A display device and channel switching method

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a display device and a channel switching method, and relates to the technical field of channel switching. The display device comprises a controller configured to: in a case where a current channel is present, acquire program content of the current channel, and in response to a selection instruction for the current channel, determine whether the current channel is in an encrypted state; in a case where the current channel is in the encrypted state, control a display to display a password input interface; acquire an unlocking input for the password input interface, and determine password information corresponding to the unlocking input; unlock the current channel according to the password information, and control the display to play the program content of the current channel. The embodiments of the present disclosure are simple to operate, improve the logic of switching for the same channel, and improve the flexibility of channel switching.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of channel switching technology, and more particularly to a display device and a channel switching method. Background Technology

[0002] To meet users' audiovisual needs, operators offer an increasing number of channels for users to choose from. Existing channel switching methods support switching between normal and encrypted channels, as well as between normal and encrypted channels. After switching from a normal channel to an encrypted channel, a password input interface appears. If the user accidentally exits the password input interface, based on the channel switching logic, they need to switch from the current encrypted channel to another channel, and then switch back to the encrypted channel to re-enable the password input interface. This process is cumbersome and lacks flexibility in channel switching. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, or at least partially solve them, this disclosure provides a display device and a channel switching method that is easy to operate, improves the logic for switching between the same channels, and enhances the flexibility of channel switching.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure are as follows:

[0005] In a first aspect, a display device is provided, comprising:

[0006] The controller is configured to: when in the current channel, acquire the program content of the current channel, and in response to a selection command for the current channel, determine whether the current channel is in an encrypted state;

[0007] If the current channel is encrypted, control the display to show the password input interface;

[0008] Obtain the unlock input for the password input interface and determine the corresponding password information;

[0009] Unlock the current channel using the password and control the display to play the current channel's program content.

[0010] Secondly, this disclosure provides a channel switching method, the method comprising:

[0011] When in the current channel, obtain the program content of the current channel, and in response to the selection instruction for the current channel, determine whether the current channel is in an encrypted state;

[0012] If the current channel is encrypted, control the display to show the password input interface;

[0013] Obtain the unlock input for the password input interface and determine the password information corresponding to the unlock input;

[0014] The current channel is unlocked based on the password information, and the display is controlled to play the program content of the current channel.

[0015] Thirdly, this disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium, including: storing a computer program on the computer-readable storage medium, wherein when the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the channel switching method as shown in the second aspect.

[0016] Fourthly, this disclosure provides a computer program product comprising a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to implement the channel switching method as described in the second aspect.

[0017] The technical solution provided in this disclosure has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0018] The display device provided in this disclosure, when in the current channel, acquires the program content of the current channel and, in response to a selection command for the current channel, performs an operation to re-enter the current channel. When re-entering the current channel in response to the selection command, it first determines whether the current channel is encrypted. If the current channel is encrypted, it controls the display to show a password input interface, then acquires the unlock input for the password input interface, determines the password information corresponding to the unlock input, and then unlocks the current channel based on the password information, and controls the display to play the program content of the current channel. This fulfills the user's need to re-enable the password input interface and unlock the channel when the user is already in the current channel and the current channel is encrypted. The user only needs to reselect the current channel, making the operation simple and improving the logic for switching between the same channels, thus enhancing the flexibility of channel switching. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of the password input interface;

[0022] Figure 1BThis is a schematic diagram of the display after exiting the password input interface in the prior art;

[0023] Figure 2A These are schematic diagrams of scenarios provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario of the display device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0025] Figure 3 An exemplary block diagram of the configuration of the control device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown;

[0026] Figure 4 A hardware configuration block diagram of a display device 200 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the software configuration in a display device 200 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating a channel switching method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0029] Figure 7A A schematic diagram of a channel switching instruction provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0030] Figure 7B Schematic diagram 2 of the channel switching instruction provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0031] Figure 7C A schematic diagram of the channel switching instruction provided in the embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 3 ;

[0032] Figure 8 A schematic diagram illustrating a response to a channel switching command provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0033] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a password input interface provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To better understand the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this disclosure, the solutions disclosed herein will be further described below. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described herein can be combined with each other.

[0035] Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of this disclosure, but this disclosure may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein; obviously, the embodiments in the specification are only some, and not all, of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0036] Channels on display devices can be divided into two types: encrypted channels and normal channels. Currently, display devices (such as smart TVs) may contain inappropriate content, such as sexual content, violence, and vulgar language, which could negatively impact minors. Therefore, display devices typically offer a password lock function. This not only locks the programs containing inappropriate content, preventing users from watching them, but also locks program information (such as program name and broadcast time), preventing it from being displayed on the user interface (UI). Locked channels are called encrypted channels, while normal channels are unencrypted, allowing users to watch their content directly without a password.

[0037] Related technologies support switching between normal and encrypted channels, as well as switching between normal channels. In a scenario where switching from a normal channel to an encrypted channel, the display device's controller first determines that the channel to be switched to is an encrypted channel and obtains the program content of the decrypted channel. However, because the channel is encrypted, the program content of the encrypted channel is not immediately displayed. The controller then controls the display of a password input interface, such as... Figure 1A As shown, Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of a password input interface. The display device 200 shown in the diagram includes a channel list 10, a video display area 11, and a password input interface 12 on its display 260. Users can enter password information on the password input interface 12 to unlock the password channel.

[0038] Even when the display device has already shown the password input interface, there is a possibility that the user may accidentally exit the password input interface. In this case, the user interface of the display device will appear as follows: Figure 1B As shown in Figure 1B, this is a schematic diagram of the display after exiting the password input interface in the prior art. The display device 200 shown in the figure includes a channel list 10 and a video display area 11 on its monitor 260. The video display area 11 contains an obscuring element 21 to indicate to the user that the current channel is an encrypted channel, and the video and audio content contained in the encrypted channel's program content are not output; it can be understood that the video display area 11 is a blank interface. When the user selects an encrypted channel again, the user interface of the display device remains unchanged. Figure 1B The interface shown.

[0039] To bring up the password input interface again, you need to switch from the currently selected encrypted channel to another channel based on channel switching logic, and then switch back to the password channel before the password input interface can be displayed again. This method is cumbersome and lacks flexibility in channel switching, affecting the user experience.

[0040] Regarding the above method, the inventors discovered that the existing channel switching logic does not support switching between the same channels. Therefore, when in an encrypted channel and having exited the password input interface, it will not respond to the instruction to select the current encrypted channel again and switch from the current encrypted channel back to the current channel.

[0041] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this disclosure provides a display device and a channel switching method. The display device, when in the current channel, acquires the program content of that channel via a controller and, in response to a selection command for the current channel, performs an operation to re-enter the current channel. When re-entering the current channel in response to the selection command, it first determines whether the current channel is encrypted. If the current channel is encrypted, it controls the display to show a password input interface, then acquires the unlock input for that password input interface, determines the password information corresponding to the unlock input, and then unlocks the current channel based on the password information. The display then plays the program content of the current channel. This satisfies the user's need to re-enable the password input interface and unlock the channel when it is already in the current channel and the channel is encrypted. The user only needs to reselect the current channel, making the operation simple and improving the logic for switching between the same channels, thus enhancing the flexibility of channel switching.

[0042] Figure 2A The illustrations are scene diagrams from some embodiments provided in this disclosure. As shown in Figure 2A... Figure 2A It includes a control device 100, a display device 200, a smart device 300, and a server 400. Users can operate the display device 200 through the smart device 300 or the control device 100 to play audio and video resources on the display device 200.

[0043] In such Figure 2A In the scenario shown, taking the user operating the display device 200 via the control device 100 as an example, the control device 100 sends a channel switching command to the display device, instructing a switch from channel 2 to channel 1, where channel 1 is an encrypted channel. Upon receiving this command, the display device 200 executes the operation of switching from channel 2 to channel 1. Since channel 1 is an encrypted channel, a password is required to unlock it. The display device 200 controls the display of a password input interface to obtain the user's unlock input for this interface. However, if the user exits the password input interface via the control device 100, then refer to... Figure 1B As shown, the display device 200 does not display the program content of channel B, and controls the display obscuring elements to indicate to the user that the current channel B is still encrypted.

[0044] In such Figure 2AIn the scenario shown, the user operates the display device 200 via the control device 100 to encrypt channel B, setting channel B to be encrypted after 21:00, thus preventing the user from continuing to watch. Then, as follows... Figure 2B As shown, Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario of the display device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 2B Before 21:00, Channel B is a normal channel, and the video display area 11 displays the program content of Channel 1 normally. After 21:00, Channel 1 becomes an encrypted channel, and the video display area 11 no longer displays the program content of Channel 1; it may be a black screen. An obscuring element 21 is displayed in the video display area 11. If the user wishes to continue watching Channel 1, they need to enter a password to decrypt the content before they can watch it again. The above two scenarios are merely illustrative examples, and it is understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to these two application scenarios.

[0045] In any of the above application scenarios, the display device is on the current channel (Channel 1). On one hand, it acquires the program content of the current channel to play it normally after decryption. On the other hand, upon receiving a selection command for the current channel, the display device responds to the command by determining whether the current channel is encrypted. If the current channel is encrypted, it controls the display to show a password input interface, then acquires the user's unlock input for that interface, determines the corresponding password information, decodes the current channel based on the password information, and controls the display to play the program content of that channel. Compared to existing technologies, this disclosure eliminates the need for at least two steps: switching from the current channel to another channel and then back to the current channel. The user only needs to select the current channel again to re-enable the password input interface, making the operation simple. Furthermore, it supplements the channel switching logic missing in existing technologies, improving the logic for switching within the same channel and enhancing the flexibility of channel switching.

[0046] In addition, in another scenario, the display device is on the current channel (Channel 2), while Channel 1 is the normal channel. The device obtains the program content of the current channel and, upon receiving a selection instruction for the current channel, first determines whether the current channel is encrypted. If the current channel is decrypted, the device continues to play the program content for the current channel. Thus, on the user's side, there will be no stuttering, black screen, or other issues that would interfere with the user's normal viewing experience, thereby improving the user's viewing experience.

[0047] In some embodiments, the control device 100 may be a remote control, and communication between the remote control and the display device may include infrared protocol communication, Bluetooth protocol communication, wireless or other wired methods to control the display device 200. Users can input user commands through buttons on the remote control, voice input, control panel input, etc., to control the display device 200. In some embodiments, mobile terminals, tablet computers, computers, laptops, and other smart devices may also be used to control the display device 200.

[0048] In some embodiments, the smart device 300 can install software applications with the display device 200 to achieve connection and communication via network communication protocols, enabling one-to-one control operations and data communication. Audio and video content displayed on the smart device 300 can also be transmitted to the display device 200 for synchronized display. The display device 200 also communicates with the server 400 via various communication methods. The display device 200 can communicate via a local area network (LAN), wireless local area network (WLAN), and other networks. The server 400 can provide various content and interactive features to the display device 200. The display device 200 can be a liquid crystal display, an OLED display, or a projection display device. In addition to providing broadcast television reception functions, the display device 200 can also be equipped with a smart network television function that provides computer support.

[0049] Figure 3 An exemplary block diagram of the configuration of the control device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. Figure 3 As shown, the control device 100 includes a controller 110, a communication interface 130, a user input / output interface 140, a memory, and a power supply. The control device 100 can receive user input commands and convert them into commands that the display device 200 can recognize and respond to, acting as an intermediary for interaction between the user and the display device 200. The communication interface 130 is used for external communication and includes at least one of a Wi-Fi chip, a Bluetooth module, NFC, or a replacement module. The user input / output interface 140 includes at least one of a microphone, a touchpad, a sensor, buttons, or a replacement module.

[0050] Figure 4 A hardware configuration block diagram of a display device 200 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. For example... Figure 4The display device 200 shown includes: a tuner / demodulator 210, a communicator 220, a detector 230, an external device interface 240, a controller 250, a display 260, an audio output interface 270, a memory, a power supply, etc. The controller 250 includes at least one of the following: a central processing unit (CPU), a video processor, an audio processor, a graphics processing unit (GPU), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a digital signal processor (DSP), a first to nth interface for input / output, and a communication bus. The CPU processor executes operating system and application program instructions stored in memory, and executes various applications, data, and content based on various interactive instructions received from external input, in order to ultimately display and play various audio and video content. The CPU processor may include multiple processors, such as a main processor and one or more sub-processors.

[0051] Display 260 can be at least one of liquid crystal display, OLED display, touch display, and projection display, and can also be a projection device and projection screen. Tuner / demodulator 210 receives broadcast television signals via wired or wireless means, and demodulates audio and video signals, such as Electronic Program Guide (EPG) data signals, from multiple wireless or wired broadcast television signals. Detector 230 is used to collect signals from the external environment or signals interacting with the external environment. Controller 250 and tuner / demodulator 210 can be located in different separate devices; that is, tuner / demodulator 210 can also be located in an external device of the main device where controller 250 is located, such as an external set-top box. External device interface 240 can include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: High-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), analog or data high-definition component input interface (component), composite video input interface (CVBS), USB input interface (USB), RGB port, etc. It can also be a composite input / output interface formed by multiple of the above interfaces.

[0052] In some embodiments, the display device described above is a terminal device with display function, such as a television, mobile phone, computer, or learning machine.

[0053] In some embodiments, the controller 250 controls the operation of the display device and responds to user operations through various software control programs stored in memory. The controller 250 controls the overall operation of the display device 200. The user can input commands through a graphical user interface (GUI) displayed on the monitor 260, and the user input interface receives the user input commands through the GUI. Alternatively, the user can input commands by entering specific sounds or gestures, and the user input interface receives the user input commands by recognizing the sounds or gestures through sensors.

[0054] The output interface (display 260, and / or audio output interface 270) is configured to output user interaction information;

[0055] Communicator 220 is used to communicate with server 400 or other devices.

[0056] This disclosure provides a display device, which includes:

[0057] The controller 250 is configured to: when in the current channel, acquire the program content of the current channel, and in response to a selection command for the current channel, determine whether the current channel is in an encrypted state; when the current channel is in an encrypted state, control the display to show a password input interface; acquire the unlock input for the password input interface, and determine the password information corresponding to the unlock input; unlock the current channel according to the password information, and control the display to play the program content of the current channel.

[0058] The aforementioned display device not only supports switching between normal channels and between normal and encrypted channels, but also supports switching between encrypted channels, especially switching within the same encrypted channel. This satisfies the user's need to re-enable the password input interface and decrypt the message when already on the current encrypted channel; the user simply needs to reselect the current channel. The operation is simple, improves the logic for switching within the same channel, and enhances the flexibility of channel switching.

[0059] In some embodiments, the controller 250, in response to a selection instruction for the current channel, after determining whether the current channel is in an encrypted state, is further configured to control the display to play the program content of the current channel if the current channel is in a decrypted state.

[0060] In some embodiments, the controller 250 is configured to determine whether the current channel is in an encrypted state by: if the encrypted information of the current channel is obtained and the encrypted information includes the encryption termination time, then if the current time is less than the encryption termination time, the current channel is determined to be in an encrypted state; if the current time is greater than or equal to the encryption termination time, the current channel is determined to be in a decrypted state; and if the encrypted information of the current channel is not obtained, the current channel is determined to be in a decrypted state.

[0061] In some embodiments, the controller 250 is configured to determine whether the current channel is in an encrypted state by: if the encrypted information of the current channel is obtained and the encrypted information includes an encrypted time period, then if the current time is within the encrypted time period, the current channel is determined to be in an encrypted state; if the current time exceeds the encrypted time period, the current channel is determined to be in a decrypted state; and if the encrypted information of the current channel is not obtained, the current channel is determined to be in a decrypted state.

[0062] In some embodiments, when the current channel is encrypted, after controlling the display to show the password input interface, the controller 250 is further configured to: obtain the user's exit input for the password input interface; in response to the exit input, control the display to cancel the display of the password input interface; and receive a repeat selection instruction for the current channel to control the display to redisplay the password input interface.

[0063] In some embodiments, the controller 250, in response to a user-inputted selection instruction for the current channel, is further configured to: receive a channel switching instruction while in the current channel, the channel switching instruction indicating a switch from the current channel to a target channel, the channel switching instruction including a first identifier of the target channel; compare the first identifier of the target channel with a second identifier of the current channel; if the first identifier and the second identifier match, determine that the channel switching instruction is a selection instruction for the current channel.

[0064] In some embodiments, after comparing the first identifier of the target channel with the second identifier of the current channel, the controller 250 is further configured to: if the first identifier and the second identifier do not match, obtain the program content of the target channel; switch from the current channel to the target channel and determine whether the target channel is in an encrypted state; and if the target channel is in a decrypted state, control the display to show the program content of the target channel.

[0065] In some embodiments, the controller 250 is configured to unlock the current channel based on password information by: comparing the password information with preset password information; and unlocking the current channel if the password information matches the preset password information.

[0066] like Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the software configuration in a display device 200 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the system is divided into four layers, from top to bottom: the Applications layer (hereinafter referred to as the "Application Layer"), the Application Framework layer (hereinafter referred to as the "Framework Layer"), the Android runtime and system library layer (hereinafter referred to as the "System Runtime Layer"), and the kernel layer. The kernel layer includes at least one of the following drivers: audio driver, display driver, Bluetooth driver, camera driver, Wi-Fi driver, USB driver, HDMI driver, sensor driver (such as fingerprint sensor, temperature sensor, pressure sensor, etc.), and power driver. The channel switching method provided in this embodiment can be implemented based on the above-mentioned display device, specifically through a player within the display device.

[0067] To illustrate this solution in more detail, the following will use examples to illustrate it. Figure 6 To explain, it is understandable that Figure 6 The steps involved may include more or fewer steps in actual implementation, and the order of these steps may also be different, depending on whether the channel switching method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented.

[0068] like Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a channel switching method provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method includes steps S601 to S604:

[0069] S601. When in the current channel, obtain the program content of the current channel and, in response to the selection instruction for the current channel, determine whether the current channel is in an encrypted state.

[0070] The current channel's program content includes media resources such as audio, video, and images.

[0071] In some embodiments, when the display device is on the current channel, it acquires the program content of the current channel and receives a channel switching instruction. This channel switching instruction indicates a switch from the current channel to a target channel, and includes a first identifier of the target channel. The first identifier includes at least one of the following: the target channel's channel name, the target channel's channel type, the target channel's channel number, and the target channel's channel number.

[0072] In some embodiments, the aforementioned channel switching instruction can be generated based on the user's selection of the current channel in the channel list, or based on the user's input of the current channel's identifier via a control device (e.g., a remote control), or based on the user's input of the current channel's identifier via voice. The identifier includes, but is not limited to, the channel number (e.g., 2.11) and the channel name.

[0073] Upon receiving the aforementioned channel switching instruction, the first identifier of the target channel and the second identifier of the current channel are compared. The second identifier includes at least one of the following: the current channel's channel name, the current channel's channel type, the current channel's channel number, and the current channel's channel number. For example, if the first identifier includes the target channel's channel name and channel number, and the second identifier includes the current channel's channel name and channel number, then the target channel's channel name in the first identifier is compared with the current channel's channel name in the second identifier, and the target channel's channel number in the first identifier is compared with the current channel's channel number in the second identifier.

[0074] If the first identifier and the second identifier match, the channel switching instruction is determined to be the selection instruction for the current channel. If the first identifier and the second identifier do not match, it indicates that the user wishes to switch to a target channel different from the current channel, and the display device executes the operation indicated by the channel switching instruction.

[0075] For example, such as Figure 7A As shown, Figure 7A The first illustration shows a channel switching command provided in this embodiment. When the display device is on the current channel 2.11, the user presses the confirmation button on the remote control, and the remote control sends a channel switching command to the display device. The display device determines that the selection command is for the current channel 2.11, indicating that the user wants to switch to the current channel 2.11.

[0076] For example, such as Figure 7B As shown, Figure 7B The second schematic diagram of the channel switching instruction provided in this embodiment shows that when the display device is in the current channel 2.12, the user operates the display device through the remote control to bring up the channel search interface 71, and enters the channel number 2.12 in the channel search interface 71 through the remote control. After confirming the search, a selection instruction for the current channel 2.12 is generated, indicating that the user wants to switch to the current channel 2.12.

[0077] For example, such as Figure 7C As shown, Figure 7C A schematic diagram of the channel switching instruction provided in the embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 3When the display device is on the current channel 2.12, the user can use the remote control to operate the display to bring up the voice input interface 72 and say "switch to channel 2.13". After the display device receives the voice input by the user on the voice input interface 72, it determines that the voice corresponds to a channel switching command, which is used to indicate switching from the current channel 2.12 to channel 2.13.

[0078] The method by which the display device obtains the selection instruction for the current channel is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0079] After comparing the first identifier of the target channel with the second identifier of the current channel, if the first identifier and the second identifier match, the channel switching instruction is determined to be the selection instruction for the current channel. Then, in response to the selection instruction for the current channel, it is determined whether the current channel is in an encrypted state.

[0080] It should be noted that the display device determines whether the current channel is encrypted by checking if it is locked. Locking refers to the password lock (parental lock) function provided by the display device, whereby the user sets a password for a channel they wish to lock, storing the corresponding password information on the display device. When the user watches this locked channel through the display device, they must first enter the password to decrypt it. The encryption method of the password lock can be a combination of numbers, characters, and symbols, or it can be gesture encryption or biometric encryption, such as the user encrypting the channel using fingerprint or voiceprint information. This disclosure does not limit this. When setting a password lock for a channel that a user wishes to lock, they can also set an encryption termination time for that channel. From the moment the password lock is set until the encryption termination time, the channel will be in an encrypted state. For example, if the password lock is set at 7:00 and the encryption termination time is 11:30, then the channel will be in an encrypted state from 7:00 to 11:30 and will not be supported for viewing. Alternatively, users can set an encryption period for that channel to freely set the time during which it is in an encrypted state. For example, if the encryption period is set to 22:00-6:00, then the channel will not be supported for viewing during the period from 22:00 to 6:00.

[0081] After comparing the first identifier of the target channel with the second identifier of the current channel, if the first and second identifiers do not match, it indicates that the user wishes to switch to a target channel different from the current channel. The program content of the target channel is then retrieved, and the user switches from the current channel to the target channel. It is then determined whether the target channel is encrypted. If the target channel is decrypted, the display shows the program content of the target channel. If the target channel is decrypted, the display shows a password input interface, and the unlock input is retrieved. The corresponding password information is then determined to unlock the target channel. After unlocking the target channel, the display shows the program content of the target channel.

[0082] For example, such as Figure 8 As shown, Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of responding to a channel switching command provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The channel switching command received by the display device is used to indicate switching from the current channel 2.12 to the target channel 2.13. In response to the channel switching command, the display device determines that the first identifier of the target channel, 2.13, does not match the second identifier of the current channel, 2.12. Then, it obtains the program content of the target channel 2.13, switches from the current channel 2.12 to the target channel 2.13, and, if it determines that the target channel 2.13 is in a decrypted state, controls the display to play the program content of the target channel 2.13 in the video display area 11.

[0083] In some embodiments, in the process of determining whether the current channel is in an encrypted state in response to a selection instruction for the current channel, a query is made to see if there is corresponding encrypted information for the current channel, wherein the encrypted information may include a preset password and an encryption termination time or an encryption time period.

[0084] If the encrypted information of the current channel is obtained, and it is determined that the encrypted information includes an encryption termination time, then the current time is compared with the encryption termination time. If the current time is less than the encryption termination time, the current channel is determined to be in an encrypted state; if the current time is greater than or equal to the encryption termination time, the current channel is determined to be in a decrypted state.

[0085] For example, if the encryption information of the current channel 2.11 obtained by the display device includes an encryption termination time of 11:30 and the current time is 10:00, then after comparing the current time and the encryption termination time, it is determined that the current channel is in an encrypted state.

[0086] If the encrypted information of the current channel is obtained, and it is determined that the encrypted information includes an encrypted time period, then it is determined whether the current time is within the encrypted time period. If the current time is within the encrypted time period, then the current channel is determined to be in an encrypted state; if the current time is outside the encrypted time period, then the current channel is determined to be in a decrypted state.

[0087] For example, if the encryption information of the current channel 2.11 obtained by the display device includes the encryption period of 22:00-6:00, and the current time is 10:00, then it is determined that the current time exceeds the encryption period, indicating that the current channel is in the decryption state.

[0088] If the encryption information for the current channel is not obtained, it is determined that the current channel is in a decrypted state.

[0089] In some embodiments, upon determining that the current channel is in a decrypted state in response to a selection instruction for the current channel, the display is controlled to play the program content of the current channel. It is understood that determining that the current channel is in a decrypted state means that the display device was playing the program content of the current channel before the selection instruction for the current channel was obtained.

[0090] For example, refer to Figure 7B The display device is currently on channel 2.12 and is playing the program content of channel 2.12. When the user controls the display device to select the current channel 2.12 again via remote control, the display device will respond to the selection command for the current channel, determine whether the current channel is in an encrypted state, and the display device will continue to play the program content of the current channel 2.12 without interruption.

[0091] S602. When the current channel is encrypted, control the display to show the password input interface.

[0092] For example, such as Figure 9 As shown, Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a password input interface provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. The display device 200 shown in the figure includes a channel list 10, a video display area 11, and a password input interface 12 on its display 260. When it is determined that the current channel 2.11 is in an encrypted state, after obtaining the encryption information of the current channel 2.11, the display device determines that the preset password information of the current channel 2.11 is a fingerprint password, and then controls the display 260 to display the password input interface 12. The password input interface 12 is used to obtain the fingerprint password entered by the user.

[0093] After the display device controls the monitor to display the password input interface, the user may accidentally exit the password input interface. In this case, the display device will receive the user's exit input for the password input interface and, in response, control the monitor to cancel the display of the password input interface. Since the user accidentally exited the password input interface and wants to bring it back, the user can operate the display device to select the current channel again, generating a repeat selection command for the current channel. Having determined through step S602 that the current channel is in an encrypted state, the display device, upon receiving the repeat selection command for the current channel, does not need to further determine whether the current channel is encrypted and directly controls the monitor to redisplay the password input interface.

[0094] S603. Obtain the unlock input for the password input interface and determine the password information corresponding to the unlock input.

[0095] In some embodiments, the password information corresponding to the unlock input can be a combination of numbers, letters, and symbols, or it can be gesture trajectory information or biometric information. This disclosure does not limit it in this way.

[0096] S604. Unlock the current channel based on the password information and control the display to play the program content of the current channel.

[0097] In some embodiments, after determining the password information corresponding to the unlock input, the password information is compared with the preset password information included in the encryption information of the current channel. If the password information matches the preset password information, the current channel is unlocked, and the display is further controlled to play the program content of the current channel.

[0098] In summary, the channel switching method provided in this disclosure, applied to a display device, allows the following steps when the display device is on the current channel: First, it acquires the program content of the current channel and, in response to a selection command for the current channel, performs an operation to re-enter the current channel. When re-entering the current channel in response to the selection command, it first determines whether the current channel is encrypted. If the current channel is encrypted, it controls the display to show a password input interface, then acquires the unlock input for that interface, determines the password information corresponding to the unlock input, and then unlocks the current channel based on the password information. Finally, it controls the display to play the program content of the current channel. This method satisfies the user's need to re-enable the password input interface and decrypt the content when the user is already on the current channel and the channel is encrypted. The user only needs to reselect the current channel, making the operation simple and improving the logic for switching between the same channel, thus enhancing the flexibility of channel switching.

[0099] In addition, when the current channel is in a decrypted state, the display is controlled to show the program content of the current channel. This avoids the black screen and stuttering that occurs when the current channel is re-selected and the program content of the current channel is reloaded, which is a problem in the existing technology. It also avoids the bandwidth consumption and resource waste caused by repeatedly obtaining program content when switching to the same channel. This allows the display device to maintain the playback progress before receiving the selection instruction for the current channel and play the program content of the current channel smoothly without affecting the user and improving the user experience.

[0100] The channel switching method provided in this disclosure makes the channel switching logic complete. It is applicable not only to switching between normal channels and between normal channels and encrypted channels, but also to switching between encrypted channels, and especially to switching within the same encrypted channel, making the channel switching operation simpler and more flexible.

[0101] This disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program. When executed by a processor, the computer program implements the various processes of the channel switching method described above and achieves the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, further details are omitted here.

[0102] The computer-readable storage medium can be a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk, etc.

[0103] This disclosure provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to implement the aforementioned channel switching method.

[0104] For ease of explanation, the above description has been provided in conjunction with specific embodiments. However, the discussion in some embodiments above is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the specific forms disclosed above. Various modifications and variations can be obtained based on the above teachings. The selection and description of the above embodiments are for the purpose of better explaining the principles and practical applications, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better utilize the embodiments and various different variations of the embodiments suitable for specific application considerations.

Claims

1. A display device, characterized in that, include: The controller is configured to: acquire the program content of the current channel when it is on the current channel; Receive a channel switching instruction, the channel switching instruction being used to indicate switching from the current channel to a target channel, the channel switching instruction including a first identifier of the target channel; Compare the first identifier of the target channel with the second identifier of the current channel; If the first identifier and the second identifier match, then the channel switching instruction is determined to be a selection instruction for the current channel; In response to a selection instruction for the current channel, determine whether the current channel is in an encrypted state; If the current channel is encrypted, control the display to show the password input interface; Obtain the unlock input for the password input interface and determine the password information corresponding to the unlock input; The current channel is unlocked based on the password information, and the display is controlled to play the program content of the current channel.

2. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller, in response to a selection instruction for the current channel, after determining whether the current channel is in an encrypted state, is further configured to: When the current channel is in a decrypted state, control the display to play the program content of the current channel.

3. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller, which determines whether the current channel is in an encrypted state, is configured as follows: If the encryption information of the current channel is obtained and the encryption information includes the encryption termination time, then if the current time is less than the encryption termination time, the current channel is determined to be in an encrypted state; if the current time is greater than or equal to the encryption termination time, the current channel is determined to be in a decrypted state. If the encryption information of the current channel is not obtained, it is determined that the current channel is in a decrypted state.

4. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller, which determines whether the current channel is in an encrypted state, is configured as follows: If the encrypted information of the current channel is obtained and the encrypted information includes an encrypted time period, then if the current time is within the encrypted time period, the current channel is determined to be in an encrypted state; if the current time exceeds the encrypted time period, the current channel is determined to be in a decrypted state. If the encryption information of the current channel is not obtained, it is determined that the current channel is in a decrypted state.

5. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller, after displaying the password input interface on the screen when the current channel is in an encrypted state, is further configured to: Get the user's exit input from the password input screen; In response to the exit input, the display is controlled to cancel the display of the password input interface; Upon receiving a repeat selection instruction for the current channel, control the display to redisplay the password input interface.

6. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller, after comparing the first identifier of the target channel with the second identifier of the current channel, is further configured to: If the first identifier and the second identifier do not match, then the program content of the target channel is obtained; Switch from the current channel to the target channel, and determine whether the target channel is encrypted; When the target channel is in a decrypted state, control the display to show the program content of the target channel.

7. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller, which unlocks the current channel based on the password information, is configured as follows: The password information is compared with the preset password information; If the password information matches the preset password information, the current channel is unlocked.

8. A channel switching method, characterized in that, include: If the current channel is active, retrieve the program content of the current channel; Receive a channel switching instruction, the channel switching instruction being used to indicate switching from the current channel to a target channel, the channel switching instruction including a first identifier of the target channel; Compare the first identifier of the target channel with the second identifier of the current channel; If the first identifier and the second identifier match, then the channel switching instruction is determined to be a selection instruction for the current channel; In response to a selection instruction for the current channel, determine whether the current channel is in an encrypted state; If the current channel is encrypted, control the display to show the password input interface; Obtain the unlock input for the password input interface and determine the password information corresponding to the unlock input; The current channel is unlocked based on the password information, and the display is controlled to play the program content of the current channel.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, After obtaining the program content of the current channel and determining whether the current channel is in an encrypted state in response to a selection instruction for the current channel, the method further includes: When the current channel is in a decrypted state, control the display to play the program content of the current channel.

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