KR20060115144A - Video display device input and output source auto recognition and processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus and a method for automatically recognizing and processing an input and output source of an image device are provided to unify and standardize structures and types of input and output terminals and cables as one and freely and easily connect a plurality of external devices by using a cable of the same one kind. A universal input and output terminal(210) is formed by unifying input and output terminals having the standard and structure of heterogeneous external shapes as an input and output terminal having the standard and structure of one external shape. A signal judging unit(30) analyzes a signal characteristic of an external device connected to the universal input and output terminal(210), and discriminates a corresponding input and output source. A switching unit(40) selects a signal processing path suitable for the discriminated input and output source. A signal processing unit(50) performs the signal process of the corresponding input and output source provided through the selected signal processing path.

Description

VIDEO DISPLAY DEVICE INPUT AND OUTPUT SOURCE AUTO RECOGNITION AND PROCESSING SYSTEM}

1 is a view showing the structure and arrangement of an input / output device in a conventional digital television receiver

2 is a view showing the structure and arrangement of an input / output device in a digital television receiver according to the present invention;

3 is a block diagram of an automatic input / output source recognition and processing device of a digital television according to the present invention.

4 is a view showing an embodiment of a method for recognizing input / output sources according to the present invention.

5 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method for classifying and processing input sources according to the present invention.

Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of a method for distinguishing and processing output sources according to the present invention.

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

210: signal input and output terminal 30: signal determination unit

40: switching unit 50: signal processing unit

In the present invention, when connecting an external device to an input / output terminal for signal input and output with an external device in a video device, a plurality of input / output sources with one cable using an input / output terminal having one unified format, specification, and structure The present invention relates to an automatic input / output source recognition apparatus and method for automatically recognizing a signal and performing input processing and output processing of a corresponding signal based on a recognized result.

In the case of devices capable of reproducing or storing video and / or audio signals including digital television receivers, input / output terminals of various formats, structures, and standards may be provided, and external devices may be connected to the input / output terminals.

Digital television broadcast signals are transmitted to users through a variety of media and methods, including over-the-air digital broadcasting (DTV) and DTV cable channels (CADTV), which retransmit the over-the-air digital broadcasting on a wired basis from local cable companies. have. In addition to the conventional over-the-air analog broadcast signal (TV), the above-mentioned over-the-air analog broadcast is transmitted to the user through a variety of media and methods, ranging from the analog cable channel (CATV) to re-send from the cable operators in each region on a wired basis. .

As mentioned above, analog and digital TV broadcast signals are transmitted through various media such as airwaves and wired lines, which means that as many as tens or hundreds of channels are allocated to each type. .

Therefore, a considerable number of broadcast programs exist in a small number of channels even with a digital television receiver alone. As such, an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) is provided as a means for providing a user with information on a large amount of broadcast programs. .

Digital television receivers can provide a variety of information based on the EPG (Electrinic Program Guide), as well as schedule viewing as well as recording based on the EPG. Especially, externally connected A / V storage devices or built-in storage devices can be used. In addition, the recording and reproducing of the reserved recording program is freely available, and it is widely used as a video display device capable of realizing clear and high sound quality based on digital data processing.

Accordingly, digital television receivers are provided with input and output terminals of various standards, formats, and structures so that various external devices can be connected and used.

Fig. 1 schematically shows an example of an input / output terminal structure and its arrangement in such a conventional digital television receiver.

Referring to FIG. 1, an input / output terminal is usually provided in the back panel 10, and it can be seen that the input / output terminal has a variety of structures and connection methods depending on whether the signal is an input or an output or the signal format. have.

For example, in the case of the first terminal group 11, there are calibration, digital audio output optical, digital audio input optical, HDMI, and the like. In the case of the second terminal group 12, there are component (YPbPr) terminals, in the case of the third terminal group 13, there are antenna (ANTENNA) terminals, and in the case of the fourth terminal group 14, video and There are audio terminals, and in the case of the fifth terminal group 15, there are video and audio terminals for monitor output.

As described above, not only the input and output terminals of various signals have different forms, structures, and arrangements, but also the cable structures and types with external devices connected thereto are also diverse.

Due to the various signal input and output terminals as described above, users of digital television receivers have a considerable difficulty when connecting signal cables to digital television receivers. That is, since various types of cable connections are required to require almost expert knowledge, general users cannot easily identify which cable-terminal is most suitable for the external device to be connected. In addition, it is also common to connect the inputs and outputs alternately, and in this case, there may be a problem in signal transmission between the external device and the television receiver, and the operation of the device may be disabled, or the response may be lost even if the desired operation is performed. many.

In particular, since AV, audio, and component terminals have the same cable shape, general users who are inadequate in knowledge may be embarrassed and uncomfortable.

The present invention, in a video device having a video and / or audio playback and / or storage function, including a digital television receiver, the structure and form of the input and output terminals and cables are unified and standardized as one, using a number of the same type of cable Its purpose is to make it possible to connect external devices freely and easily.

Another object of the present invention is to automatically recognize the input and output sources connected to the corresponding input and output terminals in the system when an external device is connected to any input and output terminal using the same type of cable, regardless of the position of the plurality of input and output terminals Based on the recognition result, the I / O source of the video device is automatically switched so that the input / output path of the signal is automatically switched to the signal processing route of the corresponding I / O source. To provide a recognition and processing apparatus and a method thereof.

In order to achieve the above object, the input / output source automatic recognition and processing apparatus of the imaging device of the present invention is a universal input / output made by integrating an input / output terminal having a heterogeneous appearance, specification, and structure into an input / output terminal having one appearance, specification, and structure. Means for analyzing a signal characteristic of an external device connected to the terminal and the universal input / output terminal to determine a corresponding input / output source, means for selecting a signal processing path suitable for the determined input / output source, and the selected signal processing path. Means for performing signal processing of a corresponding input / output source provided; Characterized in that comprises a.

In addition, the apparatus for automatically recognizing and processing an input / output source of an image device of the present invention is characterized in that an external device is connected using one type of cable to the universal input / output terminal.

In the video device input and output source automatic recognition and processing apparatus of the present invention, the signal characteristics for distinguishing the input source is characterized by using a synchronization signal or a frequency characteristic.

In the apparatus for automatically recognizing and processing an input / output source of an image device, the input / output source to be connected based on the universal input / output terminal is one of audio input / output, video input, monitor output, and component input.

On the other hand, the input and output source automatic recognition and processing method of the video device of the present invention for achieving the above object, the step of storing the signal characteristics for each input and output source to distinguish the input and output source and the external device to be connected to the video device; Discriminating an input / output source of an external device connected to any universal input / output terminal formed by integrating an input / output terminal having a heterogeneous appearance, specification, and structure into an input / output terminal having a single appearance, specification, and structure based on the stored characteristic information ; Selecting a transmission path of an input / output source as a signal processing path corresponding to the determined input / output source; Characterized in that comprises a.

In the video device input and output source automatic recognition and processing method of the present invention, the signal characteristics for distinguishing the input source is characterized by using a synchronization signal or a frequency characteristic.

In the method for automatically recognizing and processing an input / output source of an image device of the present invention, the input / output source to be connected based on the universal input / output terminal is one of audio input / output, video input, monitor output, and component input.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described an embodiment of the present invention.

First, Fig. 2 shows an example of the arrangement of the input / output terminals and the structure thereof in the digital television receiver according to the present invention.

In general, various types of input / output terminals are arranged in the back panel 20. In the present invention, all other possible input / output terminals are excluded except for unusual structures and specifications (that is, input / output terminals with difficulty in integrating). Unified in the form of the universal terminal 21. The universal terminal 21 according to the present invention unifies an audio input terminal, an audio output terminal, a video input terminal, a video output terminal, etc. having different external structures and specifications so as to have the same external structure and specifications. Therefore, a cable with an external device connected by using the universal terminal 21 according to the present invention also becomes one type of cable.

However, since all kinds of input and output terminals cannot be unified and integrated, only an exceptional case forms a structure installed separately from other signal ports 22.

Of the universal terminals 21 shown in FIG. 2, even if an external device is connected to any terminal, the connected external device is automatically recognized as a kind of input / output source so as to go through a route suitable for signal processing of the external device. Automatic switching will be performed. As described above, a method of automatically recognizing an input / output signal source will be described later.

3 is a block diagram of an input / output source automatic recognition and processing apparatus of a digital television according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, the apparatus for automatically recognizing and processing an input / output source of a digital television according to the present invention includes a signal determination for judging an input / output source of a universal signal input / output terminal 210 and an external device connected to the universal signal input / output terminal. And a switching unit 40 for selecting a signal processing path corresponding to the input / output source determined by the signal determining unit 30, and a signal processing path selected by the switching unit 40. And a signal processor 50 for performing signal processing on the input / output source.

The operation of the input / output source automatic recognition and processing device configured as described above is as follows.

First, the user connects an external device that can be connected to any one of the universal input and output terminals 210 by one type of cable.

The signal determination unit 30 then determines which input source the input source is based on different characteristics for each corresponding signal.

That is, the input signal having the same shape, for example, audio input and output, video input, monitor output, component (RGB / YPbPr) input, etc., can determine which input signal by determining the synchronization signal (Sync) format. .

When the input source is determined as described above, the corresponding information is transmitted to the switching unit 40.

The switching unit 40 selects a signal processing path suitable for the corresponding input source based on the input source determination information transmitted from the signal determining unit 30. Then, the corresponding input signal is transmitted from the input source to the signal processor 50 based on the selected signal processing path, and the signal processor 50 performs the corresponding signal processing on the input source (audio and / or video signal). Done.

4 shows one example of a method for determining such an input source. The example shown in FIG. 4 is based on the characteristics of the signal, and particularly shows the characteristics of the YPbPr signal among the input signals (audio input / output, video input, monitor output, component input signals).

As shown in Fig. 4, the YPbPr signal has unique waveform characteristics.

Consider the case of Y channel. The white level is 1.020V [800], the sync level is 0.622V [488] and 0.020V [16], and the black / blank level (BLACK / BLANK LEVEL) is 0.321V [252]. The waveforms show 100 IRE between white and black / blank levels, and 43 IRE each for sync levels.

Look at the case of the PbPr channel. Peak level (PEAK LEVEL) is 1.003V [788] and 0.303V [238], sync level (SYNC LEVEL) is 0.954V [748] and 0.352V [276], and black / blank level (BLACK / BLANK LEVEL) is 0.653. V [512], and 50 IRE between peak levels and 43 IRE between sync levels.

Since the characteristics of the YPbPr signal are unique, the input source can be distinguished using these characteristics.

In order to classify the input source using the characteristics of the signal waveform, information on the signal waveform characteristics of the input source of that kind must be provided in advance. Since this information is based on a known signal standard, the type (or type) of the input source according to the characteristics of the signal waveform is constructed as a database and stored in the signal determination unit, and the presence or absence of the synchronization signal of the input source, and the level thereof. It can detect what kind of input source with reference to the database.

In addition, the classification of the input source may be performed based on the frequency characteristics. In other words, the standard for each signal is recognized in advance, and the standard of the input source is analyzed to finally determine the corresponding input source.

5 shows a process of recognizing and processing an input source.

The first step S10 is a signal input step. That is, a step of connecting a predetermined external device using one kind of cable to the universal input and output terminals described above and receiving the signal.

The second step S11 is a step of performing synchronization confirmation and signal determination. That is, the step of determining what kind of input source is based on the characteristics of the input source. This step is, for example, as described above, for example, by identifying the synchronization signal SYNC and analyzing the signal characteristics based on this. To determine what the input source is.

The third step (S12) is a step of switching to go through the appropriate signal processing path according to the type of the input source, that is, what signal input mode. In this step, if the desired input signal is correct, the process proceeds to the fourth step S13 to transfer the signal from the corresponding input source to the signal processing unit so as to perform proper signal processing. Open to block the signal transmission error from occurring and perform the signal selection process according to the mode selection.

6 shows the recognition and processing in the signal output. In other words, the output signal is a hot plug detection signal that determines the port that is connected to the port-universal I / O terminal but does not have a synchronization signal, and sends the corresponding output signal by using a Hot Plug Detect signal.

The first step S20 is to select a signal output. This step is the beginning of the process of selecting a signal to be transmitted to an external device, that is, to which external device a signal is to be transmitted.

The second step S21 is checking the synchronization signal and checking a hot plug detection signal.

The third step S22 is a step of determining whether a cable is present. In other words, the cable is plugged into the port-universal input / output terminal using the hot plug detection signal, but the port without the synchronization signal Sync is determined.

The fourth step S23 is a step of outputting a corresponding signal to the external device to which the cable is plugged in, and the fifth step S24 is a step of opening the corresponding path when the cable is not plugged in.

As described above, the present invention forms a universal input / output terminal by integrating the external shape and structure of the integrated input / output terminal into one type, and provides a basis for connecting various external devices using one type of cable. Also, by using one type of cable, external devices connected to arbitrary universal I / O terminals are automatically recognized based on signal characteristics, and the appropriate signal processing path is selected based on the recognized result. Various types of external devices can be easily connected to a digital television receiver.

According to the present invention, when a user connects an external device to a video device including a digital television receiver using a cable, the user provides an easy external device connection function regardless of the lack of knowledge.

In addition, the present invention integrates as many types of similar input and output terminals as possible into a universal input and output terminal having a unified external structure and specifications, and by using one type of cable to connect the external device to the video device to use In addition, it has the effect of reducing the human and material costs of having to manufacture, purchase, manage, install, and maintain the different inputs, outputs, and types of cables.

Claims (7)

Universal input and output terminals formed by integrating heterogeneous input and output terminals with different shapes, specifications, and structures into input and output terminals with one external appearance, specification, and structure, and signal characteristics of external devices connected to the universal input / output terminals are analyzed. Means for discriminating, means for selecting a signal processing path suitable for the determined input / output source, and means for performing signal processing of a corresponding input / output source provided via the selected signal processing path; Input and output source automatic recognition and processing apparatus for a video device comprising a. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein an external device is connected to the universal input / output terminal using one type of cable. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the signal characteristic for distinguishing the input source is made using a synchronization signal or a frequency characteristic. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the input / output source to be connected based on the universal input / output terminal is one of an audio input / output, a video input, a monitor output, and a component input. Storing signal characteristics for each input / output source to distinguish the input / output source from an external device to be connected to the video device; Discriminating an input / output source of an external device connected to any universal input / output terminal formed by integrating an input / output terminal having a heterogeneous appearance, specification, and structure into an input / output terminal having a single appearance, specification, and structure based on the stored characteristic information ; Selecting a transmission path of an input / output source as a signal processing path corresponding to the determined input / output source; Input and output source automatic recognition and processing method of a video device comprising a. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the signal characteristic for distinguishing the input source is made by using a synchronization signal or a frequency characteristic. The method of claim 5, wherein the input / output source to be connected based on the universal input / output terminal is one of an audio input / output, a video input, a monitor output, and a component input.

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