JPH10124019A - Image processor, display device, display system and image processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To effectively use a display screen of a size of e.g. aspect ratio 16:9 provided on a monitor device by constituting an image processing means so as to set the number of prescribed horizontal/vertical pixels (resolution) answering to the aspect ratio of at least 16:9. SOLUTION: In a set top box 1, a normal mode outputting RGB signals based on the resolution answering to the aspect ratio of 4:3 is made be switched with a wide mode outputting the RGB signals based on the resolution answering to the aspect ratio of 16:9 by an aspect ratio changeover switch 20. Then, related to the wide mode (answering to the aspect ratio 16:9), based on SVGA prescribed as one having resolution higher than VGA, the resolution answering to the aspect ratio 16:9 is set. Thus, a computer image becomes possible being displayed by an effective screen answering to the aspect ratio 16:9.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and an image processing method for performing a display operation based on the number of vertical / horizontal pixels (resolution) of a set image. And a display device and a display system corresponding to the image processing method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, television receivers and the like which include a display screen having an aspect ratio of 4: 3, which is already conventional, and a display screen having an aspect ratio of 16: 9, which is a so-called wide screen, are widely used. Widespread. Correspondingly, the broadcasting of video and video software corresponding to the aspect ratio of 16: 9 is increasing.

In recent years, with the spread of personal computers and the like, for example, as one form of a computer device, based on a computer OS (Operating System), communication functions such as a disk player and the Internet corresponding to various disk media are provided. Multimedia devices and the like equipped with the devices have also been developed.

As a monitor device capable of displaying an image output of a multimedia device as described above, for example, at least an RGB signal of a computer or the like as a video and a composite signal (and an S-video) corresponding to a normal television system. Signals and the like have been developed that can be input and displayed. In such a monitor device, for example, an image according to a television system such as the NTSC system can be displayed, and the R output from the multimedia device as described above.
It is configured so that a GB signal can be input and an image can be displayed. Accordingly, broadcast media and video media based on a video signal of a normal television system can be combined with RGB media.
It is constructed as a multimedia-compatible monitor device that supports both personal computers and multimedia devices supplied as signals. In addition, such a multimedia-compatible monitor device has a wide screen as described above. In response to the widespread use, a display screen having a size corresponding to an aspect ratio of 16: 9 has been developed.

[0005]

By the way, in the current personal computer and the like, only the resolution (corresponding to the number of horizontal pixels × the number of vertical pixels) corresponding to the aspect ratio of 4: 3 exists as the graphics display standard, A graphics display standard corresponding to the ratio 16: 9 has not been determined. For this reason, for example, in the above-described computer device or multimedia device based on the OS for a computer, only image output with an effective display screen having an aspect ratio of 4: 3 is performed.
When a system is configured by such a computer device or multimedia device and a multimedia-compatible monitor device having a display screen with an aspect ratio of 16: 9, the multimedia-compatible monitor device has an aspect ratio of Only the display area of the size corresponding to the aspect ratio of 4: 3 among the display areas of the 16: 9 size is used, so that the display area of the aspect ratio of 16: 9 cannot be effectively used.

In order to effectively use the display area having the aspect ratio of 16: 9, for example, a display image having the aspect ratio of 4: 3 is enlarged and displayed using the entire display area having the aspect ratio of 16: 9. In this case, however, in this case, the image may be distorted so as to extend in the horizontal direction, or a part of the image may run off the display screen in the vertical direction, and may differ from the original display image. Is not a fundamental solution.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a display in a computer field based on a resolution corresponding to an aspect ratio of 16: 9. When a system is constructed in which a multimedia device and a monitor device having a display screen with an aspect ratio of 16: 9 are combined, the display screen is used effectively. In addition, when an image can be displayed at a resolution corresponding to an aspect ratio of 16: 9, it is preferable that a circuit change and an increase in a circuit scale and the like be suppressed as much as possible. As a result, cost and the like can be suppressed.

For this reason, the image processing apparatus is provided with an image processing means capable of outputting an image signal for displaying a computer image based on the set number of horizontal / vertical pixels. Is configured to be able to set a predetermined number of horizontal / vertical pixels corresponding to an aspect ratio of at least 16: 9. The image processing means extracts, as an effective display screen, an area obtained by a required number of horizontal / vertical pixels from an area obtained by a predetermined number of horizontal / vertical pixels corresponding to an aspect ratio of 4: 3. Thus, the number of horizontal / vertical pixels corresponding to the aspect ratio of 16: 9 is set. The image processing means sets a predetermined number of horizontal / vertical pixels corresponding to the 16: 9 aspect ratio;
The configuration is such that switching between a predetermined number of horizontal / vertical pixels corresponding to an aspect ratio of 4: 3 is possible.

As the number of horizontal / vertical pixels corresponding to the above 16: 9 aspect ratio, the number of horizontal pixels is 848 and the number of vertical pixels is 480. Alternatively, the number of horizontal pixels is 1060 pixels and the number of vertical pixels is 60
It was decided to be 0 pixels.

[0010] As a display device, 16: 9
A display screen having a shape corresponding to the aspect ratio of the above, and display output means capable of displaying and outputting based on the image signal of the input computer image are provided. Horizontal /
The configuration is such that display output based on the number of vertical pixels is possible.

A computer device provided with image processing means for converting a computer image based on a predetermined number of horizontal / vertical pixels corresponding to an aspect ratio of 16: 9 into an image signal and outputting the image signal; A display system comprising a display device configured to display and output the computer image on a display screen having an aspect ratio of 16: 9 with a resolution corresponding to the number of horizontal / vertical pixels of the signal. It was decided to.

Further, as an image processing method for converting and outputting a computer image as an image signal for performing display based on the set number of horizontal / vertical pixels, at least a predetermined method corresponding to an aspect ratio of 16: 9 is provided. The number of horizontal / vertical pixels can be set.

According to the above configuration, for a computer graphic image, for example, a predetermined number of horizontal / vertical pixels corresponding to an aspect ratio of 16: 9 is defined, whereby an aspect ratio of 16: 9 is defined. With the effective display screen, the computer graphic image can be displayed.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. The following description will be made in the following order. <1. Configuration example of display system as present embodiment><2. Configuration example of set-top box><3. Wide mode display example in the present embodiment><4. Processing Operation for Switching Normal Mode / Wide Mode>

<1. Configuration Example of Display System as Present Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a display system as an embodiment of the present invention. The set-top box 1 shown in FIG. 1 basically adopts a configuration as a computer device, for example. That is, a configuration is adopted in which an application or software for realizing various functions operates on a predetermined OS that is programmed in advance. And, for example, CD-ROM, V
video CD, Photo CD, CD-DA (Digit
al Audio), as well as disk media that are expected to be widely used in the future, such as CD-plus, etc. Is done. To play these disk media, a disk tray 1a provided in the set-top box 1
A reproducing operation is performed in a state where a disk to be reproduced is loaded on the upper side and the disk tray 1a is stored in the main body. The set-top box 1 of the present embodiment is connected to a telephone line via a telephone line 1d,
For example, it also has a communication function for performing computer communication using the Internet or the like. As described above, the set-top box 1 is configured as a multimedia device capable of supporting at least various disk media and communication functions.

The image / audio output from the set top box 1 can be viewed and viewed by the user by connecting it to the monitor device 2 or an audio system (not shown), for example. In addition, the GUI (Graphical User Inte
rface) is adopted, and graphics and icons are displayed and output on the monitor device 2 when the operation for reproducing the disk medium or the Internet is used. Then, the user can operate the set-top box 1 by operating the operation panel and the remote controller RC provided on the main body while watching the screen of the monitor device 2. Note that the operation panel of the main body is exposed on the front panel of the main body by opening the operation panel cover 1c shown in the figure. Further, in the present embodiment, the remote controller RC outputs a transmission signal by infrared rays.

The monitor device 2 shown in FIG. 1 is compatible with multimedia capable of displaying at least images of ordinary AV equipment and images of a personal computer. That is, it is configured to be able to input at least a video signal (for example, a composite signal or an S video signal) of a predetermined television system output from an AV device and an RGB signal which is a video output of a computer or the like. In this case, the video output of the set-top box 1 is connected so as to be supplied to the monitor device 2 as an RGB signal. If the monitor device 2 is configured to be able to input and display a Hi-Vision signal,
For example, as a video input terminal for HDTV,
A signal corresponding to the (Y, P _B , P _R ) signal is provided.
The monitor device 2 employs a display screen 2a having a size corresponding to an aspect ratio of 16: 9. Furthermore,
In accordance with the graphic display standard of the personal computer system, a multi-scan function capable of switching the operation of the deflection system according to the resolution that can be supported is adopted.

<2. Configuration Example of Set Top Box> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a main part inside the set box 1. In the set-top box 1 shown in this figure, a disk reproducing device 10 for reproducing various disk media is provided as described above.
The data reproduced by the disk reproducing device 10 is supplied to a required functional circuit unit via a bus line.

The video processor 11 is, for example, a VRAM
And performs required signal processing on the supplied video data to generate an RGB signal (in this case, non-interlaced) or a video signal (in this case, as for the RGB signal). , A composite signal or an S video signal corresponding to a normal television system). In this case, the RGB signals output from the video processor 11 are supplied to the monitor device 2 via the RGB output terminal T4. Also,
The video signal is supplied to a video output terminal T3.

The video processing operation of the video processor 11 is controlled by the control unit 12, and the form of the video processing differs depending on the application or software to be started each time. For example, if the image data reproduced from the disc by the media reproducing apparatus 10 is to be displayed and output, the reproduced image data is transmitted to the video processor 11 via the bus line. The video processor 11 performs required signal processing on the input image data, and outputs it as an RGB signal or a video signal.

In the video processor 11,
Under the control of the control unit 12, video signal processing relating to the GUI image is also performed. As an operation for displaying a GUI image, for example, GUI image data required in response to an operation command is read from the GUI image data stored in the ROM 13 and supplied to the video processor 11. Then, the video processing is performed by the video processor 11 so that the GUI image is displayed at a required position in the display image area. GUI
As a display mode of an image, there is a mode in which only a GUI image is displayed on a display area, and a mode in which a GUI image is displayed together with an image of some medium.

The set top box 1 is provided with a video input terminal T1 so that an analog video signal can be input. An analog video signal input from outside via the video input terminal T1 is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 16 and supplied to the video processor 11. Therefore, in the video processor 11, it is possible to perform video processing on an external video signal and output a video.

The control section 12 executes a required control operation for each functional circuit section. In this case, the control unit 12 has a configuration corresponding to multimedia, and is configured to be compatible with, for example, video signal processing, audio signal processing, and control processing relating to communication functions. Further, in the present embodiment, by controlling the video processor 11, it is possible to switch the setting between the resolution corresponding to the aspect ratio 4: 3 and the resolution corresponding to the aspect ratio 16: 9 as described later. Have been.

The ROM 13 is an area for storing an OS applied to the set-top box 1, applications and software programs, and GUI image data. The RAM (memory) 14 stores application and software data to be started, arithmetic processing data, and the like. It should be noted that the application or software program may be started from a medium such as a CD-ROM in addition to being called from the ROM 13, and in such a case, for example, the program is read from the CD-ROM by the disc reproducing device 10. The data of the application or software is stored in the RAM 14.

The set-top box 1 of the present embodiment is configured to have a communication function as described above. As shown in the figure, the modem 17 is connected to the control unit 12 and the telephone modular jack T5 via the telephone. Built-in. In response to this, the control unit 12 also has a configuration corresponding to the communication function, and for example, the ROM 13 stores software for realizing the communication function.

An operation information signal received by the light receiving section 1b and an operation information signal of an operation section 19 provided on the front panel are input to a panel microcomputer (hereinafter simply referred to as a panel microcomputer) 18. The switching state of the aspect ratio switch 20 is also input as operation information. The panel microcomputer 18, for example, analyzes the input operation signal and transmits a command signal corresponding to the command content to the control unit 12. The control unit 12 executes a required control process based on the input command signal.

By the way, the above-mentioned aspect ratio changeover switch 20 is provided as a slide switch as shown in FIG. 3 on the back panel of the main body. For example, as “MONITOR RATIO”, the aspect ratio switch 20 is set to “NORMAL 4:
When switching to the "3" side, as described later,
RGB signals are output at a resolution (normal mode) corresponding to an aspect ratio of 4: 3. Also,
When switching to the “WIDE 16: 9” side, 1
RGB with resolution corresponding to 6: 9 (wide mode)
A signal is output.

Further, a data input / output terminal T2 is provided on the main body of the set top box 1 of the present embodiment, and is connected to a bus line via an interface 15. For example, the set-top box 1 is connected to a data storage device such as another media playback device, a printer, a digital video device, and a hard disk driver via the data input / output terminal T2 to transmit data. It is possible to do.

<3. Wide Mode Display Example of the Present Embodiment> Next, a wide mode display example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the set-top box 1 of the present embodiment, as described above, the normal mode in which the aspect ratio changeover switch 20 outputs the RGB signal based on the resolution corresponding to the aspect ratio of 4: 3, and the aspect ratio of 16: 9 Can be switched to a wide mode in which RGB signals are output based on the resolution corresponding to. By the way, as for the graphic display standard of the set-top box 1 related to the following description, the normal mode (corresponding to an aspect ratio of 4: 3) is a well-known VGA (Video Graph).
ic Array) and SVGA (Super-VGA). The wide mode (corresponding to an aspect ratio of 16: 9), which is a feature of the present embodiment, has an aspect ratio of 16: 9 based on SVGA defined as having higher resolution than VGA, as described later. 9
The resolution (the number of pixels) corresponding to is set.

FIG. 4 shows the specifications of the normal mode and the wide mode in this embodiment. Here, as the normal mode, VGA: 640 × 480
(= Number of horizontal pixels × number of vertical pixels) and SVGA: 800 ×
600 are listed. And VGA: 640 × 4
As a specification of 80, a pixel frequency: 25.125 MH
z, horizontal scanning frequency: 31.4688 KHz, vertical scanning frequency: 59.4905 Hz. Also, SV
The specifications of GA: 800 × 600 include a pixel frequency of 4
9.500 MHz, horizontal scanning frequency: 46.875 KH
z, vertical scanning frequency: 75,000 Hz.

As the wide mode of the present embodiment, two modes having different resolutions are provided as shown in the figure. One wide mode is referred to as "WIDE-1", and the other wide mode having a higher resolution is referred to as "WIDE-2".
The WIDE-1 has a resolution of 848 × 480 (the number of horizontal pixels × the number of vertical pixels), and the pixel frequency is 33.3.
57 MHz. Also, horizontal scanning frequency: 3
1.4688 KHz, vertical scanning frequency: 59.4905
Hz. Also, WIDE-2 is 1060 × 6
00, the pixel frequency is 65.588 MH
z. Horizontal scanning frequency: 31.468
8 KHz, vertical scanning frequency: 59.4905 Hz.

According to the above specification, WIDE-1: 848
× 480 and VGA: 640 × 480, and WIDE-
The vertical resolution (the number of vertical pixels) is the same for each set of 2: 1060 × 600 and SVGA: 800 × 600. That is, WIDE-1: 848 × 480 is equal to V
The same level of resolution as GA: 640 × 480, and the number of horizontal pixels corresponding to 16: 9 is set.
-2: 1060 × 600 is SVGA: 800 × 600
In addition to having the same level of resolution as above, the number of horizontal pixels corresponding to 16: 9 is set.

When the pixel frequency, the horizontal scanning frequency, and the vertical scanning frequency are viewed, WIDE-1: 84
In the case of 8 × 480, the horizontal scanning frequency and the vertical scanning frequency have the same specifications as VGA: 640 × 480, and the pixel frequencies are different depending on the number of pixels in the horizontal direction.
Similarly, if WIDE-2: 1060 × 600, S
VGA: The horizontal scanning frequency and vertical scanning frequency have the same specifications as 800 × 600, and the pixel frequencies are set to be different.

In other words, when scanning for displaying the wide mode mode is performed on the monitor,
The vertical scanning frequency is normal mode (VGA or SVG
This can be the same as A).

Next, the above WIDE-1 and WIDE-2
A method of setting the number of pixels (resolution) as will be described with reference to FIGS. As the SVGA, in addition to SVGA: 800 × 600 shown in FIG. 3, higher resolution SVGA: 1024 × 768, SVGA: 1280 × 1
024 etc. are defined. Therefore, in the present embodiment, these high-resolution SVGAs: 1024 × 768,
SVGA: WIDE- using 1280 × 1024
It is configured to set the number of pixels of 1 and WIDE-2. The above SVGA: 1024 × 768, SVG
A: 1280 × 1024 also sets the number of horizontal / vertical pixels corresponding to an aspect ratio of 4: 3.

FIG. 5 shows the number of pixels (resolution) of WIDE-1.
As a setting example, a case based on SVGA: 1024 × 768 is shown. According to this, SVGA: 1024
By taking 848 pixels in the horizontal direction and 480 pixels in the vertical direction on the mapping of the pixel data as x768, the resolution as WIDE-1: 848x480 can be set.

In the case of WIDE-2, SV
On the mapping of pixel data as GA: 1280 × 1024, by taking 1060 pixels in the horizontal direction and taking 600 pixels in the vertical direction, WIDE-2: 1060
A resolution of × 600 can be set.

When image data in the wide mode is actually created, in the case of WIDE-1, for example, an image processing area corresponding to SVGA: 1024 × 768 in the VRAM in the video processor 11 is set. Once formed, WIDE-1: 848 shown in FIG.
By performing the image data processing so that the memory write / read processing is executed only for the area of × 480, image data based on WIDE-1: 848 × 480 can be obtained. The same applies to the case of WIDE-2. An image processing area corresponding to SVGA: 1024 × 768 is formed in the VRAM, and the WID shown in FIG.
E-2: Image data processing is performed using only the 1060 × 600 area.

The WID thus formed is
E-1: 848 × 480 or WIDE-2: 1060
The video processor 11 performs required signal processing on the image data of × 600, and outputs the RGB data together with the horizontal / vertical scanning frequency signals represented by the numerical values shown in FIG.
Image display with an aspect ratio of 6: 9 is performed.

According to such an aspect ratio conversion (resolution change setting) method, WIDE-1: 848 × 480.
And WIDE-2: 1060 × 600 are both set based on SVGA. Therefore, in a display control system for an existing VGA, software is installed so that the video processing operation as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 can be realized. What is necessary is just to configure. That is, in the present embodiment, it is possible to use the existing display control configuration corresponding to VGA and SVGA as hardware.

The images displayed on the monitor device 2 based on the RGB signal outputs of the set-top box 1 are as shown in FIGS. FIG. 7 shows a display example in the wide mode. In this case, for the display screen 2a of the monitor device 2 having a size of 16: 9, as shown in the figure, WIDE-1: 848 × 480 or WID
E-2: A resolution of 1060 × 600 is displayed. That is, in this state, the entire displayable area on the display screen 2a is set as the effective display screen, and an image having a size corresponding to the aspect ratio of 16: 9 is displayed.

FIG. 8 shows a display example in the normal mode. In this case, for the display screen 2a of 16: 9 size, VGA: 640 × 480 as shown in the figure.
Alternatively, an image having an aspect ratio of 4: 3 with a resolution of SVGA: 800 × 600 is displayed. In this case,
For example, in the displayable area of the display screen 2a, a non-display area (invalid display area) exists on both sides of an image having an aspect ratio of 4: 3.

As the monitor device 2 for displaying an image based on the RGB signals output from the set-top box 1 as described above, the highest resolution that is at least the resolution of the wide mode WIDE-1 or WIDE-2 is required. It is necessary to have the performance that it has.

There are various possible modes for switching the display mode based on the resolution set in the set-top box 1. For example, switching between normal mode and wide mode includes VGA 640 × 480 and WID
E-1: Only 848x480 can be switched, or SVGA: 800x600 and WIDE-
It is conceivable to be able to switch only between 2: 1060 × 600 and SVGA: 800 × 600. Alternatively, at least VGA 640 in the normal mode
× 480 and SVGA: 800 × 600 can be selectively switched. In the wide mode, WIDE-1:
It is conceivable to adopt a configuration in which selection switching between 848 × 480 and WIDE-2: 1060 × 600 is possible, and this is preferable in that the user has more options in resolution. In addition, as described above, as the SVGA, in addition to SVGA: 800 × 600, SVGA: 102
Since 4 × 768 and SVGA: 1280 × 1024 are also defined, it is of course possible to select them in the normal mode. However, in order to properly display based on these high-resolution SVGAs, the monitor device 2 uses the SVGA.
It is required to have the highest resolution enough to cover the resolution.

<4. Processing Operation for Switching Normal Mode / Wide Mode> Next, the normal mode (VGA,
SVGA) / Wide mode (WIDE-1, WIDE-)
Regarding the processing operation of the control unit 12 for the switching of 2),
This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this case, a processing routine for a case where a plurality of resolutions can be selected in the normal mode and the wide mode is shown.

In this routine, first, in step S101, the aspect ratio switch 20 (FIG. 3)
) After detecting which mode has been switched, the process proceeds to step S103. Alternatively, in the present embodiment, for example, assuming that some applications require a specific aspect ratio or resolution, in step S102 instead of step S101, a change in the aspect ratio or resolution from the application is requested. Even when a signal is received, processing is performed so as to proceed to step S103.

In step S103, it is determined which resolution is currently selected as the resolution in the same mode. Selection of the resolution in the same mode can be performed, for example, by using a GUI on the driver software.
Thus, the configuration can be made selectable by the user. In the next step S104, based on the display mode (normal mode / wide mode) and the type of resolution determined in steps S101 or S102 and S103, the setting for the number of horizontal pixels and the number of vertical pixels is changed. Execute the process. For example, if the mode is switched from the normal mode to the wide mode, the control for executing the image data processing described with reference to FIG. 5 or FIG. 6 is performed.

In step S105, a process for changing the pixel frequency (see FIG. 4) according to the newly set resolution is executed. As a result, in the subsequent display control, image data processing on the VRAM and R data are performed based on the pixel frequency set in this step.
A conversion process to a GB signal is performed. Subsequent step S
In step 106, when displaying based on the number of horizontal / vertical pixels changed in step S104, processing is performed so that the horizontal and vertical positions of the display image are not biased and displayed at appropriate positions. Steps. That is, R obtained finally based on the image data
The setting process is performed so that the relationship between the GB signal and the vertical / horizontal synchronization signal is appropriate.

In step S107, for example, the setting of necessary parameters on the OS is changed so that a drawing (drawing) process corresponding to the resolution set by the processing operations so far is performed. Is executed. Alternatively, in some cases, the application may directly control the video processor 11 to execute the drawing process. In such a case, the application is changed on the application side by the process of step S108 instead of step S107. The processing is executed so that the setting change corresponding to the resolution is performed. After the processing in step S107 or step S108 is completed, for example, the process returns to the main routine.

The embodiment described above is configured to set the number of horizontal / vertical pixels (resolution) corresponding to an image having an aspect ratio of 16: 9 based on VGA as a graphic display standard. But
Aspect ratio 1 based on other graphic display standards
The number of horizontal / vertical pixels corresponding to the 6: 9 image may be set. Further, the number of horizontal / vertical pixels corresponding to the aspect ratio of 16: 9 is also determined by the WI described in the embodiment.
DE-1: 848x480 and WIDE-2: 1060x
It is not limited to only 600, and in some cases, it is also possible to define a wide mode display with a higher resolution.

In the above embodiment, the set-top box 1 has been described as an apparatus provided with the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention is also applicable to other devices such as a game machine having the configuration of a computer device.

[0052]

As described above, the present invention specifies the resolution (the number of vertical / horizontal pixels) corresponding to the aspect ratio of 16: 9 in the field of computer devices such as set-top boxes and personal computers. Thus, a computer image can be displayed on an effective screen corresponding to an aspect ratio of 16: 9. As a display device capable of displaying a computer image by providing, for example, an RGB input,
If a display screen corresponding to an aspect ratio of 16: 9 is provided, the entire display screen having an aspect ratio of 16: 9 is effectively used as a display area even when a computer image is displayed. Will have an effect.

In the present invention, in order to set the resolution corresponding to the aspect ratio of 16: 9, for example, a required number of vertical / horizontal pixels corresponding to a predetermined high resolution corresponding to an aspect ratio of 4: 3 is set. The number of vertical / horizontal pixels corresponding to the aspect ratio of 16: 9 is extracted. Therefore, for example, if a standard such as VGA or SVGA is used as a predetermined high resolution corresponding to the original aspect ratio of 4: 3, for example, only existing VGA and SVGA-compatible hardware is used and only software is used. As a result, it is possible to set a resolution corresponding to an aspect ratio of 16: 9, so that there is no need to change the circuit or increase the scale, and the cost of the product can be reduced accordingly.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration example of a display system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of a set-top box.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an aspect ratio changeover switch.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing specifications of VGA, SVGA, and two types of wide mode as the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a process for setting a resolution as a wide mode.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a process for setting a resolution in a wide mode.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display mode of an image based on an RGB signal output of a set-top box.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display mode of an image based on an RGB signal output of a set-top box.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating switching processing between a normal mode and a wide mode.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 set-top box, 2 monitor device, 2a
Display screen, 10 disc playback device, 11 video processor, 12 control unit, 20 aspect ratio changeover switch,

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ───

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] November 28, 1996

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0029

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

<3. Wide Mode Display Example of the Present Embodiment> Next, a wide mode display example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the set-top box 1 of the present embodiment, as described above, the normal mode in which the aspect ratio changeover switch 20 outputs the RGB signal based on the resolution corresponding to the aspect ratio of 4: 3, and the aspect ratio of 16: 9 Can be switched to a wide mode in which RGB signals are output based on the resolution corresponding to. By the way, as for the graphic display standard of the set-top box 1 relating to the following description, the normal mode (corresponding to an aspect ratio of 4: 3) is a well-known VGA (Video Graph).
ic Array) and SVGA (Super-VGA). The wide mode (corresponding to an aspect ratio of 16: 9), which is a feature of the present embodiment, has an aspect ratio of 16: 9 based on SVGA defined as having higher resolution than VGA, as described later. 9
The resolution (the number of pixels) corresponding to is set.

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0030

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIG. 4 shows the specifications of the normal mode and the wide mode in this embodiment. Here, as the normal mode, VGA: 640 × 480
(= Number of horizontal pixels × number of vertical pixels) and SVGA: 800 ×
600 are listed. And VGA: 640 × 4
As a specification of 80, a pixel frequency: 25.175 MH
z , horizontal scanning frequency: 31.4688 KHz, vertical scanning
Frequency: 59.9405 Hz . Also, SV
The specifications of GA: 800 × 600 include a pixel frequency of 4
9.500 MHz, horizontal scanning frequency: 46.875 KH
z, vertical scanning frequency: 75,000 Hz.

[Procedure amendment 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0031

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

As the wide mode of the present embodiment, two modes having different resolutions are provided as shown in the figure. One wide mode is referred to as "WIDE-1", and the other wide mode having a higher resolution is referred to as "WIDE-2".
The WIDE-1 has a resolution of 848 × 480 (the number of horizontal pixels × the number of vertical pixels), and the pixel frequency is 33.3.
57 MHz. Also, horizontal scanning frequency: 3
1.4688 KHz, vertical scanning frequency: 59.9405
Hz . Also, WIDE-2 is 1060 × 6
00, the pixel frequency is 65.588 MH
z. Horizontal scanning frequency: 46.875
KHz , vertical scanning frequency: 75,000 Hz .

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Drawing

[Correction target item name] Fig. 4

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIG. 4

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus comprising image processing means capable of converting and outputting a computer image as an image signal based on a set number of horizontal / vertical pixels, the image processing means comprising: An image processing apparatus characterized in that a predetermined number of horizontal / vertical pixels corresponding to an aspect ratio of 16: 9 can be set. 2. The image processing means according to claim 1, wherein an area obtained by a required number of horizontal / vertical pixels among an area obtained by a predetermined number of horizontal / vertical pixels corresponding to an aspect ratio of 4: 3 is set as an effective display screen. By extraction, 16: 9
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the number of horizontal / vertical pixels corresponding to the aspect ratio is set. 3. The image processing means sets a predetermined number of horizontal / vertical pixels corresponding to the aspect ratio of 16: 9 and sets a predetermined number of horizontal / vertical pixels corresponding to an aspect ratio of 4: 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is configured to be able to switch between the image processing apparatus and the image processing apparatus. 4. The image according to claim 1, wherein the number of horizontal / vertical pixels corresponding to the aspect ratio of 16: 9 is 848 for horizontal pixels and 480 for vertical pixels. Processing equipment. 5. The image according to claim 1, wherein the number of horizontal / vertical pixels corresponding to the aspect ratio of 16: 9 is 1060 horizontal pixels and 600 vertical pixels. Processing equipment. 6. When a computer image converted into an image signal based on a predetermined number of horizontal / vertical pixels corresponding to an aspect ratio of 16: 9 is input, the image signal corresponds to the number of horizontal / vertical pixels of the image signal. A display device configured to display and output the computer image on a display screen having an aspect ratio of 16: 9 depending on the resolution to be used. 7. The display output means includes a display output based on a predetermined number of horizontal / vertical pixels corresponding to a 16: 9 aspect ratio and a predetermined horizontal / vertical pixel corresponding to a 4: 3 aspect ratio.
7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein the display device is configured to be switchable between a display output based on the number of vertical pixels. 8. A computer device provided with image processing means for converting a computer image based on a predetermined number of horizontal / vertical pixels corresponding to an aspect ratio of 16: 9 into an image signal and outputting the image signal, A display device configured to display and output the computer image on a display screen having an aspect ratio of 16: 9 with a resolution corresponding to the number of horizontal / vertical pixels of the signal. A display system characterized in that: 9. An image processing method for converting and outputting a computer image as an image signal for performing display based on a set number of horizontal / vertical pixels, wherein the aspect ratio is at least 16: 9. An image processing method, wherein a corresponding predetermined number of horizontal / vertical pixels can be set. 10. An area obtained by a required number of horizontal / vertical pixels from an area obtained by a predetermined number of horizontal / vertical pixels corresponding to an aspect ratio of 4: 3 is extracted as an effective display screen. 10. The image processing method according to claim 9, wherein the number of horizontal / vertical pixels corresponding to an aspect ratio of 9: 9 is set. 11. Switching between a predetermined number of horizontal / vertical pixels corresponding to an aspect ratio of 16: 9 and a setting of a predetermined number of horizontal / vertical pixels corresponding to an aspect ratio of 4: 3 is possible. The image processing method according to claim 9, wherein the method is configured. 12. The image according to claim 9, wherein the number of horizontal / vertical pixels corresponding to the 16: 9 aspect ratio is 848 horizontal pixels and 480 vertical pixels. Processing method. 13. The image according to claim 9, wherein the number of horizontal / vertical pixels corresponding to the aspect ratio of 16: 9 is 1060 horizontal pixels and 600 vertical pixels. Processing method.