KR102249486B1 - Display device and operating method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

In an embodiment of the present invention, a method of operating a display device includes outputting an electronic program guide including a catch-up icon for providing information on a previous episode of a broadcast program and receiving a request for selecting the catch-up icon. And outputting information on a previous episode of a broadcast program corresponding to a catch-up icon selected according to the received request.

Description

A display device and its operation method TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a display device and a method of operating the same.

In recent years, digital TV services using wired or wireless communication networks have become common. The digital TV service can provide a variety of services that cannot be provided in the existing analog broadcasting service.

For example, in the case of an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service, which is a type of digital TV service, the user can actively select the type of the viewing program and the viewing time. The IPTV service may provide various additional services, such as Internet search, home shopping, and online games, based on this interactive nature.

One of the TV services may include an electronic program guide (EPG) service. The electronic program guide is a guide that allows users to view broadcast information at a glance by arranging broadcast programs that are being broadcast or scheduled to be broadcast on each channel in chronological order.

However, the conventional electronic program guide has a limitation of showing only information on broadcast programs scheduled to be aired.

An object of the present invention is to provide a display device capable of providing various viewing environments to a user and an operating method thereof by adding a catch-up function for viewing past broadcasts of a broadcast program on an electronic program guide.

An object of the present invention is to provide a display device capable of providing various viewing environments to users by providing media content through virtual channels in addition to broadcasting programs that are being broadcast or scheduled to be broadcast, and a method of operating the same.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a method of operating a display device includes outputting an electronic program guide including a catch-up icon for providing information on a previous episode of a broadcast program and receiving a request for selecting the catch-up icon. And outputting information on a previous episode of a broadcast program corresponding to a catch-up icon selected according to the received request.

The display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an electronic program guide including a user input interface unit for receiving a service request related to a broadcast program from a remote control device and a catch-up icon for providing information on a previous episode of the broadcast program. And a control unit for outputting, receiving a request for selecting the catch-up icon through the user input interface unit, and outputting information on a previous episode of a broadcast program corresponding to the catch-up icon selected according to the received request.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a catch-up function for viewing past broadcasts of a broadcast program may be added to an electronic program guide to provide a user with various viewing environments.

In addition, media contents may be provided through virtual channels in addition to broadcasting programs that are being aired or scheduled to be broadcast, thereby providing various viewing environments to users.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a block diagram of a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 shows an example of an actual configuration of a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 shows an example of using a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a display device according to an exemplary embodiment.
6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic program guide according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 to 9 are diagrams for explaining information provided in a broadcast program area according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a diagram for describing information provided when a catch up button is selected according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating information provided in a broadcast program area when a catch-up function according to a broadcast program is not supported according to another embodiment of the present invention.
12 shows an example of detailed information provided when an information icon is selected in a broadcast program area according to another embodiment of the present invention.
13 to 15 are diagrams illustrating various embodiments that may occur when a broadcast program of a previous episode is reproduced according to execution of a catch-up function.
16 to 20 are diagrams for explaining an embodiment of outputting a list of content providers capable of providing media content of a virtual channel according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, embodiments related to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. The suffixes "module" and "unit" for constituent elements used in the following description are given or used interchangeably in consideration of only the ease of writing the specification, and do not themselves have a distinct meaning or role from each other.

A display device according to an embodiment of the present invention is, for example, an intelligent display device in which a computer support function is added to a broadcast reception function, and is faithful to a broadcast reception function and an Internet function is added, thereby Or, it can have an interface that is more convenient to use, such as a space remote control. In addition, it is connected to the Internet and a computer with the support of wired or wireless Internet functions, and functions such as e-mail, web browsing, banking, or games can be performed. For these various functions, a standardized general-purpose OS can be used.

Accordingly, in the display device described in the present invention, since various applications can be freely added or deleted, for example, on a general-purpose OS kernel, various user-friendly functions can be performed. More specifically, the display device may be, for example, a network TV, HBBTV, smart TV, LED TV, OLED TV, or the like, and may be applied to a smartphone in some cases.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the display device 100 includes a broadcast reception unit 130, an external device interface unit 135, a storage unit 140, a user input interface unit 150, a control unit 170, and a display unit 180. , An audio output unit 185, and a power supply unit 190 may be included.

The broadcast reception unit 130 may include a tuner 131, a demodulation unit 132, and a network interface unit 133.

The tuner 131 may tune into a specific broadcast channel according to a channel selection command. The tuner 131 may receive a broadcast signal for a selected specific broadcast channel.

The demodulator 132 may divide the received broadcast signal into a video signal, an audio signal, and a data signal related to a broadcast program, and restore the separated video signal, audio signal, and data signal into a form capable of outputting.

The external device interface unit 135 may receive an application or an application list in an adjacent external device and transmit it to the control unit 170 or the storage unit 140.

The network interface unit 133 may provide an interface for connecting the display device 100 to a wired/wireless network including an Internet network. The network interface unit 133 may transmit or receive data with other users or other electronic devices through a connected network or another network linked to the connected network.

In addition, some content data stored in the display device 100 may be transmitted to another user registered in advance in the display device 100 or a selected user or a selected electronic device among other electronic devices.

The network interface unit 133 may access a predetermined web page through a connected network or another network linked to the connected network. That is, by accessing a predetermined web page through a network, the server and data can be transmitted or received.

In addition, the network interface unit 133 may receive content or data provided by a content provider or a network operator. That is, the network interface unit 133 may receive content such as movies, advertisements, games, VODs, broadcast signals, and related information provided from a content provider or a network provider through a network.

In addition, the network interface unit 133 may receive update information and an update file of firmware provided by a network operator, and may transmit data to an Internet or content provider or network operator.

The network interface unit 133 may select and receive a desired application from among applications open to the public through a network.

The storage unit 140 may store a program for processing and controlling each signal in the controller 170, and may store a signal-processed image, audio, or data signal.

In addition, the storage unit 140 may perform a function for temporary storage of a video, audio, or data signal input from the external device interface unit 135 or the network interface unit 133. You can also store information about the image.

The storage unit 140 may store an application or an application list input from the external device interface unit 135 or the network interface unit 133.

The display device 100 may play content files (movie files, still image files, music files, document files, application files, etc.) stored in the storage unit 140 and provide them to a user.

The user input interface unit 150 may transmit a signal input by the user to the controller 170 or may transmit a signal from the controller 170 to the user. For example, the user input interface unit 150 according to various communication methods such as Bluetooth, WB (Ultra Wideband), ZigBee method, RF (Radio Frequency) communication method, or infrared (IR) communication method, Control signals such as power on/off, channel selection, and screen setting may be received and processed from the remote control device 200, or a control signal from the control unit 170 may be transmitted to the remote control device 200.

In addition, the user input interface unit 150 may transmit a control signal input from a local key (not shown) such as a power key, a channel key, a volume key, and a set value to the control unit 170.

The image signal processed by the controller 170 may be input to the display unit 180 and displayed as an image corresponding to the corresponding image signal. In addition, the image signal processed by the controller 170 may be input to an external output device through the external device interface unit 135.

The audio signal processed by the controller 170 may be audio output to the audio output unit 185. In addition, the voice signal processed by the control unit 170 may be input to an external output device through the external device interface unit 135.

In addition, the controller 170 may control the overall operation of the display apparatus 100.

In addition, the control unit 170 may control the display device 100 by a user command or an internal program input through the user input interface unit 150, and access the network to display an application or application list desired by the user. It can be downloaded within (100).

The control unit 170 enables channel information selected by the user to be output through the display unit 180 or the audio output unit 185 together with the processed image or audio signal.

In addition, the control unit 170, in accordance with the external device image playback command received through the user input interface unit 150, from an external device input through the external device interface unit 135, for example, from a camera or camcorder, An image signal or an audio signal may be output through the display unit 180 or the audio output unit 185.

Meanwhile, the control unit 170 may control the display unit 180 to display an image, for example, a broadcast image input through the tuner 131 or an external input input through the external device interface unit 135 An image, an image input through the network interface unit, or an image stored in the storage unit 140 may be controlled to be displayed on the display unit 180. In this case, the image displayed on the display unit 180 may be a still image or a moving image, and may be a 2D image or a 3D image.

In addition, the controller 170 may control content stored in the display device 100, received broadcast content, and external input content input from the outside to be played back, and the content includes a broadcast image, an external input image, and an audio file. , Still images, connected web screens, and document files.

The display unit 180 converts an image signal, a data signal, an OSD signal processed by the control unit 170, or an image signal and a data signal received from the external device interface unit 135 into R, G, and B signals, respectively. Can generate signals.

Meanwhile, since the display device 100 shown in FIG. 1 is only an embodiment of the present invention. Some of the illustrated components may be integrated, added, or omitted according to the specifications of the display device 100 that is actually implemented.

That is, if necessary, two or more components may be combined into one component, or one component may be subdivided into two or more components to be configured. In addition, functions performed by each block are for explaining the embodiments of the present invention, and specific operations or devices thereof do not limit the scope of the present invention.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the display apparatus 100 does not include a tuner 131 and a demodulation unit 132, but the network interface unit 133 or the external device interface unit ( 135) can also be received and played.

For example, the display device 100 is divided into an image processing device such as a set-top box for receiving broadcast signals or contents according to various network services, and a content reproducing device for reproducing content input from the image processing device. Can be implemented.

In this case, the operating method of the display device according to the embodiment of the present invention to be described below is not only the display device 100 as described with reference to FIG. 1, but also an image processing device or display unit such as the separated set-top box. 180) and the audio output unit 185 may be performed by any one of a content reproducing apparatus.

Next, a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 3.

2 is a block diagram of a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of an actual configuration of the remote control device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

First, referring to FIG. 2, the remote control device 200 includes a fingerprint recognition unit 210, a wireless communication unit 220, a user input unit 230, a sensor unit 240, an output unit 250, and a power supply unit 260. ), a storage unit 270, a control unit 280, and a voice acquisition unit 290.

Referring to FIG. 2, the wireless communication unit 225 transmits and receives signals to and from any one of the display devices according to the exemplary embodiments described above.

The remote control device 200 includes an RF module 221 capable of transmitting and receiving signals with the display device 100 according to the RF communication standard, and capable of transmitting and receiving signals with the display device 100 according to the IR communication standard. An IR module 223 may be provided. In addition, the remote control device 200 may include a Bluetooth module 225 capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the display device 100 according to a Bluetooth communication standard. In addition, the remote control device 200 includes an NFC module 227 capable of transmitting and receiving signals with the display device 100 according to the NFC (Near Field Communication) communication standard, and the display according to the WLAN (Wireless LAN) communication standard. A WLAN module 229 capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the device 100 may be provided.

In addition, the remote control device 200 transmits a signal containing information about the movement of the remote control device 200 to the display device 100 through the wireless communication unit 220.

On the other hand, the remote control device 200 may receive a signal transmitted from the display device 100 through the RF module 221, and, if necessary, the power to the display device 100 through the IR module 223 / Commands related to off, channel change, volume change, etc. can be transmitted.

The user input unit 230 may include a keypad, a button, a touch pad, or a touch screen. A user may input a command related to the display device 100 to the remote control device 200 by manipulating the user input unit 230. When the user input unit 230 includes a hard key button, the user may input a command related to the display device 100 to the remote control device 200 through a push operation of the hard key button. This will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

Referring to FIG. 3, the remote control device 200 may include a plurality of buttons. The plurality of buttons include a fingerprint recognition button 212, a power button 231, a home button 232, a live button 233, an external input button 234, a volume control button 235, a voice recognition button 236, A channel change button 237, a confirmation button 238, and a back button 239 may be included.

The fingerprint recognition button 212 may be a button for recognizing a user's fingerprint. In one embodiment, the fingerprint recognition button 212 is capable of a push operation, and thus may receive a push operation and a fingerprint recognition operation. The power button 231 may be a button for turning on/off the power of the display apparatus 100. The home button 232 may be a button for moving to the home screen of the display device 100. The live button 233 may be a button for displaying a real-time broadcast program. The external input button 234 may be a button for receiving an external input connected to the display device 100. The volume control button 235 may be a button for adjusting the volume of the volume output by the display apparatus 100. The voice recognition button 236 may be a button for receiving a user's voice and recognizing the received voice. The channel change button 237 may be a button for receiving a broadcast signal of a specific broadcast channel. The confirmation button 238 may be a button for selecting a specific function, and the back button 239 may be a button for returning to a previous screen.

2 will be described again.

When the user input unit 230 includes a touch screen, the user may input a command related to the display device 100 to the remote control device 200 by touching a soft key on the touch screen. In addition, the user input unit 230 may include various types of input means that a user can manipulate, such as a scroll key or a jog key, and the present embodiment does not limit the scope of the present invention.

The sensor unit 240 may include a gyro sensor 241 or an acceleration sensor 243, and the gyro sensor 241 may sense information about movement of the remote control device 200.

For example, the gyro sensor 241 may sense information on the operation of the remote control device 200 based on the x, y, and z axes, and the acceleration sensor 243 is the moving speed of the remote control device 200 Information about the back can be sensed. On the other hand, the remote control device 200 may further include a distance measuring sensor, so that the distance to the display unit 180 of the display device 100 may be sensed.

The output unit 250 may output an image or audio signal corresponding to an operation of the user input unit 235 or a signal transmitted from the display apparatus 100. Through the output unit 250, the user may recognize whether the user input unit 235 is operated or whether the display apparatus 100 is controlled.

For example, the output unit 250 includes an LED module 251 that lights up when a user input unit 235 is manipulated or a signal is transmitted and received with the display device 100 through the wireless communication unit 225, a vibration module that generates vibration ( 253), a sound output module 255 for outputting sound, or a display module 257 for outputting an image may be provided.

In addition, the power supply unit 260 supplies power to the remote control device 200, and when the remote control device 200 has not moved for a predetermined period of time, the power supply may be stopped, thereby reducing power waste. The power supply unit 260 may resume power supply when a predetermined key provided in the remote control device 200 is operated.

The storage unit 270 may store various types of programs and application data necessary for controlling or operating the remote control device 200. If the remote control device 200 wirelessly transmits and receives signals through the display device 100 and the RF module 221, the remote control device 200 and the display device 100 transmit and receive signals through a predetermined frequency band. .

The control unit 280 of the remote control device 200 stores information about a frequency band through which signals can be wirelessly transmitted and received with the display device 100 paired with the remote control device 200 in the storage unit 270 for reference. can do.

The controller 280 controls all items related to the control of the remote control device 200. The controller 280 transmits a signal corresponding to a predetermined key operation of the user input unit 235 or a signal corresponding to the movement of the remote control device 200 sensed by the sensor unit 240 through the wireless communication unit 225. 100).

In addition, the voice acquisition unit 290 of the remote control device 200 may acquire a voice.

The voice acquisition unit 290 may include at least one microphone 291, and may acquire a voice through the microphone 291.

Next, FIG. 4 will be described.

4 shows an example of using a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4A illustrates that a pointer 205 corresponding to the remote control device 200 is displayed on the display unit 180.

The user can move or rotate the remote control device 200 up and down, left and right. The pointer 205 displayed on the display unit 180 of the display device 100 corresponds to the movement of the remote control device 200. As shown in the drawing, since the corresponding pointer 205 is moved and displayed according to movement in 3D space, the remote control device 200 may be referred to as a space remote controller.

4B illustrates that when the user moves the remote control device 200 to the left, the pointer 205 displayed on the display unit 180 of the display device 100 also moves to the left in response thereto.

Information on the movement of the remote control device 200 detected through a sensor of the remote control device 200 is transmitted to the display device 100. The display device 100 may calculate the coordinates of the pointer 205 from information about the movement of the remote control device 200. The display apparatus 100 may display the pointer 205 to correspond to the calculated coordinates.

4C illustrates a case in which a user moves the remote control device 200 away from the display unit 180 while pressing a specific button in the remote control device 200. Accordingly, the selection area in the display unit 180 corresponding to the pointer 205 may be zoomed in and displayed in an enlarged manner.

Conversely, when the user moves the remote control device 200 to be closer to the display unit 180, a selection area in the display unit 180 corresponding to the pointer 205 may be zoomed out and displayed in a reduced size.

Meanwhile, when the remote control device 200 moves away from the display unit 180, the selection area may be zoomed out, and when the remote control device 200 approaches the display unit 180, the selection area may be zoomed in.

In addition, when a specific button in the remote control device 200 is pressed, recognition of vertical and horizontal movement may be excluded. That is, when the remote control device 200 moves away from or approaches the display unit 180, up, down, left, and right movements are not recognized, and only forward and backward movements may be recognized. When a specific button in the remote control device 200 is not pressed, only the pointer 205 moves as the remote control device 200 moves up, down, left, and right.

Meanwhile, the moving speed or moving direction of the pointer 205 may correspond to the moving speed or moving direction of the remote control device 200.

Meanwhile, in the present specification, a pointer refers to an object displayed on the display unit 180 in response to an operation of the remote control device 200. Accordingly, objects of various shapes other than the arrow shape shown in the drawing are possible with the pointer 205. For example, it may be a concept including a point, a cursor, a prompt, a thick outline, and the like. In addition, the pointer 205 may be displayed corresponding to any one of the horizontal axis and the vertical axis on the display unit 180, as well as corresponding to a plurality of points such as a line and a surface. Do.

Next, referring to FIG. 5, a method of operating the display apparatus 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a display device according to an exemplary embodiment.

First, the control unit 170 of the display device 100 outputs an electronic program guide (EPG) (S101). The electronic program guide may be a menu screen through which a viewer guides information on broadcast programs and additional services.

The control unit 170 of the display device 100 checks whether a request for selecting a catch-up icon on the output electronic program guide is received (S103), and when a request for selecting a catch-up icon is received, Information on the previous round is provided (S105).

The electronic program guide may include information on a general channel and information on a virtual channel. The general channel may be a channel through which a broadcaster provides a broadcast program. In an embodiment, the virtual channel may be a channel through which media content is provided through a specific content provider or a TV manufacturer. In another embodiment, the virtual channel may be a channel generated based on a user's viewing history regardless of a content provider or a TV manufacturer. The user's viewing history may reflect the genre of the content most viewed by the user. In another embodiment, media content to be provided through a virtual channel may be determined according to an edit input of a user. In another embodiment, media content to be provided in the virtual channel may belong to one genre.

Through the information on the virtual channel, the user can compare not only the broadcast programs provided on the general channel but also the media content that can be viewed directly on the virtual channel. Accordingly, users can flexibly set their own viewing plan and can view a wider range of media content as well as live broadcasting.

The electronic program guide may include information on a broadcast program or media content provided according to the passage of time for each channel. According to an embodiment of the present invention, information on a general channel may include information on a previous episode of a broadcast program provided by a corresponding channel.

The electronic program guide will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 6.

6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic program guide according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, the display device 100 may receive a request to display an electronic program guide during playback of a broadcast program, and display the electronic program guide 500 on the screen 300 according to the received request. have. The electronic program guide 500 may be superimposed and displayed on a broadcast program being played on the screen 300.

The electronic program guide 500 may include a general channel area 510 and a virtual channel area 530. In the general channel area 510, broadcast programs provided by each general channel may be arranged according to the passage of time. In the virtual channel area 530, media content or broadcast programs provided through each virtual channel may be arranged according to the passage of time.

The general channel area 510 may include a general channel list area 511 and a broadcast program list area 513. The general channel list area 511 may be an area for providing information on a general channel. The general channel list area 511 may include a name of a broadcaster providing each of a plurality of general channels and a number of a general channel. The broadcast program list area 513 may include information on broadcast programs provided in chronological order in each general channel. The information on the broadcast program may include an airing time of the broadcast program, a name of the broadcast program, and an information icon for providing detailed information on the broadcast program. This will be described later.

The virtual channel area 530 may include a virtual channel list area 531 and a media content list area 533. The virtual channel list area 531 may be an area for providing information on a virtual channel. The virtual channel list area 531 may include at least one of a genre of media content corresponding to each of the plurality of virtual channels and a name of a content provider providing each of the plurality of virtual channels. The media content list area 533 may include information on media content provided in chronological order in each virtual channel. The information on the media content may include a broadcast time of the media content, a name of the media content, and an information icon for providing detailed information on the media content.

The general channel list area 513 may include a plurality of broadcast program areas. Each broadcast program area may include one or more of a name of a broadcast program and an information icon. For example, the first broadcast program area 550 may include a name 551 of a broadcast program called <Marvels Agents of SHIELD Season 2 Episode 2> and a catch-up icon 553. The broadcast program area will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9.

7 to 9 are diagrams for explaining information provided in a broadcast program area according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The broadcast program shown in FIG. 7 will be described on the assumption that the catch-up function is supported. The catch-up function may be a function of providing information on a previous episode of a corresponding broadcast program and viewing a previous episode.

First, referring to FIG. 7A, the first broadcast program area 550 may include a broadcast program name 551 and a catch-up icon 553. The first broadcast program area 550 may be divided into an area corresponding to the broadcast program name 551 and an area corresponding to the catch-up icon 553. When a request for selecting the name 551 of the broadcast program is received, the controller 170 changes the channel to a channel of the broadcast program corresponding to the name 551 of the selected broadcast program, and reproduces the broadcast program. When a request for selecting the catch-up icon 553 is received, the controller 170 may display detailed information of a corresponding broadcast program including information on the catch-up function.

Referring to FIG. 7B, the first broadcast program area 550 may further include a favorite icon 554. The favorite icon 554 may be an icon for adding a corresponding broadcast program to a favorite list. When the favorite icon 554 is selected, the controller 170 may add a corresponding broadcast program or an episode of the corresponding broadcast program to the favorites list. The favorite icon 554 may be displayed in either of the general channel list area 511 and the virtual channel list area 531.

Next, FIGS. 8 to 9 will be described.

When the catch-up icon 553 is selected in FIG. 7, the controller 170 may change and display the first broadcast program area 550 to the first broadcast program extended area 560 as shown in FIG. 8. have. On the electronic program guide 500, a first broadcast program extension area 560 may be displayed as illustrated in FIG. 9. In FIG. 9, the first broadcast program extended area 560 is displayed using FIG. 8A as an example, but the example illustrated in FIG. 8B may also be displayed.

FIG. 8A is an example of a case where a corresponding broadcast program is being broadcast live, and FIG. 8B is an example of a case where a corresponding broadcast program is scheduled to be aired.

First, referring to FIG. 8A, the first broadcast program extended area 560 includes a broadcast information button 561 providing broadcast information of a corresponding broadcast program, a record button 563, and a catch-up button 565. It may include. The broadcast information button 561 may include a name of a broadcast program and a plot of the broadcast program. When the broadcast information button 561 is selected, the controller 170 changes the channel to a channel of a broadcast program corresponding to the selected broadcast information button 561 and reproduces the broadcast program. When the record button 563 is selected, the controller 170 may record a corresponding broadcast program being broadcast live. When the catch-up button 565 is selected, the controller 170 may provide detailed information on a corresponding broadcast program and provide a function of viewing a previous episode of the corresponding broadcast program. This will be described later.

Referring to FIG. 8B, when a corresponding broadcast program is scheduled to be aired, the first broadcast program extended area 560 includes a broadcast information button 561 providing broadcast information of the corresponding broadcast program, and a reservation recording button 567. , A viewing reservation button 569 and a catch-up button 565 may be included. The broadcast information button 561 and the catch-up button 565 are the same as those described in FIG. 8A. The reserved recording button 567 may be a button for pre-recording a broadcast program scheduled to be aired. When the reservation recording button 567 is selected, the controller 170 may automatically record the broadcast program at the scheduled broadcast time of the corresponding broadcast program. The viewing reservation button 569 may be a button for scheduling viewing of a broadcast program scheduled to be aired. When the viewing reservation button 569 is selected, the control unit 170 may play the broadcasting program reserved for viewing at the scheduled airing time of the corresponding broadcasting program.

Next, FIG. 10 will be described.

10 is a diagram for describing information provided when a catch up button is selected according to an embodiment of the present invention.

When the catch-up button 565 of the first broadcast program area 560 is selected on the electronic program guide 500 of FIG. 9, the control unit 170 performs a previous round of the broadcast program corresponding to the selected catch-up button 565 An information screen 600 may be provided. The previous episode information screen 600 may include a detailed information display area 610, a season selection button 620, a previous episode selection button 630, and a play request button 640. The detailed information display area 610 may be an area for providing information on the plot, total playback time, name, and airing time of a corresponding broadcast program. The season selection button 620 may be a button for selecting a season of a corresponding broadcast program. The previous episode selection button 630 may be a button for providing information on a previous episode of a corresponding broadcast program. The playback request button 640 may be a button for requesting playback of a broadcast program of the season and episode selected through the season selection button 620 and the previous episode selection button 620. A thumbnail image of a corresponding broadcast program may be displayed on the background of the previous episode information screen 600.

The user can immediately watch the previous episode of the broadcast program through the catch-up function. Conventional electronic program guides show only general information about a broadcast program, but according to an embodiment of the present invention, a catch up function is added to the electronic program guide so that past broadcasts of the selected broadcast program can be easily viewed. It provides a function. In addition, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, unlike the past viewing type of viewing as given, the user can view the past broadcasts of the desired broadcast program in succession according to the recent viewing pattern in which only the desired broadcast program is selected and continued. Opportunities to do can be provided.

Meanwhile, when the catch-up function is not supported according to the corresponding broadcast program, the catch-up icon may not be displayed in the broadcast program area. When the catch-up function is not supported according to the corresponding broadcast program, the controller 170 may control the display 180 to display the information icon without displaying the catch-up icon. This will be described with reference to FIG. 11.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating information provided in a broadcast program area when a catch-up function according to a broadcast program is not supported according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 11A, the second broadcast program area 570 may include a name 571 of a broadcast program. Since the broadcast program corresponding to the second broadcast program area 570 does not support the catch-up function, the catch-up icon may not be displayed. When a request for selecting the name 571 of the broadcast program is received, the controller 170 changes the channel to a channel of the broadcast program corresponding to the name 571 of the selected broadcast program, and reproduces the broadcast program.

Referring to FIG. 11B, the second broadcast program area 570 may further include an information icon 573 in addition to the name 571 of the broadcast program. The second broadcast program area 570 may be divided into an area corresponding to the name 571 of a broadcast program and an area corresponding to the information icon 573. The information icon 573 may be an icon for providing detailed information on a corresponding broadcast program. When the information icon 573 is selected, the controller 170 may provide detailed information on a broadcast program corresponding to the selected information icon 573. This will be described with reference to FIG. 12.

12 shows an example of detailed information provided when an information icon is selected in a broadcast program area according to another embodiment of the present invention.

When the information icon 573 is selected in FIG. 11, the controller 170 may change and display the second broadcast program area 570 to the second broadcast program extended area 580 as shown in FIG. 12. . On the electronic program guide 500, instead of the second broadcast program area 570, the second broadcast program extension area 580 may be displayed.

FIG. 12(a) is an example of a case where a corresponding broadcast program is being broadcast live, and FIG. 12(b) is an example of a case where a corresponding broadcast program is scheduled to be broadcast.

First, referring to FIG. 12A, the second broadcast program extended area 580 may include a broadcast information button 581 and a record button 583 providing broadcast information of a corresponding broadcast program. The broadcast information button 581 may include a name of a broadcast program and a plot of the broadcast program. When the broadcast information button 581 is selected, the controller 170 changes the channel to a channel of a broadcast program corresponding to the selected broadcast information button 581 and reproduces the broadcast program. When the record button 583 is selected, the controller 170 may record a corresponding broadcast program being broadcast live.

Referring to FIG. 12B, the second broadcast program extended area 580 may include a broadcast information button 581, a reservation recording button 585, and a viewing reservation button 587. The broadcast information button 581 is the same as described in FIG. 12A. The reserved recording button 585 may be a button for pre-recording a broadcast program scheduled to be aired. When the reservation recording button 585 is selected, the controller 170 may automatically record the broadcast program at the scheduled broadcast time of the corresponding broadcast program. The viewing reservation button 587 may be a button for scheduling viewing of a broadcast program scheduled to be aired. When the viewing reservation button 587 is selected, the control unit 170 may play the broadcasting program reserved for viewing at the scheduled airing time of the corresponding broadcasting program.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, when the information icon 573 is selected, the controller 170 may display a list of content providers capable of providing a previous episode of a corresponding broadcast program. When one content provider is selected through the content provider list, the controller 170 may access the corresponding content provider and provide information on the previous episode of the corresponding broadcast program.

5 will be described again.

The control unit 170 of the display apparatus 100 checks whether or not a request to play a broadcast program of the previous episode is received based on information on the previous episode of the provided broadcast program (S107), and receives a request to play a broadcast program of the previous episode. In this case, the broadcast program of the previous episode is reproduced (S109). This has been described in detail in FIGS. 6 to 10.

The control unit 170 of the display apparatus 100 performs any one of reservation recording and real-time recording of a broadcast program while reproducing the broadcast program of the previous episode (S111). Steps S109 and S111 may be performed simultaneously. Specifically, when the broadcast program of the previous episode is played according to the catch-up function, the control unit 170 recognizes the current time and the broadcast program of the previous episode played, and reserves the live broadcast program either by reservation recording or real-time recording. Function can be executed. This will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15.

13 to 15 are diagrams illustrating various embodiments that may occur when a broadcast program of a previous episode is reproduced according to execution of a catch-up function.

Hereinafter, it is assumed that each broadcast program has a playback period of 1 hour.

First, FIGS. 13 to 14 will be described.

13 to 14 are diagrams for explaining an embodiment that may occur when episode X-1, which is a previous episode of a broadcast program, is played back, and episode X, which is a next episode, is scheduled to be aired.

Referring to FIG. 13, episode X-1 of a previous episode of the broadcast program is being played from 09:30 (current time) according to a playback request. The scheduled airing time for the next episode, episode X, of the broadcast program, is 10:00. During playback of the previous episode of broadcast program X-1, when the broadcast time of the next episode of broadcast program X reaches 10:00, the controller 170 may automatically record the episode X. That is, when a previous broadcast program is reproduced according to the catch-up function and a broadcast program of the next episode is scheduled to be aired, the controller 170 may perform a reservation recording function for a broadcast program of the next episode scheduled to be aired. Later, when the broadcast program of the next episode starts to be broadcast, the control unit 170 may record the broadcast program of the next episode according to the set reservation recording function. When the playback of the previous episode of the broadcast program X-1 is finished, the controller 170 may immediately play the recorded next episode of the broadcast program X. Users can watch the broadcast program of the series without interruption.

Next, Fig. 14 will be described.

Referring to FIG. 14, the broadcast program X-1 of the previous episode was played according to a playback request, and playback was terminated at 10:30 (current time). The next episode's broadcast program Episode X is scheduled to air from 10:40. The control unit 170 may play the highlight broadcast for the previous episode (X-2) or the trailer of the episode X from the end of playback of the episode X-1 to the scheduled broadcast time of the episode X (10:30 to 10:40). . That is, when playback of the previous broadcast program is terminated according to the catch-up function, and time remains until the next broadcast program is scheduled to be broadcast, the control unit 170 performs a highlight broadcast or a scheduled broadcast for the previous broadcast program. You can play the trailer for the next episode of the broadcast program.

Next, FIG. 15 will be described.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment that may occur when the next episode of the X picture is being broadcast live at a playback start time of the previous episode of the broadcast program, the X-1 episode.

Referring to FIG. 15, playback of the previous episode of the broadcast program X-1 was started (current time 10:05) according to a playback request. The next episode's broadcast program Episode X is being broadcast live from 10:00. The controller 170 may automatically record the X picture at the same time as the playback of the X-1 picture starts. That is, according to the catch-up function, when a broadcast program of a previous episode is being played and a broadcast program of a next episode is being broadcast live, the control unit 170 may automatically record a broadcast program of the next episode at the same time as the playback of the previous episode is started. Later, when playback of the previous episode of broadcast program X-1 is terminated, the controller 170 may immediately reproduce the recorded next episode of broadcast program X. Users can watch the broadcast program of the series without interruption.

5 will be described again.

Meanwhile, when a request for selecting a media content of a virtual channel is received (S113), the control unit 170 of the display apparatus 100 outputs a list of content providers capable of providing the selected media content (S115). The controller 170 may recommend content providers capable of providing the selected media content. This will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 20.

16 to 20 are diagrams for explaining an embodiment of outputting a list of content providers capable of providing media content of a virtual channel according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

First, Fig. 16 will be described.

When the media content 534 called <New Girl> is selected in the media content list area 533 of FIG. 6, the controller 170 may increase the purchase price of the media content on the screen 300 as shown in FIG. 16. The display unit 180 may be controlled to display the based content provider list 710. The control unit 170 may arrange content providers in an order in which the purchase price of media content is low. The first content provider 711 provides the media content for free, the second content provider 713 provides the media content for $3, and the third content provider 715 provides the media content for $5. to provide. The user may select a content provider to play the media content through the content provider list 710 based on the purchase price of the media content.

In another embodiment, the content provider list 711 may include only the first content provider 711 that provides the selected media content at the cheapest price.

Next, FIG. 17 will be described.

When the media content 534 called <New Girl> is selected in the media content list area 533 of FIG. 6, the controller 170 displays a content provider based on a network speed as shown in FIG. 17 on the screen 300. The display unit 180 may be controlled to display the list 710. The network speed may be a transmission speed of media content of a content provider. The transmission rate of the media content includes the case of receiving the media content by streaming or the case of downloading the media content. The control unit 170 may arrange content providers in an order of fast network speed. The second content provider 713 provides the media content at a rate of 1 Mbps, the first content provider 711 provides the media content at a rate of 0.5 Mbps, and the third content provider 715 provides the corresponding media content at a rate of 0.1 Mbps. Deliver the media content at a rate. The user may select a content provider to play the media content through the content provider list 710 based on the network speed.

In another embodiment, the content provider list 711 may include only the second content provider 713 that provides the selected media content at the fastest speed.

Next, Fig. 18 will be described.

When the media content 534 called <New Girl> is selected in the media content list area 533 of FIG. 6, the controller 170 displays the number of accesses of the content provider on the screen 300 as shown in FIG. 18. The display unit 180 may be controlled to display the based content provider list 710. The number of times the content provider accesses may be the number of times an application corresponding to the content provider is executed. The control unit 170 may arrange the content providers in the order in which the number of accesses is large. The number of accesses to the third content provider 713 is 100 times, the number of accesses to the first content provider 711 is 50 times, and the number of accesses to the second content provider 713 is 10 times. The user may select a content provider to play the media content through the content provider list 710 based on the number of accesses.

In another embodiment, the content provider list 711 may include only the third content providers 715 with the largest number of accesses.

Next, Fig. 19 will be described.

When the media content 534 called <New Girl> is selected in the media content list area 533 of FIG. 6, the controller 170 determines whether the content provider is subscribed as shown in FIG. 19 on the screen 300. The display unit 180 may be controlled to display the based content provider list 710. The controller 170 may place only the content providers to which the user has subscribed to the content provider list 710. In FIG. 19, only the first content provider 711 is displayed on the content provider list 710. The user may select a content provider to play media content through the content provider list 710 based on whether to subscribe to the content provider.

Next, Fig. 20 will be described.

When the media content 534 called <New Girl> is selected in the media content list area 533 of FIG. 6, the controller 170 displays the media content purchase price and the network as shown in FIG. 20 on the screen 300. The display unit 180 may be controlled to display the content provider list 730 including information on the speed and the number of accesses. The user may select a content provider to play media content through the content provider list 710 based on whether to subscribe to the content provider.

The control unit 170 of the display apparatus 100 plays media content provided through any one of the one or more content providers included in the content provider list (S117).

In an embodiment, the controller 170 receives a request for selecting any one content provider from the content provider list shown in FIGS. 16 to 20, and plays media content provided through the selected content provider according to the received request. have.

In another embodiment, the controller 170 may not display a list of content providers, but may access a content provider having the lowest purchase price to play the corresponding media content.

In another embodiment, the controller 170 may not display a list of content providers and may access a content provider having the fastest network speed to play the corresponding media content.

In another embodiment, the controller 170 may not display a list of content providers, but may access a content provider having the largest number of accesses and play the corresponding media content.

In another embodiment, the controller 170 may not display a list of content providers, but may access a subscribed content provider and play the corresponding media content.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the above-described method can be implemented as code that can be read by a processor in a medium on which a program is recorded. Examples of media that can be read by the processor include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage, and the like, and are implemented in the form of carrier waves (for example, transmission over the Internet). Includes.

The display device described above is not limitedly applicable to the configuration and method of the above-described embodiments, but the embodiments may be configured by selectively combining all or part of each of the embodiments so that various modifications can be made. May be.

Claims (20)

In the method of operating a display device,
Outputting an electronic program guide including information on a catch-up icon for providing information on a previous episode of a broadcast program and information on a virtual channel for broadcasting media content provided by a content provider or media content corresponding to a specific genre ;
Receiving a request to select the catch-up icon; And
Including the step of outputting information on the previous episode of the broadcast program corresponding to the catch-up icon selected according to the received request,
The above operation method is
Receiving a request to select media content provided through the virtual channel and
Further comprising the step of outputting a list of content providers capable of providing the selected media content according to the received request,
The content provider list includes a plurality of content providers capable of providing the selected media content,
The plurality of content providers are arranged in order according to the purchase price of the selected media content.
How to operate the display device. The method of claim 1,
The step of outputting information on the previous episode of the broadcast program
When the broadcast program is being broadcast live, outputting a record button for recording a broadcast program being broadcast live and a catch-up button for providing a function of viewing a previous episode of the broadcast program.
How to operate the display device. The method of claim 1,
The step of outputting information on the previous episode of the broadcast program
If the broadcast program is scheduled to be aired, outputting a reservation recording button for pre-recording a broadcast program scheduled to be aired and a catch-up button providing a function of viewing a previous episode of the broadcast program.
How to operate the display device. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 3,
Further comprising the step of outputting a previous episode information screen in response to a request for selecting the catch-up button,
The previous episode information screen above is
A previous episode selection button for selecting a previous episode of the broadcast program,
A detailed information display area including detailed information on the previous episode of the broadcast program and a playback request button for reproducing the broadcast program of the previous episode selected through the previous episode selection button.
How to operate the display device. The method of claim 1,
Reproducing the broadcast program of the previous episode based on the output information on the previous episode; And
If the broadcast program is being broadcast live at the time of playing the broadcast program of the previous episode, further comprising: recording the broadcast program being broadcast live
How to operate the display device. The method of claim 1,
Reproducing the broadcast program of the previous episode based on the output information on the previous episode;
If the broadcast program is scheduled to be aired at the time when the broadcast program of the previous episode is reproduced, recording the broadcast program at the scheduled air time; And
Reproducing the recorded broadcast program after the playback of the previous broadcast program is terminated.
How to operate the display device. The method of claim 1,
The electronic program guide
Includes a plurality of broadcast program areas for displaying information on broadcast programs,
The catch-up icon is output on a broadcast program area that supports a catch-up function, which is a function capable of viewing a previous broadcast program among a plurality of broadcast program areas.
Broadcast programs that cannot provide broadcast programs from the previous episode
How to operate the display device. The method of claim 7,
A broadcast program area that does not support the catch-up function includes an information icon for providing information on a corresponding broadcast program,
In response to a request for selecting the information icon, outputting a record button for real-time recording of a corresponding broadcast program and a reservation record button for reservation recording
How to operate the display device. delete The method of claim 1,
Reproducing the selected media content through any one content provider from the output content provider list
How to operate the display device. In the display device,
A user input interface unit for receiving a service request related to a broadcast program from a remote control device;
Output an electronic program guide including a catch-up icon for providing information on the previous episode of a broadcast program and information on a virtual channel for broadcasting media content provided by a content provider or media content corresponding to a specific genre, and the A control unit for receiving a request for selecting a catch-up icon through the user input interface unit, and outputting information on a previous episode of a broadcast program corresponding to the catch-up icon selected according to the received request,
The control unit
Receiving a request for selecting media content provided through the virtual channel, and outputting a list of content providers capable of providing the selected media content according to the received request,
The content provider list includes a plurality of content providers capable of providing the selected media content,
The plurality of content providers are arranged in order according to the purchase price of the selected media content.
Display device. The method of claim 11,
The control unit
When the broadcast program is being broadcast live, outputting a record button for recording a broadcast program being broadcast live and a catch-up button providing a function to watch the previous episode of the broadcast program
Display device. The method of claim 11,
The control unit
When the broadcast program is scheduled to be aired, outputting a reservation recording button for pre-recording a broadcast program scheduled to be aired and a catch-up button providing a function to watch the previous episode of the broadcast program
Display device. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 13,
The control unit
In response to the request to select the catch-up button, the previous episode information screen is displayed,
The previous episode information screen above is
A previous episode selection button for selecting a previous episode of the broadcast program,
A detailed information display area including detailed information on the previous episode of the broadcast program, and
Including a play request button for playing the broadcast program of the previous episode selected through the previous episode selection button
Display device. The method of claim 11,
The control unit
Reproducing the broadcast program of the previous episode based on the output information on the previous episode, and
When the broadcast program is being broadcast live at the playback time of the previous episode, recording the broadcast program being broadcast live
Display device. The method of claim 11,
The control unit
Based on the output information on the previous episode, the broadcast program of the previous episode is played back, and when the broadcast program is scheduled to be aired at the playback time of the previous episode, the broadcast program is recorded at the scheduled broadcast time, and the previous episode To play the recorded broadcast program after the playback of the broadcast program of
Display device. The method of claim 11,
The electronic program guide
Includes a plurality of broadcast program areas for displaying information on broadcast programs,
The catch-up icon is output on a broadcast program area that supports a catch-up function, which is a function capable of viewing a previous broadcast program among a plurality of broadcast program areas.
Display device. The method of claim 17,
A broadcast program area that does not support the catch-up function includes an information icon for providing information on a corresponding broadcast program,
The control unit
In response to a request to select the information icon, a record button for real-time recording of the broadcast program and a reservation record button for reservation recording are output.
Display device. delete The method of claim 11,
The control unit plays media content selected through any one content provider from the output content provider list.
Display device.

Images