JP4578193B2 - Selection image notification method and selection image notification device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a selection image notification method and a selection image notification device that notify a user that one selected from a plurality of images.

A function provided in a device that receives a broadcast wave of a television (hereinafter abbreviated as TV) and displays the image, and compresses an image signal included in a plurality of received TV broadcast waves, A multi-screen display function for combining and displaying a single image on a single screen image is widely known (for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2001-218128 A

  When the user selects one of a plurality of sub-screens displayed on the device as described above, the user is notified of the sub-screen being selected in order to make the user recognize which sub-screen is currently selected. There is a need to. For example, in the multi-screen composition device described in Patent Document 1, the selected image is notified by enlarging and displaying the sub-screen selected by the user.

  However, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, it is necessary to change the compression rate of an image and perform enlargement / reduction display each time a sub-screen is selected, and thus a dedicated circuit and program for such image processing are required. For this reason, the burden of development cost and development period was large for the manufacturer.

  Therefore, in view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides a selection image notification method and a selection image notification device that do not require a dedicated circuit or program for image processing as described above and can notify a selection image by simple image processing. For the purpose.

A selection image notification method according to an aspect of the present invention that solves the above-described problem is a method for notification of a selected image from a plurality of images, and generates a composite image in which the plurality of images are arranged in one screen. An image synthesizing step, and a mask generating step for generating a mask having a plurality of openings respectively corresponding to the plurality of images arranged in the synthesized image, wherein each of the plurality of openings exposes a part of the corresponding image. A mask superimposing step for superimposing the generated mask on the synthesized image so that a part of each of the arranged plurality of images is displayed, a display step for displaying the superimposed image, and a plurality of images a selecting operation receiving step of receiving an operation to select an image from the size of the openings corresponding to the selected image, changing the opening for changing it to other larger than the opening of the Is an inclusive way the step. If this method is adopted, the notification of the selected image can be performed only by changing the mask, so that the image processing becomes simple. Also, having a size of each of a plurality of predetermined images, and when each of the plurality of openings has a smaller first size than the predetermined size, the opening changing step, corresponding to the selected image The opening to be changed may be changed to a second size larger than the first size and smaller than or equal to the predetermined size.

In addition, a selected image notification device according to an aspect of the present invention that solves the above-described problem is a device that notifies a selection of a plurality of images, and is a composite image in which a plurality of images are arranged in one screen. And a mask for generating a mask that has a plurality of openings respectively corresponding to the plurality of images arranged in the composite image, and each of the plurality of openings exposes a part of the corresponding image. Generating means; mask superimposing means for superimposing the generated mask on the composite image so that a part of each of the arranged plurality of images is displayed; display means for displaying the superimposed images; and a plurality of images selection operation acceptance means for accepting an operation of selecting an image from among, instrumentation of the size of the openings corresponding to the selected image, with an opening changing means for changing to be larger than the opening of the rest It is. In this apparatus, since the notification of the selected image can be performed only by changing the mask, the image processing is simple. The selected image notification device further includes reception means capable of receiving broadcast waves of a plurality of channels, and the image synthesis means compresses each of the image signals included in the received broadcast waves of the plurality of channels , A composite image in which images of a plurality of channels are arranged in one screen may be generated . Further, each of the plurality of images have a predetermined size, the mask generating means, an opening corresponding to each of a plurality of image forming small first size than a predetermined size, the opening changing means The opening corresponding to the selected image can be changed to a second size larger than the first size and smaller than or equal to the predetermined size.

  When the selected image notification method and the selected image notification device of the present invention are employed, it is possible to notify the selected image only by changing the mask without requiring an enlargement / reduction circuit or program. Therefore, development costs and development periods can be reduced.

  The selected image notification device that implements the selected image notification method of the embodiment of the present invention is applicable to any device that receives a TV broadcast wave and displays the image. In this specification, for example, a mobile object is used. This is provided in a car navigation device mounted on a certain vehicle. When this selected image notification device is employed, the notification of the selected image by the device is performed by simple image processing as compared with the conventional case. Therefore, effects such as a reduction in the development cost of the car navigation device and a reduction in the development period are expected.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the selected image notification device 100 of the present embodiment. Below, with reference to FIG. 1, the structure and effect | action of the selection image alerting | reporting apparatus 100 of this embodiment are demonstrated.

  The selected image notification device 100 according to the present embodiment can receive a control unit 10 that performs overall control of the notification device 100, an operation unit 12 for a user to operate the notification device 100, and a TV broadcast wave. The receiver 14 is provided. The operation unit 12 may be, for example, a remote control switch or a button switch provided in the car navigation device. The receiver 14 has a tuner function for selecting a TV channel in addition to a receiving antenna for receiving TV broadcast waves.

  In addition, the selected image notification device 100 compresses image signals included in a plurality of received TV broadcast waves, and performs image processing with a known multi-screen generation function that synthesizes images of each channel into one screen image. A portion 16 is provided. The monitor 18 mainly displays a multi-screen generated by the image processing unit 16 and a navigation map stored in a ROM (not shown). Note that the multi-screen generated by the image processing unit 16 includes, for example, 12 sub-screens each having the same size and an aspect ratio of 4: 3. Here, the monitor 18 has a screen with an aspect ratio of 16: 9. As shown below, the sub-screens in the multi-screen are displayed on the monitor 18 with three arranged in the vertical direction and four arranged in the horizontal direction (that is, the sub-screens are arranged in 3 rows × 4 columns). .

  Hereinafter, the multi-screen generation process by the image processing unit 16 will be briefly described. When the receiver 14 receives a plurality of TV broadcast waves and outputs them to the image processing unit 16 (here, the broadcast waves of 12 channels are received and output), the image processing unit 16 is included in each broadcast wave. The image signal being written is synchronized with the write synchronization signal output from the control unit 10 and is written in the memory 16a included in the image signal. The memory 16a is composed of a plurality of memories, and each image signal is written in a corresponding memory.

  Next, the image processing unit 16 reads the image signal written in each memory in synchronization with the readout synchronization signal output from the control unit 10. Each image signal in this state is a signal corresponding to an image of a size exclusively used by the monitor 18. For this reason, the image processing unit 16 compresses each of the 12 read image signals so as to be the above-described child screen when displayed on the monitor 18. Then, the compressed images are combined into a single image arranged in 3 rows × 4 columns. When the composite image at this stage is output to the monitor 18, a child screen of images of 12 channels arranged in 3 rows × 4 columns as shown in FIG. 2A is displayed on the screen. Each sub-screen image may be a moving image or a still image.

  The selected image notification device 100 includes an on-screen display (hereinafter abbreviated as OSD) 20 that generates a mask for masking a predetermined area of the monitor 18. The OSD 20 generates a mask having 12 openings arranged so that a part of each of the 12 sub-screens arranged as shown in FIG. 2A is exposed. In the present embodiment, a mask having an opening as shown in FIG. 2B is generated. The mask shown in FIG. 2B equally masks the peripheral area of each child screen in the vertical and horizontal directions, and this mask is generated by the image processing unit 16 by the processing described later of the control unit 10, for example. When superimposed on the child screen and output to the monitor 18, an image as shown in FIG. 2C is displayed on the screen. These openings have a size that is at least smaller than the size of each sub-screen. Moreover, each opening is not arrange | positioned so that one opening may expose a some subscreen.

  By operating the operation unit 12, it is possible to switch between a multi-screen mode and a normal mode (that is, an image of a single channel is displayed over the entire screen). In addition, the number of sub-screens displayed in the multi-screen mode can be set. For example, the screen can be divided into four and a multi-screen composed of four sub-screens (that is, 2 rows × 2 columns) can be displayed on the monitor 18. Note that the OSD 20 generates a mask according to the number of small screens to be set. Therefore, in this case, the OSD 20 generates a mask having four openings. Similarly to the above, the mask generated here is formed so that the peripheral area of each sub-screen is masked and one opening exposes one sub-screen.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a selection image notification process that is performed by the selected image notification device 100 according to the present embodiment and that notifies a selection of a plurality of sub-screens. Below, with reference to FIG. 3, the selection image alerting | reporting process which the selected image alerting device 100 of this embodiment performs is demonstrated.

  The selected image notification process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 is started when the selected image notification device 100 is set to the multi-screen mode with the power turned on, and the power is turned off or the multi-screen mode is released. And finish. The cancellation of the multi-screen mode is, for example, when the mode is switched to the normal mode, or when the display on the monitor 18 is switched to the map display for navigation.

  When the multi-screen mode is set in a state where the power of the selected image notification device 100 is turned on, the control unit 10 determines the currently set number of display child screens based on the input from the operation unit 12 (step) 1. Hereinafter, step is abbreviated as “S”). Then, a signal indicating the determined number of display child screens is output to the image processing unit 16 and the OSD 20. Note that the number of display child screens determined in the present embodiment is 12.

  The image processing unit 16 executes the above-described multi-screen generation process based on the signal output from the control unit 10 in the process of S1, and generates a multi-screen composite image (S2). The OSD 20 also generates a mask as described above based on the signal output from the control unit 10 in the process of S1 (S3), and outputs it to the image processing unit 16. When the mask generated by the OSD 20 is input, the image processing unit 16 superimposes the generated multi-screen composite image and the mask on the monitor 18 (S4). As a result, an image as shown in FIG. 2C is displayed on the screen of the monitor 18.

  When the process of S4 is executed, the control unit 10 enters a standby state for determining whether any of the child screens in the multi-screen is selected (S5). That is, the presence / absence of the selected child screen is determined. If none is selected (S5: NO), this determination process is executed again after a predetermined timing. When it is determined that any of the child screens has been selected (S5: YES), the control unit 10 outputs a signal indicating which child screen has been selected to the OSD 20. The sub-screen selection operation is performed by operating a cursor key (not shown) provided on the operation unit 12.

  When a signal indicating which child screen is selected is input, the OSD 20 generates a mask in which only the size of the opening corresponding to the selected child screen is changed (S6). The generated mask is output to the image processing unit 16. For example, when the selected sub-screen is the “flower” image 18a in the upper left (one row and one column component) of FIG. 2C, the OSD 20 sets the size of the corresponding opening from the size of the “flower” image 18a. Is smaller and larger than the size of the opening generated by the process of S3, and a mask having the same size as that of the opening generated by the process of S3 is generated. Note that the opening changed here also masks the peripheral area of the child screen equally in the top, bottom, left, and right, like the opening generated in the process of S3. That is, these openings differ only in size.

  When the mask newly generated by the OSD 20 is input, the image processing unit 16 superimposes the multi-screen composite image and the new mask, and outputs them to the monitor 18 (S7). As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, a multi-screen in which the sub-screen display area of the “flower” image 18 a is wider than the other sub-screen display areas is displayed on the screen of the monitor 18. When the process of S7 is executed, the control unit 10 enters the standby state for the process of S5 again.

  Changing the opening of only the selected child screen in this way (in other words, changing the display area of only the selected child screen) will draw the user attention to the difference in the display area before and after the selection. , It recognizes that the child screen has been selected.

  When the selected image notification device 100 according to the present embodiment is employed, it is possible to notify the selected image by simple image processing (that is, only by changing the mask) without requiring a circuit or program for enlargement / reduction. In addition, when the display area of the selected image is increased / decreased before and after the selection as in the present embodiment, a visual effect as if the image is enlarged / reduced can be obtained. In the description of the flowchart described above, when the child screen of the “flower” image 18a is selected, the display area is wider than before the selection. For this reason, the user perceives that the child screen of the “flower” image 18a is enlarged.

  Note that when the operation unit 12 is operated during the execution of the flowchart of FIG. 3 and the setting of the number of display child screens in the multi-screen mode is changed, the control unit 10 performs the process of S1 regardless of which process is being executed. Returning to the process forcibly, the above-described series of processes is executed again.

  The above is the embodiment of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to these embodiments and can be modified in various ranges.

  In the present embodiment, the size of the opening corresponding to the selected sub-screen is changed. However, in another embodiment, the shape of the opening may be changed. For example, when the child screen of the “flower” image 18a is selected on the multi-screen displayed as shown in FIG. 2C, the shape of only the opening corresponding to the child screen is changed from a rectangle to a circle. At this time, since only the display area of the sub-screen of the “flower” image 18a has changed, the user is drawn attention to this sub-screen and recognizes that the sub-screen has been selected. Further, both the shape and size of the opening corresponding to the selected sub-screen may be changed. In addition to these, movement may be given to the opening corresponding to the selected sub-screen. This movement is, for example, a movement in which the opening corresponding to the selected sub-screen rotates around the image so as to always display the image, or changes its size and shape at every predetermined timing. It is a movement.

  In this embodiment, only one sub-screen and one opening to be changed are selected. However, in another embodiment, a plurality of sub-screens can be selected and all of the openings are changed. A mask can also be generated as described above.

  In this embodiment, the sub-screen is selected by operating a remote control switch or a button switch provided on the apparatus main body. However, in another embodiment, the selection operation may be performed by using the monitor 18 as a touch panel. .

It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the selection image alerting | reporting apparatus of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the production | generation of the multiscreen by the image processing part and OSD of embodiment of this invention. It is the flowchart which showed the selection image alerting | reporting process which alert | reports what was selected from several subscreens performed in embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the multi screen displayed on a monitor by the process of S7 of the flowchart of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Control part 12 Operation part 14 Receiver 16 Image processing part 18 Monitor 20 OSD
100 Selection image notification device

Claims (9)

In a selected image notification method for notifying a selected one of a plurality of images,
An image composition step for generating a composite image in which a plurality of images are arranged in one screen;
A mask generation step of generating a mask having a plurality of openings respectively corresponding to the plurality of images arranged in the composite image, wherein each of the plurality of openings exposes a part of the corresponding image ;
A mask superimposing step of superimposing the generated mask on the composite image so that a part of each of the plurality of arranged images is displayed;
A display step for displaying the superimposed image;
A selection operation receiving step of receiving an operation of selecting an image from the plurality of images;
The size of the opening corresponding to the selected image, and opening changing step of changing to be larger than the opening of the others,
A selected image notification method characterized by comprising: Wherein each of the plurality of images having a predetermined size,
Wherein each of the plurality of openings have a smaller first size than said predetermined size,
In the opening changing step, openings corresponding to the selected image, the claims be larger and changed to the predetermined size or less of the second size than the first, characterized by 2. The selected image notification method according to 1. The selected image notification method according to claim 1, wherein the mask masks a peripheral area of each of the plurality of images equally in the vertical and horizontal directions. In the opening changing step, the shape of the opening corresponding to the selected image is changed to a shape different from the shape of the other opening.
The selection image alerting method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: In the selected image notification device that notifies the selection of a plurality of images,
Image synthesizing means for generating a synthesized image in which the plurality of images are arranged in one screen;
Mask generating means for generating a mask having a plurality of openings respectively corresponding to the plurality of images arranged in the composite image , wherein each of the plurality of openings exposes a part of the corresponding image ;
Mask superimposing means for superimposing the generated mask on the composite image so that a part of each of the plurality of arranged images is displayed;
Display means for displaying the superimposed image;
Selection operation receiving means for receiving an operation of selecting an image from the plurality of images;
The size of the opening corresponding to the selected image, and opening changing means for changing to be larger than the opening of the others,
The selection image alerting device characterized by comprising. The selected image notification device according to claim 5, wherein the mask equally masks a peripheral region of each of the plurality of images in the vertical and horizontal directions. The opening changing means changes the shape of the opening corresponding to the selected image to a shape different from the shape of the other opening.
The selected image notification device according to claim 5, wherein the selected image notification device is provided. It further comprises receiving means capable of receiving broadcast waves of a plurality of channels,
The image synthesizing means compresses each of the image signals included in the broadcast waves of the plurality of channels received, the images of a plurality of channels to generate a composite image sequence into one screen <br/> that The selected image notification device according to claim 5 , wherein: Each of the plurality of said images have a predetermined size,
The mask generating means forms each of the plurality of openings in a first size smaller than the predetermined size,
It said opening changing means, from the claims 5, characterized in that, to change the opening corresponding to the selected image to the large and the predetermined size following the second size than the first size The selected image notification device according to claim 8 .

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