Patent Description:
Recently, introducing advanced television systems committee (ATSC) <NUM> into domestic ultra high definition (UHD) standard has been examined. The ATSC <NUM> standard may provide the highest image quality among UHD standard technologies and may be estimated to be favorable to interactive services.

Background information can be found in: <CIT>, which describes a technique for displaying a content guide with multiple selectable content viewing options; <CIT>, which describes a program guide module for managing program guide information for a plurality of program items for a plurality of channels; and <CIT>, which describes an apparatus for providing one or more virtual channel tables corresponding to one or more content sources.

Contrary to a digital broadcast which does not provide an option of a conventional real-time broadcast, ATSC <NUM> may provide an option for a real-time broadcast through a linkage service. For example, first drama content may be scheduled to broadcast in a time slot (hereinafter referred to as "second time slot") subsequent to a soccer broadcast which is broadcast in a first time slot on a broadcast table of a broadcaster. If a soccer game goes longer than planned, a conventional digital broadcast server broadcasts the first drama content without no longer relaying the soccer broadcast when it is the second time slot from the first time slot. Since the conventional digital broadcast server transmits only the first drama content in the second time slot, a display device may fail to output the soccer broadcast although a viewer wants to more watch the extended soccer game.

However, since a broadcast server complying with the ATSC <NUM> standard broadcasts both of the first drama content and the soccer broadcast in the second time slot, a display device may output at least one of the first drama content and the soccer broadcast in the second time slot. However, ATSC <NUM> does not define a method of a linkage service of providing an option for a real-time broadcast in detail yet.

Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to provide a display device for providing a user's option for a real-time digital broadcast and a linkage service method.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, a display device is provided, as recited in appended independent claim <NUM>.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a linkage service method by a display device is provided, as recited in appended independent claim <NUM>. Preferred features are set out in the appended dependent claims. Advantageous Effects of.

According to the disclosure, the display device may provide a user's option for a real-time digital broadcast.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the disclosure may be described with reference to accompanying drawings. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that modification, equivalent, and/or alternative on the various embodiments described herein can be variously made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. With regard to description of drawings, similar elements may be marked by similar reference numerals.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a display device. <FIG> is a drawing illustrating a time when regular broadcast content and linkage content are broadcast. <FIG> is a drawing illustrating a first user interface (UI) image for providing a notification that a linkage service is started. <FIG> is a drawing illustrating a second UI image for providing a notification that a linkage service is finished. <FIG> is a drawing illustrating a linkage service loading image. <FIG> is a drawing illustrating a UI image for providing a notification of a network connection error. <FIG> is a drawing illustrating a UI image for providing a notification of a broadcast server error.

Referring to <FIG>, a display device <NUM> may include an input device <NUM>, a first communication circuit <NUM>, a second communication circuit <NUM>, a display <NUM>, a sound output device <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, and a processor <NUM>. The display device <NUM> may fail to include at least one of the above-described elements or may further include another element. Alternatively, some of the elements of the display device <NUM> may be combined with each other to form one entity, so that the functions of the elements may be performed in the same manner as before the combination. An input/output relationship shown in <FIG> may be, but is not limited to, only an example for convenience of description.

The display device <NUM> may include at least one of, for example, a television (TV), a monitor, a notebook, a large format display (LFD), a smartphone, a tablet personal computer (PC), a mobile phone, a video phone, an electronic book (e-book) reader, a desktop PC, a laptop PC, a netbook computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), or a digital photo frame.

The input device <NUM> may receive a user input. For example, the input device <NUM> may include at least one of a touch sensor, a communication circuit, or an input button.

The touch sensor may sense a touch of an operation means and may output touch coordinates of the operation means. For example, the touch sensor may include at least one of a touch pad (or a touch panel) or a touch controller. The touch pad may be a touch screen. The communication circuit may communicate with a remote control device (e.g., a remote controller, a mouse, or the like). The communication circuit may communicate with the remote control device using various communication schemes, for example, Bluetooth, near field communication (NFC), infrared (IR) communication, a universal serial bus(USB), and a personal system <NUM> (PS2). The communication circuit may convert a control signal received from the remote control device into a control signal analyzable by the processor <NUM> and may convert a command signal received from the processor <NUM> into a command signal corresponding to a communication scheme with the remote control device to transmit the converted command signal. The input button may be provided on the display device <NUM>. For example, the input button may include at least one of a power button, a channel change button, or a volume adjustment button.

The input device <NUM> may be included in an external electronic device (e.g., a broadcast receiver) connected with the display device <NUM>. In this case, the display device <NUM> may receive content changed by a user input through the input device <NUM> or a signal (e.g., an image or audio)of the content. For convenience of description in the specification below, an example input device <NUM> is a communication circuit for receiving a signal from the remote control device. The remote control device may include an OK button, an upward button assigned to an upward movement function, a downward button assigned to a downward movement function, a leftward button assigned to a leftward movement function, a rightward button assigned to a rightward movement function, a return button, and the like.

The first communication circuit <NUM> may receive broadcast content transmitted from a broadcast server over a communication network (e.g., a broadcast network or an Internet network). The broadcast content may include real-time broadcast content and video on demand (VOD) broadcast content. The real-time broadcast content may include regular broadcast content and linkage broadcast content which is broadcast by a linkage service.

Referring to <FIG>, the regular broadcast content (or first content) may be real-time broadcast content which is broadcast in a time slot (e.g., a first time slot D1 or a second time slot D2) scheduled in a broadcast table of each channel. The linkage content (or second content) may be real-time broadcast content which is broadcast outside of a time slot scheduled in a broadcast table. The linkage content may be, for example, content scheduled to broadcast in the first time slot D1 in a broadcast table of a first channel, but may be extended and broadcast to at least a portion of the second time slot D2 (e.g., a current time) by a linkage service since the broadcasting is not completed in the first time slot D <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, first regular broadcast content C1 may be scheduled to broadcast in the first time slot D1 of a broadcast table, and second regular broadcast content C2 may be scheduled to broadcast in the second time slot D2 of the broadcast table. The broadcast server may broadcast the first regular broadcast content C1 in the first time slot D1 and may broadcast the second regular broadcast content C2 in the second time slot D2, like the broadcast table. When the broadcasting of the first regular broadcast content C1 is not finished in the first time slot D1, the broadcast server may provide the first regular broadcast content C1 in the second time slot D2 by the linkage service. For example, when the broadcasting of the first regular broadcast content C1 is not finished in the first time slot D1 may be when there is a situation where breaking news are broadcast while the first regular broadcast content C1 is broadcast in the first time slot D1, when a live broadcast goes longer than planned in the case where the first regular broadcast content C1 is broadcast live, or the like.

The broadcast server may transmit regular broadcast content and linkage content over the same communication network. The broadcast server may transmit both of the regular broadcast content and the linkage content over a broadcast network or an Internet network. For another example, the broadcast server may transmit one of the regular broadcast content or the linkage content over the broadcast network and may transmit the other of the regular broadcast content or the linkage content over the Internet network.

Return to <FIG>, the first communication circuit <NUM> may be configured in the form of simultaneously or selectively receiving regular broadcast content and linkage content from the broadcast server. For example, when both of the regular broadcast content and the linkage content are transmitted over the broadcast network, the first communication circuit <NUM> may include a dual tuner. For another example, when one of the regular broadcast content or the linkage content is received over the Internet network and when the other of the regular broadcast content or the linkage content is received over the broadcast network, the first communication circuit <NUM> may be configured in the form of supporting both of the broadcast network and the Internet network.

The second communication circuit <NUM> may communicate with an external electronic device. The external electronic device may be at least one of, for example, a monitor, a notebook, a digital photo frame, a smartphone, a tablet PC, a mobile phone, a video phone, an e-book reader, a desktop PC, a laptop PC, a netbook computer, a PDA, or a PMP. The external electronic device may be a device configured to communicate with the display device <NUM> through the second communication circuit <NUM>.

The display <NUM> may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic LED (OLED) display, or an electronic paper display. The display <NUM> may display, for example, a variety of content (e.g., a text, an image, a video, an icon, a symbol, and/or the like) to a user.

The sound output device <NUM> may output an audio of playback content. The sound output device <NUM> may include at least one of an amplifier or a speaker. The amplifier may amplify volume of content, and the speaker may output the amplified audio of the content.

The memory <NUM> may be a volatile memory (e.g., a random access memory (RAM) or the like), a nonvolatile memory (e.g., a read only memory (ROM), a flash memory, or the like), or a combination thereof. The memory <NUM> may store, for example, a command or data associated with at least one other element(s) of the display device <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> may include at least one of, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphic processing device (GPU), a microprocessor, an application processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) and may have a plurality of cores. The processor <NUM> may perform an arithmetic operation or data processing associated with control and/or communication of at least one other element(s) of the display device <NUM>.

When a channel is selected by the input device <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may control the first communication circuit <NUM> to receive content (e.g., regular broadcast content) of the selected channel. For example, the processor <NUM> may adjust a receive frequency such that the first communication circuit <NUM> may receive broadcast content of the selected channel. When the content of the selected channel is received via the first communication circuit <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may output an image of the received image on the display <NUM> and may output an audio of the received content through the sound output device <NUM>.

When the content of the selected channel is regular broadcast content, the processor <NUM> may receive linkage service information while the regular broadcast content of the selected channel is output. The linkage service information may be, for example, information of providing a notification that first regular broadcast content scheduled to broadcast in a first time slot is extended and broadcast to at least a portion of a second time slot. The linkage service information may be received, for example, before the first time slot is finished.

When the linkage service information is received, the processor <NUM> may display a first UI image on the display <NUM>. For example, the processor <NUM> may output the first UI image immediately before the first time slot is finished (e.g., one minute before the first time slot is finished). Referring to <FIG>, the first UI image may include a first key object <NUM> for selecting to watch regular broadcast content and a second key object <NUM> for selecting to watch linkage content. The first UI image may include a guide text <NUM> for providing a notification that a linkage service will be started.

When a first signal for selecting the first key object <NUM> is received from the input device <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may select linkage content as watching content. The first signal may be a signal received according to an operation of an OK button of a remote control device in a state where the first key object <NUM> is specified. When a second signal for selecting the second key object <NUM> is received from the input device <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may select regular broadcast content as watching content. The second signal may be a signal received according to an operation of a return button of the remote control device. The processor <NUM> may output content selected between the regular broadcast content and the linkage content in a second time slot capable of selecting the regular broadcast content and the linkage content.

When linkage content is selected as watching content while outputting regular broadcast content, the processor <NUM> may tune a channel to receive the linkage content or may transmit a request for content to the broadcast server. For example, the processor <NUM> may transmit a request for linkage content to the broadcast server over an Internet network and may wait until the linkage content is received over a broadcast network or the Internet network. For another example, when the linkage content is received over the broadcast network, the processor <NUM> may tune a channel of the first communication circuit <NUM>. In an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may provide a notification that linkage content is being prepared for being received on the display <NUM> while the linkage content is prepared for being received.

When at least one of information of linkage content or the linkage content is received, the processor <NUM> may assign a virtual channel number to the linkage content. The virtual channel number may be for at least one of selecting to watch the linkage content and outputting information of the linkage content. The virtual channel number may include at least one of a channel number of regular broadcast content associated with the linkage content or a virtual channel code. For example, when a channel number of regular broadcast content provided by a linkage service is "<NUM>-<NUM>" and when a virtual channel code is "A", the processor <NUM> may assign the virtual channel number of the linkage content to "<NUM>-1A". As such, the processor <NUM> may assign a virtual channel number for linkage content in a form where a user easily distinguish linkage content and easily determine regular broadcast content associated with the linkage content.

The processor <NUM> may include information of linkage content associated with a virtual channel number in at least one of channel list information or EPG information. For example, since the channel list information and the EPG information are sorted in an order of channel numbers, the processor <NUM> may include a virtual channel number and information of linkage content in a location according to an order of virtual channel numbers in a channel list of at least one of the channel list information or the EPG information.

When a virtual channel number of linkage content is selected in a channel up or down process through the input device <NUM> is selected or when a virtual channel number is selected by the input device <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may output the linkage content. As such, since a virtual channel number is assigned to the linkage content, although a channel is tuned while the linkage content is output, the processor <NUM> may enter a virtual channel corresponding to the linkage content again. For example, when a virtual channel number corresponding to linkage content is selected by channel up/down, channel designation, or the like, the processor <NUM> may output the linkage content. For another example, when at least one of a virtual channel number or information of linkage content is selected from channel list information and EPG information, the processor <NUM> may output the linkage content.

The processor <NUM> may output a UI image capable of distinguishing between linkage content and regular broadcast content. For example, the processor <NUM> may display a symbol specified for linkage content on at least one of a virtual channel number and information of the linkage content which are included in at least one of channel list information or EPG information. For another example, the processor <NUM> may display a symbol specified for linkage content on a channel information UI image (e.g., an info banner) of the linkage content. The specified symbol may include at least one of, for example, a specified text, a specified icon, or the like.

The processor <NUM> may output both of linkage content and regular broadcast content. For example, the processor <NUM> may output images of the linkage content and the regular broadcast content at the same size. The processor <NUM> may output an image of content selected by the input device <NUM> between linkage content and regular broadcast content on a left side of the display <NUM> and may output an image of the other image on a right side of the display <NUM>. For another example, the processor <NUM> may output images of linkage content and regular broadcast content at different sizes. The processor <NUM> may output an image of content selected by the input device <NUM> on the entire region of the display <NUM> and may output an image of the other content on a partial region of the display <NUM> (e.g., in a picture in picture (PIP) form). For another example, the processor <NUM> may display linkage content and regular broadcast content on different displays. The processor <NUM> may display an image of content selected by the input device <NUM> on the display <NUM> and may display the other content on a display of an external electronic device. When displaying linkage content and regular broadcast content on the same display, the processor <NUM> may output an audio of content selected between the linkage content and the regular broadcast content through the sound output device <NUM>. When able to simultaneously output an audio through a plurality of audio interfaces (e.g., a speaker, an earphone, a headphone, and the like) of the sound output device <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may output both of linkage content and regular broadcast content. For another example, when displaying linkage content and regular broadcast content on different displays, the processor <NUM> may output an audio through sound output devices corresponding to the different displays.

The processor <NUM> may verify that the broadcasting of linkage content is finished while the linkage content is output in a second time slot. When verifying that the broadcasting of the linkage content is finished, as shown in <FIG>, the processor <NUM> may output a second UI image <NUM> for providing a notification that the broadcasting of the linkage content is finished. After outputting the second UI image <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may output regular broadcast content.

Referring again to <FIG>, the processor <NUM> may expose a virtual channel number corresponding to linkage content in only a specified period (e.g., before the linkage content is finished). For example, the processor <NUM> may expose a virtual channel number in a process of tuning a channel during only a specified period. For another example, the processor <NUM> may include a virtual channel number in at least one of channel list information or EPG information during only a specified period.

The processor <NUM> may fail to assign a virtual channel number to linkage content. The processor <NUM> may fail to assign the virtual channel number to the linkage content and may include at least one key object for selecting to watch the linkage content in a fifth UI image. The fifth UI image may be at least one of channel information or EPG information of regular broadcast content. A description will be given of a corresponding example with reference to <FIG>.

Due to properties of an Internet network, a network delay or a network error may occur in the Internet network. As shown in <FIG>, when a loading time is needed to receive linkage content, the processor <NUM> may output a third UI image <NUM> for providing a notification that it is during loading. When a loading time is needed to receive linkage content, the processor <NUM> may output a text for providing a notification that it is during loading.

As shown in <FIG>, the processor <NUM> may output a fourth UI images <NUM> or <NUM> for providing a notification of a network error for linkage content. For example, the fourth UI image <NUM> or <NUM> may include at least one of an error number(or an error code), a network error number, details of a network error (e.g., no network connection, a server error, or the like), or notification for a method of being out of a channel of linkage content. For another example, the fourth UI image <NUM> or <NUM> may include information of linkage content (e.g., a logo, a channel name, and the like of a virtual channel number). For another example, the fourth UI image <NUM> may include a third key object <NUM> for entering a trouble shooting guide menu for solving a network error.

<FIG> are drawings illustrating a UI screen corresponding to linkage content.

<FIG> and <FIG> are drawings illustrating a channel information UI image including a key object for selecting linkage content.

Referring to <FIG>, a channel information UI image of regular broadcast content may include an up key object <NUM> associated with an upward button of a remote control device, a down key object <NUM> associated with a downward button of the remote control device, a left key object <NUM> associated with a leftward button of the remote control device, and a right key object <NUM> associated with a rightward button, other than information (e.g., Bing Bang Theory Season <NUM>) of content. In this case, when a signal for selecting the up key object <NUM> is received from an input device <NUM> of <FIG>, a processor <NUM> of <FIG> may up-convert a receive channel of a first communication channel <NUM> of <FIG>. When a signal for selecting the down key object <NUM> is received from the input device <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may down-convert the receive channel of the first communication circuit <NUM>. When a signal for selecting the left key object <NUM> is received from the input device <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may output information of just previous regular broadcast content. When a signal for selecting the right key object <NUM> is received from the input device <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may output information of future regular broadcast content.

When just previous regular broadcast content of a selected channel is being broadcast to a current time by a linkage service, the processor <NUM> may display an icon <NUM> indicating that the just previous regular broadcast content is during the linkage service on a channel information UI image. In this case, after a signal for selecting the left key object <NUM> is received, when a signal for selecting the icon <NUM> (e.g., a signal corresponding to an OK button of the remote control device) is received, the processor <NUM> may output the linkage content which is during the linkage service.

Referring to <FIG>, when linkage content is selected, the processor <NUM> may output a sixth UI image <NUM> including information of the linkage content. For example, the sixth UI image <NUM> may include content information <NUM> of the linkage content, synopsis information <NUM> of the linkage information, and a key object <NUM> for selecting to watch the linkage content. The processor <NUM> may display regular broadcast content on a region of a display <NUM> of <FIG>, where the sixth UI image <NUM> is not displayed. When the key object <NUM> is selected, the processor <NUM> may output the linkage content.

<FIG> is a drawing illustrating an EPG information image including a key object for selecting linkage content.

Referring to <FIG>, a processor <NUM> of <FIG> may include at least one key object for selecting linkage content in an EPG information image. For example, when a signal for selecting information <NUM> of content of a channel which is during a linkage service (e.g., a signal received according to a long press of an OK button of the input device <NUM>) is received from an input device <NUM> of <FIG>, the processor <NUM> may output a plurality of key objects <NUM> and <NUM> as a sublist of the information <NUM> of the content. The plurality of key objects <NUM> and <NUM> may include at least one of the first key object <NUM> for selecting linkage content and the second key object <NUM> for selecting to display detailed information of the linkage content. When a third signal for selecting the first key object <NUM> is received from the input device <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may output linkage content. The third signal may be, for example, a signal corresponding to an OK button of the remote control device, received in a state where the first key object <NUM> is specified by an upward button, a downward button, and the like of the remote control device. When a fourth signal for selecting the second key object <NUM> is received from the input device <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may output the detailed information of the linkage content. The fourth signal may be, for example, a signal corresponding to an OK button, received in a state where the second key object <NUM> is specified by the upward button, the downward button, and the like of the remote control device.

<FIG> is a drawing illustrating a UI screen of a process of starting a linkage service.

Referring to <FIG>, on screen <NUM>, a processor <NUM> of <FIG> may display regular broadcast content of a channel (e.g., channel <NUM>) selected by an input device <NUM> of <FIG> on a display <NUM> of <FIG>.

When linkage service information is received, on screen <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may provide a first UI image including a key object for selecting regular broadcast content or linkage content which is being watched. On screen <NUM>, the first UI image may include a "switch channel" object for selecting regular broadcast content and a "cancel" object for selecting linkage content. The first UI image may include a guide text for providing a notification that regular broadcast content which is being watched is expired and providing a notification that it is possible to watch the regular broadcast content which is being watched by a linkage service.

When a fifth signal for selecting the "switch channel" object is received from the input device <NUM> while screen <NUM> is displayed, on screen <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may prepare to receive linkage content. The fifth signal may be a signal received according to an operation of an OK button of a remote control device, received subsequent to a signal corresponding to a leftward button of the remote control device from the input device <NUM>. On screen <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may provide a notification of being preparing to receive linkage content. On the other hand, when a sixth signal for selecting the "cancel" object is received from the input device <NUM>, on screen <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may output regular broadcast content of the channel (e.g., channel <NUM>) selected on screen <NUM>. The sixth signal may be, for example, a signal received according to an operation of a return button of the remote control device.

When preparation for outputting the linkage content is completed, on screen <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may output linkage content (e.g., a linkage service program).

<FIG> is a drawing illustrating a UI screen of a process of finishing a linkage service.

Referring to <FIG>, on screen <NUM>, a processor <NUM> of <FIG> may verify that a linkage service is finished while linkage content is output. For example, the processor <NUM> may receive linkage service information for providing a notification that the broadcasting of the linkage content is finished from a broadcast server.

When verifying that the broadcasting of the linkage content is finished, on screen <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may output a UI image for providing a notification that the broadcasting of the linkage content is finished.

After outputting the UI image for providing the notification that the broadcasting of the linkage content is finished, on screen <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may output regular broadcast content of a channel (e.g., a previous channel) associated with the linkage content. As such, when the broadcasting of the linkage content is finished, the processor <NUM> may output regular broadcast content associated with the linkage content although a signal for selecting another channel is not received from an input device <NUM> of <FIG>.

<FIG> is a drawing illustrating a UI screen of a process of selecting a linkage service using a virtual channel. <FIG> is an example in which a virtual channel for linkage content is generated.

Referring to <FIG>, on screen <NUM>, a processor <NUM> of <FIG> may output regular broadcast content of a channel (e.g., channel <NUM>-<NUM>) selected by an input device <NUM> of <FIG>.

When a virtual channel (e.g., channel <NUM>-1A) of linkage content is selected by tuning a channel (e.g., channel up) while outputting the regular broadcast content, on screen <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may output the linkage content.

When a channel is out of the virtual channel (e.g., channel <NUM>-1A) corresponding to the linkage content while outputting the linkage content, on screen <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may output regular broadcast content of the selected channel (e.g., channel <NUM>-<NUM>). When a linkage service is finished while outputting the linkage content, since a channel is tuned to the selected channel (e.g., channel <NUM>-<NUM>), the processor <NUM> may output regular broadcast content. According to the above-mentioned example, the processor <NUM> may expose linkage content in a process of tuning a channel as a virtual channel number for linkage content is assigned and may access the linkage content as a virtual channel is selected. The convenience of watching linkage content may be provided.

<FIG> is a drawing illustrating a UI screen of a process of selecting a linkage service using a channel of regular broadcast content. <FIG> is an example in which a virtual channel for linkage content is not generated.

Referring to <FIG>, on screen <NUM>, a processor <NUM> of <FIG> may receive and output first regular broadcast content "Sherlock Season <NUM>" which is broadcast over a channel selected in a first time slot. Since the broadcasting of the first regular broadcast content is not completed in the first time slot specified for the first regular broadcast content before the first time slot is finished, the processor <NUM> may receive linkage service information for providing a notification that the first regular broadcast content will be broadcast by a linkage service.

On screen <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may receive and output second regular broadcast content "Big Bang Theory Season <NUM>" which is broadcast over a channel selected in a second time slot subsequent to the first time slot. The processor <NUM> may include and output a key object for selecting linkage content on information of the second regular broadcast content.

When a signal for selecting the key object for selecting the linkage content is received, on screen <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may output at least one of information of the linkage content or the linkage content. For example, after a signal corresponding to a leftward button of a remote control device is received from an input device <NUM> of <FIG>, when a signal corresponding to an OK button of the remote control device is received, the processor <NUM> may output information (e.g., Sherlock Season <NUM>) of the linkage content. The processor <NUM> may output current regular broadcast content "Big Bang Theory Season <NUM>" together with the information of the linkage content.

When a signal for selecting a "continue watch" key object is received, on screen <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may output linkage content "Sherlock Season <NUM>". The processor <NUM> may display an icon (e.g., <IMG>) indicating that linkage content is being broadcast on a channel information UI image.

<FIG> illustrates a flowchart of a linkage service method.

Referring to <FIG>, in operation <NUM>, the processor <NUM> receives first content from a first network corresponding to a channel selected according to a user input in a first time slot. The first content may be content scheduled to broadcast in the first time slot and be broadcast in the first time slot.

In operation <NUM>, the processor <NUM> receives second content associated with the first content over the first network and a second network corresponding to the selected channel in the first time slot. The second content may be content scheduled to broadcast in a second time slot before the first time slot and be extended and broadcast to at least a portion of the first time slot.

In operation <NUM>, when the second content is received, the processor <NUM> assigns a virtual channel number to the second content.

In operation <NUM>, the processor <NUM> includes the virtual channel number and information of the second content in at least one of channel list information or EPG information to be displayed on a display of the display device.

A display device includes a display (see the number <NUM> of <FIG>); an input device (see the number110 of <FIG>) configured to receive a user input; a first communication circuit (see the number120 of <FIG>) configured to receive first content from a first network corresponding to a first channel selected according to the user input in a first time slot and receive second content associated with the first content over the first network or a second network corresponding to the first channel; and a processor (see the number170 of <FIG>) configured to, when the second content is received, assign a virtual channel number to the second content, wherein the first content is content scheduled to broadcast in a first time slot of the first channel and is broadcast in the first time slot, wherein the second content is content scheduled to broadcast in a second time slot before the first time slot and is extended and broadcast to at least a portion of the first time slot. The processor is further configured to include the virtual channel number and information of the second content in at least one of channel list information or electronic program guide(EPG) information displayed on the display.

Wherein the processor is further configured to display a user interface (UI) image, including a first key object for selecting the second content depending on the user input before the first time slot is expired and a second key object for selecting the first content, on the display; when a signal for selecting the first key object by the input device is received, output the second content in the second time slot; and when a signal for selecting the second key object by the input device is received, display the first content in the second time slot.

The processor is further configured to display the second content on the display upon selection of the virtual channel number.

The processor is further configured to when the virtual channel number is selected from the channel list information and the EPG information, display the second content on the display.

The processor is further configured to include a symbol capable of distinguishing the second content in at least one of an info banner of the second content, the virtual channel number, or the information of the second content.

The processor is further configured to when one of the first content or the second content is selected by the input device, display the selected content on the display.

The processor is further configured to display the selected content on an entire region of the display; and display the other content which is not selected between the first content and the second content (unselected content) on a partial region of the display.

The processor is further configured to display the selected content on a left region or a right region of the display; and display the other content which is not selected between the first content and the second content on a region where the selected content is not displayed.

The display device further includes a second communication circuit (see the number <NUM> of <FIG>) configured to communicate with an external electronic device, wherein the processor is further configured to when one of the first content or the second content is selected according to the user input, display the selected content on the display; and display the other content which is not selected between the first content and the second content on a display of the external electronic device.

The processor is further configured to when broadcasting of the second content is finished while the second content is output on the display, output the first content on the display.

A linkage service method by a display device, the method includes receiving first content from a first network corresponding to a channel selected according to a user input in a first time slot; receiving second content associated with the first content over the first network and a second network corresponding to the selected channel in the first time slot; when the second content is received, assigning a virtual channel number to the second content; and including the virtual channel number and information of the second content in at least one of channel list information or EPG information to be displayed on a display of the display device. Wherein the first content is content scheduled to broadcast in the first time slot and is broadcast in the first time slot, and wherein the second content is content scheduled to broadcast in a second time slot before the first time slot and is extended and broadcast to at least a portion of the first time slot.

The method further includes receiving linkage service information for providing a notification that the second content which is being broadcast in the first time slot is provided by a linkage service; displaying a UI image, including a first key object for selecting the second content depending on the user input before the first time slot is expired and a second key object for selecting the first content, on the display; when a signal for selecting the first key object is received, outputting the second content in the second time slot; and when a signal for selecting the second key object is received, displaying the first content in the second time slot.

The method further includes verifying whether the virtual channel number is selected according to the user input or whether the virtual channel number is specified and selected; and when the virtual channel number is selected, displaying the second content on the display.

The method further includes when the virtual channel number is selected from the channel list information and the EPG information, displaying the second content on the display.

The method further includes including a symbol capable of distinguishing the second content in at least one of an info banner of the second content, the virtual channel number, or the information of the second content.

The method further includes when the second content is received, outputting the first content and the second content.

The outputting includes displaying content, selected according to the user input between the first content and the second content, on an entire region of the display; and displaying the other content which is not selected between the first content and the second content on a partial region of the display.

The outputting includes displaying content, selected according to the user input between the first content and the second content, on a left region or a right region of the display; and displaying the other content which is not selected between the first content and the second content on a region where the selected content is not displayed.

The outputting includes displaying content, selected according to the user input between the first content and the second content, on the display; and displaying the other content which is not selected between the first content and the second content on a display of an external electronic device.

The method further includes while the second content is output, verifying whether broadcasting of the second content is finished; and when the broadcasting of the second content is finished, outputting the first content.

Claim 1:
A display device (<NUM>), comprising:
a display (<NUM>);
an input device (<NUM>) configured to receive a user input;
a first communication circuit (<NUM>) configured to:
receive first content from a first network corresponding to a first channel selected according to the user input in a first time slot (D1), wherein the first content comprises a first real-time broadcast content (C1) and the first network comprises a broadcast network, and
receive second content associated with the first content over the first network or a second network corresponding to the first channel; and
a processor (<NUM>) configured to, when the second content is received, assign a virtual channel number to the second content,
wherein the first real-time broadcast content (C1) is content scheduled to broadcast in a first time slot (D1) of the first channel and is broadcast in the first time slot (D1),
wherein the second content is content scheduled to broadcast in at least a portion of a a second time slot (D2) when the broadcast schedule of the first real-time broadcast content (C1) is extended to the second time slot (D2),
wherein the second time slot (D2) is after the first time slot (D1) and the second time slot (D2) is a time slot in which a second real-time broadcast content (C2) is scheduled to broadcast, and
wherein the processor (<NUM>) is further configured to:
include the virtual channel number and information of the second content in at least one of channel list information or electronic program guide, EPG, information to be displayed on the display;
display a user interface, UI, image, including a first key object (<NUM>) for selecting the second content depending on the user input before the second time slot (D2) is expired and a second key object (<NUM>) for selecting the second real-time broadcast content (C2), on the display (<NUM>);
when a signal for selecting the first key object (<NUM>) by the input device (<NUM>) is received, display the second content in the second time slot; and
when a signal for selecting the second key object (<NUM>) by the input device (<NUM>) is received, display the second real-time broadcast content in the second time slot.