U.S. patent application number 13/288662 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-22 for display apparatus connected to plural source devices and method of controlling the same.
Invention is credited to Gowoon CHOI, Ryoung KIM, Jihe SUK.
Application Number | 20120297421 13/288662 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45217109 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120297421 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KIM; Ryoung ; et
al. |
November 22, 2012 |
DISPLAY APPARATUS CONNECTED TO PLURAL SOURCE DEVICES AND METHOD OF
CONTROLLING THE SAME
Abstract
A method of controlling a display apparatus connected to plural
source devices. The method includes receiving first metadata
corresponding to contents to be displayed on the display apparatus
from a first source externally connected to the display apparatus;
receiving second metadata corresponding to contents to be displayed
on the display apparatus from a second source externally connected
to the display apparatus that is different than the first source;
processing the first metadata and the second metadata received from
both of the first and second sources; generating a program guide
comprising graphic data indicating the contents corresponding to at
least one of the first and second metadata; and displaying the
generated program guide, wherein a position of the graphic data is
arranged in a predetermined order.
Inventors: |
KIM; Ryoung; (Pyeongtaek-si,
KR) ; SUK; Jihe; (Pyeongtaek-si, KR) ; CHOI;
Gowoon; (Pyeongtaek-si, KR) |
Family ID: |
45217109 |
Appl. No.: |
13/288662 |
Filed: |
November 3, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
725/41 ; 725/43;
725/44; 725/48 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/8133 20130101;
G08C 17/02 20130101; G08C 23/04 20130101; H04N 21/435 20130101;
H04N 21/4667 20130101; H04N 21/44008 20130101; H04N 21/4126
20130101; H04N 21/42221 20130101; H04N 21/42204 20130101; H04N
21/2353 20130101; H04N 21/812 20130101; H04N 21/84 20130101; H04N
21/8153 20130101; H04N 21/4345 20130101; H04N 21/4312 20130101;
H04N 21/47202 20130101; H04N 21/42222 20130101; H04N 21/47
20130101; H04N 21/4821 20130101; H04N 21/4882 20130101; H04N
21/4788 20130101; H04N 21/440263 20130101; H04N 21/4532 20130101;
H04N 21/4722 20130101; H04N 21/4622 20130101; H04N 21/4782
20130101; H04N 21/64322 20130101; H04N 5/445 20130101; H04N 21/482
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
725/41 ; 725/48;
725/44; 725/43 |
International
Class: |
H04N 21/482 20110101
H04N021/482 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 20, 2011 |
KR |
10-2011-0047776 |
Claims
1. A method of controlling a display apparatus connected to plural
source devices, the method comprising: receiving first metadata
corresponding to contents to be displayed on the display apparatus
from a first source externally connected to the display apparatus;
receiving second metadata corresponding to contents to be displayed
on the display apparatus from a second source externally connected
to the display apparatus that is different than the first source;
processing the first metadata and the second metadata received from
both of the first and second sources; generating a program guide
comprising graphic data indicating the contents corresponding to at
least one of the first and second metadata; and displaying the
generated program guide, wherein a position of the graphic data is
arranged in a predetermined order.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein when a user is a premium member
of the first source, the predetermined order includes arranging a
position of graphic data indicating first content corresponding to
the first metadata from the first source first in the displayed
program guide.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein when the first metadata includes
a price associated with viewing the content, the predetermined
order includes arranging a position of the graphic data indicating
the contents corresponding to at least one of the first and second
metadata in order of the price.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined order includes
arranging a position of the graphic data indicating the contents
corresponding to at least one of the first and second metadata that
is scheduled to be displayed first.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined order includes
arranging a position of the graphic data indicating the contents
corresponding to at least one of the first and second metadata that
corresponds to recommendation information from via a social network
service.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the recommendation information
includes a number of recommendations included in the social network
service.
7. The method of claim 5, further comprising: displaying a
messaging window for communicating on the social network service;
and scanning the messaging window for data included in at least one
of the first and second metadata, wherein the predetermined order
includes arranging a position of the graphic data indicating the
contents corresponding to at least one of the first and second
metadata first that is included in the scanned instant messaging
window.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and
second metadata includes at least one of 1) advertisement
information indicating whether or not first or second contents
includes advertisements and 2) quality information indicating a
quality of the first or second contents.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined order includes
arranging a position of the graphic data indicating the contents
corresponding to at least one of the first and second metadata in
order of episode number.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the first metadata further
includes thumbnail image representing the contents to be displayed
on the display apparatus, and wherein the generated program guide
includes the thumbnail image.
11. A network device connected to plural source devices, the
network device comprising: a receiver configured to receive first
metadata corresponding to contents to be displayed on the network
device from a first source externally connected to the network
device, and to receive second metadata corresponding to the
contents to be displayed on the network device from a second source
externally connected to the network device that is different than
the first source; and a controller configured to process the first
and second metadata from both of the first and second sources, to
generate a program guide comprising graphic data indicating the
contents corresponding to at least one of the first and second
metadata, and to control the network device to display the
generated program guide, wherein a position of the graphic data is
arranged in a predetermined order.
12. The network device of claim 11, wherein when a user is a
premium member of the first source, the controller further arranges
a position of graphic data indicating first content corresponding
to the first metadata from the first source first in the displayed
program guide.
13. The network device of claim 11, wherein when the first metadata
includes a price associated with viewing the content, the
controller further arranges a position of the graphic data
indicating the contents corresponding to at least one of the first
and second metadata in order of the price.
14. The network device of claim 11, wherein the controller further
arranges a position of the graphic data indicating the contents
corresponding to at least one of the first and second metadata that
is scheduled to be displayed first.
15. The network device of claim 11, wherein the controller further
arranges a position of the graphic data indicating the contents
corresponding to at least one of the first and second metadata that
corresponds to recommendation information from via a social network
service.
16. The network device of claim 15, wherein the recommendation
information includes a number of recommendations included in the
social network service.
17. The network device of claim 15, wherein the controller further
is configured to control the network device to display a messaging
window for communicating on the social network service, to scan the
messaging window for data included in at least one of the first and
second metadata, and to arrange a position of the graphic data
indicating the contents corresponding to at least one of the first
and second metadata first that is included in the scanned instant
messaging window.
18. The network device of claim 11, wherein at least one of the
first and second metadata includes at least one of 1) advertisement
information indicating whether or not first or second contents
includes advertisements and 2) quality information indicating a
quality of the first or second contents.
19. The network device of claim 11, wherein the controller further
arranges a position of the graphic data indicating the contents
corresponding to at least one of the first and second metadata in
order of episode number.
20. The network device of claim 19, wherein the first metadata
further includes thumbnail image representing the contents to be
displayed on the display apparatus, and wherein the generated
program guide includes the thumbnail image.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent
Application No.10-2011-0047776, filed on May 20, 2011, which is
hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference as if fully set
forth herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a display apparatus for
providing an enhanced electronic program guide (EPG) and a method
of controlling the same.
[0004] 2. Discussion of the Related Art
[0005] A display apparatus receives, processes and displays a
broadcast image which a user can view. Digital broadcasting is
becoming more popular and transmits digital video and audio
signals. Digital broadcasting is highly resistant to external noise
and thus exhibits little data loss, is advantageous in terms of
error correction, and provides a clear image at a high resolution,
compared to analog broadcasting. Further, digital broadcasting
provides bi- directional services.
[0006] In addition, a smart TV includes the functions an image
display apparatus and also includes additional multimedia
functions. The digital broadcast also includes hundreds of TV
channels that may be selected by a user, and the number of channels
is increasing exponentially worldwide. However, the related art
Electronic Program Guide (EPG) provides only fixed text such as the
title and time of a program. This inconveniences the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to
address the above-noted and other problems of the related art.
[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
display apparatus connected to plural source devices and a method
of controlling the same.
[0009] Still another object of the present invention is to define a
data transmission protocol to generate an enhanced EPG.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to automatically
classify episodes according to plural source devices.
[0011] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
user interface enabling a user to easily select a specific episode
of specific content.
[0012] To achieve this object and other advantages and in
accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and
broadly described herein, the present invention provides in one
aspect a method of controlling a display apparatus connected to
plural source devices, the method including receiving first
metadata corresponding to contents to be displayed on the display
apparatus from a first source externally connected to the display
apparatus; receiving second metadata corresponding to contents to
be displayed on the display apparatus from a second source
externally connected to the display apparatus that is different
than the first source; processing the first metadata and the second
metadata received from both of the first and second sources;
generating a program guide comprising graphic data indicating the
contents corresponding to at least one of the first and second
metadata; and displaying the generated program guide, wherein a
position of the graphic data is arranged in a predetermined
order.
[0013] In another aspect, the present invention provides a network
device connected to plural source devices, the network device
including a receiver configured to receive first metadata
corresponding to contents to be displayed on the network device
from a first source externally connected to the network device, and
to receive second metadata corresponding to the contents to be
displayed on the network device from a second source externally
connected to the network device that is different than the first
source; and a controller configured to process the first and second
metadata from both of the first and second sources, to generate a
program guide comprising graphic data indicating the contents
corresponding to at least one of the first and second metadata, and
to control the network device to display the generated program
guide, wherein a position of the graphic data is arranged in a
predetermined order.
[0014] Further scope of applicability of the present invention will
become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter.
However, it should be understood that the detailed description and
specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the
invention, are given by illustration only, since various changes
and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will
become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of
the disclosure and together with the description serve to explain
the principle of the disclosure. In the drawings:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a system for implementing an
enhanced EPG in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a view illustrating another system for
implementing the enhanced EPG in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a data structure which may be
used in a process of executing the enhanced EPG in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating elements of an HBBTV
for executing the enhanced EPG in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating elements of an IPTV
for executing the enhanced EPG in accordance with the embodiment of
the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a block diagram briefly illustrating an HBBTV
including an external device interface;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a controller shown in
FIG. 6 in detail;
[0023] FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b) are views illustrating a process of
switching from a first mode to a second mode while executing the
enhanced EPG in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0024] FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b) are views illustrating a process of
switching from the second mode to the first mode while executing
the enhanced EPG in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a specific mode during
execution of the enhanced EPG in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention in detail;
[0026] FIG. 11 is a view illustrating one process of extracting a
representative event used in the enhanced EPG in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 12 is a view illustrating another process of extracting
a representative event used in the enhanced EPG in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIGS. 13(a) to 13(c) are views illustrating the external
appearance of a remote controller to control a display apparatus in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating the internal
configuration of the remote controller to control the display
apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0030] FIG. 15 is a view illustrating a first OSD screen provided
by the enhanced EPG in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0031] FIG. 16 is a view illustrating a second OSD screen provided
by the enhanced EPG in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0032] FIGS. 17 and 18 are views illustrating first user interfaces
to store a specific event, displayed on the enhanced EPG in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, within a
schedule list;
[0033] FIG. 19 is a view illustrating a second user interface to
store a specific event, displayed on the enhanced EPG in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention, within a schedule
list;
[0034] FIGS. 20 and 21 are views illustrating third user interfaces
to process the specific event stored in the schedule list shown in
FIGS. 17 to 19; and
[0035] FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of
processing an enhanced EPG in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention.
[0036] FIG. 23 is a view illustrating plural source devices
connected to a TV processing an enhanced EPG in accordance with
another embodiment of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 24 is a flowchart defining a data transmission protocol
between the TV and the plural source devices shown in FIG. 23;
[0038] FIG. 25 is a view illustrating a main screen of the enhanced
EPG in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 26 is a view illustrating a stored table including data
to implement the enhanced EPG in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 27 is a view illustrating a user interface relating to
a first function from among functions provided by the enhanced EPG
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 28 is a view illustrating the user interface relating
to the first function provided by the enhanced EPG in accordance
with the embodiment of the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 29 is a view illustrating another stored table to store
including data used to implement the enhanced EPG in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 30 is a view illustrating yet another user interface
relating to the first function provided by the enhanced EPG in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 31 is a view illustrating a further user interface
relating to the first function from among the functions provided by
the enhanced EPG in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0045] FIG. 32 is a view illustrating a user interface relating to
a second function from among the functions provided by the enhanced
EPG in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0046] FIG. 33 is a view illustrating another user interface
relating to the second function provided by the enhanced EPG in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0047] FIG. 34 is a view illustrating a user interface relating to
a third function from among the functions provided by the enhanced
EPG in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0048] FIG. 35 is a view illustrating another user interface
relating to the third function from provided by the enhanced EPG in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0049] FIGS. 36(a) and 36(b) are views illustrating a first mode to
enter the enhanced EPG in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention;
[0050] FIGS. 37(a) and 37(b)are views illustrating a second mode to
enter the enhanced EPG in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0051] FIGS. 38(a)and 38(b) are views illustrating a third mode to
enter the enhanced EPG in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0052] FIGS. 39(a) and 39(b) are views illustrating a fourth mode
to enter the enhanced EPG in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention; and
[0053] FIG. 40 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling
a TV processing the enhanced EPG in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0054] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred
embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the
same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to
refer to the same or like parts.
[0055] A display apparatus stated in the following description is,
for example, an intelligent network TV in which a computer support
function is added to a broadcast reception function. That is, the
display apparatus has an Internet function added to the broadcast
reception function, and thus may be provided with an interface
which is more convenient to use than an input unit in a handwriting
manner, a touch screen or a remote controller.
[0056] Further, the display apparatus may be connected to the
Internet or a computer by a wire or wireless Internet function,
thus executing e-mail, Web browsing, banking or game functions,
etc. In order to achieve these various functions, a standardized OS
may be used. The display apparatus stated in the following
description may also freely add or delete various applications to
or from, for example, a general OS kernel, thus executing various
user friendly functions.
[0057] FIG. 1 is a view illustrating one example of a system for
implementing an enhanced EPG in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a TV 10 includes at
least one tuner and receives AV data of a general broadcast program
from a broadcast station 11.
[0058] A Content Provider (CP) 12 provides thumbnail images of
respective events for the enhanced EPG by first collecting program
information from the broadcast station 11. The program information
corresponds to, for example, a table format in an event information
table (EIT) type, and will be described in more detail later with
reference to FIG. 3. Further, although the embodiment illustrates
the EIT as the program information, the program information is not
limited to the EIT.
[0059] The events stated herein correspond to, for example,
broadcast program units. Further, the CP 12 does not depend only on
the EIT information received from the broadcast station 11, but
secondarily provides thumbnail image data corresponding to at least
one event belonging to a random channel. Of course, the CP 12 may
use the received EIT information, as it is, or define and use more
compact data including only information used to execute the
enhanced EPG (for example, start time, overall run time, or title
information of each event).
[0060] The CP 12 also transmits the EIT information and the
thumbnail image data corresponding to the respective events to the
TV 10. Therefore, the TV 10 provides an EPG screen in which user
recognition is more reinforced as compared to the related art fixed
type text EPG. This will be described in more detail later with
reference to FIG. 8.
[0061] Next, FIG. 2 is a view illustrating another example of the
system for implementing the enhanced EPG in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. Differing from FIG. 1, a TV 20
shown in FIG. 2 receives information through two paths. That is,
the program information which is basic information to implement the
enhanced EPG is transmitted from a broadcast station 21, and
thumbnail image data to implement the enhanced EPG is transmitted
from a CP 22. The program information corresponds to, for example,
an EIT. Further, the program information is not limited to the
EIT.
[0062] In addition, the TV 20 processes data received through the
two different paths, and forms an enhanced EPG screen regarding
events in a designated time zone by processing the combined data.
The above enhanced EPG will be described in more detail later with
reference to FIG. 8.
[0063] Next, FIG. 3 is a view illustrating one example of a data
structure which may be used in a process of executing the enhanced
EPG in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In
the EIT shown in FIG. 3, a table id field represents a unique
identifier (ID) assigned to identify the EIT. That is, the table_id
field represents a value indicating that a table to which a
received section belongs is the EIT.
[0064] A section_syntax_indicator field may be set to `1` to
indicate that a general MPEG-2 section syntax follows a
section_length field. `1` may be assigned to a private_indicator
field. The section length field represents a length from the
section length field to the end of the section, i.e., the remaining
length of the section, by byte.
[0065] A source id field represents a source ID of a virtual
channel transmitting events stated in the section. A version_number
field represents a version value of EIT-i. The version_number field
may be represented by a remainder value obtained by adding 1 to the
value of the EIT-i and then dividing the obtained sum by 32, when
the content of EIT-i is changed.
[0066] A current next indicator field represents that the
transmitted table is applicable at all times, and may be set to
`1`. A section_number field represents the number of the
corresponding section. A last section.sub.-- number represents the
number of the last section of the complete EIT.A protocol version
field is initially set to `0`, and is set to another value other
than `0` when the protocol is changed. A num events_in section
field represents the number of events present in the corresponding
EIT section. If the num events in section field is `0`, this
indicates that there is no event defined in the corresponding
section.
[0067] After the num events in section field, an event loop which
is repeated by the number of the events in the section is present.
Such an event loop may include an event id field, a start time
field, an ETM location field, a length_in_seconds field, a title
length field and a title text( )field.
[0068] Further, the event loop may further include a descriptor
length field and a descriptor( )field which are individually
applied to the respective events. The event id field represents an
ID number to identify a corresponding event in the event loop. Such
an ID number may be used as a part of the ETM-id.
[0069] The start time field represents a start time of the event.
The ETM location field represents presence and position of an
extended text message (ETM).The length in seconds field represents
a duration time of the event in seconds. In addition, the title
length field represents a length of the following title_text(
)field by byte. The title length field value being `0` means that a
title of the corresponding event is not present.
[0070] Further, the title_text( )field represent an event title of
a multiple character string structure, and the descriptor_length
field represents the total length of a following event descriptor
by byte.
[0071] Further, in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention, the CP or TV does not have to use all of the EIT
data shown in FIG. 3, but the minimum data necessary to execute the
enhanced EPG (for example, the start_time field, the
length_in_seconds field and the title_text( )field) may be
extracted to firstly generate a more compact data structure than
the related art EIT. Then, thumbnail images corresponding to the
respective events can be added to the generated data structure and
the added data transmitted to the TV.
[0072] Next, FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating elements of an
Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV (HBBTV)100 for executing the enhanced
EPG in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As
shown in FIG. 4, the HBBTV 100 includes, for example, a broadcast
interface 101, a section filter 102, an AIT filter 130, an
application data processor 104, a broadcast data processor 111, a
media player 106, an Internet protocol processor 107, an Internet
interface 108, and a run time module 109. Here, the present
invention is not limited by the elements shown in FIG. 4, and
modules may be added or deleted as needed.
[0073] Further, application information table (AIT) data, a
real-time broadcast content, application data and stream events are
received through the broadcast interface 101. Here, the real-time
broadcast content may be referred to as linear A/V content.
[0074] In addition, the section filter 102 executes
section-filtering of the four data received through the broadcast
interface 101, transmits the AIT data to the AIT filter 103,
transmits the linear A/V content to the broadcast data processor
111, and transmits the stream events and the application data to
the application data processor 104.
[0075] A non-linear A/V content and application data are also
received through the Internet interface 108. Here, the non-linear
A/V content, for example, may be content on demand (COD)
applications. In addition, the non-linear A/V content is
transmitted to the media player 106 and the application data is
transmitted to the run time module 109.
[0076] Further, the run time module 109 includes, for example, an
application manager and a browser, as shown in FIG. 4. The
application manager, for example, controls life cycles of
interactive applications using AIT data. The browser, for example,
displays and processes the interactive applications.
[0077] For example, if the TV of the system shown in FIG. 2 is
implemented as the HBBTV shown in FIG. 4, the HBBTV 100 is designed
such that the broadcast interface 101 receives the EIT data and the
Internet interface 108 receives the thumbnail image data
corresponding to the events.
[0078] Next, FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating elements of an
IPTV for executing the enhanced EPG in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, an IPTV
900 includes, for example, a network interface 201, a TCP/IP
manager 202, a service delivery manager 203, a demultiplexer 205, a
PSI & (PSIP and/or SI) decoder 204, an audio decoder 206, a
video decoder 207, display A/V and OSD module 208, a service
control manager 209, a service discovery manager 210, a metadata
manager 212, SI &metadata DB 211, a UI manager 214, and a
service manager 213. Here, the present invention is not limited by
the elements shown in FIG. 5, and modules may be added or deleted
as needed.
[0079] The network interface 201 receives packets received from a
network and transmits the packets to the network. That is, the
network interface 201 receives services and contents from a service
provider through the network. The TCP-IP manager 202 is involved in
packets received by the IPTV 900 and packets transmitted from the
IPTV 900, i.e., receipt and transmission of packets from a source
to a destination.
[0080] Further, the TCP-IP manager 202 classifies the received
packets so as to correspond to proper protocols, and outputs the
classified packets to the service delivery manager 203, the service
discovery manager 210, the service control manager 209 and the
metadata manager 212. In addition, the service delivery manager 203
is in charge of control of received service data. For example, if
the service delivery manager 203 is in charge of control real-time
streaming data, the service delivery manager 203 may use
RTP/RTCP.
[0081] If the service delivery manager 203 transmits the real-time
streaming data using the RTP, the service delivery manager 203
executes parsing of the received data packets according to the RTP
and then transmits the received data packets to the demultiplexer
205 or stores the received data packets in the SI & metadata DB
211 under the control of the service manager 213. Further, the
service delivery manager 203 executes feedback of data received
through the network to a server providing services using the
RTCP.
[0082] The demultiplexer 205 dernultiplexes the received packets to
audio, video and program specific information (PSI) data, and
transmits the data to the audio and video decoders 206 and 207 and
the PSI & (PSIP and/or SI) decoder 204. The PSI & (PSIP
and/or SI) decoder 204 decodes service data, for example, the
program specific information (PSI). That is, the PSI & (PSIP
and/or SI) decoder 204 receives and decodes a PSI section, a
program and service information protocol (PSIP) section or a
service information (SI) section demultiplexed by the demultiplexer
205.
[0083] Further, the PSI & (PSIP and/or SI) decoder 204 forms a
database including service information by decoding the received
section, and the database including the service information is
stored in the SI & metadata DB 211. The audio and video
decoders 206 and 207 decode the audio data and video data received
from the demultiplexer 205. The audio data decoded by the audio
decoder 206 and the video data decoded by the video decoder 207 are
provided to a user through the display A/V and OSD module 208.
[0084] The UI manager 214 and the service manager 213 manage the
overall state of the image display apparatus 900, provide a user
interface, and manage other managers. Further, the UI manager 214
provides a graphic user interface using an on screen display (OSD),
and executes receiver operation according to key input received
from the user. For example, when the key input regarding channel
selection is received from the user, the UI manager 214 transmits
the key input signal to the service manager 213.
[0085] The service manager 213 controls managers relating to
services, such as the service delivery manager 203, the service
discovery manager 210, the service control manager 209 and the
metadata manager 212. Further, the service manager 213 builds a
channel map and selects a channel using the channel map according
to a key input received from the UI manger 214. The service manager
213 receives service information of the channel from the PSI &
(PSIP and/or SI) decoder 204 and transmits an audio/video packet
identifier (PID) of the selected channel to the demultiplexer
205.
[0086] The service discovery manager 210 provides information used
to select the service provider providing a service. When a signal
regarding channel selection is received from the service manager
213, the service discovery manager 210 searches a service using the
information.
[0087] The service control manager 209 is in charge of service
selection and control. For example, the service control manager 209
executes service selection and control using IGMP or RTSP, if a
user selects a live broadcast service in the same manner as the
conventional broadcasting method, and executes service selection
and control using the RTSP, if a user selects a service such as
video on demand (VOD). Such RTSP may provide a trick mode to
real-time streaming.
[0088] Further, the service control manager 209 can initialize and
manage a session going through an IMC gateway using an IP
multimedia subsystem (IMS) or a session initiation protocol (SIP).
These protocols are only exemplary and other protocols may be used
according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0089] The metadata manager 212 manages metadata relating to
services and stores the metadata in the SI & metadata DB 211.
The SI & metadata DB 211 stores the service information decoded
by the PSI & (PSIP and/or SI) decoder 204, the metadata managed
by the metadata manager 212 and the information necessary to select
the service provider provided by the service discovery manager 210.
Further, the SI & metadata DB 211 can store setup data of the
system.
[0090] The SI & metadata DB 211 may be implemented using a
nonvolatile RAM (NVRAM) or a flash memory. An IMS gateway 250 is a
gateway having functions used to access an IMS-based IPTV service.
For example, if the TV of the system shown in FIG. 1 is implemented
as the IPTV shown in FIG. 5, the IPTV 900 is designed such that the
network interface 201 receives both the EIT data transmitted from
the CP and the thumbnail image data corresponding to respective
events. FIG. 5 also illustrates an IMS Gateway 215 interfacing with
the IPTV 900.
[0091] Next, FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the HBBTV 100
including an external device interface. Although FIG. 6 illustrates
the TV 100 including a display module, a network device (for
example, an STB) which does not include the display module shown in
FIG. 6 may be applied to the present invention.
[0092] As shown in FIG. 6, the HBBTV 100 in accordance with another
embodiment of the present invention includes a broadcast receiver
105, an external device interface 135, a storage unit 140, a UI
interface 150, a controller 170, a display 180, an audio output
unit 185, and a power supply unit 190. A photographing unit can
also be included.
[0093] The broadcast receiver 105 includes a tuner 110, a
demodulator 120 and a network interface 130. The broadcast receiver
105 may be designed to include the tuner 110 and the demodulator
120 without the network interface 130 or include only the network
interface 130 without the tuner 110 and the demodulator 120, as
needed.
[0094] Further, the tuner 110 selects a radio frequency (RF)
broadcast signals corresponding to a channel selected by a user or
all channels stored in advance from among RD broadcast signals
received through an antenna. The demodulator 120 receives a digital
IF (DIF) signal converted by the tuner 110 and executes
demodulation.
[0095] In addition, the demodulator 120 can output a stream signal
after execution of demodulation and channel decoding. Here, the
stream signal may be a signal in which a video signal, an audio
signal and/or a data signal are multiplexed. For example, the steam
signal may be a multiplexed MPEG-2 transport stream (TS) in which
an MPEG-2 standard video signal and a Dolby AC-3 standard audio
signal are multiplexed. Specifically, the MPEG-2 TS may include a
header of 4 bytes and a payload of 184 bytes.
[0096] Further, the stream signal output from the demodulator 120
can be input to the controller 170. The controller 170 then outputs
an image to the display 180 and outputs audio to the audio output
unit 185 after execution of demultiplexing and video/audio signal
processing. Also, the external device interface 135 can connect the
HBBTV 100 to an external device. For this purpose, the external
device interface 135 may include A/V input/output units and a
wireless communication unit.
[0097] The external device interface 135 can also be connected to
an external device such as a digital versatile disc (DVD), a
blue-ray disc (BD) player, a game machine, a camera, a camcorder or
a computer (notebook), by wire or wirelessly. Further, the external
device interface 135 can receive applications or an application
list in an adjacent external device and transmit the applications
or the application list to the controller 170 or the storage unit
140.
[0098] The network interface 130 may include, for example, an
Ethernet terminal for connection with a wired network, and use, for
example, wireless LAN (WLAN) (Wi-Fi), wireless broadband (Wibro),
world interoperability for microwave access (Wimax), and high speed
downlink packet access (HSDPA) communication standards for
connection with a wireless network. Further, the network interface
130 may selectively receive a desired application from among
applications open to the public through a network.
[0099] In addition, the storage unit 140 can store programs to
process and control the respective signals in the controller 170 or
store the video, audio or data signal which has been processed.
Further, the storage unit 140 can execute a function of temporarily
storing the video, audio or data signal input from the external
device interface 135 or the network interface 130. The storage unit
140 can also store the applications or the application list input
from the external device interface 135 or the network interface
130.
[0100] The UI interface 150 transmits a signal input by a user to
the controller 170, or transmits a signal from the controller 170
to the user. For example, the UI interface 150 may receive and
process a control signal regarding power ON/OFF, channel selection
or screen setting from a remote controller 200, or transmits a
control signal from the controller 170 to the remote controller
200, according to various communication schemes such as a radio
frequency (RF) communication scheme and an IR communication
scheme.
[0101] In addition, the controller 170 can demultiplex a stream
input through the tuner 110, the demodulator 120 or the external
device interface 135 or process demultiplexed signals, thus
generating and outputting signals to output an image or audio. The
video signal processed by the controller 170 can then be input to
the display 180, and the display 180 can display an image
corresponding to the corresponding video signal.
[0102] Further, the video signal processed by the controller 170
can be input to an external output device through the external
device interface 135. The audio signal processed by the controller
170 may be input to the audio output unit 185, and the audio output
unit 185 may output audio. Also, the audio signal processed by the
controller 170 can be input to the external output device through
the external interface 135.
[0103] In addition, the display 180 converts the video signal, the
data signal or the OSD signal, processed by the controller 170, or
the video signal or the data signal, received by the external
device interface unit 135, into R, G and B signals, thus generating
a drive signal. The display 180 can use a PDP, an LCD, an OLED, a
flexible display or a 3D display.
[0104] Further, the audio output unit 185 receives the audio signal
processed by the controller 170, for example, a stereo signal, a
3.1 channel signal or a 5.1 channel signal, and then outputs audio.
The audio output unit 185 may also use various types of
speakers.
[0105] In addition, the power supply unit 190 supplies
corresponding power to the elements of the HBBTV 100. Particularly,
the power supply unit 190 can supply power to the controller 170
implemented in a system on chip (SOC) type, the display 180 to
display an image, and the audio output unit 185 to output
audio.
[0106] The remote controller 200 also transmits user input to the
UI interface 150. For this purpose, the remote controller 200 can
use a BLUETOOTH communication scheme, an radio frequency (RF)
communication scheme, an IR communication scheme, an ultra wideband
(UWB) communication scheme or a Zigbee communication scheme.
Particularly, the remote controller 200 will be described later
with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14.
[0107] Also, the tuner 110 receives AV data of broadcast programs.
The tuner 110 can also be replaced by a first network interface.
Further, instead of the tuner 110, the network interface 130 can be
designed to receive AV data. Here, the AV data corresponds to, for
example, data transmitted from an external CP or data transmitted
from a broadcast station.
[0108] In addition, the network interface 130 receives information
regarding at least one event provided by each channel and a
thumbnail image corresponding to the event. For example, the
network interface 130 may be designed as a second network
interface. Therefore, the above-described first network and second
network may be designed as different communication networks or as
the same communication network.
[0109] Further, the UI interface 150 receives a command signal to
execute the enhanced EPG, and the controller 170 detects a
representative event from at least one event belonging to a
designated time zone. Also, an OSD generator 340 shown in FIG. 7
generates an enhanced EPG on screen display (OSD) including a
thumbnail image corresponding to the detected representative event
in the designated time zone. The above OSD generator 340 will be
described in detail later with reference to FIG. 7.
[0110] In addition, the term "enhanced EPG OSD" means, for example,
an image of the enhanced EPG information in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention, which is displayed on a
screen. Further, the above image may be designed to occupy the
entirety of the screen or to be overlaid on another screen.
[0111] Also, in accordance with the embodiment of the present
invention, the display 180 is designed to output the generated
enhanced EPG OSD. Further, in accordance with another embodiment of
the present invention, the display 180 is omitted. For example, the
display 180 can be replaced by a transmission module to transmit
the generated enhanced EPG OSD to an external display device. The
network interface 130 shown in FIG. 6 may be designed to execute
the function of such a transmission module.
[0112] The above-described enhanced EPG OSD will be described in
more detail with reference to FIG. 8. Further, in accordance with
another embodiment of the present invention, the controller 170
calculates time-based shares of the respective events belonging to
the designated time zone, and to regard an event having the highest
time-based share as a representative event based on a result of the
calculation. This will be described in detail later with reference
to FIG. 11.
[0113] In accordance with yet another embodiment, the controller
170 detects access histories of the respective events belonging to
the designated time zone, and to regard an event having the highest
access priority as a representative event. The access history
includes at least one of the number of access attempts to each
event and the total display time of each event.
[0114] Next, FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the controller
170 shown in FIG. 6 in detail. The controller 170 can be designed
to be used by other display apparatuses (for example, a smart TV, a
Web TV, an IPTV, a network TV, etc.) instead of the HBBTV.
[0115] As shown in FIG. 7, the controller 170 includes a
demultiplexer 310, a video processor 320, the OSD generator 340, a
mixer 350, a frame rate converter 355, and a formatter 360. The
controller 170 may also include an audio processor and a data
processor.
[0116] Further, the demultiplexer 310 demultiplexes an input
stream, and the video processor 320 processes a demultiplexed video
signal. Therefore, the video processor 320 includes a video decoder
325 and a scaler 335.
[0117] Also, the video decoder 325 decodes the demultiplexed video
signal, and the scaler 335 executes scaling to increase resolution
of the decoded video signal so as to be output through the display
180. The video signal decoded by the video processor 320 is then
input to the mixer 350.
[0118] The OSD generator 340 generates an OSD signal according to
user input or by itself. For example, the OSD generator 340 can
generate a signal to display various pieces of information in
graphic or text on the screen of the display 180, based on the
control signal from the UI interface 150.
[0119] For example, the OSD generator 340 generates an OSD
including a main region which displays a thumbnail image
corresponding to a representative event in a specific time zone and
a sub-region which guides the number of events belonging to the
designated time zone. This will be described in detail later with
reference to FIG. 15.
[0120] In addition, the mixer 350 mixes the OSD signal generated by
the OSD generator 340 and the decoded video signal processed by the
video processor 320. The mixed signal is then provided to the
formatter 360. Further, the OSD may be overlaid on a broadcast
image or an external input image due to mixing of the decoded
broadcast video signal or external input signal with the OSD
signal.
[0121] Also, the frame rate converter (FRC) 355 can convert a frame
rate of an input image. For example, the FRC 355 converts a frame
rate of 60 Hz into 120 Hz or 240 Hz. If the frame rate of 60 Hz is
converted into 120 Hz, another first frame or a third frame
predicted from the first frame and the second frame can be
interposed between a first frame and a second frame. If the frame
rate of 60 Hz is converted into 240 Hz, three first frames or three
predicted frames can be interposed between the first frame and the
second frame. Alternatively, the input frame rate may be maintained
without conversion.
[0122] The formatter 360 receives a signal output from the FRC 355,
changes format of the signal so as to be suitable for the display
180, and then outputs the changed signal. For example, the
formatter 360 can output R, G and B data signals, and the R, G and
B data signals can be output using low voltage differential
signaling (LVDS) or mini-LVDS.
[0123] Next, FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b) are views illustrating a process
of switching from a first mode to a second mode while executing the
enhanced EPG in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. As shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b), the enhanced EPG
includes two modes. In the first mode shown in FIG. 8(a), event
information of all channels in each time of 1 day is displayed. On
the other hand, in the second mode shown in FIG. 8(b), all event
information of a specific channel for 7 days is displayed.
Particularly, as described above, the OSD displaying thumbnail
images corresponding to the respective events is generated, thus
providing a more enhanced EPG screen.
[0124] Further, in order to improve user convenience, a tab 801 to
select each mode can be designed in a toggle type. Further,
respective elements of the mode in the enhanced EPG screen shown in
FIG. 8(b) will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.
10.
[0125] FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b) are views illustrating a process of
switching from the second mode to the first mode while executing
the enhanced EPG in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. Differently from FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b), FIGS. 9(a) and
9(b) illustrate the process of switching from the second mode to
the first mode.
[0126] For example, when a tab 901 displaying a 1 day guide is
selected in the second mode of the enhanced EPG shown in FIG. 9(a),
event information of all channels in each time of 1 day is
displayed as shown in FIG. 9(b).
[0127] Next, FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a specific mode during
execution of the enhanced EPG in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention in detail. FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of
FIG. 8(b) or 9(a).
[0128] As shown, a display apparatus 1000 received an executing
command of the enhanced EPG and displays event information of a
specific channel for 7 days. In particular, thumbnail images
corresponding to respective events are displayed. If a 1 day guide
tab 1001 shown in FIG. 10 is selected, the screen is switched to
the screen of FIG. 8(a) or 9(b).
[0129] Further, an indicator 1008 enabling a user to easily select
a desired channel is displayed. A window 1006 enabling the user to
directly input a specific channel is also displayed. Differing from
the related art EPG, the enhanced EPG in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention is divided by a time scale 1010
and a day scale 1009 and displays a tab 1007 enabling the user to
select a desired week.
[0130] Further, in consideration of the size of the screen, for
example, the EPG is configured every 4 hours, and a tab 1002
enabling the user to select a previous 4 hours and a tab 1003
enabling the user to select a next 4 hours are additionally
displayed, thereby increasing user convenience. The respective
events displayed on the enhanced EPG shown in FIG. 10 may also be
reserved, and a schedule list tab 1004 is provided to process
reservation of the events. This will be described in more detail
later with reference to FIGS. 17 to 21.
[0131] Further, the enhanced EPG has a function of returning to the
former screen instead of the screen shown in FIG. 10, and such a
function is executed by enabling the user to select an exit tab
1005 shown in FIG. 10.
[0132] Next, FIG. 11 is a view illustrating one process of
extracting a representative event used in the enhanced EPG in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In
particular, the previous FIG. 10 illustrates one thumbnail image
being displayed in each time zone (for example, every 1 hour), but
at least two events may belong to each time zone. Therefore,
information to decide which thumbnail image corresponding to one
event is displayed in each time zone.
[0133] The left side of FIG. 11 shows a time table of actual
broadcast programs (events). As shown, two events including the"9
o'clock news" and "drama" are present between 9 o'clock and 10
o'clock, and two events including "drama" and "sports news" are
present between 10 o'clock and 11 o'clock. Further, two events
including "learning English" and "movie" are present between 11
o'clock and 12 o'clock.
[0134] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
an event occupying the longest time in each time zone is designated
as the top priority. Therefore, as shown in the right side of FIG.
11, a thumbnail image corresponding to an event having the top
priority between 9 o'clock and 10 o'clock, i.e., "9 o'clock news",
is designated as a representative thumbnail image. If there are
plural events occupying the same time, the top priority is granted
to an event having an earlier start time.
[0135] Such a process is performed in consideration of the general
user desire not to display events (broadcast programs) having short
run times on the EPG. Solutions to satisfy other users' desire to
confirm the overall events will be described later with reference
to FIGS. 15 and 16.
[0136] Next, FIG. 12 is a view illustrating another process of
extracting a representative event used in the enhanced EPG in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The process
of FIG. 12 differs from the process of FIG. 11 in that the process
of FIG. 12 uses a user profile.
[0137] In particular, the user profile corresponds to, for example,
the number of viewing times of a specific event or the total
viewing time of the specific event. As shown in the left side of
FIG. 12, two events including the"9 o'clock news" and "drama" are
present between 9 o'clock and 10 o'clock. Further, information
indicating that the "9 o'clock news" has been viewed three times
for a total of 47 minutes is stored in the memory 140. For example,
information indicating that "drama" was viewed one time for a total
of 10 minutes is stored in the memory 140.
[0138] Therefore, as shown in the right side of FIG. 12, "9 o'clock
news" having the largest number of viewing times and the longest
total viewing time is designated as a representative event in the
above-described time zone (between 9 o'clock and 10 o'clock).
[0139] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, a representative event may be designated using one of
the number of viewing times and the total viewing time. Further, a
representative event may be designated by applying different weight
values to the number of viewing times and the total viewing
time.
[0140] As described above with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, there
are two methods for extracting representative events used in the
enhanced EPG in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. Next, two other methods for extracting representative
events in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention will be described.
[0141] A first method collects information regarding audience
ratings of events belonging to each time zone (for example, every 1
hour). The information regarding audience ratings may be received
from, for example, an external CP. In particular, assume three
events (an event A, an event B and an event C) are present between
9 o'clock and 10 o'clock, the audience rating of the event A is
15%, the audience rating of the event B is 10% and the audience
rating of the event C is 25%.
[0142] Therefore, in this method, a representative event in a
specific time zone (for example, between 9 o'clock and 10 o'clock)
is designated according to audience rating. That is, the event C
having the audience rating of 25% is selected as the representative
event and is displayed on the EPG screen.
[0143] A second method collects additional information regarding
Social Network Service(SNS) of events in each time zone (for
example, every 1 hour). The additional information regarding SNS
may be received from, for example, a specific SNS server (for
example, FACEBOOK or TWITTER). For example, assume three events (an
event 3D, an event E and an event F) are present between 9 o'clock
and 10 o'clock, and priorities are granted to the respective events
according to the additional information regarding SNS.
[0144] Here, the top priority may be granted to an event having the
largest number of recommendation of a specific SNS, or be granted
to an event having the largest number of followers of a specific
SNS. Therefore, in this method, an event having the top priority
according to the additional information regarding a SNS is selected
as a representative event and is displayed on the EPG screen.
[0145] Although the four methods of deciding representative events
are described above, two or more methods of the four methods may be
combined.
[0146] Next, FIGS. 13(a) to 13(c) are views illustrating an
external appearance of the remote controller 200 to control the
display 180 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. In particular, FIG. 13(a) illustrates a pointer 215
displayed on the display 180 corresponding to the remote controller
200. Further, the display 180 corresponds to, for example, the
display modules of the devices shown in FIGS. 4 to 6.
[0147] A user can then move or rotate the remote controller 200 in
the upward and downward direction and in the leftward and rightward
direction as shown in FIGS. 13(b) and in the forward and backward
direction as shown in FIG. 13(c). That is, the movement of the
pointer 215 displayed on the display 180 of the image display
apparatus corresponds to movement of the remote controller 200.
Such a remote controller 200 also moves in a 3D space to move the
corresponding 215 as shown in FIGS. 13(a) to 13(c), and thus may be
referred to as a space remote controller.
[0148] In addition, FIG. 13(b) illustrates that, when the user
moves the remote controller 200 leftwards, the pointer 215
displayed on the display 180 of the image display apparatus moves
leftwards corresponding to movement of the remote controller 200.
Further, information regarding movement of the remote controller
200 sensed by a sensor of the remote controller 200 is transmitted
to the image display apparatus. The image display apparatus can
also calculate coordinates of the pointer 215 from the information
regarding movement of the remote controller 200, and then display
the pointer 215 so as to correspond to the calculated
coordinates.
[0149] Further, FIG. 13(c) illustrates the user moving the remote
controller 200 away from the display 180 while the user presses a
specific button of the remote controller 200. Thereby, a selection
region in the display 180 corresponding to the pointer 215 can be
zoomed in, thus being enlarged. On the other hand, when the user
moves the remote controller 200 towards the display 180, the
selection region in the display 180 corresponding to the pointer
215 can be zoomed out, thus being reduced. Further, when the remote
controller 200 moves away from the display 180, the selection
region can be zoomed out, and when the remote controller 200 moves
towards the display 180, the selection region can be zoomed in.
[0150] In addition, in order to select an event to be added to the
schedule list from the enhanced EPG screen in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention, the remote controller 200
shown in FIGS. 13(a) to 13(c) can be used, and this will be
described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 17 to 21.
[0151] Next, FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating the internal
configuration of the remote controller 200. As shown in FIG. 14,
the remote controller 200 includes, for example, a wireless
communication unit 225, a user input unit 235, a sensor unit 240,
an output unit 250, a power supply unit 260, a storage unit 270 and
a controller 280.
[0152] The wireless communication unit 225 transmits/receives a
signal to/from any one of the above-described image display
apparatuses in accordance with the embodiments of the present
invention. Also, one image display apparatus 100 from among the
image display apparatuses in accordance with the embodiments of the
present invention will be described.
[0153] In this embodiment, the remote controller 200 includes an RF
module 221 which can transmit/receive a signal to/from the image
display apparatus 100 according to the RF communication standard.
Further, the remote controller 200 includes an IR module 223 which
can transmit/receive a signal to/from the image display apparatus
100 according to the IR communication standard.
[0154] In this embodiment, the remote controller 200 transmits a
signal containing information regarding movement of the remote
controller 200, etc. to the image display apparatus 100 through the
RF module 221. Further, the remote controller 200 can receive a
signal transmitted from the image display apparatus 100 through the
RF module 221. In addition, the remote controller 200 can transmit
a command regarding power ON/OFF, channel change, volume change,
etc. to the image display apparatus 100 through the IR module
223.
[0155] The user input unit 235 can also include a key pad, a touch
pad or a touch screen. A user can then input a command regarding
the image display apparatus 100 to the remote controller 200 by
manipulating the user input unit 235. Further, the sensor unit 240
includes a gyro sensor 241 and an acceleration sensor 243. The gyro
sensor 241 senses information regarding movement of the remote
controller 200.
[0156] For example, the gyro sensor 241 can sense information
regarding movement of the remote controller 200 based on x, y and z
axes. The acceleration sensor 243 can also sense information
regarding the moving velocity of the remote controller 200. The
sensor unit 240 may also include a distance sensor for sensing a
distance from the display 180.
[0157] Further, the output unit 250 can output a video or audio
signal corresponding to manipulation of the user input unit 235 or
the signal transmitted from the image display apparatus 100. The
user can thus recognize whether or not the user input unit 235 is
manipulated or whether or not the image display apparatus 100 is
controlled through the output unit 250.
[0158] For example, the output unit 250 includes an LED module 251
turned on when the user input unit 235 is manipulated or the signal
of the image display apparatus 100 is transmitted/received through
the wireless communication unit 225, a vibration module 253 to
generate vibration, an audio output module 255 to output audio, and
a display module 257 to output an image.
[0159] The power supply unit 260 also supplies power to the remote
controller 200. Further, the power supply unit 260 stops power
supply when the remote controller 200 does not move for a
designated time, thereby reducing power consumption. The power
supply unit 260 can also resupply power to the remote controller
200 when a designated key provided on the remote controller 200 is
manipulated.
[0160] In addition, the storage unit 270 can store various kinds of
programs used to control or operate the remote controller 200 and
application data. If the remote controller 200 transmits/receives a
signal to/from the image display apparatus 100 through the RF
module 221 wirelessly, the remote controller 200 and the image
display apparatus 100 transmit/receive the signal to/from each
other through a designated frequency band. The control unit 280 of
the remote controller 200 can also store information regarding the
frequency band through which the remote controller 200
transmits/receives the signal to/from the image display apparatus
100 paired with the remote controller 200, within the storage unit
270 and refer to the stored information.
[0161] The controller 280 also controls various factors regarding
control of the remote controller 200. The controller 280 can
transmit a signal corresponding to manipulation of the designated
key of the user input unit 235 or a signal corresponding to
movement of the remote controller 200 sensed by the sensor unit 240
to the image display apparatus 100 through the wireless
communication unit 225.
[0162] Particularly, the user interface of the image display
apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 14 can receive a command signal from
the remote controller 200 transmitting an input signal according to
motion of the user.
[0163] Next, FIG. 15 is a view illustrating a first OSD screen
provided by the enhanced EPG in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention. As previously shown in FIG. 11, at least two
events may be present in each time zone. Therefore, a display
apparatus 1500 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention represents that other events in addition to the event
corresponding to the representative thumbnail image displayed in
each time zone are present using EIT information.
[0164] As shown in FIG. 15, for example, if two specific events are
present in a time zone between 11 o'clock and 12 o'clock, a
sub-indicator 1501 indicating "+2" is displayed. If three specific
events are present in the above time zone, a sub-indicator 1502
indicating "+3" is displayed. Alternatively, numerals indicated by
the sub-indicators may be numerals (N-1) except for the event
corresponding to the current displayed representative thumbnail
image.
[0165] Further, the remote controller described with reference to
FIGS. 13 and 14 corresponds to a remote controller 1510 shown in
FIG. 15. Here, if an arrow indicator 1503, the position of which is
varied according to movement of the remote controller 1510 is
located at a region displaying the above specific time zone, an OSD
screen shown in FIG. 16 is displayed.
[0166] In particular, FIG. 16 is a view illustrating a second OSD
screen provided by the enhanced EPG in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. According to control of the
remote controller 1510 shown in FIG. 15, the first OSD screen shown
in FIG. 15 is switched to the second OSD screen shown in FIG.
16.
[0167] A display apparatus 1600 in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention displays thumbnail images of all events in
each time zone. As shown in FIG. 16, if two specific events are
present in a time zone between 11 o'clock and 12 o'clock, the
display apparatus 1600 displays thumbnail images 1601 and 1602
corresponding to the two specific events such that the thumbnail
images 1601 and 1602 are spread in order of time. If three specific
events are present in the above time zone, the display apparatus
1600 displays thumbnail images 1603, 1604 and 1605 corresponding to
the three specific events such that the thumbnail images 1603, 1604
and 1605 are spread in order of time.
[0168] Further, in order to increase user convenience, the second
OSD shown in FIG. 16 is switched to the first OSD shown in FIG. 15
when the arrow indicator 1503 of the remote controller 1510 shown
in FIG. 15 is located at a specific tab 1610 shown in FIG. 16.
[0169] A process of switching from the EPG screen shown in FIG. 15
to the EPG screen shown in FIG. 16 will now be described in more
detail. First, as shown in FIG. 15, a first enhanced EPG including
a thumbnail image corresponding to the detected representative
event in the designated time zone (11:00) and information (the
indicator 1501 or 1502) to indicate the number of events belonging
to the designated time zone is displayed.
[0170] Then, when a specific region (for example, a region
displaying the time zone or the indication information) of the
first enhanced EPG guide is selected through the user interface
1510, as shown in FIG. 16, a second enhanced EPG including plural
thumbnail images corresponding to all events belonging to the
designated time zone (if Wednesday, the images 1601 and 1602, and
if Thursday, images 1603 to 1605) is displayed.
[0171] Next, FIGS. 17 and 18 are views illustrating first user
interfaces to store a specific event displayed on the enhanced EPG
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention within a
schedule list. As shown in FIG. 17, a display apparatus 1700
outputs an enhanced EPG screen. In addition, an arrow indicator
1702, the position of which is varied according to movement of a
remote controller 1710, is located at a thumbnail image 1701 of a
specific event. The remote controller 1710 corresponds to the
above-described remote controller 200 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.
[0172] Further, a user of the display apparatus 1700 wants to add
an event corresponding to the thumbnail image 1701 to the schedule
list. As shown in FIG. 18, when a user moves a specific thumbnail
image 1801 to a schedule list tab 1804 using an arrow indicator
1803 of a remote controller 1810, a display apparatus 1800 moves
the position of the specific thumbnail image 1801 to a second place
1802 and then displays the specific thumbnail image 1801.
[0173] Additional information (for example, start time) of an event
corresponding to the thumbnail image moved to the schedule list tab
1804 is also stored in the memory. Therefore, when the start time
of the event has come, the event may be stored or an OSD asking if
the user wants to view the event may be generated and
displayed.
[0174] FIG. 19 is a view illustrating a second user interface to
store a specific event displayed on the enhanced EPG in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention within a schedule list.
Differing from the user interfaces shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the
user interface shown in FIG. 19 minimizes user action.
[0175] As shown in FIG. 19, an arrow indicator 1905 of a remote
controller 1910 is located at the region of a thumbnail image 1901
corresponding to a specific event for a designated time or more. A
display apparatus 1900 automatically moves the position of the
thumbnail image 1901 to a schedule list tab 1904 when the arrow
indicator 1905 is located at the region of the thumbnail image 1901
for the designated time or more. As shown in FIG. 19, the position
of the thumbnail image 1901 may be changed to other positions 1902
and 1903 in a regular direction or be automatically moved in other
directions.
[0176] Next, FIGS. 20 and 21 are views illustrating a third user
interface to process a specific event stored in the schedule list
shown in FIGS. 17 to 19. Further, it is assumed that at least one
event is stored in a schedule list using one of the user interfaces
shown in FIGS. 17 to 19.
[0177] For example, a display apparatus 2000 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention monitors whether the start time
of each event stored in the schedule list has come while outputting
a general broadcast program. When the start time of a specific
event has come, an OSD generator of the display apparatus 2000
outputs a sub-OSD screen 2001 asking if the user wants to view the
above specific event. Thereafter, when the user selects "YES"
through an arrow indicator 2002 of a remote controller 2010, the
display apparatus 2100 switches to a screen 2101 corresponding to
the specific event as shown in FIG. 21.
[0178] Further, the display apparatuses 2000 and 2100 can
automatically store the event, the start time of which has come, in
the memory when the display apparatuses 2000 and 2100 are in a
stand-by state.
[0179] Next, FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a control method
of processing an enhanced EPG in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention. Further, the display apparatus for providing
the enhanced EPG in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention receives AV data including audio data and video data
through the path of a first network and receives information
regarding at least one event provided from each channel and a
thumbnail image corresponding to the event through the path of a
second network.
[0180] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
the first network and the second network are IP networks. Further,
in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the
first network corresponds to a broadcast network and the second
network corresponds to an IP network. Also, the display apparatus
can receive a broadcast signal through the broadcast network or
through the IP network.
[0181] When the display apparatus receives a command signal to
execute the enhanced EPG through the user interface, the display
apparatus executes a VEPG operation (S2201). That is, the VEPG is a
term corresponding to the above-described enhanced EPG.
[0182] Thereafter, the display apparatus detects a representative
event from at least one event belonging to a designated time zone
(S2202).The display apparatus also generates an enhanced EPG OSD
including the thumbnail image corresponding to the detected
representative event in the designated time zone, and displays the
generated enhanced EPG OSD on a screen.
[0183] In more detail, the display apparatus displays the
representative thumbnail image in each time zone and the number of
programs (events) belonging to each time zone in an overlaid form
(S2203). See also FIGS. 15 and 16.
[0184] In accordance with another embodiment, operation S2202
includes calculating time-based shares of the respective events
belonging to the designated time zone, and regarding an event
having the highest time-based share as a representative event based
on a result of the calculation. In accordance with yet another
embodiment, operation S2202 includes detecting access histories of
the respective events belonging to the designated time zone, and
regarding an event having the highest access priority as a
representative event based on the detected access histories. The
access history includes, for example, at least one of the number of
access attempts to each event and the total display time of each
event.
[0185] In accordance with still another embodiment, in operation
S2203, the display apparatus displays an OSD including a main
region which displays the thumbnail image corresponding to the
representative event and a sub-region which guides the number of
events belonging to the designated time zone.
[0186] Further, in order to execute reserved viewing or reserved
recording, the display apparatus selects at least one thumbnail
image with reference to the enhanced EPG OSD displayed on the
screen and adds an event corresponding to the selected thumbnail
image to the schedule list (S2204). Also, additional information of
the event corresponding to the selected thumbnail image is stored
in the memory. The additional information of the event includes,
for example, information regarding a start time of the event
defined by the event information table (EIT).
[0187] Thereafter, the display apparatus judges whether or not the
start time of the event added to the schedule list has come (S205).
Upon judging that the start time of the event has come (Yes in
S2205), two modes are selectively executed according to power
states of the display apparatus (for example, a TV).
[0188] When the power of the TV is turned on, the display apparatus
displays an OSD screen asking if the user if they want to change
the current channel of the TV to a channel with the event, the
start time of which has come (S2206). On the other hand, when the
power of the TV is in the stand-by state, the event, the start time
of which has come, is directly stored in the memory (S2207).
[0189] Thus, the user can freely select a channel based EPG screen
or a day based EPG screen according to desired standards. Further,
only the thumbnail image of a representative event having the top
priority is preferably displayed on a restricted EPG screen, or all
events in each time zone can be displayed on the EPG screen such
that thumbnail images corresponding to all the events are spread in
order of time. Further, indicators indicating the number of hidden
events in respective time zones can be added to the enhanced EPG
screen, thereby increasing user recognition.
[0190] Further, a user interface enabling the user to more rapidly
select events, reserve viewing and reserve recording of programs is
provided.
[0191] As described above, FIGS. 1 to 22 illustrate the contents
are received from one source device (for example, a broadcast
station). However, a TV which is connectable to a network may
receive many contents from plural source devices. Therefore, FIGS.
23 to 40 implement an EPG if contents are received from plural
different kinds of source devices.
[0192] In particular, FIG. 23 is a view illustrating plural source
devices connected to a TV processing an enhanced EPG in accordance
with another embodiment of the present invention. The plural source
devices connected to the TV processing the enhanced EPG will now be
described. Further, a TV 2300 shown in FIG. 23 includes, for
example, the elements shown in FIGS. 4 to 6.
[0193] The display apparatus or TV 2300 shown in FIG. 23 includes a
network interface module to receive first metadata (for example,
title information, genre information or actor information)
corresponding to each of contents respectively provided by the
plural source devices. The network interface module corresponds to,
for example, the network interface 130 shown in FIG. 6. The
contents further include, for example, second metadata.
[0194] If the first metadata corresponds to title information, the
second metadata corresponds to at least one of genre information,
actor information, information indicating an image quality level of
each of the contents and information indicating whether or not each
of the contents includes an advertisement.
[0195] The plural source devices correspond to, for example, a
broadcast station 2310, a VOD server 2320, a CP 2330, and a my
media device group 2340. The my media device group 2340 includes at
least one of an HDD 2341 within the TV 2300, a USB memory 2342, a
cloud storage 2343, and a Web hard 2344. The cloud storage 2343 is
interpreted as having a meaning widely used by those skilled in the
art. For example, the cloud storage 2343 correspond to a memory
which a cloud server accesses or the cloud server itself.
[0196] The TV 2300 includes a user interface module to select first
content transmitted through a network, and a collecting module to
collect the first metadata corresponding to metadata of the first
content as a first group using the group of the received metadata.
The user interface module and the collecting module correspond to,
for example, the user interface 150 and the controller 170 shown in
FIG. 6.
[0197] Further, the first metadata corresponding to the metadata of
the first content can be completely identical metadata or metadata
being within a predetermined range. For example, if a title of the
first content is "love song", a title of content provided from the
external source device which is "love songs" can be regarded as
corresponding to the title of the first content.
[0198] The TV 2300 further includes an OSD generator to generate
graphic data in which at least one piece of metadata belonging to
the first group is arranged in a predetermined order, and a
controller to control display of the generated graphic data or a
network module to transmit the generated graphic data to an
external device. The OSD generator corresponds to, for example, the
controller 170 shown in FIG. 6 or the OSD generator 340 shown in
FIG. 7. Further, the controller corresponds to, for example, the
controller 170 or the display 180 shown in FIG. 6.
[0199] Although FIG. 23 illustrates the TV 2300, an STB may be
applied to the present invention instead of the TV 2300. Here, the
STB does not include the display 180. However, the STB further
includes a transmission module to transmit an enhanced EPG based on
the generated graphic data to an external display device.
[0200] Further, the above-described enhanced EPG additionally
displays an indicator to receive OST information relating to a
specific event. Here, the enhanced EPG is designed to access a CP
or a Web site providing the OST information, when the indicator is
selected.
[0201] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, if the metadata belonging to the first group within the
above-described enhanced EPG is arranged in order of episode
number, the controller of the TV 2300 controls the display module
so as to display thumbnail images of contents belonging to the
first group in a first region and to display indicators indicating
kinds of source devices providing the respective contents in a
second region. This will be described in more detail later with
reference to FIG. 28.
[0202] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present
invention, if plural contents corresponding to a specific episode
number are present, the controller of the TV 2300 calculates
priorities of the respective contents corresponding to the specific
episode number, and adjusts sizes of thumbnail images of the
respective contents according to the calculated priorities. This
will be described in more detail later with reference to FIGS. 29
to 31.
[0203] Next, FIG. 24 is a flowchart defining a data transmission
protocol between the TV and the plural source devices shown in FIG.
23. As shown in FIG. 24, the TV receives metadata of contents
belonging to a first contents group from my media (S2410). My media
shown in FIG. 24 corresponds to the my media device group 2340
shown in FIG. 23. Therefore, the metadata of the contents belonging
to the first contents group corresponds to metadata of contents
stored in the HDD, the USB memory, the cloud storage, the Web hard,
etc.
[0204] Further, the TV receives metadata of contents belonging to a
second contents group from the broadcast station (S2420). The
metadata of the contents belonging to the second contents group
corresponds to metadata of contents transmitted from the broadcast
station in real time.
[0205] The TV also receives metadata of contents belonging to a
third contents group from the VOD server (S2430). The metadata of
the contents belonging to the third contents group means, for
example, metadata of contents provided by the VOD server with a
fee.
[0206] Further, the TV receives metadata of contents belonging to a
fourth contents group from the CP (S2440). Both the metadata
transmitted in operation S2420 and the metadata transmitted in
operation 2430 may be transmitted from the CP. In addition, all the
metadata used in operations S2410-S2440 includes, for example, at
least one of title information, genre information, actor
information, channel information and fee information of the
respective contents.
[0207] Further, the TV generates an enhanced EPG using the metadata
collected in operations S2410-S2440 (S2450), and displays the
enhanced EPG on a screen (S2460). The enhanced EPG in accordance
with this embodiment of the present invention will be described
with reference to FIG. 25.
[0208] Particularly, the features shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 are
advantageous in that information regarding different episodes of
specific content or information regarding different works of a
specific actor may be classified according to the respective source
devices.
[0209] FIG. 25 is a view illustrating a main screen of the enhanced
EPG in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As
shown, a display apparatus 2500 provides various options, which is
advantageous compared to the related art display apparatus that
only provides basic broadcast program information.
[0210] As shown in FIG. 25, when specific content is selected by a
user, the TV 2500 displays an OSD region 2510 including basic
information of the selected content. The OSD region 2510 includes,
for example, a representative thumbnail image 2511, a title and
episode number 2512, and timetable and synopsis information 2513 of
the selected specific content. Further, the OSD region 2510 further
includes up/down buttons 2514 and 2515 in consideration of a
restricted space of the OSD region 2510.
[0211] If the selected specific content includes plural episodes,
the TV 2500 displays a first option 2520 to select another episode.
Further, if the selected specific content belongs to a random
season from among plural seasons, the TV 2500 displays a second
option 2530 to select another season. Moreover, if the selected
specific content includes metadata regarding actors appearing in
the content, the TV 2500 displays a third option 2540 to select
contents relating to a specific actor. FIG. 25 identifies the
actors appearing relating to the selected specific content as, for
example, Larry KIM 2541, Mr. Bill 2542 and Jane 2543.
[0212] Further, the TV 2500 can display an option 2550 to return to
a previous screen other than the main screen shown in FIG. 25 and
an option 2560 to exit the enhanced EPG screen so as to increase
user convenience.
[0213] The above-described options 2520, 2530, 2540, 2550 and 2560
can also be randomly selected through a remote controller 2570 and
an indicator 2580 moving according to motion of the remote
controller 2570. The remote controller 2570 is similar as the
remove controller which has been described in detail above with
reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, and thus a detailed description
thereof is omitted.
[0214] The first option 2520 will be described in more detail with
reference to FIGS. 26 to 31, the second option 2530 will be
described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 32 and 33, and the
third option 2530 will be described in more detail with reference
to FIGS. 34 and 35.
[0215] In particular, FIG. 26 is a view illustrating one example of
a table to store data used to implement the enhanced EPG in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As
described above, the display apparatus (for example, the TV) can
collect metadata of all episodes of specific content (for example,
episode number 1 of drama A, episode number 2 of drama A, episode
number 3 of drama A, etc.) provided by each of the source devices
(for example, the broadcast station, the VOD server and the my
media device group). The collected metadata is processed into a
table format shown in FIG. 26.
[0216] As shown in FIG. 26, for example, the broadcast station (ON
TV) provides episode number 1 of specific content through a channel
7 (Mar. 11, 2011) and a channel 11 (Mar. 14, 2011). Further, the
broadcast station (ON TV) provides an episode number 2 of the
specific content through a channel 8 (Mar. 9, 2011) and the channel
7 (Mar. 18, 2011). In addition, the broadcast station (ON TV)
provides episode number 3 of specific content through a channel 5
(Mar. 20, 2011).
[0217] As shown in FIG. 26, for example, the VOD server provides
episode number 1 of the specific content as a paid service at a fee
of 3 dollars, and provides episode number 2 of the specific content
as a paid service at a fee of 5 dollars. However, the
above-described VOD server does not provide episode number 3.
[0218] As shown in FIG. 26, for example, the my media device group
provides only episode number 1 of the above-described specific
content, but does not provide the episode numbers 2 and 3 of the
specific content. The data format shown in FIG. 26 is stored in the
memory of the display apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0219] Next, user interfaces implementing the enhanced EPG in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention using the
data format shown in FIG. 26 will be described in detail with
reference to FIGS. 27 and 28.
[0220] In particular, FIG. 27 is a view illustrating one example of
a user interface relating to a first function from among functions
provided by the enhanced EPG in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention. That is, if the user selects the first
option 2520 to select another episode in FIG. 25, the user
interface shown in FIG. 27 is displayed. Further, in order to
implement the user interface shown in FIG. 27, a memory of a
display apparatus 2700 stores the data format shown in FIG. 26.
[0221] [start here] As shown in FIG. 27, the display apparatus 2700
in accordance with the embodiment of the invention is designed to
output episodes of specific content under the condition that the
episodes are classified according to source devices 2710, 2720 and
2730. As described above, it is assumed that metadata of the
specific content is collected from the respective source devices
2710, 2720 and 2730.
[0222] First, from among the plural sources devices 2710, 2720 and
2730, a broadcast station (ON TV) 2710 provides episode number 1
through a channel 7 2711, and provides episode number 2 through a
channel 8 2712 and a channel 112713. Further, the broadcast station
(ON TV) 2710 provides episode number 3 through a channel 5 2714. As
shown in FIG. 27, day and time when each episode of the specific
content provided by the broadcast station is concretely
broadcasted, thereby enabling a user to confirm a stand-by time.
Although FIG. 27 illustrates the episodes as being arranged based
on episode number, the episodes may be arranged based on time.
[0223] Further, from among the plural source devices 2710, 2720 and
2730, the VOD server 2720 provides episode number 1 of the specific
content as a paid service 2721 at a fee of 3 dollars, and provides
episode number 2 of the specific content as a paid service 2722 at
a fee of 5 dollars. Moreover, from among the plural source devices,
2710, 2720 and 2730, the my media device group 2730 provides only
episode number 2 2731 of the specific content.
[0224] The episodes provided by the broadcast station 2710 are
advantageous in that they are mostly free, but are disadvantageous
in that a user should wait for the episodes to start. Further, the
episodes provided by the VOD server 2720 are disadvantageous in
that they are mostly paid, but are advantageous in that a user may
view the corresponding episodes without waiting. Moreover, the
episodes provided by the my media device group 2730 have both the
advantages of the episodes provided by the broadcast station 2710
and the VOD server 2720, but there is a strong possibility that the
number of the episodes provided by the my media device group 2730
is relatively small.
[0225] A user confirmed the episodes according to source device
shown in FIG. 27 may more rapidly select a specific episode, which
is most preferred by the user, in consideration of the above
advantages and disadvantages of the respective source devices.
Further, as described above (with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14), an
indicator 2750 is designed to be moved according to movement of a
remote controller 2740 in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention. Therefore, the user may easily select a specific
episode 2721 provided by the VOD server 2720.
[0226] FIG. 28 is a view illustrating another example of the user
interface relating to the first function from among the functions
provided by the enhanced EPG in accordance with the embodiment of
the present invention. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 28,
another example of the user interface relating to the first
function from among the functions provided by the enhanced EPG in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention will be
described, as follows.
[0227] If the first option 2520 to select another episode is
selected from among the options 2520, 2530 and 2540 shown in FIG.
25, the user interface shown in FIG. 28 is displayed. Further, in
order to implement the user interface shown in FIG. 28, a memory of
a display apparatus 2800 is designed to store the data format shown
in FIG. 26, and this is within the spirit and scope of the
invention.
[0228] While the user interface shown in FIG. 27 is designed to
arrange the episodes according to source device, the user interface
shown in FIG. 28 is designed to display only corresponding source
devices according to episode number.
[0229] As shown in FIG. 28, the display apparatus 2800 in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention displays a
representative thumbnail image of episode number 1 of specific
content in a first main region 2810. Further, the display apparatus
2800 is designed to display items to identify source devices
providing episode number 1. For example, if the source devices
providing episode number 1 correspond to the broadcast station and
the VOD server, an item indicating the broadcast station is
displayed in a first sub-region 2811 and an item indicating the VOD
server is displayed in a second sub-region 2812.
[0230] Further, the display apparatus 2800 displays a
representative thumbnail image of episode number 2 of the
above-described specific content in a second main region 2820.
Further, the display apparatus 2800 is designed to display items to
identify source devices providing episode number 2. For example,
when the source devices providing episode number 2 correspond to
the VOD server and the my media device group, an item indicating
the VOD server is displayed in a third sub-region 2821 and an item
indicating the my media device group is displayed in a fourth
sub-region 2822.
[0231] Moreover, the display apparatus 2800 displays a
representative thumbnail image of episode number 3 of the
above-described specific content in a third main region 2830.
Further, the display apparatus 2800 is designed to display items to
identify source devices providing episode number 3. For example,
when the source devices providing episode number 3 correspond to
the broadcast station, an item indicating the broadcast station is
displayed in a fifth sub-region 2831.
[0232] Therefore, a user of the display apparatus 2800 may more
rapidly select a desired episode and a desired source device using
an indicator 2850, the position of which is automatically varied
according to movement of a remote controller 2840 in accordance
with the embodiment of the present invention.
[0233] FIG. 29 is a view illustrating another example of the table
to store the data necessary to implement the enhanced EPG in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 29, the table to store priority
data necessary to implement the enhanced EPG in accordance with the
embodiment of the present invention according will be described, as
follows.
[0234] As described above, the display apparatus (for example, the
TV) in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention is
designed to collect metadata of all episodes of specific content
(for example, episode number 1 of drama A, episode number 2 of
drama A, episode number 3 of drama A, etc.) provided by each of the
source devices (for example, the broadcast station, the VOD server
and the my media device group). Further, differing from FIG. 26,
priorities are granted to source devices providing each episode in
FIG. 29.
[0235] It is assumed that there is one source device or plural
sources devices providing each episode of specific content. For
example, as shown in FIG. 29, among source devices providing
episode number 1 of the specific content, priority 1 is granted to
the VOD server and priority 2 is granted to a channel 11 of the
broadcast station. Further, among source devices providing episode
number 2 of the specific content, priority 1 is granted to the my
media group, priority 2 is granted to a channel 13 of the broadcast
station, and priority 3 is granted to the VOD server. If there is
only a channel 7 of the broadcast station providing episode number
3 of the specific content, priority 1, i.e., top priority, is
granted to the channel 7 of the broadcast station.
[0236] Now, solutions to grant priorities to the source devices, as
shown in FIG. 29, will be described, as follows.
[0237] First, a first solution to grant priorities to the source
devices is exemplarily described. In the first solution, top
priority is granted to a source device which provides an episode as
a free service and enables a user to promptly view the episode.
Middle priority is granted to a source device which enables the
user to promptly view the episode but provides the episode as a
paid service. Further, bottom priority is granted to a source
device which provides the episode as a free service but requires a
stand-by time for viewing. That is, the above first solution is
designed to employ "stand-by time" as the most important
factor.
[0238] Next, a second solution to grant priorities to the source
devices is exemplarily described. In the second solution, top
priority is granted to a source device which provides an episode as
a free service and enables a user to promptly view the episode.
Middle priority is granted to a source device which provides the
episode as a free service but requires a stand-by time for viewing.
Further, bottom priority is granted to a source device which
enables the user to promptly view the episode but provides the
episode as a paid service. That is, the above second solution is
designed to employ "money" as the most important factor.
[0239] Finally, a third solution to grant priorities to the source
devices is a combination of the above-described first solution and
second solution, and considers both "stand-by time" and "money". In
the third solution, top priority may be granted to a source device
which provides an episode as a free service or a source device
which provides the episode as a paid service, according to a
predetermined reference stand-by time value.
[0240] For example, if a source device A provides an episode as a
free service but requires a stand-by time of 1 hour or more to view
the specific episode, top priority is granted to the VOD server
providing the same episode as a paid service and enabling a user to
promptly view the episode. On the other hand, if a source device B
provides an episode as a free service and requires a stand-by time
of less than 1 hour to view the specific episode, top priority is
granted to the source device B rather than the VOD server providing
the content as a paid service.
[0241] The data format shown in FIG. 29 is stored in the memory of
the display apparatus in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention. User interfaces to implement the enhanced EPG in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention using the
data format shown in FIG. 29 will be described in detail with
reference to FIGS. 30 and 31.
[0242] FIG. 30 is a view illustrating yet another example of the
user interface relating to the first function from among the
functions provided by the enhanced EPG in accordance with the
embodiment of the present invention. For example, it is assumed
that the user interface shown in FIG. 30 is displayed when a
specific episode is selected from among the episodes shown in FIG.
28. Further, it is assumed that a display apparatus 3000 shown in
FIG. 30 stores the data format regarding priorities shown in FIG.
29.
[0243] As shown in FIG. 30, the display apparatus 3000 in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention displays a
representative thumbnail image indicating a specific episode of
specific content in a first region 3010.
[0244] Further, the display apparatus 3000 is designed to output
options respectively indicating plural source devices providing the
specific episode of the specific content. For example, a first
option 3020 to select the VOD server providing the specific episode
of the specific content and a second option 3030 to select the
broadcast station providing the specific episode of the specific
content are displayed.
[0245] Further, as shown in FIG. 30, if the first option 3020 is
selected, a fee of 5 dollars is required, and if the second option
3030 is selected, a stand-by time of 27 hours is required to view
the corresponding episode.
[0246] Based on the third solution providing priorities described
above with reference to FIG. 29, since a time (27 hours) exceeding
24 hours is required to execute the second option 3030, higher
priority is granted to the first option 3020 rather than the second
option 3030.
[0247] Here, in order to enable a user to more easily recognize and
select a source device having higher priority, addition of a
graphic indicating information regarding priorities is within the
spirit and scope of the invention. For example, as shown in FIG.
30, first sub-regions 3060 indicating relatively higher priority
are located around the first option 3020, and second sub-regions
3070 indicating relatively lower priority are located around the
second option 3030.
[0248] Therefore, an indicator 3050, the position of which is
varied according to movement of a remote controller 3040 in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, may be
more promptly located in the first option 3020 having the higher
priority. Of course, a user of the display apparatus 3000 may
select the second option 3030 regardless of priority.
[0249] FIG. 31 is a view illustrating a further example of the user
interface relating to the first function from among the functions
provided by the enhanced EPG in accordance with the embodiment of
the present invention. For example, it is assumed that the user
interface shown in FIG. 31 is displayed when a specific episode is
selected from among the episodes shown in FIG. 28. Further, it is
assumed that a display apparatus 3100 shown in FIG. 31 stores the
data format regarding priorities shown in FIG. 29.
[0250] Differing from FIG. 30, the display apparatus 3100 shown in
FIG. 31 is designed to allow an option having higher priority to
have a relatively large size, thereby increasing a probability that
a remote controller selects an option having top priority.
[0251] As shown in FIG. 31, the display apparatus 3100 in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention displays a
representative thumbnail image of a specific episode of specific
content in a first region 3110.
[0252] Further, the display apparatus 3100 is designed to output
options respectively indicating plural source devices providing the
specific episode of the specific content. For example, a first
option 3120 to select a channel 7 providing the specific episode of
the specific content and a second option 3130 to select a channel
11 providing the specific episode of the specific content are
displayed.
[0253] Further, as shown in FIG. 31, if the first option 3120 is
selected, a stand-by time of 10 minutes is required, and if the
second option 3130 is selected, a stand-by time of 32 hours is
required to view the corresponding episode. Under the same
conditions, a source device having a shorter stand-by time has
higher priority.
[0254] Therefore, the first option 3120 having higher priority has
a relatively larger size, and the second option 3230 having lower
priority has a relatively smaller size. In this case, a probability
that an indicator 3150, the position of which is varied according
to movement of a remote controller 3140 in accordance with the
embodiment of the present invention, is located in the first option
3120 having the higher priority is increased.
[0255] FIG. 32 is a view illustrating one example of a user
interface relating to a second function from among the functions
provided by the enhanced EPG in accordance with the embodiment of
the present invention. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 32, one
example of the user interface relating to the second function from
among the functions provided by the enhanced EPG in accordance with
the embodiment of the present invention will be described, as
follows.
[0256] If the second option 2530 to select another season is
selected from among the options 2520, 2530 and 2540 shown in FIG.
25, the user interface shown in FIG. 32 is displayed. It is assumed
that metadata of specific content selected by a user has a series
code. The series code is, for example, data to judge whether or not
the specific content belongs to season 1, season 2 or season 3.
[0257] As shown in FIG. 32, a display apparatus 3200 in accordance
with the embodiment of the present invention is designed to output
all season data 3210, 3220 and 3230 of specific content on a
screen. Therefore, the display apparatus 3200 shown in FIG. 32
provides a solution to search episodes of not only the currently
selected season of the specific content but also other seasons of
the specific content.
[0258] When an indicator 3250 of a remote controller 3240 in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention is located
in a season 2 region 3220, options indicating episodes belonging to
the season 2 are displayed. For example, arrangement of the
positions of the episodes belonging to the corresponding season
according to source device, as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, is within
the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0259] FIG. 33 is a view illustrating another example of the user
interface relating to the second function from among the functions
provided by the enhanced EPG in accordance with the embodiment of
the present invention. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 33,
another example of the user interface relating to the second
function from among the functions provided by the enhanced EPG in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention will be
described, as follows.
[0260] If the second option 2530 to select another season is
selected from among the options 2520, 2530 and 2540 shown in FIG.
25, the user interface shown in FIG. 33 is displayed. Differing
from FIG. 32, FIG. 33 displays episodes belonging to respective
seasons such that episodes belonging to each season are spread in
one screen.
[0261] A display apparatus 3300 in accordance with the embodiment
of the present invention collects metadata and classifies the
respective episodes according to season, as described above.
Further, as shown in FIG. 33, the display apparatus 3300 is
designed to display episodes belonging to a first season in a first
main region 3310, to display episodes belonging to a second season
in a second main region 3320, and to display episodes belonging to
a third season in a third main region 3330.
[0262] Further, the first main region 3310 includes first graphic
data to re-classify the episodes belonging to the first season
according to source devices. The second main region 3320 includes
second graphic data to re-classify the episodes belonging to the
second season according to source devices. The third main region
3330 includes third graphic data to re-classify the episodes
belonging to the third season according to source devices.
[0263] Therefore, the user interface shown in FIG. 33 is
advantageous in that a user of the display apparatus 3300 may
rapidly access a region indicating a specific season, a specific
source device and a specific episode using an indicator 3350, the
position of which is automatically varied according to movement of
a remote controller 3340.
[0264] FIG. 34 is a view illustrating one example of a user
interface relating to a third function from among the functions
provided by the enhanced EPG in accordance with the embodiment of
the present invention. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 34, one
example of the user interface relating to the third function from
among the functions provided by the enhanced EPG in accordance with
the embodiment of the present invention will be described, as
follows.
[0265] If the third option 2540 to select content relating to a
specific actor is selected from among the options 2520, 2530 and
2540 shown in FIG. 25, the user interface shown in FIG. 34. It is
assumed that metadata of specific content selected by a user has
actor-related information (for example, information regarding
actors, etc).
[0266] A display apparatus 3400 in accordance with the embodiment
of the present invention is designed to output contents regarding a
specific actor among actors relating to the currently selected
specific content. Therefore, the above user interface is
advantageous in that separate search of works in which the specific
actor appears is not required.
[0267] As shown in FIG. 34, other contents in which an actor Larry
KIM appears are displayed under the condition that the contents are
classified according to source device. For example, a broadcast
station 3410 provides three contents 3411, 3412 and 3413 on the air
or expects to provide the three contents 3411, 3412 and 3413. A VOD
server 3420 provides four contents 3421, 3422, 3423 and 3424 as a
paid service. Further, my media device group 2430 stores one
content 3431.
[0268] Particularly, the user interface shown in FIG. 34 displays
contents relating to the specific actor under the condition that
the contents are classified according to source device, thus
enabling a user to more rapidly select a desired content in
consideration of both money and stand-by time.
[0269] For example, if the same content is provided by both the VOD
server 3420 and the broadcast station 3410 and there is a long time
till the start of the content, a user does not need to select the
content of the VOD server 3420 provided as the paid service. Here,
a remote controller 3440 and an indicator 3450 may be interpreted
with reference to the above description.
[0270] FIG. 35 is a view illustrating another example of the user
interface relating to the third function from among the functions
provided by the enhanced EPG in accordance with the embodiment of
the present invention. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 35,
another example of the user interface relating to the third
function from among the functions provided by the enhanced EPG in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention will be
described, as follows.
[0271] If the third option 2540 to select content relating to a
specific actor is selected from among the options 2520, 2530 and
2540 shown in FIG. 25, the user interface shown in FIG. 35 is
displayed. In FIG. 34, it is assumed that a specific actor is
selected from plural actors relating to a currently selected
specific content. On the other hand, in FIG. 35, graphic data
relating plural actors relating to a currently selected specific
content are generated and displayed, simultaneously.
[0272] Here, it is assumed that the currently selected specific
content is a drama and actors appearing in the drama are three.
Here, a display apparatus 3500 collects information regarding
contents in which the respective actors appear or to which the
respective actors relate using metadata.
[0273] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 35, a graphic to list contents
relating to an actor Larry KIM is displayed in a first main region
3510, a graphic to list contents relating to an actor Mr. Bill is
displayed in a second main region 3520, and a graphic to list
contents relating to an actor Jane is displayed in a third main
region 3530.
[0274] Although FIG. 35 does not illustrate classification of the
contents according to source devices, re-arrangement of the
contents according to plural source devices is within the spirit
and scope of the invention. Further, a remote controller 3540 and
an indicator 3550 may be interpreted with reference to the above
description.
[0275] FIGS. 36(a) and 36(b) are views illustrating a first mode to
enter the enhanced EPG in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 36(a) and
36(b), the first mode to enter the enhanced EPG main screen shown
in FIG. 25 will be described, as follows.
[0276] As shown in FIG. 36(a), a display apparatus 3600 in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention displays
random content 3610. The random content 3610 may be, for example, a
broadcast program transmitted from a broadcast station or content
transmitted through an Internet network.
[0277] Here, when an indicator 3630 is located in a region
displaying the content 3610 using a hot key 3621 of a remote
controller 3620, the above-described main screen of FIG. 25 is
displayed, as shown in FIG. 36(b). Therefore, options shown in FIG.
36(h) relate to the content shown in FIG. 36(a) (for example,
episode number 3 of `Clean garden`).
[0278] FIGS. 37(a) and 37(b) are views illustrating a second mode
to enter the enhanced EPG in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 37(a) and
37(b), the second mode to enter the enhanced EPG main screen shown
in FIG. 25 will be described, as follows.
[0279] As shown in FIG. 37(a), a display apparatus 3700 in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention displays an
EPG 3710 of broadcast programs transmitted from a broadcast
station. Such an EPG 3710 displays the broadcast programs, for
example, under the condition that the broadcast programs of each
channel are divided in order of time.
[0280] Here, when an indicator 3730 is located in the region of a
specific broadcast program using a remote controller 3720, the
above-described main screen of FIG. 25 is displayed, as shown in
FIG. 37(b). Therefore, options shown in FIG. 37(b) relate to the
specific broadcast program shown in FIG. 37(a) (for example,
episode number 3 of `Clean garden`).
[0281] FIGS. 38(a) and 38(b) are views illustrating a third mode to
enter the enhanced EPG in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 38(a) and
38(b), the third mode to enter the enhanced EPG main screen shown
in FIG. 25 will be described, as follows.
[0282] As shown in FIG. 38(a), a display apparatus 3800 in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention displays
representative thumbnail image data 3810 of broadcast programs
currently transmitted through respective channels. Such thumbnail
image data 3810 may be referred to as a channel browsing screen or
a channel browser. While FIGS. 37(a) and 37(b) illustrate previous,
current and next broadcast programs, FIGS. 38(a) and 38(b)
illustrate only current broadcast programs.
[0283] Here, when an indicator 3830 is located in a specific
channel region in which a specific broadcast program is broadcasted
using a remote controller 3820, the above-described main screen of
FIG. 25 is displayed, as shown in FIG. 38(b). Therefore, options
shown in FIG. 38(b) relate to the broadcast program transmitted
through the specific channel, i.e., a channel 11, shown in FIG.
38(a).
[0284] FIGS. 39(a) and 39(b) are views illustrating a fourth mode
to enter the enhanced EPG in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 39(a) and
39(b), the fourth mode to enter the enhanced EPG main screen shown
in FIG. 25 will be described, as follows.
[0285] As shown in FIG. 39(a), a display apparatus 3900 in
accordance with the embodiment of the present outputs a general
broadcast screen 3910. However, differing from FIG. 36(a), the
display apparatus 3900 shown in FIG. 39(a) simultaneously displays
a window 3940 to input a keyword.
[0286] The conventional display apparatus is designed to output
only a Web search result, when a keyword is input. However, in the
case of the display apparatus 3900 in accordance with the
embodiment of the present invention, when a title of specific
content is input to the window 3940 by a user, the above-described
main screen of FIG. 25, as shown in FIG. 39(b). At this time, a
remote controller 3920 and an indicator 3930 are used.
[0287] Therefore, options shown in FIG. 39(b) relate to a broadcast
program corresponding to the specific keyword input to the window
3940 shown in FIG. 39(a). While FIG. 36(a) illustrates the enhanced
EPG regarding the current displayed broadcast program, FIG. 39(a)
illustrates the enhanced EPG based on the keyword input by the user
regardless of the current broadcast program.
[0288] FIG. 40 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling
a TV processing the enhanced EPG in accordance with the embodiment
of the present invention. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 40,
the method of controlling the TV processing the enhanced EPG in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention will be
described, as follows. FIG. 40 exemplarily illustrates one
embodiment, and this will be understood that the spirit and scope
of the present invention should be defined by the scope of the
appended claims and their equivalents.
[0289] The display apparatus (for example, a TV) of the present
invention executes the enhanced EPG in accordance with the
embodiment (Operation S4010). Operation S4010 is executed based on
one of the above-described modes of FIGS. 36(a) and 36(b) to FIGS.
39(a) and 39(b).
[0290] Further, the display apparatus selects one of the three
options shown in FIG. 25 (Operation S4020).
[0291] When the first option 2520 shown in FIG. 25 to select
another episode is selected, the display apparatus collects
contents having metadata of the same title (Operation S4050).
Further, the display apparatus displays a graphic to list the
contents according to respective episodes or respective source
devices (Operation S4051). This is described above with reference
to FIGS. 27 and 28.
[0292] When a specific episode is selected (Operation S4052), the
display apparatus judges whether or not plural contents having the
same episode number are present (Operation S4053). Upon judging
that plural source devices providing the same content are present
(yes in S4054), the display apparatus displays a graphic to list
the source devices in order of priority (Operation S4054). Such
Operation S4054 may be understood with reference to FIGS. 29 to 31.
Therefore, the display apparatus outputs the specific episode
transmittable from a specific source device on a screen (Operation
S4055).
[0293] When the second option 2530 shown in FIG. 25 to select
another season is selected, the display apparatus parses series
code information (Operation S4040). When a specific series (for
example, season 1 of drama A, season 2 of drama B or season 3 of
drama C) is selected (Operation S4041), the display apparatus
collects contents belonging to the same series (Operation S4042).
Then, the display apparatus displays a graphic to classify episodes
collected from the respective source devices according to scason
(Operation S4043). The above Operation S4040 to Operation 4043 may
be understood with reference to FIGS. 32 and 33.
[0294] When the third option 2540 shown in FIG. 25 to select a
specific actor is selected, the display apparatus parses metadata
relating to actors (for example, actor names) (Operation S4030).
When a specific actor is selected by a user (Operation S4031), the
display apparatus collects contents having the same metadata as
metadata corresponding to the selected specific actor (Operation
S4032). Here, re-arrangement of the collected contents according to
respective source devices is within the spirit and scope of the
invention. The above Operation S4030 to Operation 4043 may be
understood with reference to FIGS. 34 and 35.
[0295] With reference to FIGS. 23 to 40 collectively, the method of
controlling the display apparatus connected to the plural source
devices will be described, as follows.
[0296] A display apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention receives first metadata (for example, title
information) corresponding to each of contents respectively
provided by the plural source devices. Further, the contents
include, for example, second metadata (for example, information
indicating an image quality level of each of the contents and
information indicating whether or not each of the contents includes
an advertisement).
[0297] The display apparatus outputs AV data of first content
transmitted through a network, and collets a first group having the
same metadata as metadata of the first content using the received
first metadata.
[0298] The display apparatus controls generation of an enhanced EPG
in which the contents of the collected first group are arranged in
predetermined order, and display of the generated enhanced EPG.
[0299] The above-described enhanced EPG additionally displays an
indicator to receive OST information relating to a specific event.
Here, the display apparatus is designed to access a CP or a Web
site providing the OST information, when the indicator is
selected.
[0300] If the contents belonging to the first group in the enhanced
EPG are arranged in order of episode number, a display apparatus in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention
displays thumbnail images of the contents belonging to the first
group in a first region and displays indicators indicating kinds of
source devices providing the respective contents in a second
region. This will be understood by those skilled in the art with
reference to FIG. 28.
[0301] If plural contents corresponding to a specific episode
number are present, a display apparatus in accordance with another
embodiment of the present invention calculates priorities of the
respective contents corresponding to the specific episode number
and differentially displays thumbnail images of the respective
contents according to the calculated priorities. This will be
understood by those skilled in the art with reference to FIGS. 29
to 31.
[0302] Further, a display apparatus in accordance with another
embodiment of the present invention collects a second group having
the same metadata as metadata indicating actors relating to the
first content, and generates an enhanced EPG including a thumbnail
image corresponding to at least one content belonging to the
collected second group. This will be understood by those skilled in
the art with reference to FIGS. 34 and 35.
[0303] Further, a display apparatus in accordance with yet another
embodiment of the present invention, if the first content has
metadata corresponding to a series code, collects a third group
belonging to a season differing from the season of the first
content, and generates an enhanced EPG including a thumbnail image
corresponding to at least one content belonging to the collected
third group. This will be understood by those skilled in the art
with reference to FIGS. 32 and 33.
[0304] In summary, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention, metadata corresponding to first metadata (for example,
title, genre and actor information) of specific content is firstly
collected. Further, metadata corresponding to second metadata (for
example, random metadata other than the set first metadata) is
secondarily filtered from among the firstly collected metadata, and
this is within the spirit and scope of the invention. According to
other embodiment of the present invention, the first metadata can
be same as the second metadata, or different from the second
metadata. The enhanced EPG or enhanced program guide described in
specification may be named as a program guide.
[0305] According to other embodiment of the present invention, when
a user is a premium member of the first source, the predetermined
order includes arranging a position of graphic data indicating
first content corresponding to the first metadata from the first
source first in the displayed program guide. Moreover, when the
first metadata includes a price associated with viewing the
content, the predetermined order includes arranging a position of
the graphic data indicating the contents corresponding to at least
one of the first and second metadata in order of the price.
[0306] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
the predetermined order includes arranging a position of the
graphic data indicating the contents corresponding to at least one
of the first and second metadata that is scheduled to be displayed
first. Moreover, the predetermined order includes arranging a
position of the graphic data indicating the contents corresponding
to at least one of the first and second metadata that corresponds
to recommendation information from via a social network service.
For example, the recommendation information includes a number of
recommendations included in the social network service.
[0307] According to yet another embodiment of the present
invention, the method comprises a step of displaying a messaging
window for communicating on the social network service, and a step
of scanning the messaging window for data included in at least one
of the first and second metadata. Furthermore, the predetermined
order includes arranging a position of the graphic data indicating
the contents corresponding to at least one of the first and second
metadata first that is included in the scanned instant messaging
window.
[0308] According to still another embodiment of the present
invention, at least one of the first and second metadata includes
at least one of 1) advertisement information indicating whether or
not first or second contents includes advertisements and 2) quality
information indicating a quality of the first or second contents.
Furthermore, the predetermined order includes arranging a position
of the graphic data indicating the contents corresponding to at
least one of the first and second metadata in order of episode
number. Moreover, the first metadata further includes thumbnail
image representing the contents to be displayed on the display
apparatus, and the program guide includes the thumbnail image.
[0309] Thus, another user using the social network service such as
FACEBOOK can tell user to watch the program CSI and give a
time/channel/first or second sources. This information can then be
used when generating the program guide.
[0310] Finally, the term "network" used herein corresponds to, for
example, a broadcast network or an IP network. Therefore, the
above-described network interface module is designed to receive at
least one of data transmitted through the broadcast network and
data transmitted through the IP network.
[0311] The display apparatus corresponds to, for example, a network
TV, a smart TV, a hybrid broadcast broadband television (HBBTV), an
Internet TV, a Web TV, an Internet protocol television (IPTV), and
the network device corresponds to, for example, a set top box
(STB).
[0312] Although the respective drawings have been divisionally
illustrated for convenience of illustration, the embodiments
described in the respective drawings may be combined to implement
new embodiments. Further, design of a recording medium readable by
a computer, in which a program to execute the above-described
embodiments is recorded, as needed by those skilled in the art is
within the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0313] The configurations and methods of the above-described
embodiments are not limitedly applied to the display apparatus and
the operating method thereof in accordance with the present
invention, and some or all of the respective embodiments may be
selectively combined so as to achieve various modifications of the
embodiments.
[0314] Further, the operating method of the display apparatus in
accordance with the present invention may be implemented as a code
readable by a processor of the display apparatus in a recording
medium readable by the processor. Recording media readable by the
processor may include all kinds of recording devices in which data
readable by the processor can be stored. The recording media
readable by the processor may include a ROM, a RAM, a CD-ROM, a
magnetic tape, a floppy disc and an optical data storage device, or
may be implemented in a carrier wave form, such as transmission
through Internet. Further, the recording media readable by the
processor may be distributed to computer systems connected by a
network, and a code readable by the processor in a distributed
manner may be stored and executed in the recording media.
[0315] As is apparent from the above description, one embodiment of
the present invention newly defines a data transmission protocol to
generate an enhanced EPG.
[0316] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a
solution to automatically classify episodes according to plural
source devices.
[0317] Yet another embodiment of the present invention designs a
user interface enabling a user to easily select a specific episode
of specific content preferred by the user.
[0318] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the present invention
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus,
it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications
and variations of this invention provided they come within the
scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
[0319] Further, although both the product-invention and the
process-invention are described herein, description thereof may be
complementarily applied to each other.
* * * * *