A control apparatus and a method thereof

Abstract

A method of operation of a control device is disclosed. The method of operation of the control device includes detecting that the power of an electronic device controlled by the control device is off, and corresponding to detecting that the power of the electronic device is off, operating in a first mode. Operating in the first mode may include that among a plurality of keys included in the control device, only the first key operates in an interrupt manner, and among the plurality of keys, the remaining second keys excluding the first key do not operate.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The various disclosed embodiments relate to a control device and a method of operation thereof, and more specifically, to a control device and a method of operation thereof that prevent unnecessary power consumption by not performing an operation based on a key input depending on the state of an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] A user can control the operation of electronic devices, such as video display devices, audio, or DVDs, using a control device such as a remote control. When a user selects one of the multiple keys included in the remote control, the remote control can generate a signal corresponding to the selected key input and transmit it to the electronic device. The electronic device can perform an operation corresponding to the key input based on the signal received from the remote control.

[0003] However, there may be cases where the electronic device cannot perform the action corresponding to the key input on the remote control. Even in such cases, however, if the corresponding key is entered, the remote control unnecessarily consumes power by transmitting a signal corresponding to the entered key to the electronic device. The problem to be solved

[0004] Various embodiments are intended to provide a control device that operates in different modes depending on whether the power of an electronic device is on or off, and a method of operation thereof.

[0005] Various embodiments are intended to provide a control device and a method of operation thereof, wherein when the power of an electronic device is off, only a predetermined key operates in an interrupt manner and the remaining keys do not operate.

[0006] Various embodiments are intended to provide a control device and a method of operation thereof that perform or do not perform an operation based on key input according to key information received from an electronic device when the power of the electronic device is turned on. means of solving the problem

[0007] A control device according to an embodiment includes a key input unit including a plurality of keys, a communication unit communicating with an electronic device, a memory storing one or more instructions, and a processor executing one or more instructions stored in the memory. By executing the one or more instructions, the processor detects whether the power of the electronic device is on or off, and in response to detecting that the power of the electronic device is off, controls the control device to operate in a first mode. The operation in the first mode may include only a predetermined first key among the plurality of keys operating in an interrupt manner, and the remaining second keys among the plurality of keys, excluding the first key, not operating.

[0008] In an embodiment, operating in the first mode may include the processor executing one or more instructions to control the recognition of a key input for the first key, thereby transmitting a control signal corresponding to the first key to the electronic device upon receiving a key input for the first key, and controlling the recognition of a key input for the second key so that a control signal corresponding to the second key is not generated upon receiving a key input for the second key.

[0009] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of keys is connected to a line of an input pin and an output pin, and operating in the first mode may include the output pin connected to the first key outputting an output signal and, in response to receiving a key input for the first key, the input pin connected to the first key detecting the output signal in an interrupt manner, and the processor executing one or more instructions to wake up in response to the input pin connected to the first key detecting the output signal in the interrupt manner and transmitting a control signal corresponding to the first key to the electronic device through the communication unit, and operating in a sleep mode while the input pin connected to the first key does not detect the output signal in the interrupt manner.

[0010] In an embodiment, the processor can operate in sleep mode again while receiving the long-press input after transmitting a control signal corresponding to the first key once to the electronic device when the first key receives a long-press input by executing one or more instructions.

[0011] In an embodiment, the processor can detect that the power of the electronic device is off based on at least one of detecting that the interval of a signal received from the electronic device through the communication unit is longer than a predetermined reference value, and receiving a signal indicating power off from the electronic device by executing one or more instructions.

[0012] In an embodiment, the first key may include a power key.

[0013] In an embodiment, the processor controls the control device to operate in a second mode in response to detecting that the power of the electronic device is on by executing one or more instructions, and the operation in the second mode may include operating in a matrix manner that recognizes the key input when receiving key input for the plurality of keys.

[0014] In an embodiment, the processor can detect that the power of the electronic device is on based on at least one of detecting that the interval of a signal received from the electronic device through the communication unit is equal to or shorter than a predetermined reference value, and receiving a signal indicating power on from the electronic device by executing one or more instructions.

[0015] In an embodiment, operating in the second mode includes the communication unit receiving key information from the electronic device, and the processor executing one or more instructions such that if it identifies, based on the key information, that the key receiving the input is a non-operating key, it does not perform an operation according to the key input, and if it identifies, based on the key information, that the key receiving the input is an operating key, it transmits a control signal corresponding to the key receiving the input to the electronic device through the communication unit, and the key information may be information indicating a key among the plurality of keys for which the electronic device cannot perform an operation according to the key input in response to a key input from a user.

[0016] In an embodiment, if it is identified that the input key is a non-operating key, not performing an operation according to the key input may include at least one of not generating a control signal corresponding to the input key and not transmitting the control signal corresponding to the input key to the electronic device through the communication unit.

[0017] In an embodiment, the key information may be determined based on at least one of the setting state of the electronic device and the output screen state currently output by the electronic device.

[0018] In an embodiment, the processor, by executing one or more instructions, transmits a control signal corresponding to the predetermined key to the electronic device through the communication unit when a predetermined key among the plurality of keys receives a long-pressed input, in accordance with the identification that the predetermined key is the operating key; and when key information indicating that the predetermined key is a non-operating key is received from the electronic device while receiving the long-pressed input, the processor may not perform an operation according to the predetermined key input even while receiving the long-pressed input.

[0019] An electronic device according to an embodiment includes a communication unit that communicates with a control device, a memory that stores one or more instructions, and a processor that executes one or more instructions stored in the memory. By executing one or more instructions, the processor can determine, based on at least one of the setting state of the electronic device and the output screen state currently output by the electronic device when the electronic device is turned on, a key among a plurality of keys included in the control device that cannot perform an operation upon receiving a control signal corresponding to a key input, and transmit key information indicating the determined key to the control device through the communication unit.

[0020] A method for operating a control device according to an embodiment includes the step of detecting whether the power of an electronic device controlled by the control device is on or off, and the step of operating in a first mode corresponding to detecting that the power of the electronic device is off, wherein the step of operating in the first mode may include the step of operating only a predetermined first key among a plurality of keys included in the control device in an interrupt manner, and the remaining second keys among the plurality of keys excluding the first key do not operate.

[0021] A method of operating an electronic device according to an embodiment may include, when the electronic device is turned on, determining a key among a plurality of keys included in the control device that cannot perform an operation upon receiving a control signal corresponding to a key input, based on at least one of a context currently output by the electronic device and a setting state of the electronic device, and transmitting key information indicating the determined key to the control device.

[0022] A computer-readable recording medium according to an embodiment may be a computer-readable recording medium having a program for implementing a method of operating a control device, wherein the program includes the step of detecting whether the power of an electronic device controlled by a control device is on or off, and the step of operating in the first mode corresponding to detecting that the power of the electronic device is off, wherein the step of operating in the first mode includes the step of operating only a predetermined first key among a plurality of keys included in the control device in an interrupt manner, and the remaining second keys among the plurality of keys excluding the first key do not operate. Effects of the invention

[0023] A control device and a method of operation according to one embodiment can operate in different modes depending on whether the power of the electronic device is on or off.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the control device and the method of operation thereof may, when the power of the electronic device is off, operate only a predetermined key in an interrupt manner and the remaining keys may not operate.

[0025] A control device and its operation method according to one embodiment may perform or not perform an operation based on key input based on key information received from the electronic device when the power of the electronic device is turned on. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0026] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a control device when the power of an electronic device is off, according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating how an electronic device and a control device transmit and receive signals through a network according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is an internal block diagram of a control device according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is an internal block diagram of a control device according to an embodiment. FIG. 5a is a diagram illustrating that, according to an embodiment, an electronic device generates key information based on the setting state of the electronic device. FIG. 5b is a diagram illustrating the generation of key information based on the output screen status currently output by an electronic device according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is an internal block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is an internal block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating how a control device operates in a first mode according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating how a control device operates in a second mode according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation when a long press input is received for a predetermined key while the control device is operating in a second mode, according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the operation method of a control device according to an embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating that the control device operates in a first mode according to an embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating how an electronic device generates key information according to an embodiment. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0027] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described below in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0028] The terms used in this disclosure are described in their current, general form considering the functions mentioned herein; however, they may refer to various other terms depending on the intent of those skilled in the art, case law, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Accordingly, the terms used in this disclosure should not be interpreted solely by their names, but should be interpreted based on the meaning of the terms and the overall content of this disclosure.

[0029] Furthermore, the terms used in this disclosure are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0030] Throughout the specification, when a part is described as being "connected" to another part, this includes not only cases where they are "directly connected," but also cases where they are "electrically connected" with other components in between.

[0031] The terms “above” and similar designations used in this specification, particularly in the claims, may indicate both singular and plural forms. Furthermore, unless there is a description explicitly specifying the order of the steps describing the method according to this disclosure, the described steps may be performed in a suitable order. This disclosure is not limited by the order in which the described steps are described.

[0032] Phrases such as "in some embodiments" or "in one embodiment" appearing in various places in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0033] Some embodiments of the present disclosure may be represented by functional block configurations and various processing steps. Some or all of these functional blocks may be implemented by various numbers of hardware and / or software configurations that execute specific functions. For example, the functional blocks of the present disclosure may be implemented by one or more microprocessors or by circuit configurations for a specific function. Additionally, for example, the functional blocks of the present disclosure may be implemented in various programming or scripting languages. The functional blocks may be implemented as algorithms executed on one or more processors. Furthermore, the present disclosure may employ prior art for electronic configuration, signal processing, and / or data processing, etc. Terms such as “mechanism,” “element,” “means,” and “configuration” may be used broadly and are not limited to mechanical and physical configurations.

[0034] Furthermore, the connecting lines or connecting members between the components depicted in the drawings are merely illustrative of functional connections and / or physical or circuit connections. In the actual device, connections between components may be represented by various alternative or added functional connections, physical connections, or circuit connections.

[0035] Additionally, terms such as "...part," "module," etc., as described in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and this may be implemented in hardware or software, or as a combination of hardware and software.

[0036] Additionally, in the specification, the term “user” refers to a person who controls the function or operation of the control device and / or electronic device using the control device and / or electronic device, and may include a viewer, consumer, manager, or installer.

[0037] The present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a control device when the power of an electronic device is off, according to an embodiment.

[0039] In an embodiment, the electronic device (120) may be a video display device. The electronic device (120) may be a digital TV capable of receiving digital broadcasts, but is not limited thereto, and may be implemented as various types of electronic devices capable of operating under the control of the control device (110).

[0040] In an embodiment, the control device (110) may be a device used to control the electronic device (120). The user can control various functions of the electronic device (120) using the control device (110).

[0041] In an embodiment, the control device (110) may have a user interface. The user interface may receive user input for controlling the electronic device (120).

[0042] In an embodiment, the user interface included in the control device (110) may include an input unit that receives user input. In an embodiment, the input unit may include a plurality of keys. The keys may include physical buttons that receive a user's push operation, or touch buttons displayed on a touchpad that detects touch.

[0043] Each of the multiple keys included in the control device (110) can be used to control various functions of the electronic device (120).

[0044] By selecting a specific key among a plurality of keys included in the control device (110), the user can perform various functions of the electronic device (120), such as turning the power on / off, changing the channel, adjusting the volume, selecting one of various broadcasts such as terrestrial broadcasting, cable broadcasting, satellite broadcasting, internet broadcasting, etc., selecting an object such as a specific item or content on the screen, or performing settings.

[0045] When a user selects a specific key among a plurality of keys provided in the control device (110), the control device (110) can obtain a key code command corresponding to the specific key selected by the user. The control device (110) can control the electronic device (120) to perform a specific function according to the key code command by transmitting a signal containing the key code command to the electronic device (120).

[0046] In an embodiment, the user interface included in the control device (110) may further include a wheel for receiving rotational operation of the user, a keyboard, a dome switch, a microphone for voice recognition, a motion detection sensor for sensing motion, etc. In this case, the control device (110) can receive input from the user using the wheel, keyboard, dome switch, microphone, motion detection sensor, etc. and identify the key corresponding to the input.

[0047] For example, if the control device (110) is equipped with a microphone for voice recognition, the control device (110) can receive a user's voice command through the microphone. When a user transmits a voice command such as “Turn on the power” to the control device (110), the control device (110) can identify the power on key by analyzing the voice command to the user. The control device (110) can transmit a signal containing a code command corresponding to the power key to an electronic device (120).

[0048] In some cases, a key included in the control device (110) may be selected in a manner that does not match the user's intention. For example, the electronic device (120) may not operate on commands other than the power-on command when the power is off. That is, when the power is off, the electronic device (120) does not operate in accordance with a specific key command, such as volume up or channel down, even if it receives such a command from the control device (110). Therefore, even if the user continues to press or select a key other than the power key among the multiple keys included in the control device (110), the electronic device (120) does not perform the operation corresponding to the input key. Nevertheless, if the user mistakenly continues to press a key that does not operate, the control device (110) continues to generate a signal containing a key code command corresponding to that key and transmits it to the electronic device (120), thereby consuming power unnecessarily.

[0049] In an embodiment, the control device (110) can operate in different modes depending on whether the power of the electronic device (120) is on or off in order to prevent such unnecessary power consumption.

[0050] In an embodiment, the control device (110) may operate in a first mode when the power of the electronic device (120) is off. In the first mode, among the multiple keys included in the control device (110), only the first key may operate, and the remaining second keys excluding the first key may not operate. In an embodiment, the first key is a key that operates even when the power of the electronic device (120) is off, and may be one or multiple. In an embodiment, the first key may include a power key.

[0051] Hereinafter, for the convenience of explanation, the case where the first key is a power key is described as an example, but the present application is not limited thereto.

[0052] FIG. 1 illustrates a case where the power of the electronic device (120) is off, and the user is sleeping while continuously pressing a specific key of the control device (110). In this case, the specific key of the control device (110) is continuously pressed against the user's intent.

[0053] In an embodiment, the control device (110) can detect that the power of the electronic device (120) is off. The control device (110) detects that the power of the electronic device (120) is off and can operate in a first mode accordingly. In the first mode, the control device (110) can ensure that only the first key among a plurality of keys operates and the remaining keys do not operate.

[0054] In FIG. 1, if the key pressed by the user is not the first key but the second key, the control device (110) may not perform an operation based on the second key input. In the embodiment, not performing an operation based on the second key input may mean that the user input for the second key is not recognized even if the user selects the second key. Accordingly, the control device (110) may not generate a control signal corresponding to the selection of the second key.

[0055] In FIG. 1, when the key pressed by the user is the first key, the control device (110) can generate a control signal including a key code command corresponding to the first key. The control device (110) can transmit the control signal to an electronic device (120).

[0056] The user may input a key included in the control device (110) by long-pressing. In an embodiment, when the user inputs the first key by long-pressing, the control device (110) may not continue to transmit the same signal to the electronic device (120) after transmitting a control signal containing a key code command corresponding to the first key once. That is, after the control device (110) transmits a signal corresponding to the first key to the electronic device (120), it can prevent unnecessary power consumption by not sending the same signal redundantly while the first key is pressed by long-pressing. The control device (110) may not transmit a signal corresponding to the first key to the electronic device (120) until the first key is input again after the input for the first key is released.

[0057] In an embodiment, the control device (110) may transmit a release signal to an electronic device (120) indicating that when the first key is input as a long press and the long press input for the first key is released, but is not limited thereto.

[0058] In the embodiment, even if the control device (110) transmits a signal corresponding to the first key to the electronic device (120), there may be cases where the electronic device (120) does not receive the signal corresponding to the first key from the control device (110). For example, there may be cases where the electronic device (120) does not receive the signal corresponding to the first key due to the power cord of the electronic device (120) being unplugged, or due to an obstacle between the electronic device (120) and the control device (110).

[0059] If the electronic device (120) does not receive a signal corresponding to the first key from the control device (110), it may remain in a powered-off state. If the control device (110) does not detect that the power of the electronic device (120) is turned on, it may continue to operate in the first mode.

[0060] In an embodiment, when the electronic device (120) receives a signal corresponding to a first key from the control device (110), the electronic device (120) may be turned on according to the first key input. In an embodiment, when the power of the electronic device (120) is turned on, the control device (110) may detect that the power of the electronic device (120) is turned on. When the control device (110) detects that the power of the electronic device (120) is turned on, it may operate by changing the operation mode from the first mode to the second mode. The second mode may be a different operation method from the first mode. Operating in the second mode may include a plurality of keys included in the control device (120) operating in a matrix manner. In an embodiment, in the second mode, all keys that do not receive information that they are invalid keys from the electronic device (120) may operate.

[0061] In this way, according to the embodiment, the control device (110) can operate in different modes when the power of the electronic device (120) is on and when it is off.

[0062] According to an embodiment, the control device (110) operates in a first mode when the power of the electronic device (120) is off, thereby not performing operations based on the input of the remaining keys other than the first key.

[0063] According to an embodiment, when the control device (110) operates in a first mode, if the first key receives a long press input, it can prevent wasted power consumption caused by continuously transmitting the same signal by transmitting the signal corresponding to the first key to the electronic device (120) only once.

[0064] According to an embodiment, the control device (110) can operate in a second mode different from the first mode when the power of the electronic device (120) is turned on.

[0065] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating how an electronic device and a control device transmit and receive signals through a network according to an embodiment.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 2, the control device (210) and the electronic device (220) can be connected using at least one of the first network (230) and the second network (240).

[0067] In an embodiment, the first network (230) and the second network (240) may have different communication methods. For example, the first network (230) and the second network (240) may each include one of Bluetooth, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy, not shown), NFC (near field communication, not shown), IR (Infrared) communication, RF (Radio Frequency) communication, Wi-Fi communication, and wired Ethernet.

[0068] For example, in an embodiment, the first network (230) may include IR (Infrared) communication. IR communication may be a communication method that transmits information using infrared rays. When the control device (210) receives a key input from a user, it may generate a control signal including a key code command corresponding to the input key. In an embodiment, the control device (210) may generate the control signal including the key code command as an IR signal. For example, the control device (210) may generate an infrared signal having a unique frequency assigned to the key code command of the input key. The control device (210) may transmit the infrared signal to an electronic device (220) using the first network (230).

[0069] However, as one embodiment, the first network (230) may include an RF communication method using an RF (Radio Frequency) communication module instead of IR communication, or a Wi-Fi communication method.

[0070] In an embodiment, the second network (240) may include a BLE communication network. When the control device (210) receives a key input from a user, it may generate a control signal as a BLE signal that includes a key code command corresponding to the input key. The control device (210) may also transmit the BLE signal to an electronic device (220) using the second network (240).

[0071] In an embodiment, the electronic device (220) can transmit a BLE signal to the surroundings. The electronic device (220) can transmit a BLE signal to the surroundings at all times, periodically, at random time intervals, or at preset times.

[0072] In an embodiment, the electronic device (220) can adjust the interval for transmitting BLE signals differently when the power is on and when the power is off. For example, the electronic device (220) can transmit BLE signals more frequently when the power is on and transmit BLE signals with a longer interval when the power is off.

[0073] The control device (210) can scan the BLE signal transmitted by the electronic device (310) at all times, periodically, at random time intervals, or at preset times. The control device (210) can perform pairing with the electronic device (310) by scanning the BLE signal transmitted by the electronic device (310).

[0074] The control device (210) can identify whether the power of the electronic device (220) is on or off based on the BLE signal received from the electronic device (220) through the second network (240). The control device (210) can detect whether the power of the electronic device (220) is on or off based on the interval at which the BLE signal from the electronic device (220) is received. For example, the control device (210) can detect that the power of the electronic device (220) is off if the interval of the BLE signal received from the electronic device (220) is longer than a predetermined threshold. Similarly, the control device (210) can detect that the power of the electronic device (220) is on if the interval of the BLE signal received from the electronic device (220) is equal to or shorter than a predetermined threshold.

[0075] In another embodiment, the electronic device (220) may transmit a signal indicating power on or power off when the power is turned on or off. The electronic device (220) may transmit a signal indicating power on or power off to the control device (210) using a BLE signal. For example, the electronic device (220) may include data in the BLE signal indicating whether the power of the electronic device (220) is on or off. The control device (210) may obtain data indicating whether the power of the electronic device (220) is on or off from the BLE signal received from the electronic device (220), and based thereon, identify whether the power of the electronic device (220) is on or off.

[0076] In an embodiment, when the control device (210) detects that the power of the electronic device (220) is off, the control device (210) may be controlled to operate in a first mode. Operating in the first mode may include only the first key among the plurality of keys included in the control device (210) operating in an interrupt manner, and the remaining second keys among the plurality of keys excluding the first key not operating.

[0077] In the first mode, the control device (210) may generate a signal corresponding to the first key and transmit it to the electronic device (220) using the first network (230) or the second network (240) only when it receives input for the first key. When the control device (210) receives input for the second key other than the first key, it may not recognize the second key input and may not generate a signal corresponding to the second key input.

[0078] In an embodiment, when the control device (210) detects that the power of the electronic device (220) is turned on, the control device (210) may be controlled to operate in a second mode. The second mode may be a mode using a matrix method. In an embodiment, the matrix method may mean a method of recognizing key inputs for all of a plurality of keys when the control device (210) receives a key input.

[0079] In an embodiment, the electronic device (220) can generate key information when the power is on. The electronic device (220) can generate key information based on at least one of the current setting state of the electronic device (220) and the output screen state currently output by the electronic device (220). The key information may include information indicating a key among a plurality of keys included in the control device (210) for which the electronic device (220) cannot perform an operation according to the key input in response to a key input from a user.

[0080] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, among the multiple keys included in the control device (210), a key that does not allow the electronic device (220) to perform an operation according to the selected key even when selected by the user will be referred to as an invalid key. Additionally, among the multiple keys included in the control device (210), a key that allows the electronic device (220) to perform an operation according to the selected key when selected by the user will be referred to as a valid key to distinguish it from the invalid key.

[0081] The electronic device (220) can generate key information including an identifier of an invalid key and transmit it to the control device (210) using the first network (230) or the second network (240).

[0082] Alternatively, the electronic device (220) may generate key information including an identifier of a valid key, rather than an invalid key. The electronic device (220) may generate key information including an identifier of a valid key and information indicating that the key is a valid key, and transmit this to the control device (210).

[0083] In an embodiment, the control device (210) may receive key information from the electronic device (220) while operating in a second mode. In an embodiment, if the control device (210) identifies that a key selected by a user is an invalid key based on the key information, it may not perform an operation according to the key even if an invalid key is selected by the user.

[0084] In an embodiment, if the control device (210) identifies that a key selected by a user is a valid key based on key information, it can generate a control signal corresponding to the valid key selected by the user and transmit it to an electronic device (220).

[0085] In this way, according to the embodiment, the control device (210) can detect whether the electronic device (220) is in a power-on state or an off state based on a signal from the electronic device (220).

[0086] Additionally, according to an embodiment, the electronic device (220) can generate key information when the power is on and transmit it to the control device (210).

[0087] The control device (210) can transmit a control signal corresponding to a key to the electronic device (220) only when the key selected by the user based on key information is a valid key.

[0088] FIG. 3 is an internal block diagram of a control device (300) according to an embodiment.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 3, the control device (300) may include a processor (310), memory (320), a communication unit (330), and an input unit (340).

[0090] In an embodiment, the control device (300) may be implemented as various types of devices used to control the electronic device (220). The control device (300) may be implemented as a terminal capable of receiving various types of user input, such as touch, press, touch gesture, voice, or motion. For example, the control device (300) may include, but is not limited to, portable computers such as laptops, netbooks, and tablet PCs, portable terminals such as smartphones or PDAs, remote controls, keyboards, mice, joysticks, or terminals in which two or more of these devices are integrated.

[0091] The memory (320) according to the embodiment may store at least one instruction. The memory (320) may store at least one program executed by the processor (310). A predefined operation rule or program may be stored in the memory (320). Additionally, the memory (320) may store data input to or output from the control device (300).

[0092] In an embodiment, the memory (320) may store a key code command. The key code command may include a key scan code value defined by matching the data and command input from the input unit (340). The memory (320) may include a key code command corresponding to each of the plurality of keys included in the input unit (340).

[0093] The memory (320) may include at least one type of storage medium among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), RAM (Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk.

[0094] The communication unit (330) according to the embodiment may include at least two communication modules. The communication unit (330) may connect the control device (300) to an external device such as an electronic device (220) or a server (not shown) by using a wired or wireless communication network under the control of the processor (310).

[0095] The communication unit (330) can transmit a signal corresponding to user input through the input unit (340) to the electronic device (220). The signal corresponding to user input may be a control signal including a key code command corresponding to a key selected by the user. The control signal corresponding to user input may be implemented as a Bluetooth type, IR signal type, RF signal type, Wi-Fi type, etc.

[0096] The communication unit (330) can receive a signal transmitted by the electronic device (220) using a communication method identical to the method used to transmit a signal corresponding to user input, or a different communication method. For example, the electronic device (220) can transmit a BLE signal to the surroundings at all times, periodically, at random time intervals, or at preset times. The BLE signal may include a Beacon signal. The communication unit (330) can scan for the BLE signal transmitted by the electronic device (310) at all times, periodically, at random time intervals, or at preset times.

[0097] In an embodiment, the electronic device (220) can transmit a signal indicating power on or power off when the power is turned on or off. The electronic device (220) can transmit a signal indicating power on or power off to the control device (210) using a BLE signal. The communication unit (330) can identify whether the power of the electronic device (220) is on or off based on the BLE signal received from the electronic device (220).

[0098] In an embodiment, the electronic device (220) can generate key information. Key information may refer to information indicating whether the electronic device (220) performs an operation according to a key input or cannot perform an operation according to a key input, in response to a key input from a user among a plurality of keys included in the input unit (340). The electronic device (220) can generate key information based on at least one of the setting state of the electronic device (220) and the output screen state currently output by the electronic device (220). The electronic device (220) can generate key information for an invalid key among a plurality of keys included in the input unit (340) of the control device (300) and transmit it to the control device (300). The communication unit (330) can receive key information from the electronic device (220) and identify an invalid key among a plurality of keys included in the input unit (340) based thereon.

[0099] The input unit (340) according to the embodiment can receive user input for controlling the control device (300). The input unit (340) may include a keypad. The keypad may include buttons or a touchpad, etc. The input unit (340) may further include at least one of a wheel for receiving rotational operation of the user, a keyboard, a dome switch, a microphone (not shown) capable of receiving the user's voice, and a sensor (not shown) capable of motion recognition of the control device. The input unit (340) can receive input from the user using the keypad, wheel, keyboard, dome switch, microphone, motion detection sensor, etc., and identify the key corresponding to the input.

[0100] A processor (310) according to an embodiment controls the overall operation of a control device (300). The processor (310) can control the control device (300) to function by executing one or more instructions stored in memory (320).

[0101] In the embodiment, the processor (310) may be, for example, an MCU (Micro Controller Unit).

[0102] In an embodiment, the processor (310) can detect whether the power of the electronic device (220) is on or off.

[0103] In an embodiment, the processor (310) can detect whether the power of the electronic device (220) is on or off by using the interval of the signal received from the electronic device (220). The processor (310) can detect that the power of the electronic device (220) is off when the interval of the signal received from the electronic device (220) through the communication unit (310) is longer than a predetermined reference value, and can detect that the power of the electronic device (220) is on when the interval of the signal received from the electronic device (220) is equal to or shorter than the predetermined reference value.

[0104] In an embodiment, the processor (310) can receive a signal indicating power on or power off from the electronic device (220) through the communication unit (310). When the processor (310) receives a signal indicating power on or power off from the electronic device (220), it can detect whether the power of the electronic device (220) is on or off based on the received signal.

[0105] In an embodiment, when the processor (310) detects that the power of the electronic device (220) is off, it can control the control device (210) to operate in a first mode. Operating in the first mode may include operating only the first key among a plurality of keys included in the control device (210) in an interrupt manner, and not operating the remaining second keys among the plurality of keys excluding the first key.

[0106] A plurality of keys included in the input section (340) can each be connected to lines of an input pin and an output pin. In an embodiment, the control device (210) operating in a first mode may include the output pin connected to the first key among the plurality of keys outputting an output signal, and the input pin connected to the first key detecting the output signal in an interrupt manner in response to the first key being input by the user.

[0107] In an embodiment, the processor (310) can wake up when the input pin connected to the first key detects an output signal in an interrupt manner. Subsequently, the processor (310) can transmit a signal corresponding to the first key to the electronic device (220). The signal corresponding to the first key may include a control signal containing a key code command corresponding to the first key. The processor (310) can transmit the control signal corresponding to the first key to the electronic device (220) through the communication unit (330).

[0108] In an embodiment, the processor (310) may operate in sleep mode while the input pin connected to the first key does not detect the output signal in an interrupt manner. In an embodiment, sleep mode may mean a mode in which the processor (310) does not operate.

[0109] In the embodiment, when the first key receives a long-press input, the processor (310) may wake up in response to the input of the first key, transmit a signal corresponding to the first key to the electronic device (220) once, and then return to sleep mode. Accordingly, the processor (310) may not transmit a signal corresponding to the first key to the electronic device (220) again, even while receiving a long-press input.

[0110] In an embodiment, when the processor (310) detects that the power of the electronic device (220) is turned on, it can control the control device (210) to operate in a second mode. In an embodiment, the operation of the control device (210) in a second mode may include a plurality of keys included in the input unit (340) operating in a matrix manner.

[0111] In the second mode, the processor (310) can receive key information from the electronic device (220) through the communication unit (330). Based on the key information, the processor (310) can identify whether a key selected by the user among a plurality of keys included in the input unit (340) is an invalid key identified by the key information.

[0112] In an embodiment, the processor (310) may not perform an action based on the invalid key input when an invalid key is selected by the user. For example, if an invalid key is selected, the processor (310) may not generate a control signal corresponding to the invalid key. Alternatively, the processor (310) may generate a control signal corresponding to the invalid key but may not transmit the control signal to the electronic device (220).

[0113] In an embodiment, the processor (310) can generate a control signal corresponding to the input key if it identifies, based on key information, that the input key is not an invalid key. The processor (310) can transmit the control signal corresponding to the input key to the electronic device (220) through the communication unit (330) so that the electronic device (220) can be controlled to perform an operation according to the key selection.

[0114] In an embodiment, the processor (310) can generate a signal corresponding to a predetermined key when a predetermined key among a plurality of keys receives a long-press input, and when the predetermined key is not an invalid key, and transmit the signal to an electronic device (230) through a communication unit (330). The processor (310) can continue to transmit a signal corresponding to a predetermined key to the electronic device (230) while the predetermined key receives a long-press input.

[0115] The electronic device (230) can continuously receive a signal corresponding to a predetermined key that has received a long press input from the control device (300), and can perform an operation according to the predetermined key input according to the received signal.

[0116] In the embodiment, there may be cases where the electronic device (230) can no longer perform an operation according to a predetermined key input based on a received signal. For example, if the predetermined key is a volume down key, the electronic device (230) continues to lower the volume according to a signal from the control device (300), and when the volume becomes 0, it becomes a state where it can no longer lower the volume. In this case, the electronic device (230) identifies that the volume can no longer be lowered in the current setting state of the electronic device (230), and can generate key information that the key corresponding to volume down is an invalid key and transmit it to the control device (300). When the processor (310) receives key information from the electronic device (220) that the key corresponding to volume down is an invalid key while receiving a long press input for the volume down key included in the input unit (340) from the user, it may no longer perform an operation based on the volume down key input, even while receiving the long press input for the volume down key. For example, the processor (310) may no longer generate a key code command in response to a volume down key input, or may no longer transmit a signal containing a key code command to the electronic device (220).

[0117] FIG. 4 is an internal block diagram of a control device according to an embodiment.

[0118] The control device (400) of FIG. 4 may include a key input unit (410) and an MCU (420). For convenience of explanation, FIG. 4 only shows the key input unit (410) and the MCU (420) among the internal components of the control device (400), but is not limited thereto, and the control device (400) may further include a memory and a communication unit as described in FIG. 3.

[0119] The key input unit (410) of FIG. 4 may be an example of an input unit (340) included in the control unit (300) of FIG. 3. Also, the MCU (420) of FIG. 4 may be an example of a processor (310) of FIG. 3.

[0120] The key input section (410) may include multiple keys. Each of the multiple keys may be used to input numbers, characters, and various function information.

[0121] The key input unit (410) may include multiple keys in the form of a key matrix. FIG. 4 illustrates, as an example, the case where the key input unit (410) is a 4x4 key matrix consisting of 4 rows and 4 columns.

[0122] Each key included in the key matrix can correspond to a switch. The switch can be connected to the input terminal and output terminal of the MCU (420) by a line, respectively. The input terminal and output terminal connected to the switch remain disconnected from each other, and when the switch is selected, the input terminal and output terminal can be connected to each other.

[0123] In the embodiment, the input and output terminals included in the MCU (420) may be General Purpose Input Output (GPIO). The MCU (420) may include a circuit for controlling the GPIO. The GPIO may be a digital signal pin whose operation, including input or output, can be controlled according to the MCU (420).

[0124] The MCU (420) can control the operation of the key input unit (410) by controlling the GPIO. The MCU (420) can divide the GPIO terminals / pins into input pins and output pins, and allow each of the multiple keys to be connected to one input pin and one output pin. For example, the MCU (420) can set C1 to C4 among the GPIO pins shown in FIG. 4 as output pins and R1 to R4 as input pins.

[0125] In an embodiment, the MCU (420) can operate in different modes depending on whether the power of the electronic device (220) is on or off.

[0126] In an embodiment, when the MCU (420) detects that the power of the electronic device (220) is off, it can control the control device (400) to operate in a first mode.

[0127] In an embodiment, when the MCU (420) detects that the power of the electronic device (220) is turned on, it can control the control device (400) to operate in a second mode.

[0128] Hereinafter, we will first describe the case where the electronic device (220) is powered on and the control device (400) operates in a second mode. The second mode may also be referred to as a scan mode or a matrix mode.

[0129] In scan mode, 8 pins in total, including 4 input pins and 4 output pins, are required for the 16 keys included in the 4x4 key matrix to operate. In scan mode, the MCU (420) can enable all of the output pins C1 to C4 and the input pins R1 to R4 among the GPIO pins. Being enabled means that the output pins are activated to continuously transmit data and the input pins are activated to receive data from the output pins according to user input.

[0130] In scan mode, different data can be applied to output pins C1 through C4, respectively. The output pins can output the applied data as an output signal either continuously or periodically. Input pins R1 through R4 can wait while scanning for whether an output signal is coming from the output pins.

[0131] The MCU (420) can detect which key has been selected by identifying the output pin and the input pin when one of the multiple keys is selected and the output pin and the input pin connected to the selected key are connected to each other. The MCU (420) can transmit a control signal containing a key code command corresponding to the selected key to the electronic device (220) so that the electronic device (220) can perform an operation according to the selected key.

[0132] In an embodiment, the electronic device (220) can generate key information when the power is on.

[0133] The electronic device (220) can identify whether a predetermined key is an invalid key based on at least one of the setting state of the electronic device (220) and the output screen state currently output by the electronic device (220).

[0134] For example, depending on whether the source setting state of the content output by the electronic device (220) is a real-time broadcast channel received from a broadcasting station through a tuner or content received from a server through a wired or wireless communication network, the invalid keys among the keys included in the key input unit (410) that cannot perform the operation according to the selection of the corresponding key may vary.

[0135] When the electronic device (220) is outputting a broadcast channel currently received through a tuner, even if a key for controlling content received through a wired or wireless communication network is selected among the multiple keys included in the key input unit (410), the electronic device (220) cannot perform an operation according to the selected key. For example, even if the electronic device (220) receives a key code command corresponding to a “replay” key or a “watch movie” key, etc., among the multiple keys included in the key input unit (410) from the control device (400), the electronic device (220) cannot perform an operation according to the selected key. In this case, the electronic device (220) can generate key information indicating that the “replay” key or the “watch movie” key is an invalid key.

[0136] For example, if the current volume setting state of the electronic device (220) is a maximum value or a minimum value and the volume can no longer be increased or decreased, the electronic device (220) can generate key information indicating that the volume up or volume down key is an invalid key.

[0137] Alternatively, the electronic device (220) may generate key information based on the output screen state currently being output by the electronic device (220). For example, the electronic device (220) may generate key information indicating that the four-directional key is an invalid key if, based on the object currently in focus among the objects included on the screen, it can no longer be moved according to the four-directional key input.

[0138] The electronic device (220) can generate key information including the key identifier of an invalid key and transmit it to the control device (400). The electronic device (220) can update the invalid key information whenever the key corresponding to the invalid key is changed, or at a predetermined period. For example, the electronic device (220) may include the volume up key as an invalid key when the volume value is set to the maximum value, but may not include the volume up key as an invalid key when the volume value is changed to a state where it is not the maximum value. The electronic device (220) can transmit the updated key information to the control device (400) whenever new key information is generated or existing key information is updated.

[0139] In an embodiment, when the control device (400) receives key information from the electronic device (220), it can identify an invalid key among a plurality of keys included in the key input unit (410) based on the key information.

[0140] In an embodiment, the control device (400) can transmit a key code command corresponding to a valid key to the electronic device (220) only when a valid key, rather than an invalid key, is selected by the user. That is, if the control device (400) receives an invalid key from the user, it may not transmit a key code command corresponding to an invalid key.

[0141] In an embodiment, the user can select a specific key among a plurality of keys included in the key input unit (410) as a long press. A long press input may mean that the key is input for several seconds or longer.

[0142] When a predetermined key receives a long press input, the control device (400) identifies whether the predetermined key is a valid key, and if it is a valid key, transmits a key code command corresponding to the predetermined key to the electronic device (220). The control device (400) may continue to transmit key code commands for the predetermined key to the electronic device (220) in response to the time when the predetermined key receives a long press input.

[0143] In an embodiment, the electronic device (220) operates according to a key code command from the control device (400), and when it can no longer perform the operation, it can update the key information. For example, the control device (400) may receive a volume up key input from a user by long-pressing it and transmit a key code command corresponding to the volume up key to the electronic device (220). The electronic device (220) may continue to perform volume up according to the key code command corresponding to the volume up key, and when the volume value reaches the maximum value, it may update the key information so that the volume up key is included in the key information.

[0144] When the control device (400) receives key information from the electronic device (220) indicating that the volume up key is an invalid key, it may not transmit a key code command corresponding to the volume up key to the electronic device (220) even if the volume up key is continuously input by the user.

[0145] In this way, the control device (400) can prevent unnecessary power waste by not transmitting a key code command corresponding to an invalid key to the electronic device (220) when the power of the electronic device (220) is turned on.

[0146] Next, we will describe the case where the control device (400) operates in a first mode when the power of the electronic device (220) is off. The first mode may be an interrupt mode or a mode using an interrupt method.

[0147] In an embodiment, the first mode may mean a mode in which, when the control device (400) receives a key input, the key input for some of the multiple keys is detected using an interrupt signal, and the key input for the remaining keys is not recognized.

[0148] When the power of the electronic device (220) is detected to be off, the control device (400) can change the hardware pin settings from a second mode to a first mode. Changing the hardware pin settings to a first mode may mean that the MCU (420) adjusts the register value of the GPIO pin that was operating according to the scan mode so that the pin operates in an interrupt mode capable of detecting an interrupt signal.

[0149] For a key to operate in interrupt mode, one input pin and one output pin must be connected for each key. Therefore, if there are N keys, 2 x N pins are required. For example, to operate the 16 keys shown in Fig. 4, a total of 32 pins are required.

[0150] In the embodiment, the control device (400) can operate with a small number of pins by controlling only specific keys to operate in interrupt mode, rather than all of the multiple keys, and controlling the remaining keys not to operate.

[0151] When the power of the electronic device (220) is off, the electronic device (220) performs an operation according to a specific key, such as a power-on key, only when a specific key among the multiple keys included in the key input unit (410) is selected, and when a key other than the power key is selected, it does not perform an operation according to the key code command corresponding to the selected key even if it receives the key code command.

[0152] In an embodiment, the control device (400) may enable only specific keys that can operate according to a key code command from the control device (400) when the power of the electronic device (220) is off, and disable the remaining keys.

[0153] For example, the control device (400) can control the power-on key to be activated and operate in interrupt mode among a plurality of keys, and control the remaining keys to be deactivated, thereby configuring only the input pin and output pin connected to the power-on key to detect the interrupt signal. In this case, since the number of activated keys is limited, the number of required pins is also reduced.

[0154] In FIG. 4, for example, if a key having reference numeral 411 among a plurality of keys included in the key input unit (410) is called a power key, the output pin connected to the power key (411) is C1 and the input pin is R1.

[0155] In interrupt mode, the MCU (420) can apply a high signal to the output pin connected to a specific key that needs to be enabled. That is, the MCU (420) can pull up the output pin C1 connected to the power key (411) in FIG. 4 to a high signal. The MCU (420) can pull down the output pin connected to the remaining keys, excluding the specific key, to a low signal, thereby allowing a low signal to be applied to the output pin connected to the remaining keys. Since a low signal is applied to the output pin connected to the remaining keys, no current flows and it can be disabled.

[0156] In interrupt mode, the MCU (420) can be configured to have the ability to detect logic changes from low to high and from high to low by adjusting the register value of the input pin connected to the specific key that is to be enabled. Additionally, the MCU (420) may not be configured to have the ability to detect logic changes from low to high and from high to low for input pins connected to keys other than the specific key. In this case, even if the switch of a key other than the specific key is pressed, the input pin connected to the other key is disabled because it cannot detect changes from high to low and from low to high.

[0157] In an embodiment, the MCU (420) may apply a low signal to input pin R1 connected to the power key (411). When the user selects the power key (411), the high signal applied to output pin C1 is applied to input pin R1, causing the signal to rise from low to high. When the moment the signal rises from low to high is called the rising edge, input pin R1 can detect the rising edge as an interrupt. Similarly, when the user presses and releases the power key (411), input pin R1 and output pin C1 are disconnected, causing the signal flowing through input pin R1 to fall from high to low. When the moment the signal falls from high to low is called the falling edge, input pin R1 can detect the falling edge as an interrupt.

[0158] In an embodiment, when input pin R1 detects an interrupt, it notifies the MCU (420) so that the MCU (420) can wake up from sleep mode.

[0159] In an embodiment, the MCU (420) may operate in sleep mode from interrupt mode. Sleep mode may refer to a state in which the MCU (420) is not operating. Sleep mode may refer to power saving mode or standby mode. In sleep mode, power can be saved because the MCU (420) does not perform data processing, etc.

[0160] The MCU (420) may operate in sleep mode while input pin R1 does not detect an interrupt signal. The MCU (420) may wake up from sleep mode when input pin R1 detects an interrupt. The MCU (420) may wake up and transmit a key code command corresponding to the power key (411) to the electronic device (220). The MCU (420) may operate in sleep mode again until input pin R1 detects an interrupt again.

[0161] In the embodiment, when a user presses a specific key to be activated, such as the power key (411), with a long press, the power key (411) may operate in an interrupt manner. When the output pin C1 connected to the power key (411) outputs a high signal, and the user selects the power key (411), the input pin R1 connected to the power key (411) is connected to the output pin C1, and the input pin R1 may detect the rising edge as an interrupt. When the input pin R1 detects a signal from the output pin C1 in an interrupt manner, the MCU (420) may wake up and transmit a key code command corresponding to the power key (411) to the electronic device (220).

[0162] Afterward, the MCU (420) can operate in sleep mode again until input pin R1 detects a new interrupt. That is, after the MCU (420) has once transmitted a key code command corresponding to the power key (411) to the electronic device (220), it can operate in sleep mode again while receiving a long press input.

[0163] When the user releases the long press input, input pin R1 can detect the falling edge resulting from the release of the long press input as an interrupt and notify the MCU (420) of this so that the MCU (420) can wake up from sleep mode. The MCU (420) can generate a release signal and transmit it to the electronic device (220).

[0164] In another embodiment, input pin R1 may not notify the MCU (420) of a falling edge detected by an interrupt following the release of a long press input. That is, input pin R1 may notify the MCU (420) only when it detects a rising edge to wake up the MCU (420), and may not notify the MCU (420) when it detects a falling edge. In this case, the MCU (420) may wake up only when input pin R1 detects a rising edge by an interrupt, and otherwise continue to operate in sleep mode.

[0165] In the embodiment, if the user selects a key other than the specific key that is to be activated, for example, if the user presses a key other than the power key (411) of FIG. 4, the other key may not operate. That is, since the MCU (420) is not configured to have the function of detecting interrupt signals for keys other than the specific key in interrupt mode, even if the switch of the other key is pressed, the input pin connected to the other key does not detect a change from high to low or from low to high. In this case, the MCU (420) may continue to operate in sleep mode.

[0166] In this way, according to the embodiment, the control device (400) can operate in a first mode or a second mode by adjusting the register value of the pin connected to the key according to the power state of the electronic device (220).

[0167] According to an embodiment, the control device (400) can prevent unnecessary power waste caused by other keys operating by enabling only specific keys that can be activated to detect an interrupt signal in the first mode and disabling other keys.

[0168] According to an embodiment, the control device (400) can prevent unnecessary power waste by identifying an invalid key and a valid key based on key information received from the electronic device (220) in a second mode, and by not transmitting a key code command corresponding to the key selection to the electronic device (220) when an invalid key is selected.

[0169] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining how an electronic device generates key information, and FIG. 5a is a drawing for explaining how an electronic device generates key information based on the setting state of the electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0170] Referring to FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b, the electronic device (510) can output content. In an embodiment, the electronic device (510) may be a video display device, such as a television, capable of outputting content to a screen.

[0171] The electronic device (510) can generate key information indicating a key among a plurality of keys included in the control device (520) that the electronic device (510) cannot perform an operation according to the key selection, i.e., an invalid key. The key information may include an identifier of the invalid key.

[0172] In an embodiment, the electronic device (510) can generate key information based on the current state of the electronic device (510). The current state of the electronic device (510) may include at least one of the setting state of the electronic device (510) and the output screen state of the electronic device (510).

[0173] The setting state of the electronic device (510) may include at least one of the source setting state and the function setting state of the content currently output by the electronic device (510).

[0174] In the embodiment, the source setting status of the content may be information indicating which source the content currently output by the electronic device (510) was received from.

[0175] The electronic device (510) can receive broadcast content directly from a broadcasting station via an RF signal. Additionally, the electronic device (510) can be connected to various source devices (not shown) to receive content from the source devices. The source devices may include at least one of a PC (personal computer), DVD player, video game console, set-top box, AV receiver, cable receiver or satellite broadcast receiver, or an internet receiver that receives content from an OTT (Over The Top) service provider or an IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) service provider.

[0176] In an embodiment, the electronic device (510) can receive content from various sources. The electronic device (510) can receive broadcast content as a terrestrial transmission signal from a broadcasting station, receive broadcast content from a satellite or cable broadcasting station, or receive content via the Internet from a content provision server operated by an OTT service provider or an IPTV service provider. Additionally, the electronic device (510) can receive game content or DVD content, etc. from a source device such as a game console or a DVD player.

[0177] In the embodiment, the content may include various items such as movies, dramas, music, or games, and may include one or more of video signals, audio signals, and text signals.

[0178] Depending on the source of the content, that is, whether the content is a terrestrial wireless signal received from a broadcasting station, content received via a wired signal such as cable, or content received via an internet protocol from an OTT service provider or an IPTV service provider, the function of the electronic device (510) to operate may be limited.

[0179] The electronic device (510) may set an invalid key among a plurality of keys included in the control device (520) based on the source of the content currently being output. For example, if the content currently being output by the electronic device (510) is a terrestrial wireless broadcast signal received from a broadcasting station, the electronic device (510) may operate according to the selected key only when some of the limited keys among the plurality of keys included in the control device (520) are selected. The electronic device (510) may operate according to the corresponding key only when a limited key among the plurality of keys included in the control device (520), such as the power key, number keys for channel number input, channel up, channel down keys, volume up or volume down keys, or source change keys, is selected, and may not operate according to the selected key if any other key is selected. For example, the electronic device (510) may not operate according to the corresponding key if a key among the plurality of keys, such as the four-way key, home screen key, television replay key, or specific category viewing key such as movies or dramas, is selected.

[0180] Similarly, the electronic device (510) can stream or download content provided by an OTT service provider or an IPTV service provider via the internet and display it on the screen. For example, when the electronic device (510) streams and displays movie content provided by an OTT service provider, the electronic device (510) may operate according to a power key, volume up or down key, etc., among a plurality of keys included in the control device (520), but may not operate according to the corresponding key if a number key for channel number input or a channel up or channel down key, etc., is selected.

[0181] The electronic device (510) can generate key information indicating an invalid key that is not functioning, based on the source of the content currently being output.

[0182] In an embodiment, the electronic device (510) may generate key information based on the current function setting state of the electronic device (510). The function setting state of the electronic device (510) is a state regarding various functions of the electronic device (510), and may include at least one of, for example, a volume state, a currently outputting channel state, or an environment setting function state of the electronic device (510).

[0183] For example, if the current volume state of the electronic device (510) is set to a minimum value, the electronic device (510) can no longer lower the volume even if a volume down key among the keys included in the control device (520) is selected.

[0184] Referring to FIG. 5(a), the electronic device (510) assumes that the current volume state is set to silent. The electronic device (510) may display a silent indicator identifier (511) on the screen. In this case, the electronic device (510) may generate key information indicating that the volume down key or the silent selection key is an invalid key based on the current volume state.

[0185] In an embodiment, when the control device (520) receives key information from the electronic device (510) that the volume down key or the mute selection key is an invalid key, it may not transmit a key code command corresponding to the key selection to the electronic device (510) even if the volume down key or the mute selection key is selected by a user, etc.

[0186] Similarly, it is assumed that the channel numbers that the electronic device (510) can output range from 1 to 100, and the current channel is channel 1, which has the lowest channel number. In this case, the electronic device (510) cannot lower the channel further even if it receives a channel down key among the keys included in the control device (520). In some cases, the electronic device (510) may output the highest channel number, i.e., channel 100, in reverse order according to the channel down key input, but in another embodiment, the electronic device (510) may determine the channel down key as an invalid key and generate key information including the channel down key. The control device (520) receives key information from the electronic device (510) that the channel down key is an invalid key, and may not transmit a key code command corresponding to the key selection to the electronic device (510) even if the channel down key is selected by a user, etc.

[0187] In an embodiment, the electronic device (510) may generate key information based on the current configuration function state of the electronic device (510). The configuration function state may include various configuration function states related to the screen of the electronic device (510), such as brightness, contrast, gamma, backlight brightness, sharpness, colorfulness, tint, etc. For example, when the electronic device (510) outputs an OSD (On Screen Display) menu for selecting a configuration function on the screen, the user may use a key included in the control device (520) to select a desired parameter among a plurality of screen configuration parameters output in the OSD menu and change the value of the selected parameter to a desired value. For example, it is assumed that the electronic device (510) is selected for a function setting regarding screen sharpness, and the current screen sharpness of the electronic device (510) is already set to have the largest value. In this case, the electronic device (510) cannot adjust the parameter value of screen clarity even if it receives a key for screen clarity up from the control device (520). In this case, the electronic device (510) may determine the key for screen clarity up as an invalid key and generate key information including the invalid key.

[0188] After receiving key information from the electronic device (510), the control device (520) may not transmit a key code command corresponding to the key selection to the electronic device (510) even if a key for clarity up is selected by a user, etc.

[0189] In an embodiment, the electronic device (510) may generate new key information or update existing key information whenever an invalid key changes or at a predetermined period. For example, in FIG. 5 (a), when a user selects the volume up key, the electronic device (510) may increase the volume of the electronic device (510). In this case, the electronic device (510) may update the key information by identifying that the volume down key is no longer an invalid key and deleting information about the volume down key from the key information.

[0190] In an embodiment, there may be cases where a predetermined key included in the control device (520) receives a long press input for a predetermined time or longer. If the predetermined key is not an invalid key, the control device (520) may continuously transmit a key code command corresponding to the key to the electronic device (510). The electronic device (510) receives the key code command for the predetermined key and may perform an operation according to the predetermined key.

[0191] In the embodiment, there may be cases where the electronic device (510) performs an operation according to a predetermined key input, but can no longer perform an operation according to the predetermined key input. For example, if a user inputs a volume up key by long pressing and the electronic device (510) continues to increase the volume, but the volume reaches a maximum value and can no longer increase the volume, the electronic device (510) may generate key information that the volume up key is an invalid key and transmit this to the control device (510).

[0192] While the control device (510) is receiving a volume up key input from a user by long pressing, it may receive key information from the electronic device (510) that the volume up key is an invalid key. In this case, the control device (510) may not transmit a key code command corresponding to the volume up key to the electronic device (510) even if the user continues to input the volume up key by long pressing.

[0193] In this way, according to the embodiment, the electronic device (510) can generate key information based on the source setting status of the content output by the electronic device (510) or the function setting status such as volume, channel, and environment settings.

[0194] According to an embodiment, the control device (520) may not transmit a key code command corresponding to the selected key to the electronic device (510) if the selected key is an invalid key based on key information.

[0195] FIG. 5b is a diagram illustrating the generation of key information based on the output screen status currently output by an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0196] In an embodiment, the electronic device (510) can generate key information based on the current output screen state. For example, if the screen currently output by the electronic device (510) includes a plurality of objects and each of the plurality of objects is a selectable object, the user can select one of the plurality of objects using a four-way key or a selection button such as “OK” included in the control device (520).

[0197] FIG. 5b illustrates a case where the screen currently output by the electronic device (510) includes multiple objects. The user can focus on one of the multiple objects using the control device (520). When the focused object among the multiple objects is denoted as 513, the electronic device (510) can move in one of the directions of right, left, or up relative to the currently focused object (513). In this case, the electronic device (510) can operate according to the direction key input to move to the right, left, or up among the multiple keys included in the control device (520).

[0198] On the other hand, the electronic device (510) cannot move downward relative to the focused object (513) on the screen currently being displayed. The electronic device (510) can determine the downward movement key as an invalid key based on the position of the focused object on the screen currently being displayed, and can generate the downward movement key as key information.

[0199] The control device (520) receives key information from the electronic device (510) that the downward movement key is an invalid key, and even if the downward movement key among the four-directional keys is selected by the user, etc., the control device (520) may not transmit the key code command corresponding to the key selection to the electronic device (510).

[0200] In FIG. 5b, when a user inputs a key to move to the right among the four-directional keys included in the control device (520), the electronic device (510) can move the focus to an object (514) located to the right of the currently focused object (513). In this case, the electronic device (510) can identify that the focus can no longer be moved to the right, given that the currently focused object (514) is the object located to the far right. The electronic device (510) can generate key information indicating that the key to move to the right among the four-directional keys is an invalid key. The control device (520) receives key information from the electronic device (510) and, even if the key to move to the right is selected, may not transmit a key code command corresponding to the key selection to the electronic device (510).

[0201] In an embodiment, the electronic device (510) can generate new key information or update existing key information at predetermined intervals, or at all times, or whenever an event occurs where key information is changed, and transmit it to the control device (520).

[0202] For example, when the electronic device (510) receives a key code command corresponding to a direction key to move the focus upward relative to the currently focused object (513) in the screen of FIG. 5 (b), it can move the focus to an object (517) located upward relative to the current object (513). In this case, the electronic device (510) can identify that the focus is located on the object (517) and identify that the downward movement key relative to the object (517) where the focus is located is no longer an invalid key. The electronic device (510) can update the existing key information by deleting the downward movement key from the key information or create new key information.

[0203] In this way, according to the embodiment, the electronic device (510) can generate key information by considering the presence or absence of selectable objects, the position of currently focused objects, etc., based on the output screen output by the electronic device (510).

[0204] The control device (520) may not transmit a key code command corresponding to a key to the electronic device (510) even if the key is selected based on the key information received from the electronic device (510).

[0205] FIG. 6 is an internal block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0206] Referring to FIG. 6, the electronic device (600) may include a processor (610), memory (620), a communication unit (630), and a display (640). The electronic device (600) of FIG. 6 may be included in the electronic device (220) of FIG. 2. Therefore, descriptions of content that overlap with the content described in FIG. 2 are omitted.

[0207] In an embodiment, the electronic device (600) may be a video display device. The video display device may be a digital TV capable of receiving digital broadcasts, but is not limited thereto, and may be implemented as various types of electronic devices capable of outputting content.

[0208] For example, the electronic device (600) may include at least one of a desktop, a smartphone, a tablet PC, a mobile phone, a video phone, an e-book reader, a laptop PC, a netbook computer, a digital camera, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), a PMP (Portable Multimedia Player), a camcorder, a navigation device, a wearable device, a smart watch, a home network system, a security system, and a medical device. The electronic device (600) may be stationary or mobile.

[0209] In an embodiment, the display (640) can display content provided by content providers on the screen. The display (640) can output a broadcast program received in real time on the screen, or output content streamed or downloaded from a server on the screen.

[0210] When the display (640) is implemented as a touch screen, the display (640) can be used as an input device, such as a user interface, in addition to an output device. For example, the display (640) may include at least one of a liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode, a flexible display, a 3D display, and an electrophoretic display. Also, depending on the implementation form of the display (640), the display (640) may include two or more.

[0211] The communication unit (630) can connect the electronic device (600) to an external device or server, etc., by means of a wired or wireless communication network under the control of the processor (610). The electronic device (600) can download a program or application required by the electronic device (600) from an external device or server, etc., or perform web browsing through the communication unit (630).

[0212] The communication unit (630) can receive a control signal including a key code command corresponding to a key input from a control device (210), such as a remote control, under the control of the processor (610). The control signal may be implemented as a Bluetooth type, an RF signal type, or a Wi-Fi type, but is not limited thereto.

[0213] In an embodiment, the communication unit (630) may transmit a BLE signal at a predetermined interval. The communication unit (630) may transmit BLE signals at different intervals to the surroundings when the power of the electronic device (600) is on and when it is off, thereby enabling the control unit (210) to detect whether the power of the electronic device (600) is on or off. Alternatively, the communication unit (630) may directly transmit a signal indicating power on or a signal indicating power off to the control unit (210) when the power of the electronic device (600) is turned on or off.

[0214] In an embodiment, the communication unit (630) can transmit key information to the control unit (210) when the power of the electronic device (600) is turned on. The communication unit (630) can transmit key information to the control unit (210) at all times, at regular intervals, or whenever the key information is updated or newly generated.

[0215] The memory (620) according to the embodiment may store at least one instruction. The memory (620) may store at least one program executed by the processor (610). A predefined operation rule or program may be stored in the memory (620). Additionally, the memory (620) may store data input to or output from the electronic device (600).

[0216] In an embodiment, the memory (620) may store a key identifier for identifying a plurality of keys included in the control device (210).

[0217] In an embodiment, when there are multiple control devices (210) capable of controlling the electronic device (600), the electronic device (600) may store identifiers of multiple control devices (210) and key identifiers for each control device having each identifier.

[0218] The processor (610) can identify an invalid key that cannot operate in the current state based on the current state of the electronic device (600) and the key identifier stored in memory (620). The electronic device (600) can generate key information including the key identifier of the invalid key.

[0219] The memory (620) may include at least one type of storage medium among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), RAM (Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk.

[0220] The processor (610) controls the overall operation of the electronic device (600). The processor (610) can control the electronic device (600) to function by executing one or more instructions stored in memory (620).

[0221] In an embodiment, the processor (610) can generate key information based on the current state of the electronic device (600) when the power of the electronic device (600) is turned on.

[0222] In an embodiment, the processor (610) can generate key information based on the configuration state of the electronic device (600). The configuration state of the electronic device (600) may include at least one of the function configuration states, such as the source of content output by the electronic device (600), volume or channel, or environment settings.

[0223] In an embodiment, the processor (610) can generate key information based on the current screen state output by the display (640) of the electronic device (600). The current screen state output may be determined by the number of objects included in the screen or the selectability of the objects.

[0224] FIG. 7 is an internal block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0225] The electronic device (700) of FIG. 7 may include components of the electronic device (600) of FIG. 6. Therefore, descriptions that overlap with those described in FIG. 6 are omitted.

[0226] Referring to FIG. 7, the electronic device (700) may further include a tuner unit (710), a detection unit (730), an input / output unit (740), a video processing unit (750), an audio processing unit (760), an audio output unit (770), and a user interface (780), in addition to a processor (610), a memory (620), a communication unit (630), and a display (640).

[0227] The tuner unit (710) can select only the frequency of the channel to be received by the electronic device (700) from among many radio wave components by tuning through amplification, mixing, resonance, etc. of broadcast content received via wired or wireless connection. The content received through the tuner unit (710) is decoded and separated into audio, video, and / or additional information. The separated audio, video, and / or additional information can be stored in memory (790) under the control of the processor (610).

[0228] The communication unit (620) can connect the electronic device (700) to a peripheral device, external device, server, control unit (210), etc. under the control of the processor (610). The communication unit (620) may include at least one of a wireless LAN (721), Bluetooth (722), and wired Ethernet (724) in accordance with the performance and structure of the electronic device (700).

[0229] The communication unit (620) can receive a control signal through a control device (210), such as a remote control, under the control of the processor (610). The control signal can be implemented as a Bluetooth type, an RF signal type, or a Wi-Fi type. The communication unit (620) may further include other short-range communication (e.g., NFC (near field communication, not shown)) in addition to Bluetooth (722).

[0230] In an embodiment, the Bluetooth (722) may include a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module. The BLE communication module can transmit and receive signals to and from a control device (210), etc., through a BLE communication method.

[0231] The detection unit (730) detects the user's voice, the user's image, or the user's interaction and may include a microphone (731), a camera unit (732), and an optical receiver (733). The microphone (731) can receive the user's uttered voice and convert the received voice into an electrical signal to output to the processor (610). The camera unit (732) includes a sensor (not shown) and a lens (not shown) and can capture an image formed on a screen. The optical receiver (733) can receive an optical signal (including a control signal).

[0232] The optical receiver (733) can receive an optical signal corresponding to user input (e.g., touch, press, touch gesture, voice, or motion) from a control device (210), such as a remote control or a mobile phone. The received optical signal may include a key code command corresponding to a key input of the control device (210). The processor (610) can extract the key code command from the optical signal received by the optical receiver (733) and control the electronic device (700) to operate accordingly.

[0233] The input / output unit (740) can receive additional information such as video (e.g., video signal or still image signal, etc.), audio (e.g., voice signal or music signal, etc.), and metadata from a device outside the electronic device (700) under the control of the processor (610). The metadata may include HDR information about the content, a description or title of the content, a storage location of the content, etc. The input / output unit (740) may include one of an HDMI port (High-Definition Multimedia Interface port, 741), a component jack (742), a PC port (743), and a USB port (744). The input / output unit (740) may include a combination of the HDMI port (741), the component jack (742), the PC port (743), and the USB port (744).

[0234] The video processing unit (750) processes video data to be displayed by the display (640) and can perform various video processing operations such as decoding, rendering, scaling, noise filtering, frame rate conversion, and resolution conversion on the video data.

[0235] The display (640) can output content received from a broadcasting station, an external server, or an external storage medium to the screen. The content is a media signal and may include a video signal, an image, a text signal, etc. Additionally, the display (640) can display a video signal or an image received through the HDMI port (741) on the screen.

[0236] The audio processing unit (760) performs processing on audio data. Various processing such as decoding, amplification, and noise filtering on audio data can be performed in the audio processing unit (760).

[0237] The audio output unit (770) can output audio included in content received through the tuner unit (710) under the control of the processor (610), audio input through the communication unit (620) or input / output unit (740), and audio stored in memory (720). The audio output unit (770) may include at least one of a speaker (771), a headphone output terminal (772), or an S / PDIF (Sony / Philips Digital Interface) output terminal (773).

[0238] The user interface (780) can receive user input for controlling the electronic device (700). The user interface (780) may include, but is not limited to, various forms of user input devices, such as a touch panel that detects a user's touch, a button that receives a user's push operation, a wheel that receives a user's rotation operation, a keyboard, a dome switch, a microphone for voice recognition, and a motion detection sensor that senses motion. The user interface (780) may also receive control signals received from the control device (210).

[0239] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating how a control device operates in a first mode according to an embodiment.

[0240] Referring to FIG. 8, the control device can operate in different modes depending on whether the power of the electronic device is on or off.

[0241] Figure 8 illustrates the case where the power to the electronic device is turned off.

[0242] In an embodiment, the control device can receive a BLE signal from the electronic device (step 810). The control device can detect that the power of the electronic device is off based on the signal received from the electronic device (step 820). That is, the control device can detect that the power of the electronic device is off if the interval of the signal received from the electronic device is longer than a predetermined threshold. Alternatively, the control device may detect that the power of the electronic device is off by directly receiving a signal indicating power off from the electronic device.

[0243] The control device may operate in a first mode when it detects that the power to the electronic device is off. In the first mode, among the plurality of keys included in the control device, only the first key may operate, and the remaining second keys other than the first key may not operate. In the first mode, the first key may operate in an interrupt manner.

[0244] When the first key is input by the user (step 830), the control device detects an interrupt signal for the first key and can wake up from sleep mode accordingly. After waking up, the control device can generate a control signal corresponding to the first key and transmit it to an electronic device (step 840).

[0245] In an embodiment, the control device may operate in sleep mode again after transmitting a signal corresponding to the first key to the electronic device. Even when the first key receives a long press input, the control device may wake up only when it detects an interrupt signal for the first key and operate in sleep mode for the remainder of the period.

[0246] When the control device receives input from the user for a second key other than the first key (step 850), it may not recognize the second key input and may not generate a signal corresponding to the second key input. For example, the control device may prevent unnecessary power waste by not generating another key code command for the second key input at all.

[0247] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating how a control device operates in a second mode according to an embodiment.

[0248] Referring to FIG. 9, the control device can operate in different modes depending on whether the power of the electronic device is on or off.

[0249] Figure 9 illustrates the case where the power of the electronic device is turned on.

[0250] The control device can receive a signal from the electronic device (step 910). The control device can detect that the power of the electronic device is turned on based on the signal received from the electronic device (step 920). The control device can detect that the power of the electronic device is turned on if the interval of the signal received from the electronic device is equal to or shorter than a predetermined reference value. Alternatively, the control device may detect that the power of the electronic device is turned on by directly receiving a signal indicating that the power is turned on from the electronic device.

[0251] When the control device detects that the power to the electronic device is turned on, it may operate in a second mode. In the second mode, a plurality of keys included in the control device may operate in a matrix manner.

[0252] The electronic device can generate key information based on the current state of the electronic device (step 930). The electronic device can transmit the key information to the control device (step 940).

[0253] After the control device receives key information from the electronic device, when it receives input for a predetermined key from the user (step 950), it can determine whether the input key is an invalid key identified as key information (step 960).

[0254] The control device may not transmit a control signal to the electronic device for the corresponding key input if the input key is an invalid key.

[0255] If the input key is not an invalid key, the control device may transmit a signal corresponding to the input key to the electronic device (step 970). The electronic device may perform an operation according to the control signal received from the control device (step 980).

[0256] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation when a long press input is received for a predetermined key while the control device is operating in a second mode, according to an embodiment.

[0257] Referring to FIG. 10, the control device can receive a predetermined key as a long press (step 1010). In FIG. 10, it is assumed that the control device receives a predetermined key as a long press from time t0 to time t2.

[0258] The control device may transmit a signal corresponding to a predetermined key to an electronic device in correspondence with the fact that the predetermined key is not an invalid key (step 1020). The electronic device receives the signal corresponding to the predetermined key and may perform a corresponding operation according to the received signal (step 1030).

[0259] When a predetermined key is input as a long press for a predetermined time or longer, the control device may continuously transmit a signal corresponding to the predetermined key to an electronic device while the predetermined key is being input. For example, if the predetermined key is a volume up key and the volume up key is input as a long press, the electronic device may continuously perform an operation corresponding to the volume up key.

[0260] The electronic device performs an operation corresponding to a specific key, and may determine that it is no longer possible to perform the corresponding operation (step 1040). For example, as in the example above, the electronic device continues to increase the volume value, but when the volume value reaches the maximum value, it can no longer increase the volume value. If the electronic device can no longer perform an operation based on the key input, it may generate key information indicating the corresponding key as an invalid key or update existing key information (step 1050).

[0261] The electronic device can transmit newly generated or updated key information to the control device (step 1060).

[0262] The control device may receive a release signal for a specific key at time t2 (step 1070). The release signal may mean that the input for the specific key is released.

[0263] In an embodiment, the control device may not transmit a signal corresponding to a specific key selection to the electronic device even if a specific key continues to be selected after receiving key information from the electronic device. That is, if the control device receives key information from the electronic device at time t1 while a specific key is receiving a long press input, it may not transmit a signal corresponding to a specific key input to the electronic device from time t1 until time t2 when a release signal is received.

[0264] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the operation method of a control device according to an embodiment.

[0265] Referring to FIG. 11, the control device can detect the power status of the electronic device (step 1110). The control device can detect the power status of the electronic device based on at least one of using the interval of a signal received from the electronic device or receiving a signal from the electronic device indicating the power status of the electronic device.

[0266] The control device can determine whether the power of the electronic device is off by detecting the power status of the electronic device (step 1120). If the power of the electronic device is off, the control device can operate in a first mode (step 1130). The first mode may also be referred to as an interrupt mode or an interrupt method.

[0267] The control device may operate in a second mode when the power to the electronic device is not off (step 1140). The second mode may also be referred to as a scan mode or a matrix mode.

[0268] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating that the control device operates in a first mode according to an embodiment.

[0269] Referring to FIG. 12, the control device may operate in a first mode when the power to the electronic device is off. The control device may change the pin settings of the hardware to the first mode by adjusting the register value of the GPIO pin. In the first mode, among the keys included in the control device, only the first key may operate, and other second keys other than the first key may not operate.

[0270] The control device may make the first key operate in an interrupt manner. To do this, the control device may output a high signal only to the output pin connected to the first key (step 1210), and prevent current from flowing to the output pin connected to a key other than the first key.

[0271] In addition, the control device can be configured to detect only the input pin connected to the first key.

[0272] When the first key is selected by the user (step 1220), the input pin connected to the first key is connected to the output pin connected to the first key, so that the output signal can be detected in an interrupt manner (step 1230). In response to detecting the interrupt signal, the control device can generate a key code signal corresponding to the first key and transmit it to an electronic device.

[0273] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating how an electronic device generates key information according to an embodiment.

[0274] Referring to FIG. 13, the electronic device can generate key information based on the current state of the electronic device (step 1310). The current state of the electronic device may include at least one of the setting state of the electronic device and the screen state output by the electronic device.

[0275] The configuration state of the electronic device may include at least one of the configuration state of the source of the content or the function currently output by the electronic device.

[0276] The function setting state of the electronic device may include at least one of the volume state, channel state, and environment setting function state of the electronic device.

[0277] The screen state output by an electronic device may refer to the number of objects included in the screen or the position state of the currently focused object.

[0278] Based on the current state, the electronic device can generate key information indicating an invalid key that cannot perform an operation corresponding to the key input even if it receives a control signal corresponding to the key input from the control device.

[0279] The electronic device can transmit key information to the control device (step 1320). For example, the electronic device can transmit key information to the control device using BLE communication.

[0280] The electronic device can determine whether the current state of the electronic device has changed (step 1330). For example, the electronic device can determine whether the setting state of the electronic device has changed or whether the output screen state of the electronic device has changed.

[0281] If the current state of the electronic device changes, the device can generate new key information based on the changed state or update existing key information.

[0282] The electronic device can transmit newly generated key information or updated key information back to the control device.

[0283] A control device and a method of operation according to some embodiments may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as a program module executed by a computer. A computer-readable medium may be any available medium accessible by a computer and includes both volatile and non-volatile media, and both removable and non-removable media. Additionally, a computer-readable medium may include both computer storage media and communication media. A computer storage medium includes both volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented by any method or technique for storing information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. A communication medium typically includes computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data of a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information transmission medium.

[0284] Additionally, in this specification, “part” may be a hardware component, such as a processor or circuit, and / or a software component executed by a hardware component, such as a processor.

[0285] In addition, the control device and the method of operation according to the embodiment of the present disclosure described above may be implemented as a computer program product comprising a computer-readable recording medium having a program for implementing the method of operation of a control device, wherein the control device includes the step of detecting that the power of an electronic device controlled by the control device is off, and the step of operating in the first mode corresponding to detecting that the power of the electronic device is off, wherein the step of operating in the first mode includes the step of operating only the first key among a plurality of keys included in the control device in an interrupt manner, and the remaining second keys among the plurality of keys excluding the first key do not operate.

[0286] The foregoing description is for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will understand that other specific forms can be easily modified without altering the technical concept or essential features of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. For example, each component described as a single unit may be implemented in a distributed manner, and components described as distributed may likewise be implemented in a combined form.

Claims

Claim 1 A control device comprising: a key input unit including a plurality of keys; a communication unit communicating with an electronic device; a memory storing one or more instructions; and a processor executing one or more instructions stored in the memory, wherein the processor detects whether the power of the electronic device is on or off by executing the one or more instructions, and controls the control device to operate in a first mode corresponding to detecting that the power of the electronic device is off, wherein operating in the first mode includes only a predetermined first key among the plurality of keys operating in an interrupt manner, and the remaining second keys among the plurality of keys excluding the first key not operating, and wherein the processor detects that the power of the electronic device is off based on detecting that the interval of a signal received from the electronic device through the communication unit is longer than a predetermined reference value. Claim 2 A control device according to claim 1, wherein the first mode of operation comprises: the processor executing one or more instructions to control the first key input to be recognized, thereby transmitting a control signal corresponding to the first key to the electronic device upon receiving the first key input, and controlling the second key input not to be recognized, thereby not generating a control signal corresponding to the second key upon receiving the second key input. Claim 3 A control device according to claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of keys is connected to a line of an input pin and an output pin, and operating in the first mode comprises: an output pin connected to the first key outputting an output signal and, corresponding to receiving a key input for the first key, an input pin connected to the first key detecting the output signal in an interrupt manner, and the processor executing one or more instructions to wake up in correspondence with the input pin connected to the first key detecting the output signal in the interrupt manner and transmitting a control signal corresponding to the first key to the electronic device through the communication unit, and operating in a sleep mode while the input pin connected to the first key is not detecting the output signal in the interrupt manner. Claim 4 A control device according to claim 3, wherein the processor, by executing one or more instructions, transmits a control signal corresponding to the first key to the electronic device once when the first key receives a long-pressed input, and then operates again in sleep mode while receiving the long-pressed input. Claim 5 A control device according to claim 1, wherein the processor further detects that the power of the electronic device is off based on receiving a signal indicating power off from the electronic device through the communication unit by executing the one or more instructions. Claim 6 In claim 1, the control device wherein the first key includes a power key. Claim 7 A control device according to claim 1, wherein the processor controls the control device to operate in a second mode corresponding to detecting that the power of the electronic device is on by executing one or more instructions, and the operation in the second mode includes operating in a matrix manner that recognizes the key input when receiving key input for the plurality of keys. Claim 8 A control device according to claim 7, wherein the processor detects that the power of the electronic device is on based on at least one of detecting that the interval of a signal received from the electronic device through the communication unit is equal to or shorter than a predetermined reference value by executing one or more instructions, and receiving a signal indicating power on from the electronic device. Claim 9 A control device according to claim 7, wherein the second mode of operation comprises: the communication unit receiving key information from the electronic device; and the processor executing one or more instructions, wherein if the processor identifies that the key receiving the input is a non-operating key based on the key information, it does not perform an operation according to the key input, and if the processor identifies that the key receiving the input is an operating key based on the key information, it transmits a control signal corresponding to the key receiving the input to the electronic device through the communication unit, wherein the key information is information indicating a key among the plurality of keys for which the electronic device cannot perform an operation according to the key input in response to a key input from a user. Claim 10 A control device according to claim 9, wherein if it is identified that the key receiving the input is a non-operating key, the operation according to the key input is not performed, the control device comprises at least one of not generating a control signal corresponding to the key receiving the input and not transmitting a control signal corresponding to the key receiving the input to the electronic device through the communication unit. Claim 11 In claim 9, the control device wherein the key information is determined based on at least one of the setting state of the electronic device and the output screen state currently output by the electronic device. Claim 12 A control device according to claim 9, wherein the processor, by executing one or more instructions, transmits a control signal corresponding to the predetermined key through the communication unit to the electronic device in correspondence with identifying that the predetermined key is the operating key when a predetermined key among the plurality of keys receives a long-pressed input, and when key information indicating that the predetermined key is a non-operating key is received from the electronic device while receiving the long-pressed input, the control device does not perform an operation according to the predetermined key input even while receiving the long-pressed input. Claim 13 An electronic device comprising: a communication unit communicating with a control unit; a memory storing one or more instructions; and a processor executing one or more instructions stored in the memory, wherein the processor, by executing the one or more instructions, determines, when the electronic device is turned on, a key among a plurality of keys included in the control unit that cannot perform an operation corresponding to the reception of a control signal corresponding to a key input based on at least one of a setting state of the electronic device and an output screen state currently output by the electronic device, transmits key information indicating the determined key to the control unit through the communication unit, and transmits the signal such that the interval of the signal transmitted to the control unit through the communication unit is less than or equal to a predetermined reference value while the power of the electronic device is turned on. Claim 14 A method for operating a control device, comprising: a step of detecting whether the power of an electronic device controlled by the control device is on or off; a step of operating in a first mode corresponding to detecting that the power of the electronic device is off, wherein the step of operating in the first mode includes a step in which only a predetermined first key among a plurality of keys included in the control device operates in an interrupt manner, and the remaining second keys among the plurality of keys, excluding the first key, do not operate, and the step of detecting whether the power of the electronic device is on or off includes a step of detecting that the power of the electronic device is off based on detecting that the interval of a signal received from the electronic device is longer than a predetermined reference value. Claim 15 A method for operating a control device according to claim 14, wherein the step of operating in the first mode includes: a step of recognizing a key input for the first key and, upon receiving the key input for the first key, transmitting a control signal corresponding to the first key to the electronic device; and a step of not recognizing a key input for the second key and, upon receiving the key input for the second key, not generating a control signal corresponding to the second key. Claim 16 A method for operating a control device according to claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of keys is connected to a line of an input pin and an output pin, and the step of operating in the first mode comprises: the output pin connected to the first key outputs an output signal, and the input pin connected to the first key detects the output signal in an interrupt manner in response to receiving a key input for the first key; the input pin connected to the first key wakes up in response to detecting the output signal in the interrupt manner and transmits a control signal corresponding to the first key to the electronic device; and the step of operating in a sleep mode while the input pin connected to the first key does not detect the output signal in the interrupt manner. Claim 17 A method for operating a control device according to claim 16, wherein the step of operating in the first mode includes, when the first key receives a long-pressed input, transmitting a control signal corresponding to the first key to the electronic device once, and then operating in sleep mode again while receiving the long-pressed input. Claim 18 A method for operating a control device according to claim 14, further comprising: a step of detecting that the power of the electronic device is on; and a step of operating in a second mode according to a matrix method that recognizes the key input when receiving a key input for the plurality of keys corresponding to the detection that the power of the electronic device is on, wherein the step of operating in the second mode comprises: a step of receiving key information from the electronic device; a step of not performing an operation according to the key input if it is identified that the key receiving the input is a non-operating key based on the key information; and a step of transmitting a control signal corresponding to the key to the electronic device if it is identified that the key receiving the input is an operating key based on the key information, wherein the key information is information indicating a key among the plurality of keys for which the electronic device cannot perform an operation according to the key input reception. Claim 19 A method of operating an electronic device, comprising: a step of determining, based on at least one of a context currently output by the electronic device and a setting state of the electronic device when the electronic device is ON, a key among a plurality of keys included in a control device that cannot perform an operation according to the reception of a control signal corresponding to a key input; and a step of transmitting key information indicating the determined key to the control device, wherein the electronic device transmits the signal such that the interval of the signal transmitted to the control device is less than or equal to a predetermined reference value while the power of the electronic device is ON. Claim 20 A computer-readable recording medium having a program for implementing a method of operating a control device, the step of detecting whether the power of an electronic device controlled by a control device is on or off; the step of operating in a first mode corresponding to detecting that the power of the electronic device is off, wherein the step of operating in the first mode includes the step of operating only a predetermined first key among a plurality of keys included in the control device in an interrupt manner, and the remaining second keys among the plurality of keys excluding the first key do not operate, and the step of detecting whether the power of the electronic device is on or off includes the step of detecting that the power of the electronic device is off based on detecting that the interval of a signal received from the electronic device is longer than a predetermined reference value.

Images