(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2006/0158838A1
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Jul. 20, 2006
`Kinoshita et al.
`
`US 2006O158838A1
`
`(54)
`
`INPUT SWITCHINGAPPARATUS AND
`TELEVISION APPARATUS
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Kosuke Kinoshita, Osaka (JP);
`Kentaro Eto, Osaka (JP)
`Correspondence Address:
`OSHALIANG LLP.
`1221 MCKNNEY STREET
`SUTE 28OO
`HOUSTON, TX 77010 (US)
`Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd., Daito-shi (JP)
`Appl. No.:
`11/329,848
`
`(73)
`(21)
`(22)
`(30)
`Jan. 18, 2005
`
`Filed:
`
`Jan. 11, 2006
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`(JP)...................................... 2005-010707
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`G06F L/I6
`(2006.01)
`H05K 700
`(52) U.S. Cl. .............................................................. 361A681
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`On a display unit, icons representing types of video signals
`Supplied to respective ones of a plurality of input terminals
`are displayed. When a user operates a remote and selects an
`icon representing the type of desired video signal, a video
`image derived from the video signal of the desired type
`Supplied to the input terminal that corresponds to the
`selected icon is displayed on the display unit. In Such a
`situation, arrangement of icons on the display unit can be
`changed by a user instruction given by an operation of the
`remote. Further, the icons also show shapes of the input
`terminals, and therefore, the user can easily confirm to
`which input terminal of which shape the device Supplying
`the video signal of the type indicated by the icon is to be
`connected.
`
`10
`
`
`
`WIDEO
`PROCESSING UNIT
`
`INPUT
`SWITCHING
`UNIT
`
`
`
`
`
`RECEIVING
`UN
`
`ICON DISPLAY UNI
`REARRANGEMENT
`UNIT
`
`Roku EX1006
`U.S. Patent No. 10,334,311
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jul. 20, 2006 Sheet 1 of 5
`
`US 2006/0158838A1
`
`FIG.1
`
`
`
`10
`
`VIDEO
`-
`INPUT
`SWITCHING PROCESSING UNIT
`UNIT
`
`TV SIGNAL
`
`40
`
`
`
`
`
`REMOTE
`CONTROLLING UNIT
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jul. 20, 2006 Sheet 2 of 5
`
`US 2006/0158838A1
`
`FIG.2
`51
`
`52
`
`53
`
`54
`
`- 5
`
`DISPLAY
`SHAPE OF
`INPUT
`INPUT.
`POSITION
`TERMINAL
`NAME
`TERMINAL
`F
`- - - - - 7-H
`
`-
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`2
`
`2
`
`2
`
`FIG.3
`
`
`
`START
`
`S3
`REARRANGEMENT
`REQUESTED?
`
`YES
`
`DISPLAY CONS
`
`RECEIVE REARRANGEMENT DATA
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`S 4.
`
`S5
`
`MOVE AND GIVE UPDATED DISPLAY
`
`UPDATE TABLE
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jul. 20, 2006 Sheet 3 of 5
`
`US 2006/0158838A1
`
`FIG.4
`
`YES
`
`S23
`READ CORRESPONDING
`INPUT NAME AND SHAPE DATA
`
`S25
`
`DISPLAY ICON
`
`END
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jul. 20, 2006 Sheet 4 of 5
`
`US 2006/0158838A1
`
`
`
`FIG.5A
`
`PGAME MACHINE
`
`FIG5B
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`30
`
`2Ma
`
`ae is DV
`2 s? VIDEO1
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jul. 20, 2006 Sheet 5 of 5
`
`US 2006/0158838A1
`
`FIG.6
`
`FIG.7 PRIOR ART
`
`
`
`COMPONENT
`
`INPUT
`SWITCHING
`
`
`
`VIDEO1
`
`REMOTE
`
`O
`
`D
`
`

`

`US 2006/0158838A1
`
`Jul. 20, 2006
`
`INPUT SWITCHINGAPPARATUS AND
`TELEVISION APPARATUS
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`0001)
`1. Field of the Invention
`0002 The present invention relates to an input switching
`apparatus and a television apparatus and, more specifically,
`to an input Switching apparatus and a television apparatus
`providing a function of Switching video signal inputs, ulti
`lizing a display unit of video signals received through a
`receiver circuit.
`0003 2. Description of the Background Art
`0004. In a digital television, when an input switching key
`on a remote (remote controller) or on the main body is
`pressed, the name of the selected input is displayed by
`characters on the display screen, as shown in FIG. 7. When
`a plurality of AV (Audio-Visual) devices are connected to a
`digital television, however, it is difficult simply by the input
`name to know which AV device corresponds to which input.
`Further, for a user not very familiar with terminal names, it
`is difficult, by the display of input name only, to find which
`terminal should be used for connection with another AV
`device.
`0005. In connection with the operation of switching the
`input to a digital television, there has been a demand
`especially among those who not accustomed to operations of
`Such equipment, such as elderlies or children, for a selection
`not by the names of the input devices but by indicating the
`actual devices laid-out in the room, which selection is
`considered much easier.
`0006 With such a background, Japanese Patent Laying
`Open No. 2001-309249 provides a function of realizing easy
`confirmation of connecting state of an external unit con
`nected to an input terminal and realizing a simple operation
`of a remote controller or the like.
`0007 Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 10-304260 pro
`vides a function of easily attaining Switching to an objective
`device by detecting the connecting state of a plurality of AV
`devices connected to a plurality of external input terminals,
`changing an on-screen display method dependent on pres
`ence/absence of the AV device, and by moving a cursor for
`input Switching among the AV devices.
`0008 Further, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No.
`03-58681 provides a function of easily confirming the
`connecting state of a connection terminal by providing a
`connection information discrimination section for an exter
`nal terminal and using a remote control signal for providing
`on-screen display.
`0009 Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 3050205
`discloses an on-screen display control unit that provides a
`display of a character, figure or symbol indicating that an
`external input has been Switched, on the background of a
`uniform color, on the screen of a connected video display
`apparatus.
`0010. According to Japanese Patent Laying-Open No.
`2001-309249, it is made possible for the user to set the name
`of an input terminal for the device to be connected in
`accordance with the on-screen display, and the devices to be
`connected are displayed in the form of a list. The input
`
`devices, however, are displayed not in correspondence to the
`layout of AV devices in the room, and therefore, the demand
`by those who not accustomed to the operation of Such
`devices can not be satisfied.
`0011. In Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 10-304260,
`whether an AV device is connected to a TV receiver or not
`is indicated by changing the color of display. Specifically,
`the name of a connected AV device is simply indicated in a
`color different from the name of an un-connected AV device.
`Therefore, the demand by those who not accustomed to the
`operation of Such devices can not be satisfied, either.
`0012. In Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 03-58681,
`state of connection of connection terminals of the TV
`receiver, polarity of various switches and the like are dis
`played as a list. The display, however, is not in correspon
`dence to the layout of AV devices in the room, and therefore,
`the demand by those who not accustomed to the operation of
`Such devices can not be satisfied.
`0013 Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 3050205
`simply notifies the state of Switching of external inputs by
`on-screen display of characters and figures, and the display
`is not in correspondence to the layout of AV devices in the
`room, either. Therefore, the demand by those who not
`accustomed to the operation of Such devices can not be
`satisfied.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`0014) An object of the present invention is to provide an
`input Switching apparatus and a television apparatus that can
`easily and reliably Switch the input source of video signals.
`0015. In order to attain the above-described object, the
`present invention provides an input Switching apparatus
`selectively switching, among video signals Supplied to
`respective ones of a plurality of input terminals, a desired
`Video signal to be input. Specifically, the input Switching
`apparatus includes: a display unit; a picture display unit for
`displaying, for each input terminal, a picture indicating the
`type of video signal Supplied to the input terminal on the
`display unit; a selective input unit for inputting a video
`signal Supplied to that input terminal which corresponds to
`the picture selected based on an external instruction, among
`the pictures displayed by the picture display unit; and a
`Video display unit processing the video signal input through
`the selective input unit and displaying a video image derived
`from the processed video signal on the display unit; wherein
`the picture display unit includes a rearrangement unit for
`rearranging the pictures displayed on the display unit, in
`accordance with an external operation instruction.
`0016. According to another aspect of the present inven
`tion, the picture indicates not only the type of the video
`signal but also the shape of the corresponding input terminal.
`According to a still another aspect of the present invention,
`the picture is given as an icon.
`0017 According to the invention, for the plurality of
`input terminals, pictures indicating the types of video signals
`Supplied to the respective terminals are displayed on the
`display unit. When a user externally selects a picture indi
`cating the type of the desired video signal, a video image
`derived from the video signal of the desired type supplied to
`the input terminal corresponding to the selected picture is
`
`

`

`US 2006/0158838A1
`
`Jul. 20, 2006
`
`displayed. Here, the arrangement of pictures on the display
`unit can be changed as desired, by an external user opera
`tion.
`0018. Therefore, the arrangement of pictures can be
`changed to match the layout of external AV devices Supply
`ing the video signals of the types represented by the pictures,
`and therefore, it is possible to switch the input source by
`selecting the picture, in a manner as if the input source of
`Video signals were Switched among the actual AV devices
`laid-out in the room, realizing easy operation. Therefore,
`even a user who is not accustomed to operations of Such
`equipment, such as an elderly or a child, can Switch the input
`Source to have the desired type of video signal, simply by
`selecting the picture displayed on the display unit, in the
`same manner as to select a desired device among the actually
`laid-out AV devices.
`0.019
`Further, the picture also shows the shape of the
`input terminal, and therefore, it can readily be understood as
`to which input terminal of which shape the device Supplying
`the video signal of the type represented by the picture should
`be connected. Therefore, even a user who does not know the
`combination between a device and the corresponding ter
`minal can connect an appropriate device corresponding to
`each input terminal without making any erroneous connec
`tion.
`0020. The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects
`and advantages of the present invention will become more
`apparent from the following detailed description of the
`present invention when taken in conjunction with the
`accompanying drawings.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`0021
`FIG. 1 shows a system configuration in accordance
`with an embodiment of the present invention.
`0022 FIG. 2 shows exemplary contents of a table in
`accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
`0023 FIG. 3 is a flow chart representing process steps in
`accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
`0024 FIG. 4 is a flow chart representing process steps in
`accordance with another embodiment of the present inven
`tion.
`0025 FIGS. 5A to 5C represent a layout of AV devices
`and exemplary display of icons in accordance with an
`embodiment of the present invention.
`0026 FIG. 6 shows an exemplary display on a screen at
`the time of input Switching, in accordance with another
`embodiment of the present invention.
`0027 FIG. 7 illustrates an example of conventional
`display for input Switching.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`0028. In the following, embodiments of the present
`invention will be described with reference to the figures.
`Here, an example in which an external AV device is con
`nected to a digital TV (television) receiver, and a video
`image based on video information Supplied from the con
`nected external AV device is displayed on the digital TV
`
`receiver will be described. The device for display, however,
`is not limited to the digital TV receiver.
`0029 FIG. 1 shows a configuration of the system in
`accordance with the present embodiment, FIG. 2 shows a
`table as a reference displaying the state of connection of
`external AV devices, and FIGS. 3 and 4 show process steps
`in the form of flow charts. FIGS. 5A to SC and FIG. 6 show
`exemplary displays representing the state of connection of
`external AV devices.
`0030. In the present embodiment, a plurality of different
`types of AV devices can be connected to a digital TV
`receiver 30. Here, as the plurality of different types of AV
`devices, a game machine 12, and a DVD apparatus 9, a DVI
`(Digital Visual Interface) apparatus 10 and a video cassette
`apparatus 11 housed in an AV rack 15 are shown as
`examples. The external AV device connected to digital TV
`receiver 30, Supplying AV signals and providing outputs
`through digital TV receiver 30 is not limited to these, and,
`by way of example, an antenna for receiving a TV signal
`may be included.
`0031. In the present embodiment, on the screen of digital
`TV receiver 30, the state of connection of AV devices is
`displayed, in accordance with the..actual layout of the AV
`devices in the room. For example, for the AV device
`contained in AV rack 15 on the right side as one faces of
`digital TV receiver 30 as shown in FIG.5A, icons 9A to 11A
`including combinations of the input names of the AV devices
`and the pictures of corresponding input terminals are dis
`played in accordance with the order of arrangement (layout)
`in the AV rack 15, on the right side of the screen, as shown
`in FIG. 5B. In FIG. 5A, game machine 12 is laid-out on the
`left side of digital TV receiver 30, an icon 12A including the
`combination of the input name of the AV device, that is, the
`game machine 12, and the picture of the input terminal is
`displayed on the lower left corner of the screen in FIG. 5B.
`Here, it is assumed that game machine 12 and DVD appa
`ratus 9. DVI apparatus 10 and video cassette apparatus 11
`contained in AV rack 15 are respectively connected to input
`terminals I1 to 14 of FIG. 1. The input terminals of which
`shapes are indicated by the icon pictures denote terminals
`that are provided originally on the back or front panel of
`digital TV receiver 30, for inputting video signals and the
`like from external AV devices.
`0032). Icons 9A, 10A, 11A and 12A of FIG. 5B are
`selectively operated for input Switching, and the input is
`switched to the AV device that corresponds to the operated
`icon. Therefore, there are the following characteristics.
`Specifically, when a video image from a desired AV device
`is to be displayed on digital TV receiver 30, it is necessary
`for the user to press an input Switching key provided on a
`remote or the like, to Switch to the input corresponding to the
`AV device. At the time of such operation, generally it is not
`easy to see which input to Switch, in order to display the
`video image of the desired AV device. Here, because of the
`display shown in FIG. 5B, in which the layout (arrange
`ment) of the AV devices and the arrangement of icons match,
`quick and reliable Switching operation becomes possible.
`0033 Referring to FIG. 1, digital TV 30 is operated by
`a remote 20 for remote control. Digital TV receiver 30
`includes a receiving unit 14 for receiving as an input a TV
`signal received through an antenna, not shown, and tuning
`the signal; a video image processing unit 1; a microcomputer
`
`

`

`US 2006/0158838A1
`
`Jul. 20, 2006
`
`3 controlling various units; a memory 4 storing various data
`including a table 5, which will be described later; a display
`unit 6 formed of a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), liquid crystal
`or the like; an input unit 7 such as an operation panel
`provided on a front surface of digital TV receiver 30; a
`remote controlling unit 8 receiving a signal from remote 20
`and performing demodulation or other processing on the
`signal and outputting the demodulated result to microcom
`puter 3; and input terminals I1 to I4. Microcomputer 3
`includes a memory 44, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 43,
`a selective input unit 40, and an icon display unit 42 having
`a rearrangement unit 41. Icon display unit 42 and selective
`input unit 40 represent functions realized by the CPU
`executing a program stored in memory 44. Input terminals
`I1 to I4 are terminals for connecting external AV devices to
`digital TV receiver 30. Input terminals I1 to I4 each have a
`unique shape.
`0034 Video image processing unit 1 includes an input
`switching unit 1A and an OSD (On-Screen Display) circuit
`2. OSD circuit 2 displays an image based on information
`applied from microcomputer 3 Superposed on a video image
`displayed on display unit 6. Video processing unit 1 receives
`as an input the TV signal output from receiving unit 14 or
`the video signal applied through input Switching unit 1A,
`processes the video signal and displays a video image
`derived from the processed video signal on display unit 6.
`0035) Input switching unit 1A operates to switch the side
`that inputs a signal to video processing unit 1 to any of the
`terminals I1 to I4 or to receiving unit 14, under the control
`of selective input unit 40 of microcomputer 3. In a standard
`(default) state, it is assumed that the input side is set to
`receiving unit 14.
`0036) The operation panel of remote 20 includes: a power
`key 21 for turning ON/OFF the power of digital TV receiver
`30; an input switching key 22; a key unit 23 operated for
`channel Switching or the like; a determination key 24
`operated for determining contents of operation; a cursor key
`25 operated for moving a cursor displayed on display unit 6:
`a rearrangement key 26; a mode Switching key 27, a liquid
`crystal display 28 and the like.
`0037 Rearrangement key 26 is operated for rearranging
`the icons of AV devices shown in FIG. S.B.
`0038. Input switching key 22 is operated for switching a
`signal to be input to digital TV receiver 30 (video processing
`unit 1). Here, the TV signal from receiving unit 14 and input
`signals from input terminals I1 to I4 are the candidates for
`the input signal to digital TV receiver 30, and input switch
`ing key 22 is operated for selectively switching to one signal
`from these input signal candidates. For instance, assuming
`the default input state, the external signal input source can
`be switched in the order of the signal from input terminal
`I1->signal from input terminal I2->signal from input termi
`nal I343 signal from input terminal I4->TV signal->signal
`from input terminal I1, and so on, every time the input
`Switching key is operated.
`0.039 The operation signal indicating the contents of
`instruction by the operation of remote 20 is subjected to
`infrared modulation and transmitted from remote 20 to
`digital TV receiver 30. Therefore, remote controlling unit 8
`receives the modulated signal, demodulates the received
`signal, and outputs the result to microcomputer 3.
`
`0040 Based on the input operation signal, microcom
`puter 3 controls various other units. For instance, when the
`operation signal is for Switching input, it switches, using
`selective input unit 40, the source of signal input from the
`current one to the next source. Specifically, if a TV signal is
`being input at present, the input is Switched to the signal
`from input terminal I1, and if the Source of signal input is
`input terminal I1 at present, the input is switched to the
`signal from input terminal I2. Data 45 for switching to the
`next input source is stored in advance in memory 44 in
`microcomputer 3, and it is assumed that Switching is per
`formed with reference to data 45. Data 45 includes data
`representing the present input source and data related to the
`order of Switching.
`0041) The information of table 5 shown in FIG. 2 rep
`resents the information that is referred to by icon display unit
`42 of microcomputer 3, for giving the display shown in FIG.
`5B and for switching the input source. Table 5 includes, for
`each of the input terminals 51 (input terminal I1 to I4) of
`digital TV receiver 30, input name data 52, terminal shape
`data 53 for displaying the picture indicating the shape of
`corresponding input terminal, and display position data 54
`indicating the display position of the icon on display unit 6.
`By the input name indicated by input name data 52, the type
`(component, DVI, VIDEO and the like) of the video signal
`Supplied to the corresponding input terminal 51 is denoted.
`When different types of video signals are supplied from
`various AV devices, the type name of the video signal can
`indicate the type of the corresponding AV device. Here, it is
`assumed that receiving unit 14 is not registered in the table,
`as it is the default input source.
`0042. Icons of respective input terminals 51 are displayed
`as shown in FIG. 5B, by OSD circuit 2. Specifically, icon
`display unit 42 of microcomputer 3 generates, for each input
`terminal 51, image data based on the corresponding input
`name data 52 and the terminal shape data 53, and applies the
`generated image data to the OSD circuit 2 together with the
`corresponding display position data 54, so that the OSD
`circuit 2 displays an icon in accordance with the applied
`image data of the icon at the position of display unit 6
`indicated by display position data 54.
`0043. Though the image data of the icon is described as
`generated based on the contents of table 5, table 5 may store
`the image data of icons corresponding to respective input
`terminals 51, and for displaying the icon, the corresponding
`image data may be read from table 5. Though pictures of the
`terminal shapes are also shown as the icons in FIG. 5B, the
`icons may not include the pictures of the terminal shapes.
`0044) A process of rearranging the icons on display unit
`6 in accordance with the layout of AV devices will be
`described with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 3. Here,
`it is assumed that the AV devices are laid-out in the state as
`shown in FIG.5A, and DVD apparatus 9. DVI apparatus 10,
`Video cassette apparatus 11 and game machine 12 are
`connected to terminals I1 to I4, respectively. For simplicity
`of description, input Switching of the antenna will not be
`described here.
`0045. It is assumed that table 5 has data of an initial state
`(at the time of shipment) stored in advance. An exemplary
`display of icons on display unit 6 based on the data of table
`5 in the initial state is as shown in FIG. 5C.
`0046 Referring to FIG. 3, when a user wishes to change
`(rearrange) the arrangement from the initial state to the
`
`

`

`US 2006/0158838A1
`
`Jul. 20, 2006
`
`arrangement of icons that exactly matches the layout of the
`AV devices in the room, the user operates the mode switch
`key 27 to a rearranging mode, and in response, an operation
`signal requesting rearrangement is transmitted from remote
`20. Remote controlling unit 8 receives and demodulates the
`operation signal, and applies the result of demodulation to
`microcomputer 3.
`0047 Microcomputer 3 determines, based on the rear
`rangement request indicated by the received operation sig
`nal, that there is a rearrangement request (step S (hereinafter
`simply denoted by “S”) 3).
`0.048
`Icon display unit 42 of microcomputer 3 reads the
`contents of table 5 (data of initial state) from memory 4
`through video processing unit 1, generates icon data based
`on the read contents, and outputs the generated icon data to
`OSD circuit 2, together with data of the display position of
`the initial state. Based on the applied data, OSD circuit 2
`displays icons on the position of the initial state (see FIG.
`5C) on display unit 6 (S4).
`0049 Specifically, microcomputer 3 generates, for
`respective input terminal data 51, image data of icons based
`on the corresponding input name data 52 and terminal shape
`data 53, and outputs the generated data and the correspond
`ing display position data 54 of the initial state to OSD circuit
`2. Consequently, OSD circuit 2 displays icons based on the
`applied image data, on the positions of display unit 6
`indicated by the also applied display position data 54. On the
`screen image shown in FIG. 5C, a cursor CR is also
`displayed by microcomputer 3 using OSD circuit 2.
`0050. The user moves the cursor CR on display unit 6
`using cursor key 25, to an icon that is to be rearranged
`among the icons shown in FIG. 5C, and operates cursor key
`25 while operating rearrangement key 26, so that the icon
`can be dragged and moved. When the icon is moved to a
`desired position and a key for releasing the operation or
`determination key 24 is operated, the icon is displayed, by
`rearrangement unit 41, at the position after movement.
`Microcomputer 3 receives such a series of operation signals
`from remote 20 (S5).
`0051. The display position on display unit 6 after move
`ment by rearrangement unit 41, that is, the position of cursor
`CR, is identified by OSD circuit 2, and the identified display
`position data is applied to rearrangement unit 41 of micro
`computer 3. Therefore, rearrangement unit 41 receives as an
`input the applied display position data and, using the input
`display position data, updates the display position data 54
`corresponding to the data 51 of the input terminal of the icon
`in table 5 stored in memory 4.
`0.052 By repeating such process steps for each icon of
`which movement is desired, the icons can be displayed in an
`arrangement matching the actual layout of the AV devices as
`shown in Fig. SB, from the state of FIG. 5C.
`0053. The process of switching the input in accordance
`with the layout of AV devices is as follows.
`0054 When the user operates input switching key 22 of
`remote 20, through operations of icon display unit 42 of
`microcomputer 3 and OSD circuit 2, icon images such as
`shown in FIG. 5B are displayed, superposed on the dis
`played video image, on display unit 6.
`
`0055. Using cursor movement key 25, the user positions
`the cursor CR to the icon of the input name as the desired
`input source, and presses determination key 24. Then, the
`display position of the icon at the pressed point, that is, the
`display position of cursor CR, is identified by OSD circuit
`2, and data of the identified display position is applied to
`selective input unit 40 of microcomputer 3. Selective input
`unit 40 searches for the table 5 based on the input display
`position data, reads the corresponding input terminal data
`51, and controls input switching unit 1A so that the input
`Source is Switched to the input terminal corresponding to the
`read input terminal data 51.
`0056.
`Therefore, when the user wishes to switch the input
`source newly to the AV device of the second shelf from the
`top of AV rack 15 on the right side of digital TV receiver 30,
`what is necessary is simply to point the second icon from the
`top among the icons vertically arranged on the right side of
`the screen, as shown in FIG. 5B. Thus, the input source can
`be switched quickly and reliably.
`0057 Here, it is assumed that input terminals I1 to I4 are
`all connected to AV devices. If there is any input terminal
`that is not connected to the AV device, icon display unit 42
`may display the icon of the input terminal not connected to
`any AV device in a manner different from the icon of the
`input terminal connected to the AV device. For instance, the
`display color of icons may be made different, or the tone of
`display color may be made different. By such different
`manner of display, the user can recognize only the actually
`connected AV devices as the candidates of input Switching,
`and therefore, operation of input Switching is facilitated.
`
`Another Embodiment
`0058. By the input switching in accordance with the
`process shown in FIG. 4, a display such as shown in FIG.
`6 may be provided.
`0059 Referring to FIG. 4, every time the input switching
`key 22 of remote 20 is pressed (YES in S20), selective input
`unit 40 of microcomputer 3 controls input switching unit 1A
`Such that the input source is Switched from the present one
`to the next input source, while icon display unit 42 reads the
`input name data 52 and the terminal shape data 53 of the next
`input source from table 5, generates icon databased on the
`read contents, and applies the icon data and the data of the
`prescribed display position to OSD circuit 2. Consequently,
`OSD circuit 2 displays the icon on the prescribed display
`position of display unit 6, for example, at an upper right
`corner, based on the input data (S23, S25). A display
`example in this case is as shown in FIG. 6.
`0060. In FIG. 6, the icon displays not only the characters
`representing the input name as in the conventional example
`shown in FIG. 7 but also a picture indicating the terminal
`shape. Therefore, the user can recognize at one sight, which
`input terminal of which shape should be connected to the AV
`device that supplies the type of video signal indicated by the
`input name. Therefore, even a user who does not know the
`correspondence between the input terminal and the AV
`device to be connected can easily and reliably connect each
`input terminal to the AV terminal of the type that should be
`connected thereto.
`0061 Although the present invention has been described
`and illustrated in detail, it is clearly understood that the same
`
`

`

`US 2006/0158838A1
`
`Jul. 20, 2006
`
`is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be
`taken by way of limitation, the spirit and scope of the present
`invention being limited only by the terms of the appended
`claims.
`What is claimed is:
`1. A television apparatus, comprising a plurality of input
`terminals and an input Switching apparatus for selectively
`Switching, among video signals Supplied to respective ones
`of said plurality of input terminals, a desired one of said
`Video signals to be input, wherein
`said input Switching apparatus includes
`a display unit,
`icon display means for displaying, for each of said input
`terminals, an icon indicating type of the video signal
`Supplied to the input terminal, on said display unit,
`Selective input means for receiving, as an input, said video
`signal Supplied to that one of said input terminals which
`corresponds to an icon selected based on an external
`instruction, among said icons displayed by said icon
`display means, and
`video display means for processing said video signal input
`from said selective input means and for displaying a
`Video image based on the processed said video signal;
`and
`said icon display means includes
`rearranging means for rearranging said icons displayed on
`said display unit based on an external operation instruc
`tion;
`said icon indicates a type of said video signal and a shape
`of the corresponding one of said input terminals; and
`every time an input Switching instruction is input exter
`nally, said icons of said plurality of input terminals are
`Switched Successively and displayed on said display
`unit.
`2. An input Switching apparatus for selectively switching,
`among video signals Supplied to respective ones of a plu
`rality of input terminals, a desired one of said video signals
`to be input, comprising:
`
`a display unit;
`picture display means for displaying, for each of said
`input terminals, a picture indicating type of the video
`signal Supplied to the input terminal, on said display
`unit;
`selective input means for receiving, as an input, said video
`signal Supplied to that one of said input terminals which
`corresponds to a picture selected based on an external
`instruction, among said pictures displayed by said
`picture display means; and
`Video display means for processing said video signal input
`from said selective input means and displaying a video
`image based on the processed said video signal;
`wherein
`said picture display means includes
`rearranging means for rearranging said pictures displayed
`on said display unit based on an external operation
`instruction.
`3. The input Switching apparatus according to claim 2,
`wherein
`said picture indicates a type of said video signal and a
`shape of the corresponding one of said input terminals.
`4. The input Switching apparatus according to claim 3,
`wherein
`every time an input Switching instruction is input exter
`nally, said pictures of said plurality of input terminals
`are Switched successively and displayed on said display
`unit.
`5. The in