Electronic apparatus and control method

According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes: an indicator configured to indicate an operation status of a device; a switch configured to receive an input; a time determination module configured to determine whether an input time during which the input is continually received by the switch exceeds a predetermined first time; a lighting controller, when the time determination module determines that the input time passes the first time, configured to control the indicator so as to be turned on in a first lighting pattern; a detector configured to detect an end of the input received by the switch; and a processor, when the time determination module determines that the input time is greater than or equal to the first time and the detector detects the end of the input received by the switch, configured to perform predetermined first processing.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-047303, filed Feb. 27, 2009, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

One embodiment of the invention relates to an electronic apparatus that performs processing based on a user input, and a control method thereof.

2. Description of the Related Art

Recently, digitalization of television (TV) broadcasting has been in progress, and a digital TV broadcasting receiver having a decoder and the like for processing a digital signal of a digital broadcasting is widespread.

In the digital TV broadcasting receiver, decoder process becomes unstable for some reasons while the decoder processes the digital signal. For example, the decoder becomes uncontrollable when the communication fails between the decoder and a microcomputer (TV microcomputer) that controls a system.

In order to fix operation of the digital TV broadcasting receiver having the unstable decoder, the decoder should be initialized.

However, power supply to the conventional digital TV broadcasting receiver cannot be stopped even when a power button on a main body of the digital TV broadcasting receiver is pressed down, or in other words, even when the main power of the receiver is shut down. For example, the TV microcomputer that controls a remote controller, a switch provided on a front panel, and the like, supplies power to the decoder based on a state of the digital TV broadcasting receiver, and the TV microcomputer communicates with the decoder to power on and off the decoder.

Therefore, when the communication between the TV microcomputer and the decoder fails as mentioned before, the TV microcomputer may not be able to initialize the decoder. Hence, the receiver is required to be unplugged to entirely shut down the power supply and initialize the digital TV broadcasting receiver.

However, in some cases it is difficult to unplug the receiver because, for example, the plug of the receiver is hard to distinguish from other plugs. Japanese Patent Application Publication (KOKAI) No. 2002-367270 therefore discloses a technique to reset (initialize) the microcomputer when a certain button is kept pressed down for a predetermined time length.

However, the conventional technology does not provide any information during the time from when the button is pressed until when the initialization starts. Hence, it is difficult to know the time it takes from when the button is pressed, and it is also difficult to know if the processing (resetting) is to be performed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments according to the invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. In general, according to one embodiment of the invention, an electronic apparatus, includes: an indicator configured to indicate an operation status of a device; a switch configured to receive an input; a time determination module configured to determine whether an input time during which the input is continually received by the switch exceeds a predetermined first time; a lighting controller configured to, when the time determination module determines that the input time passes the first time, control the indicator so as to be turned on in a first lighting pattern; a detector configured to detect an end of the input received by the switch; and a processor configured to, when the time determination module determines that the input time is greater than or equal to the first time and the detector detects the end of the input received by the switch, perform predetermined first processing.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a control method of an electronic apparatus having an indicator and a switch, the indicator configured to indicate an operation status of a device, the switch configured to receive an input, the control method includes: a time determination module determining whether an input time during which the input is continually received by the switch exceeds a predetermined first time; a lighting controller, when the time determination module determines that the input time passes the first time, controlling the indicator so as to be turned on in a first lighting pattern; a detector detecting an end of the input received by the switch; and a processor, when the time determination module determines that the input time is greater than or equal to the first time and the detector detects the end of the input received by the switch, performing predetermined first processing.

FIG. 1is a front view of a digital TV broadcasting receiver100according to a first embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the digital TV broadcasting receiver100has a thin cabinet11and a stand12. The thin cabinet11is formed approximately in a rectangular shape, and forming a main body of the receiver. The stand12supports the thin cabinet11in a manner so that the thin cabinet11stands up.

The cabinet11has a flat liquid crystal display (LCD) panel13, a right speaker14a, a left speaker14b, an indicator light module15, and a light receiver16that receives operation information transmitted from a remote controller.

FIG. 2is a schematic diagram of the indicator light module15. As illustrated inFIG. 2, in the first embodiment, the indicator light module15includes a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) indicators that indicate various operation modes (statuses) of the digital TV broadcasting receiver100. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the indicator light module15has a power indicator15a, a recording/copying indicator15b, a hard disk indicator15c, and an on-timer indicator15d. The power indicator15ais turned on and off to indicate a power supply status of the digital TV broadcasting receiver100to which the power is supplied from a power source of the digital TV broadcasting receiver100.

The recording/copying indicator15bis turned on and off to indicate whether recording/copying is currently being performed by the digital TV broadcasting receiver100. The hard disk indicator15cis turned on and off to indicate an operation status of a hard disk. The on-timer indicator15dis turned on and off to indicate whether a timer recording or an auto play is preset.

FIG. 3is a side view of the digital TV broadcasting receiver100according to the first embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, an operation section30having a power switch17and various operation switch18are provided on a side face of the cabinet11of the digital TV broadcasting receiver100. The power switch17turns on and off the power supply to the digital TV broadcasting receiver100.

FIG. 4is a schematic diagram of the operation section30. As illustrated inFIG. 4, in addition to the power switch17, the operation section30has a channel button18a, a volume button18b, an input change button18c, and a broadcasting type change button18d, as the various operation switch18. Since the various switches function in similar manner as that of the conventional ones, the explanations thereof are omitted.

A hardware configuration of the digital TV broadcasting receiver100is explained.FIG. 5is a block diagram of a hardware configuration of the digital TV broadcasting receiver100.

A satellite digital TV broadcast signal received through an antenna301is input to a tuner303through an input terminal302. Here, the antenna301receives a broadcasting satellite (BS)/communication satellite (CS) digital broadcasting, and the tuner303is for the satellite digital broadcasting.

The tuner303selects a broadcast signal of a desired channel by a control signal output from a controller306, and outputs the selected broadcast signal to a decoder304.

The decoder304demodulates the broadcast signal selected by the tuner303in response to the control signal output from the controller306, and generates a digital video signal and a digital audio signal corresponding to a desired program by depacketing.

Further, the decoder304selectively performs predetermined digital signal processing on the generated digital video signal and the generated digital audio signal, and outputs the digital video signal to a graphics processor305as well as outputs the digital audio signal to an audio processor309. Here, the decoder304can also output the generated digital video signal and the generated digital audio signal to the controller306.

The digital video signal and the digital audio signal to which the predetermined digital signal processing is performed and output from each of the decoder304and the controller306are stored in a hard disk drive (HDD)308. When the recorded program is to be played, the decoder304performs predetermined digital signal processing on the data corresponding to the recorded program read out from the HDD308through the controller306, and outputs the processed data to the graphics processor305and the audio processor309.

The controller306generates an image for displaying an electronic program guide (EPG) and/or captions, based on EPG information or based on operations through a remote controller550and the operation switch18. Then, the controller306outputs information on the generated image to the graphics processor305, and also instructs the graphics processor305to display the image information.

Further, the controller306controls recording and timer recording. Upon receipt of a request for timer recording, the controller306displays the EPG information on the LCD panel13. Then, the controller306stores the content corresponding to the timer recording input by a user through the remote controller550and the like. Then, the controller306controls the tuner303and the decoder304so as to record the program at a predetermined time.

The graphics processor305synthesizes the digital video signal output by an audio visual (AV) decoder (not illustrated) of the decoder304, and the EPG and the captions generated by the controller306. Then, the graphics processor305converts the synthesized digital video signal to an analog video signal that is displayable on the LCD panel13, and outputs the analog video signal to the LCD panel13so as to display the analog video signal on the LCD panel13. When the captions of caption broadcasting are to be displayed in response to the control of the controller306, the graphics processor305superimposes the caption information on the image signal.

The audio processor309converts the input digital audio signal to an analog audio signal that is playable by the speakers14aand14b, and outputs the analog audio signal to the speakers14aand14bso as to play the audio.

A power supply circuit307has a power supply switching circuit321, and supplies power to all modules included in the digital TV broadcasting receiver100, such as the tuner303, the decoder304, the LCD panel13, the HDD308, and the controller306. The power supply circuit307may employ any power supply techniques such as an alternating current (AC) adapter.

The power supply switching circuit321connects or disconnects the power supply circuit307to at least one of the tuner303and the decoder304, in accordance with a power supply control signal output by the controller306. The power supply control signal is input to the power supply circuit307in response to the processing by the controller306.

As mentioned before, the power supply switching circuit321supplies power to all modules included in the digital TV broadcasting receiver100. Hence, when the power supply to the tuner303or the decoder304is stopped, those modules are initialized.

All operations including the aforementioned various receiving operations of the digital TV broadcasting receiver100are controlled by the controller306. The controller306has therein an embedded central processing unit (CPU). The controller306receives operation information transmitted from a remote controller550and the like through a light receiver16, and controls each module so that the each module is operated in accordance with the operation information (for example, an operation to switch a channel and the like).

The remote controller550has various operation buttons such as a power button551and the like. It should be noted here that the power button551of the remote controller550and the power button17on the operation section30provided on the side face of the digital TV broadcasting receiver100have different function.

The controller306obtains various switch statuses and operation information of a user, based on a signal input through the power switch17, the various operation switch18, and the light receiver16. Further, the controller306controls lighting of the various indicators provided in the indicator light module15.

The controller306mainly utilizes a CPU313, a read only memory (ROM)311, a random access memory (RAM)312, and a non-volatile memory314such as a flash memory. The ROM311stores a control program including an initialization control program which is executed by the CPU313. The RAM312provides a work area for the CPU313. The non-volatile memory314is a memory to which various setup information, control information, and program information are stored.

Next, changes in the lighting of the power indicator15awhen the digital TV broadcasting receiver100is operated by a user in a usual manner through the operation section30and the like is explained.FIG. 6is an explanatory diagram illustrating the changes in the power indicator15awhen the digital TV broadcasting receiver100is operated through the operation section30or the remote controller550. As illustrated by the reference numeral601inFIG. 6, the power indicator15ais off when the power of the digital TV broadcasting receiver100is “OFF.” Then, as illustrated by the reference numeral602, when the power switch17of the operation section30is pressed down once, the power of the digital TV broadcasting receiver100is turned “ON” and the power indicator15ais turned on in green. When the power switch17of the operation section30is pressed down again while the power indicator15ais turned on in green, the power is turned “OFF” and the power indicator15ais turned off, as illustrated similarly by the reference numeral601.

On the other hand, as illustrated by the reference numeral602, when the power button551of the remote controller550is pressed down once while the power of the digital TV broadcasting receiver100is turned “ON,” the power of the digital TV broadcasting receiver100is set to a standby mode and the power indicator15ais turned on in red. Then, when the power button551of the remote controller550is pressed down while the power of the digital TV broadcasting receiver100is in the standby mode, the power is turned “ON” and the power indicator15ais turned on in green, as illustrated by the reference numeral602.

FIG. 7is a block diagram of a software configuration (initialization control program) configured to initialize an arbitrary module. This software configuration is realized by the controller306of the digital TV broadcasting receiver100. As illustrated inFIG. 7, in the digital TV broadcasting receiver100, an initialization control program700controls the lighting of the power indicator15aand initializes modules specified by the user operation, by using an initialization flag stored in the non-volatile memory314. In the first embodiment, a module to be initialized is the decoder304. However, a module other than the decoder304may be initialized.

The initialization flag stored in the non-volatile memory314illustrated inFIG. 7is a flag indicating whether the initialization is to be performed (or whether the initialization was performed). A default value of the initialization flag is set to “0,” which represents that the initialization is not to be performed (or represents that the initialization was not performed). On the other hand, the initialization flag of “1” represents that the initialization is to be performed (or represents that the initialization was performed).

As illustrated inFIG. 5, the digital TV broadcasting receiver100has the controller306including the CPU313. Further, the digital TV broadcasting receiver100has a storage module such as the ROM311in which the initialization control program700configured to perform the initialization in the digital TV broadcasting receiver100is stored, and the RAM312that is a work space for the CPU313. The controller306and the program stored in the ROM311cooperatively realize, on the controller306, modules including a status obtaining module701, a counter702, a time determination module703, a flag setup module704, a lighting controller705, a detector706, and an initialization module708illustrated inFIG. 7.

The status obtaining module701obtains, from the signal input from the power switch17and the operation switch18, statuses of the power switch17and the operation switch18. Further, the status obtaining module701obtains, from the light receiver16, operation information from the remote controller550. The statuses of the power switch17and the operation switch18includes, for example, “pressed down” and “released” (not being pressed down).

The counter702starts counting when the status of the power switch17becomes “pressed down,” and continues to count until the status becomes “released.”

The time determination module703determines whether an input time during which the power switch17is kept being pressed down (input) passes a predetermined time. In the first embodiment, the predetermined time is set to 10 seconds. Consequently, input error of a user can be prevented since the time until when it is determined that the power switch17is being pressed down is set long.

The flag setup module704sets the initialization flag stored in the non-volatile memory314based on the determination result of the time determination module703. In the first embodiment, the initialization flag is set to “1” when the time determination module703determines that the input time passes 10 seconds.

When it is determined that the input time passes 10 seconds, the lighting controller705controls the power indicator15aso as to be turned on in green. In particular, the lighting controller705refers to the initialization flag stored in the non-volatile memory314, and controls the power indicator15ato be turned on in green when the initialization flag is set to “1.” Then, when a signal indicating that the power switch17is released is input by the detector706, the lighting controller705controls the power indicator15ato be turned off.

FIG. 8is an explanatory diagram illustrating changes in the lighting of the power indicator15awhen the power switch17is kept being pressed down. The example illustrated byFIG. 8is on the basis that the decoder304is uncontrollable. This means that, even when the power button551of the remote controller550is pressed down once, or even when the power switch17on the operation section30is pressed down once, the decoder304cannot be initialized since the power is continued being supplied to the decoder304. In other words, the state801in which the power is turned on and the power indicator15ais turned on in green, the state802in which the power is set to be in the standby mode and the power indicator15ais turned on in red, and the state803in which the power is turned off and the power indicator15ais turned off, cannot fix the decoder304from the uncontrollable state.

Therefore, as illustrated inFIG. 8, the power button551of the operation section30is pressed down as illustrated by the reference numeral804, from the state801, the state802, and the state803. Right after the power button551is pressed down, the lighting controller705turns off the power indicator15aas in a state805. Subsequently, when the input time passes 10 seconds, the lighting controller705controls the power indicator15ato be turned on in green, as in a state806. This green light indicates that the decoder304is to be initialized. Accordingly, the user can surely confirm that the decoder304is to be initialized when the power switch17is released.

The initialization of the digital TV broadcasting receiver100of the first embodiment takes into account the telephone support service. That is to say, a user calls up a clerk in the telephone support service when the digital TV broadcasting receiver100becomes uncontrollable. In response, the clerk instructs the user to keep pressing down the power switch17for more than 10 seconds. As a result, when the power indicator15ais turned on in green, the user and the clerk can both confirm the status (that is, the power switch is kept pressed down for more than 10 seconds) of the digital TV broadcasting receiver100. Therefore, the clerk can confirm that the decoder304is appropriately to be initialized when the user releases the power switch17.

The detector706detects that the power switch17is released from being pressed down. In the first embodiment, the detector706determines that the power switch17is released from being pressed down when the status of the power switch17obtained by the status obtaining module701is “released.” When the status is determined as “released,” the detector706outputs the status to the lighting controller705and the initialization module708.

When the time determination module703determines that the input time passes 10 seconds and the detector706detects that the inputting is finished, the initialization module708initializes the decoder304. In the first embodiment, when a signal indicating that the power switch17is released from being pressed down is input by the detector706, the initialization module708refers to the initialization flag stored in the non-volatile memory314. Then, when the initialization flag is set to “1,” the initialization module708initializes the decoder304.

The decoder304has an application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), a CPU, and the like, not illustrated. Further, the decoder304has a ROM and the like to which the decoder program750for displaying a dialogue during the boot process is stored. The ASIC, the CPU, and the like, and the program stored in the ROM311, in combination, realize modules including the display controller751.

During the boot process when the decoder304is initialized at the end of the last activation of the decoder304, the display controller751controls the LCD panel13to display during the boot process a dialog (display screen) indicating that the initialization is performed. In particular, the display controller751of the first embodiment refers to the initialization flag. Then, when the initialization flag is set to “1,” the display controller751controls the LCD panel13to display the dialog indicating that the initialization is performed. Subsequently, the display controller751sets the initialization flag to “0.”

FIG. 9is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display displayed by the display controller751after the initialization is completed. As illustrated inFIG. 9, when the digital TV broadcasting receiver100is restarted after the initialization of the decoder304is completed, the display controller751displays the dialog and a massage901such as “decoder is initialized (press OK button).” Accordingly, the user can recognize that the decoder304is initialized.

Next, processing of the digital TV broadcasting receiver100according to the first embodiment configured as mentioned above is explained for the case when the power switch17is pressed down.FIG. 10is a flowchart of the processing.

First, the status obtaining module701obtains a status of the power switch17from a signal input by the power switch17(S1001).

Then, the counter702determines whether the status of the power switch17is “pressed down” (S1002). When it is determined that the status is not “pressed down” (No at S1002), the processing beginning with S1001is repeated until the status becomes “pressed down.”

When it is determined that the status is “pressed down” (Yes at S1002), the counter702starts counting (S1003).

Further, the lighting controller705controls the lighting of the power indicator15aso as to be turned off (S1004). Then, the status obtaining module701obtains a status of the power switch17(S1005).

Next, the detector706determines whether the status of the power switch17obtained by the status obtaining module701is “released” (S1006). When it is determined that the status is not “released” (that is to say, the power switch17is kept being pressed down) (No at S1006), the time determination module703determines whether the time counted by the counter702exceeds 10 seconds (S1007). When it is determined that the time counted by the counter702does not exceed 10 seconds (No at S1007), the processing is repeated from S1005.

When the time determination module703determines that the input time exceeds 10 seconds (Yes at S1007), the flag setup module704sets the initialization flag to “1” (S1008). Then, when the initialization flag is set to “1,” the lighting controller705controls the power indicator15ato be turned on in green (S1009). Here, the power indicator15aperiodically refers to the initialization flag. Then, the processing beginning with S1005is repeated.

On the other hand, when the detector706determines that the status of the power switch17obtained by the status obtaining module701is “released” (Yes at S1006), the counter702stops the counting (S1010).

Subsequently, the initialization module708determines whether the initialization flag is set to “1” (S1011). When it is determined that the initialization flag is not set to “1” (No at S1011), the processing illustrated inFIG. 10ends.

On the other hand, when the initialization module708determines that the initialization flag is set to “1” (Yes at S1011), the initialization module708initializes the decoder304(S1012). That is to say, the initialization module708outputs a power control signal for stop supplying the power to the decoder304is output to the power supply circuit307. Then, the power supply switching circuit321of the power supply circuit307stops the power supply to the decoder304in response to the input of the power control signal. As a result, the decoder304is initialized.

Upon receipt of the input from the detector706, the lighting controller705turns off the power indicator15a(S1013).

By the aforementioned processing, the power indicator15acan be turned on so as to notify the user that the initialization can be performed as well as to initialize the decoder304. According to the aforementioned processing, after a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) from when the power supply to the decoder304is stopped, the power is resupplied to the decoder304. As a result, the boot process of the decoder304is started. Further, alongside with the aforementioned processing, the counter702is cleared.

Next, processing including the boot process of the decoder304of the digital TV broadcasting receiver100according to the first embodiment configured as described above is explained.FIG. 11is a flowchart of the processing.

First, the decoder304performs ordinary boot process (S1101). In the boot process, the decoder program750in the decoder304is also executed. Then, the display controller751provided as a part of the executed decoder program750obtains an initialization flag from the non-volatile memory314(S1102).

Then, the display controller751determines whether the obtained initialization flag is set to “1” (S1103). When the obtained initialization flag is not set to “1” (No at S1103), the processing inFIG. 11ends after the ordinary boot process.

On the other hand, when the display controller751determines that the obtained initialization flag is set to “1,” a dialog such as illustrated inFIG. 9indicating that the decoder304is initialized is displayed (S1104).

Subsequently, the display controller751obtains the status of the OK button obtained by the status obtaining module701of the controller306(S1105). Here, the status of the OK button is contained in the operation information of the remote controller550. Then, the display controller751determines whether the obtained status is “pressed down” (S1106). When the display controller751determines that the status of the OK button is not “pressed down” (No at S1106), the dialog is remain displayed, and the processing beginning with S1105is performed again.

On the other hand, when the display controller751determines that the status of the OK button is “pressed down” (Yes at S1106), the display controller751performs the controlling to delete the dialog (S1107). Then, the display controller751sets the initialization flag stored in the non-volatile memory314to “0.”

As a result of the aforementioned processing, the digital TV broadcasting receiver100according to the first embodiment indicates the execution (completion) of the initialization of the decoder in the system. Consequently, a user can surely be notified that the decoder is initialized.

In the first embodiment, the power indicator15ais turned on in green. However, the power indicator15amay be turned on in other colors, or may blink with certain interval. Further, in the first embodiment, the indicator light module15of the digital TV broadcasting receiver100has the plurality of LEDs as the indicator indicating the operation states of the digital TV broadcasting receiver100. However, the indicator is not limited thereto, and may include any display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD). Further, in the first embodiment, the indicator light module15indicates the operation states of the digital TV broadcasting receiver100. However, the indicator light module15may display operation states of any other device such as a device connected to the network or a built-in device.

Further, according to the digital TV broadcasting receiver100of the first embodiment, the initialization is performed when the power switch17is kept being pressed down. However, various processing such as apparatus testing may be performed when the power switch17is kept being pressed down.

In the digital TV broadcasting receiver100according to the first embodiment, the decoder304that cannot be controlled can be initialized, by keep pressing down the power switch17provided on the main body for more than 10 seconds. Consequently, particularly in the digital TV broadcasting receiver100having a main power that cannot be shut down unless unplugging the power supply, load on the user can be alleviated because the initialization of the decoder requires no unplugging of the receiver. In addition, a miss operation of the receiver by the user can be prevented because the power switch17needs to be kept pressed down for more than the predetermined time for the initialization.

In addition, when the power switch17is kept pressed down for greater than or equal to 10 seconds, the power indicator15ais turned on in green so that the user can be notified that the power switch17has been kept pressed down for greater than or equal to 10 seconds. Therefore, whether the decoder304can be initialized can be confirmed, and the user and the clerk providing the support service can communicate with each other in terms of condition of the apparatus.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the digital TV broadcasting receiver100displays the dialog indicating that the initialization was performed, after the decoder304is initialized. Therefore, the processing actually performed by the digital TV broadcasting receiver100can easily be confirmed.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the digital TV broadcasting receiver100notifies the user that the power switch17has been pressed down for greater than or equal to 10 seconds by the lighting of the power indicator15a, instead of the LCD panel13. As a result, complex display controlling becomes unnecessary in the digital TV broadcasting receiver100, thereby the condition of the digital TV broadcasting receiver100can surely be notified even when other modules become uncontrollable. In addition, an electronic apparatus having no LCD panel can notify the user of the condition of the digital TV broadcasting receiver100by only providing the indicator, such as the LED.

The first embodiment is directed to initializing the decoder304. However, a plurality of modules can be initialized. In a second embodiment, it is assumed that the tuner303, the decoder304, and the HDD controller331are to be initialized.

FIG. 12is a block diagram of a software configuration for initializing an arbitrary module (device) included in a digital TV broadcasting receiver100according to the second embodiment.

An initialization flag stored in the non-volatile memory314indicates whether the initialization is to be performed (or the initialization was performed). A default value of the initialization flag is set to “0,” and indicates that the initialization is not to be performed (or the initialization was not performed). The initialization flag that is set to “1” indicates that the decoder304is to be initialized (or the initialization was performed). The initialization flag that is set to “2” indicates that the tuner303is to be initialized (or the initialization had been performed). The initialization flag that is set to “3” indicates that a HDD controller331is to be initialized (or the initialization was performed).

The ROM311stores an initialization management table.FIG. 13is a table configuration of the initialization management table. As illustrated inFIG. 13, the initialization management table stores the initialization flag, a lighting color, and an initialization target, in association with each other. The lighting color is a color of the power indicator15awhen it is turned on. The initialization target is a module that is to be initialized. Since the initialization flag, the lighting color, and the initialization target are associated with each other in the initialization management table, the lighting color of the power indicator15aand the module to be initialized can be specified based on the initialization flag.

The digital TV broadcasting receiver100has the controller306having the CPU313and the like and a storage module such as the ROM311and the RAM312. The ROM311stores therein an initialization control program1200for initializing the digital TV broadcasting receiver100, and the RAM312is a work space for the processor. In the digital TV broadcasting receiver100, the controller306and the program stored in the ROM311cooperate with each other to realize the status obtaining module701, the counter702, a time determination module1201, a flag setup module1202, a lighting controller1203, the detector706, and an initialization module1204.

As illustrated inFIG. 12, the initialization control program1200differs from the initialization control program700of the first embodiment in that the initialization control program1200has the time determination module1201differing from the time determination module703in the processing, the flag setup module1202differing from the flag setup module704in the processing, the lighting controller1203differing from the lighting controller705in the processing, and the initialization module1204differing from the initialization module708in the processing. In the following, the same reference numerals are attached to the same configurations as that of the first embodiment, and the explanations thereof are omitted.

The time determination module1201determines whether the input time during which the power switch17has been pressed down (during which the power switch has been receiving input) exceeds a predetermined time. In the second embodiment, the predetermined time is set to 10 seconds, 20 seconds, and 30 seconds.

The flag setup module1202sets the initialization flag stored in the non-volatile memory314based on the determination result of the time determination module1201. In the second embodiment, the initialization flag is set to “1” when the time determination module1201determines that the input time exceeds 10 seconds. Further, the initialization flag is set to “2” when the time determination module1201determines that the input time exceeds 20 seconds, and the initialization flag is set to “3” when the time determination module1201determines that the input time exceeds 30 seconds.

The lighting controller1203controls the power indicator15aso as to change the color of the power indicator15aevery time when it is determined that the input time exceeds the predetermined times. Then, the lighting controller1203refers to the initialization flag, and controls the power indicator15ato be turned on in a color associated with the initialization flag in the initialization management table. The aforementioned controlling by the lighting controller1203is performed until a signal indicating that the power switch17is released is input by the detector706.

When the detector706detects the end of the input, the initialization module1204specifies the module to be initialized based on the input time, and subsequently initialize the module. In the second embodiment, upon the receipt of the input of the signal indicating that the power switch17is released from the detector706, the initialization module1204refers to the initialization flag stored in the non-volatile memory314, refers to the initialization target associated to the referred initialization flag in the initialization management table of the ROM311, and initialize the module associated with the referred initialization target.

The tuner303includes the ASIC, the CPU, the ROM and the like. The ASIC and the CPU are not illustrated. The ROM stores therein a tuner program1205for displaying a dialog during the boot process. The ASIC and the CPU cooperate with the program stored in the ROM311so as to realize modules including a display controller1251.

Similarly, regarding the HDD controller331, the HDD controller program1260cooperates with the ASIC and the like to realize modules (not illustrated) including the display controller. Here, the display controller (not illustrated) of the HDD controller program1260performs similar processing as that of the display controller1251of the tuner program1260and the like, thereby the explanations thereof are omitted.

The processing for displaying the dialog by the display controllers751and1251include outputting the image information indicating the generated dialog to the controller306, and commanding the controller306to display the generated dialog. Then, the controller306outputs the input image information to the graphics processor305. Consequently, the image information containing the dialog is generated.

Next, the processing of the digital TV broadcasting receiver according to the second embodiment configured as described above is explained for the case when the power switch17is pressed down.FIG. 14is a flowchart of the aforementioned processing by the digital TV broadcasting receiver100of the second embodiment.

First, the processing in S1001to S1005inFIG. 10of the first embodiment is performed, and subsequently, the status obtaining module701obtains the status of the power switch17(S1401to S1405).

Then, the detector706determines whether the status of the power switch17obtained by the status obtaining module701is “released” (S1406). When the detector706determines that the status of the power switch17is not “released,” or in other words, when the power switch is kept pressed down (No at S1406), the time determination module1201determines whether the input time counted by the counter702exceeds 30 seconds (S1407).

When the time determination module1201determines that the input time exceeds 30 seconds (Yes at S1407), the flag setup module1202sets the initialization flag to “3” (S1408). Then, when the initialization flag is set to “3,” the lighting controller705controls the power indicator15aso as to be turned on in red (S1409). Subsequently, the processing beginning with S1405is performed again.

On the other hand, when the time determination module1201determines that the input time does not exceed 30 seconds (No at S1407), it is determined whether the input time counted by the counter702exceeds 20 seconds (S1410).

When the time determination module1201determines that the input time exceeds 20 seconds (Yes at S1410), the flag setup module1202sets the initialization flag to “2” (S1411). Then, when the initialization flag is set to “2,” the lighting controller705controls the power indicator15aso as to be turned on in blue (S1412). Thereafter, the processing beginning with S1405is performed again.

On the other hand, when the time determination module1201determines that the input time does not exceed 20 seconds (No at S1410), it is determined whether the input time exceeds 10 seconds (S1413).

When the time determination module1201determines that the input time exceeds 10 seconds (Yes at S1413), the flag setup module1202sets the initialization flag to “1” (S1414). Then, when the initialization flag is set to “1,” the lighting controller1203controls the power indicator15aso that the power indicator15ais turned on in green (S1415). Thereafter, the processing beginning with S1405is performed again.

On the other hand, when the detector706determines that the status of the power switch17is “released” (Yes at S1406), the counter702stops counting (S1416).

Subsequently, the initialization module1204determines whether the initialization flag is set to “1” (S1417). When the initialization module1204determines that the initialization flag is set to “1” (Yes at S1417), the initialization module1204initializes the decoder304(S1418). Then, the lighting controller1203turns off the power indicator15ain accordance with the input by the detector706(S1423), and complete the processing.

On the other hand, when the initialization module1204determines that the initialization flag is not set to “1” (No at S1417), the initialization module1204determines whether the initialization flag is set to “2” (S1419). As a result, when the initialization module1204determines that the initialization flag is set to “2” (Yes at S1419), the initialization module1204initializes the tuner303(S1420). Here, the initialization of the tuner303is performed similarly by stopping the power supply by the power supply switching circuit321. Then, after the initialization of the tuner303, the lighting controller1203turns off the power indicator15ain accordance with the input by the detector706(S1423), and finishes the processing.

On the other hand, when the initialization module1204determines that the initialization flag is not set to “2” (No at S1419), the initialization module1204determines whether the initialization flag is set to “3” (S1421). As a result, when the initialization module1204determines that the initialization flag is set to “3” (Yes at S1421), the initialization module1204initializes the HDD controller331(S1422).

The controller306outputs a reset signal to the HDD controller331to forcibly initialize the HDD controller331. Since the HDD controller331has a terminal for receiving the reset signal, the HDD controller331can forcibly be initialized even when the HDD controller331becomes uncontrollable. As mentioned above, the initialization by the digital TV broadcasting receiver100according to the second embodiment is not limited to the initialization by controlling the power supply. In other words, the initialization by the digital TV broadcasting receiver100may be performed as long as the initialization is forcibly performed.

After the HDD controller331is initialized, the lighting controller1203turns off the power indicator15ain accordance with the input by the detector706(S1423). Accordingly, the processing is completed.

On the other hand, when the initialization module1204determines that the initialization flag is not set to “3” (No at S1421), the processing is to be finished without performing any processing.

In accordance with the aforementioned processing, the user can initialize the module indicated as the initialization target after the initialization target is confirmed by the lighting color of the power indicator15a.

In addition to the aforementioned processing, the power supply switching circuit321stops the power supply to the decoder304or the tuner303, and after a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds), supplies again the power to the decoder304or the tuner303. Accordingly, the boot process of the decoder304or the tuner303is started, and also the counter702is cleared.

Furthermore, when the HDD controller331is initialized, the boot process by the HDD controller331is performed because the power from the power supply circuit307is kept supplied.

The boot process of the decoder304is similar to that illustrated inFIG. 11, so that the explanations thereof are omitted. The boot process of the tuner303of the digital TV broadcasting receiver100according to the second embodiment configured as described above is explained.FIG. 15is a flowchart of the aforementioned processing by the digital TV broadcasting receiver100according to the second embodiment.

In the boot process illustrated inFIG. 11of the decoder304, it is determined in S1103whether the initialization flag is set to “1.” On the other hand, in the boot process illustrated inFIG. 15of the tuner303, the display controller1251determines whether the initialization flag is set to “2” (S1503). Furthermore, in S1104of the boot process illustrated inFIG. 11of the decoder304, the dialog indicating that the decoder304is initialized is displayed. On the other hand, in the boot process illustrated inFIG. 15of the tuner303, a dialog indicating that the tuner303is initialized is displayed (S1504). Besides, S1501, S1502, and S1505to S1508are similar to S1101, S1102, and S1105to S1108ofFIG. 11, and the explanations thereof are omitted. In addition, the initialization of the HDD controller331is similar to the initialization of the tuner303or the decoder304illustrated inFIG. 11orFIG. 15, except for the initialization flag (whether the initialization flag is set to “3”) and the content displayed on the dialog. Therefore, the explanations thereof are omitted.

In the second embodiment, the display control of the dialog is performed for each module when the boot process of the each module is performed. However, the controller306may perform the display control of the dialog.

As described above, in the second embodiment, the initialization target are changed in accordance with the time during which the power switch17is kept pressed down, and changes the lighting color of the power indicator15a. Consequently, the user can confirm the lighting color of the power indicator15awhile pressing down the power switch17, thereby the user can easily recognize which module is to be initialized.

This is particularly useful for the telephone user support. That is to say, a user support clerk can ask the user to press down the power switch17, and to release the power switch17when the lighting color of the power indicator15ais changed to a predetermined lighting color, thereby a particular module can easily be initialized. In addition, the user operation is quite simple so that there are less operational errors. Furthermore, even when the operational error is caused, the user is only required to let the clerk know the lighting color of the power indicator15aso that the clerk can specify which operation was performed.

Furthermore, the clerk can instruct the user to initialize a certain module via telephone. Accordingly, a module having a problem can be specified. Therefore, the module having a problem can easily be specified, and the problem can easily be fixed.

The initialization control program executed in the digital TV broadcasting receiver of the aforementioned embodiments is preliminarily stored in a ROM and the like, and provided.

On the other hand, the initialization control program may be stored in a memory medium readable by a computer such as a compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), a flexible disk (FD), a compact disk recordable, and a digital versatile disk (DVD), in an installable or executable format, and provided.

Furthermore, the initialization control program may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet, and may be downloaded via the network to be provided. Furthermore, the initialization control program may be provided or distributed through the network such as the Internet.

The initialization control program includes the aforementioned modules (the status obtaining module, the counter, the time determination module, the flag setup module, the lighting controller, the detector, the initialization module). As an actual hardware, the CPU (processor) reads out the initialization control program from the ROM and executes the program. Accordingly, the aforementioned modules are loaded on a main memory device, and the status obtaining module, the counter, the time determination module, the flag setup module, the lighting controller, the detector, and the initialization module are generated on the main memory device.