Electronic device and operating method thereof

Abstract

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a speaker, a wireless communication interface configured to communicate with an external speaker, and a controller configured to acquire first output information of the speaker and second output information of the external speaker, and to control the speaker based on the first output information and the second output information. The first audio signal is output to a speaker and the second audio signal is transmitted to an external speaker over a wireless communication interface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electronic devices. Background Art

[0002] Digital TV services using wired or wireless communication networks are becoming common. Digital TV services can provide various services that cannot be provided in existing analog broadcasting services.

[0003] For example, IPTV (Internet Protocol Television), a type of digital TV service, and Smart TV services provide bidirectionality, which allows users to actively select the type of program to watch and the viewing time. IPTV and Smart TV services can provide various additional services such as Internet search, home shopping, and online games based on this interactive nature.

[0004] Recently, in order to enhance the sound field, users listen to audio through built-in speakers in a TV and external speakers.

[0005] However, conventionally, since a speaker built into a TV always outputs a main audio and an external device connected to the TV plays a role of outputting a sub-audio, there is a problem in that an optimal sound cannot be provided.

[0006] That is, in the related art, there is a problem in that, regardless of output information or characteristic information of a speaker built into a TV and an external device, the role of each speaker is limited. Summary of the invention Technical Purpose

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to improve sound by selecting a main speaker and a sub-speaker according to information about each speaker if audio is output through a speaker built into an electronic device and an external speaker.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide optimal sound quality by controlling audio to be delivered to each speaker or selecting a role of each speaker based on audio outputs of a speaker built into an electronic device and an external speaker, respectively. Technical Solution

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device may include a speaker, a wireless communication interface configured to communicate with an external speaker, and a controller, the controller being configured to obtain first output information of the speaker and second output information of the external speaker, and based on the first output information and the second output information, output a first audio signal to the speaker and transmit a second audio signal to the external speaker through the wireless communication interface.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an operating method of an electronic device may include: acquiring first output information of a speaker and second output information of an external speaker; and based on the first output information and the second output information, outputting a first audio signal to the speaker and transmitting a second audio signal to the external speaker. Beneficial effects

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, if audio is output through a speaker built into an electronic device and an external device, optimal sound quality is provided, so that a user's listening satisfaction can be improved.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, roles of a speaker of an electronic device and an external speaker are automatically set without separate manipulation by a user, thereby making it possible to provide optimal sound. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an audio output system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 3 is a ladder diagram illustrating an operating method of the audio output system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process of setting a main speaker and a sub-speaker based on output information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of changing an audio component of a speaker of an electronic device according to audio channel information of an external device set as a main speaker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process of determining a primary speaker and a secondary speaker by comparing a first audio output from an internal speaker with a second audio output from a speaker of an external device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B is a diagram illustrating an example of determining a main speaker and a sub-speaker according to an average output level of audio.

[0020] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a process of determining a main speaker and a sub-speaker according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Fig. 9is a flowchart illustrating a process of performing speaker setting based on an output difference between a first audio output from an internal speaker and a second audio output from an external speaker.

[0022] Fig.10 is a diagram for explaining outputting a notification if characteristics of an external speaker are not suitable for configuring an audio system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Fig.11A is a flowchart illustrating an operation according to connection of a new external device to the electronic device.

[0024] Fig. 11B is a diagram for explaining user guide information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Fig.12 is a diagram for explaining an example of changing a main speaker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Fig.13 is a diagram for explaining an example of enhancing the output of a speaker of an electronic device based on the power amount of an external speaker. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments related to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Suffixes "module" and "unit" for components used in the following description are assigned or mixed in consideration of easy writing of the specification and have no unique meaning or role.

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments related to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Suffixes "module" and "unit" for components used in the following description are given or used together in consideration of easy writing of specification and do not have different meanings or roles from each other.

[0029] The electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention is, for example, an intelligent electronic device in which a computer support function is added to a broadcast receiving function, and an Internet function is added while being faithful to the broadcast receiving function, such as a handwriting input device, a touch screen, etc. Alternatively, a more user-friendly interface such as a spatial remote controller can be provided. In addition, by supporting a wired or wireless Internet function and connecting to the Internet and a computer, functions such as e-mail, web browsing, banking, or games can be performed. A standardized general-purpose OS can be used for these various functions.

[0030] Therefore, since various applications can be freely added or deleted in the electronic device described in the present invention, for example, on a general OS kernel, various user-friendly functions can be performed. More specifically, the electronic device can be, for example, a network TV, HBBTV, smart TV, LED TV, OLED TV, etc., and can also be applied to smart phones in some cases.

[0031] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Reference Figure 1 , the electronic device 100 may include a broadcast receiver 130 , an external device interface 135 , a memory 140 , a user input interface 150 , a controller 170 , a wireless communication interface 173 , a display 180 , a speaker 185 , and a power circuit 190 .

[0033] The broadcast receiver 130 may include a tuner 131 , a demodulator 132 , and a network interface 133 .

[0034] The tuner 131 may select a specific broadcast channel according to a channel selection command. The tuner 131 may receive a broadcast signal for the selected specific broadcast channel.

[0035] The demodulator 132 may separate a received broadcast signal into a video signal, an audio signal, and a data signal related to a broadcast program, and restore the separated video signal, audio signal, and data signal into a form that can be output.

[0036] The external device interface 135 may receive an application or an application list in a neighboring external device and transfer the received application to the controller 170 or the memory 140 .

[0037] The external device interface 135 may provide a connection path between the electronic device 100 and an external device. The external device interface 135 may receive at least one of a video and an audio output from an external device connected to the electronic device 100 by wire or wirelessly, and transmit the received image to the controller 170. The external device interface 135 may include a plurality of external input terminals. The plurality of external input terminals may include an RGB terminal, one or more high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) terminals, and a component terminal.

[0038] An image signal of the external device input through the external device interface 135 may be output through the display 180 . A voice signal of the external device input through the external device interface 135 may be output through the speaker 185 .

[0039] The external device that can be connected to the external device interface 135 may be any one of a set-top box, a Blu-ray player, a DVD player, a game console, a sound bar, a smart phone, a PC, a USB memory, and a home theater, but this is only an example.

[0040] The network interface 133 may provide an interface for connecting the electronic device 100 to a wired / wireless network including an Internet network. The network interface 133 may transmit or receive data with other users or other electronic devices through the connected network or another network linked to the connected network.

[0041] Furthermore, some content data stored in the electronic device 100 may be transmitted to another user pre-registered in the electronic device 100 or a user selected from other electronic devices or a selected electronic device.

[0042] The network interface 133 can access a predetermined web page through the connected network or another network linked to the connected network. That is, by accessing a predetermined web page via the network, data can be sent or received using a corresponding server.

[0043] Moreover, the network interface 133 can receive content or data provided by a content provider or a network operator. That is, the network interface 133 can receive content and related information such as movies, advertisements, games, VOD, and broadcast signals provided from a content provider or a network provider through a network.

[0044] In addition, the network interface 133 may receive firmware update information and update files provided by a network operator, and may transmit data to the Internet or a content provider or a network operator.

[0045] The network interface 133 may select and receive a desired application among applications opened to the public through a network.

[0046] The memory 140 may store a program for processing and controlling each signal in the controller 170 and may store a signal-processed video, audio or data signal.

[0047] In addition, the memory 140 may perform a function for temporarily storing a video, audio, or data signal input from the external device interface 135 or the network interface 133, and may also store information related to a predetermined image through a channel storage function.

[0048] The storage 140 may store applications or an application list input from the external device interface 135 or the network interface 133 .

[0049] The electronic device 100 may play and provide content files (video files, still image files, music files, document files, application files, etc.) stored in the memory 140 to the user.

[0050] The user input interface 150 may transmit a signal input by the user to the controller 170, or may transmit a signal from the controller 170 to the user. For example, the user input interface 150 may receive and process control signals such as power on / off, channel selection, and screen setting from the remote control device 200, or process control signals from the controller 170 to transmit the control signals to the remote control device 200 according to various communication methods such as Bluetooth, ultra-wideband (WB), ZigBee, radio frequency (RF) communication, or infrared (IR) communication.

[0051] In addition, the user input interface 150 may transfer a control signal input from a local key (not shown) such as a power key, a channel key, a volume key, and a setting value to the controller 170 .

[0052] The image signal processed by the controller 170 may be input to the display 180 and displayed as an image corresponding to the corresponding image signal. In addition, the image signal processed by the controller 170 may be input to an external output device through the external device interface 135.

[0053] The audio signal processed by the controller 170 may be output as audio through the speaker 185. Also, the voice signal processed by the controller 170 may be input to an external output device through the external device interface 135.

[0054] In addition, the controller 170 may control overall operations within the electronic device 100 .

[0055] Furthermore, the controller 170 may control the electronic device 100 according to a user command input through the user input interface 150 or an internal program, access a network, and download an application or an application list desired by the user.

[0056] The controller 170 allows the channel information selected by the user to be output through the display 180 or the speaker 185 together with the processed video or audio signal.

[0057] In addition, according to an external device video playback command received through the user input interface 150, the controller 170 can output a video signal from an external device input through the external device interface 135, such as a video signal from a camera or a camcorder, or output an audio signal through the display 180 or the speaker 185.

[0058] Meanwhile, the controller 170 may control the display 180 to display an image, for example, a broadcast image input through the tuner 131, an external input image input through the external device interface 135, or an image input through the network interface unit, or may control an image stored in the memory 140 to be displayed on the display 180. In this case, the image displayed on the display 180 may be a still image or a moving image, and may be a 2D image or a 3D image.

[0059] In addition, the controller 170 can control content stored in the electronic device 100, received broadcast content, or external input content input from the outside to be reproduced, and the content includes broadcast video, external input video, and audio files, still images, connected web page screens, and document files.

[0060] The wireless communication interface 173 can communicate with an external device through wired or wireless communication. The wireless communication interface 173 can perform short-range communication with an external device. To this end, the wireless communication interface 173 can use Bluetooth TM The wireless communication interface 173 may support short-range communication by at least one of the following technologies: RFID, IrDA, UWB, ZigBee, NFC, Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus). The wireless communication interface 173 may support wireless communication between the electronic device 100 and a wireless communication system, between the electronic device 100 and other electronic devices 100, or between the electronic device 100 and a network in which the electronic device 100 (or an external server) is located. The local area network may be a local wireless personal area network (Wireless Personal Area Networks).

[0061] Here, the other electronic device 100 is a wearable device that can exchange (or interlock) data with the electronic device 100 according to the present invention (e.g., smart watch, smart glasses) (smart glass), a head mounted display (HMD) and a mobile terminal such as a smart phone. The wireless communication interface 173 can detect (or identify) wearable devices that can communicate around the electronic device 100.

[0062] In addition, if the detected wearable device is a device authorized to communicate with the electronic device 100 according to the present invention, the controller 170 can transmit at least a portion of the data processed by the electronic device 100 to the wearable device through the wireless communication interface 173. Therefore, the user of the wearable device can use the data processed by the electronic device 100 through the wearable device.

[0063] The display 180 may convert an OSD signal, a video signal, a data signal processed by the controller 170, or a video signal or a data signal received from the external device interface 135 into R, G, and B signals, respectively, to generate driving signals.

[0064] at the same time, Figure 1 The electronic device 100 shown is only one embodiment of the present invention. According to the specifications of the electronic device 100 actually implemented, some of the components shown may be integrated, added or omitted.

[0065] That is, if necessary, two or more components may be combined into one component, or one component may be subdivided into two or more components. In addition, the functions performed in each block are used to illustrate the embodiments of the present invention, and specific operations or devices do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0066] According to another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 Unlike the example shown, the electronic device 100 does not include the tuner 131 and the demodulator 132 , but can receive and play videos through the network interface 133 or the external device interface 135 .

[0067] For example, the electronic device 100 may be separated and may be implemented as an image processing device such as a set-top box for receiving content according to a broadcast signal or various network services and a content reproducing device that reproduces content input from the image processing device.

[0068] In this case, the method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention described below may be performed, not only for Figure 1 The electronic device 100 described above may be used for an image processing device or a display 180 such as a set-top box and a content playback device having a speaker 185 .

[0069] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an audio output system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] Reference Figure 2 , the audio output system 20 may include an electronic device 100 , a remote control device 200 , and an external device 300 .

[0071] The electronic device 100 may transfer the sound source to the built-in speaker 185 and output the first audio corresponding to the sound source through the speaker 185 .

[0072] The electronic device 100 may transmit the same sound source as the sound source transmitted through the speaker 185 or a different sound source to the external device 300 .

[0073] The remote control device 200 may be a device that remotely controls the electronic device 100 .

[0074] The remote control device 200 may collect the first audio output via the speaker 185 and the second audio output via the external device 300 through the microphone.

[0075] The remote control device 200 may transmit the collected first audio and second audio to the electronic device 100 .

[0076] Figure 3 is a ladder diagram illustrating an operating method of the audio output system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] exist Figure 3 , it is assumed that the electronic device 100 and the external device 300 are connected to each other through a wired communication standard or a wireless communication standard.

[0078] The wireless communication standard may be the Bluetooth standard or the Wi-Fi standard, but this is only an example.

[0079] If the wireless communication standard is the Bluetooth standard, each of the wireless communication interface 173 of the electronic device 100 and the external device 300 may include a Bluetooth circuit for Bluetooth communication.

[0080] Hereinafter, the speaker 185 of the electronic device 100 may be referred to as an internal speaker, and the speaker of the external device 300 may be referred to as an external speaker.

[0081] Reference Figure 3 , the controller 170 of the electronic device 100 obtains first output information of the speaker 185 (S301).

[0082] The speaker 185 may be a component built into the electronic device 100 .

[0083] In one embodiment, the first output information of the speaker 185 may include one or more of the output power included in the specification information of the speaker 185, the audio channel information of the speaker 185, the actual output power of the audio output by the speaker 185, the directionality information of the speaker 185, or the operating frequency range information of the speaker 185.

[0084] The controller 170 may store the first output information of the speaker 185 in the memory 140 .

[0085] The controller 170 may transmit the model name of the speaker 185 to the external server through the network interface 133 , and receive first output information of the speaker 185 from the external server.

[0086] The number of the speaker 185 included in the electronic device 100 may be plural.

[0087] The controller 170 of the electronic device 100 obtains second output information of the external device 300 ( S303 ).

[0088] In one embodiment, the controller 170 may receive information about the external device 300 from the wirelessly connected external device 300 .

[0089] The information about the external device 300 may include specification information of the external device 300. Specifically, the specification information of the external device 300 may include second output information about a speaker included in the external device 300 and identification information (eg, model name) of the speaker.

[0090] The second output information may include at least one of output power or audio channel information of a speaker included in the external device 300 , actual output power, directionality information of audio output from the speaker included in the external device, or operating frequency range information.

[0091] When a wireless connection is established with the external device 300 , the controller 170 may receive second output information from the external device 300 .

[0092] In another embodiment, the controller 170 may transmit the model name of the speaker included in the external device 300 to the external server through the network interface 133 and receive the second output information from the external server.

[0093] In another embodiment, the controller 170 may receive the second output information of the external device 300 from the remote control device 200. The remote control device 200 may receive the second output information of the external device 300 from the external device 300, and may transmit the second output information of the external device 300 to the electronic device 100 according to the request of the electronic device 100.

[0094] Meanwhile, the controller 170 may receive the second output information from each of a plurality of external devices having a speaker. That is, a plurality of external speakers may be configured.

[0095] The controller 170 of the electronic device 100 may determine first audio information to be transmitted to the speaker 185 of the electronic device 100 and second audio information to be transmitted to the external device 300 based on the first output information and the second output information ( S305 ).

[0096] In an embodiment, the controller 170 may set one of the speaker 185 of the electronic device 100 and the speaker of the external device 300 as a main speaker and the other as a sub-speaker based on the first output information and the second output information.

[0097] This will refer to Figure 4 Give a description.

[0098] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process of setting a main speaker and a sub-speaker based on output information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] The controller 170 of the electronic device 100 may compare first output information of the speaker 185 and second output information of the external device 300 (output information of a speaker provided in the external device) (S401).

[0100] Based on the comparison result, the controller 170 of the electronic device 100 may determine one of the speaker 185 and a speaker provided in the external device 300 as a main speaker and the other as a sub-speaker (S403).

[0101] In one embodiment, the controller 170 may compare the first output power of the speaker 185 with the second output power of the speaker provided in the external device 300, determine the speaker with the larger output power as the main speaker, and determine the speaker with the smaller output power as the secondary speaker.

[0102] The controller 170 may output the main audio to the main speaker and output the surround audio to the sub-speaker.

[0103] If the main speaker is the speaker 185 of the electronic device 100 and the sub-speaker is determined to be the speaker of the external device 300 , the controller 170 may transmit the main audio to the speaker 185 and the surround audio to the external device 300 .

[0104] In contrast, if the main speaker is a speaker of the external device 300 and the sub-speaker is the speaker 185 of the electronic device 100 , the controller 170 may transmit the main audio to the external device 300 and the surround audio to the speaker 185 .

[0105] In one embodiment, the primary audio may be audio emitted by a person in the content video, and the secondary audio (or surround audio) may be background audio, but this is merely an example.

[0106] Meanwhile, if the speaker of the external device 300 is set as a main speaker, the controller 170 may change the component of the audio output from the speaker 185 according to the audio channel information of the speaker of the external device 300 .

[0107] Figure 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of changing an audio component of a speaker of an electronic device according to audio channel information of an external device set as a main speaker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0108] Reference Figure 5 , 5.1 channel audio systems 300 - 1 to 300 - 5 and the electronic device 100 are shown.

[0109] Each of the speakers provided in the audio systems 300 - 1 to 300 - 5 or the audio systems 300 - 1 to 300 - 5 may be the external device 300 .

[0110] The audio system may include a center speaker 300 - 1 , a left speaker 300 - 2 , a right speaker 300 - 3 , a rear left speaker 300 - 4 , and a rear right speaker 300 - 5 .

[0111] It is assumed that the center speaker 300 - 1 is the external device 300 set as a main speaker, and the electronic device 100 receives audio channel information (center of 5.1 channels) of the center speaker 300 - 1 .

[0112] The electronic device 100 may control the speakers 185 - 1 and 185 - 2 so that the internal speakers 185 - 1 and 185 - 2 configure two channels for surround back according to the audio channel information of the center speaker 300 - 1 and output audio.

[0113] Therefore, the effect of configuring a 7.1 channel audio system can appear.

[0114] In another embodiment, the controller 170 of the electronic device 100 may determine the main speaker and the sub-speaker based on the first audio output from the internal speaker 185 and the second audio output from the speaker of the external device 300 .

[0115] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process of determining a primary speaker and a secondary speaker by comparing a first audio output from an internal speaker with a second audio output from a speaker of an external device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0116] Reference Figure 6 , the controller 170 of the electronic device 100 acquires an output order of the first audio and the second audio (S601).

[0117] In one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a microphone (not shown) and receive the first audio and the second audio through the microphone.

[0118] The microphone may be provided separately from the electronic device 100. In this case, the microphone may be provided in the remote control device 200.

[0119] The controller 170 may determine the first audio first collected by the microphone as the audio output by the internal speaker 185, and determine the second audio collected later as the audio output from the speaker of the external device 300. This is because the audio delivered to the internal speaker 185 may be output earlier than the audio delivered to the speaker of the external device 300.

[0120] The controller 170 of the electronic device 100 compares a first average output level of the first audio with a second average output level of the second audio within a predetermined time (S603).

[0121] The predetermined time may be a period during which each audio is output.

[0122] The controller 170 may measure an average power of the first audio output within a predetermined time and obtain the average power as a first average output level.

[0123] The controller 170 may measure an average power of the second audio output within a predetermined time and obtain the average power as a second average output level.

[0124] The reason for using average power is to minimize the error.

[0125] Based on the comparison result, the controller 170 of the electronic device 100 determines one of the internal speaker 185 and the speaker of the external device 300 as a main speaker and determines the other as a sub-speaker (S605).

[0126] The controller 170 may determine a speaker that outputs audio having a larger average output level as a main speaker, and determine a speaker that outputs audio having a smaller average output level as a sub-speaker.

[0127] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B is a diagram illustrating an example of determining a main speaker and a sub-speaker according to an average output level of audio.

[0128] Reference Fig. 7A , the electronic device 100 outputs audio through the internal speaker 185 and transmits the same audio to the external device 300. The internal speaker 185 may be provided at one side of the electronic device 100.

[0129] The remote control device 200 may collect the first audio 710 output from the internal speaker 185 and the second audio 730 output from the external device 300 .

[0130] The remote control device 200 transmits the first audio 710 and the second audio 730 to the electronic device 100 .

[0131] The remote control device 200 may recognize the first collected audio of the two audios as the first audio output from the internal speaker 185, and recognize the later collected audio as the second audio output from the external device 300. The remote control device 200 may transmit the first audio and the second audio to the electronic device 100 along with the recognition result.

[0132] The electronic device 100 may measure a first average output level of the first audio and a second average output level of the second audio within a predetermined time.

[0133] The electronic device 100 may compare the measured first average output level with the measured second average output level, and as a result of the comparison, determine the speaker outputting louder audio as the main speaker.

[0134] The electronic device 100 may transmit the main audio to the speaker determined as the main speaker, and transmit the sub-audio to the speaker determined as the sub-speaker.

[0135] Meanwhile, the controller 170 may scale the first audio or the second audio throughout the process of comparing the average output levels of the first audio and the second audio.

[0136] This is because the distance between the speaker 185 and the remote control device 200 is different from the distance between the external device 300 and the remote control device 200 or the performance of each speaker is different, so there may be a sound pressure deviation.

[0137] Reference Figure 7B , the electronic device 100 may acquire a sound pressure deviation value between the internal speaker 185 and the external device 300 , and calibrate the audio output through the internal speaker 185 based on the sound pressure deviation value.

[0138] This is to prevent the sound pressure from deviating too much.

[0139] To this end, the electronic device 100 can obtain a sound pressure deviation value based on the difference between the amplitude of the first audio and the amplitude of the second audio, and if the sound pressure deviation value is greater than or equal to a preset value, scale the first audio. Of course, the electronic device 100 can scale the second audio instead of scaling the first audio.

[0140] The electronic device 100 may scale the first audio or the second audio so that the sound pressure deviation value is less than a preset value.

[0141] Scaling can be the process of increasing or decreasing the overall level of an audio signal.

[0142] Before comparing the average output levels, the sound between these two speakers can be balanced according to the audio calibration to compensate for deviations from the external speakers.

[0143] This can apply even if multiple external speakers are present.

[0144] Again, describe Figure 3 .

[0145] The controller 170 of the electronic device 100 outputs the determined first audio information to the speaker 185 (S307), and outputs a first audio signal based on the first audio information through the speaker 185 (S309).

[0146] The first audio information includes a first audio signal output by the speaker 185 of the electronic device 100 .

[0147] The first audio information may also include one or more of information on the type of the first audio signal transmitted to the speaker 185 of the electronic device 100 or whether the speaker 185 is a main speaker or a sub-speaker.

[0148] The type of the first audio signal may indicate whether the audio delivered to the speaker 185 is the main audio or the surround audio.

[0149] The speaker 185 of the electronic device 100 outputs the first audio signal included in the first audio information.

[0150] The controller 170 of the electronic device 100 transmits the determined second audio information to the external device 300 through the wireless communication interface 173 ( S311 ).

[0151] The second audio information includes a second audio signal output from a speaker of the external device 300 .

[0152] The second audio information may further include one or more of information on a type of a second audio signal transmitted to the speaker of the external device 300 or information on whether the speaker of the external device 300 is a main speaker or a sub-speaker.

[0153] The type of the second audio signal may indicate whether the audio delivered to the speaker of the external device 300 is the main audio or the surround audio.

[0154] The controller 170 may transmit the second audio information to the external device 300 through the Wi-Fi communication standard or the Bluetooth communication standard.

[0155] The external device 300 outputs a second audio signal based on the second audio information received from the electronic device 100 (S313).

[0156] The external device 300 outputs the second audio signal included in the second audio information.

[0157] Figure 8is a flowchart illustrating a process of determining a main speaker and a sub-speaker according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0158] Figure 8 Is implemented Figure 3 An embodiment of step S305.

[0159] The controller 170 of the electronic device 100 obtains the distance between the user and the external speaker ( S801 ).

[0160] The controller 170 may obtain the distance between the user and the external speaker as the distance between the remote control device 200 and the external device 300. This is because the remote control device 200 will generally exist at the user's location.

[0161] In one embodiment, the controller 170 may receive the distance between the remote control device 200 and the external device 300 from the remote control device 200. The remote control device 200 may transmit a signal to the external device 300 and measure the distance using a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) value of the received signal received from the external device 300.

[0162] In another embodiment, the controller 170 may receive the distance between the remote control device 200 and the external device 300 from the external device 300. The external device 300 may transmit a signal to the remote control device 200 and measure the distance using a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) value of the received signal received from the remote control device 200.

[0163] In another embodiment, the controller 170 may measure the distance between the user and the external device 300 using depth information of an image captured by a camera (not shown) provided in the electronic device 100 .

[0164] The controller 170 determines a main speaker and a sub-speaker among the internal speaker 185 and the external speakers based on the first output information, the second output information, and the obtained distance (S803).

[0165] In one embodiment, if the obtained distance is within a predetermined distance, the controller 170 may determine the external speaker as the main speaker. That is, if the distance between the user and the external speaker is close, the user is more sensitive to the sound output through the external speaker.

[0166] Here, the predetermined distance may be 1 m, but this is only an example value.

[0167] If the first output power of the internal speaker 185 is greater than the second output power of the external speaker and the distance between the user and the external device 300 is within a certain distance, the controller 170 may determine the external speaker as a main speaker and the internal speaker 185 as a sub-speaker.

[0168] That is, if the distance between the user and the external device 300 is within a specific distance, the controller 170 may determine the external speaker as the main speaker and the internal speaker 185 as the sub-speaker even if the first output power of the internal speaker 185 is greater than the second output power of the external speaker.

[0169] As described above, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, since the main speaker is determined in consideration of the output power of each of the internal speaker and the external speaker and the position between the user and the external speaker, a sound more suitable for the user's situation can be provided.

[0170] Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process of performing speaker setting based on an output difference between a first audio output from an internal speaker and a second audio output from an external speaker.

[0171] Fig. 9 It can be implemented in Figure 3 An embodiment of step S305.

[0172] Reference Fig. 9 , the controller 170 of the electronic device 100 determines whether the output deviation is within a specific range based on the first output information of the internal speaker 185 and the second output information of the external speaker (S901).

[0173] In one embodiment, as in Fig. 7A In an embodiment, if the difference between a first average output level of a first audio output from the internal speaker 185 and a second average output level of a second audio output from the external speaker is less than a preset level difference, the controller 170 may determine that the output deviation is within a specific range.

[0174] If the output deviation is within a specific range, the controller 170 may determine to output the same audio from the internal speaker 185 and the external speaker, or set an audio channel according to the position of each speaker (S903).

[0175] In an embodiment, if it is determined that the output deviation is within a specific range, the controller 170 may determine to output the same type of audio from the internal speaker 185 and the external speaker, respectively.

[0176] That is, if the controller 170 determines that the output deviation is within a specific range, the controller 170 may operate the internal speaker 185 and the external speaker in a monaural mode.

[0177] The same type can be the main audio type or the surround audio type.

[0178] In another embodiment, if it is determined that the output deviation is within a specific range, the controller 170 may set an audio channel according to the position of each of the internal speaker 185 and the external speaker.

[0179] For example, if the internal speaker 185 is located on the right side of the external speaker, the controller 170 may set the internal speaker 185 as a right channel speaker and set the external speaker as a left channel speaker.

[0180] That is, if the output deviation is within a certain range and the internal speaker 185 is located on the right side compared to the external speaker, the controller 170 may operate the two speakers in a stereo mode.

[0181] Therefore, the internal speaker 185 may output audio generated from the right side of the image, and the external speaker may output audio generated from the left side of the image.

[0182] If the output deviation is not within the specific range, the controller 170 may set the role of each speaker according to characteristic information of each speaker (S905).

[0183] The characteristic information of each speaker may include one or more of the directionality information or the operating frequency range information of the speaker.

[0184] Directivity information may include information about the direction in which the speaker transmits audio.

[0185] The operating frequency range information may include a frequency range of audio output from the speaker.

[0186] The first output information may also include one or more of directionality information or operating frequency range information of the internal speaker 185, and the second output information may also include directionality information or operating frequency range information of the external speaker.

[0187] In one embodiment, if the output deviation is not within a specific range and only the external speaker has directionality information, the controller 170 may set the external speaker as a directional speaker and set the internal speaker 185 as a non-directional speaker.

[0188] Non-directional speakers are speakers that distribute audio evenly into the surrounding space.

[0189] In another embodiment, if the output deviation is not within a specific range and the operating frequency ranges of the internal speaker 185 and the external speaker are different, the controller 170 may set the roles of the internal speaker 185 and the external speaker according to the operating frequency range.

[0190] For example, the controller 170 may set the internal speaker 185 as a woofer if the operating frequency range of the internal speaker 185 is 20 Hz to 500 Hz, and as a tweeter if the operating frequency range of the external speaker is between 2 kHz and 20 kHz.

[0191] The controller 170 may transmit audio suitable for the operating frequency range of each speaker.

[0192] In this way, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, if the output deviation of each speaker is not within a specific range, an audio system capable of outputting optimal sound by allocating a role according to the characteristics of each speaker can be provided.

[0193] Meanwhile, in another embodiment, if the output deviation is not within a specific range and the characteristics of the external speaker are not suitable for configuring the audio system, the controller 170 may output a notification.

[0194] Fig.10 is a diagram for explaining outputting a notification if characteristics of an external speaker are not suitable for configuring an audio system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0195] If the output deviation of the audio output from each of the internal speaker 185 and the external speaker is not within a specific range and the characteristics of the external speaker are not suitable for configuring the audio system, the controller 170 may display a notification 1000 guiding separate use on the display 180 .

[0196] For example, a case where the characteristics of the external speaker are not suitable for constructing the audio system may be a case where the operating frequency range of the external speaker is outside the range of the woofer, tweeter or up-range, respectively.

[0197] Fig.11A is a flowchart illustrating an operation according to connection of a new external device to the electronic device.

[0198] Fig.11A It can be in Figure 3 The embodiment that occurs after the embodiment of .

[0199] Reference Fig.11A , the controller 170 of the electronic device 100 determines whether an external device is connected (S1101).

[0200] The external device may be a device that has been previously connected to the electronic device 100 , or a new device that has not been previously connected to the electronic device 100 .

[0201] If the external device is connected, the controller 170 may determine whether there is a preset combination with the connected external device (S1103).

[0202] The memory 140 may store audio combinations between the electronic device 100 and a previously connected external device.

[0203] The audio combination may include identification information of the external device, role information of the internal speaker 185 of the electronic device 100, and role information of the external speaker included in the external device.

[0204] The role information may include one or more of a role according to whether the speaker is a main speaker or a sub-speaker, channel information of the speaker, directionality information of the speaker, or a role according to an operating frequency range of the speaker.

[0205] If it is determined that there is a previously set combination with the connected external device, the controller 170 may set the internal speaker 185 and the external device to a mode corresponding to the set combination (S1105).

[0206] If a preset combination between an external device connected to the electronic device 100 and the electronic device 100 is stored in the memory 140, the controller 170 may set the roles of the internal speaker 185 and the external device according to the stored combination.

[0207] For example, in a combination in which the internal speaker 185 functions as a main speaker and the external device functions as a sub-speaker, the controller 170 may transmit the main audio to the internal speaker 185 and the surround audio to the external device.

[0208] As described above, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, if an external device connected to the electronic device 100 is previously connected, the audio system may be automatically and quickly set using a stored audio combination.

[0209] If it is determined that there is no previously set combination with the connected external device, the controller 170 may obtain third output information of the new external device (S1107).

[0210] The third output information may include one or more of output power or audio channel information, directivity information, or operating frequency range information of a speaker provided in the new external device.

[0211] Also, the controller 170 may receive location information of a new external device regarding the location of the electronic device 100 from the new external device.

[0212] The controller 170 may determine whether a new audio combination is possible based on the first output information of the internal speaker 185 and the third output information of the new external device (S1109).

[0213] If the acoustic performance of the entire audio system is supplemented by adding the connection of a new external device, the controller 170 may determine that a new combination is possible.

[0214] In one embodiment, if the operating frequency range of the internal speaker 185 is different from the operating frequency range of the external device, the controller 170 may determine that a new audio combination is possible.

[0215] If it is determined that a new audio combination is possible, the controller 170 may set a role according to characteristic information of each speaker (S1111).

[0216] The speaker characteristic information may include one or more of directionality information and operating frequency range information of the speaker.

[0217] Directivity information may include information about the direction in which the speaker transmits audio.

[0218] The operating frequency range information may include a frequency range of audio output from the speaker.

[0219] In an embodiment, if only the speaker of the new external device has directional information, the controller 170 may set the speaker of the external device as a directional speaker and set the internal speaker 185 as a non-directional speaker.

[0220] In another embodiment, if the operating frequency ranges of the internal speaker 185 and the speaker of the external device are different from each other, the controller 170 may set the roles of the internal speaker 185 and the speaker of the external device according to the operating frequency range.

[0221] For example, the controller 170 may set the internal speaker 185 as a woofer if the operating frequency range of the internal speaker 185 is 20 Hz to 500 Hz, and set the external device's speaker as a tweeter if the operating frequency range of the external device's speaker is between 2 kHz and 20 kHz.

[0222] Meanwhile, if it is determined that a new audio combination is possible, the controller 170 may display a notification on the display 180 indicating that a new external device may be additionally connected to the audio system.

[0223] If it is determined that a new audio combination is impossible, the controller 170 may output user guide information (S1113).

[0224] According to an embodiment, the user guide information may include a guide for setting a new role of a speaker of an external device related to the electronic device 100 .

[0225] Fig. 11B is a diagram for explaining user guide information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0226] If it is determined that the audio combination with the newly connected external device is impossible, the electronic device 100 may display first user guide information 1110 on the display 180 .

[0227] For example, the first user guide information 1110 may include text for guiding recording of audio output from a new external device.

[0228] If audio output from a new external device is recorded through the microphone, the electronic device 100 may display second user guide information 1130 recommending a role of the external device based on the recorded audio on the display 180 .

[0229] As described above, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device 100 may assign a specific role to an external device or provide guidance for assigning a role of an external device to a user while continuously monitoring an additional connectable external device.

[0230] Fig.12 is a diagram for explaining an example of changing a main speaker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0231] The electronic device 100 is a standing display device and includes Figure 1 all components.

[0232] External speakers 1200 Yes Figure 3 An example of an external device 300.

[0233] The electronic device 100 may include a display 1210 , a shaft 1230 , and a stand base 1250 .

[0234] The shaft 1230 may connect the display 1210 and the stand base 1250. The shaft 1230 may extend vertically.

[0235] A lower end of the shaft 1230 may be connected to an edge portion of the bracket base 1250 .

[0236] The lower end of the shaft 1230 may be rotatably connected to the circumference of the support base 1250 .

[0237] The display 1210 and the axis 1230 can rotate about a vertical axis relative to the support base 1250.

[0238] An upper portion of the shaft 1230 may be connected to a rear surface of the display 1210 .

[0239] The stand base 105 may be used to support the display 1210 .

[0240] The display 1210 may be configured to include an axis 1230 and a support base 1250 .

[0241] The display device 1210 may rotate about a point where the top of the shaft 1230 and the rear surface of the display 1210 contact each other.

[0242] The display device 1210 may include an internal speaker (not shown).

[0243] If the output power included in the specification information of the internal speaker is greater than the output power included in the specification information of the external speaker 1200, the electronic device 100 may determine the internal speaker as the main speaker and the external speaker as the sub-speaker.

[0244] Subsequently, if the actual measured output power of the audio output from the internal speaker is less than the output power of the audio output from the external speaker 1200 , the electronic device 100 may switch the main speaker to the external speaker 1200 and the sub-speaker to the internal speaker 185 .

[0245] As described above, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, if the output power according to the specification information of each speaker is different from the actually measured output power, the optimal sound can be provided by changing the main speaker according to the situation.

[0246] In another embodiment, even if the internal speaker is determined as the main speaker and the external speaker 1200 is determined as the sub-speaker, if the output power included in the specification information of the external speaker 1200 is greater than the output power included in the specification information of the internal speaker, the electronic device 100 can transmit the surround audio and a portion of the main audio to the external speaker.

[0247] This is to maximize the use of the output performance of the external speaker 1200.

[0248] Fig.13 is a diagram for explaining an example of enhancing the output of a speaker of an electronic device based on the power amount of an external speaker.

[0249] exist Fig.13 In the embodiment, the electronic device 100 and the external speaker 1200 borrow Fig.12 .

[0250] Also, it is assumed that the internal speaker of the electronic device 100 and the external speaker 1200 output the same audio.

[0251] If the remaining power amount is less than a specific power amount, the external speaker 1200 may gradually reduce the audio output power.

[0252] The electronic device 100 receives information about the power amount of the external speaker 1200 from the external speaker 1200, and if the power amount of the external speaker 1200 is less than a specific power amount, the electronic device 100 may gradually increase the audio output power of the internal speaker.

[0253] Therefore, the acoustic performance of the audio system can be maintained as much as possible.

[0254] The electronic device 100 may determine the primary speaker based on the type of content consumed by the electronic device 100 .

[0255] For example, if a movie image is being displayed on the display 1210 of the electronic device 100 , an internal speaker of the electronic device 100 may be determined as a main speaker.

[0256] Therefore, the internal speaker of the electronic device 100 may output main audio (audio spoken by a person), and the external speaker 1200 may output surround audio (background music).

[0257] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the above method can be implemented as a processor-readable code in a medium having a program recorded thereon. Examples of processor-readable media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage, etc.

[0258] The above-described electronic device is not limited to the configurations and methods of the above-described embodiments, but the above-described embodiments may be configured by selectively combining all or part of each embodiment, so that various modifications may be made.

Claims

1. An electronic device, comprising: speaker; a wireless communication interface configured to communicate with an external speaker; as well as The controller is configured as: acquiring first output information of the speaker and second output information of the external speaker, and Based on the first output information and the second output information, a first audio signal is output to the speaker and a second audio signal is transmitted to the external speaker through the wireless communication interface.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The controller is further configured to: Based on the first output information and the second output information, a main speaker that outputs a main audio and a sub-speaker that outputs a surround audio are determined from among the speakers and the external speakers.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein: The controller is further configured to determine that the speaker is the main speaker and the external speaker is the sub-speaker based on an output power value of the speaker included in the first output information being greater than an output power value of the external speaker included in the second output information.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The controller is further configured to: transmitting identification information of the external speaker to an external server, and receiving the second output information from the external server; or The second output information is received from the external speaker.

5. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein: The controller is further configured to: Based on the external speaker being determined as the main speaker and the speaker being determined as the sub-speaker, the first audio signal output from the speaker is controlled according to audio channel information of the external speaker included in the second output information.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The controller is further configured to: Based on a first average output level of the first audio output from the speaker within a predetermined time and a second average output level of the second audio output from the external speaker within the predetermined time, a main speaker that outputs the main audio and a sub-speaker that outputs the surround audio are determined from the speaker and the external speaker.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The controller is further configured to: obtaining a distance between the user and the external speaker; as well as A main speaker for outputting a main audio and a sub-speaker for outputting a surround audio are determined from among the speakers and the external speakers based on the first output information, the second output information, and the distance.

8. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The controller is further configured to: Based on a first average output level of the first audio output from the speaker within a predetermined time and a second average output level of the second audio output from the external speaker within the predetermined time, the same audio signal is transmitted to the speaker and the external speaker, or an audio channel of each of the speaker and the external speaker is set.

9. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The controller is further configured to: A role is set according to characteristic information of each of the speaker and the external speaker based on a first average output level of first audio output from the speaker within a predetermined time and a second average output level of second audio output from the external speaker within the predetermined time.

10. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The controller is further configured to: determining whether there is a pre-stored audio combination between the external device and the electronic device based on the new external device being connected; and Based on determining that the pre-stored audio combination exists, the roles of the speaker and the external device are set to the stored audio combination.

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