Patent Description:
In recent years, users are spending more time experiencing content through a mobile device such as a smartphone. Therefore, web content including social media may be provided to a user based on an aspect ratio of a mobile device and the user's gripping direction of the mobile device. In addition, image content provided in a horizontal direction was common in the past, but in recent years, an amount of content provided in a vertical direction has been rapidly increased.

However, when viewing content through a mobile device such as a smartphone, a user may have a limited viewing experience due to a restriction on a display size or the like of the mobile device, as compared to when viewing the content through a display device such as a television (TV). In addition, the display device may generally have a display having a shape long in a horizontal direction, and it may thus be generally uncomfortable for the user to view the content on the display of the TV in a vertical direction.

In recent years, there have been more cases in which a display device such as a TV includes a rotatable display, and thus a user may view content in a vertical direction as well as in a horizontal direction. However, for search, there may be a need for a method for providing a guide on rotation of the display and a guide on an operation method related to the rotation of the display such as a stop or a return during its rotation. Patent document <CIT> describes an apparatus including a detection unit configured to detect portrait/landscape orientation of the apparatus. Patent document <CIT> describes a display system comprising a moveable electronic display for displaying visual content, a drive mechanism mechanically coupled to the electronic display for moving the electronic display and a controller for controlling the electronic display and the drive mechanism. Patent document <CIT> describes a display device and a controlling method thereof. [Disclosure of Invention].

There is provided a method of controlling a display device outputting an image in either one of display modes comprising a horizontal mode and a vertical mode and a display device for outputting an image in either one of display modes comprising a horizontal mode and a vertical mode in accordance with the independent claims. Other aspects of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of embodiments of the disclosure will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:.

The disclosure provides a guide on rotation of a display for a user to more easily operate a display device. According to embodiments of the disclosure as described above, the user convenience and satisfaction may be improved because the user may receive the guide on the rotation of the display from the display device, and thus easily operate the display device.

The specification briefly describes terms used herein first and then focuses on the disclosure in detail.

General terms that are currently widely used are selected as terms used in embodiments of the disclosure in consideration of functions in the disclosure, but may be changed depending on the intention of those skilled in the art or a judicial precedent, the emergence of a new technique and the like. In addition, terms arbitrarily chosen by an applicant may exist. In this case, the meanings of such terms are mentioned in detail in corresponding description portions of the disclosure. Therefore, the terms used in the embodiments of the disclosure may be defined on the basis of the meanings of the terms and the contents throughout the disclosure rather than simple names of the terms.

The disclosure may be variously modified and have several embodiments, and thus embodiments of the disclosure are shown in the drawings and be described in detail in the detailed description. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to specific embodiments, but includes all modifications, equivalents and substitutions without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined by the claims. If it is decided that a detailed description for the known art related to the disclosure may obscure the gist of the disclosure, the detailed description is omitted.

Terms 'first', 'second' and the like, may be used to describe various components, but the components are not to be construed as being limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another component.

Singular forms used herein are intended to include plural forms unless explicitly indicated otherwise. It is to understood that terms 'comprise' or 'include' used in the specification, specify the presence of features, numerals, steps, operations, components, parts mentioned in the present specification or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numerals, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art to which the disclosure pertains may easily practice the disclosure. However, the disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In addition, in the drawings, portions unrelated to the description are omitted to obviously describe the disclosure, and similar portions are denoted by similar reference numerals throughout the specification.

<FIG> is a view for schematically describing a control process of a display device.

As shown in <FIG>, a display device <NUM> may rotate a display of the display device <NUM>. That is, the display device <NUM> according to the disclosure may perform an allegedly pivot function. In detail, the display may be rotated to be positioned in a horizontal or vertical direction. <FIG> shows a state <NUM>-<NUM> in which the display is positioned in the vertical direction, and shows a state <NUM>-<NUM> in which the display is positioned in the horizontal direction with a dotted line. <FIG> shows that the display is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction, but the display may be rotated in a clockwise direction.

Hereinafter, the description of the disclosure may describe that the display is rotated in the horizontal or vertical direction in case that the display is pivoted to be positioned in the horizontal or vertical direction. In addition, the description may describe that: the display device <NUM> is operated in a horizontal mode in case that the display is positioned in the horizontal direction; and the display device <NUM> is operated in a vertical mode in case that the display is positioned in the vertical direction. As such, the display device <NUM> may output an image in either one of display modes including the horizontal or vertical mode. However, the display device <NUM> may not only output the image in the horizontal or vertical mode, but may also output the image in a state in which the display device <NUM> is inclined at an angle based on a user instruction (for example, a state in which the display device <NUM> is inclined in a diagonal direction). The display device <NUM> may be implemented as, for example, a digital television (TV) or a monitor, but its type is not particularly limited.

The display device <NUM> may receive a user instruction to control the display device <NUM>. In detail, the display device <NUM> may receive the user instruction through a user terminal <NUM> in communication with the display device <NUM>, and may receive the user instruction through a remote control device <NUM> for controlling the display device <NUM>.

Here, the user terminal <NUM> may communicate with the display device <NUM> and transmit a control signal and an image content to the display device <NUM>. The user terminal <NUM> may communicate with the display device <NUM> through a communication method such as wi-fi, bluetooth and the like, and its communication method is not particularly limited. The user terminal <NUM> may be implemented as, for example, a smartphone, a tablet PC or the like, and its type may not be particularly limited.

The remote control device <NUM> may receive a user input for controlling the display device <NUM>, and output the control signal for controlling the display device <NUM> based on the received user input. The remote control device <NUM> may output the control signal through a communication method such as infrared communication, radio frequency (RF) communication, bluetooth or ultra-wideband (UWB) communication. The communication method of the remote control device <NUM> is not particularly limited, either. The remote control device <NUM> may be, for example, a remote controller, but is not limited thereto, and may be implemented as a smartphone or the like.

The display device <NUM> may provide a user with various guide information on rotation of a display <NUM>. The description hereinafter focuses on embodiments of the display device <NUM> providing the guide information on the rotation of the display <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view showing a display device providing guide information, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

As shown in portions <FIG>, the display device <NUM> may display at least one user interface (Ul) element corresponding to at least one image content in a region of the display <NUM>. Here, the UI element may refer to a text representing a title of the image content, an icon, summarized information on the image content or a thumbnail image. The display device <NUM> may display a plurality of UI elements on a content browser <NUM> provided in a region of the display <NUM>. For example, the display device <NUM> may display: a first UI element <NUM> corresponding to a first image content; a second UI element <NUM> corresponding to a second image content; and a third UI element <NUM> corresponding to a third image content. The display <NUM> of the display device <NUM> shown in portions <FIG> may display the UI element in the vertical mode. In addition, the display device <NUM> may display a screen <NUM> in a region of the display <NUM>. Here, the display device <NUM> may display various contents on the screen <NUM>. For example, the content may include an image content, a music content, an e-book content, a photo content and a game content, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the display device <NUM> may display a vertical-mode content <NUM> on the display <NUM>. Here, the vertical-mode content <NUM> may refer to a content provided only in case that the display device <NUM> is in the vertical mode. For example, the vertical-mode content <NUM> may include various applications such as a watch, a picture, a photo, etc..

The display device <NUM> may provide a visual effect to the first UI element <NUM> for the first UI element <NUM> and the second UI element <NUM> to be distinguished from each other in case that a highlight (or focus) is positioned on the first UI element <NUM> based on the user instruction. For example, the display device <NUM> may display the first UI element <NUM> at an enlarged size to be highlighted. Further, the display device <NUM> may display an indicator <NUM> indicating a position of the highlight around the first UI element <NUM>.

In addition, in case that the highlight is positioned on the first UI element <NUM> based on the user instruction, the display device <NUM> may identify whether a resolution of the first image content corresponding to the first UI element <NUM> corresponds to a current display mode. In detail, in case that the current display mode of the display device <NUM> is the vertical mode, the display device <NUM> may identify whether the first image content has a resolution corresponding to the vertical mode. For example, in case that the first image content has a resolution of <NUM>:<NUM>, the display device <NUM> may identify that the first image content has the resolution corresponding to the vertical mode that is the current display mode. Here, the display device <NUM> may identify that the current display mode is suitable for outputting the first image content. To the contrary, in case that the first image content has a resolution of <NUM>:<NUM>, the display device <NUM> may identify that the first image content has a resolution not corresponding to the vertical mode that is the current display mode but corresponding to the horizontal mode. Here, the display device <NUM> may identify that the current display mode is not suitable for outputting the first image content. As described above, the display device <NUM> may identify whether the current display mode is suitable for outputting the first image content based on the current display mode and the resolution of the first image content.

The display device <NUM> may provide the visual effect to the first UI element <NUM> based on whether the current display mode corresponds to the resolution of the first image content.

In detail, as shown in portions <FIG>, the display device <NUM> may provide the visual effect of rotating the first UI element <NUM> in a predetermined direction in a predetermined range in case that the resolution of the first image content does not correspond to the current display mode. Here, the predetermined range may correspond to a rotation range of the display device <NUM>, and the predetermined direction may be the same as a rotation direction of the display device <NUM>. For example, the display device <NUM> in the vertical mode may provide the visual effect of rotating the first UI element <NUM> clockwise by <NUM> degrees and then counterclockwise by <NUM> degrees to return to its original position in case that the resolution of the first image content corresponds to the horizontal mode. Accordingly, the user may recognize that the first image content is not suitable for the current display mode. In addition, the user may recognize that the display mode of the display device <NUM> needs to be switched to play the first image content. Therefore, the user convenience and satisfaction may be improved.

The display device <NUM> may provide the visual effect to the first UI element <NUM> for the first UI element <NUM> to be distinguished from the second UI element <NUM> and the third UI element <NUM> while the first UI element <NUM> is not rotated but paused in case that the resolution of the first image content corresponds to the current display mode. For example, the display device <NUM> may output a message, around the first UI element <NUM>, indicating that the first image content may be played in the current display mode.

The display device <NUM> may provide the visual effect to the first UI element <NUM> using color based on whether the current display mode corresponds to the resolution of the first image content. For example, if the resolution of the first image content corresponds to the current display mode, the display device <NUM> may display a border of the first UI element <NUM> in a first color (e.g., green). If the resolution of the first image content does not correspond to the current display mode, the display device <NUM> may display the border of the first UI element <NUM> in a second color (e.g., red) different from the first color. Then, the display device <NUM> may provide the visual effect of rotating the first UI element <NUM> as described above in a state in which the border of the first UI element <NUM> is displayed in the second color.

The display device <NUM> may display a user interface (Ul) element to reflect a screen state (or resolution) of the image content. For example, in case that a horizontal size of the first image content is larger than the vertical size (e.g., <NUM>:<NUM>), the display device <NUM> may display a thumbnail image having a shape in which its horizontal length is longer than its vertical length and corresponding to the first image content. In addition, the display device <NUM> may display the first UI element <NUM> at a size changed to have the same aspect ratio as the first image content. Hereinafter, the display device <NUM> is described in more detail with reference to <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the display device <NUM> may display the first user interface (Ul) element <NUM>, the second UI element <NUM> and the third UI element <NUM>. Here, the first UI element <NUM> may be a thumbnail image for the first image content. In addition, the second UI element <NUM> may be a thumbnail image for the second image content. In addition, the third UI element <NUM> may be a thumbnail image for the third image content.

The first image content corresponding to the first UI element <NUM> may have a resolution (e.g., <NUM>:<NUM>) in which its horizontal size is greater than its vertical size. Accordingly, the display device <NUM> may display the first UI element <NUM> having a shape in which the resolution of the first image content is reflected. That is, the display device <NUM> may display the thumbnail image in which its horizontal length is longer than its vertical length. To the contrary, the second image content corresponding to the second UI element <NUM> may have a resolution (e.g., <NUM>:<NUM>) in which its vertical size is greater than its horizontal size. Accordingly, the display device <NUM> may display the second UI element <NUM> having a shape in which the resolution of the second image content is reflected. That is, the display device <NUM> may display the thumbnail image in which its vertical length is longer than its horizontal length. As such, the display device <NUM> may display the UI element having the shape in which the resolution of the image content is reflected, and thereby the user may predict the resolution of the image content by the UI element.

The display device <NUM> may display information on a direction of the display <NUM> that needs to be positioned for the image content to be played. In detail, the display device <NUM> may display the information on the direction of the display <NUM> by displaying the UI element to have a shape corresponding to the direction in which the display <NUM> needs to be positioned for playing the image content. For example, the display <NUM> may needs to be positioned in the horizontal direction to play the first image content corresponding to the first UI element <NUM>. Here, the display device <NUM> may display the first UI element <NUM> to have a shape in which its horizontal length is longer than its vertical length. That is, the display device <NUM> may display the UI element to have a shape corresponding to the direction in which the display <NUM> needs to be positioned for playing the image content.

Here, the display device <NUM> may display the first UI element <NUM> to correspond to the direction in which the display <NUM> needs to be positioned in response to a user instruction to call the content browser <NUM>. Alternatively, if the highlight is positioned on the first UI element <NUM> based on a user instruction after the content browser <NUM> is called, the display device <NUM> may display the first UI element <NUM> at a size changed to have the shape corresponding to the direction in which the display <NUM> needs to be positioned.

As such, the display device <NUM> may display the UI element to correspond to the direction in which the display <NUM> needs to be positioned, and thereby the user may recognize the direction in which the display needs to be positioned for playing the image content corresponding to the UI element. For example, the user may recognize that the first image content corresponding to the first UI element <NUM> may be played in case that the display <NUM> is in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the user convenience and satisfaction may be improved.

The display device <NUM> may display information on the resolution of the first image content in case that the highlight is positioned on the first UI element <NUM>. For example, the display device <NUM> may display a text, around the first UI element <NUM>, indicating the resolution of the first image content.

The display device <NUM> may display information on a rotation direction of the display <NUM> for outputting the first image content in case that the resolution of the first image content does not correspond to the current display mode. For example, as described above, the display device <NUM> may display the information on the rotation direction of the display <NUM> through the visual effect of rotating the first UI element <NUM>. In addition, the display device <NUM> may display the text, around the first UI element <NUM>, guiding the rotation direction of the display <NUM> for outputting of the first image content. For example, in case that the display device <NUM> in the vertical mode needs to be rotated in the horizontal direction to output the first image content, the display device <NUM> may display a text such as "playable after being rotated horizontally" around the first UI element <NUM>.

For convenience of explanation, <FIG> show a state in which the display <NUM> is in its vertical position, that is, the display device <NUM> is in the vertical mode. However, the above-described visual effect may be provided even in a state in which the display <NUM> is in the horizontal mode.

<FIG> is a view showing a method of providing a guide message, useful for understanding the invention.

As shown in portions (a)-(c) of <FIG>, in case of obtaining a user instruction to select a UI element corresponding to the image content, the display device <NUM> may rotate the display <NUM> to be switched to have a display mode suitable for outputting the image content. In addition, the display device <NUM> may display a guide message <NUM> on the rotation of the display <NUM>. For example, in case of obtaining a user instruction to select the first UI element <NUM> corresponding to the first image content having a resolution corresponding to the horizontal mode, the display device <NUM> in the vertical mode may display a guide message <NUM> on the rotation of the display <NUM> while rotating the display <NUM> in the horizontal direction. Here, the guide message <NUM> may include a message such as "Rotated horizontally. If you don't want the rotation, please press the return button. " In case of obtaining the user instruction to select the UI element, the display device <NUM> may remove the content browser displaying the UI elements and the vertical-mode content from the display <NUM> and display the guide message <NUM>.

In case that the guide message <NUM> is displayed in a fixed posture on the display <NUM>, the guide message <NUM> may be rotated based on the rotation of the display <NUM>, thereby making it difficult for the user to recognize the guide message <NUM>. Accordingly, the display device <NUM> may allow the guide message <NUM> to be displayed while maintaining its horizontality with an installation surface of the display device <NUM> during the rotation of the display <NUM>. For example, the display device <NUM> may move pixel coordinates of the guide message <NUM> based on a rotation angle of the display <NUM>. Alternatively, the display device <NUM> may rotate and display the guide message <NUM> in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the display <NUM>. Accordingly, even though the display <NUM> is rotated, the guide message <NUM> may be displayed while maintaining its horizontality with the installation surface of the display device <NUM>. Therefore, the user convenience and satisfaction may be improved.

The display device <NUM> may rotate the display <NUM> after elapse of a predetermined time period from the time at which the guide message <NUM> is output. Alternatively, the display device <NUM> may output the guide message <NUM> while rotating the display <NUM>.

As such, the display device <NUM> may provide the user with information on the rotation of the display <NUM> before and after the UI element is selected. Therefore, the user convenience and satisfaction may be improved.

In case of obtaining a user instruction (for example, to input the return button) to cancel the rotation of the display <NUM> during the rotation of the display <NUM>, the display device <NUM> may rotate the display <NUM> back to its original position (i.e., its position in the vertical direction). To the contrary, in case that the display device <NUM> does not obtain the user instruction to cancel the rotation of the display <NUM> until the rotation of the display <NUM> is completed, the display device <NUM> may complete the rotation of the display <NUM> and output the first image content.

For convenience of explanation, <FIG> shows that the first UI element <NUM> is selected and the guide message <NUM> is provided in a state in which the display <NUM> is in its vertical position. However, the first UI element <NUM> may be selected and the guide message <NUM> may be provided in a state in which the display <NUM> is in its horizontal position.

The display device <NUM> may output the image content in a diagonal mode rather than the horizontal or vertical mode.

<FIG> is a view for describing an operation of a display device, useful for understanding the invention.

Referring to portion (a) of <FIG>, the display device <NUM> may display an image content on the display <NUM>. In addition, referring to portion (b) of <FIG>, the display device <NUM> may rotate the display <NUM> in response to a user instruction to rotate the display <NUM>. For example, the display device <NUM> may rotate the display <NUM> in response to a user instruction to input a rotation button. The image content may be changed in response to the rotation of the display <NUM>. In detail, the image content may be output based on the rotation angle of the display <NUM>. For example, a person walking on a flat surface may be displayed before the display <NUM> is rotated, and then the person climbing a slope may be displayed as the display <NUM> is rotated. Alternatively, in case of obtaining the user instruction to rotate the display <NUM>, the display device <NUM> may stop playing the image content being played.

Referring to portions (c) of <FIG>, in case of obtaining a user instruction to call a selection window <NUM> during the rotation of the display <NUM>, the display device <NUM> may stop the rotation of the display <NUM> and display the selection window <NUM>. Here, the user instruction to call the selection window may be made in various ways. For example, the user instruction to call the selection window may be made based on the user instruction to input the rotation button during the rotation of the display <NUM>. That is, the display device <NUM> may rotate the display <NUM> in response to the user instruction to input the rotation button, and may stop the rotation of the display <NUM> and display the selection window <NUM> in response to the user instruction to input the rotation button again during the rotation of the display <NUM>. Alternatively, the display device <NUM> may display the selection window <NUM> in response to a user instruction to input a selection-window call button provided separately from the rotation button of the display <NUM>.

The selection window <NUM> may include various items related to the rotation of the display <NUM>. In detail, the selection window <NUM> may include a first item <NUM>-<NUM> for controlling an angle of the display <NUM>. The first item <NUM>-<NUM> may be an item for adjusting the rotation angle of the display <NUM>. In case that the highlight is positioned in the first item <NUM>-<NUM> based on a user instruction, the display device <NUM> may display a guide message <NUM>-<NUM> for guiding setting of the rotation angle of the display <NUM> and an angle setting button <NUM>-<NUM>. For example, the display device <NUM> may display the guide message <NUM>-<NUM> such as "Please rotate the device in left or right to adjust the angle. " Then, the display device <NUM> may rotate the display <NUM> based on the rotation angle of the display <NUM> set by the user.

In addition, the selection window <NUM> may include a second item <NUM> for playing the image content at a current angle of the display <NUM>. For example, the second item <NUM> may be displayed as a guide message such as "Display the content at the current angle. " In case of obtaining a user instruction to select the second item <NUM>, the display device <NUM> may close the selection window <NUM> and display the image content at the current angle of the display <NUM>. That is, in case that the rotation is stopped based on the user instruction to call the selection window <NUM>, the display device <NUM> may display the image content at the current angle of the display <NUM>.

In addition, the selection window <NUM> may include a third item <NUM> for adjusting horizontality of the image content based on the current angle of the display <NUM>. In detail, referring to portion (d) of <FIG>, in case of obtaining a user instruction to select the third item <NUM>, the display device <NUM> may display a horizontally-adjusted image content based on the current angle of the display <NUM>. For example, in case of obtaining the user instruction to select the third item <NUM>, the display device <NUM> may move a pixel position of the image content based on information on the rotation angle of the display <NUM> for the image content to be displayed while maintaining its horizontality with the installation surface of the display device <NUM>. In case of obtaining the user instruction to select the third item <NUM>, the display device <NUM> may adjust the horizontality of the image content and enlarge the image content to have a size corresponding to a size of the display <NUM>. In addition, the third item <NUM> may be displayed as a guide message such as "Adjust/enlarge horizontality of the content based on the current angle.

In addition, the selection window <NUM> may include a fourth item <NUM> for returning the display <NUM> to its original position before the rotation. In detail, in case of obtaining a user instruction to select the fourth item <NUM>, the display device <NUM> may rotate the display <NUM> rotated in a first direction based on the user instruction to rotate the display <NUM> in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Accordingly, the display <NUM> may return to its original position before the rotation. In addition, the fourth item <NUM> may be displayed as a guide message such as "Return.

The selection window <NUM> may include a fifth item <NUM> for keeping the rotation of the display <NUM>. In detail, in case of obtaining a user instruction to select the fifth item <NUM>, the display device <NUM> may rotate the display <NUM> that stopped its rotation again based on the user instruction to call the selection window <NUM>. In addition, the fifth item <NUM> may be displayed as a guide message such as "Keep rotation.

Referring to portion (e) of <FIG>, the display device <NUM> may display the selection window <NUM> before the display <NUM> is rotated. For example, the display device <NUM> may display the selection window <NUM> based on a user instruction to press and hold the rotation button. Alternatively, the display device <NUM> may display the selection window <NUM> based on the user instruction to call the selection window <NUM>.

Accordingly, the display device <NUM> may guide the user to set a to-be-rotated angle of the display <NUM> before the display <NUM> is rotated. In case that the selection window <NUM> is displayed before the display <NUM> is rotated, some of the items included in the selection window <NUM> may be deactivated. For example, any one or any combination of the third item <NUM>, the fourth item <NUM> and the fifth item <NUM> may be deactivated.

As such, the display device <NUM> may output the image content even in case that the display <NUM> is positioned in the diagonal direction as well as in the horizontal or vertical direction. Accordingly, a user need for various contents may be satisfied, thereby improving the user satisfaction. For convenience of explanation, <FIG> shows that the selection window <NUM> is displayed in a state in which the display <NUM> is rotated from its vertical position. However, the selection window <NUM> may be displayed in a state in which the display <NUM> is rotated from its horizontal position.

The angle of the display <NUM> may be rotated from a predetermined posture due to external impact or the user's physical contact. Here, if the display device <NUM> does not guide the user that the angle of the display <NUM> is rotated and changed, the user may feel uncomfortable. Accordingly, in case of detecting a change in the angle of the display <NUM> in a state in which the user instruction to rotate the display <NUM> is not input, the display device <NUM> may provide the user with information on the change in the angle of the display <NUM>. Hereinafter, the description focuses on a method for controlling the display device <NUM> in case that the change in the angle of the display <NUM> occurs in a state in which the user instruction to rotate the display <NUM> is not input.

<FIG> is a view for describing a method for controlling a display device, useful for understanding the invention.

As shown in portions (a)-(c) of <FIG>, the angle of the display <NUM> may be changed from a predetermined posture by its rotation due to external pressure. For example, the display <NUM> positioned in the vertical direction may be rotated by a predetermined angle in the clockwise direction due to the external pressure. Here, the display device <NUM> may obtain the information on the rotation of the display <NUM>. For example, the display device <NUM> may obtain the rotation direction and rotation angle of the display <NUM>. In addition, the display device <NUM> may identify whether the detected rotation of the display <NUM> is due to the external pressure rather than the user instruction. In detail, the display device <NUM> may identify that the rotation of the display <NUM> detected in a state in which the display device <NUM> does not obtain the user instruction to rotate the display <NUM> is due to the external pressure.

Referring to portion (b) of <FIG>, in case of detecting the rotation of the display <NUM> due to the external pressure, the display device <NUM> may output a guide message <NUM> for guiding the rotation of the display <NUM>. In addition, the display device <NUM> may display a guide display <NUM> for guiding a position of a control button controlling the rotation of the display <NUM>. In addition, the display device <NUM> may output a sound signal informing the rotation of the display <NUM>. For example, as shown in portion (b) of <FIG>, the display device <NUM> may output the guide message <NUM> such as "Rotation is detected. If you want the rotation, please press button on the back. " In addition, the guide message <NUM> may include a text guiding how to operate the control button. For example, the guide message <NUM> may include the text such as "short press: horizontal rotation, long press: return to vertical position. " In case of detecting the rotation of the display <NUM> while the display <NUM> is in a power-off state, the display device <NUM> may display the guide message <NUM> and the guide display <NUM> in case that the display <NUM> is switched to be in a power-on state based on a user instruction.

Referring to portion (a) or (c) of <FIG>, the display device <NUM> may rotate the display <NUM> in the detected rotation direction or return the display <NUM> to its position before the rotation, based on a user instruction to input the control button. In detail, referring to portion (c) of <FIG>, in case of obtaining the user instruction to rotate the display <NUM> in the detected rotation direction, the display device <NUM> may rotate the display <NUM> in the detected rotation direction. For example, in case that the display <NUM> is rotated clockwise due to the external pressure, if the display device <NUM> obtains the user instruction to press the control button for a time less than a predetermined time, the display device <NUM> may rotate the display <NUM> clockwise until the display <NUM> is positioned in the horizontal direction. In addition, referring to portion (a) of <FIG>, in case of obtaining a user instruction to return the display <NUM> to its position before the rotation is detected, the display device <NUM> may rotate the display <NUM> to return the display <NUM> to its position before the rotation. For example, in case that the display <NUM> is rotated clockwise due to the external pressure, if the display device <NUM> obtains the user instruction to press the control button for a time more than the predetermined time, the display device <NUM> may rotate the display <NUM> counterclockwise until the display <NUM> is positioned in the vertical direction.

The display device <NUM> may control the rotation of the display <NUM> based on a detected rotation time of the display <NUM>. For example, in case that the detected rotation time of the display <NUM> is more than a predetermined time, the display device <NUM> may rotate the display <NUM> in the detected rotation direction. In addition, the display device <NUM> may control the rotation of the display <NUM> based on the detected rotation angle of the display <NUM>. For example, in case that the detected rotation angle of the display <NUM> is greater than a predetermined angle, the display device <NUM> may rotate the display <NUM> in the detected rotation direction.

For convenience of explanation, <FIG> shows that the guide message <NUM> is displayed in a state in which the display <NUM> is rotated from its vertical position. However, the guide message <NUM> may be displayed in a state in which the display <NUM> is rotated from its horizontal position.

<FIG> is a flowchart showing a method for controlling a display device, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In detail, <FIG> is a flowchart showing a method for controlling the display device <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>.

The display device <NUM> may display at least one user interface (UI) element corresponding to at least one image content (S610).

In addition, the display device <NUM> may identify whether a resolution of a first image content corresponding to a first UI element corresponds to a current display mode in case that a highlight is positioned on the first UI element among the at least one UI element based on a user instruction (S620). For example, the display device <NUM> in a vertical mode may identify that the first image content having a <NUM>:<NUM> aspect ratio does not correspond to the vertical mode that is the current display mode. To the contrary, the display device <NUM> in a horizontal mode may identify that the first image content having the <NUM>:<NUM> aspect ratio corresponds to the horizontal mode that is the current display mode.

In case that the resolution of the first image content corresponds to the current display mode, the display device <NUM> may provide the visual effect to the first UI element for the first UI element to be distinguished from the other UI elements while the first UI element is paused (S630). For example, the display device <NUM> may display a border of the first UI element in a first color for the first UI element to be distinguished from the other UI elements.

To the contrary, in case that the resolution of the first image content does not correspond to the current display mode, the display device <NUM> may provide the visual effect of rotating the first UI element in a predetermined direction in a predetermined range (S640). For example, the display device <NUM> may provide the visual effect of rotating the first UI element clockwise by <NUM> degrees and then counterclockwise by <NUM> degrees.

<FIG> is a block diagram showing a layout hierarchy of a display, useful for understanding the invention. Referring to <FIG>, the display <NUM> may have a different layout hierarchy based on an operation mode of the display device <NUM>. In detail, the display <NUM> may have a first hierarchy <NUM> in case that the display device <NUM> is in the vertical mode. In addition, the display <NUM> may have a second hierarchy <NUM> in case that the display device <NUM> is in the horizontal mode.

The first hierarchy <NUM> may include a vertical-mode content <NUM>, a screen <NUM> and a content browser <NUM>. Here, the vertical-mode content <NUM> may refer to a content provided only in case that the display device <NUM> is in the vertical mode. For example, the vertical-mode content <NUM> may include various applications such as a watch, a picture, a photo, etc. In addition, the screen <NUM> may refer to a region in which a content provided from an application or an external source (e.g., set-top box, digital versatile disk (DVD), USB (universal serial bus), etc.) is displayed. In addition, the content browser <NUM> may include information on the image content (e.g., a title of the image content, a thumbnail, etc.).

Here, the vertical-mode content <NUM> may have a depth value of zero (that is, the root), and the screen <NUM> and the content browser <NUM> may have a depth value of <NUM>, respectively. Therefore, the display device <NUM> in the vertical mode may display the vertical-mode content <NUM> and then display the screen <NUM> and the content browser <NUM>. In addition, the display device <NUM> in the vertical mode may selectively display the screen <NUM> or the content browser <NUM>. The display device <NUM> in the vertical mode may not display the screen <NUM>. A conventional display device (e.g., television (TV)) has a hierarchy in which the screen has the depth value of zero, and thus the screen always needs to be displayed in a state in which the display device is turned on. However, the display device <NUM> in the vertical mode according to the disclosure has the first hierarchy <NUM> in which the vertical-mode content <NUM> has the depth value of zero, and thus may selectively turn off the screen <NUM> in the state in which the display device is turned on.

The second hierarchy <NUM> may include the screen <NUM> and the content browser <NUM>. Here, the screen <NUM> may have the depth value of zero (that is, the root), and the content browser <NUM> may have the depth value of <NUM>. Accordingly, the display device <NUM> in the horizontal mode may display the screen <NUM> and then display the content browser <NUM>. That is, the display device <NUM> in the horizontal mode may display the content browser <NUM> after displaying the screen <NUM> having the depth value of zero.

As such, the display device <NUM> may have a different layout hierarchy based on its operation mode.

Hereinafter, a display layout of the display device <NUM> is described with reference to the drawings.

<FIG> is a view for describing a display layout of a display device, useful for understanding the invention. In detail, <FIG> is a view showing the layout of the display <NUM> in which an image content is displayed at a resolution (e.g., <NUM>:<NUM>) corresponding to the horizontal mode of the display device <NUM>.

Referring to portions <FIG>, in case that the display device <NUM> is in the vertical mode, the display <NUM> may have a first layout <NUM>-<NUM> and a second layout <NUM>-<NUM>. In addition, referring to portions <FIG>, in case that the display device <NUM> is in the horizontal mode, the display <NUM> may have a third layout <NUM>-<NUM> and a fourth layout <NUM>-<NUM>. In detail, the first layout <NUM>-<NUM> may include a vertical-mode content <NUM>, a screen <NUM> and a content browser <NUM>. Here, the display device <NUM> may display the vertical-mode content <NUM> (e.g., a watch) and display the screen <NUM> and the content browser <NUM> on the vertical-mode content <NUM>. In addition, the content browser <NUM> may be displayed in a region below the screen <NUM>. In addition, the screen <NUM> and the content browser <NUM> may be displayed overlaid on each other on the vertical-mode content <NUM>.

In case of obtaining a user instruction to input a predetermined button (e.g., home button) included in the user terminal <NUM> or the remote control device <NUM>, the display device <NUM> displaying the first layout <NUM>-<NUM> may remove the vertical-mode content <NUM> and the content browser <NUM> and display a return guide <NUM>. Here, the display <NUM> may have the second layout <NUM>-<NUM>. Here, the second layout <NUM>-<NUM> may include the screen <NUM> and the return guide <NUM>. Here, the display device <NUM> may display the return guide <NUM> for a predetermined time, and may not display the return guide <NUM> after the predetermined time passes by. Here, the return guide <NUM> may include a text guiding switching from the second layout <NUM>-<NUM> to the first layout <NUM>-<NUM>.

In addition, in case of obtaining the user instruction to rotate the display <NUM>, the display device <NUM> displaying the first layout <NUM>-<NUM> may display the screen <NUM> and the content browser <NUM> while rotating the display <NUM> in the horizontal direction. Here, the display <NUM> may have the third layout <NUM>-<NUM>. Here, the third layout <NUM>-<NUM> may include the screen <NUM> and the content browser <NUM>. In addition, the content browser <NUM> may be displayed overlaid on the screen <NUM>. In case of obtaining the user instruction to rotate the display <NUM>, the display device <NUM> displaying the third layout <NUM>-<NUM> may display the first layout <NUM>-<NUM> again while rotating the display <NUM> in the vertical direction.

In addition, in case of obtaining the user instruction to rotate the display <NUM>, the display device <NUM> displaying the second layout <NUM>-<NUM> may remove the return guide <NUM>, and enlarge and display the screen <NUM> while rotating the display <NUM> in the horizontal direction. Here, the display <NUM> may have the fourth layout <NUM>-<NUM>. Here, the fourth layout <NUM>-<NUM> may include the screen <NUM>. In case of obtaining the user instruction to rotate the display <NUM>, the display device <NUM> displaying the fourth layout <NUM>-<NUM> may display the second layout <NUM>-<NUM> again while rotating the display <NUM> in the vertical direction. In addition, the display <NUM> may be switched from the fourth layout <NUM>-<NUM> to the third layout <NUM>-<NUM> based on the user instruction to input the predetermined button (e.g., home button) included in the user terminal <NUM> or the remote control device <NUM>. Alternatively, the display <NUM> may be switched from the third layout <NUM>-<NUM> to the fourth layout <NUM>-<NUM> based on the user instruction.

The display layout may be changed based on the resolution of the image content.

<FIG> is a view for describing a display layout of a display device, useful for understanding the invention. In detail, <FIG> is a view showing the layout of the display <NUM> in which an image content is displayed at a resolution (e.g., <NUM>:<NUM>) corresponding to the vertical mode of the display device <NUM>.

Referring to portions <FIG>, in case that the display device <NUM> is in the vertical mode, the display <NUM> may have a fifth layout <NUM>-<NUM> and a sixth layout <NUM>-<NUM>. In addition, referring to portions <FIG>, in case that the display device <NUM> is in the horizontal mode, the display <NUM> may have a seventh layout <NUM>-<NUM> and an eighth layout <NUM>-<NUM>. In detail, the fifth layout <NUM>-<NUM> may include the screen <NUM> and the content browser <NUM>. Here, the content browser <NUM> may be displayed overlaid on the screen <NUM> in a region below the region where the screen <NUM> is displayed.

In case of obtaining the user instruction to input the predetermined button (e.g., home button) included in the user terminal <NUM> or the remote control device <NUM>, the display device <NUM> displaying the fifth layout <NUM>-<NUM> may remove the content browser <NUM>. Here, the display <NUM> may have the sixth layout <NUM>-<NUM>. Here, the sixth layout <NUM>-<NUM> may include the screen <NUM>.

In addition, in case of obtaining the user instruction to rotate the display <NUM>, the display device <NUM> displaying the fifth layout <NUM>-<NUM> may display the screen <NUM> while rotating the display <NUM> in the horizontal direction. Here, the display <NUM> may have the seventh layout <NUM>-<NUM>. Here, the seventh layout <NUM>-<NUM> may include the screen <NUM> and the content browser <NUM>. In addition, the content browser <NUM> may be displayed overlaid on the screen <NUM>. In addition, as the display <NUM> is rotated in the horizontal direction, a size of the content browser <NUM> may be changed and displayed. For example, the display device <NUM> may enlarge and display the content browser <NUM> while rotating the display <NUM> in the horizontal direction. In addition, the number of the UI elements displayed on the content browser <NUM> may be increased. In addition, based on the resolution of the image content, there may be an empty region in which the image content is not displayed on each of both sides of the region in which the screen <NUM> is displayed. In addition, in case of obtaining the user instruction to rotate the display <NUM>, the display device <NUM> displaying the seventh layout <NUM>-<NUM> may display the fifth layout <NUM>-<NUM> again while rotating the display <NUM> in the vertical direction.

In case of obtaining the user instruction to rotate the display <NUM>, the display device <NUM> displaying the sixth layout <NUM>-<NUM> may rotate the display <NUM> in the horizontal direction. Here, the display <NUM> may have the eighth layout <NUM>-<NUM>. In addition, the eighth layout <NUM>-<NUM> may include the screen <NUM>. In addition, based on the resolution of the image content, there may be the empty region in which the image content is not displayed on each of the both sides of the region in which the screen <NUM> is displayed. In addition, in case of obtaining the user instruction to rotate the display <NUM>, the display device <NUM> displaying the eighth layout <NUM>-<NUM> may display the sixth layout <NUM>-<NUM> again while rotating the display <NUM> in the vertical direction. In addition, the display <NUM> may be switched from the eighth layout <NUM>-<NUM> to the seventh layout <NUM>-<NUM> based on the user instruction to input the predetermined button (e.g., home button) included in the user terminal <NUM> or the remote control device <NUM>. Alternatively, the display <NUM> may be switched from the seventh layout <NUM>-<NUM> to the eighth layout <NUM>-<NUM> based on the user instruction.

<FIG> is a view for describing a display layout of a display device, useful for understanding the invention. In detail, <FIG> is a view showing the layout of the display <NUM> in which an image content supported with a resolution corresponding to each of the vertical mode and horizontal mode of the display device <NUM> is displayed. Referring to portions <FIG>, in case that the display device <NUM> is in the vertical mode, the display <NUM> may have a ninth layout <NUM>-<NUM> and a tenth layout <NUM>-<NUM>. Here, the display device <NUM> may display the image content at the resolution (e.g., <NUM>:<NUM>) corresponding to the vertical mode. In addition, referring to portions <FIG>, in case that the display device <NUM> is in the horizontal mode, the display <NUM> may have an eleventh layout <NUM>-<NUM> and a twelfth layout <NUM>-<NUM>. Here, the display device <NUM> may display the image content at the resolution (e.g., <NUM>:<NUM>) corresponding to the horizontal mode. As such, the display device <NUM> may display the image content with a resolution changed based on the display mode. Accordingly, the display device <NUM> may display the image content with no empty region of the display <NUM> in both the vertical and horizontal modes.

The ninth layout <NUM>-<NUM> may correspond to the fifth layout <NUM>-<NUM>. In addition, the tenth layout <NUM>-<NUM> may correspond to the sixth layout <NUM>-<NUM>. In addition, the eleventh layout <NUM>-<NUM> may correspond to the third layout <NUM>-<NUM>. In addition, the twelfth layout <NUM>-<NUM> may correspond to the fourth layout <NUM>-<NUM>. Therefore, the description omits detailed descriptions of the ninth to twelfth layouts.

In addition, for convenience of explanation, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate an example in which the image content is displayed at the resolution of <NUM>:<NUM> or at the resolution of <NUM>:<NUM>, and the resolution is not limited thereto. The display device <NUM> may be operated as described above even in case that the image content is displayed at various resolutions (for example, <NUM>:<NUM>).

<FIG> is a view for describing a display layout of a display device, useful for understanding the invention. In detail, <FIG> is a view for describing the display layout in which the display device <NUM> in a power-off state is powered on based on a user instruction.

Referring to portions <FIG>, in case of obtaining the user instruction to power on the display device <NUM>, the display device <NUM> may display the vertical-mode content <NUM>. Here, the display <NUM> may have a first-first layout <NUM>-<NUM>. In addition, referring to portion <FIG>, in case of obtaining the user instruction to input the predetermined button (e.g., home button), the display device <NUM> may display the screen <NUM> and the content browser <NUM>. In addition, the display device <NUM> may display the screen <NUM> and the content browser <NUM> on the vertical-mode content <NUM>. Here, the display <NUM> may have a first-second layout <NUM>-<NUM>. Here, the display device <NUM> may display on the screen <NUM>, the last displayed content before the display device <NUM> is powered off. For example, the display device <NUM> may display on the screen <NUM>, the image content provided from the last executed application or external source before the display device <NUM> is powered off.

The display device <NUM> may adjust brightness of the vertical-mode content <NUM> in case of displaying the screen <NUM> and the content browser <NUM>. In detail, the display device <NUM> may reduce the brightness of the vertical-mode content <NUM> in case of displaying the screen <NUM> and the content browser <NUM>. Accordingly, the display device <NUM> may improve user immersion in the image content provided on the screen <NUM>.

Referring to portions <FIG>, in case of obtaining the user instruction to power on the display device <NUM>, the display device <NUM> may switch the layout of the display <NUM> to the first-second layout <NUM>-<NUM>, not the first-first layout <NUM>-<NUM>. That is, the display device <NUM> may immediately switch the layout of the display <NUM> to the first-second layout <NUM>-<NUM> without the user instruction to input the predetermined button. The display device <NUM> may select the layout of the display <NUM> to be switched in response to the user's power-on instruction based on a type of the image content provided on the screen <NUM>. For example, in case that the image content is an application, the display device <NUM> may switch the layout of the display <NUM> to the first-second layout <NUM>-<NUM> in response to the user's power-on instruction. In addition, in case that the image content is a content provided from the external source (e.g., set-top box, DVD, USB, etc.), the display device <NUM> may switch the layout of the display <NUM> to the first-first layout <NUM>-<NUM> in response to the user's power-on instruction.

In case that the display device <NUM> displays the image content provided from the external source, the display layout may be changed depending on whether an external source control function (e.g., HDMI consumer electronics control (CEC)) using an interface (e.g., high definition multimedia interface (HDMI)) connected to the display device <NUM> is included in the external source. For example, in case that the HDMI CEC function is included in the external source, the display device <NUM> and the external source may both be powered on in response to the user's power-on instruction, and the display <NUM> may have the layout as shown in <FIG>.

To the contrary, in case that the HDMI CEC function is not included in the external source, the display <NUM> may have a layout as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a view for describing a display layout of a display device, useful for understanding the invention.

Referring to portions <FIG>, the display device <NUM> may switch the layout of the display <NUM> to the first-first layout <NUM>-<NUM> in response to the user's power-on instruction. That is, the display device <NUM> may display the vertical-mode content <NUM>. As the HDMI CEC function is not included in the external source, the external source may not be powered on even if the external source obtains the user instruction to power on the display device <NUM>. Referring to portion <FIG>, the display device <NUM> may switch the layout of the display <NUM> to a first-third layout <NUM>-<NUM>. In detail, the display device <NUM> may display the vertical-mode content <NUM> and the content browser <NUM>. That is, the display device <NUM> may not display the screen <NUM>.

In case that the external source is powered off or not connected to a conventional television (TV) device, the TV device may output a message (e.g., "no signal") indicating its connection state with the external source. To the contrary, the display device <NUM> according to the disclosure may provide the user with the content by displaying the vertical-mode content <NUM> even if the external source is powered off or not connected to the display device <NUM>. Accordingly, the user satisfaction may be improved.

In detail, <FIG> is a view showing a display layout in which the display device <NUM> obtains a user instruction to select an external source that is in a power-off state.

Referring to portion <FIG>, the display device <NUM> may display the vertical-mode content <NUM>. In addition, the display device <NUM> may obtain a user instruction to select a first external source among at least one external source connected to the display device <NUM>. Here, the first external source may be in a power-off state. Referring to portion <FIG>, the display device <NUM> may display a state message <NUM> indicating the power state of the first external source. Here, the state message <NUM> may be displayed overlaid on the vertical-mode content <NUM>. In addition, referring to portion <FIG>, in case of obtaining the user instruction to rotate the display <NUM>, the display device <NUM> may display the state message <NUM> while rotating the display <NUM> in the horizontal direction. Here, based on the rotation of the display <NUM>, the display device <NUM> may display the state message <NUM> at a changed size.

As described above, in case that the display device <NUM> obtains the user's power-on instruction in the power-off state, the display device <NUM> may display on the screen <NUM>, the last displayed content before the display device <NUM> is powered off.

In addition, in case that the last displayed content before the display device <NUM> is powered off is a content provided from the external source, the display device <NUM> in the vertical mode may provide the user with the content by displaying the vertical-mode content <NUM> even if the external source is powered off. That is, here, the display device <NUM> may not output the state message <NUM> but output the vertical-mode content <NUM>. If the external source is powered off, in case of obtaining the user instruction to rotate the display <NUM> in the horizontal direction, the display device <NUM> may display the state message <NUM> while rotating the display <NUM> in the horizontal direction. That is, as the display device <NUM> here enters the horizontal mode, the display device <NUM> is unable to output the vertical-mode content <NUM> and may thus output the state message <NUM>.

The above description describes the display layout.

Hereinafter, the description focuses on a configuration of a display device.

<FIG> is a block diagram showing a configuration of a display device. Referring to <FIG>, a display device <NUM> may include a display <NUM>, a driver <NUM>, a memory <NUM> and a processor <NUM>.

The display <NUM> may output image data under control of the processor <NUM>. In detail, the display <NUM> may output an image pre-stored in the memory <NUM> under the control of the processor <NUM>. The display <NUM> may display a user interface (Ul) stored in the memory <NUM>.

The display <NUM> may be implemented as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or organic light emitting diodes (OLED) panel, and may be implemented as a flexible display, a transparent display or the like. However, the display <NUM> according to the disclosure is not limited to a type.

The driver <NUM> may rotate the display <NUM>. In detail, the driver <NUM> may be connected to the display <NUM>, and may be driven under the control of the processor <NUM> to rotate the display <NUM> connected to the driver <NUM> in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. Accordingly, the display <NUM> may be rotated in the horizontal or vertical direction. The driver <NUM> may be implemented as various motors such as a direct current electric motor (DC motor), an alternating current electric motor (AC motor), a brushless DC (BLDC) electric motor, etc..

The memory <NUM> may store at least one instruction regarding the display device <NUM>. In addition, the memory <NUM> may store an operating system (O/S) for driving the display device <NUM>. In addition, the memory <NUM> may store various software programs or applications for operating the display device <NUM>. In addition, the memory <NUM> may include a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, or a magnetic storing medium such as a hard disk.

In detail, the memory <NUM> may store various software modules for operating the display device <NUM>, and the processor <NUM> may execute the various software modules stored in the memory <NUM> to control an operation of the display device <NUM>. That is, the memory <NUM> is accessed by the processor <NUM>, and readout, recording, correction, deletion, update and the like of data in the memory <NUM> may be performed by the processor <NUM>.

The disclosure uses the term 'memory <NUM>' to include the memory <NUM>, a read only memory (ROM) in the processor <NUM>, a random access memory (RAM) or a memory card (for example, a micro secure digital (SD) card or a memory stick) mounted in the display device <NUM>.

The memory <NUM> may store information on a rotation direction of the display <NUM> corresponding to a type of a content displayed based on a user instruction. In addition, the memory <NUM> may store a content received from an external device such as the user terminal <NUM> or a broadcast reception device. In addition, the memory <NUM> may store various information, and the information stored in the memory <NUM> may be updated as being received from a server or the external device or input by a user.

The processor <NUM> may control an overall operation of the display device <NUM>. In detail, the processor <NUM> may be connected to the components of the display device <NUM> such as the display <NUM>, the driver <NUM> and the memory <NUM>, as described above, and may control the overall operation of the display device <NUM> by executing at least one instruction stored in the memory <NUM> as described above.

The processor <NUM> may be implemented in various schemes. For example, the processor <NUM> may be implemented as any one or any combination of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an embedded processor, a microprocessor, a hardware control logic, a hardware finite state machine (FSM) and a digital signal processor (DSP). The disclosure uses the term 'processor <NUM>' to include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphic processing unit (GPU), and a main processing unit (MPU), etc..

The processor <NUM> may control the display <NUM> to be rotated and display the content. Hereinafter, the description focuses control of the processor <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> may control at least one UI element corresponding to at least one image content to be displayed.

In addition, the processor <NUM> may identify whether a resolution of a first image content corresponding to a first UI element corresponds to a current display mode in case that a highlight is positioned on the first UI element among the at least one UI element based on a user instruction.

In case that the resolution of the first image content is identified not to correspond to the current display mode, the processor <NUM> may provide a visual effect of rotating the first UI element in a predetermined direction in a predetermined range. Here, the predetermined range may correspond to a rotation range of the display, and the predetermined direction may be the same as a rotation direction of the display. In addition, the processor <NUM> may control a text guiding the rotation direction of the display to be displayed around the first UI element while the current display mode is switched to a different mode from the current display mode.

In case that the resolution of the first image content corresponds to the current display mode, the processor <NUM> may provide the visual effect to the first UI element for the first UI element to be distinguished from another UI element rather than the first UI element among the at least one UI element while the first UI element is paused. For example, the processor <NUM> may control the first UI element to be displayed at an enlarged size or with increased brightness.

The processor <NUM> may control the first UI element to be displayed at a size changed to have the same aspect ratio as the first image content. For example, in case that the first image content has a resolution of <NUM>:<NUM>, the processor <NUM> may control the first UI element to be displayed at a size changed to have the same aspect ratio of <NUM>:<NUM>.

In addition, the processor <NUM> may control a guide message on rotation of the display <NUM> to be displayed while rotating the display <NUM> in the predetermined direction in case of obtaining a user instruction to select the first UI element. Here, the processor <NUM> may move pixel coordinates of the guide message based on a rotation angle of the display <NUM> for the guide message to be displayed while maintaining its horizontality with an installation surface of the display device <NUM> during the rotation of the display <NUM>. Accordingly, even though the display <NUM> is rotated, the guide message may be displayed while maintaining its horizontality with the installation surface of the display device <NUM>.

In addition, the guide message may include information on the rotation direction of the display <NUM> and cancellation of the rotation of the display <NUM> based on switching of the display mode of the display device <NUM>. For example, the guide message may include a text such as "If you want to cancel the rotation, please press the rotation button. " In addition, in case of obtaining a user instruction to cancel the rotation of the display <NUM> during the rotation of the display <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may control the display to be rotated in a direction opposite to the predetermined rotation direction to return the display <NUM> to its position before the rotation.

The embodiments of the disclosure described above may be implemented in a computer or a computer readable recording medium using software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. In some cases, the embodiments described in the disclosure may be implemented by the processor itself. According to a software implementation, embodiments such as procedures and functions described in the disclosure may be implemented by separate software modules. Each of the software modules may perform one or more functions and operations described in the disclosure.

Computer instructions for performing processing operations according to the embodiment of the disclosure described above may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The computer instructions stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium allow a machine to perform the processing operations according to the embodiments described above in case that they are executed by a processor of the machine.

The non-transitory computer-readable medium is not a medium that stores data for a while, such as a register, a cache or a memory, but may refer to a medium that semi-permanently stores data and is readable by a machine. An example of the non-transitory computer-readable medium may include a compact disk (CD), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a hard disk, a blu-ray disk, a universal serial bus (USB), a memory card, a read only memory (ROM) or the like.

The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in a form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the 'non-transitory storage medium' is a tangible device and may only indicate that the device does not include a signal (e.g., electromagnetic wave). This term does not distinguish whether data are semi-permanently ortemporarily stored in the storage medium. For example, the'non-transitory storage medium' may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

Claim 1:
A method of controlling a display device (<NUM>) outputting an image in either one of display modes comprising a horizontal mode and a vertical mode, the display device (<NUM>) comprising a display configured to be rotatable, and the method comprising:
displaying at least one user interface, UI, element corresponding to at least one image content;
based on a user instruction of positioning a highlight on a first UI element (<NUM>) among the displayed at least one UI element, identifying whether an aspect ratio of a first image content corresponding to the first UI element corresponds to a current display mode; and
based on the aspect ratio of the first image content being identified to not correspond to the current display mode,
rotating the first UI element (<NUM>) clockwise or counterclockwise by <NUM> degrees then counterclockwise or clockwise by <NUM> degrees to return the first UI element to its original position