US20080184324A1 - Method for providing gui for selecting broadcast channel with keypad operated by pointer and broadcast receiving apparatus thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for providing Graphical User Interface (GUI) for selecting a broadcast channel, and a broadcast receiving apparatus having the same are provided. The GUI for selecting a broadcast channel includes a keypad having a pointer to be moved by manipulation of a user on a remote control apparatus and keys selectable by the pointer, and then the user is able to input a preferred broadcast channel by using the keypad and the pointer. Accordingly, the user is able to input a preferred broadcast channel without using the number keys, so the number keys may be omitted in the remote control apparatus. As a result, miniaturization of the remote control apparatus is possible.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2007-0008525 filed on Jan. 26, 2007 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention
• Methods and apparatuses consistent with the present invention relate to a method for providing Graphical User Interface (GUI) for selecting a broadcast channel and a broadcast receiving apparatus thereof, and more particularly, a method for providing a Graphical User Interface (GUI) to select a preferred broadcast channel and a broadcast receiving apparatus thereof.
• 2. Description of the Related Art
• A TV is a typical apparatus for receiving a broadcast. A user selects a preferred broadcast channel by using a remote control. More particularly, the broadcast channel is selected by pressing keys of the remote control.
• The remote control size is comparatively large because of the number-keys for inputting the broadcast channel. However, users prefer a remote control of small size such that there is a need to provide a method for inputting the preferred broadcast channel using a remote control without number-keys.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention has been provided to address the above-mentioned and other problems and disadvantages occurring in the conventional arrangement, and an aspect of the present invention provides a method for inputting a preferred broadcast channel without using number-keys, and providing a Graphical User Interface (GUI) to select a broadcast channel having a keypad operable with a pointer, and a broadcast receiving apparatus thereof.
• In order to achieve the above object, a method for providing a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for selecting a broadcast channel comprises generating a keypad having a pointer to be moved by manipulation of a user on a remote control apparatus, and keys selectable by the pointer, and combining the generated keypad with an image to be displayed; and tuning to a broadcast channel input by the user using the keypad and the pointer.
• The keypad comprises number keys which input numbers, and a subdividing key which divides channel numbers into a major broadcast channel number and a minor broadcast channel number.
• The generating and combining the keypad may be conducted, if an icon which inputs a command for calling for the keypad onto the display D, is selected by the pointer.
• The generating and combining the keypad may be conducted, if a corresponding manipulation is input by the user using the remote control apparatus.
• The corresponding manipulation may comprise double-clicking of a certain key on the remote control apparatus within a reference time.
• The method for providing GUI for selecting the broadcast channel further comprises generating a channel list and combining the generated channel list with the image to be displayed; and tuning to a broadcast channel selected by the pointer from broadcast channels listed in the broadcast channel list.
• The pointer may be moved in a space by two-dimensional movement of the remote control apparatus by user.
• The pointer may move to the same direction as the face of the remote control is moved on a virtual plane which is parallel with the screen of the display D.
• The method for providing GUI for selecting the broadcast channel further comprises displaying a broadcast combining the pointer and the keypad on the display; and displaying a broadcast provided from the broadcast channel tuned at the tuning, on the display.
• A broadcast receiving apparatus according to the present invention comprises a broadcast receiving unit which tunes to a broadcast channel; a Graphical User Interface (GUI) generator which generates a GUI and combines the generated GUI with an image to be displayed; and a controller which controls the GUI generator which generates a keypad having a pointer to be moved by manipulation of a user on a remote control apparatus and keys selectable by the pointer and combines the generated keypad with an image to be displayed, and controls the broadcast receiving unit which tunes to a broadcast channel input by the user using the keypad and the pointer.
• The keypad may comprise number keys which input numbers, and a subdividing key which divides channel numbers into a major broadcast channel number and a minor broadcast channel number.
• The controller may control the GUI generator to generate the keypad and combine the generated keypad with the image to be displayed on the display, if an icon which inputs a command for calling for the keypad onto the display D, is selected by the pointer.
• The controller may control the GUI generator to generate the keypad and combine the generated keypad with the image to be displayed on the display, if a corresponding manipulation is input by the user using the remote control apparatus.
• The corresponding manipulation may comprise double-clicking of a certain key on the remote control apparatus within a reference time.
• The controller may control the GUI generator which generates a channel list and combines the generated channel list with the image to be displayed, and controls the broadcast receiving unit which tunes to a broadcast channel selected by the pointer from broadcast channels listed in the broadcast channel list.
• The pointer may be moved in a space by two-dimensional movement of the remote control apparatus by user.
• The pointer may move to the same direction as the face of the remote control is moved on a virtual plane which is parallel with the screen of the display D.
• The Broadcast receiving apparatus further comprises display which displays a broadcast combining the pointer and the keypad, and displays a broadcast provided from the tuned the broadcast channel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• These and/or other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of exemplary embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures of which:
• FIGS. 1A to 1C are views illustrating a broadcast receiving system to which an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is applicable;
• FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a TV and a remote control ofFIG. 1;
• FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method for providing GUI for selecting a broadcast channel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
• FIGS. 4A to 4E are views illustrating the method for providing GUI for selecting a broadcast channel ofFIG. 3;
• FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a broadcast receiving apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and
• FIG. 6 is a flow chart explaining a method for providing GUI for selecting a broadcast channel according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
• Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
• FIG. 1A is a view illustrating a broadcast receiving system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 1A, a broadcast receiving system comprises aDTV100 as a broadcast receiving apparatus and a remote control (remote control apparatus)200 as a user input apparatus.
• The DTV100 provides a user with a broadcast received over wire or wirelessly, through a display D. Additionally, the DTV100 may provide a user with an external input received from an external apparatus which is connected over wire or wirelessly, through the display D, and may also provide a user with a broadcast by reproducing a file, such as a moving image file, a still image file, and a music file, stored in a built-in storage media.
• Theremote control200 sends information on the manipulation of the user to theDTV100, and the DTV100 operates according to the received information. Although theremote control200 ofFIG. 1A includes a plurality of keys, theremote control200 may include either one or two keys as occasion demands. A plurality of keys are provided on the top side of theremote control200, but the plurality of keys may be provided on the other sides such as the left or right side, or the bottom.
• As indicated by dotted arrows inFIG. 1A, the face of theremote control200 may be moved in a space by the user in an upwards or downwards direction, or to the left or right, or in a direction combining two of these directions, such as an upper-leftwards direction. That is, the face of theremote control200 may be moved in any direction.
• For example, the face of theremote control200 may be moved while drawing a locus on a virtual plane (VP) which is in a parallel relation with a screen of the display D.FIG. 1B is a view illustrating a case in which the face of theremote control200 is moved to the left direction while drawing a locus on a virtual plane which is in a parallel relation with the screen of the display D by the user.
• The VP may not be in a complete parallel relation with the screen of the display D, and may not be a complete plane. That is, it is practically impossible for the movement of the face of theremote control200 by the user to be on a complete plane and in a complete parallel relation with the screen of the display D.
• Accordingly, the present invention is applicable to the case in which the face of theremote control200 moves on an incomplete plane and in an incomplete parallel relation with the screen of the display D.
• A user may move the face of theremote control200 by turning only the user's wrist while the user's arm holding theremote control200 is fixed.
• If only the user's wrist moves in an upwards or downwards direction, or to the left or right, or in a direction combining these, such as an upper leftward direction, the face of theremote control200 may be moved upwards, downwards, or to the left or right, or in a direction combining these, such as an upper leftwards direction while drawing a curved locus on a virtual hemisphere surface.FIG. 1C is a view illustrating the case in which the face of theremote control200 is moved to the left by a user while drawing a curved locus on a virtual hemisphere surface.
• The virtual hemisphere surface, on which the face of theremote control200 is moved by rotation of the user's wrist, may be a mathematically incomplete hemisphere surface. That is, it is practically impossible for the face of theremote control200 to be moved by rotating the user's wrist while drawing a locus on a mathematically complete hemisphere surface.
• Accordingly, the present invention may be applicable to the case in which the face of theremote control200 moves not on a mathematically complete hemisphere but an incomplete hemisphere surface while drawing a curved locus.
• That is, the pointer P displayed on the display D may be moved by the user spatially moving theremote control200. The spatial movement of the face of theremote control200 is distinguished from the movement of a mouse for a personal computer (PC) which is moved over a surface.
• When the face of theremote control200 is moved in a space, the pointer P displayed on the display D moves in the same direction as the face of theremote control200. For example, i) if a user moves the face of theremote control200 upwards within a space, the pointer P may move upwards, and ii) if the user moves the face of theremote control200 to the upper-left in a space, the pointer P may move to the upper-left.
• Hereinafter, theTV100 and theremote control200 illustrated inFIG. 1 will be explained in detail with reference toFIG. 2.FIG. 2 is a block diagram of theTV100 and theremote control200 of inFIG. 1.
• Referring toFIG. 2, theremote control200 includes amovement sensor210, a transmittingunit220, aremote control unit230, and akey input unit240.
• Themovement sensor210 senses the movement of the face of theremote control200 by the user, and sends the result of sensing to theremote control unit230 which will be explained in detail below. An exemplary implementation may use a biaxial gyro sensor as themovement sensor210.
• Thekey input unit240 may include a power key, a channel key, a volume key, and a select key.
• Theremote control unit230 transmits information on the movement such as moving direction, moving distance, which is obtained from the sensing result transmitted from themovement sensor210, to theTV100 via the transmittingunit220. Theremote control unit230 also sends theTV100 information about keys input by the user through the transmittingunit220.
• Referring toFIG. 2, theTV100 includes abroadcast receiver110, abroadcast processor120, a Graphic User Interface (GUI)generator130, anoutput unit140, acontroller150, and areceiver160.
• Thebroadcast receiver110 tunes to one of the broadcast channels and demodulates a broadcast signal. Thebroadcast processor120 executes broadcast signal processing such as decoding, or scaling of the broadcast signal provided from the broadcast channel tuned bybroadcast receiver110.
• TheGUI generator130 generates a GUI to display on the display D, and combines the GUI with the broadcast output from thebroadcast processor120.
• Theoutput unit140 may display broadcast combining the GUI output from theGUI generator130 on the display D, or output to an external display such as external TV connected through an external output terminal (not shown).
• Thecontroller150 controls the overall operation of the TV according to the user's manipulation including movement of the face of theremote control200, or a key input, which is transmitted from theremote control200 via thereceiver160. More specifically, thecontroller150 controls the tuning of thebroadcast receiver110, and the generation of the GUI by theGUI generator130.
• Thecontroller150 controls theGUI generator130 to provide GUI for selecting a broadcast channel having an operable keypad usable with a pointer P, and controls thebroadcast receiver110 to tune to a broadcast channel selected by the user using the GUI for selecting a broadcast channel, which will be described in detail below referring toFIG. 3.FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing GUI for selecting a broadcast channel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
• Referring toFIG. 3, if a broadcast channel list display command is input (S310-Y), thecontroller150 controls such that a broadcast channel list and a pointer P are displayed on the display D (S315).
• The broadcast channel list display commend at S310 may be input by pressing the channel key on thekey input unit240.
• To execute S315, thecontroller150 controls theGUI generator130 to combine the broadcast channel list and the pointer P with a broadcast to be displayed on the display D.
• FIG. 4A illustrates an example of the display D displaying thebroadcast channel list410 and the pointer P combined at S315. Referring toFIG. 4A, akeypad icon420 and apreferred channel icon430 are displayed at the bottom of thebroadcast channel list410.
• Thekeypad icon420 is used to input a command for calling for the keypad onto the display D, and thepreferred channel icon430 is used to input a command for calling for a preferred broadcast channel list onto the display D.
• If thekeypad icon420 is selected by the pointer P (S320-Y), thecontroller150 controls such that the keypad is displayed on the display D (S325).
• The selection at S320 is executed by moving the face of theremote control200 on the VP to move the pointer P to point thekeypad icon420, and then by pressing the select key on thekey input unit240 of theremote control200.
• To execute process S325, thecontroller150 controls theGUI generator130 to generate a keypad and combine the generated keypad with the broadcast displayed on the display D.
• FIG. 4B illustrates an example of the display D displaying thekeypad440 combined at S325 at the right of thebroadcast channel list410. Referring toFIG. 4B, thekeypad440 includes number keys (0˜9) to input numbers, a subdividing key (−) to divide channel numbers into a major broadcast channel number and a minor broadcast channel number, and an input completion key (OK) to confirm an input completion. The keys may be selected by using the pointer P.
• Referring toFIG. 4B, aninput window450 is displayed at the top of thekeypad440. Theinput window450 displays the numbers (0˜9) and the subdividing (−) as selected by the pointer P on thekeypad440. For example, number “16” is displayed on theinput window450 inFIG. 4B. It means that the user selects number keys “1” and “6” by using thekeypad440 and the pointer P.
• According to the number key input by the user using thekeypad440 and the pointer P, the broadcast channels being listed in thebroadcast channel list410 may be changed. More specifically, all the broadcast channels including the number input by using thekeypad440 and the pointer P may be displayed in the broadcast channel list. For example, referring toFIG. 4C, if the user selects the number key “3” by using thekeypad440 and the pointer P, all the broadcast channels beginning with “3” may be listed in thebroadcast list410. In another example, if the user selects the number key “3” by using thekeypad440 and the pointer P, all the broadcast channels such as 13, 311, 93 including “3” may be listed in thebroadcast list410.
• If the broadcast channel is input by using thekeypad440 and the pointer P displayed at S325 (S330), thecontroller150 controls thebroadcast receiver110 such that the input broadcast channel is tuned (S335). The broadcast provided from the broadcast channel tuned at S335 is displayed on the display D.
• The broadcast channel input at S330 is terminated i) if the input completion key (OK) on thekeypad440 is selected by the pointer P, or ii) if no key is selected by the pointer P for a reference time (for example, for 2 seconds), after inputting the broadcast channel by using thekeypad440 and the pointer P.
• Meanwhile, if thepreferred channel icon430 is selected by the pointer P after S315 (S320-N and S340-Y), thecontroller150 controls such that the preferred channel list is displayed on the display D (S345).
• The selection at S340 is executed by moving the face of theremote control200 on the VP to move the pointer P to point thepreferred channel icon430, and then by pressing the select key on thekey input unit240 of theremote control200.
• To execute S345, thecontroller150 controls theGUI generator130 to generate a preferred broadcast channel list and combine the generated preferred broadcast channel list with a broadcast to be displayed on the display D.
• FIG. 4D illustrates an example of the display D listing a preferredbroadcast channel list460 combined at S345 at the right of thebroadcast channel list410. Referring toFIG. 4D, the preferred broadcast channels are listed on the preferredbroadcast channel list460, and the user may select one of the preferred broadcast channels listed by using the pointer P.
• If one of the preferred broadcast channels listed on the preferred broadcast channel list displayed at S345 is selected by the pointer (S350-Y), thecontroller150 controls thebroadcast receiver110 such that the selected preferred broadcast channel is tuned (S335). The broadcast provided from broadcast channel tuned at S335 is displayed on the display D.
• Meanwhile, if one of the broadcast channels listed on thebroadcast channel list410 displayed at S315 is selected by the pointer (S320-N, S340-N, and S355-Y), thecontroller150 controls thebroadcast receiver110 such that the selected broadcast channel is tuned (S335). The broadcast provided from the broadcast channel tuned at S335 is displayed on the display D.
• Meanwhile, if a keypad display command is input (S310-N and D360-Y) when thebroadcast channel list410 is not displayed on the display D, thecontroller150 controls such that thekeypad440 and the pointer P are displayed on the display D (S365).
• The keypad display command at S360 may be input by double-clicking the channel key on thekey input unit240 of theremote control200 within one second.
• To execute the S365, thecontroller150 controls theGUI generator130 to combine thekeypad440 and the pointer P with a broadcast to be displayed on the display D.
• FIG. 4E illustrates an example of the display D displaying thekeypad440 and the pointer P combined at S365. The GUI for selecting channel displayed on the display D illustrated inFIG. 4E has a different form from GUI for selecting channel on the display D illustrated inFIG. 4B, that is, thebroadcast channel list410 is not displayed inFIG. 4E.
• If the broadcast channel is input by using thekeypad440 and the pointer P displayed at S365 (S370-Y), thecontroller150 controls thebroadcast receiver110 to tune to the input broadcast channel (S335). Accordingly, the broadcast provided from the broadcast channel tuned at S335 is displayed on the display D.
• As described above, the process of tuning to a broadcast channel selected through GUI for selecting a broadcast channel having an operable keypad usable with the pointer is explained with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
• According to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the broadcast channel may be selected through not only a keypad operable with a pointer, but also a preferred broadcast channel list or a broadcast channel list operable with a pointer.
• Although the exemplary embodiments have described the TV as an example of the broadcast receiving apparatus, the broadcast receiving apparatus may be implemented as a set top box (STB), a digital multimedia broadcast (DMB) receiving apparatus, and a portable apparatus with a built-in module for receiving broadcast such as a mobile phone with a built in module for receiving DMB. In the case of the portable apparatus, a pointer may be moved by using a touch pad instead of a remote control.
• The pointer and the keypad forming a GUI for selecting a broadcast channel may be embodied in the form as illustrated inFIG. 4B, but different forms are possible. Keys on the keypad may also be configured in a different form fromFIG. 4B, according to alternative examples of the present invention.
• In the exemplary embodiments, when the broadcast channel list is not displayed on the display, the command to display the keypad is input by double-clicking the channel key on the remote control within one second. Herein, “one second” may be changed as occasion demands.
• Instead of double-clicking the certain key on the remote control within the reference time, another examples such as pressing once the certain key on the remote control, are possible to cause the keypad to display while the broadcast channel list is not displayed on the display.
• Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to theFIGS. 5 and 6.
• Referring toFIG. 5, the broadcast receiving apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes abroadcast receiver510, aGUI generator520, and acontroller530.
• Thebroadcast receiver510 tunes to a broadcast channel, theGUI generator520 generates a GUI and combines the generated GUI with a image displayed, and thecontroller530 controls theGUI generator520 to generate a pointer to be moved by manipulation of the user on a remote control, and a keypad having selectable keys by the pointer, and to combine the generated pointer and keypad with the displayed image. Thecontroller530 controls thebroadcast receiver510 to tune to a broadcast channel input by using the keypad and the pointer.
• According to the method for providing the GUI for selecting the broadcast channel illustrated inFIG. 6, thecontroller530 controls theGUI generator520 to generate a pointer to be moved by manipulation of the user on a remote control, and a keypad having selectable keys by the pointer and to combine the generated pointer and keypad with the displayed image (S610). Thecontroller530 controls thebroadcast receiver510 to tune to a broadcast channel input by using the keypad and the pointer (S620).
• Accordingly, a GUI for selecting a broadcast channel having an operable keypad with a pointer may be provided.
• According to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention as described above, the broadcast channel is selected with a keypad usable with a pointer. Accordingly, the user is able to input a preferred broadcast channel without using the number keys, so the number keys may be omitted in the remote control apparatus. As a result, miniaturization of the remote control apparatus is possible.
• Further, the foregoing exemplary embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention. The present teaching can be readily applied to other types of apparatuses. Also, the description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims, and many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims (18)

1. A method for providing a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for selecting a broadcast channel comprising:

generating a keypad having a pointer movable by manipulation of a remote control apparatus, and keys selectable by the pointer;

combining the generated keypad with an image to be displayed; and

tuning to a broadcast channel input using the keypad and the pointer.

2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the keypad comprises number keys which input numbers, and a subdividing key which divides a channel number into a major broadcast channel number and a minor broadcast channel number.

3. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising selecting, using the pointer, an icon which inputs a command for displaying the keypad on the display, and then carrying out the generating and the combining.

4. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising inputting a corresponding manipulation using the remote control apparatus, and then carrying out the generating and the combining.

5. The method ofclaim 4, wherein the corresponding manipulation comprises double-clicking of a predetermined key on the remote control apparatus within a reference time.

6. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising:

generating a channel list and combining the generated channel list with the image to be displayed; and

tuning to a broadcast channel selected by the pointer from broadcast channels listed in the broadcast channel list.

7. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the pointer is movable by two-dimensional movement of the remote control apparatus.

8. The method ofclaim 7, wherein a face of the remote control apparatus is moved on a virtual plane which is parallel with a screen of the display and the pointer moves in the same direction.

9. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising:

displaying the pointer and the keypad on the display; and

displaying a broadcast provided from the tuned broadcast channel.

10. A broadcast receiving apparatus comprising:

a broadcast receiving unit which tunes to one of a plurality of broadcast channels;

a Graphical User Interface (GUI) generator which generates a GUI and combines the generated GUI with an image to be displayed; and

a controller which controls the GUI generator to generate a keypad having a pointer movable by manipulation of a remote control apparatus and keys selectable by the pointer, combines the generated keypad with an image to be displayed, and controls the broadcast receiving unit to tune to a broadcast channel input using the keypad and the pointer.

11. The broadcast receiving apparatus ofclaim 10, wherein the keypad comprises a number key which inputs a number, and a subdividing key which divides a channel number into a major broadcast channel number and a minor broadcast channel number.

12. The broadcast receiving apparatus ofclaim 10, wherein an icon which inputs a command for displaying the keypad on the display, is selected by the pointer.

13. The broadcast receiving apparatus ofclaim 10, wherein a corresponding manipulation is input using the remote control apparatus so the controller controls the GUI generator to generate the keypad and combine the generated keypad with the image.

14. The broadcast receiving apparatus ofclaim 13, wherein the corresponding manipulation comprises double-clicking of a predetermined key on the remote control apparatus within a reference time.

15. The broadcast receiving apparatus ofclaim 10, wherein the controller controls the GUI generator which generates a broadcast channel list and combines the generated broadcast channel list with the image to be displayed, and controls the broadcast receiving unit which tunes to a broadcast channel selected by the pointer from broadcast channels listed in the broadcast channel list.

16. The broadcast receiving apparatus ofclaim 10, wherein the pointer is movable by two-dimensional movement of the remote control apparatus.

17. The broadcast receiving apparatus ofclaim 16, wherein a face of the remote control apparatus is moved on a virtual plane which is parallel with a screen of the display and the pointer moves in the same direction.

18. The broadcast receiving apparatus ofclaim 10, further comprising:

a display which displays the pointer and the keypad, and displays a broadcast provided from the tuned broadcast channel.

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