阅读说明：本技术 控制器 (Controller ) 是由 郭珍午 朴镕汉 于 2019-06-27 设计创作，主要内容包括：控制器存储关于用户偏好的频道的信息或者关于用户偏好的节目的信息。控制器检测用户的指纹以识别用户,并且控制显示装置或与显示装置通信的机顶盒,使得在显示装置上显示与关于所识别的用户偏好的频道的信息对应的列表或者与关于所识别的用户偏好的节目的信息对应的列表。(The controller stores information on channels preferred by the user or information on programs preferred by the user. The controller detects a fingerprint of a user to identify the user, and controls the display device or a set-top box in communication with the display device such that a list corresponding to information on channels preferred by the identified user or a list corresponding to information on programs preferred by the identified user is displayed on the display device.)

1. A controller, the controller comprising:

a memory unit configured to store a plurality of fingerprint information respectively corresponding to a plurality of users and a plurality of preference information respectively corresponding to the plurality of fingerprint information;

a sensor unit including a fingerprint detection module for detecting a fingerprint of a user;

a control unit configured to determine fingerprint information corresponding to the fingerprint detected by the fingerprint detection module among the plurality of fingerprint information, and select preference information corresponding to the determined fingerprint information among the plurality of preference information; and

a communication unit configured to transmit the selected preference information to the first external device.

2. The controller according to claim 1, wherein when the first external device or a second external device communicating with the first external device displays an image,

the communication unit receives at least one of the following information from the first external apparatus or the second external apparatus: information on a date when the image is displayed, information on a time period when the image is displayed, channel information corresponding to the image, and program information corresponding to the image.

3. The controller of claim 2, wherein the first external device is a display device, wherein the second external device is a set-top box.

4. The controller of claim 2, wherein the control unit updates the selected preference information using the at least one information received by the communication unit.

5. The controller of claim 2, wherein the control unit calculates preference channel information using the selected preference information,

wherein the communication unit transmits the calculated preference channel information to the first external apparatus or the second external apparatus, and

the controller controls the first external device or the second external device to display a preferred channel list image corresponding to the calculated preferred channel information.

6. The controller of claim 2, wherein the control unit calculates preferred program information using the selected preference information,

wherein the communication unit transmits the calculated preferred program information to the first external apparatus or the second external apparatus, and

the controller controls the first external device or the second external device to display a preferred program list image corresponding to the calculated preferred program information.

7. The controller according to claim 2, wherein when the fingerprint detected by the sensor unit corresponds to any one of the plurality of fingerprint information stored in the memory unit,

the communication unit transmits a control signal to the first external apparatus or the second external apparatus to display an image inquiring whether the first external apparatus or the second external apparatus uses a user preference mode.

8. The controller according to claim 2, wherein, when the fingerprint detected by the sensor unit does not correspond to the plurality of fingerprint information stored in the memory unit,

the communication unit transmits a control signal to the first external apparatus or the second external apparatus to display an image inquiring whether the first external apparatus or the second external apparatus performs user registration.

9. The controller according to claim 2, further comprising a power button for turning on or off a power of the first external device or the second external device,

wherein the fingerprint detection module is mounted on the power button.

10. The controller of claim 9, wherein the at least one information received from the first or second external device is stored in the memory unit when first detection information corresponding to a fingerprint detected when the power of the first or second external device is turned on using the power button and second detection information corresponding to a fingerprint detected when the first or second external device is turned off using the power button are the same.

11. The controller according to claim 10, wherein when the first detection information and the second detection information are different,

the at least one information received from the first external device or the second external device is not stored in the memory unit.

12. The controller according to claim 2, further comprising a channel selection button for changing the image displayed by the first external device or the second external device,

wherein the fingerprint detection module is installed on the channel selection button.

13. The controller of claim 1, wherein the sensor unit further comprises at least one of a voice recognition sensor and a motion recognition sensor.

14. A controller, the controller comprising:

a memory unit configured to store a plurality of fingerprint information and a plurality of preference information respectively corresponding to the plurality of fingerprint information;

an input unit including a power button capable of turning on or off a power of the display device or the set-top box;

a sensor unit including a fingerprint detection module having a plurality of sensors for detecting a fingerprint, wherein the plurality of sensors are mounted on the power button;

a control unit configured to determine fingerprint information corresponding to the fingerprint detected by the fingerprint detection module from among the plurality of fingerprint information, and select preference information corresponding to the determined fingerprint information from among the plurality of preference information; and

a communication unit configured to transmit the selected preference information to the display device or the set-top box.

15. The controller according to claim 14, wherein when the display device displays an image,

the communication unit receives at least one of the following information from the display device or the set-top box: information on a date when the image is displayed, information on a time period when the image is displayed, channel information corresponding to the image, and program information corresponding to the image.

16. The controller of claim 15, further comprising a clock unit for determining at least one of the date information, the time information, and the period information.

17. The controller of claim 15, wherein the control unit updates the selected preference information using the at least one information received by the communication unit.

18. The controller of claim 15, wherein the control unit calculates preference channel information using the selected preference information,

wherein the communication unit transmits the calculated preference channel information to the display device or the set-top box, and

the controller controls the display device to display a preferred channel list image corresponding to the calculated preferred channel information.

19. The controller of claim 15, wherein the control unit calculates preferred program information using the selected preference information,

wherein the communication unit transmits the calculated preferred program information to the display device or the set-top box, and

the controller controls the display device to display a preferred program list image corresponding to the calculated preferred program information.

20. The controller according to claim 15, wherein when the fingerprint detected by the sensor unit does not correspond to the plurality of fingerprint information stored in the memory unit,

the communication unit transmits a control signal to the display device or the set-top box to display an image inquiring whether the display device performs user registration.

Technical Field

The present disclosure herein relates to a controller capable of detecting a fingerprint of a user.

Background

With the development of internet technology and digital TV technology, internet protocol television (IP TV) services that provide television services using a high-speed internet network are commercially available. The IP TV service is an interactive TV service implemented by connecting a TV and a content providing server, which are connected to the internet network through a set-top box.

A controller (e.g., a remote controller (or referred to as a remote controller)) for controlling a TV or a set-top box may have a communication unit for controlling the TV or the set-top box.

Since the IP TV generally includes a large number of channels, there is a trouble that a plurality of channels must be checked one by one in order to find a program desired by a user.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem

An object of the inventive concept is to provide a controller that identifies a user by a fingerprint.

Technical scheme

The controller according to an embodiment of the inventive concept may include a memory unit, a sensor unit, a control unit, and a communication unit.

The memory unit may store a plurality of fingerprint information corresponding to each of a plurality of users and a plurality of preference information respectively corresponding to the plurality of fingerprint information. The sensor unit may comprise a fingerprint detection module for detecting a fingerprint of the user. The control unit may determine fingerprint information corresponding to the fingerprint detected by the fingerprint detection module among the plurality of fingerprint information, and select preference information corresponding to the determined fingerprint information among the plurality of preference information. The communication unit may transmit the selected preference information to the first external device.

In an embodiment of the inventive concept, when the first external device or the second external device communicating with the first external device displays an image, the communication unit may receive at least one of information on a date when the image is displayed, information on a time period when the image is displayed, channel information corresponding to the image, and program information corresponding to the image from the first external device or the second external device.

In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the first external device may be a display device, wherein the second external device may be a set-top box.

In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the control unit may update the selected preference information using the at least one information received by the communication unit.

In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the control unit may calculate the preferred channel information using the selected preferred information, wherein the communication unit may transmit the calculated preferred channel information to the first external apparatus or the second external apparatus, and the controller controls the first external apparatus or the second external apparatus to display a preferred channel list image corresponding to the calculated preferred channel information.

In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the control unit may calculate the preferred program information using the selected preference information, wherein the communication unit may transmit the calculated preferred program information to the first external apparatus or the second external apparatus, and the controller controls the first external apparatus or the second external apparatus to display a preferred program list image corresponding to the calculated preferred program information.

In an embodiment of the inventive concept, when the fingerprint detected by the sensor unit corresponds to any one of the plurality of fingerprint information stored in the memory unit, the communication unit may transmit a control signal to the first external device or the second external device to display an image inquiring whether the first external device or the second external device uses the user preference mode.

In an embodiment of the inventive concept, when the fingerprint detected by the sensor unit does not correspond to the plurality of fingerprint information stored in the memory unit, the communication unit may transmit a control signal to the first external apparatus or the second external apparatus to display an image inquiring whether the first external apparatus or the second external apparatus performs user registration.

In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the controller may further include a power button for turning on or off power of the first external device or the second external device, wherein the fingerprint detection module may be mounted on the power button.

In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the at least one information received from the first or second external device may be stored in the memory unit when first detection information corresponding to a fingerprint detected when the power of the first or second external device is turned on using the power button is identical to second detection information corresponding to a fingerprint detected when the first or second external device is turned off using the power button.

In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the at least one information received from the first external apparatus or the second external apparatus may not be stored in the memory unit when the first detection information and the second detection information are different.

In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the controller may further include a channel selection button for changing an image displayed by the first external device or the second external device, wherein the fingerprint detection module may be mounted on the channel selection button.

In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the sensor unit may further include at least one of a voice recognition sensor and a motion recognition sensor.

In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the controller may include a memory unit, an input unit, a sensor unit, and a communication unit.

The memory unit may store a plurality of fingerprint information and a plurality of preference information respectively corresponding to the plurality of fingerprint information. The input unit may include a power button capable of turning on or off power of the display device or the set-top box. The sensor unit may include a fingerprint detection module having a plurality of sensors for detecting fingerprints, wherein the plurality of sensors may be mounted on the power button. The control unit may determine fingerprint information corresponding to the fingerprint detected by the fingerprint detection module from among the plurality of fingerprint information, and select preference information corresponding to the determined fingerprint information from among the plurality of preference information. The communication unit may transmit the selected preference information to the display device or the set-top box.

Advantageous effects

According to the inventive concept, the controller may extract user information by recognizing a fingerprint of a user, and the display device may display an extracted program preferred by the user. Accordingly, the user can save the trouble of finding a program desired by the user, thereby saving time for searching for a program to be viewed.

Drawings

Fig. 1 exemplarily shows a user using a display device, a set-top box, and a controller.

Fig. 2a is a perspective view illustrating a controller according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

Fig. 2b is an exemplary block diagram of the controller shown in fig. 2 a.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a user's finger contacting a controller according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of a fingerprint detection module according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

Fig. 5 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a sensor according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

Fig. 6 is a timing chart showing signals applied to and output from the sensor shown in fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a mode selection operation of an apparatus controlled by a controller according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

Fig. 8 exemplarily shows an image displayed on the display device in the operation of the preference mode use query.

Fig. 9a and 9b exemplarily show images displayed on the display device in the preference mode driving operation.

Fig. 10 exemplarily shows an image displayed on the display device in the user registration inquiry operation.

Fig. 11 exemplarily shows an image displayed on the display device in the user registration operation.

Fig. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a viewing history storing operation according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

Fig. 13 illustrates a controller according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments of the inventive concept will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings, the scale and size of components are exaggerated for effective description of technical contents. "and/or" includes all of one or more combinations defined by the associated components.

In various embodiments of the inventive concept, the term "comprises" and/or "comprising" designates a property, a region, a fixed number, a step, a process, an element and/or a component, but does not exclude other properties, regions, fixed numbers, steps, processes, elements and/or components.

Fig. 1 exemplarily shows that a user uses the display device DD, the set-top box STD and the controller CTU.

The display device DD displays an image IM. In fig. 1, a screen for transmitting weather information is shown as an example of the image IM.

The display device DD may be a liquid crystal display device, an organic light emitting display device, a quantum dot display device, or a plasma display device.

The set-top box STD is a device capable of communicating with the display device DD. The set-top box STD may provide image data received from the outside to the display device DD. The set-top box STD is a home communication terminal for interactive multimedia communication, and may function to connect the display device DD with an external network.

If there is no set-top box STD, the display device DD may display images provided by only some channels. However, when there is a set-top box STD, the display device DD may display images provided by a large number of channels.

The controller CTU may control the display device DD or the set-top box STD. For example, the user may use the controller CTU to turn on or off the display device DD or the set-top box STD. The user can change the channel provided by the display device DD or the set-top box STD by using the controller CTU. The user may use the controller CTU to control the volume of the image provided by the display device DD or the set-top box STD. That is, the controller CTU may be understood as a remote controller or a device including a remote control function.

Fig. 2a is a perspective view illustrating a controller CTU according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. Fig. 2b is an exemplary block diagram of the controller CTU shown in fig. 2 a.

Referring to fig. 2a, the controller CTU may include a plurality of buttons BT1 and BT 2.

The first button BT1 may be a power button for turning on or off the display device DD or the set-top box STD.

The second button BT2 may be a channel button for changing a channel corresponding to an image displayed by the display device DD.

Sensing areas SA1 and SA2 for recognizing a user's fingerprint may be defined on the surface of the controller CTU.

In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the first sensing region SA1 may correspond to a region in which the first button BT1 is disposed, and the second sensing region SA2 may correspond to a region in which the second button BT2 is disposed. In this case, a fingerprint detection module for identifying a fingerprint contacting the first sensing area SA1 may be installed on the first button BT1, and a fingerprint detection module for identifying a fingerprint contacting the second sensing area SA2 may be installed on the second button BT 2.

However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto, and in another embodiment of the inventive concept, only one of the first and second sensing regions SA1 and SA2 may be defined. Further, in another embodiment of the inventive concept, the first sensing region SA1 or the second sensing region SA2 may be defined in a region where the first button BT1 or the second button BT2 is not provided.

Referring to fig. 2b, the controller CTU may include an input unit 100, a sensing unit 200, a memory unit 300, a communication unit 400, a control unit 500, a clock unit 600, and a power supply unit 700.

The input unit 100 is means for receiving an input from a user, and may include buttons BT1 and BT 2. The user may transmit a desired signal to the display device DD or the set-top box STD through the input unit 100.

The sensing unit 200 may detect a fingerprint, voice, or motion of the user. The controller CTU may identify who the user using the controller CTU is based on the signal detected by the sensing unit 200.

In one embodiment of the inventive concept, the sensing unit 200 may include a fingerprint detection module 210, a voice recognition module 220, and a motion recognition module 230.

The fingerprint detection module 210 is a sensor for detecting a fingerprint contacting the first sensing area SA1 or the second sensing area SA 2.

The voice recognition module 220 is a sensor for recognizing human voice using the controller CTU. In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the controller CTU may recognize the user by using the user's voice detected through the voice recognition module 220.

The motion recognition module 230 is a sensor for recognizing the motion of a person using the controller CTU, and may be, for example, a gyro sensor. In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the controller CTU may recognize the user by using the user's motion detected through the motion recognition module 230.

In another embodiment of the inventive concept, the sensing unit 200 may not include the voice recognition module 220 or the motion recognition module 230.

Memory cell 300 may include a volatile memory cell 310 and a non-volatile memory cell 320.

The volatile memory unit 310 may include DRAM, SRAM, or FeRAM. The nonvolatile memory unit 320 may include a NAND flash memory, an SSD, or an HDD.

In an embodiment of the inventive concept, a plurality of fingerprint information and a plurality of preference information may be stored in the memory unit 300.

Fingerprint information corresponds to each user, and can be obtained by converting a fingerprint image of each user into data.

The preference information corresponds to each fingerprint information and may be data of a TV channel or a TV program preferred by each user.

That is, in the memory unit 300, fingerprint information corresponding to each user and preference information corresponding to each user may be stored in the form of a lookup table.

[ Table 1]

Sequence of

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday of week

Saturday

Sunday

1

ch1

ch3

ch1

ch8

ch9

ch2

ch1

2

ch2

ch7

ch2

ch7

ch3

ch3

ch3

3

ch3

ch8

ch3

ch3

ch5

ch5

ch5

4

ch4

ch3

ch4

ch4

ch2

ch1

ch7

Table 1 exemplarily shows a lookup table stored in the memory unit 300.

The communication unit 400 may be a module for communicating with an external device (e.g., a display device or a set-top box).

The communication unit 400 may include a transmitting unit 410 for transmitting information to an external device and a receiving unit 420 for receiving information from the external device.

In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the communication unit 400 may use a frequency of 30kHz to 50 kHz.

The control unit 500 may be a module that controls the input unit 100, the sensing unit 200, the memory unit 300, the communication unit 400, the clock unit 600, and the power supply unit 700.

The control unit 500 may perform an operation of comparing information input through the input unit 100 and information detected by the sensing unit 200 with information stored in the memory unit 300 or transmitting the result of calculation to an external device through the communication unit 400. In addition, the control unit 500 may store information received through the communication unit 400 in the memory unit 300 or perform an operation of comparing with data stored in the memory unit 300. Further, the control unit 500 may update information previously stored in the memory unit 300 by using information received through the communication unit 400.

In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the control unit 500 may be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor unit (MPU), or an Execution Processing Unit (EPU).

The clock unit 600 may be a module for determining the current time or determining the time (or period) during which an external device (a display device or a set-top box) controlled by the controller CTU is driven.

The power supply unit 700 may be a module that supplies power required to drive the input unit 100, the sensing unit 200, the memory unit 300, the communication unit 400, the control unit 500, and the clock unit 600.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating that a finger of a user is in contact with a first button BT1 of the controller CTU according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

The first button BT1 may include a cover CV, an adhesive member ADH, a fingerprint detection module 210, and a base portion BS.

The cover CV may protect the internal components and provide a fingerprint detection surface to the user. In one embodiment of the inventive concept, the cover part CV may include synthetic resin or glass.

The adhesive member ADH may be a pressure sensitive adhesive film (PSA). The fingerprint detection module 210 and the cover CV may be adhered by an adhesive member ADH.

The fingerprint detection module 210 may be disposed on the base portion BS.

The fingerprint detection module 210 may include a plurality of sensors SN (see fig. 4) for detecting whether an external object is touched or a fingerprint. In fig. 3, some fingerprints FP of fingers in contact with the cover portion CV are shown as an example.

The fingerprint FP includes ridges FP-R and valleys FP-V. The ridge FP-R may form a first capacitance C1 with the fingerprint detection module 210 and the valley FP-V may form a second capacitance C2 with the fingerprint detection module 210. At this time, the first capacitor C1 is different from the second capacitor C2. The fingerprint detection module 210 may identify the fingerprint FP by using the difference between the first capacitance C1 and the second capacitance C2.

Although not shown in the drawings, the second button BT2 may also include substantially the same components as the first button BT1 shown in fig. 3.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the fingerprint detection module 210 according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. Fig. 5 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a sensor SN according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. Fig. 6 is a timing chart showing a signal applied to the sensor SN shown in fig. 5 and a signal output from the sensor SN shown in fig. 5.

Referring to fig. 4, the fingerprint detection module 210 includes an input recognition area FPA and a non-input recognition area NFPA on a plane. In an embodiment of the inventive concept, each of the first and second sensing areas SA1 and SA2 may include an input recognition area FPA and a non-input recognition area NFPA.

The fingerprint detection module 210 includes a plurality of scan lines SL, a plurality of read lines RL, a plurality of sensor power lines PL-S, a plurality of reference lines PL-R, and a plurality of sensors SN. An area in which the plurality of sensors SN are disposed may be defined as an input recognition area FPA.

The scanning lines SL are connected to the corresponding sensors SN among the plurality of sensors SN, and the readout lines RL are connected to the corresponding sensors SN among the plurality of sensors SN. The sensor power supply line PL-S is connected to a corresponding sensor SN among the plurality of sensors SN, and the reference line PL-R is connected to a corresponding sensor SN among the plurality of sensors SN.

The spacing distance between adjacent sensors SN among the plurality of sensors SN may be 3 μm or more and 120 μm or less, and preferably, the spacing distance between the sensors SN may be 20 μm or more and 100 μm or less. When the separation distance between the sensors SN is greater than 100 μm, a sufficient resolution required for recognizing a fingerprint may not be obtained. If the separation distance is less than 20 μm, the process may be complicated and the manufacturing cost may increase.

The scan driving circuit SCV to which the scan line SL is connected may be disposed on one side of the non-input recognition area NFPA.

A readout circuit RCV to which the readout line RL is connected may be provided on one side of the non-input identification region NFPA. In another embodiment of the inventive concept, a signal applied from an external integrated circuit may be applied to the sense line RL without the sense circuit RCV.

The scan signals are sequentially supplied to the scan lines SL, and the readout lines RL may receive the signals output from the sensors SN and transmit the received signals to the readout circuit RCV. In another embodiment of the inventive concept, the signal output from the sensor SN may be transmitted to other circuits (not shown) that process the output signal.

In fig. 5, the sensor SN connected to the scanning lines SLn and SLn +1 and the readout line RL is shown as an example. The configuration of the sensor SN is not limited thereto, and may vary.

The sensor SN may include a first transistor TFT1, a reference capacitor Cref, and a second transistor TFT 2.

The first transistor TFT1 includes a first input electrode, a first output electrode, and a first control electrode.

The first input electrode is connected to a sensor power supply line PL-S. The first input electrode may receive a power supply voltage VDD from the sensor power supply line PL-S.

The first output electrode is connected to the read-out line RL. In one embodiment of the inventive concept, the first output electrode may be directly connected to the read line RL to provide the signal received by the first input electrode to the read line RL.

The first control electrode may be connected to the second transistor TFT2 and the reference capacitor Cref.

The first transistor TFT1 may be provided in the form of a single transistor between the sense line RL and the sensor power supply line PL-S. A single transistor type represents a structure in which there is only one transistor between two points.

The reference capacitor Cref comprises a first electrode ED1 and a second electrode ED 2. The first electrode ED1 is connected to the nth scan line SLn among the plurality of scan lines SL. The first electrode ED1 may be formed to branch from the nth scan line SLn. The second electrode ED2 is connected to a first control electrode of the first transistor TFT 1.

The second transistor TFT2 includes a second input electrode, a second output electrode, and a second control electrode.

The second input electrode is connected to reference line PL-R. The second input electrode may receive an initialization voltage Vinit from a reference line PL-R.

The second output electrode is connected to the first control electrode of the first transistor TFT 1. In addition, the second output electrode is connected to the second electrode ED2 of the reference capacitor Cref.

The second control electrode is connected to an n +1 th scan line SLn +1 among the plurality of scan lines. The second control electrode is turned on by a signal applied from the n +1 th scan line SLn +1 to output the initialization voltage Vinit through the second output electrode.

The sensor SN further comprises a third electrode ED 3. The third electrode ED3 is connected to the first control electrode of the first transistor TFT 1. In addition, the third electrode ED3 is connected to the second electrode ED2 of the reference capacitor Cref.

The third electrode ED3 may form a capacitance Cfg with an external object. The foreign object may be a fingerprint FP of a finger (see fig. 3). The capacitance Cfg may be the first capacitance C1 (see fig. 3) or the second capacitance C2 (see fig. 3).

A portion electrically connected to the first control electrode of the first transistor TFT1, the second output electrode of the second transistor TFT2, the second electrode ED2, and the third electrode ED3 may be defined as a node ND. The degree of conduction of the first transistor TFT1 varies according to the voltage level of the node ND.

Referring to fig. 6, scan signals SCSn and SCSn +1 are sequentially applied to the nth scan line SLn and the n +1 th scan line SLn + 1. Each of the scan signals SCSn and SCSn +1 may have a high voltage V-H and a low voltage VL. In embodiments of the inventive concept, the high voltage V-H may be about 4V to about 6V, and the low voltage VL may be about-4V to about-6V. Each of the scan signals SCSn and SCSn +1 may be a signal having a pulse waveform.

The voltage change amount Δ Vg of the scan signal is a value corresponding to the difference between the high voltage V-H and the low voltage VL.

The nth scan signal SCSn is applied to the first electrode ED1 of the reference capacitor Cref through the nth scan line SLn (see fig. 5). In the first segment HH1, a low voltage VL is applied to the first electrode ED 1.

At this time, the voltage of the node ND changes. The voltage change amounts Δ V1, Δ V2, and Δ V3 of the node ND may be classified as a first voltage change amount Δ V1, a second voltage change amount Δ V2, or a third voltage change amount Δ V3 according to whether there is no touch, whether ridges of a fingerprint are contacted, or whether valleys of a fingerprint are contacted.

The first node signal NSG1 represents a change in the voltage value of the node ND when the third electrode ED3 does not form a capacitance with an external object (or fingerprint). The first node signal NSG1 has an initialization voltage Vinit and a first node voltage V_G1. In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the initialization voltage Vinit may be about 4V to about 6V, and the first node voltage V_G1And may be about-2V to about-4V.

The first voltage change amount Δ V1 is a value corresponding to the difference between the initialization voltage Vinit and the first node voltage VG 1.

The second node signal NSG2 represents a change in the voltage value of the node ND when the third electrode ED3 forms a capacitance with the ridge of the fingerprint. The second node signal NSG2 has an initialization voltage Vinit and a second node voltage VG 2. In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the initialization voltage Vinit may be about 4V to about 6V, and the second node voltage VG2 may be about-1V to about 1V.

The second voltage change amount Δ V2 is a value corresponding to the difference between the initialization voltage Vinit and the second node voltage VG 2.

The third node signal NSG3 represents the change in the voltage value of the node ND when the third electrode ED3 forms a capacitance with the valley of the fingerprint. The third node signal NSG3 has an initialization voltage Vinit and a third node voltage VG 3. In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the initialization voltage Vinit may be about 4V to about 6V, and the third node voltage VG3 may be about-1V to about 1V.

The third voltage change amount Δ V3 is a value corresponding to the difference between the initialization voltage Vinit and the third node voltage VG 3.

The first voltage change amount Δ V1 is larger than the second voltage change amount Δ V2. In addition, the second voltage change amount Δ V2 is larger than the third voltage change amount Δ V3. As described above, since the voltage change amounts Δ V1, Δ V2, and Δ V3 of the node ND are different, the voltage of the node ND is different, so that the degree to which the first transistor TFT1 is turned on is different. The sensing signals SSG1, SSG2, and SSG3 output to the sense line RL are different due to the difference in the degree of conduction of the first transistor TFT 1.

When the first node signal NSG1 is applied to the node ND, the first sensing signal SSG1 is output to the sense line RL. The first sensing signal SSG1 has a reference voltage V_nAnd a first sense voltage VS 1. Specifically, in the first segment HH1, the first sensing signal SSG1 has a first sensing voltage VS 1. In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the reference voltage Vn may be 0V, and the first sensing voltage VS1 may be about 3V to about 5V.

When the second node signal NSG2 is applied to the node ND, the second sensing signal SSG2 is output to the sense line RL. The second sensing signal SSG2 has a reference voltage Vn and a second sensing voltage VS 2. Specifically, in the first segment HH1, the second sensing signal SSG2 has a second sensing voltage VS 2. In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the reference voltage Vn may be 0V, and the second sensing voltage VS2 may be about 2V to about 3V.

When the third node signal NSG3 is applied to the node ND, the third sensing signal SSG3 is output to the sense line RL. The third sensing signal SSG3 has a reference voltage Vn and a third sensing voltage VS 3. Specifically, in the first segment HH1, the third sensing signal SSG3 has the third sensing voltage VS 3. In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the reference voltage Vn may be 0V, and the third sensing voltage VS3 may be about 2V to about 3V.

The first sensing voltage VS1 is greater than the second and third sensing voltages VS2 and VS 3. That is, the voltage VS1 output to the sense line RL when the fingerprint is not in contact is greater than the voltages VS2 and VS3 output to the sense line RL when the fingerprint is in contact.

The second sensing voltage VS2 is greater than the third sensing voltage VS 3. That is, the voltage VS2 output to the sense line RL when the fingerprint valley touches is greater than the voltage VS3 output to the sense line RL when the fingerprint ridge touches.

In this way, by measuring the voltage values that the sensing signals SSG1, SSG2, SSG3 output to the read-out line RL have in the first segment HH1, the fingerprint of the finger can be identified.

In the second segment HH2 occurring after the first segment HH1, the second transistor TFT2 is turned on by the n +1 th scan signal SCSn +1 applied to the second control electrode of the second transistor TFT 2. When the second transistor TFT2 is turned on, the initialization voltage Vinit applied to the second input electrode is supplied to the node ND through the second output electrode.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a mode selection operation S10 of an apparatus controlled by the controller CTU according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. Fig. 8 exemplarily shows an image displayed on the display device DD in the preference mode use query operation S110. Fig. 9a and 9b exemplarily show an image displayed on the display device DD in the preference mode driving operation S120. Fig. 10 exemplarily shows an image displayed on the display device DD in the user registration query operation S130. Fig. 11 exemplarily shows an image displayed on the display device DD in the user registration operation S140.

In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the display device DD or the set-top box STD may be driven in the preference mode or the normal mode through the mode selection operation S10.

When the display device DD or the set-top box STD is driven in the preference mode, the display device DD may display a channel list or a program list preferred by a user using the controller CTU. When the display device DD or the set-top box STD is driven in the normal mode, an image provided by a broadcasting company or a satellite broadcasting service provider may be displayed on the display device DD.

The mode selection operation S10 may include a user determination operation S100, a preference mode use inquiry operation S110, a preference mode driving operation S120, a user registration inquiry operation S130, a user registration operation S140, and a normal mode driving operation S150.

Referring to fig. 2b, 3 and 7, in the user determination operation S100, the controller CTU may compare the fingerprint FP of the user detected by the fingerprint detection module 210 with fingerprint information stored in the memory unit 300 and determine whether the detected fingerprint corresponds to fingerprint information previously stored in the memory unit 300.

If the detected fingerprint is a fingerprint previously stored in the memory unit 300, the controller CTU may determine that the current user is a previously registered user and transmit a control signal to the display device DD or the set-top box STD so that the preference mode use inquiry operation S110 is performed on the display device DD.

Referring to fig. 8, in the preference mode use inquiring operation S110, an image including a message inquiring whether to use the preference mode may be displayed on the display device DD. The user can provide a signal corresponding to whether to drive the preference mode to the display device DD or the set-top box STD by using the controller CTU.

In an embodiment of the inventive concept, when the user selects a preference mode in the preference mode using query operation S110, a preference channel list may be displayed on the display device DD as shown in fig. 9a in the preference mode driving operation S120. In fig. 9a, the preferred channel list is arranged using a broadcaster name or a broadcaster identification, but the preferred channel list is not limited thereto, and in another embodiment, the preferred channel list may be arranged using a channel number.

The controller CTU may receive at least one of information corresponding to the total time that the registered user has viewed the channel, information corresponding to the number of viewing times, information corresponding to the viewing time zone, information corresponding to the viewing date, and previously input personal information of the user from the display device DD or the set-top box STD. The controller CTU may store the received information as preference information in the memory unit 300. The controller CTU may calculate a preferred channel list using the stored preference information.

In an embodiment of the inventive concept, when the user selects a preference mode in the preference mode using query operation S110, a preference program list may be displayed on the display device DD as shown in fig. 9b in the preference mode driving operation S120. In fig. 9b, the preferred channel list is shown as programs 1 through 8 and arranged, but is not limited thereto, and in another embodiment, the preferred program list may be sorted using actual program identifications.

The controller CTU may receive at least one of information corresponding to a total time when the registered user has viewed the program, information corresponding to the number of viewing times, information corresponding to the viewing time zone, information corresponding to the viewing date, and previously input personal information of the user from the display device DD or the set-top box STD. The controller CTU may store the received information as preference information in the memory unit 300. The controller CTU may use the stored preference information to calculate a preferred program list.

When the user does not select the preference mode in the preference mode using inquiry operation S110, the normal mode driving operation S150 may be performed.

If the fingerprint detected in the user determination operation S100 is not a fingerprint previously stored in the memory unit 300, the controller CTU may determine that the current user is not a previously registered user and transmit a control signal to the display device DD or the set-top box STD so that the user registration inquiry operation S130 is performed.

Referring to fig. 10, in the user registration inquiring operation S130, an image including a message inquiring whether to perform user registration may be displayed on the display device DD. The user may provide a signal for selecting whether to drive the user registration operation S140 to the display device DD or the set-top box STD using the controller CTU.

In one embodiment of the inventive concept, when the user selects user registration in the user registration inquiry operation S130, an image including a user information input window may be displayed on the display device DD as shown in fig. 11 in the user registration operation S140.

In the user registration operation S140, the user may input information in at least one of gender, age, and field of interest using the controller CTU. The inputted information may be stored in the memory unit 300 of the controller CTU.

The controller CTU may calculate a preferred channel list or a preferred program list using the information input in the user registration operation S140.

When the user does not select the user registration in the user registration inquiry operation S130, the normal mode driving operation S150 may be performed.

Fig. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the viewing history storing operation S20 according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

The viewing history storing operation S20 may include a display device turning-on operation S200, a preference mode operation S210, a display device turning-off operation S220, the same user determining operation S230, and a memory storing operation S240.

In a display device turn-on operation S200, the user turns on the display device DD using the controller CTU. In this case, the controller CTU may detect a fingerprint of the user and generate first detection information corresponding to the detected fingerprint.

When the preference mode is driven in the preference mode operation S210, the controller CTU may receive information for forming preference information from the display device DD or the set-top box STD.

In a display device turn-off operation S220, the user turns off the display device DD using the controller CTU. In this case, the controller CTU may detect the fingerprint of the user and generate second detection information corresponding to the detected fingerprint.

When the display device DD is turned off, the controller CTU compares the first detection information with the second detection information to determine whether the user at the time of turning on and the user at the time of turning off are the same.

If the user at the time of turning on and the user at the time of turning off are the same, the controller CTU may store the information received from the display device DD or the set-top box STD in the memory unit 300 and update the previously stored preference information using the stored information in the memory storing operation S240.

If the user at the time of turning on and the user at the time of turning off are not the same, the controller CTU may determine that the information received from the display device DD or the set-top box STD is not suitable for updating the previously stored preference information and may not store the received information in the memory unit 300.

Fig. 13 illustrates a controller CTU-1 according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

The controller CTU-1 shown in fig. 13 has a control image IM-C displayed on the display area DA, and the user can control the display device DD or the set-top box STD by touching the control image IM-C.

The controller CTU-1 may include a display panel (not shown) and a fingerprint detection module 210 (see fig. 3).

Fig. 13 shows a smartphone as an example of the controller CTU-1, but is not limited thereto, and the controller CTU-1 may be a tablet PC, a watch-type display device, or other wearable display device.

Although described with reference to embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and changes can be made to the inventive concept within the scope and spirit of the inventive concept described in the following claims. In addition, the embodiments disclosed in the inventive concept are not intended to limit the technical concept of the inventive concept, and all technical concepts within the scope of the following claims and equivalents should be construed as being included in the scope of the inventive concept.

Industrial applicability

Techniques for controlling devices using fingerprints provide convenient operation for users. In addition, it is possible to provide convenience to TV users by providing customized contents corresponding to each user. Therefore, the invention of providing content information to a user using a fingerprint has high industrial applicability.