METHOD FOR AUTO-SETTING CONFIGURATION OF TELEVISION ACCORDING TO INSTALLATION TYPE AND TELEVISION USING THE SAME

Abstract

Provided is a method for auto-setting a configuration of a television (TV) based on a TV installation type, and a TV using the same. The present method for auto-setting configuration may set a TV configuration based on a TV installation type input via a GUI which receives a TV installation type. Accordingly, a TV configuration such as audio parameters may be automatically set according only to the TV installation type.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 2009-0061493, filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Jul. 7, 2009, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Aspects of exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a method for setting up configuration of a television and a television using the same, and more particularly, to a method for auto-setting a configuration of a television, and a television using the same.

2. Description of the Related Art

A flat panel display television (TV) or similar display may be installed in a variety of configurations, such as on a stand or a wall mount. As flat panel displays are becoming thinner and lighter, a user may wish to change an installation type of a flat display TV.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a method for auto-setting configuration of a TV according to a TV installation type that may be input via a graphical user interface (GUI) in order to set the configuration of the TV, and a TV using the same.

A method for auto-setting configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, may comprise providing a GUI to receive a TV installation type and setting TV configuration based on the TV installation type input via the GUI.

The TV configuration may be audio output configuration of the TV. The TV audio output configuration may include Parametric Equalization (PEQ).

The TV installation type may include at least two of a wall-mount type, a stand-type, and a ceiling-mount type.

At least one audio output configuration setting value may be designated for each TV installation type, and the setting may set the audio output configuration according to one of ‘at least one audio output configuration setting value designated for the TV installation type input via the GUI.’

The setting may comprise outputting audio according to an audio output configuration setting value selected by a user from among the ‘at least one audio output configuration setting value designated for the TV installation type input via the GUI’ and setting the audio output configuration according to the audio output configuration setting value selected by the user, if the user confirms the output.

A GUI may be provided in at least one of the following exemplary cases, that is, when a user requests the GUI, when the TV is turned on for the first time after its power plug is removed from an outlet and is connected again, when a user requests a GUI regarding audio for the first time, when the TV is turned on for the first time after being shipped out of the factory, and when a user requests a self diagnosis guide screen.

A GUI may be provided in a pop-up window if, for example, the TV is turned on for the first time for the first time after its power plug is removed from an outlet and is connected again, and if the user requests a GUI regarding audio for the first time.

The TV audio output configuration setting value of the TV installation type may be stored in the TV, such as before being shipped out of the factory, prior to installation, after being received via a broadcast reception medium, after being received via a network connected to the TV, after being received from an external apparatus connected to the TV, or after being received from a storage medium connected to the TV.

The exemplary embodiments of methods for auto-setting configuration may further comprise providing a GUI to receive TV installation status and setting audio output configuration of the TV based on the TV installation state input via the GUI.

The TV installation state may include at least one of a distance between the TV and the wall and a distance between the TV and another surface, such as the floor.

Exemplary embodiments of methods for auto-setting configuration may further comprise sensing the TV installation type and setting audio output configuration of the TV based on the sensed TV installation type.

A TV, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, may comprise a generation unit to generate a GUI to be displayed on a display, and a control unit to control the generation unit to generate a GUI for receiving a TV installation type and to set the TV configuration based on the TV installation type input via the GUI.

The TV configuration may be audio output configuration of the TV.

Exemplary embodiments may comprise at least one audio output configuration setting value designated for each TV installation type, and the control unit may set the audio output configuration according to one of ‘at least one audio output configuration setting value designated for the TV installation type input via the GUI.’

The control unit may control the generation unit to generate the GUI in at least one of the following exemplary cases, that is, 1) when a user requests the GUI, 2) when the TV is turned on for the first time after its power plug is removed from an outlet and is connected again, 3) when a user requests a GUI regarding audio for the first time, 4) when the TV is turned on for the first time after being shipped out of the factory, and 5) when a user requests a self diagnosis guide screen.

The control unit may, for example, control the generation unit to generate the GUI in a pop-up window if power is turned on for the first time after a power plug of the TV is removed from an outlet and is connected again, and if the user requests the GUI regarding audio for the first time.

The TV audio output configuration setting value for the TV installation type may be stored in the TV, such as before being shipped out of the factory, prior to installation, after being received via a broadcast reception medium, after being received via a network connected to the TV, after being received from an external apparatus connected to the TV, or after being received from a storage medium connected to the TV.

The control unit may control the generation unit to generate a GUI to receive a TV installation state, and set audio output configuration of the TV based on the TV installation state input via the GUI.

The TV installation state may include at least one of a distance between the TV and the wall and a distance between the TV and another surface, such as the floor.

The TV may further include a sensing unit to sense the TV installation type and the control unit may set audio output configuration of the TV based on the TV installation type sensed by the sensing unit.

Additional aspects and/or advantages of exemplary embodiments of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, may be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and/or other aspects of exemplary embodiments of the invention will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, of which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a Digital TV (DTV), according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a flow chart provided to explain a method for auto-setting configuration of a DTV audio, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a view illustrating an exemplary input menu for DTV installation type which may appear on a display upon a user's request, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a view illustrating an exemplary input menu for DTV installation type which may appear on a display in a pop-up window, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. The embodiments are described below, in order to explain aspects of exemplary embodiments of the present invention by referring to the figures.

1. Configuration of a DTV According to an Exemplary Embodiment of the Present Invention

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a Digital Television (DTV) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the DTV may comprise a broadcast reception unit 110, a broadcast processing unit 120, a broadcast output unit 130, a user input unit 140, a control unit 150, a Graphical User Interface (GUI) generation unit 160, an external interface 170, and a storage unit 180.

The broadcast reception unit 110 may select one broadcast from among broadcasts received over the air or through cable with wire or wirelessly, and demodulates it. While the term “broadcast” is used, it will be readily understood by one skilled in the art that aspects of embodiments of the present invention may apply to a display for recorded or prerecorded content stored locally or remotely, such as content provided by a set-top-box, stored within the display unit, or stored in optical storage, magnetic storage, non-volatile memory, or another storage media.

The broadcast processing unit 120 may perform signal processing on a broadcast signal output from the broadcast reception unit 110. The broadcast processing unit 120 may comprise a broadcast division unit 121, an audio decoding unit 123, an audio processing unit 125, a video decoding unit 127, and a video processing unit 129.

The broadcast division unit 121 may divide a broadcast signal output from the broadcast reception unit 110 into an audio signal, a video signal, and an additional data, and outputs these signals. The audio signal and the video signal divided from the broadcast signal are applied to the audio decoding unit 123 and the video decoding unit 127 respectively, and may be used for providing a digital broadcast program. The additional data divided from the broadcast signal may be applied to the control unit 150, and the additional data may be metadata, such as Program and System Information Protocol (PSIP) information.

The audio decoding unit 123 may decode an audio signal output from the broadcast division unit 121. Accordingly, the audio decoding unit 123 may output a decompressed audio signal.

The audio processing unit 125 may convert a decoded audio signal output from the audio decoding unit 123 into an audio signal in an output format via a speaker in a DTV.

The video decoding unit 127 may decode a video signal output from the broadcast division unit 121. Accordingly, the video decoding unit 127 may output a decompressed video signal.

The video processing unit 129 may convert a decoded video signal output from the video decoding unit 127 into a video signal in an output format via a display on a DTV. In order for this, the video processing unit 129 may perform color signal processing and scaling on the decoded video signal in accordance with a format of the video signal and the DTV. While the current exemplary embodiment is described regarding a digital display television, it will be readily appreciated by one skilled in the art that aspects of exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be related to analog displays, plasma displays, liquid crystal displays, light emitting diode LED, organic LED, or other display devices.

The GUI generation unit 160 may generate a GUI to be displayed on a display under the control of the control unit 150. In particular, the GUI generation unit 160 may generate a GUI for inputting a DTV installation type.

The GUI generated by the GUI generation unit 160 may be applied to the video processing unit 129 and may be added to the video to be displayed on the display of the DTV.

The output unit 130 may output video and audio corresponding to the video signal and the audio signal output from the broadcast processing unit 120 and may provide them to a user. The output unit 130 may comprise an audio output unit 131 and a video output unit 135.

The audio output unit 131 may output an audio signal output from the audio processing unit 125 via a speaker, headphones, or other audio output, and the video output unit 135 may output a video signal output from the video processing unit 129 via a display.

The external interface 170 may connect an external apparatus (for example, a USB memory or a digital camera) to an external network (for example, Internet or LAN) so that two apparatuses may communicate with each other.

The storage unit 180 may be a recoding medium to store information necessary to perform DTV functions. In particular, the storage unit 180 may store data such as parametric Equalization (PEQ) setting values. The PEQ setting values may be stored separately for each DTV installation type. That is, the storage unit 180 may store, for example, ‘PEQ-S, a PEQ setting value for stand type’, and ‘PEQ-W, a PEQ setting value for wall-mount type’ separately, or may store them together.

The user input unit 140 may transmit a user command input through a remote controller or a manipulation button in a DTV front, side, or other panel, or input device to the control unit 150.

The control unit 150 may control overall operation of a DTV according to the user command received from the user input unit 140. Specifically, the control unit 150 may control the broadcast reception unit 110, the broadcast processing unit 120 and the broadcast output unit 130 so that the broadcast program selected by the user may be received and output.

In addition, the control unit 150 may control the GUI generation unit 160 so that a GUI for inputting a DTV installation type may be provided. The control unit 150 may set a PEQ setting value appropriate for the DTV installation type input by the user through the GUI. This process will be explained in detail with reference to FIG. 2.

2. Auto-Setting DTV Audio Configuration

FIG. 2 is a flow chart provided to explain a method for auto-setting configuration of a DTV audio according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In order to auto-set DTV audio configuration, a DTV installation type may be input.

A user may input a DTV installation type intentionally, or a user who is not familiar with the process may be guided to input a DTV installation type. Each exemplary case will be explained in detail.

(1) If a User Inputs a DTV Installation Type Intentionally

As illustrated in FIG. 2, if a user requests ‘an input menu for DTV installation type’ (S205-Y), the control unit 150 controls the GUI generation unit 160 so that the input menu for DTV installation type may be displayed on the display (S210).

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary DTV installation type input menu 310 displayed on the display D according to the user's request. According to FIG. 3, a user may request the DTV installation type input menu 310 by manipulating a menu. In addition, according to FIG. 3, a user may input an installation type, such as a stand type or a wall-mount type of DTV installation type using a check box.

If, for example, a stand type is input as a DTV installation type via the DTV installation type input menu provided in S210 (S215-Y), the control unit 150 sets the output configuration of the DTV audio to PEQ-S (S220).

PEQ-S is a PEQ setting value appropriate for a stand type, and the control unit 150 may control the audio processing unit 125 and/or the audio output unit 131 so that the audio is output according to PEQ-S.

If, for example, a wall-mount type is input as a DTV installation type via the DTV installation type input menu provided in S210 (S225-Y), the control unit 150 sets the output configuration of the DTV audio to PEQ-W (S230).

PEQ-W is a PEQ setting value appropriate for a wall-mount type, and the control unit 150 may control the audio processing unit 125 and/or the audio output unit 131 so that the audio is output according to PEQ-W.

(2) If a User is Guided to Input a DTV Installation Type via a Pop-Up Window

If, for example, power is turned on after a power plug of a DTV is removed from an outlet and connected, (S235-Y) or if a user requests ‘an audio menu’ for the first time (S240-Y), the control unit 150 may control the GUI generation unit 160 so that an input menu for DTV installation type is displayed on a display in a pop-up or another type of window (S245).

In S245, the input menu for DTV installation type is displayed in, for example, a pop-up window as the user did not request an input menu for DTV installation type directly.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary DTV installation type input menu 320 which may be displayed on the display in a pop-up window in S245, according to an exemplary embodiment.

If it is determined that there is a problem in outputting audio of the DTV or a user wishes to adjust or change the sound quality or other sound-related aspects of the DTV, a user may request an audio menu. The DTV installation type input menu 320 may be displayed in a pop-up window when the user requests the audio menu, and the DTV may lead the user to set a PEQ appropriate for the DTV installation type. This pop-up in response to a request for an audio menu may be particularly effective as the user may not know that the DTV installation type may be input via a DTV installation type input menu.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the DTV installation type input menu is displayed in a pop-up window only when the user requests an audio menu “for the first time” to let the user know the above function, as if the DTV installation type input menu is displayed in a pop-up window every time the audio menu is requested, the user may experience inconvenience.

If a power plug of a DTV is removed from an outlet and connected again, it is probable that the installation type of the DTV may have changed, since a user tends to change a DTV installation type after removing the power plug of the DTV from the outlet.

In this case, the DTV installation type input menu may be displayed in a pop-up window to guide a user to set a PEQ appropriate for the DTV installation type. In addition, the DTV installation type input menu is displayed in a pop-up window only when power is turned on “for the first time” after the power cord is reconnected, so that the number of the DTV installation type input menu being provided without request may be minimized.

After S245, S215 to S230 are performed. Since these operations have already been explained above, the detailed description will be omitted.

(3) If a DTV Installation Type is Input via a Guide Screen

If power of a DTV is turned on for the first time after, for example being shipped out of the factory or post-delivery (S250-Y), or the DTV is set to a self diagnosis mode (S255-Y), the control unit 150 may control the GUI generation unit 160 so that ‘an initialization guide screen’ or ‘a self diagnosis guide screen’ including a DTV installation input menu is displayed on a display (S260).

If a DTV is turned on for the first time after being shipped out of the factory (that is, if the DTV is changed from a factory mode to a user mode), a DTV installation type may not have been set yet. Accordingly, the DTV installation type input menu may be included in ‘the initialization guide screen’ to guide a user to input a DTV installation type.

If it is determined that there is problem in outputting audio of a DTV or a user wishes to adjust or change the sound quality or other sound-related aspects of the DTV, a user may try to adjust the DTV via the self diagnosis mode. Accordingly, the DTV installation type input menu is included in ‘the self diagnosis guide screen’ to naturally guide a user to check a DTV installation type.

After S260, S215 to S230 are performed. Since these operations have already been explained above, the detailed description will be omitted.

3. Exemplary Embodiments of the Present Invention

(1) Select a PEQ Setting Value

In the above exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a PEQ setting value is set for each DTV installation type, but this is only an example.

A plurality of PEQ setting values appropriate each of the DTV installation type may be set. For instance, PEQ-W1, PEQ-W2, and PEQ-W3 may be set as PEQ setting values for a wall-mount type. In this case, the wall-mount type is input as a DTV installation type, and one of the setting values may be set as audio output configuration, based on, for example, user preference, a listening environment, a type of content to display, or other environmental factors.

A user may select which one of PEQ-W1, PEQ-W2, and PEQ-W3 will be set as the audio output configuration based on, for example, displayed information, the listening environment, or outputted audio. According to an exemplary embodiment, in order to help the user's selection, the DTV may output audio, and if the user confirms the output, the DTV may set the audio output configuration according to the PEQ setting value selected by the user.

(2) Obtain a PEQ Setting Value

The PEQ setting values that a DTV has in the storage unit 180 may be obtained in various ways. For example, they may be stored in the storage unit 180 before being shipped out of the factory, after the broadcast reception unit 110 receives them via a broadcast reception medium (over the air, through cable, or etc.), after being received via a network connected to the external interface 170, after being received via an external apparatus connected to the external interface 170, or after being received from a storage medium connected to the external interface 170.

(3) Set DTV Output Configuration Automatically Based on DTV Installation “Status”

In an exemplary embodiment, a DTV installation type is input by a user, but this is only an example. Other information than the DTV installation type may be input by the user, and audio output configuration of the DTV may be set based on this information.

For instance, DTV installation state rather than a DTV installation type may be input by the user, and the audio output configuration of the DTV may be set based on the DTV installation state input by the user. The DTV installation state may be information such as ‘a distance between the DTV and the wall’ and ‘a distance between the DTV and the floor.’ FIG. 5 illustrates an example of ‘an input menu of the distance between a DTV and a wall/floor 330,’ according to an exemplary embodiment.

According to aspects of an exemplary embodiment, only one of a distance between the DTV and the wall (or other mounting surface) and a distance between the DTV and the floor (or other surface) may need to be input.

(4) Sense DTV Installation Type/State Automatically

According to aspects of exemplary embodiments, it may be possible to sense a DTV installation type automatically, other than by a user's input, and to set DTV audio output configuration based on the sensed DTV installation type.

In order for this, exemplary embodiments may utilize a sensor or a switch to sense whether a stand is connected to the DTV, and a sensor or a switch to detect whether a wall-mount is connected to the DTV, or other types of distance, audio, position, or other sensors to detect an installation type.

Accordingly, aspects of exemplary embodiments may make it possible to sense DTV installation state automatically, not by a user's input, and to set DTV audio output configuration based on the sensed DTV installation status.

(5) Others

In the above exemplary embodiment, a menu represents an example of a GUI. Accordingly, the present invention may also be applied when the DTV install type input menu is provided as a GUI for inputting a DTV installation type in another format.

In addition, aspects of exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be applied to other kinds of TV than a DTV, displays, or other apparatuses that may output audio.

In some of the above exemplary embodiments, a DTV audio output configuration is set based on a DTV installation type, but this is only an example. Accordingly, aspects of exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be applied when a different DTV configuration other than DTV audio output configuration is set based on a DTV installation type.

According to aspects of exemplary embodiments, a wall-mount type and a stand type are examples of a DTV installation type, and a DTV installation type may include other types of installations (as non-limiting examples: a ceiling-mount type, floor-mount type, outdoor display, a large room installation, a small room installation, and underwater installation).

As in the above description, according to aspects of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, TV configuration may be set automatically based on a TV installation type input via a GUI, and thus an TV configuration may be set automatically based only on the TV installation type.

Although a few exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in this embodiment without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents. Additionally, expressions such as “at least one of”, when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modify each element of the list.

Claims

1. A method of auto-setting a television (TV) configuration, the method comprising:

providing a Graphical User Interface (GUI) to receive a TV installation type; and

setting the TV configuration based on the TV installation type input via the GUI.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the TV configuration comprises an audio output configuration of the TV.

3. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the audio output configuration comprises Parametric EQualization (PEQ) information.

4. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the TV installation type comprises at least two of a wall-mount type, a stand-type, and a ceiling-mount type.

5. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein an at least one audio output configuration setting value is designated for the TV installation type, and

wherein the setting of the TV configuration comprises setting the audio output configuration according to one of the at least one audio output configuration setting value designated for the TV installation type input via the GUI.

6. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the setting of the TV configuration further comprises:

outputting an audio according to a first audio output configuration setting value selected by a user from among the at least one audio output configuration setting value designated for the TV installation type input via the GUI; and

setting the audio output configuration according to the first audio output configuration setting value selected by the user, if the user confirms the outputted audio.

7. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the providing the GUI provides the GUI in at least one of the following:

if a user requests the GUI,

if the TV is turned on for a first time after its power plug is removed from power and is connected to the power again,

if the user requests a GUI regarding audio for a first time,

if the TV is turned on for a first time after being shipped out of a factory, and

if a user requests a self diagnosis guide screen.

8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the providing the GUI provides the GUI in a pop-up window if the TV is turned on for the first time after its power plug is removed from the power and is connected to the power again, and if the user requests the GUI regarding audio for the first time.

9. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein an audio output configuration setting value of the TV installation type is stored in the TV before being shipped out of a factory, after being received via a broadcast reception medium, after being received via a network connected to the TV, after being received from an external apparatus connected to the TV, or after being received from a storage medium connected to the TV.

10. The method as claimed in claim 2, further comprising:

providing the GUI to receive a TV installation status; and

setting the audio output configuration of the TV based on the TV installation status input via the GUI.

11. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the TV installation status comprises at least one of a distance between the TV and a wall and a distance between the TV and a floor.

12. The method as claimed in claim 2, further comprising:

sensing the TV installation type; and

setting the audio output configuration of the TV based on the sensed TV installation type.

13. A television (TV), comprising:

a generation unit which generates a GUI displayed on a display; and

a control unit which controls the generation unit to generate the GUI to receive a TV installation type input via the GUI, and to set a TV configuration based on the TV installation type input via the GUI.

14. The TV as claimed in claim 13, wherein the TV configuration comprises an audio output configuration of the TV.

15. The TV as claimed in claim 14, wherein an at least one audio output configuration setting value is designated for the TV installation type, and

wherein the control unit sets the audio output configuration according to one of the at least one audio output configuration setting value designated for the TV installation type input via the GUI.

16. The TV as claimed in claim 14, wherein the control unit controls the generation unit to generate the GUI in at least one of the following:

if a user requests the GUI,

if the TV is turned on for a first time after a power plug is disconnected from power and is connected to the power again,

if a user requests a GUI regarding audio for a first time,

if the TV is turned on for a first time after being shipped out of a factory, and

if a user requests a self diagnosis guide screen.

17. The TV as claimed in claim 16, wherein the control unit controls the generation unit to generate the GUI in a pop-up window if power is turned on for the first time after the power plug is disconnected from the power and is connected to the power again, and if the user requests the GUI regarding audio for the first time.

18. The TV as claimed in claim 14, wherein the audio output configuration setting value for the TV installation type is stored in the TV before being shipped out of a factory, after being received via a broadcast reception medium, after being received via a network connected to the TV, after being received from an external apparatus connected to the TV, or after being received from a storage medium connected to the TV.

19. The TV as claimed in claim 14, wherein the control unit controls the generation unit to generate the GUI to receive a TV installation state, and sets the audio output configuration of the TV based on the TV installation state input via the GUI.

20. The TV as claimed in claim 19, wherein the TV installation state comprises at least one of a distance between the TV and a wall and a distance between the TV and a floor.

21. A method for configuring an audio output of a display, the method comprising:

receiving an installation information from a user, via a graphical user interface (GUI) displayed on the display;

selecting the audio output configuration based on the installation information received from the user,

wherein the installation information comprises information indicating the display being one of ceiling-mounted; wall-mounted; and stand-mounted.

22. The method of claim 21,

wherein the selecting the audio output configuration comprises:

outputting a first audio output according to the installation information received from the user;

setting the audio output configuration according to the first audio output, if the user approves the first audio output;

outputting a second audio output, if the user disapproves the audio output; and

setting the audio output configuration according to the second audio output, if the user approves the second audio output.