WO2005107245A1

WO2005107245A1 - A system for mosaic epg and a method thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2005107245A1
Application number: PCT/KR2005/001235
Authority: WO
Inventors: Deok-Jung Kim
Original assignee: Aircode Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2004-04-28
Filing date: 2005-04-28
Publication date: 2005-11-10

Abstract

Disclosed are a system and a method for mosaic electronic program guide (EPG) capable of generating and replaying EPG in a digital television system with multi-channel. The mosaic EPG system comprising: a processor for receiving into each channel a plurality of audio/video signals provided from a plurality of program providers, and processing the plurality of audio/video signals; a mosaic EPG generating/editing means for controlling a size of video signals of each channel processed in the processor, setting a reposition of the video signals, converting images of each channel into an only mosaic EPG image on a single screen, and editing the only mosaic EPG image on the single screen; a means for transmitting the only mosaic EPG image on the single screen and information related to the only mosaic EPG image; and a mosaic EPG client for receiving the only mosaic EPG image on the single screen, selecting a desired channel in the only mosaic EPG image, and replaying a program in the channel. According to the present invention, by mixing multiple A/V signals into an A/V signal and transmitting the mixed A/V signal, a burden of the mosaic EPG system is decreased since it is not need for replaying the multiple A/V signals.

Description

DESCRIPTION A SYSTEM FOR MOSAIC EPG AND A METHOD THEREOF

Technical Field The present invention relates to a system and a method for mosaic EPG, and more particularly, to a system and a method for mosaic electronic program guide (EPG) which are capable of generating and replaying EPG in a digital television system with multi-channel.

Background Art Advantages of a digital television system are a large number of channels which are capable of using in the digital television system and a versatility of television service providers related to a channel selecting of subscriber. In a different way of a party of standard subscriber channels, the digital television system with multi-channel may include a control channel for access conditionally such as a pay-per-view channel which causes a subscriber to pay a charge for viewing a specific movie or a sport event. Besides, the digital television system causes a viewer to access other interactive services such as a guide of text-based programs, a weather map and the like. These services relate to a dedicated channel in the digital television for transmitting information. If other additional menu-based services are provided, the viewer can access specific information as a form of a pull-down menu during viewing a broadcasting

program. These services are operated using so-called "pilot" information which is transmitted by way of general audio/video channels. Recently, an electronic program guide (EPG) service for providing various information of broadcasting programs has been on commercial business. Also, a digital broadcasting receiver such as a set-top-box (STB) and the like receives EPG information, and then displays the EPG information in a screen of an exterior apparatus such as a television. Therefore a viewer can easily retrieve desired information of broadcasting program. Also, a cable satellite TV has a few hundreds channels for providing programs, but it has a problem that it is difficult for a viewer to select a desired channel by channel up/down action of a remote controller. There is the EPG system in order to resolve the problem, but the EPG system is also an inconvenient manner in comparison with a manner that the viewers see to directly select images of each channel. Accordingly, in order to easily retrieve and select various broadcasting programs which are provided by each different broadcasting service, a conventional mosaic EPG service has been provided that a viewer displays images of various channels on a single screen and then selects a desired channel out of the displayed screen. Hereinafter, the conventional mosaic EPG service will be described in detail. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a conventional system for transmitting/receiving a mosaic EPG service, wherein the system include a transmitter 110 and a receiver 130 for transmitting/receiving a general mosaic EPG sen/ice. The transmitter 110 may include a mosaic EPG generator 111 , an encoder 112, a MUX/modulator 113, an up-linker 115, a mosaic EPG editor 114, an antenna 116 and the like. The receiver 130 may include an antenna 131 , a set-top-box (STB) 132, a digital television (DTV) 133 and the like. If the transmitting/receiving system transmits/receives some signals by using a cable or a terrestrial wave, the up-linker 115 and the antennas 116 and 131 may not need to be used. Referring to Fig. 1 , the mosaic EPG generator 111 generates mosaic EPG images which are displayed by a small size of sub-pictures on a single screen, and the encoder 112 encodes the mosaic EPG images into MPEG data signals suitable for a digital broadcasting. Also, the MUX/demodulator 113 multiplexes and demodulates the mosaic information which is edited in the mosaic EPG editor 114 and the MPEG data signals encoded in the encoder 112, and then outputs the multiplexed/demodulated signals to a broadcasting satellite 120 by way of the up-linker 115. Therefore, the digital broadcasting receiver 130 with the STB 132 and the like can display the mosaic EPG image which is received by way of the broadcasting satellite 120, into a screen of the DTV

133. Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating to select a sub-picture out of a mosaic EPG image transmitted from the system for transmitting in Fig. 1. The mosaic EPG image may display on a single screen 210, for example,

the first sub-picture to the ninth sub-picture 211 -219 corresponding to the

first broadcasting program to the ninth broadcasting program provided by each different broadcasting service may display on a single screen 210. The digital broadcasting receiver posts a cursor to a sub-picture in the mosaic EPG image. For example, in a status of posting a cursor to the first sub-picture 211 , a viewer clicks a selecting button which is prepared in a remote controller. A viewer selects a channel, retrieving and referring to the mosaic information provided from the mosaic EPG service, according to a broadcasting sen ice which provides the first broadcasting program corresponding to the first sub-picture 211 , and then, the viewer may display the first broadcasting program received from the broadcasting service, on a main screen 211 a. Therefore, the viewer with the digital broadcasting receiver can simultaneously retrieve and confirm various broadcasting programs provided for each different broadcasting service by way of the mosaic EPG image, and can conveniently select any one of the broadcasting

services. In order to achieve the above-mentioned operations, however, a transmitter which provides the mosaic EPG service must provide various

information related to the sub-pictures 211 -219, the various information,

for example, various additional information such as a service name, a service ID, a network ID, RF frequency and the like is required for converting into a broadcasting services corresponding to the sub-pictures

211 -219.

Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the transmitter in the system for transmitting/receiving in Fig. 1 , wherein the system for transmitting/receiving is related to a generation of the mosaic channel. For example, in case of receiving audio/video (A/V) signals from a plurality of channels, an AΛ processor 310 may filter off video signals out of the received signals to be excluded in a mosaic channel. For example, the video signals are related to an adult private channel and the like. Also, the A/V processor 310 may filter off audio signals out of the signals transmitted from each channel, may mix the audio signals or may allocate packet ID (PID) into the audio signals, and then may provide the audio signals into the multiplexer 350. An EPG generator/editor 320 controls a size of video signals and sets a reposition of the video signals after receiving the above-mentioned

processed signals. For example, three mosaic screens 331 -333 are

generated, and the three mosaic screens 331-333 are provided into the

multiplexer 350. Data for composing the three mosaic screens 331 -333 may

include information such as the number of mosaic channels, a size and a position of each screen element in the mosaic, a desired size of frame cursor and a moving range of the frame cursor. The information causes a related decoder application to correctly post and move the frame cursor. Besides, the data may include positions (page number, coordinates) of each channel in the mosaic, PID of sound track related to the mixed audio signals, and channel reference information in pilot data. In addition, in order to convert the decoder application into the desired channel, the data for composing the mosaic screens must include detail channel information (frequency and PID value) related to specific screen elements. Also, the data further include detail access information (a mode of pay-per-view, a reservation pay and the like) to achieve the action that the decoder application prevents a viewer from viewing an access-denied channel. Also, the data for composing the mosaic screens may include a PID value of each mosaic page and a default header message of the mosaic page. Here, since the data for composing the mosaic screens includes all EPG data of each channel, small EPG images of each channel in the digital broadcasting receiver 130 are displayed. On the other hand, a prior art has been disclosed in Korean Patent Application No. 2001-700887(date of application: 2001.01.19) by a name of "a navigation system for a digital television system with multi¬

channel". More particularly, the prior art relates to a decoder for controlling a display of a number of channel of a digital television in each window of a mosaic structure. The decoder includes a means for receiving an

authority to be able to access any one of programs and channels, and a

means for prohibiting by a user an entire access of audio and video into

any one of programs and channels, when programs and channels are

displayed in the window according to the received access authority.

According to the prior art, if the programs or the channels are

displayed in the mosaic window, when a user decides whether or not

permit entire access of audio/video, the prior art provides a digital

television system which the access authority to programs or channels is capable of receiving and analyzing by a decoder.

On the other hand, another prior art has been disclosed in Korean

Patent Application No. 2003-33446(date of application: 2003.05.26) by a

name of "a converting method for broadcasting service in a digital

broadcasting receiver". The prior art relates to a converting method for broadcasting

sen/ice in a digital broadcasting receiver for converting a channel selection

into a broadcasting service corresponding to a sub-picture, in case that

any one of the sub-pictures is selected from mosaic EPG images which

are displayed a number of sub-pictures on a single screen. More particularly, according to the prior art, by an action of auto

tuning or an action of interfacing with exterior apparatuses, channel

selection information for of a digital broadcasting sen/ice is stored in a

storage apparatus. Then, the stored information is associated with sub- pictures of mosaic EPG images by a selection of a user during displaying the mosaic EPG images. Then, in case of selecting any one of sub- pictures, information associated with the sub-pictures is retrieved and read in the digital broadcasting receiver by selecting a channel of the broadcasting service. And then, although a transmitter which provides a mosaic EPG service does not provide conversion information for the broadcasting service, the digital broadcasting receiver itself may achieve a conversion operation for the broadcasting service using the mosaic EPG images.

Disclosure

Technical Problem The conventional mosaic EPG uses a method for encoding a number of images into a small size, multiplexing the multiple A V signals, transmitting the A/V signals to a receiver, and replaying the transmitted mosaic EPG by de-multiplexing the multiple A/V signals in the receiver. Accordingly, the conventional mosaic EPG has a burden that the receiver needs an apparatus for simultaneously replaying the multiple A/V signals. Also, the conventional mosaic EPG additionally needs an apparatus for encoding the multiple A/V signals into small images. Besides, the conventional mosaic EPG has a problem in that a cost for the receiver improvement is increased because of requiring an apparatus for decoding and replaying a number of images. Technical Solution In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system and a method for mosaic EPG which are capable of receiving and replaying a mosaic EPG with an A/V signal, by mixing multiple A/V signals into an A/V signal and transmitting the mixed A/V signal. It is another object of the present invention to provide a system and a method for mosaic EPG without encoding multiple AΛ signals into small images and without requiring for replaying simultaneously the multiple A/V signals. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide simultaneously which are capable of replaying a mosaic EPG without additional H/W changing for mosaic EPG in a receiver. To achieve the above objects, according to an aspect, the present invention provides a system for generating and replaying a mosaic electronic program guide (EPG) in a digital television system with multichannel, the system comprising: a processor for receiving into each channel a plurality of audio/video signals provided from a plurality of program providers, and processing the plurality of audio/video signals; a mosaic EPG generating/editing means for controlling a size of video signals of each channel processed in the processor, setting a reposition of the video signals, converting images of each channel into an only mosaic EPG image on a single screen, and editing the only mosaic EPG image on the single screen; a means for transmitting the only mosaic EPG image on the single screen and information related to the only mosaic EPG image; and a mosaic EPG client for receiving the only mosaic EPG image on the single screen, selecting a desired channel in the only mosaic EPG image, and replaying a program in the channel. Preferably, the mosaic EPG generating/editing means comprises, a mosaic EPG generator for controlling the size of video signals of each channel which are processed in the processor, setting a reposition of the video signals, and converting and reconstructing images of each channel into the only mosaic EPG image on the single screen; and a mosaic EPG editor for editing to provide the mosaic image generated in the mosaic EPG generator and additional information. Preferably, the mosaic EPG generator and the mosaic EPG editor are separated respectively, or the mosaic EPG generator and the mosaic EPG editor are unified into a unit. Preferably, the mosaic EPG generating/editing means inserts additional information into the single screen arranged a plurality of channel programs, Preferably, the system further includes an encoder for compressing the converted mosaic EPG image into a form of MPEG, and outputting the compressed mosaic EPG image. Preferably, the encoder is embedded in the mosaic EPG

generator or the encoder is formed at an exterior of the mosaic EPG

generator.

Preferably, the mosaic EPG generator receives a plurality of

single-program transport stream (SPTS), and generates the mosaic image

on the single screen to output an SPTS.

Preferably, the mosaic EPG generator receives a plurality of

single-program transport stream (SPTS), multiplexes the plurality of SPTS

into a multi-program transport stream (MPTS) using a MUX (Multiplexer),

and generates the mosaic image on the single screen according to the multiplexed MPTS to output an SPTS.

Preferably, the SPTS-outputted mosaic image on the single

screen is encoding by interior encoder or an exterior encoder.

Preferably, the means for transmitting the mosaic EPG image is

a multiplexer for multiplexing to output video signals of the mosaic image

on the single screen and audio signals of each channel.

Preferably, the mosaic EPG client is loaded in a form of

hardware onto a receiver or the mosaic EPG client is downloaded in a

form of program to be installed into a receiver. Preferably, the mosaic EPG client is to display a plurality of

program information of each channel and additional information.

Preferably, information related to the mosaic EPG is mosaic EPG

organizing information, cell position information or additional information. According to yet another aspect, the present invention provides a

system for generating and replaying mosaic electronic program guide

(EPG) images of each genre in a digital television system with multi¬

channel, the system comprising: a processor for receiving a plurality of audio/video signals

provided from a plurality of program providers, into each channel, and

processing the audio/video signals to provide a multi-program transport

stream (MPTS); a distributing means for grouping the plurality of audio/video

signals which are received into each channel, regarding to each channel

genre, generating a plurality of MPTS of each channel genre, and

distributing the plurality of MPTS; a plurality of mosaic EPG generating/editing means for

controlling a size of video signals of each channel genre provided as the

plurality of MPTS, setting a reposition of the video signals, converting

images of each channel genre into an only mosaic EPG image on a single

screen, and editing the only mosaic EPG image on the single screen; a means for transmitting the edited mosaic EPG image on the

single screen and information related to the mosaic EPG image; and a mosaic EPG client for receiving the transmitted mosaic EPG

image on the single screen, selecting a desired genre and channel in the

mosaic EPG image, and replaying a program in the channel. Preferably, the plurality of audio/video signals which are received

into each channel are multiplexed into an MPTS by each network operator

(NO), and then the multiplexed MPTS is provided.

Preferably, the distributing means is a router for re-multiplexing

the plurality of audio/video signals into a group of each channel genre and

providing the audio/video signal by MPTS to the plurality of

generating/editing means of mosaic EPG.

Preferably, the system further comprises an encoder for

compressing a mosaic EPG signal formed by the plurality of

generating/editing means of mosaic EPG, into a form of MPEG, and

outputting the compressed mosaic EPG signal.

According to yet another aspect, the present invention provides a

method for generating mosaic EPG in a digital television system with multi-channel, the method comprising: a) receiving a plurality of audio/video signals provided from a

plurality of program providers, into a plurality of channel, respectively, and

processing the plurality of audio/video signals; b) controlling a size of video signals of the plurality of audio/video

signals processed, and setting a reposition of the video signals; c) converting and reconstructing images of each channel into an

only mosaic EPG image on a single screen; d) editing to provide information related to the only mosaic EPG

image; and e) transmitting the edited mosaic EPG image on the single screen and information related to the mosaic EPG image. Preferably, step d) edits to provide mosaic EPG organizing information, cell position information, or additional information. Preferably, the data of the only mosaic EPG image in step e) are compressed by an interior encoder or an exterior encoder, and then the compressed data are outputted. Preferably, the data of the only mosaic EPG image are compressed into a form of MPEG by an encoder, and then the compressed data are outputted. According to yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method for replaying mosaic EPG in a digital television system with multichannel, the method comprising: a) receiving a mosaic EPG data which are composing one screen; b) displaying the only mosaic EPG image on a single screen, on a display-screen; c) selecting a cell of mosaic EPG which is displayed on the

display-screen; and d) receiving audio/video signals for channel program

corresponding to the selected cell, and displaying the received audio/video

signals.

Preferably, step c) selects a channel using a cursor. Preferably, step c) comprising: setting programs according to the plurality of channels into a group of each genre, and selecting a desired genre; and selecting a desired channel out of the selected genre. Preferably, the mosaic EPG data constructing one screen includes information of each channel or information of banner advertisements. According to the present invention, by mixing multiple A/V signals into an A/V signal and transmitting the mixed A/V signal, a burden of the mosaic EPG system is decreased since it is not need for replaying the multiple A/V signals. Also, it is possible to replay a mosaic EPG without additional H/W change for mosaic EPG in a receiver.

Description of Drawings Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a conventional system for transmitting/receiving a mosaic EPG service; Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating to select a sub-picture out of an only mosaic EPG image transmitted from the system for transmitting/receiving in Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the transmitter in the system for transmitting/receiving in Fig. 1 ; Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a mosaic EPG system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating to select a cell in a mosaic EPG according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a mosaic EPG generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a mosaic EPG generator according to the second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a mosaic EPG generator according to the third embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a mosaic EPG generator according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating configuration of a mosaic EPG system for generating mosaic pages of each genre according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating a remote controller with mosaic EPG buttons according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating to select a desired genre in a page for a genre selection according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating a mosaic EPG screen for selecting a desired channel of a specific genre according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method for generating a mosaic EPG according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method for replaying a mosaic EPG according to an embodiment of the present invention. Mode for Invention Hereinafter, a system and a method for mosaic EPG according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. According to an embodiment of the present invention, by mixing multiple A/V signals into an A/V signal and transmitting the mixed A/V signal, the mosaic EPG is replaying if a receiver has a function for receiving and replaying an A/V signal, and therefore it is possible to replay a mosaic EPG without additional H/W changing for mosaic EPG in a receiver, in a different way of the conventional art. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a mosaic EPG system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 4, a mosaic EPG system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an A/V processor 410, an EPG generator 420, an EPG editor 440, a MUX (multiplexer) 450, antennas in a transmitter and a receiver 460 and 470, and an EPG client 480. In case of using a cable or a terrestrial wave, antennas in a transmitter and a receiver 460 and 470 may not need to be used. Firstly, in case of receiving audio/video (A/V) signals from a plurality of channels, the AΛ/ processor 410 receives audio/video (A/V) signals received from a plurality of program providers, into each channel, and processes the received audio/video (AΛ/) signals. The EPG generator 420 is controlling a size of video signals of each channel processed in the AΛ/ processor 410, and is setting a reposition of the video signals. And, the EPG generator 420 is converting and reconstructing images of each channel into an only mosaic EPG image in a single screen. Here, the EPG generator 420 may include an encoder for compressing the converted mosaic EPG image into a form of MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group), and outputting the compressed mosaic EPG image. The encoder may be embedded in the mosaic EPG generator or the encoder may be formed at the outside of the mosaic EPG generator. The EPG editor 440 edits to provide the mosaic image generated in the EPG generator 420 and additional information. Here, the information related to the mosaic EPG may include information required for converting screen such as mosaic EPG organizing information, cell position information, additional information and the like. The additional information may include service name, service ID, network ID, RF frequency and the like. The mosaic EPG generator 420 and the mosaic EPG editor 440 may be separated respectively or unified into a unit. The additional information may be inserted in a single screen arranged a plurality of programs. Also, the MUX (multiplexer) 450 transmits the only mosaic EPG image in the single screen and related information by way of the antenna of the transmitter 460. As above-mentioned, if using a cable or a terrestrial wave, the only mosaic EPG image in the single screen and

related information is transmitted by the a cable or a terrestrial wave not

by the antenna of the transmitter 460.

The mosaic EPG client 480 receives the only mosaic EPG image

in the single screen transmitted by the cable/terrestrial wave or the

antenna of the receiver 470, selects a desired channel in the mosaic EPG

image, and then replays a program.

Also, the mosaic EPG client 480 is loaded in a form of hardware

(H/W) onto a receiver or it is downloaded in a form of program (S/W) to be installed into a receiver. The mosaic EPG client 480 may display a

plurality of program information each channel and the additional

information.

The embodiment of the present invention may provide an interface with a viewer in order to easily convert into a desired channel,

during the viewer is watching multiple images in a single screen, and may

display information of the channel, information of banner advertisement

and the like.

Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating to select a cell in a mosaic EPG

according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 5, as the mosaic EPG image, for example, the

first to the ninth cell 51 1 -519 corresponding to the first to the ninth

broadcasting program provided by each different broadcasting service

may be displayed in the mosaic EPG screen 510. Here, although the mosaic EPG screen 510 is showed as multiple AΛ/ signals, the receiver, substantially, may replay multiple images using the same apparatus received the single image since a mixed image is transmitted in the single image. Also, the digital broadcasting receiver locates a cursor on any one of cells in the mosaic EPG image. For example, in locating a cursor on the first cell 511 , if a user clicks a selection button included in a remote controller, the receiver selects a channel of a broadcasting service which is providing the first program, retrieving and referring to mosaic information provided by way of the mosaic EPG service. And then, the receiver displays the first program received by way of the broadcasting service, in a main picture screen 511 a. On the other hand, the structure of the mosaic EPG generator 420 shown in Fig. 4 may be composed as 4 types of structure regarding to a form of input and interior/exterior of encoder, and hereinafter their structures will explain referring Fig. 6 to 9. Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a mosaic EPG generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention, which the mosaic EPG generator is receiving a plurality of SPTS (single- program transport stream), generating a mosaic image in a single screen, and then outputting the generated mosaic image in a single screen. Here, the mosaic EPG generator may output a form of a single SPTS using an embedding encoder. More particularly, a mosaic EPG generator 600 according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include an asynchronous

serial interface (ASI) multi-port 610, a plurality of source drivers 621-623,

a plurality of Demux (De-multiplexer) 631 -633, a plurality of video

decoders 641 -643, a mixer 650, an encoder 660, a Mux (multiplexer) 670,

an ASI render 680 and an ASI port 690. In the mosaic EPG generator 600 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of SPTS provided from a

plurality of program provider 601 -603 by way of the ASI multi-port 610 are

received, and then, by way of the plurality of source drivers 621 -623 and

the plurality of Demux 631 -633, video signals and audio signals are

divided each other. The video signals is inputted into the mixer 650 by

way of the plurality of video decoders 641-643. Preferably, the mixer

650 may be an overlay mixer which is capable of mixing mosaic EPG organizing information, cell position information or additional information provided from a mosaic EPG editor 605. And then, the mosaic EPG data for composing the single screen are compressed an MPEG form by way of the encoder 660. Also, the multiplexer 670 is multiplexing audio

signals outputted from the plurality of Demux 631-633, and then, by way

of the ASI render 680, a form of SPTS is outputted by the ASI port 690. Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a mosaic EPG generator according to the second embodiment of the present invention, which the mosaic EPG generator 700 is receiving a plurality of SPTS, generating a mosaic image in a single screen, and then outputting the generated mosaic image in a single screen. Here, the mosaic EPG generator may output a form of a single SPTS using an exterior encoder 706. More particularly, a mosaic EPG generator 700 according to the second embodiment of the present invention may include an ASI multi-

port 710, a plurality of source drivers 721 -723, a plurality of Demux

731 -733, a plurality of video decoders 741 -743, a mixer 750, an SDI

(serial digital interface) render 760, an SDI port 770. In the mosaic EPG generator 700 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of SPTS provided from a

plurality of program provider 701 -703 by way of the ASI multi-port 710 are

received, and then, by way of the plurality of source drivers 721 -723 and

the plurality of Demux 731-733, video signals and audio signals are

divided each other. The video signals is inputted into the mixer 750 by

way of the plurality of video decoders 741 -743. Preferably, the mixer

750 may be an overlay mixer which is capable of mixing mosaic EPG organizing information, cell position information or additional information provided from a mosaic EPG editor 705. Also, the SDI render 760 is

rendering the audio signals outputted from the plurality of Demux 731-733

and the output of the mixer 750, the rendered signal is outputted by the SDI port 770, and then, by way of the exterior encoder 706, a form of SPTS is outputted. Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a mosaic EPG generator according to the third embodiment of the present invention, which the mosaic EPG generator 800 is receiving a plurality of SPTS, generating a mosaic image in a single screen, and then outputting SPTS using an interior encoder 806. Here, explanation of the same elements in the Fig. 6 and 7 will be omitted. Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a mosaic EPG generator according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, which the mosaic EPG generator 900 is receiving a plurality of SPTS, multiplexing MPTS (multi-program transport stream) by a multiplexer 804, and then outputting generator may output a form of a single SPTS using an exterior encoder 906. Here, explanation of the same elements in the Fig. 6 and 7 will be omitted. Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a mosaic EPG system for generating mosaic pages of each genre according to an embodiment of the present invention, which include a processor, router

1020, a plurality mosaic EPG generator 1031-1035, a multiplexer 1040

and a mosaic EPG client. Here, explanation of the processor and the mosaic EPG client refer conveniently to the above-mentioned explanation

of the Fig. 4. Referring to Fig. 10, in a mosaic EPG system for generating mosaic pages of each genre according to an embodiment of the present

invention, wherein the processor receives a plurality of audio/video signals

provided from a plurality of program providers, into each channel,

processes the audio/video signals, and then provides MPTS (multi-

program transport stream). Here, the audio/video signals received into

each channel is multiplexing into the MPTS by each NO (network

operator)

Also, the router 1020 receives the audio/video signals received

into each channel, groups into each channel genre, and generates to distribute a plurality of MPTS of each channel genre. That is, the router

1020 re-multiplexes into groups of each channel genre, and transmits

audio/video signal of MPTS to the plurality of the mosaic EPG

generating/editing means of each genre.

The plurality mosaic EPG generator 1031 -1035 is controlling a

size of a plurality of video signals of each channel genre, and is setting re¬

position of the video signals. And then, the plurality mosaic EPG

generator 1031 -1035 is converting the plurality of images of each channel

genre into an only mosaic EPG image of a single screen to re-construct,

and is editing for outputting the mosaic EPG image. Here, an encoder may be included, wherein the encoder is

compressing the mosaic EPG signal generated by the plurality mosaic

EPG generator 1031 -1035, into a form of MPEG. The multiplexer 1040 has a role in transmitting the only mosaic EPG image in the single screen and related information. Also, the mosaic EPG client receives the transmitted mosaic EPG image in the single screen, selects a desired genre and channel in the mosaic EPG image, and then replay the selected a program in the genre and channel. In the mosaic EPG system for generating mosaic pages of each genre according to an embodiment of the present invention, in case of the MPTS multiplexed and transmitted by the NO (network operator) which is contracted with the plurality of program provider, since the MPTS is not grouping into each genre, the MPTS must include the router 1020 for re- multiplexing into groups of each genre before it is transmitting to the

plurality mosaic EPG generator 1031 -1035 and for transmitting

audio/video signal of the MPTS. Accordingly, the mosaic EPG signals

generated by the plurality mosaic EPG generator 1031 -1035 of each

genre are compressed into a form of MPEG, and is multiplexed and transmit the compressed MPEG signals. Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating a remote controller with mosaic EPG buttons according to an embodiment of the present invention. The remote controller 1100 selects and controls a mosaic EPG system using a mosaic EPG button 1 110, as shown in Fig. 11. Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating to select a desired genre in a page for a genre selection according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating a mosaic EPG screen for selecting a desired channel of a specific genre according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fore example, in case of more of a hundred multi-channel, the number of channels is determined for expressing in a single screen such as 9, 12, 16 channel and the like. Particularly, mosaic channels are composed by grouping in each genre for retrieving easily. Since the remote controller 1100 shown in Fig. 11 has a mosaic EPG button 1110, if a viewer pushes the mosaic EPG button 1110, appeared is a screen for selecting a genre 1210 of a mosaic EPG screen 1200 as shown in Fig. 12. As shown in Fig. 12 the first page cause a viewer to select a genre, and then, the second page cause the viewer to select a desired channel out of the genre, as shown in Fig. 13. Accordingly, the viewer can watch a desired channel easily. Also, the mosaic EPG editor may edit information such as a position and background of various reduced images of channels which are showed on the screen, information required for converting into a desired channel, additional information and the like. Here, the mosaic EPG generator may compose the screen by using information selected in the mosaic EPG editor. Therefore, in a mosaic screen 1200 as shown in Fig. 13, after the viewer locates a cursor on a reduced image 1220, and selects a desired channel by direction keys of the remote controller, the viewer can convert the desired channel by using a specific button. Fig. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method for generating a mosaic EPG according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 14, the method for generating a mosaic EPG according to an embodiment of the present invention, first, receives a plurality of audio/video signals provided from a plurality of program providers, into a plurality of channel, respectively (S1310), and processes the plurality of audio/video signals (S1320) And then, a size of video signals of the plurality of audio/video signals processed is controlled, a reposition of the video signals is set, and images of each channel convert into an only mosaic EPG image on a single screen to reconstruct (S1330). Next, information related to the only mosaic EPG image is edited to provide (S1340). Here, as information related the mosaic EPG, the mosaic EPG organizing information, cell position information, or additional information is edited. Next, the mosaic EPG image on the single screen may output after encoding by an encoder (S1350). That is, data of mosaic EPG image may be compressed by an interior encoder or an exterior encoder, and then the compressed data may be outputted, wherein the encoder compresses the data of mosaic EPG image on the single screen into a form of MPEG. Next, the edited mosaic EPG image on the single screen and information related to the mosaic EPG image is multiplexed (S1360), and the mosaic EPG image on the single screen is transmitted (S1370). Fig. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method for replaying a mosaic EPG according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring Fig. 15, a method for replaying a mosaic EPG according to an embodiment of the present invention, first, receives a mosaic EPG data which are composing one screen (S1410). Next, the mosaic EPG image on a single screen, on a display- screen is displayed (S1420), and, using a cursor, any one of cells out of the displayed EPG which is displayed in the display-screen is selected.

Here, the mosaic EPG data constructing one screen may include information of each channel or information of banner advertisements. More particularly, programs according to the plurality of channels into a group of each genre is set, and a desired genre is selected (S1430), and a desired channel out of the selected genre is selected (S1440).

And then, a selection of channel is converted by the selected channel

(S1450). Next, audio/video signals for channel program corresponding to the selected cell is received, and the received audio/video signals are displayed (S1460). If a user selects another channel, the method may be returned to the above-mentioned step S1420. On the other hand, in a mosaic EPG system of an embodiment of the present invention, a viewer who is watching digital cable broadcasting

with more of a hundred channels, digital satellite broadcasting, DMB and

the like, can achieve easily an image retrieval of a desired channel without

retrieving a desired channel by converting more of a hundred channels. A conventional video media of TV channel has a problem that

cannot be selected because of a limitation of information by a

conventional EPG expressed by characters. But, the embodiment of the

present invention can select a desired channel on viewing reduced images

of various channels in a single screen, and can convert immediately into

the selected channel. Also, service providers may introduce the mosaic EPG system with a reduced burden since not using a receiver with specific H/W in order to provide these services.

On the other hand, a receiver which is capable of viewing a

mosaic EPG according to an embodiment of the present invention has to

embed a client program or has to download in order to navigate the

mosaic EPG in a TV which is capable of viewing conventional general

images. Generally, in order to use the mosaic EPG system the instant

that a TV becomes power-on, the embedding form of the mosaic EPG

system is useful. Also, program information and program information in the above-

mentioned client program may be provided from PSIP (program and

system information protocol)/SI information prepared in the conventional

DTV regulations, and may be provided from detail information of a special area for data broadcasting. The mosaic EPG system can be established in both general DTV and iTV including data broadcasting, especially, in case of applying the mosaic EPG system with data broadcasting, the mosaic EPG system may include a function for executing data broadcasting application which is capable of expressing detail advertisement or program information by using banners or reduced images. According to the present invention, by mixing multiple AΛ signals into an AΛ signal and transmitting the mixed AΛ/ signal, a burden of the mosaic EPG system is decreased since it is not need for replaying the multiple AΛ signals. Also, it is possible to replay a mosaic EPG without additional H/W changing for mosaic EPG in a receiver. Although the exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not restricted in the embodiments and may be modified or changed in various forms without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the annexed claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A system for generating and replaying a mosaic electronic program guide (EPG) in a digital television system with multi-channel, the system comprising: a processor for receiving into each channel a plurality of audio/video signals provided from a plurality of program providers, and processing the plurality of audio/video signals; a mosaic EPG generating/editing means for controlling a size of video signals of each channel processed in the processor, setting a reposition of the video signals, converting images of each channel into an only mosaic EPG image on a single screen, and editing the only mosaic

EPG image on the single screen; a means for transmitting the only mosaic EPG image on the single screen and information related to the only mosaic EPG image; and a mosaic EPG client for receiving the only mosaic EPG image on the single screen, selecting a desired channel in the only mosaic EPG image, and replaying a program in the channel.

2. The system of Claim 1 , wherein the mosaic EPG generating/editing means comprises, a mosaic EPG generator for controlling the size of video signals of each channel which are processed in the processor, setting a reposition of the video signals, and converting and reconstructing images of each channel into the only mosaic EPG image on the single screen; and a mosaic EPG editor for editing to provide the mosaic image generated in the mosaic EPG generator and additional information.

3. The system of Claim 2, wherein the mosaic EPG generator and the mosaic EPG editor are separated respectively, or the mosaic EPG generator and the mosaic EPG editor are unified into a unit.

4. The system of Claim 1 , wherein the mosaic EPG generating/editing means inserts additional information into the single screen arranged a plurality of channel programs,

5. The system of Claim 1 or 2, further comprising an encoder for compressing the converted mosaic EPG image into a form of MPEG, and outputting the compressed mosaic EPG image.

6. The system of Claim 5, wherein the encoder is embedded in the mosaic EPG generator or the encoder is formed at an exterior of the mosaic EPG generator.

7. The system of Claim 2, wherein the mosaic EPG generator receives a plurality of single-program transport stream (SPTS), and generates the only mosaic image on the single screen to output an SPTS.

8. The system of Claim 2, wherein the mosaic EPG generator receives a plurality of single-program transport stream (SPTS), multiplexes the plurality of SPTS into a multi-program transport stream (MPTS) using a MUX (Multiplexer), and generates the mosaic image on the single screen according to the multiplexed MPTS to output an SPTS.

9. The system of Claim 7 or 8, wherein the SPTS-outputted mosaic image on the single screen is encoding by an interior encoder or an exterior encoder.

10. The system of Claim 1 , wherein the means for transmitting the mosaic EPG image is a multiplexer for multiplexing to output video signals of the mosaic image on the single screen and audio signals of each channel.

11. The system of Claim 1 , wherein the mosaic EPG client is loaded in a form of hardware onto a receiver or the mosaic EPG client is downloaded in a form of program to be installed into a receiver.

12. The system of Claim 1 , wherein the mosaic EPG client is to

display a plurality of program information of each channel and additional

information.

13. The method of Claim 1 , wherein information related to the

mosaic EPG is mosaic EPG organizing information, cell position

information or additional information.

14. A system for generating and replaying mosaic electronic

program guide (EPG) images of each genre in a digital television system

with multi-channel, the system comprising: a processor for receiving a plurality of audio/video signals

provided from a plurality of program providers, into each channel, and

processing the audio/video signals to provide a multi-program transport

stream (MPTS); a distributing means for grouping the plurality of audio/video

signals which are received into each channel, regarding to each channel

genre, generating a plurality of MPTS of each channel genre, and

controlling a size of video signals of each channel genre provided as the

plurality of MPTS, setting a reposition of the video signals, converting images of each channel genre into an only mosaic EPG image on a single screen, and editing the mosaic EPG image on the single screen; a means for transmitting the edited mosaic EPG image on the single screen and information related to the only mosaic EPG image; and a mosaic EPG client for receiving the transmitted mosaic EPG image on the single screen, selecting a desired genre and channel in the only mosaic EPG image, and replaying a program in the channel.

15. The system of Claim 14, wherein the plurality of audio/video signals received into each channel are multiplexed into an MPTS by each network operator (NO), and then the multiplexed MPTS is provided.

16. The system of Claim 14, wherein the distributing means is a router for re-multiplexing the plurality of audio/video signals into a group of each channel genre and providing the audio/video signal by MPTS to the plurality of generating/editing means of mosaic EPG.

17. The system of Claim 14, further comprising an encoder for compressing a mosaic EPG signal formed by the plurality of generating/editing means of mosaic EPG, into a form of MPEG, and outputting the compressed mosaic EPG signal.

18. A method for generating mosaic EPG in a digital television system with multi-channel, the method comprising: a) receiving a plurality of audio/video signals provided from a plurality of program providers, into a plurality of channel, respectively, and processing the plurality of audio/video signals; b) controlling a size of video signals of the plurality of audio/video signals processed, and setting a reposition of the video signals; c) converting and reconstructing images of each channel into a mosaic EPG image on a single screen; d) editing to provide information related to the mosaic EPG image; and e) transmitting the edited mosaic EPG image on the single screen and information related to the mosaic EPG image.

19. The method of Claim 18, wherein step d) edits to provide mosaic EPG organizing information, cell position information, or additional information.

20. The method of Claim 18, wherein the data of the only mosaic EPG image in step e) are compressed by an interior encoder or an exterior encoder, and then the compressed data are outputted.

21. The method of Claim 18, wherein the data of mosaic EPG image are compressed into a form of MPEG by an encoder, and then the compressed data are outputted.

22. A method for replaying mosaic EPG in a digital television system with multi-channel, the method comprising: a) receiving a mosaic EPG data which are composing one screen; b) displaying the mosaic EPG image on a single screen, on a display-screen; c) selecting a cell of mosaic EPG which is displayed in the display-screen; and d) receiving audio/video signals for channel program

corresponding to the selected cell, and displaying the received audio/video

signals.

23. The method of Claim 22, wherein step c) selects a channel

using a cursor.

24. The method of Claim 22, wherein step c) comprising: setting programs according to the plurality of channels into a

group of each genre, and selecting a desired genre; and selecting a desired channel out of the selected genre.

25. The method of Claim 22, wherein the mosaic EPG data constructing a single screen includes each channel information or banner advertisements information.