Abstract:
An image output device includes an event monitoring unit that monitors a event of an output destination device, a power source unit that is not influenced by the events of the output destination device, and an image output unit that outputs images.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1) Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates to an image output device and an information processing device, and a computer product that monitor power and display and other conditions concerning a personal computer or a monitor, thereby speeding up displaying TV images.  
         [0003]     2) Description of the Related Art  
         [0004]     A conventional image processing device is equipped with a tuner unit that receives and selects broadcasting signals. The conventional image processing devices includes a TV tuner that converts broadcasting signals selected by a tuner unit into TV image signals, and a computer that switches between TV image signals and PC image signals that are recorded and replayed TV image signals, and then outputs the image signals to a monitor. In such an image processing device, the TV tuner starts after the PC starts, and therefore, it takes a long time to output TV image signals. There are conventional technologies concerning a TV tuner that outputs TV image signals to a monitor quickly even if the PC has not started yet. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication. No. 2003-67073 discloses a technology whereby a changeover switch is used to output TV image signals directly to a monitor, and to record or replay TV image signals via a PC, thereby outputting TV images speedily.  
         [0005]     However, it has not been possible to monitor power and display and other conditions concerning a PC or a monitor, to display TV images speedily.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     It is an object of the invention to at least solve the problems in the conventional technology.  
         [0007]     An image output device according to an aspect of the present invention includes an event monitoring unit that monitors an event occurring in an output destination device; a power source unit that is not influenced by the events in the output destination device; and an image output unit that outputs images.  
         [0008]     An information processing device according to another aspect of the present invention outputs images to a displaying unit and includes a controlling unit that carries out a main control over the information processing device, and outputs information images; a power source unit that is not influenced by an event occurring in at least one of the controlling unit and a displaying unit; at least one an image receiving unit that receives images; an event monitoring unit that monitors the events in at least one of the controlling unit and the displaying unit; an image output unit that outputs the images; and an image processing unit that performs at least one function from among switching between the information images and the images, and composing the information images and the images, based on the events monitored.  
         [0009]     An image output method according to still another aspect of the present invention includes monitoring events occurring in at least one of an information processing device and a display device; and an image processing that includes performing at least one function from among switching between information images from the information processing device and images from a receiving device, and composing the information images from the information processing device and the images from a receiving device, based on the events monitored.  
         [0010]     The computer program according to still another aspect of the present invention causes a computer to execute the above method according to the present invention.  
         [0011]     The computer-readable recording medium according to still another aspect of the present invention stores therein the above computer program according to the present invention.  
         [0012]     The other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention are specifically set forth in or will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of an external view of a main body of an image processing device according to a first embodiment;  
         [0014]      FIG. 2  is a functional block diagram of the image processing device;  
         [0015]      FIG. 3  illustrates conditions related to a power source and images of the image processing device;  
         [0016]      FIGS. 4A  to  4 E illustrate control conditions for the power source and the images of the image processing device;  
         [0017]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart of an image display control procedure;  
         [0018]      FIG. 6  is a flowchart of the image display control procedure for the instance when a PC power button has been pressed down;  
         [0019]      FIG. 7  is a flowchart of the image display control procedure for the instance when a TV tuner power button has been pressed down;  
         [0020]      FIG. 8  is a flowchart of the image display control procedure for the instance when a TV/PC changeover button has been pressed down;  
         [0021]      FIG. 9  is a flowchart of the image display control procedure for the instance when the input device and the timer start the PC;  
         [0022]      FIG. 10  is a flowchart of the image display control procedure for the instance when the input device and the timer shift the PC to power save mode;  
         [0023]      FIG. 11  is a functional block diagram of an image processing device according to a second embodiment;  
         [0024]      FIG. 12  is a functional block diagram of a 3DY/C shown in  FIG. 11 ;  
         [0025]      FIG. 13  is a functional block diagram of an image processing device according to a third embodiment; 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0026]     Exemplary embodiments of an image output device and an information processing device, and a computer product according to the present invention will be explained in detail below, with reference to the accompanying drawings.  
         [0027]     A first embodiment is explained with reference to switching between the display of TV image signals received by a tuner unit and recorded images.  
         [0028]     A second embodiment is explained with reference to displaying TV image signals received by two tuner units, and recording the TV image signals.  
         [0029]     A third embodiment is explained with reference to composing of TV image signals received by a tuner unit and of recorded PC image signals.  
         [0030]     A first embodiment is explained hereinafter with reference to switching between the display of TV image signals received by a tuner unit and recorded images. The first embodiment is explained in the order of (1) outline and main features of an image processing device, (2) structure of an image processing device, (3) condition/control concerning power/images of an image processing device, and (4) image display control procedures of an image processing device.  
         [0031]     The outline and the main features of an image processing device are explained with reference to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of an external view of the main body of an image processing device  10  according to the first embodiment.  FIG. 2  is a functional block diagram of the image processing device  10 .  
         [0032]     As shown in  FIG. 2 , a condition monitoring unit  122   a  monitors the power and display and other conditions concerning a PC  14  and a monitor  16 . A TV tuner  11  outputs images, without any influence by the power and display and other conditions concerning the PC  14  and the monitor  16 . Therefore, it is possible to display TV images speedily by monitoring the power and display and other conditions concerning the PC  14  and the monitor  16 .  
         [0033]     The structure of the image processing device  10  according to the first embodiment is explained next. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the image processing device  10  has a TV tuner power button  1 , a TV LED  2 , a PC power button  3 , a PC LED  4 , an operation panel  7 , a remote controller  8 , a remote controller light receiving unit  8   a , an input device  9 , an input device receiving unit  9   a , a TV tuner  11 , a PC  14 , a monitor  16 , and a cooling fan  18 . The structure of the image processing device is explained in the order of structure of the power button, the operation panel, the monitor and the like, structure of the TV tuner, and structure of the PC.  
         [0034]     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the TV tuner power button  1 , the TV LED  2 , the PC power button  3 , the PC LED  4 , the remote controller light receiving unit  8   a , and the input device receiving unit  9   a  are provided on the monitor  16 . The TV tuner power button  1  turns ON/OFF the TV tuner power source. The TV LED  2  displays the ON/OFF condition of the TV tuner. Specifically, the TV LED is lit when the TV tuner power button is ON, while the TV LED goes off when the TV tuner power button is OFF.  
         [0035]     The PC power button  3  turns ON/OFF the PC  14 . The PC LED  4  displays power conditions including stop, waiting, ON/OFF and the like of the PC power source. Specifically, the PC LED goes off when the PC stops, is lit red when the PC is in standby, and is lit green when the PC is ON.  
         [0036]     The operation panel  7  includes a mode change button  7   a , an input change button  7   b , a channel button  7   c , and a volume adjustment button  7   d . The mode change button  7   a  switches between the TV tuner  11  and the PC  14 . The input change button  7   b  switches between a tuner unit  112 , video, and S video. The channel button  7   c  selects channels of the tuner unit  112 . The volume adjustment button  7   d  adjusts sound.  
         [0037]     The remote controller  8  is a remote control operation panel that makes use of infrared rays, and has buttons for mode change, input change, channel selection, volume control, and so forth. The remote controller light receiving unit  8   a  is an infrared ray sensor that receives control signals as infrared rays from the remote controller  8 , and sends the control signals to the TV tuner  11 . The input device  9  is an input device of the PC  14  connected with the image processing device  10  via radio. Specifically, the input device  9  includes a keyboard, a mouse, and the like. The input device receiving unit  9   a  is a radio interface unit that receives control signals as radio waves from the input device  9 , and sends the control signals to the PC  14 .  
         [0038]     The monitor  16  is an image display device that displays video data input from the TV tuner  11 , and has an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel  161 , and a back light  162 . The LCD panel  161  is an image display panel that uses a liquid crystal display element. The back light  162  is a light source that illuminates the LCD panel  161  from the back, using a cold cathode tube or a white light emitting diode. The cooling fan  18  cools the heat generated in the TV tuner  11  when the TV tuner  11  is turned ON.  
         [0039]     The TV tuner  11  receives and selects broadcasting signals, and converts selected broadcasting signals into TV image signals. The TV tuner  11  is an expansion card that may be built in the PC  14 , and includes a TV antenna  111 , a tuner unit  112 , an A/D converter  113 , an RGB converter  114 , a changeover switch  115 , an MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) encoder  116 , a bridge circuit  117 , a TV tuner power circuit  121 , a microcomputer controlling unit  122 , a ROM memory unit  123 , and a monitor power circuit  126 .  
         [0040]     The TV antenna  111  receives broadcasting signals, and specifically, is manufactured by Yagi Antenna Co., Ltd. The tuner unit  112  selects received broadcasting signals based on frequency, and amplifies the selected broadcasting signals. The A/D converter  113  converts analog broadcasting signals into video data of NTSC (National Television System Committee) format. The RGB converting circuit  114  converts video data of NTSC format into video data of RGB format. The changeover switch  115  is an image data changeover switch that changes over video data converted by the RGB converting circuit  114  and video data input from the PC  14  and sends out the video data to the monitor  16 .  
         [0041]     The MPEG encoder  116  carries out image compression of the video data of NTSC format converted by the A/D converter  113 . The bridge circuit  117  interfaces with a PCI bus of the PC  14 , and has a power condition identification information memory unit  117   a . The power condition identification information memory unit  117   a  stores as power condition identification information, the information to identify the power condition of the PC  14 .  
         [0042]     The TV tuner power circuit  121  is independent of the power source of the PC  14 , converts AC power of 100V into DC power of 3.3V and 5V, and thereby supplies electric power to various circuits. As shown in  FIG. 2 , broken lines extending from the TV tuner power circuit  121  to the various circuits represent power lines that supply electric power.  
         [0043]     The microcomputer controlling unit  122  is always supplied electric power by the power source of the PC  14 , and controls the entire TV tuner  11 . The microcomputer controlling unit  122  includes a condition monitoring unit  122   a , and an image processing controlling unit  122   b . As shown in  FIG. 2 , chain lines extending from the microcomputer controlling unit  122  to the various circuits are control lines that send and receive control signals or condition data. A user operates the operation panel  7  and the remote controller  8  to give a request or an instruction to the microcomputer controlling unit  122 .  
         [0044]     The condition monitoring unit  122   a  monitors power and display and other conditions concerning the PC  14  and the monitor  16 . In addition, the condition monitoring unit  122   a  monitors at least one of the power conditions of the PC  14 , the power conditions of the monitor  16 , the switching signals of the PC  14  and the monitor  16 , the operating signals of the input unit of the PC  14 , and the start of a timer of the PC  14 . Therefore, it is possible to display TV images speedily using signals from the TV tuner power button  1 , the PC power button  3 , the changeover button of the TV tuner and the PC, the keyboard, the mouse, and the timer.  
         [0045]     The condition monitoring unit  122   a  monitors any one of the power terminal of the PC  14  or the monitor  16  and the connection terminal with the PC  14  and the monitor  16 , or both. Therefore, the condition monitoring unit  122   a  easily monitors the power and display and other conditions concerning the PC  14  and the monitor  16 .  
         [0046]     The condition monitoring unit  122   a  monitors the power conditions of the PC  14  based on the power condition identification information that is identified by a device driver of the TV tuner  11 . As mentioned above, the conditions of the PC  14  are written by the PC  14 , and the condition monitoring unit  122   a  monitors the conditions stored in the power condition identification information memory unit  117   a . Therefore, the condition monitoring unit  122   a  may easily monitor the power conditions of the PC.  
         [0047]     The image processing controlling unit  122   b  determines the output of images that are output from the tuner unit  112 , based on the conditions of the PC  14  or the monitor  16 . Therefore, the image processing controlling unit  122   b  displays TV images speedily, based on the power and display and other conditions concerning the PC or the monitor.  
         [0048]     The image processing controlling unit  122   b  changes over PC images and TV images from the PC  14  or the monitor  16  based on the power and display and other conditions. Therefore, the image processing controlling unit  122   b  displays TV images speedily, based on the power and display and other conditions concerning the PC  14  or the monitor  16 .  
         [0049]     If the condition monitoring unit  122   a  detects that the PC  14  has been switched ON from an OFF state or its temporary stop condition, the image processing controlling unit  122   b  provides control to display a start screen with a PC image of the PC  14 , onto the monitor  16 . Thus, the image processing controlling unit  122   b  carries out the control without disturbing users who are watching TV.  
         [0050]     On detecting the input of TV image signals, the image processing controlling unit  122   b  sends a start signal via the PCI bus of the PC  14 , and starts the PC  14 . Thus, the image processing controlling unit  122   b  starts the PC 14  without causing any trouble to a user.  
         [0051]     The ROM memory unit  123  is an electrically rewritable flash memory, that is, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory), and includes a setting channel memory unit  123   a . The setting channel memory unit  123   a  stores setting channels of the tuner unit  112 .  
         [0052]     The monitor power circuit  126  is independent of the power source of the TV tuner  11  and the power source of the PC  14 , and converts AC power of 100V into DC power of 3.3V and 5V, and thereby supplies electric power to the LCD panel  161  of the monitor  16 .  
         [0053]     The image processing controlling unit  122   b  controls the cooling fan  18  while the TV tuner  11  is in use. Namely, when the TV tuner  11  is turned ON, the image processing controlling unit  122   b  turns the cooling fan  18  ON, on the other hand, when the TV tuner  11  is turned OFF, the image processing controlling unit  122   b  turns the cooling fan  18  OFF. Thus, the image processing controlling unit  122   b  cools down heat that the TV tuner  11  generates, and keeps temperatures of the various circuits of the TV tuner  11  within an appropriate temperature range.  
         [0054]     The PC  14  includes a bridge circuit  141 , an HDD (hard disk drive) memory unit  142 , a video output unit  143 , an input/output I/F unit  144 , a ROM (Read Only Memory) memory unit  145 , a RAM (Random Access Memory) memory unit  146 , a bus  147 , a CPU (central processing unit) controlling unit  148 , and a PC power circuit  151 .  
         [0055]     The bridge circuit  141  interfaces with the PCI bus of the PC  14 , and transfers the video data of NTSC format that is image compressed by the MPEG encoder  116  to the PCI bus of the PC  14  at a high speed. The HDD memory unit  142  stores the video data of NTSC that is image compressed, and includes an HDD driving unit  142   a , and a compression video data memory unit  142   b.    
         [0056]     The HDD driving unit  142   a  is always supplied electric power from the power source of the PC  14 , and thereby drives the HDD memory unit  142 . In addition, the HDD driving unit  142   a  records video data that is controlled to be output to the PC  14  by the image processing controlling unit  122   b . The compression video data memory unit  142   b  stores video data of NTSC format that is image compressed by MPEG.  
         [0057]     As mentioned above, the HDD driving unit  142   a  is always supplied electric power from the power source of the PC  14 , and thereby drives the HDD memory unit  142 . Therefore, the HDD driving unit  142   a  records into the compression video data memory unit  142   b , the TV image signals that are controlled by the image processing controlling unit  122   b  to be output to the PC  14 .  
         [0058]     Video data of image compressed NTSC format, stored in the compression video data memory unit  142   b , are compression decoded by a compression decoding program. The video output unit  143  converts video signals decoded by the compression decoding program into video data of RGB format, and outputs the video data to the TV tuner  11 .  
         [0059]     The input/output I/F unit  144  inputs and outputs data from the input device  9  via the input device receiving unit  9   a , and may be an interface such as SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) or USB (Universal Serial Bus).  
         [0060]     The ROM memory unit  145  is a read only memory unit, and includes a device driver memory unit  145   a  and a compression decoding program memory unit  145   b . The device driver memory unit  145   a  stores a device driver of the TV tuner  11 . The device driver of the TV tuner  11  is executed by the CPU controlling unit  148 , and stores the power condition identification information that identifies the power conditions of the PC  14 , into the power condition identification information memory unit  117   a  of the bridge circuit  117  in the TV tuner  11 . In addition, the device driver of the TV tuner  11  transfers setting channels from the PC  14  to the setting channel memory unit  123   a  of the ROM memory unit  123 . The compression decoding program memory unit  145   b  stores a compression decoding program that compression decodes video data of image compressed NTSC format stored in the HDD memory unit  142 .  
         [0061]     The RAM memory unit  146  stores data and the like. The bus  147  is a signal line that transfers data among the bridge circuit  141 , the HDD memory unit  142 , the video output unit  143 , the input/output I/F unit  144 , the ROM memory unit  145 , the RAM memory unit  146 , and the CPU controlling unit  148 . Further, the CPU controlling unit  148  is a main controlling unit that controls the PC  14  entirely, and performs the control, calculation process, and control of data.  
         [0062]     PC power circuit  151  is a power source of the PC  14 , and converts AC power of 100V into DC power of 3.3V, 5V, and up to 12V, and thereby supplies electric power to various circuits. The PC power circuit  151  supplies electric power not only to the various circuits of the PC  14 , but also to the microcomputer controlling unit  122  of the TV tuner  11  and to the back light  162  of the monitor  16 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , broken lines extending from the PC power circuit  151  to the various circuits show power lines that supply electric power.  
         [0063]     The conditions/control concerning power/images of the image processing device  10  shown in  FIG. 2 , is explained hereinafter with reference to  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4A  to  FIG. 4E .  FIG. 3  illustrates conditions related to the power source and images of the image processing device  10  shown in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 4A  to  FIG. 4E  illustrate control conditions for the power source and images of the image processing device  10  shown in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0064]     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the conditions related to the power source and images of the image processing device  10  shown in  FIG. 2  are classified into 10 kinds, and are numbered 1 to 10. Further, the conditions  1  to  10  of the image processing device  10  are identified respectively by PC power condition, TV tuner  11  power condition, PC LED (light emitting diode) display, TV LED display, PCI bus power condition, LCD output signal, monitor display, and 3DY/C. The PC power condition includes conditions S 0  to S 5 , and S 0  indicates ON, S 1  shows PC power excluding PCI bus power in standby mode, S 3  indicates standby mode, S 4 /S 5  indicates stop or temporary stop. Temporary stop is the condition where the condition just before the PC is shut off is saved into memory, the PC shifts to power save mode and the PC stops. The next time the PC is turned on, the condition just before being turned off is displayed. The action conditions of the TV tuner  11  include 2 kinds, that is, ON and OFF.  
         [0065]     The PC LED display shows the condition of the PC  14 , and green indicates S 0 , red indicates S 1 , S 3 , and not lit indicates S 4 /S 5 . The TV LED display shows the condition of the TV tuner  11 , and green indicates OFF, and not lit indicates OFF.  
         [0066]     The microcomputer controlling unit  122  judges the PC power conditions, by monitoring the PC LED display (PC power source) and the PCI bus power source as mentioned above. The PCI bus power source is the power source of the bridge circuit  141  that is the interface circuit of the PCI bus, that is, the power source of the bridge circuit  117  of the TV tuner  11 . As explained above, the microcomputer controlling unit  122  judges the PC power conditions by monitoring the PC LED display and the PCI bus power source. Therefore, the microcomputer controlling unit  122  can easily identify the conditions of the PC power source.  
         [0067]     The LCD output signal shows image signals that are output from the changeover switch  115  to the monitor  16 , and the monitor  16  displays images on the monitor  16 . Consequently, as shown in  FIG. 3 , in the conditions  1  to  4  of the image processing device  10 , there is no LCD output signal, and the monitor  16  is OFF. Similarly, in the condition  5  of the image processing device  10 , image signals are output from the PC  14 , and the monitor  16  displays PC images of the PC  14 . In the conditions  6  to  10  of the image processing device  10 , image signals are output from the TV tuner  11 , and the monitor  16  displays TV images of the TV tuner  11 .  
         [0068]     In the control figures shown in  FIG. 4A  to  FIG. 4E , the columns indicate conditions before operation, operation type, and conditions after operation. The rows indicate action conditions  1  to  10  of the image processing device  10 . The conditions before operation and the conditions after operation are defined by the conditions  1  to  10  of the image processing device  10  shown in  FIG. 3 . The operation type includes ON/OFF of the PC power button, ON/OFF of the TV tuner power button  1 , ON/OFF of the changeover button of the remote controller  8 , operations of the input device  9  such as a keyboard or a mouse, and the start of a timer. With these operations as control signals, the microcomputer controlling unit  122  of the image processing device  10  controls the power source and images from the conditions before operation into the conditions after operation.  
         [0069]     The image display control procedures of the image processing device  10  shown in  FIG. 2  are explained next.  FIG. 5  is a flowchart of the image display control procedure of the image processing device  10 . The condition monitoring unit  122   a  detects whether the PC power button  3  has been pressed down (step S 501 ). If the PC power button  3  has been pressed down (Yes at step S 501 ), the image processing controlling unit  122   b  carries out image display control for the instance when the PC power button  3  has been pressed down (step S 502 ).  
         [0070]     On the other hand, if the PC power button  3  has not been pressed down (No at step S 501 ), the image processing controlling unit  122   b  proceeds to step S 503 . Then, the condition monitoring unit  122   a  detects whether the TV tuner power button  1  has been pressed down (step S 503 ). If the TV tuner power button  1  has been pressed down (Yes at step S 503 ), the image processing controlling unit  122   b  carries out image display control for the instance when the TV tuner power button  1  has been pressed down (step S 504 ).  
         [0071]     On the other hand, if the TV tuner power button  1  has not been pressed down (No at step S 503 ), the image processing controlling unit  122   b  proceeds to step S 505 . Then the condition monitoring unit  122   a  detects whether the TV/PC changeover button has been pressed down (step S 505 ). If the TV/PC changeover button has been pressed down (Yes at step S 505 ), the image processing controlling unit  122   b  carries out image display control for the instance when the TV/PC changeover button has been pressed down (step S 506 ).  
         [0072]     On the other hand, if the TV/PC changeover button has not been pressed down (No at step S 505 ), the image processing controlling unit  122   b  proceeds to step S 507 . Then the condition monitoring unit  122   a  detects whether there are changes in conditions by the input device  9  or the timer (step S 507 ) to detect if a change in conditions is indicated by the input device  9  or the timer. If no change in the conditions is indicated by the input device  9  or the timer (No at step S 507 ), the image processing controlling unit  122   b  exits the procedure.  
         [0073]     On the other hand, if changes in the conditions are indicated by the input device  9  or the timer (Yes at step S 507 ), the condition monitoring unit  122   a  further detects whether the changes in the conditions indicate that the PC  14  be started (step S 508 ). If the PC  14  is to be started (Yes at step S 508 ), the image processing controlling unit  122   b  carries out image display control for the instance when the PC is to be started (step S 509 ). On the other hand, if the changes in the conditions by the input device  9  or the timer indicate that the PC  14  shift to power save mode (step S 508  negative), the image processing controlling unit  122   b  carries out image display control for the instance when the PC is to be shifted to power save mode (step S 510 ).  
         [0074]     According to the procedure explained above, the condition monitoring unit  122   a  monitors the power and display and other conditions related to the PC  14  and the monitor  16 , while the image processing controlling unit  122   b  changes over PC images and TV images based on the conditions.  
         [0075]     The image display control procedure for the instance when the PC power button  3  has been pressed down (step S 502  shown in  FIG. 5 ) is explained in detail next.  FIG. 6  is a flowchart of the image display control procedure for the instance when the PC power button  3  has been pressed down. The condition monitoring unit  122   a  detects whether the PC power is ON (step S 601 ). If the PC power is ON (Yes at step S 601 ), the condition monitoring unit  122   a  further detects whether the monitor  16  displays PC images (step S 602 ).  
         [0076]     If the monitor  16  displays TV images (No at step S 602 ), the image processing controlling unit  122   b  changes the display of TV images into the display of PC images once, and carries out preparation for turning OFF the PC power source by saving files created by a user or so (step S 603 ), thereafter turns OFF the PC power source (step S 604 ), and then turns OFF the TV power source (step S 605 ). The TV power source may be left ON. However, it is turned OFF here, on assumption that a user leaves the system. On the other hand, if the monitor  16  displays PC images (Yes at step S 602 ), the image processing controlling unit  122   b  turns OFF the PC power source (step S 606 ), and then turns OFF the display of PC images (step S 607 ).  
         [0077]     However, if the PC power source is not ON (No at step S 601 ), the condition monitoring unit  122   a  further detects whether the PC power source is in standby mode (step S 608 ). If the PC power source is OFF (No at step S 608 ), the image processing controlling unit  122   b  displays the PC start screen (step S 609 ), and displays PC images (step S 610 ). On the other hand, if the PC power source is in standby mode (Yes at step S 608 ), the image processing controlling unit  122   b  displays PC images (step S 610 ).  
         [0078]     According to the procedure explained above, the image processing controlling unit  122   b  controls the image display for the instance when the PC power button  3  is pressed down based on the power and display and other conditions concerning the PC  14  and the monitor  16 .  
         [0079]     The image display control procedures in the case when the TV tuner power button  1  is pressed down (step S 504  shown in  FIG. 5 ) is explained in detail next.  FIG. 7  is a flowchart of the image display control procedure for the instance when the TV tuner power button  1  has been pressed down.  
         [0080]     The condition monitoring unit  122   a  detects whether the PC power is ON (step S 701 ). If the PC power is ON (Yes at step S 701 ), the condition monitoring unit  122   a  further detects whether the monitor  16  displays PC images (step S 702 ). If the monitor  16  displays TV images (No at step S 702 ), the image processing controlling unit  122   b  changes the display of TV images into the display of PC images (step S 703 ). On the other hand, if the monitor  16  displays PC images (step S 702  positive), the image processing controlling unit  122   b  changes PC images into TV images (step S 704 ).  
         [0081]     However, if the PC power source is not ON (No at step S 701 ), the condition monitoring unit  122   a  further detects whether the monitor  16  displays TV images (step S 705 ). If the monitor  16  does not display TV images (No at step S 705 ), the image processing controlling unit  122   b  displays TV images (step S 706 ). On the other hand, if the monitor  16  displays TV images (Yes at step S 705 ), the image processing controlling unit  122   b  turns OFF TV images (step S 707 ).  
         [0082]     According to the procedure explained above, the image processing controlling unit  122   b  controls the image display for the instance when the TV tuner power button  1  is pressed down, based on the power and display and other conditions concerning the PC  14  and the monitor  16 .  
         [0083]     The image display control procedure for the instance when the TV/PC changeover button has been pressed down (step S 506  shown in  FIG. 5 ) is explained in detail next.  FIG. 8  is a flowchart of the image display control procedure for the instance when the TV/PC changeover button has been pressed down.  
         [0084]     The condition monitoring unit  122   a  detects whether the PC power source is ON (step S 801 ). If the PC power source is ON (Yes at step S 801 ), the condition monitoring unit  122   a  further detects whether the monitor  16  displays PC images (step S 802 ).  
         [0085]     If the monitor  16  displays TV images (No at step S 802 ), the image processing controlling unit  122   b  changes TV images into PC images (step S 803 ). On the other hand, if the monitor  16  displays PC images (Yes at step S 802 ), the image processing controlling unit  122   b  changes PC images into TV images (step S 804 ).  
         [0086]     On the contrary, if the PC power source is not ON (No at step S 801 ), the condition monitoring unit  122   a  further detects whether the PC power source is in standby mode (step S 805 ). If the PC power source is in standby mode (Yes at step S 805 ), the condition monitoring unit  122   a  further detects whether the monitor  16  displays TV images (step S 806 ).  
         [0087]     If the monitor  16  does not display TV images (No at step S 806 ), the image processing controlling unit  122   b  displays TV images (step S 807 ). On the other hand, if the monitor  16  displays TV images (Yes at step S 806 ), the image processing controlling unit  122   b  displays an OSD (On Screen Display) showing “PC is in power save mode” as the TV image (step S 807 ).  
         [0088]     On the contrary, when the PC power source is not in standby mode (No at step S 805 ), the condition monitoring unit  122   a  further detects whether the monitor  16  displays TV images (step S 808 ). If the monitor  16  does not display TV images (No at step S 808 ), the image processing controlling unit  122   b  displays TV images (step S 809 ). On the other hand, if the monitor  16  displays TV images (Yes at step S 808 ), the image processing controlling unit  122   b  displays an OSD showing “Turn on the PC” as the TV image (step S 810 ).  
         [0089]     According to the procedure explained above, the image processing controlling unit  122   b  controls the image display in the instance when the TV/PC changeover button is pressed down, based on the power and display and other conditions concerning the PC  14  and the monitor  16 .  
         [0090]     The image display control procedure for the instance when the input device  9  and the timer start the PC  14  (step S 509  shown in  FIG. 5 ) is explained in detail next.  FIG. 9  is a flowchart of the image display control procedure for the instance when the input device  9  and the timer start the PC.  
         [0091]     The condition monitoring unit  122   a  detects whether the PC power is ON (step S 901 ). If the PC power source is ON (Yes at step S 901 ), the image processing controlling unit  122   b  exits the procedure.  
         [0092]     On the contrary, if the PC power is OFF (No at step S 901 ), the condition monitoring unit  122   a  further detects whether the PC power source is in standby mode (step S 902 ). If the PC power source is in standby mode (Yes at step S 902 ), the condition monitoring unit  122   a  further detects whether the monitor  16  displays TV images (step S 903 ).  
         [0093]     If the monitor  16  does not display TV images (No at step S 903 ), the image processing controlling unit  122   b  displays PC images (step S 904 ). On the other hand, if the monitor  16  displays TV images (Yes at step S 903 ), the image processing controlling unit  122   b  continues TV images (step S 905 ). At this moment, at a request from a user, TV images may be recorded into the HDD memory unit  142 .  
         [0094]     On the contrary, if the PC power source is not in standby mode (No at step S 902 ), the condition monitoring unit  122   a  further detects whether the monitor  16  displays TV images (step S 906 ). If the monitor  16  does not display TV images (No at step S 906 ), the image processing controlling unit  122   b  displays the PC start screen (step S 907 ), and displays PC images (step S 908 ). On the other hand, if the monitor  16  displays TV images (Yes at step S 906 ), the image processing controlling unit  122   b  continues TV images (step S 909 ). At this moment, at a request from a user, TV images may be recorded into the HDD memory unit  142 .  
         [0095]     According to the procedure explained above, the image processing controlling unit  122   b  controls the image display for the instance when the input device  9  and the timer start the PC  14 , based on the power and display and other conditions concerning the PC  14  and the monitor  16 .  
         [0096]     The image display control procedure for the instance when the input device  9  and the timer shift the PC  14  to power save mode (step S 510  shown in  FIG. 5 ) is explained in detail next.  FIG. 10  is a flowchart of the image display control procedure for the instance when the input device  9  and the timer shift the PC  14  to power save mode. When the PC  14  is shifted to power save mode, the PC power source is always in its ON condition.  
         [0097]     The condition monitoring unit  122   a  detects whether the monitor  16  displays TV images (step S 1001 ). If the monitor  16  does not display TV images (No at step S 1001 ), the image processing controlling unit  122   b  turns OFF the PC power source (step S 1002 ), and turns OFF the display of PC images (step S 1003 ). On the other hand, if the monitor  16  displays TV images (Yes at step S 1002 ), the image processing controlling unit  122   b  continues TV images (step S 1004 ).  
         [0098]     According to the procedure explained above, the image processing controlling unit  122   b  controls the image display for the instance when the PC  14  is shifted to power save mode by the input device  9  and the timer, based on the power and display and other conditions concerning the PC  14  and the monitor  16 .  
         [0099]     Thus, in the first embodiment, the condition monitoring unit  122   a  monitors the power and display and other conditions concerning the PC  14  and the monitor  16 , while the TV tuner  11  outputs images, without any influence by the power and display and other conditions concerning the PC  14  and the monitor  16 . Therefore, it is possible to display TV images speedily by monitoring the power and display and other conditions concerning the PC  14  and the monitor  16 .  
         [0100]     Further, the condition monitoring unit  122   a  monitors at least one of the power conditions of the PC  14  or the monitor  16 , the switching signals of the PC  14  and the monitor  16 , the operating signals of the input unit of the PC  14 , and the start of a timer of the PC  14 . Therefore, it is possible to display TV images speedily based on signals from the TV tuner power button, the PC power button, the changeover button for switching between the TV tuner power source and the PC power source, the keyboard, the mouse, and the timer.  
         [0101]     Furthermore, the image processing controlling unit  122   b  determines the output of images that are output, based on the power and display and other conditions concerning the PC  14  and the monitor  16 . Therefore, it is possible to display TV images speedily based on the power and display and other conditions concerning the PC 14  or the monitor  16 .  
         [0102]     Moreover, PC images from the PC  14  and TV images are changed over based on the power and display and other conditions concerning the PC  14  or the monitor  16 . Therefore, it is possible to change over TV images and PC images based on the power and display and other conditions.  
         [0103]     Furthermore, when it is detected that the PC  14  is switched ON from OFF or its temporary stop condition into ON, the image processing controlling unit  122   b  provides control to display the start screen as a PC image of the PC  14 . Therefore, it is possible to carry out the control without disturbing users who are watching TV.  
         [0104]     Moreover, the PC  14  carries out the main control over the image processing device  10 , and outputs PC images, while the TV tuner  11  receives images without any influence by the conditions of the PC  14  and the monitor  16 . The condition monitoring unit  122   a  monitors the conditions of the PC  14  and the monitor  16 , and the image processing controlling unit  122   b  outputs images. PC images and TV images are changed over based on the conditions. Therefore, it is possible to change over PC images and TV images by monitoring the power and display and other conditions concerning the PC  14  and the monitor  16 .  
         [0105]     Furthermore, the conditions of the PC  14  and the monitor  16  are monitored, and PC images from the PC  14  and TV images from the tuner unit  112  are changed over based on the conditions. Therefore, it is possible to change over PC images and TV images by monitoring the power and display and other conditions concerning the PC  14  and the monitor  16 .  
         [0106]     As a second embodiment, simultaneously displaying and recording TV image signals received by two tuner units is explained below. The structure of an image processing device  10   a  according to the second embodiment is explained first.  FIG. 11  is a functional block diagram of an image processing device  10   a  according to the second embodiment. The difference from the functional block diagram in the first embodiment is that the image processing device  10   a  includes tuner units  112   a  and  112   b , a 3DY/C  124 , and A/D converters  113   a  and  113   b . Explanation of the contents identical to those in the functional block diagram of the first embodiment is omitted, and only different points are explained hereinafter.  
         [0107]     Each of the tuner units  112   a  and  112   b  is a circuit that selects received broadcasting signals by frequency, and amplifies the selected broadcasting signals. Each of the A/D converts  113   a  and  113   b  is a circuit that converts analog broadcasting signals into video data of NTSC format. The 3DY/C  124  is a 3-dimensional brightness/color signal separator that separates brightness signals and color signals, and is an image compensating circuit that separates brightness signals and color signals by use of difference in data of time axis in addition to 2-dimensional space in horizontal and vertical directions, and prevents bleeding between colors and the like. In addition, the 3DY/C  124  changes over video data input from the tuner units  112   a  and  112   b  and outputs the video data to the A/D converters  113   a  and  113   b.    
         [0108]     The structure of the 3DY/C  124  shown in  FIG. 11  is explained in detail with reference to  FIG. 12 .  FIG. 12  is a functional block diagram of the 3DY/C  124  shown in  FIG. 11 . The 3DY/C  124  includes an analog switch  1241  and a 3DY/C separator  1242 . The analog switch  1241  switches between input signals from the tuner unit  112   a  and those from the tuner unit  112   b . The 3DY/C separator  1242  separates input signals changed over by the analog switch  1241 , into brightness signals and color signals, and outputs the separated brightness signals and color signals to the A/D converters  113   a  and  113   b.    
         [0109]     The image processing controlling unit  122   b  provides control to change over input signals from the tuner unit  112   a  and those from the tuner unit  112   b  using the analog switch  1241 . Thus, the image processing controlling unit  122   b  changes over the TV image signals converted from broadcasting signals selected by the plural tuner units  112   a  and  112   b , and outputs the TV image signals to the monitor  16  or the PC  14 . Therefore, it is possible to simultaneously display and record TV image signals.  
         [0110]     As described in the second embodiment, the TV tuner  11  outputs plural images that are received by the tuner units  112   a  and  112   b  to the PC  14  and the monitor  16 . Therefore, the image processing controlling unit  122   b  provides control to change over the TV image signals converted from broadcasting signals selected by the plural tuner units  112   a  and  112   b  and output the TV image signals to the monitor  16  or the PC  14 .  
         [0111]     Further, the 3DY/C  124  compensates images and is shared by the plural tuner units  112   a  and  112   b . Therefore, it is possible to change over broadcasting signals received by the tuner units  112   a  and  112   b  by use of a single unit of the 3DY/C  124 , and to separate broadcasting signals into brightness signals and color signals.  
         [0112]     As a third embodiment, composing of TV image signals received by a tuner unit, and of recorded PC image signals is explained below. The structure of an image processing device  10   b  according to the third embodiment is explained with reference to  FIG. 13 .  FIG. 13  is a functional block diagram of an image processing device  10   b  according to the third embodiment. The image processing device  10   b  according to the third embodiment differs from that in the first embodiment in that the image processing device  10   b  includes an image composer  125 . Explanation of the contents identical to those in the first embodiment is omitted, and only the difference is explained hereinafter.  
         [0113]     The image composer  125  composes TV images output from the tuner unit  112  and PC images output from the PC  14 , and composes the images to thereby display TV images on a main screen, and display PC images on a sub screen, or display PC images on the main screen, and display TV images on the sub screen. In this manner, the image processing controlling unit  122   b  composes TV images and PC images based on the power conditions concerning the PC  14  or the TV tuner  11 .  
         [0114]     As described in the third embodiment, the image processing controlling unit  122   b  composes PC images from the PC  14  and TV images based on the power and display and other conditions concerning the PC  14  and the monitor  16 . Therefore, it is possible to compose TV images and PC images based on the power and display and other conditions concerning the PC  14  and the monitor  16 .  
         [0115]     Further, the PC  14  carries out the main control over the image processing device  10   b , and outputs PC images, while the TV tuner  11  receives images without any influence by the conditions of the PC  14  and the monitor  16 . The condition monitoring unit  122   a  monitors the conditions of the PC  14  and the monitor  16 , and the image processing controlling unit  122   b  outputs images. PC images and TV images are changed over based on the conditions. Therefore, it is possible to change over PC images and TV images by monitoring the power and display and other conditions concerning the PC  14  and the monitor  16 .  
         [0116]     Furthermore, the image processing controlling unit  122   b  composes PC image signals and TV image signals, and displays the image signals simultaneously. As an example of composition, control signals are received and TV image signals are displayed on the main screen, while PC image signals are displayed on the sub screen, or PC image signals are displayed on the main screen, while TV image signals are displayed on the sub screen. Therefore, TV image signals and PC image signals are displayed simultaneously.  
         [0117]     The embodiments of the present invention have been explained heretofore, while, the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms than the embodiments described above without departing from the spirit or technological characteristics thereof.  
         [0118]     Among the respective processes explained in the embodiments, whole or part of a process that has been performed automatically may be performed manually, or, whole or part of a process that has been performed manually may be performed automatically by use of a method known to those skilled in the art. In addition, process procedures, control procedures, concrete names, and information including various data and parameters may be arbitrarily modified, unless otherwise specified.  
         [0119]     Further, the respective components of each device illustrated herein are functionally conceptual ones, and it is not necessarily required that they should be physically structured as illustrated herein. Namely, the concrete configuration of distribution and integration of respective devices (image output device and information processing device) is not limited to the one illustrated herein, but whole or part thereof may be configured in functional or physical distribution and integration in an arbitrary unit, according to various loads and service conditions. Furthermore, whole or arbitrary part of each process function to be carried out by each device may be realized by a CPU, and a program that is analyzed and executed by the CPU concerned, or may be realized as hardware by wired logic.  
         [0120]     The image output method explained in the embodiments may be realized by executing a program prepared in advance by a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program may be distributed via network including the Internet. Furthermore, this program may be recorded into a recording medium readable by a computer such as a hard disk, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM, an MO, a DVD and so forth, and may also be read from such a medium to be executed by a computer.  
         [0121]     According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to monitor power and display and other conditions concerning a PC or a monitor, and thereby display TV images speedily.  
         [0122]     Furthermore, it is possible to display TV images speedily by signals from a TV tuner power button, a PC power button, a switching button of TV tuner power source and PC power source, a keyboard, a mouse, or a timer.  
         [0123]     Furthermore, it is possible to easily monitor the conditions of the power source of a PC.  
         [0124]     Moreover, it is possible to display TV images speedily, based on power and display and other conditions concerning a PC or a monitor.  
         [0125]     Furthermore, it is possible to switch, and/or compose TV images and PC images based on power and display and other conditions concerning a PC or a monitor.  
         [0126]     Moreover, it is possible not to disturb users who are watching TV.  
         [0127]     Although the invention has been described with respect to a specific embodiment for a complete and clear disclosure, the appended claims are not to be thus limited but are to be construed as embodying all modifications and alternative constructions that may occur to one skilled in the art which fairly fall within the basic teaching herein set forth.