KR20130090033A - Electronic device and method of controlling thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: An electronic device and a control method thereof are provided to reduce an electric fee by performing reserved recoding in a time slot in which a real time electric fee is low if the real time electric fee generated in a requested reserved time is high. CONSTITUTION: A communication unit (130) receives hourly electric fee information related to a smart grid. A controller obtains a reserved recording request for specific contents and broadcasting time information of the specific contents and determines an execution time of a reserved recording action for the specific contents in consideration of the hourly electric fee information and the broadcasting time information. [Reference numerals] (130) Communication unit; (140) Broadcasting receiving unit; (160) Storage

Description

Electronic device and control method {ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THEREOF}

The present invention relates to an electronic device having an energy saving function and a control method thereof. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of controlling an electronic device based on time-based power rate information associated with a smart grid.

Recently, the introduction of an intelligent power grid (smart grid) for the efficient use of power in power demand is a major issue in the state of energy saving and efficiency efficiency, and when such an intelligent power grid is introduced, the electric power bill is subject to the power demand. A variable rate plan will be introduced.

According to this trend, the development of a technology that can efficiently control a variety of electronic devices used in the home with the introduction of the smart grid is required.

An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device and a control method of the electronic device that can save the power charge based on time-based power rate information associated with the smart grid.

The technical objects to be achieved by the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above. In addition, other technical objects to be achieved by the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description.

Electronic device according to an aspect of the present invention, the communication unit for receiving time-based power rate information associated with the smart grid; And acquiring a reservation recording request for a specific content, obtaining airing time information of the specific content, and taking a reservation recording operation on the specific content in consideration of the power time information and the airtime information for each time zone. It may include a control unit for determining.

Here, the airing time information may be obtained from an electronic program guide (EPG), and may include at least a first airing time and a second airing time.

The reservation recording request may include reservation recording information of at least one of a channel and a reservation time of the specific content.

The controller may further include a first power rate corresponding to the reservation time, a second power rate corresponding to the first airtime, and a third power rate corresponding to the second airtime from the time slot power rate information. It may be obtained, and it is possible to determine when to perform a reservation recording operation for the specific content by comparing the first power rate, the second power rate and the third power rate.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling an electronic device, the method including: receiving time-based power rate information associated with a smart grid; Obtaining a reservation recording request for specific content; The method may include obtaining airing time information of the specific content; and determining when to perform a reservation recording operation on the specific content in consideration of the power rate information for each time zone and the airing time information.

Here, the airing time information may include at least a first airing time and a second airing time.

According to the electronic device and a control method thereof according to the present invention, the following effects are obtained.

According to the present invention, when the real-time power rate generated at the reservation time requested for reservation recording is high, the power rate can be greatly reduced by changing the real-time power rate to a low time zone and performing reservation recording.

In addition, according to the present invention, if the real-time power rate generated at the reservation time included in the reservation recording request for a specific content is more than the preset reference value, by changing the real-time power rate to the lowest time zone to perform the reservation recording, the power rate This has the effect of being greatly reduced.

In addition, according to the present invention, there is an effect that can contribute to the economic benefit of the user and the global environmental protection by minimizing the power consumption generated during reservation recording.

1 is a schematic diagram of a smart grid.
2 illustrates a power management network 10 in a home, which is a major consumer of a smart grid.
3 illustrates a block diagram of the power management network 10 and a block diagram of the DTV 100 connected to the power management network 10.
4 is a block diagram of the DTV 100 in relation to smart grid information and broadcast content.
5 is a diagram illustrating an installation example of the DTV 100 and the storage 160.
6 is a flowchart of a control method of an electronic device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
7 to 12 are diagrams showing examples for describing embodiments of the present invention.
13 is a flowchart of a control method of an electronic device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

The above objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the specification. In addition, when it is determined that the detailed description of the known function or configuration related to the present invention may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

1 is a schematic diagram of a smart grid, a smart grid includes a power plant that generates power through thermal power, nuclear power or hydropower, and a solar power plant and a wind power plant using solar or wind power as renewable energy. .

In addition, the thermal power plant or nuclear power plant or hydroelectric power station transmits power to a power station through a transmission line, and the power station sends electricity to a substation so that the electricity is distributed to a demand destination such as a home or an office.

The electricity produced by the renewable energy is also sent to substations to be distributed to each customer. Then, the electricity transmitted from the substation is distributed to the office or each home via the power storage device.

Even in homes that use the Home Area Network (HAN), they can produce their own electricity through fuel cells mounted on solar power or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The remaining electricity can be resold to the outside.

In addition, smart measuring devices are installed in offices and homes to recognize the amount of electricity and the rate of electricity used at each customer's destination, and to find ways to reduce the amount of power consumption or the rate of electricity according to circumstances.

On the other hand, since the power plant, power station, storage device and the source of demand are bidirectional communication, only the unilaterally receive electricity from the source of demand, and notify the storage, power station, and power plant of the demand source to produce electricity according to the situation of the source of demand. Electric distribution can be performed.

Meanwhile, in the smart grid, an energy management system (EMS), which is responsible for real-time power management and real-time prediction of power consumption, and a measuring device (AMI, Advanced Metering Infrastructure), which measures power consumption in real time, are pivotal. Play the role of person.

Here, the measuring device under the smart grid is a basic technology for integrating consumers on the basis of open architecture, and provides consumers with the ability to efficiently use electricity, and provides power providers with the ability to operate the system efficiently by detecting problems in the system. do.

Here, the open architecture refers to a standard that allows all electric devices to be connected to each other regardless of which manufacturer the electric device is manufactured in the smart grid system, unlike a general communication network.

Thus, the instrumentation used in the smart grid enables a consumer friendly efficiency concept such as "Prices to Devices".

That is, the real-time price signal of the electric power market is relayed through the energy management device (EMS) installed in each home, and the energy management device (EMS) communicates with and controls each electric device so that the user can control the energy management device (EMS). By recognizing the power information of each electric device and performing the power information processing such as the amount of power consumption or the limit of the power bill, the energy and cost can be saved.

Here, the energy management device (EMS) processes the information collected by the local energy management device (EMS) by performing a two-way communication with the local energy management device (EMS) used in the office or home, and the local energy management device (EMS). It can be configured as a central energy management device (EMS).

Real-time communication of power information between suppliers and consumers can be realized in the smart grid, realizing “real-time grid response”, thereby reducing the high cost of meeting peak demand.

2 illustrates a power management network 10 in a home, which is a major consumer of a smart grid.

The power management network 10 includes a measuring device (smart meter) 20 or an energy management device (EMS) 30 capable of measuring in real time the power and power rates supplied to each home.

In this case, the electricity rate may be charged based on the hourly rate plan, and the hourly electricity rate becomes cheaper in a time section in which the power consumption is rapidly increased, or in a late-night time section where power consumption is relatively low. Can be done.

Here, the energy management device (EMS) 30 has a screen 31 for displaying the current state of electricity consumption and the external environment (temperature, humidity), and provides an input button 32 or the like which can be operated by a user. It may be provided in the form of a terminal provided.

The energy management device (EMS) 30 or the measuring device (smart meter) 20 is again connected to a home network such as a digital television (DTV), a refrigerator, a washing machine, a dryer, an air conditioner or a cooking appliance. It is connected to an electronic device and can communicate with them bidirectionally.

Communication inside the house may be via wireless or wired, such as Power Line Communication (PLC). Each electronic device may be arranged to be connected to other electronic devices to enable communication.

On the other hand, the power management network 10 has an auxiliary power source 50 provided in the home, that is, a self-generating facility 51 such as a solar tube generator, and a storage battery capable of storing power generated by the self-generating facility. (52).

In addition to the storage battery 52, the fuel cell 53 may also be connected to the power management network 10 to serve as an auxiliary power source.

Here, the auxiliary power source 50 serves to supply power to the home in a state in which power is not supplied from an external power source such as a power company.

The amount of power that can be supplied from such an auxiliary power source or the amount of power charged in the auxiliary power source 50 may be displayed on the energy management device (EMS) 30 or the measuring device (smart meter) 20.

3 illustrates a block diagram of the power management network 10 and a block diagram of the DTV 100 connected to the power management network 10.

Here, the power management program operating unit 40 may be a power company equipped with a general power generation equipment (firepower, nuclear power, hydropower) or power generation equipment using renewable energy (solar pipe, wind power, geothermal) and the like. Ine is not limited.

The power management program operating unit 40 not only supplies power, but also provides information related to the variable rate plan to each home, thereby helping to establish a power rate reduction strategy based on power rate fluctuations at home.

In addition, the guide is recommended to help the user to save the electricity bill, and to help the rational power consumption of the user by setting or recommending a standard for high billing time period. Hereinafter, a power supply source of the power management program operating body 40 will be referred to as an external power source.

The high billing time period refers to a time interval in which the hourly power rate becomes higher than a predetermined reference rate due to the surge in electric power demand, which is significantly higher than other times.

As described above, the power management network 10 includes an auxiliary power source that can be provided in each home, that is, a self-generating facility 51 such as a solar power generation facility, a storage battery 52 and a fuel cell 53.

Here, the auxiliary power source 50 is distinguished from the external power source, and serves to supply power to the home separately from the external power source. The auxiliary power source 50 and the external power source are provided with the measuring device (smart meter) 20 and the energy management device (EMS) 30 to communicate with the electronic devices. Therefore, each electronic device may be designed to have a power supply unit capable of receiving both the external power source and / or the auxiliary power source.

Here, in the configuration of the energy management device (EMS) 30, the control unit 35, the input unit 38, the communication unit 34 and the display unit 39, the measurement device (smart meter) ( 20 also includes a control unit 25, an input unit 28, a communication unit 24, and a display unit 29.

Here, the energy management device (EMS) 30 or the measuring device (smart meter) 20 is communicatively connected to the DTV 100, and for this purpose, the energy management device (EMS) ( A communication unit 130 capable of communicating with the communication unit 34 of 30 or the communication unit 24 of the measuring device (smart meter) 20 is provided.

Thus, the communication unit 130 provided in the DTV 100 may receive power information such as power rate information that is changed in real time from the energy management device (EMS) or the measurement device 20.

3, in addition to the communication unit 130, the DTV 100 includes a power supply unit 110, an input unit 120, a broadcast receiving unit 140, an output unit 150, a memory 160, and a controller. It may be configured to include (180).

The power supply unit 110 receives the external power and / or the auxiliary power, and supplies power required for the operation of each component of the DTV 100.

The input unit 120 generates input data for the user to control the operation of the DTV 100.

As described above, the communication unit 130 enables communication between the DTV 100 and a network (for example, the Internet) in addition to receiving power information related to the smart grid such as the power bill information. It may include more than one module.

In addition, the communication unit 130 may receive smart grid information by wire (eg, Ethernet, PLC, etc.) or wirelessly (eg, Zigbee, etc.).

The broadcast receiving unit 140 receives a broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information from an external broadcast management server through a broadcast channel.

The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel and / or a terrestrial channel. The broadcast management server may mean a server that generates and transmits a broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information or a server that receives a pre-generated broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information and transmits the same to a terminal such as the DTV 100. have. The broadcast signal may include a TV broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, a data broadcast signal, and a broadcast signal in which a data broadcast signal is combined with a TV broadcast signal or a radio broadcast signal.

The broadcast-related information may refer to a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, or information related to a broadcast service provider.

Examples of the broadcast-related information include EPG (Electronic Program Guide) or ESG (Electronic Service Guide).

The broadcast receiver 140 receives a broadcast signal using various broadcast systems, and may be configured to be suitable for not only a digital broadcast system but also another broadcast system for providing a broadcast signal.

The broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information received through the broadcast receiver 140 may be stored in the memory 160.

The output unit 150 is for generating an output related to visual, auditory or tactile senses, and may include a display unit 151 and a sound output unit 152. The output unit 150 may further include a haptic module 154 for generating an output (for example, vibration) related to the tactile sense.

The display unit 151 displays and outputs information processed by the DTV 100.

The display unit 151 may be a liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode, a flexible display, or a three-dimensional display. It may include at least one of (3D display).

Two or more display units 151 may exist according to the implementation form of the DTV 100.

The sound output unit 152 outputs audio data received from the outside or generated by the DTV 100. That is, the sound output unit 152 may output a sound signal related to a function performed by the DTV 100.

The sound output unit 152 may include a speaker, a buzzer, and the like. In addition, the sound output unit 152 may output sound through the earphone jack. The user can hear the sound output by connecting the earphone to the earphone jack.

The memory 160 may store a program for the operation of the controller 180 and temporarily or permanently store input / output data (for example, audio, still image, video, broadcast related information, etc.). You can also save.

The memory 160 may be a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (eg, SD or XD memory, etc.), Random Access Memory (RAM), Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), Programmable Read ?? Only Memory (PROM) magnetic memory, It may include a storage medium of at least one type of magnetic disk, optical disk.

The memory 160 may be separately present outside the DTV 100, as described below with reference to FIG. 5. For example, a digital video recorder (DVR) may exist separately from the DTV 100 while serving as the memory 160.

The memory 160 may be referred to as storage.

The DTV 100 may operate in association with a web storage that performs a storage function of the memory 160 on the Internet.

The controller 180 typically controls the overall operation of the DTV 100. For example, perform related control and processing for broadcast reception, broadcast recording, internet access, etc.

The controller 180 may also include a multimedia module for multimedia playback. The multimedia module may be implemented in the controller 180 or may be implemented separately from the controller 180. The multimedia module may include an audio / video decoder.

The various embodiments described in this document can be implemented in a recording medium readable by a computer or similar device using, for example, software, hardware or a combination thereof.

According to a hardware implementation, the embodiments described in this document may include application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). It may be implemented using at least one of a processor, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, and electrical units for performing the functions. These may be implemented by the controller 180.

In a software implementation, embodiments such as procedures or functions may be implemented with separate software modules that allow at least one function or operation to be performed. The software code may be implemented by a software application written in a suitable programming language. In addition, the software code may be stored in the memory 160 and executed by the controller 180.

4 is a block diagram of the DTV 100 in relation to smart grid information and broadcast content.

Referring to FIG. 4, the controller 180 of the DTV 100 may include a smart grid engine 181, a DVR engine 182, and a UI processor 183.

The smart grid engine 181 may process the smart grid information received through the communication unit 130 into a form that can be used by the DTV 100 to store the storage in the inside or outside of the DTV 100. 160 may be stored in.

Here, as shown in FIG. 4, the communication unit 130 directly receives the smart grid information from the smart grid network 12 through the smart operation center 11 existing outside the home, or the smart grid network ( 12, the smart grid information may be received through the smart home server 10 existing in the home.

The smart operation center 11 is another representation of the energy management device EMS outside the home described above, and the smart home server 10 is another representation of the power management network 10 described above.

As described below, the DVR engine 182 may perform a function related to the storage of the broadcast content, such as calculating necessary information related to the storage of the broadcast content.

For example, the DVR engine 182 may receive the broadcast content requested by the UI processor 183 in the form of a transport stream (TS) through the broadcast receiver 140 and store it in the storage 160. Can be.

Also, for example, the DVR engine 182 calculates an optimal time to watch broadcast content stored in the storage 160 by using smart grid information processed and stored by the smart grid engine 181, Thereafter, when the optimum time is reached, a function for notifying the user may be performed.

The UI processing unit 183 may be configured to generate, store, and output various user interfaces (UIs) mentioned in various embodiments to be described later, and to process user inputs received through the user interface. Function can be performed.

In addition, the DTV 100 may include the A / V decoder 184 described above. As described above, the A / V decoder 184 may be included in the controller 180 or exist as a separate module from the controller 180.

The A / V decoder 184 may decode and output a transport stream received through the broadcast receiving unit 140, or may decode and output content stored in the storage 160.

In the above description, the DTV 100 is mainly described as an electronic device in a home. However, the DTV 100 is not limited thereto. Hereinafter, the technical idea disclosed in the present disclosure with reference to the DTV 100 and various embodiments for implementing the same will be described.

5 is a diagram illustrating an installation example of the DTV 100 and the storage 160. As described above, the storage 160 may exist separately from the DTV 100 while serving as the memory 160 described above.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, a user may control the DTV 100 using a remote controller 190.

6 is a flowchart of a control method for an electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 7 to 12 are diagrams for describing a method of controlling an electronic device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

The control method of the electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be implemented in the environment and the DTV 100 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. Hereinafter, a method of controlling an electronic device according to a first embodiment of the present invention and an operation of the electronic device for implementing the same will be described in detail with reference to the DTV 100.

In a control method of an electronic device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the method includes: obtaining a reservation recording request for a specific content [S100], and obtaining airing time information of the specific content from an electronic program guide [EPG]. S110], comparing the reservation time information included in the reservation recording request and the power rate information for each time zone corresponding to the airtime information [S120], and determining the time of performing the reservation recording based on the comparison result; [S130], it may include performing a reservation recording at the determined time [S240].

Hereinafter, each step will be described in detail.

The controller 180 can obtain a reservation recording request [S100].

The reservation recording request is a request for reserving a recording of a specific content of the broadcast content received through the broadcast receiving unit 140 and may include at least one reservation information of a channel and a reservation time at which the specific content is broadcast. .

Here, the path for obtaining the reservation recording request may vary.

For example, the reservation recording request may be obtained through the input unit 120. The user operates the remote controller 190 or selects a recording reservation through a touch pad, a gesture, a voice command, etc., and inputs reservation information including at least one of a channel and a reservation time at which specific content to be reserved and recorded is broadcasted. can do.

For another example, the reservation recording request may be obtained through the communication unit 130 from an external electronic device such as a smart phone, a tablet PC, a laptop, and the like. That is, the communication unit 130 may receive a reservation information including at least one of a channel and a reservation time in which a specific content to be reserved and recorded is broadcasted by configuring a network (for example, the Internet) with the external electronic device. .

That is, the controller 180 may obtain a reservation recording request for the specific content through communication with the external electronic device in addition to a method of directly inputting through the remote controller 190, a touch pad, a gesture, a voice command, or the like. Can be.

In addition, the controller 180 may obtain a method of obtaining a reservation recording request for the specific content.

7 to 9 illustrate examples in which a user interface for obtaining a reservation recording request from the user is displayed on a screen.

The controller 180 may provide a user interface for inputting reservation recording information of the user to the display unit 151 and obtain the reservation recording request through the user interface.

Referring to FIG. 7, the controller 180 may provide the user interface 60 for inputting channel information 60, start time 62, end time 63, etc. for the specific content. Can be.

For example, a user may operate the remote controller 190 to input information corresponding to the channel information 60, the start time 62, and the end time 63 displayed on the display unit 151. have.

Accordingly, the controller 180 controls the channel 61 '9 ?? 1' on which the specific content is broadcasted, the start time 62 'January 12, 2012 / 21:00 pm', and the end time 63 ' The reservation request, including January 12, 2012 / 22:00 pm, may be obtained.

Referring to FIG. 8, the controller 180 may provide the electronic program guide EPG 70 to the display unit 151 as the user interface.

That is, the controller 180 can obtain the reservation recording request from the broadcast program information displayed on the electronic program guide (EPG).

The electronic program guide (EPG) 70 may be received from an external broadcast management server through the broadcast receiver 140. In addition, the communication unit 130 may be received from an external electronic device such as a smart phone, a tablet PC, a notebook, and the like.

Referring to FIG. 8A, in the electronic program guide EPG 70 provided through the display unit 151, recording / viewing reservation of the specific content from the user is performed. When an icon corresponding to 73 is selected, a reservation request for the specific content may be obtained.

For example, according to FIG. 8B, the user records the content C 75 that is broadcasted from 21:00 pm to 22:00 pm on Jan. 12 and Channel 9-1. The icon corresponding to the viewing reservation 73 can be selected. In this case, the controller 180 can provide the display unit 151 with a user interface for confirming reservation information selected by the user and whether a recording reservation or a viewing reservation is made.

Meanwhile, according to FIG. 8A, when the icon corresponding to the date change 72 is selected, the controller 180 can search for broadcast programming information within one week from the current date, and exit to 74. When the corresponding icon is selected, the broadcast guide previous screen may be displayed.

Another example of a user interface provided by the controller 180 to receive the reservation recording request will be described.

The controller 180 may provide a user interface 90 for receiving a program name of the specific content to the display unit 151. Accordingly, the controller 180 may obtain the reservation recording request by directly receiving a program name of the specific content from the user through the user interface 90.

Referring to FIG. 9, the controller 180 may display the phrase 'Enter a program name' 81 through the interface 80. Accordingly, when an icon corresponding to the program name 'C' and the confirmation 82 of the specific content is selected by the user, the controller 180 displays channel information and broadcast time information corresponding to the selected specific content 'C'. You can search.

For example, the controller 180 acquires channel information and broadcast time information corresponding to the selected specific content 'C' from the electronic program guide (EPG), and displays the retrieved channel information and broadcast time information. A user interface can be provided.

Here, the searched channel information and the broadcast time information may be plural, and the user may select any one of the plurality of channel information and the broadcast time information.

Accordingly, the controller 180 can obtain a reservation recording request corresponding to one channel and the broadcast time selected by the user.

The controller 180 may obtain broadcast time information on specific content selected by the user. [S110]

The airtime information is information about a time when the specific content selected by the user is aired. The specific content may be aired in a plurality of time zones in one channel, and may be aired in a plurality of time zones in a plurality of channels. In addition, the time when the premium content is aired may be one.

For example, referring to FIG. 8, in the case of the content 'D', the content 'D' is aired from 20:00 to 21:00 on the channel 9-1 in addition to the main broadcast from 17:00 to 18:00 on the channel 8-1. There may be rebroadcasts and rebroadcasts broadcast from 22:30 to 23:30 on channels 7-1. However, in the case of the content 'E', there may be only one airing time that is aired at 14:00 to 15:00 in the channel 6-1.

In addition, the broadcast time information may include a reservation time included in the reservation request obtained in step S100, it may be a broadcast time information except the reservation time.

The controller 180 may obtain airtime information about the specific content from the electronic program guide (EPG) 70 received from the external broadcast management server.

In addition to the electronic program guide EPG 70, the controller 180 may obtain the airtime information from an external electronic device or a server through the communication unit 130.

For example, referring to FIG. 8, the specific content C 75 selected by the user includes the channel 7-1, in addition to the channel 9-1 and the reservation time 21:00 to 22:00 selected by the user. Scheduled recording may also be available from 14:30 to 15:30, channel 6-1, and 22:30 to 23:30.

The controller 180 may compare the reservation time information included in the reservation recording request with the power rate information for each time zone corresponding to the airtime information [S120], and determine the execution time of the reservation recording [S130]. .

Here, the time-based power rate information is power rate information related to the smart grid, and as described above, from the energy management device (EMS) 30 or the measurement device (smart meter) 20 through the communication unit 130. Can be obtained.

10 is a table showing an example of the time-based power rates. Referring to FIG. 10, the power rate information for each time zone may also vary according to seasons.

For example, during the winter (December to February) and summer (June to August), power consumption increases due to the operation of air conditioning and heating systems. Power bills can be more expensive.

In addition, the time-based power rate information may be updated at predetermined intervals.

The controller 180 may automatically calculate a power rate corresponding to the reservation time and the airing time from the time-based power rate information obtained through the communication unit 130.

The controller 180 may determine when to perform a reservation recording operation on the specific content by comparing the reservation time calculated from the power rate information for each time zone and the power rate corresponding to the airing time.

As described above, the airtime information may include at least one airtime information in addition to the reservation time included in the reservation request. For the convenience of the following description, the airtime information includes a first airtime time and a second airtime information. The case in which the airing time is included will be described as an example.

If the power rate corresponding to the reservation time, the power rate corresponding to the first airing time, and the power rate corresponding to the second airing time are compared, the power rate corresponding to the reservation time is aired. When the power rate corresponding to the time is lower than the power rate corresponding to the second airtime, the reservation time may be determined as a time to perform a reservation recording operation on the specific content.

For example, referring to FIG. 8, when the controller 180 obtains a reservation recording request for the content 'C' played on the channel 6-1 from the user at a reservation time of '22: 30 to 23:30 ' [S100], the first airing time '14: 30 ~ 15:30 'and the second airing time '21: 00 ~ 22:00' for the content 'C' from the electronic program guide (EPG, 70) Can be obtained [S110].

The controller 180 may include a power fee of $ 200 corresponding to the reservation time, a power fee of $ 500 corresponding to the first airing time, and a power fee of $ 300 corresponding to the second airing time. It can be automatically calculated based on the comparison [S120].

In this case, the controller 180 may determine, as the time when the reserved recording operation for the content 'C' is to be performed, with the reservation time having the lowest power rate of $ 200 [S130].

However, when the reservation recording request time of the user is from June to August, since the power rate information for each time zone may vary, the timing for performing the reservation recording operation of the specific content for the reservation recording request may vary. .

For example, according to FIG. 10 (c), the power rate corresponding to the reservation time is $ 400, the power rate corresponding to the first airtime is $ 550, and the power rate corresponding to the second airtime is $ 300, the controller 180 may determine the second broadcast time as a time to perform a reserved recording operation on the content 'C'.

Further, if the power rate corresponding to the reservation time, the power rate corresponding to the first airing time, and the power rate corresponding to the second airing time are compared, the power rate corresponding to the reservation time is determined. The specific content is higher than at least one of a power rate corresponding to one airtime and a power rate corresponding to the second airtime, wherein the specific content corresponds to the lowest power rate among the first airtime and the second airtime. When to perform a scheduled recording operation for may be determined.

For example, referring to FIG. 8, the controller 180 obtains a reservation recording request for the content 'B' that is played on the channel 6-1 from the user at a reservation time of '21: 30 to 10:30 '. If [S100], the first airing time '14: 00 ~ 15:00 'and the second airing time '22: 00 ~ 23:00' for the content 'B' from the electronic program guide (EPG, 70) Can be obtained [S110].

Here, in the case of the reservation time, a power charge of $ 300 per hour may be applied to 21:30 to 22:00, and a power fee of $ 200 per hour may be applied to 22:00 to 22:30.

In this case, the power rate corresponding to the reservation time is $ 250, the power rate corresponding to the first airtime is $ 500, and the power rate corresponding to the second airtime is $ 200, which corresponds to the reservation time. Since the power rate is higher than the power rate corresponding to the second airing time [S120], the second airing time may be determined as a time to perform a reserved recording operation for the content 'B' [S130]. As described above, the controller 180 determines when to perform a reservation recording operation on the specific content, the power rate corresponding to the reservation time and the power rate corresponding to the first airing time. When the power rate corresponding to the airing time is higher than at least one of the airtimes, the scheduled recording is performed when the power rate is low among the first airing time or the second airing time instead of the reserved time included in the reservation recording request. You can change this to when.

In this case, the controller 180 may automatically change the time when the scheduled recording is performed to perform the scheduled recording operation for the specific content, and select whether to change the time when the user performs the scheduled recording. It may also provide a user interface.

Referring to FIG. 11, as shown in FIG. 9, a reservation recording request for content 'C' broadcasted at 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm and CH9-1 on January 12, 2011 is selected by the user. In this case, the controller 180 can provide the display 151 with a user interface 80 for selecting whether to change the timing of performing the scheduled recording.

As described above, the controller 180 automatically calculates and compares a power rate corresponding to the reservation time, the first airtime, and the second airtime included in the reservation recording request [S120]. Since the power rate corresponding to the second airing time is lower than the reservation time according to the reservation recording request, the user interface 90 displays the content 91 including the channel information on the second airing time. can do.

In this case, the user may select an icon 92 corresponding to YES to change the timing of performing the scheduled recording, and select the icon 93 corresponding to NO to perform the scheduled recording. The reservation time set initially may be maintained as a time to perform the reservation recording without changing the time to do it.

Here, the controller 180 may provide a user interface 90 for selecting whether to change the timing of performing the reservation recording immediately after acquiring the reservation recording request or at least before the reservation time arrives. .

12, when only the program name of the specific content is included in the reservation recording request, the controller 180 corresponds to the broadcast time together with the searched channel information and / or broadcast time information. A user interface 95 for displaying time-based power rate information may be provided, and the user may select a time to perform the reservation recording in consideration of the power rate.

For example, the user may select '2011/1/12 22: 30 ~ 23: 30' time 96 having the lowest power rate per time zone among the searched airtime information as the time to perform the reservation recording. .

On the other hand, if the airing time for the specific content is only one of the reservation time, it is possible to determine the reservation time as the time to perform the reservation recording operation irrespective of the power rate corresponding to the reservation time [S130]. In this case, the controller 180 may provide a user interface for obtaining a power rate corresponding to the reservation time so that the user can select whether to perform the reservation recording. Thus, the controller 180 determines the determined time. The scheduled recording can be performed in step S140.

According to the first embodiment of the present invention, by determining the execution time of the reservation recording for the specific content requested for the reservation recording as the lowest time zone, the power rate can be greatly reduced.

13 is a flowchart of a control method for an electronic device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 7 to 12 are diagrams for describing a method of controlling an electronic device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

The control method of the electronic device according to the second embodiment of the present invention may be implemented in the environment and the DTV 100 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. Hereinafter, a method of controlling an electronic device according to a second embodiment of the present invention and an operation of the electronic device for implementing the same will be described in detail with reference to the DTV 100.

In a method of controlling an electronic device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, the method includes: obtaining a reservation recording request for a specific content [S200], and a power rate corresponding to a reservation time included in the reservation recording request is equal to or greater than a preset reference value; Determining whether the information is recognized [S210], obtaining airing time information of the specific content from an electronic program guide [EP220], and power rate information for each time zone corresponding to the reservation time information and the airing time information, respectively; Comparing the step [S230], and based on the comparison result may include the step of determining the execution time of the reservation recording [S240], the step of performing the reservation recording at the determined time [S250].

Meanwhile, steps S200, S220, S230, S240, and S250 correspond to steps S100, S110, S120, S130, and S140 in the control method of the electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, hereinafter, detailed descriptions of the steps S200, S220, S230, S240, and S250 will be omitted.

The controller 180 obtains a reservation recording request for a specific content [S200], and calculates a power rate corresponding to the reservation time included in the reservation recording request from the power time information for each time zone, whether it is equal to or more than a preset reference value. It can be determined [S210].

Here, the preset reference value may be a value set to correspond to the most expensive power rate.

The reference value may be calculated or set by statistical analysis for a predetermined period of power rate information included in the smart grid information received from the smart grid network 12.

In addition, the controller 180 may update the reference value periodically or irregularly.

The preset reference value may be a value arbitrarily set by a user.

If the power rate corresponding to the reservation time is greater than or equal to the preset reference value, as a result of the determination in S210, the controller 180 obtains the airing time information for the specific content [S220], and the information is displayed in the airing time. Corresponding time zone power rate information may be compared [S230].

Accordingly, as a result of the comparison, the controller 180 may determine a broadcast time having the lowest power rate as a time to perform a reservation recording operation on the specific content [S240], and perform reservation recording [S250].

In addition, if the power rate corresponding to the reservation time is less than the preset reference value, the controller 180 may perform reservation recording at the reservation time included in the reservation request when the power rate corresponding to the reservation time is less than the preset reference value. .

On the other hand, if the airing time for the specific content is only one of the reservation time, the reservation time may be determined as a time to perform a reservation recording operation regardless of whether the power rate corresponding to the reservation time is equal to or greater than a preset reference value. There is [S240]. In this case, the controller 180 may obtain a power rate corresponding to the reservation time, and provide the user interface to select whether or not to perform the reservation recording.

According to the second embodiment of the present invention, when the real-time power rate generated at the reservation time included in the reservation recording request for the specific content is greater than or equal to a preset reference value, the real-time power rate is changed to the lowest time zone to perform the reservation recording. As a result, the electricity bill can be greatly reduced.

The various embodiments disclosed in this document can be implemented individually or in combination with each other. Also, the steps constituting each embodiment may be performed in combination with the steps constituting another embodiment.

In addition, the method according to the present invention described above may be provided recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

A computer-readable recording medium includes all kinds of recording apparatuses in which data that can be read by a computer system is stored. Examples of the computer-readable recording device include a ROM, a RAM, a CD-ROM, a DVD 占 ROM, a DVD-RAM, a magnetic tape, a floppy disk, a hard disk, The computer-readable recording medium may also be distributed to networked computer devices so that computer readable code can be stored and executed in a distributed manner.

In addition, the method according to the invention can be executed via software. When implemented in software, the constituent means of the present invention are code segments that perform the necessary work. The program or code segments may be stored in a processor-determinable medium or transmitted by a computer data signal coupled with a carrier in a transmission medium or communication network.

The present invention described above is capable of various substitutions, modifications, and changes without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention for those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. It is not limited by the drawing. In addition, the embodiments described in this document may not be limitedly applied, but may be configured by selectively combining all or part of the embodiments so that various modifications may be made.

100: DTV (electronic device), 110: power supply
120: input unit 130: communication unit
140: broadcast receiving unit 150: output unit
151: display unit 152: sound output unit
160: memory (storage) 180: control unit

Claims (7)

A communication unit receiving power rate information for each time zone associated with the smart grid; And
Acquire a reservation recording request for specific content,
Obtaining broadcast time information of the specific content,
And a controller configured to determine when to perform a reservation recording operation on the specific content in consideration of the time-based power rate information and the airtime information.
The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the airtime information includes at least a first airtime and a second airtime.
According to claim 2, The reservation recording request,
An electronic device comprising reservation recording information of at least one of a channel and a reservation time of the specific content.
The apparatus of claim 3,
Obtaining a first power rate corresponding to the reservation time, a second power rate corresponding to the first airtime, and a third power rate corresponding to the second airtime from the time zone power rate information;
And determining when to perform a reservation recording operation on the specific content by comparing the first power rate, the second power rate, and the third power rate.
5. The apparatus of claim 4,
And, as a result of the comparison, when the first power rate is lower than the second power rate and the third power rate, determining the reservation time as a time to perform a reservation recording operation on the specific content.
Receiving time-based power bill information associated with the smart grid;
Obtaining a reservation recording request for specific content;
Acquiring broadcast time information of the specific content; and
And determining when to perform the reserved recording operation for the specific content in consideration of the time-based power rate information and the airtime information.
The method of claim 6, wherein the airtime information comprises at least a first airtime and a second airtime.

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