JP2011100231A - Switching device, display device, operation control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a switching device for automatically switching connection between a plurality of electronic devices and peripheral equipment. <P>SOLUTION: The switching device 100 displays one of image signals from the plurality of electronic devices selectively on a display device. The switching device 100 includes a switching control part 101 connecting the electronic device that outputs an image signal out of the plurality of electronic devices, selectively to the peripheral equipment when the image signal is input from one of the plurality of electronic devices. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a switching device, a display device, an operation control method, and a program, and more particularly to a switching device that selectively displays one of video signals from a plurality of electronic devices on a display device.

  When using multiple personal computers (PCs) connected to a single display device, operation devices such as a keyboard and mouse are required for each PC, and not only the installation location is required, It is complicated to determine which operating device is connected to which PC, and there is a problem in operability.

  In order to solve such a problem, for example, in Patent Documents 1 and 2, a set of peripheral devices including an operation device is included in a PC operated by a user among a plurality of PCs using a switching device or a switching device. A method of connecting is proposed. Patent Document 3 proposes a method of switching between a PC image and peripheral devices by keyboard operation.

JP 2001-43178 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-341692 JP 2000-242377 A

  However, in the methods disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3, the user must be aware of which PC is connected to the peripheral device and must perform the switching operation of the switching device.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems and provide a switching device, a display device, an operation control method, and a program capable of automatically switching the connection between a plurality of electronic devices and peripheral devices.

  The switching device according to the present invention is a switching device that selectively displays one of video signals from a plurality of electronic devices on a display device, and when a video signal is input from any of the plurality of electronic devices, Switch control means for selectively connecting an electronic device that outputs the video signal and a peripheral device among the plurality of electronic devices is provided.

  A display device according to the present invention includes the switching device.

  An operation control method according to the present invention is an operation control method for a switching device that selectively displays one of video signals from a plurality of electronic devices on a display device, and the video signal is transmitted from any of the plurality of electronic devices. A switching control step of selectively connecting a peripheral device to an electronic device that outputs the video signal among the plurality of electronic devices when input is provided.

  A program according to the present invention is a program that causes a computer to execute an operation control method of a switching device that selectively displays one of video signals from a plurality of electronic devices on a display device. When a video signal is input from the electronic device, a process of selectively connecting an electronic device that outputs the video signal and a peripheral device among the plurality of electronic devices is executed.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to automatically switch connection between a plurality of electronic devices and peripheral devices.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the switching apparatus for demonstrating the principle of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the display apparatus by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the display apparatus by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the display apparatus by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the display apparatus by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of switching history information stored in a memory in the image processing MPU of FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of switching history information stored in a memory in the image processing MPU of FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of switching history information stored in a memory in the image processing MPU of FIG. 4.

  Before describing embodiments of the present invention, the principle of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings in order to help understanding of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a switching device for explaining the principle of the present invention.

  A switching device 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a switching device that selectively displays one of video signals from a plurality of electronic devices on a display device, and a video signal is input from any of the plurality of electronic devices. And a switching control unit 101 that selectively connects an electronic device that outputs the video signal and a peripheral device among the plurality of electronic devices.

  As described above, when the video signal is input, the switching control unit 101 selectively connects the electronic device that has started outputting the video signal and the peripheral device. Can be switched automatically.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2, the display device 31 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a liquid crystal panel 32, an image processing MPU (Micro Processing Unit) 33, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) hub 36, a changeover switch 37, A switching button 38, image input terminals 41 and 43, and USB terminals 42 and 44 to 46 are included.

  The personal computer (PC) 11 is connected to the image input terminal 41 of the display device 31 by the video signal cable 12 and is connected to the USB terminal 42 by the USB cable 13. The PC 21 is connected to the image input terminal 43 of the display device 31 through the video signal cable 22 and is connected to the USB terminal 44 through the USB cable 23. The image input terminals 41 and 43 are connected to the image input ports 34 and 35 of the image processing MPU 33, respectively, and a video signal from the PC 11 or PC 21 is input to the image processing MPU 33.

  The image processing MPU 33 is connected to the liquid crystal panel 32, and scales one of the video signals input to the image input ports 34 and 35 to suit the resolution of the liquid crystal panel 32 and outputs it to the liquid crystal panel 32. Thereby, the video from PC11 or PC21 is displayed. The image processing MPU 33 also has an on-screen display function for displaying characters on the screen of the liquid crystal panel 32, a function for adjusting the brightness and contrast of the screen, the display position, and the like.

  The image input ports 34 and 35 have a function of detecting video signals (synchronization signals) from the PC 11 and the PC 21, respectively. The switch button 38 is connected to the image processing MPU 33, and when the switch button 38 is pressed, the image processing MPU 33 switches between the image input ports 34 and 35 and displays an arbitrary image of the PC 11 or PC 21 on the liquid crystal panel 32. can do.

  The USB terminals 42 and 44 are connected to the changeover switch 37, and the changeover switch 37 is connected to the USB hub 36. The USB hub 36 is connected to USB terminals 45 and 46, a keyboard 61 is connected to the USB terminal 45, and a mouse 71 is connected to the USB terminal 46. The changeover switch 37 is connected to the image processing MPU 33, and switches between outputting a signal from the USB hub 36 to the USB terminal 42 or outputting to the USB terminal 44 according to switching signals 39 and 40 from the image processing MPU 33. Can do. The image processing MPU 33 includes a switching control unit (not shown), and the switching control unit performs selection of a video signal output to the liquid crystal panel 32 and switching control using the switching signals 39 and 40.

  Next, the operation of the display device 31 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3A is a flowchart showing the operation of the display device 31 when the input of a video signal is started from any PC. FIG. 3B is a flowchart showing that the video signal is selected for display on the liquid crystal panel 32. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the display device 31 when there is no video signal input from the connected PC (PC connected to the keyboard 61 and the mouse 71).

  2 and 3, when the user turns on the PC 11 while the PCs 11 and 21 are turned off, the video signal from the PC 11 is input to the image input port 34 of the image processing MPU 33 (step S11). ). The image processing MPU 33 scales the video signal input to the image input port 34 in accordance with the resolution of the liquid crystal panel 32, and displays the video signal from the PC 11 on the liquid crystal panel 32 (step S12).

  Further, the image processing MPU 33 turns on the switching signal 39 and outputs it to the switch 37. At this time, the switching signal 40 is off. When the switching signal 39 is turned on, the selector switch 37 performs switching so that the USB signal from the USB hub 36 is connected to the USB terminal 42 (step S13). As a result, the keyboard 61 connected to the USB terminal 45 and the mouse 71 connected to the USB terminal 46 are connected to the PC 11. As described above, the user can operate the PC 11.

  Next, when the user turns on the PC 21 to use the PC 21, the video signal from the PC 21 is input to the image input port 35 of the image processing MPU 33 (step S11). When the image processing MPU 33 detects that a video signal has been input to the image input port 35, the image processing MPU 33 stops outputting the video signal from the PC 11 input to the image input port 34 to the liquid crystal panel 32, and the image input port 35. Is scaled according to the resolution of the liquid crystal panel 32, and the video signal from the PC 21 is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 32 (step S12).

  Further, the image processing MPU 33 turns off the switching signal 39 and turns on the switching signal 40. When the switching signal 40 is turned on, the selector switch 37 performs switching so as to connect the USB signal from the USB hub 36 to the USB terminal 44 (step S13). Thereby, the keyboard 61 connected to the USB terminal 45 and the mouse 71 connected to the USB terminal 46 are connected to the PC 21. As described above, the user can operate the PC 21.

  Next, when the use of the PC 21 is finished and the user turns off the power of the PC 21, the video signal from the PC 21 is turned off (step S21). The image input port 35 detects that the video signal is no longer input, and the image processing MPU 33 displays the video signal from the PC 11 input to the image input port 34 on the liquid crystal panel 32 (steps S22 and S23).

  Further, the image processing MPU 33 turns on the switching signal 39 and turns off the switching signal 40. When the switching signal 39 is turned on, the selector switch 37 performs switching so as to connect the USB signal from the USB hub 36 to the USB terminal 42 (step S24). As a result, the keyboard 61 connected to the USB terminal 45 and the mouse 71 connected to the USB terminal 46 are connected to the PC 11. As described above, the user can operate the PC 11.

  Next, when the use of the PC 11 is finished and the user turns off the PC 11, the video signal from the PC 11 is turned off (step S21). The image input port 34 detects that no video signal has been input, and the image processing MPU 33 turns off the output to the liquid crystal panel 32 (steps S22 and S25). Further, the image processing MPU 33 turns off the switching signals 39 and 40. When the switching signals 39 and 40 are turned off, the changeover switch 37 switches the USB signal from the USB hub 36 to a neutral position where neither the USB terminal 42 nor 44 is connected (step S26).

  When the user turns on the switching button 38, if a video signal is detected at the image input port 34, the image processing MPU 33 displays the video signal on the liquid crystal panel 32, turns on the switching signal 39, and turns on the switching signal 40. Turn off. The changeover switch 37 performs switching so that the USB signal from the USB hub 36 is connected to the USB terminal 42 when the switching signal 39 is turned on. As a result, the keyboard 61 connected to the USB terminal 45 and the mouse 71 connected to the USB terminal 46 are connected to the PC 11. As described above, the user can also select the operation of the PC 11.

  When the user turns off the switching button 38, when a video signal is detected at the image input port 35, the image processing MPU 33 displays the video signal on the liquid crystal panel 32 and turns off the switching signal 39. Turn on 40. The changeover switch 37 performs switching so that the USB signal from the USB hub 36 is connected to the USB terminal 44 when the switching signal 40 is turned on. Thereby, the keyboard 61 connected to the USB terminal 45 and the mouse 71 connected to the USB terminal 46 are connected to the PC 21. Thus, the user can also select the operation of the PC 21.

  As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the image processing MPU 33 monitors the input of video signals from a plurality of PCs and selects one of the plurality of PCs and peripheral devices. Thus, the connection between a plurality of PCs and peripheral devices can be automatically switched.

  In the first embodiment of the present invention, since the connection of the peripheral device is automatically switched to the PC whose image is displayed on the display unit among the plurality of PCs, the user can connect to which PC the peripheral device is connected. Can be used without being aware of what is being done. Further, it is possible to arbitrarily select a PC operated by the user using the switching button 38.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a display device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The display device 31 according to the second embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 4 further includes an image input terminal 84 and USB terminals 85 and 87 in addition to the configuration of FIG. An image input port 88 is added to the image processing MPU 33. The PC 81 is connected to the image input terminal 84 of the display device 31 by the video signal cable 82 and is connected to the USB terminal 85 by the USB cable 83. A printer 91 is connected to the USB terminal 87 as one of peripheral devices.

  FIG. 5A is a flowchart showing the operation of the display device 31 according to the second embodiment of the present invention when input of a video signal is started from any PC, and FIG. 5B is a liquid crystal panel. According to the second embodiment of the present invention when there is no video signal input from a PC (a PC connected to the keyboard 61, mouse 71, and printer 91) whose video signal is selected to be displayed on the computer 32. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the display device 31.

  4 and 5, when the user turns on the PC 11 while the PCs 11, 21, and 81 are turned off, the image processing MPU 33 detects that a video signal has been input to the image input port 34. (Step S31). Then, the image processing MPU 33 displays the video signal from the PC 11 on the liquid crystal panel 32 (step S32), turns on the switching signal 39, turns off the switching signal 40, and turns off the switching signal 86 (step S33).

  The changeover switch 37 performs switching so that the USB signal from the USB hub 36 is connected to the USB terminal 42 when the switching signal 39 is turned on. As a result, the keyboard 61 connected to the USB terminal 45, the mouse 71 connected to the USB terminal 46, and the printer 91 connected to the USB terminal 87 are connected to the PC 11. As described above, the user can operate the PC 11 and print on the printer 91.

  Then, the image processing MPU 33 stores the selected image input port and the state of the switching signal as “current state” in an internal memory (not shown) (step S34).

  Next, when the user turns on the power of the PC 21, the image processing MPU 33 detects that a video signal has been input to the image input port 35 (step S31). Then, the image processing MPU 33 displays the video signal from the PC 21 on the liquid crystal panel 32 (step S32), turns off the switching signal 39, turns on the switching signal 40, and turns off the switching signal 86 (step S33).

  The changeover switch 37 performs switching so that the USB signal from the USB hub 36 is connected to the USB terminal 44 when the switching signal 40 is turned on. As a result, the keyboard 61 connected to the USB terminal 45, the mouse 71 connected to the USB terminal 46, and the printer 91 connected to the USB terminal 87 are connected to the PC 21. As described above, the user can operate the PC 21 and print on the printer 91.

  Then, the image processing MPU 33 updates the contents of the internal memory from FIG. 6 to FIG. 7 (step S34). That is, the image processing MPU 33 stores the state in which the PC 11 has been operated as “state 1 before switching” as shown in FIG. 7 in the internal memory, and the state after switching to the PC 21 is “current state”. Remember as.

  Next, when the user turns on the power of the PC 81, the image processing MPU 33 detects that a video signal has been input to the image input port 88 (step S31). Then, the image processing MPU 33 displays the video signal from the PC 81 on the liquid crystal panel 32 (step S32), turns off the switching signal 39, turns off the switching signal 40, and turns on the switching signal 86 (step S33).

  The changeover switch 37 performs switching so that the USB signal from the USB hub 36 is connected to the USB terminal 85 when the changeover signal 86 is turned on. Thereby, the keyboard 61 connected to the USB terminal 45, the mouse 71 connected to the USB terminal 46, and the printer 91 connected to the USB terminal 87 are connected to the PC 81. As described above, the user can operate the PC 81 and print on the printer 91.

  Then, the image processing MPU 33 updates the contents of the internal memory from FIG. 7 to FIG. 8 (step S34). That is, the image processing MPU 33 stores the state in which the PC 11 has been operated as “state 2 before switching” as shown in FIG. 8 in the internal memory, and the state in which the PC 21 has been operated as “before switching”. “State 1” is stored, and the state after switching to the PC 81 is stored as “Current state”.

  Next, when the use of the PC 81 is finished and the user turns off the power of the PC 81, the video signal from the PC 81 is turned off, so that the image input port 88 detects that no video signal has been input (step S41). . Here, the power sources of the PCs 11 and 21 are turned on, and the image input ports 34 and 35 detect video signals from the PCs 11 and 21 (step S42). Therefore, the image processing MPU 33 reads “state 1 before switching” in the internal memory shown in FIG. 8, selects the image input port 35, and displays the video signal from the PC 21 on the liquid crystal panel 32 (step S43). 39 is turned off, the switching signal 40 is turned on, and the switching signal 86 is turned off (step S44).

  The changeover switch 37 performs switching so that the USB signal from the USB hub 36 is connected to the USB terminal 44 when the switching signal 40 is turned on. As a result, the keyboard 61 connected to the USB terminal 45, the mouse 71 connected to the USB terminal 46, and the printer 91 connected to the USB terminal 87 are connected to the PC 21. As described above, the user can operate the PC 21 and print on the printer 91.

  Then, the image processing MPU 33 updates the contents of the internal memory from FIG. 8 to FIG. 7 (step S45). That is, the image processing MPU 33 stores the state after switching to the PC 21 as “current state” as shown in FIG. 7 in the internal memory, and the information of “state 2 before switching” in FIG. The state of being operated) is stored in “State 1 before switching”. The information of “State 2 before switching” is cleared.

  Next, when the use of the PC 21 is finished and the user turns off the power of the PC 21, the video signal from the PC 21 is turned off, so that the image input port 35 detects that no video signal has been input (step S41). . Here, the power source of the PC 11 is turned on, and the image input port 34 detects a video signal from the PC 11 (step S42). Therefore, the image processing MPU 33 reads “state 1 before switching” in the internal memory shown in FIG. 7 and displays the video signal from the PC 11 input to the image input port 34 on the liquid crystal panel 32 (step S43). The switching signal 39 is turned on, the switching signal 40 is turned off, and the switching signal 86 is turned off (step S44).

  The changeover switch 37 performs switching so that the USB signal from the USB hub 36 is connected to the USB terminal 42 when the switching signal 39 is turned on. As a result, the keyboard 61 connected to the USB terminal 45, the mouse 71 connected to the USB terminal 46, and the printer 91 connected to the USB terminal 87 are connected to the PC 11. As described above, the user can operate the PC 11 and print on the printer 91. In step S42, since the input of the video signal is only from the PC 11, in this case, the image processing MPU 33 selects the video signal from the PC 11, the PC 11 and the peripheral devices 61 and 71, and without referring to the internal memory. It is also possible to connect to 91.

  Then, the image processing MPU 33 updates the contents of the internal memory from FIG. 7 to FIG. 6 (step S45). That is, the image processing MPU 33 stores the state after switching to the PC 11 as “current state” as shown in FIG. 6 in the internal memory, and clears the information of “state 1 before switching”.

  Next, when the use of the PC 11 is finished and the user turns off the power of the PC 11, the video signal from the PC 11 is turned off, so that the image input port 34 detects that no video signal has been input (step S41). . Since no video signal is input from any PC (step S42), the image processing MPU 33 turns off the output to the liquid crystal panel 32 (step S46) and turns off the switching signals 39, 40 and 86 (step S47). .

  The changeover switch 37 switches the USB signal from the USB hub 36 to a neutral position that is not connected to any of the USB terminals 42, 44, and 85 when the switching signals 39, 40, and 86 are turned off. Then, the image processing MPU 33 updates the contents of the internal memory to clear the “current state” information in FIG. 6 (step S48).

  Note that an input of a video signal from a PC that outputs a video signal but does not select the video signal (a PC that outputs the video signal but is not connected to the keyboard 61, mouse 71, and printer 91). When it disappears, the image processing MPU 33 does not perform switching control but updates the internal memory. For example, when the power of the PC 21 is turned off from the state in which the power is turned on in the order of the PCs 11, 21, and 81, the image processing MPU 33 clears the information of “State 1 before switching” in FIG. Information of “state 2 before switching” is stored as “state 1 before switching”.

  Each time the user presses the switching button 38, the image processing MPU 33 selects the image input port 34, turns on the switching signal 39, turns off the switching signal 40 and turns off the switching signal 86, and selects the image input port 35. The process of turning off the switching signal 39, turning on the switching signal 40 and turning off the switching signal 86, selecting the image input port 88, turning off the switching signal 39, turning off the switching signal 40, and turning on the switching signal 86 are sequentially performed. . As a result, the user can arbitrarily select the operation of the PCs 11, 21, and 81.

  As described above, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the image processing MPU 33 monitors the input of video signals from a plurality of PCs and selects one of the plurality of PCs and peripheral devices. Thus, the connection between a plurality of PCs and peripheral devices can be automatically switched.

  In the second embodiment of the present invention, since the connection of the peripheral device is automatically switched to the PC whose image is displayed on the display unit among the plurality of PCs, the user can connect to which PC the peripheral device is connected. Can be used without being aware of what is being done. Further, it is possible to arbitrarily select a PC operated by the user using the switching button 38.

  In the second embodiment of the present invention, the image processing MPU 33 stores the history of selection operations (switching order) in the memory, and the video signal input from the PC connected to the peripheral device is interrupted. Since the PC connected to the peripheral device is selected with reference to the memory, the connection between the plurality of PCs and the peripheral device is automatically performed even when there are three or more PCs connected to the display device 31. Can be switched.

  The processing operation of the display device according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 is such that a program stored in advance in a storage medium such as a ROM is read by a computer serving as a CPU (control unit) in the device. Of course, it can be realized by executing the command.

11, 21, 81 PC
12, 22, 82 Video signal cable 13, 23, 83 USB cable
31 Display device
32 LCD panel
33 Image processing MPU
34, 35, 88 Image input port
36 USB hub
37 selector switch
38 Switching button 41, 43, 84 Image input terminal 42, 44, 85 USB terminal 45, 46, 87 USB terminal
61 keyboard
71 mouse
91 Printer
100 switching device
101 switching control unit

Claims (10)

A switching device that selectively displays one of video signals from a plurality of electronic devices on a display device,
When a video signal is input from any of the plurality of electronic devices, the electronic device includes a switching control unit that selectively connects a peripheral device to an electronic device that outputs the video signal among the plurality of electronic devices. Switching device to do.   When the input of the video signal from the electronic device that is selectively connected to the peripheral device is interrupted, the switching control unit is configured to select one of the plurality of electronic devices that output the video signal. The switching device according to claim 1, wherein one and the peripheral device are selectively connected. A storage means for storing a history of selection operations of the switching control means for selectively connecting one of the plurality of electronic devices and the peripheral device;
The switching control unit selects an electronic device connected to the peripheral device based on the history when an input of a video signal from the electronic device selectively connected to the peripheral device is interrupted. The switching device according to claim 2.   The switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the switching control unit selects a video signal from the electronic device selectively connected to the peripheral device to be displayed on the display device.   A display device comprising the switching device according to claim 1. An operation control method for a switching device for selectively displaying one of video signals from a plurality of electronic devices on a display device,
When a video signal is input from any of the plurality of electronic devices, the method includes a switching control step of selectively connecting an electronic device that outputs the video signal and a peripheral device among the plurality of electronic devices. Motion control method.   In the switching control step, when an input of a video signal from the electronic device selectively connected to the peripheral device is interrupted, among the electronic devices that output the video signal among the plurality of electronic devices 7. The operation control method according to claim 6, wherein one and the peripheral device are selectively connected.   The switching control step selectively connects one of the plurality of electronic devices and the peripheral device when an input of a video signal from the electronic device selectively connected to the peripheral device is interrupted. 8. The operation control method according to claim 7, wherein an electronic device connected to the peripheral device is selected based on the history of a storage unit that stores a history of selection operations in the switching control step.   9. The operation control method according to claim 6, wherein the switching control step selects the video signal from the electronic device selectively connected to the peripheral device to be displayed on the display device. . A program for causing a computer to execute an operation control method of a switching device that selectively displays one of video signals from a plurality of electronic devices on a display device,
When a video signal is input from any of the plurality of electronic devices, a process of selectively connecting a peripheral device to an electronic device that outputs the video signal among the plurality of electronic devices is performed. program.

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