BROADCAST IMAGE OUTPUT DEVICE, BROADCAST IMAGE OUTPUT METHOD, AND TELEVISON

A broadcast image output device includes: a reception unit that receives a broadcast; an output unit that outputs a plurality of home screens in each of which a broadcast image relating to the broadcast received by the reception unit or an app image is allocatable to each section of a display area, the broadcast image and the app image being selectable by user operation; and a control unit that selects one of the home screens in accordance with preset setting information to cause the output unit to output the selected home screen as an initial screen that is ready to accept the user operation and appears after the broadcast image output device is turned on.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The following details embodiments with reference to drawings. However, too detailed explanation may be omitted. For example, the detailed explanation of a well-known matter or overlapping explanation for a substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessarily redundant explanation in the following, and allow those skilled in the art to easily understand.

It should be noted that inventors et al. provide the appended drawings and the following explanation to allow those skilled in the art to sufficiently understand the present disclosure. However, these are not intended to limit the subject matter recited in Claims. Moreover, the drawings are schematic diagrams and are not necessarily exactly-illustrated drawings.

Embodiment

FIG. 1is an external view of a television100and a remote control170in the embodiment.

FIG. 2is a block diagram illustrating a basic functional configuration of a television100in the embodiment.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the television100in the embodiment includes a broadcast image output device110and a display150.

The television100can perform operations such as switching channels in accordance with signals from a remote control (or remote controller)170operated by a user.

Specifically, the remote control170has more than one key, and transmits signals indicating instructions according to keys depressed by the user to the television100by infrared rays. It should be noted that there is no particular limitation for a method of communicating between the remote control170and the television100. For example, interactive communication between the remote control170and the television100may be performed by radio communication such as Bluetooth (a registered trademark).

Moreover, other than the functional block shown inFIG. 2, the television100includes structural elements such as a speaker which a television receiver should have. However, to clearly explain the content of the present disclosure, figures and explanations for these other structural elements are omitted here.

As shown inFIG. 2, the broadcast image output device110includes a reception unit112, an output unit114, a control unit116, and a memory unit117.

The reception unit112receives a broadcast received by a tuner (not shown inFIG. 2) of the television100. The broadcast is a ground-wave broadcast, a satellite broadcast, a cable broadcast, or an Internet broadcast, for example. It should be noted that the reception unit112may function as the tuner.

The output unit114can output each of home screens200. The outputted home screen200is displayed on the display150.

For example as shown inFIG. 1, in each home screen200, a broadcast image210relating to a broadcast received by the reception unit112or an image other than the broadcast image210is allocated to each section of a display area.

In the present embodiment, a playback video (moving images) of a broadcast received by the reception unit112is displayed on the home screen200as the broadcast image210.

Each of images other than the broadcast image210is an app image220in the present embodiment. The app image220is, for example, an image associated with an application program (hereinafter also referred to as “app(s)”) executable by the broadcast image output device110.

That is, the app image220is an image displayed by executing an app, an icon for activating an app, an icon corresponding to data processed by an app, or an icon corresponding to a predetermined website (web clip icon), for example.

For example, in the home screen200shown inFIG. 1, one relatively large broadcast image210and seven app images220are allocated.

It should be noted that the app images220and apps respectively corresponding to these app images220are stored in the memory unit117, for example. Each app is read and executed by the control unit116.

Moreover, an application program for displaying the broadcast image210is also stored in the memory unit117. Processing such as the display and scaling of the broadcast image210is performed by the control unit116executing the application program.

Moreover, each of these broadcast images210and the app images220can be selected by user operation (operation with remote control170in the present embodiment).

For example, when the broadcast image210is selected and the select key of the remote control170is depressed, the broadcast image210is enlarged, and is displayed in the entire display area of the display150, for example. That is, the broadcast image210is displayed on the full screen.

Moreover, when the app image220is selected and the select key of the remote control170is depressed, an app associated with the app image220is executed, for example, and an image showing a processing result of the app or the like is displayed on the full screen.

The operation of the broadcast image output device110and the home screens200will be detailed later with reference toFIGS. 3 to 15.

The control unit116selects one of the home screens200in accordance with preset setting information. Furthermore, the control unit116causes the output unit114to output the selected home screen200as an initial screen that is ready to accept user operation and appears after the broadcast image output device110is turned on.

The setting information referred to by control unit116to select one of the home screens200is stored in the memory unit117, for example.

It should be noted that the control unit116is, for example, realized by a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU).

The memory unit117is a memory unit for storing various information such as the setting information. It should be noted that the broadcast image output device110does not have to include the memory unit117. For example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory which is outside of the broadcast image output device110may be used as the memory unit117.

Moreover, a memory such as a random access memory (RAM) provided inside or outside of the broadcast image output device110may be used as the memory unit117.

Thus, the television100in the present embodiment includes the broadcast image output device110, and the broadcast image output device110outputs one of the home screens200as an initial screen.

That is, simply put, when the television100is turned on, one of the home screens200of different kinds is displayed as the initial screen.

It should be noted that “home screens200of different kinds” mean that the home screens200are different from each other in the kinds, layout, the number, and others of displayed images.

1-2. Basic Operation

The following describes the operation of the broadcast image output device110in the embodiment with reference toFIG. 3.

FIG. 3is a flowchart illustrating the steps of the basic operation of the broadcast image output device110in the embodiment.

When the broadcast image output device110is turned on (S1), the control unit116selects one of the home screens200which is indicated by the setting information (S2).

The output unit114outputs the home screen200selected by the control unit116in accordance with the control by control unit116(S3).

That is, the control unit116causes the output unit114to output the home screen200selected from a plurality of home screens200, as an initial screen after the power is turned on.

Specifically, the broadcast image output device110is turned on by a user turning on the television100. As a result, the home screen200selected by the control unit116is displayed on the display150.

1-3. Home Screen

The following describes the details of the home screens200with reference toFIGS. 4 to 5C.

FIG. 4illustrates an example of the basic configuration of the home screen200in the embodiment.

In the home screen200in the embodiment, the display area is divided into parts.

For example, as shown inFIG. 4, the display area of the home screen200is divided into rectangular areas201of four columns and four rows. Each of the broadcast images210and the app images220is displayed in an area formed of one or more continuous rectangular areas201.

That is, in the home screen200, the broadcast image210or the app image220can be allocated to each section of the display area.

For the example shown inFIG. 4, the broadcast image210is displayed in an area formed of the rectangular areas201of three columns and three rows (3×3).

It should be noted that there is an interstice area in which a background image is displayed, between the rectangular areas201adjacent to each other. However, when the displayed broadcast image210or the displayed app image220spreads across more than one rectangular area201, the interstice area between the rectangular areas201adjacent to each other is used for the display area of the broadcast image210or the app image220.

Moreover, information indicating allocation of the broadcast image210or the app image220to the rectangular areas201in the home screen200(screen layout information) is stored in the memory unit117, for example.

Moreover, the change of the once registered home screen200, i.e., the update of screen layout information is possible, and the addition of the new home screen200is also possible. The layout change and addition of the home screen200will be described later with reference toFIGS. 13 to 15.

The following describes three examples of such home screen200with reference toFIG. 5A to 5C.

It should be noted that the home screens200shown inFIGS. 5A to 5Care, for example, set when the televisions100are delivered from a factory.

FIG. 5Aillustrates a first example of the home screen200in the embodiment.

The home screen200shown inFIG. 5Ais the home screen200named “lifestyle home”, for example. The following refers to it as “lifestyle home200a”.

The lifestyle home200ais the home screen200for efficiently providing a user with information, for example, necessary for user's everyday life.

In the example shown inFIG. 5A, in addition to the broadcast image210, the app images220showing a clock221, a weather forecast222, a timer223, a photograph224, a calendar225, a memo226, and an advertisement227are displayed on the lifestyle home200a.

The clock221is the image of a clock app for displaying time. The weather forecast222is the image of a weather forecast app for displaying weather forecast information obtained via the Internet, for example.

It should be noted that the “app image” is, as described above, an image obtained by executing the app, or an image associated with the app, such as an icon for activating the app.

The timer223is the image of a timer app for starting a timer by a predetermined operation. The photograph224is the image of a photograph app for displaying photograph data stored in the memory unit117by a predetermined user operation, for example.

The calendar225is the image of a calendar app which can register information on a daily schedule, for example.

The memo226is the image of a memo app for storing and displaying text information inputted by a predetermined user operation, for example. The advertisement227is the image of an advertisement app for displaying an advertisement image obtained by the broadcast image output device110via the Internet, for example.

Each of these app images220is a still image or an image at least a part of which is a moving image.

The clock221is, for example, an image including the moving images of a clock generated by the control unit116executing the clock app.

FIG. 5Billustrates a second example of the home screen200in the embodiment.

The home screen200shown inFIG. 5Bis a home screen200named “TV home”, for example. The following refers to it as “TV home200b”.

The TV home200bis the home screen200for efficiently providing a user with information on broadcast programs, for example.

In the example shown inFIG. 5B, in addition to the broadcast image210, the app images220showing programs on different channels228, a record list230, a reservation list231, and the advertisement227are displayed on the TV home200b.

The programs on different channels228are the images of the app of programs on different channels for displaying information on broadcast programs on the air other than the broadcast program displayed as the broadcast image210.

For example, when the broadcast program on Channel 5 (Ch. 5) is displayed as the broadcast image210, information on broadcast programs on channels other than Ch. 5 (such as the name of the broadcast station, the name of the program, and a still image obtained from moving images of the broadcast program) is displayed on the programs on different channels228.

It should be noted that the television100includes two tuners (first and second tuners). For example, the first tuner receives a broadcast program to be displayed as the broadcast image210, and the second tuner scans channels to be displayed on the programs on a different channels228. Thus, information on broadcast programs on the channels such as still images is displayed on the programs on different channels228.

Moreover, the television100further includes a third tuner. In this case, for example, when a focus260(a thick line frame inFIG. 5B) is focused on a still image by the user operation of the remote control170, i.e., when the still image is selected, a broadcast program (moving images) corresponding to the still image, received by the third tuner can be displayed within the programs on different channels228.

That is, the control unit116of the broadcast image output device110controls the output unit114to output the TV home200bobtained after the still image within the programs on different channels228which is focused on by the focus260has been replaced with the moving images of the broadcast program corresponding to the still image.

It should be noted that in this case, an operation such as depressing a select key172allows for control such as switching between (i) the moving images of one of the above broadcast programs displayed within the programs on different channels228and (ii) the moving images of the broadcast program displayed as the broadcast image210.

The record list230is the image of a record list app for displaying the list of broadcast programs recorded on a video recorder connected to the television100, for example. For example, when the broadcast image output device110obtains list information showing the list of the recorded broadcast programs from the video recorder, and processes the list information with the record list app, the record list230can be obtained.

The reservation list231is the image of a reservation list app for displaying the list of broadcast programs scheduled for recording by a video recorder connected to the television100. For example, when the broadcast image output device110obtains reservation information showing the list of broadcast programs scheduled for recording from the video recorder, and processes the reservation information with the reservation list app, the reservation list231can be obtained.

FIG. 5Cillustrates a third example of the home screen200in the embodiment.

The home screen200shown inFIG. 5Cis the home screen200named “Internet home”, for example. The following refers to it as “Internet home200c”.

The Internet home200cis the home screen200for efficiently providing a user with various information obtainable via the Internet, for example.

In the example shown inFIG. 5C, in addition to the broadcast image210, the app images220showing a bookmark browser240, an RSS reader245, the clock221, the weather forecast222, the memo226, and the advertisement227are displayed in the Internet home200c.

The bookmark browser240is the image of a browser app for displaying website data obtained from each of one or more uniform resource locators (URLs) registered as bookmarks.

The RSS reader245is the image of an RSS reader app for automatically downloading RSS (RDF site summary/rich site summary/really simple syndication) information on a specified website at regular time intervals, and displaying a link to an article when there is an update.

The output unit114creates the Internet home200cincluding the bookmark browser240and the RSS reader245using the website data obtained by the control unit116and RSS information, and outputs to the display150.

It should be noted that one or more URLs registered as a bookmark and one or more URLs from which RSS information is obtained are stored in the memory unit117, for example. Moreover, these URLs may be, for example, obtained from a server connected to the Internet when the broadcast image output device110outputs the Internet home200c.

Here, the bookmark browser240and the RSS reader245are different from other app images220such as the clock221in that the displayed bookmark browser240and RSS reader245use a plurality of rectangular areas201(cf.FIG. 4).

Specifically, the displayed bookmark browser240uses two columns and two rows (2×2) of the rectangular areas201. The displayed RSS reader245uses one column and two rows (1×2) of the rectangular areas201.

The broadcast image output device110in the present embodiment can output each of the home screens200including the above-mentioned home screens200.

When each of the broadcast images210and the app images220allocated to one of the home screens200is selected and confirmed (this is the same as the operation of depressing the select key of the remote control170in the present embodiment) by a user, processing such as change to full screen display is performed.

Therefore, the following describes an operation example when the broadcast image210and the app image220are selected and confirmed, with reference toFIGS. 6 to 7B.

1-4. Operation after Selection on Home Screen

FIG. 6illustrates a state in which the broadcast image210is selected in the home screen200in the embodiment.

FIG. 7Aillustrates a state in which the broadcast image210is displayed on the full screen of the television100in the embodiment.

FIG. 7Billustrates a state in which an app setting screen is displayed on the full screen of the television100in the embodiment.

For example, the following assumes a case where the focus260is focused on the broadcast image210in the home screen200(lifestyle home200ainFIG. 6), i.e., a case where the broadcast image210is selected.

In this state, when the select key172of the remote control170is depressed, the control unit116of the broadcast image output device110accepts a predetermined instruction for the broadcast image210by user operation.

As a result, as shown inFIG. 7A, the broadcast images210is enlarged and displayed on the full screen of the display150. That is, an enlarged broadcast image210aobtained by enlarging the broadcast image210is outputted by the output unit114.

Moreover, when the app image220is selected and confirmed by user operation, the control unit116performs processing according to the app image220.

For example, in the lifestyle home200ashown inFIG. 6, the following assumes a case where the focus260is moved to the clock221and the select key172is depressed.

In this case, the control unit116causes the output unit114to output a screen for setting a clock app associated with the clock221. As a result, as shown inFIG. 7B, an app screen220ais displayed on the full screen of the display150instead of the home screen200(lifestyle home200a).

When the “Setting” key is selected and confirmed in the app screen220ashown inFIG. 7B, the display screen of the display150transitions to a setting screen which accepts settings such as the setting of an area where the television100is set and the setting of a display style.

It should be noted that the app screen220ashown inFIG. 7Bis an example of a screen displayed when a predetermined instruction is given for the clock221which is a kind of the app image220. That is, the processing performed when the select key172is depressed is different according to apps associated with selected app images220.

For example, there are a case where only the enlarged display of the app image220is executed, a case where the app screen220ashowing the main function of the app is displayed, a case where the display of the app image220is maintained (i.e., even when the select key172is depressed, there is no change in the selected app image220), and so on.

Moreover, as shown inFIG. 6, the remote control170includes a Home key173and an Apps key174. The Home key173is a key for displaying the home screen200. The Apps key174is a key for displaying an app list screen.

That is, the television100changes display screens according to instructions by user operation.

1-5. Transition of Display Screen

The following describes an example of the transition of a display screen in the television100with reference toFIGS. 8 to 10.

FIG. 8is a first figure illustrating an example of the transition of the display screen in the television100in the embodiment.

In the television100in the embodiment, when the power is turned on, the control unit116of the broadcast image output device110selects one of the home screens200in accordance with preset setting information120.

For example, when the lifestyle home200ais selected, the lifestyle home200ais outputted by the output unit114and displayed on the display150, as an initial screen which can accept user operation, i.e., an input from the user.

After that, as described above, when the broadcast image210or the app image220is selected and confirmed, the enlarged broadcast image210aor the app screen220ais displayed on the full screen of the display150.

In this state, when the Home key173is depressed, the output unit114outputs the lifestyle home200ain accordance with control by the control unit116. That is, the display150is switched from the full screen display of the enlarged broadcast image210aor the app screen220ato the lifestyle home200a.

It should be noted that the display switching can be performed by a Return key, an Exit key (not shown) or the like instead of the Home key173.

Moreover, in the television100, the home screens200are switched according to a home switching instruction from a user.

For example, when the lifestyle home200ais displayed on the display150, a predetermined user operation allows for displaying, on the display150, the TV home200bor the Internet home200cwhich is other home screen200.

It should be noted that a broadcast program206is a screen for the full screen display of a broadcast program on a predetermined channel. However, the broadcast program206can be also used as a kind of the home screen200.

Moreover, add new home205is a screen for creating a new home screen200and selecting a template, for example. However, the add new home205can be also used as a kind of the home screen200. An operation example when the add new home205is selected will be described later with reference toFIG. 15.

Here, user's instruction for switching the home screens200(home switching instruction) is accepted by a home switching screen in the present embodiment.

FIG. 9illustrates an example of a home switching screen300in the embodiment.

In a state in which the home screen200such as the lifestyle home200ais displayed on the display150, when the Home key173is depressed, for example, the home switching screen300shown inFIG. 9is displayed in the present embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 9, the home screens200are displayed in the home switching screen300. Specifically, in the home switching screen300, the center of the three home screens200is selected.

Moreover, when the user operates an arrow key171of the remote control170, the laterally arranged home screens200are scrolled sideways. Thus, the home screen200in a selected state is changed successively.

Furthermore, when the select key172is depressed, the home screen200selected at this time point is displayed on the full screen of the display150. For example, in the state shown inFIG. 9, when the select key172is depressed, the display150is switched from the home switching screen300to the lifestyle home200a.

It should be noted that not all of the home screens200have to be displayed on the home switching screen300.

That is, at least parts of at least two of the home screens200may be displayed in the home switching screen300. This allows the user to select one of the home screens200to be displayed on the display150, in the home switching screen300.

FIG. 10is a second figure illustrating an example of the transition of the display screen in the television100in the embodiment.

It should be noted that inFIG. 10, “Select” corresponds to the select key172, “Home” corresponds to “Home key173”, and “Apps” corresponds to the Apps key174.

For example, in a state in which the home switching screen300is displayed on the display150, when the select key172of the remote control170is depressed, the home screen200selected in the home switching screen300is displayed on the display150.

Moreover, in a state in which the home switching screen300is displayed on the display150, when the Home key173of the remote control170is depressed, the home screen200displayed before the display of the home switching screen300is, for example, displayed on the display150.

Moreover, for example, in a state in which the home screen200is displayed on the display150, when the Apps key174of the remote control170is depressed, an app list screen is displayed on the display150.

It should be noted that although a display example of the app list screen is not shown, the list of apps which are, for example, executable by the broadcast image output device110at the time when the Apps key174is depressed is displayed. Moreover, when an app is selected by the user operation of the remote control170, and the select key172is depressed, the app screen220acorresponding to the selected app is displayed on the full screen.

Thus, in the television100in the present embodiment, the broadcast image output device110can change screens to be displayed on the display150according to the user operation of the remote control170.

Moreover, the broadcast image output device110can further accept the settings, changes, and others of the home screen200to be displayed as an initial screen.

1-6. Home Screen Button

FIG. 11illustrates a display example of buttons for the various settings and the like of the home screen200in the embodiment.

For example, when the focus260is focused on the upper portion of the home screen200, the control unit116controls the output unit114to display a group of buttons shown inFIG. 11at the upper portion.

In the example shown inFIG. 11, a home switching button250, home setting button251, an app edit button252, and a search button253are displayed.

It should be noted that any button can be selected by the operation of the arrow key171of the remote control170, and the selected button is depressed by depressing the select key172.

Moreover, each button is depressed by depressing any one of “blue”, “red”, “green”, and “yellow” keys of the remote control170respectively associated with the buttons.

Moreover, the control unit116controls to cause the output unit114to output a screen corresponding to a depressed button to the display150.

Specifically, as same as when the Home key173of the remote control170is depressed, the home switching screen300is displayed on the display150when the home switching button250is depressed.

When the home setting button251is depressed, a home setting screen for setting the home screen200is displayed.

For example, a screen is displayed in which the user can select the home screen200to be displayed as an initial screen which appears after the power is turned on. The settings of the initial screen will be described later with reference toFIG. 12.

When the app edit button252is depressed, a screen for the adding, deleting, and the like of the app images220shown in the home screen200displayed on the display150at that time is displayed. That is, a screen for editing apps associated with the home screen200is displayed on the display150. The edition of apps will be described later with reference toFIGS. 13 and 14.

When the search button253is depressed, a search screen for searching, for example, the memory unit117, a device such as a video recorder connected to the television100, and a server accessible via the Internet is displayed.

FIG. 12illustrates an example of options for an initial screen in the embodiment.

A user can update the setting information120by selecting one of the three options shown inFIG. 12, for example.

For example, when the user selects “Last displayed home, after the selection and at a time point when the television100is turned off, the last home screen which is the home screen200last outputted by the output unit114is registered in the setting information120as an initial screen.

As a result, when the television100is turned on (that is, when the broadcast image output device110is turned on) after that, the control unit116selects the last home screen in accordance with the setting information120, and causes the output unit114to output the home screen as the initial screen.

Moreover, when the user selects “Fix”, the user can specify one home screen from among the home screens200, and the specified home screen200is registered in the setting information120as the initial screen.

As a result, when the television100is turned on after that, the control unit116always selects the home screen200specified by the user in accordance with the setting information120, and causes the output unit114to output as the initial screen.

Moreover, when the user selects “User identification”, the user can specify one home screen suitable for the user herself or himself from among the home screens200, and the specified home screen200is registered in the setting information120as the initial screen.

As a result, when the television100is turned on after that, the control unit116identifies the user by face recognition using a camera in the television100, for example. The control unit116further selects the home screen200suitable for the identified user which is indicated by the setting information120, and causes the output unit114to output as the initial screen.

It should be noted that for failure of the face recognition, the control unit116, for example, causes the output unit114to display the last home screen as the initial screen.

It should be noted that an embodiment as mentioned above in which the home screen200as an initial screen is selected in accordance with the identification result of the user will be described later with reference toFIGS. 16 and 17.

Moreover, as the setting items of the home screen200, the setting and change of the name of a home screen and the setting and change of a background image are exemplified in addition to the above setting of the initial screen.

Thus, the control unit116can update the setting information120in accordance with an instruction by the user, and select the home screen200as the initial screen in accordance with the setting information120after the update.

It should be noted that in an initial state before the user updates the setting information120, a “Last displayed home” is registered in the setting information120, for example. Moreover, for example, after first turning on of the television100and in the initial setting of the television100, the setting information120is updated according to user's instruction.

FIG. 13illustrates a first example of an app edit screen in the embodiment.

FIG. 14illustrates a second example of the app edit screen in the embodiment.

For example, in the state where the lifestyle home200ais displayed on the display150, when the app edit button252shown inFIG. 11is depressed, the lifestyle home200ashown inFIG. 13is displayed on the display150.

Specifically, as shown inFIG. 13, in the lifestyle home200a, the app images220which can be at least deleted or moved are surrounded by dotted lines, for example. These app images220are displayed in a different way from the usual display.

In this state, for example, when the focus260is focused on the memo226, the options “Move” or “Delete” are displayed as shown inFIG. 13. That is, the control unit116of the broadcast image output device110controls the output unit114so that an image for editing the selected (focused on by the focus260) memo226is superimposed on the lifestyle home200a.

In this case, when the user selects and confirms “Delete” by the operation of the remote control170, the memo226is deleted from the lifestyle home200aas shown inFIG. 14.

In this state, when the focus260is focused on an empty area202which is the empty rectangular area201generated by the deletion of the memo226, and the select key172is depressed, options for apps which can be allocated to the empty area202are displayed as shown inFIG. 14.

That is, the control unit116of the broadcast image output device110controls the output unit114so as to superimpose, on the lifestyle home200a, an image for selecting apps to be allocated to the empty area202.

Specifically, as shown inFIG. 14, the list of apps is superimposed on the lifestyle home200a. In the list, while ticks are placed in check boxes, for the apps already allocated to the lifestyle home200a, a tick is not placed in a check box, for the app which is not allocated to the lifestyle home200a.

For the case shown inFIG. 14, by the user placing a tick in the check box for the app named “NewAPP”, the control unit116accepts an instruction that the app image220of the NewAPP should be allocated.

The control unit116further allocates the app image220of NewAPP to the empty area202by controlling the output unit114. That is, a new app “NewAPP” is added to the lifestyle home200a.

It should be noted that inFIG. 13, when the user selects and confirms “Move” by the operation of the remote control170, the user further selects and confirms the existing app image220to which the memo226is moved. As a result, the selected app image220and the memo226to be moved are switched.

Thus, the broadcast image output device110performs editing apps allocated to the home screen200in the television100in the present embodiment.

1-7. Addition of Home Screen

As mentioned above, the broadcast image output device110in the present embodiment can create a new home screen200in addition to the edit processing of the existing home screens200.

The broadcast image output device110causes the output unit114to output more than one template for creating a new home screen200, for example. This allows the user to easily create a new home screen200.

FIG. 15illustrates an example of a template selection screen207in the embodiment.

The control unit116reads pieces of template information indicating templates from the memory unit117, for example, and controls the output unit114, so that the template selection screen207is displayed on the display150.

The template selection screen207shown inFIG. 15shows six templates from A to F. It should be noted that “TV” in each template indicates an area to which the broadcast image210can be allocated, and “app” indicates an area to which the app image220can be allocated.

Moreover, when the add new home205is selected and confirmed in the home switching screen300shown inFIG. 9, the template selection screen207is displayed on the display150.

By operating the remote control170, the user selects and confirms one of the templates shown in the template selection screen207. Thus, the home screen200in which only the broadcast image210is allocated to the selected template, for example as shown inFIG. 4is displayed.

After that, the list of apps to be allocated to the home screen200as shown inFIG. 14is superimposed on the home screen200, and one or more apps selected by user's operation of the remote control170are allocated to the home screen200.

Moreover, processing required for creating a new home screen200, such as the setting of the name of the home screen200is performed.

Screen layout information corresponding to the home screen200thus created is, for example, stored in the memory unit117, and after that, when the home screen200is displayed on the display150, the screen layout information is referred to by the control unit116and the output unit114.

It should be noted that the template selection screen207is an example of a screen for allowing the user to select a template for creating a new home screen200from several templates, and other embodiments of the display may be employed.

For example, a template for creating the new home screen200may be selected by laterally aligning templates as the home switching screen300shown inFIG. 9, and scrolling from side to side.

1-8. Home Screen Selection by User Identification

As mentioned above, the broadcast image output device110in the embodiment can select one of the home screens200which is to be displayed as an initial screen, in response to a user identification result.

FIG. 16is a figure to explain face recognition in the embodiment.

FIG. 17is a block diagram illustrating a basic functional configuration of the television100having a face recognition function in the embodiment.

For example, as shown inFIG. 16, a camera160is placed at the top center of the television100as shown inFIG. 16. It should be noted that the camera160does not have to be included in the television100, but the camera160may be connected to the television100as an external image capturing device.

Moreover, for example, an image capturing device used for a teleconference, a TV phone, and the like which use the television100may be used as the camera160used for face recognition.

Moreover, the broadcast image output device110shown inFIG. 17includes an identification unit118. The identification unit118obtains feature information indicating the physical feature of a user, and identifies the user in accordance with the obtained feature information. In the present embodiment, the user is identified using image data obtained from the camera160and face image data (face data) of the user.

For example, the control unit116obtains face data obtained by a user AA capturing the image of her or his face in advance using the camera160, and causes the memory unit117to store the face data.

Moreover, the control unit116creates user-home association information for associating the face data and one of the home screens200, in accordance with an instruction from the user AA, and causes the memory unit117to store the information.

After that, when the television100is turned on and the setting information120indicates “User identification”, the control unit116of the broadcast image output device110reads the face data and the user-home association information which are stored in the memory unit117, and transmits to the identification unit118.

The identification unit118obtains the data of an image captured by the camera160at the time point when the television100is turned on. The identification unit118further identifies an area assumed to be a human face in the image represented by the obtained image data, and compares the image data of the identified area and the face data received from the control unit116. That is, the control unit116judges whether or not a human face represented by the face data is included in the image captured by the camera160.

For success of face recognition by this judge, that is, when the control unit116judges that the human face represented by the face data is included in the image captured by the camera160, the home screen200suitable for the person (user AA) which is indicated by the user-home association information is identified.

The control unit116further causes the output unit114to output the identified home screen200.

Thus, the home screen200associated with the user AA in the television100is automatically selected from among the home screens200, and displayed on the display150.

It should be noted that although the above operation example describes face recognition for one user (user AA), more than one user can be registered in one television100. That is, the television100can selectively output the home screen200corresponding to each user.

Moreover, when more than one human face is included in an image captured by the camera160when the television100is turned on, the identification unit118identifies a face closest to the center of the image as a face to be used for face recognition, for example. Moreover, for failure of recognizing the identified face, the identification unit118performs recognition processing of the remaining faces in order closest to the center of the image, for example.

1-9. Advantages and Others

Thus, in the present embodiment, the television100includes the broadcast image output device110and the display150for displaying images outputted from the broadcast image output device110.

Moreover, in the present embodiment, the broadcast image output device110includes the reception unit112for receiving a broadcast, the output unit114for outputting each of the home screens200, and the control unit116.

In each of the home screens, the broadcast image210relating to a broadcast received by the reception unit112or an image other than the broadcast image (app image200in the present embodiment) can be allocated to each section of a display area. Here, the broadcast image210and the image other than the broadcast image can be selected by user operation.

Moreover, the control unit116selects one of the home screens200in accordance with the preset setting information120. The control unit116further causes the output unit114to output the selected home screen200as an initial screen that is ready to accept the user operation and appears after the broadcast image output device110is turned on.

This allows the broadcast image output device110to output the home screen200suitable for a user as an initial screen. This can, for example, avoid the processing such as switching from the home screen200displayed on the display150as the initial screen to another home screen200according to user operation.

That is, according to the broadcast image output device110in the present embodiment, processing relating to the display of the initial screen can be efficiently performed.

Moreover, in the present embodiment, when accepting a home switching instruction which is the instruction for switching from the home screen200outputted by the output unit114to another home screen200, the control unit116causes the output unit114to output the another home screen200in accordance with the home switching instruction.

This allows the user to display different kinds of home screens200in which allocated apps (app images200) are different, for example.

Moreover, in the present embodiment, the output unit114outputs the home switching screen300which displays at least parts of at least two of the home screens200. During the time when the output unit114is outputting the home switching screen300, the control unit116accepts a home switching instruction, more specifically, specification for one home screen200from among the at least two of the home screens200.

This allows the user to easily switch the home screens200. As a result, it is possible to efficiently perform processing relating to the switching of the home screens200.

Moreover, in the present embodiment, the output unit114outputs one of the home screens200which includes both the broadcast image210and an image other than the broadcast image210(app image220in the present embodiment), in accordance with control by the control unit116.

For example, this allows the user to watch a broadcast program, and also allows for providing the user with various information from each app.

Moreover, in the present embodiment, when the broadcast image210is displayed on a part of the home screen200, and the control unit116accepts a predetermined instruction for the broadcast image210, the control unit116causes the output unit114to output the enlarged broadcast image210aobtained by enlarging the broadcast image210.

This allows the user to watch the broadcast program displayed in the broadcast image210which is a part of the home screen200, on the larger enlarged broadcast image210a.

Moreover, in the present embodiment, when the broadcast image output device110is turned on, the control unit116selects the last home screen in accordance with the setting information120indicating the last home screen which is one of the home screens200last outputted by the output unit114, to cause the output unit114to output the selected last home screen as an initial screen.

Moreover, in the present embodiment, the control unit116further updates the setting information120in accordance with user's instruction. After the update of the setting information120, when the broadcast image output device110is turned on, the control unit116selects the home screen200indicated by the updated setting information120, to cause the output unit114to output the selected home screen200as an initial screen.

This allows the user to freely change the home screen200displayed as the initial screen all the time.

Moreover, in the present embodiment, the broadcast image output device110further obtains feature information indicating the physical feature of the user, and includes the identification unit118for identifying the user in accordance with the obtained feature information. The control unit116further selects one of the home screens200in response to an identification result obtained by the identification unit118, to cause the output unit114to output the selected home screen200.

Thus, for example when more than one user uses the television100, the home screen200suitable for each user is automatically selected, and is displayed as the initial screen.

Moreover, the television100in the present embodiment can be represented as the following with a processor101, a tuner102, and the display150, as shown inFIG. 18, for example.

That is, the television100in the present embodiment includes the tuner102for receiving a broadcast, the display150capable of displaying the broadcast image210relating to the broadcast received by the tuner102, and the processor101for controlling the display of the display150. The display150displays one of the home screens200in accordance with control by the processor101. The processor101selects one of the home screens200in accordance with the preset setting information120, to cause the display150to display the selected home screen200as an initial screen that is ready to accept user operation and appears after the broadcast image output device110is turned on.

It should be noted that the tuner102may serve as the reception unit112in the present embodiment, for example. Moreover, the processor101may serve as the control unit116in the present embodiment, for example. In other words, the reception unit112may be realized by the tuner102. In addition, the control unit116may be realized by the processor101.

Other Embodiment(s)

Thus, the embodiment was described as an example of the art disclosed by the present disclosure. However, the art in the present disclosure is not limited to this, but is applicable to an embodiment obtained after change, replacement, addition, deletion, and so on. Moreover, it is possible to make a new embodiment by combining structural elements described in the above embodiment.

Therefore, the following exemplifies another embodiment.

In the above embodiment, three home screens200exemplified as the home screen200(cf.FIGS. 5A to 5C) each include the broadcast image210. However, the output unit114may output, as the home screen200, the home screen200which does not include the broadcast image210but includes one or more app images220.

Moreover, not all of the display areas in the home screen200have to be filled with the broadcast image210or app image220.

For example, in the lifestyle home200a(cf.FIG. 5A), at least one of the seven allocated app images220does not have to be present. In this case, a background image set for the lifestyle home200amay be displayed on the empty area202generated due to the absence of the app image220, for example.

Moreover, in the above embodiment, as shown inFIG. 4, the home screen200is divided into rectangular areas201of four columns and four rows (4×4), and the broadcast image210is displayed in the area formed of the rectangular areas201of 3×3 in the lifestyle home200a, for example.

However, each of the broadcast images210and the app images220may be changed in size within the home screen200.

For example, in the Internet home200cshown inFIG. 5C, the broadcast image210displayed in an area formed of the rectangular areas201of 2×2 may be displayed in an area formed of the rectangular areas201of 3×3, through a predetermined user operation of the remote control170.

In this case, for example, each of the bookmark browser240and the RSS reader245may be reduced in size to change the layout to a layout in which seven app images220are allocated along the right side and the bottom of one broadcast image210as same as the lifestyle home200a(cf.FIG. 5A).

Moreover, each of the broadcast images210and the app images220can be enlarged or reduced in size through more steps by reducing the size of the rectangular areas201(for example, dividing the home screen200into the rectangular areas201of 8×8).

That is, dividing the home screen200into smaller units can increase the degree of freedom of the allocation layout of the broadcast images210and the app images220.

Thus, when the broadcast image210is allocated to a part of the home screen200outputted by the output unit114, and the control unit116accepts an instruction for changing the size of the broadcast image210, the control unit116may further cause the output unit114to output the home screen200including the broadcast image210whose size has been changed in response to the instruction.

Moreover, when the image other than the broadcast image210is allocated to a part of the home screen200outputted by the output unit114, and the control unit116accepts an instruction for changing the size of the image other than the broadcast image210, the control unit116may further cause the output unit114to output the home screen200including the image which is other than the broadcast image210and whose size has been changed in response to the instruction.

This allows for providing the home screen200more suitable for the user, for example.

Moreover, for example, the home screen200may be scrolled vertically and horizontally. This allows for increasing the total number of the broadcast images210and app images220to be allocated to one home screen200.

Moreover, options for an initial screen are not limited to the three kinds shown inFIG. 12.

For example, “Change by time” may be employed as an option. By “Change by time”, the home screen200to be selected as an initial screen is changed according to the time when the television100is turned on.

FIG. 19illustrates a basic functional configuration of the television100having a function to change the home screen200to be displayed as the initial screen according to the time.

The broadcast image output device110shown inFIG. 19includes a confirmation unit119for confirming time. The control unit116selects one of the home screens200according to the time confirmed by the confirmation unit119, to cause the output unit114to output the selected home screen200.

That is, when the setting information120indicates “Change by time”, the broadcast image output device110selects and outputs the home screen200according to time when the television100is turned on.

For example, when 24 hours is divided into three time zones of the morning, afternoon, and night, the broadcast image output device110selects and outputs the home screen200according to the time zone of the time when the television100is turned on.

It should be noted that associations between time zones and the home screens200may be preset when the televisions100are delivered from a factory, or may be set by users. Moreover, the associations may be included in the setting information120.

Moreover, in the above embodiment, various information and data such as the setting information120which are referred to and processed by the broadcast image output device110are stored in the memory unit117. However, the various information and data may be, for example, obtained from an external device via the Internet or the like.

For example, the broadcast image output device110may obtain the screen layout information of the home screen200from a video recorder connected to the television100via a cable or a server accessible via the Internet.

That is, the home screen200created by another device may be added as the home screen200which can be outputted by the broadcast image output device110.

Moreover, the app images220allocated to the home screen200and the apps associated with the app images220do not have to be held in the television100all the time.

For example, when the broadcast image output device110outputs the home screen200, the app images220and apps associated with the home screen200may be obtained from a server accessible via the Internet.

Moreover, after the broadcast image output device110is turned on and before the home screen200is outputted as an initial screen, the broadcast image output device110in the embodiment may, for example, output an image other than the home screen200, such as a logo indicating the maker of the television100.

Moreover, the broadcast image output device110in the present embodiment may select the home screen200to be outputted as the initial screen, based on a physical feature other than user's face.

For example, the identification unit118(cf.FIG. 17) obtains feature information indicating a physical feature such as the voice, fingerprint, or vein of the user, and identifies the user in accordance with the obtained feature information.

Thus, the embodiments are described as examples of the art in the present disclosure. Therefore, the appended drawings and detailed explanation are provided.

Therefore, the structural elements recited in the appended drawings and the detailed explanation may include not only structural elements necessary for the solution but also structural elements inessential for the solution. Therefore, the inessential structural elements should not be immediately regarded as essential structural elements only because the appended drawings and the detailed explanation recite these inessential elements.

Moreover, the above embodiments are provided to exemplify the art in the present disclosure. Therefore, various changes, replacements, additions, deletions, and so on are possible within the scope of Claims or the equivalents.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present disclosure is applicable to broadcast image output devices which can efficiently perform processing relating to the display of an initial screen suitable for a user. Specifically, the present disclosure is applicable to electronic equipment such as TVs, PCs, servers, portable terminals, video cameras, and video recorders. Moreover, the present disclosure is applicable to recording media such as CDs or DVDs which store programs capable of executing similar functions.