KR20080004031A - Method and apparatus for favorite channnel management of image display device - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus and a method for favorite channel management of a video display device are provided to make a favorite channel list by setting priority based on a watching frequency and a watching time and display the favorite channel list at a predetermined time zone, thereby solving inconvenience that a user has to set and display separately a favorite channel and tediousness during an advertisement time. An apparatus for favorite channel management of a video display device includes a key input unit(30), a control unit(32), a storage unit(38) and a video processing unit(24). The key input unit inputs a command which a user wants. The control unit determines channel priority within a predetermined range through supplementary information divided through a demultiplexer(14) to set a favorite channel list and controls the set favorite channel list to be displayed at a predetermined time zone. The storage unit stores the favorite channel list selected through the control unit. The video processing unit performs video processing so that a video received through a tuner(10) and the favorite channel list prestored in the storage unit can be displayed on a display unit(28) according to the control signal of the control unit.

Description

Preferred channel management apparatus and method for image display device {Method and apparatus for favorite channnel management of image display device}

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a preferred channel management apparatus of a video display device according to the present invention.

2A to 2B are diagrams for explaining a method of selecting a priority of a channel watched by a user for creating a preferred channel list according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

3A to 3C illustrate examples of displaying a preferred channel list according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of generating a preferred channel list of an image display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for managing a preferred channel of a video display device according to the present invention step by step;

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

10: Tuner 12: Channel Decoder

14: Demultiplexer 16: Signal Processing Unit

18: audio decoder 20: voice processing unit

22: video decoder 24: image processing unit

26: speaker 28: display unit

30: key input unit 32: control unit

34: priority selection section 36: micom

38: storage

The present invention relates to an image display device. In particular, priority is selected based on a viewing frequency and a viewing time of a channel watched by a user for each day and time, and a list of channels preferred by the user is selected based on the selected priority. The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for setting a preferred channel of an image display device such that the created favorite channel list can be displayed at a preset time.

Generally, a TV is included in a video display device, and such TV is tuned to a demodulated broadcast signal according to a channel selected by a user among broadcast signals transmitted from a broadcasting station, and separated into a voice and a video, and then processed through a corresponding voice and image processing. And a video device output through a speaker.

In general, video display devices have recently developed TV technology to transmit broadcast signals, and accordingly, interest in digital TVs using digital transmission methods has increased. Recently, as digital broadcasting has accelerated, satellite / terrestrial waves / cables have increased. High-definition / high-quality broadcast through the air is starting. Compared to the existing analog TV, digital broadcasting provides not only high definition and high sound quality but also various additional services.

Digital broadcasting uses QPSK / VSB / QAM transmission method through existing satellite / ground / cable band by compressing high quality / high quality A / V using video / audio compression method (MPEG-2, AC-3). It can be delivered to each user, thereby providing a variety of services in one channel accordingly.

In the case of terrestrial waves, it is possible to provide more than 4 channels of SD grade and 1 channel of HD grade in one existing channel.In addition, digital TV transmits additional information together with A / V data to provide various services. By using this information, it is possible to provide a service such as a broadcast guide for an increased channel. In other words, unlike the past, which could only receive over-the-air channels, at the present time it can receive various broadcasting channels through cable or satellite broadcasting, it is possible to effectively separate and manage at least 50 channels and more than 100 channels. Several methods are suggested.

Thus, with the advancement of audio / video compression technology and transmission compression technology, it is possible to broadcast more channels than conventional analogues, and users have to spend considerable time searching for the channel they want to watch among the increased channels. Thus, a general digital TV provides a function called a favorite channel.

General Favorite Channel provides basic functions of registration, removal and inquiry. The registration function is a function of storing channel related information including physical frequency information of a selected channel in a corresponding storage device according to a preferred channel information structure. The removal function is an inverse function of the registration function and removes the corresponding favorite channel information from the favorite channel list. The inquiry function provides a function of quickly selecting a preference channel by easily accessing a preference channel that a viewer wants to watch among previously registered preference channels. Such a preference channel registration, removal, and inquiry method may use a different method for each TV manufacturer or for a specific system.

However, the preferred channel function according to the related art has a problem in that the user has to manually set the preferred channel manually, and the user hides the viewing screen by displaying the list of preferred channels two-dimensionally on the viewing screen when the user is watching TV. There is this.

In addition, the electronic program guide (EPG) provides only a function of information notification for a specific time and day.

The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, it is to be able to automatically create a preferred channel list by selecting the priority based on the viewing frequency and viewing time for the channel watched by the user.

Another object of the present invention is to display a preferred channel list automatically at a preset time.

Another object of the present invention is to enable a user to easily record and switch channels on a preferred channel list.

In addition, the present invention is to enable users to effectively manage a channel of at least tens to hundreds.

The apparatus and method for managing a preferred channel of a video display device according to the present invention for achieving the above object are provided in a video display device having a demultiplexer and a display unit, the key input unit for inputting a user's desired command and the demultiplexer. A controller configured to determine a channel priority within a preset range based on the additional information and set a preference channel list, and control to display the set preference channel list at a preset specific time period; and a preferred channel selected through the controller And a storage unit for storing a list, and an image processor for processing an image such that an image received through the tuner according to a control signal of the controller and an image of a preferred channel previously stored in the storage unit are displayed on the display unit. It has its features.

More preferably, the control unit includes a priority selector for selecting a priority for each channel according to a viewing pattern within a predetermined range through additional information separated through the demultiplexer, and a priority for each channel selected through the priority selector. It comprises a micom for configuring the preference channel list according to the ranking and controlling the configured preference channel list to be displayed on the display unit at the predetermined time period.

More preferably, the preset predetermined range is a range divided by day or time zone, and the configured preferred channel list is a value of the corresponding channel by adding a preset value when the viewing time for the corresponding channel is increased by the divided day or time zone. This is a list of the corresponding channels by selecting the priority in the largest order, which has the characteristics.

More preferably, the microcomputer has a feature of controlling the user to switch to a corresponding channel desired by the user when the user wants to switch to any one of the preferred channels displayed through the display unit.

More preferably, the predetermined specific time is a time when an advertisement is broadcasted.

More preferably, when the user wants to record a favorite channel displayed through the display unit, the microcomputer displays a program that the user is watching, and controls the favorite channel to be stored in the storage unit.

More preferably, the preferred channel list is updated based on a priority selected by the priority selecting unit at predetermined intervals.

In addition, the method for managing a preferred channel of a video display device according to the present invention for achieving the above object comprises the step of constructing a preferred channel list by grasping the priority of each channel according to a predetermined condition, and setting the configured preferred channel list The method includes the step of displaying when a specific time is reached, and controlling switching or recording to a corresponding favorite channel according to a command input by a user with reference to the displayed favorite channel list.

Preferably, the configuring of the preferred channel list may include: selecting, by the user, priorities based on the viewing frequency and viewing time of the corresponding channel by time zone according to the day of the week, and the user based on the selected priority. It is characterized by including the step of creating a favorite channel list.

More preferably, the priority of the channel watched by the user is prioritized by the user based on the viewing frequency and the viewing time of the channel for each time zone according to the day of the week, and based on the selected priority channel. It is characterized by the fact that it updates the list of favorite channels created in.

More preferably, the preset time is a time when the advertisement is broadcasted.

More preferably, the controlling of switching to the corresponding favorite channel may include determining whether a channel to which the user wants to switch exists on the displayed favorite channel list, and as a result of the determination, the user switches to the preferred channel. If desired, the user selects the corresponding favorite channel that the user wants to switch to, displaying the corresponding favorite channel selected by the user, and if the user does not want to switch to the favorite channel as a result of the determination, It is characterized by including the step of displaying the image.

More preferably, the controlling of the recording of the corresponding channel comprises determining whether there is a channel to be recorded on the preferred channel list of the recording, and if the user desires to record, the corresponding preference to be recorded. Selecting a channel, displaying a received image being viewed by the user, recording the selected corresponding channel at the same time, and determining whether the user wants to watch a plurality of channels. .

More preferably, the step of determining whether the user wants to watch a plurality of channels comprises: determining whether to watch a video currently received or a favorite channel if the user wants to watch a plurality of channels; Selecting a favorite channel that the user wants to watch on a preference list if the user wants to watch the currently received image, recording the current channel selected by the user while displaying the current channel that the user wants to watch; If the user wants to watch the favorite channel as a result of the determination, selecting the corresponding channel that the user wants to watch on the favorite channel list, displaying the corresponding favorite channel selected by the user and simultaneously recording the channel that the user was watching. Including the steps to make To have those characteristics.

Hereinafter, an apparatus and method for controlling a preferred channel of a video display device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a preferred channel control apparatus of a video display device according to the present invention, Figures 2a to 2b is a priority of a channel watched by a user for creating a preferred channel list according to an embodiment of the present invention 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating an example of displaying a preferred channel list according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a preferred channel of a video display device according to the present invention. It is a flow chart explaining a control method step by step.

As shown in FIG. 1, a preferred channel control apparatus of an image display device includes a tuner 10 for tuning a broadcast signal desired by a user among broadcast signals received through an antenna, and tuning through the tuner 10. A channel decoder 12 for restoring the digital signal detected from the broadcast signal in packet units, and receives the data signal in the packet unit restored through the channel decoder 12 into audio data, video data, and additional information data. Demultiplexer 14 for separation, a signal processing unit 16 for receiving the separated video and audio data through the demultiplexer 14 and signal processing to enable audio and video output, and through the signal processing unit 16 A speaker 26 for outputting a signal-processed audio signal, a display unit 28 for outputting a video signal signal-processed through the signal processor 16, The user can determine the channel priority within a preset range through the key input unit 30 for inputting a command such as channel selection, switching to a preferred channel, recording, and the additional information separated by the demultiplexer 14. A controller 32 for setting a preference channel list, controlling the preset preference channel list to be displayed at a predetermined time period, and a storage unit 38 for storing the preference channel list set through the controller 32; It is configured to include.

The signal processor 16 receives an audio decoder 18 for receiving and decoding audio data separated through the demultiplexer 14, and an audio signal decoded through the audio decoder 18 is the speaker 26. A voice processor 20 for signal processing to be output through the video decoder, a video decoder 22 for receiving and decoding the separated video data through the demultiplexer 14, and a video signal decoded through the video decoder 22. Is configured to include an image processor 24 for signal processing to be output through the display unit 28.

In addition, the control unit 32 is a priority selector 34 for selecting the priority for each channel according to the viewing pattern within a predetermined range through the additional information separated by the demultiplexer 14, and the priority By configuring the preferred channel list according to the priority of each channel selected by the selector 34, the microcomputer 36 for controlling the configured preferred channel list to be displayed on the display unit 28 at the predetermined time period. It is configured to include.

The operation of the preferred channel management apparatus of the video display device according to the present invention configured as described above is as follows.

First, when a user inputs a power-on command through the key input unit 30, the microcomputer 36 outputs a control signal to the tuner 10 so that a program selected by the user may be output.

Then, the tuner 10 tunes the channel desired by the user, and the channel decoder 12 restores the digital signal detected from the broadcast signal of the channel tuned through the tuner 10 in packet units. A packet unit data signal reconstructed by the decoder 12 is separated into audio data, video data, and additional information data through the demultiplexer 14.

The audio data and the video data separated by the demultiplexer 14 are subjected to predetermined signal processing through the signal processor 16 and then output through the speaker and the display unit 26 and 28, respectively.

In addition, the priority selector 34 selects priorities for each channel according to a viewing pattern within a predetermined range through additional information separated by the demultiplexer 14. That is, the priority selector 34 assigns a default value to each channel, and adds a preset value whenever the user increases the viewing time of a specific channel, so that the user has the highest viewing time by day or time zone. Priority is selected in order of channel (channel whose value is the largest).

In other words, as shown in FIG. 2A, a default value is first assigned to each channel (eg, CH10, CH16, CH22, CH32, CH34, CH48). In order to easily explain the priority selection method according to an embodiment of the present invention, the default value is given as one point.

Each time the user increases the viewing time for a particular channel, the user selects a priority value in order of the channel value among the respective channels for a predetermined period of time (for example, one week or one month) by adding a preset value to the default value. do. That is, a corresponding default value is given to each channel, and a preset value (for example, one point per hour) is added whenever the user increases the viewing time for the channel. In other words, since CH 10 has been watched for a period of time by 1.2 hours, the default value (1 point) is added to the preset value (1.2 hours = 1.2 points), so that the channel value for CH 10 is 2.2 for a certain period of time. It becomes a point.

In this way, if the user calculates the channel value based on the viewing time for a particular channel for a certain period, CH16 is 3.7 points, CH22 is 5.2 points, CH32 is 4 points, CH34 is 4.5 points, and CH48 is 4.7 points. Therefore, CH22 having the largest channel value is selected as priority 1, CH48 as priority 2, and CH34 as priority 3.

As described above, when the user selects the priority based on the viewing time and the viewing frequency of a specific channel through the priority selecting unit 34, the microcomputer 36 uses the priority selecting unit 34. A preferred channel list is constructed based on each selected channel.

That is, as shown in FIG. 2B, the user composes the preferred channel list in order of highest viewing time (CH22, CH48, CH34, etc.) for a predetermined period of time based on the priority selected by the priority selecting unit 34. . The microcomputer 36 stores the configured preferred channel list in the storage unit 38.

In addition, the microcomputer 36 controls the display unit 28 to display the preferred channel list stored in the storage unit 38 when the preset time is reached. In this case, the preset specific time may set a time during which an advertisement for broadcasting a user is bored.

That is, when the predetermined time (advertisement time, etc.) is reached as shown in FIG. 3A, the microcomputer 36 outputs a control signal so that the preferred channel list stored in the storage unit 38 is automatically displayed. . So the user can do what he / she wants for the boring advertising time.

In addition, the microcomputer 38 controls switching to a channel desired by the user based on the preferred channel list displayed at a preset time. That is, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the user selects a desired channel from the displayed favorite channel list through the key input unit 30, a query screen asking whether to display the corresponding channel selected by the user through the key input unit 30 ( 100). The user may enter the YES key 102 or the NO key 104 through the query screen 100 to switch to the corresponding favorite channel or maintain the channel that the user is watching.

In other words, when the user inputs the YES key 102 for switching to the corresponding favorite channel that he / she wants at a preset time, the micom 36 selects the corresponding favorite channel selected by the user. Control to display. In addition, when the user inputs a NO key 104 for maintaining the channel currently being viewed, the microcomputer 36 controls the user to keep the broadcasting channel currently being viewed.

In addition, the microcomputer 36 according to another embodiment of the present invention, if the user wants to watch both the desired broadcast channel and the currently viewed broadcast channel among the preferred channel list displayed at the preset time, One channel is stored in the storage unit 38 and one channel is controlled to be displayed through the display unit 28.

That is, as shown in FIG. 3C, if the user wants to watch both the channel currently being watched and the favorite channel through the favorite channel list displayed at the preset time, the user selects a program to be stored in the storage 38. To display the query screen 110. Then, the user can switch to the corresponding favorite channel 112 selected by the user through the query screen 110, maintain the channel currently being viewed 114, maintain the channel currently being viewed, and the user's favorite channel. ), The user may select a message of his / her desired message from among the user's favorite channel and the user's favorite channel.

The microcomputer 36 controls the operation corresponding to the message selected by the user through the query screen 110. That is, when the user wants to watch a plurality of channels and selects a message 116 for maintaining the channel currently being viewed and storing the selected channel through the preferred channel list in the storage unit 38, the micom 36 ) Controls the channel currently being watched by the user through the display unit 28 to be continuously displayed and the corresponding favorite channel selected by the user is stored in the storage unit 38.

In addition, when the user watches the corresponding favorite channel selected by the user and selects a message 118 for storing the channel that the user has previously watched in the storage 38, the microcomputer 36 displays the display 28. By controlling the display to display the corresponding favorite channel selected by the user, the broadcast program of the channel that the user was watching is controlled to be stored in the storage unit 38.

The microcomputer 36 updates the configured preferred channel list at regular intervals. That is, after a predetermined period (for example, one week, one month, etc.), the configured preferred channel list is updated based on the priority of each channel selected by the priority selecting unit 34.

As described above, the configured preferred channel lists are stored in the storage unit 38, and when the user watches a specific channel, the preset preferred channel lists are stored in the storage unit 38 according to a control signal of the microcomputer 36 when a predetermined time is reached. The preferred channel list is displayed on the display unit 28, and the user can select a desired message through the key input unit 30.

In the method for generating a preferred channel list in the preferred channel management method of the image display device according to the present invention configured as described above, referring to FIG. 4, first, a viewing time according to a channel watched by a user for a predetermined period is calculated (S210). .

In addition, priorities are selected based on the viewing time watched by the user for each channel for a predetermined period of time calculated through the step (S210) (S211).

Subsequently, a preferred channel list is constructed based on the selected priority of each channel (S212).

The configured preferred channel list is stored (S213).

The configured preferred channel list is automatically displayed when a predetermined time is reached, and when a predetermined period elapses, the previously configured preferred channel list is updated through the steps S210 to S213.

When displaying the preferred channel list configured as described above, referring to FIG. 5, it is first determined whether the user inputs a power-on command (S220).

As a result of the determination (S220), when the user inputs a power on command, the reception image is displayed (S221).

In operation S222, it is determined whether a predetermined time is reached. Here, the preset specific time may set an advertisement time.

Subsequently, the determination result (S222), and when the predetermined time reaches a predetermined channel list (S223).

In operation S224, it is determined whether the user selects a specific preferred channel from the displayed favorite channel list.

Subsequently, the determination result (S224), if the user selects a particular favorite channel, it is determined whether or not to switch to the corresponding favorite channel selected by the user (S225).

As a result of the determination (S225), if the user wants to switch to the preferred channel, the corresponding favorite channel selected by the user is displayed (S226).

In addition, in the determination result (S224), if the user selects a specific preferred channel, it is determined whether or not to maintain the channel currently being viewed without switching to the corresponding preferred channel (S227).

Subsequently, if the user desires to maintain the channel being watched, the determination result (S227) displays the channel currently being watched by the user (S228).

In addition, if the user selects a specific preferred channel (S224), the user wants to view both the current channel and the preferred channel, and maintains the currently viewed channel, and determines whether the user wants to store the preferred channel (S229).

Subsequently, if the user wants to maintain the current channel and store the favorite channel, the determination result (S229) displays the channel being watched by the user and stores the corresponding favorite channel selected by the user (S230).

In addition, if the user selects a specific channel, the determination result (S224), both the current channel and the preferred channel are desired to be watched, so that the user switches to the corresponding channel selected by the user and determines whether or not the channel that was previously viewed is desired to be stored (S231).

Subsequently, when the determination result (S231), the user wants to switch to the corresponding favorite channel selected by the user and store the previously watched channel, the corresponding favorite channel selected by the user is displayed and the previously watched channel is stored (S232).

When the user inputs the power off command, the process ends. Otherwise, the process returns to the step S233.

On the other hand, if the user does not select a specific channel as a result of the determination (S224), and displays the channel being watched (S234).

The preferred channel control apparatus and method of an image display device according to the present invention have the following effects.

First, prioritize the channel based on the viewing frequency and the viewing time of the channel watched by the user without manual intervention, create a list of favorite channels, and display them at preset times such as advertisement time. It can alleviate the hassle of displaying and the boredom of advertising time.

Second, when a user wants to watch a plurality of channels on the favorite channel list, the user can improve the user satisfaction with the preferred channel function by providing a function of watching one channel and recording one channel.

Third, by providing a user with a high frequency of viewing and viewing time of the user by prioritizing day and time zone, the channel can effectively manage a channel of at least tens or hundreds.

Fourth, by creating a favorite channel list based on the user's viewing time and viewing frequency at a specific time according to the day of the week, it is possible to watch the program without forgetting or forgetting the programs that the user prefers.

Claims (14)

In the video display device having a demultiplexer and a display unit, A key input unit for inputting a command desired by a user; A controller configured to determine a channel priority within a preset range through the additional information separated by the demultiplexer, set a preferred channel list, and control to display the set preferred channel list at a preset specific time period; A storage unit for storing a preferred channel list selected by the controller; And, And an image processor configured to process an image received through the tuner according to a control signal of the controller and an image list so that the preset channel list pre-stored in the storage unit is displayed on the display unit. Management device. The method of claim 1, The control unit A priority selector for selecting priorities for each channel according to a viewing pattern within a predetermined range through additional information separated by the demultiplexer; An image display device including a microcomputer configured to configure the preferred channel list according to the priority of each channel selected by the priority selector so that the configured preferred channel list is displayed through the display unit at a preset specific time period. Preferred channel management device. The method of claim 2, The predetermined schedule range is a range divided by day or time zone, The configured preferred channel list is to list the corresponding channels by selecting a priority in order of the highest value of the corresponding channel by adding a preset value when the viewing time for the corresponding channel is increased by the divided day or time zone. Preferred channel management apparatus for video display equipment. The method of claim 2, The microcomputer If the user wants to switch to any one of the preferred channel displayed on the display unit, the user preference channel management apparatus of the video display device, characterized in that the control to switch to the corresponding channel. The method of claim 2, The preset specific time is a preferred channel management apparatus of the video display device, characterized in that the time when the advertisement is broadcast. The method of claim 2, If the user wants to record the preferred channel displayed on the display unit, the microcomputer displays the program being watched by the user and controls the corresponding channel to be stored in the storage unit. . The method of claim 2, And the preference channel list is updated based on a priority selected by the priority selecting unit at predetermined intervals. Identifying a priority for each channel according to a preset condition and constructing a preferred channel list; Displaying the configured preference channel list when a preset specific time arrives; And, And controlling switching to, or recording of, a corresponding favorite channel according to a command input by a user with reference to the displayed favorite channel list. The method of claim 8, Comprising the preferred channel list Selecting priorities based on frequency and watch time of the corresponding channel by time zone according to the day of the week for a preset time; And creating a channel list that a user prefers based on the selected priority. The method of claim 8, Priority for channels watched by the user Image display, characterized in that the user selects a priority based on the viewing frequency and viewing time for the corresponding channel by time zone according to the day of the week, and updates the previously created favorite channel list based on the selected priority channel. How to manage your device's preferred channels. The method of claim 8, The preset time is a preferred channel management method of the video display device, characterized in that the time when the broadcast. The method of claim 8, The control to switch to the corresponding preferred channel is Determining whether a channel to which the user wants to switch exists on the displayed favorite channel list; If the user wants to switch to the preferred channel, the user selects the corresponding preferred channel to switch to; Displaying a corresponding favorite channel selected by the user; And if the user does not want to switch to the preferred channel as a result of the determination, displaying the received video being watched. The method of claim 8, The step of controlling the recording of the corresponding channel is Determining whether there is a channel to be recorded on the list of preferred channels for recording; Selecting the preferred channel to be recorded if the user wants to record the result of the determination; Displaying the received video being viewed by the user and simultaneously recording the selected favorite channel; And determining whether the user wants to watch a plurality of channels. The method of claim 8, Determining whether the user wants to watch a plurality of channels Determining whether to watch a video received or a favorite channel when the user wants to watch a plurality of channels; If the user wants to watch the currently received image, selecting the preferred channel that the user wants to watch on the preference list; Recording the favorite channel selected by the user while displaying the current channel that the user wants to watch; If the user wants to watch a favorite channel, selecting the corresponding channel that the user wants to watch on the preferred channel list; And recording the channel that the user was previously watching while simultaneously displaying the corresponding favorite channel selected by the user.

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