Transparent display apparatus and operational control method thereof

Abstract

A display device and a method of operating the same are disclosed. A display device according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a display unit; a tuner including a plurality of RF ICs that receive a signal through a tuned channel, and a second demodulator, wherein the tuner locks the channel through each of the demodulators according to a tuning request, and processes the signal demodulated through the selected demodulator based on a threshold sensitivity value for signal detection individually set in each of the demodulators, and controls the output of an image through the display unit.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device, and more specifically, to a display device that outputs an image through the comparison of two demodulation units of a hybrid tuner and a method for controlling the operation thereof. Background Technology

[0002] A display device is a device equipped with the function of receiving, processing, and displaying video that a user can view.

[0003] Such a display device receives, for example, a broadcast signal selected by the user from among broadcast signals transmitted from a broadcasting station, separates a video signal from the received signal, and displays the separated video signal on the display.

[0004] Recently, display devices employing dual tuners are gradually increasing.

[0005] However, conventional dual tuners were set by default with only one for video output and the other for video recording.

[0006] In particular, the tuner and demodulator for video output were fixed in advance.

[0007] For this reason, in field signal environments, signals with high noise levels in the weak field pose a problem because increasing the threshold sensitivity for signal detection can lead to the noise being misidentified as the signal, while conversely, lowering the sensitivity can result in the signal being missed.

[0008] As a result, problems such as channel skipping or image distortion are occurring in specific regional signal environments. Prior art literature

[65535] (0001) Korean Published Patent Application No. 10-2010-0001329 (2010.01.06.) (0002) Korean Published Patent Application No. 10-2007-0051251 (2007.05.17.) The problem to be solved

[0009] The present invention provides a display device and a method of operation thereof that prevents channel skipping or degradation by setting different characteristic values ​​in each demodulation unit of a display device employing a dual tuner and comparing the results. means of solving the problem

[0010] A display device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a display unit; a tuner including a plurality of RF ICs that receive a signal through a tuned channel, and a second demodulator, wherein the channel is locked through each of the demodulators according to a tuning request, and the processing unit controls the output of an image through the display unit by processing the signal demodulated through the selected demodulator based on a threshold sensitivity value for signal detection individually set in each of the demodulators.

[0011] A method of operation of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: receiving a signal through a tuned channel; locking the channel at each demodulator; processing a signal demodulated through a selected demodulator based on a threshold sensitivity value for signal detection individually set at each demodulator; and controlling to output an image through the display unit from the processed signal. Effects of the invention

[0012] According to at least one of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, there is an effect of preventing degradation such as channel skipping or image distortion in a display device employing a dual tuner.

[0013] According to at least one of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the effect of increasing the user's satisfaction with the display device is achieved by preventing channel skipping or degradation so that the desired channel can be viewed. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a remote control device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows an example of the actual configuration of a remote control device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 shows an example of utilizing a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a display device equipped with a dual tuner according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a processing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 7 to 11 are flowcharts illustrating a method for outputting images in a display device equipped with a dual tuner according to embodiments of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments related to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. The suffixes "module" and "part" for components used in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably solely for the ease of drafting the specification, and do not inherently have distinct meanings or roles.

[0016] A display device according to an embodiment of the present invention is, for example, an intelligent display device that adds computer support functions to a broadcast reception function. While faithful to the broadcast reception function, it also adds internet functions, and can be equipped with a more user-friendly interface such as a handwriting input device, a touch screen, or a spatial remote control. Furthermore, by supporting wired or wireless internet functions, it can connect to the internet and computers, and perform functions such as email, web browsing, banking, or games. A standardized general-purpose operating system (OS) may be used for these various functions.

[0017] Accordingly, the display device described in this specification allows various applications to be freely added or removed, for example, on a general-purpose OS kernel, thereby enabling various user-friendly functions to be performed. More specifically, the display device may be, for example, a network TV, HBB TV, smart TV, LED TV, OLED TV, etc., and may also be applicable to smartphones in some cases.

[0018] The display device according to the embodiments of the present invention is described below using a display device as an example for convenience of explanation, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Referring to FIG. 1, the display device (100) may include a broadcast receiver (130), an external device interface (135), a memory (140), a user input interface (150), a controller (170), a wireless communication interface (173), a display (180), a speaker (185), a power supply circuit (190), etc.

[0021] The broadcast receiver (130) may include a tuner (131), a demodulator (132), and a network interface (133).

[0022] The tuner (131) can tune to a specific broadcast channel according to a channel tuning command. The tuner (131) can receive a broadcast signal for the tuned specific broadcast channel.

[0023] The demodulator (132) can separate the received broadcast signal into a video signal, an audio signal, and a data signal related to the broadcast program, and can restore the separated video signal, audio signal, and data signal into a form that can be output.

[0024] The external device interface (135) can receive an application or a list of applications within an adjacent external device and transmit it to the controller (170) or memory (140).

[0025] 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 one or more of video and audio output from an external device connected to the display device (100) wirelessly or via a wired connection, and transmit them to the controller (170). The external device interface (135) may include a plurality of external input terminals. The plurality of external input terminals may include an RGB terminal, one or more HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) terminals, and a component terminal.

[0026] The video signal of an external device input through the external device interface (135) can be output through the display (180). The audio signal of an external device input through the external device interface (135) can be output through the speaker (185).

[0027] The external device that can be connected to the external device interface (135) may be any one of a set-top box (STB), a Blu-ray player, a DVD player, a game console, a soundbar, a smartphone, a PC, a USB memory stick, or a home theater, but this is merely an example.

[0028] The network interface (133) may provide an interface for connecting the display device (100) to a wired / wireless network including the Internet network. The network interface (133) may transmit or receive data to or from other users or other electronic devices through the connected network or another network linked to the connected network.

[0029] In addition, some of the content data stored in the display device (100) can be transmitted to another user or other electronic device selected among other users or other electronic devices that are previously registered in the display device (100).

[0030] The network interface (133) can access a specific web page through a connected network or another network linked to the connected network. That is, it can access a specific web page through a network and transmit or receive data with the corresponding server.

[0031] Additionally, the network interface (133) can receive content or data provided by a content provider or network operator. That is, the network interface (133) can receive content such as movies, advertisements, games, VOD, broadcast signals, and related information provided by a content provider or network provider through a network.

[0032] Additionally, the network interface (133) can receive firmware update information and update files provided by the network operator, and can transmit data to the internet or a content provider or network operator.

[0033] The network interface (133) can select and receive a desired application among the applications that are open to the public through the network.

[0034] The memory (140) can store programs for each signal processing and control within the controller (170), and can store signal-processed video, audio, or data signals.

[0035] Additionally, the memory (140) may perform the function of temporarily storing video, audio, or data signals input from an external device interface (135) or a network interface (133), and may also store information regarding a predetermined image through a channel memory function.

[0036] The memory (140) can store an application or a list of applications input from an external device interface (135) or a network interface (133).

[0037] The display device (100) can play content files (video files, still image files, music files, document files, application files, etc.) stored in memory (140) and provide them to the user.

[0038] The user input interface (150) can transmit a signal input by the user to the controller (170) or transmit a signal from the controller (170) to the user. For example, the user input interface (150) can receive and process control signals such as power on / off, channel selection, and screen setting from the remote control device (200) according to various communication methods such as Bluetooth™, Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, Radio Frequency (RF) communication, or Infrared (IR) communication, or process to transmit control signals from the controller (170) to the remote control device (200).

[0039] Additionally, the user input interface (150) can transmit control signals input from local keys (not shown), such as power key, channel key, volume key, and setting value, to the controller (170).

[0040] The image signal processed by the controller (170) can be input to the display (180) and displayed as an image corresponding to the image signal. Additionally, the image signal processed by the controller (170) can be input to an external output device through the external device interface (135).

[0041] The voice signal processed by the controller (170) can be output as audio to the speaker (185). Additionally, the voice signal processed by the controller (170) can be input to an external output device through the external device interface (135).

[0042] In addition, the controller (170) can control the overall operation within the display device (100).

[0043] Additionally, the controller (170) can control the display device (100) by means of user commands or internal programs entered through the user input interface (150), and can connect to a network to allow the user to download an application or a list of applications desired by the user into the display device (100).

[0044] The controller (170) enables the processed video or audio signal, such as channel information selected by the user, to be output through the display (180) or speaker (185).

[0045] Additionally, the controller (170) enables a video signal or audio signal from an external device, such as a camera or camcorder, input through the external device interface (135) according to an external device video playback command received through the user input interface (150), to be output through the display (180) or speaker (185).

[0046] Meanwhile, the controller (170) can control the display (180) to display video, for example, broadcast video input through the tuner (131), external input video input through the external device interface (135), video input through the network interface, or video stored in the memory (140) can be controlled to be displayed on the display (180). In this case, the video displayed on the display (180) may be a still image or a video, and may be a 2D image or a 3D image.

[0047] Additionally, the controller (170) can control the playback of content stored in the display device (100), received broadcast content, or external input content input from the outside, and the content may be in various forms such as broadcast video, external input video, audio file, still image, connected web screen, and document file.

[0048] The wireless communication interface (173) can communicate with an external device via wired or wireless communication. The wireless communication interface (173) can perform short-range communication with an external device. To this end, the wireless communication interface (173) can support short-range communication by using at least one of the following technologies: Bluetooth, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), UWB, ZigBee, NFC (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus). Such wireless communication interface (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 the display device (100) and a network where the display device (100, or an external server) is located, through a wireless area network. Short-range wireless communication networks can be Wireless Personal Area Networks.

[0049] Here, another display device (100) may be a mobile terminal such as a wearable device (e.g., a smart watch, smart glass, HMD (head-mounted display)), a smartphone, etc., capable of exchanging data with (or interacting with) the display device (100) according to the present invention. The wireless communication interface (173) may detect (or recognize) a wearable device capable of communicating around the display device (100).

[0050] Furthermore, if the detected wearable device is a device authenticated to communicate with the display device (100) according to the present invention, the controller (170) can transmit at least a portion of the data processed in the display device (100) to the wearable device through the wireless communication interface (173). Accordingly, the user of the wearable device can use the data processed in the display device (100) through the wearable device.

[0051] The display (180) can generate a driving signal by converting the video signal, data signal, OSD (on screen display) signal processed by the controller (170) or the video signal, data signal received from the external device interface (135) into R, G, and B signals, respectively.

[0052] Meanwhile, since the display device (100) illustrated in FIG. 1 is merely an embodiment of the present invention, some of the illustrated components may be integrated, added, or omitted depending on the specifications of the actual implemented display device (100).

[0053] That is, as needed, two or more components may be combined into a single component, or a single component may be subdivided into two or more components. In addition, the functions performed in each block are intended to explain embodiments of the present invention, and the specific operations or devices thereof do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0054] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the display device (100) may receive and play video through a network interface (133) or an external device interface (135) without having a tuner (131) and a demodulator (132), unlike as shown in FIG. 1.

[0055] For example, the display device (100) may be implemented by separating it into a video processing device, such as a set-top box (STB), for receiving broadcast signals or content according to various network services, and a content playback device for playing content input from the video processing device.

[0056] In this case, the operation method of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention described below may be performed by any one of the display device (100) described with reference to FIG. 1, as well as an image processing device such as the separated set-top box (STB), or a content playback device having a display (180) and an audio output unit (185).

[0057] Next, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0058] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a remote control device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 shows an example of the actual configuration of a remote control device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] First, referring to FIG. 2, the remote control device (200) may include a fingerprint reader (210), a wireless communication circuit (220), a user input interface (230), a sensor (240), an output interface (250), a power supply circuit (260), a memory (270), a controller (280), and a microphone (290).

[0060] Referring to FIG. 2, the wireless communication circuit (220) transmits and receives signals with any one of the display devices according to the embodiments of the present invention described above.

[0061] The remote control device (200) is equipped with an RF circuit (221) capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the display device (100) according to RF communication standards, and may be equipped with an IR circuit (223) capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the display device (100) according to IR communication standards. Additionally, the remote control device (200) may be equipped with a Bluetooth circuit (225) capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the display device (100) according to Bluetooth communication standards. Furthermore, the remote control device (200) may be equipped with an NFC circuit (227) capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the display device (100) according to NFC (Near Field Communication) communication standards, and may be equipped with a WLAN circuit (229) capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the display device (100) according to WLAN (Wireless LAN) communication standards.

[0062] Additionally, the remote control device (200) transmits a signal containing information regarding the movement of the remote control device (200), etc., to the display device (100) through the wireless communication circuit (220).

[0063] Meanwhile, the remote control device (200) can receive a signal transmitted by the display device (100) through the RF circuit (221), and, if necessary, can transmit commands regarding power on / off, channel change, volume change, etc. to the display device (100) through the IR circuit (223).

[0064] The user input interface (230) may be composed of a keypad, buttons, a touchpad, or a touch screen. The user can input commands related to the display device (100) to the remote control device (200) by operating the user input interface (230). If the user input interface (230) is equipped with a hard key button, the user can input commands related to the display device (100) to the remote control device (200) through a push operation of the hard key button. This will be explained with reference to FIG. 3.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 3, the remote control device (200) may include a plurality of buttons. The plurality of buttons may include a fingerprint recognition button (212), a power button (231), a home button (232), a live button (233), an external input button (234), a volume control button (235), a voice recognition button (236), a channel change button (237), a confirmation button (238), and a back button (239).

[0066] The fingerprint recognition button (212) may be a button for recognizing a user's fingerprint. In one embodiment, the fingerprint recognition button (212) may be capable of a push operation and may receive a push operation and a fingerprint recognition operation.

[0067] The power button (231) may be a button for turning the power of the display device (100) on / off.

[0068] The home button (232) may be a button for moving to the home screen of the display device (100).

[0069] The live button (233) may be a button for displaying a live broadcast program.

[0070] The external input button (234) may be a button for receiving an external input connected to the display device (100).

[0071] The volume control button (235) may be a button for adjusting the volume output by the display device (100).

[0072] The voice recognition button (236) may be a button for receiving the user's voice and recognizing the received voice.

[0073] The channel change button (237) may be a button for receiving a broadcast signal of a specific broadcast channel.

[0074] The confirmation button (238) may be a button for selecting a specific function, and the back button (239) may be a button for returning to the previous screen.

[0075] Figure 2 is explained again.

[0076] If the user input interface (230) is equipped with a touchscreen, the user can input commands related to the display device (100) to the remote control device (200) by touching the soft keys on the touchscreen. Additionally, the user input interface (230) may be equipped with various types of input means that the user can operate, such as scroll keys or jog keys, and this embodiment does not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0077] The sensor (240) may be equipped with a gyroscope sensor (241) or an accelerometer sensor (243), and the gyroscope sensor (241) may sense information regarding the movement of the remote control device (200).

[0078] For example, the gyroscope sensor (241) can sense information regarding the operation of the remote control device (200) based on the x, y, and z axes, and the accelerometer sensor (243) can sense information regarding the movement speed of the remote control device (200). Meanwhile, the remote control device (200) may further be equipped with a distance measuring sensor to sense the distance to the display (180) of the display device (100).

[0079] The output interface (250) can output a video or audio signal corresponding to the operation of the user input interface (230) or a signal transmitted from the display device (100).

[0080] The user can recognize whether the output interface (250) is operated by the user input interface (230) or whether the display device (100) is controlled.

[0081] The output interface (250) may be equipped with, for example, an LED (251) that lights up when the user input interface (230) is operated or when a signal is transmitted or received with the display device (100) through the wireless communication unit (225), a vibrator (253) that generates vibration, a speaker (255) that outputs sound, or a display (257) that outputs video.

[0082] Additionally, the power supply circuit (260) supplies power to the remote control device (200), and power waste can be reduced by stopping the power supply when the remote control device (200) does not move for a predetermined period of time.

[0083] The power supply circuit (260) can resume power supply when a predetermined key provided in the remote control device (200) is operated.

[0084] The memory (270) can store various types of programs, application data, etc. required for the control or operation of the remote control device (200).

[0085] When the remote control device (200) transmits and receives signals wirelessly through the RF circuit (221) and the display device (100), the remote control device (200) and the display device (100) transmit and receive signals through a predetermined frequency band.

[0086] The controller (280) of the remote control device (200) can store and refer to information regarding frequency bands, etc., that can wirelessly transmit and receive signals with the display device (100) paired with the remote control device (200) in the memory (270).

[0087] The controller (280) controls all matters related to the control of the remote control device (200). The controller (280) can transmit a signal corresponding to a predetermined key operation of the user input interface (230) or a signal corresponding to the movement of the remote control device (200) sensed by the sensor (240) to the display device (100) through the wireless communication unit (225).

[0088] In addition, the microphone (290) of the remote control device (200) can acquire voice.

[0089] The microphone (290) may be provided in multiple numbers.

[0090] Next, Figure 4 is explained.

[0091] Figure 4 shows an example of utilizing a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] FIG. 4(a) illustrates a pointer (205) corresponding to a remote control device (200) being displayed on a display (180).

[0093] The user can move or rotate the remote control device (200) up and down, left and right. The pointer (205) displayed on the display (180) of the display device (100) corresponds to the movement of the remote control device (200). Since the pointer (205) of the remote control device (200) moves and is displayed according to the movement in 3D space as shown in the drawing, it can be named a spatial remote control.

[0094] FIG. 4(b) illustrates that when the user moves the remote control device (200) to the left, the pointer (205) displayed on the display (180) of the display device (100) also moves to the left in response.

[0095] Information regarding the movement of the remote control device (200) detected through the 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 regarding the movement of the remote control device (200). The display device (100) can display the pointer (205) to correspond to the calculated coordinates.

[0096] FIG. 4(c) illustrates a case where, while pressing a specific button within the remote control device (200), the user moves the remote control device (200) away from the display (180). By doing so, the selected area within the display (180) corresponding to the pointer (205) can be zoomed in and enlarged.

[0097] Conversely, when the user moves the remote control device (200) closer to the display (180), the selected area within the display (180) corresponding to the pointer (205) can be zoomed out and reduced in size.

[0098] Meanwhile, when the remote control device (200) moves away from the display (180), the selected area may be zoomed out, and when the remote control device (200) moves closer to the display (180), the selected area may be zoomed in.

[0099] Additionally, when a specific button within the remote control device (200) is pressed, recognition of up-down and left-right movement may be excluded. That is, when the remote control device (200) moves away from or closer to the display (180), up-down, left-right movement is not recognized, and only forward-backward movement is recognized. When the specific button within the remote control device (200) is not pressed, only the pointer (205) moves according to the up-down, left-right movement of the remote control device (200).

[0100] Meanwhile, the movement speed or direction of movement of the pointer (205) can correspond to the movement speed or direction of movement of the remote control device (200).

[0101] Meanwhile, the pointer in this specification refers to an object displayed on the display (180) in response to the operation of the remote control device (200). Accordingly, the pointer (205) can be an object of various shapes other than the arrow shape shown in the drawing. For example, it may be a concept including a point, a cursor, a prompt, a thick outline, etc. Furthermore, the pointer (205) can be displayed corresponding to either a point on the horizontal axis or a vertical axis on the display (180), and it is also possible to display it corresponding to multiple points, such as a line or a surface.

[0102] Below, for example, a method of preventing degradation such as channel skipping or image distortion by setting different characteristic values ​​for each of the multiple demodulators of a display device (100) equipped with a dual tuner and processing the received signal is described.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the display device (100) includes a display unit (180), a first demodulator (520), a tuner (510) including a plurality of RF ICs (512 to 518) that receive a signal through a tuned channel, and a second demodulator (560). It also includes a processing unit (550) that locks the channel through each demodulator according to a tuning request, processes the demodulated signal through a specific demodulator selected based on a threshold sensitivity value for signal detection individually set in each demodulator, and controls the output of an image through the display unit (180). At this time, the specific demodulator may be determined and selected by various algorithms. The algorithm or the threshold sensitivity value may be defined differently depending on the channel, the medium, etc.

[0104] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a display device (100) equipped with a dual tuner (510) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 5, the display device (100) may be configured to include a dual tuner (510) and a processing unit (550).

[0106] The above dual tuner (510) may be configured to include a plurality of RF ICs (512 to 518) and a first demodulator (520). At this time, a Low Noise Block Downconverter (LNB) (532, 534) may be operated in relation to the satellite signal.

[0107] Each of the above RF ICs (512 to 518) converts an RF signal received through a medium into an intermediate frequency (IF).

[0108] RF IC (516, 518) converts terrestrial (A, Air) / cable (C, Cable) and satellite (S (main)) signals into an intermediate frequency (IF), and RF IC (512, 514) converts terrestrial (A, Air) / cable (C, Cable) and satellite (S (sub)) signals into an intermediate frequency (IF).

[0109] The first demodulator (520) demodulates the signal converted to an intermediate frequency (IF) through the RF IC (516, 518) to generate a transport stream (TS).

[0110] The second demodulation unit (560) is included in the processing unit (550) and demodulates the signal converted to an intermediate frequency (IF) through the RF IC (512, 514) to generate a transmission stream (TS).

[0111] The processing unit (550) can receive a transmission stream (TS) generated from each demodulation unit (520, 560) and process it so that an image is output through the display unit (180).

[0112] The operation of the processing unit (550) is described in more detail below as follows.

[0113] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a processing unit (550) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 6, the processing unit (550) may further include an operation unit (610), a judgment unit (620), and a control unit (630) in addition to the second demodulation unit (560) of FIG. 5 described above.

[0115] The above operation unit (610) can calculate the number of locked channels through each demodulation unit.

[0116] The above judgment unit (620) can compare and determine the result of the above calculation unit (610), that is, the number of locked channels through the first demodulation unit (520) and the second demodulation unit (560), and transmit the comparison and determination result to the control unit (630).

[0117] According to an embodiment, the calculation unit (610) may calculate a threshold sensitivity value for signal detection by channel and medium for each demodulation unit. In this case, the judgment unit (620) may make a judgment on whether the threshold sensitivity value calculated by the calculation unit (610) is appropriate for the corresponding channel and medium.

[0118] The control unit (630) receives a comparison judgment result from the judgment unit (620), determines and selects a specific demodulator based on the received result, and controls the display unit (180) to output an image based on the transmission stream generated through the selected demodulator.

[0119] The operation method of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail below.

[0120] FIGS. 7 to 10 are flowcharts illustrating a method of operation (control) for image output in a display device equipped with a dual tuner according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0121] FIG. 7 can be seen as an example of processing a signal by determining and selecting a specific demodulator based on the number of locked channels, for example.

[0122] First, referring to FIG. 7, each demodulator can lock the channel by tuning it when a signal is input through a tuned channel (S101) (S103, S105, S107, S109). At this time, the channel tuning can be performed according to a user's auto-tuning request or manual tuning request, for example, via a remote control.

[0123] That is, when a signal is received through a channel tuned by a dual tuner in response to a channel tuning request, it is transmitted to the first demodulator (520) and the second demodulator (560), respectively, and the channel can be locked based on the signal transmitted from each of the demodulators.

[0124] The processing unit (550) receives information about the number of channels locked in each of the above demodulation units and can compare them (S111).

[0125] The processing unit (550) can select an arbitrary demodulator if, as a result of comparing the number of channels locked in each of the demodulators, the number of channels locked in the two demodulators is not the same (S113). Here, the arbitrary demodulator may be a demodulator that has locked more channels.

[0126] The processing unit (550) can select any demodulator even if the number of channels locked in each demodulator is the same as the result of comparing the number of channels locked in each demodulator. However, in the present invention, in the above case, before selecting the any demodulator, the performance of the signal received through the channel locked in each demodulator can be compared first (S115).

[0127] At this time, the performance of the signal can be compared using at least one of, for example, the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) indicating the strength of the received signal, the Signal-Noise Ratio (SNR) for the received signal, etc. According to an embodiment, the processing unit (550) may determine the signal performance of the received signal comprehensively by determining all factors for determining the signal performance, or it may determine the performance of the received signal by giving priority to each factor and sequentially comparing and determining the factors with higher priority.

[0128] The processing unit (550) can select a demodulator (520 or 560) with better signal performance based on the signal performance comparison result in step S115 (S117 or S119).

[0129] The processing unit (550) can output an image through the display (180) based on the transmission stream generated through the selected demodulation unit (520 or 560) (S121).

[0130] Next, FIG. 8 can be seen as an example of processing a signal by considering the reliability of channel tuning according to the difference in the number of channels locked through each demodulator, for example.

[0131] FIG. 8 may be, for example, another embodiment of the operation after step S111 of FIG. 7. In particular, FIG. 8 may be a method of processing when the number of channels locked in the first demodulator (520) and the second demodulator (560) is not the same as the result determined in step S111 of FIG. 7.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 8, if the number of channels locked in each of the demodulators in step S111 is not the same, the processing unit (550) can determine whether the difference in the number of channels locked through the two demodulators again exceeds a threshold (S201).

[0133] For example, if the number of channels locked through the two demodulators differs significantly, the processing unit (550) can control re-tuning (steps S103 and S107) because the reliability of the tuning can be seen as, for example, that there is a problem with the performance or demodulation process of at least one demodulator.

[0134] On the other hand, if the difference in the number of channels locked in each of the demodulators does not exceed a threshold, the processing unit (550) can select an arbitrary demodulator, i.e., a demodulator that has locked more channels, as shown in FIG. 1 (S113) and output an image (S121).

[0135] Next, FIG. 9 is an example of setting and changing a threshold sensitivity value for signal detection. FIG. 9 is for, for example, one demodulator, and other demodulators can also be processed through the same flow.

[0136] For convenience of explanation, the second composite section (560) will be used as an example for the following explanation.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 9, the processing unit (550) can set a first threshold sensitivity value for preference detection in the second demodulation unit (560) (S301).

[0138] The processing unit (550) can determine whether the number of locked channels is less than the threshold value after channel tuning, after setting the first threshold sensitivity value for preference detection in the second demodulation unit (560) in step S301 (S303).

[0139] If the number of locked channels after channel tuning is not less than the threshold value as a result of the above judgment, the processing unit (550) can process the image so that it can be output as is without adjustment, such as changing the preset first threshold sensitivity value (S121).

[0140] However, the processing unit (550) can analyze the cause if, as a result of the above judgment, the number of locked channels after channel tuning is less than the threshold (S305).

[0141] The processing unit (550) can extract the nth sensitivity value based on the cause analyzed in step S305, and set the extracted nth sensitivity value again in the second demodulation unit (560) to repeat the above process until the number of locked channels exceeds a threshold (S307).

[0142] Accordingly, the value of n in step S307 above may be a positive integer of at least 2. This may vary depending on how finely the levels of the sensitivity values ​​are classified, and the processing unit (550) may configure a lookup table for the cause and sensitivity level in advance so that the operation can be controlled accordingly.

[0143] The above description may be applied to the first demodulation unit (520) in the same or similar manner. However, the sensitivity value set for the second demodulation unit (560) and the sensitivity value set for the first demodulation unit (520) may be different. Additionally, the lookup table configured for the second demodulation unit (560) and the lookup table configured for the first demodulation unit (520) may be the same or different.

[0144] In this specification, a processing unit (550) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may set different threshold sensitivity values ​​for signal detection of the first demodulation unit (520) and the second demodulation unit (560). However, the difference in threshold sensitivity values ​​set for the two demodulation units may be determined and applied according to the setting.

[0145] In addition, in the present specification, the threshold sensitivity value for signal detection of the first demodulator (520) and the second demodulator (560) in the processing unit (550) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be changed and adjusted later through firmware or software updates, as shown in FIG. 10 described below. At this time, specific regional or global upgrades may be performed using code, etc., as needed. For example, since the characteristics or environment of the signal may differ from region to region, whether or not to apply the update may be determined by considering such circumstances.

[0146] Figure 10 is an example of signal processing based on sensitivity values ​​on a channel or media basis.

[0147] Referring to FIG. 10, the processing unit (550) sets different sensitivity values ​​for each demodulator, and each demodulator locks the channel by tuning the channel based on the sensitivity values ​​set by the processing unit (550) (S401 to S407). For convenience of explanation, the first sensitivity value is set for the first demodulator (520) and the second sensitivity value is set for the second demodulator (560) as an example, but is not limited thereto.

[0148] The processing unit (550) may predetermine and apply a sensitivity value to be set for each demodulator on a channel unit or a media unit. According to one embodiment, the processing unit (550) may determine the sensitivity value by considering the characteristics, importance, etc. of the target channel on a channel unit basis. According to another embodiment, the processing unit (550) may determine the sensitivity value by considering the characteristics of the media, i.e., terrestrial, cable, and satellite. According to yet another embodiment, the processing unit (550) may determine the sensitivity value by considering the media and the channel simultaneously.

[0149] In addition, when the processing unit (550) determines the sensitivity value and sets it for each demodulation unit, it may refer to the history of the sensitivity value previously set for each demodulation unit.

[0150] The processing unit (550) can compare the difference in the number of locked channels through each demodulator with a different sensitivity value set, and determine whether the difference is less than a threshold value as a result of the comparison (S409). This may be for determining the reliability of the aforementioned demodulation performance or result, that is, the reliability of the sensitivity value set for each demodulator.

[0151] The processing unit (550), based on the result of the judgment in step S409, if the difference is less than a threshold, analyzes the cause of the problem with the aforementioned reliability (S411), determines the demodulator that requires a sensitivity value change (adjustment) and the sensitivity value to be changed based on the analysis result, and can re-tun the demodulator by applying the corresponding sensitivity value (S413). This re-tuning process can be repeated, for example, until the difference is greater than or equal to a threshold.

[0152] Meanwhile, the processing unit (550) may skip steps S409 to S413 without performing them. That is, the steps may not be essential.

[0153] On the other hand, the processing unit (550), based on the result of the S409 step judgment, if the difference is below a threshold value or after the channel lock (S405, S407), compares the performance of the signal of the locked channel, selects any demodulator, for example, a demodulator with superior signal performance (S417 or S419), and performs signal processing for image output from the transmission stream generated through the selected demodulator (S121).

[0154] When changing the sensitivity value in step S413, the processing unit (550) may process differently on a channel unit and / or media unit in relation to the degree of change, for example, the level or range of change regarding how much the sensitivity value is changed at once.

[0155] Figure 11 may be a flowchart regarding whether there is an update related to the present invention, including the aforementioned sensitivity value.

[0156] Referring to FIG. 11, a server (not shown) can collect log data of a display device (100) (S501). At this time, the log data may include tuning / demodulation related information. The tuning / demodulation related information may include the type of tuning, the number of channel tunings, the frequency of channel tuning, demodulation information, channel skipping, and channel degradation information such as distortion of the output image of the changed channel. The type of tuning may indicate auto-tuning or manual tuning. The demodulation information may include various information such as the demodulation information selected according to the tuning request and channel change request, and whether the sensitivity value is updated. The channel skipping and degradation information of the changed channel may include information regarding the channel that is skipped when changing channels according to the channel change signal, and information regarding distortion of the output image of the changed channel.

[0157] The server can analyze the log data collected in step S501 above (S503) and determine whether a change to the previous settings is necessary (S505).

[0158] If the server determines, based on the judgment result of step S505 above, that a change to the previous settings is necessary as a result of analyzing the log data, it can generate setting update data (S507).

[0159] The server can provide the configuration update data generated in step S507 above, that is, perform the software update process (S509).

[0160] However, the operation of the above server may be performed, for example, by a processing unit (550) inside the display device (100). For example, the display device (100) may perform the process of FIG. 11 itself to improve the performance of the video output according to the process of tuning, demodulation, etc., and report this to the server so that it is reflected in the software update.

[0161] According to the embodiment, operations may be performed in a different order of operation than the order of operation shown in FIGS. 7 to 11. For example, some of the operations shown in FIGS. 7 to 11 may be performed simultaneously. Additionally, although shown in FIGS. 7 to 11, some operations may be omitted depending on the embodiment.

[0162] As described above, according to at least one of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, for example, in a display device employing a dual tuner, channel skipping or degradation can be prevented or minimized, and by preventing channel skipping or degradation so that the desired channel can be watched, the user's satisfaction with the display device can be increased.

[0163] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the above-described method can be implemented as code that a processor can read on a medium on which a program is recorded. Examples of a medium that a processor can read include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage device, etc.

[0164] The display device described above is not limited to the configuration and method of the embodiments described above; rather, all or part of each embodiment may be selectively combined to allow for various modifications to be made. Explanation of the symbols

[0165] 100 : Display device 130 : Broadcast receiver 135 : External device interface 140 : Memory 150 : User input interface 170 : Controller 173 : Wireless communication interface 180 : Display 185 : Speaker 190 : Power supply circuit 510: Tuner 512, 514, 516, 518: RF IC 520: 1st Debugging Unit 550: Processing Unit 560 : Second Grandfather

Claims

Claim 1 A display device comprising: a first demodulator, a tuner including a plurality of RF ICs that receive a signal through a tuned channel; and a second demodulator, a processing unit that locks a channel through each of the demodulators according to a tuning request, and processes a signal demodulated through a selected demodulator based on a threshold sensitivity value for signal detection individually set in each of the demodulators to control the output of an image through the display unit, wherein the processing unit sets different threshold sensitivity values ​​for the first and second demodulators for each channel, receives a channel change signal, and stores log data regarding channel skipping and output image distortion of the changed channel according to the received channel change signal. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit compares the performance of signals demodulated by the first demodulator and the second demodulator with respect to a target channel, and selects the demodulator with superior signal performance as a result of the comparison. Claim 4 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit sets different threshold sensitivity values ​​for the first demodulation unit and the second demodulation unit according to the medium. Claim 5 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit selects the demodulator by further referring to information on the number of channels locked through each demodulator. Claim 6 In paragraph 5, the processing unit selects the demodulator that has locked more channels when the number of channels locked through the first demodulator and the second demodulator, respectively, is not the same. Claim 7 In claim 6, the processing unit acquires at least one of RSSI information and SNR information for signal performance comparison, and if the number of channels locked through the first demodulator and the second demodulator are the same, compares the signal performance of the channels locked through each demodulator, and selects the demodulator that locked the channel with better signal performance according to the comparison, and the display device. Claim 8 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit changes the threshold sensitivity value preset in the second demodulation unit when the number of channels locked through the second demodulation unit is less than the first threshold. Claim 9 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit controls to re-tune when the difference between the number of channels locked through the first demodulator and the second demodulator, respectively, is greater than or equal to a second threshold. Claim 10 delete Claim 11 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the log data further includes information regarding the selection of a demodulator in response to the tuning request and / or channel change request. Claim 12 In claim 11, the processing unit analyzes the log data and determines or changes the threshold sensitivity value for each demodulation unit based on the analyzed log data, a display device. Claim 13 In paragraph 12, the processing unit generates and transmits setting update data based on the determination or change of threshold sensitivity values ​​for each demodulation unit, a display device. Claim 14 In paragraph 1, the tuning is either auto tuning or manual tuning, a display device. Claim 15 A method of operation of a display device comprising: a step of receiving a signal through a tuned channel; a step of locking the channel in each demodulator; a step of processing the demodulated signal through a selected demodulator based on a threshold sensitivity value for signal detection individually set in each demodulator; and a step of controlling the output of an image through a display unit from the processed signal, wherein the threshold sensitivity values ​​set in each demodulator are different from each other, and the step further comprises: a step of receiving a channel change signal; and a step of storing log data regarding channel skipping and output image distortion of the changed channel according to the received channel change signal.

Images