Display device and operation method thereof

Abstract

A display device according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise: a display; a memory for storing content information about content most recently played back by a user account, the content information including information about an application most recently executed by the user account and / or a captured image or a thumbnail image of the content, provided through the application; and a controller for displaying, on the display, a picture in picture (PIP) item including the content information if login is performed through the user account, receiving a command for focusing the PIP item, and playing back the content on the PIP item or on the entire screen of the display according to the received command.

Description

Display device and method of operation thereof

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display device.

[0002] Digital TV services utilizing wired or wireless networks are becoming more widespread. Digital TV services can offer a variety of services not available with existing analog broadcasting services.

[0003] For example, IPTV (Internet Protocol Television), a type of digital TV service, and smart TV services offer interactivity, allowing users to actively choose the type of program they want to watch and when. Building on this interactivity, IPTV and smart TV services can also offer a variety of additional services, such as internet search, home shopping, and online games.

[0004] Conventional TVs provide information about recently used applications and recently watched channels on the home screen for the user account.

[0005] However, in the past, only information about recently viewed applications or channels could be obtained through user accounts, and it was difficult to quickly access or play recently played content.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the purpose is to provide different user experiences depending on whether the content last viewed by the user is real-time broadcast content or content provided through a VOD application.

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to store the most recent playback information (or input information) for each user account, so that the user can check and enter the information on the content he or she last watched in advance.

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide users with visual last input information on a recent input card on the home screen, thereby providing them with information in advance about external inputs, company services, and content provider apps that they are entering, thereby increasing convenience.

[0009] A display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display, a memory for storing content information about content most recently played by a user account, the content information including at least one of information about an application most recently executed by the user account, a captured image or a thumbnail image of the content provided through the application, and a controller for displaying a PIP (Picture In Picture) item including the content information on the display when logged in with the user account, receiving a command to focus the PIP item, and playing the content on the PIP item or on the entire screen of the display according to the received command.

[0010] A method of operating a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: storing content information about content most recently played by a user account, wherein the content information includes at least one of information about an application most recently executed by the user account and a captured image or a thumbnail image of the content provided through the application; displaying a PIP (Picture In Picture) item including the content information on a display when logged in with the user account; receiving a command to focus the PIP item; and playing the content on the PIP item or on the entire screen of the display according to the received command.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, even if the content last viewed by the user is a real-time broadcast content, the user can continue watching the broadcast content through a VOD application.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the most recent playback information (or input information) for each user account is stored, so that the user can check in advance the information on the content he or she last watched.

[0013] In addition, since visual information (thumbnail image or captured image) is provided in addition to text information for the content information that the user last viewed, the user can easily and efficiently recognize information about the content that the user last viewed.

[0014] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a remote control device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 3 shows an example of an actual configuration of a remote control device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 4 shows an example of utilizing a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an operating method of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figures 6 and 7 are drawings illustrating examples of storing content information for content played through a user account and providing the stored content information.

[0020] FIGS. 8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating scenarios that may occur in response to a command to select a PIP item included in a home screen according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating various types of PIP items according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating that content information displayed in a PIP item changes when a first user account is switched to a second user account according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments related to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. The suffixes "module" and "part" used in the following description for components are assigned or used interchangeably solely for the convenience of writing the specification, and do not in themselves have distinct meanings or roles.

[0024] A display device according to an embodiment of the present invention is, for example, an intelligent display device that adds computer-assisted functionality to its broadcast reception function. While faithfully performing the broadcast reception function, it can also be equipped with Internet functionality and other features, providing a more user-friendly interface, such as a manual input device, touch screen, or space remote control. Furthermore, with support for wired or wireless Internet functionality, it can connect to the Internet and a computer, enabling functions such as email, web browsing, banking, or gaming. A standardized, general-purpose operating system can be used for these various functions.

[0025] Accordingly, the display device described in the present invention can perform various user-friendly functions, for example, by allowing various applications to be freely added or deleted on a general-purpose operating system kernel. More specifically, the display device can be a network TV, HBB TV, smart TV, LED TV, OLED TV, etc., and in some cases, it can also be applied to smartphones.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 1, the display device (100) may include a broadcast receiving unit (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), and a power supply circuit (190).

[0028] The broadcast receiving unit (130) may include a tuner (131), a demodulator (132), and a network interface (133).

[0029] The tuner (131) can select a specific broadcast channel according to a channel selection command. The tuner (131) can receive a broadcast signal for the selected specific broadcast channel.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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).

[0032] The external device interface (135) can provide a connection path between the display device (100) and the external device. The external device interface (135) can receive one or more of images and audio output from an external device connected wirelessly or wiredly to the display device (100) and transmit them to the controller (170). The external device interface (135) can include a plurality of external input terminals. The plurality of external input terminals can include an RGB terminal, one or more HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) terminals, and a component terminal.

[0033] A video signal of an external device input through an external device interface (135) can be output through a display (180). A voice signal of an external device input through an external device interface (135) can be output through a speaker (185).

[0034] An external device that can be connected to the external device interface (135) may be any one of a set-top box, a Blu-ray player, a DVD player, a game console, a sound bar, a smartphone, a PC, a USB memory, and a home theater, but this is only an example.

[0035] The network interface (133) may provide an interface for connecting the display device (100) to a wired / wireless network including the Internet. The network interface (133) may transmit or receive data to or from other users or other electronic devices via the connected network or another network linked to the connected network.

[0036] Additionally, some content data stored in the display device (100) can be transmitted to a selected user or electronic device among other users or other electronic devices pre-registered in the display device (100).

[0037] The network interface (133) can access a predetermined web page through a connected network or another network linked to the connected network. That is, by accessing a predetermined web page through a network, data can be transmitted or received with the corresponding server.

[0038] In addition, 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, etc. and information related thereto provided from a content provider or network provider via a network.

[0039] 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 content provider or network operator.

[0040] The network interface (133) can select and receive a desired application from among applications open to the public via a network.

[0041] The memory (140) stores a program for each signal processing and control within the controller (170), and can store signal-processed image, voice, or data signals.

[0042] In addition, the memory (140) may perform a function for temporary storage of video, audio, or data signals input from an external device interface (135) or a network interface (133), and may store information about a specific image through a channel memory function.

[0043] The memory (140) can store an application or a list of applications input from an external device interface (135) or a network interface (133).

[0044] The display device (100) can play content files (video files, still image files, music files, document files, application files, etc.) stored in the memory (140) and provide them to the user.

[0045] 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 (WB), ZigBee, Radio Frequency (RF) communication, or infrared (IR) communication, or process control signals from the controller (170) to be transmitted to the remote control device (200).

[0046] In addition, the user input interface (150) can transmit control signals input from local keys (not shown) such as a power key, channel key, volume key, and setting value to the controller (170).

[0047] An image signal processed by the controller (170) can be input to the display (180) and displayed as an image corresponding to the image signal. In addition, an image signal processed by the controller (170) can be input to an external output device through an external device interface (135).

[0048] The voice signal processed by the controller (170) can be output as audio to the speaker (185). In addition, the voice signal processed by the controller (170) can be input to an external output device through the external device interface (135).

[0049] In addition, the controller (170) can control the overall operation within the display device (100).

[0050] In addition, the controller (170) can control the display device (100) by a user command or internal program input through the user input interface (150), and can connect to a network to enable the user to download a desired application or application list into the display device (100).

[0051] The controller (170) enables the user-selected channel information, etc. to be output through a display (180) or speaker (185) together with processed video or audio signals.

[0052] In addition, the controller (170) allows a video signal or audio signal from an external device, for example, a camera or camcorder, input through the external device interface (135) to be output through the display (180) or speaker (185) in accordance with an external device video playback command received through the user input interface (150).

[0053] Meanwhile, the controller (170) can control the display (180) to display an image, for example, a broadcast image input through a tuner (131), an external input image input through an external device interface (135), an image input through a network interface, or an image stored in a memory (140) can be controlled to be displayed on the display (180). In this case, the image displayed on the display (180) can be a still image or a moving image, and can be a 2D image or a 3D image.

[0054] In addition, the controller (170) can control the playback of content stored in the display device (100), received broadcast content, or external input content input from outside, and the content can be in various forms such as broadcast video, external input video, audio file, still image, connected web screen, and document file.

[0055] The wireless communication interface (173) can communicate with an external device through wired or wireless communication. The wireless communication interface (173) can perform short-range communication with the external device. To this end, the wireless communication interface (173) can support short-range communication using at least one of Bluetooth™, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), UWB (Ultra Wideband), ZigBee, NFC (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus) technologies. This 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 in which the display device (100, or an external server) is located via a short-range wireless communication network (Wireless Area Network). The short-range wireless communication network can be a short-range wireless personal area network (Wireless Personal Area Network).

[0056] Here, the other display device (100) may be a wearable device (e.g., a smartwatch, smart glasses, a head-mounted display (HMD)) or a mobile terminal such as a smart phone that can exchange data with (or be linked to) the display device (100) according to the present invention. The wireless communication interface (173) may detect (or recognize) a wearable device capable of communication around the display device (100).

[0057] Furthermore, if the detected wearable device is a device certified 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 via the wireless communication interface (173). Accordingly, a user of the wearable device can utilize the data processed in the display device (100) via the wearable device.

[0058] The display (180) can generate a driving signal by converting a video signal, data signal, OSD signal processed by the controller (170) or a video signal, data signal, etc. received from an external device interface (135) into R, G, and B signals, respectively.

[0059] 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 display device (100) actually implemented.

[0060] That is, two or more components may be combined into a single component, or a single component may be subdivided into two or more components, as needed. Furthermore, the functions performed by each block are intended to illustrate embodiments of the present invention, and their specific operations or devices do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0061] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the display device (100) may receive and play back an image through a network interface (133) or an external device interface (135) without having a tuner (131) and a demodulator (132), unlike that shown in FIG. 1.

[0062] For example, the display device (100) may be implemented separately as an image processing device, such as a set-top box, for receiving broadcast signals or contents according to various network services, and a content playback device for playing contents input from the image processing device.

[0063] In this case, the operating method of the display device according to the 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, or a content playback device having a display (180) and an audio output unit (185).

[0064] Next, a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0065] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 shows an example of an actual configuration of a remote control device (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] First, referring to FIG. 2, the remote control device (200) may include a fingerprint recognition device (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).

[0067] 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.

[0068] The remote control device (200) may be equipped with an RF circuit (221) capable of transmitting and receiving signals with the display device (100) according to RF communication standards, and an IR circuit (223) capable of transmitting and receiving signals with the display device (100) according to IR communication standards. In addition, the remote control device (200) may be equipped with a Bluetooth circuit (225) capable of transmitting and receiving signals with the display device (100) according to Bluetooth communication standards. In addition, the remote control device (200) may be equipped with an NFC circuit (227) capable of transmitting and receiving signals with the display device (100) according to NFC (Near Field Communication) communication standards, and a WLAN circuit (229) capable of transmitting and receiving signals with the display device (100) according to WLAN (Wireless LAN) communication standards.

[0069] In addition, the remote control device (200) transmits a signal containing information about the movement of the remote control device (200) to the display device (100) through a wireless communication circuit (220).

[0070] 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 for turning the power on / off, changing the channel, changing the volume, etc. to the display device (100) through the IR circuit (223).

[0071] The user input interface (230) may be configured as 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) includes a hard key button, the user can input commands related to the display device (100) to the remote control device (200) by pushing the hard key button. This will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0072] 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).

[0073] 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.

[0074] The power button (231) may be a button for turning the power of the display device (100) on / off.

[0075] The home button (232) may be a button for moving to the home screen of the display device (100).

[0076] The live button (233) may be a button for displaying a real-time broadcast program.

[0077] The external input button (234) may be a button for receiving an external input connected to the display device (100).

[0078] The volume control button (235) may be a button for adjusting the size of the volume output by the display device (100).

[0079] The voice recognition button (236) may be a button for receiving a user's voice and recognizing the received voice.

[0080] The channel change button (237) may be a button for receiving a broadcast signal of a specific broadcast channel.

[0081] 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.

[0082] Let's explain Figure 2 again.

[0083] When the user input interface (230) has a touch screen, the user can input commands related to the display device (100) using the remote control device (200) by touching the soft keys of the touch screen. In addition, the user input interface (230) may have various types of input means that can be operated by the user, such as a scroll key or a jog key, and this embodiment does not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0084] The sensor (240) may include a gyro sensor (241) or an acceleration sensor (243), and the gyro sensor (241) may sense information about the movement of the remote control device (200).

[0085] For example, the gyro sensor (241) can sense information about the operation of the remote control device (200) based on the x, y, and z axes, and the acceleration sensor (243) can sense information about the movement speed of the remote control device (200). Meanwhile, the remote control device (200) can further include a distance measuring sensor, so as to sense the distance to the display (180) of the display device (100).

[0086] The output interface (250) can output a video or audio signal corresponding to an operation of the user input interface (230) or a signal transmitted from the display device (100).

[0087] The user can recognize whether the output interface (250) is manipulating the user input interface (230) or controlling the display device (100).

[0088] For example, the output interface (250) may include an LED (251) that lights up when the user input interface (230) is operated or a signal is transmitted and received with the display device (100) via the wireless communication unit (225), a vibrator (253) that generates vibrations, a speaker (255) that outputs sound, or a display (257) that outputs images.

[0089] In addition, 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.

[0090] The power supply circuit (260) can resume power supply when a predetermined key provided in the remote control device (200) is operated.

[0091] The memory (270) can store various types of programs, application data, etc. required for the control or operation of the remote control device (200).

[0092] When the remote control device (200) wirelessly transmits and receives signals through the display device (100) and the RF circuit (221), the remote control device (200) and the display device (100) transmit and receive signals through a predetermined frequency band.

[0093] The controller (280) of the remote control device (200) can store and reference information regarding the frequency band that can wirelessly transmit and receive signals with the display device (100) paired with the remote control device (200) in the memory (270).

[0094] 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) via the wireless communication unit (225).

[0095] Additionally, the microphone (290) of the remote control device (200) can acquire voice.

[0096] A plurality of microphones (290) may be provided.

[0097] Next, Figure 4 is described.

[0098] Figure 4 shows an example of utilizing a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] Figure 4 (a) illustrates that a pointer (205) corresponding to a remote control device (200) is displayed on a display (180).

[0100] 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). This remote control device (200) can be called a space remote control because, as shown in the drawing, the pointer (205) moves and is displayed according to the movement in 3D space.

[0101] Figure 4 (b) illustrates that when a 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 correspondingly.

[0102] Information about 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 about the movement of the remote control device (200). The display device (100) can display the pointer (205) to correspond to the calculated coordinates.

[0103] Figure 4 (c) illustrates a case where a user moves the remote control device (200) away from the display (180) while pressing a specific button within the remote control device (200). As a result, a selection area within the display (180) corresponding to the pointer (205) can be zoomed in and displayed in an enlarged manner.

[0104] Conversely, when the user moves the remote control device (200) closer to the display (180), the selection area within the display (180) corresponding to the pointer (205) may be zoomed out and displayed in a reduced size.

[0105] Meanwhile, when the remote control device (200) moves away from the display (180), the selection area may be zoomed out, and when the remote control device (200) moves closer to the display (180), the selection area may be zoomed in.

[0106] In addition, when a specific button within the remote control device (200) is pressed, recognition of up, down, left, and right movements may be excluded. That is, when the remote control device (200) moves away from or toward the display (180), up, down, left, and right movements may not be recognized, and only forward and backward movements may be recognized. When a specific button within the remote control device (200) is not pressed, only the pointer (205) moves in accordance with the up, down, left, and right movements of the remote control device (200).

[0107] Meanwhile, the movement speed or movement direction of the pointer (205) can correspond to the movement speed or movement direction of the remote control device (200).

[0108] 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, objects of various shapes other than the arrow shape illustrated in the drawing can be used as the pointer (205). For example, the pointer may be a concept including a point, a cursor, a prompt, a thick outline, etc. In addition, the pointer (205) may be displayed corresponding to one point on the horizontal or vertical axis on the display (180), or may be displayed corresponding to multiple points such as lines or surfaces.

[0109] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an operating method of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 5, the controller (170) can store content information played through a logged-in user account in the memory (140) (S501).

[0111] In one embodiment, the content information stored in the memory (140) may include recent input information for the content last viewed by a user corresponding to the user account.

[0112] The recent input information may include information about the content being played on the screen of the display (180) just before the display device (100) is powered off or just before logging out.

[0113] The content information may include one or more pieces of information about the most recently played content or application by the user account.

[0114] Content information may include information about content played through a specific application.

[0115] For example, when broadcast content is played through a live TV application that provides live broadcasting, the content information may include one or more of a thumbnail image of the broadcast content being played, a captured image of the broadcast content, a playback point of the captured image during the entire playback section of the broadcast content (600), the name of the broadcast content, information on the channel that provided the broadcast content (channel name or channel number), or information on the episode of the broadcast content.

[0116] As another example, when VOD content is played through a Video On Demand (VOD) application, the content information may include one or more of a thumbnail image of the VOD content being played, a captured image of the VOD content, the name of the VOD content, or information on the episode of the VOD content.

[0117] The content information may include usage information of an external device connected to the display device (100). The external device connected to the display device (100) may be a device connected via the external device interface (135) or wireless communication interface (173) of the display device (100).

[0118] External devices can be electronic devices such as personal computers (PCs), game consoles, smartphones, and laptops.

[0119] The usage information of the external device may include one or more of the name of the connected external device, the last captured image of the video based on the video signal received from the external device, or an external device image representing the external device.

[0120] The controller (170) can capture the screen being played back through the display (180) at regular intervals while a specific user account is logged in. The controller (170) can store the captured image as content information in the memory (140).

[0121] The controller (170) can perform logout for a user account according to a logout command (S503).

[0122] The controller (170) can match content information to a first user account and store it in the memory (140). After storing the content information in the memory (140), the controller (170) can perform a logout for the first user account according to a logout command.

[0123] In another embodiment, the controller (170) may match content information to a first user account and store it in the memory (140) before the display device (100) is powered off.

[0124] When a login request is received, the controller (170) can determine whether login is performed for an existing user account (S505).

[0125] The controller (170) can compare the user ID and password included in the login request with previously stored user IDs and passwords to determine whether login is performed for an existing user account.

[0126] If the received login request is a request for an existing user account, the controller (170) can display content information stored in the memory (140) on the home screen of the display (180) (S507).

[0127] The controller (170) can display content information matched to an existing user account on the home screen in the form of PIP (Picture In Picture).

[0128] That is, the controller (170) can display a PIP item indicating the last input information of the corresponding user account on the home screen. The PIP item can display at least one of a thumbnail image of the content, a captured image of the content, and source information indicating the source of the content.

[0129] If there is no capture image corresponding to the user account, a thumbnail image or app icon may be displayed on the PIP item.

[0130] Source information may include one or more of an icon of the application indicating the source that provided the content or a source name indicating the source of the content.

[0131] In another embodiment, the controller (170) may display content information matching the logged-in user account on the home screen when the display device (100) is powered on and an existing user account is logged in.

[0132] The controller (170) determines whether the displayed content information is focused (S509), and if the content information is focused, the controller can display a content image corresponding to the content information on the display (180) (S511).

[0133] Content information can be focused according to the cursor (205) of FIG. 4, which moves according to the movement of the highlight box or remote control device (200).

[0134] When content information is focused, the controller (170) can play a content image corresponding to the content information on the PIP item.

[0135] In another embodiment, the controller (170) can play a content image corresponding to the content information on the full screen of the display (180) when the content information is focused.

[0136] In another embodiment, the controller (170) may play back content images on the full screen of the display (180) upon receiving a command to select content information.

[0137] If the content video is provided through a VOD application, the controller (170) can execute the VOD application as the PIP item is focused, thereby playing the content video continuously.

[0138] Meanwhile, if the controller (170) determines that the received login request is not a request for an existing user account, it can display content information stored corresponding to the new user account on the home screen of the display (180) (S513).

[0139] When the account is switched from a first user account to a second user account, the controller (170) can display content information matching the second user account on the home screen.

[0140] Figures 6 and 7 are drawings illustrating examples of storing content information for content played through a user account and providing the stored content information.

[0141] Referring to FIG. 6, user A is watching broadcast content (600) being played on a display (180) through a live TV application.

[0142] Broadcast content (600) may be played through the full screen or partial screen of the display (180).

[0143] The controller (170) can store information about broadcast content (600) in the memory (140) when the user account for user A is logged out or the display device (100) is powered off.

[0144] That is, the controller (170) can match information about the last played content through the user A's account to the user account and store it in the memory (140).

[0145] Information about broadcast content (600) may include one or more of a thumbnail image of the broadcast content (600), a captured image of the broadcast content (600), and the name of the application that provided the broadcast content (600).

[0146] Figure 7 illustrates a home screen (700).

[0147] The home screen (700) may include a menu list (710), an advertisement area (720), a service card list (730), an application list (740), a PIP item (750), and a recommended content list (760).

[0148] The type and layout of information displayed on the home screen (700) illustrated in FIG. 7 are merely examples and may vary depending on the user's settings or the manufacturer's settings of the display device (100).

[0149] The menu list (710) may include user account information (701) that identifies the user account, and menus for notifications, settings, and search.

[0150] The advertising area (720) may be an area for playing an advertising video.

[0151] The service card list (730) may include multiple service cards that allow you to easily and quickly view only the desired content.

[0152] Multiple service cards may include home office cards, game cards, music cards, home hub cards, and sports cards.

[0153] The application list (740) may include a plurality of app icons corresponding to each of a plurality of applications installed on the display device (100).

[0154] The PIP item (750) may be an item for providing content information about the most recently viewed content in the form of PIP through a logged-in user account.

[0155] The recommended content list (760) may include recommended content based on the viewing history of the user account.

[0156] The controller (170) can display a PIP item (750) including content information on the home screen (700) when a user account corresponding to user A is logged in.

[0157] When user A logs in again after last watching the broadcast content (600) of FIG. 6, the display device (100) can display content information on the PIP item (750).

[0158] The content information may include one or more of a thumbnail image (751) of the broadcast content (600), the name of the application that provided the broadcast content (600) (753, Live TV), the title of the broadcast content (600), and channel information (channel name or channel number) of the broadcast content (600).

[0159] The content information may further include an app icon representing the application.

[0160] The image included in the PIP item (750) may be a captured image of the broadcast content (600) instead of a thumbnail image (751). The captured image of the broadcast content (600) may be the scene last viewed by user A for the broadcast content (600).

[0161] In this way, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the most recent playback information (or input information) for each user account is stored, so that the user can check in advance the information on the content he or she last watched.

[0162] In addition, since visual information (thumbnail image or captured image) is provided in addition to text information for the content information that the user last viewed, the user can easily and efficiently recognize information about the content that the user last viewed.

[0163] FIGS. 8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating scenarios that may occur in response to a command to select a PIP item included in a home screen according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0164] In FIGS. 8 and 9, it is assumed that broadcast content (600) is viewed through the account of user A, the display device (100) is powered off, and then the home screen (700) is displayed again through the account of user A.

[0165] The controller (170) receives a command to select a PIP item containing information about broadcast content (600) (S801).

[0166] The controller (170) can receive a command to select a PIP item (750) through a cursor (205) controlled by a remote control device (200), as illustrated in FIG. 9.

[0167] The controller (170) can determine whether playback of the broadcast content is possible through the VOD application according to the received command (S803).

[0168] Since the broadcast content (600) was broadcast in real time, it may not be broadcast in real time after some time has passed.

[0169] Accordingly, the controller (170) can determine whether playback of the broadcast content (600) is possible through the VOD application using content information about the broadcast content (600) stored in the memory (140).

[0170] Content information may include one or more of the name of the broadcast content (600), episode information, and playback time of the captured image.

[0171] The controller (170) can transmit content information to a server of a content provider providing a VOD application via a network interface (133).

[0172] The content provider's server can use the received content information to determine whether the broadcast content (600) is a service target, and if so, can transmit a playback command for the broadcast content (600) to the display device (100).

[0173] When the controller (170) receives a playback command from the content provider's server, it can determine that playback of the corresponding broadcast content (600) is possible through the VOD application.

[0174] In another embodiment, the controller (170) may receive information in advance about a plurality of contents that can be provided to the VOD application, and if the received information includes content information about broadcast content (600), it may determine that the broadcast content (600) can be played through the VOD application.

[0175] The controller (170) can search for an application capable of providing broadcast content and play broadcast content provided through the searched application.

[0176] Meanwhile, the controller (170) can identify one or more app icons corresponding to one or more VOD applications capable of providing broadcast content (600) on the application list (740).

[0177] For example, the controller (170) can highlight one or more app icons corresponding to one or more VOD applications capable of providing broadcast content (600).

[0178] Accordingly, the user can select an application that suits his / her taste among multiple VOD applications that can view broadcast content (600).

[0179] If the controller (170) determines that the broadcast content (600) can be played through the VOD application, it can execute the VOD application to play the broadcast content (600) (S805).

[0180] The controller (170) can execute a VOD application according to a playback command received from a content provider's server, and can play broadcast content (600) according to the execution of the VOD application.

[0181] Meanwhile, the controller (170) can play broadcast content (600) from the point of playback of the captured image according to the execution of the VOD application.

[0182] That is, the controller (170) may continue playing the broadcast content from the point in time at which the user last viewed it.

[0183] If the controller (170) does not search for an application capable of providing broadcast content, it can tune to a channel that provides broadcast content or to another channel that plays the broadcast content.

[0184] Referring to FIG. 9, the controller (170) can play broadcast content (600) on the display (180) through the VOD application upon receiving a command to select a PIP item (750).

[0185] The controller (170) can further display an app icon (910) that identifies the VOD application on the broadcast content (600).

[0186] In this way, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, even if the content last viewed by the user is a real-time broadcast content, the user can continue watching the broadcast content through the VOD application.

[0187] Meanwhile, if the controller (170) determines that the broadcast content cannot be played back through the VOD application, it can tune to the channel that provided the broadcast content or to another channel that plays the broadcast content (S807).

[0188] When the controller (170) receives a command to disable playback from the content provider's server, it can determine that playback of the broadcast content is impossible through the VOD application.

[0189] In one embodiment, if the controller (170) determines that the broadcast content cannot be played through the VOD application, the controller (170) can tune the tuner (131) to the channel number that provided the broadcast content.

[0190] In another embodiment, the controller (170) may search for other channels that provide the broadcast content based on stored Electronic Program Guide (EPG) information.

[0191] If another channel providing the corresponding broadcast content is found, the controller (170) can tune the tuner (131) to the found other channel.

[0192] In this way, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, even if it is impossible to provide broadcast content through a VOD application, the broadcast content can be provided through a search of another channel.

[0193] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating various types of PIP items according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0194] Each of the plurality of PIP items (1010 to 1070) illustrated in FIG. 10 can be displayed on the home screen.

[0195] The first PIP item (1010) may be an item that includes content information about real-time broadcast content when a user watches real-time broadcast content through a live TV application.

[0196] The first PIP item (1010) may include one or more of the name of the live TV application, a thumbnail image of the broadcast content, or a captured image. The first PIP item (1010) may further include a live tag indicating that it is a live broadcast.

[0197] The second PIP item (1020) may be an item that includes content information about real-time broadcast content when the user watches the real-time broadcast content through a set-top box (external input) connected to the display device (100).

[0198] The second PIP item (1020) may include one or more of the name of the set-top box application, a thumbnail image of the live broadcast content, or a captured image. The second PIP item (1020) may further include a live tag indicating that it is a live broadcast.

[0199] The third PIP item (1030) may be an item that includes content information about a game video when a user plays a game video by connecting a game console via an HDMI port.

[0200] The third PIP item (1030) may include one or more of the name of the game console connected via the HDMI port, a thumbnail image of the game video, or a captured image. Instead of the name of the HDMI port, the third PIP item (1030) may display the name of the game console modified by user input.

[0201] The fourth PIP item (1040) may be an item that includes content information about external device content when the user views external device content received from an external device connected via an HDMI port.

[0202] The fourth PIP item (1040) may include one or more of the name of the HDMI port, a thumbnail image of the external device content, or a captured image.

[0203] The fifth PIP item (1050) may be an item that includes content information about the application that has been executed when the user executes an application installed on the display device (100).

[0204] The fifth PIP item (1050) may include one or more of the name of the application, an app icon identifying the application, or a captured image representing the last running screen of the application.

[0205] The 6th PIP item (1060) may be an item containing content information about audio when the user listens to audio through a sound device connected via the HDMI port.

[0206] The 6th PIP item (1060) may include one or more of the name of the application for linking with the sound device and information about the played audio.

[0207] The 7th PIP item (1070) may be another type of item that includes content information about the live broadcast content when the user watches the live broadcast content through a live TV application.

[0208] The 7th PIP item (1070) may include one or more of the name of the live TV application, the channel number, the channel name, the name of the broadcast content, the thumbnail image of the broadcast content, or the captured image.

[0209] Meanwhile, if you are logging in to your user account for the first time, the PIP item may contain information about broadcast content based on the Live TV application.

[0210] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating that content information displayed in a PIP item changes when a first user account is switched to a second user account according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0211] Referring to FIG. 11, the display device (100) can display a first home screen (700) when a first user account corresponding to a first user A is logged in.

[0212] The first home screen (700) may include a menu list (710), an advertisement area (720), a service card list (730), an application list (740), a first PIP item (750), and a recommended content list (760).

[0213] The description of the first home screen (700) is replaced with the description of Fig. 7.

[0214] After the first user account is logged out, the second user account corresponding to the second user B is logged in to the display device (100).

[0215] The display device (100) can switch the first home screen (700) to the second home screen (1100) when the first user account is switched to the second user account.

[0216] The second home screen (1100) may include a menu list (710), an advertisement area (720), a service card list (730), an application list (740), a second PIP item (1110), and a recommended content list (1120).

[0217] That is, the display device (100) can switch the first PIP item (750) to the second PIP item (1110) as the first user account switches to the second user account.

[0218] The first PIP item (750) may include content information about the last content viewed through the first user account.

[0219] The second PIP item (1110) may include content information about the last content viewed through the second user account.

[0220] The second PIP item (1110) may include one or more of an app icon identifying the music application last run by the second user account, and a captured image of a music video played through the music application.

[0221] In this way, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, information about the most recently played content or application for each user account can be stored, so that when an account switch occurs, information matching each account can be exposed.

[0222] Accordingly, convenience can be greatly improved as users can intuitively check the input information they last played in advance.

[0223] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the above-described method can be implemented as processor-readable code on a medium in which a program is recorded. Examples of processor-readable media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, and optical data storage devices.

[0224] The display device described above is not limited to the configuration and method of the embodiments described above, and the embodiments may be configured by selectively combining all or part of each embodiment so that various modifications can be made.

Claims

1. In the display device, display; A memory storing content information about the content most recently played by a user account, the content information including information about an application most recently executed by the user account, one or more of a captured image or a thumbnail image of the content provided through the application; and If logged in with the user account, a controller is included that displays a PIP (Picture In Picture) item including the content information on the display, receives a command to focus the PIP item, and plays the content on the PIP item or on the entire screen of the display according to the received command. Display device.

2. In paragraph 1, The above controller If the above content is provided through a Video On Demand (VOD) application, the content is played continuously from the point in time when the captured image was played according to the received command. Display device.

3. In paragraph 1, The above controller If the above content is broadcast content provided through an application that provides live broadcasting, an application capable of providing the above broadcast content is searched for, and the above broadcast content provided through the searched application is played. Display device.

4. In paragraph 3, The above controller If an application capable of providing the above broadcast content is not searched, tune to the channel that provides the above broadcast content or tune to another channel that plays the above broadcast content. Display device.

5. In paragraph 3, The above PIP items are displayed on the home screen, The above controller Identifying an app icon corresponding to an application capable of providing the broadcast content among a plurality of app icons corresponding to a plurality of applications included in the above home screen. Display device.

6. In paragraph 1, The above controller When the account is switched from a first user account to a second user account, a first PIP item including first content information indicating information about content most recently played by the first user account is switched to a second PIP item including second content information indicating information about content most recently played by the second user account. Display device.

7. In paragraph 1, The content information displayed on the above PIP item is Including at least one of the following: the name of the most recently executed application, the app icon representing the most recently executed application, the captured image or the thumbnail image, and the name of an external input. Display device.

8. In the method of operating the display device, A step of storing content information about the content most recently played by a user account, the content information including at least one of information about an application most recently executed by the user account, a captured image or a thumbnail image of the content provided through the application; When logged in with the above user account, a step of displaying a PIP (Picture In Picture) item including the content information on the display; A step of receiving a command to focus the above PIP item; and A step of playing the content on the PIP item or on the entire screen of the display according to the received command. How the display device operates.

9. In paragraph 8, The above steps to play are If the content is provided through a Video On Demand (VOD) application, a step of continuously playing the content from the playback time of the captured image according to the received command is included. How the display device operates.

10. In paragraph 8, The above steps to play are If the above content is broadcast content provided through an application that provides live broadcasting, the method comprises the steps of searching for an application capable of providing the above broadcast content and playing the above broadcast content provided through the searched application. How the display device operates.

11. In paragraph 10, If an application capable of providing the above broadcast content is not searched, the method further includes tuning to a channel that provides the above broadcast content or tuning to another channel that plays the above broadcast content. How the display device operates.

12. In paragraph 10, The above PIP items are displayed on the home screen, The above method of operation is Further comprising a step of identifying an app icon corresponding to an application capable of providing the broadcast content among a plurality of app icons corresponding to a plurality of applications included in the home screen. How the display device operates.

13. In paragraph 8, When the account is switched from a first user account to a second user account, a first PIP item including first content information indicating information about content most recently played by the first user account is switched to a second PIP item including second content information indicating information about content most recently played by the second user account. How the display device operates.

14. In paragraph 8, The content information displayed on the above PIP item is Including at least one of the following: the name of the most recently executed application, the app icon representing the most recently executed application, the captured image or the thumbnail image, and the name of an external input. How the display device operates.

Images