WO2014142409A1

WO2014142409A1 - Image display apparatus and video stream control method thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2014142409A1
Application number: PCT/KR2013/008650
Authority: WO
Inventors: 황보상규; 고시은
Original assignee: 엘지전자 주식회사
Priority date: 2013-03-12
Filing date: 2013-09-27
Publication date: 2014-09-18
Also published as: KR20140111875A

Abstract

The present invention relates to an image display apparatus and a video stream control method thereof and, more particularly, to an image display apparatus capable of displaying a stereoscopic image and a video stream control method thereof. The method for controlling a video stream for implementing a stereoscopic image by the image display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of: searching for a channel providing the stereoscopic image in response to switching to an operation mode by the image display apparatus; receiving a video stream corresponding to a first time point image from a first transmission side corresponding to the discovered channel; buffering the video stream corresponding to the first time point image; and implementing the stereoscopic image using the buffered video stream corresponding to the first time point image and a video stream corresponding to a second time point image received from a second transmission side using a network different from a network used by the first transmission side, when the discovered channel is selected.

Description

Video display device and video stream control method

The present invention relates to a video display device and a video stream control method thereof, and more particularly, to a video display device and a video stream control method thereof for enabling a stereoscopic image display.

Recently, as interest in stereoscopic image services is increasing, devices for providing stereoscopic images have been continuously developed. Among the methods of implementing such a stereoscopic image, there are a stereoscopic method, a volumetric method, a holographic method, and the like.

The basic principle of the stereoscopic method is to separate and input images arranged to be orthogonal to each other in the left and right eyes of a person, and to input stereoscopic images by combining the input images of the left and right eyes in the human brain. In this case, the images arranged to be orthogonal to each other become a left view image and a right view image, respectively. When the left eye and right eye images are viewed from the left eye and the right eye through polarized glasses or the display device itself, the user perceives a stereoscopic effect.

However, in the conventional digital broadcasting, both the left eye image and the right eye image for receiving a stereoscopic image are received through one transmitting side, for example, a broadcasting network. Accordingly, it is difficult to receive a large amount of data in the video display device due to limitations such as the transmission speed of the data transmitted from the broadcasting network to the video display device and the capacity of data transmission. Therefore, in addition to one transmitting side, is a method of receiving data for a stereoscopic image service through a plurality of transmitting sides being considered? Furthermore, in the case where data for the left eye image and the right eye image are received through a plurality of transmitters, a method of effectively processing the received data is considered in order to effectively implement a 3D image service using the image display apparatus. Can be.

According to an aspect of the present invention, when video streams received through different networks are received, an image display apparatus capable of providing a stereoscopic image more quickly in response to a channel for providing a stereoscopic image selected using the same; It provides a video stream control method thereof.

In order to achieve the above object, a method of controlling a video stream for implementing a stereoscopic image in the image display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, in response to the image display device is switched to the operation mode, Searching for a channel providing an image, receiving a video stream corresponding to a first view image from a first transmitter corresponding to the searched channel, and performing buffering on the video stream corresponding to the first view image And if the searched channel is selected, a video stream corresponding to the buffered first view image and a video stream corresponding to a second view image received from a second transmitting side using a different network from the first transmitting side. It characterized in that it comprises a step of implementing a three-dimensional image by using.

According to an embodiment, the buffering may include pre-buffering in which buffering is performed even before a channel for outputting a stereoscopic image corresponding to the video stream corresponding to the first view image is selected. This is characterized in that it is performed.

According to an embodiment, the pre-buffering of the video stream corresponding to the first view image may be performed until the process before synchronizing with the video stream corresponding to the second view image to implement a stereoscopic image. It is characterized by.

The searched channel may be a hybrid channel that receives a video stream corresponding to the first view image and a video stream corresponding to the second view image through different transmitting sides, respectively.

According to an embodiment, when there are a plurality of hybrid channels found in the searching, buffering is performed on a video stream corresponding to a first view image corresponding to at least one channel based on a preset priority. It features.

The preset priority may be set to at least one of a proximity between a currently selected channel and a hybrid channel, a user preference for the plurality of hybrid channels, and a start time of a broadcast program corresponding to the plurality of hybrid channels, respectively. It is characterized in that determined on the basis of.

The plurality of hybrid channels may include first and second channels, and the priority of the first channel is higher than that of the second channel, and corresponds to the first channel. When a start time is later than a start time of a broadcast program corresponding to the second channel, buffering of a video stream corresponding to a first view image corresponding to the second channel having a lower priority than the first channel is performed. It is characterized by.

According to an embodiment, when the start time of the broadcast program corresponding to the first channel arrives while buffering the video stream corresponding to the first view image corresponding to the second channel, the second channel is received. The buffering of the video stream corresponding to the first view image corresponding to the first image is stopped, and the buffering of the video stream corresponding to the first view image corresponding to the first channel is performed.

The information corresponding to the user preference may include at least one of pre-stored preferred channel information, user's viewing trend information on the plurality of hybrid channels, and channel information set by the user.

According to an embodiment, when there are a plurality of buffering spaces capable of buffering the plurality of hybrid channels, spaces other than one of the plurality of buffering spaces may correspond to first view images of the plurality of hybrid channels. The video streams are each buffered.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, one of the plurality of buffering spaces may be a buffering space for a video stream associated with the switched channel and corresponding to a first view image that is not buffered at the time of channel switching.

The video stream corresponding to the first view image may be received through an internet network, and the video stream corresponding to the second view image may be received through a broadcasting network.

The video stream corresponding to the second view image may be a video stream corresponding to a reference view image.

The video stream corresponding to the first view image may be received earlier by an amount of data corresponding to a preset criterion than the video stream corresponding to the second view image.

In an embodiment, the time point at which the video stream corresponding to the first view image is buffered may be determined based on whether a broadcast program of a video stream corresponding to the first view image is started.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an image display apparatus for implementing a stereoscopic image includes a search unit for searching for a channel for providing a stereoscopic image in response to the image display apparatus being switched to an operation mode, and an image corresponding to the searched channel. 1 a receiver for receiving a video stream corresponding to an extended view image from a transmitter and a video stream corresponding to a reference view image from a second transmitter using a different communication network from the first transmitter, a video stream received through the receiver In response to the buffering unit performing buffering of the data and the channel providing the stereoscopic image being searched, the buffering of the video stream corresponding to the extended view image may be performed even before the searched channel is selected. Control a buffering unit, and if the searched channel is selected, Chapter by using a video stream corresponding to the video stream and the reference point corresponding to the point image is characterized in that a control unit for implementing a three-dimensional image.

The searched channel may be a hybrid channel for receiving a video stream corresponding to the extended view image and a video stream corresponding to the reference view image through different transmitting sides, respectively.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when there are a plurality of searched hybrid channels, buffering is performed on a video stream corresponding to an extended view image corresponding to at least one channel based on a preset priority.

The video stream corresponding to the extended view image may be received through an internet network, and the video stream corresponding to the reference view image may be received through a broadcast network.

The time point at which the video stream corresponding to the extended view image is buffered may be determined based on whether a broadcast program of a video stream corresponding to the extended view image is started.

According to the present invention, even if a channel for providing a stereoscopic image is not selected, at least one of the video streams received using different communication networks is buffered, so that when a channel for providing a stereoscopic image is selected, the stereoscopic image is selected. Sync for multiple video streams that implement Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time until the stereoscopic image is substantially implemented, so that the user can be provided with the stereoscopic image immediately when the channel is switched.

In addition, according to the present invention, a plurality of channels for providing a stereoscopic image may be buffered according to priority, and thus a channel to be buffered may be flexibly selected according to a user's preference and a start time of a program.

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an image display device according to an exemplary embodiment.

2 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of an image display device according to an exemplary embodiment.

3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the control method described with reference to FIG. 2.

4 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a plurality of channels in an image display device according to an exemplary embodiment.

5, 6, and 7 are conceptual views illustrating priorities related to a plurality of channels in an image display device according to an exemplary embodiment.

8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating buffering for a video stream in an image display device according to an exemplary embodiment.

9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E are conceptual diagrams for describing syntax for providing information about a video stream.

The term 3-D or 3D is used to describe a visual expression or display technique that attempts to reproduce a stereoscopic image (hereinafter referred to as a '3D image') having an optical illusion of depth. For left and right eye images, the observer's visual cortex interprets the two images into a single 3D image.

The three-dimensional (3D) display technology adopts the technology of 3D image processing and representation for a device capable of 3D image display. Optionally, a device capable of displaying 3D images may require the use of a special viewing device to effectively provide the viewer with three-dimensional images.

Examples of 3D image processing and representation include stereoscopic image / video capture, multi-view image / video capture using multiple cameras, and processing of two-dimensional image and depth information. Examples of display devices capable of displaying 3D images include liquid crystal displays (LCDs), digital TV screens, and computer monitors having appropriate hardware and / or software supporting 3D image display technology. Examples of special observation devices include specialized glasses, goggles, headgear, eyewear, and the like.

Specifically, 3D image display technology includes anaglyph stereoscopic images (commonly used with passive red blue glasses), polarized stereoscopic images (commonly used with passive polarized glasses), and alternating-frame sequencing. (Typically used with active shutter eyeglasses / headgear), autostereoscopic displays using lenticular or barrier screens, and the like. Various ideas and features described below are applicable to this 3D image display technology.

Some 3D image display technologies may use rotating or alternating optical devices, for example segmented polarizers attached to a color filter wheel, which requires synchronization with each other. Another 3D image display technology is a digital light processor based on a digital micromirror device (DMD) using a rotatable microscopic mirror, arranged in a rectangular array corresponding to the pixels of the image to be displayed. digital light processor (DLP).

On the other hand, new types of standards related to the rendering and display technology of 3D images (particularly 3D TVs) are currently being developed by various companies, consortiums and organizations, such as the Society of Motion picture and Television Engineers (CEA), Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), 3d @ Home Consortium, and International Telecommunication Union (ITU). In addition, other standardization groups such as DVB, BDA, ARIB, ATSC, DVD Forum, IEC, etc. are participating. Moving picture Experts Group (MPEG) is involved in 3D video coding of multidimensional video with stereoscopic video, stereoscopic video, and depth information, and is currently a multiview video codec for MPEG-4 advanced video coding (AVC). An extension (Multiview Video Codec extension) is in progress. Stereoscopic image coding and stereoscopic distribution formatting include color analysis, pixel sub-sampling (side-by-side, checkerboard, quincunx, etc.). ), And enhanced video coding (2D + Delta, 2D + Metadata, 2D with depth information). The spirit and features described herein are applicable to this standard.

In addition, at least some of the spirit and features of the invention described herein relate to 3D image display technology described in terms of image reproduction and display environments for digital images or 3D TVs. However, the details are not intended to limit the various features described herein and are applicable to other types of display technologies and devices. For example, 3D TV technology can be applied not only to TV broadcasting but also to Blu-rayTM, console games, cables, and IPTV transmissions, mobile phone content delivery, and so on. Must be compatible with boxes, Blu-ray devices (eg, Blu-ray ™ Disk (BD) players), DVD players, and TV content distributors.

Referring again to the 3D image processing and presentation method, stereoscopic image / video capture is referred to as a stereo image method considering two viewpoints, and multi-view image / video capture using multiple cameras considers three or more viewpoints. It is referred to as a multiview image system.

The stereo image method uses a pair of left and right images obtained by photographing the same subject with a left camera and a right camera spaced apart by a certain distance. The multi-view image method uses three or more images obtained by photographing from three or more cameras having a constant distance or angle. In the multi-view image method, two images among the images are designated as a left view image and a right view image, thereby enabling to implement a stereoscopic image. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and it is also possible to implement another stereoscopic method using three or more images (for example, an integrated imaging method).

The stereo image or the multi-view image may be compressed and transmitted by various methods including a moving picture expert group (MPEG). For example, a stereo image or a multiview image may be compressed and transmitted by using an H.264 / AVC (Advanced Video Coding) method. In this case, the reception system may obtain a 3D image by decoding the received image in the inverse of the H.264 / AVC coding scheme.

In addition, one of the stereo image or the multi-view image is assigned to the base layer image, the remaining image is extended layer (extended layer or extension layer) image, the base layer image in the same manner as the monoscopic image In the encoding, the image of the enhancement layer may be encoded and transmitted only with respect to the relationship information between the base layer and the image of the enhancement layer. Examples of the compression incubation method for the base layer image may be JPEG, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, H.264 / AVC method, and the compression encoding method for the image of the extended layer is H.264 / MV (Multi -view Video Coding) method may be used.

On the other hand, the video display device and the video stream control method of the video display device capable of outputting such a three-dimensional image is different transmission using a different communication network video stream corresponding to the base layer image and video stream corresponding to the enhancement layer image It is possible to receive from the side. Furthermore, in the video display device and the video stream control method of the video display device according to the present invention, a channel for providing a stereoscopic image implemented using a video stream corresponding to a base layer image and a video stream corresponding to an extended layer image is selected. Even before it is possible, it is possible to first perform buffering on at least one of the video streams. As described above, in the image display apparatus and the video stream control method of the image display apparatus according to the present invention, buffering is performed on at least one of the plurality of video streams for implementing the stereoscopic image in advance, so that the plurality of video streams when the stereoscopic image is implemented. Sync between them faster. Therefore, when the channel of the image display device is switched to a channel for providing a stereoscopic image, it is possible to immediately provide a stereoscopic image.

Hereinafter, a method of performing buffering on a video stream will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an image display device according to an exemplary embodiment.

First, the configuration of the video display device according to the present invention will be briefly described with reference to FIG. 1. As shown, the video display device 100 according to the present invention includes a tuner 101 for receiving a digital broadcast signal. ) And an Ethernet unit (Ethernet) 102. Here, the tuner 101 may receive a digital broadcast signal through a broadcast room (RF), and the Ethernet unit 102 may receive a digital broadcast signal through an internet network. Such an internet network may serve to deliver a video stream transmitted from a network to the Ethernet unit 102. As described above, in the video display device according to the present invention, digital broadcast signals may be received through different networks.

The digital broadcast signals received by the tuner 101 and the Ethernet unit 102 may include video streams corresponding to different viewpoint images. That is, the video stream included in the digital broadcast signal received through the tuner 101 is a video stream corresponding to the second view image, and the video stream included in the digital broadcast signal received through the Ethernet unit 102 is The video stream may correspond to a first view image different from the second view image.

The video stream corresponding to the second view image included in the digital broadcast signal received through the broadcasting room RF may be a video stream corresponding to the reference view image (or the base layer image and the left eye image). The video stream corresponding to the first view image included in the digital broadcast signal received through the internet network may be a video stream corresponding to the extended view image (or the extended layer image or the right eye image).

Meanwhile, the tuner 101 may select only one channel desired by the user from various broadcast channel signals transmitted from a broadcasting station to exclude a disturbance signal and convert the video signal into an audio and video signal.

In addition, the image display apparatus 100 according to an exemplary embodiment may include a storage 103, first and

second video decoders

104a and 104b, an audio decoder 105, and a sync unit 106. The apparatus may further include first and

second display engines

107a and 107b, a 3D processing unit 108, an amplifier 109, and a 3D display panel 110.

The storage unit 103 may include at least one of internal and external storage devices, and the external storage device may include a USB, an external hard drive, or the like. The storage unit 103 may store a broadcast signal received through the Ethernet unit 102.

In the first video decoder 104a, decoding may be performed on the video stream corresponding to the second view image, and in the second video decoder 104b, decoding may be performed on the video stream corresponding to the second view image. have. The first and

second video decoders

104a and 104b may decode video streams using different decoders. In the first video decoder 104a, the MPEG-2 decoder is used to decode the video stream corresponding to the second view image, and in the second video decoder 104b, the AVC / H.264 decoder is used to decode the second video stream. The video stream corresponding to the viewpoint image may be decoded. That is, the first and

second video decoders

104a and 104b decode the video stream or the signal compressed in a specific manner, and use the video display device (for example, 3D TV) according to the present invention. It can serve to convert the video signal form.

The audio decoder 105 may play a role of deciphering the audio signal compressed in a specific manner and converting the audio signal into an audio signal type used in a video display device (for example, 3D TV) according to the present invention. .

When the sink unit 106 implements a stereoscopic image by using the video stream corresponding to the second view image and the second view image and the first view image corresponding to the video stream corresponding to the first view image, the second view image is implemented. The output timing of the view image and the first view image may be adjusted. As described above, 'adjusting the output timing of the second view image and the first view image' may also be expressed as 'matching the sync'. That is, the sink unit 106 may adjust an output time point of the second view image and the first view image so that a stereoscopic image may be realized through the second view image and the first view image captured at the same view.

Meanwhile, the sink unit 106 may synchronize with reference to time information (or timing information) of the video stream corresponding to the second view image and the video stream corresponding to the first view image. The timing information may be included in at least one of a video stream corresponding to the second view image and a video stream corresponding to the first view image.

The sink unit 106 may be configured such that the second view image decoded by the first and

second video decoders

104a and 104b and the signal corresponding to the first view image are output timing (or synchro) corrected. To the output of

video decoders

104a and 104b.

In the first and

second display engines

107a and 107b, the image quality of the second viewpoint image and the first viewpoint image may be improved, and the image size may be adjusted.

The 3D processing unit 108 may serve to convert the stereoscopic image (or 3D data) so that the stereoscopic image is appropriately output to the 3D display panel.

The amplifier 109 may amplify the decoded audio signal, and the 3D display panel 110 may serve to display a stereoscopic image.

In addition, the buffer unit 120 may be located between the Ethernet unit 102 and the storage unit 103. The buffer unit 120 may perform buffering on the first view video stream included in the digital broadcast signal received from the Ethernet unit 102.

When the video stream corresponding to the first view image is received through the internet network, the buffer unit 120 stores the video stream corresponding to the received first view image in the storage unit 103 so as to be stored in the storage unit 103. It may serve to push a video stream corresponding to the image. That is, the buffer unit 120 may buffer the video stream corresponding to the first view image even before a channel associated with the video stream corresponding to the first view image is selected. As such, the buffering is performed before the channel is selected may be expressed as 'pre-burffering'. Meanwhile, hereinafter, even though the terms 'buffering' and 'pre-buffering' are used interchangeably, it may be understood that buffering is performed before the channel is selected as 'pre-buffering'.

When the channel corresponding to the video stream corresponding to the received first view image is selected, the buffer unit 120 selects a video stream corresponding to the first view image stored in the storage unit 120 to a second decoder ( The storage unit 120 may push the video stream corresponding to the stored first view image to be transferred to 104b).

That is, when a video stream corresponding to the first view image is received, the buffer unit 120 performs buffering so that the video stream corresponding to the received first view image is stored in the storage unit 103, and then the first view point. When a channel corresponding to the video stream corresponding to the image is selected, the video stream corresponding to the first view image stored by the second decoder 104b may be delivered to the second decoder 104b. Therefore, in a communication environment having a slow communication speed, after buffering a predetermined amount of the video stream corresponding to the first view image, when the corresponding channel is selected, the buffered video stream and the second received in response to the selection of the channel. The video stream corresponding to the viewpoint image may be decoded and synchronized to synchronize the stereoscopic image. In this case, the transmitting side of the video stream corresponding to the first view image received in the communication environment having a slow communication speed may transmit the video stream a predetermined time before the transmitting side of the video stream corresponding to the second view image.

As such, when the buffer unit 120 is provided, even if the reception speed of the video stream received through the Ethernet unit 102 through the Internet network is slow, the video stream received by the tuner 101 through the broadcast network is previously received. If the video stream received through the Ethernet unit 102 is received, even if the corresponding channel is selected, it is possible to quickly implement a stereoscopic image without delay.

Meanwhile, the buffered video stream stored in the storage unit 103 may be delivered to the second decoder 104b in response to selecting a channel corresponding to the buffered video stream.

On the other hand, although not shown, in addition to the buffer unit 120, another buffer unit may be located between the tuner 101 and the first video decoder 104a. In this case, the other buffer unit may perform buffering on a video stream corresponding to the second view image included in the digital broadcast signal received through the broadcasting network.

As described above, the image display apparatus and its control method according to an embodiment of the present invention buffer the video stream even before a channel is selected, and thus, when a corresponding channel is selected, a stereoscopic image is faster. It is possible to implement

Hereinafter, a control method for performing pre-buffering with reference to the components of the image display apparatus described with reference to FIG. 1 will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of an image display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the control method described with reference to FIG. 2.

Referring to the method of performing the pre-buffering in more detail, first, the image display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention switches to the operation mode or enters the operation mode (S210). Here, the operation mode of the video display device refers to a case in which power is applied to the video display device, that is, the video display device is powered on. The operation mode corresponding to when the power is applied to the video display device or the power is turned on may mean that the video display device is controlled such that an image is displayed on the video display device. In the standby mode opposite to the operation mode, the image may not be displayed on the image display device.

As described above, when the image display apparatus enters the operation mode or is switched from the standby mode to the operation mode, the image display apparatus searches for a channel (S220).

If a channel is found in the searching, it is determined whether the channel is a hybrid channel that receives a video stream corresponding to the first view image and a video stream corresponding to the second view image through different transmitting sides. The process proceeds (S230). On the other hand, the steps S220 and S230 may be made of one step of searching for the 'hybrid channel'.

As a result of the determination, when the searched channel is a hybrid channel, a step of receiving a video stream corresponding to the first view image from the first transmitter is performed even before the searched channel is selected (S240). Here, the first transmitting side may be a network server transmitting a video stream corresponding to the first view image through the internet network. The first transmitting side can transmit the video stream even before the broadcast program starts. Therefore, in the video display device according to the present invention, it is possible to perform pre-buffering by receiving a video stream in advance before the broadcast program starts.

If the searched channel is not a hybrid channel, the search for the channel may be continued.

On the other hand, when a video stream corresponding to the first view image is received from the first transmitting side, buffering of the video stream corresponding to the first view image is performed (S250). As described above, in the buffering, the video stream corresponding to the first view image is based on at least one of a start time, whether to start or not, and the progress of the broadcast program of the video stream corresponding to the received first view image. The buffering time of may be determined. When the broadcast program is started, in the buffering step, the video stream corresponding to the first view image buffered corresponding to the started broadcast program may be changed. For example, the first five minutes of the video stream may be buffered before the broadcast program starts. When five minutes have elapsed since the start of the broadcast program, five minutes of video streams may be buffered after the five minutes have elapsed. As described above, the video stream corresponding to the first view image may be continuously buffered by changing a buffered time point by a preset amount until the corresponding broadcast program ends.

In this manner, while the buffering is in progress, the searched channel is selected (or the searched hybrid channel is selected) (S260).

And implementing a stereoscopic image using a video stream corresponding to the buffered first view image and a video stream corresponding to a second view image received from a second transmitting side using a different network from the first transmitting side. It proceeds (S270).

In more detail, when the searched channel is selected, the buffer unit 120 (refer to FIG. 1) may deliver a video stream corresponding to the buffered first view image to the second decoder 104b. When the searched channel is selected, the tuner 101 may receive a video stream corresponding to the second view image and deliver the video stream to the first decoder 104a. In addition, the sink 106 may adjust the sync of the image signals decoded through the first and

second decoders

104a and 104b. That is, the sink unit 106 can take out video signals decoded by the first and

second decoders

104a and 104b from the first and

second decoders

104a and 104b in synchronization with each other. In this way, the image signal with the adjusted sync may be finally output as a 3D image through the 3D display panel 110.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the video stream 310 corresponding to the first view image received through the Internet network is more time than the video stream 320 corresponding to the second view image received through the broadcasting network. 't' can be received in advance and buffered.

Meanwhile, in the present invention, as shown, not only the video stream corresponding to the first view image is received in advance by the amount of time 't' before the broadcast program starts, but also after the broadcast program starts, The video stream 320 corresponding to the two-view video may be received in advance by 't' and buffered.

As described above, the video display device and the video stream control method thereof according to the present invention, by receiving at least one of a plurality of video streams for implementing a stereoscopic image in advance, and buffering it, thereby implementing a stereoscopic image It is possible to quickly and stably sync to decoded video streams.

Meanwhile, in the following, when a plurality of hybrid channels are searched, a method of performing pre-buffering for the hybrid channel will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a plurality of channels in an image display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 are views illustrating an image display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a conceptual diagram for explaining the priority associated with a plurality of channels.

As described above with reference to FIG. 2, when a plurality of hybrid channels are searched through a search for a channel (S210) and a determination of a hybrid channel (S230), the buffer unit 120 provides a plurality of hybrid channels. If both include enough buffers to perform buffering, the plurality of hybrid channels may be buffered. In this case, the buffer unit 120 may not perform buffering on at least one buffer. That is, the buffer unit 120 may leave at least one buffer as a preliminary buffer and use the buffering space for the unbuffered hybrid channel when it is selected.

On the other hand, when it is not possible to perform all the buffering on a plurality of hybrid channels, the video display device according to the present invention may give priority to the plurality of channels and perform pre-buffering in the order of high priority.

Accordingly, in the determining of whether the hybrid channel is 230, the priority of selecting at least one hybrid channel in consideration of the priority of the plurality of hybrid channels is determined in operation 231 and the priority of the plurality of hybrid channels. It may be further embodied in the step (S232) to determine.

In step 231, if there is a plurality of searched hybrid channels, if there is only one hybrid channel, step S240 described with reference to FIG. 2 may be performed.

Meanwhile, priorities of the plurality of hybrid channels may include a proximity between the currently selected channel and the plurality of hybrid channels, a user preference for the plurality of hybrid channels, and a start time of a broadcast program corresponding to the plurality of hybrid channels, respectively. It may be determined based on at least one.

Here, the information corresponding to the user preference may include at least one of pre-stored preferred channel information, user's viewing trend information on the plurality of hybrid channels, and channel information directly set to be pre-buffered by the user. have. In addition, the start time information of the broadcast program may be obtained through an event information table (EIT) or an electronic program guide (EPG).

In the video display device according to the present invention, the factors considered for determining the priority of the hybrid channel will be described in more detail. As an example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the viewing time of the plurality of channels is monitored. By doing this, it is possible to determine the priority.

For example, when the hybrid channel includes A, B, C, and D channels, the video display device displays the channel (or the cumulative viewing) that has the longest viewing time at a predetermined time interval (for example, every 5 minutes). After prioritizing by the channel with the longest time, it can be tabled. Such a table may be updated periodically (eg, once every two weeks).

Meanwhile, the viewing time for each channel may mean a time when a video stream corresponding to the second view image is played in the corresponding channel, that is, a time when the 3D image is actually output through the corresponding channel.

On the other hand, if the viewing time for any channel has not been accumulated before, and there is no basis for prioritization, and if it is not determined for the arbitrary channel, the channel access path is given priority in the order closest to the channel currently being viewed, Ranking may be given. For example, if ch 3, ch 4, ch 5, and ch 6 are present and the channel currently being watched is ch 4 and priority is not determined for ch 3 and ch 6, ch 3 is closer to ch 4. This may have a higher priority than ch6. That is, this is to naturally implement stereoscopic image switching in the channel switching operation.

On the other hand, in the video display device according to the present invention, in determining the priority of the channel to be pre-buffered, a plurality of factors may be considered in combination. For example, in the image display device according to the present invention, after determining the priority of the plurality of hybrid channels based on the user's preference, the start time of the program may be further considered in the priority determination.

For example, among a plurality of hybrid channels corresponding to the first and second channels, the priority of the first channel is higher than the priority of the second channel, and the start time of the broadcast program corresponding to the first channel is If it is later than the start time of the broadcast program corresponding to the second channel, pre-buffering for the video stream corresponding to the second channel may be performed first. That is, in the video display device according to the present invention, pre-buffering for a channel having a low priority may be performed based on a start time of a broadcast program. In this case, when the start time of the broadcast program corresponding to the first channel arrives while buffering the video stream corresponding to the first view image corresponding to the second channel, the second channel corresponds to the second channel. The buffering of the video stream corresponding to the first view image may be stopped, and the buffering of the video stream corresponding to the first view image corresponding to the first channel may be performed. On the other hand, if there is a buffer capable of performing buffering for both the first and second channels, buffering for the second channel may also be continuously performed.

In order to examine the relationship between the start time and the priority of the broadcast program in more detail, as shown in FIG. 6, A, B, and C hybrid channels exist, and a and b broadcast programs are different at different times. We assume that we have a priority of A> B> C. Further, it is assumed that the buffer unit 120 has first, second and third buffers, and the third buffer is left as a preliminary space for performing buffering when a channel that is not pre-buffered is selected.

In this case, referring to FIG. 7, the pre-buffering order is performed. First, pre-buffering is performed on a broadcast program of channel A in the first buffer during the first time. Then, during the second time period, the first buffer continues to pre-buffer a broadcast program of channel A, and in the second buffer, pre-buffered to a broadcast program of B channel is performed. In addition, although a broadcast program of channel C starts at the third time, since the channel C has a lower priority than the channels A and B, pre-buffering is not performed, and in the first buffer, Pre-buffering of the broadcast program of channel A is performed, and pre-buffering of the broadcast program of channel B is performed in the second buffer. In this manner, the pre-buffering may be continuously performed until the broadcast program of the channel having the higher priority ends.

Next, at the fourth time, since the a broadcast program of the A channel having high priority is terminated, the a broadcast program of the C channel is pre-buffered in the first buffer, and the a broadcast program of the B channel is free in the second buffer. Can be buffered. In addition, since a broadcast program of channel B is terminated at the fifth time, only a broadcast program of channel C may be pre-buffered in the first buffer. In addition, in a sixth time, the broadcast program a of channel C may be continuously buffered in the first buffer, and the broadcast program b of channel B may be pre-buffered in the second buffer. In addition, in the seventh time, only the b broadcast program of the B channel may be pre-buffered in the second buffer. As described above, in the video display device according to the present invention, when there are a plurality of hybrid channels, reasonably pre-buffering the plurality of hybrid channels based on a program start time, the number and priority of the pre-bufferable buffers. It is possible to carry out.

Meanwhile, in the above embodiments, a method of buffering a video stream corresponding to the first view image before the video stream corresponding to the second view image has been described. That is, in this case, the video stream corresponding to the first view image may be received before the video stream corresponding to the second view image. Meanwhile, in the image display apparatus according to the present invention, as shown in FIG. 8, even when the video stream 810 corresponding to the first view image and the video stream 820 corresponding to the second view image are simultaneously received. Pre-buffering may be simultaneously performed by the amount corresponding to the time 't'. On the other hand, the object to which the pre-buffering is performed in this way, it is possible to apply not only to the real-time broadcast, but also in the VOD service (video on demand).

9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E are conceptual diagrams for describing syntax for providing information about a video stream. Here, FIG. 9A is a block diagram illustrating syntax for providing information on a video stream for convenience of description, and details corresponding to each block are described in detail with reference to FIGS. 9B, 9C, 9D, and 9E. .

Here, the part corresponding to "a" of FIG. 9A is shown in FIG. 9B, the part corresponding to "b" of FIG. 9A is shown in FIG. 9C, and the part corresponding to "c" of FIG. 9A 9D, a portion corresponding to “d” of FIG. 9A is illustrated in FIG. 9E.

Thus, hereinafter, the description of FIG. 9A will be understood with reference to all of FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, and 9E.

First, FIG. 9A illustrates a content access process for a real-time or non-real time hybrid 3DTV streaming broadcast service.

Referring to FIG. 9A, the first syntax 910a indicates that the hybrid configuration is performed through "stereoscopic_service_type = 0x100". In addition, "base_video_flag = 0x01" means a reference image (in this specification, corresponding to the second viewpoint image), and base_video_flag = 0x01 "means a left image (in this specification, corresponding to the second viewpoint image). .

"PID_PS (Private Section)" has information of a sub picture media, and refers to information for synchronizing a base picture with a sub picture. There is PTS, ES level SMPTE timecode, and PES level media pairing information. The PES information is additionally referred to in PID_PD.

"PID_PD (Private Data)" checks the file information on the sub-picture and "SMPTE Timecode" and "frame number".

In the second syntax 920a, there is data that can specifically confirm information of " PID_PS (Private Section) ". "Version_number" indicates a version value of the reference media information, and indicates the number of hybrid 3DTV broadcast service programs provided by the "Num_hybrid_services" reference media.

"Hybrid_service_id" indicates program service information, and indicates "Hybrid_service_type = 01 (streaming)" streaming service. "Hybrid_service_current_next_indicator" indicates whether a service is currently provided or future, and distinguishes real-time and non-real-time by linking with "hybrid_service_type".

"Hybrid_service_sync_type" indicates PTS, SMPTE Timecode of ES level, and media pairing information of PES level.

"Play_start_time" represents start time information of an additional video file. In the case of a streaming service, this indicates the start time information of a program.

Meanwhile, in the present invention, hybrid broadcast information may be obtained from the EIT as in the third syntax 930a. The fourth syntax 940a uses the two pieces of information to synchronize the media pairing information at the PES level. The fifth syntax 950a indicates a process of bringing the additional video to the streaming server to bring data.

Next, FIG. 10A illustrates a content access process for a hybrid 3DTV download broadcast service.

Here, FIG. 10A is a block diagram illustrating syntax for providing information on a video stream for convenience of description, and details corresponding to each block are described in detail with reference to FIGS. 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E. .

Here, the part corresponding to "a" of FIG. 10A is shown in FIG. 10B, the part corresponding to "b" of FIG. 10A is shown in FIG. 10C, and the part corresponding to "c" of FIG. 10A 10d, a portion corresponding to “d” of FIG. 10a is illustrated in FIG. 10e.

Thus, hereinafter, the description of FIG. 10A will be understood with reference to all of FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E.

Referring to FIG. 10A, the first syntax 910b indicates that the hybrid configuration is performed through "stereoscopic_service_type = 0x100". In addition, "base_video_flag = 0x01" means a reference image (in this specification, corresponding to the second viewpoint image), and base_video_flag = 0x01 "means a left image (in this specification, corresponding to the second viewpoint image). .

According to the second syntax 910b, there is data capable of confirming information of "PID_PS (Private Section)" in detail. Reference is made only to changes in the download broadcast service. "Hybrid_service_type = 10 (download)" indicates that it is a download service, and "Hybrid_service_current_next_indicator" indicates whether a service is present or future. In addition, the download / pre-download is distinguished by linking with “hybrid_service_type”.

Furthermore, "Hybrid_service_sync_type" indicates PTS, SMPTE Timecode of ES level, and media pairing information of PES level. "Play_start_time" represents start time information of an additional video file. In the case of a streaming service, this indicates the start time information of a program. "Expiration_time" represents the effective time in the receiver of the additional video file. "Playtime_length_in_seconds" represents play time information, and "Num_reference_media_files" represents the number of reference files.

Meanwhile, in the present invention, hybrid broadcast information may be obtained from the EIT as in the third syntax 930b. The fourth syntax 940b uses the two information to synchronize the media pairing information at the PES level. The fifth syntax 950b is a process of bringing the additional video to the download server to bring data.

As described above, according to the present invention, even if a channel providing a stereoscopic image is not selected, at least one of the video streams received using different communication networks is buffered, so that the channel providing the stereoscopic image is If selected, the synchronization of a plurality of video streams for implementing a stereoscopic image may be directly adjusted. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time until the stereoscopic image is substantially implemented, so that the user can be provided with the stereoscopic image immediately when the channel is switched.

Various embodiments have been described to illustrate the original idea associated with the various aspects of the invention. However, one or more specific features of one particular embodiment may apply to one or more other embodiments. Some components or steps described in the embodiments and the associated drawings may be modified and may include, delete, move, or include additional components and / or steps.

Various features and concepts described herein may be implemented in the form of software, hardware, firmware, middleware, or a combination thereof. For example, a computer program (executed by a computer, a processor, a controller, etc.) stored in a computer-executable medium for implementing a method of receiving a stereoscopic image signal and a receiving apparatus of a stereoscopic image signal in digital broadcasting is It may include one or more program code sections for performing various tasks. Similarly, a software tool (executed by a computer, a processor, a controller, etc.) stored in a computer-executable medium for implementing a method of receiving a stereoscopic image signal and a receiving apparatus of the stereoscopic image signal in digital broadcasting, It can contain parts of program code that perform a variety of tasks.

Claims

A method of controlling a video stream for implementing a stereoscopic image in an image display device,

Searching for a channel providing a stereoscopic image in response to the image display apparatus being switched to an operation mode;

Receiving a video stream corresponding to a first view image from a first transmitting side corresponding to the searched channel;

Performing buffering on a video stream corresponding to the first view image; And

When the searched channel is selected, by using a video stream corresponding to the buffered first view image and a video stream corresponding to a second view image received from a second transmitting side using a different network from the first transmitting side. A video stream control method of a video display device comprising the step of implementing a stereoscopic image.
The method of claim 1,

In the step of performing the buffering

The video stream of the video display device, wherein pre-buffering is performed in which buffering is performed even before a channel for outputting a stereoscopic image corresponding to the video stream corresponding to the first view image is selected. Control method.
The method of claim 2,

And a video stream corresponding to the first view image is repeatedly buffered at a predetermined cycle.
The method of claim 1,

The retrieved channel is

And a hybrid channel configured to receive the video stream corresponding to the first view image and the video stream corresponding to the second view image through different transmitting sides, respectively.
The method of claim 4, wherein

When there are a plurality of hybrid channels searched in the searching, the video display device is configured to buffer the video stream corresponding to the first view image corresponding to the at least one channel based on a preset priority. Video stream control method.
The method of claim 5,

The preset priority may be determined based on at least one of a proximity between a currently selected channel and a hybrid channel, a user preference for the plurality of hybrid channels, and a start time of a broadcast program corresponding to each of the plurality of hybrid channels. A video stream control method of a video display device.
The method of claim 6,

The plurality of hybrid channels includes first and second channels,

When the priority of the first channel is higher than the priority of the second channel, and the start time of the broadcast program corresponding to the first channel is later than the start time of the broadcast program corresponding to the second channel,

And buffering a video stream corresponding to a first view image corresponding to the second channel having a lower priority than the first channel.
The method of claim 7, wherein

When the start time of the broadcast program corresponding to the first channel arrives while buffering the video stream corresponding to the first view image corresponding to the second channel,

The buffering of the video stream corresponding to the first view image corresponding to the second channel is stopped, and the buffering of the video stream corresponding to the first view image corresponding to the first channel is performed. Video stream control method of display device.
The method of claim 6,

The information corresponding to the user preferences

And at least one of previously stored preferred channel information, user's viewing trend information on the plurality of hybrid channels, and channel information set by the user.
The method of claim 5,

When there are a plurality of buffering spaces capable of buffering the plurality of hybrid channels,

And a plurality of video streams corresponding to first view images of the plurality of hybrid channels are buffered in the remaining spaces except one of the plurality of buffering spaces.
The method of claim 10,

One of the plurality of buffering spaces is a buffering space for a video stream associated with the switched channel when the channel is switched and corresponding to the first non-buffered view image. Way.
The method of claim 4, wherein

And a video stream corresponding to the first view image is received through an internet network, and a video stream corresponding to the second view image is received through a broadcast network.
The method of claim 1,

And the video stream corresponding to the second view image is a video stream corresponding to a reference view image.
The method of claim 1,

And a video stream corresponding to the first view image is received earlier by an amount of data corresponding to a preset reference than the video stream corresponding to the second view image.
The method of claim 1,

And a time point at which the video stream corresponding to the first view image is buffered is determined based on whether to start broadcasting of a broadcast program of the video stream corresponding to the first view image.
In the video display device for implementing a three-dimensional image,

A search unit searching for a channel providing a stereoscopic image in response to the image display apparatus being switched to an operation mode;

A receiver configured to receive a video stream corresponding to an extended view image from a first transmitter corresponding to the retrieved channel and a video stream corresponding to a reference view image from a second transmitter using a different communication network from the first transmitter;

A buffering unit configured to buffer the video streams received through the receiving unit; And

In response to the channel providing the stereoscopic image being searched, controlling the buffering unit to perform buffering on a video stream corresponding to the extended view image even before the searched channel is selected,

And a controller configured to implement a stereoscopic image using the video stream corresponding to the buffered extended view image and the video stream corresponding to the reference view when the searched channel is selected.
The method of claim 16,

The retrieved channel is

And a hybrid channel for receiving the video stream corresponding to the extended view image and the video stream corresponding to the reference view image through different transmitting sides.
The method of claim 17,

And when the searched hybrid channels are plural, buffering is performed on a video stream corresponding to an extended view image corresponding to at least one channel based on a preset priority.
The method of claim 17,

And a video stream corresponding to the extended view image is received through an internet network, and a video stream corresponding to the reference view image is received through a broadcast network.
The method of claim 16,

And a time point at which the video stream corresponding to the extended view image is buffered is determined based on whether to start broadcasting of a broadcast program of the video stream corresponding to the extended view image.