KR20050104450A - 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; A mosaic EPG that sets the resizing and repositioning of a plurality of channel-specific video signals processed by a processor, synthesizes a plurality of channel-specific images, reconstructs a mosaic EPG image of one screen, and edits and outputs a mosaic EPG image. Creation / editing means; Transmitting means for transmitting a mosaic EPG image and related information of one screen; And a mosaic EPG client that receives the transmitted mosaic EPG image of one screen, selects a desired channel in the mosaic EPG image, and plays the program. According to the present invention, by mixing and transmitting multiple A / V signals into one A / V signal, it is not necessary to simultaneously reproduce multiple A / V signals, thereby reducing the burden on the system.

Description

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

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, in order for the above operation to be performed, various information necessary for switching to the broadcast service corresponding to each subpicture 211 to 219 at the transmitting side providing the mosaic EPG service, for example, a service name, Various additional information such as service ID (ID), network ID, and RF frequency should be provided in association with each subpicture 211 to 219.

3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a transmission side in the transmission system of FIG. 1 and illustrates a transmission system related to generation of a mosaic channel.

For example, when an audio / video (A / V) signal from a plurality of channels is received, the A / V processor 310 may be configured with a video signal associated with the video signal, eg, an adult-only channel, among the received signals. Likewise, the A / V processor 310 filters the video signals to be excluded from the mosaic channel. The A / V processor 310 filters the transmitted audio signals from each channel among the received signals, and then combines the audio signals or PID (s). Packet ID) value is assigned and supplied to the feeder 350.

In addition, the EPG generator / editor 320 receives the signal processed as described above, sets the resizing and repositioning of the video signal on the screen display, and thus generates three mosaic screens 331 to 333. The mosaic screen is supplied to the eater 350.

The data constituting the mosaic screens 331 to 333 include information about the number of mosaic channels, the size and position of each screen element in each mosaic, the desired size of the frame cursor, and the movement range of the frame cursor. This information allows the associated decoder application to position and move the frame cursor correctly. Moreover, the data may include the position (page number and coordinate) of each channel in the mosaic, the PID of the soundtrack associated in the combined audio signal and the channel reference information in the pilot data.

In addition, in order for the decoder application to switch directly to the desired channel, the mosaic screen configuration data must include detailed information (frequency and PID values) of channels related to a given screen component. In addition, the decoder application may further include access details (mash payment mode, reserved payment, etc.) in order to allow the user to perform the above operation to prevent the user from watching any prohibited channels. The mosaic screen configuration data may include a PID value of each mosaic page and a default header message of the mosaic page.

In this case, the mosaic screen configuration data includes all EPG data for each channel, and the digital broadcast receiver 130 displays EPG data of a small image for each channel.

On the other hand, as a prior art, Korean Patent Application No. 2001-7000887 (filed Jan. 19, 2001) discloses an invention named "navigation system for a multi-channel digital television system".

Specifically, this prior invention relates to a decoder for controlling the display of a plurality of digital television channels in each window of a mosaic structure, the decoder comprising means for receiving access rights to one of a program and a channel, and Means for inhibiting full audio and visual access to said one of a program and a channel by a user when displayed in said window in accordance with said received access right.

According to this prior invention, when a program or channel is displayed in a mosaic window, access rights to the program or channel are received and analyzed by the decoder when the user determines whether to allow or prohibit full audio and visual access. It provides a digital television system that can be.

On the other hand, as a prior art, Korean Patent Application No. 2003-33446 (filed May 26, 2003) discloses an invention entitled "broadcast service switching method in a digital broadcast receiver".

According to the preceding invention, when any one subpicture is selected and designated among mosaic EPG images in which a plurality of subpictures are displayed in one screen, the channel is switched to a broadcast service corresponding to the subpicture. The present invention relates to a broadcast service switching method in a digital broadcast receiver.

Specifically, the present invention records and stores information necessary for tuning a digital broadcast service in an apparatus through an automatic tuning operation or an interface operation with an external device, and then, by user selection while displaying a mosaic EPG image, In addition to associating the recorded information with the subpictures in the mosaic EPG image, and when any one subpicture is selected and specified, information associated with the subpicture is searched and read in the digital broadcasting receiver, By tuning the broadcast service, the transmitting side providing the mosaic EPG service can perform the broadcast service switching operation using the mosaic EPG image by itself in the digital broadcasting receiver, even if information for switching to each broadcast service is not provided separately. .

However, in the conventional mosaic EPG, a plurality of images are encoded in a small size, and then muxed and transmitted to the receiver, and the receiver demuxes the multiple A / V signals. Use the method to play. In doing so, the receiver is burdened with a device capable of simultaneously reproducing multiple A / V signals. In addition, equipment for encoding multiple A / V signals into small images is additionally needed. In addition, in the case of the conventional mosaic EPG, there is a problem in that a development cost for configuring a receiver is required because a device for decoding and reproducing a plurality of images is required.

An object of the present invention for solving the above problems is to mix and send multiple A / V signals into one A / V signal to transmit, so that a mosaic capable of receiving one A / V at the receiver to reproduce the mosaic EPG It is to provide an EPG system and a method thereof.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mosaic EPG system and a method thereof, which do not encode multiple A / V signals into small images and do not need to simultaneously reproduce multiple A / V signals.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mosaic EPG generation and reproduction method capable of reproducing a mosaic EPG without changing H / W for the mosaic EPG at the receiver side.

As a means for achieving the above object, the mosaic EPG system according to the present invention is a mosaic EPG system for generating and reproducing a mosaic electronic program guide (EPG) of a multi-channel digital television system,

A processor configured to receive audio / video 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, reconstructs the mosaic EPG image on one screen, and edits and outputs the mosaic EPG image. Mosaic EPG generating / editing means;

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.

There is a feature configured to include.

Here, the mosaic EPG generating / editing means sets size adjustments and repositions of the plurality of channel-specific video signals processed by the processor, and synthesizes the plurality of channel-specific images into a mosaic EPG image of one screen. Reconstructing mosaic EPG generator; And a mosaic EPG editor that edits and provides a mosaic image and additional information generated by the mosaic EPG generator.

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 output the video signal of the mosaic EPG image 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.

Here, the information related to the mosaic EPG may include mosaic EPG organization information, cell location information, or additional information.

On the other hand, as another means for achieving the above object, the mosaic EPG system according to the present invention, in the mosaic EPG system for generating and reproducing the mosaic electronic program guide (EPG) image of each genre of the multi-channel digital television system,

A processor for receiving a plurality of audio / video (A / V) signals respectively provided from a plurality of program providers for each channel, and processing each video signal and audio signal and providing them as a multi-program transport stream (MPTS);

Distribution means for receiving a plurality of audio / video (A / V) signals received for each channel and grouping each channel genre, and generating and distributing MPTS for each channel genre;

Resizing and repositioning of video signals for each channel genre provided by the MPTS are set, a plurality of channel genres are synthesized, reconstructed into a mosaic EPG image on one screen, and the mosaic EPG image is edited and output. A plurality of mosaic EPG creation / editing means;

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

A mosaic EPG client that receives the transmitted mosaic EPG image of one screen and selects a desired genre and channel in the mosaic EPG image to play a program.

There is a feature configured to include.

Here, the plurality of audio / video (A / V) signals received for each channel may be provided muxed in MPTS for each network operator (NO).

Here, the distribution means is preferably a router for re-muxing the channel genre group to deliver the A / V signal to the plurality of genre mosaic EPG generation / editing means by MPTS.

Here, the encoder may further include an encoder for compressing and outputting the mosaic EPG signal generated through the plurality of genre mosaic EPG generation / editing means in MPEG format.

On the other hand, as another means for achieving the above object, the mosaic EPG generation method according to the present invention, in the 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 information related to the mosaic EPG; And

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

There is a feature consisting of.

In step d), the mosaic EPG organization information, cell position information, or additional information may be edited.

Here, the mosaic EPG image data of step e) is compressed and output through a built-in encoder or an external encoder, and the encoder compresses and outputs the mosaic EPG image data in MPEG format. .

On the other hand, as another means for achieving the above object, the mosaic EPG reproduction method according to the present invention, in the mosaic EPG reproduction method for reproducing the mosaic EPG of a multi-channel digital television system,

a) receiving mosaic EPG data consisting of one screen;

b) displaying mosaic EPG data consisting of the one screen on one screen;

c) selecting any cell among the mosaic EPGs displayed on the one screen; And

d) receiving and displaying an audio / video (A / V) signal for a channel program corresponding to the selected cell

There is a feature consisting of.

Here, step c) is characterized in that the channel is selected using a cursor.

The step c) may include setting a group of programs according to the plurality of channels according to the genres and selecting a desired genre; And selecting a desired channel from the selected genre.

Here, the mosaic EPG data composed of the one screen may include information of each channel or banner advertisement information.

According to the present invention, by mixing and transmitting multiple A / V signals into one A / V signal, there is no need to simultaneously reproduce multiple A / V signals, thereby reducing the burden on the system, and a separate H for mosaic EPG on the receiver side. Mosaic EPGs can be played without changing / W.

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.

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

Referring to FIG. 4, the mosaic EPG system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes 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 adjusts and repositions the plurality of channel-specific video signals processed by the processor 410, synthesizes the plurality of channel-specific images, and displays a mosaic EPG image of one screen ( 430). 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.

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 a mosaic EPG image of one screen transmitted through a cable / terrestrial wave or the receiving antenna 470, selects a desired channel in the mosaic EPG image, and plays a program.

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.

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, the mosaic EPG image includes, for example, one first through ninth cells 511 through 519 corresponding to the first through ninth broadcast programs provided through different broadcast services, respectively. The output may be displayed within the mosaic EPG screen 510. At this time, the mosaic EPG screen 510 appears to be a mixed form of multiple A / V signals, but in reality, the mixed images are transmitted as one, so from the receiver's point of view, the mosaic EPG screen 510 reproduces the multiple images using the same device as the one received. Can be.

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 selected 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 cell 511 and then broadcasted. The first broadcast program received through the service is displayed on the main picture screen 511a.

Meanwhile, the structure of the mosaic EPG generator 420 illustrated in FIG. 4 may be configured in four ways according to an input method and whether the encoder is internal or external. Hereinafter, the structure of the mosaic EPG generator 420 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a mosaic EPG generator according to a first 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 built-in encoder 680 is used to output in one SPTS form.

Specifically, the mosaic EPG generator 600 according to the first 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 demuxes. 631 to 633, a plurality of video decoders 641 to 643, a mixer 650, an encoder 660, a mux 670, an ASI renderer 680, and an ASI port 690.

When the mosaic EPG generator 600 according to the first embodiment of the present invention receives SPTSs provided from a plurality of program providers 601 to 603 through the ASI multiport 610, a plurality of source drivers ( 621 to 623 and a plurality of demuxes 631 to 633 to separate the video signal and the audio signal, and the video signal Video is passed through a plurality of video decoders 641 to 643. It is entered at 650. 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.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a mosaic EPG generator according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and receives a plurality of SPTSs, generates a mosaic image of one screen, and outputs them as SPTSs. In this case, an external encoder 706 is used. To generate one SPTS mosaic mosaic.

Specifically, the mosaic EPG generator 700 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes an asynchronous serial interface (ASI) multiport 710, a plurality of source drivers 721 to 723, and a plurality of demuxes 731 to 733. ), A plurality of video decoders 741 to 743, a mixer 750, a serial digital interface (SDI) render 760, and an SDI port 770.

When the mosaic EPG generator 700 according to the second embodiment of the present invention receives the SPTSs provided from the plurality of program providers 701 to 703 through the ASI multiport 710, the plurality of source drivers 721 to 723 are received. ) And a plurality of demuxes 731 to 733 to be divided into a video signal and an audio signal, and the video signal is passed through a plurality of video decoders 741 to 743 to the mixer 750. Is entered. In this case, the mixer 750 mixes mosaic EPG organization information, cell location information, and additional information provided from the mosaic EPG editor 705. Thereafter, the SDI renderer 760 renders an audio signal output from the plurality of demuxes 731 to 733 and an output of the mixer 750, and then the rendered signal is the SDI port 770. It is output through the), and is eventually provided in the form of SPTS via the external encoder (706).

8 is a block diagram illustrating a mosaic generator according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The mosaic EPG generator 800 receives a plurality of single-program transport streams and generates a mosaic image of one screen. In this case, the output signal is output to the SPTS using the embedded encoder 860. In this case, detailed description of the same components as in FIGS. 6 and 7 will be omitted.

9 is a block diagram illustrating a mosaic generator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the mosaic EPG generator 900 receives a plurality of SPTSs and muxes them into a multi-program transport stream (MPTS) through a feeder 804. In addition, the MPTS is generated as a mosaic image of one screen, and then encoded through an external encoder 906 to be output as an SPTS. In this case, detailed description of the same elements as in FIGS. 6 and 7 will be omitted.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an EPG system for generating mosaic pages of various genres according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and includes a processor, a router 1020, a plurality of mosaic EPG generators 1031 to 1035, a mux 1040, and a mosaic. An EPG client is included. For convenience of description, the processor and mosaic EPG client will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

Referring to FIG. 10, in an EPG system for generating mosaic pages of various genres according to another embodiment of the present invention, the processor may channel a plurality of audio / video (A / V) signals provided from a plurality of program providers, respectively. Each of them is received separately, and each video and audio signal is processed and provided as a multi-program transport stream (MPTS). Here, the plurality of audio / video (A / V) signals received for each channel are provided by the MPTS for each network operator (NO).

In addition, the router 1020 receives a plurality of audio / video (A / V) signals received for each channel, groups each channel genre, and generates and distributes MPTS for each channel genre. That is, the router 1020 re-muxes the channel genre group to deliver the A / V signal to the MPTS to the plurality of genre mosaic EPG generation / editing means.

The plurality of mosaic EPG generators 1031 to 1035 set resizing and repositioning of the plurality of channel genre video signals provided by the MPTS, and synthesize a plurality of channel genre images to form a mosaic EPG image of one screen. The mosaic EPG image is edited and outputted.

In this case, the encoder may include an encoder for compressing and outputting the mosaic EPG signal generated through the plurality of genre mosaic EPG generators 1031 to 1035 in MPEG format.

The mux 1040 transmits the mosaic EPG image of the screen and related information

In addition, the mosaic EPG client receives the mosaic EPG image of the transmitted screen, selects a desired genre and channel in the mosaic EPG image, and plays the program.

In the EPG system for generating mosaic pages according to various genres according to another embodiment of the present invention, MPTSs that are muxed and delivered through NO (Network Operator) contracted with the plurality of program providers are not grouped by genre. Before delivery to the plurality of mosaic EPG generators 1031 to 1035, there must be a router 1020 that re-muxes the genre group and delivers the A / V signal to the MPTS. Therefore, the mosaic EPG signal generated through the mosaic EPG generators 1031 to 1035 for each genre is compressed again in MPEG format and then muxed and transmitted.

Meanwhile, FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an external appearance of a remote controller having a mosaic EPG button according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the case of the remote controller 1100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the mosaic EPG button 1110 is illustrated. Using to select and adjust the mosaic EPG system.

12A illustrates a mosaic EPG screen for selecting a desired genre from a genre selection page according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12B illustrates a mosaic EPG screen for selecting a desired channel of a corresponding genre according to an embodiment of the present invention. Drawing.

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. 10, 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. 12A is displayed. . In the first page, a genre is selected as shown in FIG. 12A, and in the next step, a desired channel is selected among the corresponding genres as shown in FIG. 12B, 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. 12B, in the mosaic screen 1200, the viewer may designate a desired channel by using a direction key of the display remote controller by moving the cursor on the reduced image 1220 and then switch to the corresponding channel by using the designated button.

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

Referring to FIG. 13, 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 respective video signals and audios are received. The signal is processed (S1320).

Subsequently, sizes and repositions of the processed plurality of channel video signals are set, and the plurality of channel images are synthesized and reconstructed into one mosaic EPG image (S1330).

Next, information related to the mosaic EPG is edited and provided (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 the related information are muxed (S1360), and EPG data composed of one screen is transmitted (S1370).

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

Referring to FIG. 14, in the mosaic EPG reproduction method according to an embodiment of the present invention, first, mosaic EPG data composed of one screen is received (S1410).

Subsequently, mosaic EPG data consisting of the one screen is displayed on one screen (S1420), and then, a cell is selected from the mosaic EPG displayed on the one screen using a cursor. In this case, the mosaic EPG data including the one screen 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 is selected from the selected genres (S1440). At this time, the channel selection is switched according to the selected channel (S1450).

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

Meanwhile, in the mosaic EPG system according to the embodiment of the present invention, a viewer who views a digital cable broadcast, a digital satellite broadcast, a DMB, etc. having about 100 channels can easily select a desired channel without searching while switching about 100 channels. You will have a way to navigate through images.

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. 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 that can see the mosaic EPG according to an embodiment of the present invention should be able to be embedded or downloaded to the client program that can navigate 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, by mixing and transmitting multiple A / V signals into one A / V signal, there is no need to simultaneously reproduce multiple A / V signals, thereby reducing the burden on the system, and on the receiver side, separate hardware for mosaic EPG. Mosaic EPG can be played back without changing (H / W).

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 diagram illustrating a configuration example of a transmitting side in the transmission system of FIG. 1.

4 is a schematic structural diagram 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 a first embodiment of the present invention.

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

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

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

10 is a configuration diagram of an EPG system for generating mosaic pages of various genres according to an embodiment of the present invention.

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

12A is a diagram illustrating a mosaic EPG screen for selecting a desired genre in a genre selection page according to an embodiment of the present invention.

12B illustrates a mosaic EPG screen for selecting a desired channel of a corresponding genre according to an embodiment of the present invention.

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

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

Claims (25)

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, reconstructs the mosaic EPG image on one screen, and edits and outputs the mosaic EPG image. Mosaic EPG generating / editing means; 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. Mosaic EPG system comprising a. 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 additional 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 additional information into one screen on which a plurality of channel programs are arranged. The method according to claim 1 or 2, And an encoder for compressing and outputting the synthesized mosaic EPG image data in a moving picture expert group (MPEG) format. The method of claim 5, The encoder is a mosaic EPG system, characterized in that embedded in the mosaic EPG generator, or formed separately on the outside. The method of claim 2, The mosaic EPG system receives a plurality of single-program transport streams (SPTS), generates a mosaic image of one screen, and outputs the mosaic EPG system to the SPTS. The method of claim 2, The mosaic EPG generator receives a plurality of SPTSs, muxes them into multi-program transport streams (MPTSs), and generates the mosaic images of one screen to output SPTSs. system. The method according to claim 7 or 8, The mosaic EPG system, characterized in that the mosaic image of one screen output to the SPTS is encoded through a built-in encoder or an external encoder. The method of claim 1, The transmitting means is a mosaic EPG system, characterized in that the mux to output the video signal of the one mosaic EPG video and the audio signal for each channel. The method of claim 1, The EPG client is hardware-mounted to the receiver, or a mosaic EPG system, characterized in that downloaded in the program format and installed in the receiver. The method of claim 1, The EPG client is a mosaic EPG system, characterized in that for displaying a plurality of channel-specific program information and additional information. The method of claim 1, 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) image of a genre of a multi-channel digital television system, A processor for receiving a plurality of audio / video (A / V) signals respectively provided from a plurality of program providers for each channel, and processing each video signal and audio signal and providing them as a multi-program transport stream (MPTS); Distribution means for receiving a plurality of audio / video (A / V) signals received for each channel and grouping each channel genre, and generating and distributing MPTS for each channel genre; Resizing and repositioning of video signals for each channel genre provided by the MPTS are set, a plurality of channel genres are synthesized, reconstructed into a mosaic EPG image on one screen, and the mosaic EPG image is edited and output. A plurality of mosaic EPG creation / editing means; Transmitting means for transmitting the mosaic EPG image of the one screen and related information; And A mosaic EPG client that receives the transmitted mosaic EPG image of one screen and selects a desired genre and channel in the mosaic EPG image to play a program. Mosaic EPG system comprising a. The method of claim 14, And a plurality of audio / video (A / V) signals received for each channel are muxed and provided as MPTS for each network operator (NO). The method of claim 14, And the distribution means is a router for re-muxing channel-by-genre groups to deliver A / V signals to MPTS to the plurality of genre-specific mosaic EPG generation / editing means. The method of claim 14, And an encoder for compressing and outputting the mosaic EPG signal generated through the plurality of genre mosaic EPG generation / editing means in MPEG format. 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 information related to the mosaic EPG; And e) transmitting the one mosaic EPG image data and related information Mosaic EPG generation method comprising a. The method of claim 18, In step d), the mosaic EPG generation information, cell location information or additional information is edited and provided. The method of claim 18, The mosaic EPG image data of step e) is compressed and output through an embedded encoder or an external encoder. The method of claim 18, And the encoder compresses and outputs the single mosaic EPG image data in MPEG format. A mosaic EPG reproduction method for reproducing a mosaic EPG of a multi-channel digital television system, a) receiving mosaic EPG data consisting of one screen; b) displaying mosaic EPG data consisting of the one screen on one screen; c) selecting any cell among mosaic EPGs displayed on the one screen; And d) receiving and displaying an audio / video signal for a channel program corresponding to the selected cell Mosaic EPG playback method comprising a. The method of claim 22, Step c) is a mosaic EPG playback method characterized in that the channel is selected using the cursor. The method of claim 22, wherein c) is Setting a group according to the genres of programs according to the plurality of channels and selecting a desired genre; And Selecting a desired channel from the selected genres Mosaic EPG playback method comprising a. The method of claim 22, The mosaic EPG reproduction method of the mosaic EPG data comprising one screen includes information of each channel or banner advertisement information.