WO2017048040A1

WO2017048040A1 - Electronic device and electronic device operation method

Info

Publication number: WO2017048040A1
Application number: PCT/KR2016/010318
Authority: WO
Inventors: 마콩; 왕펭; 첸지에; 지빙
Original assignee: 삼성전자 주식회사
Priority date: 2015-09-15
Filing date: 2016-09-13
Publication date: 2017-03-23

Abstract

Disclosed is an electronic device operation method comprising the steps of: displaying a virtual channel list including at least one virtual channel on a display; and playing, in response to an external input for selecting one virtual channel from the virtual channel list, at least one piece of content corresponding to at least one of a plurality of content identifiers included in a content list corresponding to a selected virtual channel, wherein the type of at least one of a plurality of pieces of content corresponding to the plurality of content identifiers differs from the type of at least one of the remaining pieces of content.

Description

Electronic device and method of operation of electronic device

The present disclosure relates to an electronic device and a method of operating the electronic device, and more particularly, to a reproduction of a virtual channel.

The display device is a device having a function of displaying an image that a user can watch. Conventional display apparatuses include displays capable of reproducing video or audio, and are controlled by signals transmitted from the control apparatus.

A conventional electronic device moves a broadcast program of an existing channel through a sequential reception of an input that moves to an application panel on a display, moves from an application panel to a game application panel, and selects and executes a desired game application on the game application panel. Run the game application during playback.

In addition, the conventional electronic device may select and play content among different types of content only after first receiving a command for moving to another type of content panel and receiving an input for selecting content in the corresponding panel.

As such, the conventional electronic device is inconvenient to provide a desired service to a user only when a cumbersome operation is performed.

The present disclosure is to provide an electronic device and a method of operating the electronic device for playing different types of content on one display and easily changing the played content on a display.

Displaying a virtual channel list including at least one virtual channel on a display, and in response to an external input of selecting one virtual channel in the virtual channel list, the plurality of virtual channels included in a content list corresponding to the selected virtual channel. Playing at least one content corresponding to at least one content identifier among the content identifiers, wherein the type of at least one of the plurality of contents corresponding to the plurality of content identifiers is at least one of the remaining contents. It is possible to provide a method of operating an electronic device, which is different from the type.

1A to 1B are reference diagrams for describing a concept related to a virtual channel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

2 is a flowchart illustrating a process of a method of playing content by the electronic apparatus 1000 in response to an external input, according to an exemplary embodiment.

3 is a flowchart illustrating a process of a method in which the electronic apparatus 1000 plays content at a predetermined position in a content list according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

4 is a flowchart illustrating a process of a method in which the electronic apparatus 1000 plays content determined based on a current start in a content list according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a process of a method in which the electronic apparatus 1000 plays a content selected by an external input in a content list according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

6 is a flowchart illustrating a process of a method of playing an application by the electronic apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

7A to 7C are reference diagrams for describing a method of generating a user-specified virtual channel in the electronic apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

8 is a reference diagram for describing a method of changing content played during virtual channel playback according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic device 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment.

10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic device 1000 according to another exemplary embodiment.

As a technical means for achieving the above technical problem, a first aspect of the present disclosure, the step of displaying a virtual channel list including at least one virtual channel on the display, and selecting one virtual channel in the virtual channel list In response to an external input, reproducing at least one content corresponding to at least one content identifier among a plurality of content identifiers included in the content list corresponding to the selected virtual channel, and corresponding to the plurality of content identifiers. The type of at least one of the plurality of contents may be different from the type of at least one of the remaining contents.

The type of content may include at least one of live content broadcast in real time, service content independent of time, and an application.

In addition, a second aspect of the present disclosure displays a selected virtual channel list including at least one virtual channel on the display and in response to an external input of selecting one virtual channel in the virtual channel list. A control unit which plays back at least one content corresponding to at least one content identifier among a plurality of content identifiers included in the content list corresponding to the channel, and at least one content among the plurality of contents corresponding to the plurality of content identifiers The type of may provide an electronic device, characterized in that different from the type of at least one of the remaining content.

The controller may play back a content corresponding to a content identifier of a predetermined position in the content list.

The controller may play content determined based on a current time from among content identifiers included in the content list.

The controller may display the content list corresponding to the at least one virtual channel on the display, and in response to an external input for selecting one content identifier among a plurality of content identifiers included in the content list, The content corresponding to the selected content identifier may be played on the display.

The controller may play back an application on the display and terminate playback of the application if an external input is not detected for a predetermined time.

Further, the third aspect of the present disclosure can provide a computer readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for implementing the method of the first aspect on a computer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described below in connection with the accompanying drawings. Various embodiments of the present disclosure may have various changes and various embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail. However, this is not intended to limit the various embodiments of the present disclosure to specific embodiments, it should be understood to include all modifications and / or equivalents and substitutes included in the spirit and scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure. In the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals are used for similar elements.

Expressions such as "comprises" or "can include" as used in various embodiments of the present disclosure indicate the existence of the corresponding function, operation, or component disclosed, and additional one or more functions, operations or It does not restrict the components. In addition, in various embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms "comprise" or "have" are intended to indicate that there is a feature, number, step, action, component, part, or combination thereof described on the specification, It should be understood that it does not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features or numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the expression “or” includes any and all combinations of words listed together. For example, "A or B" may include A, may include B, or may include both A and B.

The expressions first, second, first, second, etc. used in various embodiments of the present disclosure may modify various elements of the various embodiments, but do not limit the corresponding elements. For example, the above expressions do not limit the order and / or importance of the corresponding elements. The above expressions may be used to distinguish one component from another. For example, both a first user device and a second user device are user devices and represent different user devices. For example, without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the first component may be named a second component, and similarly, the second component may also be named the first component.

When a component is said to be "connected" or "connected" to another component, the component may or may not be directly connected to or connected to the other component. It is to be understood that there may be new other components between the other components. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it will be understood that there is no new other component between the component and the other component. Should be able.

The terminology used in the various embodiments of the present disclosure is merely used to describe particular embodiments, and is not intended to limit the various embodiments of the present disclosure. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which various embodiments of the present disclosure belong. Terms such as those defined in the commonly used dictionaries should be construed as having meanings consistent with the meanings in the context of the related art, and are ideally or excessively formal, unless expressly defined in the various embodiments of the present disclosure. It is not interpreted in the sense.

Hereinafter, an electronic device 1000 and an operation method of the electronic device 1000 according to various embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The term “user” used in various embodiments may refer to a person who uses an electronic device or a device (eg, an artificial intelligence electronic device) that uses an electronic device.

Referring to FIG. 1A, an electronic device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an existing channel list 101 including an existing channel on a display, and a virtual channel list 102 including a virtual channel. The channel list 100 may be provided.

The existing channel list 101 and the virtual channel list 102 may be displayed separately or together depending on an external input on the display. At least one of the channel lists 100 to 102 may be displayed on the upper or lower part of the display and may be displayed on the right or left part of the display. However, the display of at least one of the channel lists 100 to 102 is not limited thereto and may be variously displayed according to a configuration, a location, and a size previously stored in the electronic device 1000 or a preset configuration, a location, and a size. Can be.

Referring to FIG. 1A, the existing channel list 101 may be defined as a list including at least one existing channel. The existing channel may refer to a channel that is received on a display by receiving a signal including information on at least one live content broadcast in real time according to a scheduling timetable predetermined by a broadcaster in the electronic apparatus 1000.

The virtual channel list 102 may be defined as a list including at least one virtual channel. Unlike a conventional channel, a virtual channel may mean a channel made by an external input of a user or an electronic device, and may mean a channel made by a broadcaster, a production company, a content provider, or the like.

Referring to FIG. 1B, the electronic apparatus 1000 may provide a content list 120 corresponding to each existing channel or each virtual channel included in the channel list 100. The content list 120 may include a content identifier corresponding to one or more contents included in the corresponding channel.

The existing channel content list 111 may include one or more live content lists corresponding to one or more existing channels included in the existing channel list 101. The virtual channel content list 112 may include one or more content lists corresponding to one or more virtual channels included in the virtual channel list 102.

The existing channel content list 111 and the virtual channel content list 112 may also be displayed on the display according to external input or together. At least one of the content lists 110 to 112 may be displayed on the upper or lower part of the display and may be displayed on the right or left part of the display. However, the display of at least one of the content lists 110 to 112 is not limited thereto and may be variously displayed according to a configuration, a location, and a size previously stored in the electronic apparatus 1000 or a preset configuration, a location, and a size. Can be.

Each content list may include a content identifier corresponding to one or more contents included in the corresponding channel. For example, referring to FIG. 1B, the content list corresponding to the second virtual channel may include "drama 11", "news 42", "movie 23", "music 22", and "chat1" as content identifiers. Can be.

The content identifier 130 may indicate a name, ID (eg, the number “1”), type, classification code, etc. of the corresponding content. For example, the "news42" content identifier 130 is a content identifier corresponding to news content whose reproduction time is set to 9:30 in the second virtual channel. The content identifier 130 may be represented by a unique name or ID as well as letters, numbers, symbols, icons, photos, stereoscopic images, and the like.

In one embodiment, the content may include at least one of live content broadcast in real time, service content provided independently of time, and an application. Therefore, the content list of the virtual channel may include at least one of a live content identifier, a service content identifier, and an application identifier.

Live content may be defined as a program that is broadcast in real time on an existing channel or broadcast according to a schedule. For example, the live content may include a news program that is performed in real time, a sports program that is relayed in real time, a drama, a movie, or an entertainment program that is broadcast according to a schedule.

Service content For example, it may be defined as content such as video or audio that is not time-dependent, but is not limited in time and can be downloaded from a server or reproduced by streaming. For example, the service content may include a movie, a drama, an animation, a music video, an entertainment program, or a documentary that can be downloaded from a server.

An application may be defined as application software that may be executed in the electronic apparatus 1000 without being dependent on time. In one embodiment, the application may be downloaded from the outside, for example, a store, a server, a content provider, and the like. In addition, the application may refer to software that can interact in both directions with the outside at the time of execution. For example, the application may include a game application, a chat application, an education application, a music application, or the like.

The electronic apparatus 1000 may arrange the content identifier according to the broadcasting schedule time in the content list 120, and arrange the content identifier according to the preset playback time set by the electronic apparatus 1000 or the preset playback time set by the user. can do.

The electronic apparatus 1000 may play the content according to a preset condition or an external input. Hereinafter, in the present specification, the meaning of "play" may include "airing" of live content, "playing" of service content, and "running" of an application.

When the electronic apparatus 1000 detects a control signal transmitted from the control apparatus 300, the electronic apparatus 1000 may display at least one of the channel lists 100 to 102. For example, when the electronic apparatus 1000 detects a control signal generated by pressing a channel list button (hereinafter, “CH button”) included in the control apparatus 300, the electronic apparatus 1000 displays the channel list 100 on the display. Can generate a control signal instructing the user to In addition, the electronic apparatus 1000 detects a control signal generated by pressing an existing channel list button (hereinafter referred to as "TCH button") or a virtual channel list button (hereinafter referred to as "VCH button") included in the control device 300. In one case, the existing channel list 101 or the virtual channel list 102 may be displayed on the display, respectively. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto, and when the electronic apparatus 1000 receives various inputs, for example, a gesture, a voice, or an input using other buttons included in the control apparatus 300, the electronic apparatus 1000 may be used. At least one of the channel lists 100 to 102 may be displayed on the display.

When the electronic apparatus 1000 detects that the control signal transmitted from the control apparatus 300 lasts for a predetermined time or more, the electronic apparatus 1000 may display at least one of the content lists 110 to 112. When the electronic apparatus 1000 detects an input of pressing the CH button, the TCH button, or the VCH button of the control device 300 for more than a threshold time, the electronic apparatus 1000 may provide a control signal for commanding to display at least one of the content lists 110 to 112. Can be generated.

For example, the electronic device 1000 may display the channel content list 110 on the display when it detects that the control signal generated by pressing the CH button included in the control device 300 lasts longer than a threshold time. have. In addition, when the electronic device 1000 detects that the control signal generated by pressing the TCH button or the VCH button included in the control device 300 lasts more than a threshold time, the existing channel content list 111 or the virtual channel, respectively. The content list 112 may be displayed on the display.

However, the embodiments are not limited thereto, and when the electronic apparatus 1000 receives various inputs, for example, a gesture, a voice, or an input using another button provided in the control apparatus 300, the electronic apparatus 1000 may receive an input. May display at least one of the channel content lists 210-212 on the display.

When at least one of the channel lists 100 to 102 is displayed on the display, the electronic apparatus 1000 detects a control signal for displaying the same channel list as the displayed channel list from the control apparatus 300. The device 1000 may stop displaying the corresponding channel list on the display. For example, when the channel list 100 is displayed, when the input signal for pressing the CH button is detected, the electronic apparatus 1000 may terminate the display of the channel list 100 on the display.

When the channel content lists are displayed on the display, when the electronic apparatus 1000 detects that the control signal for causing the electronic apparatus 1000 to display the same channel list as the displayed channel list from the control apparatus 300 lasts more than a threshold time, the electronic apparatus ( 1000 may stop displaying the corresponding channel content list on the display.

For example, when the virtual channel content list 112 is displayed, when detecting an input signal of continuously pressing the TCH button for a threshold time or more, the existing channel content list 111 may also be displayed. On the other hand, when the virtual channel contents list 112 is displayed, when the electronic device 1000 detects an input signal of continuously pressing the VCH button instead of the TCH button for more than a threshold time, the electronic apparatus 1000 stops displaying the virtual channel contents list 112. You can exit.

Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described with reference to the electronic apparatus 1000 according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 1B.

Referring to FIG. 2, in operation S210, the electronic apparatus 1000 may display a virtual channel list including at least one virtual channel on a display. According to an embodiment, the electronic apparatus 1000 may display a virtual channel list in response to an external input such as a user or an electronic apparatus.

For example, when the electronic apparatus 1000 detects a signal transmitted by a CH button or a VCH button included in the control apparatus 300, the electronic apparatus 1000 may display a virtual channel list on the display. .

In operation S230, in response to an external input for selecting one virtual channel from the virtual channel list, the electronic apparatus 1000 may include at least one content identifier among a plurality of content identifiers included in the content list corresponding to the selected virtual channel. At least one corresponding content may be played.

According to an embodiment, the electronic apparatus 1000 may receive an external input for selecting one virtual channel from the virtual channel list. The external input for selecting one virtual channel may be a control signal generated by the control device 300. The electronic apparatus 1000 may receive a virtual channel selection control signal generated by pressing a numeric button, a channel change button, a selection button, or the like included in the control device 300.

According to an embodiment, the electronic apparatus 1000 may play at least one content corresponding to at least one content identifier among a plurality of content identifiers included in the content list corresponding to the selected virtual channel. In this case, the electronic apparatus 1000 may determine which of the plurality of content identifiers included in the content list to reproduce the content corresponding to the content identifier in various ways.

For example, the electronic apparatus 1000 may play live content corresponding to the selected virtual channel and matching a current time and a broadcast time. In addition, the electronic apparatus 1000 may play the service content in which the current time matches the preset playback time set by the user or the electronic device. In addition, the electronic apparatus 1000 may play the content corresponding to the recently reproduced content identifier from the content list corresponding to the selected virtual channel.

In operation S230, the type of at least one of the plurality of contents corresponding to the plurality of content identifiers may be different from the type of at least one of the remaining contents.

For example, the content list may include at least one live content and at least one application. Alternatively, the content list may include at least one live content and at least one service content.

According to an embodiment, the electronic apparatus 1000 may play other content while playing at least one of the plurality of content identifiers included in the content list corresponding to the selected virtual channel.

For example, the electronic apparatus 1000 may play content corresponding to the selected content identifier in response to an external input for selecting one content identifier from the content list. Alternatively, when the electronic apparatus 1000 receives a control signal for pressing a content change button included in the control device 300 or selecting a content change button image displayed on the display, the electronic device 1000 next to the content currently played in the content list. Can play the content.

Referring to FIG. 3, in operation S310, the electronic apparatus 1000 may display a virtual channel list including at least one virtual channel on a display. In an embodiment, step S310 of FIG. 3 may correspond to step S210 of FIG. 2.

In operation S330, in response to an external input for selecting the virtual channel, the electronic apparatus 1000 may play the content corresponding to the content identifier of the predetermined position in the content list corresponding to the selected virtual channel.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic apparatus 1000 may play content corresponding to the content identifier located first with respect to the channel list in the content list corresponding to the selected virtual channel. Alternatively, the content corresponding to the content identifier last positioned on the channel list in the content list may be played.

In another embodiment, the content identifier included in the content list may be a combination of a service content identifier and an application identifier. If the service content and the application do not include start time information for playback, the electronic apparatus 1000 may play the content in the order of the content identifier located in the content list.

Referring to FIG. 4, in operation S410, the electronic apparatus 1000 may display a virtual channel list including at least one virtual channel on a display. In an embodiment, step S410 of FIG. 4 may correspond to step S210 of FIG. 2.

In operation S430, in response to an external input for selecting a virtual channel, the electronic apparatus 1000 may play the content determined based on the current time of the content identifier included in the content list corresponding to the selected virtual channel.

According to an embodiment, the electronic apparatus 1000 may play content having a start time that matches a current time, among content identifiers included in a content list corresponding to the selected virtual channel.

In another embodiment, the electronic apparatus 1000 may play live content in which a current time is located between a playback start time and a playback end time.

Referring to FIG. 5, in operation S510, the electronic apparatus 1000 may display a virtual channel list including at least one virtual channel on a display. In an embodiment, step S510 of FIG. 5 may correspond to step S210 of FIG. 2.

In operation S520, the electronic apparatus 1000 may display a content list corresponding to at least one virtual channel on the display. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic apparatus 1000 may display a content list corresponding to the displayed virtual channel in response to an external input such as a user or an electronic apparatus.

For example, when the electronic apparatus 1000 detects that a signal transmitted by the CH button or the VCH button included in the control apparatus 300 lasts for a predetermined time or more, the electronic apparatus 1000 may display a content list on the display. Can be marked on. When the electronic apparatus 1000 receives a control signal generated by continuously pressing the CH button or the VCH button included in the control apparatus 300 for more than a threshold time, the electronic apparatus 1000 may display a content list corresponding to the virtual channel. I can display it.

In operation S530, the electronic apparatus 1000 may play content corresponding to the selected content identifier on the display in response to an external input for selecting one content identifier among the plurality of content identifiers included in the content list.

According to an embodiment, the external input for selecting the content identifier from the content list may be a control signal generated by the control device 300. The external input for selecting the content identifier may be generated by pressing a numeric button, a channel change button, a selection button, or the like included in the control device 300. When the electronic apparatus 1000 receives an external input for selecting a content identifier, the electronic apparatus 1000 may play content corresponding to the content identifier selected from the content list.

6 is a flowchart illustrating a process of a method of playing an application by the electronic apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, a process of a method in which the electronic device 1000 automatically terminates an application will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

In operation S610, the electronic apparatus 1000 may play an application on the display. In an embodiment, when the content to be played is an application, the electronic apparatus 1000 may execute the application on the display.

In operation S620, if the external input is not detected for a preset time, the electronic apparatus 1000 may end the reproduction of the application.

According to an embodiment, the electronic apparatus 1000 may detect an external input for playing an application. The external input signal may be generated by the control device 300, or may be generated by another electronic device such as a smartphone, a keypad, a touch pad, and the like.

In this case, when the external input is not detected for a preset time, the electronic apparatus 1000 may end the reproduction of the application. When no external input is detected for a preset time, it may mean that an input signal generated by the control device 300 or another electronic device is not received by the electronic device 1000 for a preset time. The electronic apparatus 1000 may prevent the application from being played indefinitely by terminating the application being played according to whether an external input is received.

The electronic apparatus 1000 may terminate the application after the preset time passes without recognizing the input signal after the application is reproduced, and may play the content corresponding to the content identifier located next to the terminated application in the content list.

In addition, the electronic device 1000 may terminate the application, deactivate the display, or terminate the electronic device 1000 when the application is played and a preset time elapses without detecting an input signal.

The user-specified virtual channel may be a virtual channel that is generated by an external input on the display of the electronic device 1000 and includes at least one content identifier. The custom virtual channel may be created using the user interface 700 and may include content identifiers corresponding to different types of content.

The electronic apparatus 1000 may generate a user-specified virtual channel in response to an external input for creating a virtual channel, and store the generated user-specified virtual channel or include it in the virtual channel list.

Referring to FIG. 7A, the electronic device 1000 may display the user interface 700 in response to an external input. In one embodiment, the user interface 700 may add a custom virtual channel, create a custom virtual channel by inserting content into the added channel, and store the created virtual channel or in the virtual channel list. You can add

The electronic apparatus 1000 receives a control signal generated from a user interface button (hereinafter, referred to as an “IntrFc button”) included in the control apparatus 300, or receives a control signal for selecting the interface button image 721 displayed on the display. When receiving, the user interface 700 may be shown on the display.

The user interface 700 may display a user-created custom virtual channel. For example, when an input for the “IntrFC” button image 721 is received, the electronic apparatus 1000 may display the user interface 700, and an input for the “display channel” button image 703 is received. If so, the first virtual channel 711, which is a virtual channel previously generated or received from the outside, may be displayed on the user interface 700. In one embodiment, the first virtual channel 711 may include "news26", "game15", and "drama37" content.

The user interface 700 can include an “add channel” button image 704 that adds a virtual channel. When an input for the “add channel” button image 704 is received, the electronic apparatus 1000 may further display a user specified virtual channel on the user interface 700 displayed on the display. The added user specified virtual channel may be displayed only on the virtual channel list added on the user interface 700, or may be displayed together with the content list corresponding to the added virtual channel. It may be an empty content list that does not include one content identifier corresponding to the added user specified virtual channel.

The added user-specified virtual channel list or corresponding content list may be displayed alone on the user interface 700. Alternatively, when the user-created user-specified virtual channel is displayed on the user interface 700, the added user-specified virtual channel list or the corresponding content list may be displayed below or above it.

According to an embodiment, when an input for the “add channel” button image 704 is received, the electronic apparatus 1000 may add the second virtual channel 712. The added second virtual channel 712 may display only a channel list, and a corresponding content list may also be displayed. For example, the channel list or the corresponding content list of the second virtual channel 712 to be added may be displayed below the first virtual channel 711 as shown in FIG. 7A.

7B to 7C, the electronic apparatus 1000 may generate a custom virtual channel by inserting a content identifier into the added custom virtual channel.

The electronic apparatus 1000 may insert an identifier of at least one content into a content list corresponding to the added user specified virtual channel in response to an external input for selecting the content to be inserted into the content list.

According to an embodiment, the electronic apparatus 1000 may include a service content panel including an existing channel list, a virtual channel list, an existing channel content list, a virtual channel content list, and service content in order to select content to be inserted into a user specified virtual channel. Or an application panel including an application may be provided on the display.

For example, the electronic device 1000 may include a TCH button, a VCH button, a CH button, a service content panel button (hereinafter, “S-CNT button”), or an application panel button (hereinafter, “A-” of the control device 300. CNT button ") or the like can be provided on the display a list or panel corresponding to each input signal. The electronic apparatus 1000 may display, on the display, a list or panel including a content identifier corresponding to content to be inserted into the added user specified virtual channel.

In addition, when an input for selecting the “search” button image 702 displayed on the user interface 700 is received, the electronic apparatus 1000 may display channel lists, content lists, and content panels on the display. . In response to an input signal for changing the displayed list or panel, the electronic apparatus 1000 may switch the displayed list or panel.

Channel lists, content lists, and content panels may include content identifiers represented by letters, numbers, symbols, icons, photos, and the like. The content identifier may be switched according to the content panel or the content list and displayed differently.

When an input for selecting a content identifier corresponding to the content to be inserted in the channel list, the content list, or the content panel displayed on the display is received, the electronic apparatus 1000 may change the content corresponding to the added user specified virtual channel. You can insert the selected content identifier into the list.

The input for selecting the content identifier may be, for example, a method of dragging, double-clicking or right-clicking the content identifier displayed on the display, but is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7B, the electronic apparatus 1000 may create a new virtual channel by inserting live content of the channel content list 731 into the added second virtual channel 712.

For example, when an input for selecting drama content of the first channel is received, the electronic apparatus 1000 may insert a “drama11” content identifier corresponding to the selected drama content into the first position of the second virtual channel 712. have. In addition, when an input for selecting news content of the third virtual channel is received, the electronic apparatus 1000 may insert a "news42" content identifier corresponding to the selected news content into a second position of the second virtual channel 712. .

When the electronic apparatus 1000 inserts live content into a user-specified virtual channel, the live content may be located in the content list according to each play time.

According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7C, the electronic apparatus 1000 may create a new virtual channel by inserting contents of the service content panel 732 into the added second virtual channel 712.

For example, when an input for selecting movie content of the service content panel 732 is received, the electronic apparatus 1000 may insert a content identifier corresponding to the selected movie content into a third position of the second virtual channel 712. have. In addition, when an input for selecting music content of the service content panel 732 is received, the electronic apparatus 1000 may insert a content identifier corresponding to the selected music content into a fourth position of the second virtual channel 712.

The electronic apparatus 1000 may move the position of the content identifier inserted into the user specified virtual channel in the content identifier by an external input and delete the inserted content identifier.

Although not shown, the electronic apparatus 1000 may display the first content and the first content when the reproduction time of the first content pre-inserted in the content list corresponding to the user-specified virtual channel and the second content selected by the external input overlap. It may be determined that only an identifier of one of the two contents is inserted into the contents list corresponding to the user-specified virtual channel. If it is determined that the first content is to be inserted, the selected second content may not be inserted into the content list. Alternatively, when it is determined that the second content is to be inserted, the electronic apparatus 1000 may delete the previously inserted first content identifier and insert the second content identifier into the content list.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, if there is a play start time of the second content selected by the external input during the play time of the first content pre-inserted into the content list corresponding to the user specified virtual channel, among the first content and the second content. Only one content identifier may be added to the content list corresponding to the user-specified virtual channel.

The content identifier to be inserted among the first content and the second content may be determined by a preset condition. For example, the content identifier to be inserted may be determined according to the priority of the preset content. Alternatively, the electronic apparatus 1000 may add a content having a higher number of playback histories or more recently played content among the first content and the second content to the content list.

Although not shown, if the end time of the first content inserted into the content list corresponding to the user-specified virtual channel and the playback start time of the second content do not continue, the electronic device 1000 includes the content included in the content list. An identifier of the third content to be continuously played may be inserted between the identifier of the first content and the identifier of the second content.

In one embodiment, the identifier of the third content that allows the playback of the content to be continuous may be determined by a preset condition. The identifier of the third content may be a content identifier belonging to a content list corresponding to the user specified virtual channel. In addition, the third content identifier may be an identifier of content having a high number of playback histories.

When playing the identifier of the third content inserted between the identifier of the first content and the identifier of the second content, the third content may be played only between the playback end time of the first content and the playback start time of the second content. .

When the creation of the user-defined virtual channel is completed and the "confirm" button image 701 of the user interface 700 is selected, the electronic apparatus 1000 may terminate the generation of the user-defined virtual channel. The electronic apparatus 1000 may store the generated user-specified virtual channel or include it in the existing virtual channel list. For example, when receiving an input signal for storing a user-specified virtual channel or updating a virtual channel list, the electronic apparatus 1000 may store information about the generated user-defined virtual channel in the electronic apparatus 1000 or may store an existing signal. It can be included in the virtual channel list of.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic apparatus 1000 may edit a user-created user-specified virtual channel using the user interface 700. When an input for the "channel display" button image 703 is received, the electronic apparatus 1000 may display a previously created user-specified virtual channel. In the same manner as described above, the electronic apparatus 1000 may insert new content or move or delete the inserted content in the previously created user-specified virtual channel.

The user-specified virtual channel may be set differently according to the user of the electronic apparatus 1000. The user-specified virtual channels of the first user and the second user can be displayed on the display or interface, respectively, and can only be edited by the corresponding user.

Although not shown, the electronic apparatus 1000 may receive information about a virtual channel from an external server. According to an embodiment, the electronic apparatus 1000 may receive information about a virtual channel to be added from a broadcaster, a producer, a store, a content provider, and the like. The information about the virtual channel may include a virtual channel list, a virtual channel content list, or content.

The received virtual channel list or virtual channel content list may be preconfigured according to an arbitrary condition and stored in the server. Any condition for classifying content constituting the virtual channel content list may be a job, a hobby, a gender, an age, or the like. For example, the virtual channel list or the virtual channel content list for the housewife may include "morning news" content, "weather of the day" content, "recipe" content, and the like. In addition, the virtual channel list or the virtual channel content list for the student may include "morning English" content, "Chinese of the day" content, "Korean history" content, and the like.

The virtual channel list or the virtual channel content list preconfigured and stored in the server may be received from the server in response to an external input to the electronic apparatus 1000. In addition, the virtual channel list or the virtual channel content list preconfigured and stored in the server may be received from the server at the request of the electronic apparatus 1000. The electronic device 1000 may display the received virtual channel list or content list on the display or store the received virtual channel list or content list in the electronic device 1000.

Although not shown, the content list of the electronic apparatus 1000 may include a first live content identifier provided by the first channel and a second live content identifier provided by a second channel different from the first channel. . The electronic apparatus 1000 may reproduce the first live content identifier at the broadcast time of the first live content identifier and the second live content identifier at the broadcast time of the second live content identifier.

According to an embodiment, the electronic apparatus 1000 may play live content included in a content list on a screen of a selected virtual channel without moving to a corresponding channel at a broadcast time of a broadcast program.

In another embodiment, the content list may include at least one of a service content identifier and an application identifier and a live content identifier provided by a broadcast channel. The electronic apparatus 1000 may play the live content at the broadcast time of the live content and play at least one of the service content and the application before or after the live content is played.

The electronic apparatus 1000 may change the content played in the virtual channel including the content being played. For example, the electronic apparatus 1000 may execute a video chat application corresponding to the "chat1" content identifier 813 while playing the drama corresponding to the "drama11" content identifier 812.

First, content being played in the electronic apparatus 1000 may be content corresponding to a "drama11" content identifier included in the second virtual channel. In this case, the “VCH 2” logo 811 indicating the virtual channel being viewed may be displayed on the upper left side of the display of the electronic device 1000. In addition, a “drama11” content identifier 812 indicating the content being viewed may be displayed on the upper right side of the display of the electronic apparatus 1000. However, the display of the identifier of the virtual channel or the content being viewed is not limited thereto and may be displayed in various ways.

According to an embodiment, the electronic apparatus 1000 may change the content played on the display in the same virtual channel in response to an external input. For example, the electronic apparatus 1000 may play the content located before or after the content identifier being played in the virtual channel content list in response to an input for the left / right button included in the control device 300.

In another embodiment, the electronic apparatus 1000 may display a content list of the virtual channel including the content being played and change the content being played in response to an external input for selecting the content to be changed.

For example, when the content list display signal including the content being played is received through the control device 300, the electronic device 1000 may display the virtual channel content list 801 including the content being played. . In addition, when receiving an input for the “VCH 2” logo 811, the electronic apparatus 1000 may display a second virtual channel content list 801 corresponding to the “VCH 2” logo 811 on the display. Can be.

The electronic apparatus 1000 may change the content played on the display in response to an external input for selecting a content to play from the displayed content list. For example, when an input for selecting the "chat1" content identifier 813 displayed at the fifth position of the content list is received, the electronic apparatus 1000 may select a video chat application corresponding to the "chat1" content identifier 813. You can run

The existing channel provided by the existing broadcaster detects a signal provided by the broadcaster and provides the electronic device by the programming time provided by the broadcaster. In contrast, through the present disclosure, the electronic apparatus 1000 may reproduce programs without changing a channel by using one virtual channel including various broadcast programs provided by different broadcasters. In addition, the electronic apparatus 1000 may reproduce contents without changing the screen by using a virtual channel including a movie, a drama, a game, and the like. The electronic apparatus 1000 may change the content being played back to easily change the screen among different types of contents.

Referring to FIG. 9, an electronic device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display 1210 and a controller 1100. However, not all illustrated components are essential components. The electronic device 1000 may be implemented by more components than the illustrated components, and the electronic device 1000 may be implemented by fewer components.

Hereinafter, the components will be described in turn.

The controller 1100 may include one or more processors to control other components included in the electronic apparatus 1000.

The controller 1100 may display a virtual channel list including at least one virtual channel. In an embodiment, the controller 1100 may control the display 1210 to display channel lists, content lists, or content panels.

The controller 1100 may display a virtual channel list on the display 1210 in response to an external input of a user, the control device 300, or another electronic device.

Also, the controller 1100 may respond to an external input for selecting one virtual channel from the virtual channel list, and include at least one corresponding to at least one content identifier among a plurality of content identifiers included in the content list corresponding to the selected virtual channel. The display 1210 may be controlled to play the content of the.

In this case, the type of at least one of the plurality of contents corresponding to the plurality of content identifiers may be different from the type of at least one of the remaining contents.

The controller 1100 may play the content corresponding to the content identifier of the predetermined position in the content list on the display 1210.

In addition, the controller 1100 may play the content determined based on the current time, from among the content identifiers included in the content list.

The controller 1100 displays a content list corresponding to at least one virtual channel, and in response to an external input for selecting one content identifier among a plurality of content identifiers included in the content list, the controller 1100 displays the content corresponding to the selected content identifier. The display 1210 can be controlled to play.

According to an embodiment, the controller 1100 may play other content while playing at least one of the plurality of content identifiers included in the content list corresponding to the selected virtual channel.

The controller 1100 may play the application on the display 1210, and if the external input is not detected for a preset time, the playback of the application may be terminated.

In response to an external input for creating a virtual channel, the controller 1100 may generate a user-specified virtual channel, store the generated user-specified virtual channel, or include the generated user-specified virtual channel in the virtual channel list.

In addition, the controller 1100 may insert an identifier of at least one content into a content list corresponding to a user specified virtual channel in response to an external input for selecting the content to be inserted into the content list.

In addition, when the end time of the first content inserted into the content list corresponding to the user-specified virtual channel and the playback start time of the second content do not continue, the controller 1100 may continuously play the content included in the content list. An identifier of the third content to be inserted may be inserted between the identifier of the first content and the identifier of the second content.

In an embodiment, the controller 1100 may control the display 1210 to display the user interface 700 in response to an external input. The controller 1100 may add a custom virtual channel using the user interface 700, generate a custom virtual channel by inserting content into the added channel, and store the generated virtual channel or store the virtual channel. Can be added to the list.

If the content list includes the first live content identifier provided by the first channel and the second live content identifier provided by the second channel different from the first channel, the controller 1100 may determine the broadcast time of the first live content. The first live content may be played, and the second live content may be played at a broadcast time of the second live content.

The display 1210 may display channel lists, content lists, or content panels under the control of the controller 1100. In addition, under the control of the controller 1100, the user interface 700, button images, a running virtual channel logo, a running virtual channel identifier, or the like may be displayed.

When the display 1210 and the touch pad form a layer structure to form a touch screen, the display 1210 may be used as an input device in addition to the output device. In one embodiment, the display 1210 may receive an external input for selecting a button image.

The display 1210 includes a liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode, a flexible display, and a three-dimensional display (3D). display, an electrophoretic display. In addition, according to an implementation form of the electronic device 1000, the electronic device 1000 may include two or more displays 1210. In this case, the two or more displays 1210 may be disposed to face each other using a hinge.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the electronic apparatus 1000 may include, in addition to the controller 1100 and the display 1210, the output unit 1200, the user input unit 1300, the sensing unit 1400, the communication unit 1500, and A. It may further include a / V input unit 1600 and a memory 1700.

For the controller 1100 and the display 1210, the same contents as those described with reference to FIG. 9 will be omitted in FIG. 10.

The user input unit 1300 means a means for inputting data for controlling the electronic apparatus 1000 from the outside. For example, the user input unit 1300 includes a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (contact capacitive type, pressure resistive type, infrared sensing type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral type) Tension measurement method, piezo effect method, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like, but are not limited thereto.

In an embodiment, the user input unit 1300 may mean an external input for selecting a content identifier on the display 1210 or for selecting a button image, a logo, or the like. When the user input unit 1300 is configured as a keypad or a dome switch, an external input for selecting a content identifier, a button image, or a logo is an input for clicking or pressing a key corresponding to a specific position of the display 1210. Can be. Alternatively, when the user input unit 1300 is configured as a touch pad, the user input unit 1300 may be an input for touching a key corresponding to a specific position of the display 1210, but is not limited thereto.

In addition, the user input unit 1300 may be a component of the above-described control device 300 or may be a component of the electronic device 1000.

The output unit 1200 may include a sound output unit 1220 and a vibration motor 1230 in addition to the display 1210.

The sound output unit 1220 outputs audio data received from the communication unit 1500 or stored in the memory 1700. In addition, the sound output unit 1220 outputs a sound signal related to a function (for example, a call signal reception sound, a message reception sound, and a notification sound) performed by the electronic device 1000. The sound output unit 1220 may include a speaker, a buzzer, and the like.

The vibration motor 1230 may output a vibration signal. For example, the vibration motor 1230 may output a vibration signal corresponding to the output of audio data or video data (eg, a call signal reception sound, a message reception sound, etc.). In addition, the vibration motor 1230 may output a vibration signal when a touch is input to the touch screen.

The sensing unit 1400 may detect a state of the electronic device 1000 or a state around the electronic device 1000 and transmit the detected information to the controller 1100.

The sensing unit 1400 may include a geomagnetic sensor 1410, a position sensor (eg, GPS) 1420, an RGB sensor 1430, an infrared sensor 1440, and a gyroscope sensor 1450. , And an acceleration sensor 1460, but are not limited thereto. Since functions of the respective sensors may be intuitively inferred by those skilled in the art from the name, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The communicator 1500 may include one or more components through which the electronic device 1000 may communicate with an external device. The communicator 1500 may further include a short range communicator 1510, a mobile communicator 1520, and a broadcast receiver 1530.

The short-range wireless communication unit 1510 includes a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared ray ( IrDA (Infrared Data Association) communication unit, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, Ant + communication unit and the like, but may not be limited thereto.

The mobile communication unit 1520 transmits and receives a radio signal with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network. Here, the wireless signal may include various types of data according to transmission and reception of a voice call signal, a video call call signal, or a text / multimedia message.

The broadcast receiving unit 1530 receives a broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information from the outside through a broadcast channel. The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel and a terrestrial channel. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device 1000 may not include the broadcast receiving unit 1530.

In an embodiment, the communication unit 1500 may receive information about a virtual channel from a server under the control of the control unit 1100. The communicator 1500 may receive a virtual channel list, a virtual channel content list, or content.

The A / V input unit 1600 is for inputting an audio signal or a video signal, and may include a camera 1610 and a microphone 1620.

The camera 1610 may obtain an image frame such as a still image or a moving image through an image sensor in a video call mode or a photographing mode. The image captured by the image sensor may be processed by the controller 1100 or an additional image processor (not shown). For example, an external input received when selecting a channel, selecting a content, or selecting a user-specified virtual channel may be received in the form of a gesture through the camera 1610.

The microphone 1620 receives an external sound signal and processes the external sound signal into electrical voice data. For example, the microphone 1620 may receive an acoustic signal from an external device or speaker. For example, an external input received when selecting a channel, selecting a content, or selecting a user-specified virtual channel may be received in the form of voice through the microphone 1620.

The memory 1700 may store a program for processing and controlling the controller 1100, and may store data input to or output from the electronic device 1000.

The memory 1700 may include a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (for example, SD or XD memory), RAM 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, Magnetic Disk It may include at least one type of storage medium of the optical disk.

In one embodiment, the memory 1700 displays a virtual channel list including at least one virtual channel on a display, and in response to an external input selecting one virtual channel from the virtual channel list, In the content list corresponding to the virtual channel and including at least one content identifier, the module may include one or more instructions for controlling the electronic apparatus 1000 to play at least one content.

In addition, the memory 1700 may store information about the created or received virtual channel. The memory 1700 may store channel lists, channel content lists, or information about content.

Meanwhile, a block diagram of the electronic device 1000 illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 10 is a block diagram for an embodiment. Each component of the block diagram may be integrated, added, or omitted according to the specification of the electronic device 1000 that is actually implemented. That is, two or more components may be combined into one component as needed, or one component may be divided into two or more components. In addition, the function performed in each block is for explaining the embodiments, the specific operation or apparatus does not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

The disclosed embodiments may be embodied in the form of program instructions that may be executed by various computer means and may be recorded on a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, etc. alone or in combination. The program instructions recorded on the media may be those specially designed and constructed for the purposes of the present disclosure, or they may be of the kind well-known and available to those of ordinary skill in the art. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape, optical media such as CD-ROMs, DVDs, and magnetic disks, such as floppy disks. Magneto-optical media, and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, flash memory, and the like. Examples of program instructions include not only machine code generated by a compiler, but also high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter or the like.

The foregoing description of the disclosure is provided by way of example, and those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains may readily understand that the present disclosure may be easily modified into other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the present disclosure. There will be. Therefore, it is to be understood that the embodiments described above are exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. For example, each component described in a single form may be implemented in a distributed manner, and components described as distributed may be implemented in a combined form.

The scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the appended claims rather than the detailed description, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalents should be construed as being included in the scope of the present disclosure. do.

Claims

Displaying a virtual channel list including at least one virtual channel on a display; And

In response to an external input for selecting one virtual channel from the virtual channel list, reproducing at least one content corresponding to at least one content identifier among a plurality of content identifiers included in the content list corresponding to the selected virtual channel Steps,

And the type of at least one of the plurality of contents corresponding to the plurality of content identifiers is different from the type of at least one of the remaining contents.
The method of claim 1,

Reproducing the at least one content,

Playing the content corresponding to the content identifier of a predetermined position in the content list.
The method of claim 1,

Reproducing the at least one content,

Playing the content determined based on a current time from among content identifiers included in the content list.
The method of claim 1,

The displaying of the virtual channel list may include:

Displaying the content list corresponding to the at least one virtual channel on the display;

Reproducing the at least one content,

And playing content corresponding to the selected content identifier on the display in response to an external input for selecting one content identifier among a plurality of content identifiers included in the content list.
The method of claim 1,

Reproducing the at least one content,

Playing an application on the display, and if the external input is not detected for a preset time, ending the playing of the application.
The method of claim 1,

Creating a user-specified virtual channel in response to an external input for creating the virtual channel; And

Storing the generated custom virtual channel or including the generated custom virtual channel in the virtual channel list.
The method of claim 6,

Creating the user-specified virtual channel;

And in response to an external input for selecting content to be inserted into the content list, inserting at least one identifier of the content into a content list corresponding to the user-specified virtual channel.
The method of claim 6,

Creating the user-specified virtual channel;

Third contents for causing the contents included in the contents list to be continuously played when an end time of the first contents inserted into the contents list corresponding to the user-specified virtual channel and a reproduction start time of the second contents are not continuous; And inserting an identifier of an identifier between the identifier of the first content and the identifier of the second content.
The method of claim 1,

The content list includes a first live content identifier provided by a first channel and a second live content identifier provided by a second channel different from the first channel,

Reproducing the at least one content,

Playing the first live content at a broadcast time of the first live content, and playing the second live content at a broadcast time of the second live content.
display; And

Displaying a virtual channel list including at least one virtual channel on the display, and in response to an external input for selecting one virtual channel from the virtual channel list, a plurality of contents included in a content list corresponding to the selected virtual channel; A control unit for reproducing at least one content corresponding to at least one content identifier among the plurality of content identifiers,

And the type of at least one of the plurality of contents corresponding to the plurality of content identifiers is different from the type of at least one of the remaining contents.
The method of claim 10, wherein the control unit,

And in response to an external input for generating the virtual channel, generate a custom virtual channel, store the generated custom virtual channel, or include the generated custom virtual channel in the virtual channel list.
The method of claim 11, wherein the control unit,

In response to an external input for selecting content to be inserted into the content list, inserting at least one identifier of the content into a content list corresponding to the user specified virtual channel.
The method of claim 11,

Third contents for causing the contents included in the contents list to be continuously played when an end time of the first contents inserted into the contents list corresponding to the user-specified virtual channel and a reproduction start time of the second contents are not continuous; And insert an identifier of the identifier between the identifier of the first content and the identifier of the second content.
The method of claim 10,

The content list includes a first live content identifier provided by a first channel and a second live content identifier provided by a second channel different from the first channel,

The controller is configured to play the first live content at a broadcast time of the first live content and to play the second live content at a broadcast time of the second live content.
A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for implementing the method of operating an electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.