to hold a finger over the trigger switch644or an operation to press the trigger switch644, an operation on the screen is performed by an operation using the cross key626(step S703).

On the other hand, when there is an operation to turn the trigger switch644on, the operation on the screen is performed in a free cursor mode on the basis of a focused image by using a gyro sensor such as the angular velocity sensor602or the acceleration sensor604(step S702).

When there is an operation by a user in a cross key mode or the free cursor mode (step S704), a display operation corresponding to the operation is performed (step S705). The display operation corresponding to the operation is, for example, the above described operations such as the selecting operation and the moving operation of the thumbnail image.