JP2002185881A - Information output controller, information output control method, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to more quickly and easily transit to a menu layout and a sound output mode in matching with the preference of a user, when an input source is subject to change. SOLUTION: View history information (history database) by each of past view user forms, with respect to the attribute of an input source and an output control method for the input source is stored in advance such that which input source (a combination of video and information) among input sources is viewed, by which image sound configuration and to which multi-window display is transited, depending on a relation with a video image viewed at that time when an interruption type input source is received (Figure 3). Then the view user is identified (S400), and in the case of displaying and reproducing input sources provided from media at the same time, the menu layout and the sound output are controlled on the basis of the view history information (S403).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information output control device, an information output control method, and a storage medium, and more particularly to an information output control capable of simultaneously outputting a plurality of pieces of input information to at least an image display device. The present invention relates to a device, an information output control method applied to the information output control device, and a storage medium storing a program for executing the information output control method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, information has been distributed to homes from various media. For example, terrestrial, communication satellite, CA
TV and radio image / sound broadcasts and text data broadcasts are provided via a TV cable network, etc., while images via the Internet, e-mail, etc.,
Voice, character data, etc. are provided.

In recent years, CS (communication satellite) broadcasting and CA
In a TV (cable TV) or the like, a so-called digital broadcast system for digitizing and transmitting a television signal has become widespread.
With the adoption of digital compression and transmission technology, it is possible to secure hundreds of channels.
More TV / radio (music) than ever
It is becoming possible to provide programs.

[0004] In addition, digitalization of AV equipment has progressed, and
A large number of video and audio sources as package media such as D (digital video disc), DV (digital video), digital camera, etc. are also present in homes.

[0005] As described above, in order to enjoy a variety of video, audio, and text information providing services from various media, recently, a plurality of windows are simultaneously opened on a large display, and different information input sources are provided for each of the windows. Has been realized.

By the way, it is conceivable that the number of input routes of video, audio, and text information to the home and the amount of the information will increase due to the future digitalization of broadcasting and the development of communication infrastructure. It is not hard to imagine that the number of windows and the amount of information to be increased will increase more than ever.

[0007] In addition, it is also common to use the Internet connection function of a TV receiver to obtain information related to a TV program via the Internet while watching the TV program, or to receive an e-mail while watching the TV program. It is expected to be. In addition, when a TV receiver is provided with a schedule management function or a fixed time reception function using a timer or the like as a function attached to the TV receiver, a situation in which a display event interrupt occurs may be considered.

In order to cope with an increase or a change in the number of windows to be displayed on the display as described above, in a conventional multi-window control system, the user has to change the layout of the window screen displayed on the display. It can be changed.

[0009]

However, in the above conventional multi-window control system, when the number of windows to be displayed on the display changes,
It is necessary for the user to set the screen layout and input source each time, and it is suitable for the combination of input sources,
In addition, it took considerable effort and time to realize a screen layout that matched the user's preference.

For example, when trying to display two screens on a TV set, the user first selects the two screen display mode,
When the display is switched to a two-screen display, an operation for selecting and setting an input source providing desired information to be displayed on each screen is required.

That is, in order to easily enjoy video, audio, and character information supplied from various media as intended, a multi-window screen layout for simultaneously viewing various types of information from a plurality of input sources. And the selection of the audio output mode at that time, and the transition to the multi-window (when and what kind of display is to be performed) when an interrupt type display request event occurs. It is required that they do it without causing them to do so.

It is also necessary to assume that the user (viewer) includes not only an individual (single-person viewing) but also a group user (multiple simultaneous viewing).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and when the input source is changed, it is possible to more quickly and easily switch to a screen layout and a sound output mode that meet the user's preference. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information output control device, an information output control method, and a storage medium that enable migration.

[0014]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information output control device capable of simultaneously outputting a plurality of pieces of input information to at least an image display device. A user group consisting of at least one person, an attribute of at least one input information, and a display parameter indicating a screen configuration when the at least one input information is displayed on the image display device. Storage means for storing as a record, user group recognizing means for recognizing a user group consisting of at least one person who will see a screen displayed on the image display device, and at least one input information specified by the user group Attribute detecting means for detecting the attribute of the user, and the user recognized by the user group recognizing means. Search means for searching a record from the storage means based on the loop and the attribute of the input information detected by the attribute detection means, and a display parameter included in the record searched by the search means is read. Based on the at least one
Output means for displaying two pieces of input information on the image display device, display parameter detection means for detecting display parameters on a screen displayed on the image display device by the output means, and a user recognized by the user group recognition means Storage control means for causing the storage means to store the group, the attribute of the input information detected by the attribute detection means, and the display parameter detected by the display parameter detection means as one record in association with each other; It is characterized by.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when there are a plurality of pieces of input information specified by the user group, the corresponding record stored in the storage means includes the attribute of the plurality of pieces of input information, A display parameter related to the plurality of pieces of input information detected by the display parameter detecting means is included.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, when an image is displayed on the image display device by the output means, when a request for displaying further new input information is generated, An attribute addition detecting unit that detects an attribute of new input information; and a user group recognized by the user group recognizing unit with reference to the storing unit; an attribute of the input information detected by the attribute detecting unit; Based on the attribute of the new input information detected by the attribute addition detection unit, an additional search unit that searches for a record, and a display parameter included in the record searched by the additional search unit are read out, based on the display parameter. Additional output means for displaying the at least one input information and the new input information on the image display device, Display parameter addition detecting means for detecting a display parameter on a screen displayed on the image display device by the additional output means, a user group recognized by the user group recognizing means, the attribute detecting means, and the attribute adding detecting means. An additional storage control unit that stores the attribute of the input information detected and the display parameter detected by the display parameter addition detection unit in the storage unit as one record in association with each other. I do.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the attribute of the input information includes the start time of the program when the transmission medium of the input information is a television broadcast, and the attribute addition detecting means determines whether the attribute of the input information is the start of the program. Detecting a time, and the additional output unit displays the at least one input information and the new input information on the image display device based on the display parameter and the detected start time. .

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the information output control device can cause at least one audio reproduction device to reproduce the input information as audio, and the storage unit stores the at least one input information. The at least one
The audio output parameter when reproduced by one audio reproducing device is stored in the corresponding record, and the output unit reads out the display parameter and the audio output parameter included in the record searched by the search unit, and The at least one input information is displayed on the image display device based on the audio output parameter, and the at least one input information is reproduced by the audio reproduction device based on the audio output parameter.

According to the present invention, in an information output control method applied to an information output control device capable of simultaneously outputting a plurality of pieces of input information to an image display device at least, A user group of people, at least one attribute of input information,
A first method in which a display parameter indicating a screen configuration when the at least one input information is displayed on the image display device is associated with each other and stored as one record in a storage device.
And a user group recognizing step of recognizing a user group consisting of at least one person who looks at a screen displayed on the image display device; and at least one attribute of input information designated by the user group. An attribute detecting step of detecting, a searching step of searching a record from the storage device based on the user group recognized by the user group recognizing step and an attribute of the input information detected by the attribute detecting step; An output step of reading a display parameter included in the record searched for by the method and displaying the at least one input information on the image display device based on the display parameter; and displaying the at least one input information on the image display device by the output step. Display pattern on the screen A display parameter detection step of detecting a meter, a user group recognized by the user group recognition step, an attribute of input information detected by the attribute detection step, and a display parameter detected by the display parameter detection step. And a second storing step of storing in the storage device as one record in association with the record.

Further, according to the twenty-first aspect of the present invention,
A computer-readable storage medium storing, as a program, an information output control method applied to an information output control device capable of simultaneously outputting a plurality of pieces of input information to an image display device as an image; The method associates a user group of at least one person, an attribute of at least one input information, and a display parameter indicating a screen configuration when the at least one input information is displayed on the image display device with each other. A first storage step of storing one record in the storage device, a user group recognition step of recognizing a user group consisting of at least one person who will see a screen displayed on the image display device, and a designation by the user group For detecting the attribute of at least one input information obtained Output step, a search step of searching for a record from the storage device based on the user group recognized by the user group recognition step and an attribute of the input information detected by the attribute detection step, and a search by the search step An output step of reading out the display parameters included in the recorded record and displaying the at least one input information on the image display device based on the display parameters, and a screen displayed on the image display device by the output step. A display parameter detecting step of detecting a display parameter; a user group recognized by the user group recognizing step; an attribute of input information detected by the attribute detecting step; and a display parameter detected by the display parameter detecting step. The chromatography data, and having a second storage step of storing in the storage device as a single record in association with each other.

[0021]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of an integrated receiver having a multi-window display control device according to the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1A denotes a digital TV receiver, and a tuner 101 selectively receives a radio wave of a predetermined frequency from digital TV broadcast waves transmitted via a TV antenna or a cable. Tuner 10
The broadcast wave selected and received by 1 is sent to the digital data demodulation circuit 102, where demodulation, A / D conversion, and error correction processing are performed. Thereafter, descrambling for conditional access is performed by the transport descrambler 103, and a data stream called a transport stream (TS) is generated. At this time, the limited reception management data (EMM, ECM) transmitted by being superimposed on the broadcast wave is extracted and sent to the IC card interface 121, and the program (which matches the contract conditions read from the IC card owned by the user ( Program) is determined. If a program (program) that matches the contract conditions is received, processing is performed so that video, audio, and data can be decoded in the subsequent stages.

The MPEG2 transport demultiplexer 104 divides the input transport stream into a video stream, an audio stream, and a stream related to data broadcasting, and reconstructs each stream.

Usually, a plurality of programs are multiplexed on one transport stream, and a plurality of transport streams are transmitted from, for example, one transponder of a communication satellite. Therefore, in order to select one channel, the demultiplexer 1
PSI (Program Specific Inf.)
oration) from the information (PI
D, PAT, NIT, etc.) and perform a channel selection operation.

Video decoder 106 and Audio
o decoder 105, each M of Video and Audio
Each PEG2 stream is decoded. The decoded Audio signal is sent to the audio control unit 108 of the multi-window control device related block 1D,
o signal is a multi-window controller related block 1D
Is sent to the video interface 110a.

[0027] The data decoder 107 decodes a stream related to data broadcasting transmitted by BS digital broadcasting. More specifically, a DSM-CC decoding process is performed, and a series of obtained XML-related files are stored in RAM 12.
2 in a pre-allocated area.

Reference numerals 1B and 1C denote external AV devices connected to the multi-window control device-related block 1D.
To the video interfaces 110b and 110c of the multi-window control device-related block 1D.

Block 1 related to multi-window control device
In D, the audio control unit 108 determines an output destination of each audio signal related to a plurality of images displayed in the multi-window. Generally, an audio signal related to an image displayed in the maximum screen window is transmitted to the main speaker 1.
09a, and an audio signal related to an image displayed in the sub screen window is often reproduced by the headphone 109b. In this embodiment, however, under the control of the CPU 123, based on past viewing history data, , The voice control unit 108 determines this. Also, it can be output from the audio external output 109c as needed. Needless to say, the configuration is such that the user can directly specify by the remote controller 125 or the like. Note that the audio output from the audio control unit 108 is converted from digital to analog by the DAC 134.

Video interfaces 110a-11
0c is a digital TV receiver 1A, an external AV device 1B,
This is an input unit that receives a Video signal output from each of the ICs 1C. In the present embodiment, the video interface 11 which is an input unit from the external AV device 1B
0b receives an analog video signal and outputs an external AV signal.
A digital video signal is input to a video interface 110c which is an input unit from the device 1C.
The analog video interface 110b has an A / D
Converter and PLL for generating sampling clock
It is composed of circuits and the like, and may further include a color space conversion circuit, an interlace-progressive conversion circuit, and the like as necessary. Digital Video Interface 1
If the input digital video signal is a differential multiplexed signal such as LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling), the signal 10c is configured by a decoding circuit and a voltage level conversion circuit.

Block 1 related to multi-window control device
D is, as described above, an input port from the digital TV receiver 1A and one external A for each of analog and digital.
It has a form having a V input port. Also, from other paths, the multi-window control device related block 1
Sources input to D include the following.

IEEE 1394 interface 117
Reference numerals a and 117b denote interfaces for digitally connecting the integrated receiver to external AV devices, computer peripheral devices, and the like, and include D-VHS and D-VHS for recording and the like.
A VD player or the like is connected.

The modem 118 sends information on the user's viewing record such as the use of pay broadcasting to the management center of the broadcasting company through a telephone line, and also connects to the Internet to browse various homepages and exchange e-mails. Functions as an interface for

The PCMCIA interface 119 is an interface for taking in various images photographed by a digital camera or the like, and a CF (Compact Flash) card used as a recording medium of a digital camera or a smart media via an adapter. Connected.

Here, once organized, the following are the input sources to the multi-window controller related block 1D.

Video, audio, and data from the digital TV receiver 1A Video and audio from the external AV devices 1B and 1C that are input in the form of video / audio signals IEEE 1394 interfaces 117a and 117b
Video from DVD or D-VHS input via
Voice Information via the Internet or e-mail input via the modem 118 ・ Image data from a digital camera or the like input via the PCMCIA interface 119 The resolution converters 111a to 111c each include at least one screen of video memory therein. (Not shown), and a video interface 1 that is input asynchronously, respectively.
After temporarily storing the video data from 10a to 110c, C
According to an instruction from the PU 123 and the multi-screen synthesis control unit 112, the image data is converted into a predetermined screen format (size and number of colors).

Note that the IEEE 1394 interface 1
The resolution conversion processing of video and image data from the 17a, 117b, the modem 118, and the PCMCIA interface 119 is realized by the graphics accelerator 115 and a part of the graphics memory 116.

The graphics accelerator 115
It generates a frame layout of each window in the multi-window screen, a background image, an application screen of a homepage browser and mail, a graphical user interface screen such as operation menus, icons, buttons, and the like.

The graphics memory 116 has a structure including a plurality of planes such as a moving picture plane, a still picture plane, a character / graphics plane, and a superposition / switching control plane.
A combining process is performed on video and image data from each input source.

The multi-screen composition control unit 112 is a CPU
23, video, images,
Data such as character information is transmitted to the resolution conversion units 111a to 111a.
1c, the data is expanded on the graphics memory 116 so as to have a predetermined screen layout (position, size, superimposition effect, number of colors, etc.), and a final multi-window screen is generated.

In the present invention, the screen layout is controlled so as to be in a presentation form according to the past viewing history data of the user and the user group. This will be described later.

The output control unit 113 controls the drive timing and converts the display format according to the characteristics of the display 114 in order to output the final multi-window screen to the display 114.

As the display 114, a large-screen, high-definition, high-vision compatible plasma display or projection-type monitor is used for the purpose of making use of the effect of the multi-window. Display data (multi-screen data) is output from the output control unit 113 at a timing and a display format according to the characteristics of the display 114.

The printer interface 120 is a port for literally connecting a printer. The printer interface 120 edits and prints an image input from a digital camera while checking the image on the screen of the integrated receiver, and broadcasts (including data broadcast). It is used to print program-related information (travel guide, cooking recipes, prize application destinations, various coupon ticket acquisition information, etc.) and homepage information distributed by.

The CPU 123 is for overall control of these constituent devices. That is, identification and determination of various tables related to PSI in the digital broadcasting system,
Processing (tuner tuning, extraction and processing of EPG-related information, etc.), processing of XML-related files sent as data broadcasting, and display relations of the resolution conversion units 111a to 111c and the multi-screen synthesis control unit 112. Control, voice-related control such as voice selection unit 108, modem 118 and I
Interface control between the IEEE 1394 interfaces 117a and 117b and the outside and the remote controller 125
The control of the user interface 124 including
This is performed by the PU 123. In addition, the viewing user detecting unit 133 and the input source attribute detecting unit 13 according to the present invention.
0, realization of each function represented as the display / voice parameter detection unit 131, and creation and update of the history database
This is performed by the CPU 123 executing one processing program.

The RAM 122 operates as an external memory of the CPU 123, and a part of the RAM 122 functions as a history database storage unit 132 for storing user viewing pattern history data according to the present invention.

The user interface 124 selects and operates an input medium, a television channel, an external device, and the like in cooperation with an appropriate operation screen, and is basically controlled by a remote controller.

FIG. 2 is an external view showing the configuration of a remote controller 125 for operating the integrated receiver. Hereinafter, the functions of the main buttons according to the present invention will be described by taking an operation procedure of a multi-window screen as an example.

First, when a video, an image, or an information source to be viewed by the user is selected by the menu button 211, the channel button 201, the input source selection button 202, or the like, a screen preset in the integrated receiver is set in advance. Single screen display or multi-screen display is performed according to the layout. Thereafter, the user selects a desired screen layout from several preset screen layout patterns by using the left / right direction (next / return) of the direction selection key 209, and presses the enter key 210 (the center of the direction selection key 209). Select it by pressing Part). When the user wants to freely perform the layout, the custom key 206 is first pressed, and then the position and size of each window are set using the direction selection key 209. A series of operations are performed according to the operation guide displayed on the screen, and finally, by pressing the enter key 210,
A customized screen of the user is registered. In addition,
Operations related to screen layout change and voice mode change will be described later.

Next, the operation of the integrated receiver having the multi-window display control device according to the present invention will be described.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a user ID selection screen displayed on the display 114.

On this screen, the user operates the remote control 125
By using and to move the cursor to a favorite character and selecting it, a character to be his / her ID is registered for each user. For example, the ID of each member of the family is registered in the form of character selection, such as character A for father, character B for mother, character E for son, and character F for daughter. By the way, in a public place, it is common to input a number (member number or the like) as a user ID due to a large number of target persons. However, in the present embodiment, a family use integrated receiver is used. , And proposes a graphical user interface screen that is easier for the user to understand.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the user group registration screen.

Here, several types of user groups can be registered by combining the characters of each user ID registered in FIG. Here, as in the case of registering the user character, the registration is completed by sequentially selecting the characters constituting the group to be registered by operating the remote controller. By the way, in FIG. 6, the group 1 includes the father + mother (two couples) and the group 3
Is registered as a group representing two couples + two children (corresponding to the whole family in this case).

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the processing for creating the viewing pattern history database. This process is executed by the CPU 123 and a certain input source (T
V, external DVD, Internet, etc.)
After identifying the viewing user, the attribute of the input source is detected, the form (screen layout and audio mode) of each input source is detected, and a history database in which the input sources are associated is created. , R
It consists of a basic procedure up to storage in the history database storage unit 132 in the AM 122.

In step S301 in FIG. 3, the viewing user detection unit 133 identifies (recognizes) the viewing user. There are various methods for user identification, such as imaging a person located in front of a receiver with a camera to identify the user, mounting a fingerprint authentication unit on a remote controller, and identifying the user's fingerprint. Here, in order to more reliably associate the viewing user (group) with the viewing history data, a method of allowing the user to directly select the viewing history data is adopted.
That is, for a certain period of time after power-on, or
By pressing the fifth user button 212, a viewing user (group) selection icon as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the lower right side of the screen. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the viewing user selection screen displayed on the display 114.

The icons displayed at this time are those in which the user has registered the user ID character and the user group in advance. That is, from the left end to the right end of the icon group, a single user (dad), a single user (mother), a user group 1 (dad +
Mother), user group 2 (dad + child 2)
) And user group 3 (the whole family). here,
When an icon of a viewing user (group) is selected by a user's remote control operation, the system (CPU 123) recognizes the viewing user (group).

Although not specifically shown here, if the selection operation is not performed by the user, as an initial setting,
It is set to recognize a general multi-user. The initial setting of the viewing user at the time of non-selection can be separately changed from a menu screen (for example, a single user (dad) setting) according to the user's preference.

Next, in step S302, it is recognized that a certain input source has been viewed. Here, when a certain input source (a channel in the case of a TV) is selected for a predetermined time or more, it is recognized that the user has watched. Regarding the screen layout, if the same layout is fixed for a certain period of time or more, it is recognized that the input source displayed there has been viewed. The same applies to audio output. This recognition is for preventing the viewing pattern from being stored as history data in the case where an operation called so-called zapping is performed, that is, searching for a desired channel by successively changing channels when a TV channel is selected.

In step S303, the attribute detecting section 130 detects the attribute of the input source recognized as viewed in step S302.

In the digital TV broadcasting system, attribute data relating to an input source is stored in an SDT (Service Description Tabl).
e: Service description table) or EIT (Event Informati
This is multiplexed with the broadcast wave and sent as additional information about the service or additional information about the program called an on table (event information table). Therefore, by filtering the table data in the digital TV receiver 1A and then processing the same in the CPU 123, attribute data relating to the input source can be extracted.
For external input sources other than broadcasting,
The 123 detects each parameter by cooperating with each interface input unit.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration example of attribute data of an input source. As shown in the figure, first, an input source ID as a management number is determined, and as the attribute data of the input source, the type of media, the genre of a program (or channel) when the media is a broadcast system, and the application Type (TV viewing, homepage browsing, e-mail, scheduler notification, etc.)
Are detected and managed as one data structure. In FIG. 8, parameters such as a title, a genre, and a channel are extracted only when they exist depending on the type of the medium, and are blank when the medium does not exist as data. The start time is for recognizing the viewing start time of the input source, and is used as data for screen layout control when an interrupt type input event described later occurs.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of classification of media types in attribute data.

As the type of media, 4
Type input, input from the Internet (modem), input from external AV equipment 1B, 1C, input from IEEE1394 interface 117a, 117b, PCMC
In addition to the input from the IA interface 119, a clock (timer) mounted as an internal function and an input from a scheduler are also classified as one medium.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of genre classification when the type of media in the attribute data is TV broadcasting.

Here, news, sports, movies, dramas, variety, documentary, and culture are classified into seven genres. Of course, there are various other types, but these are treated as "others" here.
In particular, the genre in the attribute data of the input source,
For example, sports, movies, and the like are often displayed using a large window, and are often closely related to the screen layout, audio mode, and the like.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of application classification in attribute data.

In addition to receiving TV broadcasts, the integrated receiver has an Internet browser, e-mail, and applications such as a clock and a scheduler as built-in functions.

Returning to FIG. 3, in step S304, the display / voice parameter detecting section 131 extracts display parameters of the input source.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration example of display parameters in the present embodiment.

The assignment of the input source to each window, that is, in which window each input source is displayed, is as follows:
This is performed by the CPU 123.

The display parameter data includes an input source ID. Since the attribute data (FIG. 8) of the input source can be known from the input source ID, the window in which the input source is to be displayed is associated with the attribute of the input source.

Each data from the window start address to the layer in the display parameters of FIG. 12 is a parameter relating to the display of the window. These parameters are set by the CPU 123 by the graphics accelerator 1
15 and is extracted by referring to the value of a register related to display control. As parameters relating to the position and size of the window, the start address (usually indicating the upper left address), the X (horizontal) direction size (the number of dots), and Y
The size (number of dots) in the (vertical) direction is extracted. Furthermore, the layer position of the windows, the display effect (transparency), and the like are extracted as parameters indicating the relationship between each window and the background screen. In addition, the number of display colors for each window is managed as display parameter data as needed.

Next, in step S305, the display /
The voice parameter detection unit 131 extracts voice parameters.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration example of voice parameter data according to the present embodiment.

As in the case of the display parameters, the CPU 123 assigns the input source to each output channel, which output channel outputs each input source.

The voice parameter data first has an input source ID. Since the attribute data (FIG. 8) of the input source can be known from the input source ID, it is possible to obtain an association between an input source having what attribute is viewed in which output channel and in what mode.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a classification example of output channels.

In the present embodiment, it is classified into any one of the following five: main speakers, headphones, external outputs 1 and 2, and no audio output.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a classification example of the voice mode.

The multi-channel stereo is, for example, D
Dolby 5.1ch and DTS used in VD, etc.
(Dolby Theater Surround). These voice-related parameters are transmitted from the CPU 123 to the Audio.
It is extracted by cooperating (register setting, mode identification) with the o-decoder 105 and the audio control unit 108.

Returning to FIG. 3, in step S306, the CPU 123 sorts out the relationship between the attribute data of the input source detected in step S303 and the display parameter data and the voice parameter data detected in steps S304 and S305, respectively. A history database of what screen layouts (display parameters) and audio modes of various input sources have been viewed is generated. In other words, for each input source ID, what display parameters and audio parameters the user was viewing
The viewing frequency is stored in the history database storage unit 132 of the RAM 122. Further, when a plurality of input sources are viewed simultaneously, the display parameters and the voice parameters for each combination pattern of the input source IDs are stored in the history database storage unit 132.

As the history database, even when the same input source ID is viewed, a plurality of viewing pattern data remains as a history. Display parameters and voice parameters in each case are stored, and the viewing parameters are stored in descending order of the viewing frequency. Sort and memorize.

Further, among the display parameters, the window start address, the X direction size, and the Y direction size can take arbitrary values on the screen. Therefore, in the case of close addresses and sizes, data rounding is performed. Values in the value range are stored as the same data (value).

As described above, the viewing pattern history data indicating which input source has been viewed with what kind of screen and audio for each user and user group is stored in the history database storage unit 132.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a basic operation procedure until a screen layout and an audio mode are determined when a user tries to view an input source.

First, in step S400, the viewing user is identified. Here, step S301 in FIG.
In the same way as the operation described above, an icon is displayed on the screen to prompt the user to make a selection, but if there is no input operation from the user, general multi-user viewing (this is based on the initial setting of the device and can be changed ).

Next, in step S401, the input source ID selected by the user for viewing is identified. In this case, there may be a case where only one input source is selected, or a case where a plurality of input sources are selected from the beginning.

In the next step S402, based on the attribute data of the selected input source, it is determined whether or not the input source (or a combination of a plurality of input sources) has been viewed in the past, that is, whether the input source has been viewed in the viewing pattern history database. Check if it exists.

If it exists in the history database, based on the past viewing pattern history data, it is presented in the screen layout and the sound mode in descending order of the viewing frequency (S40).
3) An inquiry is made to the user as to whether the presented screen layout and the audio mode are OK or not (S404).

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of an inquiry screen (OSD display) for the user. Here, an inquiry is made as to whether or not OK is given for each screen mode and audio mode while occupying a part of the left corner of the screen being viewed.

FIG. 16 shows an example of presenting the inquiry screen in such a manner as to occupy a part of the left corner of the screen being viewed. However, the OSD transmittance is adjusted, and the selection confirmation screen is displayed while the background screen is displayed. (Screen mode, audio mode) can be displayed. Further, by presetting some patterns in advance and displaying a graphical design as shown in FIG. 17, for example, it is possible to present the user in a form that is more familiar to users of a wider age group. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a graphical display of an inquiry to a user.

Returning to FIG. 4, in response to an inquiry to the user, if the user selects “OK” for both the screen and the sound by operating the remote controller, the user views the screen as it is, and when a certain time has elapsed, The combination of the input source at that time, the screen layout and the audio mode,
Feedback is provided to the viewing pattern history database (S420). As a result, in the case of viewing in the screen layout and the audio mode with the highest viewing frequency in step S403, the frequency of the viewing pattern is increased by one. If NG is selected in step S404, the screen layout with the second highest viewing frequency is presented in the audio mode (S403), and the user is presented with the presented screen layout and whether the audio mode is OK. An inquiry is made (S404). Here is further NG
Is selected, the presentation is presented in the screen layout and audio mode that is the third most frequently viewed and listened (S403), and an inquiry is made as to whether the presented screen layout and audio mode are OK or not (S404).

Here, as the presentation processing algorithm in the present embodiment, presentation is performed in the descending order of combinations in the viewing pattern history database. Actually, after weighting each parameter constituting the viewing pattern history database (when weighting = 1, it is equivalent to equivalent), predetermined calculation processing is performed by a combination of several kinds of parameters. , A profile for each user group is generated, and the presentation order is determined based on the profile. As a method of generating these user profiles, various algorithms can be considered according to the purpose (application), but the description is omitted here.

If there is no desired presentation form in the viewing pattern (screen layout, sound mode) presented three times, in step S405, the user shifts to a mode of freely selecting and setting by operating the remote controller. I do. Specifically, by pressing the custom key 206 of the remote controller 125, a screen or voice change menu is called up. For example, if the screen is changed, the position and size of each window are set using the direction selection key 209. . FIG.
8 and 19 show examples of the operation guide display when changing the screen layout and the sound mode, respectively.

Returning to FIG. 4, after the setting change by the user in step S405, it is inquired whether or not the setting change is OK (S406). If the setting change is OK, viewing is performed in that pattern. Is performed, and feedback to the viewing pattern history database is performed in the same manner as described above (S420). If the setting change by the user is determined to be NG, the setting change by the user is retried up to twice (S405), and if the setting change is determined to be NG three times, a previously set (preset) screen layout is set. ,
The display is performed in the audio mode (S407). More specifically, several types of screen layouts and voice mode patterns are preset in advance, and the user uses the left / right direction (next / return) of the direction selection key 209 of the remote controller 125 to set several types of preset screen layouts. And a desired pattern from the voice mode patterns,
By pressing (the center part of the direction selection key), it is selected. Note that the preset screen layout and audio mode pattern may be one type, and selection may not be required.

When viewing in a preset pattern is selected, the viewing pattern history database is similarly updated (S420).

On the other hand, in step S402 in FIG.
If the input source to be viewed (or a combination thereof) is not in the viewing pattern history database, in step S408, presentation is performed in a preset screen layout and voice mode pattern. even here,
As described above, the user selects from a plurality of preset patterns.

In step S409, the presentation form is confirmed. If it is OK, the viewing is continued, and the viewing pattern history database is updated (S420). In the case of NG, in step S410, the user changes the setting of the screen layout and the pattern of the audio mode.
The processing here is the same as the processing in step S405 described above.

If the result of this setting change is OK, viewing is performed in that pattern, and the viewing pattern history database is updated (S420). If NG continues three or more times, in step S412, presentation is forcibly performed in a preset pattern.

In this way, viewing is performed in a certain screen layout and audio mode pattern, and in any case, after confirming that the user has watched the pattern for a certain period of time or more, the viewing pattern history database is updated. I do.

When an interrupt-type input source (display event) from an e-mail or a scheduler (timer) occurs while watching an existing input source, the flow proceeds to step S401 at the point of occurrence. Returning to it can handle these cases. That is,
In step S401, it is determined whether or not a combination of the input source that is already being viewed and the input source that has occurred in an interrupting manner exists in the viewing pattern history database in the same manner as described above. Will be executed similarly. In the case of an interrupt-type input source, the viewing elapsed time is newly added as a parameter of the viewing pattern history database. This will be described later.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a part of the viewing pattern history database.

The viewing pattern history database indicates what input sources and what screen layouts and audio modes were viewed by various users (user groups). Here, regarding the viewing pattern of a representative combination of users (user group), the screen layout and the audio mode that have been viewed the most in the past are picked up and tabulated. Of course,
To create this database, create a histogram of past viewing history data for each user (user group),
With the setting, screen (window) size and the like are rounded (treating data that are close to each other as the same data), and the most frequently viewed combination of screen layout and audio mode is extracted from among them. It is always performed as a background process of the CPU 123.

The table shown in FIG. 20 shows a part of the viewing patterns (screen layout, audio mode) which were most frequently viewed for each combination of input sources. , Processed second based on the history database for each input source combination,
Thirdly, viewing pattern history data only corresponding to the number of viewing times is included.

Next, how the screen layout and the audio mode for viewing by the user and the user group are processed based on the past viewing history will be specifically described with reference to some examples.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the case of viewing by a single user (dad) shown in the first row (viewing pattern A) of the table of FIG.

The input source is “digital TV broadcasting”
One is the case where the genre is “sports”. FIG.
According to the table of 0, in the case of this input source, this user (dad) is most likely to view a wide full screen as a screen layout and view in stereo mode from a main speaker as a sound. When the user selects the input source (digital TV broadcast → sports), the window display control device
Control is performed so as to give priority to presentation in that pattern (step S403 in FIG. 4).

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the case of viewing by a single user (dad) shown in the third row (viewing pattern C) of the table of FIG.

This is a screen layout for starting a browser to check program-related data while viewing a documentary program on a digital TV broadcast and checking homepage information related to the program. In such a case, in the past, in many cases, the user viewed the TV screen in the form of displaying the TV screen on the left 2/3 and displaying the homepage (browser) on the right 1/3. The display is performed with the screen layout as shown in FIG.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when viewing by user group 1 (dad + mother) shown in the second row (viewing pattern B) of the table in FIG.

This is because “digital TV” is used as an input source.
There are two “broadcasts”, one of which is drama and the other is sports. In the past, when viewing a drama and a sports program at the same time, this user group 1 has taken the most viewing pattern, such as displaying a drama on a full screen and opening a child screen at the lower right of the screen to check the progress of sports. Therefore, presentation is performed preferentially in a screen layout as shown in FIG.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the case of viewing by the user group 2 (dad + two children) shown in the fourth row (viewing pattern D) of the table in FIG. .

This is a screen layout in a case where two children watch an animation on a TV broadcast and a father watches a news program on a data broadcast. In such a case, in the past, in this user group 2, if animation + data broadcasting was selected as a combination of input sources,
Animation screen left 2/3, data broadcasting display right 1/3
Many people watch in the form shown in the
Display is performed in a screen layout as shown in FIG.

The same applies to the case described above and the case to be described below. However, the present multi-window display control apparatus is characterized in that a screen layout or a sound mode is first presented in the pattern most frequently viewed in the past. I have. If the user does not set the viewing pattern to OK, the second and third viewing patterns can be sequentially selected by remote control operation as long as there is history data, as described above. That is, in the case of “No” in step S404 in FIG. 4, the process returns to step S403 two more times, and
The presentation according to the third highest viewing pattern is performed. If a plurality of viewing patterns do not exist as the history data, and the user does not like the presented screen layout and the configuration of the sound mode, the process proceeds to the user customizing process in step S405.

Next, when a display request (event) of another input source occurs while viewing one input source,
The operation of the present multi-window display control device will be described.

FIG. 25 shows that, as shown in the fifth row (viewing pattern E) of the table of FIG. 20, a single user (dad) views a movie from a DVD device connected by the IEEE1394 interface 117a in full screen. inside,
It is a figure showing an example of a screen displayed when an electronic mail is received.

In this case, the user has previously selected the icon display of the incoming mail at the lower right of the screen as the screen layout at the time of receiving the electronic mail, with the intention of not wanting to disturb the viewing. For this reason, the present multi-window display control device selects such a display mode as the first presentation mode, and provides the presentation as shown in FIG.

FIG. 26 shows that, as shown in the sixth row (viewing pattern F) of the table in FIG. 20, an independent user (dad) receives an e-mail while watching a drama on a full screen in a digital TV broadcast. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when there is a mark.

In this case, a notification window indicating the arrival of an e-mail is displayed on the uppermost layer at the center of the screen instead of displaying the icon as in the case of watching a movie of viewing pattern E (FIG. 26B). After three seconds, the mail application is automatically started, and a mail display window is opened at a size of 1/3 on the right side of the screen (FIG. 26C).
This is a result based on the history that this user has responded more generously to the interrupt type display request event in the drama than in the movie.

The size and position of the window in which the e-mail is displayed, the timing of starting the mail application after displaying the incoming call notification window, and the like are determined by the user's past history data. Of course, if necessary, an interrupt type display event may be used, or a user may manually set and store the setting to make a desired setting.

For such an interrupt type display event, a different display method such as displaying an icon or hopping up a window is used in accordance with the elapsed viewing time of the input source which has been viewed. You may take it. For example, when the viewing time has passed considerably and the climax scene of a movie or the end of a sports game is approaching, the automatic hop-up of the window generally tends to be avoided. Therefore, the (viewing) start time of the input source included in the attribute parameter shown in FIG. 8 is used to calculate the viewing elapsed time of the input source based on the viewing elapsed time when an interrupt type display event occurs. Based on the calculated viewing elapsed time, icon display,
The hop-up display of the window is determined. The elapsed viewing time may be calculated using a clock function provided in the integrated receiver, or, in the case of a TV program or the like, information on a program superimposed on a broadcast wave, or the Internet or a CD. -It is also possible to detect information on a program obtained from a ROM or the like and calculate from the start and end times of the program viewed from the data.

FIG. 27 shows that the user group 3 as shown in the seventh row (viewing pattern G) of the table of FIG.
It is a figure which shows an example of the screen in which a (couple + two children) is watching the news by digital TV broadcast in the morning, the headline news and the weather forecast by the data broadcast, and the clock by the internal function simultaneously.

This is because the multi-window display control device detects from the combination (genre, start time) of the user group and the input source that the user group has viewed in the screen layout in the past. , A screen obtained as a result of automatically determining a screen layout.

As described above, the multi-window display control device according to the present invention recognizes the user / user group who is viewing and changes the screen layout and audio mode based on the past viewing history of the user / user group. Decide, display the screen according to it, and output the sound.

In the above-described embodiment, the integrated receiver having the multi-window display control device is configured to include the display unit (display 114) (FIG. 1). For example, the integrated receiver does not necessarily need to include the display unit, and the present invention can be applied to, for example, an IRD (Integrated Receiver decoder) having no display unit.

Further, a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or the apparatus stores the storage medium in the storage medium. It goes without saying that the present invention is also achieved by reading and executing the program code thus set.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD
-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also an OS or the like running on the computer operates based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the present invention includes a case where some or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, It is needless to say that the present invention includes a case where the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments. .

[0132]

As described in detail above, according to the information output control apparatus of the present invention, which input source (combination of video and information) among a plurality of input sources is previously determined by what screen / audio configuration. The attributes of the input source and the input source attributes, such as what kind of multi-window display has been switched based on the relationship with the video being viewed when the interrupt type input source came in Viewing history information for each past viewing user mode regarding the output control method is stored. A means for identifying a viewing user is provided, and when simultaneously displaying and reproducing input sources provided from a plurality of media, a screen layout and audio output are controlled based on the viewing history information.

As a result, it is possible to more quickly and easily realize an information presentation mode that meets the user's preference, and efficiently enjoy desired programs and contents.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of an integrated receiver having a multi-window display control device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external view showing a configuration of a remote controller for operating the integrated receiver.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a process of creating a viewing pattern history database.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a basic operation procedure up to determination of a screen layout and an audio mode when a user attempts to view an input source.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a user ID selection screen displayed on a display.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user group registration screen.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a viewing user selection screen displayed on a display.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of attribute data of an input source.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a classification example of a media type in attribute data.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of genre classification when the type of media in the attribute data is TV broadcasting.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of application classification in attribute data.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a display parameter in the present embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of voice parameter data according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of classification of output channels.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a classification example of a voice mode.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of an inquiry screen (OSD display) for the user.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a graphical display of an inquiry to a user.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation guide display when changing a screen layout.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of an operation guide display when changing the voice mode.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a part of a viewing pattern history database.

21 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the case of viewing by a single user (dad) shown in the first row (viewing pattern A) of the table in FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the case of viewing by a single user (dad) shown in the third row (viewing pattern C) of the table in FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 shows a user group 1 (dad + mother) shown in the second row (viewing pattern B) of the table in FIG.
It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed at the time of the viewing by.

24 is a user group 2 (dad + two children) shown in the fourth row (viewing pattern D) of the table in FIG. 20;
It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed at the time of the viewing by.

25. As shown in the fifth line (viewing pattern E) of the table of FIG.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when an electronic mail is received while viewing a movie from a DVD device connected by an E1394 interface on a full screen.

26. As shown in the sixth row (viewing pattern F) of the table in FIG. 20, an e-mail is received while a single user (dad) is watching a drama in full screen on digital TV broadcasting. It is a figure showing an example of a screen displayed in a case.

27. As shown in the seventh row (viewing pattern G) of the table in FIG. 20, user group 3 (couple + child 2
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen in which a person) is watching news in the morning by digital TV broadcasting, headline news and weather forecast by data broadcasting, and a clock by an internal function.

[Explanation of symbols]

1A Digital TV receiver 1B, 1C External AV equipment 1D Multi-window controller related block (information output controller) 108 Sound selector 109a Speaker (sound reproducer) 109b Headphones (sound reproducer) 109c Audio external output 111a to 111c Resolution Conversion unit 112 Multi-screen synthesis control unit 113 Output control unit 114 Display (image display device) 115 Graphics accelerator 116 Graphics memory 117a, 117b IEEE1394 interface 118 Modem 119 PCMCIA interface 122 RAM 123 CPU (search means, output means, storage control) means,
Storage control means, additional search means, additional output means, additional storage control means) 125 remote controller 130 attribute detection unit (attribute detection means, attribute addition detection means) 131 display / voice parameter detection unit (display parameter detection means, display parameter addition detection) Means) 132 History database storage unit (Storage unit) 133 Viewing user detection unit (User group recognition unit)

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 5/45 H04N 5/45 F term (Reference) 5C025 BA14 BA21 BA27 CA06 CA09 CA18 DA01 DA05 5E501 AB06 AC37 BA05 CA02 CA08 CC02 DA11 DA13 DA14 DA15 DA17 EA02 EB05 FA02 FA04 FA05 FA06 FA32 FB03 FB04 FB22

Claims (25)

[Claims] An information output control device capable of simultaneously outputting a plurality of pieces of input information to at least an image display device, comprising: a user group including at least one person; an attribute of at least one input information; Storage means for storing display information indicating a screen configuration when one piece of input information is displayed on the image display device as one record in association with each other; and viewing a screen displayed on the image display device. User group recognizing means for recognizing at least one user group; attribute detecting means for detecting an attribute of at least one input information specified by the user group; and user group recognizing by the user group recognizing means. Based on the attribute of the input information detected by the attribute detecting means. Searching means for searching a record from the storage means, reading a display parameter included in the record searched by the searching means, and displaying the at least one input information on the image display device based on the display parameter. Output means; display parameter detection means for detecting display parameters on a screen displayed on the image display device by the output means; a user group recognized by the user group recognition means; and an input detected by the attribute detection means. An information output control device, comprising: a storage control unit that stores an attribute of information and a display parameter detected by the display parameter detection unit in the storage unit as one record in association with each other. 2. When there are a plurality of pieces of input information specified by the user group, the corresponding record stored in the storage means includes attributes of the plurality of pieces of input information and information detected by the display parameter detecting means. The information output control device according to claim 1, wherein a display parameter related to the plurality of pieces of input information is included. 3. The information output control device according to claim 1, wherein the attribute of the input information detected by the attribute detecting means includes a type of a transmission medium of the input information. 4. The information output control device according to claim 3, wherein the type of the transmission medium is at least one of a television broadcast, a communication line, and a direct connection to an external device. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the attribute of the input information detected by the attribute detecting means includes a program genre when the transmission medium of the input information is a television broadcast. Described information output control device. 6. The information output control device according to claim 1, wherein the attribute of the input information detected by the attribute detecting means includes a type of a reproduction process of the input information. 7. The types of the reproduction processing include television viewing, Internet browsing, clock display, e-mail reception,
7. The information output control device according to claim 6, wherein the information output control device is at least one of a scheduler notification and reproduction of information provided by an external device. 8. The display parameter detected by the display parameter detecting means is at least one of a size, a position, and an overlapping display order of a window on a screen on which corresponding input information is displayed. The information output control device according to claim 1 or 2, which performs the operation. 9. An attribute of the new input information is detected when a request for displaying further new input information is generated while the output means is displaying an image on the image display device. An attribute addition detecting unit, a user group recognized by the user group recognizing unit, an attribute of input information detected by the attribute detecting unit, and an attribute of new input information detected by the attribute adding detecting unit. An additional search means for searching a record from the storage means, and a display parameter included in the record searched by the additional search means, and reading the at least one input information and the new input based on the display parameter. Additional output means for displaying information on the image display device; and the image table by the additional output means. Display parameter addition detection means for detecting a display parameter on a screen displayed on the display device; and a user group recognized by the user group recognition means, and input information detected by the attribute detection means and the attribute addition detection means, respectively. 3. The storage device according to claim 1, further comprising an additional storage control unit configured to store the attribute and the display parameter detected by the display parameter addition detection unit in the storage unit as one record in association with each other. 8. The information output control device according to any one of 8. 10. The attribute of the input information includes a start time of a program when a transmission medium of the input information is a television broadcast, the attribute addition detecting means detects a start time of the program, and the additional output. The information output control according to claim 9, wherein the means displays the at least one input information and the new input information on the image display device based on the display parameter and the detected start time. apparatus. 11. The information output control device can cause at least one sound reproduction device to reproduce sound of input information, and the storage unit stores the at least one input information in the at least one sound reproduction device. The audio output parameter when played back to the corresponding record is stored in the corresponding record, the output unit reads out the display parameter and the audio output parameter included in the record searched by the search unit, and based on the display parameter, 11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one input information is displayed on the image display device, and the at least one input information is reproduced by the audio reproduction device based on the audio output parameter. The information output control device according to any one of the above. 12. The information output control device according to claim 11, wherein the audio output parameter is at least an output channel of input information. 13. The information output control device according to claim 12, wherein the output channel is at least one of a speaker, headphones, and no sound. 14. The information output control device according to claim 11, wherein the voice output parameter is at least a voice output mode of input information. 15. The information output control device according to claim 14, wherein the audio output mode is at least one of a stereo mode, a multi-channel stereo mode, and a bilingual mode. 16. An information output control method applied to an information output control device capable of simultaneously outputting a plurality of pieces of input information to at least an image display device, comprising: a user group including at least one user; A first storage step of storing an attribute of input information and a display parameter indicating a screen configuration when the at least one input information is displayed on the image display device as a single record in a storage device in association with each other; A user group recognizing step of recognizing a user group consisting of at least one person who looks at a screen displayed on the image display device; and an attribute detecting step of detecting at least one attribute of input information specified by the user group. And the user group recognized by the user group recognition step. A search step for searching a record from the storage device based on the attribute and the attribute of the input information detected by the attribute detection step; and reading a display parameter included in the record searched by the search step, An output step of displaying the at least one input information on the image display device, a display parameter detection step of detecting a display parameter on a screen displayed on the image display device by the output step, and the user group recognition The user group recognized in the step, the attribute of the input information detected in the attribute detecting step, and the display parameter detected in the display parameter detecting step are associated with each other by 1
A second storage step of storing one record in the storage device. 17. When there are a plurality of pieces of input information specified by the user group, the corresponding record stored in the storage device includes attributes of the plurality of pieces of input information and information detected in the display parameter detecting step. 17. The information output control method according to claim 16, wherein display parameters related to the plurality of pieces of input information are included. 18. When an image is displayed on the image display device in the output step and a request for displaying further new input information is generated, an attribute of the new input information is detected. The attribute addition detecting step, the user group recognized by the user group recognition step, the attribute of the input information detected by the attribute detecting step, and the attribute of the new input information detected by the attribute addition detecting unit. An additional search step of searching for a record from the storage device, and reading a display parameter included in the record searched by the additional search step, based on the display parameter, the at least one input information and the new input. An additional output step of displaying information on the image display device; A display parameter addition detection step of detecting a display parameter on a screen displayed on the image display device by the additional output step; and a user group recognized by the user group recognition step, the attribute detection step, and the attribute addition detection step, respectively. A third storing step of storing the attribute of the detected input information and the display parameter detected in the display parameter addition detecting step in the storage device as one record in association with each other. The information output control method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein 19. The attribute of the input information includes a start time of a program when a transmission medium of the input information is a television broadcast, the attribute addition detecting step detects a start time of the program, and Step means, based on the display parameter and the detected start time, the at least one
19. The information output control method according to claim 18, wherein two pieces of input information and the new input information are displayed on the image display device. 20. The information output control device is capable of causing at least one sound reproduction device to reproduce sound of input information, and wherein the first storing step stores the input information in the at least one sound reproduction device. Storing an audio output parameter at the time of reproduction in a corresponding record of the storage device, the output step reads out a display parameter and an audio output parameter included in the record searched by the search step, and based on the display parameter Causing the image display device to display the at least one input information, and causing the audio reproduction device to reproduce the at least one input information based on the audio output parameter. Audio output parameters in the audio reproduced by the audio reproducing device by the step. A voice output parameter detecting step of detecting a voice output parameter, and a fourth storing step of storing the voice output parameter detected in the voice output parameter detecting step in a corresponding record of the storage device. The information output control method according to any one of claims 16 to 19. 21. A computer-readable storage medium storing, as a program, an information output control method applied to an information output control device capable of simultaneously outputting a plurality of pieces of input information to an image display device as an image. The information output control method includes: a user group including at least one person; an attribute of at least one input information; and a display parameter indicating a screen configuration when the at least one input information is displayed on the image display device. A first storage step of storing in a storage device as one record in association with each other; a user group recognition step of recognizing a user group of at least one person who will see a screen displayed on the image display device; Of at least one input information specified by the user group An attribute detection step of detecting gender; a search step of searching a record from the storage device based on the user group recognized by the user group recognition step and an attribute of the input information detected by the attribute detection step; An output step of reading a display parameter included in the record searched by the search step and displaying the at least one input information on the image display device based on the display parameter; A display parameter detecting step of detecting a display parameter on a displayed screen; a user group recognized by the user group recognizing step; an attribute of input information detected by the attribute detecting step; and the display parameter detecting step The detected display parameters, in association with each other 1
A second storage step of storing one record in the storage device. 22. When there is a plurality of pieces of input information specified by the user group, the corresponding record stored in the storage device includes attributes of the plurality of pieces of input information and information detected in the display parameter detecting step. 22. The storage medium according to claim 21, wherein display parameters related to the plurality of pieces of input information are included. 23. The information output control method according to claim 23, wherein, when an image is displayed on said image display device in said output step, a request for displaying further new input information is generated. An additional attribute detecting step of detecting an attribute of the input information, a user group recognized by the user group recognizing step, an attribute of the input information detected by the attribute detecting step, and an attribute of the input information detected by the additional attribute detecting means. An additional search step of searching for a record from the storage device based on the attribute of the new input information; reading a display parameter included in the record searched by the additional search step; The input information and the new input information on the image display device. An additional output step, a display parameter addition detection step of detecting a display parameter on a screen displayed on the image display device by the additional output step, a user group recognized by the user group recognition step, the attribute detection step, and A third storage step of storing the attribute of the input information detected by the attribute addition detection step and the display parameter detected by the display parameter addition detection step in the storage device as one record in association with each other; The storage medium according to claim 21, further comprising: 24. The attribute of the input information includes a start time of the program when the transmission medium of the input information is a television broadcast, the attribute addition detecting step detects a start time of the program, Step means, based on the display parameter and the detected start time, the at least one
24. The storage medium according to claim 23, wherein the input information and the new input information are displayed on the image display device. 25. The information output control device is capable of causing at least one sound reproduction device to reproduce sound of input information, and wherein the first storing step stores the input information in the at least one sound reproduction device. Storing an audio output parameter at the time of reproduction in a corresponding record of the storage device, the output step reads out a display parameter and an audio output parameter included in the record searched by the search step, and based on the display parameter Causing the image display device to display the at least one input information, and causing the audio reproduction device to reproduce the at least one input information based on the audio output parameter. Audio output parameters in the audio reproduced by the audio reproducing device by the step. A voice output parameter detecting step of detecting a voice output parameter, and a fourth storing step of storing the voice output parameter detected in the voice output parameter detecting step in a corresponding record of the storage device. The storage medium according to any one of claims 21 to 24.