Title of Invention:
DISPLAY APPARATUS, DISPLAY CONTROL METHOD, AND PORTABLE
TERMINAL APPARATUS, AND PROGRAM
Technical Field
[0001]
The present technology relates to a display apparatus,
a display control method, and a portable terminal apparatus,
and a program, and particularly to a display apparatus, a
display control method, and a portable terminal apparatus,
and a program capable of representing various states of an
apparatus in a limited region.
Background Art
[0002]
In recent years, in a television receiver, a frame part
in the vicinity of a panel which displays an image has been
gradually narrowed (narrowing of a frame). In the related
art, for example, a light reception part of a remote
controller, an indicator (lamp) indicating power-on, standby,
and the like, operation buttons for setting operations of a
main body, and the like are disposed at the frame part (for
example, refer to Patent Literature 1).
Citation List
Patent Literature
3
[0003]
PTL 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application
Publication No. 2005-267897
Summary of Invention
Technical Problem
[0004]
However, a region for disposing an indicator indicating
an operation or a state of a display apparatus is restricted
due to narrowing of the frame part, and thus a new method of
representing an operation or the like of the display
apparatus is desirable.
[0005]
The present technology has been made in consideration
of these circumstances, and enables various states of an
apparatus to be represented in a limited region.
Solution to Problem
[0006]
According to a first aspect of the present technology,
there is provided a display apparatus including a display
unit that displays a predetermined image; a communication
unit that performs communication of image data with another
image display apparatus; an indicator unit that is disposed
at at least a part of surroundings of the display unit and
includes an indicator which is turned on with predetermined
luminance; and a control unit that turns on the indicator so
4
as to correspond to a transmission operation of the image
data in another image display apparatus.
[0007]
According to the first aspect of the present technology,
there is provided a display control method for a display
apparatus including a display unit that displays a
predetermined image, a communication unit that performs
communication of image data with another image display
apparatus, an indicator unit that is disposed at at least a
part of surroundings of the display unit and includes an
indicator which is turned on with predetermined luminance,
and a control unit that controls turning-on of the indicator,
the method including causing the control unit to turn on the
indicator so as to correspond to a transmission operation of
the image data in another image display apparatus.
[0008]
According to the first aspect of the present technology,
there is provided a program causing a computer which
controls a display apparatus, to perform the process of
turning on an indicator so as to correspond to a
transmission operation of image data in another image
display apparatus, in which the display apparatus includes a
display unit that displays a predetermined image; a
communication unit that performs communication of image data
with another image display apparatus; and an indicator unit
5
that is disposed at at least a part of surroundings of the
display unit and includes the indicator which is turned on
with predetermined luminance.
[0009]
In the first aspect of the present technology, the
indicator is controlled to be turned on so as to correspond
to a transmission operation of image data in another image
display apparatus.
[0010]
According to a second aspect of the present technology,
there is provided a portable terminal apparatus including a
communication unit that performs transmission of image data
with an image display apparatus; a display unit that
displays an instruction image for instructing a transmission
operation of the image data; and a control unit that changes
a turning-on state of an indicator of the image display
apparatus so as to correspond to a user's transmission
operation of the image data based on the instruction image.
[0011]
In the second aspect of the present technology, a
turning-on state of the indicator of the image display
apparatus is controlled to be changed so as to correspond to
a user's transmission operation based on the instruction
image for instructing a transmission operation of the image
data, displayed on the display unit.
6
[0012]
According to a third aspect of the present technology,
there is provided a display apparatus including a display
unit that displays a predetermined image; a communication
unit that performs communication of image data with another
image display apparatus; an indicator unit that is disposed
at at least a part of surroundings of the display unit and
includes an indicator which is turned on with predetermined
luminance; and a control unit that turns on the indicator
during communication of the image data with another image
display apparatus, in which the control unit turns on the
indicator of the indicator unit only during a predetermined
period before or after an indicator of another image display
apparatus is turned on only during a predetermined period.
[0013]
According to the third aspect of the present technology,
there is provided a display control method for a display
apparatus including a display unit that displays a
predetermined image, a communication unit that performs
communication of image data with another image display
apparatus, an indicator unit that is disposed at at least a
part of surroundings of the display unit and includes an
indicator which is turned on with predetermined luminance,
and a control unit that turns on the indicator during
communication of the image data with another image display
7
apparatus, the method including causing the control unit to
turn on the indicator of the indicator unit only during a
predetermined period before or after an indicator of another
image display apparatus is turned on only during a
predetermined period.
[0014]
According to the third aspect of the present technology,
there is provided a program causing a computer which
controls a display apparatus, to perform the process of
turning on an indicator of an indicator unit only during a
predetermined period before or after an indicator of another
image display apparatus is turned on only during a
predetermined period while communication of image data with
another image display apparatus is performed, in which the
display apparatus includes a display unit that displays a
predetermined image; a communication unit that performs
communication of the image data with another image display
apparatus; and an indicator unit that is disposed at at
least a part of surroundings of the display unit and
includes the indicator which is turned on with predetermined
luminance.
[0015]
In the third aspect of the present technology, control
is performed so that the indicator of the indicator unit is
turned on only during a predetermined period before or after
8
an indicator of another image display apparatus is turned on
only during a predetermined period while communication of
image data with another image display apparatus is performed.
[0016]
The display apparatus may be a standalone apparatus,
and may be an internal block which forms a single apparatus.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0017]
According to the first to third aspects of the present
technology, it is possible to represent various states of an
apparatus in a limited region.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0018]
[Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a television
receiver as an embodiment of a display apparatus to which
the present technology is applied.
[Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating a
configuration of an LED indicator of a smart unit.
[Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating a
configuration of the LED indicator of the smart unit.
[Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a control block diagram of a TV.
[Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a more detailed functional block
diagram of a control section of the TV.
[Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating a basic
turning-on example of the LED indicator.
9
[Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating a basic
turning-on example of the LED indicator.
[Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating a basic
turning-on example of the LED indicator.
[Fig. 9] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating a basic
turning-on example of the LED indicator.
[Fig. 10] Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating a sequence
turning-on example of the LED indicator.
[Fig. 11] Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating a turningon
example of the LED indicator cooperating with image
display.
[Fig. 12] Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example
of turning-on representation corresponding to power-on and
power-off operations.
[Fig. 13] Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating turning-on
representation of the LED indicator when a predetermined
button is pressed.
[Fig. 14] Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating a setting
screen example when a timer is set.
[Fig. 15] Fig. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example
of cooperative representation when a timer setting operation
is performed.
[Fig. 16] Fig. 16 is a diagram illustrating an
operation of the TV when a screen display button is operated.
[Fig. 17] Fig. 17 is a diagram illustrating turning-on
10
colors of the LED indicator.
[Fig. 18] Fig. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example
of cooperative turning-on representation corresponding to an
upper key operation.
[Fig. 19] Fig. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example
of cooperative turning-on representation corresponding to a
lower key operation.
[Fig. 20] Fig. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example
of cooperative turning-on representation corresponding to a
downward drag operation.
[Fig. 21] Fig. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example
of cooperative turning-on representation corresponding to an
upward drag operation.
[Fig. 22] Fig. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example
of cooperative turning-on representation in an image erasure
operation.
[Fig. 23] Fig. 23 is a diagram illustrating screen
transition when a video chatting function is used.
[Fig. 24] Fig. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example
of cooperative turning-on representation in electronic POP.
[Fig. 25] Fig. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example
of information representation of the LED indicator
corresponding to a turning-on position.
[Fig. 26] Fig. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example
of information representation of the LED indicator
11
corresponding to a turning-on position.
[Fig. 27] Fig. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example
of information representation of the LED indicator
corresponding to a turning-on cycle.
[Fig. 28] Fig. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example
of information representation of the LED indicator
corresponding to a turning-on color.
[Fig. 29] Fig. 29 is a diagram illustrating an example
of cooperative representation corresponding to a touch
operation on the smart unit.
[Fig. 30] Fig. 30 is a diagram illustrating an example
of cooperative representation corresponding to a touch
operation on the smart unit.
[Fig. 31] Fig. 31 is a diagram illustrating an example
of cooperative representation corresponding to an NFC
approximate operation to the smart unit.
[Fig. 32] Fig. 32 is a diagram illustrating an example
of cooperative representation corresponding to an NFC
approximate operation to the smart unit.
[Fig. 33] Fig. 33 is a diagram illustrating an example
of cooperative representation corresponding to data
transmission.
[Fig. 34] Fig. 34 is a diagram illustrating an example
of cooperative representation corresponding to a gesture
operation.
12
[Fig. 35] Fig. 35 is a diagram illustrating an example
of cooperative representation corresponding to a pairing
operation of a BT apparatus.
[Fig. 36] Fig. 36 is a diagram illustrating an example
of cooperative representation with a Wi-Fi apparatus.
[Fig. 37] Fig. 37 is a diagram illustrating an example
of cooperative representation with the Wi-Fi apparatus.
[Fig. 38] Fig. 38 is a diagram illustrating an example
of cooperative representation with the Wi-Fi apparatus.
[Fig. 39] Fig. 39 is a diagram illustrating an example
of cooperative representation with the Wi-Fi apparatus.
[Fig. 40] Fig. 40 is a diagram illustrating an example
of cooperative representation with the Wi-Fi apparatus.
[Fig. 41] Fig. 41 is a diagram illustrating an example
of cooperative representation with the Wi-Fi apparatus.
[Fig. 42] Fig. 42 is a diagram illustrating an example
of cooperative representation with the Wi-Fi apparatus.
[Fig. 43] Fig. 43 is a diagram illustrating an example
of cooperative representation with the Wi-Fi apparatus.
[Fig. 44] Fig. 44 is a diagram illustrating an example
of cooperative representation with the Wi-Fi apparatus.
[Fig. 45] Fig. 45 is a diagram illustrating an example
of cooperative representation with the Wi-Fi apparatus.
[Fig. 46] Fig. 46 is a diagram illustrating an example
of cooperative representation with the Wi-Fi apparatus.
13
[Fig. 47] Fig. 47 is a flowchart illustrating a process
of realizing cooperative representation.
Description of Embodiments
[0019]
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present technology will
be described. In addition, the description will be made in
the following order.
1. Exterior configuration example of display apparatus
2. Control block diagram
3. Basic turning-on example of LED indicator
4. Sequence turning-on example of LED indicator
5. Cooperative turning-on example with image display
6. Turning-on representation of LED indicator
corresponding to TV operation
7. Cooperative turning-on representation in image
erasure operation
8. Cooperation between video chatting screen and LED
indicator
9. Information representation of LED indicator based on
image viewing experience
10. Cooperative representation corresponding to user's
operation performed on smart unit
11. Flowchart for realizing cooperative representation
[0020]
[1. Exterior configuration example of display
14
apparatus]
Fig. 1 illustrates an exterior configuration example of
a television receiver as an embodiment of a display
apparatus to which the present technology is applied.
[0021]
A television receiver (hereinafter, referred to as a
TV) 1 of Fig. 1 includes a display main body 11, a smart
unit 12, and a stand 13. The display main body 11 includes
a display 14 which displays a predetermined image such as an
image of a received broadcast program, and a frame part 15
disposed at a surrounding part thereof.
[0022]
The smart unit 12 is an indicator unit which includes
at least a light emitting diode (LED) indicator 84 (Fig. 4)
as a turning-on part which represents an operation or a
state of the TV 1 through illumination. A camera 93 is
provided on a front surface of the smart unit 12.
[0023]
In addition, the smart unit 12 is disposed at the frame
part 15 on the lower side of the display main body 11 in Fig.
1, but the smart unit 12 may be disposed at the frame part
15 on any of the upper side, the left side, and the right
side of the display main body 11. In other words, the smart
unit 12 may be disposed at at least a part of the vicinity
of the display 14.
15
[0024]
With reference to Figs. 2 and 3, a configuration of the
LED indicator 84 of the smart unit 12 will be described.
[0025]
Fig. 2 is an enlarged side view of the vicinity of the
smart unit 12 for illustrating the LED indicator 84 of the
smart unit 12, Fig. 3A is a front view of the smart unit 12,
and Fig. 3B is a diagram illustrating an arrangement of the
LED indicator 84 when the smart unit 12 is viewed from the
top. In addition, in Figs. 2 and 3, a scale of the smart
unit 12, an arrangement of respective parts of the smart
unit 12, and the like are changed for better understanding
of description.
[0026]
The LED indicator 84 includes, as illustrated in Fig.
3B, a single white LED 21W, and two color LED 21L and LED
21R. The white LED 21W is disposed at a center of the smart
unit 12 in the horizontal direction, and is disposed
slightly toward the front side in the front and rear
directions. The color LED 21L is disposed on the rear side
and left side of the white LED 21W, and the color LED 21R is
disposed on the rear side and the right side of the white
LED 21W. The white LED 21W is a single white LED, and emits
white light. The color LEDs 21L and 21R are constituted by
three LEDs such as red (R), green (G), and blue (B), and can
16
emit light in predetermined colors.
[0027]
Light from the white LED 21W is output from an output
part 23 (Fig. 3A) on the front side of the smart unit 12 via
a lightguide plate (not illustrated). Light from the color
LED 21L and the color LED 21L is output from the output part
23 (Fig. 3A) on the front side of the smart unit 12 and an
output part 23 (not illustrated) on the lower side of the
smart unit 12 via the lightguide plate (not illustrated).
[0028]
As illustrated in Fig. 2, an electrode pad which is a
part of a touch sensor 85 (Fig. 4) and a film antenna 22
including an antenna for NFC communication are buried around
the bottom of the smart unit 12. Accordingly, as will be
described later, it is possible to detect contact or
proximity (becoming close at a distance within several tens
of millimeters) of a user's hand, finger, and the like, and
proximity of an NFC communication apparatus to the smart
unit 12.
[0029]
In the following description, the white LED 21W, the
color LED 21L, and the color LED 21R are also simply
referred to as an LED 21W, an LED 21L, and an LED 21R. In
addition, in a case where the LED 21W, the LED 21L, and the
LED 21R are not required to be differentiated from each
17
other, they are also simply referred to as LEDs 21.
[0030]
[2. Control block diagram]
Fig. 4 illustrates a control block diagram of the TV 1.
[0031]
First, a configuration of the display main body 11 of
the TV 1 will be described.
[0032]
A power supply section 51 is connected to an external
AC power source, and coverts received AC power into DC power
with a predetermined voltage which is then supplied to a
DC/DC converter 52. The DC/DC converter 52 converts a first
power source voltage supplied from the power supply section
51 into a second power source voltage which is then supplied
to respective parts such as a panel driving section 53, a
control section 66, and the smart unit 12. In addition, the
power source voltage supplied to the respective parts may be
the same or different.
[0033]
The panel driving section 53 drives a panel 54 and a
backlight 55 on the basis of an image signal supplied from
the control section 66, so as to display an image. The
panel 54 and the backlight 55 correspond to the display 14
of Fig. 1. The panel 54 controls an aperture of a liquid
crystal of each pixel on the basis of driving control by the
18
panel driving section 53.
The backlight 55 emits light with predetermined luminance on
the basis of driving control by the panel driving section 53.
In other words, the display 14 of Fig. 1 is a liquid crystal
display (LCD), and the backlight 55 is disposed on a rear
surface side of the panel 54.
[0034]
Each of HDMI terminals 551 to 553 transmits and receives
a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) signal to and
from an external apparatus which is a connection destination
of each terminal. An HDMI switch 56 appropriately switches
HDMI terminals 551 to 553 on the basis of an HDMI control
signal, and thus relays an HDMI signal which is transmitted
and received between external apparatuses connected to the
HDMI terminals 551 to 553 and the control section 66.
[0035]
An analog AV input terminal 57 receives an analog audio
and visual (AV) signal from an external apparatus, and
supplies the signal to the control section 66.
[0036]
A PC input terminal 58 is formed by, for example, mini
D-Sub 15-pin terminals, and receives an analog image signal
among AV signals output from a personal computer so as to
supply the signal to the control section 66.
[0037]
19
An analog audio output terminal 59 outputs an analog
audio signal which is supplied from the control section 66,
to an external apparatus which is a connection destination.
An optical digital sound output terminal 60 outputs an
optical digital signal of sounds supplied from the control
section 66, to an external apparatus which is a connection
destination.
[0038]
A LAN terminal 61 is constituted by, for example, 10
BASE-T/100 BASE-TX connector or the like, and is connected
to a predetermined network such as a home network or the
Internet.
[0039]
A tuner 62 is connected to an antenna (not illustrated)
via an antenna terminal 63, and acquires a broadcast signal
of a predetermined channel from electric waves received by
the antenna so as to supply the signal to the control
section 66. In addition, in the present embodiment,
electric waves which are received by the tuner 62 are
assumed to be, for example, a broadcast signal of
terrestrial digital broadcast.
[0040]
A B-CAS (registered trademark) card 65 which stores an
encryption key for descrambling terrestrial digital
broadcast is inserted into a CAS card I/F 64. The CAS card
20
I/F 64 reads the encryption key stored in the B-CAS
(registered trademark) card 65 so as to supply the
encryption key to the control section 66.
[0041]
The control section 66 controls the entire TV 1 on the
basis of a control program stored in an internal memory 66A
including a read only memory (ROM) and the like. The
control section 66 performs, for example, an A/D (analog to
digital) conversion process or a D/A (digital to analog)
conversion process of an image signal or an audio signal, a
descramble process a decoding process of a broadcast signal,
and the like. In addition, the control section 66 also
performs control based on a brightness signal, an IR signal,
a touch sensor signal, and a USB I/F signal from the smart
unit 12 described later or LED control of the LED indicator
84. The control section 66 may be constituted by a system
on a chip (SoC) in which a central processing unit (CPU), a
micro processing unit (MPU), a dynamic random access memory
(DRAM), and the like are integrated into a single chip.
[0042]
The control program stored in the internal memory 66A
may be installed via a USB memory or a hard disk device
connected to a USB terminal input part 90 described later,
or via a wired or wireless transmission medium such as a
home network or the Internet.
21
[0043]
An audio amplifier 67 amplifies an analog audio signal
supplied from the control section 66 so as to supply the
amplified signal to a speaker 68. The speaker 68 outputs
sounds corresponding to the analog audio signal from the
audio amplifier 67.
[0044]
Next, a configuration of the smart unit 12 of the TV 1
will be described.
[0045]
Power supplied from the display main body 11 is
supplied to the respective parts of the smart unit 12 via a
relay section 81. In addition, a brightness signal, an IR
signal, an LED control signal, a touch sensor signal, and a
USB I/F signal described later are also transmitted and
received between the display main body 11 and the control
section 66 of the smart unit 12 via the relay section 81.
[0046]
A brightness sensor 82 detects brightness of
surroundings of the TV 1 (for example, brightness of a room
where the TV 1 is installed), and supplies a detection
result to the control section 66 as a brightness signal.
[0047]
An IR reception section 83 receives, for example, an IR
signal which is emitted from a remote controller and
22
corresponds to a user's operation when the user operates the
remote controller (not illustrated), and supplies the IR
signal to the control section 66.
[0048]
The LED indicator 84 turns on or turns off the LEDs on
the basis of an LED control signal from the control section
66.
[0049]
The touch sensor 85 includes, for example, a plurality
of electrodes whose capacitances vary according to proximity
of a human finger or the like. The touch sensor 85 detects
a proximity operation and a contact operation of a user on
the basis of variations in capacitances of the plurality of
electrodes, and supplies a detection result thereof to the
control section 66 as a touch sensor signal.
[0050]
A USB control section 86 is connected to the relay
section 81, a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) communication
section 87, a near field communication (NFC) communication
section 88, Bluetooth (registered trademark; BT)
communication section 89, universal serial bus (USB)
terminal input sections 90 and 91, and an encoder 92.
[0051]
The USB control section 86 acquires a USB I/F signal
conforming to a USB standard, supplied from each of the Wi23
Fi communication section 87, the NFC communication section
88, the BT communication section 89, the USB terminal input
section 90, the USB terminal input section 91, and the
encoder 92, and outputs the signal to the control section 66.
In addition, the USB control section 86 appropriately
distributes a USB I/F signal which is supplied from the
control section 66 via the relay section 81, to the Wi-Fi
communication section 87, the NFC communication section 88,
the BT communication section 89, the USB terminal input
section 90, the USB terminal input section 91, or the
encoder 92.
[0052]
The Wi-Fi communication section 87 transmits data
supplied from the USB control section 86 as a USB I/F signal,
to other communication apparatuses such as a mobile phone
through wireless communication using a Wi-Fi communication
method. In addition, the Wi-Fi communication section 87
receives data which is transmitted from other communication
apparatuses (Wi-Fi apparatuses) through Wi-Fi wireless
communication, and supplies the data to the USB control
section 86 as a USB I/F signal.
[0053]
The NFC communication section 88 transmits data
supplied from the USB control section 86 as a USB I/F signal,
to other communication apparatuses (NFC apparatuses) such as
24
a mobile phone through near field communication using NFC
defined in ISO/IEC 18092. In addition, the NFC
communication section 88 receives data which is transmitted
from other communication apparatuses through near field
communication, and supplies the data to the USB control
section 86 as a USB I/F signal.
[0054]
The BT communication section 89 transmits data supplied
from the USB control section 86 as a USB I/F signal, to
other communication apparatuses such as a mobile phone
through wireless communication (BT communication) using
Bluetooth (registered trademark). In addition, the BT
communication section 89 receives data which is transmitted
from other communication apparatuses (BT apparatuses)
through BT communication, and supplies the data to the USB
control section 86 as a USB I/F signal.
[0055]
The USB terminal input section 90 and the USB terminal
input section 91 are connectors to which a USB terminal is
connected. For example, a USB memory, a hard disk storage
device as an external storage device is connected to the USB
terminal input section 90 or the USB terminal input section
91. The USB terminal input section 90 and the USB terminal
input section 91 are provided so as to oppose each other,
for example, on both side surfaces of a casing of the smart
25
unit 12.
[0056]
The encoder 92 is connected to the camera 93 and a
microphone 94. The camera 93 is constituted by an imaging
element such as a charge coupled device (CCD) or a
complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor,
and supplies an image signal obtained through imaging to the
encoder 92. The microphone 94 supplies an audio signal
obtained through collection of sounds to the encoder 92.
The encoder 92 performs signal processes such as an A/D
conversion process and encoding process of an image signal
and an audio signal, and supplies a processed signal to the
USB control section 86 as a USB I/F signal.
[0057]
Fig. 6 illustrates a more detailed functional block
diagram of the control section 66.
[0058]
In the control section 66, the control program stored
in the internal memory 66A is executed, and thus at least an
AV signal processing portion 101, a communication control
portion 102, an LED control portion 103, and a sensor
control portion 104 are realized.
[0059]
The AV signal processing portion 101 performs control
for displaying a predetermined image on the display 14. For
26
example, the AV signal processing portion 101 performs input
and output processes, an A/D (analog to digital) conversion
process and a D/A (digital to analog) conversion process of
an image signal and an audio signal, a descramble process of
a broadcast signal, a decoding process, and the like.
[0060]
The communication control portion 102 performs control
of communication with a network connected via the LAN
terminal 61, Wi-Fi communication, NFC communication, BT
(Bluetooth (registered trademark)) communication, and the
like.
[0061]
The LED control portion 103 performs LED control of the
LED indicator 84. Specifically, the LED control portion 103
controls a current supplied to the LED through pulse width
modulation (PWM) control so as to control emission luminance.
The PWM control is a method in which an On-state and an Offstate
of a current are changed through switching so that a
ratio (duty ratio) of the On-state and Off-state is varied,
and thus an average current is controlled.
[0062]
The sensor control portion 104 acquires a brightness
signal from the brightness sensor 82, an IR signal from the
IR reception section 83, an imaging signal obtained by the
camera 93, or the like, and performs control according to
27
the acquired signal. The sensor control portion 104 also
controls the AV signal processing portion 101, the
communication control portion 102, and the LED control
portion 103 according to the acquired signal.
[0063]
In the TV 1 configured as mentioned above, illumination
(representation using light) for allowing a user to
intuitively recognize an operation or a state of the TV 1,
or an operation performed on the TV 1 by the user, is
performed through cooperation between a display image of the
display 14 and turning-on of the LED indicator 84 of the
smart unit 12. Hereinafter, a description will be made of
various representations using a display image of the display
14 and turning-on of the LED indicator 84 of the smart unit
12.
[0064]
[3. Basic turning-on example of LED indicator 84]
First, a description will be made of the simplest
turning-on method of the LED indicator 84 of the smart unit
12.
[0065]
Fig. 6A illustrates a display example in a case where
only the central LED 21W is turned on in the LED indicator
84, and Fig. 6B illustrates a display example in a case
where the three LEDs 21 are turned on in white.
28
[0066]
In addition, in Fig. 6 and the subsequent drawings, for
better understanding of a turning-on representation, each
constituent element of the smart unit 12 is omitted, and
turning-on or turning-off of the LED indicator 84 of the
smart unit 12 is illustrated in a predetermined appropriate
density. Further, in the following description, turning-on
or turning-off of the LED indicator 84 is also referred to
as turning-on or turning-off of the smart unit 12.
[0067]
As described with reference to Fig. 2, the light from
the LED 21W is output from only (the output part 23 on) the
front side of the smart unit 12. Therefore, in a case where
only the LED 21W is turned on, as illustrated in Fig. 6A,
only the front surface of the smart unit 12 emits light in a
linear shape.
[0068]
The light from the LED 21L and the LED 21R is output
from (the output parts 23 on) the front side and the lower
side of the smart unit 12. Therefore, in a case where the
three LEDs 21 are turned on, as illustrated in Fig. 6B,
hemispherical light is formed in the vertical downward
direction from the smart unit 12 in addition to the light
emission of the front surface of the smart unit 12.
[0069]
29
Fig. 7 illustrates an arrangement of the three LEDs 21
when the smart unit 12 is viewed from the top and a turningon
example of the front side of the smart unit 12.
[0070]
In a case where only the LED 21W is turned on, the LED
21W is disposed on the central front side of the smart unit
12, and thus only the center of the linear smart unit 12
emits light in a dot shape as illustrated in the left part
of Fig. 7.
[0071]
On the other hand, in a case where the two LEDs 21L and
21R disposed on the left and right rear sides are turned on
along with the central LED 21W, the smart unit 12 emits
light in a linear shape as illustrated in the right part of
Fig. 7.
[0072]
As mentioned above, two types of emission states
including a dot representation and a line representation are
used separately with the LED indicator 84, and thus it is
possible to represent, for example, a difference in a state
such as a power-on state and a standby state of the TV 1.
[0073]
In a case where two types of emission states including
a dot representation and a line representation are
represented, a user can recognize a difference in the two
30
types of states of the TV 1 even if a color is not
discriminated. In a case where such a representation is
performed, the two color LEDs 21L and 21R may be turned on
in white, and thus the representation can be realized even
if the two color LEDs 21L and 21R are white LEDs.
[0074]
In addition, in the present embodiment, the LED
indicator 84 is constituted by the three LEDs 21, but, for
example, as illustrated in Fig. 8, two types of emission
states including a dot representation and a line
representation can be represented even by using two LEDs 21
disposed on front and rear sides. Further, for example, as
illustrated in Fig. 9, two types of emission states
including a dot representation and a line representation can
be represented even in a case where three LEDs 21 are
disposed so as to be arranged in the horizontal direction.
[0075]
In other words, in the present embodiment, the LED
indicator 84 is formed by a single LED 21 disposed on the
central front side, and the two LEDs 21 disposed on the left
and right rear sides, but the number of LEDs 21 forming the
LED indicator 84 may be two or more, and an arrangement of
the LEDs 21 may also be determined as appropriate.
[0076]
In addition, for convenience of description, Figs. 6 to
31
9 illustrate that light is not emitted from both ends of the
smart unit 12, but, in practice, the LED indicator 84 can
emit light up to both ends of the smart unit 12.
[0077]
[4. Sequence turning-on example of LED indicator 84]
The example described with reference to Figs. 6 to 9 is
a turning-on example in a case where one or more LEDs 21 are
turned on and off with predetermined emission luminance.
[0078]
Fig. 10 illustrates a turning-on example in a case
where emission luminance of one or more LEDs 21 is
continuously varied through PWM control.
[0079]
If the LED control portion 103 performs control so as
to first turn on the white LED 21W on the central front side,
then gradually reduce light and also gradually turn on the
color LEDs 21L and 21R on the left and right rear sides in
white, and then reduce light, a turning-on representation as
illustrated in Fig. 10A is possible. In other words, a
turning-on representation becomes possible in which the
central part of the linear smart unit 12 emits light, and
the light moves and flows in the horizontal direction.
[0080]
In addition, if control reverse to the turning-on
control of Fig. 10A is performed, a turning-on
32
representation as illustrated in Fig. 10B becomes possible.
In other words, a turning-on representation becomes possible
in which both ends of the linear smart unit 12 emit light,
and the light moves and flows toward the central part.
[0081]
Such a turning-on representation for varying a turningon
position and luminance with the passage of time may be
employed as a representation for indicating a continuous
operation of the TV 1. For example, the turning-on
representation may be a representation indicating an
operation in a case where the TV 1 is connected to an
external apparatus such as a remote controller, a personal
computer (PC), or a mobile phone (smart phone). In a case
where the turning-on representation of Fig. 10A is performed,
a user can recognize an operation in which data is output
(transmitted) from the TV 1 to an external apparatus by
using the smart unit 12 as a core or an input and output
portion of the TV 1. In a case where the turning-on
representation of Fig. 10B is performed, the user can
recognize an operation in which data is input to the TV 1
from the external apparatus.
[0082]
[5. Cooperative turning-on example with image display]
Fig. 11 illustrates an example of a cooperative
turning-on representation in which image display of the
33
display 14 is additionally combined with the turning-on
representation of the LED indicator 84 illustrated in Fig.
10. In addition, in Fig. 11, for better understanding of a
turning-on representation of the smart unit 12, a width of
the smart unit 12 is illustrated so as to be the same as a
width of the display main body 11.
[0083]
Fig. 11A illustrates an example of a turning-on
representation in which turning-on by the single white LED
21W is combined with image display of the display 14, and an
example of a turning-on representation for allowing a user
to recognize data output in the same manner as in Fig. 10A.
[0084]
In Fig. 11A, first, an image in which white light is
disposed at a screen center is displayed on the display 14.
In addition, the light displayed at the screen center
gradually moves in the downward direction of the screen
toward the smart unit 12. In addition, if the light on the
display 14 disappears, the white LED 21W of the smart unit
12 is turned on, and is then turned off.
[0085]
Fig. 11B illustrates an example of a turning-on
representation in which turning-on by the single white LED
21W is combined with image display of the display 14, and an
example of a turning-on representation for allowing the user
34
to recognize data input in the same manner as in Fig. 10B.
[0086]
In Fig. 11B, first, the white LED 21W is turned on at
the center of the smart unit 12, and is then turned off.
Along with the turning-off of the white LED 21W, an image in
which white light appears around the smart unit 12 in the
screen is displayed on the display 14. In addition, an
image in which the white light displayed on the screen
gradually moves in the upward direction of the screen and
disappears at the screen center is displayed on the display
14.
[0087]
Fig. 11C illustrates an example of a turning-on
representation in which turning-on by the three LEDs 21 is
combined with image display of the display 14, and an
example of a turning-on representation for allowing a user
to recognize data output.
[0088]
In Fig. 11C, first, an image in which white light is
disposed at a screen center is displayed on the display 14,
and the light displayed at the screen center gradually moves
in the downward direction of the screen toward the smart
unit 12. In addition, along with disappearance of the light
on the display 14, a turning-on representation is performed
in which the white LED 21W disposed at the center of the
35
smart unit 12 is turned on, and then the light at the center
of the smart unit 12 moves and flows to the left and right
sides.
[0089]
Fig. 11D illustrates an example of a turning-on
representation in which turning-on by the three LEDs 21 is
combined with image display of the display 14, and an
example of a turning-on representation for allowing the user
to recognize data input.
[0090]
In Fig. 11D, first, the color LEDs 21L and 21R are
turned on in white at both ends of the smart unit 12, and
are then turned off. Along with the turning-off of the
color LEDs 21L and 21R, the white LED 21W is gradually
turned on and is then turned off. Accordingly, a turning-on
representation becomes possible in which both ends of the
smart unit 12 emits light, and the light moves and flows
toward the central part in the same manner as in Fig. 10B.
In addition, along with the turning-off of the white LED 21W,
an image in which white light appears around the smart unit
12 in the screen is displayed on the display 14. Further,
an image in which the white light displayed on the screen
gradually moves in the upward direction of the screen and
disappears at the screen center is displayed on the display
14.
36
[0091]
As mentioned above, a turning-on representation by the
LED indicator 84 is combined with image display in which
white light is absorbed by the smart unit 12 or is expelled
from the smart unit 12, and thus input and output of data
can be recognized by the user.
[0092]
[6. Turning-on representation of LED indicator 84
corresponding to TV operation]
Next, a turning-on representation of the LED indicator
84 corresponding to an operation on the TV 1 will be
described.
[0093]
[6.1 Power-on and power-off operations]
Fig. 12 illustrates an example of turning-on
representations a starting operation from a standby state
(power off) to a starting state (power on) and a standby
operation from the starting state to a standby state in the
TV 1.
[0094]
In a case where the TV 1 is in the standby state, the
LED control portion 103 controls the color LEDs 21L and 21R
so as to emit light with luminance at 50% of the maximal
luminance (MAX), for example, as illustrated in Fig. 12A.
In addition, in the following description, for example, LED
37
control for causing light to be emitted with luminance at
50% of the maximal luminance is referred to as turning-on or
the like with 50% luminance.
[0095]
In addition, the user presses a power-on button or the
like of the remote controller so as to perform a starting
operation for turning the TV 1 from the standby state to the
starting state. In response to the user's operation, the
LED control portion 103 turns on the color LEDs 21L and 21R
with 100% luminance as illustrated in Fig. 12B. Further, a
predetermined logo ("SOMY") is displayed on the display 14
in a moment.
[0096]
Fig. 12C illustrates a control sequence of luminance of
the three LEDs 21 when the starting operation is detected.
The LED control portion 103 performs control so that the
color LEDs 21L and 21R are turned on with 100% luminance and
are then turned off with 0% luminance at a predetermined
time. In addition, the LED control portion 103 performs
control so that the white LED 21W with 0% luminance is
gradually turned on after a predetermined time has elapsed
from the starting operation, and reaches 50% luminance at a
predetermined time from the starting operation.
[0097]
On the other hand, if the user performs a standby
38
operation for turning the TV 1 from the starting state to
the standby state, the LED control portion 103 performs LED
control illustrated in Fig. 12D. In other words, the LED
control portion 103 performs control so that an output level
of the color LEDs 21L and 21R is gradually increased from 0%
luminance to 50% luminance, and an output level of the white
LED 21W is gradually reduced from 50% luminance to 0%
luminance.
[0098]
[6.2 Button operation]
Fig. 13 illustrates a turning-on representation of the
LED indicator 84 in a case where a predetermined button such
as a channel button or a program table button of the remote
controller of the TV 1 is pressed.
[0099]
In a television receiver of the related art, typically,
an LED lamp flashes only for a moment when a button
operation is detected. In this case, when a line of sight
of a user deviates from a screen even slightly, turning-on
of the LED lamp is missed, and thus it is hard to recognize
whether or not the button operation is detected.
[0100]
Therefore, for example, as indicated by a solid line of
Fig. 13A, the LED control portion 103 performs control so
that an output level of the three LEDs 21 reaches 90%
39
luminance from 0% luminance when a button is operated in a
short time (for example, 0.1 seconds), and is then gradually
reduced to 0% luminance for a predetermined time (for
example, 0.9 seconds).
[0101]
In addition, for example, in a case where an initial
state is a state in which light is emitted at a
predetermined output level (for example, 50% luminance), as
indicated by a solid line of Fig. 13B, the LED control
portion 103 performs control so that an output level is
temporarily increased to the maximal luminance, and is then
returned to an original output level.
[0102]
As mentioned above, since a turning-on representation
is performed which leaves the user with an allusive feeling
by varying luminance with the passage of time as operation
feedback corresponding to the user's button operation,
turning-on can be recognized even if a line of sight of the
user slightly deviated from a screen or the turning-on is
missed in a moment, and thus visibility is improved.
[0103]
In addition, the turning-on representation which leaves
the user with an allusive feeling may be performed by
control reverse to the above-described luminance control as
indicated by a broken line in Figs. 13A and 13B. In other
40
words, the control indicated by the solid line of Fig. 13 is
performed so that first luminance is set, and is then
reduced to second luminance lower than the first luminance,
but, conversely, control may be performed so that first
luminance is set, and is then increased to second luminance
higher than the first luminance. In addition, the control
value of emission luminance in the above-described examples
is only an example, and it is needless to say that a control
value is not limited to the exemplified numerical value and
can be set to any value (this is the same for other
examples).
[0104]
[6.3 Timer operation]
Next, a description will be made of a turning-on
representation of the LED indicator 84 corresponding to a
user's operation for performing a predetermined function.
Here, a description will be made of an example of a timer
function of turning on or off power of the TV 1 at a
predetermined set time point as the predetermined function.
[0105]
Fig. 14 illustrates a setting screen when timer setting
is performed in the TV 1.
[0106]
The setting screen includes "On Timer" which is an item
for designating "power-on" or "power-off" at a designated
41
time point, "Day" which is an item for designating the date,
"Time" which is an item for designating a time point,
"Channel" which is an item for designating a channel,
"Volume" which is an item for designating sound volume, and
the like.
[0107]
In the setting screen, the above-described respective
items are displayed on a background image which vaguely
flashes in a predetermined color in a circular shape with a
screen center as a starting point on a black background.
Here, a color of the circle which vaguely shines is a color
which is assigned to the timer function in advance, and is,
for example, an orange color.
[0108]
A user sets each item of the setting screen to a
desired value, and then presses, for example, a
determination button of a remote controller as an operation
for fixing (registering) the set content. If the
determination button is pressed by the user, the TV 1
performs a cooperative representation in which image display
of the display 14 is combined with turning-on of the LED
indicator 84 of the smart unit 12 as illustrated in Fig. 15.
[0109]
In other words, in the same manner as in the turning-on
representation illustrated in Fig. 11A, the circle of the
42
orange color light of the setting screen gradually moves in
the downward direction of the screen toward the smart unit
12. In addition, the LED indicator 84 is turned on in
synchronization or interlocking with disappearance of the
circle of the orange color light of the setting screen. For
example, if the circular light on the setting screen
disappears, the color LEDs 21L and 21R of the smart unit 12
gradually emit light in an orange color until reaching the
maximal luminance, then reduce light, and are then turned on
with constant luminance (for example, 20% luminance) at all
times.
[0110]
A state in which the LED indicator 84 of the smart unit
12 is turned on with constant luminance (for example, 20%
luminance) at all times indicates that a function
corresponding to an emitted light color is currently
operated in the TV 1. In the example here, since the orange
color is assigned to the time function, the LED indicator 84
is turned on in the orange color with constant luminance,
which indicates that the timer function is currently
operated.
[0111]
In a case where the smart unit 12 is turned on with
constant luminance (for example, 20% luminance) at all times,
this indicates that a predetermined function is operated in
43
the TV 1, and the user can confirm what kind of function is
currently operated by pressing a screen display button of
the remote controller.
[0112]
Fig. 16 illustrates an operation of the TV 1 when the
screen display button of the remote controller is pressed in
a case where the timer function is currently operated, and
the user is viewing a predetermined broadcast program.
[0113]
The leftmost figure of Fig. 16 illustrates that the
smart unit 12 is turned on with constant luminance (for
example, 20% luminance) in the orange color indicating that
the timer function is currently operated.
[0114]
If the screen display button of the remote controller
is pressed, a display image of the display 14 and turning-on
of the smart unit 12 are changed in an order indicated by
the arrows with the passage of time. In other words, in the
display 14, a sub-screen indicating the set content of the
currently operated timer function is displayed in a region
of the display image on the upper side of the smart unit 12
in a superimposition manner, and is erased after a
predetermined time elapses. At this time, an extent of
superimposition of the sub-screen on the broadcast program
image which is a main screen is increased with the passage
44
of time, and is then decreased with the passage of time. In
addition, emission luminance of the orange color of the
smart unit 12 is also increased with the passage of time in
synchronization with the extent of superimposition of the
sub-screen, and is then decreased. The sub-screen
indicating the set content of the timer function has the
meaning as supplementary information for supplementing a
currently operated function (a function corresponding to a
turning-on color of the smart unit 12).
[0115]
In addition, for example, in a case where the TV 1 has
a recording function of programs broadcast on different
channels, and the TV 1 is in a recording operation, the
smart unit 12 is turned on in red during the recording
operation. Further, if the screen display button of the
remote controller is pressed, as illustrated in Fig. 17B, in
the TV 1, a channel name, a program title, and a broadcast
program image, and the like during the recording operation,
are displayed by the sub-screen, and the smart unit 12 is
turned on with luminance synchronized with the
superimposition display of the sub-screen, and in red.
[0116]
In addition, for example, in a state in which the user
uses a video chatting function via the Internet, and a video
chatting screen (also referred to as a video chatting image)
45
is not displayed and a program image is displayed in a full
screen, the smart unit 12 emits yellow light corresponding
to the video chatting function. Further, if the screen
display button of the remote controller is pressed, as
illustrated in Fig. 17C, the display 14 displays a video
chatting screen on a sub-screen, and the smart unit 12 is
turned on with luminance synchronized with superimposition
display of the sub-screen, and in yellow.
[0117]
As mentioned above, when the user presses the screen
display button of the remote controller, the display 14
displays supplementary information on the sub-screen, and
the smart unit 12 is turned on with luminance synchronized
with the sub-screen, and in a color corresponding to the
type of supplementary information.
[0118]
Accordingly, the user can understand what kind of
function is operated in the TV 1 if the user only has to
view a state in which the smart unit 12 is turned on in a
predetermined color at all times. In other words, the user
can intuitively recognize an operation or a set state of a
predetermined function of the TV 1. In addition,
supplementary information of a currently operated function
may be displayed by using a sub-screen as necessary.
[0119]
46
[6.4 Other operations]
With reference to Figs. 18 to 21, a description will be
made of an example of a cooperative turning-on
representation, corresponding to other operations, in which
image display of the display 14 is combined with a turningon
representation of the LED indicator 84.
[0120]
In addition, in Figs. 18 to 21, "A" displayed on a
circle of light in a display image of the display 14
indicates a predetermined function whose operation (upper
and lower key operations, or a drag operation) is currently
performed by the user.
[0121]
Fig. 18 illustrates a cooperative turning-on
representation when an upper key is pressed among direction
keys of four directions including the upper key, a lower key,
a right key, and a left key of the remote controller.
[0122]
In a case where the upper key is pressed, a cooperative
turning-on representation is performed so that emitted light
moves in the upward direction corresponding to the upper key.
Specifically, first, the smart unit 12 is turned on. Then,
an image in which light displayed near the smart unit 12
moves so as to rise to the screen center is displayed on the
display 14 in synchronization with a state in which the
47
light of the smart unit 12 gradually disappears.
[0123]
Fig. 19 illustrates a cooperative turning-on
representation when the lower key of the remote controller
is pressed.
[0124]
In a case where the lower key is pressed, a cooperative
turning-on representation is performed so that emitted light
moves in the downward direction corresponding to the lower
key. Specifically, first, an image having circular light at
the screen center is displayed on the display 14. In
addition, an image in which the circular light at the screen
center moves in the downward direction of the screen toward
the smart unit 12 is displayed on the display 14. Next, the
smart unit 12 is turned on and is then turned off in
synchronization with disappearance of the light on the
display 14.
[0125]
Fig. 20 illustrates a cooperative turning-on
representation when the user touches the display 14 with the
finger and performs a dragging operation in the downward
direction toward the smart unit 12 in a case where the
display 14 of the TV 1 is a touch panel. In this case, the
TV 1 performs the same image display and turning-on as when
the lower key of the remote controller is pressed, described
48
in Fig. 19.
[0126]
Fig. 21 illustrates a cooperative turning-on
representation when the user touches the display 14 with the
finger and performs a dragging operation in the upward
direction of the screen from the vicinity of the smart unit
12 in a case where the display 14 of the TV 1 is a touch
panel. In this case, the TV 1 performs the same image
display and turning-on as when the upper key of the remote
controller is pressed, described in Fig. 18.
[0127]
As mentioned above, when a predetermined setting
operation is performed on the TV 1, a cooperative turning-on
representation is performed so that the circular light is
absorbed by the smart unit 12, or the circular light is
expelled from the smart unit 12. In addition, the
cooperative turning-on representation is not limited to the
"circular shape", and may employ any color and shape.
Further, instead of the "circular light", a predetermined
character, or graphic, or a combination thereof may be
employed.
[0128]
When the smart unit 12 is turned on or blinks with
predetermined luminance and in a predetermined color, the
user performs the above-described predefined operation, and
49
thus can immediately and simply confirm content (meaning)
indicated by the turning-on or blinking of the smart unit 12.
[0129]
[7. Cooperative turning-on representation in image
erasure operation]
The TV 1 is provided with the camera 93 in the smart
unit 12, and the camera 93 can detect the user on the front
side of the TV 1 on the basis of an image captured by the
camera 93. In addition, the TV 1 has an image erasure
function of not displaying an image for saving power if a
state in which the user is not present in front of the TV 1
for a predetermined time is detected.
[0130]
Fig. 22A illustrates a cooperative representation in
which image display of the display 14 is combined with
turning-on of the smart unit 12 in a case where the TV 1
transitions to an image erasure mode.
[0131]
In a case where the transition to the image erasure
mode is performed, the control section 66 controls image
display of the display 14 so that an image to be erased is
absorbed by the smart unit 12 disposed on the lower side of
the display 14 as illustrated in Fig. 22A. In other words,
in the image displayed on the display 14, an image to be
erased is absorbed by the smart unit 12, and thus emission
50
luminance around 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 turned on so as to
become brighter (luminance increases). In other words, the
control section 66 controls the display of the display 14
and the turning-on of the smart unit 12 so that a display
ratio of the image on the display 14 is inversely
proportional to emission luminance of the smart unit 12.
[0132]
Fig. 22B illustrates a cooperative representation in
which image display of the display 14 is combined with
turning-on of the smart unit 12 in a case where returning to
a normal mode (display mode) from the image erasure mode is
performed.
[0133]
In a case where the returning to a normal mode, the
control section 66 control a display image so that an image
to be displayed is expelled from the smart unit 12 as
illustrated in Fig. 22B. In other words, the image is
displayed with high luminance on the display 14 around the
smart unit 12, and then the image to be displayed is
expanded to a full screen. The smart unit 12 is gradually
changed to low luminance as the image to be displayed is
displayed on the display 14. In other words, emission
luminance of the smart unit 12 is reduced in inverse
51
proportion to a display ratio of the image to be displayed
on the display 14.
[0134]
As mentioned above, the control section 66 performs a
cooperative representation between the display 14 and the
smart unit 12 so that an image to be erased is absorbed by
the smart unit 12, and an image to be displayed is expelled
from the smart unit 12. It is possible to allow the user to
recognize the smart unit 12 as a core of the TV 1.
[0135]
[8. Cooperation between video chatting screen and LED
indicator 84]
Fig. 23 illustrates screen transition when a video
chatting function is used via the Internet in the TV 1.
[0136]
As in an image 201, when the user views a predetermined
broadcast program on the TV 1, if there is an incoming call
of video chatting from another user via a network such as
the Internet, the TV 1 turns on the smart unit 12 in
synchronization with a sound indicating the incoming call of
the video chatting as in an image 202. Here, the turning-on
synchronized with a sound indicating the incoming call of
the video chatting indicates that emission luminance of the
LED indicator 84 is changed depending on an interval or
volume of the sound indicating the incoming call of the
52
video chatting. As described with reference to Fig. 17C,
since an emission color of the LED indicator 84 is
correlated with a predetermined function, the user can
recognize an incoming call of video chatting by visually
recognizing a turning-on color of the LED indicator 84 even
if a sound indicating the incoming call of video chatting is
not made.
[0137]
The user responds to the incoming call of video
chatting by pressing a predetermined button of the remote
controller, or the like. Then, as illustrated in images 203
and 204, the control section 66 of the TV 1 displays a video
chatting screen in a cooperative representation in which
image display of the display 14 is combined with turning-on
of the smart unit 12 as described with reference to Fig. 22B.
In other words, the control section 66 controls turning-on
of the smart unit 12 and a display image of the display 14
so that a video chatting image is expelled from the smart
unit 12 on a broadcast program image which is currently
viewed.
[0138]
In a case where the user finishes the video chatting,
as illustrated in images 206 to 209, the control section 66
of the TV 1 erases the video chatting image in a cooperative
representation in which image data of the display 14 is
53
combined with turning-on of the smart unit 12 as described
with reference to Fig. 22A. In other words, the control
section 66 controls turning-on of the smart unit 12 and a
display image of the display 14 so that the video chatting
image is absorbed by the smart unit 12 disposed on the lower
side of the display 14.
[0139]
In addition, in video chatting, the chatting may be
performed only with a voice conversation without displaying
a video chatting image on the display 14. In a voice
conversation mode of performing chatting only with a voice
conversation, as illustrated in images 210 and 211, a video
chatting image is erased, and the smart unit 12 is turned on
in synchronization with a voice (sound) of a communication
partner.
[0140]
The above-described example has described an example in
which a video chatting image is displayed on a currently
displayed broadcast program image. However, also in a case
where other images are displayed or erased, such a
representation in which image display of the display 14 is
combined with turning-on of the smart unit 12 may be
employed.
[0141]
Fig. 24 illustrates an example in which a
54
representation in which image display of the display 14 is
combined with turning-on of the smart unit 12 is applied to
electronic point of purchase advertising (POP).
[0142]
In addition, for example, also in a case where an
individual user is recognized on the basis of a user image
captured by the camera 93 of the smart unit 12, and an
information providing screen for providing optimal
information to the recognized user is displayed and erased,
such a representation in which image display of the display
14 is combined with turning-on of the smart unit 12 may be
employed. Content of information provided to a user in the
information providing screen may be changed depending on not
only a recognized individual user but also a time point, the
data, weather, and the like. For example, in a case where a
certain user is recognized in the weekday morning, traffic
information (congestion information) or the like such as a
train route or a road which is registered in advance may be
presented to the user by using the information providing
screen.
[0143]
As mentioned above, when a second image which is
another image is superimposed and disposed on a first image
which is currently displayed on the display 14, or is erased,
a cooperative representation in which the second image is
55
absorbed by the smart unit 12 or is expelled from the smart
unit 12 may be employed.
[0144]
[9. Information representation of LED indicator 84
based on image viewing experience]
Next, a description will be made of an example in which
a user recognizes predetermined information (state) through
an information explanation image displayed on the display 14
and predetermined turning-on performed by the LED indicator
84 of the smart unit 12.
[0145]
[9.1 Correspondence to turning-on position]
With reference to Fig. 25, a description will be made
of an example in which the user recognizes predetermined
information in accordance with an information explanation
image and a turning-on position of the LED indicator 84.
[0146]
As described above, since three LEDs 21 are disposed so
as to be arranged in the horizontal direction in the LED
indicator 84, each of the three LEDs is turned on separately,
and thus three positions including the left side, the center,
and the right side can be identified by the user.
[0147]
Therefore, first, as illustrated in the upper part of
Fig. 25, explanation images for explaining predetermined
56
information are displayed by the control section 66 at
positions corresponding to the three LEDs 21 on the left
side, the center, and the right side on the display 14. In
the example of the upper part of Fig. 25, an image for
explaining "information A" corresponding to the left LED 21L,
an image for explaining "information B" corresponding to the
central LED 21W, and an image for explaining "information C"
corresponding to the right LED 21R are displayed.
[0148]
In addition, the control section 66 sequentially turns
on the three LEDs 21 one by one while the explanation images
for explaining the "information A", the "information B", and
the "information C" are displayed, so as to allow the user
to recognize respective correspondence relationships between
the information A, the information B, and the information C,
and the LEDs 21.
[0149]
Next, as in the lower part of Fig. 25, the image
displayed on the display 14 is changed, and thus the
explanation images are erased. In the example of the lower
part of Fig. 25, an image reflecting a mountain therein is
displayed on the display 14 of the TV 1, but this merely
means that the image has no relation to turning-on of the
smart unit 12, and the image itself has no meaning.
[0150]
57
If the left LED 21L is turned on during display of the
mountain image on the display 14, the user viewing the
turning-on can recognize the "information A". If the
central LED 21W is turned on, the user viewing the turningon
can recognize the "information B". If the right LED 21R
is turned on, the user viewing the turning-on can recognize
the "information C". As mentioned above, in a case where
predetermined information is indicated, the control section
66 turns on the LED 21 at a position corresponding to the
information.
[0151]
A specific example will be described. For example, a
scene is assumed in which the user simultaneously performs
video chatting together with three partners. In this case,
the control section 66 displays a captured image of a user A
as the "information A" of an explanation image displayed on
the display 14, a captured image of a user B as the
"information B", and a captured image of a user C as the
"information C", and then changes the images on the display
14 to a broadcast program image. In addition, the control
section 66 turns on the left LED 21L when the user A is in a
calling state, turns on the central LED 21W when the user B
is in a calling state, and turns on the right LED 21R when
the user C is in a calling state. The user in front of the
TV 1 can easily recognize which user is in a calling state
58
if the user only has to view a turning-on position of the
LED indicator 84.
[0152]
In addition, in the above-described example, instead of
the captured images of the user A, the user B, and the user
C, an image may be displayed in which an explanation such as
"this position corresponds to the user A" is written.
[0153]
Fig. 26 illustrates another example in which the user
recognizes predetermined information in accordance with a
turning-on position of the LED indicator 84.
[0154]
In the example of Fig. 26, the control section 66
displays explanation images in the same manner as in Fig. 25,
and moves an image for explaining the "information B" in the
downward direction of the screen. In addition, the image
for explaining the "information B" disappears, and the
central LED 21W corresponding to the "information B" is also
turned on, thereby allowing the user to recognize a
correspondence relationship between the predetermined
information and the LED 21. Accordingly, in a case where
the central LED 21W is turned on even after an image is
changed, the user viewing the turning-on can recognize the
"information B".
[0155]
59
[9.2 Correspondence to turning-on cycle]
With reference to Fig. 27, a description will be made
of an example in which the user recognizes predetermined
information in accordance with an information explanation
image and a turning-on cycle (blinking pattern) of the LED
indicator 84.
[0156]
In the example of Fig. 27, the number of described
information pieces is six including "information A" to
"information F".
[0157]
First, as illustrated in the upper part of Fig. 27, the
control section 66 displays explanation images of the
"information A" to the "information F" on the display 14,
and sequentially displays the explanation images of the
"information A" to the "information F" in different blinking
patterns. In addition, at this time, the LED 21W of the LED
indicator 84 is also turned on in brightness synchronized
with the blinking patterns of the images.
[0158]
Next, after the image on the display 14 is changed, the
smart unit 12 is turned on in any one of the blinking
patterns of the "information A" to the "information F"
presented in the previous explanation images. For example,
as illustrated in Fig. 27, it is assumed that the LED 21W of
60
the smart unit 12 is turned on (blinks) in the blinking
pattern of the "information A". In this case, the user can
recognize the "information A" even in a case where an
unrelated image is displayed on the display 14.
[0159]
[9.3 Correspondence to turning-on color]
Next, with reference to Fig. 28, a description will be
made of an example in which the user recognizes
predetermined information in accordance with an information
explanation image and a turning-on color of the LED
indicator 84.
[0160]
First, in the same manner as in the example illustrated
in Fig. 25, the control section 66 displays explanation
images for explaining the "information A", the "information
B", and the "information C" on the display 14. However, in
Fig. 28, there is a difference in that the explanation
images for explaining the "information A", the "information
B", and the "information C" are represented in different
colors. For example, the "information A" is displayed red,
the "information B" is displayed blue, and the "information
C" is displayed green.
[0161]
Next, if the images on the display 14 are changed so
that the explanation images are erased, and the color LED
61
21L is turned on in red as illustrated in the left part of
Fig. 28, the user viewing the turning-on can recognize the
"information A".
[0162]
In addition, if the horizontal direction of the smart
unit 12 is defined as a time axis, and LEDs of a plurality
of colors are arranged in the time axis direction and are
turned on, content of information and ordering thereof can
also be recognized as turning-on of the smart unit 12. In
the right example of Fig. 28, since the color LED 21L is
displayed green, and the color LED 21R is displayed red, the
user can recognize the "information C" and the "information
A" in an order of green and red.
[0163]
[10. Cooperative representation corresponding to user's
operation performed on smart unit 12]
The smart unit 12 is provided with the touch sensor 85
as described above, and thus can detect contact or proximity
of a user's hand or finger. In addition, the smart unit 12
is provided with the NFC communication section 88 and the BT
communication section 89 and thus can communicate with other
NFC apparatuses or BT apparatuses. Further, the smart unit
12 is provided with the camera 93, and thus can detect an
operation of a user. The TV 1 can perform a predetermined
cooperative representation by using turning-on of the LED
62
indicator 84 and image display of the display 14 so as to
correspond to a user's various operations on the smart unit
12.
[0164]
[10.1 Cooperative representation corresponding to touch
operation on smart unit 12]
Fig. 29 illustrates an example of a cooperative
representation corresponding to a touch operation on the
smart unit 12.
[0165]
The above-described example of Fig. 16 has described an
example in which, when the timer function is currently
operated in the TV 1, the smart unit 12 is turned on in an
orange color which is an emission color corresponding to the
timer function, and, if the screen display button of the
remote controller is pressed, supplementary information is
displayed by a sub-screen.
[0166]
In the example of Fig. 29, instead of pressing the
screen display button in the example of Fig. 16, a similar
cooperative representation is performed in a case where a
touch operation on the smart unit 12 is detected.
[0167]
In a case where the timer function is currently
operated in the TV 1, the smart unit 12 is turned on in an
63
orange color which is an emission color corresponding to the
timer function. The user touches the smart unit 12 which is
turned on in an orange color, with the hand. If the user's
touch operation on the smart unit 12 is detected, the
control section 66 of the TV 1 displays a sub-screen as
supplementary information in a superimposition manner and
causes (the LED indicator 84 of) the smart unit 12 to emit
light in a color corresponding to the function in
synchronization with the sub-screen as illustrated in Fig.
16.
[0168]
The user can understand what kind of function of the TV
1 is operated if the user only has to view a state in which
the smart unit 12 is turned on in a predetermined color at
all times. In other words, the user can intuitively
recognize an operation or a set state of a predetermined
function of the TV 1. In addition, through a simple
operation such as touch on the smart unit 12, it is possible
to display supplementary information of a currently operated
function by using a sub-screen, and thus to call content
thereof.
[0169]
Fig. 29 illustrates an example of a case where a
predetermined image such as a broadcast program image is
displayed on a main screen in the same manner as in the case
64
of Fig. 16 described above, but Fig. 30 illustrates an
example of a case where a touch operation on the smart unit
12 is detected when an image is not displayed in a standby
state of the TV 1.
[0170]
Also in the same manner for this case, if a user's
touch operation on the smart unit 12 is detected, the TV 1
displays supplementary information on the display 14 around
the smart unit 12, and causes the LED indicator 84 of the
smart unit 12 to emit light in a color corresponding to a
function in synchronization with the display of the
supplementary information.
[0171]
[10.2 Cooperative representation corresponding to NFC
proximity operation to smart unit 12]
Fig. 31 illustrates an example of a cooperative
representation corresponding to an NFC proximity operation
to the smart unit 12.
[0172]
In the example of Fig. 31, the user grasps a portable
terminal (a smart phone or the like) 221 having an NFC
communication function, and brings not the user's hand but
the portable terminal close to the smart unit 12.
[0173]
If the TV 1 detects the proximity of the portable
65
terminal 221 to the smart unit 12, the smart unit 12
performs turning-on indicating that the proximity is
detected. For example, the LED indicator 84 is turned on in
synchronization or interlocking with an LED lamp of the
portable terminal 221.
[0174]
Then, the TV 1 performs a cooperative representation in
the same manner as in Fig. 29. In other words, the TV 1
displays a sub-screen as supplementary information in a
superimposition manner and causes the LED indicator 84 to
emit light in a color corresponding to the function in
synchronization with the sub-screen as illustrated in Fig.
16.
[0175]
Fig. 32 illustrates an example of a case where
proximity of the portable terminal 221 to the smart unit 12
is detected in a standby state of the TV 1.
[0176]
Also in the same manner for this case, if the TV
detects the proximity of the portable terminal 221 to the
smart unit 12, the smart unit 12 performs turning-on
indicating that the proximity is detected. Next,
supplementary information is displayed on the display 14
around the smart unit 12, and the LED indicator 84 emits
light in a color corresponding to a function in
66
synchronization with the display of the supplementary
information.
[0177]
[10.3 Cooperative representation corresponding to data
transmission between portable terminal and TV 1]
Fig. 33 illustrates an example of a cooperative
representation corresponding to data transmission performed
between the proximate portable terminal 221 and the smart
unit 12.
[0178]
Fig. 33A illustrates a cooperative representation
example in a case where data is transmitted from the
portable terminal 221 to the TV 1.
[0179]
The user brings the portable terminal 221 close to the
smart unit 12 of the TV 1. If the proximity of the portable
terminal 221 to the smart unit 12 is detected, the control
section 66 of the TV 1 turns on the smart unit 12 in
synchronization with the LED lamp of the portable terminal
221. In other words, the LED indicator 84 of the smart unit
12 and the LED lamp of the portable terminal 221 emit light
at the same timing and are turned on at all times, or are
repeatedly turned on and off in the same blinking pattern.
[0180]
Next, data transmission starts from the portable
67
terminal 221 to the TV 1 through NFC communication. The
control section 66 of the TV 1 starts acquiring
predetermined data from the portable terminal 221 through
the NFC communication.
[0181]
During the data transmission operation, the control
section 66 of the TV 1 performs a turning-on representation
indicating data input, combined with turning-on of the LED
lamp of the portable terminal 221. Specifically, first, the
LED lamp of the portable terminal 221 is turned on with
predetermined luminance. In addition, the control section
66 of the TV 1 performs the turning-on representation in
which the LED indicator 84 and the image display of the
display 14 are combined with each other in Fig. 11B or Fig.
11D, so as to correspond to a turning-off operation
(reduction in luminance) of the LED lamp of the portable
terminal 221. Fig. 32A illustrates an example in which the
TV 1 performs the turning-on representation of Fig. 11B.
[0182]
Fig. 33B illustrates a cooperative representation
example in a case where data is transmitted from the TV 1 to
the portable terminal 221.
[0183]
Fig. 33A illustrates a turning-on representation when
the TV 1 (the smart unit 12 thereof) and the portable
68
terminal 221 as NFC communication apparatuses detect a
communication partner.
[0184]
When data starts being transmitted from the TV 1 to the
portable terminal 221, the control section 66 of the TV 1
performs a turning-on representation indicating data output,
combined with turning-on of the LED lamp of the portable
terminal 221. Specifically, first, the control section 66
of the TV 1 performs the turning-on representation in which
the LED indicator 84 and the image display of the display 14
are combined with each other in Fig. 11A or Fig. 11C. In
addition, in the portable terminal 221, the LED lamp of the
portable terminal 221 is gradually turned on, and is then
turned off, so as to correspond to a turning-off operation
(reduction in luminance) of the LED indicator 84. Fig. 33B
illustrates an example in which the TV 1 performs the
turning-on representation of Fig. 11A.
[0185]
As mentioned above, the TV 1 performs a turning-on
representation cooperating (synchronized or interlocking)
with a display part (LED lamp) of an external apparatus
which is a communication partner of NFC communication by
using the LED indicator 84, thereby indicating that the
communication partner is detected.
[0186]
69
In addition, the TV 1 makes the cooperative
representation in which turning-on of the LED indicator 84
is combined with image display (image representation)
further cooperate with turning-on of an LED lamp of an
external apparatus which is a communication partner of NFC
communication, thereby indicating input and output
operations of data.
[0187]
[10.4 Cooperative representation corresponding to
gesture operation on smart unit 12]
The TV 1 has a gesture input mode in which a
predetermined command is given or predetermined information
is input to the TV 1 through a gesture operation.
[0188]
In a case where the hand of the user is detected or a
gesture is recognized in the gesture input mode, the control
section 66 of the TV 1 performs control so that the LED
indicator 84 is turned on as illustrated in Fig. 34.
[0189]
In other words, the user in front of the TV 1 turns the
user's palm toward the TV 1 (the camera 93 thereof). If the
user's hand is detected on the basis of an image captured by
the camera 93, the control section 66 turns on the LED
indicator 84 with first luminance (for example, 40%
luminance).
70
[0190]
If the user performs a predetermined gesture set in
advance, and the control section 66 of the TV 1 recognizes
the gesture on the basis of an image captured by the camera
93, luminance is instantaneously increased from the first
luminance to second luminance (for example, 100% luminance).
Next, the control section 66 gradually reduces luminance so
that the second luminance becomes the first luminance.
[0191]
If a gesture is recognized again on the basis of an
image captured by the camera 93, the control section 66
performs control so that luminance is instantaneously
increased from the first luminance to the second luminance,
and is then returned to the first luminance. On the other
hand, if the user puts the user's hand down and thus the
user's palm which is a recognition target cannot be
recognized, the control section 66 turns off the LED
indicator 84.
[0192]
As above, the control section 66 controls the LED
indicator 84 so as to perform a turning-on representation
which leaves the user with an allusive feeling by changing
luminance from the first luminance to the second luminance
with the passage of time when a gesture is recognized. By
performing such turning-on, it is possible to easily
71
understand whether or not the TV 1 side which receives a
predetermined command or information receives an instruction
from the user.
[0193]
[10.5 Cooperative representation corresponding to
pairing operation of BT apparatus]
Fig. 35 illustrates an example of a cooperative
representation corresponding to a pairing operation of a BT
apparatus.
[0194]
A headphone 241 illustrated in Fig. 35 is a BT
apparatus which receives an audio signal of a broadcast
program or the like from the TV 1 through BT communication,
and outputs sounds. The headphone 241 is provided with an
LED lamp 242 which emits predetermined light according to a
power supply state or a communication state.
[0195]
As illustrated in Fig. 35A, before the TV 1 and the
headphone 241 which are BT apparatuses are paired with each
other, the LED indicator 84 of the TV 1 and the LED lamp 242
of the headphone 241 are all turned off.
[0196]
The user performs a pairing operation of the TV 1 and
the headphone 241. In other words, the user performs a
predetermined operation set in advance on the headphone 241,
72
and thus a mode of the headphone 241 is changed to a pairing
mode. In addition, a mode of the TV 1 is changed to a
pairing mode, and the control section 66 of the TV 1
retrieves BT apparatuses in a range in which communication
can be performed, so as to detect the headphone 241.
[0197]
The control section 66 of the TV 1 performs a pairing
operation with the detected headphone 241. Accordingly, the
TV 1 and the headphone 241 share the same passcode (PIN
code).
[0198]
If the pairing is completed, the TV 1 performs a
cooperative representation in which turning-on of the LED
indicator 84 is combined with image display (image
representation) so as to indicate the completion of the
pairing as illustrated in Fig. 35B. In other words, the TV
1 causes the LED indicator 84 to emit light with first
luminance (for example, 100% luminance) and also displays an
image of hemispherical light centering on the smart unit 12
on the display 14. The text "Pairing with Headphone!" is
displayed in the image displayed on the display 14. The
turning-on of the LED indicator 84 and the image display are
controlled so as to be the same as a blinking pattern of the
LED lamp 242 of the headphone 241 in synchronization with
each other. In addition, the turning-on of the LED
73
indicator 84 and the image display may be performed so as to
interlock with a blinking pattern of the LED lamp 242 of the
headphone 241 while maintaining a predetermined time
difference therewith.
[0199]
In the second and subsequent connections between the TV
1 and the headphone 241 in which the pairing is set, the
synchronous turning-on control is also performed as in Fig.
35B when the mutual BT apparatuses are detected. In
addition, in a case where the TV 1 is currently connected to
the headphone 241 through BT communication, the LED
indicator 84 of the smart unit 12 and the LED lamp 242 of
the headphone 241 are turned on with second luminance (for
example, 40% luminance) lower than the first luminance.
[0200]
[10.6 Cooperative representation with Wi-Fi apparatus
in home network]
The TV 1 turns on the smart unit 12 in accordance with
a communication state with other communication apparatuses
connected to a home network in a wired or wireless manner.
[0201]
The TV 1 is, for example, a DLNA correspondence
apparatus which corresponds to a digital living network
alliance (DLNA) standard, and can acquire content from other
DLNA correspondence apparatuses conforming to the DLNA
74
standard so as to display an image of the acquired content
on the display 14.
[0202]
An operation of outputting content (an image thereof)
which is reproduced and displayed on a first DLNA
correspondence apparatus from the first DLNA correspondence
apparatus to a second DLNA correspondence apparatus is
referred to as throw. Conversely, an operation of inputting
content (an image thereof) which is reproduced and displayed
on the second DLNA correspondence apparatus to the first
DLNA correspondence apparatus is referred to as catch.
[0203]
Fig. 36 illustrates an example of a cooperative
representation of the TV 1 and a portable terminal 261 when
content is thrown from the portable terminal 261 which is a
first DLNA correspondence apparatus to the TV 1 which is a
second DLNA correspondence apparatus.
[0204]
First, the user selects a throw process of content
which is currently reproduced and displayed on the portable
terminal 261. Accordingly, as illustrated in Fig. 36A,
through apparatus icons 281 and 282 which are icons of DLNA
correspondence apparatuses connected to the home network as
throw destination candidates are displayed on a display 262
of the portable terminal 261. In this example, it is
75
assumed that the throw apparatus icon 281 corresponds to the
TV 1, and the throw apparatus icon 282 corresponds to a
personal computer (not illustrated) connected to the home
network. Hereinafter, the throw apparatus icon 281 is also
referred to as a TV icon 281, and the throw apparatus icon
282 is also referred to as a PC icon 282.
[0205]
The user drags a content icon 283 using a thumbnail of
content which is reproduced and displayed with the finger,
and moves the icon to the throw apparatus icon 281 or 282 to
which the content is desired to be thrown.
[0206]
Assuming that the TV 1 is selected as a throw
destination, the user releases the finger which drags the
icon, from the display 262 on the TV icon 281.
[0207]
When the finger which drags the icon is released on the
TV icon 281, the content icon 283 disappears as if the
content icon appears to be absorbed by the TV icon 281 as
illustrated in Fig. 36C, which finally leads to a state as
in Fig. 36D. Whereas the content icon 283 is absorbed by
the TV icon 281 and disappears, as illustrated in Fig. 36C,
the LED indicator 84 of the smart unit 12 is gradually
brightened from first luminance (50% luminance) and is
increased to second luminance (100% luminance). In addition,
76
as illustrated in Fig. 36D, the LED indicator 84 is
gradually turned off from the second luminance, and thus the
image of the content which is reproduced and displayed on
the portable terminal 261 is displayed on the display 14 of
the TV 1.
[0208]
Fig. 37 illustrates a state in which the content image
291 which is reproduced and displayed on the display 262 of
the portable terminal 261 is gradually displayed on the TV 1.
The content image 291 which is currently reproduced in the
portable terminal 261 is displayed on the TV 1 in an order
of Fig. 37A, Fig. 37B, Fig. 37C, Fig. 37D, and Fig. 37E.
[0209]
[Various operations of catch and throw]
With reference to Figs. 38 to 44, a description will be
made of cooperative communication of catch or throw, and a
cooperative representation between the display 14 and the
LED indicator 84 of the TV 1 corresponding thereto.
[0210]
First, the home network connected to the TV 1 is
connected to the TV 1, a tablet terminal 301, and a portable
terminal 302 called a smart phone as illustrated in Fig. 38.
[0211]
The tablet terminal 301 includes a display 311, an LED
lamp 312, a control unit (not illustrated) which controls
77
the above-described elements, and a wireless communication
unit (not illustrated) which performs wireless communication
such as Wi-Fi communication, NFC communication, and BT
communication. A predetermined content image 313 is
displayed on the display 311 of the tablet terminal 301.
The portable terminal 302 also includes a display 321, an
LED lamp 322, a control unit (not illustrated) which
controls the above-described elements, and a wireless
communication unit (not illustrated). A predetermined
content image 323 is displayed on the display 321 of the
portable terminal 302. A content image 331 of a broadcast
program or the like is displayed on the display 14 of the TV
1.
[0212]
If the user performs a predetermined operation set in
advance such as tapping the display 321 in the portable
terminal 302, a throw/catch instruction screen illustrated
in Fig. 39A is displayed on the display 321. A throw
selection icon 341 which is operated when a throw process is
performed, and a catch selection icon 342 which is operated
when a catch process is performed, are displayed on the
throw/catch instruction screen.
[0213]
In a case where the content image 323 which is
reproduced and displayed on the portable terminal 302 is
78
thrown, the user taps (selects) the throw selection icon 341
displayed on the display 321.
[0214]
If the throw selection icon 341 is tapped, and thus a
throw (process) is selected, as illustrated in Fig. 39B, a
TV icon 343 corresponding to the TV 1 and a tablet icon 344
corresponding to the tablet terminal 301 are displayed on
the display 321 of the portable terminal 302 as throw
destination candidates.
[0215]
The user taps and selects either the TV icon 343 or the
tablet icon 344 displayed on the portable terminal 302 as a
throw destination, and thus the content image 323 which
reproduced and displayed on the portable terminal 302 is
thrown to the TV 1 or the tablet terminal 301.
[0216]
In addition, in a state in which a throw destination
selection screen is displayed on the display 321 of the
portable terminal 302 as illustrated in Fig. 39B, the user
brings the grasped portable terminal 302 close to the smart
unit 12 of the TV 1 as a throw destination as illustrated in
Fig. 40. Then, the TV 1 and the portable terminal 302
detect mutual proximity through NFC communication, so that
the TV 1 is selected as a throw destination, and the content
image 323 reproduced and displayed on the portable terminal
79
302 is thrown to the TV 1.
[0217]
In the throw process, the cooperative representation
between the display 14 and the LED indicator 84 of the TV 1,
described with reference to Fig. 37, is performed between
the TV 1 as a throw destination and the portable terminal
302.
[0218]
On the other hand, in the throw/catch instruction
screen illustrated in Fig. 39A, also in a case where the
catch selection icon 342 is tapped, and thus a catch
(process) is selected, a catch destination selection screen
as in Fig. 39B is displayed on the display 321 of the
portable terminal 302. In addition, a DLNA correspondence
apparatus which is a catch target is designated due to
tapping of the TV icon 343 or the tablet icon 344, or
proximity of the portable terminal 302. As a result, a
content image is input from the designated DLNA
correspondence apparatus and is displayed on the display 321
of the portable terminal 302.
[0219]
Figs. 41 and 42 are diagrams illustrating another
operation method of cooperative communication.
[0220]
In the portable terminal 302, in the state in which the
80
throw destination selection screen of Fig. 39B is displayed,
the TV 1 or the portable terminal 302 can be designated as a
throw destination by performing an operation in which the
content image 323 displayed on the display 321 is dragged in
the upward direction of the figure, and the finger is
released on the TV icon 343 or the tablet icon 344.
[0221]
At this time, as illustrated in Fig. 41, if a content
image 323A to which the content image 323 is reduced due to
the dragging is in a state of overlapping the TV icon 343,
the LED indicator 84 of the smart unit 12 of the TV 1
corresponding to the TV icon 343 is turned on in a
predetermined cycle. In other words, the portable terminal
302 causes the LED indicator 84 of the smart unit 12 to be
turned on in a predetermined cycle by transmitting a control
signal indicating that the TV is selected, to the TV 1 which
is selected as a throw destination in a state in which the
content image 323A overlaps the TV icon 343.
[0222]
At this time, as illustrated in Fig. 42, if a content
image 323A to which the content image 323 is reduced due to
the dragging is in a state of overlapping the tablet icon
344, the LED lamp 312 of the tablet terminal 301
corresponding to the tablet icon 344 is turned on in a
predetermined cycle. In other words, the portable terminal
81
302 causes the LED indicator 84 of the smart unit 12 to be
turned on in a predetermined cycle by transmitting a control
signal indicating that the tablet terminal is selected, to
the tablet terminal 301 which is selected as a throw
destination in a state in which the content image 323A
overlaps the tablet icon 344.
[0223]
As mentioned above, the TV 1 and the tablet terminal
301 are turned on in a predetermined cycle in a case where
the TV and the tablet terminal are selected as an output
destination of the content image 323 in the portable
terminal 302. Accordingly, the user can easily recognize an
apparatus which is a throw destination (an output
destination of content data).
[0224]
Fig. 43 is a diagram illustrating still another
operation method of cooperative communication.
[0225]
In the state in which the content image 323 is
reproduced and displayed on the portable terminal 302,
illustrated in Fig. 38, the user performs a dragging
operation on the display 321 of the portable terminal 302 in
the upward direction of the figure as illustrated in Fig.
43A. If the user's upward dragging operation is detected,
the portable terminal 302 recognizes that a throw command is
82
instructed, and a throw icon 361 indicating a throw
operation is displayed on the display 321 in a
superimposition manner. Next, the same throw destination
selection screen as that in Fig. 39B is displayed on the
display 321.
[0226]
On the other hand, as illustrated in Fig. 43B, the user
performs a dragging operation on the display 321 of the
portable terminal 302 in the downward direction of the
figure. If the user's downward dragging operation is
detected, the portable terminal 302 recognizes that a catch
command is instructed, and a catch icon 362 indicating a
catch operation is displayed on the display 321 in a
superimposition manner. Next, the same catch destination
selection screen as that in Fig. 39B is displayed on the
display 321.
[0227]
An operation after the throw destination or catch
destination selection screen is displayed is the same as in
the above-described example, and description thereof will
not be repeated.
[0228]
Fig. 44 is a diagram illustrating still another
operation method of cooperative communication.
[0229]
83
In a state in which the content image 323 is reproduced
and displayed on the portable terminal 302, illustrated in
Fig. 38, the user brings the grasped portable terminal 302
close to the smart unit 12 of the TV 1 as a cooperative
communication destination as illustrated in Fig. 44. Then,
the TV 1 and the portable terminal 302 detect mutual
proximity through NFC communication. In addition, the LED
indicator 84 of the smart unit 12 of the TV 1 and the LED
lamp 322 of the portable terminal 302 are turned on in
synchronization with each other.
[0230]
Simultaneously, the portable terminal 302 displays the
same cooperative communication selection screen as that of
Fig. 39A on the display 321. In the cooperative
communication selection screen, in a case where the throw
selection icon 341 is tapped (selected), the content image
323 which is reproduced and displayed on the portable
terminal 302 is thrown to the TV 1. On the other hand, in
the cooperative communication selection screen, in a case
where the catch selection icon 342 is tapped (selected), the
content image 331 which is reproduced and displayed on the
TV 1 is caught by the portable terminal 302 from the TV 1,
and is displayed on the display 321 of the portable terminal
302.
[0231]
84
Two communication apparatuses 401 (401A and 401B) of
Figs. 45 and 46 have the same function as that of the abovedescribed
TV 1, tablet terminal 301, and the portable
terminal 302, and include LED indicators 411 (411A and 411B).
[0232]
In a case where the two communication apparatuses 401A
and 401B are brought close to each other, and cooperative
communication such as catch and throw starts between the
communication apparatuses 401A and 401B, as illustrated in
Fig. 45, first, if the LED indicator 411A of the
communication apparatuses 401A and the LED indicator 411B of
the communication apparatuses 401B are left flashing, it is
possible for the user to can easily understand favorable
parts which are brought close to each other.
[0233]
In addition, if the user brings the vicinity of the
flashing LED indicator 411A of the communication apparatus
401A and the vicinity of the flashing LED indicator 411B of
the communication apparatus 401B close to each other, the
communication apparatus 401A and the communication apparatus
401B mutually detect (recognize) partners. In a case where
the communication apparatus 401A and the communication
apparatus 401B detect partners, they are turned on in the
same turning-on manner as the partners. For example, the
LED indicator 411A of the communication apparatus 401A and
85
the LED indicator 411B of the communication apparatus 401B
simultaneously blink. Accordingly, the user can easily
recognize that the communication apparatus 401A and the
communication apparatus 401B mutually recognize partners.
Instead of changing emission luminance, a flashing color may
be changed, or a shape of a flashing part may be changed.
[0234]
In addition, during data communication, as illustrated
in Fig. 46, turning-on of the LED indicator 411A of the
communication apparatus 401A and the LED indicator 411B of
the communication apparatus 401B is controlled so that light
transitions so as to correspond to data movement. In other
words, control may be repeatedly performed in the
predetermined data unit so that the LED indicator 411A of
the communication apparatus 401A which is a data
transmission source is turned on with high luminance at
first, and the LED indicator 411B of the communication
apparatus 401B is turned on with high luminance in
accordance with turning-off of the LED indicator 411A.
Accordingly, the user can intuitively recognize that
transmission and reception of data are performed between the
communication apparatuses 401A and 401B. Alternatively, the
LED indicator 411A of the communication apparatus 401A and
the LED indicator 411B of the communication apparatus 401B
may be turned on so that turning-on and turning-off are
86
repeated at the same timing.
[0235]
[11. Flowchart for realizing cooperative
representation]
Fig. 47 is a flowchart illustrating a process for
realizing the above-described cooperative representation
between image display of the display 14 and turning-on of
the LED indicator 84 of the TV 1.
[0236]
In this process, first, in step S1, the control section
66 of the TV 1 determines whether or not a user's operation
or the like is detected as a trigger for performing the
cooperative representation. The user's operation or the
like corresponds to various operations or apparatus states
such as a button operation of the remote controller, a
user's operation such as a gesture, proximity of other
communication apparatuses to the smart unit 12, and
reception of a message requesting cooperative communication.
[0237]
The process in step S1 is repeatedly performed until it
is determined that a user's operation is detected, and if it
is determined that a user's operation or the like is
detected in step S1, the process proceeds to step S2. In
addition, in step S2, the control section 66 of the TV 1
performs the above-described cooperative representation in
87
which image display of the display 14 is cooperative with
turning-on of the LED indicator 84.
[0238]
In the above-described examples, a cooperative
representation performed by the TV 1 has been mainly
described, but the present technology is applicable to not
only a television receiver but also general display
apparatuses, such as a portable terminal including a smart
phone, or a tablet terminal, provided with an image display
unit such as an LCD or an electroluminescence (EL) display,
and an indicator (a turning-on unit) such as an LED which
indicates a predetermined operation or state with
illumination.
[0239]
Embodiments of the present technology are not limited
to the above-described embodiments, and may have various
modifications within the scope without departing from the
spirit of the present technology.
[0240]
In addition, the present technology may have the
following configurations.
(1) A display apparatus including a display unit that
displays a predetermined image; a communication unit that
performs communication of image data with another image
display apparatus; an indicator unit that is disposed at at
88
least a part of surroundings of the display unit and
includes an indicator which is turned on with predetermined
luminance; and a control unit that turns on the indicator so
as to correspond to a transmission operation of the image
data in another image display apparatus.
(2) The display apparatus according to the above (1),
in which the indicator is turned on under the control of the
control unit when the display apparatus is selected as an
output destination of the image data in another image
display apparatus.
(3) The display apparatus according to the above (1) or
(2), in which the indicator is turned on under the control
of the control unit during transmission of the image data
with another image display apparatus.
(4) The display apparatus according to any one of the
above (1) to (3), in which the indicator performs turning-on
cooperative with another image display apparatus under the
control of the control unit so that light transitions so as
to correspond to movement of the image data with another
image display apparatus.
(5) The display apparatus according to any one of the
above (1) to (4), in which the communication unit receives
the image data from another image display apparatus, and in
which the control unit performs control for display in which
an image corresponding to the received image data is
89
expelled from the indicator unit, and turns on the indicator
in synchronization or interlocking with the display in which
the image is expelled from the indicator unit.
(6) The display apparatus according to any one of the
above (1) to (5), further including a proximity
communication unit that detects that another image display
apparatus is at least brought close to the indicator unit,
in which the communication unit communicates with another
image display apparatus which is brought close to the
display apparatus by a user as a transmission operation of
the image data.
(7) A display control method for a display apparatus
including a display unit that displays a predetermined image,
a communication unit that performs communication of image
data with another image display apparatus, an indicator unit
that is disposed at at least a part of surroundings of the
display unit and includes an indicator which is turned on
with predetermined luminance, and a control unit that
controls turning-on of the indicator, the method including
causing the control unit to turn on the indicator so as to
correspond to a transmission operation of the image data in
another image display apparatus.
(8) A program causing a computer which controls a
display apparatus, to perform the process of turning on an
indicator so as to correspond to a transmission operation of
90
image data in another image display apparatus, in which the
display apparatus includes a display unit that displays a
predetermined image; a communication unit that performs
communication of image data with another image display
apparatus; and an indicator unit that is disposed at at
least a part of surroundings of the display unit and
includes the indicator which is turned on with predetermined
luminance.
(9) A portable terminal apparatus including a
communication unit that performs transmission of image data
with an image display apparatus; a display unit that
displays an instruction image for instructing a transmission
operation of the image data; and a control unit that changes
a turning-on state of an indicator of the image display
apparatus so as to correspond to a user's transmission
operation of the image data based on the instruction image.
(10) A display apparatus including a display unit that
displays a predetermined image; a communication unit that
performs communication of image data with another image
display apparatus; an indicator unit that is disposed at at
least a part of surroundings of the display unit and
includes an indicator which is turned on with predetermined
luminance; and a control unit that turns on the indicator
during communication of the image data with another image
display apparatus, in which the control unit turns on the
91
indicator of the indicator unit only during a predetermined
period before or after an indicator of another image display
apparatus is turned on only during a predetermined period.
(11) The display apparatus according to the above (10),
in which, of the indicators of another image display
apparatus and the display apparatus, an indicator of an
apparatus which is a transmission source of the image data
is first turned on only during a predetermined period, and
then an indicator of an apparatus which is a transmission
destination of the image data is turned on only during a
predetermined period.
(12) The display apparatus according to the above (10)
or (11), in which the indicator of the indicator unit is
turned on only during a predetermined period before or after
an image in which a region near the indicator of the
indicator unit has high luminance in the display unit is
displayed.
(13) The display apparatus according to any one of the
above (10) to (12), further including a proximity
communication unit that detects that another image display
apparatus is at least brought close to the indicator unit,
in which the indicator of the indicator unit is further
turned on in synchronization with turning-on of the
indicator of another image display apparatus when proximity
of another image display apparatus is detected by the
92
proximity communication unit.
(14) A display control method for a display apparatus
including a display unit that displays a predetermined image,
a communication unit that performs communication of image
data with another image display apparatus, an indicator unit
that is disposed at at least a part of surroundings of the
display unit and includes an indicator which is turned on
with predetermined luminance, and a control unit that turns
on the indicator during communication of the image data with
another image display apparatus, the method including
causing the control unit to turn on the indicator of the
indicator unit only during a predetermined period before or
after an indicator of another image display apparatus is
turned on only during a predetermined period.
(15) A program causing a computer which controls a
display apparatus, to perform the process of turning on an
indicator of an indicator unit only during a predetermined
period before or after an indicator of another image display
apparatus is turned on only during a predetermined period
while communication of image data with another image display
apparatus is performed, in which the display apparatus
includes a display unit that displays a predetermined image;
a communication unit that performs communication of the
image data with another image display apparatus; and an
indicator unit that is disposed at at least a part of
93
surroundings of the display unit and includes the indicator
which is turned on with predetermined luminance.
Reference Signs List
[0241]
1 TELEVISION RECEIVER, 11 DISPLAY MAIN BODY, 12 SMART UNIT,
14 DISPLAY, 15 FRAME PART, 66 CONTROL SECTION, 84 LED
INDICATOR, 85 TOUCH SENSOR, 87 WI-FI COMMUNICATION SECTION,
88 NFC COMMUNICATION SECTION, 89 BT COMMUNICATION SECTION,
93 CAMERA, 101 AV SIGNAL PROCESSING PORTION, 102
COMMUNICATION CONTROL PORTION, 103 LED CONTROL PORTION, 104
CAMERA CONTROL PORTION
94
CLAIMS
[Claim 1] A display apparatus comprising:
a display unit that displays a predetermined image;
a communication unit that performs communication of
image data with another image display apparatus;
an indicator unit that is disposed at at least a part
of surroundings of the display unit and includes an
indicator which is turned on with predetermined luminance;
and
a control unit that turns on the indicator so as to
correspond to a transmission operation of the image data in
another image display apparatus.
[Claim 2] The display apparatus according to Claim 1,
wherein the indicator is turned on under the control of the
control unit when the display apparatus is selected as an
output destination of the image data in another image
display apparatus.
[Claim 3] The display apparatus according to Claim 1,
wherein the indicator is turned on under the control of the
control unit during transmission of the image data with
another image display apparatus.
95
[Claim 4] The display apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein
the indicator performs turning-on cooperative with another
image display apparatus under the control of the control
unit so that light transitions so as to correspond to
movement of the image data with another image display
apparatus.
[Claim 5] The display apparatus according to Claim 1,
wherein the communication unit receives the image data from
another image display apparatus, and
wherein the control unit performs control for display
in which an image corresponding to the received image data
is expelled from the indicator unit, and turns on the
indicator in synchronization or interlocking with the
display in which the image is expelled from the indicator
unit.
[Claim 6] The display apparatus according to Claim 3,
further comprising:
a proximity communication unit that detects that
another image display apparatus is at least brought close to
the indicator unit,
wherein the communication unit communicates with
another image display apparatus which is brought close to
the display apparatus by a user as a transmission operation
96
of the image data.
[Claim 7] A display control method for a display apparatus
including a display unit that displays a predetermined image,
a communication unit that performs communication of image
data with another image display apparatus, an indicator unit
that is disposed at at least a part of surroundings of the
display unit and includes an indicator which is turned on
with predetermined luminance, and a control unit that
controls turning-on of the indicator, the method comprising:
causing the control unit to turn on the indicator so as
to correspond to a transmission operation of the image data
in another image display apparatus.
[Claim 8] A program causing a computer which controls a
display apparatus, to perform the process of:
turning on an indicator so as to correspond to a
transmission operation of image data in another image
display apparatus,
wherein the display apparatus includes
a display unit that displays a predetermined image;
a communication unit that performs communication of
image data with another image display apparatus; and
an indicator unit that is disposed at at least a part
of surroundings of the display unit and includes the
97
indicator which is turned on with predetermined luminance.
[Claim 9] A portable terminal apparatus comprising:
a communication unit that performs transmission of
image data with an image display apparatus;
a display unit that displays an instruction image for
instructing a transmission operation of the image data; and
a control unit that changes a turning-on state of an
indicator of the image display apparatus so as to correspond
to a user's transmission operation of the image data based
on the instruction image.
[Claim 10] A display apparatus comprising:
a display unit that displays a predetermined image;
a communication unit that performs communication of
image data with another image display apparatus;
an indicator unit that is disposed at at least a part
of surroundings of the display unit and includes an
indicator which is turned on with predetermined luminance;
and
a control unit that turns on the indicator during
communication of the image data with another image display
apparatus,
wherein the control unit turns on the indicator of the
indicator unit only during a predetermined period before or
98
after an indicator of another image display apparatus is
turned on only during a predetermined period.
[Claim 11] The display apparatus according to Claim 10,
wherein, of the indicators of another image display
apparatus and the display apparatus, an indicator of an
apparatus which is a transmission source of the image data
is first turned on only during a predetermined period, and
then an indicator of an apparatus which is a transmission
destination of the image data is turned on only during a
predetermined period.
[Claim 12] The display apparatus according to Claim 10,
wherein the indicator of the indicator unit is turned on
only during a predetermined period before or after an image
in which a region near the indicator of the indicator unit
has high luminance in the display unit is displayed.
[Claim 13] The display apparatus according to Claim 10,
further comprising:
a proximity communication unit that detects that
another image display apparatus is at least brought close to
the indicator unit,
wherein the indicator of the indicator unit is further
turned on in synchronization with turning-on of the
99
indicator of another image display apparatus when proximity
of another image display apparatus is detected by the
proximity communication unit.
[Claim 14] A display control method for a display apparatus
including a display unit that displays a predetermined image,
a communication unit that performs communication of image
data with another image display apparatus, an indicator unit
that is disposed at at least a part of surroundings of the
display unit and includes an indicator which is turned on
with predetermined luminance, and a control unit that turns
on the indicator during communication of the image data with
another image display apparatus, the method comprising:
causing the control unit to turn on the indicator of
the indicator unit only during a predetermined period before
or after an indicator of another image display apparatus is
turned on only during a predetermined period.
[Claim 15] A program causing a computer which controls a
display apparatus, to perform the process of:
turning on an indicator of an indicator unit only
during a predetermined period before or after an indicator
of another image display apparatus is turned on only during
a predetermined period while communication of image data
with another image display apparatus is performed,
100
wherein the display apparatus includes
a display unit that displays a predetermined image;
a communication unit that performs communication of the
image data with another image display apparatus; and
an indicator unit that is disposed at at least a part
of surroundings of the display unit and includes the
indicator which is turned on with predetermined luminance.