Picture display device and picture display method Number:7,176,908 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) owispatent Video signals from a plurality of personal computers are written to a memory that stores video signals for a plurality of display screens through respective buffers. The video signals may be read from the respective buffers and displayed simultaneously on a single monitor. By selecting the video displayed in a portion of the monitor, the personal computer sending those video signals to the monitor may be selected for active operation. In this manner, a single set of input devices may be used to control a plurality of personal computers.<H display, picture, Picture, display, 7176908.html, Patent, pto, 7176908

Title: Picture display device and picture display method

Abstract: Video signals from a plurality of personal computers are written to a memory that stores video signals for a plurality of display screens through respective buffers. The video signals may be read from the respective buffers and displayed simultaneously on a single monitor. By selecting the video displayed in a portion of the monitor, the personal computer sending those video signals to the monitor may be selected for active operation. In this manner, a single set of input devices may be used to control a plurality of personal computers.

Patent Number: 7,176,908 Issued on 02/13/2007 to Matsubara, et al.

Inventors: Matsubara; Yoshiaki (Tokyo, JP), Yamazaki; Nobuo (Chiba, JP), Takegoshi; Hirotaka (Kanagawa, JP)
Assignee: Sony Corporation (JP)

Appl. No.: 09/936,158

Filed: January 10, 2001

PCT Filed: January 10, 2001

PCT No.: PCT/JP01/00058

371(c)(1),(2),(4) Date: February 28, 2002

PCT Pub. No.: WO01/52031

PCT Pub. Date: July 19, 2001

Foreign Application Priority Data


Jan 12, 2000 [JP]			P2000-003363
Feb 22, 2000 [JP]			P2000-044447
Feb 22, 2000 [JP]			P2000-044448

Current U.S. Class: 345/204 ; 345/168; 345/632; 345/633; 345/635

Current International Class: G09G 5/00 (20060101)

Field of Search: 345/563,572,204,1.2,733-736,750,1.1,501,168,632-635,690,698,503,443 714/48 386/52 360/13 375/240.03 725/35 364/514 710/8,65 395/183.22 379/96 348/553,556,806

References Cited [Referenced By]

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Foreign Patent Documents


950944	Oct., 1999	EP
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4-295926	Oct., 1992	JP
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7-271966	Oct., 1995	JP
10-083273	Mar., 1998	JP
10-133821	May., 1998	JP
10-187303	Jul., 1998	JP
11-126119	May., 1999	JP
11-167479	Jun., 1999	JP
2000-10680	Jan., 2000	JP
2000-214836	Aug., 2000	JP
2000-305543	Nov., 2000	JP

Primary Examiner: Shalwala; Bipin
Assistant Examiner: Dharia; Parbodh
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Lerner, David, Littenberg, Krumholz & Mentlik, LLP

Claims

The invention claimed is:

1. A picture display device for displaying a video signal supplied from a data process device, comprising: input means for inputting a plurality of video signals that are outputted by a plurality of data process devices; communication means for bi-directionally communicating with each of the plurality of data process devices to receive associated synchronous frequency information for each of the plurality of video signals; video process means for combining the inputted plurality of video signals into a combined video signal for display on one screen according to associated picture size information for each of the plurality of video signals, the picture size information associated with a given one of the plurality of video signals being based on the received synchronous frequency information associated with that video signal; display means for displaying the combined video signal that is outputted from said video signal process means; input device connection means for connecting to an input device and for receiving, from the input device, a first control signal based on a user input operation; transmission means for generating a second control signal for controlling the plurality of data process devices, the second control signal being based on the first control signal outputted from said input device connection means, and for causing said communication means to transmit the first control signal and the second control signal to the plurality of data process devices; and communication control means for controlling said communication means to communicate with each of the plurality of data process devices.

2. The picture display device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said communications means supplies the first control signal to a selected data process device of the plurality of data process devices and notifies the other data process devices that the user input operation has not been performed.

3. The picture display device as set forth in claim 1, wherein a screen of said display means is comprised of a plurality of display areas corresponding to the plurality of data process devices, the plurality of data process devices are controlled so that a control pointer that is displayable in the display areas of the data process devices is moved among specific ones of the display areas according to an operation of the input device, and a data process device corresponding to a display area in which the display pointer is displayed is selected as a controllable object using the first control signal.

4. The picture display device as set forth in claim 3, wherein the communications between said communication means and the plurality of data process devices are controlled on the screen of said display means using the input device.

5. The picture display device as set forth in claim 1, further comprising: means for issuing an operation command intended for the plurality of data process devices, the operation command being transmitted to the plurality of data process devices by said communication means.

6. The picture display device as set forth in claim 1, further comprising: operation means for outputting a third control signal corresponding to a further user control operation, wherein control of said video process means is based on the third control signal.

7. The picture display device as set forth in claim 6, further comprising: means for issuing an operation command for the plurality of data process devices, the issuance of the operation command being controlled according to the third control signal.

8. The picture display device as set forth in claim 1, further comprising: picture generation means for generating a picture portion that represents a display state of a picture displayed by said display means, control states of each of the plurality of data process devices, and a control state of the picture display device.

9. The picture display device as set forth in claim 8, wherein said picture generation means generates a picture portion that represents display states of pictures formed of the combined video signals displayed by said display means and that represents communication states among the plurality of data process devices.

10. A method of displaying a video signal supplied from a data process device, said method comprising: inputting a plurality of video signals received from a plurality of data process devices; bi-directionally communicating with each one of the plurality of data process devices to receive associated synchronous frequency information for each of the plurality of video signals; combining the received plurality of video signals into a combined video signal for display on one screen according to associated picture size information for each of the plurality of video signals, the picture size information associated with a given one of the plurality of video signals being based on the received synchronous frequency information associated with that video signal; displaying the combined video signal; receiving, from an input device, a first control signal based on a user input operation; generating a second control signal for controlling the plurality of data process devices, the second control signal being based on the first control signal; transmitting the first control signal and the second control signal to the plurality of data process devices; and controlling communications with the plurality of data process devices such that the plurality of data process devices bi-directionally communicates with each other.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a picture display device and a picture display method that allow a plurality of computer devices to be connected, display screens thereof to be displayed on one screen, and the connected computer devices connected to be controlled by a common input device.

2. Background Art

Conventional computer devices are connected to an external monitor device and input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse. A user operates the input devices corresponding to a display on the monitor device so as to cause application software to perform a data process or the like.

Depending on a desired process and user's requirement, a plurality of computer devices may be activated and operated in parallel. In this case, from a viewpoint of the installation space of the monitor device and so forth, it is preferred to connect a plurality of computer devices to one monitor device.

FIG. 1 shows an example of which two computer devices 501A and 501B are connected to one monitor device 500 according to related art. In the following description, it is assumed that the computer devices are personal computers. The monitor device 500 can input two channels of video signals. A video signal 502A that is output from the personal computer main body 501A is input to a first video input terminal (not shown) of the monitor device. Likewise, a video signal 502B that is output from the personal computer main body 501B is input to a second video input terminal (not shown) of the monitor device 500.

A display portion 507 of the monitor device 500 displays contents corresponding to the video signals that are input from the first and second video input terminals. The monitor device 500 has an operation switch 505 on its front panel. For example, by operating the operation switch 505, an OSD (On Screen Display) screen 506 that represents settings of the monitor device 500 can be displayed in a predetermined area of the display portion 507. In addition, by operating the operation switch 505 in a predetermined manner, setting values of the monitor device 500 (for example, contrast, brightness, hue, and so forth) can be changed. Corresponding to the changed values, the display picture quality of the monitor device 500 are changed. In addition, a display of the OSD screen 506 is updated.

As input devices that allow a user's command to be input to the personal computer main body 501A, a keyboard 503A and a mouse 504A are connected thereto. The keyboard 503A transmits input key information to the personal computer main body 501A. The mouse 504A transmits the movement amounts in the (X, Y) directions of the mouse 504A and button operation information thereof to the personal computer main body 501A.

For example, the personal computer main body 501A converts the mouse movement amounts supplied from the mouse 504A into coordinates on the display portion 507 of the monitor device 500 so as to generate a video signal for displaying a cursor on the coordinates. The video signal for displaying the cursor is superimposed with the video signal 502A. The superimposed signal is supplied to the monitor device 500. As a result, the monitor device 500 displays a cursor 508.

Likewise, a keyboard 503B and a mouse 504B are connected to the personal computer main body 501B. Key information, mouse movement amounts, and button operation information are transmitted to the personal computer main body 501B. In the same manner as the personal computer main body 501A, the cursor 508 is displayed.

In the related art shown in FIG. 1, the video signal is statically switched between the video signal 502A of the personal computer main body 501A and the video signal 502B of the personal computer main body 501B by operating for example the operation switch 505.

FIG. 2 shows an example of the structure of the above-described monitor device 500. The video signal 502A that is output from the personal computer main body 501A and the video signal 502B that is output from the personal computer main body 501B are input to a first input terminal and a second input terminal of a video switch 512. The video switch 512 is controlled by a CPU 511 (that will be described later) so as to select one of the video signals that are input to the first input terminal and the second input terminal. The selected video signal is output from the video switch 512 and supplied to a first input terminal of a video mix circuit 514.

The monitor device 500 has the above-mentioned CPU 511. A signal corresponding to the operation of the operation switch 505 is supplied to the CPU 511. When the operation of the operation switch 505 represents the switching between the personal computer main body 501A and the personal computer main body 501B, a control signal that causes an input to be switched is supplied from the CPU 511 to the video switch 512.

When the operation of the operation switch 505 represents the displaying of the OSD screen 506, a command that causes the OSD screen 506 to be displayed is supplied from the CPU 511 to a character generator 25, 513. The character generator 513 generates a video signal for displaying the OSD screen 506 corresponding to the supplied command. The generated video signal is for example RGB signals. The video signal is supplied to a second input terminal of the video mix circuit 514.

The video mix circuit 514 switches the video signals supplied to the first and second input terminals at predetermined timings so that the OSD screen 506 is displayed at a predetermined area of the display portion 507. A video signal that is output from the video mix circuit 514 is supplied to a picture display device 516 composed of for example a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and a corresponding drive circuit through a display control circuit 515.

The picture display device 516 causes the display portion 507 to display a picture corresponding to the frequency and resolution of the supplied video signal. For example, the picture display device 516 detects a horizontal synchronous signal and a vertical synchronous signal contained in the supplied video signal so as to obtain the horizontal frequency and vertical frequency.

When the settings of the monitor device 500 are changed by an operation of the operation switch 505, a control signal corresponding to the changed settings is supplied form the CPU 511 to the display control circuit 515. Corresponding to the control signal the video signal supplied to the display control circuit 515 is processed so as to adjust the display picture quality and so forth of the picture display device 516.

Since the computer devices 501A and 501B are connected to the monitor device 500 in such a manner, when the user operates the operation switch 505 in a predetermined manner, the personal computer main bodies 501A and 501B can be switchably operated. When the personal computer main body 501A has been selected, the user can operate it using the mouse 504A and the keyboard 503A while observing the display of the monitor device 500. Likewise, when the personal computer main body 501B has been selected, the user can operate it using the mouse 504B and the keyboard 503B while observing the display of the monitor device 500.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, when a plurality of personal computer main bodies 501A and 501B connected to the monitor device 500 are connected through a network 520, a data communication can be performed between the personal computer main bodies 501A and 501B. For example, a file can be transferred from the personal computer main body 50A to the personal computer main body 501B through the network 520.

Conventionally, even if a plurality of computer devices are connectable to one monitor device, the video switch that switches video signals of the plurality of computer devices that are connected is static as was described above. In addition, the frequencies of the video signals that are input from the plurality of computer devices are different and asynchronous. Thus, there is a problem of which video signals of a plurality of computer devices cannot be displayed on one monitor device at a time.

In other words, conventionally, to display video signals of for example two computer devices at a time, it is inevitable to use two monitor devices corresponding to the computer devices.

In addition, conventionally, to operate a plurality of computer devices, a corresponding number of sets of input devices such as keyboards and mice are required. Thus, from view points of installation space and operability, the conventional method is not effective.

In addition, the signal formats of video signals supplied from a plurality of computer devices connected to one monitor device are subject to be different and asynchronous. In such a case, in particular, when the monitor device 500 uses a CRT as a picture display device, to switch a plurality of video signals, it takes a time to determine the system of the supplied video signals. Thus, conventionally, a plurality of video signals cannot be quickly switched.

In addition, even if two personal computers 501A and 501B are connected to the monitor device 500, since the monitor device 500 can display only a video signal supplied from only one personal computer, the user should operate the operation switch 505 so as to manually select one of the personal computers 501A and 501B. Thus, even if the personal computer main body 501A and the personal computer main body 501B are connected through the network 520 as shown in FIG. 3, when the user tries to operate a file between the two personal computers 501A and 501B, the operation procedure becomes troublesome and takes a long time to switch the two personal computers. Consequently, the operability becomes low and the operation becomes inconvenient.

Depending on the OS (Operating System) for use, to operate a file between two different personal computers, it is necessary to exchange data therebetween through a common folder that can be accessed from the two personal computers. For example, when a file of the personal computer 501A is opened by an application of the personal computer 501B, the user selects the signal 502A using the operation switch 505, causes a picture of the personal computer 501A to be displayed, and moves or copies a desired file to the common folder. Thereafter, the user selects the signal 502B using the operation switch 505 and causes the monitor device 500 to display the screen of the personal computer 501B. Thereafter, the user opens the common folder, selects a desired file of the folder, and causes the application of the personal computer main body 501B to open the selected file. Thus, according to the related art, even if data is transferred between the personal computer 501A and the personal computer 501B, the process becomes troublesome.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a picture display device and a picture display method that allow video signals that are output from a plurality of computer devices to be displayed on the same screen and the plurality of computer devices to be operated using one set of input devices.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a picture display device and a picture display method that allow a plurality of channels of video signals to be immediately switched.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a picture display device and a picture display method that allow a plurality of computer devices to be connected and data to be transferred thereamong without need to manually switch screens of a monitor device.

According to an aspect of the present invention is a picture display device for displaying a video signal supplied from a data process device, comprising a display means for displaying a video signal, a display control means for controlling the display means to display a plurality of video signals supplied from a plurality of data process devices at a time, an input device connection means to which an input device for outputting a first control signal is output corresponding to a user's operation, and a control signal output means for outputting the first control signal supplied from the input device to the plurality of data process devices.

According to another aspect of the present invention is a picture display method for displaying a video signal supplied from a data process device, comprising the steps of displaying a video signal, controlling displays of a plurality of video signals supplied from a plurality of data process devices at a time at the displaying step, and outputting a first control signal to the plurality of data process devices, the first control signal being supplied from an input device connected to an input device connection means, the first control the input device configured for outputting the first control signal corresponding to a user's operation.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention is a picture display device for displaying a video signal supplied from a data process device, comprising an input means for inputting a plurality of video signals that are output from a plurality of data process devices, a communication means for bi-directionally communicating with each of the plurality of data process devices, a video process means for combining the plurality of video signals that are input by the input means into one screen corresponding to information of the picture size of each of the plurality of video signals that the communication means communicates with each of the plurality of data process devices, a display means for displaying a video signal that is output from the video signal process means, an input device connection means to which an input device is connected, the input device being configured for outputting a first control signal corresponding to a user's operation, a transmission means for generating a second control signal for controlling the plurality of data process devices corresponding to the first control signal that is output from the input device connection means and causing the communication means to transmit the first control signal and the second control signal to the plurality of data process devices, and a communication control means for controlling the communication means to communicate with the plurality of data process devices.

According to still another aspect of the present invention is a picture display method for displaying a video signal supplied from a data process device, comprising the steps of inputting a plurality of video signals that are output from a plurality of data process devices, bi-directionally communicating with each of the plurality of data process devices, combining the plurality of video signals that are input at the input step into one screen corresponding to information of the picture size of each of the plurality of video signals obtained at the communication step with each of the plurality of data process devices, displaying a video signal that is output at the video signal process step, generating a second control signal for controlling the plurality of data process devices corresponding to a first control signal that is output from input device connection means and causing communication means to transmit the first control signal and the second control signal to the plurality of data process devices, an input device being connected to the input device connection means, the input device being configured for outputting the first control signal corresponding to a users operation, and controlling communications with the plurality of data process devices so that they bi-directionally communicate with each other.

According to a further aspect of the present invention is a picture display device for displaying a video signal supplied from a data process device, comprising a communication means for bi-directionally communicating with each of a plurality of data process devices, a video process means for combining the plurality of video signals into one screen corresponding to information of picture sizes of the plurality of video signals that the communication means communicates with the plurality of data process devices, a display means for displaying a video signal that is output from the video signal process means, an input device connection means to which an input device is connected, the input device being configured for outputting a first control signal corresponding to a user's operation, a transmission means for generating a second control signal for controlling the plurality of data process devices corresponding to the first control signal that is output from the input device connection means and causing the communication means to transmit the first control signal and the second control signal to the plurality of data process devices, and a communication control means for controlling the communication means to communicate with the plurality of data process devices.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention is a picture display method for displaying a video signal supplied from a data process device, comprising the steps of bi-directionally communicating with each of a plurality of data process devices, combining the plurality of video signals into one screen corresponding to information of the picture size of each of the plurality of video signals obtained at the communication step with each of the plurality of data process devices, displaying a video signal that is output at the video signal process step, generating a second control signal for controlling the plurality of data process devices corresponding to a first control signal that is output from input device connection means and causing the communication step to transmit the first control signal and the second control signal to the plurality of data process devices, an input device being connected to the input device connection means, the input device being configured for outputting the first control signal corresponding to a user's operation, and controlling communications with the plurality of data process devices so that they bi-directionally communicate with each other.

According to yet a further aspect of the present invention is a picture display device for displaying a video signal supplied from a data process device, comprising an input means for allowing a plurality of video signals that are output from a plurality of data process devices to be input, a communication means for bi-directionally communicating with each of the plurality of data process devices, a video process means for combining the plurality of video signals into one screen corresponding to information of the picture size of each of the plurality of video signals that the communication means communicates with each of the plurality of data process devices,

a display means for displaying a video signal that is output from the video signal process means, an input device connection means to which an input device is connected, the input device being configured for outputting a first control signal corresponding to a user's operation, a transmission means for generating a second control signal for controlling the plurality of data process devices corresponding to the first control signal that is output from the input device connection means and causing the communication means to transmit the first control signal and the second control signal to the plurality of data process devices, and a control means for controlling a data transfer among the plurality of data process devices on the same screen of the display means using the input device.

According to an additional aspect of the present invention is a picture display method for displaying a video signal supplied from a data process device, comprising the steps of allowing a plurality of video signals that are output from a plurality of data process devices to be input, bi-directionally communicating with each of the plurality of data process devices, combining the plurality of video signals into one screen corresponding to information of the picture size of each of the plurality of video signals obtained at the communication step with each of the plurality of data process devices, displaying a video signal that is output at the video signal process step, generating a second control signal for controlling the plurality of data process devices corresponding to a first control signal that is output from input device connection means and causing the communication step to transmit the first control signal and the second control signal to the plurality of data process devices, an input device being connected to the input device connection means, the input device being configured for outputting the first control signal corresponding to a user's operation, and controlling a data transfer among the plurality of data process devices on the same screen o the display means using the input device.

According to a still additional aspect of the present invention is a picture display device for displaying a video signal supplied from a data process device, comprising a display means for allowing a plurality of video signals that are output from a plurality of data process devices to be input and displaying the plurality of video signals that have been input on the same screen, an input device connection means to which an input device for controlling a data process device selected from the plurality of data process devices is connected, and a control means for controlling a data transfer among the plurality of data process devices on the same screen of the display means using the input device.

According to yet an additional aspect of the present invention is a picture display method for displaying a video signal supplied from a data process device, comprising the steps of allowing a plurality of video signals that are output from a plurality of data process devices to be input and displaying the plurality of video signals that have been input on the same screen, controlling a data process device selected from the plurality of data process devices by a connected input device, and controlling a data transfer among the plurality of data process devices on the same screen displayed at the display step using the input device.

According to a further additional aspect of the present invention is a picture display device for displaying a video signal supplied from a data process device, comprising an input means for allowing a plurality of video signals that are output from a plurality of data process devices to be input, a frequency measuring means for measuring synchronous frequencies of the plurality of video signals, a video signal process means for combining the plurality of video signals into one screen corresponding to the measured results of the frequency measuring means, a display means for displaying a video signal that is output from the video signal process means, an input device connection means to which an input device is connected, the input device being configured for outputting a first control signal corresponding to a user's operation, a control means for generating a second control signal for controlling the plurality of data process devices corresponding to the first control signal that is output from the input device connection means, and a communication means for transmitting the first control signal and the second control signal to the plurality of data process devices.

According to another additional aspect of the present invention is a picture display method for displaying a video signal supplied from a data process device, comprising the steps of allowing a plurality of video signals that are output from a plurality of data process devices to be input, measuring the synchronous frequencies of the plurality of video signals, combining the plurality of video signals into one screen corresponding to the measured results at the frequency measuring step, displaying a video signal that is output at the video signal process step, generating a second control signal for controlling the plurality of data process devices corresponding to a first control signal that is output from input device connection means, an input device being connected to the input device connection means, the input device being configured for outputting the first control signal corresponding to a user's operation, and transmitting the first control signal and the second control signal to the plurality of data process devices.

As was described above, according to one or more of the above aspects of the present invention, a plurality of video signals supplied from a plurality of data process devices are displayed on a picture display means at a time. A first control signal that is supplied from an input device corresponding to a user's operation is output to the plurality of data process devices. Thus, corresponding to a display of the picture display means, using one set of input devices, the plurality of data process devices can be controlled.

According to one or more of the above aspects of the present invention, a plurality of video signals that are output from a plurality of data process devices can be input. The plurality of data process devices can bi-directionally communicate with each other. The plurality of video signals that are input at the input step are combined into one screen corresponding to information of the picture size of each of the plurality of video signals obtained at the communication step with each of the plurality of data process devices and displayed by a display means. A first control signal that is output from an input device by a user's operation and a second control signal that controls the plurality of data process devices are transmitted to the plurality of data process devices. The second control signal is generated corresponding to the first control signal. In addition, the plurality of data process devices communicate with each other. Thus, while observing the display of the display means, the communications among the plurality of data process devices can be controlled corresponding to an operation of the input device.

Also, according to one or more of the above aspects of the present invention, a plurality of data process devices bi-directionally communicate with each other. The plurality of video signals are combined into one screen corresponding to information of the picture size of each of the plurality of video signals obtained at the communication step with each of the plurality of data process devices and displayed by a display means. A first control signal that is output from an input device by a user's operation and a second control signal that controls the plurality of data process devices are transmitted to the plurality of data process devices. The second control signal is generated corresponding to the first control signal. In addition, the plurality of data process devices communicate with each other. Thus, while observing the display of the display means, the communications among the plurality of data process devices can be controlled corresponding to an operation of the input device.

Further, according to one or more of the above aspects of the present invention, a plurality of video signals that are output from a plurality of data process devices can be input. In addition, the plurality of data process device can bi-directionally communicate with each other. The plurality of video signals are combined into one screen corresponding to information of the picture size of each of the plurality of video signals obtained at the communication step with each of the plurality of data process devices and displayed by a display means. A first control signal that is output from an input device by a user's operation and a second control signal that controls the plurality of data process devices are transmitted to the plurality of data process devices. The second control signal is generated corresponding to the first control signal. A data transfer is controlled among the plurality of data process devices on the same screen of the display means using the input device. Thus, while observing the display of the display means, data can be transferred among the plurality of data process devices using the input device.

Additionally, according to one or more of the above aspects of the present invention, a plurality of video signals that are output from a plurality of data process devices are displayed on the same screen of a display means. Using an input device that controls a data process device selected from the plurality of data process devices, a data transfer among the plurality of data process devices is controlled on the same screen of the display means. Thus, while observing the display of the display means, data can be transferred among the plurality of data process devices using the input device.

Moreover, according to one or more of the above aspects of the present invention, a plurality of video signals that are output from a plurality of data process devices can be input. The plurality of video signals are combined into one screen corresponding to measured results of synchronous frequencies of the plurality of video signals that have been input and then displayed by a display means. A first control signal that is output from an input device by a user's operation and a second control signal that controls the plurality of data process devices are transmitted to the plurality of data process devices. The second control signal is generated corresponding to the first control signal. Thus, while observing the display of the display means, the plurality of data process devices can be controlled corresponding to an operation of the input device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of which two computer devices are connected to one monitor device according to a related art.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of a monitor device according to the related art.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the operation of a monitor device having two inputs according to the related art.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of a monitor device 1 according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of a monitor device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of a video memory interface.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an address space of an example of a frame memory.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display of a display portion.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display of the display portion.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display of the display portion.,

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an example of a process of a display control according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing an example of a process of a display control according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining a process corresponding to X coordinate of a cursor.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display of an OSD screen.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of a monitor device according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the monitor device according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a more detailed structure of a picture process device.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display of a display portion.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing an example of a move process of a file between personal computers.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing an example of a process in the case that a file is copied between personal computers.

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing various display methods for display screens of a plurality of computer devices against a display portion.

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing more reality of various display methods for display screens of the plurality of computer devices against the display portion.

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing more reality of various display methods for display screens of the plurality of computer devices against the display portion.

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing more reality of various display methods for display screens of the plurality of computer devices against the display portion.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of a monitor device according to a first modification of the third embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of a monitor device according to a second modification of the third embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of a monitor device according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the monitor device according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of a monitor device according to a first modification of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of a monitor device according to a second modification of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of a monitor device according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of a monitor device according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 33 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of a monitor device according to a first modification of the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 34 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of a monitor device according to a second modification of the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 35 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of a monitor device according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 36 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of a monitor device according to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 37 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of a monitor device according to a first modification of the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 38 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of a monitor device according to a second modification of the sixth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Next, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 schematically shows an example of the operation of a monitor device 1 according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4, two computer devices 2A and 2B are connected to the monitor device 1. In the following description, it is assumed that the computer devices are personal computers. Video signals 4A and 4B that are output from the personal computers 2A and 2B, respectively, are supplied to the monitor device 1. The monitor device 1 can display the video signals 4A and 4B in display areas 7A and 7B of a display portion 6.

As input devices, a keyboard 3 and a mouse 14 are connected to the monitor device 1. Thus, the keyboard 3 and the mouse 14 are shared by the two personal computers 2A and 2B. Key information 10 is output from the keyboard 3. Mouse movement amounts and button operation information 11 are output from the mouse 14 (hereinafter "mouse movement amounts and button operation information" is simply abbreviated to "mouse information"). The mouse information is supplied as an input operation signal 5A or 5B to one of the personal computers 2A and 2B that has been selected through the monitor device 1.

In addition, the monitor device 1 has an OSD (On Screen Display) function. By operating an operation switch 8 disposed on the front side of the monitor device 1, an OSD screen 9 is displayed. Corresponding to a display of the OSD screen 9, by performing a predetermined operation of the operation switch 8, the settings of the monitor device 1 can be changed. In the example shown in FIG. 4, as the OSD screen 9, a control screen that allows the contrast of a picture on the display portion 6 to be changed is displayed. By performing a predetermined operation of the operation switch 8, the setting values of the contrast are changed. As a result, the contrast of the picture displayed on the display portion 6 is changed and the control screen is updated.

In FIG. 4, the monitor device 1 is connected to the two personal computers 2A and 2B. However, it is possible to connect more personal computers to the monitor device 1.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the structure of the monitor device 1 according to the first embodiment. Video signals 4A, 4B, . . . , and 4n that are supplied from a plurality of personal computers 2A, 2B, . . . , and 2n (not shown) are supplied to a video memory interface 21. The video memory interface 21 assigns the supplied video signals 4A, 4B, . . . , and 4n to predetermined addresses of a frame memory 22 and stores the video signals 4A, 4B, . . . , and 4n to the assigned addresses thereof.

For simplicity, in the following description, it is assumed that two personal computers 2A and 2B are connected to the monitor device 1. In addition, it is assumed that the video signals 4A and 4B are stored to the frame memory 22.

The video memory interface 21 controls a read address of the frame memory 22 corresponding to a command received from a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 20 (that will be described later) and reads a video signal for one screen from the frame memory 22. The read video signal is supplied to a first input terminal of a video mix circuit 24.

On the other hand, the key information 10 and the mouse information 11 that are output from the keyboard 3 and the mouse 14, respectively, are supplied to the CPU 20. The key information 10 and the mouse information 11 are selectively output (as a signal 5A or 5B) to one of the two personal computers 2A and 2B that is determined as an active personal computer by the CPU 20. One of the personal computers 2A and 2B can be selected as an active personal computer by the operation switch 8 disposed on the front panel of the monitor device 1.

A control signal 12 that is output corresponding to the operation of the operation switch 8 is supplied to the CPU 20. Corresponding to the control signal 12, the CPU 20 issues a command that causes the OSD screen 9 to be displayed. The issued command is supplied to an OSD character generator 23. The OSD character generator 23 generates a video signal composed of for example RGB signals so as to display the OSD screen 9 corresponding to the supplied command. The video signal is supplied to a second input terminal of the above-described video mix circuit 24.

The video mix circuit 24 switches the video signals that are supplied to the first and second input terminals at predetermined timings so that the OSD screen 9 is displayed at a predetermined area of the display portion 6. An output of the video mix circuit 24 is supplied to a picture display device 26 that is for example a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) through a display control circuit 25. Corresponding to the supplied video signal, the picture display device 26 displays a picture on the display portion 6. The display device 26 may be an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display).

Corresponding to the supplied control signal 12, the CPU 20 issues a command that causes the display control circuit 25 to control the picture display device 26. The issued command is supplied to the display control circuit 25. The display control circuit 25 performs a process for the video signal supplied to the picture display device corresponding to the command.

In reality, the CPU 20 is connected to a work memory, a ROM (Read Only Memory), and so forth (not shown). The CPU 20 controls each portion of the monitor device 1 corresponding to a predetermined program that is pre-stored in the ROM.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the structure of the video memory interface 21. The video memory interface 21 has a plurality of input FIFO (First-In First-Out) memories 80A, 80B, . . . , and 80n corresponding to the number of video signals that can be input to the monitor device 1. In the following description, it is assumed that there are two channels of input video signals and that there are input FIFO memories 80A and 80B. Two channels of video signals 4A and 8B supplied to the video memory interface 21 are temporarily stored to the input FIFO memories 80A and 80B, respectively.

The video signals 4A and 4B are read from the input FIFO memories 80A and 80B, respectively. The video signals 4A and 4B are supplied to a memory interface 81. The video signals 4A and 4B supplied to the memory interface 81 are address-controlled by the memory interface 81 corresponding to a command issued by the CPU 20 and stored to the frame memory 22. Likewise, a video signal for one screen is address-controlled by the memory interface 81 and read from the frame memory 22. The video signal for one screen that is read from the frame memory 22 is temporarily stored to an output FIFO memory 82 and then output therefrom.

Since the FIFO memories 80A, 80B, and 82 are used for an input and an output of the memory interface 81, the input and output can be clock-converted. Thus, the format of an input video signal can be freely converted.

FIG. 7 shows an example of an address space of the frame memory 22 and an example of an address assignment for reading a video signal from the frame memory 22. The frame memory 22 has a storage capacity necessary for storing a video signal for a plurality of frames. In the example of which the two personal computers 2A and 2B are connected to the monitor device 1, the frame memory 22 has a storage capacity for storing a video signal for at least two frames (namely, two screens).

An address space 30 of the frame memory 22 is formed as for example a two-dimensional array corresponding to a displayed picture. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the vertical direction of the video signal corresponds to the horizontal direction (namely, the column direction) of the two-dimensional array, whereas the horizontal direction of the video signal corresponds to the vertical direction (namely, the line direction) of the two-dimensional array. In addition, in the frame memory 22, a video signal for two screens is arranged in the column direction so that the upper right corner of the memory space shown in FIG. 7 is an address corresponding to the upper left corner of the display screen of the first video signal. Thus, by reading a video signal in the line direction, the first video signal and the second video signal can be successively read.

The video signal 4A that is output from the personal computer 2A and the video signal 4B that is output from the personal computer 2B are stored as the first video signal and the second video signal to the frame memory 22. A video signal 4A is stored in an address space 31A shown in FIG. 7, whereas a video signal 4B is stored in an address space 31B. When an address range for one horizontal period (1H) is designated in the line direction, a video signal for one screen can be read.

By changing the start point of a read address range, a video signal that is output can be quickly changed. FIGS. 8 to 10 show examples displayed on the display portion 6. In FIGS. 8 to 10, the read address range in the address space 30 from which a video signal read from the frame memory 22 is designated in different manners. By changing the start point of the address range in reading a video signal, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, display areas 7A and 7B of the display portion 6 are changed.

FIG. 8A shows an example of which only a video signal 4A is displayed, whereas FIG. 8B shows an example of which only a video signal 4B is displayed. In the frame memory 22, when the address range in the line direction is designated for 1H in such a manner that an address M1 shown in FIG. 7 is the read start address, a video signal can be read from only the address space 31A. At that point, as shown in FIG. 8A, only a display area 7A of the video signal 4A is displayed on the display portion 6. Likewise, when the address range in the line direction is designated for 1H in such a manner that the address M2 shown in FIG. 7 is the read start address, a video signal can be read from only the address space 31B. As shown in FIG. 8B, only the display area 7B of the video signal 4B is displayed on the display portion 6.

Application software or the like superimpose video signals 2A and 2B that are output from the personal computers 2A and 2B with video signals for displaying cursors at predetermined positions of the coordinates of the video signals 2A and 2B. In FIGS. 8A and 8B, cursors 50A and 50B superimposed with the video signals 4A and 4B that are output from the personal computers 2A and 2B are displayed in their display areas.

FIG. 9 shows an example of which the display area 7A of the video signal 4A and the display area 7B of the video signal 4B are displayed at a time. By designating the address range in the line direction for 1H in such a manner that the read start address is address M in the address space 31A, the video signals 4A and 4B can be read in such a manner that they are mixed with a video signal for one screen. When the address M that is the read start address is moved in the address space 31A, the ratio of the display areas 7A and 7B on the display portion 6 can be changed as shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C.

When the read start address M is continuously changed, as shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C, displays can be continuously switched. As a result, the boundary of the display area 7A and the display area 7B can be scrolled.

When the two video signals 4A and 4B are displayed on the same screen as shown in FIG. 9, the displays of the video signals 4A and 4B can be fixed. For example, cursors 50A and 50B are displayed relatively at the same positions as those shown with the original video signals 4A and 4B.

Depending on the access method of the address space 30 of the frame memory 22, as an example shown in FIG. 10, one display area (in this example, the display area 7B) can be displayed in another display area (in this example, the display area 7A). At that point, the display area 7B may be a reduced area or a partial area. When address assignments of the address spaces 31A and 31B are changed corresponding to the display ranges of the display areas 7A and 7B, a screen as shown in FIG. 7 is displ