KR100659232B1 - A system for mosaic EPG, and a method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mosaic EPG system and method for generating and playing back a Mosaic Electronic Program Guide (EPG) in a multi-channel digital television system. According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mosaic EPG system, comprising: a processor configured to receive audio / video (A / V) signals provided from a plurality of program providers for each channel and process each video signal and an audio signal; Sets the resizing and repositioning of the plurality of channel-specific video signals processed by the processor, synthesizes the plurality of channel-specific images and the programming information of the broadcast program, and reconstructs the mosaic EPG image on one screen. Mosaic EPG generation / editing means for editing and outputting the EPG image; Transmitting means for transmitting the mosaic EPG image of the one screen and related information; And a mosaic EPG client for receiving the transmitted mosaic EPG image of one screen and selecting a desired channel in the mosaic EPG image to play a program.

In the present invention, it is possible to conveniently view a program or to view or reserve a recording by providing programs and programming information of a plurality of channels simultaneously on one screen.

Mosaic, EPG, Digital Television, EPG Generator, EPG Editor, EPG Client

Description

Mosaic EPI system and its method {A system for mosaic EPG, and a method

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a transmission system for transmitting and receiving a conventional mosaic EPG service.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating selection of one subpicture in a mosaic EPG image transmitted from the transmission system of FIG. 1.

3 is a schematic structural diagram of a mosaic EPG system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a receiver of a mosaic EPG system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating selection of an arbitrary cell in a mosaic EPG image according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a block diagram showing a mosaic EPG generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

7 is an external view of a remote controller having a mosaic EPG button according to an embodiment of the present invention.

8 is a diagram illustrating a mosaic EPG screen for selecting a desired genre from a genre selection page according to an embodiment of the present invention.

9 and 10 are diagrams illustrating a mosaic EPG screen for selecting a desired channel of a corresponding genre according to an embodiment of the present invention.

11 is a flowchart illustrating a mosaic EPG generation method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

12 is a flowchart illustrating a mosaic EPG reproduction method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The present invention relates to a mosaic EPG system and a method thereof, and more particularly, to a mosaic EPG system for generating and reproducing a mosaic electronic program guide (EPG) in a multi-channel digital television system. It is about a method.

One of the advantages of digital television is the flexibility of the television service provider in terms of the number of channels available in the system and the channel selection of the subscriber. Unlike a set of standard subscriber channels, multichannel digital television systems provide conditional access control channels, such as pay-per-view channels, that allow subscribers to pay for viewing for certain movie or sporting events. It may include.

Moreover, digital television systems provide viewers with access to other interactive services, such as text-based program guides, weather maps, and the like. These services may be associated with a dedicated digital television channel that carries information. In addition, when another additional menu based service is provided, the user can access certain basic information in a series of pull-down menus while watching a broadcast program. This service is operated using so-called "pilot" information transmitted on a normal audio / video channel.

Recently, an electronic program guide, that is, an EPG service, which provides various broadcast program information has been commercialized. Also, in a digital broadcast receiver such as a set top box (STB) or the like, after receiving the EPG information, By displaying the output through the screen of the external connection device, the user can easily search for broadcast program information.

In addition, in the case of cable satellite TV, there are hundreds of channels supplying programs, and it is inconvenient for the viewer to select a desired channel only by channel up / down of the remote control. This is inconvenient compared to viewing and selecting the video of the channel.

Therefore, the Mosaic EPG (Mosaic EPG) service, which displays images of multiple channels on one screen and selects a desired channel from among them, allows users to easily search and select various broadcasting programs provided through different broadcasting services. Although partially implemented, the mosaic EPG service will be described in detail as follows.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a transmission system for transmitting and receiving a conventional mosaic EPG service, and shows a configuration of a transmitting side 110 and a receiving side 130 for transmitting and receiving a general mosaic EPG service.

The transmitting side 110 includes a mosaic EPG generator 111, an encoder 112, a mux and modulator 113, an up-linker 115, a mosaic EPG editor 114, an antenna 116, and the like. The reception side 130 may include an antenna 131, a set top box 132, a DTV 133, and the like. If the transmission system is transmitted and received via a cable or terrestrial wave, the uplinker 115 and the antennas 116 and 131 may not be used.

Referring to FIG. 1, in the mosaic EPG generator 111, various broadcast programs BS-1 to BS-N provided through different broadcast services are displayed as sub-pictures of a small size in one screen. The mosaic EPG image is generated, and the encoder 112 encodes the mosaic EPG image into an MPEG data signal suitable for digital broadcasting.

In addition, the mux and modulator 113 muxes and modulates the mosaic information generated by the mosaic EPG editor 114 and the encoded MPEG data signal, and then through the uplinker 115 through a broadcast satellite ( 120, the digital broadcast receiver 130 having the set-top box 132 or the like outputs the mosaic EPG image received through the broadcast satellite 120 through the screen of the DTV 133. do.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating selection of one subpicture from a mosaic EPG image transmitted from the transmission system of FIG. 1, wherein the mosaic EPG images are provided with, for example, first through different broadcast services; The first to ninth subpictures 211 to 219 respectively corresponding to the ninth broadcast program may be output and displayed on the same screen 210.

In the digital broadcast receiver, a cursor is positioned at any one subpicture in the mosaic EPG image. For example, in a state where the cursor is positioned at the first subpicture 211, the user is provided with a remote controller or the like. When the selection button is clicked, after searching and referring to mosaic information provided through the mosaic EPG service, the broadcast service is provided with a first program corresponding to the first subpicture 211, and then broadcasted. The first broadcast program received through the service is displayed on the main picture screen 211a.

Accordingly, a user having the digital broadcast receiver 130 can simultaneously search for and check various broadcast programs provided in different broadcast services through the mosaic EPG image, and can also use any one broadcast service. You can easily select and specify.

However, the mosaic EPG service described above is different from the general grid type EPG in that the multi-channel programming information is not displayed in a text-centric manner, but the multi-channel video is displayed on one screen and the viewer selects it. While there is an advantage of selecting and viewing directly, it has a disadvantage of not delivering program-oriented information that is aired at the present time and providing organizational information on the time axis. As a result, it is difficult to implement additional services such as reservation recording or pre-purchase of paid programs in units of programs. In addition, depending on the service provider, one of the mosaic and grid type EPGs is selectively supported or both are implemented in parallel, which is a redundant investment in terms of cost and the viewer must select one of a plurality of EPGs. In addition, the development cost is increased and the viewer is inconvenient to use the two EPG selectively.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in an effort to solve a conventional problem, and to provide a mosaic EPG system and a method capable of displaying time-axis programming along with multi-channel image information.

In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide the time information of the currently selected channel on a part of the mosaic EPG screen so that the viewer can see at a glance not only the program that is currently being broadcast but also the information about the program to be broadcasted later. It is to provide a system and a method thereof.

Mosaic EPG system according to one feature of the present invention for achieving the above object,

A mosaic EPG system for generating and reproducing a mosaic electronic program guide (EPG) of a multichannel digital television system,

A processor configured to receive audio / video (A / V) signals provided from a plurality of program providers for each channel and process each video signal and audio signal;

Sets the resizing and repositioning of the plurality of channel-specific video signals processed by the processor, synthesizes the plurality of channel-specific images and the programming information of the broadcast program, and reconstructs the mosaic EPG image on one screen. Mosaic EPG generation / editing means for editing and outputting the EPG image;

Transmitting means for transmitting the mosaic EPG image of the one screen and related information; And

A mosaic EPG client receiving the transmitted mosaic EPG image of one screen and selecting a desired channel in the mosaic EPG image to play a program.

It includes.

Mosaic EPG system according to another feature of the present invention for achieving the above object,

A mosaic EPG system that receives a signal from a transmitter and provides a mosaic electronic program guide (EPG) of a multichannel digital television system,

An input unit for receiving a user's selection;

A display unit for displaying a mosaic image;

A mosaic EPG client for receiving a mosaic EPG image of a screen transmitted from a transmitter according to selection of the input unit, and for displaying the plurality of channels and organization information in the mosaic EPG image.

It includes.

Mosaic EPG generation method according to one feature of the present invention for achieving the above object,

A mosaic EPG generation method for generating a mosaic EPG of a multi-channel digital television system,

a) processing each video signal and audio signal by receiving A / V signals provided from a plurality of program providers for each of a plurality of channels;

b) resizing and repositioning the processed plurality of channel-specific video signals;

c) synthesizing the plurality of channel-specific images into one mosaic EPG image;

d) editing and providing programming information of a program related to the mosaic EPG; And

e) transmitting the one mosaic EPG image data and related information

It includes.

Here, the mosaic EPG generator and the mosaic EPG editor may be separately separated or integrated into one.

Here, the mosaic EPG generating / editing means may insert additional information into one screen on which a plurality of channel programs are arranged.

The encoder may further include an encoder for compressing and outputting the synthesized mosaic EPG image data in a moving picture expert group (MPEG) format. The encoder may be embedded in the mosaic EPG generator or externally. It may be formed separately.

Here, the mosaic EPG generator receives a plurality of single-program transport streams (SPTS), generates a mosaic image of one screen, and outputs the SPTS.

Here, the mosaic EPG generator receives a plurality of SPTSs, muxes them into multi-program transport streams (MPTSs) through muxes, and generates the mosaic images of one screen to output the SPTSs.

Here, the mosaic image of one screen output to the SPTS may be encoded through an embedded encoder or an external encoder.

Here, the transmitting means is preferably a mux to mux and output the video signal of the mosaic EPG video and the audio signal for each channel.

Here, the EPG client may be installed in the receiver in hardware or downloaded in a program format and installed in the receiver. The EPG client may display program information and additional information for a plurality of channels.

Hereinafter, a mosaic EPG system and a method thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, by mixing and transmitting multiple A / V signals into one A / V signal, a mosaic EPG is required if the receiver has a function of receiving and reproducing one original A / V signal of a digital television (DTV) receiver. Therefore, unlike the conventional scheme, it is possible to reproduce the mosaic EPG without changing the H / W of a special receiver for the mosaic EPG.

3 is a schematic structural diagram of a mosaic EPG system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, a mosaic EPG system according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an A / V processor 410, an EPG generator 420, an EPG editor 440, a mux 450, a transmitting side, and a receiving side antenna ( 460, 470 and EPG client 480. If a cable or terrestrial wave is used, the transmitting and receiving antennas 460 and 470 of the mosaic EPG system need not be used.

First, when audio / video (A / V) signals from a plurality of channels are received, the A / V processor 410 receives audio / video (A / V) signals provided from a plurality of program providers for each channel. Each video signal and audio signal are processed.

The mosaic EPG generator 420 sets the resizing and repositioning of the plurality of channel-specific video signals processed by the processor 410, synthesizes the plurality of channel-specific images and the configuration information, and combines the mosaic EPG on one screen. The image 430 is reconstructed. The encoder may further include an encoder for compressing and outputting the synthesized mosaic EPG image data into a moving picture expert group (MPEG) format. The encoder may be embedded in the mosaic EPG generator or externally. It may be formed separately.

In addition, the mosaic EPG editor 440 edits and provides a mosaic image and additional information generated by the mosaic EPG generator. In this case, the information related to the mosaic EPG includes information necessary for screen switching, such as mosaic EPG organization information, cell location information, or additional information. Here, the additional information may include a service name, a service ID, a network ID, an RF frequency, and the like. In addition, the mosaic EPG editor 440 may receive external programming information for each channel from the program provider, and the programming information may be directly transmitted to the EPG client as necessary.

Here, the mosaic EPG generator 420 and the mosaic EPG editor 440 may be separately separated or integrated into each other. In this case, additional information may be inserted into one screen on which a plurality of channel programs are arranged.

In addition, the MUX 450 transmits the mosaic EPG image of the one screen and the related information through the transmitting antenna 460. If a cable or terrestrial wave is used, as described above, the cable or terrestrial wave is not transmitted through the transmitting antenna 460, but is transmitted through the cable or terrestrial wave.

The mosaic EPG client 480 receives the knitting information transmitted through the cable / terrestrial wave or the receiving antenna 470 and a mosaic EPG image of one screen, and selects a desired channel in the mosaic EPG image to play a program. do.

In addition, the EPG client 480 may be hardware-installed in the receiver or downloaded in a program form and installed in the receiver, and the EPG client 480 may display program information and additional information for each channel.

4 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a receiver in a mosaic EPG system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, the receiver includes an EPG client 480, an input unit 488, a display unit 489, and a database 487.

The database 487 is a storage device for broadcasting programs and organization information of a plurality of channels which are input in real time, and the input unit 488 is a user's input for interaction with an electronic program guide browser for electronic program guide. The apparatus includes a remote controller and the like. The display unit 489 is a device for displaying electronic program guide information. The EPG client 480 is a core part of the electronic program guide. The EPG client 480 processes the information input through the input unit, and configures the broadcast guide information from the program data and the organization information of the database and outputs it to the display. The EPG client 480 may include a controller 440 for outputting a control signal corresponding to information input through the input unit 488, a database manager 485 for managing data of a database according to the control signal of the controller 440, A screen processing unit 482 for displaying programs and programming information of a plurality of channels on one screen according to a control signal of the control unit 440, and a reservation process for a program selected from the programming information according to a control signal of the control unit 440. The reservation processing unit 481 is included. The EPG client 480 can be configured in various ways, and the reservation function includes reservation such as recording, purchase of a viewing program, and the like.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a user interface (UI) is provided so that a viewer can easily switch to a desired channel while viewing multiple images on one screen, and can also display information of each channel or express a banner advertisement.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating selection and selection of an arbitrary cell in a mosaic EPG image according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, in the mosaic EPG image, for example, the first to ninth cells 511 to 519 corresponding to the first to ninth broadcast programs respectively provided through different broadcast services are organized. The information cell 520 may be output and displayed in one mosaic EPG screen. In this case, the mosaic EPG screen may be a form in which multiple A / V signals are mixed, or the mixed image may be transmitted as one and reproduced by the same device from which one image is received from the receiver.

Further, in the digital broadcast receiver, a cursor is positioned in any one cell of the mosaic EPG image. For example, in a state where the cursor is positioned in the first cell 511, the user is provided with a remote controller or the like. When the select button of the input unit 488 is clicked, the mosaic information provided through the mosaic EPG service is searched and referred to, and the broadcast service in which the first program corresponding to the first cell 511 is provided is selected. After that, the first broadcast program received through the broadcast service is displayed on the main picture screen 511a.

Meanwhile, the structure of the mosaic EPG generator 420 illustrated in FIG. 3 may be configured differently according to an input method and whether the encoder is internal or external. Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a mosaic EPG generator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and receives a plurality of single-program transport streams (SPTSs), generates a mosaic image of one screen, and outputs the mosaic image on one screen. The encoder 680 is used to output one SPTS.

Specifically, the mosaic EPG generator 600 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes an asynchronous serial interface (ASI) multiport 610, a plurality of source drivers 621 to 623, and a plurality of demux 631. 633, a plurality of video decoders 641 to 643, a mixer 650, an encoder 660, a mux 670, an ASI Render 680, and an ASI port 690.

When the mosaic EPG generator 600 according to an embodiment of the present invention receives the SPTSs provided from a plurality of program providers 601 through 603 through the ASI multiport 610, the mosaic EPG generator 600 receives a plurality of source drivers 621 through 260. 623 and a plurality of demuxes 631 to 633, which are divided into a video signal and an audio signal, and the video signal Video is passed through a plurality of video decoders 641 to 643 to the mixer 650. ) Is entered. In this case, the mixer 650 mixes mosaic EPG organization information, cell location information, and additional information provided from the mosaic EPG editor 605, and is preferably an overlay mixer. Thereafter, the mosaic EPG data constituting the one screen is compressed to MPEG format via the encoder 660. Thereafter, the mux 670 muxes the audio signals output from the plurality of demuxes 631 to 633, and then passes through the ASI render 680 to the SPTS through the ASI port 680. Will be output.

On the other hand, Figure 7 is a view showing the appearance of the remote control having a mosaic EPG button according to an embodiment of the present invention, in the case of the remote control 1100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the mosaic EPG button 1110 as shown Using to select and adjust the mosaic EPG system.

8 is a diagram illustrating a mosaic EPG screen for selecting a desired genre according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a diagram for a mosaic EPG screen for selecting a desired channel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

For example, in the case of about 100 multi-channels, the number of channels represented on one screen, such as 9, 12, and 16 channels, is determined, and in particular, a mosaic channel is formed by grouping by genre for easy search. Since there is a mosaic EPG button 1110 on the remote controller 1100 illustrated in FIG. 7, when a viewer presses the mosaic EPG button 1110, a screen for selecting a genre 1210 of the mosaic screen 1200 as shown in FIG. . In the first page, the genre is selected as shown in FIG. 8, and in the next step, a desired channel is selected among the corresponding genres as shown in FIG. 9, so that a viewer can easily select and view a desired channel.

In addition, the location and background of reduced images of multiple channels displayed on one screen, information necessary to switch to the corresponding channel, and additional information are edited in the mosaic EPG editor. At this time, the screen is configured in the mosaic EPG generator based on the information specified in the mosaic EPG editor.

Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 9, in the mosaic screen 1200, a viewer may designate a desired channel by using a direction key of a display remote control by placing a cursor on the reduced image 1220 and then switch to the corresponding channel by using a designated button.

Referring to FIG. 9, the viewer provides a navigation function for selecting a channel while viewing a plurality of reduced-size images displayed on a mosaic EPG screen. This is the same method as the existing general wing EPG. The cursor displays the currently selected channel and when the viewer moves the cursor with the direction key of the remote controller, the information of the channel and the program information are displayed. In addition, the program information of the selected channel is displayed. Screen layout of organizational information is possible on the left, right, up and down based on the mosaic cell. It is also possible to display semitransparently over the top cell.

In the case of digital TV, the programming information of each channel is transmitted to PSIP / SI, etc., and the client application of MOIC EPG can provide the programming information using this information. If necessary, the organization information may be received and used through a return channel connected to the Internet. If only the PSIP / SI information is used, the system expansion of existing EPG transmission stage is not necessary, and the service can be provided only by changing the GUI of the client program and adding the function. In addition, the program information can be displayed graphically how much of the entire program is in progress in the current program in the form of a bar graph. Such organizational information may serve only a display function for simple organizational information, or may be applied to functions such as viewing reservations, reservation recording, and paying program purchases by using the organizational information expressed by extending functions.

10 is a diagram illustrating another example of a mosaic EPG screen for selecting a desired channel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 10, it is possible to perform a function such as a viewing reservation (alarm) function, a reservation recording, a pre-purchase of a paid program, etc. by using the displayed organization information. In this case, the operation of the remote controller becomes complicated. Already all the direction keys are used to navigate the mosaic cell, in order to select a program in the organizer information, you need a button for additional navigation on the remote control. Add a direction key or use existing buttons such as color Move the cursor for program selection Select the desired program or assign a button to shift the focus of the direction key to the cell navigation and organization information navigation mode. can do.

In FIG. 10, when a user presses the reservation button while navigating the selected cell using the remote control direction key, the cursor for cell selection is fixed and the program selection cursor appears on the organization information display. From that time, the navigation using the direction key is used for program selection. After completing the reservation or canceling the reservation, the directional key switches back to mosaic cell navigation. When the organization information display cell 520 gains focus, an additional button for performing / canceling functions such as viewing reservation, recording reservation, and paying program purchase can be additionally displayed and operated in the organization information display cell 520. Can be.

The viewer may also display visual information that distinguishes the two input modes, that is, different colors or shapes. In addition, the program selection cursor of the programming mode can be shown or disappeared to represent the current input mode. In this case, when the program cursor appears, the arrow keys on the remote control indicate that navigation is possible in the program table, and when disappeared, the mode cell navigation mode.

11 is a flowchart illustrating a mosaic EPG generation method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 11, in the mosaic EPG generation method according to an embodiment of the present invention, first, A / V signals provided from a plurality of program providers are received for each of a plurality of channels (S1310), and the A / V processor 410 is performed. ) Processes each video signal and audio signal (S1320).

Thereafter, the mosaic generator 420 sets the resizing and repositioning of the processed plurality of channel-specific video signals, synthesizes the plurality of channel-specific images, and reconstructs the mosaic EPG image (S1330). .

Next, the mosaic editor 440 edits and provides information related to the mosaic EPG (S1340). At this time, the mosaic EPG organization information, cell position information or additional information is edited as information related to the mosaic EPG.

Thereafter, the one mosaic EPG image may be encoded and output by an encoder (S1350). That is, one mosaic EPG image data is compressed and output through a built-in encoder or an external encoder, and the encoder compresses and outputs the one mosaic EPG image data in MPEG format.

Thereafter, the mosaic EPG image data and related information are muxed in the MUX 450 (S1360), and EPG data composed of one screen is transmitted (S1370).

12 is a flowchart illustrating a mosaic EPG reproduction method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 12, in the mosaic EPG reproduction method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, first, mosaic EPG data consisting of one screen is received (S1410).

Subsequently, the screen processing unit 482 displays mosaic EPG data consisting of the one screen on one screen (S1420), and thereafter, any cell among the mosaic EPGs displayed on the one screen by using a cursor. Will be selected. In this case, the mosaic EPG data composed of one screen may include organization information and may include information of each channel or banner advertisement information.

In detail, a group of programs according to the plurality of channels is set for each genre and a desired genre is selected (S1430), and a desired channel or a reservation function is selected from the selected genres (S1440).

In this case, when the channel is selected (S1441), the controller 484 causes the selection to be switched according to the selected channel (S1450).

Next, the program processor 483 receives and displays an audio / video signal for a channel program corresponding to the selected cell (S1460). If the user selects another channel (S1470), the process returns to the above-described step S1420.

On the other hand, when the reservation function is selected in step S1441, the reservation processing unit 481 provides functions such as viewing reservation, recording reservation or purchase reservation according to user selection (S1442).

 Then, if the user selects the end or cancel (S1443), it may return to the above-described step S1420.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a mosaic EPG system enables viewers who watch digital cable broadcasting, digital satellite broadcasting, DMB, etc., having about 100 channels, to easily convert their desired channels into images without searching while switching about 100 channels. You have a way to navigate.

Conventionally, there is an EPG displayed in text, but there is a limitation in selecting an image medium called a TV channel due to the limitation of information displayed in text. However, in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a desired screen is viewed while viewing several channels of reduced images. You have a way to select a channel and switch directly to that channel. In addition, the user can view the programming information of the selected channel and make recording reservations, viewing reservations, or purchase reservations. Since there is no need to use a receiver with a special H / W for such a service, there is an advantage that the service provider can be introduced with a small burden.

On the other hand, the receiver for viewing the mosaic EPG according to an embodiment of the present invention should be able to be embedded or downloaded to the client program for performing the mosaic EPG on a TV that can display the existing general image. In general, the built-in method is useful to make the TV available as soon as it is turned on.

In addition, the above-described client program may be utilized by receiving the information on the channel and the program information from the Program and System Information Protocol (PSIP) / SI information in the conventional DTV standard, or further detailed information through a separate data broadcast area You can also receive.

The mosaic EPG can be implemented both in general DTV and iTV including data broadcasting. In particular, when the mosaic EPG is applied together with data broadcasting, data broadcasting expressing more detailed advertisement or program information by using a banner or a reduced image. It can be useful to include the ability to run applications.

While the invention has been shown and described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as indicated by the claims. Anyone who owns it can easily find out.

According to the present invention, in order to allow a viewer to select a channel more easily in a platform such as a cable satellite that provides a multi-channel service, the program information is added to the mosaic EPG so that the viewer can view the programming information together with the multi-channel image information of the current time at a glance. It is convenient to see.

Due to the organizational information while serving the service EPG, a similar effect can be obtained at a lower cost than when the GRID type EPG is separately constructed, and the viewer can see it on one screen rather than selectively using two EPGs. Since there was no programming information, it was possible to provide convenience with additional functions such as viewing reservation, purchase reservation, and recording reservation while adding organization information to the existing MOEIC EPG, which was only able to provide information of the currently aired program.

Claims (21)

A mosaic EPG system for generating and reproducing a mosaic electronic program guide (EPG) of a multichannel digital television system, A processor configured to receive audio / video (A / V) signals provided from a plurality of program providers for each channel and process each video signal and audio signal; Sets the resizing and repositioning of the plurality of channel-specific video signals processed by the processor, synthesizes the plurality of channel-specific images and the programming information of the broadcast program, and reconstructs the mosaic EPG image on one screen. Mosaic EPG generation / editing means for editing and outputting the EPG image; Transmitting means for transmitting the mosaic EPG image of the one screen and related information; And A mosaic EPG client receiving the transmitted mosaic EPG image of one screen and selecting a desired channel in the mosaic EPG image to play a program. Including, The mosaic EPG video screen displays a button for selecting organization information or a program and performs a corresponding function according to a user's selection. According to claim 1, The mosaic EPG generating / editing means, A mosaic EPG generator for resizing and repositioning the plurality of channel-specific video signals processed by the processor, and synthesizing the plurality of channel-specific images into a mosaic EPG image of one screen; And A mosaic EPG editor that edits and provides a mosaic image and organization information generated by the mosaic EPG generator. Mosaic EPG system comprising a. The method of claim 2, And the mosaic EPG generator and the mosaic EPG editor can be separately separated or integrated into one. The method of claim 1, And the mosaic EPG generating / editing means inserts knitting information into one screen on which a plurality of channel programs are arranged. delete delete  A mosaic EPG system for generating and reproducing a mosaic electronic program guide (EPG) of a multichannel digital television system, A processor configured to receive audio / video (A / V) signals provided from a plurality of program providers for each channel and process each video signal and audio signal; Sets the resizing and repositioning of the plurality of channel-specific video signals processed by the processor, synthesizes the plurality of channel-specific images and the programming information of the broadcast program, and reconstructs the mosaic EPG image on one screen. Mosaic EPG generation / editing means for editing and outputting the EPG image; Transmitting means for transmitting the mosaic EPG image of the one screen and related information; And A mosaic EPG client receiving the transmitted mosaic EPG image of one screen and selecting a desired channel in the mosaic EPG image to play a program. Including, The EPG client is a mosaic EPG system, characterized in that for displaying a plurality of channel program information and organization information.  A mosaic EPG system for generating and reproducing a mosaic electronic program guide (EPG) of a multichannel digital television system, A processor configured to receive audio / video (A / V) signals provided from a plurality of program providers for each channel and process each video signal and audio signal; Sets the resizing and repositioning of the plurality of channel-specific video signals processed by the processor, synthesizes the plurality of channel-specific images and the programming information of the broadcast program, and reconstructs the mosaic EPG image on one screen. Mosaic EPG generation / editing means for editing and outputting the EPG image; Transmitting means for transmitting the mosaic EPG image of the one screen and related information; And A mosaic EPG client receiving the transmitted mosaic EPG image of one screen and selecting a desired channel in the mosaic EPG image to play a program. Including, The information related to the mosaic EPG includes mosaic EPG organization information, cell location information, or additional information.  A mosaic EPG system for generating and reproducing a mosaic electronic program guide (EPG) of a multichannel digital television system, A processor configured to receive audio / video (A / V) signals provided from a plurality of program providers for each channel and process each video signal and audio signal; Sets the resizing and repositioning of the plurality of channel-specific video signals processed by the processor, synthesizes the plurality of channel-specific images and the programming information of the broadcast program, and reconstructs the mosaic EPG image on one screen. Mosaic EPG generation / editing means for editing and outputting the EPG image; Transmitting means for transmitting the mosaic EPG image of the one screen and related information; And A mosaic EPG client receiving the transmitted mosaic EPG image of one screen and selecting a desired channel in the mosaic EPG image to play a program. Including, An input unit for receiving a user's selection; Further comprising a display unit for displaying a mosaic image, The mosaic EPG client receives a mosaic EPG image of a screen transmitted from a transmitter according to selection of the input unit, and causes the display unit to display a plurality of channels and organization information in the mosaic EPG image. . The method of claim 9, The EPG client, A control unit for outputting a control signal corresponding to the information input through the input unit; A screen processor for displaying programs and program information of a plurality of channels on one screen according to a control signal of the controller; Mosaic EPG system comprising a reservation processing unit for the reservation process for the program selected from the organization information according to the control signal of the controller. The method of claim 10, The reservation processing unit is a mosaic EPG system, characterized in that for processing the reservation of recording, viewing and program purchase. delete A mosaic EPG system that receives a signal from a transmitter and provides a mosaic electronic program guide (EPG) of a multichannel digital television system, A database for storing broadcast programs and programming information of a plurality of channels input in real time; An input unit for receiving a user's selection; A display unit for displaying a mosaic image; Receiving a mosaic EPG image of a screen transmitted from a transmitter according to the selection of the input unit, and causing the display unit to display a plurality of channels and programming information in the mosaic EPG image, and the mosaic from the program data and programming information of the database Mosaic EPG system comprising an EPG client to configure an EPG image to output to the display. The method of claim 13, The EPG client, A control unit for outputting a control signal corresponding to the information input through the input unit; A database manager which manages data of a database according to a control signal of the controller; A screen processor for displaying programs and program information of a plurality of channels on one screen according to a control signal of the controller; Mosaic EPG system comprising a reservation processing unit for the reservation process for the program selected from the organization information according to the control signal of the controller. The method of claim 14, The reservation processing unit is a mosaic EPG system, characterized in that for processing the reservation of recording, viewing and program purchase. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, The transmitter, A processor configured to receive audio / video (A / V) signals provided from a plurality of program providers for each channel and process each video signal and audio signal; Sets the resizing and repositioning of the plurality of channel-specific video signals processed by the processor, synthesizes the plurality of channel-specific images and the programming information of the broadcast program, and reconstructs the mosaic EPG image on one screen. Mosaic EPG generation / editing means for editing and outputting the EPG image; And a transmitting means for transmitting the mosaic EPG image of the one screen and related information. delete A mosaic EPG generation method for generating a mosaic EPG of a multi-channel digital television system, a) processing each video signal and audio signal by receiving A / V signals provided from a plurality of program providers for each of a plurality of channels; b) resizing and repositioning the processed plurality of channel-specific video signals; c) synthesizing the plurality of channel-specific images into one mosaic EPG image; d) editing and providing programming information of a program related to the mosaic EPG; And e) transmitting the one mosaic EPG image data and related information Including, In step d), the mosaic EPG generation information, cell location information or additional information is edited and provided. delete A mosaic EPG reproduction method for reproducing a mosaic EPG of a multi-channel digital television system, a) receiving mosaic EPG data and knitting information consisting of one screen; b) displaying mosaic EPG data consisting of the one screen and program information of the program on one screen; c) selecting any cell among mosaic EPGs displayed on the one screen; And d) displaying program programming information corresponding to the selected cell; And if any program is selected from the list in step d), providing a reservation function of the program. The method of claim 20, And the reservation function is a reservation function for viewing and recording a program.

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