Patent Description:
A display device has a function for receiving, processing and displaying an image viewable by a user. The display device receives a broadcast signal selected by a user from among broadcast signals transmitted by a broadcaster, divides a video signal from the received signal, and displays the divided video signal on a display.

Recently, with development of broadcast technology and network technology, various functions have been added to the display device and performance of the device has been improved. That is, the display device has been developed to provide a variety of content to a user in addition to broadcast content. For example, the display device can provide game playing, music, Internet shopping, customized information, etc. using various applications as well as programs received from a broadcaster. In order to perform such functions, the display device may be connected to other devices or a network using various communication protocols to provide ubiquitous computing to the user. That is, the display device has evolved into a smart device enabling connectivity to a network and ubiquitous computing.

Recently, a flexible display having sufficient elasticity has been developed. Such a flexible display can be rolled into the main body of a display device. The display device includes such a flexible display. Further, the display device may include a rollable display unit having an outwardly protruding area changed by winding or unwinding the display in a direction guided by a guide bar. By using the rollable display unit, the display device can have a more compact structure.

<CIT> discloses a flexible display device which includes an expandable or reducible screen. <CIT> discloses a display apparatus which includes a flexible display configured to display an image. <CIT> describes a display device with a flexible screen that rolls out to different sizes. A key feature is the device's ability to automatically adjust the screen size and display mode based on the content being shown. The device has multiple modes, each designed for different quantities of information, from brief notifications to detailed content. The controller manages the rolling mechanism and selects appropriate display modes, ensuring information is presented optimally regardless of screen size, enhancing user experience and content delivery.

An object of the present invention is to provide a display device for providing a convenient user experience and user interface to a user using the properties of a rollable display unit, and a method of operating the same.

The present invention is defined by the appended independent claim, and preferred aspects of the present invention are defined by the appended dependent claims. According to an embodiment not falling into the scope of the present invention, a display device including a housing, a rotatable guide bar accommodated in the housing, a display unit withdrawn from or inserted into the housing according to rotation of the guide bar, and a controller configured to display first content in a first region withdrawn from the housing, to withdraw the display unit to add a second region if a second-content display command is received, and to display second content in the second region.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a display device can provide a user experience and a user interface that are convenient for the user.

Hereinafter, embodiments relating to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The suffixes "module" and "unit" for components used in the description below are assigned or mixed in consideration of easiness in writing the specification and do not have distinctive meanings or roles by themselves.

The display device described in this specification refers to a TV, a smart TV, a network TV, a hybrid broadcast broadband television (HBBTV), an Internet TV, a web TV, an Internet protocol television (IPTV), digital signage, a desktop computer, a smartphone, a laptop computer, a digital broadcast terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), a navigation system, a slate PC, a tablet PC, an ultrabook, a wearable device, etc. including a rollable display unit. Here, rollable display unit means that a display unit may be rolled in the form of a roll and may include a flexible display, a foldable display, etc..

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to <FIG>, a display device <NUM> can include a broadcast reception unit <NUM>, an external device interface unit <NUM>, a storage unit <NUM>, a user input interface unit <NUM>, a control unit <NUM>, a wireless communication unit <NUM>, a display unit <NUM>, an audio output unit <NUM>, and a power supply unit <NUM>.

The broadcast reception unit <NUM> can include a tuner <NUM>, a demodulation unit <NUM>, and a network interface unit <NUM>. The tuner <NUM> can select a specific broadcast channel according to a channel selection command. The tuner <NUM> can receive broadcast signals for the selected specific broadcast channel.

The demodulation unit <NUM> can divide the received broadcast signals into video signals, audio signals, and broadcast program related data signals and restore the divided video signals, audio signals, and data signals to an output available form. The network interface unit <NUM> can provide an interface for connecting the display device <NUM> to a wired/wireless network including internet network. The network interface unit <NUM> can transmit or receive data to or from another user or another electronic device through an accessed network or another network linked to the accessed network.

Additionally, some content data stored in the display device <NUM> can be transmitted to a user or an electronic device, which is selected from other users or other electronic devices pre-registered in the display device <NUM>. The network interface unit <NUM> can access a predetermined webpage through an accessed network or another network linked to the accessed network. That is, it can transmit or receive data to or from a corresponding server by accessing a predetermined webpage through network.

Then, the network interface unit <NUM> can receive contents or data provided from a content provider or a network operator. That is, the network interface unit <NUM> can receive contents such as movies, advertisements, games, VODs, and broadcast signals, which are provided from a content provider or a network provider, through network and information relating thereto. Additionally, the network interface unit <NUM> can receive firmware update information and update files provided from a network operator and transmit data to an internet or content provider or a network operator. The network interface unit <NUM> can select and receive a desired application among applications open to the air, through network.

The external device interface unit <NUM> can receive an application or an application list in an adjacent external device and deliver it to the control unit <NUM> or the storage unit <NUM>. The external device interface unit <NUM> can provide a connection path between the display device <NUM> and an external device. In addition, the external device interface <NUM> can receive at least one of image and audio output from an external device that is wirelessly or wiredly connected to the display device <NUM> and deliver it to the control unit. The external device interface unit <NUM> can include a plurality of external input terminals. The plurality of external input terminals can include an RGB terminal, at least one High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) terminal, and a component terminal.

An image signal of an external device input through the external device interface unit <NUM> can be output through the display unit <NUM>. A sound signal of an external device input through the external device interface unit <NUM> can be output through the audio output unit <NUM>. An external device connectable to the external device interface unit <NUM> can be one of a set-top box, a Blu-ray player, a DVD player, a game console, a sound bar, a smartphone, a PC, a USB Memory, and a home theater system but this is just exemplary.

The storage unit <NUM> can store signal-processed image, voice, or data signals stored by a program in order for each signal processing and control in the control unit <NUM>. Additionally, the storage unit <NUM> can perform a function for temporarily store image, voice, or data signals output from the external device interface unit <NUM> or the network interface unit <NUM> and can store information on a predetermined image through a channel memory function. The storage unit <NUM> can store an application or an application list input from the external device interface unit <NUM> or the network interface unit <NUM>.

The display device <NUM> can play content files (for example, video files, still image files, music files, document files, application files, and so on) stored in the storage unit <NUM> and provide them to a user. The user input interface unit <NUM> can deliver signals input from a user to the control unit <NUM> or deliver signals from the control unit <NUM> to a user. For example, the user input interface unit <NUM> can receive or process control signals such as power on/off, channel selection, and screen setting from the remote control device <NUM> or transmit control signals from the control unit <NUM> to the remote control device <NUM> according to various communication methods such as Bluetooth, Ultra Wideband (WB), ZigBee, Radio Frequency (RF), and IR.

Additionally, the user input interface unit <NUM> can deliver, to the control unit <NUM>, control signals input from local keys such as a power key, a channel key, a volume key, and a setting key. Image signals that are image-processed in the control unit <NUM> can be input to the display unit <NUM> and displayed as an image corresponding to corresponding image signals. Additionally, image signals that are image-processed in the control unit <NUM> can be input to an external output device through the external device interface unit <NUM>.

Voice signals processed in the control unit <NUM> can be output to the audio output unit <NUM>. Additionally, voice signals processed in the control unit <NUM> can be input to an external output device through the external device interface unit <NUM>. Further, the control module <NUM> can control overall operations in the display device <NUM>.

Additionally, the control unit <NUM> can control the display device <NUM> by a user command or internal program input through the user input interface unit <NUM> and download a desired application or application list into the display device <NUM> in access to network. The control unit <NUM> can output channel information selected by a user together with processed image or voice signals through the display unit <NUM> or the audio output unit <NUM>.

Additionally, according to an external device image playback command received through the user input interface unit <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> can output image signals or voice signals of an external device such as a camera or a camcorder, which are input through the external device interface unit <NUM>, through the display unit <NUM> or the audio output unit <NUM>.

Moreover, the control unit <NUM> can control the display unit <NUM> to display images and control broadcast images input through the tuner <NUM>, external input images input through the external device interface unit <NUM>, images input through the network interface unit, or images stored in the storage unit <NUM> to be displayed on the display unit <NUM>. In this instance, an image displayed on the display unit <NUM> can be a still image or video and also can be a 2D image or a 3D image.

Also, the control unit <NUM> can play content stored in the display device <NUM>, received broadcast content, and external input content input from the outside, and the content can be in various formats such as broadcast images, external input images, audio files, still images, accessed web screens, and document files.

Further, the wireless communication unit <NUM> can perform a wired or wireless communication with an external electronic device. The wireless communication unit <NUM> can perform short-range communication with an external device. For this, the wireless communication unit <NUM> can support short-range communication by using at least one of Bluetooth™, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, Near Field Communication (NFC), Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless Universal Serial Bus (USB) technologies. The wireless communication unit <NUM> can support wireless communication between the display device <NUM> and a wireless communication system, between the display device <NUM> and another display device <NUM>, or between networks including the display device <NUM> and another display device <NUM> (or an external server) through wireless area networks. The wireless area networks can be wireless personal area networks.

Herein, the other display device <NUM> can be a mobile terminal such as a wearable device (for example, a smart watch, a smart glass, and a head mounted display (HMD)) or a smartphone, which is capable of exchanging data (or inter-working) with the display device <NUM>. The wireless communication unit <NUM> can detect (or recognize) a communicable wearable device around the display device <NUM>. Furthermore, if the detected wearable device is a device authenticated to communicate with the display device <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> can transmit at least part of data processed in the display device <NUM> to the wearable device through the wireless communication unit <NUM>. Accordingly, a user of the wearable device can use the data processed in the display device <NUM> through the wearable device. The wireless communication unit <NUM> can be provided separated from the external device interface unit <NUM> and can be included in the external device interface unit <NUM>.

The display unit <NUM> can convert image signals, data signals, or OSD signals, which are processed in the control unit <NUM>, or images signals or data signals, which are received in the external device interface unit <NUM>, into R, G, and B signals to generate driving signals. The display unit <NUM> may include a rollable display unit.

The rollable display unit may mean that a display unit for displaying content may be inserted to be wound on a guide bar or may be withdrawn to be unwound from the guide bar. The display device <NUM> may include the rollable display unit. A region, in which content is displayed, may increase or decrease according to withdrawal or insertion of the rollable display unit. The below-described display unit <NUM> may include the rollable display unit.

Furthermore, the display device <NUM> shown in <FIG> is just one embodiment of the present invention and thus, some of the components shown can be integrated, added, or omitted according to the specification of the actually implemented display device <NUM>. That is, if necessary, two or more components can be integrated into one component or one component can be divided into two or more components and configured. Additionally, a function performed by each block is to describe an embodiment of the present invention and its specific operation or device does not limit the scope of the present invention.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, unlike <FIG>, the display device <NUM> can receive images through the network interface unit <NUM> or the external device interface unit <NUM> and play them without including the tuner <NUM> and the demodulation unit <NUM>. For example, the display device <NUM> can be divided into an image processing device such as a set-top box for receiving broadcast signals or contents according to various network services and a content playback device for playing contents input from the image processing device.

In this instance, an operating method of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention described below can be performed by one of the display device described with reference to <FIG>, an image processing device such as the separated set-top box, and a content playback device including the display unit <NUM> and the audio output unit <NUM>.

Next, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a remote control device is described. <FIG> is a block diagram illustrating a remote control device and <FIG> is a view illustrating an actual configuration of a remote control device.

First, referring to <FIG>, a remote control device <NUM> can include a fingerprint recognition unit <NUM>, a wireless communication unit <NUM>, a user input unit <NUM>, a sensor unit <NUM>, an output unit <NUM>, a power supply unit <NUM>, a storage unit <NUM>, a control unit <NUM>, and a voice acquisition unit <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the wireless communication unit <NUM> transmits/receives signals to/from an arbitrary any one of display devices.

The remote control device <NUM> can include an RF module <NUM> for transmitting/receiving signals to/from the display device <NUM> according to the RF communication standards and an IR module <NUM> for transmitting/receiving signals to/from the display device <NUM> according to the IR communication standards. Additionally, the remote control device <NUM> can include a Bluetooth module <NUM> for transmitting/receiving signals to/from the display device <NUM> according to the Bluetooth communication standards. Additionally, the remote control device <NUM> can include an NFC module <NUM> for transmitting/receiving signals to/from the display device <NUM> according to the Near Field Communication (NFC) communication standards and a WLAN module <NUM> for transmitting/receiving signals to/from the display device <NUM> according to the Wireless LAN (WLAN) communication standards.

Additionally, the remote control device <NUM> can transmit signals containing information on a movement of the remote control device <NUM> to the display device <NUM> through the wireless communication unit <NUM>. Moreover, the remote control device <NUM> can receive signals transmitted from the display device <NUM> through the RF module <NUM> and if necessary, can transmit a command on power on/off, channel change, and volume change to the display device <NUM> through the IR module <NUM>.

The user input unit <NUM> can be configured with a keypad button, a touch pad, or a touch screen. A user can manipulate the user input unit <NUM> to input a command relating to the display device <NUM> to the remote control device <NUM>. If the user input unit <NUM> includes a hard key button, a user can input a command relating to the display device <NUM> to the remote control device <NUM> through the push operation of the hard key button. This will be described with reference to <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the remote control device <NUM> can include a plurality of buttons. The plurality of buttons can include a fingerprint recognition button <NUM>, a power button <NUM>, a home button <NUM>, a live button <NUM>, an external input button <NUM>, a voice adjustment button <NUM>, a voice recognition button <NUM>, a channel change button <NUM>, a check button <NUM>, and a back button <NUM>.

The fingerprint recognition button <NUM> can be a button for recognizing a user's fingerprint. The fingerprint recognition button <NUM> can perform a push operation and receive a push operation and a fingerprint recognition operation. The power button <NUM> can be button for turning on/off the power of the display device <NUM>. The power button <NUM> can be button for moving to the home screen of the display device <NUM>. The live button <NUM> can be a button for displaying live broadcast programs. The external input button <NUM> can be button for receiving an external input connected to the display device <NUM>. The voice adjustment button <NUM> can be button for adjusting the size of a volume output from the display device <NUM>. The voice recognition button <NUM> can be a button for receiving user's voice and recognizing the received voice. The channel change button <NUM> can be a button for receiving broadcast signals of a specific broadcast channel. The check button <NUM> can be a button for selecting a specific function and the back button <NUM> can be a button for returning to a previous screen.

Again, <FIG> is described. If the user input unit <NUM> includes a touch screen, a user can touch a soft key of the touch screen to input a command relating to the display device <NUM> to the remote control device <NUM>. Additionally, the user input unit <NUM> can include various kinds of input means manipulated by a user, for example, a scroll key and a jog key, and this embodiment does not limit the scope of the present invention.

The sensor unit <NUM> can include a gyro sensor <NUM> or an acceleration sensor <NUM> and the gyro sensor <NUM> can sense information on a movement of the remote control device <NUM>. For example, the gyro sensor <NUM> can sense information on an operation of the remote control device <NUM> based on x, y, and z axes and the acceleration sensor <NUM> can sense information on a movement speed of the remote control device <NUM>. Moreover, the remote control device <NUM> can further include a distance measurement sensor and sense a distance with respect to the display unit <NUM> of the display device <NUM>.

The output unit <NUM> can output image or voice signals corresponding to a manipulation of the user input unit <NUM> or corresponding to signals transmitted from the display device <NUM>. A user can recognize whether the user input unit <NUM> is manipulated or the display device <NUM> is controlled through the output unit <NUM>. For example, the output unit <NUM> can include an LED module <NUM> for flashing, a vibration module <NUM> for generating vibration, a sound output module <NUM> for outputting sound, or a display module <NUM> for outputting an image, if the user input unit <NUM> is manipulated or signals are transmitted/received to/from the display device <NUM> through the wireless communication unit <NUM>.

Additionally, the power supply unit <NUM> supplies power to the remote control device <NUM> and if the remote control device <NUM> does not move for a predetermined time, stops the power supply, so that power waste can be reduced. The power supply unit <NUM> can resume the power supply if a predetermined key provided at the remote control device <NUM> is manipulated.

The storage unit <NUM> can store various kinds of programs and application data necessary for a control or operation of the remote control device <NUM>. If the remote control device <NUM> transmits/receives signals wirelessly through the display device <NUM> and the RF module <NUM>, the remote control device <NUM> and the display device <NUM> transmits/receives signals through a predetermined frequency band.

The control unit <NUM> of the remote control device <NUM> can store, in the storage unit <NUM>, information on a frequency band for transmitting/receiving signals to/from the display device <NUM> paired with the remote control device <NUM> and refer to it. The control unit <NUM> controls general matters relating to a control of the remote control device <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> can transmit a signal corresponding to a predetermined key manipulation of the user input unit <NUM> or a signal corresponding to a movement of the remote control device <NUM> sensed by the sensor unit <NUM> to the display device <NUM> through the wireless communication unit <NUM>.

Additionally, the voice acquisition unit <NUM> of the remote control device <NUM> can obtain voice. The voice acquisition unit <NUM> can include at least one microphone <NUM> and obtain voice through the microphone <NUM>.

Next, <FIG> is described. <FIG> is a view of utilizing a remote control device. In particular, <FIG> illustrates that a pointer <NUM> corresponding to the remote control device <NUM> is displayed on the display unit <NUM>.

A user can move or rotate the remote control device <NUM> vertically or horizontally. The pointer <NUM> displayed on the display unit <NUM> of the display device <NUM> corresponds to a movement of the remote control device <NUM>. Since the corresponding pointer <NUM> is moved and displayed according to a movement on a 3D space as show in the drawing, the remote control device <NUM> can be referred to as a spatial remote controller.

<FIG> illustrates that if a user moves the remote control device <NUM>, the pointer <NUM> displayed on the display unit <NUM> of the display device <NUM> is moved to the left in correspondence thereto. Information on a movement of the remote control device <NUM> detected through a sensor of the remote control device <NUM> is transmitted to the display device <NUM>. The display device <NUM> can calculate the coordinates of the pointer <NUM> from the information on the movement of the remote control device <NUM>. The display device <NUM> can display the pointer <NUM> to match the calculated coordinates.

<FIG> illustrates that while a specific button in the remote control device <NUM> is pressed, a user moves the remote control device <NUM> away from the display unit <NUM>. Thus, a selection area in the display unit <NUM> corresponding to the pointer <NUM> can be zoomed in and displayed largely. Further, if a user moves the remote control device <NUM> close to the display unit <NUM>, a selection area in the display unit <NUM> corresponding to the pointer <NUM> can be zoomed out and displayed reduced.

If the remote control device <NUM> is away from the display unit <NUM>, a selection area can be zoomed out and if the remote control device <NUM> is close to the display unit <NUM>, a selection area can be zoomed in. Additionally, if a specific button in the remote control device <NUM> is pressed, the recognition of a vertical or horizontal movement can be excluded. That is, if the remote control device <NUM> is moved away from or close to the display unit <NUM>, the up, down, left, or right movement can not be recognized and only the back and fourth movement can be recognized. While a specific button in the remote control device <NUM> is not pressed, only the pointer <NUM> is moved according to the up, down, left or right movement of the remote control device <NUM>.

Moreover, the moving speed or moving direction of the pointer <NUM> can correspond to the moving speed or moving direction of the remote control device <NUM>. Furthermore, a pointer in this specification means an object displayed on the display unit <NUM> in correspondence to an operation of the remote control device <NUM>. Accordingly, besides an arrow form displayed as the pointer <NUM> in the drawing, various forms of objects are possible. For example, the above concept includes a point, a cursor, a prompt, and a thick outline. Then, the pointer <NUM> can be displayed in correspondence to one point of a horizontal axis and a vertical axis on the display unit <NUM> and also can be displayed in correspondence to a plurality of points such as a line and a surface.

Next, the method of operating the display unit <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>. In particular, <FIG> are views illustrating a method of operating a display unit.

As shown in <FIG>, the display device <NUM> includes a display unit <NUM> having a first region <NUM>. The display unit <NUM> displays content in the first region <NUM>. The display device <NUM> includes a guide bar <NUM> (see <FIG>) which rotates such that the display unit <NUM> is wound into or unwound from a housing <NUM> or at the center of the display unit <NUM>.

When the display device <NUM> includes the guide bar <NUM> in the housing <NUM>, the display unit <NUM> can be wound or unwound in a vertical direction. If the display device <NUM> includes the guide bar <NUM> at the center of the display unit <NUM>, the display unit <NUM> can be wound or unwound in a horizontal direction.

Referring to <FIG>, when the display unit is wound or unwound by the guide bar will be described. <FIG> is a side cross-sectional view of the housing <NUM> shown in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the housing <NUM> includes the guide bar <NUM> for guiding the display unit <NUM> to be wound or unwound. When the guide bar <NUM> rotates in an R1 direction, the display unit <NUM> can be withdrawn from the housing <NUM>. In contrast, when the guide bar <NUM> rotates in an R2 direction, the display unit <NUM> can be inserted into the housing <NUM> while being wound on the guide bar <NUM>. Therefore, the display unit <NUM> can be withdrawn or inserted in the vertical direction.

A cover <NUM> can protect the display unit <NUM> inserted into the housing <NUM>. If the guide bar is located at the center of the display unit <NUM>, the display unit <NUM> can be withdrawn or inserted in the horizontal direction according to the principle shown in <FIG>. As the display unit <NUM> is withdrawn or inserted, a region capable of displaying content can be changed, that is, increased or decreased.

Hereinafter, when, as the display unit is wound or unwound, a content display region is changed will be described with reference to <FIG>. In the state shown in <FIG>, the display unit <NUM> can be withdrawn to have second regions <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the display unit <NUM> can be withdrawn in left and right directions. The display unit <NUM> may include a first region <NUM> and second regions <NUM> located at both sides of the first region <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the display unit <NUM> can be withdrawn only in a right direction. The display unit <NUM> may include a first region <NUM> and a second region <NUM> located at the right side of the first region <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the display unit <NUM> can be withdrawn only in a left direction. The display unit <NUM> may include a first region <NUM> and a second region <NUM> located at a left side of the first region <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the display unit <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention can be withdrawn only in an upper direction. The display unit <NUM> may include a first region <NUM> and a second region <NUM> located at an upper side of the first region <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the second region <NUM> may be located at the upper side of the first region <NUM>. Unlike <FIG>, the second region <NUM> may be located at a lower side of the first region <NUM>.

The size of the second region <NUM> can be determined by withdrawal lengths L1, L2, L3 and L4 of the display unit <NUM>. The withdrawal lengths L1, L2, L3 and L4 of the display unit <NUM> may be changed. That is, the controller <NUM> can adjust the withdrawal lengths L1, L2, L3 and L4 according to attributes of content to be displayed, a length adjustment command of a user, etc. to withdraw the display unit <NUM>.

In addition, the withdrawal direction of the display unit <NUM> may be determined according to attributes of the display device <NUM> or a user input command. Further, the display unit <NUM> can display different content or the same content in the first region <NUM> and the second region <NUM>.

Next, a method of operating a display device <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. In particular, <FIG> are flowcharts illustrating a method of operating a display device.

The display unit <NUM> can display first content in the first region <NUM>(S11). The display unit <NUM> may have only the first region <NUM> by default. That is, the display device <NUM> may include only the first region <NUM> before receiving a specific command. Content corresponding to a broadcast signal received through the broadcast reception unit <NUM> can be displayed in the first region <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> can sense whether a menu display command is received (S13). Here, the menu is second content and the menu display command may be a second content display command. The controller <NUM> can receive the menu display command through a button provided in the remote control device <NUM> or a button provided in the display device <NUM>. The controller <NUM> can sense whether the menu display command is received and can withdraw the display unit to add the second region <NUM> (S15) when the menu display command is received, and the display unit <NUM> can display the menu in the withdrawn second region <NUM> (S17).

Next, a method of displaying a menu in a region of a display device withdrawn in a longitudinal direction will be described with reference to <FIG>, a method of displaying a menu in a region of a display device withdrawn in a height direction will be described with reference to <FIG>, and a method of displaying a menu in a region of a display device withdrawn in a height direction will be described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a method of displaying a menu in a region of a display device withdrawn in a longitudinal direction. Referring to <FIG>, the display unit <NUM> can be withdrawn in a left direction. The display unit <NUM> can include only the first region <NUM> before withdrawal and include the first region <NUM> and the second region <NUM> located at the left side of the first region <NUM> after withdrawal.

The display unit <NUM> can display first content in the first region <NUM> and display the menu in the second region <NUM>. The location of the first region <NUM> may be the same before and after withdrawal. Accordingly, the first content can be continuously displayed at the same location regardless of withdrawal of the display unit <NUM>.

Next, <FIG> is a diagram illustrating a method of displaying a menu in a region of a display device withdrawn in a longitudinal direction. Referring to <FIG>, the display unit <NUM> can be withdrawn in a right direction. The display unit <NUM> can include only the first region <NUM> before withdrawal and include the first region <NUM> and the second region <NUM> located at the right side of the first region <NUM> after withdrawal. The display unit <NUM> can display first content in the first region <NUM> and display the menu in the second region <NUM>.

Similarly to <FIG>, the location of the first region <NUM> may be the same before and after withdrawal. Accordingly, the first content can be continuously displayed at the same location regardless of withdrawal of the display unit <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a method of displaying a menu in a region of a display device withdrawn in a longitudinal direction. Referring to <FIG>, the display unit <NUM> can be withdrawn in both directions.

The display unit <NUM> can include only the first region <NUM> before withdrawal and include the first region <NUM> and the second region <NUM> located at the right side of the first region <NUM> after withdrawal. Alternatively, unlike <FIG>, the display unit <NUM> can include the first region <NUM> and the second region <NUM> located at the left side of the first region <NUM>. The display unit <NUM> can display first content in the first region <NUM> and display the menu in the second region <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> can shift the first content such that the location of the first region <NUM> is the same before and after withdrawal. That is, the controller <NUM> can shift the first content while withdrawing the display unit <NUM>. Thus, the first content can be continuously displayed at the same location regardless of withdrawal of the display unit <NUM>, and the menu may be displayed in a region added by withdrawal of the display unit <NUM>.

The display unit <NUM> can include only the first region <NUM> before withdrawal and include the first region <NUM> and the second regions <NUM> located at both sides of the first region <NUM> after withdrawal. The second regions <NUM> may include a second left region 182a and a second right region 182b.

The display unit <NUM> can display first content in the first region <NUM> and display the menu in the second region <NUM>. The second left region <NUM> and the second right region 182b may display different menus. The location of the first region <NUM> can be the same before and after withdrawal and thus the first content can be continuously displayed at the same location regardless of withdrawal of the display unit <NUM>. The menu may be displayed in the second left region 182a and the second right region 182b.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, more information can be displayed in the second region <NUM> as compared to the embodiment shown in <FIG>. In addition, in the embodiments shown in <FIG>, the display device <NUM> can display the menu so as not to hide the displayed content. That is, the display device <NUM> can provide a method of viewing and manipulating the menu while the user views the content without interruption.

Although the first content is shifted only in <FIG>, this is merely an example. That is, in the embodiments of <FIG> and <FIG> and the subsequent embodiments, the controller <NUM> can shift the first content in order to fix the location of the first region <NUM>.

Next, <FIG> are diagrams illustrating a method of displaying a menu in a region of a display unit withdrawn in a height direction. As shown in <FIG>, the display unit <NUM> can include a first region <NUM> and first content can be displayed in the first region <NUM>.

When a menu display command is received, the controller <NUM> can withdraw the display unit <NUM> in the height direction to add a second region <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The second region <NUM> may be located below the first region <NUM>. That is, as the display unit <NUM> is withdrawn, the first region <NUM> may rise and the second region <NUM> may be added.

As shown in <FIG>, the display unit <NUM> can continuously display the first content in the first region <NUM> and display the menu in the second region <NUM>. In this instance, the menu may be displayed without hiding the first content and the height of the first content may be adjusted.

Next, <FIG> are diagrams illustrating a method of displaying a menu in a region of a display device withdrawn in a height direction. As shown in <FIG>, the display unit <NUM> can include a first region <NUM> and first content can be displayed in the first region <NUM>. When a menu display command is received, the controller <NUM> can withdraw the display unit <NUM> in the height direction to add a second region <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the second region <NUM> may be located above the first region <NUM>. That is, even when the display unit <NUM> is withdrawn, the location of the first region <NUM> may be fixed and the second region <NUM> may be added to the upper side of the first region <NUM>. Accordingly, the first content can be displayed at the fixed location of the first region <NUM> and the menu can be displayed while rising from the upper surface of the first content.

In this instance, the menu can be displayed without hiding the first content. That is, the menu can be displayed in a separate region while displaying the first content at the fixed location, such that the user views the content without interruption.

<FIG> will be described again. The controller <NUM> can sense whether an item selection command displayed in the menu is received (S19). When a command for selecting any one of at least one item displayed in the menu is received, the controller <NUM> can display second content corresponding to the selected item in the first region <NUM> or the second region <NUM> (S21).

Next, a method of displaying content corresponding to an item selected from a menu in a first region will be described with reference to <FIG>, a method of displaying content corresponding to an item selected from a menu in a second region will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, and a method of displaying content corresponding to an item selected from a menu in a second region will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

First, as shown in <FIG>, the display unit <NUM> can display first content in the first region <NUM> and display a menu in the second region <NUM>. The controller <NUM> can receive a command for selecting any one item displayed in the menu. More specifically, the controller <NUM> can receive a command for selecting any one item displayed in the menu through a pointer <NUM>. The pointer <NUM> can be controlled through the remote control device <NUM> or through a voice command, gesture input, iris recognition, etc..

The controller <NUM> can display second content corresponding to the item selected from the menu in the first region <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. That is, the display unit <NUM> can replace the first content displayed in the first region <NUM> with the second content corresponding to the item selected from the menu. In the second region <NUM>, the same menu can be continuously displayed. In this instance, the user can manipulate the menu displayed in the second region <NUM> while checking the second content displayed in the first region <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> can display the second content corresponding to the item selected from the menu in the first region <NUM> while inserting the display unit <NUM> so as to reduce the size of the second region <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. That is, the controller <NUM> can reduce the size of the second region <NUM> to downsize the menu while displaying the second content corresponding to the item selected from the menu in the first region <NUM>. In this instance, as a specific item is selected from the menu, the unnecessary menu may be simply displayed and the user can concentrate on the content corresponding to the selected item.

Next, <FIG> and <FIG> are diagrams illustrating a method of displaying content corresponding to an item selected from a menu in a second region. As shown in <FIG>, the display unit <NUM> can display first content in a first region <NUM> and display a menu in a second region 182a. The controller <NUM> can receive a command for selecting any one item from the menu through a pointer <NUM>.

When a command for selecting any one item from the menu is received, the controller <NUM> can withdraw the display unit <NUM> to further extend the second region 182a as shown in <FIG>. As the display unit <NUM> extends, the display unit <NUM> can include a first region <NUM>, a second region 182a and an extended second region 182b.

The display unit <NUM> can display first content in the first region <NUM>, display the menu in the second region 182a, and display second content corresponding to the item selected from the second region 182b in the extended second region 182b. In this instance, the display device <NUM> can display the first content such as broadcast video and the second content corresponding to the menu and the item selected from the menu so as not to overlap. The user can simultaneously acquire a variety of information through the extended region as the display unit <NUM> is withdrawn.

Next, <FIG> and <FIG> are diagrams illustrating a method of displaying content corresponding to an item selected from a menu in a second region. As shown in <FIG>, the display unit <NUM> can display first content in the first region <NUM> and display the menu in the second region <NUM>. The controller <NUM> can receive a command for selecting any one item from the menu through a pointer <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> can display the second content corresponding to the item selected from the menu in the second region <NUM>. That is, as a command for selecting any one item from the menu is received, the display unit <NUM> can change the second content displayed in the second region <NUM> to content corresponding to the item selected from the menu. Meanwhile, the second content displayed in the second region <NUM> may be obtained by downsizing the original content. According to the embodiment shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the user can easily perform necessary manipulation through the menu while viewing the first content such as broadcast video without being interrupted by the menu.

<FIG> will be described again. The controller <NUM> can receive a command for dragging and dropping any one of the first region and the second region <NUM> to another region (S23). When the command for dragging and dropping any one of the first region <NUM> and the second region <NUM> to another region, the controller <NUM> can exchange the display regions of the first content and the second content (S25).

A method of changing a display region of content will be described with reference to <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the display unit <NUM> can display first content in the first region <NUM> and display second content in the second region <NUM>. The controller <NUM> can receive a command for selecting one point from the second region <NUM> to drag and drop the point to the first region <NUM>. In contrast, the controller <NUM> can receive a command for selecting one point from the first region <NUM> to drag and drop the point to the second region <NUM>.

When the drag-and-drop command is received, the controller <NUM> can exchange the display regions of the first content and the second content. That is, the controller <NUM> can display the first content displayed in the first region <NUM> in the second region and display the second content displayed in the second region <NUM> in the first region <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the controller <NUM> can reduce the size of the first content while maintaining the aspect ratio of the first content displayed in the first region <NUM>. The controller <NUM> can display the downsized first content in the second region <NUM> and display the enlarged second content in the first region <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the controller <NUM> can reduce the aspect ratio of the first content displayed in the first region <NUM> to correspond to that of the second region <NUM>. The controller <NUM> can display the downsized first content in the second region <NUM> and display the enlarged second content in the first region <NUM>.

The display device <NUM> may easily change the locations of the first content and the second content respectively displayed in the first region <NUM> and the second region <NUM> through the drag-and-drop command. The user can conveniently enlarge and view specific content.

<FIG> will be described again. The controller <NUM> can receive a connection signal of a first external device (S27). Here, the first external device may be a device connected to the display device <NUM> through the external device interface <NUM>. For example, the first external device may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a game console, a tablet PC, a DVD player, a set-top box, etc., as an example. The first external device may include all devices connectable to the display device <NUM>.

When the connection signal of the first external device is received, the controller <NUM> can withdraw the display unit <NUM> to add the second region <NUM> (S29). The display unit <NUM> can display information on the first external device in the second region <NUM> (S31). Here, the information on the external device may be second content and the connection signal of the external device may be a second content display command.

Next, a method of displaying content upon connection with an external device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to <FIG>. Referring to <FIG>, the display unit <NUM> can display first content such as broadcast video in the first region <NUM>. The controller <NUM> can receive the connection signal of the first external device <NUM> while displaying the first content. When the connection signal of the first external device <NUM> is received, the controller <NUM> can withdraw the display unit <NUM> to add the second region <NUM> and display information on the first external device <NUM> in the second region <NUM>.

The display unit <NUM> can be withdrawn in a vertical direction as shown in <FIG> or in a horizontal direction as shown in <FIG> based on device information or connection information of the first external device <NUM>. According to one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in <FIG>, the display unit <NUM> can be withdrawn in the vertical direction and information related to the first external device <NUM> can be displayed in the second region <NUM>. Here, the information related to the first external device <NUM> may include file information such as photos, video, music, web addresses, etc. stored in the first external device <NUM> and information on functions which may be performed through the first external device <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the display unit <NUM> can be withdrawn in the horizontal direction and a mirroring screen <NUM> of the first external device <NUM> can be displayed in the second region <NUM>. The mirroring screen <NUM> may mean that the screen of the first external device <NUM> is displayed on the display device <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> can receive a command for controlling the mirroring screen <NUM>, thereby controlling the first external device <NUM>. In this instance, it is possible to easily manipulate the external device connected to the display device <NUM> while viewing the first content.

Next, a method of displaying content upon connection with an external device will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. Referring to <FIG>, the display unit <NUM> can display first content such as broadcast video in the first region <NUM>. The controller <NUM> can receive the connection signal of the first external device <NUM> while displaying the first content.

When the connection signal of the first external device <NUM> is received, the controller <NUM> can withdraw the display unit <NUM> to add the second region <NUM>. More specifically, the controller <NUM> can withdraw the display unit <NUM> based on the aspect ratio of the content reproduced through the first external device <NUM>.

The aspect ratio of the content reproduced through the first external device <NUM> may be different from that of the first content. The controller <NUM> can withdraw the display unit <NUM> such that the aspect ratio of the display unit <NUM> is equal to that of the content reproduced through the first external device <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the display unit <NUM> can display the content reproduced through the first external device <NUM> in the first region <NUM> and the second region <NUM>. That is, the display unit <NUM> can display the content reproduced through the first external device using the first region <NUM> and the second region <NUM>. In this instance, the region of the display unit <NUM> can be optimized according to the aspect ratio of the content reproduced through the external device <NUM>.

<FIG> will be described again. The controller <NUM> can receive a connection signal of a second external device (S33). The controller <NUM> can receive the connection signal of the second external device in a state of connection with the first external device.

When the connection signal of the second external device is received in a state of connection with the first external device, the controller <NUM> can withdraw the display unit <NUM> to add a third region (S35). The controller <NUM> can display information on the second external device in the third region (S37).

Next, a method of displaying content upon connection with a plurality of external devices will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, when only the first external device 300a is connected, the controller <NUM> can display first content in the first region <NUM> and display information on the first external device 300a in the second region 182a. The controller <NUM> can receive the connection signal of the second external device 300b in a state of connection with the first external device 300a.

Referring to <FIG>, the controller <NUM> can extend the display unit <NUM> to add the third region 182b as the connection signal of the second external device 300b is received. The display unit <NUM> can display the information on the first external device 300a in the second region 182a and display the information on the second external device 300b in the third region 182b.

Although the number of external devices connected to the display device <NUM> is <NUM> in <FIG>, this is merely exemplary. The display device <NUM> can simultaneously display the first content such as broadcast video and the information on the connected external device.

<FIG> will be described again. The controller <NUM> can receive a disconnection signal of any one of the first external device and the second external device (S39). The controller <NUM> can insert the display unit <NUM> of a region corresponding to the disconnected external device (S41).

Next, a method of inserting a display unit according to disconnection of an external device will be described with reference to <FIG>. The controller <NUM> can receive a disconnection signal of any one external device in a state of connection with the first external device 300a and the second external device 300b. The controller <NUM> can insert the display unit <NUM> such that the information on the external device corresponding to the received disconnection signal disappears.

Referring to <FIG>, the controller <NUM> can receive the disconnection signal of the first external device 300a in a state of connection with the first external device 300a and the second external device 300b. The controller <NUM> can insert the display unit <NUM> to remove the second region 182a which is the information display region of the disconnected first external device 300a. The display device <NUM> may immediately remove unnecessary information and provide only necessary information to the user while displaying the connection state of the external device.

<FIG> will be described again. The controller <NUM> can receive a voice command signal (S43). The controller <NUM> can recognize a predetermined keyword such as recommendation, search, etc. The controller <NUM> can receive the voice command signal from the user through keyword recognition.

The controller <NUM> can acquire information corresponding to the voice command signal (S45). The controller <NUM> can search for the information corresponding to the voice command signal based on the recognized keyword. The controller <NUM> can search for the keyword included in the voice command signal through the network interface <NUM> or information stored in the memory <NUM> and acquire the information corresponding to the voice command signal.

The controller <NUM> can withdraw the display unit <NUM> to add the second region <NUM> based on the amount of acquired information (S47). The controller <NUM> can calculate the size of the region for displaying the acquired information. The controller <NUM> can withdraw the display unit <NUM> to add the second region <NUM> by the calculated size of the region.

The controller <NUM> can display information corresponding to the voice command signal in the second region <NUM> (S49). The controller <NUM> can display information corresponding to the voice command signal in the second region <NUM> according to withdrawal of the display unit <NUM>.

Next, a method of displaying content based on a voice command signal will be described with reference to <FIG>. Referring to <FIG>, the display unit <NUM> can display first content such as broadcast video in the first region <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the controller <NUM> can receive the voice command signal and withdraw the display unit <NUM> to add the second region <NUM> according to the voice command signal. For example, the controller <NUM> can receive a voice command signal "movie recommendation". The controller <NUM> can acquire information corresponding to "movie recommendation". The controller <NUM> can calculate the size of the second region <NUM>, in which the acquired information will be displayed, based on the amount of acquired information. The controller <NUM> can withdraw the display unit <NUM> to add the second region <NUM> having the calculated size. The controller <NUM> can display information corresponding to the voice command signal in the withdrawn second region <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the controller 170b may further receive another voice command signal in a state of displaying the information corresponding to the voice command signal in the second region <NUM>. The controller <NUM> can acquire the information corresponding to the lately received voice command signal and calculate the size of the second region <NUM> based on the amount of acquired information. The controller <NUM> can withdraw or insert the display unit <NUM> based on the calculated size of the second region <NUM>. More specifically, the controller <NUM> can further withdraw the display unit <NUM> when the newly calculated size of the second region <NUM> is greater than the current size of the second region <NUM> and insert the display unit <NUM> when the newly calculated size of the second region <NUM> is less than the current size of the second region <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> can completely insert the display unit <NUM> corresponding to the second region <NUM> when there is no information to be displayed in the second region <NUM> as a result of acquiring the information corresponding to the voice command signal based on the received voice command signal. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the controller <NUM> can receive a voice command signal "movie <NUM> playback", insert the display unit <NUM> when there is no information to be displayed in the second region <NUM>, and display content corresponding to the voice command signal in the first region <NUM>.

The display device <NUM> may adjust the size of the second region <NUM> according to the voice command signal to withdraw or insert the display unit <NUM> and display information corresponding to the voice command signal in the second region <NUM>.

<FIG> will be described again. The controller <NUM> can sense whether a display-unit withdrawal command is received as shown in <FIG> (S51), when the voice command signal is not received. The display-unit withdrawal command may mean a command for withdrawing the display unit <NUM> in the vertical or horizontal direction to add a new display region in addition to the region in which the content is currently displayed.

The display-unit withdrawal command may include a specific-region withdrawal command and a content display command. More specifically, the specific-region withdrawal command may be a command for enabling a user to specify a region to be added of a display unit and the size thereof. The controller <NUM> can receive the specific-region withdrawal command for setting a withdrawal direction and a withdrawal length and may withdraw the display unit <NUM> according to the received specific-region withdrawal command.

The withdrawal direction may include a vertical direction and a horizontal direction and the withdrawal length may include a plurality of steps. For example, the controller <NUM> can include a command for withdrawing the display unit in one step in the horizontal direction or a display-unit withdrawal command in three steps in the vertical direction. As the number of steps increases, the withdrawal length may increase.

The content display command may be a command for displaying second content in a state of displaying first content in the first region <NUM>. When a new content display command is received, the controller <NUM> can withdraw the display unit <NUM> and display second content in the withdrawn second region <NUM>. The second content display command may include all commands for displaying content capable of being displayed on the display device <NUM>, such as a screen setting menu display command, a channel information display command, a time shift execution command, an IOT state display command, a subtitle display command, an aspect-ratio change command, a user setting information display command, a content-related information display command, etc..

When the display-unit withdrawal command is received, the controller <NUM> can withdraw the display unit <NUM> to add the second region <NUM> (S53), and the display unit <NUM> can display the second content in the second region <NUM> (S55). The location and size of the second region <NUM> may be changed according to the type of the display-unit withdrawal command.

Hereinafter, a method of withdrawing a display unit <NUM> according to type of a display-unit withdrawal command and displaying second content in a second region <NUM> added according to withdrawal of the display unit <NUM> will be described using various examples.

Next, a method of displaying content according to a display-unit withdrawal command will be described with reference to <FIG>. The controller <NUM> can receive the display-unit withdrawal command and the display-unit withdrawal command may be a screen setting menu display command.

As shown in <FIG>, when the screen setting menu display command is received, the controller <NUM> can withdraw the display unit <NUM> to add the second region <NUM>. The display unit <NUM> can display the second content in the second region <NUM> and the second content may include at least one screen setting item. For example, the screen setting item may include a movie mode setting item <NUM>, a photo mode setting item <NUM>, a game mode setting item <NUM> and a manual setting item <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> can receive a command for adjusting any one of the screen setting items displayed in the second region <NUM>. The controller <NUM> can change the screen mode of the first content displayed in the first region <NUM> as the command for adjusting any one of the screen setting items is received.

For example, referring to <FIG>, the controller <NUM> can receive a command for adjusting brightness of the manual setting item <NUM> displayed in the second region <NUM> and change brightness of the first content displayed in the first region <NUM>. The display device <NUM> may display the screen adjustment result while adjusting the screen mode through the screen setting item displayed in the added second region <NUM>. The user can easily set the screen mode through the screen adjustment result and the screen setting item respectively displayed in the first region <NUM> and the second region <NUM>.

Next, a method of displaying content according to a display-unit withdrawal command will be described with reference to <FIG>. The controller <NUM> can receive the display-unit withdrawal command and the display-unit withdrawal command may be a channel information display command.

As shown in <FIG>, when the channel information display command is received, the controller <NUM> can withdraw the display unit <NUM> to add the second region <NUM>. The display unit <NUM> can display second content in the second region <NUM> and the second content may include at least one piece of channel information <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. The channel information may include at least one of a channel number, a program name and program time information.

The controller <NUM> can receive a command for selecting any one of the channel information <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> in the second region <NUM>. When the command for selecting any one of the channel information <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> is received, the controller <NUM> can display content corresponding to the selected channel information in the first region <NUM>. For example, referring to <FIG>, the controller <NUM> can receive a command for selecting channel information <NUM> from among the channel information <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> through a pointer <NUM> and display content corresponding to the selected channel information <NUM> in the first region <NUM>.

The display device <NUM> can receive a command for selecting any one of the channel information displayed in the second region <NUM> to immediately display the channel in the first region <NUM>. The user can easily change the channel through the channel information displayed in the added second region <NUM>.

Next, a method of displaying content based on a display-unit withdrawal command according will be described with reference to <FIG>. The controller <NUM> can receive the display-unit withdrawal command and the display-unit withdrawal command may be a time shift execution command.

As shown in <FIG>, when the time shift execution command is received, the controller <NUM> can withdraw the display unit <NUM> to add the second region <NUM>. The display unit <NUM> can display second content in the second region <NUM> and the second content may include time shift execution information. More specifically, the time shift execution information may include at least one of a recorded time shift video <NUM>, recording information <NUM> and stored recordings <NUM> and <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> can display the first content in the first region <NUM> and, at the same time, display the time shift execution information in the second region <NUM>. The user can simultaneously view the first content and the recorded time shift video and control recording of the time shift video.

Next, a method of displaying content a display-unit withdrawal command will be described with reference to <FIG>. The controller <NUM> can receive the display-unit withdrawal command and the display-unit withdrawal command may be an IOT state display command.

As shown in <FIG>, when the IOT state display command is received, the controller <NUM> can withdraw the display unit <NUM> to add the second region <NUM>. The display unit <NUM> can display second content in the second region <NUM> and the second content may include IOT state information. More specifically, the IOT state information means the state information of an external device connected to the display device <NUM> and may include information on a washing machine, air conditioner, air purifier, camera, CCTV, etc. connected to the display device <NUM>.

For example, the display unit <NUM> can display the first content in the first region <NUM> and display state information <NUM> of the washing machine connected to the display device <NUM>, CCTV information <NUM>, etc. in the second region <NUM>. The user can check the state of the external device connected to the display device <NUM> along with the first content such as broadcast video. That is, the user can check the state of the external device while viewing content, without stopping viewing of the content in order to check the state of the external device.

Next, a method of displaying content based on a display-unit withdrawal command will be described with reference <FIG>. The controller <NUM> can receive the display-unit withdrawal command and the display-unit withdrawal command may be a subtitle display command.

According to one embodiment, the subtitle display command may be received through a button provided in the remote control device <NUM>. According to another embodiment, the subtitle display command may be received as the controller <NUM> senses a subtitle included in displayed content.

As shown in <FIG>, the controller <NUM> can display first content including a subtitle. When the subtitle display command is received, the controller <NUM> can withdraw the display unit <NUM> to add the second region <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The display unit <NUM> can display second content in the second region <NUM> and the second content may include the subtitle of the first content displayed in the first region <NUM>.

The display unit <NUM> can display the subtitle in the second region <NUM> which does not overlap the first content while maintaining the size and aspect ratio of the first content. The user can easily view the subtitle of the first content displayed in a region different from that of the first content along with the first content.

Next, a method of displaying content based on a display-unit withdrawal command will be described with reference to <FIG>. The controller <NUM> can receive the display-unit withdrawal command and the display-unit withdrawal command may be an aspect-ratio change command.

According to one embodiment, the aspect-ratio change command may be received through a button provided in the display unit <NUM>, the remote control device <NUM>, etc. According to one embodiment, the aspect-ratio change command may be a content display command having an aspect ratio different from that of the first region <NUM>. When the content display command is received, the controller <NUM> can display content in the first region <NUM>.

The aspect ratio of the content corresponding to the content display command may be different from that of the first region <NUM>. For example, if the content corresponding to the content display command is content having a special aspect ratio (<NUM>:<NUM>), such as I-MAX video or soccer video, the aspect ratio of the content may be different from that of the first region <NUM>. The controller <NUM> can display first content, a portion of which is omitted to suit the aspect ratio of the first region <NUM>, in the first region <NUM>.

According to one embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the display unit <NUM> can display the first content, an upper or lower portion of which is omitted. When the aspect ratio of the content is recognized, the controller <NUM> can withdraw the display unit <NUM> in the vertical direction to add the second region <NUM> based on the aspect ratio of the content, in order not to omit the portion of the content, as shown in <FIG>. The controller <NUM> can display the first content, the portion of which is omitted, in the first region <NUM> and display the second content, which is the omitted content, in the second region <NUM>.

According to another embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the display unit <NUM> can display the first content, a left or right region of which is omitted. When the aspect ratio of the content is recognized, the controller <NUM> can withdraw the display unit <NUM> in the horizontal direction to add the second region <NUM> based on the aspect ratio of the content, in order not to omit the portion of the content as shown in <FIG>. The controller <NUM> can display the first content, the portion of which is omitted, in the first region <NUM> and display the second content, which is the omitted content, in the second region <NUM>.

The display unit <NUM> can display the content without omission, when the content display command having the aspect ratio different from that of the first region <NUM> is received. Meanwhile, the controller <NUM> can further withdraw the display unit <NUM> to add a new region, when a display-unit withdrawal command is received in a state of withdrawing the display unit <NUM>, as described above.

Hereinafter, a method of displaying content based on a display-unit withdrawal command will be described with reference to <FIG>. The controller <NUM> can sense whether the display-unit withdrawal command is received in a state of adding the second region (S57). When the display-unit withdrawal command is received in a state of adding the second region, the controller <NUM> can withdraw the display unit <NUM> to generate a third region (S59), and display third content in the third region (S61).

Next, a method of displaying content based on a display-unit withdrawal command will be described with reference to <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the display unit <NUM> can display the first content in the first region <NUM>. The controller <NUM> can receive a display-unit withdrawal command in a state of displaying the first content and the display-unit withdrawal command may be a user setting information display command.

Here, the user setting information display command may mean a command for displaying predetermined content in a region added by withdrawing the display unit <NUM>. The controller <NUM> can set display of at least one of public transportation information, road traffic information, weather information, popular news information, stock information and shopping information. The controller <NUM> can display predetermined content according to a user input command or display the above-described content randomly or in predetermined order.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the controller <NUM> can withdraw the display unit <NUM> to add the second region 182a according to the user setting information display command and display the second content such as public transportation information in the second region 182a. As shown in <FIG>, when a display-unit withdrawal command is received in a state of adding the second region 182a, the controller <NUM> can withdraw the display unit <NUM> to add a third region 182b. The display unit <NUM> can display third content in the third region 182b. The third content may be related to the second content. Alternatively, the third content may not be related to the second content.

According to one embodiment, when a display-unit withdrawal command is received in a state of displaying the second content composed of only text in the second region 182a, the controller <NUM> can display third content composed of text and an image in the second region 182a and the third region 182b. Here, the third content may indicate the same information as the second content but may be different from the second content in terms of representation format. A predetermined amount of information can be displayed based on the size of the display unit <NUM>. That is, if the size of the display unit <NUM> is further increased, a larger amount of information can be displayed.

Next, a method of displaying content based on a display-unit withdrawal command will be described with reference to <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the display unit <NUM> can display the first content in the first region <NUM>. The controller <NUM> can receive a display-unit withdrawal command in a state of displaying the first content and the display-unit withdrawal command may be a content related information display command.

Here, the content related information display command may mean a command for displaying information related to content which is currently being displayed in a region added by withdrawing the display unit <NUM>. When the content related information display command is received, the controller <NUM> can search for information related to the previously displayed content and perform control to display the searched result on the display unit <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, when the content related information display command is received, the controller <NUM> can withdraw the display unit <NUM> to add the second region 182a. The display unit <NUM> can display the second content in the second region 182a and the second content may be related to the first content which is being displayed in the first region <NUM>. For example, if the first content is baseball video, the second content may be baseball score information.

In addition, as shown in <FIG>, when the content related information display command is received in a state of adding the second region 182a, the controller <NUM> can withdraw the display unit <NUM> to add a third region 182b. The display unit <NUM> can display third content in the third region 182b and the third content may be related to the second content which is being displayed in the second region 182a. For example, if the second content is baseball score information, the third content may be sports related information.

Therefore, the display device <NUM> can provide the user with information related to the content which is currently being displayed step by step. In addition, the display device <NUM> can display content related information while hiding content which is currently being displayed. The user can easily acquire information related to the content while viewing the content.

According to another embodiment, the controller <NUM> can receive a display-unit withdrawal command in a state of displaying the first content in the first region <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. Referring to <FIG>, when the display-unit withdrawal command is received, the controller <NUM> can add a second region 182a to display information related to the first content.

Referring to <FIG>, when a display-unit withdrawal command is further received in a state of adding the second region 182a, the controller <NUM> can add a third region 182b and the display unit <NUM> can display predetermined content described with reference to <FIG>, such as weather information, in the third region 182b. Therefore, the display device <NUM> can display not only information related to the currently displayed content but also external information according to the display-unit withdrawal command.

Next, a method of displaying content based on a display-unit withdrawal command will be described with reference to <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the display unit <NUM> can display first content in the first region <NUM>. The controller <NUM> can receive the display-unit withdrawal command in a state of displaying the first content.

Here, the display-unit withdrawal command may include the display-unit withdrawal command described in the first to seventh embodiments. As shown in <FIG>, the controller <NUM> can withdraw the display unit <NUM> to add the second region 182a and the display unit <NUM> can display second content in the second region 182a. For example, the second content may be a screen setting menu. The user may want to acquire information on a portion of the second content displayed in the second region 182a.

The controller <NUM> can receive a display-unit withdrawal command for displaying information on the portion of the second content displayed in the second region 182a. When a pointer <NUM> is sensed in one region of the second region 182a, the controller <NUM> can receive a display-unit withdrawal command for displaying information corresponding to the location of the pointer <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the controller <NUM> can withdraw the display unit <NUM> to add the third region 182b and the display unit <NUM> can display third content, which is information on a portion of the second content, in the third region 182b. Here, the third content may include help information of the second content. Therefore, the display device <NUM> can immediately display necessary information of the user in another region and the user can simultaneously view content and necessary information.

Next, a method of displaying content based on a display-unit withdrawal command will be described with reference to <FIG>. The controller <NUM> can entirely insert the display unit <NUM>. More specifically, the display unit <NUM> can be wound on the guide bar and the entire display region of the display unit <NUM> can be wound on the guide bar. The guide bar may be accommodated in a housing <NUM> shown in <FIG> and the housing <NUM> may be transparent. However, the housing <NUM> may be merely exemplary and the display device <NUM> can not include the housing <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the entire region of the display unit <NUM> can be inserted. In particular, when the display device <NUM> operates in a speaker mode, the display unit <NUM> can be entirely inserted. The controller <NUM> can receive an image display command while the display device operates in the speaker mode. The controller <NUM> can withdraw the display unit <NUM> when the image display command is received while the display device operates in the speaker mode.

More specifically, as shown in <FIG>, the controller <NUM> can divide the screen into the first region <NUM> and the second region <NUM>, display content corresponding to the image display command in the first region <NUM>, display an audio controller for controlling the speaker mode in the second region <NUM>, and, at the same time, withdraw the display unit <NUM>.

When withdrawal of the display unit <NUM> is finished, as shown in <FIG>, the display unit <NUM> can display the content in the first region <NUM> and the audio controller in the second region <NUM>. Therefore, the display device <NUM> can operate in the speaker mode and, at the same time, display the content. The user can control operation the speaker mode and display of the content on one screen. The type of the above-described display-unit withdrawal command and the type of the displayed content are merely exemplary and thus are not limited thereto.

<FIG> will be described again. The controller <NUM> can sense whether a display-unit insertion command is received (S63). The display-unit insertion command may mean a command for inserting the display unit <NUM> to remove a region in which the content is currently being displayed.

According to one embodiment, the display-unit insertion command may be an insertion command for specifying a region to be removed. In this instance, the controller <NUM> can receive the display-unit insertion command including information on the region to be removed and insert the display unit <NUM> to remove the specified region based on region information.

According to another embodiment, the display-unit insertion command may be an automatic insertion command. For example, the controller <NUM> can receive a display-unit insertion command through a button provided in the remote control device <NUM>. In this instance, the controller <NUM> can automatically insert the display unit <NUM>.

When the display-unit insertion command is received, the controller <NUM> can sense whether the content displayed in the second region may be downsized (S65). More specifically, the controller <NUM> can analyze the content displayed in the second region in a region having a smaller area than the second region.

When the content displayed in the second region may be downsized, the controller <NUM> can insert a portion of the display unit <NUM> to reduce the size of the second region (S67) and display the downsized content in the downsized second region (S69). When the content displayed in the second region may be downsized, the controller <NUM> can insert the display unit <NUM> based on the size of the content to be reduced. That is, the controller <NUM> can insert a portion of the display unit <NUM> such that the size of the second region is equal to that of the content to be downsized.

Next, an operation method based on a display-unit insertion command will be described with reference to <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the controller <NUM> can display first content in the first region <NUM> and display second content in the second region (<NUM>). When the display-unit insertion command is received, the controller <NUM> can determine whether the second content may be downsized.

The controller <NUM> can insert a portion of the display unit <NUM> when the second content may be downsized. As shown in <FIG>, the display unit <NUM> can downsize and display the second content in the second region <NUM> downsized as the portion of the display unit is inserted. In contrast, when the second content may not be downsized, the controller <NUM> can entirely insert the display unit corresponding to the second region. That is, as shown in <FIG>, the controller <NUM> can insert the display unit <NUM> to remove the second region <NUM>.

Meanwhile, when the display-unit insertion command is received, the controller <NUM> can insert the display unit to remove the second region <NUM> in order shown in <FIG>, regardless of whether the content may be downsized. Therefore, the display device <NUM> can downsize and remove an unnecessary content display region step by step.

<FIG> will be described again. When the display-unit insertion command is not received, the controller <NUM> can sense whether a viewing-mode entrance command is received (S71). Here, the viewing-mode entrance command refers to a command for intensively displaying the content displayed in the first region <NUM>, and content displayed in the region other than the first region <NUM> may be minimized.

According to one embodiment, the controller <NUM> can receive a viewing-mode entrance command through the button displayed in the remote control device <NUM> or the menu. According to another embodiment, the controller <NUM> can receive the viewing-mode entrance command upon sensing that an input signal is not received for a predetermined time.

When the viewing-mode entrance command is received, the controller <NUM> can display predetermined content in the second region <NUM> (S73). The controller <NUM> can predetermine content to be displayed in the second region <NUM> as the viewing-mode entrance command is received. According to one embodiment, the controller <NUM> can set content to be displayed in the second region <NUM> by default. According to another embodiment, the controller <NUM> can set the content to be displayed in the second region <NUM> through a user input command.

Next, a method of displaying content based on a viewing-mode entrance command will be described with reference to <FIG>. Referring to <FIG>, the display unit <NUM> can display first content in the first region <NUM> and display second content in the second region <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> can receive the viewing-mode entrance command. For example, when the input signal is not received for the predetermined time, the controller <NUM> can receive the viewing-mode entrance command when the input signal is not received for the predetermined time.

As shown in <FIG>, when the input signal is not received for the predetermined time, the controller <NUM> can display predetermined content in the second region <NUM>. The predetermined content may include one or more of a current time, a current weather, and viewing information of the user.

When a user input signal is sensed in a state of displaying the predetermined content according to the viewing-mode entrance command, the controller <NUM> can display the second content again in the second region as shown in <FIG>. Here, the second content may be content displayed before displaying the predetermined content or content corresponding to the user input signal.

Next, a method of displaying content based on a viewing-mode entrance command will be described with reference to <FIG>. Referring to <FIG>, the display unit <NUM> can display first content in the first region <NUM> and display second content in the second region <NUM>. The controller <NUM> can receive the viewing-mode entrance command. For example, when an input signal is not received for a predetermined time, the controller <NUM> can receive the viewing-mode entrance command.

As shown in <FIG>, when the input signal is not received for the predetermined time, the controller <NUM> can downsize and display the second content displayed in the second region <NUM>. The controller <NUM> can enlarge and display the first content in the region other than the region in which the downsized second content is displayed.

The controller <NUM> can further receive the viewing-mode entrance command in a state of downsizing and displaying the second content. In this instance, the controller <NUM> can remove the second content and enlarge the first content in the first region <NUM> and the second region <NUM>. According to the above-described embodiment, the display device <NUM> can reduce power consumed to insert the withdrawn display unit <NUM> again. In addition, the content is displayed in the withdrawn region of the display unit, without wasting the region of the display unit.

Meanwhile, according to another embodiment, when the viewing-mode entrance mode is received, the controller <NUM> can insert the display unit <NUM> to remove the second region <NUM>. In this instance, the second region <NUM> may be removed without user manipulation and thus the user can concentrate on the first content.

<FIG> will be described again. The controller <NUM> can sense whether a power off command is received (S75). When the power off command is received or when the content displayed in the second region cannot be downsized upon receiving the display-unit insertion command, the controller <NUM> can entirely insert the display unit corresponding to the second region <NUM> (S77). Therefore, the display device <NUM> can remove the unnecessary second region <NUM>. The user can withdraw or insert the display unit <NUM> as necessary.

Claim 1:
A display device comprising:
a housing (<NUM>);
a display unit (<NUM>);
a roller (<NUM>) accommodated in the housing and configured to rotate for withdrawing the display unit (<NUM>) from the housing (<NUM>) by unwinding the display unit (<NUM>), or inserting the display unit (<NUM>) into the housing (<NUM>) by winding the display unit (<NUM>); and
a controller (<NUM>) configured to:
display first content in a first region (<NUM>) of the display unit (<NUM>),
receive a connection signal of a first external device while displaying the first content in the first region,
withdraw the display unit to add a second region (<NUM>) of the display unit in response to receiving the connection signal of the first external device,
receive first information from the first external device, and
display the first information from the first external device on the second region (<NUM>), and
wherein in response to a disconnection signal of the first external device, the controller (<NUM>) is further configured to rotate the roller (<NUM>) in a direction of winding the display unit (<NUM>) to remove the second region (<NUM>).