Patent Publication Number: US-11029770-B2

Title: Image display apparatus and method, image display system, and program

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/883,178, titled “IMAGE DISPLAY APPARATUS AND METHOD, IMAGE DISPLAY SYSTEM, AND PROGRAM,” filed on Jan. 30, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,540,025, which is a continuation of and claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/061,438, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,910,517, titled “IMAGE DISPLAY APPARATUS AND METHOD, IMAGE DISPLAY SYSTEM, AND PROGRAM,” filed on Mar. 4, 2016, which is a continuation of and claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/788,293, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,733,736, titled “IMAGE DISPLAY APPARATUS AND METHOD, IMAGE DISPLAY SYSTEM, AND PROGRAM,” filed on Jun. 30, 2015, which is a continuation of and claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/750,073, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,110,521, titled “IMAGE DISPLAY APPARATUS AND METHOD, IMAGE DISPLAY SYSTEM, AND PROGRAM,” filed on Mar. 30, 2010, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) to Japanese Patent Application JP 2009-091681, filed on Apr. 6, 2009. The entire content of each of these applications is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an image display apparatus and method, image display system, and program. More particularly, the present invention relates to an image display apparatus and method, image display system, and program which allows sharing images. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
       FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a related-art conference system. This conference system  1  includes a personal computer  11 , and a mouse  12  remotely operating the personal computer  11 . The personal computer  11  supplies an image signal of an image displayed on a display  11 A of the personal computer  11  to a projector  13 . The projector  13  projects the image onto a screen  14 . A plurality of participants who are attending a conference simultaneously view the image displayed on the screen  14 . 
     When a presenter operates the mouse  12 , a corresponding pointer  15  is displayed on the display of the personal computer  11 . As a result, the pointer  15  is also displayed on the screen  14 . The presenter is allowed to operate the mouse  12  to specify a predetermined icon, a position, etc., by the pointer  15 . 
     However, in such a conference system, only a presenter is allowed to use the pointer  15 , and a plurality of participants are not allowed to specify a predetermined icon, a position, etc., on the screen  14 . 
     On the other hand, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2008-33389 has proposed a method of using a laser pointer in place of a mouse, and specifying a predetermined position on the screen by the laser pointer. It becomes possible for a plurality of participants to specify a predetermined icon and a position on a screen  14  using a plurality of laser pointers. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     However, in a conference system in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2008-33389, a screen on which a position, etc., is pointed by a laser pointer of each participant is captured by a camera. And the captured image is analyzed so that the position pointed by the laser pointer is detected. 
     Accordingly, in the conference system of Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2008-33389, it becomes difficult to display the same image as an image projected on a screen including a point pointed by a laser pointer onto a plurality of display apparatuses, and to allow users of individual display apparatuses to share the image. 
     The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances. It is desirable to allow participants of a conference to share images. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an image display apparatus including: a communication section receiving a plurality of remote operation signals corresponding to remote operations of a plurality of input apparatuses; and a combination section combining a first image based on the plurality of individual remote operation signals received by the communication section and a second image supplied from other apparatus into a third image, and outputting the third image. 
     In the above-described embodiment, the combination section may store the first image into a first layer, may store the second image into a second layer, and may combine the first image in the first layer and the second image in the second layer. 
     In the above-described embodiment, the second image may be an image operated by the remote operation signal of the input apparatus having an access right among the plurality of input apparatuses. 
     In the above-described embodiment, the communication section may transmit the remote operation signal of the input apparatus having the access right among the plurality of input apparatuses. 
     In the above-described embodiment, the second image may be an image operated by the remote operation signal directly received by the other apparatus from the input apparatus having the access right. 
     In the above-described embodiment, the second image output by the other apparatus may be a presentation image presented by a presenter holding the access right to a plurality of participants, and the third image output by the combination section may be an image produced by combining an image of a pointer of the input apparatus operated by the presenter and an image of a pointer of the input apparatus operated by the participants. 
     In the above-described embodiment, the communication section may receive the wireless remote operation signal from the input apparatus operated in a three-dimensional free space. 
     In the above-described embodiment, the input apparatus may be an input apparatus attached to the image display apparatus. 
     In the above-described embodiment, the input apparatus may be an input apparatus held by a user who operates the input apparatus. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for displaying an image of an image display apparatus including a communication section and a combination section, the method including the steps of: the communication section receiving and identifying a plurality of remote operation signals corresponding to remote operations of a plurality of input apparatuses; and the combination section combining a first image based on the plurality of individual remote operation signals received and identified by the communication section and a second image supplied from other apparatus into a third image, and outputting the third image. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an image display system including: an image display apparatus receiving a first image supplied from an image-signal out apparatus; and a plurality of input apparatuses attached to the image display apparatus and outputting a remote control signal to be transmitted to the image display apparatus on the basis of a user&#39;s operation, wherein the image display apparatus includes a communication section receiving and identifying the plurality of remote operation signals corresponding to remote operations of the plurality of input apparatuses, and a combination section combining a second image based on the plurality of individual remote operation signals received and identified by the communication section and the first image supplied from the image-signal out apparatus into a third image, and outputting the third image. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for displaying an image of an image display system including an image display apparatus receiving a first image supplied from an image-signal output apparatus, and a plurality of input apparatuses attached to the image display apparatus and outputting a remote control signal to be transmitted to the image display apparatus on the basis of a user&#39;s operation, the image display apparatus including a communication section and a combination section, the method including the steps of: the communication section receiving and identifying the plurality of remote operation signals corresponding to remote operations of the plurality of input apparatuses; and the combination section combining a second image based on the plurality of individual remote operation signals received and identified by the communication section and the first image supplied from the image-signal out apparatus into a third image, and outputting the third image. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an image display system including: a first image display apparatus displaying a first image; a second image display apparatus connected to the first image display apparatus and displaying a second image; a first input apparatus wirelessly transmitting a first remote control signal to the first image display apparatus; a second input apparatus wirelessly transmitting a second remote control signal to the second image display apparatus; and an image output apparatus connected to the first image display apparatus and outputting a third image to the first image display apparatus, wherein the first image display apparatus receives the second remote control signal from the second image display apparatus, the second image display apparatus receives the first remote control signal from the first image display apparatus, the first image display apparatus combines a fourth image based on the first remote control signal and the second remote control signal, stored in a first working layer, and the third image stored in a first image layer and supplied from the image output apparatus into the first image, and the second image display apparatus combines a fifth image based on the second remote control signal and the first remote control signal, stored in a second working layer, and the third image stored in a second image layer and supplied from the first image display apparatus into the second image. 
     In the above-described embodiment, the first image display apparatus, the first input apparatus, and the image output apparatus may be disposed in a first room, and the second image display apparatus and the second input apparatus may be disposed in a second room. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for displaying an image of an image display system including a first image display apparatus displaying a first image, a second image display apparatus connected to the first image display apparatus and displaying a second image, a first input apparatus wirelessly transmitting a first remote control signal to the first image display apparatus, a second input apparatus wirelessly transmitting a second remote control signal to the second image display apparatus, and an image output apparatus connected to the first image display apparatus and outputting a third image to the first image display apparatus, the method including the steps of: the first image display apparatus receiving the second remote control signal from the second image display apparatus, the second image display apparatus receiving the first remote control signal from the first image display apparatus, 
     the first image display apparatus combining a fourth image based on the first remote control signal and the second remote control signal, stored in a first working layer, and the third image stored in a first image layer and supplied from the image output apparatus into the first image, and the second image display apparatus combining a fifth image based on the second remote control signal and the first remote control signal, stored in a second working layer, and the third image stored in a second image layer and supplied from the first image display apparatus into the second image. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an image display system including: a first image display apparatus displaying a first image; a first input apparatus wirelessly transmitting a first remote control signal to the first image display apparatus; a second image display apparatus displaying a second image; a second input apparatus wirelessly transmitting a second remote control signal to the second image display apparatus; and an image combination apparatus connected to the first image display apparatus and the second image display apparatus, wherein the image combination apparatus combines a third image based on the first remote control signal and the second remote control signal, stored in a first layer, and a fourth image output from the first image display apparatus and stored in the second layer into a combined image, and outputs the combined image to the first image display apparatus as the first image, and outputs the combined image to the second image display apparatus as the second image. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for displaying an image of an image display system including a first image display apparatus displaying a first image; a first input apparatus wirelessly transmitting a first remote control signal to the first image display apparatus; a second image display apparatus displaying a second image; a second input apparatus wirelessly transmitting a second remote control signal to the second image display apparatus; and an image combination apparatus connected to the first image display apparatus and the second image display apparatus, the method including the step of the image combination apparatus combining a third image based on the first remote control signal, and the second remote control signal, stored in a first layer, and a fourth image output from the first image display apparatus and stored in the second layer into a combined image, and outputting the combined image to the first image display apparatus as the first image, and outputting the combined image to the second image display apparatus as the second image. 
     As described above, by an embodiment of the present invention, it becomes possible to share an image. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a related-art conference system; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image display system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image display system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart illustrating operation of an image display system; 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating operation of an image display system; 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image display system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating operation of an image display system; 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart illustrating operation of an image display system; 
         FIG. 9  is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image display system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a flowchart illustrating operation of an image display system; 
         FIG. 11  is a diagram illustrating combination of images; 
         FIG. 12  is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image display system according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 13  is a flowchart illustrating operation of an image display system. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In the following, descriptions will be given of modes for carrying out the invention (in the following, referred to as embodiments). In this regard, the descriptions will be given in the following order.
     1. First embodiment (configuration of image display system)   2. First embodiment (operation of image display system)   3. Second embodiment (operation of image display system)   4. Third embodiment (configuration of image display system)   5. Third embodiment (operation of image display system)   6. Fourth embodiment (operation of image display system)   7. Fifth embodiment (configuration of image display system)   8. Fifth embodiment (operation of image display system)   9. Sixth embodiment (configuration of image display system)   10. Sixth embodiment (operation of image display system)   

     1. First Embodiment 
     Configuration of Image Display System 
       FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating a basic configuration of an image display system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, an image display system  51 , as a conference system, includes an image display apparatus  62  and an image-signal output apparatus  63  disposed in a conference room. The image display apparatus  62  and the image-signal output apparatus  63  are connected through a cable  64 , such as an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), etc., and can exchange information with each other. 
     Pointing devices  61 , as input apparatuses attached to the image display apparatus  62 , are operated by participants (users) of a conference in any direction in a three-dimensional free space. The pointing devices  61  output remote control signals based on operations wirelessly, such as by infrared light, etc., to the image display apparatus  62 . In the case of this embodiment, as pointing devices  61 , five pointing devices  61 - 1  to  61 - 5  are provided. Infrared light has directivity, and thus in the case where a plurality of image display apparatuses  62  are provided, it is effective for a user to selectively give a direction to one of the apparatuses, which the user intends to use. 
     A remote control signal of the pointing devices  61  (for example, a pointing device  61 - 1 ) of a presenter out of the five pointing devices  61  is output to the image display apparatus  62 , and then is supplied to the image-signal output apparatus  63  through the cable  64 . On the contrary, the image-signal output apparatus  63  including a personal computer, etc., supplies an image having been subjected to predetermined processing on the basis of the remote control signal supplied through the cable  64  to the image display apparatus  62  through the cable  64 . 
     The image display apparatus  62  holds a working layer  71  and an image layer  72  in an internal memory. Images of the pointers of individual pointing devices  61 - 1  to  61 - 5  are stored in the working layer  71 . In  FIG. 2 , only a pointer  81 - 1  and a pointer  81 - 2  of the pointing device  61 - 1  and the pointing device  61 - 2 , respectively, are shown for the sake of simplicity. An image supplied from the image-signal output apparatus  63  through the cable  64  is stored in the image layer  72 . The image display apparatus  62  combines the images stored in the working layer  71  and the image layer  72 , and projects the combined image onto a display section  65 . 
     If the display section  65  is a screen on which an image optically projected is displayed, the image display apparatus  62  includes a projector. If the display section  65  is an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), a plasma display, etc., the image display apparatus  62  may include, for example, a personal computer. In this regard, the image display apparatus  62  may be integrated with the image-signal output apparatus  63 . 
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating a more detailed configuration of the image display system  51 . The image display apparatus  62  functionally has a communication section  91  and a combination section  92 . The communication section  91  performs communication with the pointing devices  61 . The communication section  91  supplies a remote control signal from one of the pointing devices (for example, the pointing device  61 - 1 ) having an access right among the pointing devices  61  to the image-signal output apparatus  63 . Also, the communication section  91  supplies the remote control signals from all the pointing devices  61 - 1  to  61 - 5  to the combination section  92  regardless of having an access right or not. 
     The combination section  92  has the working layer  71  and the image layer  72  in an internal memory  93 . An image  111  of the pointers  81 - 1  to  81 - 5  corresponding to the individual pointing devices  61 - 1  to  61 - 5  is stored in the working layer  71 .  FIG. 3  shows a state, in which only the pointers  81 - 1  and  81 - 2  corresponding to the pointing devices  61 - 1  and  61 - 2 , respectively are stored, for the sake of convenience of explanation. An image  112  supplied from the image-signal output apparatus  63  is stored in the image layer  72 . The combination section  92  combines the image  111  stored in the working layer  71  as a first image, and the image  112  stored in the image layer  72  as a second image into an image  113  as a third image, and outputs and displays the third image onto the display section  65 . 
     The image-signal output apparatus  63  has an operation processing section  101 . The operation processing section  101  obtains a remote control signal of the pointing device  61 - 1  having an access right from the communication section  91  of the image display apparatus  62 . This remote control signal includes a signal corresponding to an operation, such as a decision key, a go-forward key, a return key, etc., for example. The operation processing section  101  performs processing corresponding to the obtained remote control signal, and outputs an image based on the processing result to the combination section  92  of the image display apparatus  62  as the image  112 . 
     Operation of Image Display System 
       FIG. 4  is a flowchart illustrating operation of an image display system. In the following, a description will be given of an operation of the image display system in  FIG. 3  with reference to  FIG. 4 . In this regard, in the following description, it is assumed that there are two pointing devices  61 , that is to say, the pointing device  61 - 1  has an access right, and the pointing device  61 - 2  does not have an access right among the two devices, for the sake of convenience of explanation. 
     In step S 1 , the pointing device  61 - 1  transmits an access-right holding code. The access right is a right to access an image output by the image-signal output apparatus  63 . Only the user of the pointing device having this right can access an image output by the image-signal output apparatus  63 , and, for example, can operate a predetermined icon, etc., so as to change the image to a predetermined image. That is to say, a right to permit access to an image stored in the image layer  72  is the access right. 
     The transmission processing of the access-right holding code is executed by a user operating a predetermined button on the pointing device  61 - 1 , or by a user using a predetermined gesture. In this regard, the pointing device  61 - 2  and the pointing device  61 - 1  have the same configuration, and thus it is possible to transmit an access-right holding code and to hold the access right by performing the same operation. The latest access-right holding code is determined to be valid, and a position of the access-right holder up to that time is released. That is to say, a holder of any of the pointing devices  61  can be an access-right holder as necessary. 
     In step S 21 , when the communication section  91  of the image display apparatus  62  receives an access-right holding code from the pointing device  61 - 1 , the communication section  91  identifies the access-right holding code. An identification number of each pointing device  61  is also attached to the access-right holding code. After that, the communication section  91  processes the remote control signal of the identification number attached to the access-right holding code as a signal from the pointing device  61  of the access right holder. 
     In step S 2 , the pointing device  61 - 1  transmits a remote control signal. The remote control signal includes various kinds of signals, such as a signal indicating a pointer position, a decision operation, etc. That is to say, if the user operates the pointing device  61 - 1  in any direction in a three-dimensional space, the remote control signal is transmitted in order to move and display the pointer to the position corresponding to the operation. Alternatively, if a predetermined decision operation is performed, for example, if a predetermined button of the pointing device  61 - 1  is pressed, etc., the remote control signal corresponding to that operation is transmitted. This is the same for the transmission step of the remote control signal described later. 
     In step S 22 , the communication section  91  receives the remote control signal. In step S 23 , the communication section  91  transfers the remote control signal to the combination section  92 . The transfer may be performed by passing through the signal or by replacing the signal by another signal as long as internal information of the signal is transmitted. 
     In step S 31 , the combination section  92  stores a pointer in the working layer. Specifically, the combination section  92  changes the position of the pointer  81 - 1  corresponding to the pointing device  61 - 1  to a position based on the operation. In this regard, information input by handwriting, etc., is also stored in the working layer  71 . 
     In step S 24 , the communication section  91  transmits the remote control signal of the pointing device having an access right to the image-signal output apparatus  63 . In this case, the pointing device  61 - 1  has the access right, and thus the remote control signal of the pointing device  61 - 1  received in step S 22  is transmitted to the image-signal output apparatus  63 . 
     In step S 41 , the operation processing section  101  of the image-signal output apparatus  63  performs processing corresponding to the remote control signal received from the communication section  91 , that is to say, received from the pointing device having the access right. For example, if one thumbnail image is selected from a plurality of thumbnail images, an image corresponding to the selected thumbnail image is reproduced. In step S 42 , the operation processing section  101  transmits the image. That is to say, the image corresponding to the selected thumbnail image is transmitted. In  FIG. 3 , the image  112  is shown as a presentation image presented by the user of the pointing device  61 - 1  having the access right to other users (participants of the conference). In this manner, the pointing device  61 - 1  having the access right can operate electronic information of the icon, etc. 
     In step S 32 , the combination section  92  of the image display apparatus  62  receives the image transmitted from the image-signal output apparatus  63 , and stores the image into the image layer. Specifically, the received image  112  is stored in the image layer  72  of the memory  93 . 
     In step S 11 , if a user of the pointing device  61 - 2  operates the pointing device  61 - 2 , the pointing device  61 - 2  transmits the remote control signal corresponding to that operation. 
     In step S 25 , the communication section  91  of the image display apparatus  62  receives the remote control signal from the pointing device  61 - 2 . In step S 26 , the communication section  91  transfers the received remote control signal. The destination of this transfer is not the image-signal output apparatus  63 , but the combination section  92 . The communication section  91  transfers only the remote control signal of the pointing device having the access right to the image-signal output apparatus  63 . The remote control signal of the pointing device not having the access right is transferred to the combination section  92 . Thereby, unnecessary operation hindrance by a user not having the access right is prevented. 
     In step S 33 , the combination section  92  stores the pointer into the working layer. Specifically, the combination section  92  changes the position of the pointer  81 - 2  corresponding to the pointing device  61 - 2  to the position based on the operation. Thereby, an image including the pointer  81 - 1  and the pointer  81 - 2 , as shown as the image  111  in  FIG. 3 , is stored in the working layer  71 . In this regard, the pointer of the pointing device not having the access right is deleted if the corresponding pointing device is not operated for a certain time period or more set in advance. However, the pointer of the pointing device having the access right is not deleted even if the corresponding pointing device is not operated for a certain time period or more set in advance. Thereby, the display of an unnecessary number of pointers or more is prevented, and thus the original image  112  is kept to be viewed easily. 
     In step S 34 , the combination section  92  combines the image layer and the working layer, and outputs the result to the display section  65 . Thereby, the combined image of the image  112  and the image  111  is displayed on the display section  65  as shown in the image  113  in  FIG. 3 . 
     In this regard, the combination section  92  holds the working layer  71  and the image layer  72  in a one-to-one relationship. Accordingly, if the image layer  72  is changed to an image of a new page, the working layer  71  is also changed. Accordingly, hand-written information, etc., written in accordance with each page of the image is not deleted and held even if the page is changed. If the image of the page before the change is re-displayed, the information written in the working layer  71  correspondingly to that page is re-displayed. The information in the working layer  71  may be transferred to the image-signal output apparatus  63 , and may be saved in a state of being combined with the original image  112 . 
     In this manner, in this embodiment, images of the two layers are combined, and the combined image is output. Accordingly, it becomes possible to output and display the same combined image including the pointer onto a plurality of display apparatuses, allowing the users to share the same image. 
     Also, in this embodiment, the pointing device  61  is not directed to a screen, but is directed to the image display apparatus  62 . The screen is disposed at a position near a wall, etc., which is far from the user. However, the image display apparatus  62  can be disposed at a nearer position to the user than the screen. Accordingly, even if the pointing device  61  is shaked because of a shake of a hand at the time of pointing operation, etc., it becomes possible to direct the pointing device to a predetermined position correctly and swiftly compared with directly directing toward the screen. That is to say, it is possible to correctly and swiftly point the pointing device at a predetermined position on the image that a plurality of users are viewing in common, thereby improving the operationality. 
     Also, by giving an access right to one of the pointing devices  61 , it is possible for a presenter to reliably perform remote control on the presentation image without being hindered by the other participants of the conference. Further, the access right can be easily transferred only by operating a predetermined button, or with the use of a predetermined gesture. Accordingly, it becomes possible for each user to easily hold a position of a presenter without exchanging the pointing devices  61 . As a result, it becomes possible to conduct an organized conference efficiently. 
     Second Embodiment 
     Operation of Image Display System 
     Next, a description is given of an embodiment of the case where individual users possess pointing devices  61  individually. The configuration is the same as that of the case shown in  FIG. 3 , and thus the illustration thereof is omitted. In the following, a description will be given of the operation of the image display system with reference to  FIG. 5 . 
     The processing from step S 101  to step S 152  in  FIG. 5  is basically the same as the processing from step S 1  to step S 42  in  FIG. 4 . The different points are as follows. That is to say, the point that processing of step S 102  is inserted between step S 101  and step S 103 , which is corresponding to step S 1  and step S 2  in  FIG. 4 , and the point that step S 111  is inserted before step S 112 , which is corresponding to step S 11  in  FIG. 4  are different. Also, the point that steps S 122  and S 123  are inserted between step S 121  and step S 124 , which are corresponding to step S 21  and step S 22  in  FIG. 4  is different. 
     In this embodiment, in step S 101 , the pointing device  61 - 1  transmits an access-right holding code. As described above, the transmission processing of the access-right holding code is executed by a user operating a predetermined button, determined in advance, on the pointing device  61 , or by a user using a predetermined gesture. 
     In step S 121 , when the communication section  91  of the image display apparatus  62  receives the access-right holding code from the pointing device  61 - 1 , the communication section  91  identifies the access right holding code. 
     In step S 102 , the pointing device  61 - 1  transmits a key code. The key code is information for customizing a color and shape of the pointer and information for carrying out user-specific individual settings, such as correction of a shake by hand, sensitivity, and so on. In this regard, in this embodiment, the key code is transmitted when a predetermined button on the pointing device  61  is operated, or a predetermined gesture is made. However, the key code may be included in the remote control signal that is output in response to an operation of the pointing device  61 . 
     In step S 122 , the communication section  91  of the image display apparatus  62  receives the key code transmitted from the pointing device  61 - 1 , and stores the individual settings corresponding to the key code into the internal memory. 
     In step S 111 , the pointing device  61 - 2  transmits the key code. 
     In step S 123 , the communication section  91  of the image display apparatus  62  receives the key code transmitted from the pointing device  61 - 2 , and stores the individual settings corresponding to the key code into the internal memory. 
     In this manner, when the communication section  91  stores the individual settings, the communication section  91  applies the individual settings to the remote control signal from the pointing device  61  after that. As a result, a shake of hand is corrected on the basis of the sensitivity of each of the pointing devices  61 . Also, the pointer is displayed with the color and shape corresponding to the pointing device  61 . 
     Each processing of the subsequent steps S 103 , S 112 , S 124  to S 128 , S 141  to S 144 , S 151 , and S 152  is the same as processing of steps step S 2 , S 11 , S 22  to S 26 , S 31  to S 34 , S 41 , and S 42  in  FIG. 4 . Accordingly, the explanation thereof becomes repetitive, and thus is omitted. 
     In this manner, it becomes possible for each user to perform operations suitable for his/her pointing device  61  in this embodiment. 
     Third Embodiment 
     Configuration of Image Display System 
       FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image display system according to a third embodiment. The image display system  51  in  FIG. 6  has basically the same configuration as that of the image display system in  FIG. 3 . However, one of the different points is that the remote control signal of the pointing device  61 - 1  having an access right is transmitted not only to the image display apparatus  62 , but also to the image-signal output apparatus  63 . Also, the communication section  91  does not transmit the remote control signal from the pointing device to the operation processing section  101 . 
     Operation of Image Display System 
       FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image display system. In the following, a description will be given of the operation of the image display system in  FIG. 6  with reference to  FIG. 7 . 
     In step S 201 , the pointing device  61 - 1  transmits an access-right holding code. 
     In step S 221 , when the communication section  91  of the image display apparatus  62  receives the access-right holding code from the pointing device  61 - 1 , the communication section  91  identifies the access-right holding code. Thereby, it becomes possible to identify the pointing device having the access right. 
     In step S 202 , the pointing device  61 - 1  transmits the access-right holding code to the image-signal output apparatus  63 . This access-right holding code is the same code transmitted to the image display apparatus  62  in step S 201 . 
     In step S 241 , when the operation processing section  101  of the image-signal output apparatus  63  receives the access-right holding code from the pointing device  61 - 1 , the operation processing section  101  identifies the access-right holding code. Thereby, it becomes possible to identify the pointing device having the access right. 
     In step S 203 , the pointing device  61 - 1  transmits the remote control signal. 
     In step S 242 , the operation processing section  101  of the image-signal output apparatus  63  performs processing corresponding to the remote control signal received from the pointing device  61 - 1  having the access right. Whether the access right is held or not is determined on the basis of the identification number corresponding to the access-right holding code identified in step S 241 . In step S 243 , the operation processing section  101  transmits an image including a pointer. For example, an image selected in step S 242  is transmitted. In  FIG. 6 , the image is shown as the image  122 . As shown in the figure, the image  122  includes a pointer  81 - 1  of the pointing device  61 - 1  having the access right. 
     In step S 231 , the combination section  92  of the image display apparatus  62  receives the image including the pointer, which has been transmitted from the image-signal output apparatus  63 , and stores the image in the image layer. That is to say, the image  122  including the received pointer is stored in the image layer  72  in the memory  93 . 
     In step S 204 , the pointing device  61 - 1  transmits the remote control signal based on the operation of the pointing device  61 - 1  to the image display apparatus  62 . 
     In step S 222 , the communication section  91  of the image display apparatus  62  receives the remote control signal from the pointing device  61 - 1 . 
     In this regard, although the illustration is omitted, the communication section  91  can transfer the remote control signal of the pointing device  61 - 1  having an access right to the combination section  92 . At this time, the combination section  92  allows the pointing device  61 - 1  having the access right to access the working layer  71 . As a result, the user of the pointing device  61 - 1  having the access right is allowed to perform an operation, such as deletion of an object drawn in the working layer  71  by the user of the pointing device  61 - 2  not having the access right, etc., for example. 
     In step S 211 , when the user of the pointing device  61 - 2  operates the pointing device  61 - 2 , the pointing device  61 - 2  transmits the remote control signal corresponding to the operation. 
     In step S 223 , the communication section  91  of the image display apparatus  62  receives the remote control signal from the pointing device  61 - 2 . In step S 224 , the communication section  91  transfers the received remote control signal to the combination section  92 . 
     In step S 232 , the combination section  92  stores the pointer in the working layer. Specifically, a position of the pointer  81 - 2  corresponding to the pointing device  61 - 2  is changed to a position based on the operation. Thereby, an image including the pointer  81 - 2 , as shown in the image  121  in  FIG. 6 , is stored in the working layer  71 . 
     In step S 233 , the combination section  92  combines the image layer and the working layer, and outputs the result to the display section  65 . Thereby, the image produced by combining the image  122  and the image  121  is displayed onto the display section  65  as shown by an image  123  in  FIG. 6 . As described above, the  122  is the image including the image to be processed and the pointer  81 - 1  of the pointing device  61 - 1  having the access right. Also, the image  121  is the image including the pointer  81 - 2  of the pointing device  61 - 2  not having the access right. 
     In this embodiment, it also becomes possible to achieve the same advantages as those of the embodiment in  FIG. 3 . 
     Fourth Embodiment 
     Operation of Image Display System 
     Next, a description will be given of an operation of an embodiment in the case where individual users have individual pointing devices  61  in the image display system  51  in  FIG. 6  with reference to a flowchart in  FIG. 8 . 
     The processing from step S 301  to step S 374  in  FIG. 8  is basically the same as the processing from step S 201  to step S 243  in  FIG. 7 . The different points are as follows. That is to say, the point that processing of steps S 303  and S 304  is inserted between step S 302  and step S 305 , which is corresponding to step S 202  and step S 203  in  FIG. 7 , and the point that step S 321  is inserted before step S 322 , which is corresponding to step S 211  in  FIG. 7  are different. Also, the point that steps S 342  and S 343  are inserted between step S 221  and step S 222 , which are corresponding to step S 221  and step S 222  in  FIG. 7  is different. Further, the point that step S 372  is inserted between step S 371  and step S 373 , which is corresponding to step S 241  and step S 242  in  FIG. 7  is different. 
     In this embodiment, the pointing device  61 - 1  transmits the access-right holding code in step S 301 . 
     In step S 341 , when the communication section  91  of the image display apparatus  62  receives the access-right holding code from the pointing device  61 - 1 , the communication section  91  identifies the access-right holding code. 
     In step S 302 , the pointing device  61 - 1  transmits the access-right holding code to the image-signal output apparatus  63 . This access-right holding code is the same code that has been transmitted to the image display apparatus  62  in step S 301 . 
     In step S 371 , when the operation processing section  101  of the image-signal output apparatus  63  receives the access-right holding code from the pointing device  61 - 1 , the operation processing section  101  identifies the access-right holding code. 
     In step S 303 , the pointing device  61 - 1  transmits a key code. 
     In step S 342 , the communication section  91  of the image display apparatus  62  receives the key code transmitted from the pointing device  61 - 1 , and stores the individual settings corresponding to the key code in the internal memory. 
     In step S 304 , the pointing device  61 - 1  transmits the key code to the image-signal output apparatus  63 . 
     In step S 372 , the operation processing section  101  of the image-signal output apparatus  63  receives the key code that has been transmitted from the pointing device  61 - 1 , and stores the individual settings corresponding to the key code into the internal memory. 
     In this manner, when the operation processing section  101  stores the individual settings, the operation processing section  101  applies the individual settings to the remote control signal from the pointing device  61 - 1  after that. As a result, a shake of hand is corrected on the basis of the sensitivity of each pointing device  61 - 1 . Also, the pointer  81 - 1  is displayed with the color and shape corresponding to the pointing device  61 - 1 . 
     In step S 321 , the pointing device  61 - 2  transmits the key code. 
     In step S 343 , the communication section  91  of the image display apparatus  62  receives the key code that has been transmitted from the pointing device  61 - 2 , and stores the individual settings corresponding to the key code into the internal memory. 
     In this manner, when the communication section  91  stores the individual settings, the communication section  91  applies the individual settings to the remote control signal from the pointing device  61 - 2  after that. As a result, a shake of hand is corrected on the basis of the sensitivity of each of the pointing device  61 - 2 . Also, the pointer  81 - 2  is displayed with the color and shape corresponding to the pointing device  61 - 2 . 
     In steps S 305  and S 306 , step S 322 , steps S 344  to S 346 , steps S 361  to S 363 , and steps S 373  and S 374 , the same processing as that of the corresponding steps in  FIG. 7  is performed. That is to say, the same processing as that of steps S 203  and S 204 , step S 211 , steps S 222  to S 224 , steps S 231  to S 233 , and steps S 242  and S 243  in  FIG. 7  is performed. Accordingly, the explanation on the processing is repetitive, and thus is omitted. 
     In this manner, it becomes possible for each user to perform operations suitable for his/her pointing device  61  in addition to achieving the same advantages as those of the embodiment in  FIG. 3  in this embodiment. 
     Fifth Embodiment 
     Configuration of Image Display System 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a configuration of an image display system according to another embodiment. This image display system is constituted as a conference system  201 . 
     The conference system  201  includes apparatuses in conference rooms  211 - 1  to  211 - 3 . In the conference room  211 - 1 , an image display apparatus  212 - 1  and a personal computer  213 - 1  are disposed. In the conference room  211 - 2 , an image display apparatus  212 - 2  and a personal computer  213 - 2  are disposed. In the conference room  211 - 3 , an image display apparatus  212 - 3  and a personal computer  213 - 3  are disposed. That is to say, in this embodiment, an image is not displayed on a common display section. Instead, a common image is displayed on the personal computers  213 - 1  to  213 - 3  in the individual conference rooms  211 - 1  to  211 - 3 , respectively. 
     The image display apparatuses  212 - 1  to  212 - 3  have working layers  214 - 1  to  214 - 3  in addition to individual image layers, respectively. The image display apparatuses  212 - 1  to  212 - 3  are mutually connected by a LAN (Local Area Network)  210  so as to be allowed to exchange information with one another. That is to say, in the case of this embodiment, the working layers are shared by the LAN  210 . 
     Further, in the case of this embodiment, pointing devices  61 - 1  and  61 - 2  are disposed in the conference room  211 - 1 . Pointing devices  61 - 3  and  61 - 4  are disposed in the conference room  211 - 2 . Pointing devices  61 - 5  and  61 - 6  are disposed in the conference room  211 - 3 . Users of the individual conference rooms can hold a conference using the individual pointing devices  61 - 1  to  61 - 6 , respectively. 
     Operation of Image Display System 
       FIG. 10  is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the conference system. In the following, a description will be given of operation of a conference system  201  in  FIG. 9  with reference to  FIG. 10 . In this embodiment, it is assumed that a user who is using the pointing device  61 - 1  in the conference room  211 - 1  explains an image as a presenter. 
     A user of the pointing device  61 - 1  in the conference room  211 - 1  operates the pointing device  61 - 1 , and outputs a predetermined image to the personal computer  213 - 1 . The personal computer  213 - 1  that functions as an image-signal output apparatus at this time transmits an image signal in step S 301 . 
     The image display apparatus  212 - 1  in the conference room  211 - 1  receives the image signal supplied from the personal computer  213 - 1  in step S 311 . In step S 312 , the image display apparatus  212 - 1  transmits the image to the display apparatus  212 - 2  in the conference room  211 - 2  through the LAN  210 . 
     The image display apparatus  212 - 2  in the conference room  211 - 2  received the image signal transmitted through the LAN  210  in step S 351 , and stores the image signal into the image layer. 
     Further, the image display apparatus  212 - 1  transmits the image supplied from the personal computer  213 - 1  to the image display apparatus  212 - 3  in the conference room  211 - 3  through the LAN  210  in step S 313 . 
     The image display apparatus  212 - 3  of the conference room  211 - 3  receives the image signal transmitted through the LAN  210 , and stores the image signal into the image layer in step S 381 . 
     If the pointing devices  61 - 1  and  61 - 2  in the conference room  211 - 1  are operated, the image display apparatus  212 - 1  stores the pointers corresponding to the operations, respectively, into the working layer  214 - 1 . Also, if the pointing devices  61 - 1  and  61 - 2  are operated, the image display apparatus  212 - 1  transmits the remote control signals corresponding to the operations, respectively, to the image display apparatus  212 - 2  in the conference room  214 - 2  through the LAN  210  in step S 314 . 
     In step S 352 , when the image display apparatus  212 - 2  in the conference room  211 - 2  receives a remote control signal through the LAN  210 , the image display apparatus  212 - 2  stores the pointers  81 - 1  and  81 - 2  corresponding to the signal into the working layer  214 - 2 . 
     Further, in step S 315 , the image display apparatus  212 - 1  in the conference room  211 - 1  transmits the remote control signal corresponding to the operations of the pointing devices  61 - 1  and  61 - 2  to the image display apparatus  212 - 3  in the conference room  214 - 3  through the LAN  210 . 
     In step S 382 , when the image display apparatus  212 - 3  in the conference room  211 - 3  receives the remote control signal through the LAN  210 , the image display apparatus  212 - 3  stores the pointers  81 - 1  and  81 - 2  corresponding to the signal into the working layer  214 - 3 . 
     In the same manner, when the pointing devices  61 - 3  and  61 - 4  are operated, the image display apparatus  212 - 2  in the conference room  211 - 2  stores the pointers corresponding to the operation into the working layer  214 - 2 . Also, in step S 353 , when the pointing devices  61 - 3  and  61 - 4  are operated, the image display apparatus  212 - 2  transmits the remote control signals corresponding to the operation to the image display apparatus  212 - 3  in the conference room  214 - 3  through the LAN  210 . 
     In step S 383 , when the image display apparatus  212 - 3  in the conference room  211 - 3  receives a remote control signal through the LAN  210 , the image display apparatus  212 - 3  stores the pointers  81 - 3  and  81 - 4  (refer to  FIG. 11  described later) corresponding to the signal into the working layer  214 - 3 . 
     Further, in step S 354 , the image display apparatus  212 - 2  in the conference room  211 - 2  transmits the remote control signal corresponding to the operations of the pointing devices  61 - 3  and  61 - 4  to the image display apparatus  212 - 1  in the conference room  214 - 1  through the LAN  210 . 
     In step S 316 , when the image display apparatus  212 - 1  in the conference room  211 - 1  receives a remote control signal through the LAN  210 , the image display apparatus  212 - 1  stores the pointers  81 - 3  and  81 - 4  corresponding to the signals into the working layer  214 - 1 . 
     When the pointing devices  61 - 5  and  61 - 6  are operated, the image display apparatus  212 - 3  in the conference room  211 - 3  stores the pointer corresponding to the operation into the working layer  214 - 3 . Also, in step S 384 , when the pointing devices  61 - 5  and  61 - 6  are operated, the image display apparatus  212 - 3  transmits the remote control signal corresponding to the operation to the image display apparatus  212 - 2  in the conference room  214 - 2  through the LAN  210 . 
     In step S 355 , when the image display apparatus  212 - 2  of the conference room  211 - 2  receives the remote control signal through the LAN  210 , the image display apparatus  212 - 2  stores the pointers  81 - 5  and  81 - 6  (refer to  FIG. 11  described later) corresponding to the signal into the working layer  214 - 2 . 
     Further, in step S 385 , the image display apparatus  212 - 3  in the conference room  211 - 3  transmits the remote control signal corresponding to the operations of the pointing devices  61 - 5  and  61 - 6  to the image display apparatus  212 - 1  in the conference room  214 - 1  through the LAN  210 . 
     In step S 317 , when the image display apparatus  212 - 1  of the conference room  211 - 1  receives the remote control signal through the LAN  210 , the image display apparatus  212 - 1  stores the pointers  81 - 5  and  81 - 6  corresponding to the signal into the working layer  214 - 1 . 
     In this manner, the working layer  214 - 1  contains the own pointers  81 - 1  and  81 - 2 , and the pointers  81 - 3  to  81 - 6  of the working layers  214 - 2  and  214 - 3 . The working layer  214 - 2  contains the own pointers  81 - 3  and  81 - 4 , and the pointers  81 - 1 ,  81 - 2 ,  81 - 5 , and  81 - 6  of the working layers  214 - 1  and  214 - 3 . The working layer  214 - 3  contains the own pointers  81 - 5  and  81 - 6 , and the pointers  81 - 1  to  81 - 4  of the working layers  214 - 1  and  214 - 2 . That is to say, each working layer contains the pointers of the other working layers. 
     In step S 318 , the image display apparatus  212 - 1  in the conference room  211 - 1  combines the image layer and the working layer  214 - 1 , and outputs the result to the personal computer  213 - 1 . Thereby, the image produced by combining the image selected by the pointing device  61 - 1  and the pointers of the pointing devices  61 - 1  to  61 - 6  in the individual conference rooms is displayed onto the personal computer  213 - 1 . 
     Also, in step S 356 , the image display apparatus  212 - 2  in the conference room  211 - 2  combines the image layer and the working layer  214 - 2 , and outputs the result to the personal computer  213 - 2 . Thereby, the image produced by combining the image selected by the pointing device  61 - 1 , and the pointers of the pointing devices  61 - 1  to  61 - 6  in the individual conference rooms is displayed onto the personal computer  213 - 2 . 
     Further, in step S 386 , the image display apparatus  212 - 3  in the conference room  211 - 3  combines the image layer and the working layer  214 - 3 , and outputs the result to the personal computer  213 - 3 . Thereby, the image produced by combining the image selected by the pointing device  61 - 1  and the pointers of the pointing devices  61 - 1  to  61 - 6  in the individual conference rooms is displayed to the personal computer  213 - 3 . 
       FIG. 11  is a diagram illustrating combination of images. As described above, a common image as shown in  FIG. 11  is displayed to the personal computers  213 - 1  to  213 - 3  in the individual conference rooms. That is to say, an image is produced by combining the image of the image layer  221 , the image of the working layer  214 - 1  including the pointers  81 - 1  and  81 - 2 , the image of the working layer  214 - 2  including the pointers  81 - 3  and  81 - 4 , and the working layer  214 - 3  including pointers  81 - 5  and  81 - 6 , and the combined image is displayed. 
     Accordingly, the users of the individual conference rooms are allowed to view a common image, and to point a predetermined portion of the image, and the other users are allowed to learn the pointing position. 
     As a result, it becomes possible to carry out a smooth conference. 
     Sixth Embodiment 
     Configuration of Image Display System 
       FIG. 12  is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image display system according to still another embodiment. The image display system  301  includes personal computers  311 - 1  to  311 - 5  and a server  312 . The personal computers  311 - 1  to  311 - 5  and the server  312  are connected through a network  313 , such as a LAN, the Internet, etc. In this embodiment, images are not displayed on a common display section, but common images are displayed on display sections of the personal computers  311 - 1  to  311 - 5 . 
     The personal computer  311 - 1  is operated by a pointing device  61 - 1 . The personal computer  311 - 2  is operated by a pointing device  61 - 2 . The personal computer  311 - 3  is operated by a pointing device  61 - 3 . The personal computer  311 - 4  is operated by a pointing device  61 - 4 . The personal computer  311 - 5  is operated by a pointing device  61 - 5 . 
     The server  312  has a working layer  321  and an image layer  322 . 
     Operation of Image Display System 
       FIG. 13  is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image display system. In the following, a description is given of operation of the image display system  301  in  FIG. 12  with reference to  FIG. 13 . In the case of this embodiment, it is assumed that a presenter is a user of the personal computer  311 - 1 , namely a user of the pointing device  61 - 1 . 
     In step S 401 , the personal computer  311 - 1  transmits the access-right holding code to the server  312 . 
     In step S 451 , when the server  312  receives an access-right holding code, the server  312  identifies the code. That is to say, if the server  312  authenticates the access-right holding code, the server  312  determines that the personal computer having the identification number attached to the code is a personal computer of the presenter after that. 
     In step S 402 , the personal computer  311 - 1  transmits an image signal to the server  312 . 
     In step S 452 , when the server  312  receives the image signal, the server  312  stores the image signal into the image layer  322 . 
     In step S 403 , the personal computer  311 - 1  transmits a remote control signal corresponding to an operation of the pointing device  61 - 1  to the server  312 . 
     In step S 453 , when the server  312  receives the remote control signal, the server  312  stores a pointer  81 - 1  corresponding to the signal into the working layer  321 . 
     In step S 411 , the personal computer  311 - 2  transmits a remote control signal corresponding to an operation of the pointing device  61 - 2  to the server  312 . 
     In step S 454 , when the server  312  receives the remote control signal, the server  312  stores a pointer  81 - 2  corresponding to the signal into the working layer  321 . 
     In step S 421 , the personal computer  311 - 3  transmits a remote control signal corresponding to an operation of the pointing device  61 - 3  to the server  312 . 
     In step S 455 , when the server  312  receives the remote control signal, the server  312  stores a pointer  81 - 3  corresponding to the signal into the working layer  321 . 
     In step S 431 , the personal computer  311 - 4  transmits a remote control signal corresponding to an operation of the pointing device  61 - 4  to the server  312 . 
     In step S 456 , when the server  312  receives the remote control signal, the server  312  stores a pointer  81 - 4  corresponding to the signal into the working layer  321 . 
     In step S 441 , the personal computer  311 - 5  transmits a remote control signal corresponding to an operation of the pointing device  61 - 5  to the server  312 . 
     In step S 457 , when the server  312  receives the remote control signal, the server  312  stores a pointer  81 - 5  corresponding to the signal into the working layer  321 . 
     In step S 458 , the server  312  combines the images of the image layer  322  and the working layer  321 . In step S 459 , the server  312  transmits the combination signal. That is to say, the combination signal produced by combining the signals in step S 458  is transmitted to the personal computers  311 - 1  to  311 - 5 . 
     In steps S 404 , S 412 , S 422 , S 432 , and S 442 , the individual personal computers  311 - 1  to  311 - 5  receive the combination signals, and output the images corresponding to the combination signals, respectively. Thereby, the image selected by the presenter and the pointers  81 - 1  to  81 - 5  of the individual pointing devices  61 - 1  to  61 - 5  are combined and displayed onto the personal computers  311 - 1  to  311 - 5 . 
     Accordingly, the users of the individual personal computers  311 - 1  to  311 - 5  are allowed to view a common image, and to point a predetermined portion of the image, and the other users are allowed to learn the pointing positions. As a result, it becomes possible to carry out a smooth conference. 
     In this regard, the Windows Remote Assistance (a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation) function can be applied to this embodiment. That is to say, an assistance source and an assistance destination share a working layer so that it becomes possible for users of the assistance source and the assistance destination to operate an assistance-destination personal computer, respectively at the same time. Also, if a plurality of users share a working layer, it becomes possible for the plurality of users to operate the same personal computer. For example, in place of the server  312  in  FIG. 12 , the personal computer  311 - 1  is allowed to perform the function of the server, and the personal computer  311 - 1  can be operated by the other personal computers  311 - 2  to  311 - 5 . 
     In this regard, a network is said to be a mechanism in which at least two apparatuses are connected, and which allows transmission of information from one of the apparatuses to the other of the apparatuses. The apparatuses communicating to each other through a network may be independent apparatuses with each other, or may be internal blocks included in one apparatus. 
     The above-described series of processing can be executed by hardware or can be executed by software. When the series of processing is executed by software, programs of the software may be installed in a computer. Here, the computer includes a computer which is built in a dedicated hardware, and for example, a general-purpose personal computer, etc., capable of executing various functions by installing various programs. 
     In this regard, the programs executed by the computer may be programs that are processed in time series in accordance with the described sequence in this specification. Alternatively, the programs may be the programs to be executed in parallel or at necessary timing, such as at the time of being called, or the like. 
     Also, in this specification, a system represents an overall apparatus including a plurality of apparatuses. 
     The present application contains subject matter related to that disclosed in Japanese Priority Patent Application JP 2009-091681 filed in the Japan Patent Office on Apr. 6, 2009, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occur depending on design requirements and other factors insofar as they are within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.