JP5001601B2 - Digital information display device, display method and program in digital information display device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a digital information display technique, and more particularly to a digital information display control technique with a gradation font threshold adjustment function.

  In recent years, digital broadcasting has started, and digital television receivers are becoming popular among television receivers. Screens based on digital broadcasts have come to contain a lot of text information, and the function as text broadcasts has become important along with the characteristics of clear digital video. In particular, as televisions become more digital and multifunctional, a variety of displays are required using menu built-in fonts such as menus, EPG, data broadcasting, subtitles, and captions. In particular, in digital broadcasting, since the number of channels is increasing and the program table can be directly selected from a so-called electronic program table, viewing programs can be selected, reserved, and the like, so the importance of character display has increased.

  In order to display these characters and the like in various ways, a general television receiver has a dedicated built-in font database. Display control is performed such that an appropriate font is selected from the built-in database and displayed on the television display screen.

  Patent Document 1 below includes an ID data comparison unit and a unit for reading font bitmap data from a recording medium and writing it into a font memory when on-screen display is performed on image data recorded on the recording medium. A technique for on-screen display of a plurality of display pattern data is disclosed.

JP 2001-67056 A

  However, there is a problem that the memory capacity is occupied by providing a dedicated built-in font database as in a general television receiver. In recent years, with the expansion of digital terrestrial broadcasting and data broadcasting, digital information display devices with a built-in browser function that can be connected to the Internet are increasing. In this way, the appearance of characters displayed due to differences in broadcast contents, receiver characteristics, outdoor viewing reception, activated applications, etc. vary depending on user viewing conditions and preferences, but in conventional television receivers, It was not possible for the viewer to easily select the character quality according to the visual acuity and preference of the viewer.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a technology capable of expressing a rich variety of characters even when the television receiver does not have a dedicated built-in font database, and according to the visual acuity and viewing conditions of the viewer. To do.

  In the present invention, for the purpose of realizing viewer's visual acuity and desired character quality, etc., the first feature is that gradation font threshold adjustment can be performed automatically or by user setting. In particular, by installing an HTML browser in a television receiver, it is now possible to display with a conventional BML browser, display with an HTML browser, and other various displays. Therefore, it is characterized by mounting a threshold automatic adjustment means and means for entrusting a viewer to adjust the threshold to absorb individual differences by the user. As an example of means for entrusting the adjustment of the threshold value to the viewer, a setting screen menu for character quality adjustment is provided so that setting by the user is possible. Examples of such menus are “dark / thick (higher percentage of text color)”, “normal (threshold is moderately balanced)”, “light / thin (more intermediate colors / more background colors)”, etc. A function is provided so that the user can select an appropriate option according to the situation and set a threshold value corresponding to the option.

Specifically, it is as follows.
1. In accordance with display contents such as menu, EPG, data broadcast, caption, caption, etc., for example, in a menu / EPG that requires detailed display, first, a threshold is automatically set according to each display content. Further, the threshold value can be adjusted by user setting. For example, to increase the proportion of text color, for example, to display subtitles / captions that display relatively large characters as smooth characters, increase the proportion of intermediate colors, or set the threshold in conjunction with the display content on the receiver side. A function for automatic setting is provided. Further, user settings can be made based on menu display or the like. At this time, a display for navigating the user setting policy may be performed. The same applies to the following.

2. In order to achieve optimum character quality according to the resolution of the display panel size (for example, 1920x1080 or 1366x768), a function for automatically setting a threshold value according to the panel size on the receiver side is provided. Further, user settings can be made based on menu display or the like.

3. Since data broadcasting and subtitles are linked to the broadcast resolution, there are high-resolution HD content and low-resolution SD content. A function for automatically determining the optimum threshold value for each resolution on the receiver side is provided in conjunction with this resolution. Further, user settings can be made based on menu display or the like.

4). In conjunction with the aspect switching (full / DotByDot / wide / cinema / letterbox / sidebar, etc.) installed in the receiver, a function to automatically set the threshold on the receiver side according to the reduction and enlargement ratio is provided. . Further, user settings can be made based on menu display or the like. In general, it is desirable to increase the intermediate color of characters when reducing by aspect switching, and to increase the character color when enlarging. (Strictly speaking, the threshold calculation conditions differ depending on the scaling algorithm, but as a general scaling effect, the intermediate color is thinned out at the time of reduction. (Since it is automatically generated, keep it small in advance.)

5). In conjunction with video adjustment (for example, brightness / video / black level / color density / hue) installed in the receiver, a function to automatically set the threshold on the receiver side according to the control level of video image quality is provided. User settings can be made based on menu display and the like.

6). In conjunction with a “brightness sensor” that automatically adjusts the brightness of the backlight mounted on the receiver, a function that automatically sets the character threshold on the receiver side is provided, and user settings can also be made based on the menu display etc. Like that. For example, when the room is dark, it is conceivable to increase the character color ratio in order to make the distinction between the character and the background easier to understand. Furthermore, it is possible to adjust in detail by user settings.

7). Depending on the font size used by various applications (menu, EPG, data broadcasting, subtitles, captions, BML browser, Internet browser, etc.), for example, for character sizes of 16x16 dots or less, the character color is increased so that it can be clearly seen. For example, for character sizes of 32x32 dots or more, a function that automatically sets the threshold on the receiver side in conjunction with the size, such as taking a large number of intermediate colors so that it looks smooth, is provided for menu display etc. User settings can also be made based on this.

8). Depending on the specified font color (character color / intermediate color / background color) used by various applications (menu, EPG, data broadcasting, caption, caption, Internet browser, etc.) Reduce the character color threshold ratio, or if the character color is black, increase the character color threshold ratio, or interlock with the specified font color (character color / middle color / background color). A function for automatically setting a threshold on the side is provided. Further, user settings can be made based on menu display or the like.

9. A function is provided to automatically set the character threshold on the receiver side in accordance with the characteristics of the pixel structure (for example, ASV liquid crystal or ISP liquid crystal) of the panel mounted on the receiver. Further, user settings can be made based on menu display or the like.

10. A function is provided for automatically setting a character threshold on the receiver side in accordance with the volume level of the receiver. Further, user settings can be made based on menu display or the like. For example, when the volume is high, it is assumed that you are watching TV from a distance, and priority is given to being clearer than smoothness, and the proportion of character color is increased. Conversely, when the volume is low, it is assumed that you are watching from near However, it can be considered to produce more intermediate colors with priority given to smoother and milder appearance.

11. A function for automatically setting a character threshold on the receiver side according to the density / color of the background video scene is provided. Further, user settings can be made based on menu display or the like.

12 On the receiver side in conjunction with font types (eg, Gothic, Mincho) and modifications (eg, italic) used from various applications (menus, EPG, data broadcasting, captions, captions, BML browsers, Internet browsers, etc.) A function for automatically setting the threshold is provided. Furthermore, user settings may be made based on menu display or the like.

  That is, according to one aspect of the present invention, digital display that includes characters based on the ratio of gradations between a character color and a background color and at least one intermediate color between the character color and the background color. An information display device is provided, comprising a gradation font threshold value adjustment unit that variably adjusts a threshold value that defines the gradation ratio. The gradation font threshold value adjustment unit adjusts a threshold value that defines the gradation ratio based on a threshold calculation table in which software or hardware characteristics are associated with threshold values corresponding to the characteristics. It is preferable to do.

  It is preferable that the gradation font threshold value adjustment unit adjusts the threshold value according to a surrounding environment of the apparatus. The gradation font threshold value adjustment unit may adjust the threshold value so as to generate character quality according to content characteristics. For example, depending on the display contents such as menu, EPG, data broadcast, caption, caption, etc., for example, in a menu / EPG that requires detailed display, the ratio of the threshold character color is increased or, for example, relatively large characters are displayed. For subtitles / captions to be displayed, a function to increase the ratio of intermediate colors or automatically set a threshold value on the receiver side in conjunction with the display content is provided in order to make smooth characters appear.

  The gradation font threshold value adjustment unit may adjust the threshold value so as to generate character quality according to the resolution of the content. Since data broadcasting and subtitles are linked to the broadcast resolution, there are high-resolution HD content and low-resolution SD content. A function to automatically determine the optimum threshold value for each resolution linked to this resolution is provided on the receiver side. To.

  The gradation font threshold value adjusting unit may adjust the threshold value so as to generate character quality according to characteristics of a running application. For example, character quality corresponding to application characteristics (content resolution and character size / font type) is generated. The gradation font threshold value adjusting unit may adjust the threshold value by a user setting.

  Furthermore, an item for adjusting the threshold value may be provided using a setting screen for character quality adjustment as a menu. In other words, in order to achieve the viewer's eyesight and the desired character quality, a setting screen for character quality adjustment is provided in the menu, for example, “Dark / Thick (character ratio is large)”, “Normal (threshold value is It is also possible to provide a function of selecting a threshold value from the user side corresponding to the option selected from options such as “appropriate balance” and “light / thin (many intermediate colors / many background colors)”. The gradation font threshold value adjusting unit may adjust the threshold value so as to generate character quality according to display resolution. In order to achieve optimum character quality according to the resolution of the display panel size (for example, 1920x1080 or 1366x768), a function of automatically setting a threshold value according to the panel size on the receiver side can be provided. Furthermore, user settings may be made based on menu display or the like.

  It is preferable that the gradation font threshold value adjustment unit automatically sets the threshold value according to the reduction and enlargement ratios in conjunction with display aspect switching. In conjunction with the aspect switching (full / DotByDot / wide / cinema / letterbox / sidebar, etc.) installed in the receiver, a function to automatically set the threshold on the receiver side according to the reduction and enlargement ratio is provided. . In general, it is desirable to increase the intermediate color of characters when reducing by aspect switching, and to increase the character color when enlarging. However, strictly speaking, the threshold calculation conditions differ depending on the scaling algorithm. Furthermore, user settings may be made based on menu display or the like.

  The gradation font threshold adjustment unit may automatically set the threshold in conjunction with image adjustment of the apparatus. A function to automatically set the threshold value on the receiver side according to the video image quality control level in conjunction with the video adjustment (for example, brightness / video / black level / color density / hue) installed in the receiver. Anyway. The gradation font threshold value adjustment unit may automatically set the threshold value in conjunction with a brightness sensor that automatically adjusts the brightness of a backlight provided in the apparatus. In conjunction with a “brightness sensor” that automatically adjusts the brightness of the backlight mounted on the receiver, a function is provided that automatically sets the character threshold on the receiver side. For example, when the room is dark, it is possible to operate with a large proportion of character colors to make it easy to distinguish between characters and backgrounds. Furthermore, user settings may be made based on menu display or the like.

  The gradation font threshold adjustment unit may automatically set the threshold according to the size of a font used in a running application. Depending on the font size used by various applications (menu, EPG, data broadcasting, subtitles, captions, BML browser, Internet browser, etc.), for example, for character sizes of 16x16 dots or less, the character color is increased so that it can be clearly seen. For example, a character size of 32x32 dots or more may be provided with a function for automatically setting the threshold value on the receiver side in conjunction with the size, such as taking a larger number of intermediate colors so that it looks smooth. Furthermore, user settings may be made based on menu display or the like.

  The gradation font threshold value adjustment unit may automatically set the threshold value according to a designated color of a font used in a running application. For example, if the character color is white according to the specified color (character color / intermediate color / background color) of the font used from various applications (menu, EPG, data broadcasting, caption, caption, BML browser, Internet browser, etc.) Since it is an expansion color, the character color threshold ratio is reduced, or if the character color is black, the character color threshold ratio is increased, or the character color threshold value is interlinked according to the specified color (character color / middle color / background color). Thus, a function for automatically setting the threshold value on the receiver side can be provided. The gradation font threshold value adjustment unit may automatically set the threshold value according to the characteristics of the pixel structure for display used in the apparatus. A function for automatically setting the threshold value of the character on the receiver side may be provided in accordance with the characteristics of the pixel structure of the panel mounted on the receiver. Furthermore, user settings may be made based on menu display or the like.

  The gradation font threshold adjustment unit can automatically set the threshold according to the volume level of the apparatus. A function is provided for automatically setting a character threshold on the receiver side in accordance with the volume level of the receiver. For example, when the volume is high, it is assumed that you are watching TV from a distance, and priority is given to being clearer than smoothness, and the proportion of character color is increased. Conversely, when the volume is low, it is assumed that you are watching from near However, it is possible to produce an effect such as viewing more intermediate colors with priority given to a smoother and milder appearance. The gradation font threshold value adjustment unit may automatically set the threshold value according to the density / color of the scene of the background image when the image is displayed in the background. Furthermore, user settings may be made based on menu display or the like.

  The gradation font threshold value adjustment unit may automatically set the threshold value according to the type of font used and the type of modification. For example, the receiver side in conjunction with font types (eg, Gothic, Mincho) and modifications (italics, bag characters) used from various applications (menu, EPG, data broadcasting, captions, captions, Internet browsers, etc.) A function for automatically setting the threshold value can be provided. Furthermore, user settings may be made based on menu display or the like.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, digital information for performing display including a character based on a ratio of gradations of a character color, a background color, and at least one intermediate color between the character color and the background color. A display method, wherein a first step of detecting a characteristic of software or hardware and a table for threshold calculation in which the characteristic of software or hardware and a threshold value corresponding thereto are associated are referred to by the first step. And a second step of adjusting a threshold value defining the gradation ratio using the detected characteristic of the software or hardware as a key. A digital information display method is provided. Furthermore, it may have a step of adjusting the threshold based on an instruction from the user or the digital information providing side together with the first step or instead of the first step. A program for causing a computer to execute the steps described above also falls within the scope of the present invention.

  According to the present invention, the quality of a character can be adjusted automatically or in accordance with the user's preference by using the feature that the threshold value of a scalable gradation (grayscale) font can be freely adjusted. Furthermore, appropriate font quality can be expressed according to the display content and various setting states of the receiver. Accordingly, there is an advantage that it is not necessary to mount various fonts, and software resources can be saved.

  As televisions become digital and multifunctional, various displays such as menus, EPGs, data broadcasts, captions, captions, and the like are required. The digital information display device according to the present invention is characterized in that it has a function capable of arbitrarily adjusting threshold values (character color ratio, background color ratio, intermediate color ratio) of a scalable gradation (grayscale) font. To do. Thereby, for example, characters adapted to the taste of the viewer can be displayed. In addition, characters that match the type of display content, characters that match the display aspect, etc. are automatically determined based on conditions such as the type of content and display aspect, and automatically set to a threshold that matches them. A mechanism that allows adjustment or setting change by the viewer is constructed. Thereby, in a digital information display device such as a digital television receiver, a high-quality display and various displays are possible.

  Hereinafter, the digital information display technique according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to a display technique in a digital television receiver.

  FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a digital television receiver according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a digital television receiver A according to this embodiment includes antennas 1 and 21, a front end unit B including a tuner unit 2, a demodulation circuit 3, and an error correction unit 4, and a transport decoder. 5, an MPEG decoder 6 including an MPEG decoder 6, a video plane 6 a, an OSD display unit 7, a video encoder 8, and an audio DAC 9, a CPU 10, a ROM 11 for storing various programs, and a ROM 11 A RAM 12 capable of performing high-speed processing for reading and developing the program, and forming a work area for software calculation, and a nonvolatile auxiliary storage device 13. Each functional block is connected by a bus line BL and can be controlled by a control unit (CPU). The CPU 10 is a microcomputer that executes a program in the ROM 11 to perform various processes and has a function of controlling the entire functional blocks.

  A gradation font database (DB), a so-called font ROM 11a, is provided in the ROM 11. Applications / drivers / libraries (various software) are stored in the nonvolatile auxiliary storage device 13. Further, the threshold calculation table in the present embodiment is also stored in the nonvolatile auxiliary storage device 13. Depending on the size of the font database (DB), font data may also be stored here.

  Further, the digital television receiver A according to the present embodiment receives an input I / F unit 14 that receives a remote control signal (infrared ray) emitted from a remote control device (not shown) based on a user operation and transmits it to the CPU 10; An input I / F 15 that receives an instruction based on an operation input from an operation unit in the apparatus main body and transmits the instruction to the CPU 10, a LAN port 16 constituting a port for local communication, and a port for accessing the Internet network 18 And optionally a modem port 17. An application such as UI / EPG / data broadcasting is activated by a user input from the input I / F unit 14.

  As indicated by an arrow 1), the CPU 10 functions as a graphic library for calculating an optimum character threshold value from a display target (UI / EPG, etc.).

  Further, as indicated by an arrow 2), the image data functions as a font driver that expands bitmap data from the font database (DB) based on the threshold value and the character code (CODE). In addition, as indicated by an arrow 3), it functions as a graphic driver that adds color information (character, intermediate, background color) to bitmap data and develops it on a graphic plane.

  1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2 together with FIG. 1 with respect to the feature of the present embodiment, that is, one configuration example of the gradation font adjustment control unit. The gradation font adjustment control unit according to the present embodiment has a graphic application 31 that is a graphic application built in the receiver, such as an electronic program guide and an operation menu, and outputs various information. These various pieces of information relating to character drawing include character code information 33, character size information 35, threshold information 37, character color information 39, intermediate color information 41, and background color information 43. . Among these pieces of information, character code information 33 for specifying characters, character size information 35, and threshold information 37 which is data relating to character gradation are stored in the gradation font database 11a for storing character (vector) data. A bitmap font (gradation font bitmap data 47) that is used as a key for acquiring stored data and is rasterized from the font image data generation unit (rasterizer) 45 according to the various parameters is drawn. The data is output to the unit 51.

  On the other hand, the character color information 39, intermediate color information 41, and background color information 43, which are information relating to the character color, are directly output to the drawing unit 51 included in the graphic driver 83.

  Based on the gradation font data 47 input as described above and the color-related information 39, 41, 43, the character to be drawn in the drawing unit 51 is determined and output to the graphic plane 7. On the other hand, the video information decoded by the video decoding unit 53 based on the video input signal is output to the video plane 6a. Based on the graphic plane 7 and the video plane 6a, screen display including characters can be performed.

  Next, the threshold adjustment function according to the present embodiment will be described in more detail and specifically. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a specific example of the flow of processing using the threshold adjustment function according to the present embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example in which parameters are adjusted in conjunction with threshold adjustments based on actual user instructions. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a data configuration example of a gradation font, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific character display example using the four gradations shown in FIG. 7 and 8 are diagrams showing more specific display examples.

  FIG. 3 shows a case where at least one of the different applications of the UI / EPG application 61, the data broadcasting (BML) application 63, and the Internet (HTML) application 65 is started as a graphic application (graphic library) 67. Is assumed.

  In the character drawing unit 71, a threshold value calculation unit 77 is provided. The threshold value calculation unit, for example, a threshold value determined based on a table in which threshold setting values for each application are described, and a character The size and the character code specifying the character are output to the font driver 81. Details of the table will be described later. In the font driver 81, as described above, suitable gradation font data is acquired based on the threshold value, the character size, and the character code for specifying the character, and according to each application including the gradation font data. The bitmap font image is output to the graphic drawing driver 83. From the character drawing unit, tone character color information is output to the graphic drawing driver 83. The graphic drawing driver 83 sends image data including the gradation color of the character to the graphic plane 85 based on the input information. Regarding the above table, it is preferable that a table having an appropriate threshold value is provided for each application to be started and hardware of the apparatus.

  Note that the actual user instruction is, for example, adjustment of parameters linked to the adjustment of the threshold value on the setting menu screen in the UI application 61 via the input I / F 15 shown in FIG. In simple cases, it is dark, normal, or light. As an example of the mounting method, as shown in step S1, the user determines whether to change globally or individually using the menu, and sets each application individually according to the user's determination (indicated by the arrow on the left side in the figure). (Proceed) causes the threshold parameter for each application to be designated on the setting screen and to be designated with a desired value and reflected in the threshold table of each application in the threshold calculation unit. As a result, the user can change each application. Also, if you want to reflect on the entire character without specifying the application at the user's discretion (when changing globally), go to the arrow on the right side in the figure and select the desired threshold parameter for the whole on the setting screen And a value are specified and reflected in the entire threshold value table of the threshold value calculation unit. Note that the actual reflection method depends on the implementation, such as when adding or subtracting a simple threshold or calculating from a percentage ratio.

  At present, there is no form in which a broadcaster of data broadcasting transmits a threshold value, and the broadcaster transmits a table that associates raster data with gradation colors (RGB values). (Ex. 0-> 0x000000,1-> 0x333333,2-> 0x555555,3-> 0x888888) Character color, intermediate color, and background color that can be adjusted by threshold (0,1,2,3 in terms of raster data) Since the weight depends on the receiver, it can be opened to the user (viewer).

  The Internet is expected to display a normal site (for example, www.xxxoo.co.jp), but there is no definition of threshold or gradation color in the HTML description (only the character color is included in the HTML description) Defined). Whether or not gradation fonts are used depends on the receiver. When gradation fonts are used, intermediate colors are generated by the receiver because they are not defined in HTML. Since the threshold is also outside the HTML definition, it depends on the receiver. Therefore, the characteristics of the receiver manufacturer can be obtained or opened to the user.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a threshold adjustment method in the case of four gradations. In the 4-tone data structure 101 shown in FIG. 5, the background color 103 (the raster data shown in FIG. 2 is 0) and the intermediate color (1) 105 (the raster data shown in FIG. 2 is 1) are designated as font colors. Q1 value, Q2 value, and Q3 value are indicated by arrows in the intermediate color (2) 107 (raster data shown in FIG. 2 is 2) and the character color 111 (raster data shown in FIG. 2 is 3). The gradation can be adjusted automatically or manually.

  For example, in the tables shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the thresholds Q1, Q2, and Q3 are set in hexadecimal numbers corresponding to the applications to be activated. For example, as described above, in the case of four gradations of the background color 103, the intermediate color (1) 105, the intermediate color (2) 107, and the character color 111, the threshold values Q1 to Q3 are 0x00 (described later). As the color approaches the background color, the proportion of the character color increases, and the color becomes darker (the character is darker or thicker). On the other hand, as the threshold values Q1 to Q3 approach 0xff (character color), which will be described later, the ratio of the background color increases and the whitish color (characters become lighter (or thinner)). Thus, the change of the threshold corresponds to changing the weights of the background color 103, the intermediate color (1) 105, the intermediate color (2) 107, and the character color 111.

  For example, in the case of UI (user interface) or EPG, for example, Q1 is “0x70”, Q2 is “0x90”, and Q3 is “0xf0”. This threshold setting is a setting that makes the background color stronger than the character color. In the case of an application of a BML browser (data broadcasting), for example, Q1 is “0x10”, Q2 is “0x30”, and Q3 is “0x70”. This threshold setting is a setting that makes the character color stronger than the background color. Further, in the case of an HTML browser (Internet) application, for example, Q1 is “0x20”, Q2 is “0x30”, and Q3 is “0x80”. This threshold value is an intermediate setting between the two.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example 121 of characters displayed using the method according to the present embodiment. The code | symbol 123 is a table | surface which shows raster data and the RGB value regarding each raster data exemplarily. This table 123 shows a case where raster data = 0 is 0xffffff, raster data = 1 is 0xa0a0a0, raster data = 2 is 0x505050, and raster data = 3 is 0x000000. These raster data correspond to full white, bright data, black data, and full black, respectively, in light and shade. Of course, since the threshold value is changed depending on the raster data, the value of the table indicated by 123 in FIG. 5 is an example. However, as shown in FIG. Output to the gradation font bitmap data section 47 (FIG. 2), an appropriate gradation is determined, and coloring is performed in the drawing section. As described above, rich gradations can be given to characters displayed based on the above-described four gradation settings, depending on the type of application and the use of hardware. Furthermore, it is possible to adjust by user setting.

  FIGS. 7 and 8 are diagrams showing specific appearances in the data broadcast by changing the font threshold value. In the data broadcast display screen 201 shown in FIG. 7, for example, the viewer displays thick and dark characters. It is an example in the case of wishing, and is a diagram showing an example of threshold values Q1 = 0x10, Q2 = 0x30, Q3 = 0x70. The data broadcast display screen 201 shown in FIG. 8 is a display example in the case where the viewer desires to be thin and thin, for example, and is a diagram showing an example in the case of threshold values Q1 = 0x70, Q2 = 0x90, Q3 = 0xC0. . Thus, the impression of the displayed character can be greatly changed by changing the threshold value. As described above, according to the above configuration, by assigning an optimal threshold value according to an application, it is possible to generate character quality according to the characteristics (content resolution, character size / font type) of the application.

Below, the point of the said method is demonstrated concretely and in detail.
1) In a digital television receiver, a setting screen for character quality adjustment can be provided in the menu in order to realize character quality that matches the visual acuity and preference of the viewer. For example, options such as “dark / thick (the ratio of the text color is large)”, “normal (thresholds Q1 to Q3 maintain an appropriate balance)”, “light / thin (more intermediate colors / more background colors)”, etc. Is displayed, and it is only necessary to provide a function capable of setting a threshold corresponding to the option.

2) Depending on the display contents such as menu, EPG, data broadcast, caption, caption, etc., for example, in a menu / EPG that requires detailed display, the ratio of the threshold character color is increased, or for example, a relatively large character is displayed. For subtitles / captions to be displayed, it is possible to increase the ratio of intermediate colors in order to make smooth characters appear, and to provide a function for automatically setting a threshold value on the receiver side in conjunction with display contents.

3) In order to achieve the optimum character quality according to the resolution of the panel size of the display (for example, 1920x1080 or 1366x768), a function for automatically setting a threshold according to the panel size on the receiver side is provided. For example, when the panel size is large, characters are normally displayed in accordance with the panel size. Therefore, an easy-to-view display can be realized by setting a larger number of intermediate colors.

4) Since data broadcasting and subtitles are linked to broadcasting resolution, there are high-resolution HD content and low-resolution SD content. In conjunction with this resolution, a function is provided for automatically determining an appropriate threshold value for each resolution on the receiver side. The resolution of the content is determined by the standard, and is known at the stage of acquiring the content. Therefore, based on whether it is HD or SD, the resolution is high if it is HD. It is preferable to set so as to be possible. On the other hand, in the case of SD, since the resolution is low, it is preferable to focus on clear display by reducing the proportion of intermediate colors.

5) In conjunction with the aspect switching (full / DotByDot / wide / cinema / letterbox / sidebar, etc.) installed in the receiver, the threshold is automatically set on the receiver side according to the reduction and enlargement ratio. It is also possible to provide a function to In general, when the display is reduced by aspect switching, it is desirable to increase the intermediate color of the character, and when the display is enlarged, it is preferable to increase the character color. More strictly, the threshold calculation conditions may be different depending on the scaling algorithm.

6) A function to automatically set the threshold value on the receiver side according to the video image quality control level in conjunction with video adjustment (for example, brightness / video / black level / color density / hue) mounted on the receiver. You may do it.

7) It is also possible to provide a function that automatically sets the character threshold on the receiver side in conjunction with the sensing result of the “brightness sensor” provided to automatically adjust the brightness of the backlight installed in the receiver. It is. For example, when the room is dark, adjustments such as increasing the ratio of the character color are performed in order to easily distinguish the character from the background.

8) Depending on the font size used by various applications (menus, EPG, data broadcasting, captions, captions, Internet browsers, etc.), for example, for character sizes of 16x16 dots or less, increasing the character color makes it clearer Adjusting the threshold so that it can be seen, for example, for character sizes of 32x32 dots or more, a function that automatically sets the threshold on the receiver side in conjunction with the size, such as taking a lot of intermediate colors so that it looks smooth it can.

9) Depending on the font specified color (character color / intermediate color / background color) used from various applications (menu, EPG, data broadcast, caption, caption, Internet browser, etc.), for example, white if the character color is white Is a dilation color, reduce the character color threshold ratio, or if the character color is black, increase the character color threshold ratio, or interlock with the specified font color (character color / middle color / background color) It is also possible to provide a function for automatically setting the threshold on the receiver side.

10) A function for automatically setting a threshold value for characters on the receiver side according to the characteristics of the pixel structure (for example, ASV liquid crystal, ISP liquid crystal, etc.) of the panel mounted on the receiver is provided. Since the appearance of characters differs depending on the principle of the liquid crystal element, the threshold value may be automatically adjusted according to the panel, or may be set by the user.

11) A function for automatically setting the threshold value of the character on the receiver side according to the volume level of the receiver may be provided. For example, when the volume is high, it can be estimated that the user is watching TV from a distance. Therefore, priority is given to a clearer appearance than smoothness. Estimate that it looks smoother and milder, and make adjustments such as taking more intermediate colors.

12) It is possible to provide a function for automatically setting the threshold value of the character on the receiver side according to the density / color of the scene of the background video.

  In addition, the receiver is linked to font types (eg, Gothic, Mincho) and modifications (eg, italic) used from various applications (menu, EPG, data broadcasting, captions, captions, BML browser, Internet browser, etc.) A function for automatically setting a threshold on the side is provided. For example, in the case of a gothic type, since the strength of the lines constituting the character is small, the proportion of the character color is increased, and in the case of the Mincho type, the strength of the line is large. In the case of italics, diagonal lines are the main component, so it is easier to see more neutral colors to make the slope appear smoother.

  For example, even if a scalable gradation font adjustment function is installed, the gradation cannot be adjusted according to the display state of the display content, display resolution, aspect, etc. if the threshold is fixed. . In such a case, it is impossible to deal with differences in viewer's preference, eyesight, etc., so the characters appear blurred or faint, appear jagged, or the viewer's preference or vision May be difficult to read.

  Therefore, the display control unit according to the present embodiment has an advantage that a gradation font threshold value adjusting function can be provided so that the above-described problem is hardly caused.

  In this embodiment, the digital television receiver has been described as an example. However, a portable terminal (such as a one-segment mobile phone) having a function for displaying digital information, for example, in an outdoor viewing environment with a lot of outside light. Can be applied to various display technologies.

  The present invention is applicable to a content display device.

It is a functional block diagram which shows the example of whole structure of the digital television receiver by one embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the example of 1 structure of the gradation font adjustment control part by this Embodiment. It is a block diagram shown in the specific example of the flow of the process using the threshold value adjustment function by this Embodiment, and is a figure corresponding to FIG. It is a figure which shows the structural example which adjusts the parameter linked with adjustment of a threshold value by an actual user instruction | indication. It is a figure which shows the data structural example of a gradation font. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a character display using 4 gradation shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the 1st display example of data broadcasting. It is a figure which shows the 2nd example of a data broadcasting display.

Explanation of symbols

67, graphic application, 71, character drawing unit, 77, threshold calculation unit, 81, font driver, 83, graphic drawing driver, 85, graphic plane.

Claims (17)

A digital information display device that performs display including characters based on a gradation ratio of a character color and a background color and at least one intermediate color between the character color and the background color,
Wherein defining the ratio of gradation, we have a-gradation threshold adjustment unit for adjusting the threshold value variably with respect to the value that indicates the ratio between the character color of each pixel based on the vector data and the background color,
The gradation font threshold value adjustment unit includes an environment surrounding the digital information display device, a structure of the panel of the digital information display device, a setting state of the digital information display device, an application running on the digital information display device, Alternatively, the threshold value is automatically set according to the display content of the digital information display device.   The gradation font threshold value adjustment unit adjusts a threshold value that defines the gradation ratio based on a threshold calculation table in which software or hardware characteristics are associated with threshold values corresponding to the characteristics. The digital information display device according to claim 1.   The digital information display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the gradation font threshold value adjustment unit adjusts the threshold value so as to generate character quality according to content characteristics. The digital information display apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the gradation font threshold value adjusting unit adjusts the threshold value so as to generate character quality according to the resolution of the content.   The digital information display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the gradation font threshold value adjustment unit adjusts the threshold value so as to generate character quality according to characteristics of a running application.   The digital information display device according to claim 1, wherein the gradation font threshold value adjustment unit adjusts the threshold value so as to generate character quality according to display resolution.   3. The digital information display according to claim 1, wherein the gradation font threshold value adjustment unit automatically sets the threshold value in accordance with a reduction and enlargement ratio in conjunction with display aspect switching. apparatus.   The digital information display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the gradation font threshold value adjustment unit automatically sets the threshold value in conjunction with image adjustment of the apparatus.   The gradation font threshold value adjustment unit automatically sets the threshold value in conjunction with a brightness sensor that automatically adjusts the brightness of a backlight provided in the apparatus. Digital information display device.   The digital information display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the gradation font threshold value adjustment unit automatically sets the threshold value according to a size of a font used in a running application.   The digital information display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the gradation font threshold value adjusting unit automatically sets the threshold value according to a designated color of a font used in a running application.   The digital information display device according to claim 1, wherein the gradation font threshold value adjustment unit automatically sets the threshold value according to characteristics of a pixel structure for display used in the device.   The digital information display device according to claim 1, wherein the gradation font threshold value adjustment unit automatically sets the threshold value according to a volume level of the device.   The said gradation font threshold value adjustment part sets the said threshold value automatically according to the shade / color of the scene of a background image | video, when the image | video is displayed on the background. Digital information display device.   The digital information display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the gradation font threshold value adjustment unit automatically sets the threshold value according to a font type and a modification type to be used. A display method in a digital information display device that performs display including characters based on a ratio of gradation of a character color and a background color and at least one intermediate color between the character color and the background color,
A first step of detecting software or hardware characteristics;
Referring to the threshold calculation table that associates the characteristics of the software or hardware with the threshold for the value indicating the ratio between the character color and the background color in each pixel based on the vector data according to the characteristic. step by have a second step of adjusting the threshold value defining the ratio of the gradation characteristics of the detected said software or hardware as a key,
The second step includes an environment surrounding the digital information display device, a panel structure of the digital information display device, a setting state of the digital information display device, an application running on the digital information display device, or the digital A display method comprising: automatically setting the threshold value according to display content of an information display device . The program for making a computer perform the step of Claim 16 .

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