Patent Document

The present application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No.2003-27800, filed on Apr. 30, 2003, which is incorporated in full herein by reference. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention generally relates to the field of broadcasting channel selection, and more particularly to a real time channel grouping capable of easily switching preference channels among broadcasting channels for each desired time. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     At present, there are various channels broadcasted across the country from ground wave to cable. About 280 channels have been assigned for ground wave and cable broadcasting, and 9999 channels (in case no minor channels are provided) or 999 channels (in case minor channels are provided) are provided for digital satellite system (DSS). 
     However, not every user regularly watches so many channels. Usually, viewers watch their favorite channels on certain days and at specific times among the many channels. Therefore, in order for a user to watch his favorite channels for specific days and times, it takes a substantial amount of time to select the desired viewing channels among the many available channels. 
     An approach to overcome the above-mentioned problem is a method of providing preference channel list. For example, the preference channel list is a system in which the channels or programs that the user frequently watches or likes are stored as the preference channel list. 
     An example of technology using the preference channel list is disclosed in Korean laid-open patent publication 2002-0088220. The preference channel setting and switching method according to the related art will be described with reference to the attached drawings.  FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing the television configuration disclosed in the publication,  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  are flow charts describing a method of giving a priority rank to the preference channel disclosed in the publication, and  FIG. 3  shows an embodiment listing the priority rank of the preference channels disclosed in the publication. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the television configuration disclosed in the publication comprises a key input processing unit  10  for determining whether or not the respective preference channels inputted through an external input means (not shown) by a user are set, and processing the preference channel information according to the priority rank for the respective preference channels; a controlling unit  11  for allowing the preference channels to be switched based on the preference channel information; a first memory unit  12  for temporarily storing the preference channel information selected by the user; a second memory unit  20  for storing the list of the preference channels and the preference channel information, if the preference channel information is finally set for each channel; I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) driving unit  21  for controlling the I2C bus, so that the preference channel list and the preference channel information can be stored in the second memory  20 ; and an image signal processing unit  22  for processing the image signal received from the external input means depending on the user&#39;s channel selection. 
     The external input means may be a key panel mounted on a remote controller or on a television unit. The user inputs a channel to be designated as the preference channel and the priority rank for the designated channel using the external input means. Such preference channel information as whether or not the preference channel is designated and the priority rank thereof, inputted through the external input means, is inputted to the controlling unit  11  via the key input processing unit  10 . Then, the controlling unit  11  allows the preference channel list and the preference channel information to be stored in the first and second memories  12  and  20  by processing preference channel information such as whether the preference channel is designated and the priority rank thereof. Based on the preference channel information, the preference channel is switched, if there exists the external input. The preference channel information is processed by the controlling unit  11  and then stored in the first memory  12 , and the I2C driving unit  21  provides data communication so that the preference channel list and the preference channel information can be stored in the second memory  20 . Here, the preference channel list and the preference channel information stored in the second memory  20  are the information inputted in the channel editing mode by the user, the information being such that the designation of the preference channel and the setting of the priority rank thereof has been completed. 
     In addition, the second memory unit  20  may be updated based on the user&#39;s setting. At this time, the storage type of the preference channel information is as follows. For example, a first bit indicates whether or not the preference channel is designated, that is, the preference channel or other general channel, and a fourth bit and a fifth bit indicate the priority rank for the preference channel. If the values of the fourth bit and the fifth bit are “0, 1”, respectively, this indicates the preference channel having the lowest priority; if the values of the fourth bit and the fifth bit are “1, 0”, respectively, this indicates the preference channel having the middle priority; and if the values of the fourth bit and the fifth bit are “1, 1”, respectively, this indicates the preference channel having the highest priority. As described above, the usage of two or more bits allows the priority rank for the preference channel to be given. 
     If the user comes to input the preference channel function key during the operation of the broadcasting mode by the completion of the setting of the preference channel and the priority rank thereof, the switching operation of the preference channel is performed according to the preference channel list and the preference channel information stored in second memory  20 . 
     Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, description will be made of a method in which the preference channel is set and the priority rank thereof is given as disclosed in the publication. As shown in  FIG. 2A , the user first selects a channel setting edit mode in an automatic channel state (steps S 31 -S 32 ). Then, the user selects a channel in the channel setting edit mode via the remote controller or key panel (step S 33 ), and determines if the selected channel is set as a preference channel (step S 34 ). As the result of the determination (S 34 ), if the user wishes to set the selected channel as the preference channel, the user registers/stores the selected channel in the preference channel list via the preference channel key of the remote controller or key panel and simultaneously gives the priority rank for that preference channel (step S 35 ). Subsequently, the user can interrupt the channel setting edit mode (step S 36 ), and if it is not interrupted, the user can select another channel and the above-described procedures (step S 37 ) are iteratively performed. 
     Here, the method in which the priority rank for the preference channel is given is, for example, a scheme for displaying specific symbol in such a way that if the user selects channel 7 (CH7) once, one specific symbol is displayed, and if the user selects channel 7 (CH7) three times, three specific symbols are displayed, thereby reflecting the priority rank for the preference channel. 
     Accordingly, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the channels corresponding to TV general broadcasting (or ground wave broadcasting) are channel 2 denoted by shading, channel 6, channel 7, channel 13, channel 14, channel 16, channel 27, channel 35, channel 37, channel 40, and channel 45, and among these channels, channel 7, channel 13, channel 16, channel 27, channel 35 and channel 45 that are denoted by a specific symbol are the preference channels. 
     Also, the channel sequence of the preference channels is channel 7, channel 13, channel 16, channel 35, channel 27, and channel 45, that is, the priority sequence from channels 7 and 13 having a larger number of the channel preference symbols to channels 27 and 45 having a lesser number of the channel preference symbols. 
     Accordingly, since the user gives the priority rank for the set respective preference channels, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the preference channel search/switch. 
     Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, description will be made of an embodiment of an operation of a television having the preference channel set and having the priority rank for the preference channels set. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2B , the user first turns ON the power of digital TV (step S 41 ), and sets receiving mode (step S 42 ). In this case, in setting the receiving mode, the user sets whether the receiving mode is a general broadcasting mode including ground wave broadcasting, cable broadcasting, digital broadcasting, or an external input mode including DVD, VCR. It is determined if the receiving mode selected by the user, i.e., the present watching mode is the general broadcasting mode (step S 43 ). 
     As the result of the determination (S 43 ), if it is determined not to be the general broadcasting mode, the watching mode such as DVD, VCR corresponding to the external input mode selected by the user is performed (step S 45 ). If it is determined to be the general broadcasting mode, the general broadcasting mode is performed (step S 44 ). Then, if the input of the preference channel function key is carried out by the user while watching the general broadcasting (step S 46 ), the channel is switched depending on the sequence of the priority rank given the channels registered in the preference channel list (step S 47 ). For example, if the user inputs the preference channel function key via the external input means while watching the TV general broadcasting channel 14, the channel switching is performed starting from the favorite channel, that is, in the order of CH7, CH13, CH16, CH35, CH27, CH45, according to the priority rank for the preference channel set by the user. The sequence to be displayed is determined based on the level of importance of the priority rank. 
     As a consequence, if the user gives the priority rank for the preference channel and inputs the preference channel function key while watching the digital TV, the channel switching is performed according to the given priority rank. 
     However, in the preference channel setting method according to the related art, there is a problem that since the preference channel is set among the broadcasting channels that are watched, after the setting of the preference channel, although the sequence to be displayed (the sequence to be displayed being determined based on the importance of the priority rank) is manually determined and inputted, many steps are necessary to determine the preference channel, and it is difficult to do so quickly. In addition, in case too many preference channels are set, there is another problem, namely that it is very time consuming to search for a desired channel even among the preference channels. In other words, unless the user thinks of the sequence of the screen that he seeks to watch, the user needs to wait for a long time until the desired channel is displayed. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention has been made in order to solve the foregoing and other problems. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a channel grouping method and apparatus to allow a user to group desired channels into a plurality for each desired time or day of television viewing and allowing those channels for the respective groups to be easily retrieved. Thereby the user can classify the desired channels for desired times into groups so as easily to select and to watch the desired channels. 
     It will be understood that a user may group desired channels by a time at which the user watches the corresponding group of preferred channels, and/or preferred channels may be grouped by a day, such as a day of the week, at which the group of desired channels is usually watched by the user. Similarly, a user may wish to group channels by genre of program typically broadcast on certain preferred channels or by some other classification of preferred channels. Also, various users, such as members of a family or household, sharing the use of a television set and/or a stand-alone apparatus or other apparatus or unit incorporating a system or method according to the present invention, may each have one or more groups of preferred channels, thus simplifying for any given user the preferred channel selection and viewing process. 
     In order to achieve an object of the present invention, a first embodiment of a real time grouping apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a key input unit configured to process a preference channel group setting signal, a display demand signal, and a group selection signal through external input means; a GUI screen storage unit configured to store user selection-guide information according to the preference channel group setting signal and the display demand signal; a signal processing unit configured to process a received signal and the user selection-guide information to display on display device; and a controlling unit configured to group preference channels according to the signal of the key input unit, and to allow the preference channels to be displayed and concurrently to allow the user selection-guide information of the GUI screen storage unit to be displayed. 
     In addition, when the preference channel grouping setting signal or the display demand signal is inputted, the controlling unit allows guide information for selecting group to store or display the received channel as the preference channel to be displayed, and channels included in preset group to be sequentially displayed for a certain period. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the guide selection information for selecting the group is such that the group that can be selected by the user is displayed, and when the user moves a group using the group selection signal, the controlling unit allows channels set in the moved group whenever the group is moved to be displayed on the display device for a certain period. 
     On the other hand, when the user selects the group in which the received channel is to be stored, the controlling unit allows the received channel to be displayed on the display device by storing the received channel in the selected group and performing the OFF operation of the user guide screen. 
     When the user selects preference channel to be displayed, the selected preference channel is displayed on display device and the user guide screen is turned OFF. 
     In order to achieve the object of the present invention, the second embodiment of the real time grouping apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a key input unit for processing preference channel grouping setting signal, display demand signal, and group selection signal through external input means; GUI screen storage unit for storing user guide information according to the preference channel grouping setting signal and the display demand signal; PIP (Picture-in-Picture) signal processing unit for processing a received signal to process the signal as a main screen and a sub-screen, respectively; a synthesizer for synthesizing output of the PIP signal processing unit and user guide information to output to display device; and a controlling unit for grouping preference channel according to the signal of the key input unit, and for allowing the preference channel to be displayed and concurrently allowing the user guide information of the GUI screen storage unit to be displayed. 
     When the preference channel grouping setting signal or the display demand signal is inputted, the controlling unit allows guide information for selecting group to store or display the received channel as the preference channel to be displayed, and allows the received channel to be displayed on the main screen and channels included in preset group to be sequentially displayed on the sub-screen for a certain period by performing the ON operation of PIP function. 
     Preferably, the guide information for selecting the group is such that the group that can be selected by the user is displayed, and when the user moves group using the group selection signal, the controlling unit allows channels set in the group that is moved whenever the group is moved to be sequentially displayed on the sub-screen for a certain period. 
     In addition, when the user selects the group in which the received channel is to be stored, the controlling unit allows the received channel to be displayed on the display device by storing the received channel in the selected group and performing the OFF operation of PIP function. 
     In order to achieve the object of the present invention, the third embodiment of the real time grouping apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a key input unit for processing preference channel grouping setting signal, display demand signal, and group selection signal through external input means; GUI screen storage unit for storing user guide information according to the preference channel grouping setting signal and the display demand signal; PIP signal processing unit for processing signals received by a main tuner and a plurality of sub-tuners to process the signals as a main screen and multi sub-screens, respectively; a synthesizer for synthesizing the main screen signal of the PIP signal processing unit and user guide information to output to display device; and a controlling unit for grouping preference channel according to the signal of the key input unit, and for allowing the preference channel to be displayed and at the same time allowing the user guide information of the GUI screen storage unit to be displayed. 
     When the preference channel grouping setting signal or the display demand signal is inputted, the controlling unit allows the received channel and guide information for selecting group to store or display the preference channel to be displayed on the main screen, and channels included in preset group to be displayed on the respective sub-screens by performing the ON operation of multi-PIP function. 
     Additionally, the guide information for selecting the group causes the group that can be selected by the user to be displayed, and when the user moves the group using the group selection signal, the controlling unit allows channels set in the group that is moved whenever the group is moved to be displayed on the respective sub-screens. 
     In order to achieve the object of the present invention, the first embodiment of the real time grouping method according to the present invention comprises the steps of: receiving channel; selecting channel grouping mode; displaying user guide information according to the channel grouping mode; selecting group in which the received channel is to be stored; sequentially displaying channels of the selected group for a certain period; and storing the received channel in group. 
     The user guide information is such that at least one group that can be selected by the user is displayed. 
     Additionally, the step of displaying the user guide information further comprises the step of sequentially displaying channels included in preset group for a certain period. 
     It is preferable that the storing step further comprises the step of storing the received channel in the selected group and displaying the received channel on display device. 
     On the other hand, the method further comprises the step of displaying channel group display mode, and the step of displaying comprises the steps of inputting channel group display key; displaying user guide information according to the display key input step; selecting group to be received; selecting channel to be received; and displaying selected channel so that the selected channel can be watched. 
     In order to achieve the object of the present invention, the second embodiment of the real time grouping method according to the present invention comprises the steps of: receiving channel; selecting channel grouping mode; displaying user guide information according to the channel grouping mode, and allowing the received channel to be displayed on the main screen and channels included in preset group to be sequentially displayed on the sub-screen for a certain period by performing the ON operation of PIP function; selecting a group in which the received channel is to be stored; sequentially displaying channel of the selected group on the sub-screen for a certain period; and storing the received channel in a group. 
     Preferably, the storing step further comprises the step of storing the received channel in the selected group and displaying on display device the received channel by performing the OFF operation of PIP function and the user guide information. 
     Additionally, the method further comprises the step of displaying channel group display mode, and the step of displaying comprises the steps of inputting channel group display key; displaying user guide information according to the display key input; selecting group to be received; selecting channel to be received; and displaying selected channel so that the selected channel can be watched. 
     It is preferable that the step of displaying the user guide information further comprises the step of sequentially displaying channels included in preset group on the sub-screen for a certain period. 
     In order to achieve the object of the present invention, the third embodiment of the real time grouping method according to the present invention comprises the steps of: receiving channel; selecting channel grouping mode; displaying user guide information according to the channel grouping mode, and allowing the received channel to be displayed on a main screen and channels included in preset group to be displayed on respective sub-screens by performing the ON operation of multi-PIP function; selecting a group in which the received channel is to be stored; displaying channel of the selected group on the respective sub-screens; and storing the received channel in a group. 
     On the other hand, the storing step further comprises the step of storing the received channel in the selected group and displaying on display device the received channel by performing the OFF operation of PIP function and the user guide information. 
     Additionally, the method further comprises the step of displaying channel group display mode, and the step of displaying comprises the steps of inputting channel group display key; displaying user guide information according to the display key input; selecting a group to be received; selecting a channel to be received; and displaying selected channel so that the selected channel can be watched. 
     The step of displaying the user guide information further comprises the step of sequentially displaying channels included in preset group on the multi-sub-screens for a certain period. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The embodiments of the present invention will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing the configuration of the related art digital television; 
         FIG. 2A  is a flow chart showing a method giving the priority rank for the preference channel of the related art configuration shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2B  is a flow chart displaying the preference channel of the related art configuration shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a view showing an embodiment listing the priority ranks for the preference channels of the related art configuration shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of television having a real time channel grouping function according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram showing the configuration of real time channel grouping television having one PIP function according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of a television having a multi-PIP function according to a third embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7A  is a view showing group selection screen using GUI in the broadcasting that is received; 
         FIG. 7B  is a view of a GUI screen that is displayed for storing a selected channel in a group; 
         FIG. 8A  is a view showing a PIP screen and group selection screen using GUI in the broadcasting that is received; 
         FIG. 8B  is a view of a GUI screen that is displayed for storing a selected channel in a group; 
         FIG. 9A  is a view showing multi-PIP screen and group selection screen using GUI in the broadcasting that is received; 
         FIG. 9B  is a view of GUI screen that is displayed for storing a selected channel in a group; 
         FIG. 10  is a view showing group display screen using GUI in the broadcasting that is received; 
         FIG. 11A  is a view sequentially showing channels belonging to a selected group; 
         FIG. 11B  is a view of a PIP showing group display screen using GUI in the broadcasting that is received; 
         FIG. 11C  is a view of a multi-PIP showing group display screen using GUI in the broadcasting that is received; 
         FIG. 12  is a flow chart explaining operations for grouping channels in real time according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a flow chart showing procedures for selecting channels using group display key by user; 
         FIG. 14  is a flow chart explaining operations for grouping channels in real time according to the second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a flow chart showing procedures for selecting channels using group display key by user; 
         FIG. 16  is a flow chart explaining operations for grouping channels in real time according to the third embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 17  is a flow chart showing procedures for selecting channels using group display key by user. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The above objects, other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the attached drawings. 
       FIG. 4  is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of a television having a real time channel grouping function according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
     As shown, the television  100  having a real time channel grouping function comprises an input unit  110 , a remote controller  115 , a tuner unit  120 , a signal processing unit  140 , a controlling unit  170 , GUI screen  160 , and a screen display unit  180 . 
     The input unit  110  is provided on the body of the television and comprises a plurality of operation keys, including for example keys such as a channel group key, a group display key (not shown) for performing various operations. That is, the user&#39;s selection commands such as channel selection and volume adjustment are inputted by the plurality of operation keys of the input unit  110 . Additionally, the user may input the selection commands using the remote controller  115  provided with the plurality of operation keys. 
     The tuner unit  120  selects the channel selected by the user and carries out the function of outputting a selected channel to the signal processing unit  140 , after the television receives an ON signal. 
     The signal processing unit  140  processes a signal inputted from the tuner unit  120  and allows the processed signal to be displayed on the screen display unit  180 . The screen display unit  180  may be comprised of a general display device. It will be understood that the display device may be a CRT display, a flat-screen apparatus, such as an LCD or plasma display, a rear or front projection display apparatus, or any other type of device capable of displaying audio-visual information, whether or not physically attached or connected to the television set or logically connected to the television. 
     The GUI screen storage unit  171  stores the GUI screen and performs the function of transferring the GUI screen to the signal processing unit  140  under the control of the controlling unit  170 . 
     The controlling unit  170  controls the tuner unit  120  to select channels in response to the selection command of the user, and when the “channel group key” and “channel display key” associated with the present invention are inputted via the input unit  110  by the user, the controlling unit  170  fetches the necessary screen from the GUI screen storage unit  171  and allows the fetched screen to be displayed on the screen display unit  180 . 
     Hereinafter, an operation of real time channel grouping according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to  FIGS. 4 ,  7 A,  7 B, and  12 . 
       FIG. 7A  is a view showing a group selection screen using GUI information displayed on the broadcasting that is received,  FIG. 7B  is a view of GUI screen that is displayed for storing a selected channel in a group, and  FIG. 12  is a flow chart explaining operations for grouping channels in real time according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown, when the user inputs the “channel group key” via the remote controller  115  and the input unit  110  for grouping a preference channel into a specific group while watching the broadcasting  600  through the screen display unit  180  (step S 110 ), the controlling unit  170  allows GUI screen  610  for selecting the group as shown in  FIG. 7A  from the GUI screen storage unit  171  to be displayed on the screen display unit  180 . Additionally, the controlling unit  170  controls the tuner unit  120  to allow the channels included in preset group, “Group 1 ”, to be sequentially displayed for a certain period (step S 120 ). For example, in the present embodiment, there are three selectable groups. The user selects and stores Group  2 ; channels 5, 6, and 7 are set in “Group  1 ,” and channels 1, 2, and 3 are stored in “Group  2 .” Additionally, in the initial group selection screen display, a selection bar  620  is displayed on the preset group, “Group  1 ” and a desired group may be selected by shifting the selection window  620  using left and right selection keys (not shown). Accordingly, the channels 5, 6, and 7 being set in the preset group are supposed to be sequentially displayed on the screen display unit  180  until the user selects the group. If the user does not select the group, the process iteratively performs the procedures beginning with the step S 120 . If the user selects “Group  2 ” using the left and right selection keys (not shown) (the step S 130 ), the controlling unit  170  displays another GUI screen  630  determining whether the channel displayed for the selected group as shown in  FIG. 7B  is stored, and sequentially displays the channels corresponding to the selected “Group  2 ” for a certain period (the step S 140 ). If the user wishes to store the received channel in the selected group (the step S 150 ), the controlling unit  170  stores the channel that is received in the selection group (Group  2 ), performs the OFF operation of its associated GUI screen  610  (the step S 160 ), and thereby the process ends. In the step S 150 , if the user wishes not to store the received channel in the selected group, the process iteratively performs the step S 140 . If no “channel group key” is inputted in the step S 110 , the process ends. 
     Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, a “save” “soft-button” indicating storage is displayed, and “cancel” “soft-button” indicating cancellation of the GUI screen  630 , so that the user can select and control the process. In a preferred embodiment, in the initial display, the selection bar  620  is displayed corresponding to “save” (indicating storage as the option). 
     Hereinafter, in the case where the user establishes each group by iteratively performing the operations above, the description will be made of a method in which the channels stored in the each group are displayed on the screen.  FIG. 10  is a view showing a group display screen using GUI shown on the broadcasting that is received,  FIG. 11A  is a view sequentially showing channels belonging to a selected group, and  FIG. 13  is a flow chart showing procedures for selecting channels using a group display key by a user. As shown, if the user inputs the “group display key” of the remote controller  115  or the input unit  110  while watching the broadcasting  600  through the screen display unit  180  (step S 210 ), the controlling unit  170  allows GUI screen  610  for selecting the group stored in the GUI screen storage unit  171  to be displayed on the screen display unit  180 . Additionally, the controlling unit  170  controls the tuner unit  120  for allowing the channel included in preset group, “Group 1 ”, to be sequentially displayed for a certain period. 
     If the user does not select the group, the process iteratively performs the step S 220 . If the user selects the group, for example using the left and right selection keys (not shown) of the remote controller  115  or the input unit  110  (the step S 230 ), the controlling unit  170  controls the tuner unit  120  to enable the channels being set in the selected group of preference channels to be sequentially displayed (step S 240 ). For example, in the present embodiment, a case in which three groups are selectable, a selection window  620  is displayed for the preset group, “Group  1 ,” in the initial group selection screen display, and the user in this instance selects Group  2  using the left and right selection keys (not shown). As shown in  FIG. 11A , if the user selects “Group  2 ”, the controlling unit  170  controls the tuner unit  120  so that initially “channel 1” is received for a certain period, then “channel 2” is received for the certain period, and then the final channel, “channel 3” is received for the certain period again in series, and the process iteratively performs the operations above until the user selects a specific channel. Additionally, if the channels are received in series as shown in  FIG. 11A , in order to inform the user of the information that the channel belonging to the group, “Group  2 ”, selected by the user, is being displayed, in a preferred embodiment the group number information is displayed using GUI screen  640 . 
     If the user does not select a specific channel during the sequential display of the channels, the process iteratively performs the step S 240 . If the user does select a specific channel (yes at the step S 250 ), the controlling unit  170  stops the sequential display of the channels and controls the tuner unit  120  and the signal processing unit  140  so that the selected channel can be received (the step S 260 ), and thereby the process ends. Additionally, the controlling unit  170  performs the OFF processing for the GUI screen  640  being displayed. Thus, if no is selected at the “group display key” in step S 210 , the process ends. 
     Hereinafter, the second embodiment for achieving the object of the present invention will be described. 
       FIG. 5  is a block diagram showing the configuration of real time channel grouping television having one PIP function according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
     As shown, the television  200  comprises an input unit  210 , a tuner unit  220 , a switching unit  230 , a main screen unit  240 , a sub-screen unit  250 , a synthesizer  260 , a controlling unit  270 , GUI screen storage unit  271 , and a screen display unit  280 . 
     Since the configurations of the GUI screen storage unit  271  and the screen display unit  280  of the present embodiment are identical to those of the GUI screen storage unit  171  and the screen display unit  180  of the first embodiment, the explanation on thereof will be omitted. 
     The input unit  210  is provided on the body of the television and comprises a plurality of operation keys, including for example channel group key, group display key, and the like (not shown), for performing various operations of the television. In particular, the user&#39;s selection commands such as channel selection, PIP function, and volume adjustment are inputted through the plurality of operation keys of the input unit  210 . Generally, the user may input the selection commands using the remote controller  215  provided with the plurality of operation keys. 
     The tuner unit  220  includes a main tuner unit  222  and a sub-tuner unit  224 . Generally, when the television receives an ON signal, the main tuner unit  222  selects the channel that is preset or selected by the user. When the PIP function is executed, the sub-tuner unit  224  selects a corresponding sub-screen channel under the control of the controlling unit  270 . 
     When the user executes the PIP function by selecting the PIP function key provided on the input unit  210  and the remote controller  215 , the switching unit  230  switches the signal for the channel selected by the main tuner unit  222  and the sub-tuner unit  224  to provide the switched signal to the main screen unit  240  and the sub-screen unit  250 . The main screen unit  240  processes image signal of the broadcasting signals of the channel selected by the main tuner unit  222  so that the image signal is suitable to the main screen size, and outputs the processed signal as a main screen signal. Additionally, the sub-screen unit  250  processes the image signal of the broadcasting signals of the channel selected by the sub-tuner unit  224  so that the image signal is suitable to the sub-screen size, and outputs the processed signal as a sub-screen signal. In addition, if the “channel group key” or “group display key” is activated, the sub-screen unit  250  receives the sub-screen image signal for a certain period and outputs the same so that the channels belonging to the selected group are sequentially displayed on the sub-screen. 
     The synthesizer  260  synthesizes the image signal of the main screen and the image signal of the sub-screen so that the main screen and the sub-screen can be displayed by the screen display unit  280 , to output the synthesized image signal. That is, the synthesizer  260  is to cause the main screen and the sub-screen to be displayed, the sub-screen being displayed on a predetermined region of the main screen. 
     The controlling unit  270  controls the tuner unit  220  to select the channel in response to the selection commands of the user. In other words, when the “channel group key” or “channel display key” is inputted via the input unit  210  by the user, the controlling unit  270  fetches the necessary GUI screen from the GUI screen storage unit  271  and controls the synthesizer  260  to display the GUI screen on the screen display unit  280 . Additionally, the controlling unit  270  controls the main tuner unit  222  so that the broadcasting that is received can be displayed as a main screen by executing the ON operation of PIP screen, and controls the sub-tuner unit  224  so that the channels of the selected group can be sequentially received in the sub-screen for a certain period. 
     Hereinafter, the operation of real time channel grouping according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to  FIGS. 5 ,  8 A,  8 B, and  14   
       FIG. 8A  is a view showing PIP screen  710  and group selection screen  730  using GUI in the broadcasting that is received,  FIG. 8B  is a view of GUI screen  740  that is displayed for storing a selected channel in a group, and  FIG. 14  is a flow chart explaining the operations for grouping channels in real time according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
     As shown, when the user inputs the “channel group key” of the remote controller  215  and the input unit  210  for grouping his preference channel into a specific group while watching the broadcasting  700  using the main tuner unit  222  (the step S 610 ), the controlling unit  270  allows GUI screen  730  for selecting a group as shown in  FIG. 8A  from the GUI screen storage unit  271  to be displayed on a predetermined region of the screen display unit  280  superposed on the channel that is received. At the same time, the controlling unit  270  executes the ON operation of the PIP function and controls the sub-tuner unit  224  to allow the channels included in a preset group, “Group 1 ”, to be sequentially displayed on the sub-screen  710  for a certain period (the step S 620 ). That is, the controlling unit  270  causes the channels 5, 6, and 7 stored in “Group  1 ” to be sequentially displayed. Additionally, even when the user has been watching the PIP screen, when the “channel group key” is inputted, it is desirable to perform the same operation. For example, in the present embodiment, when three groups are selectable, the user may select Group  2 , with channels 1, 2, and 3 set in “Group  2 ”. Additionally, in the initial group selection screen display, a selection bar  720  is displayed on the preset group, “Group  1 ” and a desired group may be selected using the left and right selection keys (not shown). Accordingly, the “channel 5” being stored in “Group  1 ” is displayed on the sub-screen  710  first until the user selects the group (see  FIG. 8A ). 
     If the user does not select a group, the process iteratively performs the procedures of the step S 620 . If the user selects “Group  2 ” using the left and right selection keys (not shown) (the step S 630 ), the controlling unit  270  displays another GUI screen  740  inquiring whether the channel that is currently received on the main screen is to be stored in Group  2 , while sequentially displaying the channels of the selected group as shown in  FIG. 8B  on the sub-screen  730  for a certain period (channels 1, 2, and 3 being sequentially and iteratively displayed) (the step S 640 ). If the user wishes to store the received main channel in the selected group using the selection window  720  (the step S 650 ), the controlling unit  270  stores the main channel that is received in the selection group (Group  2 ) and performs the OFF operation of the associated GUI screen  740  and PIP screen (the step S 660 ), and thereby the process ends. In the step S 650 , if the user does not wish to store the received channel in the selected group, the process iteratively performs the step S 640 . If the “channel group key” is not inputted in the step S 610 , the process ends. 
     Hereinafter, in the case where the user establishes each group by iteratively performing the operations above, the description will be made of displaying the channels stored in each group on the screen. 
       FIG. 11B  is a view showing a GUI group display screen transposed on the broadcasting that is received, and  FIG. 15  is a flow chart showing procedures for selecting the preference channels using the “group display key”. As shown, if the user inputs the “group display key” of the remote controller  215  or the input unit  210  for grouping the preference channel into a specific group while watching the broadcasting  700  through the screen display unit  280  (the step S 310 ), the controlling unit  270  allows the screen ( FIG. 8A ) for selecting a group stored in the GUI screen storage unit  271  to be displayed on the screen display unit  280 . Additionally, the controlling unit  270  performs the ON operation of the PIP screen and concurrently allows “channel 1” included in preset group (in the present embodiment, “Group 1 ”) to be displayed on the sub-screen  710  (the step S 320 ). 
     If the user does not selects the group to be watched, the process iteratively performs the step S 320 . If the user selects the group using the left and right selection keys (not shown) of the remote controller  215  or the input unit  210  (the step S 330 ), as shown in  FIG. 11B , the controlling unit  270  controls the sub-tuner unit  224  to allow the channels being set in the selected group to be sequentially displayed on the sub-screen  710  and to allow GUI screen  750  indicating that the channel that is currently selected is Group  2  to be displayed on the screen display unit  280  (the step S 340 ). 
     For example, in the present embodiment, in the case in which there are three groups selectable, a selection window  750  is displayed for the preset group, “Group  1 ,” in the initial group selection screen display, and the user may select Group  2 , for example using left and right selection keys (not shown). Additionally, in the present embodiment, for example, assume that the channels 1, 2, and 3, i.e., three channels, are set in “Group  2 ”. As shown in  FIG. 11B , the user selects “Group  2 ”, the controlling unit  270  controls the tuner unit  220  so that initially “channel 1” is received for a certain period, “channel 2” is received since the certain period, and finally channel 3 is received for the certain period in series. The above-described process is iteratively performed until the user selects a specific channel. 
     If the user does not select a specific channel during the sequential display of the channels on the sub-screen  710 , the process iteratively performs the step S 340 . If the user selects the specific channel (the step S 350 ), the controlling unit  270  stops the sequential display of the channels and performs the OFF operation of PIP screen and GUI screen so that the selected channel can be displayed on the main screen (the step S 360 ), thereby the process ends. Then, if the “group display key” in step S 310  is not selected, the process ends. 
     Hereinafter, the third embodiment for achieving the object of the present invention will be described. 
       FIG. 6  is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of television having multi-PIP function according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 
     As shown, the television  300  having the multi-PIP function according to the present invention comprises an input unit  310 , a tuner unit  320 , a switching unit  330 , a first scaler  340 , a second scaler  350 , a third scaler  360 , a fourth scalar  365 , a first synthesizer  370 , a second synthesizer  380 , a third synthesizer  385 , a controlling unit  400 , GUI screen storage unit  401 , and a screen display unit  390 . 
     Since the configurations of the GUI screen storage unit  401  and the screen display unit  390  of the present embodiment are identical to those of the previous embodiments of the present invention, their detailed explanation will be omitted. 
     The input unit  310  is provided on the body of the television and comprises a plurality of operation keys, including for example channel group key, group display key, and the like (not shown), for performing various operations of the television. That is, the user&#39;s selection commands such as channel selection and volume adjustment are inputted through the plurality of operation keys of the input unit  310 . Generally, the user may input the selection commands using the remote controller  315  provided with the plurality of operation keys from the remote location. 
     In the television having the multi-PIP function, it is a matter of course that the input unit  310  and the remote controller  315  are provided with a predetermined function key for the PIP function and a function key for channel search. Alternatively, separate function keys may be provided, instead of a plurality of keys provided with various other functions. 
     The tuner unit  320  includes a main tuner unit  322  and at least three sub-tuner units  324 ,  326 , and  328 . Generally, when an ON signal is transmitted, the main tuner unit  322  selects the channel that is preset. Additionally, when the television is inputted with the channel selection command to be implemented in the main screen by the user, the main tuner unit  322  selects the channel corresponding to the command. When the PIP function is executed, the sub-tuner units  324 ,  326 , and  328  select a corresponding channel under the control of the controlling unit  400 . The number of the sub-tuner units  324 ,  326 , and  328  may be n, wherein n is defined as a positive integer. 
     For example, in order to receive four different RF broadcasting signals and to implement the signals on the screen, one main tuner unit  322  and at least three sub-tuner units  324 ,  326 , and  328  should be provided. 
     For example, in the present embodiment, a case in which one main tuner unit  322  and at least three sub-tuner units  324 ,  326 , and  328  are provided to select different image signals is considered. The image signal of the channel selected by the main tuner unit  322  is outputted as a first image signal (signal_ 1 ), the image signal of the channel selected by the first sub-tuner unit  324  is outputted as a second image signal (signal_ 2 ), the image signal of the channel selected by the second sub-tuner unit  326  is outputted as a third image signal (signal_ 3 ), and the image signal of the channel selected by the third sub-tuner unit  328  is outputted as a fourth image signal (signal_ 4 ). 
     When the user executes the PIP function by selecting the multi-PIP function key provided on the input unit  310  and the remote controller  315 , the switching unit  330  switches the first image signal (signal_ 1 ), the second image signal (signal_ 2 ), the third image signal (signal_ 3 ), and the fourth image signal (signal_ 4 ) for the channels selected by the main tuner unit  322 , the first sub-tuner unit  324 , the second sub-tuner unit  326 , and the third sub-tuner unit  328  to provide the switched signals to the first scaler  340 , the second scalar  350 , the third scaler  360 , and the fourth scaler  365 , respectively. In addition, if the user inputs the “channel group key” or “group display key”, the switching unit  330  allows the channel being set in the selected group to be received via each of the sub-tuner units. 
     In response to the screen selection command, the switching unit  330  may selectively supply each of the first image signal (signal_ 1 ), the second image signal (signal_ 2 ), the third image signal (signal_ 3 ), and the fourth image signal (signal_ 4 ) to any of the first scaler  340 , the second scaler  350 , the third scaler  360 , and the fourth scaler  365 . Additionally, the switching unit  330  may change, based on the user&#39;s screen change command, the supply path of each of the first image signal (signal_ 1 ), the second image signal (signal_ 2 ), the third image signal (signal_ 3 ), and the fourth image signal (signal_ 4 ) that is supplied to the first scaler  340 , the second scaler  350 , the third scaler  360 , and the fourth scaler  365 , respectively. 
     Specifically, when the user&#39;s screen change command is inputted, the switching unit  330  supplies the first image signal (signal_ 1 ) that is inputted to the first scaler  340  to the second scaler  350 , the second image signal (signal_ 2 ) that is inputted to the second scaler  350  to the third scaler  360 , the third image signal (signal_ 3 ) that is inputted to the third scaler  360  to the fourth scaler  365 , and the fourth image signal (signal_ 4 ) that is inputted to the fourth scaler  365  to the first scaler  340 . In other words, the image that is implemented in a first main screen  600 , a first sub-screen  860 , a second sub-screen  850 , and a third sub-screen  840  may be changed within a plurality of image signals (signal_ 1 , signal_ 2 , signal_ 3 ) that are inputted by the user&#39;s screen change command. 
     The first scaler  340  scales the first image signal (signal_ 1 ) of the channel selected by the main tuner unit  322  to conform in size to the first main screen and outputs the scaled first image signal. The second scaler  350  scales the second image signal (signal_ 2 ) of the channel selected by the first sub-tuner unit  324  to conform in size to the first sub-screen and outputs the scaled second image signal. The first synthesizer  370  synthesizes the first main screen and the first sub-screen so that the first main screen and the first sub-screen can be displayed on the screen display unit  390 , thereby generating a first screen  371 . 
     The third image signal (signal_ 3 ) from the switching unit  330  to the third scaler  360  is scaled to conform in size to the second sub-screen in the third scaler  360 . That is, the third scaler  360  scales the third image signal (signal_ 3 ) of the channel selected by the second sub-tuner unit  324  to conform in size to the second sub-screen and outputs the scaled third image signal. 
     The second synthesizer  380  synthesizes the first screen output at  371  and the second sub-screen that is outputted from the third scaler  360 , thereby generating a second screen output at  372 . The second screen is comprised of the first screen and the second sub-screen, and in turn the first screen is comprised of the first main screen and the first sub-screen. That is, the second screen is comprised of one main screen and two sub-screens. At this time, the first screen  371  operates like the main screen, and the second sub-screen operates like the sub-screen. 
     The fourth image signal (signal_ 4 ) from the switching unit  330  to the fourth scaler  365  is scaled to conform to the third sub-screen size in the fourth scaler  365 . 
     The third synthesizer  385  synthesizes the second screen and the third sub-screen, thereby generating a third screen output at  373 . The third screen is comprised of the second screen and the third sub-screen, and the second screen in turn is comprised of the first screen and the second sub-screen. That is, the third screen is comprised of one main screen and three sub-screens. At this time, the second screen  372  operates like the main screen, and the third sub-screen operates like the sub-screen. 
     According to a preferred embodiment, each of the first scaler  340 , the second scaler  350 , the third scaler  360 , and the fourth scaler  365  performs the functions above as a part of an integrated chip. It will be understood however that more than one IC may be used to implement the relevant features of a system according to the present invention, and such a system may be implemented without the use of an IC. 
     The screen display unit  390  allows the third screen to be displayed on a region of the main screen, and the third sub-screen to be displayed on a predetermined region of the main screen, thereby displaying the three sub-screens. 
     Hereinafter, the operation of real time channel grouping according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to  FIGS. 6 ,  9 A,  9 B, and  16 . 
       FIG. 9A  is a view showing multi-PIP screen and group selection screen GUI transposed on the broadcasting that is received,  FIG. 9B  is a view of a GUI screen that is displayed for storing a selected channel in a group, and  FIG. 16  is a flow chart explaining the operations for grouping channels in real time according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 
     As shown, when the user inputs the “channel group key” of the remote controller  315  or the input unit  310  for storing a broadcasting  800  in a specific group while watching the broadcasting  800  using the main tuner unit  322  (the step S 410 ), the controlling unit  400  allows GUI screen  810  for selecting a group as shown in  FIG. 9A  from the GUI screen storage unit  401  to be displayed on a predetermined region of the screen display unit  390  superposed on the channel that is received. At the same time, the controlling unit  400  executes the ON operation of the multi-PIP function and controls the first sub-tuner unit  324 , the second sub-tuner unit  326 , and the third sub-tuner unit  328  to allow the channels included in preset group, “Group 1 ”, to be displayed on the sub-screens  840 ,  850 , and  860 , respectively (the step S 420 ). For example, in the present embodiment, a case in which three groups are selectable, the user may select Group  2 , the channels 5, 6, and 7 being set in “Group  1 ”, and channels 1, 2, and 3 being set in “Group  2 ” is considered. Additionally, in the initial group selection screen display, a selection bar  820  is displayed on the preset group, “Group  1 ” and a desired group may be selected using the left and right selection keys (not shown). Accordingly, “the channel 5” being part of “Group  1 ” is displayed on the first sub-screen  840 , “the channel 6” also part of “Group  1 ” is displayed on the second sub-screen  850 , and “the channel 7” being part of “Group  1 ” is displayed on the third sub-screen  860  until the user selects a group (see  FIG. 9A ). 
     If the user does not select a group, the process iteratively performs the procedures beginning with the step S 420 . If the user selects “Group  2 ” in which to store the channel (the step S 430 ), the controlling unit  400  displays another GUI screen  830  inquiring whether the channel that is currently received in the main screen is to be stored in Group  2 , while displaying the channels stored in the selected group as shown in  FIG. 9B , one channel on each sub-screen (the step S 440 ). 
     It is desirable to display “save” indicating storage, and “cancel” indicating cancellation of the GUI screen  830 , so as to allow the user to select the one he wishes. If the user wishes to store the received channel in the selected group using the selection window  820  (the step S 450 ), the controlling unit  400  stores the channel that has been received in the selection group (Group  2 ) and performs the OFF operations of its associated GUI screen  830  and the multi-PIP screen (the step S 460 ), and thereby the process ends. At the step S 450 , if the user does not wish to store the received channel in the selected group, the process iteratively performs the step S 440 , and if “the channel group key” is not inputted in the step S 410 , the process ends. 
     Hereinafter, in case the user establishes each group by iteratively performing the operations above, description will be made of how the channels stored in the each group on the multi-PIP screen are displayed. 
       FIG. 11C  is a multi-PIP view showing a GUI group display screen in the broadcasting that is received, and  FIG. 17  is a flow chart showing procedures for selecting the channels using the “group display key” by user. As shown, if the user inputs the “group display key” of the remote controller  315  or the input unit  310  while watching the broadcasting through the screen display unit  390  (the step S 510 ), the controlling unit  400  allows the screen (see  FIG. 9A ) for selecting group stored in the GUI screen storage unit  401  to be displayed on the screen display unit  390 . Additionally, the controlling unit  400  performs the ON operation of the multi-PIP screen and concurrently allows the channels 1, 2 and 3 included in preset group (in the present embodiment, “Group 1 ”) to be displayed on each of the sub-screens  840 ,  850 , and  860  (the step S 520 ). 
     If the user does not select a group to be watched, the process iteratively performs the step S 520 . If the user selects a group to be displayed using the left and right selection keys (not shown) of the remote controller  315  or the input unit  310  (the step S 530 ), as shown in  FIG. 11C , the controlling unit  400  controls the sub-tuner units  324 ,  326 , and  328  to allow the channels being set in the selected group to be displayed on each of the sub-screens  840 ,  850 , and  860 , and to allow GUI screen  870  indicating the channel that is currently selected, Group  2 , to be displayed on the screen display unit  390  (the step S 540 ). 
     If the user does not select the specific channel using the selection window  880  during the sequential display of the channels on the sub-screens  840 ,  850 , and  860 , the process iteratively performs the step S 440 . If the user selects the specific channel (the step S 550 ), the controlling unit  400  performs the OFF operations of PIP screen and GUI screen  870  while allowing the selected channel to be displayed on the main screen (the step S 560 ), and thereby the process ends. Then, if the “group display key” at step S 510  is not selected, the process ends. 
     Although technical aspects of the present invention have been disclosed with reference to the appended drawings, and the preferred embodiments of the present invention corresponding to the drawings have been described, descriptions in the present specification are only for illustrative purposes, not for limiting the present invention. 
     Also, those who are skilled in the art will appreciate that various combinations, modifications, additions and substitutions are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the present invention is limited only by the accompanying claims and the equivalents thereof, and includes the aforementioned combinations, modifications, additions and substitutions.

Technology Category: 5