KR20100097375A - Menu display method, and media appartus - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A menu display method and a media device are provided to allow a user to execute a specific menu item directly on the same screen in which main menus and sub menus of each main menu are indicated at the same time. CONSTITUTION: A screen in which a first through a third area are arranged is displayed as an initial screen which is showed when a media device is turned on(S610). The first area indicates a plurality of main menus which respectively corresponded to a plurality of modes. The second area is located in one side of the first area and displays one or more sub menus corresponding to one of the main menus. The third area is located in the other side of the first area and displays a file list processed through one or more of the main menus. An operation selected through the main menus, the sub menu, or the file list is executed(S620).

Description

Menu display method and media device {MENU DISPLAY METHOD, AND MEDIA APPARTUS}

The present invention relates to a menu display method and a media device, and more particularly, to a menu display method and a media device for displaying a main menu and a sub menu of each of the main menus simultaneously so that a user can execute a desired menu function at a time. .

In general, a media device is a device for outputting image data such as multimedia. Such media devices are widely used in devices such as portable multimedia players (PMPs), computer monitors, and electronic organizers.

On the other hand, PMP is a portable multimedia player that not only plays music but also plays video and digital camera. These PMPs are also known as portable multimedia players, portable multimedia players, and next-generation portable convergence devices.

Such a PMP provides a menu interface to a user so that many functions can be set by the user. However, since the menu provided by the PMP is proportional to the number of functions provided by the PMP, the menu is generally composed of a hierarchical menu structure composed of a main menu and at least one submenu to which the main menu belongs.

Therefore, in the PMP having a hierarchical menu structure, the user must move from the main menu to the sub menu in order to move to a sub menu and execute an assigned function, thereby increasing the number of key inputs and taking a long time.

In addition, although the user searches for a specific menu and displays the screen, there is an inconvenience in inputting that the user needs to go to the main menu again and select another main menu to enter the sub menu by switching the screen.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a menu display method and a media device for simultaneously displaying a main menu and submenus of respective main menus so that a user can directly execute a specific menu item on the same screen.

In the menu displaying method according to the present invention for achieving the above object, the first region in which a plurality of main menu corresponding to each of the plurality of modes is displayed, one of the plurality of main menu on one side of the first region; A second area in which at least one sub-menu corresponding to at least one is displayed and a third area in which a file list to be processed by at least one of the plurality of main menus is displayed on the other side of the first area. Displaying a screen, and performing an operation according to at least one of the plurality of main menus, the at least one sub-menu, and the file list display area.

In this case, the screen is preferably an initialization screen displayed when the media device is turned on.

On the other hand, it is preferable that at least one of the items displayed on the sub menu and the arrangement order of the plurality of main menus can be changed according to user preference.

In the displaying, the submenu extension area may be displayed on one side of the area where the submenu is displayed.

Meanwhile, in the menu displaying method, when at least one of the plurality of main menus, the at least one submenu, and the file list display area is selected, the submenu screen corresponding to the selected point is enlarged to the entire second area. It may further comprise a step.

Meanwhile, the menu displaying method may further include displaying an image in a region where the sub menu is displayed when the menu selected by the user is associated with an image display function.

The menu display method may further include displaying a navigation screen in the third area when a navigation menu is selected from the plurality of main menus.

In this case, on the other hand, if the other main menu or the sub menu corresponding to the other main menu is selected while the navigation service is supported, the menu corresponding to the selected menu is displayed on the second area. The method may further include providing a service corresponding to the selected menu together with the navigation service.

On the other hand, in the displaying step, it is preferable to display the items of the main menu in a scroll form.

In the displaying, the items of the main menu may be displayed in different colors, and the items of the main menu and submenus corresponding to the items of the main menu may be displayed in the same color.

Meanwhile, the manipulation of the menu may be input through an external input device connected to the media device.

Meanwhile, the media device according to the present embodiment may include at least one of a first area in which a plurality of main menus corresponding to each of the plurality of modes are displayed, and at least one of at least one of the plurality of main menus on one side of the first area. A user interface displaying a screen in which a second area in which one sub-menu is displayed and a third area in which a list of files to be processed by at least one of the plurality of main menus are displayed on the other side of the first area. And a controller configured to perform an operation according to at least one of the plurality of main menus, the at least one submenu, and the file list display area.

In this case, the screen is preferably an initialization screen displayed when the media device is turned on.

On the other hand, it is preferable that at least one of the items displayed on the sub menu and the arrangement order of the plurality of main menus can be changed according to user preference.

On the other hand, the user interface, it is preferable to display the sub-menu extension area on one side of the area where the sub-menu is displayed.

Meanwhile, when at least one of the plurality of main menus, the at least one submenu, and the file list display area is selected, the user interface unit enlarges the submenu screen corresponding to the selected point to the entire second area. desirable.

Meanwhile, when the menu selected by the user is related to an image display function, the user interface unit may display an image in an area where the sub menu is displayed.

Meanwhile, when the navigation menu is selected from the plurality of main menus, the user interface unit may display a navigation screen on the third area.

In this case, when another main menu or a sub menu corresponding to the other main menu is selected while the navigation service is supported, the user interface unit displays the screen corresponding to the selected menu in the second area, and then selects the selected menu. It is desirable to provide a service corresponding to the navigation service together.

Meanwhile, the user interface unit preferably displays the items of the main menu in a scroll form.

The user interface may display the items of the main menu in different colors, and the sub menu corresponding to the items of the main menu and the items of the main menu may be displayed in the same color.

The method of claim 12, wherein the operation of the menu is received through an external input device connected to the media device.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a media device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the media device 100 includes a user interface 110, a storage 120, and a controller 130.

The user interface 110 may receive various commands from the user. In detail, the user interface 110 may receive various controls of the user related to the operation of the media device 100 through various buttons or UI windows. The user interface unit 110 may be implemented as a device in which input and output are simultaneously implemented, such as a touch pad, or may be implemented as a device in which a mouse and a monitor are combined. In addition, during implementation, the user interface 110 may receive a user command through a separate specialized button for receiving a specific function, for example, a menu execution button or a navigation button. Such an input means may be implemented in the form of being located on the media device 100, and connected to the location spaced from the media device 100 by wireless or wired, for example in the form of an integrated operation key provided in the vehicle. May also be implemented.

In addition, the user interface unit 110 includes a plurality of function keys for the user to set or select various functions supported by the media device 100, and display various types of information provided from the media device 100. In detail, the user interface 110 may include a first area in which a plurality of main menus corresponding to each of a plurality of modes are displayed, and at least one sub-menu corresponding to at least one of a plurality of main menus on one side of the first area. The screen of the form arranged in the 3rd area | region where the file risk to be processed by at least one of a plurality of main menus is displayed on the other side of the 1st area | region and 1st area | region which is displayed. The screen having the first area, the second area, and the third area may be an initialization screen displayed when the media device 100 is turned on.

Here, the first area is an area where a plurality of main menus corresponding to each of the plurality of modes are displayed. In detail, the first area may be positioned at the center of the UI window displayed through the user interface unit 110, and may display a plurality of icons displaying respective main menus. Meanwhile, when all items of the main menu are difficult to be displayed simultaneously in the first area, the user interface 110 may display the items of the main menu in a scroll form. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, items of the main menu may be displayed in a scroll form.

The second area is an area where at least one submenu corresponding to at least one of the plurality of main menus is displayed. Specifically, the second area may be located on one side of the first area, for example, the left side of the UI window, and may display a submenu corresponding to each main menu. The second area may display a modified sub-menu corresponding to the user's selection, and if the menu selected by the user is accompanied by an image display, an image corresponding to the menu may be displayed in the second area.

Here, the item displayed as the sub menu is an item related to the main functions and operations of the main menu corresponding to the sub menu, and the items of the sub menu may be changed according to the user's preference. For example, in relation to the DMB function, when the user frequently watches the DMB of a specific channel, an item related to playing the corresponding channel may be set as a sub menu item of the DMB function. Accordingly, the user interface 110 may display the displayed items of the sub menu and the arrangement order of the plurality of main menus, in which user preferences are reflected.

The third area is an area in which a file list to be processed is displayed by at least one. In detail, the third area may be located on the other side of the first area, for example, on the right side of the UI window, and may display information related to the media device 100 or information related to a function currently being performed. For example, information such as a current equalizer setting state, navigation information, playlist information, and the like may be displayed in the third area.

The user interface 110 may display the submenu extension area on one side of the area where the submenu is displayed. Specifically, in relation to a function related to video display, for example, video playback and DMB playback, there may be a case where an image must be displayed in order to select a menu. Accordingly, the user interface 110 may generate a UI window including a menu extension area for receiving a submenu extension command on one side of the area where the submenu is displayed. Accordingly, the user may be provided with the expanded UI window corresponding to the sub menu by selecting the menu extension area.

Meanwhile, the user interface 110 may display a switched UI window corresponding to the user's function selection. In detail, when at least one of a plurality of main menus, at least one submenu, and a file list display area is selected, the user interface 110 may enlarge the submenu screen corresponding to the selected point to the entire second area. . For example, when the user selects the MP3 playback function, the user interface 110 may display the MP3 list in the third area and display a UI window displaying a menu related to the MP3 function in the second area.

In addition, when the menu selected by the user is related to an image display function, the user interface 110 may display an image in an area where a submenu is displayed. For example, when the user selects the DMB playback function, the user interface 110 may display the DMB screen in the second area. In this case, the region in which the image is displayed may be part of the second region or the entire second region, and may be implemented to be displayed on the entire UI window in response to user selection.

The user interface 110 may display a navigation screen in the third area when the navigation menu is selected from the plurality of main menus. When the other main menu or the sub menu corresponding to the other main menu is selected while the navigation service is being supported, the user interface 110 displays the screen corresponding to the selected menu in the second area and corresponds to the selected menu. Service can be provided with a navigation service. In detail, when the navigation operation is currently performed on the media device 100, the user interface 110 generates a switched UI window corresponding to a function selected by the user within a range in which the displayed navigation screen does not change. can do. For example, even when the user selects a menu corresponding to the MP3 function while the navigation screen is displayed in the third area of the screen, the information related to the navigation is continuously displayed in the third area.

The storage unit 120 may store various media that can be played on the media device 100. In detail, the storage 120 may store information such as various contents required for music playback, video playback, and navigation operation. On the other hand, the storage unit 120 is not only a storage medium such as a flash memory or a hard disk in the media device 100, but also implemented as, for example, a removable disk including a USB memory, a web server through a network, or the like. It may also be implemented as a storage medium.

The controller 130 performs an operation according to at least one of a plurality of main menus, at least one sub menu, and a file list display area. In detail, the controller 130 performs a corresponding operation when the user selects a plurality of main menus, at least one sub-menu, and a specific menu displayed on the file list display area on the user interface 110. . For example, when a user selects a function related to MP3 playback, the controller 130 may perform a function related to MP3 playback.

In addition, the controller 130 may control the user interface 110 to display a UI window corresponding to a function selected by the user. In detail, when a user selects a menu displayed on the user interface 110, the user interface 110 may be controlled to display a switched UI window corresponding to the corresponding function.

Therefore, in a media device having a hierarchical main menu, a main menu and a sub menu can be displayed on one screen to display many menus to the user, so that the user can quickly select a function of a specific menu within the simultaneously displayed menu items. do.

2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a user interface window in the media device 100.

Referring to FIG. 2, the UI window 200 includes a first area 210 displaying a main menu, a second area 220 displaying a corresponding submenu of each main menu, and a third displaying various information. Regions 330 and 340.

In detail, the first area 210 displays a main menu displaying icons provided by the media device in an icon format. For example, in the illustrated example, an icon 211 representing a navigation function, an icon 212 representing a DMB function, an icon 213 related to performing various contents, an icon 214 representing an MP3 function, and a mute function An icon 215 representing the is included in the main menu.

In detail, the first area 210 displays a plurality of main menus corresponding to each of the plurality of modes in the form of an icon. For example, in the illustrated example, an icon 211 indicating a navigation function, an icon 212 indicating a DMB function, an icon 213 indicating various content functions, an icon 214 indicating an MP3 function, and a mute function An icon 215 representing the is located at the center of the UI window 200. In implementation, items of the main menu may be displayed in a scroll form as shown in FIG. 5.

In the second area 220, submenus corresponding to respective items of the main menu are displayed in an icon form. For example, in relation to the navigation function, icons representing various places for searching for a predetermined place are displayed, and items related to main functions and operations of the main menu are displayed in the form of icons. The second area 220 may generate a UI window including a menu extension area 250 that receives a submenu extension command on one side of an area where a submenu is displayed. The user may be provided with an expanded UI window, as shown in FIG. 3 or 5, by selecting the menu extension area. In the implementation, the item displayed as the sub menu may be changed according to the preference of the user.

The third areas 230 and 240 display the current state of the media device 100 and various kinds of information. For example, in the example shown, information such as equalizer state 230 and loudness level 240 are displayed.

Therefore, the UI window, which simultaneously displays the main menu and sub-menus corresponding to each main menu, is provided to the user, so that the user can perform a desired function through only one menu selection.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a user interface window that is displayed when the icon 250 is selected in the UI window 200 of FIG. 2 or when the icon 214 is selected.

When the user wants to perform a function related to MP3 on the UI window 200, the user selects an icon of a main menu corresponding to the function on the UI window 200, or selects a "" on the sub area corresponding to the main menu. By selecting the "extended" area, you can check the expanded submenu corresponding to the function. Referring to FIG. 3, in the illustrated example, the user has made an area 214 related to the MP3 function, and the expanded submenu 320 related to the MP3 is displayed.

4 and 5 illustrate an example of a UI window that is displayed when an icon related to DMB is selected on the UI window 300 of FIG. 3.

If the user wants to perform a function other than the function currently being performed, the user may select a menu of a desired function from the main menu displayed in the center. Referring to FIG. 4, in response to the selection of the DMB function icon on the main menu, a submenu related to the DMB function is displayed in the left area 450 of the UI window 400. As a result, the user may search for a channel to be watched, and when the final channel is selected, as shown in FIG. 5, the expanded UI window 500 of the DMB image area 520 may be displayed. In an implementation, the intermediate step as shown in FIG. 4 is not displayed, and the UI window 500 as shown in FIG. 5 may be displayed.

Therefore, even if a user selects a menu other than a specific menu, many menus can be displayed to the user on one screen, so that the user can quickly select a function of a specific menu within the simultaneously displayed menu items.

6 is a flowchart illustrating a menu display method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

According to FIG. 6, a first region in which a plurality of main menus corresponding to each of the plurality of modes is displayed, and at least one sub-menu corresponding to at least one of the plurality of main menus is displayed on one side of the first region. On the other side of the second area and the first area, a screen having a form arranged in a third area in which the file risk to be processed by at least one of the plurality of main menus is displayed (S610). In detail, when the media device 100 is turned on, a first area including a main menu, a second area including a submenu corresponding to each main menu, and a third area in which a file risk to be processed is displayed. The UI window including the may be displayed on the screen. Each area is explained in full detail below.

The first area is an area where a plurality of main menus corresponding to each of the plurality of modes are displayed. In detail, the first area may be located at the center of the UI window and display a plurality of icons displaying respective main menus. Meanwhile, when all items of the main menu are difficult to be displayed simultaneously in the first area, the items of the main menu may be displayed in a scroll form.

The second area is an area where at least one submenu corresponding to at least one of the plurality of main menus is displayed. In detail, the second area may be located on one side of the first area, for example, the left side of the UI window, and may display a submenu corresponding to each main menu. The second area may display a modified sub-menu corresponding to the user's selection, and if the menu selected by the user is to display an image, an image corresponding to the menu may be displayed in the second area. . Here, the item displayed as the sub menu is an item related to the main functions and operations of the main menu corresponding to the sub menu, and the items of the sub menu may be changed according to the user's preference.

The third area is an area in which a file list to be processed is displayed by at least one. In detail, the third area is located on the other side of the first area, for example, on the right side of the UI window, and may display information related to the media device 100 or information related to a function currently being executed. For example, information such as a current equalizer setting state, navigation information, playlist information, and the like may be displayed.

In the displaying, the submenu extension area may be displayed on one side of the area where the submenu is displayed. Specifically, in relation to a function related to video display, for example, video playback and DMB playback, it may be necessary to display an image when the user selects a function. Therefore, the displaying may include generating a UI window including a menu extension area for receiving a submenu extension command on one side of the area where the submenu is displayed.

In operation S620, an operation according to at least one operation among a plurality of main menus, at least one sub-menu, and a file list display area is performed. In detail, when a user selects a plurality of main menus, at least one sub-menu displayed on the UI window, and a specific menu displayed on the file list display area, an operation corresponding to the user selection is performed. For example, when a user selects a function related to MP3 playback, the controller 130 may perform a function related to MP3 playback.

In this case, at the same time as performing a user-selected function, a UI window corresponding to the function selected by the user may be displayed. In detail, when at least one of a plurality of main menus, at least one submenu, and a file list display area is selected, the submenu screen corresponding to the selected point may be enlarged to the entire second area. For example, when the user selects the MP3 playback function, the user may display the MP3 list in the third area, and display a UI window for displaying a menu related to the MP3 function in the second area.

If the menu selected by the user is related to the image display function, the image may be displayed in an area where the sub menu is displayed. For example, when the user selects the DMB playback function, the DMB screen may be displayed in the second area. In this case, the region in which the image is displayed may be part of the second region or the entire second region, and may be implemented to be displayed on the entire UI window in response to user selection.

When the navigation menu is selected from among the plurality of main menus, the navigation screen may be displayed in the third area. If another main menu or a sub menu corresponding to the other main menu is selected while the navigation service is supported, the screen corresponding to the selected menu is displayed in the second area while the service corresponding to the selected menu is displayed together with the navigation service. Can provide. In detail, when the navigation operation is currently performed on the media device 100, the switched UI window corresponding to the function selected by the user may be generated within a range in which the displayed navigation screen does not change. For example, even when the user selects a menu corresponding to the MP3 function while the navigation screen is displayed in the third area of the screen, the information related to the navigation is continuously displayed in the third area.

Therefore, in a media device having a hierarchical main menu, the main menu and submenus can be displayed on one screen to display many menus to the user, so that the user can quickly select a function of a specific menu within the simultaneously displayed menu items. do.

Meanwhile, items displayed as sub menus are items related to main functions and operations of the corresponding main menu, and items of such sub menus may be changed according to a user's preference. For example, in relation to the DMB function, when the user frequently watches the DMB of the feature channel, an item related to playing the corresponding channel may be set as a submenu item corresponding to the DMB function. In addition, in relation to a function related to video display, for example, video playback and DMB playback, it may be necessary to display an image when the user selects a function. Therefore, the displaying may include generating a UI window including a menu extension area for receiving a submenu extension command on one side of the area where the submenu is displayed. Accordingly, when image checking is required when selecting a function, the user may select a submenu extension area and receive a UI window in which the submenu area of the corresponding function is extended.

The displaying may include generating and displaying a UI window that displays information related to the media device 100 or information related to a function currently being performed on one side of the screen. In detail, the media device 100 needs to display a function currently being performed, or current setting state information to the user. Accordingly, information such as a current equalizer setting state, navigation information, playlist information, and the like may be generated and displayed by displaying a UI window displayed on one side of the UI window. Such information may be displayed in the right region or the left region in which the main menu is displayed.

Then, the screen may be switched in response to the user's selection (S630). In detail, when a function selected by a user is a function related to playing a video or playing a video such as DMB, a UI window may be generated in which a corresponding video or a DMB video is displayed in an area where an existing sub-menu is displayed. Such an area may be changed in size and position according to a user's selection. In addition, when the function selected by the user is MP3 playback, it may be switched to a UI window including an area displaying a list of previously stored MP3s and an area displaying various types of information.

On the other hand, when the navigation operation is being performed at the time of switching, the switched UI window corresponding to the selection of various functions as described above can be generated within a range in which the displayed navigation screen is not changed.

Therefore, the user can select a desired menu function at a time through the UI window in which the main menu and the sub menus of the main menus are simultaneously displayed. The menu display method as shown in FIG. 6 may be executed on a media device having the configuration of FIG. 1 or may be executed on a media device having other configurations.

Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and the present invention belongs to the present invention without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the claims. Various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art, and such changes are within the scope of the claims.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a media device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

2 to 5 are schematic views showing various examples of a user interface window in the media device;

6 is a flowchart illustrating a menu display method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

* Description of the main parts of the drawings

100: media device 110: user interface unit

120: storage unit 130: UI generation unit

140: control unit

Claims (22)

In the menu display method of a media device operating in a plurality of modes, A first area in which a plurality of main menus corresponding to each of the plurality of modes are displayed, a second area in which at least one sub-menu corresponding to at least one of the plurality of main menus is displayed on one side of the first area, and Displaying a screen having a form in which a third region in which a list of files to be processed by at least one of the plurality of main menus is displayed on the other side of the first region; And, And performing an operation according to at least one of the plurality of main menus, the at least one sub-menu, and the file list display area. The method of claim 1, And the screen is an initialization screen displayed when the media device is turned on. The method of claim 1, And at least one of an item displayed on the sub menu and an arrangement order of the plurality of main menus is changeable according to a user preference. The method of claim 1, The displaying step, And displaying a submenu extension area on one side of the area where the submenu is displayed. The method of claim 1, If at least one of the plurality of main menus, the at least one submenu, and the file list display area is selected, enlarging the submenu screen corresponding to the selected point to the entire second area; Menu display method. The method of claim 1, If the menu selected by the user is related to an image display function, displaying an image in a region where the sub-menu is displayed. The method of claim 1, And displaying a navigation screen in the third area when a navigation menu is selected from the plurality of main menus. The method of claim 7, wherein If another main menu or a submenu corresponding to the other main menu is selected while the navigation service is supported, the service corresponding to the selected menu is displayed while the screen corresponding to the selected menu is displayed in the second area. Providing with; further comprising the menu display method. The method of claim 1, The displaying step, And displaying the items of the main menu in a scroll form. The method of claim 1, The displaying step, The items of the main menu are displayed in different colors, and the sub menus corresponding to the items of the main menu and the items of the main menu are displayed in the same color. The method of claim 1, The operation of the menu may be input through an external input device connected to the media device. In a media device operating in a plurality of modes, A first area in which a plurality of main menus corresponding to each of the plurality of modes are displayed, a second area in which at least one sub-menu corresponding to at least one of the plurality of main menus is displayed on one side of the first area, and A user interface unit configured to display a screen having a form in which a third area in which a list of files to be processed by at least one of the plurality of main menus is displayed on the other side of the first area; And, And a controller configured to perform an operation according to at least one of the plurality of main menus, the at least one submenu, and the file list display area. The method of claim 12, And the screen is an initialization screen displayed when the media device is turned on. The method of claim 12, And at least one of an item displayed on the sub menu and an arrangement order of the plurality of main menus can be changed according to a user preference. The method of claim 12, The user interface unit, And displaying a submenu extension area on one side of an area where the submenu is displayed. The method of claim 12, The user interface unit, And when at least one of the plurality of main menus, the at least one submenu, and the file list display area is selected, the submenu screen corresponding to the selected point is enlarged to the entire second area. The method of claim 12, The user interface unit, And displaying an image in an area where the sub-menu is displayed when the menu selected by the user is related to an image display function. The method of claim 12, The user interface unit, And displaying a navigation screen on the third area when a navigation menu is selected from the plurality of main menus. The method of claim 18, The user interface unit, If another main menu or a submenu corresponding to the other main menu is selected while the navigation service is supported, the service corresponding to the selected menu is displayed while the screen corresponding to the selected menu is displayed in the second area. Media device, characterized in that provided with. The method of claim 12, The user interface unit, And displaying the items of the main menu in a scroll form. The method of claim 12, The user interface unit, The items of the main menu are displayed in different colors, and the sub menus corresponding to the items of the main menu and the items of the main menu are displayed in the same color. The method of claim 12, And the manipulation of the menu is input through an external input device connected to the media device.

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