Information display apparatus and information display method

An information display apparatus includes a display and a controller. The display displays widgets that include a main widget and a plurality of sub-widgets that indicate states of devices or states of functions installed on the devices. The controller executes a process of placing a plurality of sub-widgets to the main widget; a process of setting the device or the function that is associated with each of the plurality of sub-widgets; a process of setting a condition for the device or a condition for the function that is associated with each of the plurality of sub-widgets; and a process of setting a relationship between conditions set for the plurality of sub-widgets and a condition set for the main widget.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to an information display apparatus and an information display method that display information.

2. Description of the Related Art

A conventional application program has a function to perform a remote control and remote monitoring of a plurality of amplifiers. The application program accepts, for example, a setting of a threshold value for a temperature of a heat sink. With the application program, a warning is emitted when the temperature of the heat sink exceeds the threshold value.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

However, the conventional application program is the one that performs individual management of a plurality of devices, and thus has been unable to perform management of as far as the entire system. As the number of devices within a system increases, the number of objects to manage increases; then, it becomes difficult to perform management of the entire system.

On that account, the present invention, in some embodiments thereof, is directed to providing an information display apparatus and an information display method that are capable of performing management of an entire system.

An information display apparatus includes a display and a controller. The display displays widgets that include a main widget and a plurality of sub-widgets that indicate a state of a device or a state of a function installed on the device. The controller executes a process of placing a plurality of sub-widgets to the main widget; a process of setting the device or the function that is associated with each of the plurality of sub-widgets; a process of setting a condition for the device or a condition for the function that is associated with each of the plurality of sub-widgets; and a process of setting a relationship between conditions set for the plurality of sub-widgets and a condition set for the main widget.

The information display apparatus is capable of performing management of an entire system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An information display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention sets a main widget that integrates a plurality of sub-widgets. Also, the information display apparatus sets a condition for each sub-widget, and sets a relationship between conditions for the plurality of sub-widgets and the main widget. Thus, by performing management of the main widget, the user can perform management of states of a plurality of devices or functions that are allocated to a plurality of sub-widgets.

FIG. 1is a block diagram showing a configuration of a sound system. The sound system1includes a laptop PC11, a tablet PC12, an audio mixer13, an audio I/O unit14, an amplifier15, a speaker16and a LAN (Local Area Network)20. The laptop PC11, the tablet PC12, the audio mixer13, the audio I/O unit14, the amplifier15and the speaker16are connected to each other through the LAN (Local Area Network)20. However, in the present invention, connection mode for each device is not limited to a network connection through a LAN. For example, each device may be connected through a MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface).

The laptop PC11and the tablet PC12are respectively examples of the information display apparatus of the present invention, and are general purpose computers (information processing devices).FIG. 2is a block diagram showing a configuration of the PC11. The laptop PC11includes a display101, a user interface (I/F)102, a CPU103, a flash ROM104, a RAM105and a network interface (I/F)106. These components are connected to a bus151. The tablet PC12also has a configuration similar or same to that of the laptop PC11.

The display101consists of, for example, a LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays various information. The user I/F102consists of, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel and/or the like, and receives user's operation. The user I/F102corresponds to a receiver of the present invention. The user I/F102, together with the display101, constitutes a GUI (Graphical

The CPU103corresponds to a controller, an information obtainer and so forth of the present invention. The CPU103reads out a program that is stored in the flash ROM104, which is a storage medium, into the RAM105and realizes a predetermined function. For example, the CPU103realizes a GUI by causing the display101to display an image of an operation portion (receiver) for receiving a user's operation and then by receiving, through the user I/F102, a selection operation or the like to an image of the operation portion. Here, the program is not necessarily stored in the flash ROM104in the own apparatus, but may be stored in a storage medium in an external device such as a server or the like, as is well-known. In such a case, the CPU103may each time read out the program from the server into the RAM105to execute.

FIG. 3is an example of the GUI that is displayed by the display101. With the GUI shown in this example, the user performs operations such as placement of widgets, setting of devices or functions that are to be associated with the widgets, and so forth. A widget is an element to constitute a GUI. In the example ofFIG. 3, as widgets, an alert indicator85, an ON/OFF button86, a slider87, a knob88and a meter89are displayed.

FIG. 4is a flow chart showing an operation of the CPU103. The CPU103, on receiving edit instructions of widgets through the user I/F102, causes an edit screen90shown inFIG. 3to open (S11).

In the edit screen90, the CPU103first places a main widget (S12). The main widget is a widget that integrates a plurality of below-mentioned sub-widgets into one. In the example ofFIG. 3, the alert indicator85, the ON/OFF button86, the slider87, the knob88and the meter89are each correspond to a main widget. The user can, as indicated on the right side in the edit screen90inFIG. 3, place main widgets that are going to be used by drugging and dropping each of a plurality of main widgets.

Then, the CPU103determines whether or not the user has selected a main widget (S13). If the user does not select a main widget (S13, No), the CPU103repeats the determination of S13. If the user selects a main widget (S13, Yes), the CPU103, as shown inFIG. 5, causes a balloon image850for sub-widgets850to be displayed (S14), and then causes the sub-widgets to be placed in the balloon image850(S15). For example, inFIG. 5, since the user has selected the alert indicator85, the CPU103causes a balloon image850corresponding to the alert indicator85to be displayed. Then, the CPU103causes a plurality of sub-widgets to be displayed inside the balloon image850. In this example, the CPU103causes four sub-widgets consisting of a sub-indicator851, a sub-indicator852, a sub-indicator853and a sub-indicator854to be displayed. The number of sub-widgets displayed in the balloon image850can also be specified by the user, and so can deletion or addition thereof be made.

Each sub-widget is associated with a predetermined device or a predetermined function of the device. For example, the sub-indicator851is associated with the amplifier15, the sub-indicator852is associated with the audio mixer13. Also, the sub-indicator853is associated with the speaker16, and the sub-indicator854is associated with the audio I/O unit14. Further, a sub-widget can be associated with one constituent of a device (for example, a heat sink for one channel of the amplifier, or the like), instead of the device as a whole. Also, each sub-widget can be associated with a predetermined function (for example, a level controller) installed on each device.

Moreover, the laptop PC11may detect each device inside the system by performing a network search or the like and then automatically associate each sub-widget with each device; otherwise, the user may manually associate any sub-widget with any device or any function. In the case where each sub-widget is automatically associated with each device, the laptop PC11may, for example, obtain information on each device name (for example, computer name, MAC address, IP address, or the like) and then associate a sub-widget with the device name.

Subsequently,FIG. 6is a flow chart showing an editing operation of a sub-widget, andFIG. 7is a diagram showing an example of an edit screen90.

The CPU103determines whether or not the user has selected a sub-widget (S21). If the user does not select a sub-widget, the CPU103repeats the determination of S21(S21, No). If the user has selected each sub-widget and has given edit instructions (S21, Yes), the CPU103causes the sub-widget edit screen90as shown inFIG. 7to be displayed, and receives each editing operation (S22).

The user can edit, for each sub-widget, device name (Model), Device Identifier, function name (Parameter), channel number (Channel), condition and so forth.

The device name is automatically inputted by contacting the target device and so on; otherwise, the user can edit freely. As to the device identifier, although an IP address is displayed in the example ofFIG. 7, a MAC address or specific identification information such as serial number or the like may be used, instead. A function name becomes capable of being edited when a sub-widget is associated with a predetermined function in a predetermined device. In this example, in order to perform management of a level controller (fader) of an output channel1with the sub-indicator852being associated with the audio mixer13, “Output Level” is displayed as the function name. The channel number corresponds to a channel number for the parameter that is associated with the sub-widget. In this example, channel is set. Therefore, the sub-indicator852becomes a widget to indicate a state (alert) of the level controller for the output channel1of the audio mixer13.

The condition (threshold value) indicated in the bottom line means a condition that is set for the sub-widget. For a device or a function that is associated with each sub-widget, each predetermined condition is set. For example, the sub-indicator851is associated with the heat sink for the channel1of the amplifier15. Since the sub-indicator851is an alert indicator, for the sub-indicator851an alert condition is set. Also, in the example shown inFIG. 7, for the sub-indicator852a condition of +5 dB is set as a level of the output channel1. Thus, when the level of the output channel1of the audio mixer13becomes greater than or equal to +5 dB, the condition for the sub-indicator852is met. If the condition is met, the CPU103performs an alert notification by causing a corresponding widget (indicator) to be turned on or blinked. Otherwise, the CPU103may perform an alert notification by causing an indication color of the indicator to change. Moreover, it is also possible for the CPU103to cause multi-step conditions to be set with the indication color being changed multi-stepwise. For example, the CPU103causes the indication color of the indicator to become yellow in a case where the level becomes greater than or equal to +3 dB, and causes the indication color of the indicator to become red in a case where the level becomes greater than or equal to +5 dB.

In the above-mentioned manner, the user can edit each sub-widget. Next,FIG. 8is a flow chart showing an operation of the CPU103in a case of setting a relationship between conditions set for each sub-widget and a condition set for the main widget.FIG. 9is a diagram showing an example of an edit screen90for setting the relationship.

The CPU103determines whether or not the user has selected a relationship setting button859(S31). If the user does not select the relationship setting button859, the CPU103repeats the determination of S31(S31, No). If the user selects the relationship setting button859(S31, Yes), the CPU103causes a screen for setting a relationship between conditions set for each sub-widget and a condition set for the main widget as shown inFIG. 9to be displayed (S32).

The user selects, as the relationship between conditions set for the sub-widgets and a condition set for the main widget, a logical expression of the conditions set for a plurality of sub-widgets, for example. In the example ofFIG. 9, the user selects one from among “AND”, “OR”, “XOR” and “XNOR”. When “AND” is selected, the CPU103decides, as the relationship, that the condition for the main widget is met when all the conditions for the sub-widgets are met. As a result, the alert condition for the alert indicator85as the main widget is met when all the alert conditions for the sub-indicator851, the sub-indicator852, the sub-indicator853and the sub-indicator854are met.

When “OR” is selected, the CPU103decides, as the relationship, that the condition for the main widget is met when a condition for at least any one corresponding sub-widget is met. When “XNOR” is selected, the CPU103decides, as the relationship, that the condition for the main widget is met when states of all the sub-widgets match. That is, the alert condition for the alert indicator85as the main widget is met when all the alert conditions for the sub-indicator851, the sub-indicator852, the sub-indicator853, and the sub-indicator854are met, or when all the alert conditions for the sub-indicator851, the sub-indicator852, the sub-indicator853, and the sub-indicator854are not met.

When “XOR” is selected, the CPU103decides, as the relationship, that the condition for the main widget is met when states of at least any one the sub-widgets are different from other (s). That is, the CPU103decides that the condition for the main widget is met when at least any one of the alert conditions for the sub-indicator851, the sub-indicator852, the sub-indicator853, and the sub-indicator854are not met while the alert condition(s) for the other sub-indicator(s) are met, or when at least any one of the alert conditions for the sub-indicator851, the sub-indicator852, the sub-indicator853, and the sub-indicator854are met while the alert condition(s) for the other sub-indicator(s) are not met.

Additionally, the user may also set a relationship such that the condition for the main widget is met when the number of the sub-widgets the conditions for which are met reaches a predetermined number (3, for example). Further, it is also possible to set multi-step relationships with the indication color of the main widget being changed multi-stepwise. On decision that a first-step condition for the main widget is met when the conditions for two sub-widgets are met, the indication color of the main widget (alert indicator85) is changed to yellow. On decision that a second-step condition for the main widget is met when the conditions for all the sub-widgets are met, the indication color of the main widget (alert indicator85) is changed to red.

This enables the user to manage a plurality of devices or a plurality of functions integrally through one main widget. For example, the user sets device temperatures as the conditions for a plurality of sub-widgets. Then, if the user sets “OR” as the relationship, it is possible to perform an alert notification on decision that the condition for the main widget is met when a temperature of any one of the devices in the sound system exceeds a threshold value.

Also, it is possible for the user to cause an alert notification when a specific condition for a specific device or a specific function is met. For example, in the fader of the mixer, setting of greater than or equal to 0 dB is also acceptable, so that it is possible to cause the level of the output signal to be greater than that of the input signal. The greater-than-or-equal-to-zero dB setting for a fader of a certain portion on the sound system influence slightly; however, if many greater-than-or-equal-to-zero dB settings are made for a plurality of portions, there is a possibility that the signal level increases substantially. On that account, the user sets the condition for each sub-widget such that each fader value is greater than or equal to 0 dB, and sets “AND” as the relationship. This makes it possible to perform an alert notification on decision that the condition for the main widget is met when the fader values for all the plurality of faders become greater than or equal to 0 dB simultaneously.

Subsequently,FIG. 10is a flow chart showing an operation of the PC in an operating mode.FIG. 11A,FIG. 11B,FIG. 11CandFIG. 11Dare diagrams showing an example of the display screen in the operating mode. Although the operating mode may be carried out in the laptop PC11, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the operation shown inFIG. 10is carried out in the tablet PC12that has increased portability. The tablet PC12has a configuration similar or same to that of the laptop PC11shown inFIG. 2.

The CPU103of the tablet PC12, in the operating mode, first causes a management screen70as shown inFIG. 11Ato be displayed (S40). On the management screen70, as shown inFIG. 11A, only the main widgets are displayed, and no sub-widget is displayed. Therefore, the management screen70has just a small area on the display; and this is preferable for mobile information processing devices such as tablet PC12(or smart phone) or the like with a small display area.

The CPU103obtains information on each device or each function thereof that is connected through the network (S41). The CPU103obtains, from each device, a parameter value (level, temperature, power consumption, load impedance or the like) for a function as a management target.

The CPU103, comparing an obtained present value for each device or each function with a condition (threshold value) set for each sub-widget, determines whether or not a condition for each sub-widget is met (S42). The CPU103, on determining that a condition for a sub-widget is met (S42, Yes), causes the state of the relevant sub-widget to change (S43). The CPU103, on determining that a condition for a sub-widget is not met (S42, No), omits the processing of S43. However, in the example ofFIG. 11A, since the main widgets are displayed but no sub-widget is displayed on the management screen70, it is not possible to visually recognize that there is a change in state of any sub-widget until the condition for a main widget is met.

Then, the CPU103determines whether or not a condition for a main widget is met (S44). The CPU103determines that the condition for the main widget is met when one or more conditions for the sub-widgets meet the above-mentioned relationship (logical expression). When the condition for the main widget is met (S44, Yes), the CPU103causes the indication of the main widget to change (S45). For example, as shown inFIG. 11B, the CPU103causes the alert indicator85to be turned on. The CPU103, on determining that the condition for the main widget is not met (S44, No), repeats form the processing of S41.

After completing the processing of S45, the CPU103further determines whether or not the selection of a main widget has been made (S46). When a main widget is selected (S46, Yes), the CPU103causes sub-widgets corresponding to the selected main widget to be displayed (S47). The CPU103, on determining that a main widget is not selected (S46, No), omits the processing of S47.

For example, as shown inFIG. 11C, when the alert indicator85is selected, the CPU causes the sub-indicator851, the sub-indicator852, the sub-indicator853and the sub-indicator854to be displayed. In this example, for each sub-widget a device name is displayed. In a case of performing management of a specific function and a specific channel, names for these function and channel are also displayed.

In the example ofFIG. 11C, because the level of the output channel1of the audio mixer13exceeds a predetermined threshold value and “OR” is set as the relationship with the main widget, both the alert indicator85and the sub-indicator852are in turn-on states. As shown inFIG. 11D, it is assumed that the level controller of the input channel1is assigned to the sub-indicator851, that the level controller of the output channel1is assigned to the sub-indicator852, and that a gain of a compressor of the input channel1is assigned to the sub-indicator853. In this case, further, if “AND” is set as the relationship between the sub-widgets and the main widget, the alert indicator85remains turned-off even when the level of the output channel1of the audio mixer13exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

As stated above, the sound system according to the embodiment of the present invention makes it possible to manage a plurality of any devices or any functions integrally through the main widget even when the number of the devices increases.

Further, although in the operation example ofFIG. 10, an example in which the tablet PC12obtains a present value of each function from each device is shown, the present invention is not limited to this instance. The PC12in an operating mode performs, for example, an operation of comparing a present value at each device with a condition (threshold value) for a sub-widget. Then, in this operation mode, such a procedure that if the condition for the sub-widget is met (if the threshold value is exceeded by the present value) information to the effect that the condition is met is transmitted from the device to the tablet PC12may be acceptable.

Also, such a procedure that the tablet PC12compares a present value obtained from a certain device with the condition whereas from another device if the condition for the sub-widget is met (if the threshold value is exceeded by the present value) information to the effect that the condition is met is transmitted to the tablet PC12may be acceptable.

The above explanations of the embodiments are nothing more than illustrative in any respect, and are not restrictive. Scope of the present invention is indicated by claims rather than the above embodiments. Further, it is intended that all changes that are equivalent to a claim in the sense and realm of the doctrine of equivalence be included within the scope of the present invention. For example, as stated above, since each device may be connected through the MIDI, naturally, electronic instruments are also among examples of the devices capable of being associated with the sub-widgets. Of course, the equipment capable of being associated with a sub-widget is not limited to audio equipment. For example, communication equipment such as rooter, hub, switch or the like may also be associated with a sub-widget.

Also, for example, it is possible to define that the ON/OFF button86, the slider87, the knob88and the meter89meet the conditions for the main widgets when values for the respective sub-widgets meet predetermined conditions. For example, in the case of the ON/OFF button86, the display of the ON/OFF button86can be changed to “ON” state when the devices (or the functions) associated with all the sub-widgets are turned on. Moreover, for example, in the case of the slider87, it is also possible to define that the value (fader value) of the slider87indicates −∞ dB when fader values associated with all the sub-widgets (a plurality of faders) are not greater than a predetermined threshold value (for example, 0 dB).

Further, as to the slider87, it is also possible to define that the value of the slider87indicates 0 dB when the fader values associated with all the sub-widgets exceeds a predetermined threshold value (for example, 0 dB). As above-mentioned, in the case of the mixer, if settings that exceed 0 dB are made at the same time at a plurality of portions, there is a possibility that the signal level increases significantly. In the case of this example, the user can deem that settings that exceed 0 dB are made at the same time at a plurality of portions when the value of the slider87of the main widget changes to 0 dB. In the same manner, in the case of the knob88as well, it is also possible to define that the value of the knob88indicates a minimum value when gains associated with all the sub-widgets (a plurality of knobs) are not greater than threshold values. Further, as to the knob88, for example, it is also possible to define that the value of the knob88indicates a maximum value when the values of the knobs associated with all the sub-widgets exceed the threshold values.