WO1999057890A1

WO1999057890A1 - Method for selecting information signal and device therefor, image information display having the device, and remote controller

Info

Publication number: WO1999057890A1
Application number: PCT/JP1998/002029
Authority: WO
Inventors: Maki Furui; Nobufumi Nakagaki; Masato Sugiyama; Kazuo Ishikura; Mitsuo Nakajima; Satoshi Hatakeyama; Katsunori Nakatani
Original assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
Priority date: 1998-05-07
Filing date: 1998-05-07
Publication date: 1999-11-11
Also published as: JP4006182B2

Abstract

An image information display comprising a selector for selecting at least one information signal among a plurality of information signals including a video signal, e.g. a television broadcasting signal, further comprises tuners (203, 204) receiving a plurality of signals, a display (208) for displaying the image of a received signal, a microcomputer (209) for selecting a signal received by controlling the tuner, a video processing unit (207) for generating a polygon (1100, 2100) composed of a plurality of faces to each of which a channel number or the like is assigned for the displaying on the display (208), and a remote controller (300). One channel can be selected among a large number of channels by rotating the polygon (1100) displayed on the display (208) through the remote controller (300).

Description

Description: Information signal selection method and device, video information display device provided with such selection device, and remote control device therefor

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for selecting an information signal for easily and easily selecting a desired information signal from a large number of information signals including a broadcast signal, and further relates to video information provided with such a selection apparatus. It relates to a display device and a remote control device therefor. Background art

In recent years, in addition to analog and digital terrestrial broadcasts, digital broadcasts using satellites called BS (Broadcast! Ng Sate! 1ite) CS (Communi cati on Satel 1ite), and also called CATV Many programs are broadcasted via cable, and digital broadcasts allow multiple programs to be broadcast simultaneously on a single channel. , 100 channels (here, a channel includes a plurality of programs broadcasted by a single channel) and more broadcast programs can be received.

Along with this, the broadcast user can select a desired program from various programs over a large number of program categories (for example, movies, sports, dramas, news, etc.) transmitted from the broadcast user as appropriate. Various broadcast programs can now be enjoyed widely.

By the way, conventionally, a general method of selecting a program in a television receiver for receiving such a broadcast program includes, for example, The use of remote controllers or the like with corresponding push buttons has been performed. However, in such a method, it is practically difficult to provide a remote controller or the like with push buttons for selection corresponding to a large number of channels exceeding 100 channels, and it is not practical. .

Alternatively, a method of attaching a numeric keypad to a remote controller for channel selection and selecting a channel by pressing the numeric keypad to select an arbitrary channel number is already known and has been put to practical use. ing. However, such a method using the numeric keypad is convenient and effective when the number of selectable channels (or programs) is relatively small. However, as described above, it is necessary to use a large number of channels exceeding 100 channels. Therefore, it is difficult for users to memorize the broadcast contents for each channel. In addition, the user often selects a channel at random (so-called “zabbing”) or searches for a desired channel number while sequentially selecting the order of the numerical value. However, as described above, For a large number of channels exceeding the 100 channel, it is time-consuming and difficult to select a desired program by such an operation. For this reason, the desired channel number is confirmed from a magazine or pamphlet that publishes a guide to the broadcast program, and the number is entered by pressing the numeric keypad button. However, there is an inconvenience that such magazine / pamphlet must always be prepared on the television receiver side.

Also, in order to be able to select the channel broadcasting the desired program from among the above-mentioned many channels (or programs), program guide information is added to this along with the video signal. Is being sent I have. This is because, for example, in CS performance TV, the same program guide information is transmitted to each transbonder, and the program guide information is obtained regardless of which transbonder is received. It is now possible to do things.

On the other hand, when the broadcast receiver receives such program guide information, it stores it in memory, and displays the stored program guide on the screen of the display device according to an instruction from the user. I do. Then, the user can select a desired program or make a reservation by using the displayed program guide.

However, in a broadcasting system that transmits such program guide information simultaneously with a broadcast signal, for example, CS and BS, and further, in terrestrial broadcasting, the format of the program guide differs. For this reason, even if program guide information for a broadcast in a different format is received by a receiver and can be displayed and selected on a screen, the display method and the operation method are different. In this case, users cannot select program guides from different broadcasting systems while simultaneously displaying them on the screen. In other words, there is also a method of using such program guide information to allow a user to select a desired program channel number from a large number of channels.As a method of selecting a channel from a large number of channels exceeding 100 channels, it is not necessary to use a channel. Was not convenient and sufficient for the elderly.

In recent years, information signals have been supplied to users not only by the above-mentioned broadcast signals but also by public lines such as telephones, as typified by the Internet. And the number of suppliers is increasing. Even in such a case, similarly to the above, when a large number of information suppliers (for example, sites) provide such information signals, Choosing the information provider they want to use is a tedious task for the user.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, the present invention provides a simple and easy way for a user to select a desired video signal from a large number of information signals including a broadcast signal and the like while having fun. An object of the present invention is to provide a method and a device for selecting an information signal to be used, and a video information display device provided with the selection device and a remote control device therefor.

Further, in the present invention, in particular, a method and an apparatus for selecting an information signal capable of selecting a desired program by a simple operation of a user from information signals provided over a large number of categories, It is another object of the present invention to provide a video information display device provided with such a selection device and a remote control device therefor.

Disclosure of the invention

To achieve the above object, according to the present invention, there is first provided a method for selecting an information signal for selecting at least one information signal from a plurality of selectable information signals, comprising:

Displaying on a display device a polyhedron composed of a plurality of surfaces to which selection information for selecting the plurality of selectable information signals is assigned;

Rotating the polyhedron displayed on the display device; and obtaining one information from the plurality of selectable information signals based on the selection information assigned to the front of the polyhedron rotated on the display device. A method for selecting an information signal for selecting a signal is provided.

Further, according to the present invention, in the information signal selection method described above, the polyhedron displayed on the display device is a polygonal prism, and the plurality of selectable pluralities are arranged on a surface constituting a side surface of the polygonal prism. A plurality of selection information for selecting an information signal is assigned, and one information is moved while moving the selection position on the side. Select a signal.

Further, according to the present invention, in the above-described information signal selection method, the plurality of pieces of selection information assigned to each surface constituting the side surface of the polygonal prism are classified according to the content of the corresponding information signal. .

Further, according to the present invention, in the information signal selection method described above, the polygonal prism is displayed on the display device with its rotation axis oriented in the vertical direction, and is rotated around the rotation axis. It was to so.

Further, according to the present invention, in the information signal selection method described above, the selection information allocated to the side surface of the polygonal prism is arranged in a vertical direction, and one information is moved while moving the selection position in the vertical direction. Select a signal.

Further, according to the present invention, in the information signal selecting method described above, the plurality of selectable information signals include a video signal, and the information signal is displayed on the surface of the polyhedron displayed on the display device. The video obtained from the video signal is displayed.

Further, according to the present invention, in the above-described information signal selection method, the image displayed on the surface of the polyhedron is reduced or deformed in accordance with the display position and displayed.

Further, according to the present invention, in the information signal selecting method described above, the information signals displayed on the plurality of surfaces constituting the polyhedron are classified according to their contents and selectively displayed. .

To achieve the above object, according to the present invention, there is provided an information signal selecting device for selecting at least one information signal from a plurality of selectable information signals, comprising:

A display device for displaying an image of a polyhedron composed of a plurality of surfaces to which selection information for selecting the plurality of selectable information signals is assigned;

An operation unit for rotating the polyhedron displayed on the display device And; and

Means for selecting one information signal from the plurality of selectable information signals based on the selection information assigned to the front of the polyhedron rotated on the display device. Is done.

Also, in the present invention, in the information signal selection device, the polyhedron displayed on the display device is a polygonal prism, and a surface constituting a side surface of the polygonal prism includes the plurality of selectable information. A plurality of pieces of selection information for selecting a signal are assigned, and the operation unit further includes a second operation unit for selecting one information signal while moving the selection position on the side surface. I have.

Further, in the present invention, in the information signal selection device described above, the plurality of pieces of selection information assigned to each surface constituting the side surface of the polygonal prism is classified according to the content of the corresponding information signal.

Furthermore, in the present invention, in the information signal selection device, the polygonal prism is displayed on the display device with its rotation axis oriented in a vertical direction, and the rotation axis is changed by operating the operation unit. It is configured to rotate around the center.

Further, in the present invention, in the information signal selection device, the selection information allocated to the side surface of the polygonal prism is arranged in a vertical direction, and the selection operation is performed by operating the second operation unit. It is configured to move the position vertically.

Further, according to the present invention, in the information signal selection device, the selectable information signals include a video signal, and further, the information signal is displayed on the surface of the polyhedron displayed on the display device. It is equipped with means for displaying an image obtained from an image signal.

Further, according to the present invention, in the information signal selecting device, The means for displaying an image includes means for reducing or deforming the image corresponding to the display position.

Further, in the present invention, in the information signal selecting device, the display device is further configured to classify and selectively display information signals displayed on a plurality of surfaces constituting the polyhedron. Means.

In addition, according to the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, a video signal provided with an information signal selecting device for selecting at least one information signal from a plurality of information signals including a video signal is also provided. An information display device, comprising:

An input unit capable of inputting the plurality of information signals;

A display device for displaying at least an image of the information signal input by the input unit;

Control means for selectively inputting at least one information signal from the plurality of information signals by controlling the input unit;

A display unit for displaying a polyhedron composed of a plurality of surfaces to which selection information for selecting the plurality of information signals is assigned on a part of the display device;

An operation unit for rotating the polyhedron displayed on the display device, and based on the selection information assigned to the front of the polyhedron rotated on the display device, the control unit Accordingly, there is provided a video information display device for selecting one information signal from the plurality of information signals and displaying the selected information signal on the display device.

Also, in the present invention, in the video information display device described above, the polyhedron displayed on the display device is a polygonal prism, and a surface forming a side surface of the polygonal prism includes the plurality of selectable pieces of information. A plurality of pieces of selection information for selecting a signal are assigned, and the operation unit further includes a second operation unit for selecting one information signal while moving a selection position on the side surface. It has.

Further, according to the present invention, in the video information display device described above, the plurality of pieces of selection information assigned to each of the surfaces forming the side surface of the polygonal prism is classified according to the content of the corresponding information signal.

Further, according to the present invention, in the video information display device described above, the polygonal pillar is displayed on the display device with its rotation axis oriented in the vertical direction, and the operation of the operation unit causes the polygonal pillar to be centered on the rotation axis. It is configured to be rotated.

Further, according to the present invention, in the video information display device described above, the selection information assigned to the side surface of the polygonal pillar is arranged in a vertical direction, and the selection operation is performed by operating the second operation unit. It is configured to move the position vertically.

Further, in the present invention, in the video information display device described above, the plurality of selectable information signals include a video signal, and further, from the video signal on a surface of the polyhedron displayed on the display device. A means for displaying the obtained image is provided.

Further, according to the present invention, in the video information display device described above, the means for displaying the video includes a means for performing reduction or deformation processing corresponding to the display position.

Further, in the present invention, in the video information display device described above, the display device further includes means for classifying and selectively displaying information signals displayed on a plurality of surfaces constituting the polyhedron. It has.

The information signal selection method and device described above, and the video information display device provided with such a selection device select a television signal as the selectable information signal. It is preferably applied to a television receiver. According to the present invention, there is also provided a remote control device for the video information display device, wherein the display device is provided separately from the video information display device. A remote control device provided with an operation unit for rotating the polyhedron displayed above is provided.

Further, according to the present invention, in the remote control device described above, the operation unit includes a rotating member rotatably arranged on a surface of the main body by a user.

According to the present invention, in the remote control device described above, the operation unit includes a plurality of the rotating members, and these rotating members have different rotation directions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a channel selection screen in a television receiver according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a diagram showing another example of the channel selection screen in the television receiver according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an overview of the internal structure of the television receiver according to the embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a structure of a remote controller of the television receiver according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a channel selection operation procedure by a channel selection polyhedron and a remote controller in the television receiver according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a channel selection operation procedure by the channel selection polyhedron and the remote controller in the television receiver according to the above embodiment; FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing a channel selection operation procedure by the channel selection polyhedron and the remote controller in the television receiver according to the above embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of an image processing unit which is a feature of a television receiver according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a display form of a channel selection polyhedron in a television receiver according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the display form of the channel selection polyhedron in the television receiver according to the other embodiment described above;

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a channel selection operation procedure by a channel selection polyhedron and a remote controller in a television receiver according to another embodiment of the present invention. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, as an example of a video information display device provided with a selection device that realizes the information signal selection method according to the present invention, a television broadcast signal, which is a type of information signal, is received and input. This will be described in detail with an example of a television receiver that displays a desired channel (or program) on a screen from a John signal.

First, FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal structure of a television receiver according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, reference numerals 201 and 202 denote a plurality of antennas (including a U / V antenna and a satellite antenna). These antennas include a plurality of tuners 203 and 204 ( (Including U / V tuner and CS / BS tuner). As a result, for example, terrestrial broadcasting by analog system or digital broadcasting system, or Digital satellite broadcast radio waves called BS and CS are received by the antennas 201 and 202, and then tuners 203 and 204 separate video and audio signals from the RF signals. You. Outputs from the tuners 203 and 204 (in particular, the video signal here) are input to a switching circuit 205.

As is apparent from the figure, the current receiver selects one of the video signals from the plurality of tuners 203 and 204 via the switching circuit 205 described above. One signal is output to the video processing device 207, and one of the remaining video signals is output to the video processing device 207 via the Pin-P circuit 206. Note that, here, reference numeral 209 denotes a so-called microcomputer constituting a control device, and this microcomputer includes a storage means (not shown) for storing a predetermined processing program or the like. It is provided internally and controls the operations of the switching circuit 205, the video processing device 207, and the PinP circuit 206. That is, when a video signal is selected, that is, at the time of a channel selection operation, one video signal of the plurality of video signals and another video signal cut out by the PinP circuit 206 are connected. The video processing device 207 performs synthesis, positioning, and the like, thereby generating an image for channel selection, which will be described in detail later.

Reference numeral 208 in the figure denotes a display device of a television receiver made of, for example, a CRT, on which an image signal generated by the video processing device 207 is displayed. As the display device 208, for example, a liquid crystal display device or a plasma display device can be used instead of the above-described CRT.

The microcomputer 209 also has an infrared receiver 210 The receiving device 210 receives, for example, an infrared control signal from a remote controller 300, which is a remote control device described in detail later, and sends the signal to the microcomputer 209. Output. As will be described in detail later, during the channel selection operation, the micro computer 209 is a part of the image generated by the video processing device 207 and displayed on the display device 208. Will be changed.

The fourth figure, in _c diagram the remote ipecac controller 3 0 0 appearance is shown on the upper surface of the body, indicated at 3 0 1, "0" to "9" or in so-called, The numeric keypads 302, 302, and the first operation section 303 having a cylindrical outer shape rotatable in the direction of the arrow in the figure are different from the rotating direction of the disk shape. There is also provided a second operation section 304 which can also be rotated in the direction of the arrow. Although not shown in the figure, the main body 301 of the remote controller 300 includes various switch circuits, control circuits, infrared oscillation devices, and the like. By detecting the pressing of the ten-key buttons 302, 302,... And the rotation of the first and second rotating operation sections 303, 304, the signals are converted into predetermined signals. The information is transmitted to a receiving device 210 constituting a television receiver as the video information display device via infrared rays.

Subsequently, FIG. 1 attached shows the image information displayed on the display device 208 when the video signal is selected by the channel selection device (that is, when the channel is selected), which is a feature of the video information display device according to the present invention. A video signal selection screen 100 (hereinafter referred to as a channel selection screen) is shown.

As is clear from this figure, when the user selects a channel to select a program, the channel selection screen 100 displayed on the display device 208 of the television receiver includes the currently selected program. The video signal is displayed, and part of it (on the right side in the example in the figure) is a polyhedron for channel selection, More specifically, an image of polygonal prism 110 is displayed in three dimensions. Then, selectable channels (specifically, channel numbers, names, or logo marks, etc.) are assigned to and displayed on many faces of the polygonal prism 110. As a result, even a large number of channels exceeding 100 can be displayed using a part of the display device 208 of the television receiver. It is possible to assign one specific channel to each face of the polyhedron displayed for channel selection. However, the number of channels that can be received will be as large as 100 or more. In this case, as shown below, it is practical to further categorize these receivable channels into a plurality of groups and assign each group to each surface of the polyhedron.

Further, in the receiving apparatus of the present invention, the user operates the remote control port 300 to cause the polygonal column 1100 for channel selection to move to the second rotary operation section 3. The image is rotated on the display screen in conjunction with the rotation of 04 (the direction of rotation is indicated by the arrow in the figure) and displayed. As a result, the user can select a desired channel while rotating the polygonal column 1100, that is, while enjoying a kind of game feeling.

Further, in the present embodiment, as is clear from FIG. 1 described above, a plurality of (for example, 10 in this example) channels are allocated to each surface of the polygonal prism 110. It is like that. As a result, the user can assign one of the plurality of surfaces constituting the displayed polygonal prism 1100 to the surface (front) 1 1 1 0 displayed at the foreground on the screen. The desired channel is selected from the channels of the group. In this figure, the channel selected by the channel selection operation is displayed with diagonal lines (actually, the display color and the like are changed). Also, the sub screen 1200 inserted at the top of this front 1 1 1 0 is shaded. The video of the selected channel is displayed in a reduced size. That is, the screen created by the PinP circuit 206 of FIG. 3 is inserted. According to this, the broadcast program of the channel being selected is displayed on the child screen 1200, so that the user can check the desired channel, which is convenient. .

According to the present embodiment having such a configuration, the user can further select a desired channel from among a plurality of channels allocated and displayed on the front face 110 of the polygonal prism 110. In order to select the first channel, in addition to the rotation of the second rotary operation unit 304, the first rotary operation unit 303 of the remote controller 300 is also rotated. By operating the position of the selected channel upward and downward (indicated by the arrow in the figure), the selected channel is switched. That is, by rotating the first rotating operation part 303 forward, the plurality of channels displayed on the front face 110 of the polygonal prism body 110 are moved from top to bottom. On the other hand, by rotating the first rotating operation section 303 in the opposite direction, a plurality of channels displayed on the front face 110 of the polygonal prism body 110 are lowered. Move upward from.

As described above, according to the channel selection device of the present invention, the user can easily and easily operate the remote controller 300 while enjoying the feeling of a game while operating the remote controller 300. It is possible to select a desired program from among a large number of channels. In the present embodiment, the channel selected by the above operation is determined, for example, by pressing the first rotary operation section 303 downward, whereby the display device 2 of the television receiver is set. On 08, the selected broadcast video is switched and displayed.

In the channel selection screen 100 shown in FIG. Below the sub-screen 1200 displayed above the front 1 1 1 0 of the prism 1 1 0 0, there is a group selection frame 1 3 0 0 to indicate the group of channels assigned to each face. Is displayed. In the present embodiment, a large number of channels are, for example, “total CH (total channel)”, “My Channel (display a channel selected according to the user's preference)”, “iV e ( Eve program), "Genre (display channels by classifying by category according to broadcast content)", "EPG (Electronic Program Guide)", etc., and are displayed for each group. That is, according to such a channel selection device, every time the polygonal column 1100 displayed on the screen is rotated, a channel group belonging to a different group is displayed on its front face 110, The user can more easily and quickly select a desired program by the classification of each group .. In the present invention, the channels allocated to each face of the polygonal prism 110 Is not necessarily the above Regardless of such a group, for example, it is also possible to assign in the order of the numbers assigned to the channels or in the alphabetical order of the names.

Further, FIG. 2 attached shows a display screen when “genre” is selected in the group selection frame 1300 of the screen of FIG. _1c . In this case, for each face of the polygonal prism 110, for example, broadcasts such as “drama”, “document”, “variety”, “movie”, “sports”, “news”, etc. Channels classified by content are assigned and displayed. Therefore, this “genre” display is a convenient function, especially when the user wants to select a channel according to the broadcast content.

Next, a specific operation method of channel selection in a television receiver equipped with the above-described channel selection device will be described with reference to FIGS. This will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

First, when the user touches the operation section of the remote controller 300, that is, the first and second rotation operation sections 303, 304, the user is shown in FIG. The selected channel selection screen 1100 appears on the display 2208 of the television receiver. Thus, the user rotates the polygonal column 110 by rotating the second rotation operation section 304 of the remote controller 300. Then, when the surface displaying the desired group appears, the rotating operation unit 304 is returned to the original position, and the adjustment is performed so that the surface displaying the desired group is in front. . From the upper side of the figure to the lower side, the rotating operation of the polygonal column 1100 when the rotating operation part 304 is rotated clockwise as shown in the figure, and from the lower side of the figure to the upper side. The rotation operation of the polygonal prism 110 when the rotation operation section 304 is rotated counterclockwise is shown. Also, in this figure, the polygonal column 1100 for channel selection is rotated clockwise to change “My CH” to “Live” and then to rotate counterclockwise. As a result, it is shown that the above “i i V e” changes to “My CH”.

Next, FIG. 6 shows an operation for the user to select a desired one channel from a group of a plurality of channels displayed and selected by the above operation. At this time, as shown in the figure, the user is displayed on the front of the polygonal column 1100 while rotating the first rotating operation section 303 of the remote controller 300. The position of the channel to be selected (shown by diagonal lines in the figure) can be freely moved up and down. That is, in the screen shown at the top of the figure, the channel numbered “2” belonging to the above group “MyCH” is selected, and this is displayed on the remote controller 300. By rotating the rotating operation section 303 forward, the number “3” located below it is assigned. To a new channel. It is to be noted that the program video of the channel selected by moving the position in this manner is displayed in the child screen 1200 above the polygonal prism 110, similarly to the above. . At this time, the channel number of the selected channel, its name, and the like are displayed below the display screen 1000. Contrary to the above, the user rotates the first rotating operation part 303 of the remote controller 300 in the opposite direction, thereby changing the channel number “3” to the channel number “3”. 2 ", that is, you can move upward.

FIG. 7 shows an operation for determining the channel selected as described above and putting the television receiver in a state of receiving the selected channel. As shown in the upper part of the figure, for example, when trying to receive a broadcast program of the channel with the channel number “2” belonging to the above “My Channel”, the user needs to place the remote controller at that position. Rotation of 300 Press down operation section 303 or press down "2" in numeric keypad 302. As a result, the selected channel is determined, and the selection operation is performed. The program image displayed on the core screen 120 0 is displayed on the display screen 1 00 of the display device 208 of the television receiver. (See center and bottom of figure). At this time, the channel number of the selected channel, its name, and the like are displayed below the display screen 1000.

Also, as shown in FIG. 2 above, the channel selection when “genre” is selected in the group selection frame 1300 of the polygonal column 1100 displayed on the screen is also the same as the above. Similarly, a specific one channel can be selected from a plurality of channels.

Next, a video information display device (more specifically, a television receiver) including a channel selection device according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In other embodiments, the above As in the embodiment, the polyhedron is displayed on the screen and rotated to be used for selecting a channel. Further, in order to facilitate channel selection by a user, each face of the polyhedron is The program images displayed on each channel are displayed.

The television receiver provided with the channel selection device according to the other embodiment has basically the same internal structure as the structure shown in FIG. 3, however, The P in P circuit 206 differs. Therefore, the difference will be mainly described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 8, reference numerals 401 to 406 output video signals different from the video signals currently selected by the receiver and output to the video processing device 207 via the switching circuit 205. Multiple tuners (six in this case) are shown. The video signals from the tuners 401 to 406 are respectively sent to the video processing device 2 via the screen reduction processing circuits 407 to 412 and the image transformation processing circuits 413 to 418. The video signal is input to the video processing device 07 and subjected to a predetermined process. Thereafter, the video processing device 2007 performs synthesis, positioning, and the like, and displays the video signal on the display device 208 of the television receiver. In the figure, reference numerals A to F are attached to the video signals from the tuners 401 to 406.

In FIG. 9, predetermined processing is performed by the image reduction processing circuit 407 to 412 and the image deformation processing circuit 413 to 418, and the video processing device 207 performs synthesis and alignment. An image that has been performed and displayed on the display device 208 is shown. That is, as is clear from this figure, a plurality of rotating polyhedrons are displayed on the display screen 801 (video of the currently selected channel) displayed on the display device 208. The small screens 802 to 807 (six screens in this example) are displayed upright and arranged horizontally, On each of these surfaces, a screen based on the plurality of video signals A to F is adjusted and displayed according to the size and the tilt angle in each arrangement. Therefore, the image reduction processing circuits 407 to 412 and the image deformation processing circuits 413 to 418 form the respective input video signals A to F based on the control of the microcomputer 209. The size is reduced to the size corresponding to the arrangement, and the processing for the tilt display corresponding to the tilt angle is performed.

Note that FIG. 9 shows an example in which a plurality of small screens 800 to 807 displaying the video signals A to F are displayed horizontally on the display device 208. Instead of this, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of these small screens 90 2 to 90 7 are formed on a display screen 90 1 displayed on the display device 208 as a polyhedron. It is also possible to arrange and display vertically

Further, FIG. 11 shows a channel selection screen 2000 in a television receiver provided with the channel selection device according to another embodiment described above. In this example, the number of faces of the polyhedron 2100 displayed on the screen is further increased (for example, 110 faces). Is used for selection of each genre (for example, “news”, “sports”, “movie”, etc.). Again, a polyhedron (second polyhedron) 222 is displayed. Also, in the receiver according to the other embodiment, similarly to the above-described embodiment, channel selection is performed using the remote controller 300 shown in FIG. 4 described above. Will be performed.

That is, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 11, the second polyhedron 2200 is displayed in response to the rotation of the first rotary operation section 303 of the remote controller 300. It rotates on the screen, and on the other hand, in correspondence with the rotation of the second rotation operation section 304, a polyhedron 210 composed of a large number of video signal display screens 0 rotates. Also in this other embodiment, the channel corresponding to the display screen displayed on the foreground is selected from the plurality of surfaces of the polyhedron 2100. The channel selection is determined by the first rotating part 303 of the remote controller 300 or the lower part of the second rotating part 304 similarly to the above embodiment. By pushing it down. Further, instead of this, it is possible to use the numeric keypad 302 as described above, or to provide another push button for confirming channel selection.

As described above, according to the television receiver according to the above-described other embodiment, the user rotates the channel selection polyhedron on the screen by the remote controller 300 to provide a kind of game. It is possible to easily and easily select a channel while enjoying a sense of room and while checking the video screen of the channel assigned to each surface constituting the polyhedron.

In the above description, only an example of a television receiver has been described in detail as an embodiment of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to receiving and inputting a television broadcast signal and displaying the video. It is not limited to what is displayed. That is, the present invention can be applied to, for example, a radio receiver that selects a desired signal from a plurality of radio broadcast signals and outputs the selected signal. Also, the present invention can be applied to selection of a data broadcast transmitted using a part of a broadcast signal. Alternatively, as described above, for example, on the Internet or the like, the user selects the desired information supplier from a number of sites that supply the information signal to the user via a public line such as a telephone. Therefore, it can be applied to a computer system including a personal computer. In this case, although not shown, it goes without saying that a means for inputting an information signal transmitted via a communication line, such as a modem device, is provided in place of the tuner in the television receiver. . Industrial applicability

As is apparent from the above detailed description, according to the information signal selection method and the device thereof according to the present invention, and further, according to the video information display device equipped with such a selection device and the remote control device therefor, The user can easily and easily select and use a desired signal from a large number of information signals including television / radio broadcast signals while having fun.

Further, according to the information signal selection method and device thereof according to the present invention, and further, according to the video information display device and the remote control device provided with the selection device, information provided over a large number of categories is provided. It is possible to select the desired program from the signal by a simple operation of the user.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. An information signal selection method for selecting at least one information signal from a plurality of selectable information signals, comprising:

Rotating the polyhedron displayed on the display device; and obtaining one information from the plurality of selectable information signals based on the selection information assigned to the front of the polyhedron rotated on the display device. A method for selecting an information signal, comprising selecting a signal.

2. The method for selecting an information signal according to claim 1, wherein the polyhedron displayed on the display device is a polygonal prism, and the surface forming a side surface of the polygonal prism includes the selection. A method for selecting an information signal, comprising allocating a plurality of pieces of selection information for selecting a plurality of possible information signals, and selecting one information signal while moving a selected position on the side surface.

3. In the method for selecting an information signal according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of pieces of selection information assigned to each surface constituting the side surface of the polygonal prism are classified according to the content of the corresponding information signal. A method for selecting an information signal, characterized in that:

4. The method for selecting an information signal according to claim 2, wherein the polygonal prism is displayed on the display device with its axis of rotation oriented vertically, and the polygonal prism is centered on the axis of rotation. A method for selecting an information signal characterized by being rotated.

5. The method for selecting an information signal according to claim 4, wherein the selection information allocated to the side surface of the polygonal prism is arranged in a vertical direction, and the selection position is moved while moving in the vertical direction. A method for selecting an information signal, characterized by selecting one of the information signals.

6. The method for selecting an information signal according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of selectable information signals include a video signal, and the surface of the polyhedron displayed on the display device. A method for selecting an information signal, comprising displaying an image obtained from the image signal on the display.

7. In the method for selecting an information signal according to claim 6, wherein the image displayed on the surface of the polyhedron is reduced or deformed in accordance with the display position and displayed. A method for selecting an information signal.

8. The method for selecting an information signal according to claim 6, wherein the information signals displayed on the plurality of surfaces constituting the polyhedron are classified according to their contents and selectively displayed. A method for selecting an information signal, characterized in that:

9. The method for selecting an information signal according to claim 1, wherein the information signal is a television signal.

10. An information signal selection device for selecting at least one information signal from a plurality of selectable information signals, comprising:

An operation unit for rotating the polyhedron displayed on the display device; and

Means for selecting one information signal from the plurality of selectable information signals based on the selection information assigned to the front of the polyhedron rotated on the display device. Selection device.

11. The information signal selection device according to claim 10, wherein the polyhedron displayed on the display device is a polygonal prism, and the surface forming the side surface of the polygonal prism has the selection. To select multiple possible information signals A plurality of pieces of selection information are assigned, and the operation unit further includes a second operation unit for selecting one information signal while moving a selection position on the side surface. Information signal selecting device.

12. The information signal selection device according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of pieces of selection information assigned to each surface constituting the side surface of the polygonal prism is classified according to the content of the corresponding information signal. An information signal selection device characterized in that:

13. The information signal selection device according to claim 11, wherein the polygonal prism is displayed on the display device with its rotation axis directed vertically, and the operation of the operation unit is performed. An information signal selection device, characterized in that the information signal is rotated about the rotation axis.

14. The information signal selection device according to claim 13, wherein the selection information allocated to the side surface of the polygonal prism is arranged in a vertical direction, and the second operation unit The information signal selecting device is configured to move the selected position in the vertical direction by the operation of (1).

15. The information signal selecting device according to claim 10, wherein the selectable plurality of information signals include a video signal, and further, the information processing device further includes: An information signal selection device, comprising: means for displaying a video obtained from the video signal on a surface.

16. The information signal selecting device according to claim 15, wherein the means for displaying the video includes means for reducing or deforming the image in accordance with the display position. An information signal selection device, characterized in that:

17. The information signal selection device according to claim 15, wherein the display device is further displayed on a plurality of surfaces constituting the polyhedron. An information signal selecting device, comprising: means for classifying and selectively displaying information signals.

18. The information signal selection device according to claim 10, wherein the information signal is a television signal.

19. An image information display device provided with an information signal selection device for selecting at least one information signal from a plurality of information signals including an image signal:

An input unit capable of inputting the plurality of information signals;

An operation unit for rotating the polyhedron displayed on the display device, and based on the selection information assigned to the front of the polyhedron rotated on the display device, the control unit And selecting one information signal from the plurality of information signals and displaying the selected information signal on the display device.

20. In the video information display device according to claim 19, the polyhedron displayed on the display device is a polygonal prism, and the surface constituting the side surface of the polygonal prism can be selected. A plurality of pieces of selection information for selecting a plurality of information signals, and the operation unit further includes a second information for selecting one information signal while moving the selected position on the side surface. Operation A video information display device comprising a working unit.

21. In the video information display device according to claim 20, the plurality of pieces of selection information assigned to each surface constituting the side surface of the polygonal prism is classified according to the content of a corresponding information signal. A video information display device.

22. In the video information display device according to claim 20, the polygonal prism is displayed on the display device with its rotation axis oriented in a vertical direction, and by operating the operation unit. An image information display device characterized by being configured to be rotated about its rotation axis.

23. In the video information display device according to claim 22, the selection information assigned to the side surface of the polygonal prism is arranged in a vertical direction, and The video information display device is configured to move the selected position in a vertical direction by an operation.

24. In the video information display device according to claim 19, the plurality of selectable information signals include a video signal, and further, a surface of the polyhedron displayed on the display device. A video information display device, further comprising means for displaying a video obtained from the video signal.

25.The video information display device according to claim 24, wherein the means for displaying the video includes means for reducing or deforming in accordance with the display position. Video information display device 特徴.

26. The video information display device according to claim 24, wherein the display device further selectively classifies and sorts information signals displayed on a plurality of surfaces constituting the polyhedron. A video information display device comprising means for displaying.

27. The video information display device according to claim 19, wherein the information signal is a television signal.

28. A remote operation device for the video information display device according to claim 19, wherein the remote control device is displayed on the display device on a main body separate from the video information display device. A remote control device comprising an operation unit for rotating a polyhedron.

29. The remote control device according to claim 28, wherein the operation unit includes a rotating member rotatably arranged on a surface of the main body by a user. Remote control device.

30. The remote control device according to claim 29, wherein the operation unit includes a plurality of the rotating members, and the rotating members have different rotation directions. .