Patent Publication Number: US-2012030595-A1

Title: Information storage medium, terminal apparatus, and image generation method

Description:
The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2010-170622 filed Jul. 29, 2010 and 2010-170621, filed Jul. 29, 2010 are expressly incorporated by reference herein. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present invention relates to an information storage medium, a terminal apparatus, and an image generation method. 
     2. Related Art 
     For example, Patent Document 1 (JP-A-2004-54783) discloses a display system of receiving captured image data that have been subjected to size conversion processing from plural terminal apparatuses, synthesizing the data into image data for one screen, and displaying it. Further, Patent Document 1 also discloses that an image of a specific terminal apparatus is enlarged and displayed, deleted, or added according to operation by a user with a remote controller of a display apparatus. 
     However, for example, in a conference or the like, when a presenter enlarges an image in a terminal apparatus used by a participant or the like in response to a request from the participant, the presenter should specify the image, understand the request, and perform remote controller operation in response to the request, and the operation takes time. Further, Patent Document 1 discloses that a split screen for enlarged display or the like can be designated from the terminal apparatus side, however, does not disclose any specific method. Furthermore, when a participant uses his/her terminal apparatus to make configuration change of the image displayed on the display apparatus or the like, it is necessary to appropriately grasp the current display condition, however, it is difficult to grasp which terminal apparatus provides the image being used from the image displayed on the display apparatus. In addition, in order that the participant may grasp the condition of the terminal apparatus that can display but is not being used for display, the participant should confirm detailed information and several steps are necessary for obtaining the information, and time and effort are required. 
     SUMMARY 
     An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to provide an information storage medium, a terminal apparatus, and an image generation method that can indicate a current display condition promptly and appropriately in the case where an overall image containing individual images based on image information from terminal apparatuses is displayed by a display apparatus, when a configuration of the overall image is changed. 
     An aspect of the invention is directed to an information storage medium in which a program readable by a computer is stored, and the program allows the computer to execute generating a configuration change image containing an individual image arrangement area showing arrangement of an individual image in an overall image displayed by a display apparatus and an icon arrangement area containing an icon with respect to each terminal apparatus for changing a configuration of the overall image, the individual image is based on image information from one or more terminal apparatuses, changing a display condition of the individual image arrangement area including an assignment condition of a mark image corresponding to the icon in the individual image arrangement area based on operation information representing operation relating to the configuration change in response to operation relating to each icon, and generating the configuration change image with an icon background image on a background of the icon or a form of the icon changed in response to the display condition. 
     Another aspect of the invention is directed to a terminal apparatus including an image generation unit that generates a configuration change image containing an individual image based on image information from one or more terminal apparatuses for changing a configuration of an overall image displayed by a display apparatus, and an input unit to which operation information representing operation relating to the configuration change is input, wherein the configuration change image contains an individual image arrangement area showing arrangement of the individual image in the overall image and an icon arrangement area containing an icon with respect to each terminal apparatus, the operation information is input to the input unit in response to the operation relating to each icon, and the image generation unit changes a display condition of the individual image arrangement area including an assignment condition of a mark image corresponding to the icon in the individual image arrangement area based on the operation information and generates the configuration change image to change an icon background image on a background of the icon or a form of the icon in response to the display condition. 
     Still another aspect of the invention is directed to an image generation method of generating a configuration change image containing an individual image based on image information from one or more terminal apparatuses for changing a configuration of an overall image displayed by a display apparatus. The terminal apparatus generates the configuration change image for containing an individual image arrangement area showing arrangement of the individual image in the overall image and an icon arrangement area containing an icon with respect to each terminal apparatus, and, when operation information representing operation relating to the configuration change in response to operation relating to each icon, changes a display condition of the individual image arrangement area including an assignment condition of a mark image corresponding to the icon in the individual image arrangement area based on the operation information, and changes an icon background image on a background of the icon or a form of the icon in response to the display condition. 
     According to the aspects of the invention, the terminal apparatus or the like generates the configuration change image containing the individual image arrangement area showing arrangement of the individual image in the overall image displayed by the display apparatus, and thereby, may present the configuration of the overall image in an easy-to-understand manner. Further, according to the aspects of the invention, the terminal apparatus etc. change the display condition of the individual image arrangement area in response to the operation, and thereby, even in the case where the configuration of the overall image is changed, may promptly reflect the change on the display of the individual image arrangement area. Furthermore, according to the aspects of the invention, the terminal apparatus etc. change the icon or the icon background image as an object of operation in response to the display condition of the individual image arrangement area, and thereby, the user becomes easier to visually grasp the display condition and able to perform prompt operation. 
     Further, according to the aspects of the invention, the terminal apparatus etc. change the icon background image or the like in response to three conditions, and thereby, the user becomes easier to visually grasp the display condition and operate when performing operation relating to the icon in response to the display condition. 
     Furthermore, according to the aspects of the invention, the terminal apparatus etc. determine whether or not the individual image is displayed based on the operation information representing the position of the cursor image and the operation information representing press-down operation of the display mode button image, and thereby, the user may change the display of the individual image by various operations, and further, promptly change the configuration of the overall image. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numbers reference like elements. 
         FIG. 1  shows a display status of an overall image in the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a functional block diagram of a projector in the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a functional block diagram of a PC in the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart showing an image display procedure of the PC in the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart showing an image display procedure of the projector in the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a sequence chart showing exchanges of information between the PC and the projector in the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  shows an example of a search image in the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  shows an example of a configuration change image in the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  shows an example of image transitions in the respective apparatuses in the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  shows another example of image transitions in the respective apparatuses in the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  shows another example of image transitions in the respective apparatuses in the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  shows an example of a configuration change image in other embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     As below, embodiments in which the invention is applied to a PC (Personal Computer) or the like will be explained with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the subject matter of the invention described in the appended claims. Further, all of the configurations shown in the following embodiments are not necessarily essential as solving means of the invention described in the appended claims. 
     First Embodiment 
       FIG. 1  shows a display status of an overall image  20  in the first embodiment. In the embodiment, one projector  100  and four PCs  200 - 1  to  200 - 4  are wirelessly connected via an access point  300 . The projector  100  projects the overall image  20  containing the four individual images  30  to  33  at the maximum based on image information from the respective PCs  200  on a screen  10 . For example, a participant who participates in a conference can change the configuration of the individual images  30  to  33  in the overall image  20  by operating an icon of a configuration change image displayed on his/her PC  200  or the like. Note that the projector  100  is a kind of display apparatus, the PC  200  is a kind of terminal apparatus, and the projector  100  and the respective PCs  200  may be provided in the same room or provided in different rooms. Next, functional blocks of the projector  100  and the PC  200  having the functions will be explained. 
       FIG. 2  is a functional block diagram of the projector  100  in the first embodiment. The projector  100  includes a display-side communication unit  110  that makes communication with the PC  200  via the access point  300 , a display-side information generation unit  120 , a display-side image generation unit  130 , a display-side storage unit  140 , a display-side updating unit  150  that updates data within the display-side storage unit  140 , and a projection unit  190  as a kind of display-side display unit. Further, the display-side storage unit  140  stores image data  142  representing image information from the PC  200  and the like, image configuration data  144  representing configurations of the overall image  20  and the configuration change image, apparatus management data  146  representing an apparatus as a target of communication, etc. Note that the display-side communication unit  110  is a kind of reception unit that receives image information or the like from the PC  200 . 
       FIG. 3  is a functional block diagram of the PC  200  in the first embodiment. The PC  200  includes a terminal-side communication unit  210  that makes communication with the projector  100  via the access point  300 , a terminal-side information generation unit  220 , a terminal-side image generation unit  230 , a terminal-side storage unit  240 , a terminal-side updating unit  250  that updates data within the terminal-side storage unit  240 , and a terminal-side display unit  290 . Further, the terminal-side storage unit  240  stores image data  242  representing image information and the like, image configuration data  244  representing a configuration of the configuration change image, apparatus management data  246  representing an apparatus as a target of communication, etc. Note that the terminal-side communication unit  210  is a kind of transmission unit that transmits image information or the like to the projector  100 . 
     Further, the projector  100  and the PC  200  may function as the respective units using the following hardware. For example, the projector  100  and the PC  200  may use the display-side communication unit  110 , the terminal-side communication unit  210  may use a wireless communication unit or the like, the display-side information generation unit  120 , the display-side updating unit  150 , the terminal-side information generation unit  220 , and the terminal-side updating unit  250  may use CPUs or the like, the display-side image generation unit  130  and the terminal-side image generation unit  230  may use an image processing circuit or the like, the display-side storage unit  140  and the terminal-side storage unit  240  may use RAMs or the like, an input unit  260  may use a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port or the like connected to a keyboard, a mouse, or the like, the projection unit  190  may use a lamp, a liquid crystal panel, a liquid crystal drive circuit, a lens, or the like, and the terminal-side display unit  290  may use a backlight, a liquid crystal panel, a liquid crystal drive circuit, or the like. Further, the computer of the PC  200  may function as the terminal-side image generation unit  230  or the like by reading a program stored in an information storage medium  280 . As the information storage medium  280 , for example, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a ROM, a RAM, an HDD, or the like may be applied. 
     Next, a projection procedure of the overall image  20  in response to a configuration change request of an image using the projector  100  and the PC  200  will be explained.  FIG. 4  is a flowchart showing an image display procedure of the PC  200  in the first embodiment. Further,  FIG. 5  is a flowchart showing an image display procedure of the projector  100  in the first embodiment. Furthermore,  FIG. 6  is a sequence chart showing exchanges of information between the PC  200  and the projector  100  in the first embodiment. 
     First, using  FIG. 4 , the image display procedure of the PC  200  will be explained. A participant in a conference provides an execution instruction of a projector search program by operating a keyboard, a mouse, or the like of the PC  200  for connection of his/her own PC  200  to the projector  100 . The projector search program has been installed in the PC  200  in advance. The terminal-side information generation unit  220  generates condition confirmation information for confirmation of connection conditions of the respective apparatuses in the network or the like based on information representing the execution instruction from the input unit  260 . The terminal-side communication unit  210  transmits the condition confirmation information to the projector  100  and receives condition notification information indicating connection conditions of the respective apparatuses from the projector  100 . The terminal-side updating unit  250  updates the apparatus management data  246  based on the condition notification information, the terminal-side image generation unit  230  generates a search image showing a search result of the projector based on the image data  242  and the apparatus management data  246 , and the terminal-side display unit  290  displays the search image (step S 1 ). 
       FIG. 7  shows an example of a search image  400  in the first embodiment. The search image  400  is an image displayed on the screen of the PC  200  by execution of the above described projector search program in the PC  200 , and contains a search result display area  410  showing conditions of the projectors, names of the projectors, IP addresses etc. represented by the apparatus management data  246 , a connected projector list display area  420  showing the projector as a connection destination, an update button image  430  for obtaining the latest search result, a clear button image  440  for clearing the connected projector list display area  420 , a registration button image  450  for registration of a new projector in the connected projector list display area  420 , an option setting button  460 , a participation button image  470  for participating in the conference (connecting the PC  200  to the projector  100 ), etc. 
     The participant provides a participation instruction in the conference by clicking the participation button image  470  using the mouse of the PC  200 . The terminal-side information generation unit  220  generates participation request information based on information showing the participation instruction from the input unit  260 , and the terminal-side communication unit  210  transmits the participation request information to the projector  100  and receives the condition notification information from the projector  100 . The terminal-side updating unit  250  updates the apparatus management data  246  based on the condition notification information (step S 2 ). 
     The terminal-side updating unit  250  determines whether or not the terminal-side communication unit  210  has received image configuration information showing the configuration of the configuration change image from the projector  100  (step S 3 ). When the image configuration information is received, the terminal-side updating unit  250  updates the image configuration data  244  based on the image configuration information. The terminal-side image generation unit  230  generates the configuration change image based on the image configuration data  244 , and the terminal-side display unit  290  displays the configuration change image (step S 4 ). 
       FIG. 8  shows an example of a configuration change image  500  in the first embodiment. The configuration change image  500  contains display mode button images  510  to  514  for changing the number of individual images forming the overall image  20 , an individual image arrangement area  530  formed by four display object areas  531  to  534  in two rows and two columns, a display button image  520  for instruction to display of the overall image  20 , an image mute button image  522  for providing an instruction to display a user logo image or the like in place of the overall image  20 , a pause button image  524  for providing an instruction to maintain the display of the current overall image  20 , an icon arrangement area  540  in which icons  550  to  556  are arranged, a rectangular cursor image  590  moving in the display object areas  531  to  534  in response to the operation for selection of the individual image to be displayed, etc. Further, the configuration change image  500  contains a menu image showing “File”, “Tool”, “Help”, an image showing the name of the connected projector, etc. 
     For example, the configuration change image  500  shown in  FIG. 8  is an image displayed on the screen of the PC  200 - 1  (the computer name is “CPA”). In the individual image arrangement area  530 , a mark image  570  showing the CPA is placed in the display object area  531  in the upper left area, a mark image  572  showing the CPB (PC  200 - 2 ) is placed in the display object area  532  in the upper right area, a mark image  574  showing the CPC (PC  200 - 3 ) is placed in the display object area  533  in the lower left area, and not a mark image is placed, but a recess image of a recessed mark image is placed in the display object area  534  in the lower right area. Further, when displayed in the overall image  20 , the backgrounds of the mark images  570  to  574  are displayed in white and, when not displayed, the backgrounds of the mark images  570  to  574  are displayed in gray. For example, in the example shown in  FIG. 8 , the backgrounds of the mark images  570 ,  572  are white and that shows two individual images of the PCs  200 - 1 ,  200 - 2  are arranged side-by-side in the overall image  20 . Note that the background of the recess image  580  is gray. 
     Further, in the icon arrangement area  540 , in an other apparatus area  544  on the right, the icons  552  to  556  indicating the other PCs  200  are placed from the left in the order of participation (in the order of connection to the projector  100 ), in an own apparatus area  542  on the left, the icon  550  fixedly indicating the own apparatus is placed regardless of the order of participation. Furthermore, the backgrounds of the icons  550  to  556  change in response to the display condition in the individual image arrangement area  530 . For example, in the example shown in  FIG. 8 , icon background images  560 ,  562  on the backgrounds of the icons  550 ,  552  in the display condition in which the mark images are displayed and the individual images are displayed are displayed in white (first condition), an icon background image  564  on the background of the icon  554  in the display-standby condition in which the mark image is displayed, but no individual image is displayed is displayed in gray (second condition), and nothing is displayed on the background of the icon  556  in the non-display condition in which no mark image is displayed (third condition). Further, the icon  550  of the own terminal apparatus is displayed larger than the icons  552  to  556  of the other terminal apparatuses, and the mark image  570  of the own terminal apparatus is displayed larger than the mark images  572 ,  574  of the other terminal apparatuses. Furthermore, the icons  550  to  556  are respectively displayed in different colors, and the mark images  570  to  574  are respectively displayed in different colors. In addition, the icons  550  to  556  and the mark images  570  to  574  are displayed with host names of the PCs  200  (the names can be set up by the user). 
     In the embodiment, when the projector  100  and the PC  200  establish connection, first condition notification information containing unique color information to the PC  200  assigned by the projector  100  is notified to the PC  200 . Here, the color information is information for designating the colors used for the icon and the mark image, and may be preset numeric values corresponding to colors or text data representing the names of colors. Further, the information may be RGB values expressed by predetermined bit numbers. The PC  200  that has newly established the connection to the projector  100  notifies other PC  200  terminal apparatuses that had already established connection to the projector  100  of second condition notification information containing unique color information to the PC  200  assigned by the projector  100 . The other PCs  200  that receive the color information from the PC  200  that has newly established the connection to the projector  100  notify third condition notification information including color information assigned to their own terminal apparatus to the other PCs  200  that have established connection to the projector  100 . Thereby, correspondences between the color of the icons placed in the icon arrangement area  540  of the configuration change image  500  and the PC  200  that has established connection to the projector  100  are the same in any PC  200 , and, even if plural PCs  200  have established connection to the projector  100 , the respective participants can easily specify the desired PCs  200  by the colors of the icons. Note that, in the case where the projector  100  transmits first condition notification information containing color information of all PCs  200 , the notification of the third condition notification information is not necessary. 
     The respective participants who operate the respective PCs  200  can display and operate the search image  400  and the configuration change image  500  on the screens of the respective PCs  200 , and, for example, by dragging and dropping the icons  550  to  556  from the icon arrangement area  540  to the individual image arrangement area  530 , may change the configuration of the individual image arrangement area  530 . For example, each participant places and clicks the mouse pointer over the position of the icon  552  of the PC  200 - 2  (CPB), moves the mouse pointer to the display object area  532  on the upper right (the icon  552  remains in the icon arrangement area  540  and an icon having the same form as the icon  552  moves in conjunction with the mouse pointer) and pulls his/her finger from the mouse, and thereby, can place the mark image  572  corresponding to the PC  200 - 2  in the display object area  532  and project the overall image  20  containing the individual image of the PC  200 - 2  on the projector  100 . The terminal-side information generation unit  220  determines whether or not the configuration change operation has been performed based on the information from the input unit  260  (step S 5 ). If the configuration change operation has been performed, the terminal-side information generation unit  220  generates configuration change request information and the terminal-side communication unit  210  transmits the configuration change request information to the projector  100  (step S 6 ). 
     Further, the terminal-side information generation unit  220  determines whether or not transmission start request information of image information has been received by the terminal-side communication unit  210  from the projector  100  (step S 7 ). If the transmission start request information has been received, the terminal-side information generation unit  220  generates image information representing graphic images etc. shown in  FIG. 1  based on the image data  242 , and the terminal-side communication unit  210  transmits the image information to the projector  100  (step S 8 ). Note that the terminal-side image generation unit  230  generates the graphic images etc. shown in  FIG. 1 , and continuously captures the graphic images etc. and stores them as the image data  242  in the terminal-side storage unit  240 . 
     Further, the terminal-side information generation unit  220  determines whether or not transmission stop request information of image information has been received by the terminal-side communication unit  210  from the projector  100  (step S 9 ). If the transmission stop request information has been received, the terminal-side information generation unit  220  stops generation of the image information and the terminal-side communication unit  210  stops transmission of the image information (step S 10 ). Note that, in this case, the terminal-side image generation unit  230  may stop capture of images. 
     Furthermore, the participant may cut off the communication of his/her own PC  200  by selecting “Exit” from the submenu of the “Tool” of the configuration change image  500 , and cut off the communication of all PCs  200  by selecting “End of Conference” from the submenu. The terminal-side information generation unit  220  determines whether or not “End of Conference” has been selected based on the information from the input unit  260  (step S 11 ). If “End of Conference” has been selected, the terminal-side information generation unit  220  generates end request information and the terminal-side communication unit  210  transmits the end request information to the projector  100  (step S 12 ). Further, the terminal-side information generation unit  220  determines whether or not end notification information transmitted from the projector  100  in response to the reception of the end request information has been received by the terminal-side communication unit  210  (step S 13 ). If the PC  200  transmits the end request information or receives the end notification information, the PC  200  ends the above described series of processing and displays the search image  400 , and, if the conference is not ended, repeatedly executes the above described processing at steps S 3  to S 13 . Note that, if “End of Conference” has been selected, the terminal-side information generation unit  220  may generate a confirmation image showing a character string that “All users participating in conference will be disconnected from projector and search window will appear again. End conference?”, and, if the end notification information is received, may generate a notification image showing a character string that “Other user has ended conference. Search window will appear again”. 
     Next, using  FIG. 5 , the processing procedure in the projector  100  will be explained. The display-side information generation unit  120  determines whether or not condition confirmation information has been received by the display-side communication unit  110  from the PC  200  (step P 1 ). If the condition confirmation information has been received, the display-side information generation unit  120  generates condition notification information based on the apparatus management data  146 , and the display-side communication unit  110  transmits the condition notification information to the PC  200  as the transmission source (step P 2 ). 
     Further, the display-side updating unit  150  determines whether or not participation request information has been received by the display-side communication unit  110  from the PC  200  (step P 3 ). If the participation request information has been received, the display-side updating unit  150  updates the apparatus management data  146  based on the participation request information. Further, in this case, the display-side information generation unit  120  generates condition notification information based on the apparatus management data  146 , and generates image configuration information based on the image configuration data  144  in response to the status. The display-side communication unit  110  transmits the condition notification information and the image configuration information to the respective participating PCs  200  (step P 4 ). 
     Further, the display-side updating unit  150  determines whether or not configuration change request information has been received by the display-side communication unit  110  from the PC  200  (step P 5 ). If the configuration change request information has been received, the display-side updating unit  150  updates the image configuration data  144  based on the configuration change request information. Furthermore, in this case, the display-side information generation unit  120  generates image configuration information based on the image configuration data  144 , and generates transmission start request information, transmission stop request information in response to the status. More specifically, for example, if it is necessary to newly display an individual image, the display-side information generation unit  120  generates transmission start request information to the PC  200  as the transmission source of image information of the individual image, and, if it is no longer necessary to display the individual image, generates transmission stop request information to the PC  200  as the transmission source of image information of the individual image. The display-side communication unit  110  transmits the image configuration information, the transmission start request information, and the transmission stop request information to the respective participating PCs  200 . Further, the display-side image generation unit  130  generates the overall image  20  based on the image data  142 , the image configuration data  144  in response to the image configuration, and the projection unit  190  projects the overall image  20  (step P 6 ). 
     Furthermore, the display-side updating unit  150  determines whether or not the image information has been received by the display-side communication unit  110  from the PC  200  (step P 7 ). If the image information has been received, the display-side updating unit  150  updates the image data  142  based on the image information. In addition, in this case, the display-side image generation unit  130  generates the overall image  20  based on the image data  142 , the image configuration data  144 , and the projection unit  190  projects the overall image  20  (step P 8 ). 
     The display-side information generation unit  120  determines whether or not end request information has been received by the display-side communication unit  110  from the PC  200  (step P 9 ). If the end request information has been received, the display-side information generation unit  120  generates end notification information. The display-side communication unit  110  transmits the end notification information to the respective PCs  200 . At the end of the conference, the display-side updating unit  150  updates the apparatus management data  146 , the image configuration data  144  to an initial condition or the like, for example (step P 10 ). The projector  100  determines whether or not there has been a projection end instruction (step P 11 ), and, if there has been a projection end instruction, ends the above described series of processing. 
     Here, image transitions in the projector  100  and the PCs  200 - 1  to  200 - 4  will be explained in more detail.  FIG. 9  shows an example of image transitions in the respective apparatuses in the first embodiment.  FIG. 10  shows another example of image transitions in the respective apparatuses in the first embodiment.  FIG. 11  shows another example of image transitions in the respective apparatuses in the first embodiment. Here, for simplicity of explanation, it is assumed that the PC  200 - 1  (CPA) displays image A, the PC  200 - 2  (CPB) displays image B, the PC  200 - 3  (CPC) displays image C, and the PC  200 - 4  (CPD) displays image D. Further, the times t 1  to t 12  in the following description are continuous times. 
     At time t 1 , there is no PC  200  participating in the conference, and the projector  100  (EMP00000000) projects a single-color image. At time t 2 , when the CPA first participates in the conference, the projector  100  projects an overall image  20  containing image A of the CPA in response to the participation. On the other hand, at time t 3 , when the CPB participates, the projector  100  does not automatically project image B, but continues to project the overall image  20  containing image A of the CPA. Further, at time t 4 , when the CPC and the CPD participate, the projector  100  does not automatically project image C or image D, but continues to project the overall image  20  containing image A of the CPA. That is, the projector  100  automatically projects the image of the PC  200  that has first participated regardless of presence or absence of an explicit display instruction, however, does not project the images of the PCs  200  as the second and subsequent participants in the absence of an explicit display instruction. 
     At time t 5 , when a participant who operates the CPA drags and drops the icon of the CPB into the upper right area of the individual image arrangement area  530  in the configuration change image  500  displayed on the PC  200 - 1 , the display mode remains in one window and the overall image  20  projected by the projector  100  does not change. Note that, if the icon is dragged and dropped from the icon arrangement area  540  into the individual image arrangement area  530 , the icon remains in the icon arrangement area  540  and a mark image corresponding to the icon is added into the individual image arrangement area  530 . At time t 6 , when the participant who operates the CPA clicks the display mode button image  512  for two windows in the configuration change image  500  displayed on the PC  200 - 1 , the projector  100  projects the overall image  20  containing image A and image B corresponding to the mark images in the row position in which the cursor image  590  exists. Further, in this case, the background of the upper right display object area  532  of the individual image arrangement area  530  in each PC  200  changes from gray to white. 
     At time t 7 , when the participant who operates the CPA drags and drops the icon of the CPC into the lower left area of the individual image arrangement area  530  and drags and drops the icon of the CPD into the lower right area of the individual image arrangement area  530  in the configuration change image  500  displayed on the PC  200 - 1 , the recess images in the display object areas  533 ,  534  of the respective PCs  200  change to mark images, however, the overall image  20  projected by the projector  100  does not change. 
     At time t 8 , when the participant who operates the CPA clicks the display mode button image  514  for four windows in the configuration change image  500  displayed on the PC  200 - 1 , the projector  100  projects the overall image  20  containing image A, image B, image C, and image D corresponding to the respective mark images in the individual image arrangement area  530 . Further, in this case, the backgrounds of the lower left display object area  533  and the lower right left display object area  534  in the individual image arrangement area  530  in each PC  200  change from gray to white, and the icon background images of the icons of the CPC, the CPD also change from gray to white. 
     At time t 9 , when the participant who operates the CPA moves the cursor image  590  into the lower left display object area  533  and clicks the display mode button image  512  for two windows in the configuration change image  500  displayed on the PC  200 - 1 , the projector  100  projects the overall image containing image C and image D corresponding to the respective mark images in the individual image arrangement area  530 . Further, in this case, the backgrounds of the upper left display object area  531  and the upper right left display object area  532  in the individual image arrangement area  530  in each PC  200  change from white to gray, and the icon background images of the icons of the CPA, the CPB also change from white to gray. Note that, since the cursor image  590  independently operates in each PC  200 , even when the PC  200 - 1  moves the cursor image  590  as shown in  FIG. 11 , the cursor images  590  of the other PCs  200 - 2  to  200 - 4  do not move. 
     At time t 10 , when the participant who operates the CPA drags and drops the mark images of the CPB, the CPC into the icon arrangement area  540  in the configuration change image  500  displayed on the PC  200 - 1 , the projector  100  turns the part where the image C has been to white and projects the overall image  20  containing image D. Further, in this case, the mark images disappear from the upper right display object area  532  and the lower left display object area  533  in the individual image arrangement area  530  in each PC  200 , and the icon background images of the icons of the CPB, the CPC also disappear. Note that, the mark images disappear from the original locations by moving or drag-and-drop, and the recess images  580  are displayed in the display object areas without the mark images. 
     At time t 11 , when the participant who operates the CPA drags and drops the mark image of the CPA on the upper left into the display object area  533  on the lower left in the configuration change image  500  displayed on the PC  200 - 1 , the projector  100  projects the overall image  20  containing image A and image D. Further, in this case, the icon background image of the icon of the CPA in the icon arrangement area  540  of each PC  200  changes from gray to white. 
     At time t 12 , when the participant who operates the CPA double-clicks the icon of the CPB with the mouse cursor superimposed on the icon of the CPB in the configuration change image  500  displayed on the PC  200 - 1 , the mark image of the CPB is displayed in the upper left display object area  531  with the highest priority of empty areas where no mark image is provided among the display object areas  531  to  534 , and the gray icon background image is added to the icon of the CPB. Note that, when a selectable icon within the icon arrangement area  540  is double-clicked with no empty area in the individual image arrangement area  530 , the mark image in the lower right individual image arrangement area  534  with the lowest priority disappears and the mark image corresponding to the double-clicked icon is displayed in the display object area  534 . Further, to the input unit  260 , not only first operation information by normal drag-and-drop operation but also second operation information by double-click operation is input, and the terminal-side image generation unit  230  can generate the configuration change image  500  in response not only to the first operation information but also to the second operation information. Furthermore, the second operation information may be input from the keyboard connected to the PC  200 - 1 . For example, if the participant selects an icon within the icon arrangement area  540  by the input using the TAB key of the keyboard, the icon may be highlighted and the mark image corresponding to the icon selected by the input using the Enter key of the keyboard may be displayed in the individual image arrangement area  530 . In this case, the mouse cursor may not be necessarily superimposed on a desired icon. Since the icon may be selected by the simple keyboard operation, even a user who is inexperienced in operation of the pointing device can easily change the configuration of the overall image. 
     As described above, according to the embodiment, the PC  200  generates the image showing the icon  550  of the own terminal apparatus in the different form from those of the icons  552  to  556  of the other terminal apparatuses in the icon arrangement area  540 , and thereby, the user becomes easier to operate the icon  550  of the own terminal apparatus that is more frequently operated than the icons  552  to  556  of the other terminal apparatuses. Thus, in the case where the overall image  20  containing the individual image based on the image information from the PC  200  by the projector  100 , the operation for changing the configuration of the overall image  20  may be easier to be performed. Thereby, even in the case where the respective participants change the configuration of the overall image  20  using the respective PCs  200 , the respective participants may efficiently perform desired operation. 
     Further, according to the embodiment, the PC  200  displays the icon  550  and the mark image  570  of the own terminal apparatus larger than the icons  552  to  556  and the mark images  572 ,  574  of the other terminal apparatuses, and thereby, the user becomes easier to operate the icon and the like of the own terminal apparatus that is more frequently operated than the icons and the like of the other terminal apparatuses. Further, according to the embodiment, the PC  200  displays the recess image  580  in the recessed state in the display object area  534  where the mark images  570  to  574  are not placed, and thereby, the user may think up the drag-and-drop operation more easily and grasp the destinations of the icons  550  to  556  than in the case where an image in a flat condition is displayed in the display object area  534 . Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the PC  200  fixes the display location of the icon  550  of the own terminal apparatus, and thereby, the user becomes easier to operate the icon of the own terminal apparatus that is more frequently operated than the icons  552  to  556  of the other terminal apparatuses. 
     In addition, according to the embodiment, the PC  200  generates the configuration change image  500  containing the individual image arrangement area  530  showing the locations of the individual images  30  to  33  in the overall image  20  displayed by the projector  100 , and thereby, may plainly present the configuration of the overall image  20 . Further, according to the embodiment, the PC  200  displays the icon arrangement area  540  in which the icons resembling the participants are displayed with identification names (host names or the like) in the configuration change image  500 , and thereby, the respective participants may grasp the current participants and may grasp the participants in a conference between distant places or the like. Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the PC  200  changes the display condition of the individual image arrangement area  530  in response to the operation, and thereby, even in the case where the configuration of the overall image  20  changes, the change may be promptly reflected on the display of the individual image arrangement area  530 . Moreover, according to the embodiment, the PC  200  changes the icon background image on the background of the icon as the object of operation in response to the display condition of the individual image arrangement area  530 , and thereby, the user becomes easier to visually grasp the display condition, and can perform prompt operation. 
     Further, according to the embodiment, the PC  200  changes the icon background image in response to the assignment condition of the mark image or the like, and thereby, the user becomes easier to operate when performing operation relating to the icon in response to the display condition. Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the PC  200  changes the icon background image to three different conditions in response to the three display conditions, and thereby, the user becomes easier to operate when performing operation relating to the icon in response to the display condition. In addition, according to the embodiment, the PC  200  determines whether or not the individual images are displayed based on operation information showing the location of the cursor image  590  and operation information showing press-down operations of the display button images  520  to  524 , and thereby, the user may change the displays of the individual images by various operations, and may promptly change the configuration of the overall image  20 . 
     Further, according to the embodiment, since the PC  200  also responds to the double-click operation as operation other than the drag-and-drop operation, in the case where the overall image  20  containing the individual images  30  to  33  based on the image information from the PC  200  is displayed by the projector  100 , the operation for changing the configuration of the overall image  20  may be performed more easily. For example, the drag-and-drop operation may be difficult or may take time because the operation using a portable information terminal or the like is operation with a touch panel or the like, however, according to the embodiment, the user may change the configuration of the overall image  20  by the double-click operation (continuous touch operation), and, even in the case of using the portable information terminal or the like, the user may comfortably perform the desired operation. Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the PC  200  may place the mark image in response to the double-click operation with the mouse pointer superimposed on the icon, and the mark image may be placed automatically in the empty area. 
     In addition, according to the embodiment, the projector  100  displays the individual image based on the image information from the PC  200  that has first transmitted the participation request information regardless of the presence or absence of the explicit display instruction, and does not display the individual images based on the image information from the second and subsequent PCs  200  that have transmitted the participation request information in the absence of the explicit display instruction, but displays them in the presence of the explicit display instruction. Thus, even in the case where the participation requests or the like are received from the plural PCs  200 , the projector may display the overall image appropriately and promptly. Further, for example, if the display apparatus displays the individual images based on the image information from the second and subsequent PCs  200  that have transmitted the participation request information, the configuration of the existing overall image changes and presentation or the like is inhibited. However, according to the embodiment, the projector  100  may receive the participation requests from the second and subsequent PCs  200  without changing the configuration of the existing overall image. On the other hand, for example, unless the display apparatus displays the individual images based on the image information from all of the PCs  200  that have transmitted the participation request information, the first PC  200  should always provide an explicit display instruction, and convenience is reduced. However, according to the embodiment, the projector  100  may immediately display the individual image based on the image information from the PC  200  that has first transmitted the participation request information, and the convenience may be improved. 
     Further, according to the embodiment, the projector  100  may appropriately display the overall image  20  by generating the overall image  20  based on the configuration change request information from the PC  200 . Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the projector  100  may appropriately display the overall image  20  by using the image configuration data  144  etc. In addition, according to the embodiment, the projector  100  may notify the respective PCs  200  of the configuration of the overall image  20  and the participating PCs  200 , and thus, the PC  200  may generate the configuration change image  500  reflecting the latest condition. 
     Further, according to the embodiment, the PC  200  may generate the configuration change image  500  reflecting the latest condition by using the image configuration data  244  etc. Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the PC  200  transmits the configuration change request information to the projector  100  in response to the operation relating to the configuration change, and thus, the projector  100  may change the configuration of the overall image  20  in response to the operation relating to the configuration change. 
     Other Embodiments 
     Note that the application of the invention is not limited to the above described embodiment, but modifications may be made. For example, the number of PCs  200  is not limited to four, but may be three or less or five or more. Further, the number of projectors  100  may be two or more.  FIG. 12  shows an example of a configuration change image  501  in other embodiments. For example, in the case where the number of PCs  200  participating in the conference is six or more and only the icons to the icon  558  of the fifth CPE may be displayed in the other apparatus area  544 , the terminal-side image generation unit  230  may generate the configuration change image  501  by adding a scroll bar image  592  into the other apparatus area  544  so that the icons of the sixth and the subsequent PCs  200  may be displayed in the other apparatus area  544  by scrolling of the scroll bar image  592 . 
     Further, in the above described embodiment, the terminal-side image generation unit  230  changes the form of the icon background image in response to the display condition of the individual image arrangement area  530 , however, may change the form of the icon. Furthermore, the change of the form is not limited to the change of color, but, for example, may be the change of pattern, the change of shape, the change of highlight effect by blinking or the like, etc. 
     In addition, the operation other than the drag-and-drop operation corresponding to the second operation information is not limited to the double-click operation, but, for example, may be operation by selection of an item in the menu displayed by right click of the mouse, key operation using the keyboard, contact operation using a touch panel of a portable information terminal or the like, etc. For example, the terminal-side updating unit  250  or the terminal-side information generation unit  220  may determine the display object areas in the individual image arrangement area  530  pointed by the user in response to the change of the contact position in the touch panel or the like (for example, the direction of movement, the direction and velocity of movement, the direction and amount of movement, or the like) based on the information from the input unit  260 . For example, if the user moves the icon  550  to the left at a velocity equal to or more than a reference value (in an amount of movement equal to or more than a reference value) in the condition shown in  FIG. 8 , the terminal-side updating unit  250  may determine that the upper left display object area  531  is pointed, and, if the user moves the icon  550  to the left at a velocity less than the reference value (in an amount of movement less than the reference value), may determine that the lower left display object area  533  is pointed. Further, a method of determining the display object area in response to the second operation information is not limited to the method in response to the priority, however, for example, may be a method of randomly determining the area, a method of determining the display object area nearest the double-clicked icon, a method of determining the display object area in the position of the cursor image  590 , a method of determining the area in response to the change of contact position, or the like. 
     In addition, the search image  400  and the configuration change image  500  may be images (for example, OSD images or the like) generated in different layers from those of the graphic images or the like to be image information, or images captured together with the graphic images or the like. Even in the case where the configuration change image  500  etc. are captured together with the graphic images or the like to the specifications of the OS or the like, the user may make the display of the configuration change image  500  or the like in the overall image  20  less noticeable by minimized display of the configuration change image  500  or the like or display on the right side so that the image may run off the edge of the screen of the PC  200 . Particularly, the button images for operation are mainly provided on the left side in the configuration change image  500 , and thus, even in the case where the configuration change image  500  is moved to the right to run off the edge of the screen, the button images for operation may be operated. 
     Further, as described above, the respective users can operate the icons or the like of the other PCs  200  in the configuration change images  500 ,  501  in their own PCs  200 , however, they may perform different operations at the same time. For example, if contending operations are performed, the projector  100  can assign priority to the operation that has been first received or assign priority to the operation that has been last received using receipt numbers or the like. 
     Furthermore, the terminal-side communication unit  210  may transmits not only the image information but also voice information representing statements of participants or the like to the projector  100 , and a voice output unit of the projector  100  may output voice based on the voice information. 
     In addition, the connection form of the projector  100  and the PC  200  is not limited to the wireless connection shown in  FIG. 1 , but may be wired connection using LAN or the like, for example. Further, the display apparatus is not limited to the projector  100 , but may be a television, a liquid crystal monitor, electronic equipment having a projection function (for example, a digital camera, a cellular phone, or the like), for example. Furthermore, the terminal apparatus is not limited to the PC  200 , but may be a cellular phone, a portable information terminal, or the like. 
     In addition, the computer of the projector  100  may read a program stored in an information storage medium and function as the display-side image generation unit  130  or the like. As the information storage medium, for example, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a ROM, a RAM, an HDD, or the like may be applied. 
     Further, the projector  100  is not limited to the liquid crystal projector (transmissive type, reflective type of LCOS or the like), however, for example, may be a projector using a digital micromirror device or the like. Furthermore, the projection unit  190  may employ a self-emitting devices including solid-state light sources such as an organic EL device, a silicon light emitting device, a laser diode, and an LED in place of the lamp. In addition, the function of the projector  100  may be distributed to plural apparatuses (for example, a PC and a projector or the like).