Title of Invention
DISPLAY DEVICE, DISPLAY CONTROL METHOD, AND PROGRAM
5
Technical Field
[0001]
The present technology relates to a display device, a display control method,
and a program, and particularly to a display device, a display control method, and a
10 program that enable various states of the device to be expressed in a limited region.
Background Art
[0002]
In recent years, in a television receiver set, a frame part around a panel on
15 which images are displayed has been gradually thinned (narrow-framed). For
example, a light sensing unit of a remote controller, an indicator (lamp) that indicates
power-on, standby, and the like, operation buttons for performing operations for
setting functions of a main body, and the like are disposed in such a frame part in the
related art (for example, refer to Patent Literature 1).
20
Citation List
Patent Literature
[0003]
Patent Literature 1: JP 2005-267897A
25
Summary of Invention
Technical Problem
[0004]
However, the region in which the indicator that indicates operations and
30 states of a display device is arranged is limited as the frame part becomes thinned,
and a new method for expressing operations and the like of the display device has
3
been demanded.
[0005]
It is desirable to enable various states of a device to be expressed in a
limited region.
5
Solution to Problem
[0006]
According to the first aspect of the present technology, there is provided a
display device including an indicator unit disposed at least in a part of a periphery of
10 a display unit on which a predetermined image is displayed and including an
indicator configured to be lit at a predetermined luminance, and a display control unit
configured to perform control such that the predetermined image displayed on the
display unit is associated with lighting of the indicator.
[0007]
15 According to the first aspect of the present technology, there is provided a
display control method of a display device including an indicator unit disposed at
least in a part of a periphery of a display unit on which a predetermined image is
displayed and including an indicator configured to be lit at a predetermined
luminance and a display control unit configured to control the predetermined image
20 displayed on the display unit, the method including performing control such that the
predetermined image is associated with lighting of the indicator by the display
control unit.
[0008]
According to the first aspect of the present technology, there is provided a
25 program causing a computer configured to control a display device including an
indicator unit disposed at least in a part of a periphery of a display unit on which a
predetermined image is displayed and including an indicator configured to be lit at a
predetermined luminance, to execute a process of performing control such that the
predetermined image is associated with lighting of the indicator.
30 [0009]
According to the first aspect of the present technology, a predetermined
4
image is controlled so as to be associated with lighting of the indicator.
[0010]
According to the second aspect of the present technology, there is provided
a display device including an indicator unit disposed at least in a part of a periphery
of a display unit on which a predetermined image is displayed 5 and including an
indicator configured to be lit at a predetermined luminance, and a display control unit
configured to cause an image in which a peripheral region of the indicator is
controlled to have a high luminance to be displayed on the display unit after or
before the indicator is operated to be lit for a predetermined period of time and then
10 to turn off.
[0011]
According to the second aspect of the present technology, there is provided
a display control method of a display device including an indicator unit disposed at
least in a part of a periphery of a display unit on which a predetermined image is
15 displayed and including an indicator configured to be lit at a predetermined
luminance and a display control unit configured to control the predetermined image
displayed on the display unit, the method including causing an image in which a
peripheral region of the indicator is controlled to have a high luminance to be
displayed on the display unit by the display control unit after or before the indicator
20 is operated to be lit for a predetermined period of time and then to turn off.
[0012]
According to the second aspect of the present technology, there is provided
a program causing a computer configured to control a display device including an
indicator unit disposed at least in a part of a periphery of a display unit on which a
25 predetermined image is displayed and including an indicator configured to be lit at a
predetermined luminance, to execute a process of: causing an image in which a
peripheral region of the indicator is controlled to have a high luminance to be
displayed on the display unit after or before the indicator is operated to be lit for a
predetermined period of time and then to turn off.
30 [0013]
According to the second aspect of the present technology, an image in which
5
a peripheral region of the indicator is controlled to have a high luminance is
displayed on the display unit after or before the indicator is operated to be lit for a
predetermined period of time and then to turn off.
[0014]
The display device may be an independent device, or 5 may be an internal
block constituting one device.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0015]
10 According to the first and the second aspects of the present technology,
various states of a device can be expressed in a limited region.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0016]
15 [FIG. 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a television receiver set as an embodiment of
a display device to which the present technology is applied.
[FIG. 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for describing a configuration of an LED indicator in a
smart unit.
[FIG. 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram for describing a configuration of an LED indicator in a
20 smart unit.
[FIG. 4] FIG. 4 is a control block diagram of the TV.
[FIG. 5] FIG. 5 is a further detailed functional block diagram of a control unit of the
TV.
[FIG. 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing a basic lighting example of an LED
25 indicator.
[FIG. 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for describing a basic lighting example of an LED
indicator.
[FIG. 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram for describing a basic lighting example of an LED
indicator.
30 [FIG. 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for describing a basic lighting example of an LED
indicator.
6
[FIG. 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for describing a sequential lighting example of the
LED indicator.
[FIG. 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram for describing associated lighting examples of the
LED indicator with image displays.
[FIG. 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram for describing examples of 5 lighting expressions
corresponding to activation and a power-off operation.
[FIG. 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram for describing a lighting expression of the LED
indicator when a predetermined button is pressed.
[FIG. 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a setting screen example in which a timer is
10 set.
[FIG. 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram for describing examples of associated expressions
when timer setting is operated.
[FIG. 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an operation of the TV when a screen display
button is operated.
15 [FIG. 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram for describing lighting colors of the LED indicator.
[FIG. 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram for describing an example of an associated lighting
expression corresponding to an operation of an up key.
[FIG. 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram for describing an example of an associated lighting
expression corresponding to an operation of a down key.
20 [FIG. 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram for describing an example of an associated lighting
expression corresponding to an operation of downward dragging.
[FIG. 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram for describing an example of an associated lighting
expression corresponding to an operation of upward dragging.
[FIG. 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing examples of associated lighting expressions
25 in a screen-off operation.
[FIG. 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing screen transitions when a video chatting
function is used.
[FIG. 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of an associated lighting
expression in electronic POP.
30 [FIG. 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram for describing an example of an information
expression of the LED indicator corresponding to a lighting position.
7
[FIG. 26] FIG. 26 is a diagram for describing an example of an information
expression of the LED indicator corresponding to a lighting position.
[FIG. 27] FIG. 27 is a diagram for describing an example of an information
expression of the LED indicator corresponding to a lighting position.
[FIG. 28] FIG. 28 is a diagram for describing an example 5 of an information
expression of the LED indicator corresponding to a lighting position.
[FIG. 29] FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of an associated expression
corresponding to a touch operation with respect to the smart unit.
[FIG. 30] FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of an associated expression
10 corresponding to a touch operation with respect to the smart unit.
[FIG. 31] FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an associated expression corresponding to an
NFC proximity operation with respect to the smart unit.
[FIG. 32] FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an associated expression corresponding to an
NFC proximity operation with respect to the smart unit.
15 [FIG. 33] FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an example of an associated expression
corresponding to data transfer.
[FIG. 34] FIG. 34 is a diagram showing an example of an associated expression
corresponding to a gesture operation.
[FIG. 35] FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an example of an associated expression
20 corresponding to a pairing operation of a BT device.
[FIG. 36] FIG. 36 is a diagram showing an example of an associated expression with
a Wi-Fi device.
[FIG. 37] FIG. 37 is a diagram showing an example of an associated expression with
a Wi-Fi device.
25 [FIG. 38] FIG. 38 is a diagram showing an example of an associated expression with
a Wi-Fi device.
[FIG. 39] FIG. 39 is a diagram showing an example of an associated expression with
a Wi-Fi device.
[FIG. 40] FIG. 40 is a diagram showing an example of an associated expression with
30 a Wi-Fi device.
[FIG. 41] FIG. 41 is a diagram showing an example of an associated expression with
8
a Wi-Fi device.
[FIG. 42] FIG. 42 is a diagram showing an example of an associated expression with
a Wi-Fi device.
[FIG. 43] FIG. 43 is a diagram showing an example of an associated expression with
5 a Wi-Fi device.
[FIG. 44] FIG. 44 is a diagram showing an example of an associated expression with
a Wi-Fi device.
[FIG. 45] FIG. 45 is a diagram showing an example of an associated expression with
a Wi-Fi device.
10 [FIG. 46] FIG. 46 is a diagram showing an example of an associated expression with
a Wi-Fi device.
[FIG. 47] FIG. 47 is a flowchart for describing a process for realizing an associated
expression.
15 Description of Embodiments
[0017]
Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing the present technology
(hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described. Note that description
will be provided in the following order.
20 1. Exterior configuration example of a display device
2. Control block diagram
3. Basic lighting example of an LED indicator
4. Sequential lighting example of the LED indicator
5. Lighting examples associated with image displays
25 6. Lighting expression of the LED indicator corresponding to an operation
of a TV
7. Associated lighting expression with a screen-off operation
8. Association of a video chatting screen with the LED indicator
9. Information expression of the LED indicator based on video viewing
30 experience
10. Associated expression corresponding to a user operation performed with
9
respect to a smart unit
11. Flowchart for realizing an associated expression
[0018]
[1. Exterior configuration example of a display device]
FIG. 1 shows an exterior configuration example of a television 5 receiver set
as an embodiment of a display device to which the present technology is applied.
[0019]
The television receiver set (hereinafter referred to as a TV) 1 of FIG. 1 is
constituted by a display main body 11, a smart unit 12, and a stand 13. The display
10 main body 11 is constituted by a display 14 on which predetermined images such as
received images of broadcasting programs are displayed and a frame part 15
disposed in a peripheral part thereof.
[0020]
The smart unit 12 is an indicator unit that at least has an LED (Light
15 Emitting Diode) indicator 84 (FIG. 4) as a lighting unit that indicates operations and
states of the TV 1 using lighting. On a front face of the smart unit 12, a camera 93
is provided.
[0021]
Note that, although the smart unit 12 is disposed in the frame part 15 on the
20 lower side of the display main body 11 in FIG. 1, the smart unit 12 may be disposed
in any portion of the frame part 15 of the upper, left, and right sides of the display
main body 11. In other words, the smart unit 12 may be disposed in at least one
portion on the periphery of the display 14.
[0022]
25 A configuration of the LED indicator 84 in the smart unit 12 will be
described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0023]
FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view taken around the smart unit 12 for describing
the LED indicator 84 in the smart unit 12, A of FIG. 3 is a front view of the smart
30 unit 12, and B of FIG. 3 is a diagram showing disposition of the LED indicator 84
when the smart unit 12 is viewed from an upper side. Note that, in FIGS. 2 and 3,
10
changes are made to the scale of the smart unit 12, disposition of each part provided
in the smart unit 12, and the like in order to facilitate understanding of description.
[0024]
As shown in B of FIG. 3, the LED indicator 84 includes one white LED
21W and two color LEDs 21L and 21R. The white LED 21W 5 is disposed at the
center of the smart unit 12 with respect to the right-left direction and slightly forward
with respect to the front-rear direction. The color LED 21L is disposed on the rearleft
side of the white LED 21W and the color LED 21R is disposed on the rear-right
side of the white LED 21W. The white LED 21W is a white monochromatic LED
10 emitting white. The color LEDs 21L and 21R are configured as three LEDs of R
(Red,) G (Green), and B (Blue) capable of emitting predetermined colors.
[0025]
A light beam of the white LED 21W is output from an output unit 23 (A of
FIG. 3) provided on the front side of the smart unit 12 via a light guiding plate not
15 shown in the drawing. Light beams of the color LED 21L and the color LED 21R
are output from the output unit 23 provided on the front side of the smart unit 12 (A
of FIG. 3) and the output unit 23 (not shown) provided on the lower side of the smart
unit 12 via the light guiding plate not shown in the drawing.
[0026]
20 An electrode pad that is a part of a touch sensor 85 (FIG. 4) and a film
antenna 22 that includes an antenna of NFC communication and the like are
embedded near the bottom of the smart unit 12 as shown in FIG. 2. Accordingly,
the smart unit 12 is designed to be able to detect contacts and proximity (approach
within a distance of dozens of millimeters or less) of hands, fingers, and the like of a
25 user and proximity of an NFC communication device thereto as will be described
later.
[0027]
In the following description, the white LED 21W, the color LED 21L, and
the color LED 21R are also referred to simply as an LED 21W, an LED 21L, and an
30 LED 21R. In addition, when it is not necessary to specifically identify each of the
LED 21W, the LED 21L, and the LED 21R, the LEDs are simply referred to as LEDs
11
21.
[0028]
[2. Control block diagram]
FIG. 4 is a control block diagram of the TV 1.
5 [0029]
First, a configuration of the display main body 11 of the TV 1 will be
described.
[0030]
A power supply unit 51 is connected to an external AC power source,
10 converts the received AC power into DC power of a predetermined voltage, and then
supplies the power to a DC-DC converter 52. The DC-DC converter 52 converts a
first power voltage supplied from the power supply unit 51 into a second power
voltage, and then supplies the voltage to each unit of a panel drive unit 53, a control
unit 66, a smart unit 12, and the like. Note that the power voltage supplied to each
15 of the units may be different or the same.
[0031]
The panel drive unit 53 drives a panel 54 and a backlight 55 to display
videos based on video signals supplied from the control unit 66. The panel 54 and
the backlight 55 correspond to the display 14 of FIG. 1. The panel 54 controls
20 opening of liquid crystal of each of pixels based on driving control of the panel drive
unit 53. The backlight 55 emits light at a predetermined luminance based on
driving control of the panel drive unit 53. In other words, the display 14 of FIG. 1 is
an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and the backlight 55 is disposed on the back side
of the panel 54.
25 [0032]
Each of HDMI terminals 551 to 553 exchanges HDMI (High-Definition
Multimedia Interface) signals with external devices serving as connection
destinations of each of the terminals. An HDMI switch 56 appropriately switches
the HDMI terminals 551 to 553 based on control signals of HDMI to relay the HDMI
30 signals to be exchanged between the control unit 66 and the external devices
connected to the HDMI terminals 551 to 553.
12
[0033]
An analog AV input terminal 57 causes analog AV signals (Audio and Visual
signals) from the external devices to be input to supply the signals to the control unit
66.
5 [0034]
A PC input terminal 58 is configured as, for example, a mini D-sub 15-pin
terminal, and causes analog video signals among AV signals output by a personal
computer to be input to supply the signals to the control unit 66.
[0035]
10 An analog audio output terminal 59 outputs analog audio signals supplied
from the control unit 66 to an external device serving as a connection destination.
An optical digital audio output terminal 60 outputs optical digital audio signals
supplied from the control unit 66 to an external device serving as a connection
destination.
15 [0036]
A LAN terminal 61 is configured as, for example, a 10BASE-T or
100BASE-TX connector or the like, and connected to a predetermined network such
as a home network, or the Internet.
[0037]
20 A tuner 62 is connected to an antenna (not shown) via an antenna terminal
63, acquires broadcasting signals of a predetermined channel from radio waves
received with the antenna, and then supplies the signals to the control unit 66. Note
that, in the present embodiment, radio waves that the tuner 62 receives are assumed
to be, for example, broadcasting signals of digital terrestrial broadcasting.
25 [0038]
A B-CAS (registered trademark) card 65 in which encryption keys for
descrambling digital terrestrial broadcasting are stored is inserted into a CAS card I/F
64. The CAS card I/F 64 reads the encryption keys stored in the B-CAS (registered
trademark) card 65, and then supplies the keys to the control unit 66.
30 [0039]
The control unit 66 performs control of the entire TV 1 based on a control
13
program stored in an internal memory 66A configured as a ROM (Read Only
Memory) or the like. The control unit 66 performs, for example, a process of A-D
(Analog to Digital) conversion and D-A (Digital to Analog) conversion of video
signals and audio signals, a descrambling and decoding processes of broadcasting
signals, and the like. In addition, the control unit 66 also performs 5 control based on
a brightness signal, an IR signal, a touch sensor signals, a USB I/F signal from the
smart unit 12 to be described later and LED control of the LED indicator 84. The
control unit 66 can be configured as an SoC (System on a Chip) obtained by
integrating a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a
10 DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and the like in one chip.
[0040]
The control program stored in the internal memory 66A can be installed via
a USB memory or a hard disk device connected to a USB terminal input unit 90 that
will be described later, or a wired or wireless transmission medium such as a home
15 network or the Internet.
[0041]
An audio amplifier 67 amplifies analog audio signals supplied from the
control unit 66 and then supplies the signals to a speaker 68. The speaker 68
outputs sounds according to the analog audio signals supplied from the audio
20 amplifier 67.
[0042]
Next, a configuration of the smart unit 12 of the TV 1 will be described.
[0043]
Power supplied from the display main body 11 is supplied to each unit of
25 the smart unit 12 via a relay unit 81. In addition, a brightness signal, an IR signal,
an LED control signal, a touch sensor signal, and a USB I/F signal that will be
described later are exchanged between the display main body 11 and the control unit
66 of the smart unit 12 via the relay unit 81.
[0044]
30 A brightness sensor 82 senses brightness around the TV 1 (for example,
brightness of a room in which the TV 1 is installed, or the like), and supplies a result
14
of the sensing to the control unit 66 as a brightness signal.
[0045]
An IR light sensing unit 83 senses IR signals corresponding to operations of
a user which are emitted from a remote controller that is not shown when, for
example, the user operates the remote controller, and supplies 5 the signals to the
control unit 66.
[0046]
The LED indicator 84 causes the LEDs to turn on or off based on LED
control signals from the control unit 66.
10 [0047]
The touch sensor 85 has a plurality of electrodes that change an electrostatic
capacitance according to proximity of, for example, a finger of a person, or the like.
The touch sensor 85 senses a proximity operation and a contact operation of a user
based on a change in electrostatic capacitance of the plurality of electrodes, and then
15 supplies a result of the sensing as a touch sensor signal to the control unit 66.
[0048]
A USB control unit 86 is connected to the relay unit 81, a Wi-Fi (wireless
fidelity) communication unit 87, an NFC (near field communication) communication
unit 88, a BT (Bluetooth (registered trademark)) communication unit 89, USB
20 (universal serial bus) terminal input units 90 and 91, and an encoder 92.
[0049]
The USB control unit 86 acquires USB I/F signals based on a USB standard
which are supplied from each of the Wi-Fi communication unit 87, the NFC
communication unit 88, the BT communication unit 89, the USB terminal input unit
25 90, the USB terminal input unit 91, and the encoder 92 and then outputs the signal to
the control unit 66. In addition, the USB control unit 86 appropriately distributes
USB I/F signals supplied from the control unit 66 via the relay unit 81 to the Wi-Fi
communication unit 87, the NFC communication unit 88, the BT communication unit
89, the USB terminal input unit 90, the USB terminal input unit 91, or the encoder 92.
30 [0050]
The Wi-Fi communication unit 87 transmits data supplied from the USB
15
control unit 86 as a USB I/F signal to another communication device, for example, a
mobile telephone or the like, through wireless communication using a Wi-Fi-based
communication scheme. In addition, the Wi-Fi communication unit 87 receives
data transmitted from another communication device (Wi-Fi device) through Wi-Fi
wireless communication and supplies the data to the USB control 5 unit 86 as a USB
I/F signal.
[0051]
The NFC communication unit 88 transmits data supplied from the USB
control unit 86 as a USB I/F signal to another communication device (NFC device),
10 for example, a mobile telephone or the like, through proximity wireless
communication based on NFC defined in ISO/IEC 18092. In addition, the NFC
communication unit 88 receives data transmitted from another communication device
through the proximity wireless communication and then supplies the data to the USB
control unit 86 as a USB I/F signal.
15 [0052]
The BT communication unit 89 transmits data supplied from the USB
control unit 86 as a USB I/F signal to another communication device, for example, a
mobile telephone or the like, through wireless communication (BT communication)
using Bluetooth (registered trademark). In addition, the BT communication unit 89
20 receives data transmitted from another communication device (BT device) through
the BT communication and then supplies the data to the USB control unit 86 as a
USB I/F signal.
[0053]
The USB terminal input unit 90 and the USB terminal input unit 91 are
25 connectors to which USB terminals are connected. For example, a USB memory, a
hard disk storage device, and the like are connected to the USB terminal input unit
90 and the USB terminal input unit 91 as external storage devices. The USB
terminal input unit 90 and the USB terminal input unit 91 are provided, for example,
on both sides of the housing of the smart unit 12 so as to face each other.
30 [0054]
The encoder 92 is connected to the camera 93 and a microphone 94. The
16
camera 93 is configured by an imaging sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled
Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor, and
supplies video signals obtained from imaging to the encoder 92. The microphone
94 supplies audio signals obtained from sound-collecting to the encoder 92. The
encoder 92 performs an A-D conversion process of the video 5 signals and audio
signals and a signal process such as an encoding process, and supplies processed
signals to the USB control unit 86 as USB I/F signals.
[0055]
FIG. 6 shows a further detailed functional block diagram of the control unit
10 66.
[0056]
By performing the control program stored in the internal memory 66A in the
control unit 66, at least an AV signal processing section 101, a communication
control section 102, an LED control section 103, and a sensor control section 104 are
15 realized.
[0057]
The AV signal processing section 101 performs control for displaying a
predetermined image on the display 14. For example, the AV signal processing
section 101 performs an input and output processes of video signals and audio
20 signals, an A-D (Analog to Digital) conversion process, a D-A (Digital to Analog)
conversion process, a descrambling process and a decoding process of broadcasting
signals, and the like.
[0058]
The communication control section 102 performs control of communication
25 to a network connected via the LAN terminal 61, Wi-Fi communication, NFC
communication, BT (Bluetooth (registered trademark)) communication, and the like.
[0059]
The LED control section 103 performs LED control of the LED indicator 84.
To be specific, the LED control section 103 controls currents supplied to LEDs based
30 on PWM (Pulse Width Modulation: Pulse-Width Modulation) control, and controls
the luminance of light emission. The PWM control is a scheme to control the
17
average value of current by turning the current to be in an ON state and OFF state
through switching, and changing a ratio (duty cycle) of the ON state and the OFF
state.
[0060]
The sensor control section 104 acquires a brightness 5 signal from the
brightness sensor 82 an IR signal from the IR light sensing unit 83, an imaging signal
imaged by the camera 93, and the like, and performs control according to the
acquired signals. The sensor control section 104 also performs control of the AV
signal processing section 101, the communication control section 102, and the LED
10 control section 103 according to the acquired signals.
[0061]
The TV 1 configured as described above provides illumination (an
expression using light) that causes a user to instantaneously recognize a function or a
state of the TV 1, or an operation performed by the user with respect to the TV 1 in
15 association with a display image of the display 14 and lighting of the LED indicator
84 of the smart unit 12. Hereinafter, various kinds of expressions using the display
image of the display 14 and lighting of the LED indicator 84 of the smart unit 12 will
be described.
[0062]
20 [3. Basic lighting example of the LED indicator 84]
First, a simplest lighting method of the LED indicator 84 of the smart unit
12 will be described.
[0063]
A of FIG. 6 shows a display example in which only the LED 21W at the
25 center of the LED indicator 84 is lit. B of FIG. 6 shows a display example in which
three LEDs 21 are lit to emit white light.
[0064]
Note that, in drawings of FIG. 6 and thereafter, illustration of each
configuration of the smart unit 12 is omitted and light-on or light-off of the LED
30 indicator 84 of the smart unit 12 will be appropriately expressed with a
predetermined concentration in order to facilitate understanding of a lighting
18
expression. In addition, in description hereinbelow, light-off or light-on of the LED
indicator 84 will also be referred to as light-off or light-on of the smart unit 12.
[0065]
As described with reference to FIG. 2, a light beam of the LED 21W is
output only from (the output unit 23 on) the front side of the smart 5 unit 12. Thus,
when only the LED 21W is lit, only the front face of the smart unit 12 emits light in a
line shape as shown in A of FIG. 6.
[0066]
Light beams of the LED 21L and LED 21R are output from (the output unit
10 23 on) the front side and lower side of the smart unit 12. Thus, when the three
LEDs 21 are lit, light is formed in a semi-circular shape in the vertically downward
direction from the smart unit 12 in addition to emitted light of the front face of the
smart unit 12 as shown in B of FIG. 6.
[0067]
15 FIG. 7 shows disposition of the three LEDs 21 when the smart unit 12 is
viewed from the upper side and a lighting example of the front side of the smart unit
12.
[0068]
When only the LED 21W is lit, only the center of the smart unit 12 in a line
20 shape emits light in a spot shape as shown on the left side of FIG. 7 since the LED
21W is disposed on the center-front side of the smart unit 12.
[0069]
On the other hand, when the two LEDs 21L and 21R disposed on the rearright
and rear-left sides are lit together with the LED 21W at the center, the smart
25 unit 12 emits light in a stripe shape (line shape) as shown on the right side of FIG. 7.
[0070]
As described above, by dividing uses of the two kinds of light emission
states with a spot expression and a stripe expression in the LED indicator 84, it is
possible to express differences of states of, for example, a power-on state, a standby
30 state, and the like of the TV 1.
[0071]
19
With the expressions of the two kinds of light emission states including the
spot expression and the stripe expression, a user can recognize the difference of the
two kinds of states of the TV 1 without having to identify the colors. When such
expressions are to be given, the two color LEDs 21L and 21R may be lit in white,
and thus the expressions can be realized even when the two color 5 LEDs 21L and 21R
are white LEDs.
[0072]
In addition, in the present embodiment, although the LED indicator 84 is set
to include the three LEDs 21, the two kinds of light emission states of the spot
10 expression and the stripe expression can be expressed with, for example, the two
LEDs 21 disposed back and forth as shown in FIG. 8. In addition, for example,
even when the three LEDs 21 are disposed in the horizontal direction side by side as
shown in FIG. 9, the two kinds of light emission state of the spot expression and the
stripe expression can be expressed.
15 [0073]
In other words, in the present embodiment, although the LED indicator 84 is
set to include one LED 21 on the front-center side and two LEDs 21 on the rear-right
and rear-left sides, the number of LEDs 21 included in the LED indicator 84 may be
two or more, and disposition of the LEDs 21 can also be appropriately decided.
20 [0074]
Note that, although FIGS. 6 to 9 are set to be diagrams in which both ends
of the smart unit 12 do not emit light for the sake of convenience of description, the
LED indicator 84 can actually cause both ends of the smart unit 12 to emit light.
[0075]
25 [4. Sequential lighting example of the LED indicator 84]
The examples described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9 are lighting
examples when one or more LEDs 21 are lit at a predetermined light emission
luminance or turned off.
[0076]
30 FIG. 10 shows a lighting example in which a light emission luminance of
one or more LEDs 21 is continuously changed by PWM control.
20
[0077]
A lighting expression as shown in A of FIG. 10 is possible when the LED
control section 103 performs control in which the white LED 21W on the frontcenter
side is lit first, then light thereof is gradually dimmed, and at the same time,
the color LEDs 21L and 21R on the rear-right and rear-left sides 5 are gradually lit to
emit white light, and then the light is gradually dimmed. In other words, a lighting
expression is possible such that the center part of the smart unit 12 in the line shape
is first lit and light thereof moves to the right and left sides as if flowing.
[0078]
10 In addition, when opposite control to the lighting control of A of FIG. 10 is
performed, a lighting expression as shown in B of FIG. 10 is possible. In other
words, the lighting expression is possible such that both ends of the smart unit 12 in
the line shape are lit first, and then the light moves to the center part in a flowing
manner.
15 [0079]
Such a lighting expression in which lighting positions and luminances are
changed according to passage of time as described above can be employed as an
expression indicating continuous operations of the TV 1. For example, an
expression indicating an operation performed when the TV 1 is connected to an
20 external device such as a remote controller, a PC (personal computer), a mobile
terminal (smartphone), or the like to transmit or receive data is possible. When the
lighting expression of A of FIG. 10 is given, a user can perceive an operation of
outputting (transferring) data from the TV 1 to an external device assuming that the
smart unit 12 to be a central unit (core) or an input and output unit of the TV 1.
25 When the lighting expression of B of FIG. 10 is given, the user can perceive an
operation of inputting data from an external device to the TV 1.
[0080]
[5. Lighting examples associated with image displays]
FIG. 11 shows examples of associated lighting expressions combined with
30 image displays of the display 14 in the lighting expressions of the LED indicator 84
shown in FIG. 10. Note that, in order to facilitate understanding of lighting
21
expressions of the smart unit 12 in FIG. 11, the width of the smart unit 12 is shown to
be the same as the width of the display main body 11.
[0081]
A of FIG. 11 is an example of a lighting expression in which lighting of the
one white LED 21W is combined with an image display of the 5 display 14 and an
example of a lighting expression to cause a user to perceive data output in the same
manner as in A of FIG. 10.
[0082]
In A of FIG. 11, an image in which white light is disposed at the screen
10 center is first displayed on the display 14. Then, the light displayed at the screen
center gradually moves in a downward direction of the screen that is the direction of
the smart unit 12. Then, when the light on the display 14 disappears, the white LED
21W of the smart unit 12 is lit and then the LED turns off.
[0083]
15 B of FIG. 11 is an example of a lighting expression in which lighting of the
one white LED 21W is combined with an image display of the display 14 and an
example of a lighting expression to cause the user to perceive data input in the same
manner as in B of FIG. 10.
[0084]
20 In B of FIG. 11, the center of the smart unit 12 is first lit with the white LED
21W, and then the LED turns off. At the same time when the white LED 21W turns
off, an image in which white light appears near the smart unit 12 in the screen is
displayed on the display 14. Then, an image in which the white light displayed on
the screen gradually moves in an upward direction of the screen and then disappears
25 at the center of the screen is displayed on the display 14.
[0085]
C of FIG. 11 is an example of a lighting expression in which lighting of the
three LEDs 21 is combined with an image display of the display 14, and an example
of a lighting expression that causes the user to perceive data output.
30 [0086]
In C of FIG. 11, an image in which white light is disposed at the screen
22
center is first displayed on the display 14, and then the light displayed at the screen
center gradually moves in the downward direction of the screen that is the direction
of the smart unit 12. Then, the light on the display 14 disappears, and at the same
time, a lighting expression is made such that the white LED 21W disposed at the
center of the smart unit 12 is lit and then the light of the center 5 of the smart unit 12
moves to the right and left in a flowing manner.
[0087]
D of FIG. 11 is an example of a lighting expression in which lighting of the
three LEDs 21 is combined with an image display of the display 14 and an example
10 of a lighting expression that causes the user to perceive data input.
[0088]
In D of FIG. 11, the color LEDs 21L and 21R are first lit to emit white light
at both ends of the smart unit 12 and then the LEDs turn off. At the same time as
the color LEDs 21L and 21R turn off, the white LED 21W is gradually lit, and then
15 the LED turns off. Accordingly, a lighting expression in which both ends of the
smart unit 12 are first lit and the light moves to the center part in a flowing manner as
in B of FIG. 10 is possible. Then, an image in which the light of the white LED
21W is off and white light appears near the smart unit 12 in the screen is displayed
on the display 14. Then, an image in which the white light displayed on the screen
20 gradually moves in the upward direction of the screen and then disappears at the
center part of the screen is displayed on the display 14.
[0089]
As described above, by combining lighting expressions of the LED indicator
84 with the image displays in which white light appears to be absorbed by the smart
25 unit 12 or discharged from the smart unit 12, the user can be made to perceive input
and output of data.
[0090]
[6. Lighting expression of the LED indicator 84 corresponding to an operation of a
TV]
30 Next, a lighting expression of the LED indicator 84 corresponding to an
operation of the TV 1 will be described.
23
[0091]
[6.1 Activation and power-off operation]
FIG. 12 shows examples of lighting expressions corresponding to an
activation operation for switching a standby state (power-off) to an activated state
(power-on) of the TV 1 and a standby operation for switching 5 an activated state to
the standby state.
[0092]
When the TV 1 is in the standby state, the LED control section 103 controls
the color LEDs 21L and 21R to emit light with, for example, a luminance of 50% of
10 a maximum luminance (MAX) as shown in A of FIG. 12. Note that, in description
provided below, LED control for emitting light with, for example, the luminance of
50% of the maximum luminance will be referred to as lighting with 50% luminance.
[0093]
Then, a user performs the activation operation for switching the TV 1 from
15 the standby state to the activated state by pressing the power button of the remote
controller or the like. According to the operation of the user, the LED control
section 103 causes the color LED 21L and the color LED 21R to be lit with 100%
luminance as shown in B of FIG. 12. In addition, a predetermined logo (“SOMY”)
is displayed on the display 14 for a moment.
20 [0094]
C of FIG. 12 shows a control sequence of luminances of the three LEDs 21
when the activation operation is detected. The LED control section 103 causes the
color LEDs 21L and 21R to be lit with 100% luminance, and then controls such that
the LEDs have 0% luminance for a predetermined time. In addition, the LED
25 control section 103 controls such that the white LED 21W that has 0% luminance is
gradually lit after a certain time from the activation operation elapses and then has
50% luminance for a predetermined time from the activation operation.
[0095]
On the other hand, when the user performs the standby operation to switch
30 the TV 1 from the activated state to the standby state, the LED control section 103
performs LED control as shown in D of FIG. 12. In other words, the LED control
24
section 103 controls such that output of the color LEDs 21L and 21R gradually
increases from 0% luminance to 50% luminance, and output of the white LED 21W
gradually decreases from 50% luminance to 0% luminance.
[0096]
[5 6.2 Button operation]
FIG. 13 shows a lighting expression of the LED indicator 84 when a
predetermined button such as a channel button or a program table button of the
remote controller of the TV 1 is pressed.
[0097]
10 In a general television receiver set of the past, an LED lamp is lit only at the
moment at which a button operation is sensed. In this case, when a line of sight of
the user slightly strays from the screen, the user misses lighting of the LED lamp,
and thus it is difficult for the user to recognize whether or not the button operation
has been sensed.
15 [0098]
Thus, the LED control section 103 controls such that output of the three
LEDs 21 becomes 90% luminance from 0% luminance at the time of the button
operation for a short period of time (for example, 0.1 seconds), and then controls
such that the luminance gradually decrease to 0% luminance over a predetermined
20 period of time (for example, 0.9 seconds), for example, as shown in the solid line of
A of FIG. 13.
[0099]
In addition, for example, when an initial state is a state in which light is
emitted with a predetermined output (for example, 50% luminance), the LED control
25 section 103 controls such that the output is first raised to the maximum luminance
and then returns to the original output as shown in the solid line of B of FIG. 13.
[0100]
As described above, by giving a lighting expression in which a luminance is
changed according to the passage of time and afterglow appears to be left as
30 operation feedback corresponding to the button operation of the user, lighting can be
recognized even when the line of sight of the user slightly strays from or misses the
25
screen for a moment, and thus the degree of visual recognition improves.
[0101]
Note that the lighting expression in which afterglow appears to be left may
be controlled opposite to the luminance control described above as indicated by the
dotted lines in A of FIG. 13 and B of FIG. 13. In other words, 5 the control indicated
by the solid lines of FIG. 13 is control in which a luminance is set to a first luminance
and then gradually reduced to a second luminance that is lower than the first
luminance, but may also be control in which a luminance is set to a first luminance
and then gradually raised to second luminance higher than the first luminance. In
10 addition, it is needless to say that control values of a light emission luminance in the
examples described above are mere examples, and a control value is not limited to
the exemplified values, and can be set to an arbitrary value (the same applies to other
examples).
[0102]
15 [6.3 Timer operation]
Next, a lighting expression of the LED indicator 84 corresponding to an
operation of a user for executing a predetermined function will be described.
Herein, as the predetermined function, an example of a timer function to turn power
of the TV 1 on or off at a predetermined set time will be described.
20 [0103]
FIG. 14 shows a setting screen when a timer is set in the TV 1.
[0104]
On the setting screen, “On Timer” that is an item for designating whether
“power on” is to be set or “power off” is to be set at a designated time, “Day” that is
25 an item for designating days, “Time” that is an item for designating a time,
“Channel” that is an item for designating a channel, “Volume” that is an item for
designating volume of sounds, and the like are provided.
[0105]
The above-described items of the setting screen are displayed as a dim
30 background image in a predetermined color in a circular shape starting from the
center of the screen in a black background. Here, the color of the dimly lit circle is
26
a color assigned in advance with respect to the timer function, and set to be, for
example, orange.
[0106]
After setting each item of the setting screen to be a desired value, a user
presses, for example, a decision button of a remote controller 5 as an operation for
confirming (registering) the set content. When the decision button is pressed by the
user, the TV 1 performs an associated expression in which an image display of the
display 14 is combined with lighting of the LED indicator 84 of the smart unit 12 as
shown in FIG. 15.
10 [0107]
In other words, in the same manner as the lighting expression shown in A of
FIG. 11, the orange light circle of the setting screen gradually moves in the
downward direction of the screen that is the direction of the smart unit 12. Then,
the LED indicator 84 is lit in synchronization with or in association with
15 disappearance of the orange light circle of the setting screen. For example, when
the circular light on the setting screen disappears, the smart unit 12 gradually emits
light with the color LEDs 21L and 21R in orange until a luminance reaches the
maximum luminance, and then the light is gradually dimmed and remains lit at a
constant luminance (for example, 20% luminance).
20 [0108]
The state in which the LED indicator 84 of the smart unit 12 remains lit at a
constant luminance (for example, 20% luminance) indicates that the function
corresponding to the color of the emitted light is being operated in the TV 1. In the
present example, since orange is designated for the timer function, the LED indicator
25 84 is lit in orange at the constant luminance, indicating that the timer function is
being operated.
[0109]
When the smart unit 12 remains lit at the constant luminance (for example,
20% luminance), it means that the predetermined function is being operated in the
30 TV 1, and the user can ascertain what function is being operated by pressing a screen
display button of the remote controller.
27
[0110]
FIG. 16 shows an operation of the TV 1 when the timer function is being
operated, the user views a predetermined broadcasting program, and the screen
display button of the remote controller is pressed.
5 [0111]
The leftmost side of FIG. 16 shows a state in which the smart unit 12 is lit in
orange indicating the timer function being operated at the constant luminance (for
example, 20% luminance).
[0112]
10 When the screen display button of the remote controller is pressed, the
display image of the display 14 and lighting of the smart unit 12 are changed in the
order indicated by the arrows according to the passage of time. In other words, on
the display 14, a slave screen indicating the set content of the timer function being
operated is displayed in a region of the display image on an upper side of the smart
15 unit 12 in a superimposed manner, and then erased after a predetermined time elapses.
In this case, the degree of superimposition of the slave screen on the broadcasting
program image that is a master screen increases according to the passage of time and
then decreases according to the passage of time. In addition, a light emission
luminance of the color orange of the smart unit 12 also increases and then decreases
20 according to the passage of time in synchronization with the degree of
superimposition of the slave screen. The slave screen indicating the set content of
the timer function indicates supplementary information that supplements the function
currently being operated (function corresponding to the lighting color of the smart
unit 12).
25 [0113]
In addition, for example, when the TV 1 has a function of recording a
concurrent program and the TV 1 is performing the recording operation, the smart
unit 12 is lit in red during the recording operation. Then, the screen display button
of the remote controller is pressed, the name of the channel, the name of the program,
30 an image of the broadcasting program and the like which are under the recording
operation are displayed on the slave screen in the TV 1 as shown in B of FIG. 17, and
28
the smart unit 12 is lit at a luminance in synchronization with the superimposed
display of the slave screen in red.
[0114]
In addition, for example, in a state in which the user is using a video
chatting function via the Internet and a program image is displayed 5 in a full screen
without displaying a video chatting screen (also referred to as a video chatting
image), the smart unit 12 emits yellow light corresponding to the video chatting
function. Then, when the screen display button of the remote controller is pressed,
the video chatting screen is displayed in the slave screen on the display 14, and the
10 smart unit 12 is lit at a luminance in synchronization with the superimposed display
of the slave screen in yellow as shown in C of FIG. 17.
[0115]
As described above, when the user presses the screen display button of the
remote controller, the display 14 displays supplementary information using the slave
15 screen, and the smart unit 12 is lit at a luminance in synchronization with the slave
screen in the color corresponding to the type of the supplementary information.
[0116]
Accordingly, the user can ascertain what function the TV 1 is operating only
by seeing the state of the smart unit 12 continuously lit in a predetermined color. In
20 other words, an operation of a predetermined function or a set state of the TV 1 can
be instantaneously recognized. In addition, supplementary information of the
function being operated can also be displayed as a slave screen when necessary.
[0117]
[6.4 Other operations]
25 Examples of associated lighting expressions corresponding to other
operations in which image displays of the display 14 are combined with lighting
expressions of the LED indicator 84 will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 to
21.
[0118]
30 Note that, in FIGS. 18 to 21, “A” displayed on circular light in display
images of the display 14 is a display indicating a predetermined function that a user
29
is currently operating (an up or down key operation or drag operation).
[0119]
FIG. 18 shows an associated lighting expression when the up key among
four direction keys including the up key, down key, right key, and left key of the
remote controller 5 is pressed.
[0120]
When the up key is pressed, an associated lighting expression is performed
to resemble light moving in the upward direction corresponding to the up key. To
be specific, the smart unit 12 is first lit. Then, as the light of the smart unit 12
10 gradually disappears, an image of light displayed near the smart unit 12 moving
upward toward the center of the screen is displayed on the display 14.
[0121]
FIG. 19 shows an associated lighting expression when the down key of the
remote controller is pressed.
15 [0122]
When the down key is pressed, the associated lighting expression is
performed to resemble light moving in the downward direction corresponding to the
down key. To be specific, an image with circular light is displayed at the center of
the screen of the display 14. Then, an image of the circular light at the center of the
20 screen moving in the downward direction of the screen toward the smart unit 12 is
displayed on the display 14. Next, as the light on the display 14 disappears, the
smart unit 12 is lit, and then turns off.
[0123]
FIG. 20 shows an associated lighting expression when the display 14 of the
25 TV 1 is a touch panel, and the user touches the display 14 with his or her finger and
drags the finger in the downward direction of the screen toward the smart unit 12.
In this case, the TV 1 performs the same image display and lighting as when the
down key of the remote controller is pressed as described in FIG. 19.
[0124]
30 FIG. 21 shows an associated lighting expression when the display 14 of the
TV 1 is a touch panel, and the user touches the display 14 with his or her finger and
30
drags the finger in the upward direction of the screen from near the smart unit 12.
In this case, the TV 1 performs the same image display and lighting as when the up
key of the remote controller is pressed as described in FIG. 18.
[0125]
As described above, when a predetermined setting operation 5 is performed
with respect to the TV 1, an associated lighting expression in which circular light
appears to be absorbed by the smart unit 12 or circular light appears to be discharged
from the smart unit 12 is performed. Note that the associated lighting expression is
not limited to the exemplified “circular” shape, and an arbitrary color and shape can
10 be employed. In addition, instead of the “circular light,” predetermined text, a
figure, or a combination thereof can be used.
[0126]
When the smart unit 12 is lit or flickers at a predetermined luminance in a
predetermined color, the user can quickly and simply recognize the content
15 (meaning) indicated by lighting or flickering of the smart unit 12 by performing a
pre-decided operation as described above.
[0127]
[7. Associated lighting expression with a screen-off operation]
The TV 1 has the camera 93 within the smart unit 12, and can sense a user
20 in front of the TV 1 based on an image captured by the camera 93. In addition, the
TV 1 has a screen-off function for not displaying an image for power saving when a
state in which the user is not present in front of the TV 1 for a certain period of time
is sensed.
[0128]
25 A of FIG. 22 shows an associated expression in which an image display of
the display 14 is combined with lighting of the smart unit 12 when the TV 1 is
transitioned to the screen-off mode.
[0129]
When a mode is transitioned to the screen-off mode, the control unit 66
30 controls the image display of the display 14 such that an image of which the screen is
to be off appears to be absorbed by the smart unit 12 disposed on the lower side of
31
the display 14 as shown in A of FIG. 22. In other words, in the image displayed on
the display 14, as the image of which the screen is to be off is absorbed by the smart
unit 12, a light emission luminance near the smart unit 12 increases. In addition, as
the image displayed on the display 14 is absorbed by the smart unit 12, the smart unit
12 is lit brightly (a luminance increases). In other words, 5 the control unit 66
controls display of the display 14 and lighting of the smart unit 12 so that a display
ratio of the image on the display 14 is inversely proportional to the light emission
luminance of the smart unit 12.
[0130]
10 B of FIG. 22 shows an associated expression in which an image display of
the display 14 is combined with lighting of the smart unit 12 when the mode returns
to a normal mode (display mode) from the screen-off mode.
[0131]
When the mode returns to the normal mode, the control unit 66 controls the
15 image display so that the image to be displayed appears to be discharged from the
smart unit 12 as shown in B of FIG. 22. In other words, an image with a high
luminance is formed near the smart unit 12 of the display 14 and then the image to be
displayed is enlarged over the entire screen. The smart unit 12 gradually shifts to a
low luminance as the image to be displayed is displayed on the display 14. In other
20 words, the light emission luminance of the smart unit 12 is lowered in inverse
proportion to a display ratio of the image to be displayed on the display 14.
[0132]
As described above, the control unit 66 performs the associated expression
of the display 14 and the smart unit 12 in which the image of which the screen is to
25 be off appears to be absorbed by the smart unit 12 or the image to be displayed
appears to be discharged from the smart unit 12. The user can be made to perceive
that the smart unit 12 is the core (center portion, or essence) of the TV 1.
[0133]
[8. Association of a video chatting screen with the LED indicator 84]
30 FIG. 23 shows screen transitions when the video chatting function is used in
the TV 1 via the Internet.
32
[0134]
When a user views a predetermined broadcasting program in the TV 1 as
shown in an image 201, and there is an incoming call of video chatting from another
user via a network such as the Internet, the TV 1 causes the smart unit 12 to light in
synchronization with a sound indicating the incoming call of 5 the video chatting as
shown in an image 202. Here, the lighting in synchronization with a sound
indicating the incoming call of the video chatting indicates that the light emission
luminance of the LED indicator 84 changes according to a tone or volume of the
sound indicating the incoming call of the video chatting. As described above with
10 reference to C of FIG. 17, since an emitted light color of the LED indicator 84 is
associated with a predetermined function, the user can recognize that the incoming
call of the video chatting has arrived by visually recognizing a lighting color of the
LED indicator 84 even if the sound indicating the incoming call of the video chatting
is not heard.
15 [0135]
The user responds to the incoming call of the video chatting by pressing a
predetermined button of the remote controller. Then, the control unit 66 of the TV
1 causes a video chatting screen to be displayed in the associated expression in which
the image display of the display 14 is combined with the lighting of the smart unit 12
20 as shown in images 203 and 204 as described with reference to B of FIG. 22. In
other words, the control unit 66 controls lighting of the smart unit 12 and the display
image of the display 14 such that the video chatting image appears to be discharged
from the smart unit 12 over an image of the broadcasting program that is currently
viewed.
25 [0136]
When the user finishes the video chatting, the control unit 66 of the TV 1
erases the video chatting image with the associated expression in which the image
display of the display 14 is combined with the lighting of the smart unit 12 as shown
in images 206 to 209 as described with reference to A of FIG. 22. In other words,
30 the control unit 66 controls the lighting of the smart unit 12 and the display image of
the display 14 so that the video chatting image appears to be absorbed by the smart
33
unit 12 disposed on the lower side of the display 14.
[0137]
Note that, in the video chatting, chatting can also be performed in
conversation only using voices without displaying the video chatting image on the
display 14. In a voice conversation mode in which chatting 5 is performed in
conversation only using voices, the video chatting image is erased and the smart unit
12 is lit in synchronization with voices (sounds) of a conversation partner as shown
in images 210 and 211.
[0138]
10 In the above example, the case in which the video chatting image is
displayed on the broadcasting program image being displayed has been described.
However, even when another image is displayed and erased, an expression in which
such an image display of the display 14 is combined with lighting of the smart unit
12 can be employed.
15 [0139]
FIG. 24 shows an example in which an expression in which an image
display of the display 14 is combined with lighting of the smart unit 12 is applied to
electronic POP (Point of purchase advertising).
[0140]
20 In addition, such an expression in which an image display of the display 14
is combined with lighting of the smart unit 12 can be employed even when, for
example, an individual user is recognized based on a user image captured by the
camera 93 of the smart unit 12 and an information provision screen for providing
optimum information for the recognized user is displayed and erased. Content of
25 information to be provided to a user on the information provision screen can be
changed according to not only the recognized individual user but also a time, date,
weather, or the like. For example, when a user is recognized on a weekday morning,
a train route, traffic information (traffic jam information) of roads, and the like
registered in advance can be presented on the information provision screen.
30 [0141]
As described above, when, on a first image being displayed on the display
34
14, a second image that is another image is displayed in a superimposed manner or
erased, the associated expression in which the second image appears to be absorbed
by the smart unit 12 or discharged from the smart unit 12 can be employed.
[0142]
[9. Information expression of the LED indicator 84 based 5 on video viewing
experience]
Next, an example in which a user is caused to recognize predetermined
information (a state) using an information descriptive image displayed on the display
14 and predetermined lighting of the LED indicator 84 of the smart unit 12 will be
10 described.
[0143]
[9.1 Correspondence to a lighting position]
An example in which a user is caused to recognize predetermined
information according to an information descriptive image and a lighting position of
15 the LED indicator 84 will be described with reference to FIG. 25.
[0144]
As described above, since the three LEDs 21 are disposed side by side in the
lateral direction, the LED indicator 84 can cause the LEDs to be independently lit to
cause the user to be able to identify three positions of the left, the center and the right
20 positions.
[0145]
Thus, the control unit 66 first causes descriptive images for describing
predetermined information to be displayed in positions corresponding to the three
LEDs 21 on the left, the center and the right of the display 14 as shown on the upper
25 side of FIG. 25. In the example on the upper side of FIG. 25, an image for
describing “information A” corresponding to the LED 21L on the left side, an image
for describing “information B” corresponding to the LED 21W at the center, and an
image for describing “information C” corresponding to the LED 21R on the right
side are displayed.
30 [0146]
In addition, while the descriptive images for describing the “information A,”
35
“information B,” and “information C” are displayed, the control unit 66 causes the
three LEDs 21 to be sequentially lit, for example, one by one to cause the user to
recognize the correspondence relationship between the information A, information B,
and information C and the LEDs 21.
5 [0147]
Then, the image displayed on the display 14 is switched and the descriptive
images are erased as shown on the lower side of FIG. 25. In the example of the
lower side of FIG. 25, an image in which a mountain is drawn is displayed on the
display 14 of the TV 1; however, the image itself is insignificant and has no relation
10 to lighting of the smart unit 12.
[0148]
When the LED 21L on the left side is on during the display of the mountain
image on the display 14, the user who sees the LED perceives it as the “information
A.” When the LED 21W at the center is on, the user who sees the LED perceives it
15 as the “information B.” When the LED 21R on the right side is on, the user who
sees the LED perceives it as the “information C.” In this manner, when
predetermined information is to be indicated, the control unit 66 causes the LEDs 21
to be lit in the positions corresponding to the information.
[0149]
20 The above example will be described using a specific example. For
example, a scene in which video chatting is performed with three partners at the
same time is assumed. In this case, the control unit 66 displays a photographed
image of a user A as the “information A” of the descriptive image displayed on the
display 14, a photographed image of a user B as the “information B,” and a
25 photographed image of a user C as the “information C,” and then switches the
display 14 to a broadcasting program image. Then, the control unit 66 causes the
LED 21L on the left side to be lit when the user speaks with the user A, causes the
LED 21W at the center to be lit when the user speaks with the user B, and causes the
LED 21R on the right side to be lit when the user speaks with the user C. The user
30 in front of the TV 1 can easily recognize a user with whom the user speaks only by
seeing a lighting position of the LED indicator 84.
36
[0150]
Note that, in the example described above, an image with text that says “this
position is for the user A” may be displayed, instead of the photographed images of
the user A, the user B, and the user C.
5 [0151]
FIG. 26 shows another example in which a user is caused to recognize
predetermined information according to lighting positions of the LED indicator 84.
[0152]
In the example of FIG. 26, the control unit 66 displays the descriptive
10 images in the same manner as in FIG. 25, and then moves the image for describing
the “information B” in the downward direction of the screen. Then, by causing the
LED 21W at the center corresponding to the “information B” to be lit along with
disappearance of the image for describing the “information B,” the user recognizes
the correspondence relationship between the predetermined information and the LED
15 21. Accordingly, when the LED 21W at the center is lit even after the image is
switched, the user who sees the LED perceives the LED as the “information B.”
[0153]
[9.2 Correspondence to a lighting cycle]
An example in which a user recognizes predetermined information
20 according to an information descriptive image and a lighting cycle (blinking pattern)
of the LED indicator 84 will be described with reference to FIG. 27.
[0154]
In the example of FIG. 27, the number of pieces of information to be
described is six including “information A” to “information F.”
25 [0155]
The control unit 66 first causes the descriptive images of the “information
A” to “information F” to be displayed on the display 14 as shown on the upper side
of FIG. 27, and the descriptive images of the “information A” to “information F” are
sequentially displayed in different blinking patterns. In addition, at this moment,
30 the LED 21W of the LED indicator 84 is also lit with brightness synchronized with
the blinking patterns of the images.
37
[0156]
Then, after the image of the display 14 is switched, the smart unit 12 is lit in
any one blinking pattern among the blinking patterns of the “information A” to
“information F” presented earlier in the descriptive images. For example, as shown
in FIG. 27, the LED 21W of the smart unit 12 is assumed to be lit 5 (to flicker) in the
blinking pattern of the “information A.” In this case, even if an irrelevant image is
displayed on the display 14, the user perceives that the lighting means the
“information A.”
[0157]
10 [9.3 Correspondence to a lighting color]
Next, an example in which the user recognizes predetermined information
according to an information descriptive image and a lighting color of the LED
indicator 84 will be described with reference to FIG. 28.
[0158]
15 First, the control unit 66 causes descriptive images for describing the
“information A,” “information B,” and “information C” to be displayed on the
display 14 in the same manner as in the example shown in FIG. 25. However, a
difference is that the descriptive images for describing the “information A,”
“information B,” and “information C” are expressed in different colors in FIG. 28.
20 For example, the “information A” is displayed in red, the “information B” is
displayed in blue, and the “information C” is displayed in green.
[0159]
Then, after an image of the display 14 is switched and accordingly the
descriptive images are erased, if the color LED 21L is lit in red as shown on the left
25 side of FIG. 28, the user who sees the lighting perceives that the lighting means the
“information A.”
[0160]
In addition, lighting of the smart unit 12 enables content and ranking of the
information to be recognized by defining the right-left direction of the smart unit 12
30 as a time axis, and arranging and lighting a plurality of colors in the time-axis
direction. On the right side of FIG. 28, the color LED 21L displays green and the
38
color LED 21R displays red, and thus the user perceives the order of the
“information C” and the “information A” that is the order of the colors green and red.
[0161]
[10. Associated expression corresponding to a user operation performed with respect
5 to the smart unit 12]
The smart unit 12 has the touch sensor 85 and thus can sense contact or
proximity of a hand or a finger of a user as described above. In addition, the smart
unit 12 has the NFC communication unit 88 and the BT communication unit 89, and
thus can communicate with other NFC devices or BT devices. Furthermore, since
10 the smart unit 12 has the camera 93, the smart unit can sense operations of a user.
The TV 1 can perform a predetermined associated expression using lighting of the
LED indicator 84 and an image display of the display 14 corresponding to various
operations of the user with respect to the smart unit 12.
[0162]
15 [10.1 Associated expression corresponding to a touch operation with respect to the
smart unit 12]
FIG. 29 shows an example of an associated expression corresponding to a
touch operation with respect to the smart unit 12.
[0163]
20 The example in which, when the timer function is being operated in the TV
1, the smart unit 12 is lit in orange that is an emitted light color corresponding to the
timer function, and when the screen display button of the remote controller is pressed,
the supplementary information is displayed on the slave screen has been described
above in FIG. 16.
25 [0164]
The example of FIG. 29 shows that the same associated expression is
performed when a touch operation with respect to the smart unit 12 is detected,
instead of pressing of the screen display button of the example of FIG. 16.
[0165]
30 When the timer function is being operated in the TV 1, the smart unit 12 is
lit in orange that is the emitted light color corresponding to the timer function. The
39
user touches the smart unit 12 that is lit in orange with his or her hand. When the
touch operation of the user with respect to the smart unit 12 is detected, the control
unit 66 of the TV 1 causes the slave screen to be displayed as supplementary
information in a superimposed manner, and causes (the LED indicator 84 of) the
smart unit 12 to emit light in a color corresponding to the function 5 in synchronization
with the slave screen as shown in FIG. 16.
[0166]
The user can ascertain what function of the TV 1 is being operated only by
seeing the state in which the smart unit 12 is continuously lit in a predetermined color.
10 In other words, an operation of a predetermined function or a set state of the TV 1
can be instantaneously recognized. In addition, with only a simple operation of
touching the smart unit 12, the supplementary information of a function being
operated can be displayed as a slave screen and content thereof can be retrieved.
[0167]
15 FIG. 29 is an example in which a predetermined image such as a
broadcasting program image is displayed as a master screen as in the case of FIG. 16
described above; however, FIG. 30 shows an example in which an image is not
displayed in the standby state of the TV 1 and a touch operation with respect to the
smart unit 12 is detected.
20 [0168]
Also in this case, when the TV 1 detects a touch operation of a user with
respect to the smart unit 12, supplementary information is displayed near the smart
unit 12 within the display 14 and the LED indicator 84 of the smart unit 12 is caused
to emit light in a color corresponding to the function in synchronization with the
25 display of the supplementary information.
[0169]
[10.2 Associated expression corresponding to an NFC proximity operation with
respect to the smart unit 12]
FIG. 31 shows an associated expression corresponding to an NFC proximity
30 operation with respect to the smart unit 12.
[0170]
40
In the example of FIG. 31, a user holds a mobile terminal (such as a
smartphone) 221 that has an NFC communication function and brings the mobile
terminal close to the smart unit 12, rather than his or her hand.
[0171]
When the TV 1 detects proximity of the mobile terminal 5 221 to the smart
unit 12, the smart unit 12 is lit indicating that the proximity has been detected. For
example, the LED indicator 84 is lit in synchronization or association with an LED
lamp of the mobile terminal 221.
[0172]
10 Then, the TV 1 performs the same associated expression as in FIG. 29. In
other words, the TV 1 causes the slave screen to be displayed in a superimposed
manner as supplementary information and causes the LED indicator 84 to emit light
in a color corresponding to the function in synchronization with the slave screen as
shown in FIG. 16.
15 [0173]
FIG. 32 shows an example in which, when the TV 1 is in the standby state,
proximity of the mobile terminal 221 to the smart unit 12 is detected.
[0174]
Also in this case, when proximity of the mobile terminal 221 to the smart
20 unit 12 is detected, the smart unit 12 is lit indicating that the proximity has been
detected. Next, supplementary information is displayed near the smart unit 12
within the display 14, and the LED indicator 84 emits light in a color corresponding
to the function in synchronization with the display of the supplementary information.
[0175]
25 [10.3 Associated expression corresponding to data transfer between a mobile
terminal and the TV 1]
FIG. 33 shows an example of an associated expression corresponding to data
transfer performed between the proximate mobile terminal 221 and the smart unit 12.
[0176]
30 A of FIG. 33 shows an example of an associated expression when data is
transferred from the mobile terminal 221 to the TV 1.
41
[0177]
A user brings the mobile terminal 221 close to the smart unit 12 of the TV 1.
When proximity of the mobile terminal 221 to the smart unit 12 is detected, the
control unit 66 of the TV 1 causes the smart unit 12 to light in synchronization with
the LED lamp of the mobile terminal 221. In other words, the 5 LED indicator 84 of
the smart unit 12 and the LED lamp of the mobile terminal 221 emit light at the same
timing, are continuously on, or repeatedly turn on and off in the same blinking
pattern.
[0178]
10 Next, data transfer from the mobile terminal 221 to the TV 1 is started using
NFC communication. The control unit 66 of the TV 1 starts acquisition of
predetermined data from the mobile terminal 221 in the NFC communication.
[0179]
During the data transfer operation, the control unit 66 of the TV 1 performs
15 a lighting expression indicating data input combined with lighting of the LED lamp
of the mobile terminal 221. To be specific, the LED lamp of the mobile terminal
221 is lit first at a predetermined luminance. Then, corresponding to a light-off
operation (reduction of a luminance) of the LED lamp of the mobile terminal 221,
the control unit 66 of the TV 1 performs the lighting expression as shown in B of FIG.
20 11 or D of FIG. 11 in which the LED indicator 84 is combined with the image display
of the display 14. A of FIG. 32 shows an example in which the TV 1 performs the
lighting expression of B of FIG. 11.
[0180]
B of FIG. 33 shows an example of an associated expression when data is
25 transferred from the TV 1 to the mobile terminal 221.
[0181]
A lighting expression performed when (the smart unit 12 of) the TV 1 and
the mobile terminal 221 detect communication partners as NFC communication
devices is the same as in A of FIG. 33.
30 [0182]
When data transfer from the TV 1 to the mobile terminal 221 is started, the
42
control unit 66 of the TV 1 performs a lighting expression indicating data output
combined with lighting of the LED lamp of the mobile terminal 221. To be specific,
the control unit 66 of the TV 1 first performs the lighting expression as shown in A of
FIG. 11 or C of FIG. 11 in which the LED indicator 84 is combined with the image
display of the display 14. Then, in the mobile terminal 221, 5 corresponding to a
light-off operation (reduction of a luminance) of the LED indicator 84, the LED lamp
of the mobile terminal 221 is gradually lit and then turns off. B of FIG. 33 shows an
example in which the TV 1 performs the lighting expression of A of FIG. 11.
[0183]
10 As described above, the TV 1 performs a lighting expression associated
(synchronized or linked) with a display unit (LED lamp) of an external device that is
a communication partner of NFC communication using the LED indicator 84 to
indicate detection of the communication partner.
[0184]
15 In addition, the TV 1 indicates data input and output operations by further
associating an associated expression in which lighting of the LED indicator 84 is
combined with an image display (a video expression) with lighting of the LED lamp
of the external device that is a communication partner of NFC communication.
[0185]
20 [10.4 Associated expression corresponding to a gesture operation with respect to the
smart unit 12]
The TV 1 has a gesture input mode in which a predetermined command is
given to the TV 1 or predetermined information is input using a gesture operation.
[0186]
25 The control unit 66 of the TV 1 performs control to cause the LED indicator
84 to be lit as shown in FIG. 34 in the gesture input mode when the user’s hand is
detected or a gesture is recognized.
[0187]
In other words, the user positioned in front of the TV 1 has his or her palm
30 toward the (camera 93 of the) TV 1. When the hand of the user is detected based on
an image photographed by the camera 93, the control unit 66 causes the LED
43
indicator 84 to be lit at a first luminance (for example, 40% luminance).
[0188]
When the user makes a predetermined gesture decided in advance and the
control unit 66 of the TV 1 recognizes the gesture based on the image photographed
by the camera 93, a luminance instantly increases from the 5 first luminance to a
second luminance (for example, 100% luminance). Then, the control unit 66
gradually lowers the luminance from the second luminance to the first luminance.
[0189]
When the gesture is recognized again based on the image photographed by
10 the camera 93, the control unit 66 controls such that the luminance is instantly raised
from the first luminance to the second luminance, and gradually returns to the first
luminance. On the other hand, when the user puts his or her hand down and it is
difficult to detect the palm of the user to be recognized, the control unit 66 causes the
LED indicator 84 to turn off.
15 [0190]
As described above, when a gesture is recognized, the control unit 66
controls the LED indicator 84 so that a lighting expression that leaves afterglow is
made by changing the luminance from the first luminance to the second luminance
according to the passage of time. By performing lighting in that manner, it is
20 possible to easily ascertain whether the TV 1 that should receive a predetermined
command or information has received a user’s instruction.
[0191]
[10.5 Associated expression corresponding to a pairing operation of a BT device]
FIG. 35 shows an example of an associated expression corresponding to a
25 pairing operation of a BT device.
[0192]
Headphones 241 shown in FIG. 35 are a BT device that receives audio
signals of a broadcasting program or the like from the TV 1 using BT communication
and outputs sounds. The headphones 241 have an LED lamp 242 that emits
30 predetermined light according to a power state or a communication state.
[0193]
44
As shown in A of FIG. 35, before the TV1 and the headphones 241 which
are BT devices are paired, the LED indicator 84 of the TV 1 the LED lamp 242 of the
headphones 241are off together.
[0194]
A user performs a pairing operation of the TV 1 with the 5 headphones 241.
In other words, by the user performing a predetermined operation decided in advance
on the headphones 241, the headphones 241 are transitioned to the pairing mode. In
addition, the TV 1 is transitioned to the paring mode, and the control unit 66 of the
TV 1 searches for a BT device located within a communicable range, thereby
10 detecting the headphones 241.
[0195]
The control unit 66 of the TV 1 executes a pairing operation with the
detected headphones 241. Accordingly, the same passcodes (PIN codes) are shared
between the TV 1 and the headphones 241.
15 [0196]
When the pairing is completed, the TV 1 makes an associated expression in
which lighting of the LED indicator 84 is combined with an image display (a video
expression) indicating the completion of the pairing as shown in B of FIG. 35. In
other words, the TV 1 causes the LED indicator 84 to emit light at a first luminance
20 (for example, 100% luminance) and causes an image of semi-circular light to be
displayed on the display 14 having the smart unit 12 as its center. In the image
displayed on the display 14, text “Pairing with Headphone!” is also displayed. The
lighting of the LED indicator 84 and the image display are controlled so as to be in
synchronization with the same blinking pattern of the LED lamp 242 of the
25 headphones 241. Note that the lighting of the LED indicator 84 and the image
display may be performed so as to be linked with the blinking pattern of the LED
lamp 242 of the headphones 241 with a predetermined time interval.
[0197]
In second and succeeding connections of the TV 1 and the headphones 241
30 in which pairing is set, even when the BT devices are mutually detected, the same
synchronized lighting control as in B of FIG. 35 is performed. In addition, when the
45
TV 1 is in connection with the headphones 241 using BT communication, the LED
indicator 84 of the smart unit 12 and the LED lamp 242 of the headphones 241 are
continuously lit at a second luminance (for example, 40% luminance) lower than the
first luminance.
5 [0198]
[10. 6 Associated expression with a Wi-Fi device on a home network]
The TV 1 causes the smart unit 12 to be lit according to a communication
state with another communication device connected to a home network in a wired or
wireless manner.
10 [0199]
The TV 1 is, for example, a DLNA-certified device corresponding to DLNA
(Digital Living Network Alliance) guidelines, and can acquire content from other
DLNA-certified devices based on the DLNA guidelines and display images of the
acquired content on the display 14.
15 [0200]
An operation (function) of outputting (images of) content that has been
reproduced and displayed in a first DLNA-certified device from the first DLNAcertified
device to a second DLNA-certified device is called “throw.” On the other
hand, an operation (function) of inputting (images of) content that has been
20 reproduced and displayed in the second DLNA-certified device to the first DLNAcertified
device is called “catch.”
[0201]
FIG. 36 shows an example of an associated expression of the TV 1 and a
mobile terminal 261 made when content is thrown from the mobile terminal 261 that
25 is the first DLNA-certified device to the TV 1 that is the second DLNA-certified
device.
[0202]
A user first selects a throw process of content that is being currently
reproduced and displayed in the mobile terminal 261. Accordingly, throw device
30 icons 281 and 282 which are icons of DLNA-certified devices connected to a home
network are displayed as throw destination candidates on a display 262 of the mobile
46
terminal 261 as shown in A of FIG. 36. In this example, it is assumed that the throw
device icon 281 corresponds to the TV 1 and the throw device icon 282 corresponds
to a personal computer (not shown) connected to the home network. Hereinbelow,
the throw device icon 281 is also referred to as a TV icon 281 and the throw device
icon 282 is referred to 5 as a PC icon 282.
[0203]
A user drags a content icon 283 that uses a thumbnail of reproduced and
displayed content using his or her finger to move the content icon to the throw device
icon 281 or 282 to which the content is desired to be thrown.
10 [0204]
The user separates the dragged finger on the TV icon 281 from the display
262 to select the TV 1 as a throw destination.
[0205]
When the dragged finger is separated on the TV icon 281, the content icon
15 283 disappears as if being absorbed by the TV icon 281 as shown in C of FIG. 36,
and finally becomes as shown in D of FIG. 36. While the content icon 283
disappears as if being absorbed by the TV icon 281 and is no longer displayed, the
LED indicator 84 of the smart unit 12 gradually brightens from a first luminance
(50% luminance) to a second luminance (100% luminance) as shown in C of FIG. 36.
20 Then, as shown in D of FIG. 36, as the LED indicator 84 gradually turns off from the
second luminance, the image of the content reproduced and displayed in the mobile
terminal 261 is displayed on the display 14 of the TV 1.
[0206]
FIG. 37 shows a state in which a content image 291 reproduced and
25 displayed on the display 262 of the mobile terminal 261 is gradually displayed on the
TV 1. As shown in the sequence of A of FIG. 37, B of FIG. 37, C of FIG. 37, D of
FIG. 37, and E of FIG. 37, the content image 291 being reproduced in the mobile
terminal 261 is gradually displayed on the TV 1.
[0207]
30 [Various operations of catch and throw]
Associated communication of catch or throw and an associated expression
47
of the display 14 and the LED indicator 84 of the TV 1 corresponding thereto will be
described with reference to FIGS. 38 to 44.
[0208]
First, the TV 1, a tablet terminal 301, and a mobile terminal 302 that is also
called a smartphone as shown in FIG. 38 are connected to a home 5 network to which
the TV 1 is connected.
[0209]
The tablet terminal 301 has a display 311 and an LED lamp 312, a control
unit (not shown) that controls the display and the lamp, and a wireless
10 communication unit (not shown) that performs wireless communication of Wi-Fi
communication, NFC communication, BT communication, or the like. A
predetermined content image 313 is displayed on the display 311 of the tablet
terminal 301. The mobile terminal 302 also has a display 321 and an LED lamp
322, a control unit (not shown) that controls the display and the lamp, and a wireless
15 communication unit (not shown). A predetermined content image 323 is displayed
on the display 321 of the mobile terminal 302. A content image 331 of a
broadcasting program or the like is displayed on the display 14 of the TV 1.
[0210]
When a user performs a predetermined operation decided in advance such as
20 tapping the display 321 of the mobile terminal 302, a throw-catch instruction screen
as shown in A of FIG. 39 is displayed on the display 321. On the throw-catch
instruction screen, a throw selection icon 341 that is operated when a throw process
is executed and a catch selection icon 342 that is operated when a catch process is
executed are displayed.
25 [0211]
When the content image 323 reproduced and displayed in the mobile
terminal 302 is to be thrown, the user taps (selects) the throw selection icon 341
displayed on the display 321.
[0212]
30 When the throw selection icon 341 is tapped and a throw (process) is
selected, a TV icon 343 corresponding to the TV 1 and a tablet icon 344
48
corresponding to the tablet terminal 301 are displayed on the display 321 of the
mobile terminal 302 as throw destination candidates as shown in B of FIG. 39.
[0213]
When the user taps and selects any of the TV icon 343 or the tablet icon 344
displayed in the mobile terminal 302 as a throw destination, 5 the content image 323
reproduced and displayed in the mobile terminal 302 is thrown to the TV 1 or the
tablet terminal 301.
[0214]
In addition, in the state in which the throw destination selection screen
10 shown in B of FIG. 39 is displayed on the display 321 of the mobile terminal 302, the
user brings the mobile terminal 302 that he or she is holding close to the smart unit
12 of the TV 1 as a throw destination as shown in FIG. 40. Then, the TV 1 and the
mobile terminal 302 detect mutual proximity using NFC communication, the TV 1 is
selected as a throw destination, and the content image 323 reproduced and displayed
15 in the mobile terminal 302 is thrown to the TV 1.
[0215]
In the throw process, the associated expression of the display 14 and the
LED indicator 84 of the TV 1 described with reference to FIG. 37 is executed
between the TV 1 as a throw destination and the mobile terminal 302.
20 [0216]
On the other hand, even when the catch selection icon 342 is tapped to
select a catch (process) on the throw-catch instruction screen shown in A of FIG. 39,
the same catch destination selection screen as B of FIG. 39 is displayed on the
display 321 of the mobile terminal 302. Then, according to tapping of the TV icon
25 343 or the tablet icon 344, or proximity of the mobile terminal 302, a DLNAcertified
device that is a catch target is designated. As a result, a content image is
input from the designated DLNA-certified device and then displayed on the display
321 of the mobile terminal 302.
[0217]
30 FIGS. 41 and 42 are diagrams for describing another operation method of
associated communication.
49
[0218]
In the mobile terminal 302, the TV 1 or the mobile terminal 302 can be
designated as a throw destination by performing an operation of dragging the content
image 323 displayed on the display 321 in the upward direction of the drawing from
the state of the mobile terminal 302 in which the throw destination 5 selection screen
of B of FIG. 39 is displayed, and then separating a finger on the TV icon 343 or the
tablet icon 344.
[0219]
At this moment, when a content image 323A that is a reduced image of the
10 content image 323 is in a state of being superimposed on the TV icon 343 after the
dragging as shown in FIG. 41, the LED indicator 84 of the smart unit 12 of the TV 1
corresponding to the TV icon 343 is lit in a predetermined cycle. In other words,
the mobile terminal 302 causes the LED indicator 84 of the smart unit 12 to be lit in
the predetermined cycle by transmitting a control signal indicating the selection to
15 the TV 1 that has been selected as a throw destination as the content image 323A is
in the state of being superimposed on the TV icon 343.
[0220]
On the other hand, when a content image 323A that is a reduced image of
the content image 323 is in a state of being superimposed on the tablet icon 344 after
20 the dragging as shown in FIG. 42, the LED lamp 312 of the tablet terminal 301
corresponding to the tablet icon 344 is lit in a predetermined cycle. In other words,
the mobile terminal 302 causes the LED indicator 84 of the smart unit 12 to be lit in
the predetermined cycle by transmitting a control signal indicating the selection to
the tablet terminal 301 that has been selected as a throw destination as the content
25 image 323A is in the state of being superimposed on the tablet icon 344.
[0221]
In this manner, the TV 1 and the tablet terminal 301 emit light in the
predetermined cycle when they are selected as an output destination of the content
image 323 by the mobile terminal 302. Accordingly, the user can easily recognize a
30 device that is a throw destination (output destination of content data).
[0222]
50
FIG. 43 is a diagram for describing still another operation method of the
associated communication.
[0223]
In the state of the mobile terminal 302 reproducing and displaying the
content image 323 as shown in FIG. 38, the user drags a surface of 5 the display 321 of
the mobile terminal 302 in the upward direction of FIG. 43 as shown in A of the
drawing. When the dragging operation of the user in the upward direction is
detected, the mobile terminal 302 recognizes that a throw command has been
instructed and causes a throw icon 361 indicating a throw operation to be displayed
10 on the display 321 in a superimposed manner. Then, the same throw destination
selection screen as in B of FIG. 39 is displayed on the display 321.
[0224]
On the other hand, the user drags a surface of the display 321 of the mobile
terminal 302 in the downward direction of FIG. 43 as shown in B of the drawing.
15 When the dragging operation of the user in the downward direction is detected, the
mobile terminal 302 recognizes that a catch command has been instructed and causes
a catch icon 362 indicating a catch operation to be displayed on the display 321 in a
superimposed manner. Then, the same catch destination selection screen as in B of
FIG. 39 is displayed on the display 321.
20 [0225]
An operation after the throw destination or catch destination selection
screen is displayed will be omitted since the operation is the same as the example
described above.
[0226]
25 FIG. 44 is a diagram for describing still another operation method of the
associated communication.
[0227]
In the state of the mobile terminal 302 reproducing and displaying the
content image 323 as shown in FIG. 38, the user brings the mobile terminal 302 that
30 he or she is holding close to the smart unit 12 of the TV 1 that serves as an associated
communication destination as shown in FIG. 44. Then, the TV 1 and the mobile
51
terminal 302 detect mutual proximity using NFC communication. Then, the LED
indicator 84 of the smart unit 12 of the TV 1 and the LED lamp 322 of the mobile
terminal 302 are lit in a synchronized manner.
[0228]
At the same time, the mobile terminal 302 causes 5 the same associated
communication selection screen as in A of FIG. 39 to be displayed on the display 321.
When the throw selection icon 341 is tapped (selected) on the associated
communication selection screen, the content image 323 reproduced and displayed in
the mobile terminal 302 is thrown to the TV 1. On the other hand, when the catch
10 selection icon 342 is tapped (selected) on the associated communication selection
screen, the content image 331 reproduced and displayed in the TV 1 is caught by the
mobile terminal 302 from the TV 1, and then displayed on the display 321 of the
mobile terminal 302.
[0229]
15 Two communication devices 401 (401A and 401B) of FIGS. 45 and 46 are
devices with the same functions as the TV 1, the tablet terminal 301, and the mobile
terminal 302 described above having LED indicators 411 (411A and 411B).
[0230]
When associated communication such as catch and throw is started between
20 the communication devices 401A and 401B by bringing the two communication
devices 401A and 401B into proximity with each other, a user can easily ascertain
which parts of the devices should be brought close to each other by first setting the
LED indicator 411A of the communication device 401A and the LED indicator 411B
of the communication device 401B to be lit as shown in FIG. 45.
25 [0231]
Then, when the user brings a periphery of the lightening LED indicator
411A of the communication device 401A close to a periphery of the LED indicator
411B of the communication device 401B, the communication device 401A and the
communication device 401B detect (recognize) each other. When the
30 communication device 401A and the communication device 401B detect each other,
the devices are lit in the same lighting method. For example, the LED indicator
52
411A of the communication device 401A and the LED indicator 411B of the
communication device 401B blink at the same time. Accordingly, the user can
easily recognize that the communication device 401A and the communication device
401B have recognized each other. Instead of changing a light emission luminance,
a color or a shape of a lighting portion 5 may be changed.
[0232]
In addition, during communication of data, lighting of the LED indicator
411A of the communication device 401A and the LED indicator 411B of the
communication device 401B is controlled so as to make transitions of light
10 corresponding to movement of the data as shown in FIG. 46. In other words,
control in which the LED indicator 411A of the communication device 401A that is a
data transfer source is first lit at a high luminance, and then the LED indicator 411B
of the communication device 401B that is a transfer destination is lit at a high
luminance when the LED indicator 411A turns off can be repeatedly executed in a
15 predetermined unit of data. Accordingly, the user can instantaneously recognize
exchange of data between the communication devices 401A and 401B.
Alternatively, the LED indicator 411A of the communication device 401A and the
LED indicator 411B of the communication device 401B may perform lighting such
that light is repeatedly turned on and off at the same timing.
20 [0233]
[11. Flowchart for realizing an associated expression]
FIG. 47 is a flowchart of a process performed by the TV 1 to realize an
associated expression between an image display of the display 14 and lighting of the
LED indicator 84 described above.
25 [0234]
In the process, first in Step S1, the control unit 66 of the TV 1 determines
whether or not an operation of a user and the like have been detected, as a trigger to
perform an associated expression. The operation of the user and the like correspond
to various kinds of operations or device states including a button operation of the
30 remote controller described above, a user operation using a gesture, proximity of
another communication device to the smart unit 12, reception of a message
53
requesting associated communication, and the like.
[0235]
The process of Step S1 is repeated until the operation of the user and the
like are determined to be detected, and when the operation of the user and the like are
determined to be detected in Step S1, the process proceeds to 5 Step S2. Then, in
Step S2, the control unit 66 of the TV 1 makes an associated expression in which an
image display of the display 14 is associated with lighting of the LED indicator 84 as
described above.
[0236]
10 Although associated expressions mainly made by the TV 1 have been
described in the above examples, the present technology can be applied to image
display units such as LCD or EL (Electro Luminescence) displays of mobile
terminals like smartphones, tablet terminals, and the like, and overall display devices
with indicators (lighting parts) like LEDs indicating predetermined operations and
15 states using illumination, in addition to television receiver sets.
[0237]
An embodiment of the present technology is not limited to the abovedescribed
embodiments, and can be variously modified within the scope not
departing from the gist of the present technology.
20 [0238]
Additionally, the present technology may also be configured as below.
(1)
A display device including:
an indicator unit disposed at least in a part of a periphery of a display unit
25 on which a predetermined image is displayed and including an indicator configured
to be lit at a predetermined luminance; and
a display control unit configured to perform control such that the
predetermined image displayed on the display unit is associated with lighting of the
indicator.
30 (2)
The display device according to (1),
54
wherein the display control unit controls the predetermined image such that
the image appears to be absorbed by the indicator unit or the image appears to be
discharged from the indicator unit.
(3)
The display device according 5 to (1) or (2),
wherein the display control unit controls the predetermined image such that
the image appears to be absorbed by the indicator unit when a predetermined setting
operation is performed with respect to the display device.
(4)
10 The display device according to any one of (1) to (3),
wherein the predetermined image is a second image displayed on a first
image in a superimposed manner.
(5)
The display device according to (4),
15 wherein, when the second image is displayed on the first image in a
superimposed manner on the display unit, the indicator is lit at a luminance
synchronized with the superimposed display of the second image.
(6)
The display device according to (4),
20 wherein, when the second image indicating supplementary information is
displayed on the first image in a superimposed manner on the display unit, the
indicator is lit in a color corresponding to a type of the supplementary information.
(7)
A display control method of a display device including an indicator unit
25 disposed at least in a part of a periphery of a display unit on which a predetermined
image is displayed and including an indicator configured to be lit at a predetermined
luminance and a display control unit configured to control the predetermined image
displayed on the display unit, the method including:
performing control such that the predetermined image is associated with
30 lighting of the indicator by the display control unit.
(8)
55
A program causing a computer configured to control a display device
including an indicator unit disposed at least in a part of a periphery of a display unit
on which a predetermined image is displayed and including an indicator configured
to be lit at a predetermined luminance, to execute a process of:
performing control such that the predetermined image 5 is associated with
lighting of the indicator.
(9)
A display device including:
an indicator unit disposed at least in a part of a periphery of a display unit
10 on which a predetermined image is displayed and including an indicator configured
to be lit at a predetermined luminance; and
a display control unit configured to cause an image in which a peripheral
region of the indicator is controlled to have a high luminance to be displayed on the
display unit after or before the indicator is operated to be lit for a predetermined
15 period of time and then to turn off.
(10)
The display device according to (9),
wherein the display control unit performs control such that a region of an
image displayed on the display unit distant from the indicator has a low luminance
20 and then causes the image in which the peripheral region of the indicator is
controlled to have a high luminance to be displayed on the display unit.
(11)
The display device according to (9) or (10),
wherein, when a predetermined setting operation is performed with respect
25 to the display device, the display control unit causes an image in a circular shape
moving from a center of a screen toward the indicator to be displayed on the display
unit, and
wherein the indicator is operated to be lit for the predetermined period of
time and then to turn off after the image in which the peripheral region of the
30 indicator is controlled to have a high luminance is displayed on the display unit as an
image in which the image in the circular shape moves to the peripheral region of the
56
indicator.
(12)
The display device according to any one of (9) to (11),
wherein the display control unit further causes an image in which a second
image for describing a function currently being operated is superimposed 5 on a first
image to be displayed, and
wherein, when the second image is displayed on the first image in a
superimposed manner on the display unit, the indicator is lit in a color corresponding
to the function currently being operated.
10 (13)
A display control method of a display device including an indicator unit
disposed at least in a part of a periphery of a display unit on which a predetermined
image is displayed and including an indicator configured to be lit at a predetermined
luminance and a display control unit configured to control the predetermined image
15 displayed on the display unit, the method including:
causing an image in which a peripheral region of the indicator is controlled
to have a high luminance to be displayed on the display unit by the display control
unit after or before the indicator is operated to be lit for a predetermined period of
time and then to turn off.
20 (14)
A program causing a computer configured to control a display device
including an indicator unit disposed at least in a part of a periphery of a display unit
on which a predetermined image is displayed and including an indicator configured
to be lit at a predetermined luminance, to execute a process of:
25 causing an image in which a peripheral region of the indicator is controlled
to have a high luminance to be displayed on the display unit after or before the
indicator is operated to be lit for a predetermined period of time and then to turn off.
Reference Signs List
30 [0239]
1 television receiver set
57
11 display main body
12 smart unit
14 display
15 frame part
5 66 control unit
84 LED indicator
85 touch sensor
87 Wi-Fi communication unit
88 NFC communication unit
10 89 BT communication unit
93 camera
101 AV signal processing section
102 communication control section
103 LED control section
15 104 camera control section
58
CLAIMS
Claim 1
A display device comprising:
an indicator unit disposed at least in a part of a periphery of a display unit
on which a predetermined image is displayed and including an 5 indicator configured
to be lit at a predetermined luminance; and
a display control unit configured to perform control such that the
predetermined image displayed on the display unit is associated with lighting of the
indicator.
10
Claim 2
The display device according to claim 1,
wherein the display control unit controls the predetermined image such that
the image appears to be absorbed by the indicator unit or the image appears to be
15 discharged from the indicator unit.
Claim 3
The display device according to claim 2,
wherein the display control unit controls the predetermined image such that
20 the image appears to be absorbed by the indicator unit when a predetermined setting
operation is performed with respect to the display device.
Claim 4
The display device according to claim 1,
25 wherein the predetermined image is a second image displayed on a first
image in a superimposed manner.
Claim 5
The display device according to claim 4,
30 wherein, when the second image is displayed on the first image in a
superimposed manner on the display unit, the indicator is lit at a luminance
59
synchronized with the superimposed display of the second image.
Claim 6
The display device according to claim 4,
wherein, when the second image indicating supplementary 5 information is
displayed on the first image in a superimposed manner on the display unit, the
indicator is lit in a color corresponding to a type of the supplementary information.
Claim 7
10 A display control method of a display device including an indicator unit
disposed at least in a part of a periphery of a display unit on which a predetermined
image is displayed and including an indicator configured to be lit at a predetermined
luminance and a display control unit configured to control the predetermined image
displayed on the display unit, the method comprising:
15 performing control such that the predetermined image is associated with
lighting of the indicator by the display control unit.
Claim 8
A program causing a computer configured to control a display device
20 including an indicator unit disposed at least in a part of a periphery of a display unit
on which a predetermined image is displayed and including an indicator configured
to be lit at a predetermined luminance, to execute a process of:
performing control such that the predetermined image is associated with
lighting of the indicator.
25
Claim 9
A display device comprising:
an indicator unit disposed at least in a part of a periphery of a display unit
on which a predetermined image is displayed and including an indicator configured
30 to be lit at a predetermined luminance; and
a display control unit configured to cause an image in which a peripheral
60
region of the indicator is controlled to have a high luminance to be displayed on the
display unit after or before the indicator is operated to be lit for a predetermined
period of time and then to turn off.
5 Claim 10
The display device according to claim 9,
wherein the display control unit performs control such that a region of an
image displayed on the display unit distant from the indicator has a low luminance
and then causes the image in which the peripheral region of the indicator is
10 controlled to have a high luminance to be displayed on the display unit.
Claim 11
The display device according to claim 9,
wherein, when a predetermined setting operation is performed with respect
15 to the display device, the display control unit causes an image in a circular shape
moving from a center of a screen toward the indicator to be displayed on the display
unit, and
wherein the indicator is operated to be lit for the predetermined period of
time and then to turn off after the image in which the peripheral region of the
20 indicator is controlled to have a high luminance is displayed on the display unit as an
image in which the image in the circular shape moves to the peripheral region of the
indicator.
Claim 12
25 The display device according to claim 9,
wherein the display control unit further causes an image in which a second
image for describing a function currently being operated is superimposed on a first
image to be displayed, and
wherein, when the second image is displayed on the first image in a
30 superimposed manner on the display unit, the indicator is lit in a color corresponding
to the function currently being operated.
61
Claim 13
A display control method of a display device including an indicator unit
disposed at least in a part of a periphery of a display unit on which a predetermined
image is displayed and including an indicator configured to be 5 lit at a predetermined
luminance and a display control unit configured to control the predetermined image
displayed on the display unit, the method comprising:
causing an image in which a peripheral region of the indicator is controlled
to have a high luminance to be displayed on the display unit by the display control
10 unit after or before the indicator is operated to be lit for a predetermined period of
time and then to turn off.
Claim 14
A program causing a computer configured to control a display device
15 including an indicator unit disposed at least in a part of a periphery of a display unit
on which a predetermined image is displayed and including an indicator configured
to be lit at a predetermined luminance, to execute a process of:
causing an image in which a peripheral region of the indicator is controlled
to have a high luminance to be displayed on the display unit after or before the
20 indicator is operated to be lit for a predetermined period of time and then to turn off.