U.S. patent application number 15/260766 was filed with the patent office on 2017-08-17 for display device and operating method thereof.
The applicant listed for this patent is LG ELECTRONICS INC.. Invention is credited to Seunghun LEE, Hyojung OH.
Application Number | 20170237931 15/260766 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59562353 |
Filed Date | 2017-08-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170237931 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LEE; Seunghun ; et
al. |
August 17, 2017 |
DISPLAY DEVICE AND OPERATING METHOD THEREOF
Abstract
A display device includes: a display unit configured to display
an image of media content; an external device interface unit
configured to receive an image signal outputted from an external
device connected to the display device; and a control unit
configured to control the display unit and the external device
interface unit. The control unit displays a plurality of external
input items, receives an instruction for positioning a pointer to
one item among the plurality of external input items, displays a
plurality of external input switching options on an external input
item where the pointer is disposed according to the received
instruction, and performs a function corresponding to a selected
external input switching option among the plurality of external
input switching options based on the image signal outputted from
the external device.
Inventors: |
LEE; Seunghun; (Seoul,
KR) ; OH; Hyojung; (Seoul, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LG ELECTRONICS INC. |
Seoul |
|
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
59562353 |
Appl. No.: |
15/260766 |
Filed: |
September 9, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
348/565 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/47 20130101;
G06F 3/147 20130101; H04N 21/4316 20130101; H04N 2005/4428
20130101; H04N 5/45 20130101; G09G 5/14 20130101; H04N 5/4403
20130101; H04N 21/43622 20130101; H04N 21/431 20130101; G06F 3/1423
20130101; H04N 5/44591 20130101; H04N 21/42222 20130101; H04N
21/42204 20130101; G06F 3/0346 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04N 5/45 20060101
H04N005/45; H04N 5/44 20060101 H04N005/44; G06F 3/0346 20060101
G06F003/0346 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 15, 2016 |
KR |
10-2016-0017443 |
Claims
1. A display device comprising: a display configured to display an
image of media content; an external device interface configured to
receive an image signal from an external device; and a controller
configured to control the display, wherein the controller is
configured to: display a plurality of external input items on the
display, receive an instruction for providing a pointer on the
display at a first external input item of the displayed plurality
of external input items, display a plurality of external input
switching options at the first external input item, and perform a
function corresponding to a selected external input switching
option based on the image signal received from the external device,
wherein the plurality of external input switching options include a
screen arrangement option for identifying a specific area of the
display in which to display an image received from an external
device corresponding to the first external input item.
2. (canceled)
3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein when the screen
arrangement option is selected, the controller controls the display
to display, on first and second split screens, the image of the
media content and the image received from the external device.
4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the controller
controls the display to display a close option and a size up
option, the close option for terminating viewing of an image, and
the size up option for displaying the image of the media content
and displaying another image in a Picture In Picture (PIP)
form.
5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality
of external input switching options include: a first mirroring
switching option for displaying, on the display, an image from the
external device; and a second mirroring switching option for
transmitting the image of the media content to the external
device.
6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality
of external input switching options include: an application
execution screen switching option for displaying, on the display,
an execution screen of an application received from the external
device; and an audio switching option for transmitting audio of the
media content to the external device.
7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality
of external input switching options are different according to a
type of the external device connected to the display device.
8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein when two or
more external input items are selected from the plurality of
external input items, the controller controls the display to
display, on first and second split screens, images from external
devices corresponding to the selected external input items.
9-15. (canceled)
16. A display device comprising: a display; an interface configured
to receive an image from an external device; and a controller to
control the display, wherein the controller is configured to:
display a plurality of selectable items on the display, display
information relating to a plurality of external input switching
options at a first item of the plurality of selectable items, and
perform a function corresponding to a selected external input
switching option based on the image received from the external
device wherein the plurality of external input switching options
include: a first mirroring switching option for displaying an image
from the external device; and a second mirroring switching option
for transmitting the image to the external device.
17. The display device according to claim 16, wherein in response
to selecting a screen arrangement option, the controller to control
the display to identify a specific area of the display in which to
display an image received from the external device.
18. The display device according to claim 17, wherein the
controller controls the display to simultaneously display, on first
and second split screens, the image of media content and the image
received from the external device.
19. The display device according to claim 18, wherein the
controller controls the display to display a close option and a
size up option, the close option for terminating viewing of an
image, and the size up option for displaying an image and
displaying a remaining image in a Picture In Picture (PIP)
form.
20. (canceled)
21. A display device comprising: a display configured to display an
image of media content; an external device interface configured to
receive an image signal from an external device; and a controller
configured to control the display, wherein the controller is
configured to: display a plurality of external input items on the
display, receive an instruction for providing a pointer on the
display at a first external input item of the displayed plurality
of external input items, display a plurality of external input
switching options at the first external input item, and perform a
function corresponding to a selected external input switching
option based on the image signal received from the external device,
wherein when two external input items are selected from the
plurality of external input items, the controller is configured to
display, on first and second split screens, images from external
devices corresponding to the selected two external input items.
22. The display device according to claim 21, wherein the plurality
of external input switching options include a screen arrangement
option for identifying a specific area of the screen in which to
display an image from an external device corresponding to the
external input item.
23. The display device according to claim 22, wherein when the
screen arrangement option is selected, the controller controls the
display to display, on first and second split screens, the image of
the media content and the image received from the external
device.
24. The display device according to claim 23, wherein the
controller controls the display to display a close option and a
size up option, the close option for terminating viewing of an
image, and the size up option for displaying the image of the media
content and displaying another image in a Picture In Picture (PIP)
form.
25. The display device according to claim 21, wherein the plurality
of external input switching options include: a first mirroring
switching option for displaying, on the display, an image from the
external device; and a second mirroring switching option for
transmitting the image of the media content to the external
device.
26. The display device according to claim 21, wherein the plurality
of external input switching options include: an application
execution screen switching option for displaying, on the display,
an execution screen of an application received from the external
device; and an audio switching option for transmitting audio of the
media content to the external device.
27. The display device according to claim 21, wherein the plurality
of external input switching options are different according to a
type of the external device connected to the display device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119
and 35 U.S.C. 365 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2016-0017443,
filed Feb. 15, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference in
its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] The present disclosure relates to a display device and an
operating method thereof.
[0004] 2. Background
[0005] Digital TV services using wired or wireless communication
networks are becoming common. The digital TV services can provide
various services that conventional analog broadcasting services
cannot provide.
[0006] For example, Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) and smart
TV services, that is, types of digital TV services, provide
interactivity that allows users to actively select the types,
watching times, and so on of watching programs. The IPTV and smart
TV services can provide various additional services, for example,
internet search, home shopping, and online game, based on such
interactivity.
[0007] Additionally, recently, an image on an external device
connected to a display device can be viewed through the large
screen of the display device by using an external input menu.
[0008] However, if an external input item is selected from an
external input menu, a typical display device is limited to a
function for switching to an image of an external input
corresponding to the selected external input item. Accordingly,
there are limitations in that a user utilizes an external input
image actively and variously.
[0009] The above references are incorporated by reference herein
where appropriate for appropriate teachings of additional or
alternative details, features and/or technical background.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The embodiments will be described in detail with reference
to the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to
like elements and wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a
display device according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a remote control
device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a view illustrating an actual configuration of a
remote control device according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a view of utilizing a remote control device
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of a
display device according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0016] FIGS. 6A and 6B are views illustrating an example for
displaying an external input menu during the playback of media
content according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIGS. 7A to 7D are views illustrating an example for
utilizing an external input switching option relating to an
arrangement of an image provided from an external device according
to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIGS. 8A to 8C are views illustrating an example for
changing the disposition of each image in a multi view environment
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIGS. 9A to 9C are views illustrating an example for
utilizing an external input switching option relating to the
transmission of an image provided from an external device according
to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIGS. 10A to 10D are views illustrating an example for
utilizing an external input switching option relating to the
transmission of an image or audio provided from an external device
according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0021] FIGS. 11A to 11E are views illustrating various examples for
displaying an image provided from an external device if at least
one input item is selected from a plurality of external input items
included in an external input menu according to an embodiment of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments relating to the present invention
will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings. The suffixes "module" and "unit" for components used in
the description below are assigned or mixed in consideration of
easiness in writing the specification and do not have distinctive
meanings or roles by themselves.
[0023] A display device according to an embodiment of the present
invention, for example, as an artificial display device that adds a
computer supporting function to a broadcast receiving function, can
have an easy-to-use interface such as a writing input device, a
touch screen, or a spatial remote controller as an internet
function is added while fulfilling the broadcast receiving
function. Then, with the support of a wired or wireless internet
function, it is possible to perform an e-mail, web browsing,
banking, or game function in access to internet and computers. In
order for such various functions, standardized general purpose OS
can be used.
[0024] Accordingly, since various applications are freely added or
deleted on a general purpose OS kernel, a display device described
in this present invention, for example, can perform various
user-friendly functions. The display device, in more detail, can be
network TV, HBBTV, smart TV, LED TV, OLED TV, and so on and in some
cases, can be applied to a smartphone.
[0025] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a
display device according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, a display device 100 can include a
broadcast reception unit 130, an external device interface unit
135, a storage unit 140, a user input interface unit 150, a control
unit 170, a wireless communication unit 173, a display unit 180, an
audio output unit 185, and a power supply unit 590.
[0027] The broadcast reception unit 130 can include a tuner 131, a
demodulation unit 132, and a network interface unit 133.
[0028] The tuner 131 can select a specific broadcast channel
according to a channel selection command. The tuner 131 can receive
broadcast signals for the selected specific broadcast channel.
[0029] The demodulation unit 132 can divide the received broadcast
signals into video signals, audio signals, and broadcast program
related data signals and restore the divided video signals, audio
signals, and data signals to an output available form.
[0030] The external device interface unit 135 can receive an
application or an application list in an adjacent external device
and deliver it to the control unit 170 or the storage unit 140.
[0031] The external device interface 135 can provide a connection
path between the display device 100 and an external device. The
external device interface 135 can receive at least one of image and
audio outputted from an external device that is wirelessly or
wiredly connected to the display device 100 and deliver it to the
control unit. The external device interface unit 135 can include a
plurality of external input terminals. The plurality of external
input terminals can include an RGB terminal, at least one High
Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) terminal, and a component
terminal.
[0032] An image signal of an external device inputted through the
external device interface unit 135 can be outputted through the
display unit 180. A sound signal of an external device inputted
through the external device interface unit 135 can be outputted
through the audio output unit 185.
[0033] An external device connectable to the external device
interface unit 130 can be one of a set-top box, a Blu-ray player, a
DVD player, a game console, a sound bar, a smartphone, a PC, a USB
Memory, and a home theater system but this is just exemplary.
[0034] The network interface unit 133 can provide an interface for
connecting the display device 100 to a wired/wireless network
including internet network. The network interface unit 133 can
transmit or receive data to or from another user or another
electronic device through an accessed network or another network
linked to the accessed network.
[0035] Additionally, some content data stored in the display device
100 can be transmitted to a user or an electronic device, which is
selected from other users or other electronic devices
pre-registered in the display device 100.
[0036] The network interface unit 133 can access a predetermined
webpage through an accessed network or another network linked to
the accessed network. That is, it can transmit or receive data to
or from a corresponding server by accessing a predetermined webpage
through network.
[0037] Then, the network interface unit 133 can receive contents or
data provided from a content provider or a network operator. That
is, the network interface unit 133 can receive contents such as
movies, advertisements, games, VODs, and broadcast signals, which
are provided from a content provider or a network provider, through
network and information relating thereto.
[0038] Additionally, the network interface unit 133 can receive
firmware update information and update files provided from a
network operator and transmit data to an internet or content
provider or a network operator.
[0039] The network interface unit 133 can select and receive a
desired application among applications open to the air, through
network.
[0040] The storage unit 140 can store signal-processed image,
voice, or data signals stored by a program in order for each signal
processing and control in the control unit 170.
[0041] Additionally, the storage unit 140 can perform a function
for temporarily store image, voice, or data signals outputted from
the external device interface unit 135 or the network interface
unit 133 and can store information on a predetermined image through
a channel memory function.
[0042] The storage unit 140 can store an application or an
application list inputted from the external device interface unit
135 or the network interface unit 133.
[0043] The display device 100 can play content files (for example,
video files, still image files, music files, document files,
application files, and so on) stored in the storage unit 140 and
provide them to a user.
[0044] The user input interface unit 150 can deliver signals
inputted from a user to the control unit 170 or deliver signals
from the control unit 170 to a user. For example, the user input
interface unit 150 can receive or process control signals such as
power on/off, channel selection, and screen setting from the remote
control device 200 or transmit control signals from the control
unit 170 to the remote control device 200 according to various
communication methods such as Bluetooth, Ultra Wideband (WB),
ZigBee, Radio Frequency (RF), and IR.
[0045] Additionally, the user input interface unit 150 can deliver,
to the control unit 170, control signals inputted from local keys
(not shown) such as a power key, a channel key, a volume key, and a
setting key.
[0046] Image signals that are image-processed in the control unit
170 can be inputted to the display unit 180 and displayed as an
image corresponding to corresponding image signals. Additionally,
image signals that are image-processed in the control unit 170 can
be inputted to an external output device through the external
device interface unit 135.
[0047] Voice signals processed in the control unit 170 can be
outputted to the audio output unit 185. Additionally, voice signals
processed in the control unit 170 can be inputted to an external
output device through the external device interface unit 135.
[0048] Besides that, the control module 170 can control overall
operations in the display device 100.
[0049] Additionally, the control unit 170 can control the display
device 100 by a user command or internal program inputted through
the user input interface unit 150 and download a desired
application or application list into the display device 100 in
access to network.
[0050] The control unit 170 can output channel information selected
by a user together with processed image or voice signals through
the display unit 180 or the audio output unit 185.
[0051] Additionally, according to an external device image playback
command received through the user input interface unit 150, the
control unit 170 can output image signals or voice signals of an
external device such as a camera or a camcorder, which are inputted
through the external device interface unit 135, through the display
unit 180 or the audio output unit 185.
[0052] Moreover, the control unit 170 can control the display unit
180 to display images and control broadcast images inputted through
the tuner 131, external input images inputted through the external
device interface unit 135, images inputted through the network
interface unit, or images stored in the storage unit 140 to be
displayed on the display unit 180. In this case, an image displayed
on the display unit 180 can be a still image or video and also can
be a 2D image or a 3D image.
[0053] Additionally, the control unit 170 can play content stored
in the display device 100, received broadcast content, and external
input content inputted from the outside, and the content can be in
various formats such as broadcast images, external input images,
audio files, still images, accessed web screens, and document
files.
[0054] Moreover, the wireless communication unit 173 can perform a
wired or wireless communication with an external electronic device.
The wireless communication unit 173 can perform short-range
communication with an external device. For this, the wireless
communication unit 173 can support short-range communication by
using at least one of Bluetooth.TM., Radio Frequency Identification
(RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB),
ZigBee, Near Field Communication (NFC), Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi),
Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless Universal Serial Bus (USB) technologies.
The wireless communication unit 173 can support wireless
communication between the display device 100 and a wireless
communication system, between the display device 100 and another
display device 100, or between networks including the display
device 100 and another display device 100 (or an external server)
through wireless area networks. The wireless area networks can be
wireless personal area networks.
[0055] Herein, the other display device 100 can be a mobile
terminal such as a wearable device (for example, a smart watch, a
smart glass, and a head mounted display (HMD)) or a smartphone,
which is capable of exchanging data (or inter-working) with the
display device 100. The wireless communication unit 173 can detect
(or recognize) a communicable wearable device around the display
device 100. Furthermore, if the detected wearable device is a
device authenticated to communicate with the display device 100,
the control unit 170 can transmit at least part of data processed
in the display device 100 to the wearable device through the
wireless communication unit 173. Accordingly, a user of the
wearable device can use the data processed in the display device
100 through the wearable device.
[0056] The display unit 180 can convert image signals, data
signals, or OSD signals, which are processed in the control unit
170, or images signals or data signals, which are received in the
external device interface unit 135, into R, G, and B signals to
generate driving signals.
[0057] Furthermore, the display device 100 shown in FIG. 1 is just
one embodiment of the present invention and thus, some of the
components shown can be integrated, added, or omitted according to
the specification of the actually implemented display device
100.
[0058] That is, if necessary, two or more components can be
integrated into one component or one component can be divided into
two or more components and configured. Additionally, a function
performed by each block is to describe an embodiment of the present
invention and its specific operation or device does not limit the
scope of the present invention.
[0059] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
unlike FIG. 1, the display device 100 can receive images through
the network interface unit 133 or the external device interface
unit 135 and play them without including the tuner 131 and the
demodulation unit 132.
[0060] For example, the display device 100 can be divided into an
image processing device such as a set-top box for receiving
broadcast signals or contents according to various network services
and a content playback device for playing contents inputted from
the image processing device.
[0061] In this case, an operating method of a display device
according to an embodiment of the present invention described below
can be performed by one of the display device described with
reference to FIG. 1, an image processing device such as the
separated set-top box, and a content playback device including the
display unit 180 and the audio output unit 185.
[0062] Then, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a remote control device is
described according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0063] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a remote control
device according to an embodiment of the present invention and FIG.
3 is a view illustrating an actual configuration of a remote
control device according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0064] First, referring to FIG. 2, a remote control device 200 can
include a fingerprint recognition unit 210, a wireless
communication unit 220, a user input unit 230, a sensor unit 240,
an output unit 250, a power supply unit 260, a storage unit 270, a
control unit 280, and a voice acquisition unit 290.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 2, the wireless communication unit 225
transmits/receives signals to/from an arbitrary any one of display
devices according to the above-mentioned embodiments of the present
invention.
[0066] The remote control device 200 can include an RF module 221
for transmitting/receiving signals to/from the display device 100
according to the RF communication standards and an IR module 223
for transmitting/receiving signals to/from the display device 100
according to the IR communication standards. Additionally, the
remote control device 200 can include a Bluetooth module 225 for
transmitting/receiving signals to/from the display device 100
according to the Bluetooth communication standards. Additionally,
the remote control device 200 can include an NFC module 227 for
transmitting/receiving signals to/from the display device 100
according to the Near Field Communication (NFC) communication
standards and a WLAN module 229 for transmitting/receiving signals
to/from the display device 100 according to the Wireless LAN (WLAN)
communication standards
[0067] Additionally, the remote control device 200 can transmit
signals containing information on a movement of the remote control
device 200 to the display device 100 through the wireless
communication unit 220.
[0068] Moreover, the remote control device 200 can receive signals
transmitted from the display device 100 through the RF module 221
and if necessary, can transmit a command on power on/off, channel
change, and volume change to the display device 100 through the IR
module 223.
[0069] The user input unit 230 can be configured with a keypad
button, a touch pad, or a touch screen. A user can manipulate the
user input unit 230 to input a command relating to the display
device 100 to the remote control device 200. If the user input unit
230 includes a hard key button, a user can input a command relating
to the display device 100 to the remote control device 200 through
the push operation of the hard key button. This will be described
with reference to FIG. 3.
[0070] Referring to FIG. 3, the remote control device 200 can
include a plurality of buttons. The plurality of buttons can
include a fingerprint recognition button 212, a power button 231, a
home button 232, a live button 233, an external input button 234, a
voice adjustment button 235, a voice recognition button 236, a
channel change button 237, a check button 238, and a back button
239.
[0071] The fingerprint recognition button 212 can be a button for
recognizing a user's fingerprint. According to an embodiment of the
present invention, the fingerprint recognition button 212 can
perform a push operation and receive a push operation and a
fingerprint recognition operation. The power button 231 can be
button for turning on/off the power of the display device 100. The
power button 232 can be button for moving to the home screen of the
display device 100. The live button 233 can be a button for
displaying live broadcast programs. The external input button 234
can be button for receiving an external input connected to the
display device 100. The voice adjustment button 235 can be button
for adjusting the size of a volume outputted from the display
device 100. The voice recognition button 236 can be a button for
receiving user's voice and recognizing the received voice. The
channel change button 237 can be a button for receiving broadcast
signals of a specific broadcast channel. The check button 238 can
be a button for selecting a specific function and the back button
239 can be a button for returning to a previous screen.
[0072] Again, FIG. 2 is described.
[0073] If the user input unit 230 includes a touch screen, a user
can touch a soft key of the touch screen to input a command
relating to the display device 100 to the remote control device
200. Additionally, the user input unit 230 can include various
kinds of input means manipulated by a user, for example, a scroll
key and a jog key, and this embodiment does not limit the scope of
the present invention.
[0074] The sensor unit 240 can include a gyro sensor 241 or an
acceleration sensor 243 and the gyro sensor 241 can sense
information on a movement of the remote control device 200.
[0075] For example, the gyro sensor 241 can sense information on an
operation of the remote control device 200 based on x, y, and z
axes and the acceleration sensor 243 can sense information on a
movement speed of the remote control device 200. Moreover, the
remote control device 200 can further include a distance
measurement sensor and sense a distance with respect to the display
unit 180 of the display device 100.
[0076] The output unit 250 can output image or voice signals
corresponding to a manipulation of the user input unit 235 or
corresponding to signals transmitted from the display device 100. A
user can recognize whether the user input unit 235 is manipulated
or the display device 100 is controlled through the output unit
250.
[0077] For example, the output unit 250 can include an LED module
251 for flashing, a vibration module 253 for generating vibration,
a sound output module 255 for outputting sound, or a display module
257 for outputting an image, if the user input unit 235 is
manipulated or signals are transmitted/received to/from the display
device 100 through the wireless communication unit 225.
[0078] Additionally, the power supply unit 260 supplies power to
the remote control device 200 and if the remote control device 200
does not move for a predetermined time, stops the power supply, so
that power waste can be reduced. The power supply unit 260 can
resume the power supply if a predetermined key provided at the
remote control device 200 is manipulated.
[0079] The storage unit 270 can store various kinds of programs and
application data necessary for a control or operation of the remote
control device 200. If the remote control device 200
transmits/receives signals wirelessly through the display device
100 and the RF module 221, the remote control device 200 and the
display device 100 transmits/receives signals through a
predetermined frequency band.
[0080] The control unit 280 of the remote control device 200 can
store, in the storage unit 270, information on a frequency band for
transmitting/receiving signals to/from the display device 100
paired with the remote control device 200 and refer to it.
[0081] The control unit 280 controls general matters relating to a
control of the remote control device 200. The control unit 280 can
transmit a signal corresponding to a predetermined key manipulation
of the user input unit 235 or a signal corresponding to a movement
of the remote control device 200 sensed by the sensor unit 240 to
the display device 100 through the wireless communication unit
225.
[0082] Additionally, the voice acquisition unit 290 of the remote
control device 200 can obtain voice.
[0083] The voice acquisition unit 290 can include at least one
microphone 291 and obtain voice through the microphone 291.
[0084] Then, FIG. 4 is described.
[0085] FIG. 4 is a view of utilizing a remote control device
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0086] FIG. 4A illustrates that a pointer 205 corresponding to the
remote control device 200 is displayed on the display unit 180.
[0087] A user can move or rotate the remote control device 200
vertically or horizontally. The pointer 205 displayed on the
display unit 180 of the display device 100 corresponds to a
movement of the remote control device 200. Since the corresponding
pointer 205 is moved and displayed according to a movement on a 3D
space as show in the drawing, the remote control device 200 can be
referred to as a spatial remote controller.
[0088] FIG. 4B illustrates that if a user moves the remote control
device 200, the pointer 205 displayed on the display unit 180 of
the display device 100 is moved to the left in correspondence
thereto.
[0089] Information on a movement of the remote control device 200
detected through a sensor of the remote control device 200 is
transmitted to the display device 100. The display device 100 can
calculate the coordinates of the pointer 205 from the information
on the movement of the remote control device 200. The display
device 100 can display the pointer 205 to match the calculated
coordinates.
[0090] FIG. 4C illustrates that while a specific button in the
remote control device 200 is pressed, a user moves the remote
control device 200 away from the display unit 180. Thus, a
selection area in the display unit 180 corresponding to the pointer
205 can be zoomed in and displayed largely.
[0091] On the other hand, if a user moves the remote control device
200 close to the display unit 180, a selection area in the display
unit 180 corresponding to the pointer 205 can be zoomed out and
displayed reduced.
[0092] On the other hand, if the remote control device 200 is away
from the display unit 180, a selection area can be zoomed out and
if the remote control device 200 is close to the display unit 180,
a selection area can be zoomed in.
[0093] Additionally, if a specific button in the remote control
device 200 is pressed, the recognition of a vertical or horizontal
movement can be excluded. That is, if the remote control device 200
is moved away from or close to the display unit 180, the up, down,
left, or right movement cannot be recognized and only the back and
forth movement can be recognized. While a specific button in the
remote control device 200 is not pressed, only the pointer 205 is
moved according to the up, down, left or right movement of the
remote control device 200.
[0094] Moreover, the moving speed or moving direction of the
pointer 205 can correspond to the moving speed or moving direction
of the remote control device 200.
[0095] Furthermore, a pointer in this specification means an object
displayed on the display unit 180 in correspondence to an operation
of the remote control device 200. Accordingly, besides an arrow
form displayed as the pointer 205 in the drawing, various forms of
objects are possible. For example, the above concept includes a
point, a cursor, a prompt, and a thick outline. Then, the pointer
205 can be displayed in correspondence to one point of a horizontal
axis and a vertical axis on the display unit 180 and also can be
displayed in correspondence to a plurality of points such as a line
and a surface.
[0096] Then, an operating method of a system according to an
embodiment of the present invention will be described with
reference to FIG. 5.
[0097] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of a
display device according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0098] Referring to FIG. 5, the control unit 170 of the display
device 100 plays an image of media content through the display unit
180 in operation S501. According to an embodiment, the media
content can be a broadcast program included in broadcast signals
received through the tuner 131.
[0099] According another embodiment, the media content can be a
picture or an image received from an external device such as a
set-top box connected to the display device 100.
[0100] Hereinafter, it is assumed and described that the display
device 100 plays an image 500 of media content but the present
invention is not limited thereto. That is, the display device 100
can perform operations described later in a state of displaying a
home screen or a standby screen.
[0101] The control unit 170 of the display device 100 receives an
instruction for displaying an external input menu in operation S503
and displays an external input menu including a plurality of
external input items according to the received instruction in
operation S505. According to an embodiment, the control unit 170
can receive an instruction for displaying an external input menu
from the remote control device 200. A user can call an external
input menu by pressing a button (not shown) equipped at the remote
control device 200.
[0102] Operations S501 and S505 will be described with reference to
FIGS. 6A and 6B.
[0103] FIGS. 6A and 6B are views illustrating an example for
displaying an external input menu during the playback of media
content according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0104] Referring to FIG. 6A, the control unit 170 of the display
device 100 can display an image 500 of media content through the
display unit 180. While displaying the image 500 of the media
content, the control unit 170 can receive an instruction for
displaying an external input menu from the remote control device
200.
[0105] As shown in FIG. 6B, the control unit 170 can display an
external input menu 600 through the display unit 180 based on the
received instruction. The external input menu 600 can be displayed
overlapping on the image 500 of the media content. The external
input menu 600 can be displayed in an On Screen Display (OSD) form.
That is, a layer where the external input menu 600 is displayed can
be different from a layer where the image 500 of the media content
is displayed.
[0106] The external input menu 600 can be displayed at the screen
upper side and this can be just exemplary. That is, the external
input menu 700 can be displayed at one of the lower side, the right
side, and the left side.
[0107] Referring to FIG. 6B, the external input menu 600 can
include a plurality of external input items 610 to 660. Each
external input item can include information on an external input.
Each external input item can include information on an external
input device connected to the display device 100 through the
external device interface unit 135 or the wireless communication
unit 173.
[0108] For example, each external input item can include at least
one of the name of an external input terminal, the name of an
external device connected through an external input terminal, and
an image based on an image signal received from an external device
connected to an external input terminal.
[0109] The first external input item 610 can be an image
corresponding to an antennal or tuner 131 provided in the display
device 100. In this case, the first external input item 610 cannot
be an external input item strictly. An indicator 611 for
representing that the image 500 of the media content is in playback
through the current display unit 180 can be displayed on the first
external input item 610. That is, the indicator 611 can be an
identifier for representing which external input item is selected
currently among the plurality of external input items 610 to 660. A
thumbnail image 613 corresponding to one time point of the image
500 of the media content displayed through the display unit 180 can
be displayed on the first external input item 610. If the image 500
of the media content is played for more than a predetermined time
through the display unit 180, the thumbnail image 613 can be
displayed on the first external input item 610. The thumbnail image
613 can be an image captured at a specific time point during the
playback of the image 500 of the media content. Although a
thumbnail image is described as one example in this present
invention, the present invention is not limited thereto. That is,
the image 500 of the media content instead of the thumbnail image
613 can be displayed on the first external input item 610 in real
time.
[0110] The second external input item 620 can be an item for
representing that a game console is connected through the HDMI 1
terminal of the external device interface unit 135. At least one of
a game console image corresponding to a game console, the name of a
game console, and the name of an external input terminal connected
to a game console can be displayed on the second external input
item 620.
[0111] The third external input item 630 can be an item for
representing that a Virtual Reality (VR) device is connected
through the HDMI 2 terminal of the external device interface unit
135. At least one of a VR device image corresponding to a VR
device, the name of a VR device, and the name of an external input
terminal connected to a VR device can be displayed on the third
external input item 630.
[0112] The fourth external input item 640 can be an item for
representing that an audio output device is connected through the
external device interface unit 135 or the wireless communication
unit 173. At least one of an image of an audio output device, the
name of an audio output device, a wireless communication standard
between an audio output device and the display device 100, and the
name of an external input terminal connected to an audio output
device can be displayed on the fourth external input item 640.
[0113] The fifth external input item 650 can be an item for sharing
the screen of a mobile terminal connected through the wireless
communication unit 173. That is, the fifth external input item 650
can be an item for representing a screen mirroring function for
displaying a screen that a mobile terminal displays currently
through the display unit 180. At least one of the name of a mobile
terminal connected to the current display device 100 through the
wireless communication unit 173 and a capture image for
representing a state of capturing a screen that a mobile terminal
displays currently can be displayed on the fifth external input
item 650.
[0114] The sixth external input item 660 can be an item
corresponding to a component terminal.
[0115] Additionally, referring to FIG. 6B, the display unit 180 can
further display a pointer 205 that moves along a movement of the
remote control device 200. The pointer 205 can be disposed at each
external input item. A user can select a specific external input
item through the pointer 205.
[0116] Again, FIG. 5 is described.
[0117] The control unit 170 of the display device 100 checks on
which item among a plurality of external input items the pointer
205 is disposed in operation S507. According to an embodiment, if
the pointer 205 is disposed on an item among the plurality of
external input items, a corresponding external input item can be
focused. That is, a corresponding external input item can be
displayed different from other external input items. For example,
an external input item where the pointer 205 is disposed can be
highlighted and displayed. In more detail, a highlight box for
surrounding an external input item where the pointer 205 is
disposed can be displayed.
[0118] Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present
invention, it is described that an operation of the display device
100 is controlled through the pointer 205 but the present invention
is not limited thereto. That is, it is checked which external input
item is highlighted through a highlight box movable through the
remote control device 200.
[0119] If the pointer 205 is disposed on an item among a plurality
of external input items, the control unit 170 of the display device
100 displays a plurality of external input switching options on a
corresponding external input item in operation S509. According to
an embodiment, an external input switching option can be an option
for instructing which position of the display unit 180 an image
provided from an external device corresponding to an external input
item is to be displayed. That is, the external input switching
option can be a screen layout option for instructing which area on
a screen an image provided from an external device is to be
disposed.
[0120] According to another embodiment, the external input
switching option can be an option for displaying an image provided
from an external device corresponding to an external input item on
the display unit 180 or transmitting an image or audio of a media
content being played by the display device 100 to a corresponding
external device.
[0121] The external input switching option can vary according to
the type of an external device connected to the display device 100.
That is, the external input switching option can correspond to an
external device connected to the display device 100.
[0122] This will be described later.
[0123] The control unit 170 of the display device 100 receives an
instruction for selecting a specific external input switching
option among a plurality of external input switching options in
operation S511, and performs a function corresponding to the
selected external input switching option according to the received
instruction in operation S513. According to an embodiment, the
control unit 170 can perform a function corresponding to the
selected external input switching option based on at least one of
image signals and audio signals outputted from an external device
corresponding to an external input item.
[0124] Operations S507 to S513 will be described with reference to
the accompanying drawings.
[0125] FIGS. 7A to 7D are views illustrating an example for
utilizing an external input switching option relating to the
disposition of an image provided from an external device according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0126] Referring to FIG. 7A, the control unit 170 can receive an
instruction for positioning the pointer 205 on the second external
input item 620, from the remote control device 200. Accordingly,
the pointer 205 displayed on a screen of the display unit 180 can
be disposed on the second external input item 620. Accordingly, a
thumbnail image 613 disposed on the first external input item 610
is not displayed and an image of the display device 100
corresponding to the first external input item 610 can be
displayed. However, since the image 500 of the media content being
played currently through the display unit 180 is provided from the
display device 100, the indicator 611 can be displayed on the first
external input item 610 as it was.
[0127] If the pointer 205 is disposed on the second external input
item 620, the control unit 170 can display an image 621 based on an
image signal received from a game console corresponding to the
second external input item 620. The image 621 can be an image
corresponding to one point of an image signal outputted from a game
console connected to the display device 100. However, the present
invention is not limited thereto and a video instead of the image
621 can be displayed. A user can identify at a glance which image
is received from an external device corresponding to each external
input item through the pointer 205.
[0128] Moreover, if the pointer 205 is disposed on the second
external input item 620, it overlaps the image 621, so that the
external input switching option 623 can be further displayed. If
the pointer 205 is disposed on the image 621, or after the image
621 is displayed and a predetermined time elapses, the external
input switching option 623 can be displayed.
[0129] The external input switching option 623 can be an option for
instructing which position of the display unit 180 a game image
received from a game console is to be disposed.
[0130] Referring to FIG. 7B, the external input switching option
623 can include a full screen option 623a, a left screen option
623b, and a right screen option 623c.
[0131] The full screen option 623a can be an option for displaying
a game image provided from a game console on the entire screen of
the display unit 180. If an instruction for selecting the full
screen option 623a through the pointer 205 is received, the control
unit 170, as shown in FIG. 7B, can display a game image 670
provided from a game console on the entire screen of the display
unit 180. That is, while switching the image 500 of the
currently-displayed media content to a game image, the control unit
170 can display the game image on the entire screen.
[0132] The left screen option 623b can be an option for displaying
a game image provided from a game console on the divided left
screen of the display unit 180. The entire screen of the display
unit 180 can include a left screen and a right screen. The left
screen and the right screen can be split screens.
[0133] If an instruction for selecting the left screen option 623b
through the pointer 205 is received, the control unit 170, as shown
in FIG. 7C, can display the game image 670 provided from a game
console on the left screen of the display unit 180 and display the
image 500 of the currently-displayed media content on the right
screen.
[0134] The right screen option 623c can be an option for displaying
a game image provided from a game console on the divided right
screen of the display unit 180. If an instruction for selecting the
right screen option 623c through the pointer 205 is received, the
control unit 170, as shown in FIG. 7D, can display the game image
670 provided from a game console on the right screen of the display
unit 180 and display the image 500 of the currently-displayed media
content on the left screen.
[0135] In such a way, while viewing a currently-played image, a
user can view an image provided from an external device through the
external input switching option 623 relating to the disposition of
an image provided from an external device.
[0136] Moreover, the disposition of each image can be changed in a
multi view environment.
[0137] FIGS. 8A to 8C are views illustrating an example for
changing the disposition of each image in a multi view environment
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0138] Referring to FIG. 8A, the display unit 180 can play a game
image 670 provided from a game console on the left screen and play
the image 500 of media content provided through the tuner 131 on
the right screen at the same time. If an instruction for
positioning the pointer 205 to the left screen where the game image
670 is being displayed is received, as shown in FIG. 8A, the
control unit 170 can display a close option 810 and a size up
option 830 on the left screen.
[0139] The close option 810 can be an option for terminating the
viewing of the game image 670. As shown in FIG. 8B, if the close
option 810 is selected, the control unit 170 can terminate the
playing of the game image 670 and display the image 500 of media
content on the entire screen. That is, if the close option 810 is
selected, the control unit 170 cannot display the game image 670
and display the image 500 of the media content on the entire
screen.
[0140] The size up option 830 can be an option for displaying the
game image 670 on the entire screen of the display unit 180 and
displaying the image 500 of the media content in a PIP form. As
shown in FIG. 8C, if the size up option 830 is selected, the
control unit 170 can display the image 500 of the media content in
one area of the entire screen while displaying the enlarged game
image 670 on the entire screen of the display unit 180. Herein, the
image 500 of the media content can be displayed in a Picture In
Picture (PIP) form.
[0141] In such a way, a user can receive various viewing
experiences by using an option provided under a multi view
environment.
[0142] Then, an example of another external input switching option
is described.
[0143] FIGS. 9A to 9C are views illustrating an example for
utilizing an external input switching option relating to the
transmission of an image provided from an external device according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0144] Referring to FIG. 9A, the control unit 170 can receive an
instruction for positioning the pointer 205 on the third external
input item 630, from the remote control device 200. Accordingly,
the pointer 205 displayed on a screen of the display unit 180 can
be disposed on the third external input item 630.
[0145] If the pointer 205 is disposed on the third external input
item 630, the control unit 170 can display the external input
switching option 631 relating to screen mirroring on the third
external input item 630.
[0146] Referring to FIG. 9B, the external input switching option
631 can include a first mirroring switching option 631a and a
second mirroring switching option 631b.
[0147] The first mirroring switching option 631a can be an option
for playing a VR image provided from a VR device 900 connected to
the display device 100 through the display unit 180. If an
instruction for selecting the first mirroring switching option 631a
is received, the control unit 170, as shown in FIG. 9B, can receive
a VR image 910 being played (or displayed) through the VR device
900 and display it through the display unit 180. That is, based on
an instruction for selecting the first mirroring switching option
631a, the control unit 170 can switch the image 500 of the
previously-displayed media content to the VR image 910.
[0148] The second mirroring switching option 631b can be an option
for transmitting the image 500 of the media content being displayed
by the display device 100 to the VR device 900. If an instruction
for selecting the second mirroring switching option 63ba is
received, the control unit 170, as shown in FIG. 9C, can transmit
the image 500 of the media content being played through the display
unit 180 to the VR device 900. Accordingly, a user who wears the VR
device 900 can view the image 500 of the media content being played
in the display device 100, through the VR device 900 more
realistically.
[0149] Then, an example of another external input switching option
is described.
[0150] FIGS. 10A to 10D are views illustrating an example for
utilizing an external input switching option relating to the
transmission of an image or audio provided from an external device
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0151] Referring to FIG. 10A, the display unit 180 can display the
image 500 of the media content and output the audio of the media
content through the audio output unit 185. The audio output unit
185 can be a speaker.
[0152] The control unit 170 can receive an instruction for
positioning the pointer 205 on the fourth external input item 640,
from the remote control device 200. Accordingly, the pointer 205
displayed on a screen of the display unit 180 can be disposed on
the fourth external input item 640.
[0153] If the pointer 205 is disposed on the fourth external input
item 640, the control unit 170 can display the external input
switching option 641 relating to the transmission of an image or
audio provided from an audio output device, on the fourth external
input item 640.
[0154] Referring to FIG. 10B, the external input switching option
641 can include an application execution screen switching option
641a and an audio switching option 641b.
[0155] The application execution screen switching option 641a can
be an option for switching to an execution screen of an application
provided from an audio output device connected to the display
device 100. Herein, the application can be a music application for
providing music related service. If an instruction for selecting
the application execution screen switching option 641a is received,
the control unit 170, as shown in FIG. 10B, can display the
execution screen 1010 of a music application provided from an audio
output device corresponding to the fourth external input item 640,
through the display unit 180. That is, as receiving an instruction
for selecting the application execution screen switching option
641a, the control unit 170 can switch the image 500 of the
currently displayed media content to the execution screen 1010.
According to another embodiment, the control unit 170 can not
receive the execution screen 1010 of music application from an
audio output device. That is, a music application supported by an
audio output device can be installed in the display device 100 in
advance. If the application execution screen switching option 641a
is selected, the control unit 170 can execute the music application
installed on the display device 100, and display the execution
screen 1010 of the music application through the display unit
180.
[0156] A user can listen to desired music through the music
application.
[0157] Moreover, if the audio switching option 641b is selected,
the control unit 170, as shown in FIG. 10C, can transmit an audio
corresponding to the image 500 of the media content being played,
to the audio output device 1000 corresponding to the fourth
external input item 640. In this case, the control unit 170 can
turn off the power of the audio output unit 185 provided at the
display device 100 and transmit the audio of the media content
being played, to the audio output device 1000. That is, if the
audio switching option 641b is selected, the audio of the media
content is not outputted through the audio output unit 185 but is
outputted through the audio output device 1000. The audio output
device 1000 can be a sound bar disposed around the display device
100 but this is just an example.
[0158] A user can listen to more three-dimensional audio through
the audio output device 1000 while viewing an image of media
content through the large-sized display device 100.
[0159] Moreover, if the audio output device 1000 is connected to
the display device 100, the control unit 170, as shown in FIG. 10D,
can display a message window 1030 for notifying the addition of a
mode relating to an image of media content being played. If an
image of media content in playback is an image provided from a game
console, the message window 1030 can include information for
representing that it is possible to control the output of audio in
order for the audio output device 1000 to be optimized for a game
mode.
[0160] Again, FIG. 5 is described.
[0161] Moreover, if an instruction for selecting at least one
external input item from a plurality of external input items is
received in operation S515, the control unit 170 of the display
device 100 displays an image inputted from an external device
corresponding to at least one selected external input item in
operation S517.
[0162] According to an embodiment, if one of the plurality of
external input items is selected, the control unit 170 can display
an image provided from an external device corresponding to the
selected external input item on the entire screen.
[0163] According to anther embodiment, if two of the plurality of
external input items are selected, images provided from external
devices corresponding to the selected two external inputs can be
separately displayed on the split screens of the entire screen.
[0164] Operations S515 and S517 will be described with reference to
the accompanying drawings.
[0165] FIGS. 11A to 11E are views illustrating various examples for
displaying an image provided from an external device if at least
one input item is selected from a plurality of external input items
included in an external input menu according to an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0166] FIG. 11A is basically identical to FIG. 6B. Compared to FIG.
6B, a multi view setting menu 1100 can be further displayed in FIG.
11A. The multi view setting menu 1100 can be a menu for selecting
at least one external input item from the plurality of external
input items 610 to 660 included in the external input menu 600 to
display an image provided from at least one external device. The
multi view setting menu 1100 can include screen information 1110
for representing the number and arrangement of the split screen of
the display unit 180 and a multi view execution button 1130.
Referring to FIG. 11A, since the display unit 180 displays only the
image 500 of the media content received through the tuner 131, it
can display that the screen information 1110 is one screen.
[0167] Referring to FIG. 11B, the second external input item 620
can be additionally selected. In this case, the control unit 170
can display an indicator for representing that the second external
input item 620 is additionally selected, on the second external
input item 620. Additionally, if the second external input item 620
is additionally selected, the screen information 1110 can represent
that one screen is divided into two screens to provide an image of
each external device.
[0168] In this state, as shown in FIG. 11C, if an instruction for
selecting the multi view execution button 1130 is received, the
control unit 170 can display the image 500 of the currently played
media content on the left screen of the entire screen, and display
the game image 670 provided from a game console corresponding to
the second external input item 620 on the right screen.
[0169] If three external input items are selected, the control unit
170, as shown in FIG. 11D, can display the image 500 of the
currently played media content and the images 670 and 1150 provided
from an external device corresponding to each external input item,
on three split screens.
[0170] If four external input items are selected, the control unit
170, as shown in FIG. 11E, can display the image 500 of the
currently played media content and the images 670, 1150, and 1170
provided from an external device corresponding to each external
input item, on four split screens.
[0171] In such a way, a user can view at a glance various images
provided from each external device by selecting at least one
external input item from a plurality of external input items.
[0172] According to various embodiments of the present invention, a
user can actively use an image provided from an external device
connected to a display device in order to match user's
preference.
[0173] Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present
invention, an image displayed by a display device is transmitted to
an external device through an external input menu to provide
various viewing experiences to users.
[0174] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the
above-mentioned method can be embodied as computer readable codes
on a non-transitory computer readable recording medium having a
program thereon. Examples of the computer readable recording medium
include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, and an
optical data storage device and also include carrier waves (e.g.,
transmission through the Internet).
[0175] Embodiments allow an image, which is provided from an
external device connected to a display device, to be utilized
actively according to user's preference.
[0176] Embodiments also transmit an image displayed by a display
device to an external device through an external input menu to
provide various viewing experiences to users.
[0177] In one embodiment, a display device includes: a display unit
configured to display an image of media content; an external device
interface unit configured to receive an image signal outputted from
an external device connected to the display device; and a control
unit configured to control the display unit and the external device
interface unit, wherein the control unit displays a plurality of
external input items, receives an instruction for positioning a
pointer to one item among the plurality of external input items,
displays a plurality of external input switching options on an
external input item where the pointer is disposed according to the
received instruction, and performs a function corresponding to a
selected external input switching option among the plurality of
external input switching options based on the image signal
outputted from the external device.
[0178] The plurality of external input switching options can
include a screen arrangement option for instructing which area in
the entire screen of the display unit an image outputted from an
external device corresponding to the external input item is to be
disposed.
[0179] If the screen arrangement option is selected, the control
unit can display the image of the media content and the image
outputted from the external device on split screens.
[0180] If the pointer is disposed on the split screen, the control
unit can display a close option for terminating the viewing of an
image where the pointer is disposed and a size up option for
displaying an image where the pointer is disposed on the entire
screen and displaying the remaining image in a Picture In Picture
(PIP) form.
[0181] The plurality of external input switching options can
include: a first mirroring switching option for displaying an image
being displayed by the external device through the display unit;
and a second mirroring switching option for transmitting the image
of the media content to the external device.
[0182] The plurality of external input switching options can
include: an application execution screen switching option for
displaying an execution screen of an application provided from the
external device; and an audio switching option for transmitting an
audio of the media content to the external device to allow the
external device to output the audio.
[0183] The plurality of external input switching options can be
different according to a type of the external device connected to
the display device.
[0184] If two or more external input items are selected from the
plurality of external input items, the control unit can display
images outputted from external devices corresponding to the
selected respective input items on split screens.
[0185] In another embodiment, an operating method of a display
device includes: displaying an image of media content and a
plurality of external input items; receiving an instruction for
positioning a pointer to one item among the plurality of external
input items; displaying a plurality of external input switching
options on an external input item where the pointer is disposed
according to the received instruction; and performing a function
corresponding to a selected external input switching option among
the plurality of external input switching options based on the
image signal outputted from the external device.
[0186] The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the
accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features
will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the
claims.
[0187] The above-described display device is not limited to the
application of the configurations and methods of the
above-described embodiments and the entire or part of the
embodiments can be selectively combined and configured to allow
various modifications.
[0188] Any reference in this specification to "one embodiment," "an
embodiment," "example embodiment," etc., means that a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with
the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the
invention. The appearances of such phrases in various places in the
specification are not necessarily all referring to the same
embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, it
is submitted that it is within the purview of one skilled in the
art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in
connection with other ones of the embodiments.
[0189] Although embodiments have been described with reference to a
number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood
that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by
those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope
of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various
variations and modifications are possible in the component parts
and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within
the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims.
In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts
and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to
those skilled in the art.
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