JP2004220406A - Information processor and display control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To display a data operation screen where the convenience of a user is improved. <P>SOLUTION: Current conditions are determined from contents kinds(video, music, photograph) selected in a display area 901 or title selecting conditions, contents reproducing conditions and network connecting conditions in a display area 902 or the like. This processing is repeatedly executed in fixed time intervals, and also executed when any operation to the picture is detected. Then, information in a button group combination information storing part is referred to so that a button group for operations suitable for the current conditions can be detected. The decided button group for operations is displayed in a display area 904. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a display control method for controlling display of an operation button group on an operation screen capable of handling a plurality of types of data.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, in personal computers, software that can handle different types of content (data) such as video, music, and photos on a screen has been frequently used.
[0003]
On the content operation screen provided by the above software, for example, “search”, “registration”, “property”, “slideshow”, “play”, “delete”, “copy”, etc. are executed for various contents. An operation button group in which various buttons (icons, controls) for performing operations are grouped is displayed in a predetermined display area.
[0004]
In this case, the operation button group includes all operation buttons so as to correspond to any content of video, music, and photograph. When performing a certain operation on desired content, the user finds a corresponding button from among the various operation buttons listed, and then presses it.
[0005]
Note that, although different from the operation button group, a technique for displaying information for guiding a user's operation content is disclosed in Patent Document 1.
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2000-112604 (see FIG. 7 and the like)
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the related art, it is possible to deal with any content of video, music, and photograph by preparing only one set of operation buttons.
[0008]
However, when the user attempts to perform an operation on a content on the content operation screen, a situation occurs in which unnecessary buttons that are completely unrelated to the operation on the content are also displayed. In such a case, it is not easy for the user to find a desired button from the various operation buttons listed. In particular, it is often confused for a user who is not used to the operation.
[0009]
There are buttons that correspond to the content that is the target of operation and buttons that are not, depending on the color or shading, but the array of buttons still feels complicated, making it difficult to find the desired button immediately. .
[0010]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus and a display control method capable of displaying a data operation screen that improves user-friendliness.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a determining unit that determines at least a data type to be operated on an operation screen capable of handling a plurality of types of data, and a data type corresponding to the data type determined by the determining unit. Display control means for displaying a group of operation buttons to be operated on the operation screen.
[0012]
Also, the display control method according to the present invention determines at least a data type to be operated on an operation screen capable of handling a plurality of types of data, and operates an operation button corresponding to the determined data type. A group is displayed on the operation screen.
[0013]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a home network system using an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0014]
This home network system includes a wireless AV (audio / video) station 101, a TV receiver 102, notebook personal computers 103 and 104, a desktop personal computer 105, and the like.
[0015]
The wireless AV station 101 is a device that functions as a home network server. The wireless AV station 101 provides services related to viewing and listening to broadcast program data such as TV and browsing the Internet to each information processing apparatus such as the personal computers 103 to 105 via a home wireless or wired network.
[0016]
The wireless AV station 101 is connected to an external global network such as the Internet 12 via a communication line 13 such as ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), or CATV (Cable TV). It is connected. Further, the wireless AV station 101 is connected to various information processing devices at home via a wired or wireless network constituting a home network.
[0017]
Each of the personal computers 103 to 105 is an information processing device that functions as a client of the wireless AV station 101. The notebook personal computers 103 and 104 are provided with wireless communication devices, and each of the notebook personal computers 103 and 104 can be wirelessly connected to the wireless AV station 101. The desktop personal computer 105 is connected to the wireless AV station 101 via a wired LAN.
[0018]
The wireless AV station 101 connects each of the personal computers 103 to 105 to the Internet 12, and transmits and receives data between a Web site on the Internet 12 and each of the personal computers 103 to 105.
[0019]
The antenna cable connected to the TV broadcast receiving antenna 11 installed outdoors is drawn indoors. The TV receiver 102 and the wireless AV station 101 are connected to the antenna cable. Broadcast program data transmitted from a broadcasting station can be received and reproduced by the TV receiver 102, and can also be received by the wireless AV station 101. The wireless AV station 101 wirelessly transmits the received broadcast program data to notebook personal computers 103 and 104 via a wireless LAN. Also, the wireless AV station 101 transmits the received broadcast program data to the desktop personal computer 105 via the wired LAN.
[0020]
The main functions provided by the wireless AV station 101 are as follows.
[0021]
・ Wireless router function:
The wireless router function connects each information processing device that can communicate with the wireless AV station 101 via the wireless LAN to the Internet 12 wirelessly, and transmits and receives data between a Web site on the Internet 12 and each information processing device. Function to perform The user can browse the Internet wirelessly from anywhere in the home by using the notebook personal computer 103 or 104 connectable to the wireless AV station 101 via the wireless LAN.
[0022]
・ TV function:
The TV function is a function of transmitting broadcast program data received by the wireless AV station 101 to each information processing device connected to the wireless AV station 101 via a wireless LAN or a wired LAN. By using the notebook type personal computer 103 or 104, the user can view broadcast program data (live video) currently being broadcast from anywhere in the home.
[0023]
・ TV recording function:
The wireless AV station 101 has a built-in magnetic disk drive (hard disk drive; HDD) as a large-capacity storage device for recording broadcast program data. The wireless AV station 101 can record the broadcast program data currently being broadcast, for example, as a file in the magnetic disk drive device while wirelessly transmitting the broadcast program data to the information processing device. Also, the wireless AV station 101 receives another broadcast program data currently being broadcast and transmits it to the magnetic disk drive while transmitting broadcast program data already recorded on the magnetic disk drive to the information processing device wirelessly. It can also be recorded on the device. Furthermore, the wireless AV station 101 can also output broadcast program data recorded on the magnetic disk drive to the TV receiver 102.
[0024]
Content server function In response to a data acquisition request from each information processing apparatus, the wireless AV station 101 requests the information processing apparatus from which various contents (data) such as broadcast program data recorded as a file in the magnetic disk drive apparatus are requested. Can be sent to
[0025]
・ Remote control function:
The TV function and the TV recording function of the wireless AV station 101 can be remotely controlled from each of the personal computers 103 to 105. Further, the TV function and the TV recording function of the wireless AV station 101 can be controlled using a dedicated remote control unit for operating the wireless AV station 101. Furthermore, the wireless AV station 101 can be remotely controlled from a mobile phone or a personal computer via the Internet.
[0026]
Next, the configuration of the wireless AV station 101 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0027]
As shown in FIG. 2, the wireless AV station 101 is roughly composed of three components, namely, a tuner / MPEG unit 21, a CPU unit 31, and a communication unit 41.
[0028]
The tuner / MPEG unit 21, the CPU unit 31, and the communication unit 41 are connected to a bus 20 such as a PCI bus. Further, a magnetic disk drive device (hard disk drive; HDD) 51 is also connected to the bus 20.
[0029]
The tuner / MPEG unit 21 executes a receiving process of the broadcast program data, an encoding process of compressing and encoding the received broadcast program data, and a decoding process of decoding the compressed and encoded TV broadcast program data. As shown, the tuner / MPEG unit 21 includes a TV tuner 211, an NTSC (National TV Standards Committee) decoder 212, an audio multiplex decoder 213, an audio A / D converter (audio ADC) 214, an MPEG2 encoder 215, a RAM 216, A PCI bus interface (PCI-IF) 217, an MPEG2 decoder 218, a RAM 219, an audio D / A converter (audio DAC) 220, and the like are provided.
[0030]
The TV tuner 211 is connected to a TV antenna cable via a TV antenna connector 301. The TV tuner 211 is a device that receives broadcast program data of a channel requested to be viewed from the personal computers 103 to 105 or the remote control unit 200, and receives a TV broadcast signal and selects a channel based on the viewing request. The TV broadcast program data of a certain channel received by the TV tuner 211 is sent to an NTSC decoder 212, where it is separated into a video signal (moving image) and an audio signal, and further converted to digital data as necessary. Is applied.
[0031]
The NTSC decoder 212 is also connected to a video input terminal 302, and can input a video signal from an external video device such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) player or a VCR (Video cassette Recorder). The audio multiplex signal superimposed on the TV broadcast program data is demodulated by the audio multiplex decoder 213 and then sent to an audio A / D converter (audio ADC) 214 where it is converted into digital data. The audio A / D converter (audio ADC) 214 is also connected to the audio input terminal 303, and can input an audio signal from an external video / audio device.
[0032]
The MPEG2 encoder 215 performs an encoding process for compressing and encoding the input video data and audio data, respectively. This encoding process is performed according to the MPEG2 standard. The RAM 216 is used as a working memory for the MPEG2 encoder 215 to perform an encoding process. The broadcast program data received by the TV tuner 211 is encoded by the MPEG2 encoder 215, and is thereby converted into an MPEG2 stream.
[0033]
A PCI bus interface (PCI-IF) 217 is an interface for connecting the tuner / MPEG unit 21 to the bus 20, and is used by the tuner / MPEG unit 21 to communicate with the CPU unit 31 and the HDD 51 via the bus 20. Can be The PCI bus interface (PCI-IF) 217 has a built-in register group that can be accessed by the CPU unit 31. The operations of the TV tuner 211 and the MPEG2 encoder 215 are controlled by the PCI bus interface (PCI-IF) by the CPU unit 31. ) 217 is controlled in accordance with a command set in the register group.
[0034]
The MPEG2 decoder 218 decodes broadcast program data encoded in the MPEG2 format. For example, when the encoded broadcast program data recorded on the HDD 51 is reproduced by the TV receiver 102, the encoded TV broadcast program data read from the HDD 51 is transmitted to the MPEG2 decoder via the PCI bus interface 217. 218, where it is decoded (decompressed). The RAM 219 is used as a working memory for the MPEG2 decoder 218 to perform a decoding process. The operation of the MPEG2 decoder 218 is also controlled by a command set by the CPU unit 31 in a group of registers in the PCI bus interface 217.
[0035]
The video data decoded by the MPEG2 decoder 218 is sent to the TV receiver 102 or the like via the video output terminal 305, and the audio data decoded by the MPEG2 decoder 218 is converted to an audio D / A converter (audio DAC) as necessary. ) After being converted into an analog signal at 220, it is output from an audio output terminal 304 to an external audio / video device.
[0036]
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the broadcast program data decoded by the MPEG2 decoder 218 can be input again to the MPEG2 encoder 215, where the encoding process can be performed again. This is used for down-conversion processing for converting the transmission rate (bit rate) of the encoded broadcast program data recorded on the HDD 51 to a specific transmission rate corresponding to a band such as a wireless LAN.
[0037]
That is, according to the image quality (low image quality, standard image quality, high image quality) of the broadcast program data to be recorded on the HDD 51, the transmission rate (bit) of the encoded broadcast program data (MPEG2 stream) obtained by the encoding process by the MPEG2 encoder 215 Rates) are different. When high image quality is selected, an MPEG2 stream of broadcast program data having a very high transmission rate is recorded on the HDD 51. In this case, the MPEG2 stream of the broadcast program data may not be able to be transmitted in real time in the wireless communication band. In such a case, a down-conversion process is performed to reduce the transmission rate of the MPEG2 stream of the broadcast program data to be wirelessly transmitted to a specific transmission rate for wireless transmission.
[0038]
The CPU section 31 controls the TV tuner 211, the MPEG2 encoder 215, and the MPEG2 decoder 218 of the tuner / MPEG section 21, and controls writing of data to the HDD 51 and reading of data from the HDD 51. In addition, the CPU unit 31 receives commands related to TV viewing transmitted from the personal computers 103 to 105 and communicates an MPEG2 stream of broadcast program data to be transmitted to the personal computers 103 to 105 by communicating with the communication unit 41. To the unit 41. The CPU unit 31 includes a CPU 311, a north bridge 312 connecting the CPU bus of the CPU 311 and the PCI bus 20, and a main memory 313.
[0039]
The communication unit 41 is a communication control device that can operate alone as a wireless LAN router. The communication unit 41 is configured to be wirelessly connectable to the personal computers 103 and 104, and is also connected to the personal computer 105 via a wired LAN. The communication unit 41 connects each of the personal computers 103 to 105 to the Internet 12 in response to a request transmitted from each of the personal computers 103 to 105, and transmits data between the personal computers 103 to 105 and the Internet 12. Transmission and reception. In this case, all processes related to data transmission and reception between the personal computers 103 to 105 and the Internet 12 are performed in the communication unit 41, and the CPU unit 31 is not used.
[0040]
As shown, the communication unit 41 includes a control processor 411, a RAM 412, a ROM 413, a network controller 414, two wireless LAN devices 415 and 417, a WAN connector 501, a LAN connector 502, and the like.
[0041]
A WAN (Wide Area Network) connector 501 is a broadband terminal used for transmitting and receiving data to and from the Internet 12, and the connector 501 is connected to the communication line 13 via, for example, a modem or the like. The LAN connector 502 is connected to a wired LAN at home.
[0042]
The network controller 414 is a network control device that controls transmission / reception of data to / from the Internet 12 via the WAN connector 501 and transmission / reception of data to / from a home wired LAN via the LAN connector 502. Each of the wireless LAN devices 415 and 417 is a wireless communication device for transmitting and receiving data to and from the personal computers 103 and 104 via a wireless LAN, and the personal computers 103 and 104 via corresponding antennas 416 and 417, respectively. Wireless communication with The wireless LAN device 415 is configured to execute wireless communication conforming to the IEEE 802.11b standard, and the wireless LAN device 417 is configured to execute wireless communication conforming to the IEEE 802.11a standard. By providing the two wireless LAN devices 415 and 417, wireless communication can be performed according to both the IEEE802.11b standard and the IEEE802.11a standard. The wireless LAN device used for wireless communication is switched seamlessly according to a wireless communication standard supported by a client wirelessly connected to the wireless AV station 101.
[0043]
The control processor 411 controls transmission and reception of data between the personal computers 103 to 105 and the Internet 12 by controlling the network controller 414 and the wireless LAN devices 415 and 417. Specifically, the control processor 411 includes, as functions necessary for operating the communication unit 41 as a wireless router, an IP masquerade (IP masquerade) function, a NAT (Network Address Translation) function, a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) function, and the like. It is included. Further, the control processor 411 is also connected to the PCI bus 20, and sends a TV viewing request (command) received from the personal computer 103 or 104 via the wireless LAN device 415 or 417 to the CPU 311 via the PCI bus 20. It has a function of notifying the CPU 311 via the PCI bus 20 of, for example, a request (command) related to TV viewing received from the personal computer 105 on the wired LAN via the network controller 414.
[0044]
Further, when receiving the broadcast program data transferred from the CPU 311 via the PCI bus 20, the control processor 411 transmits the broadcast program data via the wireless LAN devices 415, 417 or the network controller 414. It has the function of sending to a computer. In this case, the process of transmitting the broadcast program data to the requesting personal computer is performed in parallel with the transmission and reception of data between the personal computer and the Internet 12.
[0045]
For example, when the personal computer 103 wirelessly connectable to the communication unit 41 is browsing the Internet wirelessly, the broadcast program data requested by the personal computer 103 is transmitted to the personal computer 103 wirelessly. The processor 411 controls the wireless LAN so that the Web content data received from the Web server on the Internet 12 and the broadcast program data encoded by the tuner / MPEG unit 21 are transmitted to the personal computer 103 in a time division manner by wireless communication. Control the device 415 or 417. Specifically, the control processor 411 performs a process of multiplexing the Web content data and the encoded broadcast program data, and multiplexes the multiplexed Web content data and the broadcast program data in a time-division manner by wireless communication. It is transmitted to the computer 103. As described above, by transmitting the Web content data and the broadcast program data to the personal computer 103 as mutually independent data, the personal computer 103 simultaneously displays the Web content data and the broadcast program data using the corresponding application programs. The display position and display size of each window of the Web content data and the broadcast program data can be freely changed by the corresponding application programs.
[0046]
The functions of the control processor 411 described above are implemented by firmware stored in the ROM 413.
[0047]
Further, the wireless AV station 101 is provided with a card controller 61, an I / O controller 62, a remote control interface 63, and the like. The card controller 61 controls access to a memory card inserted in a card slot 100 provided in the wireless AV station 101. The card controller 61 is used for reading still image data and audio data stored in a memory card and recording the data in the HDD 51.
[0048]
The I / O controller 62 and the remote control interface 63 are used for receiving a remote control code transmitted from the remote control unit 200 by an infrared signal or the like. The received remote control code is sent to the CPU unit 31 via the bus 20.
[0049]
The HDD 51 is used to record various contents such as broadcast program data, still image data, and audio data. The CPU 311 manages the content recorded on the HDD 51 as a content database. The content database stores, for each piece of content data recorded on the HDD 51, additional information such as a program title name, a channel number, a song name, a genre, and an artist name. The CPU 311 provides the contents of the content database on the screen of the TV receiver 102 or to the information processing device as a content list menu in response to a command transmitted from the information processing device or the remote control unit 200. The user can select desired content data while referring to the content list menu.
[0050]
Next, the configuration of each information processing apparatus functioning as a client will be described with reference to FIG. Here, a node book type personal computer 103 will be described as an example.
[0051]
As shown in FIG. 3, the personal computer 103 includes a PCI bus 71, an ISA bus 72, a CPU 81, a host bridge 82, a main memory 83, a display controller 84, a sound controller 85, a LAN controller 86, and a wireless LAN device 87. , A system controller 88, a keyboard controller (KBC) 89, a CD / DVD drive 91, an HDD 92, a keyboard (KB) 93, a mouse 94, a LAN connector 95, and the like.
[0052]
The CPU 81 is a processor that controls the operation of the personal computer 103, and executes various programs such as an operating system (OS), a Web browser, and an AV playback control program loaded into the main memory 83. The AV reproduction control program is an application program for reproducing audio / video data (AV data), a function for remotely controlling the wireless AV station 101, a TV broadcast program and music transmitted from the wireless AV station 101. It has a function of reproducing AV data such as data and a function of downloading AV data such as TV broadcast programs and music data from the wireless AV station 101 as a file. The AV reproduction control program can also reproduce AV data recorded on a CD / DVD recording medium reproduced by the CD / DVD drive 91.
[0053]
The display controller 84 is a device that controls the display monitor of the personal computer 103. The sound controller 85 is used as a sound source for outputting a sound corresponding to audio data.
[0054]
The LAN controller 86 is a device for executing communication with the wireless AV station 101 via a wired LAN. When the LAN connector 95 is connected to the wired LAN, the CPU 81 executes communication with the wireless AV station 101 via the LAN controller 86.
[0055]
The wireless LAN device 87 is a wireless communication device that transmits and receives data to and from the wireless AV station 101 via a wireless LAN, and performs wireless communication with the wireless AV station 101 via an antenna 96. The wireless LAN device 87 is configured to execute wireless communication conforming to the IEEE802.11b or IEEE802.11a standard.
[0056]
Next, a content operation screen displayed on the display monitor of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0057]
The above-described information processing apparatuses (personal computers 103 to 105) are equipped with application software for reproducing various contents (for example, video, music, and photos), and the content operation screens of FIGS. It can be displayed by application software. Note that various contents may be imported from the wireless AV station 101. In the present embodiment, GUI control software for controlling a portion related to the GUI of the content operation screen is provided.
[0058]
FIG. 4 shows a state in which “music” is an operation target among a plurality of prepared content types (data types). On the other hand, FIG. 5 shows a state in which “photo (still image)” is set as an operation target.
[0059]
As commonly shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the display area 901 displays a content type, an item indicating a category, a detailed item, and the like. The user can select a content type, a category, and detailed items in the display area 901 using the input device.
[0060]
In the display area 902, a plurality of titles (content identification information) corresponding to the item selected in the display area 901 are displayed. The user can use the input device to select a title on which the user wants to perform an operation such as reproduction in the display area 902.
[0061]
Further, in the display area 903, character information or the like indicating a state related to the reproduction of the current content is displayed.
[0062]
In the display area 904, an operation button group in which buttons (icons, controls) suitable for the current situation are grouped is displayed. The user can execute a corresponding process by pressing a desired button in the display area 904.
[0063]
Next, the display contents of FIG. 4 will be described in detail.
In the display area 901 in FIG. 4, "music" is selected as the content type. In this case, "rock" and "pops" are prepared as categories for classifying "music", and detailed items of each category are classified by, for example, an artist name. In the illustrated example, “Artist A” in “Rock” is in a selected state.
[0064]
In the display area 902 of FIG. 4, five titles (here, music titles a to e) related to the “artist A” selected in the display area 901 are displayed.
[0065]
In the display area 903 of FIG. 4, "play music" is displayed because music is now being played.
[0066]
In the display area 904 of FIG. 4, a group of operation buttons suitable for the content type “music” is displayed. In the illustrated example, the operation button group includes “search”, “register”, “property”, “play”, “delete”, and “copy”.
[0067]
Unnecessary buttons such as a button “slide show” suitable for “photo” are not displayed. Further, since the reproduction is currently stopped, the button “stop” is not displayed. If the music is played, the button "play" is hidden and the button "stop" is displayed instead. If the network connection with the wireless AV station 101 is disconnected, for example, it is determined that “copy” between the wireless AV station 101 and the information processing apparatus cannot be performed, and the button “copy” is disabled. It may be set in advance to switch to the display state. In addition, if there is a special title that would not be easy to be accidentally "deleted", it is set in advance so that the button "delete" is switched to a hidden state when the title is selected. It may be.
[0068]
Next, the display contents of FIG. 5 will be described in detail.
In the display area 901 of FIG. 5, “photo (still image)” is selected as the content type. In this case, “digital camera images” and “video captured images” are prepared as categories for classifying “photos”, and the detailed items of each category are classified by terms representing subjects and programs. In the illustrated example, “drama” in “video captured image” is in a selected state.
[0069]
In the display area 902 of FIG. 5, five titles (here, image file names and thumbnail images) corresponding to the “drama” selected in the display area 901 are displayed.
[0070]
In the display area 903 of FIG. 5, since the image is to be reproduced from now, “Reproduce image” is displayed.
[0071]
In the display area 904 of FIG. 5, a group of operation buttons suitable for the content type “photo” is displayed. In the illustrated example, the operation button group includes “search”, “register”, “property”, “slideshow”, “delete”, and “copy”.
[0072]
Unnecessary buttons such as a button "play" suitable for "music" are not displayed. Further, since the reproduction is currently stopped, the button “stop” is not displayed. If the reproduction of the image is executed, the button "reproduction" is not displayed, and the button "stop" is displayed instead. If the network connection with the wireless AV station 101 is disconnected, for example, it is considered that “copy” between the wireless AV station 101 and the information processing apparatus cannot be performed, and the button “copy” is disabled. It may be set in advance to switch to the display state. In addition, if there is a special title that would not be easy to be accidentally "deleted", it is set in advance so that the button "delete" is switched to a hidden state when the title is selected. It may be.
[0073]
In this example, a diagram corresponding to a state where “video” is selected as the content type is not introduced, but a display example when “video” is selected is a state where “music” is selected (FIG. 4). A similar one may be adopted. In this case, for example, a button “mute” for reproducing only an image without producing a sound may be additionally displayed in the operation button group displayed in the display area 904.
[0074]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of GUI control software for controlling a portion related to the GUI on the content operation screen.
[0075]
The GUI control software includes an input processing unit 906, a situation determination unit 907, and a display processing execution unit 908.
[0076]
The input processing unit 906 is a unit that manages input processing of a pointing device or a keyboard on a screen. The situation determination unit 907 is a part that determines the situation based on the content of the input processing. As shown in FIG. 7, the status determination unit 907 determines a content type targeted for operation by a content type determination unit 907a, and determines a title of the content targeted by the operation. , A playback state determination unit 907c that determines the playback state of the content, and a connection state determination unit 907d that determines the network connection state with the wireless AV station 101. On the other hand, the display processing execution unit 908 is a unit that executes display processing of the corresponding operation button group according to the determination result of the situation determination unit 907.
[0077]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a specific functional configuration of the display processing execution unit 908 shown in FIG.
[0078]
The display processing execution unit 908 includes a button group combination information storage unit 908a, a display button group determination unit 908b, and a display processing unit 908c.
[0079]
The button group combination information storage unit 908a stores various situations (including a content type and title selection state, a content reproduction state, and a network connection state) and a set of operation buttons to be displayed for each situation. This part stores information indicating a combination (correspondence). The display button group determination unit 908b refers to the information in the button group combination information storage unit 908a to correspond to the current situation (including the content type, title selection state, content reproduction state, and network connection state). This is a part for determining an operation button group. The display processing unit 908c is a unit that displays the operation button group determined by the display button group determination unit 908b in the display area 904 on the content operation screen.
[0080]
Next, an operation by the GUI control software of the present embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG.
[0081]
The current situation is determined from the content type, title selection state, content reproduction state, network connection state, and the like (step S1). This process is repeatedly performed at regular time intervals, and also when an operation on the screen is detected.
[0082]
Next, the information in the button group combination information storage unit is referred to (step S2), and an operation button group suitable for the current situation is determined (step S3).
[0083]
Finally, the determined operation button group is displayed on the content operation screen.
[0084]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, a group of appropriate operation buttons is simply displayed on the content operation screen according to the situation, so that the user can easily find a desired button, Operability is improved.
[0085]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented with various modifications without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0086]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, it is possible to display a data operation screen that improves the usability of the user.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a home network system using an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a wireless AV station.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of each information processing apparatus functioning as a client.
FIG. 4 is a content operation screen (a state in which “music” is selected) displayed on a display monitor of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a content operation screen displayed on a display monitor of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment (a state in which “photo (still image)” is selected).
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of GUI control software for controlling a portion related to the GUI on the content operation screen.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a situation determination unit illustrated in FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a specific functional configuration of a display processing execution unit shown in FIG. 6;
FIG. 9 is an exemplary flowchart showing the operation by GUI control software of the embodiment.
[Description of Signs] 11 TV broadcast receiving antenna, 12 Internet, 13 Communication line, 20 PCI bus, 21 Tuner / MPEG unit, 31 CPU unit, 41 Communication unit, 51 Magnetic disk drive unit, 61 card controller, 62 I / O controller, 71 PCI bus, 72 ISA bus, 81 CPU, 82 host bridge, 83 main memory, 84 display controller, 85 sound controller, 86 LAN controller 87, wireless LAN device, 88, system controller, 89, keyboard controller, 91, CD / DVD drive, 92, HDD, 93, keyboard, 94, mouse, 95, LAN connector, 96, antenna, 101, station, 102 ... TV receivers, 103-105 ... Over coarsely braided computer, 200 ... remote control unit, 901 to 904 ... display area, 906 ... input section, 907 ... situation determining unit, 908 ... display processing execution section.

Claims (10)

Determining means for determining at least a data type to be operated on an operation screen capable of handling a plurality of types of data;
An information processing apparatus, comprising: a display control unit that displays an operation button group corresponding to the data type determined by the determination unit on the operation screen. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit sets a button unnecessary for operating the corresponding data to a non-display state. The determination unit has a unit that further determines a title of data that is an operation target,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit changes an operation button group to be displayed on the operation screen according to a title of the determined data. The determining means has means for further determining a data reproduction state,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit changes an operation button group to be displayed on the operation screen according to the determined reproduction state. The determining means has means for further determining a connection state with a network,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit changes an operation button group to be displayed on the operation screen according to the determined connection state. On the operation screen capable of handling a plurality of types of data, determine at least the data type that is the target of the operation,
A display control method, wherein an operation button group corresponding to the determined data type is displayed on the operation screen. 7. The display control method according to claim 6, wherein in the display, a button unnecessary for operating the corresponding data is set in a non-display state. Further determine the title of the data targeted for the operation,
The display control method according to claim 7, wherein a group of operation buttons displayed on the operation screen is changed according to a title of the determined data. Further determine the playback state of the data,
The display control method according to claim 7, wherein a group of operation buttons to be displayed on the operation screen is changed according to the determined reproduction state. Further determine the connection status with the network,
The display control method according to claim 7, wherein a group of operation buttons to be displayed on the operation screen is changed according to the determined connection state.

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