Display apparatus and display method

Provided are a display apparatus and a display method. The display apparatus includes: a display configured to provide a plurality of item areas each of which displays at least a part of an item list including a plurality of items, wherein the display provides at least one item area, among the plurality of item areas, as a closed item area and provides at least one item area, among the plurality of item areas, as an open item area; and a controller configured to control the display to, in response to an input of a control apparatus that selects the closed item area, display at least some items of an item list corresponding to the closed item area on the open item area and to display at least some items of an item list corresponding to the open item area on the closed item area.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2015-0000868, filed on Jan. 5, 2015, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to display apparatuses and display methods, and more particularly, to display apparatuses that provide a plurality of item areas and display methods of the display apparatuses.

2. Description of the Related Art

Display apparatuses are capable of displaying images to users. Users may watch broadcast programs by using display apparatuses. A display apparatus displays, on a display, a broadcast program carried by a broadcast signal selected by a user from broadcast signals that are transmitted from broadcasting stations. The recent broadcast trend has evolved from analog broadcasting to digital broadcasting.

Digital broadcasting refers to the practice of transmitting a digital image and a voice signal. Digital broadcasting have many advantages over analog broadcasting, such as robustness against noise, low data loss, capability of error correction, and the ability to provide high-definition, clear images. Also, digital broadcasting allows interactive services, unlike analog broadcasting.

Also, smart TVs that have digital broadcasting functions and provide a variety of content have recently been introduced. Smart TVs do not operate passively according to users' selection, instead, Smart TVs could analyze and provide what the users want without the users' manipulation.

Also, smart TVs may perform item scrolling functions to improve viewer's interactive experiences and provide more information to the users.

SUMMARY

Provided are display apparatuses and display methods that may enable users to intuitively, naturally, and pleasantly enjoy items displayed by the display apparatuses.

According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, a display apparatus is disclosed. The display apparatus includes: a display configured to provide a plurality of item areas, each item area displaying at least a part of an item list comprising at least one item, at least one item area, among the plurality of item areas, being a closed item area and at least one item area, among the plurality of item areas, being an open item area; and a controller configured to control the display to, in response to an input of a control apparatus that selects the closed item area, swap an item list displayed on the closed item area with an item list displayed on the open item area.

In response to an input of the control apparatus that selects at least one item displayed on the open item area, the controller may provide the selected at least one item in an active state.

The plurality of item areas may respectively correspond to a plurality of categories indicating features of a plurality of item lists.

The controller may control the display to continuously change size of at least one item of the item list, which are displayed on the closed item area and/or to continuously change position of the at least one item of the item list, which are displayed on the closed item area.

The controller may control the display to continuously change size of the at least one item of the item list, which is displayed on the open item area and/or to continuously change position of the at least one item of the item list, which is displayed on the open item area.

The controller may use at least one item area among the plurality of item areas as an area for displaying an item for a specific purpose.

The controller may control the display to display an advertisement item at a first position of the item list displayed on the open item area.

When the advertisement item is entirely displayed on the open item area, in response to an input of the control apparatus that selects the closed item area, the controller may control the display to continuously change sizes of items of the item list displayed on the open item area but maintains a size of the advertisement item.

According to an aspect of another exemplary embodiment, a display apparatus includes: a display providing a plurality of item areas each of which displays at least a part of an item list including a plurality of items, at least one item area, among the plurality of item areas, being a closed item area and at least one item area, among the plurality of item areas, being an open item area; and a controller controlling the display such that items of an item list corresponding to the closed item area are sliding on the closed item area.

The controller may divide the closed item area into a plurality of layers, and control the display to slide the items of the item list displayed on the closed item area on at least one layer among the plurality of layers.

According to an aspect of another exemplary embodiment, a display method includes: providing a plurality of item areas, each item area displaying at least a part of an item list including at least one item, at least one item area, among the plurality of item areas, being provided as a closed item area and at least one item area, among the plurality of item areas, being provided as an open item area; and in response to an input of a control apparatus which selects the closed item area, swapping an item list corresponding to the closed item area with an item list corresponding to the open item area.

According to an aspect of another exemplary embodiment, a display method includes: providing a plurality of item areas, each item area displaying at least a part of an item list including a plurality of items, at least one item area, among the plurality of item areas, being provided as a closed item area and at least one item area, among the plurality of item areas, being provided as an open item area; and displaying such that items of an item list corresponding to the closed item area slide on the closed item area.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. A method of configuring and using an electronic apparatus according to exemplary embodiments will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same components or elements that perform the same functions.

When a key provided in a control apparatus is selected, it may mean that the key is pressed, touched, or dragged.

The term ‘content’ used herein may include a video, an image, text, or a web document.

A portion of a display of a display apparatus on which actual content is output may be referred to as a screen.

In the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a “module” or a “unit” performs at least one function or operation, and may be implemented with hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. In addition, a plurality of “modules” or a plurality of “units” may be integrated into at least one module except for a “module” or a “unit,” which has to be implemented with specific hardware, and may be implemented with at least one processor.

The concept of a display operation according to an exemplary embodiment will now be explained with reference toFIGS. 1 through 1D.

FIG. 1Ais a diagram of a display apparatus100that horizontally provides two item areas according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 1Aillustrates the display apparatus100that may communicate with a control apparatus200in a wired or wireless manner.

The control apparatus200may control the display apparatus100by using short-range communication such as Infrared communication or Bluetooth communication. A user may use the control apparatus200to control a function of the display apparatus100by using at least one of a key (including a button), a touchpad, a microphone that may receive the user's voice, and a sensor that may recognize a motion of the control apparatus200.

The control apparatus200includes a power on/off button for turning on or off the display apparatus100. The control apparatus200may change a channel of the display apparatus100, adjust a volume, select terrestrial broadcasting, cable broadcasting, or satellite broadcasting, or set a configuration.

The display apparatus100may be a flat display apparatus, a curved display apparatus having a curved screen, or a flexible display apparatus that may adjust a curvature. Examples of an output resolution of the display apparatus100may include high definition (HD), full HD, ultra HD, and a resolution higher than ultra HD.

The term ‘user’ used herein refers to a person who controls a function or an operation of the display apparatus100by using the control apparatus200and examples of the user may include a viewer, a manager, and an installer.

The display apparatus100may provide a plurality of item areas in order to display a plurality of item lists corresponding to a plurality of categories on a display115. When the display apparatus100provides a plurality of item areas, the display apparatus100may provide at least some of the plurality of item areas in a closed state and at least some of the plurality of item areas in an open state due to a limited display space of the display115. An item area in a closed state may occupy only a small portion of the display space and thus may indicate that items corresponding to a category are included in this item list but not shown. An item area in an open state may occupy a large portion of the display space of the display115and thus items included in an item list corresponding to a category may be shown.

Also, the display apparatus100may display a cursor300, which responds to an input of the control apparatus200, on the display115.

Referring toFIG. 1A, two item areas310and320are provided on the display115. The item area310may correspond to a category1, and a text312indicating the category1may be displayed on a portion above the item area310to indicate that the item area310corresponds to the category1. Small images311showing items of an item list corresponding to the category1may be displayed on the item area310. Each item list may include one or more item. The item area310may be in a closed state, and an image or images of one or a very small number of items in the item list corresponding to the category1may be displayed on the item area310. Hereinafter, an item area in a closed state is referred as a closed item area. A closed item area is mostly used to indicate that an item list corresponding to a category exists. Items may not be scrolled on a closed item area. Also, items displayed on a closed item area may not be selected or may not be activated. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that even items displayed on a closed item area may be selected or activated.

Scrolling is an operation, which vertically or horizontally moves a text, an image, or a video across a monitor or a display of a computer or a television. Scrolling does not change a layout of text or an image but gradually moves the text or the image in a certain direction on the screen such that a user can view the text or the image after scrolling. Scrolling is often carried out on a computer by a control processor (CPU) or a graphics card.

The item area320may correspond to a category2, and a text327indicating the category2may be displayed on a portion above the item area320to indicate that the item area320corresponds to the category2. Items of an item list corresponding to the category2may be displayed on the item area320. InFIG. 1A, items321,322,323,324,325, and326are displayed on the item area320. The item area320may be in an open state, and at least some items of the item list corresponding to the category2may be displayed on the item area320. Hereinafter, an item area in an open state is referred to as an open item area. Items displayed on an open item area may be selected or may be activated. Also, the user may scroll the open item area320by using the control apparatus200. Also, the user may select one of the items321-326displayed on the open item area320by using the control apparatus200, and thus the selected item may be changed to an active state. Content corresponding to the item in the active state may be displayed on a part or whole of the display115of the display apparatus100and the user may use the content corresponding to the item in the active state.

In general, an item list including a plurality of items may be longer than an item area. Accordingly, the item list for the open item area320may be longer than the open item area320for displaying items, and thus only some of the items of the item list may be displayed on the open item area320. Accordingly, when the user wants to continuously move items of the item list that are not shown on the open item area320, the user clicks the cursor300on an edge of the open item area320to move the open item area320to the edge. The above operation is called edge scrolling. Accordingly, referring toFIG. 1A, the user may further perform scrolling on the far left of the open item area320by using the control apparatus200to display items, which are arranged at the left of the item321, on the open item area320. Also, the user may further perform scrolling on the far right of the open item area320to display items, which are arranged at the right of the item326, on the open item area320.

A plurality of item areas may be provided to respectively correspond to a plurality of categories. The plurality of categories may be set in various ways.

One of the categories may include items that are suggested by a service provider (e.g., FEATURED).

One of the categories may include items that are recently activated by the user (e.g., RECENT).

One of the categories may include, for example, advertisement items.

One of the categories may include items (e.g., preferred channels) that are preferred by the user.

It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that movie items, game items, news items, etc. may be set in various ways as categories.

Each item may indicate content. Examples of an item indicating content may include an item indicating image content, such as a movie or a drama, an item indicating audio content, such as music, an item indicating an application, an item indicating a broadcast channel, and an item indicating history information of content executed by the user.

A plurality of items may be displayed as images. For example, when an item indicates content of a movie or a drama, the item may be displayed as an image of a movie or drama poster. Also, when an item indicates audio content such as music, the item may be displayed as an image of a music album poster. Also, when an item indicates an application, the item may be displayed as an image of the application or a screen shot of the application. Also, when an item indicates a broadcast channel, the item may be displayed as an image of a latest screen shot of the broadcast channel or an image of a program that is being currently broadcast. Also, when an item indicates history information of content that is executed by the user, the item may be displayed as an image of a latest screen shot of the content.

Also, an item may indicate an interface for connecting the display apparatus100to an external apparatus or may indicate an external apparatus that is connected to the display apparatus100. For example, an item indicating an interface for connecting an external apparatus may indicate a port of an image display apparatus to which the external apparatus is connected. Examples of an item indicating an external apparatus may include an item indicating an HD multimedia interface (HDMI) port, an item indicating a component jack, an item indicating a PC port, and an item indicating a universal serial bus (USB) port. Also, an item indicating an external apparatus may indicate the external apparatus that is connected to an interface.

The cursor300is an indicator that is used to show a position on a computer monitor or a display apparatus, in response to a text input or a pointing device, in a computing apparatus. An indicator that is used to show a position on a display in response to an input of a pointing device, such as a mouse, is generally called a pointer. Referring toFIG. 1A, when the user moves the control apparatus200, the cursor300may correspondingly move to a position on the screen of the display115.

Referring toFIG. 1A, the cursor300is displayed on the screen of the display115to correspond to a pointing position of the control apparatus200. Although the cursor300has a circular shape inFIG. 1A, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto and the cursor300may have any of various other shapes.

In response to the user's input that selects the closed item area310corresponding to the category1by using the control apparatus200, the display apparatus100may display the item list of the category1corresponding to the closed item area310on the open item area320, and may display the item list of the category2corresponding to the open item area320on the closed item area310. As such, when a plurality of item lists corresponding to a plurality of categories are provided on a limited display space, the user may effectively use the limited display space by displaying an item list of a category which the user does not want to currently operate on a closed item area so as to reduce a waste of a display portion and displaying only an item list of a category which the user wants to currently operate on an open item area so as for the user to operate items displayed on the open item area.

Although the closed and open item areas310and320are horizontally arranged and thus item scrolling is horizontally performed on the open item area320inFIG. 1A, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the closed and open item areas310and320may be vertically arranged, may be arranged on the top of the display115, may be vertically arranged on a left portion of the display115, or may be arranged on a central portion of the display115.

FIG. 1Bis a diagram of the display apparatus100that vertically provides item areas according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 1B, the closed item area310corresponding to the category1is arranged on the top right of the screen of the display115, and the small images311of some items of the item list corresponding to the closed item area310are displayed on the closed item area310. The open item area320corresponding to the category2is arranged on a right portion of the display115to be disposed under the closed item area310, and the items321,322, and323are displayed on the open item area320.

In response to the user's input that selects the closed item area310corresponding to the category1by using the control apparatus200, the display apparatus100may display the item list of the category1corresponding to the closed item area310on the open item area320, and may display the item list of the category2corresponding to the open item area3250on the closed item area310.

FIG. 1Cis a view of the display apparatus100that provides three item areas according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 1C, the display apparatus100provides an item area410corresponding to a category1, an item area420corresponding to a category2, and an item area430corresponding to a category3. A text412for indicating that the item area410corresponds to the category1is displayed on a portion above the item area410, and small images411of some items of an item list of the category1are displayed on the item area410. A text422for indicating that the item area420corresponds to the category2is displayed on a portion above the item area420, and an item421is displayed on the item area420. A text436for indicating that the item area430corresponds to the category3is displayed on a portion above the item area430, and items431,432,433,434, and435are displayed on the item area430.

The item area410corresponding to the category1and the item area420corresponding to the category2are in closed states, and items on the closed item area410and the closed item area420may not be scrolled, selected, and activated.

The item area430corresponding to the category3is in an open state, and the items431,432,433,434, and435are displayed and may be scrolled by using the control apparatus220and may be selected and activated.

According to an exemplary embodiment, in response to the user's input that selects the closed item area410corresponding to the category1by using the control apparatus200, the display apparatus100may display an item list corresponding to the closed item area410on the open item area430, and may display an item list corresponding to the open item area430on the closed item area410. The closed item area420during this time may remain in the closed state without being changed.

According to an exemplary embodiment, in response to the user's input that selects the closed item area420corresponding to the category2by using the control apparatus200, the display apparatus100may display an item list corresponding to the closed item area420on the open item area430and may display the item list corresponding to the open item area430on the closed item area420. The closed item area410during this time may remain in the closed state without being changed.

FIG. 1Dis a view of the display apparatus100that provides three item areas according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 1D, the display apparatus100provides the closed item area410corresponding to the category1, the closed item area420corresponding to the category2, and the open item area430corresponding to the category3. As shown inFIG. 1D, the display apparatus100provides three item areas, like inFIG. 1C, but the three item areas are arranged in a different way from that inFIG. 1C. The open item area430corresponding to the category3may be arranged on the bottom of the screen of the display115between the closed item areas410and420.

As described with reference toFIGS. 1A through 1D, the display apparatus100may provide a plurality of item areas to the display115, and may provide at least one of the plurality of item areas in an open state and may provide at least one of the plurality of item areas in a closed state.

According to an exemplary embodiment, in response to an input of the control apparatus200that selects a closed item area, the display apparatus100may control the display115to display an item list corresponding to the closed item area on an open item area and to display an item list corresponding to the open item area on the closed item area. As such, since a plurality of item areas and item lists of categories respectively corresponding to the plurality of item areas are provided and each item list is switched between an open state and a closed state, items may be effectively provided in various ways to the user and the user may pleasantly enjoy interfaces.

FIG. 2is a block diagram of the display apparatus100according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 2, the display apparatus100includes the display115, a controller180, and a detector160.

The display115according to an exemplary embodiment outputs the cursor300to the screen in response to an input of the control apparatus200under the control of the controller180.

The display115according to an exemplary embodiment provides an item area on which a plurality of items are arranged on the screen.

In response to an input of the control apparatus200that selects at least one item area in a closed state under the control of the controller180, the display115according to an exemplary embodiment displays at least some items of an item list corresponding to the closed item area on an open item area and displays at least some items of an item list corresponding to the open item area on the closed item area.

The display115according to an exemplary embodiment may provide at least one item area among a plurality of item areas as an area for displaying an item for a specific purpose under the control of the controller180.

The display115according to an exemplary embodiment may display items corresponding to a closed item area in a sliding manner, on the closed item area.

The controller180may receive a signal corresponding to a pointing position of the control apparatus200that is received through the detector160, and may control the display115to determine and display the cursor300having a specific shape at a specific position according to the signal corresponding to the pointing position.

The controller180may receive a signal that selects a closed item area of the control apparatus200that is received through the detector160, and may control the display115to switch an item list corresponding to the closed item area and an item list corresponding to the open item area. That is, through this switch, at least some items of the item list displayed on the closed item area are switched to be displayed on the open item area and at least some items of the item list displayed on the open item area are switched to be displayed on the closed item area.

The controller180may control the display115to provide at least one item area among a plurality of item areas as an area for displaying an item for a specific purpose.

The controller180may control the display115to display items corresponding to a closed item area in a sliding manner, on the closed item area.

FIG. 3is a detailed block diagram of the display apparatus100according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 3, the display apparatus100includes a video processor110, the display115, an audio processor120, an audio output interface125, a power supply130, a tuner140, a communicator150, the detector160, an input/output interface170, the controller180, and a storage190.

The video processor110processes video data that is received by the display apparatus100. The video processor110may perform various image processing, such as decoding, scaling, noise filtering, frame rate conversion, or resolution conversion on the video data.

The display115displays, on the screen, a video carried by a broadcast signal that is received through the tuner140under the control of the controller180. Also, the display115may display content (e.g., a moving image) that is input through the communicator150or the input/output interface170. The display115may output an image that is stored in the storage190under the control of the controller180. Also, the display115may display a voice user interface (UI) (including a voice command guide) for performing a voice recognition task corresponding to voice recognition or a motion user interface (UI) (including a user motion guide) for performing a motion recognition task corresponding to motion recognition.

The display115according to an exemplary embodiment may display the cursor300on the screen in response to an input of the control apparatus200under the control of the controller180.

The display115according to an exemplary embodiment may provide a plurality of item areas each of which displays at least one item, and may provide at least one item area of the plurality of item areas in a closed state and may provide at least one item area of the plurality of item areas in an open state, under the control of the controller180.

In response to an input of the control apparatus200that selects a closed item area, the display115according to an exemplary embodiment may display at least some items of an item list corresponding to the closed item area on an open item area and may display at least some items of an item list corresponding to the open item area on the closed item area, under the control of the controller180.

When the at least some items of the item list corresponding to the open item area are displayed on the closed item area, the display115according to an exemplary embodiment may continuously change sizes of items of the item list corresponding to the open item area, under the control of the controller180.

When the at least some items of the item list corresponding to the closed item area are displayed on the open item area, the display115according to an exemplary embodiment may continuously change sizes of items of the item list corresponding to the closed item area, under the control of the controller180.

The display115according to an exemplary embodiment may provide at least one item area of the plurality of item areas as an area for displaying an item for a specific purpose, under the control of the controller180.

The display115according to an exemplary embodiment may arrange and output an advertisement item at a first position of the item list corresponding to the open item area, under the control of the controller180.

When the advertisement item is entirely displayed on the open item area, in response to an input of the control apparatus200that selects the closed item area, the display115according to an exemplary embodiment may continuously change sizes of items displayed on the open item area while maintaining the displayed advertisement item, under the control of the controller180.

When the advertisement item is partially displayed on the open item area, in response to an input of the control apparatus200that selects the closed item area, the display115according to an exemplary embodiment may continuously change sizes of items displayed on the open item area, including the advertisement item, under the control of the controller180.

The display115according to an exemplary embodiment may slide items corresponding to the closed item area, on the closed item area, under the control of the controller180.

Also, the display115according to an exemplary embodiment may divide the closed item area into a plurality of layers, and may slide the corresponding items on at least one layer of the plurality of layers, under the control of the controller180.

The audio processor120processes audio data. The audio processor120may perform various processing operations, such as decoding, amplification, or noise filtering, on the audio data. The audio processor120may include a plurality of audio processing modules in order to process audio signals corresponding to a plurality of pieces of content.

The audio output interface125outputs an audio signal carried by a broadcast signal that is received through the tuner140under the control of the controller180. The audio output interface125may output an audio signal (e.g., a voice or a sound) that is input through the communicator150or the input/output interface170. Also, the audio output interface125may output an audio signal stored in the storage190under the control of the controller180. The audio output interface125may include at least one of a speaker126, a headphone output terminal127, and a Sony/Philips digital interface (S/PDIF) output terminal128. Alternatively, the audio output interface125may include a combination of the speaker126, the head phone output terminal127, and the S/PDIF output terminal128.

The power supply130supplies power that is input from an external power supply source to elements (i.e.,110through190) of the display apparatus100under the control of the controller180. Also, the power supply130may supply power that is output from one or more batteries in the display apparatus100to the elements110through190under the control of the controller180.

The tuner140may tune and select only a frequency of a channel to be received by the display apparatus100from among propagation components by performing amplification, mixing, or resonance on a broadcast signal that is received in a wired or wireless manner. The broadcast signal includes an audio, a video, and additional information (e.g., an electronic program guide (EPG)).

The tuner140may receive a broadcast signal in a frequency band corresponding to a channel number (e.g., a cable broadcast channel506) according to the user's input (e.g., a control signal that is received from the control apparatus200, for example, a channel number input, a channel up-down input, or a channel input on an EPG screen).

The tuner140may receive a broadcast signal from any of various sources such as a terrestrial broadcast source, a cable broadcast source, a satellite broadcast source, or an Internet broadcast source. The tuner140may receive a broadcast signal from a source such as analog broadcasting or digital broadcasting. The broadcast signal that is received by the tuner140is decoded by using, for example, audio decoding, video decoding, or additional information decoding, and is separated into an audio, a video, and/or additional information. The separated audio, video, and/or additional information may be stored in the storage190under the control of the controller180.

The display apparatus100may include one or more tuners140. When the display apparatus100includes a plurality of the tuners140according to an exemplary embodiment, the display apparatus100may output a plurality of broadcast signals on a plurality of windows constituting a multi-window screen that is provided on the display115.

The tuner140may be integrated into the display apparatus100in an all-in-one manner, or may be connected to a separate apparatus (e.g., a set-top box that is electrically connected to the display apparatus100or to the input/output interface170.

The communicator150may connect the display apparatus100to an external apparatus (e.g., an audio apparatus) under the control of the controller180. The controller180may transmit/receive content to/from the external apparatus that is connected to the controller180through the communicator150, may download an application from the external apparatus, or may perform web browsing. The communicator150may include one of a wireless local area network (LAN)151, a Bluetooth system152, and a wired Ethernet system153according to a performance and a structure of the display apparatus100. Alternatively, the communicator150may include a combination of the wireless LAN151, the Bluetooth system152, and the wired Ethernet system153. The communicator150may receive a control signal of the control apparatus200under the control of the controller180. The control signal may be a Bluetooth signal, an RF signal, or a WiFi signal.

The communicator150may further include a short-range communication system (e.g., a near-field communication (NFC) system (not shown) or a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) system (not shown)) other than the Bluetooth system152.

The microphone161receives the user's uttered voice. The microphone161may convert the received voice into an electrical signal and may output the electrical signal to the controller180. The user's voice may include, for example, a voice corresponding to a menu or a function of the display apparatus100. A recommended recognition range of the microphone161may be about 4 meters between the microphone161and the user's position, and may vary according to the user's voice tone and an ambient environment (e.g., a speaker's sound or an ambient noise).

The microphone161may be integrated into or separated from the display apparatus100. When the microphone161is separated from the display apparatus100, the microphone161may be electrically connected to the display apparatus100through the communicator150or the input/output interface170.

It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the microphone161may be omitted according to a performance and a structure of the display apparatus100.

The camera162receives an image (e.g., continuous frames) corresponding to the user's motion including a gesture in a recognition range. For example, the recognition range of the camera162may be 0.1 mm to 5 mm between the camera162and the user's position. The user's motion may include, for example, a motion of the user's body part or region such as the user's face, facial expression, hand, fist, or finger. The camera162may convert the received image into an electrical signal and may output the electrical signal to the controller180under the control of the controller180.

The controller180may select a menu displayed on the display apparatus100by using a result of motion recognition or may perform control corresponding to the result of motion recognition. For example, the controller180may change a channel, adjust a volume, or move an indicator.

The camera162may include a lens and an image sensor. The camera162may support optical zooming or digital zooming by using a plurality of lenses and image processing. A recognition range of the camera162may be set to vary according to an angle of a camera and an ambient environment condition. When the camera162includes a plurality of cameras, the camera162may receive 3D still images or 3D moving images by using the plurality of cameras.

The camera162may be integrated into or separated from the display apparatus100. When the camera162is separated from the display apparatus100, a separate apparatus (not shown) including the camera152may be electrically connected to the display apparatus100through the communicator150or the input/output interface170.

It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the camera162may be omitted according to a performance and a structure of the display apparatus100.

The light receiver163receives an optical signal (including a control signal) from the control apparatus200that is outside the light receiver163through a light window or the like in a bezel of the display115. The light receiver163may receive an optical signal corresponding to the user's input (e.g., a touch, a push, a touch gesture, a voice, or a motion) from the control apparatus200. The control signal may be extracted from the received optical signal under the control of the controller180.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the light receiver163may receive a signal corresponding to a pointing position of the control apparatus200and may transmit the signal to the controller180.

The input/output interface170receives a video (e.g., a moving image), an audio (e.g., a voice or music), and additional information (e.g., an EPG) from the outside of the display apparatus100under the control of the controller180. The input/output interface170may include one of a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port171, a component jack172, a PC port173, and a USB port174. Alternatively, the input/output interface170may include a combination of the HDMI port171, the component jack172, the PC port173, and the USB port174.

It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the input/output interface170may be configured and operate in various ways.

The controller180controls an overall operation of the display apparatus100and signal transmission/reception between the elements110-190of the display apparatus100and processes data. When the user's input occurs or satisfies a preset condition, the controller180may execute an operation system (OS) and various applications that are stored in the storage190.

The controller180may include a random-access memory (RAM)181that stores a signal or data input from the outside of the display apparatus100or stores a signal or data related to various operations performed in the display apparatus100, a read-only memory (ROM)182that stores a control program for controlling the display apparatus100, and a processor183.

The processor183may include a graphics processor (GPU) for performing graphics processing on a video. The processor183may be provided as a system-on-chip (SoC) in which a core is combined with a GPU. The processor183may include a single-core, a dual-core, a triple-core, a quad-core, and a multiple core thereof.

Also, the processor183may include a plurality of processors. For example, the processor183may include a main processor and a sub-processor that operates in a sleep mode.

A graphic processor184generates a screen including various objects such as an icon, an image, and text by using a calculator and a renderer. The calculator calculates an attribute value such as a coordinate value, a shape, a size, or a color of each object according to a layout of the screen by using the user's interaction that is detected through the detector160. The renderer generates the screen having any layout including the object based the attribute value that is calculated by the calculator. The screen generated by the renderer is displayed within a display area of the display115.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the graphic processor184may generate the cursor300to be displayed on the screen in response to an input of the control apparatus200, under the control of the controller180.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the graphic processor184may generate an image of each item and a plurality of item areas under the control of the controller180.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the graphic processor184may generate item lists in an open state and in a closed state under the control of the controller180.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the graphic processor184may continuously change sizes of items corresponding to an open item area under the control of the controller180.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the graphic processor184may continuously change sizes of items corresponding to a closed item area under the control of the controller180.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the graphic processor184may generate graphics that slide items corresponding to a closed item area under the control of the controller180.

First through nth interfaces185-1-185-nare connected to the various elements. One of the first through nth interfaces185-1-185-nmay be a network interface that is connected to an external apparatus.

The RAM181, the ROM182, the processor183, the graphic processor184, and the first through nth interfaces185-1through185-nmay be connected to one another via an internal bus186.

The term ‘controller’ of the display apparatus100used herein includes the processor183, the ROM182, and the RAM181.

The controller180may receive pointing position information of the control apparatus200through at least one of the light receiver163that receives light from the control apparatus200and a panel key provided on a side surface or a rear surface of the display apparatus100.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller180may control the display115to provide a plurality of item areas. Each of the item areas displays at least one item. In addition, at least one item area of the plurality of item areas may be in a closed state and at least one item area of the plurality of item areas may be in an open state.

According to an exemplary embodiment, in response to an input of the control apparatus200that selects a closed item area, the controller180may control the display115to display at least some items of an item list corresponding to the closed item area on an open item area and to display at least some items of an item list corresponding to the open item area on the closed item area.

According to an exemplary embodiment, in response to an input of the control apparatus200that selects at least one item displayed on the open item area, the controller180may provide the selected item in an active state.

According to an exemplary embodiment, when the at least some items of the item list corresponding to the open item area are switched to be displayed on the closed item area, the controller180may control the display115to continuously change and display sizes of items of the item list corresponding to the open item area.

According to an exemplary embodiment, when the at least some items of the item list corresponding to the closed item area are switched to be displayed on the open item area, the controller180may control the display115to continuously change and display sizes of items of the item list corresponding to the closed item area.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller180may provide at least one item area among the plurality of item areas as an area for displaying an item for a specific purpose.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller180may control the display115to arrange and output an advertisement item at a first position of the item list corresponding to the open item area.

According to an exemplary embodiment, when the advertisement item is entirely displayed on the open item area, in response to an input of the control apparatus200that selects the closed item area, the controller180may control the display115to continuously change and output sizes of items displayed on the open item area while maintaining the displayed advertisement item.

According to an exemplary embodiment, when the advertisement item is partially displayed on the open item area, in response to an input of the control apparatus200that selects the closed item area, the controller180may control the display115to continuously change and output sizes of items, including the advertisement item, displayed on the open item area.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller180may control the display115to slide and output items corresponding to the closed item area, on the closed item area.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller180may divide the closed item area into a plurality of layers, and may control the display115to slide and output the items corresponding to the closed item area on at least one layer of the plurality of layers.

It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the controller180may be configured and operate in various ways.

The storage190may store various data, programs, or applications for driving and controlling the display apparatus100under the control of the controller180. The storage190may store signals or data that are input/output according to operations of the video processor110, the display115, the audio processor120, the audio output interface125, the power supply130, the tuner140, the communicator150, the detector160, and the input/output interface170. The storage190may store a control program for controlling the display apparatus100and the controller180, an application that is initially provided by a manufacturer or downloaded from the outside, a GUI related to the application, an object (e.g., an image, text, an icon, or a button) for providing the GUI, user information, a document, databases, or related data.

The term ‘storage’ according to an exemplary embodiment includes the storage190, the ROM182or the RAM181of the controller180, or a memory card (e.g., a micro secure digital (SD) card or a USB memory) that is mounted in the display apparatus100. Also, the storage190may include a nonvolatile memory, a volatile memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid-state drive (SSD).

The storage190may include a broadcast reception module, a channel control module, a volume control module, a communication control module, a voice recognition module, a motion recognition module, a light reception module, a display control module, an audio control module, an external input control module, a power control module, a power supply control module of an external apparatus that is connected through wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth), a voice database (DB), or a motion DB. The modules and the DBs (not shown) of the storage190that are not shown) may be configured so software for the display apparatus100to perform functions of broadcast reception control, channel control, volume control, communication control, voice recognition, motion recognition, light reception control, audio control, external input control, power control, and display control of controlling the cursor300or a scrolled item to be displayed. The controller180may perform each function by executing the software that is stored in the storage190.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the storage190may store user setting information that is received through one of the light receiver163, the panel key, the microphone161, and the camera162. User setting may include the user setting information for setting categories corresponding to a plurality of item areas.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the storage190may store an image corresponding to each item.

The storage190may store a video or an image corresponding to a visual feedback.

The storage190may store a sound corresponding to an auditory feedback.

The storage190may include a presentation module. The presentation module is a module for configuring a display screen. The presentation module includes a multimedia module for reproducing and outputting multimedia content and an UI rendering module for performing UI and graphics processing. The multimedia module may include a player module, a camcorder module, and a sound processing module. Accordingly, the multimedia module may reproduce a variety of multimedia content and may generate and reproduce a screen and a sound. The UI rendering module may include an image composition module that combines images, a coordinate combination module that combines and generates coordinates on a screen on which an image is to be displayed, an X11 module that receives various events from hardware, and a two-dimensional/three-dimensional (2D/3D) UI toolkit that provides a tool for forming a 2D or 3D UI.

Also, the display apparatus100including the display115may be electrically connected to a separate external apparatus (e.g., a set-top box) including a tuner. For example, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the display apparatus100may be, but is not limited to, an analog TV, a digital TV, a 3D-TV, a smart TV, a light-emitting diode (LED TV), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) TV, a plasma TV, or a monitor.

The display apparatus100may include a sensor (e.g., an illumination sensor or a temperature sensor) that detects an internal or external state of the display apparatus100.

At least one element may be added to or omitted from the elements (e.g.,110through190) of the display apparatus100ofFIG. 3according to a performance or a structure of the display apparatus100. Also, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that positions of the elements (e.g.,110through190) may vary according to a performance or a structure of the display apparatus100.

FIGS. 4A through 4Bare block diagrams illustrating a configuration of the control apparatus200according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 4A, the control apparatus200may include a wireless communicator220, a user input interface230, a sensor unit240, an output unit250, a power supply260, a storage270, and a controller280.

The wireless communicator220may transmit/receive a signal to/from the display apparatus100according to the exemplary embodiments. The wireless communicator220may include a radio frequency (RF) module221that may transmit/receive a signal to/from the display apparatus100according to the RF communication standard. Also, the control apparatus200may include an infrared (IR) module that may transmit/receive a signal to/from the display apparatus100according to the IR communication standard.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the control apparatus200transmits a signal containing information about a movement of the control apparatus200to the display apparatus100through the RF module221.

Also, the control apparatus200may receive a signal that is transmitted from the display apparatus100through the RF module221. Also, if necessary, the control apparatus200may transmit a command to turn on/off power, change a channel, or change a volume to the display apparatus100through the IR module223.

The user input interface230may include a keypad, a button, a touchpad, or a touch-screen. The user may input a command related to the display apparatus100to the control apparatus200by manipulating the user input interface230. When the user input interface230includes a hard key button, the user may input a command related to the display apparatus100to the control apparatus200by pushing the hard key button. When the user input interface230includes a touch-screen, the user may input a command related to the display apparatus100to the control apparatus200by touching a soft key of the touch-screen.

For example, the user input interface230may include a 4-direction button or a 4-direction key201, as shown in a control apparatus200aofFIG. 4B. The 4-direction button or the 4-direction key201may be used to control a window, an area, an application, or an item displayed on the display115. The 4-direction button or the 4-direction key201may be used to order upward, downward, leftward, and rightward movements. Also, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the user input interface230includes a 2-direction button or a 2-direction key, instead of the 4-direction button or the 4-direction key201.

Also, the user input interface230may include any of input units that may be manipulated by the user, such as a scroll key or a jog key.

Also, the user input interface230may include a touchpad202, like in a control apparatus200bofFIG. 4B. The user input interface230according to an exemplary embodiment may receive the user' input that drags, touches, or flips the touchpad202of the control apparatus200. Also, the display apparatus100may be controlled according to a type of the received user's input (e.g., a direction in which a drag command is input or a time at which a touch command is input).

The sensor unit240may include a gyro sensor241or an acceleration sensor243. The gyro sensor241may sense information about a movement of the control apparatus200. For example, the gyro sensor241may sense information about an operation of the control apparatus200along x, y, and z-axes. The acceleration sensor243may sense information about a speed at which the control apparatus200moves. The sensor unit240may further include a distance measurement sensor, and thus may detect a distance between the sensor unit240and the display apparatus100.

Referring toFIG. 4B, the control apparatus200caccording to an exemplary embodiment may be a pointing device including both a 4-direction key204and a touchpad203. That is, when the control apparatus200is a pointing device, a function of the display apparatus100may be controlled according to an inclination direction or an angle by using the gyro sensor241of the control apparatus200.

The output unit250may output an image or a voice signal in response to a manipulation of the user input interface230or a signal that is received from the display apparatus100. The user may recognize whether the user input interface230is manipulated or the display apparatus100is controlled, by using the output unit250.

For example, the output unit250may include an LED module251that could emit lights, a vibration module253that generates vibration, a sound output module255that outputs a sound, or a display module257that outputs an image when the user input interface230is manipulated or a signal is transmitted/received to/from the display apparatus100through the wireless communicator220.

The power supply260supplies power to the control apparatus200. When the control apparatus200does not move for a predetermined period of time, the power supply260may stop supplying power to reduce power consumption. When a predetermined key of the control apparatus200is manipulated, the power supply260may resume power supply.

The storage270may store various programs and application data that are necessary to control or operate the control apparatus200.

The controller280controls general operations related to the control apparatus200. The controller280may transmit a signal corresponding to a movement of the control apparatus200that is sensed by the sensor unit240or a signal corresponding to a manipulation of a predetermined key of the user input interface230, to the display apparatus100through the wireless communicator220.

The display apparatus100may include a coordinate value calculation unit that may calculate a coordinate value of the cursor300corresponding to an operation of the control apparatus200.

The coordinate value calculation unit may correct hand-shake or an error from a signal corresponding to the operation of the control apparatus200that is detected and may calculate a coordinate value (x, y) of the cursor300to be displayed on the display115.

Also, a transmission signal of the control apparatus200that is detected through the detector130is transmitted to the controller180of the display apparatus100. The controller180may distinguish information about an operation of the control apparatus200and a key manipulation from the signal that is transmitted from the control apparatus200, and may control the display apparatus100according to the information.

Alternatively, the control apparatus200may calculate a coordinate value of the cursor300corresponding to an operation of the control apparatus200and may transmit the coordinate value to the display apparatus100. In this case, the display apparatus100may transmit information about the coordinate value of the cursor300that is received without correction of hand-shake or an error to the controller180.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the user may control a position of the cursor300to be displayed on the screen of the display115by using a direction key, a touchpad, and a pointing function of the control apparatus200.

Also, according to an exemplary embodiment, the user may select a closed item area displayed on the screen of the display115by using the direction key, the touchpad, and the pointing function of the control apparatus200.

FIG. 5is a flowchart of a display method of the display apparatus100according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 5, in operation510, the display apparatus100provides at least one item area among a plurality of item areas in a closed state, and provides at least one item area among the plurality of item areas in an open state.

Referring toFIGS. 3 through 4B, when the user indicates a position on the screen of the display115of the display apparatus100by using the control apparatus200as, for example, a pointing device, the detector160of the display apparatus100receives an input signal corresponding to the position indicated by the control apparatus200and the controller180calculates coordinates on the screen on which the cursor300is to be output in response to the received input signal. Also, the controller180controls the display115to display the cursor300on the calculated position on the screen.

Next, referring toFIG. 5, in operation520, in response to an input of the control apparatus200that selects a closed item area, the display apparatus100displays at least some items of an item list corresponding to the closed item area on an open item area and displays at least some items of an item list corresponding to the open item area on the closed item area. In other words, the item list originally corresponding to the closed item area and the item list originally corresponding to the open item area switches their places.

Referring toFIGS. 3 through 4B, when the user operates the control apparatus200to select the closed item area arranged on the screen of the display115of the display apparatus100by using the control apparatus200as, for example, a pointing device, the detector160of the display apparatus100receives a signal corresponding to an input of the control apparatus200and the controller180, in response to the received signal, controls the graphic processor184to display the item list corresponding to the closed item area on the open item area and to display the item list corresponding to the open item area on the closed item area.

FIGS. 6A through 6Care diagrams of the display apparatus100that swaps an item list corresponding to an open item area with an item list corresponding to a closed item area according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 6A, the display apparatus100provides an item area610corresponding to a category1and an item area620corresponding to a category2on the display115. A text617for indicating that the item area610corresponds to the category1is displayed above the item area610and an item611is displayed on the item area610. A text630for indicating that the item area620corresponds to the category2is displayed above the item area620and items A621, B622, C623, D624, E625, and F626are displayed on the item area620.

The item area610may be in a closed state, and one or a small number of items in an item list corresponding to the category1may be displayed on the closed item area610. A closed item area is used to indicate that an item list corresponding to a category exists. On the closed item area610, items may not be scrolled. Also, items displayed on a closed item area may not be selected or activated. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that even items displayed on a closed item area may be selected or activated.

Some of items corresponding to the closed item area610may be displayed as small images, or an image of only one item may be displayed.

Items displayed on the open item area620may be selected, scrolled, or activated.

When the display apparatus100receives an input of the control apparatus200that selects an item displayed on the open item area620, the display apparatus200may activate and output the selected item on the entire screen.

Also, the user may scroll the open item area620by using the control apparatus200. Referring toFIG. 6A, the item list that may be displayed on the open item area620includes the item A621through an item I629. Accordingly, the user may display the item G627that is on the right of the item F626on the open item area620by performing rightward scrolling on the open item area620by using the control apparatus200.

Referring toFIG. 6B, due to the rightward scrolling on the open item area620by using the control apparatus200, the item A621that is a first item of the open item area620is partially covered and the item G627is partially displayed on the open item area620.

When an input that selects the closed item area610is received from the control apparatus200, the display apparatus100displays the item list corresponding to the open item area620on the closed item area610and displays the item list corresponding to the closed item area610on the open item area620.

The display apparatus100that swaps the item list of the closed item area610with the item list of the open item area620and outputs the swapping result is illustrated inFIG. 6C.

Referring toFIG. 6C, items a611, b612, b613, d614, e615, and f616that are items corresponding to the category1that originally corresponds to the closed item area610are swapped to be displayed on the open item area620.

The item list corresponding to the open item area620is switched to be displayed on the closed item area610, and only the item A621among items corresponding to the category2is displayed on the closed item area610.

Also, the display apparatus100may display the text617indicating the category1on a portion above the open item area620and may display the text630indicating the category2on a portion above the closed item area610, in order to indicate that the item list displayed on the open item area620corresponds to the category1.

According to an exemplary embodiment, when the item list corresponding to the open item area620is displayed on the closed item area, the display apparatus100may continuously change sizes of items and output the size-changed items of the item list.

FIGS. 7A through 7Eare reference diagrams for explaining a process of continuously changing sizes of items and outputting size-changed items corresponding to an open item area according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 7A, the items a611, b612, c613, d614, and e615correspond to the closed item area610, and only the item a611is displayed on the closed item area610. The items A621, B622, C623, and D624are displayed on the open item area620, and the items E625and F626are not displayed on the open item area620.

InFIG. 7A, in response to an input of the control apparatus200that selects the closed item area610, the display apparatus100may continuously change sizes of items and output size-changed items corresponding to the open item area620.

Referring toFIG. 7B, widths of the items A621, B622, C623, D624, E625, and F626corresponding to the open item area620are reduced and output. Positions at which the items A621, B622, C623, D624, E625, and F626are output may be continuously changed as well. The positions are more to the left than those inFIG. 7A. Also, the item list displayed on the closed item area610will be explained below with reference toFIGS. 9A through 9D.

Also, as time passes, referring toFIG. 7C, widths of the items A621, B622, C623, D624, E625, and F626are reduced to be less than those inFIG. 7Band the size-changed items are output. As time passes, referring toFIG. 7D, widths of the items A621, B622, C623, D624, E625, and F626are further reduced to be less than those inFIG. 7C. As time passes, referring toFIG. 7E, movements of the items A621, B622, C623, D624, E625, and F626to the closed item area610are completed, and only the item A621is displayed on the closed item area610.

As such, in response to an input of the control apparatus200that selects the closed item area610, the display apparatus100may continuously change sizes of items of the item list corresponding to the open item area620and continuously change the display positions of the size-changed items, and finally all the items corresponding to the open item area620are positioned on the closed item area610. The user may intuitively enjoy a process of displaying the item list corresponding to the open item area620on the closed item area610.

Also, according to an exemplary embodiment, a speed at which sizes of items corresponding to the open item area620are continuously changed may not be linear, and may have a specific curved shape.

FIG. 8Ashows a curve that may be used for a speed at which sizes of items corresponding to the open item area620are continuously changed according to an exemplary embodiment.

The curve ofFIG. 8Ais a Bézier curve. A Bézier curve is a parametric curve frequently used in computer graphics. The Bézier curve is used to obtain various free curves by moving a start point that is a first control point, an end point that is a last control point, and intermediate control points between the start point and the end point. For example, when there are four points P0, P1, P2, and P3, a curve starts at the point P0and arrives at the point P3where the curve's direction is controlled by point P1and the point P2without passing through the point P1or P2.

Referring toFIG. 8A, the curve starts at a start point V0(0, 0) and arrives at an end point V3(1, 1). A slope of the curve that is obtained by a control point V1(0.5, 0.15) and a control point V2(0.65, 0.95) may be used as a speed at which sizes of items corresponding to the open item area620are continuously changed.

Referring toFIG. 8B, when sizes of items corresponding to the open item area620are continuously changed, a time taken to change an overall size of the items A621, B622, C623, D624, E625, and F626corresponding to the open item area620to a size suitable for the closed item area610is, for example, 300 ms.

According to an exemplary embodiment, when the item list corresponding to the closed item area610is displayed on the open item area620, the display apparatus100may continuously change sizes of items and output the size-changed items of the item list corresponding to the closed item area610.

FIGS. 9A through 9Dare reference diagrams for explaining a process of continuously changing sizes of items and outputting the size-changed items corresponding to the closed item area610according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 9A, the items a611, b612, c613, d614, and e615correspond to the closed item area610, and only the item a611is displayed on the closed item area610. The items A621, B622, C623, and D624are displayed on the open item area620, and the items E625and F626are not displayed on the open item area620.

InFIG. 9A, in response to an input of the control apparatus200that selects the closed item area610, the display apparatus100may continuously change sizes of items and output the size-changed items corresponding to the closed item area610. Referring toFIGS. 9B through 9D, widths of the items a611, b612, c613, d614, and e615corresponding to the closed item area610are gradually increased and the size-changed items are output. As time passes, referring toFIG. 9C, widths of the items a611, b612, c613, d614, and e615are further increased. As time passes, referring toFIG. 9D, widths of the items a611, b612, c613, d614, and e615are further increased and the size-changed items are output.

InFIG. 9A, in response to an input of the control apparatus200that selects the closed item area610, the display apparatus100may continuously change sizes of items corresponding to the closed item area610, and thus the user may intuitively enjoy a process of displaying the item list corresponding to the closed item area610on the open item area620.

Also, according to an exemplary embodiment, a speed at which sizes of items corresponding to the closed item area610are continuously changed may not be linear, and may have a specific curved shape.

FIG. 10Ashows a curve that may be used for a speed at which sizes of items corresponding to the closed item area610are continuously changed according to an exemplary embodiment.

The curve ofFIG. 10Ais a Bézier curve. The curve starts at a start point V0(0, 0) and arrives at an end point V3(1, 1). A slope of the curve that is obtained by a control point V1(0.15, 0.4) and a control point V2(0.45, 0.9) may be used as a speed at which sizes of items corresponding to the open item area620are continuously changed.

Referring toFIG. 10B, since sizes of items corresponding to the closed item area610are continuously changed, a time taken to change a size corresponding to the closed item area610to an overall size of the items a611, b612, b613, d614, e615, and f616corresponding to the open item area620is, for example, 600 ms.

According to an exemplary embodiment, when the item list corresponding to the closed item area610and the item list corresponding to the open item area620are swapped with each other, positions of the item lists that are displayed may be continuously changed.

FIGS. 11A through 11Eare reference diagrams for explaining a process of swapping an item list corresponding to the closed item area610with an item list corresponding to the open item area620according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 11A, an item list including the items a611, b612, c613, d614, and e615corresponds to the closed item area610, and only the item a611is displayed on the closed item area610. An item list including the items A621, B622, C623, D624, E625, and F626corresponds to the open item area620, and the items A621, B622, C623, and D624are displayed on the open item area620.

InFIG. 11A, in response to an input of the control apparatus200that selects the closed item area610, the display apparatus100may continuously change sizes of items and output the size-changed items of the item list corresponding to the closed item area610and may continuously change sizes of items and output the size-changed items of the item list corresponding to the open item area620. Also, the display apparatus100may gradually move rightward the items of the item list corresponding to the closed item area610so that the items of the item list corresponding to the closed item area610are arranged on the open item area620, and may gradually move leftward the items of the item list corresponding to the open item area620so that the items of the item list corresponding to the open item area620are arranged on the closed item area610.

Referring toFIG. 11B, the item list corresponding to the closed item area610is displayed more to the right than that inFIG. 11A, and the item list corresponding to the open item area620is displayed more to the left than that inFIG. 11A. InFIG. 11B, the item list including the items a611, b612, c613, d614, and e615are to be displayed over the entire open item area620. However, since the item list including the items a611, b612, c613, d614, and e615may partially overlap the item list including the items A621, B622, C623, D624, E625, and F626, it may be difficult to distinguish the item list including the items a611, b612, c613, d614, and e615from the item list including the items A621, B622, C623, D624, E625, and F626. Accordingly, for convenience, the item list including the items a611, b612, c613, d614, and e615is displayed horizontally under the item list including the items A621, B622, C623, D624, E625, and F626. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the item list including the items a611, b612, c613, d614, and e615is displayed at the same horizontal level as the item list including the items A621, B622, C623, D624, E625, and F626.

Also, referring toFIG. 11B, the items of the item list corresponding to the closed item area610are displayed to be different from those inFIG. 11A, and the items of the item list corresponding to the open item area620are displayed to have slightly smaller widths than those inFIG. 11A.

Referring toFIG. 11C, the item list corresponding to the closed item area610is displayed more to the right than that inFIG. 11B, and widths of the items a611, b612, c613, d614, and e615of the item list are slightly greater than those inFIG. 11B, and the item list including the items A621, B622, C623, D624, E625, and F626corresponding to the open item area620is displayed more to the left than that inFIG. 11B, and widths of the items A621, B622, C623, D624, E625, and F626of the item list are slightly less than those inFIG. 11B.

Referring toFIG. 11D, the item list corresponding to the closed item area610is displayed more to the right than that inFIG. 11C, and widths of the items a611, b612, c613, d614, and e615of the item list are slightly greater than those inFIG. 11C. The item list including the items A621, B622, C623, D624, E625, and F626corresponding to the open item area620is displayed more to the left than that inFIG. 11C, and widths of the items A621, B622, C623, D624, E625, and F626of the item list are slightly less than those inFIG. 11C.

Referring toFIG. 11E, the items a611, b612, c613, d614, and e615of the item list corresponding to the closed item area610are moved more to the right than those inFIG. 11Dand are displayed on the open item area620, and widths of the items a611, b612, c613, d614, and e615of the item list are greater than those inFIG. 11D. The items A621, B622, C623, D624, E625, and F626of the item list corresponding to the open item area620are moved more to the left than those inFIG. 11Dand are displayed on the closed item area610and only the item A621of the item list is displayed on the closed item area610.

As shown from an original state ofFIG. 11Ato a state ofFIG. 11E, a process of swapping the item list including the items a611, b612, c613, d614, and e615with the item list including the items A621, B622, C623, D624, E625, and F626is explained only at four points of time for convenience of explanation. However, actually, the item list including the items a611, b612, c613, d614, and e615may be continuously displayed on the display115while being continuously moved from a position ofFIG. 11Ato a position ofFIG. 11-2e. Also, the item list including the items A621, B622, C623, D624, E625, and F626may be continuously displayed on the display115while being continuously moved from a position ofFIG. 11Ato a position ofFIG. 11E.

Also, according to an exemplary embodiment, a speed at which positions of the item list corresponding to the closed item area610and the item list corresponding to the open item area620are continuously changed may not be linear, and may have a specific curved shape.

FIG. 12Ashows a curve that may be used to determine a speed at which positions of an item list corresponding to the closed item area610and an item list corresponding to the open item area620are continuously changed according to an exemplary embodiment.

The curve ofFIG. 12Ais a Bézier curve. The curve starts at a start point V0(0, 0) and arrives at an end point V3(1, 1). A slope of the curve that is obtained by a control point V1(0.6, 0.1) and a control point V2(0.9, 0.5) may be used as a speed at which the item list corresponding to the open item area620is moved or a speed at which the item list corresponding to the closed item area610is moved.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a speed at which the item list corresponding to the closed item area610is continuously moved may be set to be the same as a speed at which the item list corresponding to the open item area620is continuously moved.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a speed at which the item list corresponding to the closed item area610is continuously moved may be set to be different from a speed at which the item list corresponding to the open item area620is continuously moved.

For example, a time taken to continuously move the item list corresponding to the closed item area610may be different from a time taken to continuously move the item list corresponding to the open item area620.

Referring toFIG. 12B, when a time taken for an item list A to be moved from a position m of the closed item area610to a position n of the open item area620is 400 msec and a time taken for an item list B to be moved from the position n of the open item area620to the position m of the closed item area610is 600 msec, in order to finally swap the item list A with the item list B, for example, the item list B may be moved first, and 200 msec later, the item list A may be moved.

FIG. 13is a flowchart for explaining an operation performed by the display apparatus100to use one of a plurality of item areas as an area for displaying an item for a specific purpose according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 13, in operation1310, the display apparatus100provides at least one item area among a plurality of item areas as a closed item area and at least one item area among the plurality of item areas as an open item area.

In operation1320, the display apparatus100provides at least one item area among the plurality of item areas as an area for displaying an item for a specific purpose.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the specific purpose may include a specific purpose that is desired by a manufacturer of the display apparatus100.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the specific purpose may include a specific purpose that is desired by a service provider.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the specific purpose may include a specific purpose that is desired by the user.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the specific purpose may include an advertisement purpose.

The specific purpose may be set to any of various purposes, but the following will be explained for convenience on the assumption that the specific purpose is an advertisement purpose.

FIGS. 14A and 14Bare views of the display apparatus100that arranges and displays an advertisement item at a first position of an item list corresponding to an open item area according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 14A, the display apparatus100provides a closed item area710and an open item area720.

An item list of a category1717corresponds to the closed item area710, and an item a711of the item list is displayed on the closed item area710.

An item list corresponding to a category2730may be displayed on the open item area720. The item list includes an advertisement item721and items A722, B723, C724, D725, E726, F727, G728, and H729, and the advertisement item721and the items A722, B723, C724, D725, and E726are displayed on the open item area720.

The advertisement item721may not have an attribute that is common to the other items included in the category2, and may be provided to be displayed at a first position or another fixed position of the open item area720to provide service. Accordingly, when the user's input that selects the closed item area710is input, the display apparatus100may display the item list corresponding to the category1on the open item area720. Even in this case, the display apparatus100may remain displaying the advertisement item721at a first position among items displayed on the open item area720.

Referring toFIG. 14B, due to the user's input that scrolls on a right end of the open item area720, the advertisement item721that is at the first position of the item list may be partially covered and the item F727that is arranged on the right of the item E726in the item list may be partially displayed on the open item area720.

As such, since the advertisement item721is arranged as an item for a specific purpose at the first position of the item list corresponding to the open item area720, the advertisement item721may be moved along with other items of the item list corresponding to the open item area720due to scrolling of the open item area720.

According to an exemplary embodiment, when the advertisement item721is entirely displayed on the open item area720, in response to an input of the control apparatus200that selects the closed item area710, the display apparatus100may continuously change sizes of items of the item list corresponding to the open item area720but still maintain a size of the advertisement item721.

FIGS. 15A through 15Eare reference diagrams for explaining a method of swapping an item list corresponding to the open item area720with an item list corresponding to the closed item area710when the advertisement item721is entirely displayed on the open item area720according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 15A, an item list including items a711, b712, c713, d714, and e715corresponds to the closed item area710, and only the item a711is displayed on the closed item area710. An item list including the advertisement item721and the items A722, B723, C724, D725, E726, F727, and G728corresponds to the open item area720, and the advertisement item721and the items A722, B723, C724, D725, and E726are displayed on the open item area720.

InFIG. 15A, in response to an input of the control apparatus200that selects the closed item area710, the display apparatus100may continuously change sizes of the items a711, b712, c713, d714, and e715and output the size-changed items a711, b712, c713, d714, and e715of the item list corresponding to the closed item area710and may continuously change sizes of the items A722, B723, C724, D725, E726, F727, and G728and output the size-changed items A722, B723, C724, D725, E726, F727, and G728of the item list corresponding to the open item area720, and also may gradually move rightward the items a711, b712, c713, d714, and e715of the item list corresponding to the closed item area710so that the items a711, b712, c713, d714, and e715are arranged on the open item area720and may gradually move leftward the items A722, B723, C724, D725, E726, F727, and G728of the item list corresponding to the open item area720so that the items A722, B723, C724, D725, E726, F727, and G728are arranged on the closed item area710. However, during the aforementioned procedure, the size of the advertisement item721may remain the same and only the sizes of the other items may be continuously changed.

Referring toFIG. 15B, the item list including the items a711, b712, c713, d714, and e715corresponding to the closed item area710is displayed more to the right than that inFIG. 15A, and the item list including A722, B723, C724, D725, E726, F727, and G728corresponding to the open item area720is displayed more to the left than that inFIG. 15A, without changing a position or a size of the advertisement item721. The item list including the items a711, b712, c713, d714, and e715is to be displayed over the entire closed item area710inFIG. 15B. However, since the item list including the items a711, b712, c713, d714, and e715may partially overlap the item list including the items A722, B723, C724, D725, E726, F727, and G728, it may be difficult to distinguish the item list including the items a711, b712, c713, d714, and e715from the item list including the items A722, B723, C724, D725, E726, F727, and G728. Although the item list including the items a711, b712, c713, d714, and e715is displayed horizontally under the item list including the items A722, B723, C724, D725, E726, F727, and G728for convenience of explanation, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that actually, the item list including the items a711, b712, c713, d714, and e715is displayed at the same horizontal level as the item list including the items A722, B723, C724, D725, E726, F727, and G728.

Also, referring toFIG. 15B, the items a711, b712, c713, d714, and e715of the item list corresponding to the closed item area710are displayed, and the items A722, B723, C724, D725, E726, F727, and G728of the item list corresponding to the open item area720are displayed to have widths slightly less than those inFIG. 15A.

Referring toFIG. 15C, the item list including the items a711, b712, c713, d714, and e715corresponding to the closed item area710is displayed more to the right than that inFIG. 15Band widths of the items a711, b712, c713, d714, and e715of the item list are slightly greater than those inFIG. 15B, the item list including the items A722, B723, C724, D725, E726, F727, and G728corresponding to the open item area720is displayed more to the left than that inFIG. 15Band widths of the items A722, B723, C724, D725, E726, F727, and G728of the item list are slightly less than those inFIG. 15B.

Referring toFIG. 15D, the item list including the items a711, b712, c713, d714, and e715corresponding to the closed item area710is displayed more to the right than that inFIG. 15Cand widths of the items a711, b712, c713, d714, and e715of the item list are slightly greater than those inFIG. 15C, the item list including the items A722, B723, C724, D725, E726, F727, and G728corresponding to the open item area720is displayed more to the left than that inFIG. 15Cand widths of the items A722, B723, C724, D725, E726, F727, and G728of the item list are slightly less than those inFIG. 15C. Even in this case, a position and a size of the advertisement item721are not changed.

Referring toFIG. 15E, the items a711, b712, c713, d714, and e715of the item list corresponding to the closed item area710are moved more to the right than those inFIG. 15Dand are displayed on the open item area720to be disposed next to the advertisement item721, and widths of the items a711, b712, c713, d714, and e715of the item list are greater than those inFIG. 15D. The items A722, B723, C724, D725, E726, F727, and G728of the item list corresponding to the open item area720are arranged on the closed item area710and only the item A721of the item list is displayed on the closed item area710as a representative. Even in this case, a position and a size of the advertisement item721are not changed.

As shown from an original state ofFIG. 15Ato a state ofFIG. 15E, a process of swapping the item list including the items a711, b712, c713, d714, and e715with the item list including the items A722, B723, C724, D725, E726, F727, and G728is explained only at four points of time for convenience of explanation. However, actually, the item list including the items a711, b712, c713, d714, and e715may be continuously displayed on the display115while being continuously moved from a position ofFIG. 15Ato a position ofFIG. 15E. Also, the item list including the items A722, B723, C724, D725, E726, F727, and G728may be continuously displayed on the display115while being continuously moved from a position ofFIG. 15Ato a position ofFIG. 15E.

According to an exemplary embodiment, when the advertisement item721is partially displayed on the open item area720, in response to an input of the control apparatus200that selects the closed item area710, the display apparatus100may continuously change sizes of items of the item list corresponding to the open item area720, including the advertisement item721.

FIGS. 16A through 16Care reference diagrams for explaining a method of swapping an item list corresponding to the open item area720with an item list corresponding to the closed item area710when the advertisement item721is partially displayed on the open item area720according to an exemplary embodiment.

AlthoughFIG. 16Ashows the same configuration as that ofFIG. 15A, a part of the advertisement item721is covered and only a part of the advertisement item721is displayed on the open item area720due to rightward scrolling on the open item area720.

As such, in response to an input of the control apparatus200that selects the closed item area710when only a part of the advertisement item721is displayed, when an item list corresponding to the open item area720and an item list corresponding to the closed item710are swapped with each other, sizes of items of the item list corresponding to the closed item area710including the advertisement item721may be continuously changed and displayed.

Referring toFIG. 16B, widths of the advertisement item721and the items A722, B723, C724, D725, E726, F727, and G728of the item list corresponding to the open item area720are reduced and the items A722, B723, C724, D725, E726, F727, and G728of the item list are moved and displayed more to the left.

Referring toFIG. 16C, when the item list including the items A722, B723, C724, D725, E726, F727, and G728corresponding to the open item area720is completely swapped with the item list including the items a711, b712, c713, d714, and e715corresponding to the closed item area710, the advertisement item721may be displayed at a first position of the open item area720.

FIGS. 17A through 17Care diagrams of the display apparatus100that uses one of a plurality of item areas as an area for displaying an item for a specific purpose according to an exemplary embodiment.

An item list corresponding to a category1812may be displayed on a closed item area810, and an item a811of the item list is displayed on the closed item area810.

Items A831, B832, C833, D834, and E835that are some items of an item list corresponding to a category2837are displayed on an open item area830.

Also, the display apparatus100provides an item area820for a specific purpose. According to an exemplary embodiment, an advertisement item821may be displayed on the item area820.

Referring toFIG. 17B, due to the user's operation to scroll at a right end of the open item area830, the item A831that is at a first position of the item list may be partially covered and the item F836that is on the right of the item E835in the item list may be partially displayed on the open item area830.

In this case, since the item area820for a specific purpose is an item area that is independent from the open item area830, the advertisement item821that is displayed is not affected by scrolling on the open item area830. Accordingly, even when scrolling on the open item area830occurs, an overall shape of the advertisement item821may be maintained and displayed.

InFIG. 17B, in response to an input of the control apparatus200that selects the closed item area810, the display apparatus100swaps the item list corresponding to the closed item area810with the item list corresponding to the open item area830. In this case, since the item area820for a specific purpose, especially, for an advertisement purpose, is an area that is independent from the closed item area810or the open item area830, the item area820is not affected by the swapping.

Referring toFIG. 17C, due to swapping between the item list corresponding to the closed item area810with the item list corresponding to the open item area830in response to an input of the control apparatus200that selects the closed item area810inFIG. 17B, the item A831is displayed on the closed item area810, and items a811, b812, c813, d814, and e815that are items of the item list corresponding to the category1812are displayed on the open item area830.

FIG. 18is a flowchart for explaining an operation of the display apparatus100to slide and output items corresponding to a closed item area according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 18, in operation1810, the display apparatus100provides at least one item area among a plurality of item areas as a closed item area and provides at least one item area among the plurality of item areas as an open item area.

In operation1820, the display apparatus100slides and displays items of an item list corresponding to the closed item area, on the closed item area.

FIG. 19is a diagram of the display apparatus100that slides and outputs items on a closed item area according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 19, the display apparatus100provides an open item area910and a closed item area920to the display115.

The open item area910may display an item list corresponding to a category2917, and items A911, B912, C913, D914, E915, and F916of the item list may be displayed on the open item area910.

The closed item area920may display an item list corresponding to a category1939. The item list corresponding to the category1939includes items a-h921-928and items i-p931-938.

According to an exemplary embodiment, one item in the item list corresponding to the category1939may be displayed as an image on the closed item area920.

According to an exemplary embodiment, one item in the item list corresponding to the category1may be displayed as an image on the closed item area920and images of items included in the item list may be slid and displayed.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of items in the item list corresponding to the category1may be displayed as small images on the closed item area920.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of items in the item list corresponding to the category1may be displayed as small images on the closed item area920and the small images may be slid and output.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the closed item area920may be divided into a plurality of layers, and items of the item list corresponding to at least one layer of the plurality of layers may be slid and displayed.

Referring toFIG. 19, the closed item area920is divided into a first layer and a second layer, and items of the item list corresponding to the category1are allocated to the first and second layers. The items i through p931through938are displayed on the first layer and the items a through h921through928are displayed on the second layer. In this case, the items may be slid in various ways on the first layer and the second layer of the closed item area920.

FIGS. 20A through 20Eare diagrams for explaining a method of sliding and outputting items on a closed item area according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 20Aillustrates an example where items that are displayed on a second layer of a closed item area are fixed and items that are displayed on a first layer of the closed item area are slid and output.

Referring toFIG. 20A, an item list corresponding to a category1939may be displayed on the closed item area920. The item list includes items x940, y941, a942, b943, c944, d945, e946, f947, g948, and h949. Small images of the items x940and y941may be fixed on a second layer of the closed item area920and small images of the items a942, b943, c944, d945, e946, f947, g948, and h949may be slid and output on a first layer of the closed item area920.

FIG. 20Billustrates an example where items that are displayed on a first layer of a closed item area are fixed and items that are displayed on a second layer of the closed item area are slid and output.

Referring toFIG. 20B, an item list corresponding to the category1may be displayed on the closed item area920. The item list includes the items x940, y941, a942, b943, c944, d945, e946, f947, g948, and h949. Small images of the items x940and y941may be fixed and displayed on a first layer of the closed item area920and small images of the items a942, b943, c944, d945, e946, f947, g948, and h949may be slid and output on a second layer of the closed item area920.

FIG. 20Cillustrates an example where items are slid and output at the same speed on a first layer and a second layer of a closed item area.

Referring toFIG. 20C, an item list corresponding to the category1may be displayed on the closed item area920. The item list includes items a961, b962, c963, d964, e965, f966, g967, h968, i971, j972, k973, l974, m975, n976, o977, and p978. Small images of the items a961, b962, c963, d964, e965, f966, g967, and h968may be slid and output on a second layer of the closed item area920, and small images of the items i971, j972, k973, l974, m975, n976, o977, and p978may be slid and output on a first layer of the closed item area920. In this case, a speed at which the items i971, j972, k973, l974, m975, n976, o977, and p978are slid on the first layer may be the same as a speed at which the items a961, b962, c963, d964, e965, f966, g967, and h968are slid on the second layer.

FIG. 20Dillustrates an example where items are slid and output at different speeds on a first layer and a second layer of a closed item area.

Referring toFIG. 20D, an item list corresponding to the category1may be displayed on the closed item area920. The item list includes items a981, b982, c983, d984, e985, f986, g987, h988, i991, j992, k993, l994, m995, n996, o997, and p998. Small images of the items a981, b982, c983, d984, e985, f986, g987, and h988may be slid and output on a second layer of the closed item area920, and small images of the items i991, j992, k993, l994, m995, n996, o997, and p998may be slid and output on a first layer of the closed item area920. In this case, a speed at which the items i991, j992, k993, l994, m995, n996, o997, and p998are slid on the first layer may be different from a speed at which the items a981, b982, c983, d984, e985, f986, g987, and h988are slid on the second layer.

FIG. 20Eillustrates an example where a closed item area is divided into a first column and a second column and items are slid at different speeds on the first column and the second column.

Referring toFIG. 20E, an item list corresponding to the category1939may be displayed on the closed item area920. The item list includes the items a981, b982, c983, d984, e985, f986, g987, h988, i991, j992, k993, l994, m995, n996, o997, and p998. Small images of the items a981, b982, c983, d984, e985, f986, g987, and h988may be slid and output on a first column of the closed item area920, and small images of the items i991, j992, k993, l994, m995, n996, o997, and p998may be slid and output on a second column of the closed item area920. In this case, a speed at which the items a981, b982, c983, d984, e985, f986, g987, and h988are slid on the first column may be different from a speed at which the items i991, j992, k993, l994, m995, n996, o997, and p998are slid on the second column.

Also, according to an exemplary embodiment, a speed at which items are slid and moved on a closed item area may not be linear, and may have a specific curved shape.

FIG. 21Ashows a curve that may be used for a speed at which items are slid on a closed item area according to an exemplary embodiment.

The curve ofFIG. 21Ais a Bézier curve. The curve starts at a start point V0(0, 0) and arrives at an end point V3(1, 1). A slope of the curve that is obtained by a control point V1(0.8, 0.1) and a control point V2(0.2, 0.9) may be used as a speed at which items are slid on a closed item area. Referring toFIG. 21A, the horizontal axis represents an interval in which sliding occurs. The slope of the curve is small in a front part of the interval, is increased in a middle part of the interval, and is reduced again in a rear part of the interval.

As such, when the slope of the curve that is a Bézier curve is used as a sliding speed, items are moved slowly at an early stage of the sliding, are moved quickly at a middle stage, and are moved slowly again at a late stage. Referring toFIG. 21B, when a position of a left edge of an item A that slides on a closed item area at a start point of 0 msec of sliding is 0, the position of the left edge of the item A that slides on the closed item area at a next point of 300 msec is −10. The position of the left edge of the item A that slides on the closed item area at a point of 600 msec is −50. The position of the left edge of the item A that slides on the closed item area at a point of 900 msec is −90. The position of the left edge of the item A that slides on the closed item area at a point of 1200 msec is −100. That is, since items are moved slowly at an early stage and a late stage of sliding and are moved quickly at a middle stage, the user may pleasantly feel as if the sliding occurs due to a force.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the display apparatus100may provide a user interface (UI) for setting categories corresponding to a plurality of item areas.

FIGS. 22A and 22Bare diagrams of a UI1000for receiving category setting from the user according to an exemplary embodiment.

According to the one or more exemplary embodiments, since a display apparatus effectively displays and provides items, a user may pleasantly enjoy the items.

A display method according to the one or more exemplary embodiments may be implemented as computer instructions which may be executed by various computer means, and recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium may include program commands, data files, data structures, or a combination thereof. The program commands recorded on the computer-readable recording medium may be specially designed and constructed for the inventive concept or may be known to and usable by one of ordinary skill in a field of computer software. Examples of the computer-readable medium include storage media such as magnetic media (e.g., hard discs, floppy discs, or magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., compact disc-read only memories (CD-ROMs), or digital versatile discs (DVDs)), magneto-optical media (e.g., floptical discs), and hardware devices that are specially configured to store and carry out program commands (e.g., ROMs, RAMs, or flash memories). Examples of the program commands include a high-level language code that may be executed by a computer using an interpreter as well as a machine language code made by a complier.

While the inventive concept has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof by using specific terms, the embodiments and terms have merely been used to explain the inventive concept and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the inventive concept as defined by the claims. The exemplary embodiments should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Therefore, the scope of the inventive concept is defined not by the detailed description of the inventive concept but by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope will be construed as being included in the inventive concept.