A METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR UTILIZING AN ELECTRONIC DISPLAY DEVICE AS A MULTI-MODE DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electronic display devices, and more specifically to the field of utilizing an electronic display device as a multi-mode device.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Currently, electronic devices are widely used for watching content. Examples of the electronic devices include, but are not limited to, television, mobile devices, and computers. A host of features are now being used on such electronic devices other than conventional features. In one example a digital television does not only play a video stream provided by a broadcaster but also provides different features, for example web browsing, and playing multimedia from universal serial bus (USB). However, to access any of these features a user has to go through a complete boot sequence of the digital television. For example, to open a web browser for checking mails the user is required to power on the digital television, initialize each module in the digital television, then enter into a main menu or a specific menu before opening the web browser. Moreover, a web browser application is independent of a tuner module or a video decoder module. Boot time of the digital television is hence increased, power consumption increases, and performance of the digital television decreases.

[0003] In the light of the foregoing discussion there is a need for an efficient method and system for utilizing an electronic display device as a multi-mode device.

SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of the present disclosure described herein provide a method and system for utilizing an electronic display device as a multi-mode device.

[0005] An example of a method of utilizing an electronic display device as a multi-mode device includes receiving a user selection input from a user of the electronic display device. The user selection input is associated with a feature of the electronic display device. The method also includes enabling power of the electronic display device. The method further includes initializing one or more modules in the electronic display device that are associated with the feature. Further, the method includes allowing the user to utilize the feature on the electronic display device.

[0006] An example of a system for utilizing an electronic display device as a multi-mode device includes an electronic display device and an input device. The system also includes a communication interface in electronic communication with the input device. The server includes a memory that stores instructions. Further, the server includes a processor responsive to the instructions to receive a user selection input from a user of the electronic display device, the user selection input being associated with a feature of the electronic display device, to enable power of the electronic display device, to initialize one or more modules in the electronic display device that are associated with the feature, and to allow the user to utilize the feature on the electronic display device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0007] The accompanying figure, similar reference numerals may refer to identical or functionally similar elements. These reference numerals are used in the detailed description to illustrate various embodiments and to explain various aspects and advantages of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an environment, in accordance with which various embodiments can be implemented;

[0009] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electronic display device, in accordance with one embodiment;

[0010] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of utilizing an electronic display device as a multi-mode device, in accordance with one embodiment;

[0011] FIG. 4 is an exemplary representation of a display panel of a digital television including feature button options, in accordance with one embodiment;

[0012] FIG. 5 is an exemplary representation of a remote controller including feature button options, in accordance with one embodiment;

[0013] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating utilization of a browser feature, in accordance with one embodiment;

[0014] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating utilization of an audio feature, in accordance with one embodiment;

[0015] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating utilization of a digital television as a display device, in accordance with one embodiment;

[0016] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating utilization of a broadcast feature, in accordance with one embodiment;

[0017] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating utilization of a digital television as a modem, in accordance with one embodiment;

[0018] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating utilization of a digital television in normal mode, in accordance with one embodiment;

[0019] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating utilization of multiple modes, in accordance with one embodiment;

[0020] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating utilization of a video recording feature, in accordance with one embodiment; and

[0021] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating utilization of a speaker feature, in accordance with one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] It should be observed the method steps and system components have been represented by conventional symbols in the figure, showing only specific details which are relevant for an understanding of the present disclosure. Further, details may be readily apparent to person ordinarily skilled in the art may not have been disclosed. In the present disclosure, relational terms such as first and second, and the like, may be used to distinguish one entity from another entity, without necessarily implying any actual relationship or order between such entities.

[0023] Embodiments of the present disclosure described herein provide a method and system for utilizing an electronic display device as a multi-mode device.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an environment 100, in accordance with which various embodiments can be implemented. The environment 100 includes an electronic display device, for example an electronic display device 105, a network 110, and an input device 115. The electronic display device 105, hereinafter referred to as display device, is connected to the input device 115 through the network 110. Examples of the display device include, but are not limited to, a digital television, a mobile device, a laptop, a tablet device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smart phone, and a home theater system. Examples of the network 110 include, but are not limited to, a local area network, a wide area network and a wireless network. Examples of the input device 115 include, but are not limited to, a remote controller, panel buttons, and a keypad.

[0025] The display device 105 can be controlled by a user via the input device 115.

[0026] In some embodiments, the input device 115 can be included in the display device 105.

[0027] The user selects a feature button option on the input device 115 as desired. The display device 105 receives a user selection input that is associated with the feature of the display device 105. Power of the display device 105 is then enabled. One or more modules in the display device 105 that are associated with the feature are subsequently initialized. The user is further allowed to utilize the feature on the display device 105.

[0028] The display device 105 including a plurality of elements is explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 2.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electronic display device, for example the display device 105, in accordance with one embodiment. In some embodiments, the display device 105 can be extended to include a plurality of modules. Examples of the modules include, but are not limited to, an audio decoder, a video decoder, a tuner module, a network controller/Wi-Fi module, a graphics processing unit, a universal serial bus (USB) interface module, a Bluetooth module, a camera module, and a high-definition multimedia module (HDMI).

[0030] The display device 105 includes a bus 205 or other communication mechanism for communicating information, and a processor 210 coupled with the bus 205 for processing information. The display device 105 also includes a memory 215, for example a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device, coupled to the bus 205 for storing information and instructions to be executed by the processor 210. The memory 215 can be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions by the processor 210. The display device 105 further includes a read only memory (ROM) 220 or other static storage device coupled to the bus 205 for storing static information and instructions for the processor 210. A storage unit 225, for example a magnetic disk or optical disk, is provided and coupled to the bus 205 for storing information.

[0031] The display device 105 can be coupled via the bus 205 to a display 230, for example a cathode ray tube (CRT), a light emitting diode (LED) display, or a liquid crystal display (LCD), for displaying a plurality of features. The input device 235, including alphanumeric and other keys, is coupled to the bus 205 for communicating information and command selections to the processor 210. Another type of user input device is the cursor control 240, for example a mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys for communicating direction information and command selections to the processor 210 and for controlling cursor movement on the display 230. In some embodiments, the input device 115 is similar to the input device 235.
[0032] Various embodiments are related to the use of the display device 105 for implementing the techniques described herein. In some embodiments, the techniques are performed by the display device 105 in response to the processor 210 executing instructions included in the memory 215. Such instructions can be read into the memory 215 from another machine-readable medium, for example the storage unit 225. Execution of the instructions included in the memory 215 causes the processor 210 to perform the process steps described herein.

[0033] In some embodiments, the processor 210 can include one or more processing units for performing one or more functions of the processor 210. The processing units are hardware circuitry used in place of or in combination with software instructions to perform specified functions.

[0034] The term "machine-readable medium" as used herein refers to any medium that participates in providing data that causes a machine to perform a specific function. In an embodiment implemented using the display device 105, various machine-readable media are involved, for example, in providing instructions to the processor 210 for execution. The machine-readable medium can be a storage medium, either volatile or non-volatile. A volatile medium includes, for example, dynamic memory, such as the memory 215. A non-volatile medium includes, for example, optical or magnetic disks, for example the storage unit 225. All such media must be tangible to enable the instructions carried by the media to be detected by a physical mechanism that reads the instructions into a machine.

[0035] Common forms of machine-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, or any other magnetic media, a CD-ROM, any other optical media, punchcards, papertape, any other physical media with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge.

[0036] In another embodiment, the machine-readable media can be transmission media including coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that include the bus 205. Transmission media can also take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio-wave and infra-red data communications. Examples of machine-readable media may include, but are not limited to, a carrier wave as described hereinafter or any other media from which the display device 105 can read. For example, the instructions can initially be carried on a magnetic disk of a remote computer. The remote computer can load the instructions into its dynamic memory and send the instructions over a telephone line using a modem. A modem local to the display device 105 can receive the data on the telephone line and use an infra-red transmitter to convert the data to an infra-red signal. An infra-red detector can receive the data carried in the infra-red signal and appropriate circuitry can place the data on the bus 205. The bus 205 carries the data to the memory 215, from which the processor 210 retrieves and executes the instructions. The instructions received by the memory 215 can optionally be stored on the storage unit 225 either before or after execution by the processor 210. All such media must be tangible to enable the instructions carried by the media to be detected by a physical mechanism that reads the instructions into a machine.

[0037] The display device 105 also includes a communication interface 245 coupled to the bus 205. The communication interface 245 provides a two-way data communication coupling between the display device 105 and the input device 115, through the network 110. For example, the communication interface 245 can be an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card or a modem to provide a data communication connection to a corresponding type of telephone line. As another example, the communication interface 245 can be a local area network (LAN) card to provide a data communication connection to a compatible LAN. In any such implementation, the communication interface 245 sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams representing various types of information.

[0038] The processor 210 in the display device 105 is operable to be receive a user selection input from a user of the display device 105. The user selection input is associated with a feature of the display device 105. The processor 210 enables power of the display device 105. The processor 210 then initializes one or more modules in the display device 105 that are associated with the feature. The processor 210 further allows the user to utilize the feature on the display device 105.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of utilizing an electronic display device as a multi-mode device, in accordance with one embodiment. The method starts at step 305.

[0040] At step 310, a user selection input is received from a user of the electronic display device, for example the electronic display device 105. The user selection input is associated with a feature of the electronic display device. The electronic display device includes a plurality of features. Examples of the features include, but are not limited to, device browser feature, an audio feature, a video recording feature, and a speaker feature.

[0041] In some embodiments, the user provides the user selection input using an input device, for example the input device 115, of the electronic display device. The input device can either be a separate device or can be included in the electronic display device.

[0042] The input device includes one or more feature button options. Examples of the feature button options include, but are not limited to, an audio feature button and a video feature button. The user selects a feature button option associated with the feature, which is further sent to the electronic display device as the user selection input.

[0043] At step 315, power of the electronic display device is enabled.

[0044] At step 320, one or more modules in the electronic display device that are associated with the feature are initialized.

[0045] The electronic display device includes a plurality of modules. Examples of the modules include, but are not limited to, an audio decoder, a video decoder, a tuner module, a network controller/Wi-Fi module, a graphics processing unit, a universal serial bus (USB) interface module, a Bluetooth module, a camera module, and a high-definition multimedia module (HDMI).

[0046] At step 325, the user is allowed to utilize the feature on the electronic display device.

[0047] The method stops at step 330.

[0048] FIG. 4 is an exemplary representation of a display panel 405 of a digital television 400 including feature button options, in accordance with one embodiment. In this example, the electronic display device is the digital television 400 that includes the display panel 405. The digital television 400 can also include the feature button options, for example an audio feature button 410, a tuner feature button 415, a Bluetooth feature button 420, a camera feature button 425, a HDMI feature button 430, a USB feature button 435, a video feature button 440, and a network feature button 445. Other modules 450 can also be included.

[0049] FIG. 5 is an exemplary representation of a remote controller 500 including feature button options, in accordance with one embodiment. The remote controller 500 is the input device associated with the digital television 400. The feature button options on the remote controller 500 are similar in function to the feature button options on the digital television 400. The remote controller 500 includes the feature button options, for example a normal feature button 505, an audio feature button 510, a tuner feature button 515, a Bluetooth feature button 520, a camera feature button 525, a HDMI feature button 530, a video feature button 535, a network feature button 540. Other modules 545 can also be included.

[0050] In some embodiments, panel buttons, a keypad, or other input devices can be used in place of the remote controller 500 mentioned in FIG. 6 to FIG. 14.

[0051] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating utilization of a browser feature, in accordance with one embodiment.

[0052] At step 605, a user desires to use the browser feature on the digital television (DTV), for example the DTV 400.

[0053] At step 610, the user presses a browser feature button on a remote controller 500 of the DTV.

[0054] At step 615, the DTV is powered.

[0055] At step 620, the DTV will initialize only a network module and a graphics module which are required for browsing functionality.

[0056] At step 625, the user can browse using the DTV.

[0057] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating utilization of an audio feature, in accordance with one embodiment.

[0058] At step 705, a user desires to use the audio feature on the digital television (DTV), for example the DTV 400.

[0059] At step 710, the user presses the audio feature button on the remote controller 500 of the DTV.

[0060] At step 715, the DTV is powered.

[0061] At step 720, the DTV wiU initialize only an audio module and a file system module which are required to play audio songs from the USB. Other modules, for example tuner module and the network module, will remain un-initialized.

[0062] At step 725, the user can use the audio feature.

[0063] In some embodiments, the audio feature can be extended to include a frequency modulation (FM) feature. The DTV initializes only the audio module, the file system module and an FM tuner module for the FM feature.

[0064] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating utilization of a digital television as a display device, in accordance with one embodiment.

[0065] At step 805, a user desires to use the digital television (DTV), for example the DTV 400, as a display device.

[0066] At step 810, the user presses a display feature button on a remote controller 500 of the DTV.

[0067] At step 815, the DTV is powered.

[0068] At step 820, the DTV will initialize only a display module and a HDMI module or another source module which are required for display functionality.

[0069] At step 825, the user can use the display feature of the DTV.

[0070] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating utilization of a broadcast feature, in accordance with one embodiment;

[0071] At step 905, a user desires to use a broadcast feature on the digital television (DTV), for example the DTV 400.

[0072] At step 910, the user presses a broadcast feature button on a remote controller 500 of the DTV.

[0073] At step 915, the DTV is powered.

[0074] At step 920, the DTV will initialize only a tuner module, a video module, and an audio module which are related to display of broadcast signals.

[0075] At step 925, the user can use the broadcast feature in the DTV.

[0076] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating utilization of a digital television as a modem, in accordance with one embodiment;

[0077] At step 1005, a user desires to use the digital television (DTV), for example the DTV 400, as a modem device.

[0078] At step 1010, the user presses a modem feature button on a remote controller 500 of the DTV.

[0079] At step 1015, the DTV is powered.

[0080] At step 1020, the DTV will initialize only network related modules which are required for modem functionality.

[0081] At step 1025, the user uses the DTV as the modem device.

[0082] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating utilization of a digital television in normal mode, in accordance with one embodiment;

[0083] At step 1105, a user desires to the digital television (DTV), for example the DTV 400, in normal mode.

[0084] At step 1110, the user presses a normal feature button on a remote controller 500 of the DTV.

[0085] At step 1115, the DTV is powered.

[0086] At step 1120, the DTV will initialize each module that is configured by manufacturer for runtime boot in-the normal mode.

[0087] At step 1125, the user can use the DTV normally.

[0088] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating utilization of multiple modes, in accordance with one embodiment;

[0089] At step 1205, a user desires to use the multiple modes on the digital television (DTV), for example the DTV 400.

[0090] At step 1210, the user presses multiple feature buttons on a remote controller 500 of the DTV. In one example, a browser mode button and an audio feature button can be pressed. In some embodiments, a multiple-mode feature is included in the DTV. The user hence presses a multiple-mode feature button for different modes of the DTV.

[0091] At step 1215, the DTV is powered.

[0092] At step 1220, the user can press the normal feature button or another feature button to access another mode of the DTV.

[0093] At step 1225, the user uses the multiple modes of the DTV.

[0094] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating.utilization of a video recording feature, in accordance with one embodiment; and

[0095] At step 1305, a user desires to use the video recording feature on the digital television (DTV), for example the DTV 400.

[0096] At step 1310, the user presses a video recording feature button on a remote controller 500 of the DTV.

[0097] At step 1315, the DTV is powered.

[0098] At step 1320, the DTV will initialize only a camera module and a video recording module which are required for video recording functionality.

[0099] At step 1325, the user can use the video recording feature in the DTV.

[00100] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating utilization of a speaker feature, in accordance with one embodiment.

[00101] At step 1405, a user desires to use the speaker feature on the digital television (DTV), for example the DTV 400.

[00102] At step 1410, the user presses a speaker feature button on a remote controller 500 of the DTV.

[00103] At step 1415, the DTV is powered.

[00104] At step 1420, the DTV will initialize only a speaker module that is required for speaker functionality.

[00105] At step 1425, the user can use speaker mode of the DTV.

[00106] Advantageously, the embodiments specified in the present disclosure enable utilization of an electronic display device as a multi-mode device. A user can hence promptly access a desired application without booting up the DTV completely and without going through complete menu hierarchy. As only specific modules are initialized at once, central processing unit (CPU) usage is also minimized. Performance of the DTV is also improved due to less CPU load and less number of applications running in background. The present disclosure also enables an eco-friendly environment as the modules consume less power.

[00107] In the preceding specification, the present disclosure and its advantages have been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, it will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications and changes can be made, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, as set forth in the claims below.

Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded as illustrative examples of the present disclosure, rather than in restrictive sense. All such possible modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present disclosure.

I/We claim:

1. A method of utilizing an electronic display device as a multi-mode device, the method comprising:

receiving a user selection input from a user of the electronic display device, wherein the user selection input is associated with a feature of the electronic display device;

enabling power of the electronic display device;

initializing one or more modules in the electronic display device that are associated with the feature; and

allowing the user to utilize the feature on the electronic display device.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user provides the user selection input using an input device of the electronic display device.

3. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the input device comprises one or more feature button options.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic display device comprises a plurality of features.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic display device comprises a plurality of modules.

6. A system for utilizing an electronic display device as a multi-mode device, the system comprising:

an electronic display device;

an input device;

a communication interface in electronic communication with the input device;

a memory that stores instructions; and

a processor responsive to the instructions to receive a user selection input from a user of the electronic display device, wherein the user selection input is associated with a feature of the electronic display device;

enable power of the electronic display device;

initialize one or more modules in the electronic display device that are associated with the feature; and

allow the user to utilize the feature on the electronic display device.
7. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the input device enables the user to provide the user selection input.

8. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the input device comprises one or more feature button options.

9. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the electronic display device comprises a plurality of features.

10. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the electronic display device comprises a plurality of modules.