Image display apparatus and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to an image output apparatus and a control method thereof. An image output device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a display; a network interface unit that exchanges data with a server; an external device interface unit wirelessly connected to an external speaker; an audio output unit; and a signal processing device for controlling the sound output of the external speaker and the audio output unit. The signal processing apparatus receives a user request to output sound together with the audio output section through the external speaker in a state in which the sound is set to be output through the external speaker; the signal processing apparatus transmits information about the external speaker to the server according to the user request, and receives audio delay information related to the external speaker from the server; the signal processing apparatus performs synchronization of sound output of the external speaker and the audio output section in accordance with the received audio delay information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image display device and a control method thereof, and more specifically, to the synchronization of the sound output of an external speaker and a speaker of the image display device. Background Technology

[0002] A video display device is a device that provides users with visual and auditory images. Users can use a video display device to watch and listen to broadcast programs. The video display device provides user-selected broadcast programs from broadcast signals transmitted from the broadcasting station and displays such broadcast images on the screen. Currently, broadcasting is showing a trend of transitioning from analog to digital broadcasting worldwide.

[0003] Digital broadcasting refers to broadcasting that transmits digital video and audio signals. Compared to analog broadcasting, digital broadcasting is more resistant to external noise, suffers less data loss, facilitates error correction, and offers higher resolution, providing clearer images. Furthermore, unlike analog broadcasting, digital broadcasting can provide two-way service.

[0004] In recent years, by connecting external speakers to video display devices, it has become possible to watch videos with improved audio-visual quality. On the other hand, in the case of external speakers, due to the timing of signal transmission from the video output device to the external speaker, a mismatch may occur between the video transmission time and the sound output time. In such cases, a synchronization operation is performed to align the video transmission time and the sound output time. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0006] One object of the present invention is to provide an image output device and a control method thereof capable of outputting sound together through an external speaker and an audio output section of an image output device.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide an image output device and its control method that can keep the sound output timing synchronized in an optimal way when the sound is output together through an external speaker and the audio output section of the image output device.

[0008] means for solving problems

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, an image output device according to an embodiment of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a display; a network interface unit for exchanging data with a server; an external device interface unit for wirelessly connecting to an external speaker; an audio output unit; and a signal processing device for controlling the sound output of the external speaker and the audio output unit; wherein, in a state set to output sound through the external speaker, the signal processing device receives a user request to output sound together through the external speaker and the audio output unit; the signal processing device, based on the user request, transmits information about the external speaker to the server and receives audio delay information related to the external speaker from the server; and the signal processing device performs synchronization of the sound output of the external speaker and the audio output unit based on the received audio delay information.

[0010] In one embodiment, the external speaker is characterized by being a Bluetooth speaker connected via Bluetooth through a wireless communication unit included in the external device interface.

[0011] In one embodiment, the characteristic is that the state of outputting sound through the external speaker is a state in which Bluetooth connection is used so that the sound of the image output from the image output device is output through the external speaker, rather than through the audio output unit.

[0012] In one embodiment, the signal processing device transmits information about the external speaker to the server via the network interface unit according to the user request, and requests audio delay information associated with the external speaker from the server.

[0013] In an embodiment, the information about the external speaker includes at least one of the device name of the external speaker and the media access control address (MAC address) information of the device.

[0014] In one embodiment, if audio delay information related to the external speaker is received from the server, the signal processing device adjusts the sound output time of the audio output unit according to the delay time of the audio delay information.

[0015] In an embodiment, the characteristic feature is that, when synchronizing the sound output of the audio output unit according to the audio delay information, the signal processing device performs the synchronization of the sound output of the audio output unit without disconnecting from the external speaker.

[0016] In an embodiment, the characteristic is that, when performing synchronization of the sound output of the external speaker and the audio output unit according to the audio delay information, the signal processing device adjusts the image output time of the image output from the display and the sound output time of the audio output unit according to the delay time of the audio delay information.

[0017] In one embodiment, if no audio delay information about the external speaker is received from the server, the signal processing device disconnects from the external speaker and measures the delay time of the audio output time of the external speaker.

[0018] In an embodiment, the signal processing device sets the sound output time of the audio output unit according to the measured delay time, so as to output sound together through the external speaker and the audio output unit. The signal processing device is reconnected to the external speaker and outputs sound together through the external speaker and the audio output unit.

[0019] In an embodiment, if sound is output together through the external speaker and the audio output unit without any additional setting changes within a specified time, the signal processing device transmits information about the external speaker and the measured delay time to the server.

[0020] Invention Effects

[0021] According to the present invention, the present invention enables the external speaker and the audio output section of the image output device to output sound together.

[0022] In this invention, when sound is output together by the audio output section of the external speaker and the video output device, the synchronization of the sound output of the audio output section of the external speaker and the video output device can be performed without performing an additional sound synchronization process.

[0023] In this invention, when the audio output of the external speaker and the audio output unit of the video output device are output together, the process of disconnecting the existing external speaker and performing synchronization in order to perform synchronization can be omitted, thereby shortening the time for changing the sound output mode and simplifying the change process. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an environment including an image output device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the image output device of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating a signal processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for an image output device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 5 and Figure 6 To explain in more detail Figure 3 The flowchart of the control method is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The embodiments disclosed in this specification will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, unless otherwise specified by the drawing numbers, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar constituent elements, and repeated descriptions thereof are omitted. The suffixes "module" and "part" used for constituent elements in the following description are merely for ease of writing and do not inherently distinguish one another. Furthermore, in describing the embodiments disclosed in this invention, detailed descriptions of relevant prior art are omitted when it is determined that specific descriptions of such prior art may obscure the essence of the disclosed embodiments. It should also be understood that the accompanying drawings are only for aiding understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification. The technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited to the drawings but include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions contained within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0030] Terms containing ordinal numbers, such as "first" and "second," can be used to describe multiple constituent elements, but these constituent elements are not limited by the terms. These terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one constituent element from others.

[0031] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected to or coupled to that other component, but there may also be other components between them. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components between them.

[0032] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, singular expressions include plural expressions.

[0033] In this application, it should be understood that terms such as “comprising” or “having” are only for specifying the presence of features, numbers, steps, actions, constituent elements, components or combinations thereof as described in the specification, and are not intended to preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features or numbers, steps, actions, constituent elements, components or combinations thereof.

[0034] The image display devices described in this specification may include mobile phones, smartphones, laptop computers, digital broadcasting terminals, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), navigators, slate PCs, tablet PCs, ultrabooks, wearable devices (e.g., smartwatches, smart glasses, head-mounted displays), etc.

[0035] However, those skilled in the art will readily understand that, apart from situations where they are only applicable to image output devices, the configuration of the embodiments described in this specification can also be applied to fixed terminals such as digital TVs, desktop computers, and digital signage.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an environment including an image output device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] An embodiment of the image output device 100 of the present invention may include: an audio output unit 185 for outputting sound; an external speaker (or Bluetooth speaker) 400 configured to wirelessly connect via Bluetooth technology to output sound; and a server 500 for communicating with the image output device 100 via a mobile communication network.

[0038] The audio output unit 185 may be a built-in speaker installed in the video output device 100.

[0039] The external speaker 400 is set independently of the image output device 100 and can be connected to the image output device via wireless communication technology (e.g., Bluetooth, Blu-ray or Wi-Fi) / wired connection to output the sound of the content output from the image output device.

[0040] The external speaker 400 needs time to receive the sound output signal, which may result in a predetermined output delay.

[0041] To solve this problem, the signal output device 170 of the image output device 100 can perform an operation to make the output timing of the image output from the display and the sound output from the external speaker consistent (or synchronized, aligned). Such an operation can be referred to as alignment, and since alignment is a common technique, a detailed description is omitted.

[0042] On the other hand, the image output device 100 of the present invention can be connected to output sound through an external speaker 400, and then enter a mode in which the external speaker 400 and the audio output unit 185 (with its own speaker) provided in the image output device 100 output sound together.

[0043] In this case, the prior art has the following inconvenience: in order to align the sound output of the external speaker 400 and the audio output unit 185 (for synchronization), the external speaker 400 in the existing connection is disconnected, the sound synchronization process of the external speaker 400 and the audio output unit 185 is performed, and then the external speaker and the audio output unit are reconnected.

[0044] This invention can easily solve such problems through data communication with a server.

[0045] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an image output device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating a signal processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Reference Figure 2 An embodiment of the image display device 100 of the present invention may include an image receiving unit 105, an external device interface unit 130, a network interface unit 135, a storage unit 140, a user input interface unit 150, a sensor unit (not shown), a signal processing device 170, a display 180, and an audio output unit 185.

[0047] The image receiving unit 105 can receive input images. For example, the image receiving unit 105 can receive external input images such as broadcast images, high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) images, streaming media images, etc.

[0048] The image receiving unit 105 may include a tuning unit 110, a demodulation unit 120, and an external device interface unit 130.

[0049] On the other hand, unlike the attached figures, the image receiving unit 105 may also include a tuning unit 110, a demodulation unit 120, an external device interface unit 130, and a network interface unit 130.

[0050] The tuning unit 110 selects an RF broadcast signal from the radio frequency (RF) broadcast signal received through an antenna (not shown) that corresponds to the channel selected by the user or all channels stored. Additionally, the selected RF broadcast signal is converted into an intermediate frequency (IF) signal or a baseband video or audio signal.

[0051] On the other hand, the tuning unit 110 can be equipped with multiple tuners in order to receive broadcast signals from multiple channels. Alternatively, it can be implemented as a single tuner that simultaneously receives broadcast signals from multiple channels.

[0052] The demodulation unit 120 receives the digital IF signal DIF converted in the tuning unit 110 to perform demodulation.

[0053] The demodulation unit 120 can output a streaming signal TS after performing demodulation and channel decoding. At this time, the streaming signal can be a signal multiplexed from video signals, voice signals, or data signals.

[0054] The streaming signal output from the demodulation unit 120 can be input to the signal processing device 170. The signal processing device 170 performs demultiplexing, video / audio signal processing, etc., and then outputs video on the display 180 and audio on the audio output unit 185.

[0055] The external device interface 130 can send or receive data with a connected external device (not shown), such as a set-top box 50.

[0056] Therefore, the external device interface section 130 may include an A / V input / output section (not shown), a wireless communication section (not shown), etc.

[0057] The external device interface unit 130 can be connected to external devices such as DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), Blu-ray, game devices, cameras, camcorders, computers (laptops), and set-top boxes via wired / wireless connection, and can also perform input / output operations with external devices.

[0058] The A / V input / output section within the external device interface section 130 can receive video and audio signals from external devices. On the other hand, the wireless communication section (not shown) within the external device interface section 130 can perform short-range wireless communication with other electronic devices.

[0059] Through this wireless communication unit (not shown), the external device interface unit 130 can exchange data with a neighboring mobile terminal. In particular, the external device interface unit 130 can receive device information, running application information, application images, etc. from the mobile terminal in mirror mode.

[0060] The network interface unit 135 provides an interface for connecting the image display device 100 to a wired / wireless network, including the Internet. For example, the network interface unit 135 can receive content or data provided by the Internet or a content provider or network operator via the network.

[0061] On the other hand, the network interface unit 135 may include a wireless communication unit (not shown).

[0062] The storage unit 140 can store programs for various signal processing and control within the signal processing device 170, and can also store processed image, voice or data signals.

[0063] In addition, the storage unit 140 can also perform the function of temporarily storing image, voice, or data signals input to the external device interface unit 130. Furthermore, the storage unit 140 can store information related to a specified broadcast channel through channel memory functions such as channel mapping.

[0064] Although shown Figure 2 In some embodiments, the storage unit 140 is separated from the signal processing device 170, but the scope of the invention is not limited thereto. The storage unit 140 may be included within the signal processing device 170.

[0065] The user input interface 150 transmits user input signals to the signal processing device 170, or transmits signals from the signal processing device 170 to the user.

[0066] For example, user input signals such as power on / off, channel selection, and screen settings can be sent / received from the remote control device 200, or user input signals input from local keys (not shown) such as power button, channel button, volume button, and setting value can be transmitted to the signal processing device 170, or user input signals input from a sensor unit (not shown) that senses the user's gestures can be transmitted to the signal processing device 170, or signals from the signal processing device 170 can be sent to the sensor unit (not shown).

[0067] The signal processing device 170 can demultiplex the stream input through the tuning unit 110, demodulation unit 120, network interface unit 135, or external device interface unit 130, or process a plurality of demultiplexed signals to generate and output signals for image or voice output.

[0068] For example, the signal processing device 170 can receive broadcast signals or HDMI signals received from the image receiving unit 105, perform signal processing based on the received broadcast signals or HDMI signals, and output the processed image signal.

[0069] The image signal processed in the signal processing device 170 is input to the display 180, where it can be displayed as an image corresponding to the image signal. Additionally, the image signal processed in the signal processing device 170 can be input to an external output device via the external device interface 130.

[0070] The voice signal processed in the signal processing device 170 can be output via the audio output unit 185. Alternatively, the voice signal processed in the signal processing device 170 can be input to an external output device via the external device interface unit 130.

[0071] Although Figure 2 Although not shown, the signal processing apparatus 170 may include a demultiplexing unit, an image processing unit, etc. That is, the signal processing apparatus 170 can perform various signal processing operations, thereby enabling its implementation as a System-on-Chip (SOC). See also... Figure 3 To be discussed later.

[0072] In addition, the signal processing device 170 can control the overall operation within the image display device 100. For example, the signal processing device 170 can control the tuning unit 110 to select an RF broadcast corresponding to a user-selected channel or a stored channel.

[0073] In addition, the signal processing device 170 can control the image display device 100 according to user commands or internal programs input through the user input interface 150.

[0074] On the other hand, the signal processing device 170 can control the display 180 to display images. At this time, the images displayed on the display 180 can be still images or moving images, and can be 2D images or 3D images.

[0075] On the other hand, the signal processing device 170 can display a specified object within the image displayed on the display 180. For example, the object can be at least one of the following: a webpage (newspaper, magazine, etc.), an Electronic Program Guide (EPG), various menus, widgets, icons, still images, moving images, and text.

[0076] On the other hand, the signal processing device 170 can identify the user's position based on the image captured by the imaging unit (not shown). For example, it can determine the distance (z-axis coordinate) between the user and the image display device 100. In addition, it can determine the x-axis and y-axis coordinates within the display 180 corresponding to the user's position.

[0077] The display 180 generates drive signals by converting image signals, data signals, OSD signals, control signals processed in the signal processing device 170 or image signals, data signals, control signals received from the external device interface unit 130.

[0078] On the other hand, the display 180 can also be configured as a touch screen, which can be used as an input device in addition to being used as an output device.

[0079] The audio output unit 185 receives the voice signal processed in the signal processing device 170 and outputs it as voice.

[0080] The imaging unit (not shown) photographs the user. The imaging unit (not shown) can be implemented by a single camera, but is not limited to this, and can also be implemented by multiple cameras. The image information captured by the imaging unit (not shown) can be input to the signal processing device 170.

[0081] The signal processing device 170 can detect the user's gesture based on each or a combination of images captured by the imaging unit (not shown) or signals detected by the sensor unit (not shown).

[0082] On the other hand, the signal processing device 170 can be implemented as a system on chip (SOC).

[0083] The power supply unit 190 supplies power to the entire image display device 100. In particular, the power supply unit 190 can supply power to the signal processing device 170, which is implemented in the form of a system on chip (SOC), the display 180 for displaying images, and the audio output unit 185 for outputting audio.

[0084] Specifically, the power supply unit 190 may be equipped with a converter that converts AC power to DC power and a DC / DC converter that converts the level of DC power.

[0085] The remote control device 200 sends user input to the user input interface 150. For this purpose, the remote control device 200 can use Bluetooth, radio frequency (RF) communication, infrared (IR) communication, ultra-wideband (UWB), ZigBee, or other methods. Furthermore, the remote control device 200 can receive image, voice, or data signals output from the user input interface 150 and display or output them via voice on the remote control device 200.

[0086] On the other hand, the aforementioned image display device 100 may be a fixed or mobile digital broadcast receiver capable of receiving digital broadcasts.

[0087] on the other hand, Figure 2The block diagram of the image display device 100 shown is a block diagram for an embodiment of the present invention. The various components of the block diagram can be integrated, added, or omitted according to the specifications of the actual implemented image display device 100. That is, two or more components can be combined into one component, or one component can be subdivided into two or more components, as needed. Furthermore, the functions performed in each block are used to illustrate embodiments of the present invention, and their specific actions or devices do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0088] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An example of an internal block diagram of a signal processing device.

[0089] Referring to the accompanying drawings, a signal processing apparatus 170 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a demultiplexing unit 310, an image processing unit 320, a processor 330, and an audio processing unit 370. In addition, it may also include a data processing unit (not shown).

[0090] The demultiplexing unit 310 demultiplexes the input stream. For example, when an MPEG-2 TS is input, it can be demultiplexed and separated into video, audio, and data signals. Here, the stream signal input to the demultiplexing unit 310 can be a stream signal output from the tuning unit 110, the demodulation unit 120, or the external device interface unit 130.

[0091] The image processing unit 320 can perform signal processing on the input image. For example, the image processing unit 320 can perform image processing on the image signal demultiplexed by the demultiplexing unit 310.

[0092] Therefore, the image processing unit 320 may include an image decoder 325, a scaler 335, an image quality processing unit 635, an image encoder (not shown), an OSD processing unit 340, a frame rate conversion unit 350, and a formatter 360, etc.

[0093] The image decoder 325 decodes the demultiplexed image signal, and the scaler 335 scales the resolution of the decoded image signal so that it can be output on the display 180.

[0094] The video decoder 325 can be configured with decoders for various standards. For example, it can be configured with MPEG-2 and H.264 decoders, 3D video decoders for color and depth images, and decoders for multi-view images.

[0095] The scaler 335 can scale the input image signal that has been decoded in the image decoder 325, etc.

[0096] For example, scaler 335 can enlarge the input image signal when its size or resolution is small, and reduce it when its size or resolution is large.

[0097] The image quality processing unit 635 can perform image quality processing on the input image signal that has been decoded in the image decoder 325, etc.

[0098] For example, the image quality processing unit 635 can perform noise removal processing on the input image signal, or expand the grayscale resolution of the input image signal, or perform image resolution improvement, or perform signal processing based on high dynamic range (HDR), or change the frame rate, or perform image quality processing corresponding to the panel characteristics, especially organic light-emitting panels, etc.

[0099] The OSD processing unit 340 generates OSD signals based on user input or automatically. For example, it can generate signals for displaying various information as graphics or text on the screen of the display 180 based on user input signals. The generated OSD signals can include various data such as user interface screens, menu screens, widgets, and icons of the image display device 100. In addition, the generated OSD signals can include 2D objects or 3D objects.

[0100] Furthermore, the OSD processing unit 340 can generate a pointer that can be displayed on the monitor based on the pointing signal input from the remote control device 200. In particular, such a pointer can be generated in a pointing signal processing device, and the OSD processing unit 240 may include such a pointing signal processing device (not shown). Of course, the pointing signal processing device (not shown) can also be configured separately and not provided in the OSD processing unit 240.

[0101] The frame rate converter (FRC) 350 can change the frame rate of the input image. On the other hand, the frame rate converter 350 can also output directly without the need for additional frame rate conversion.

[0102] On the other hand, Formatter 360 can change the format of the input video signal into a video signal that can be displayed on the monitor and then output it.

[0103] In particular, Formatter 360 can change the format of video signals to match the display panel.

[0104] On the other hand, Formatter 360 can also change the format of image signals. For example, it can change the format of 3D image signals to any of the various 3D formats such as side-by-side, top / down, frame sequential, interlaced, and checker box.

[0105] The processor 330 can control the overall operation within the image display device 100 or the signal processing device 170.

[0106] For example, processor 330 can control tuner 110 to select an RF broadcast corresponding to a user-selected channel or a stored channel.

[0107] In addition, the processor 330 can control the image display device 100 according to user instructions or internal programs input through the user input interface 150.

[0108] In addition, the processor 330 can perform data transmission control with the network interface unit 135 or the external device interface unit 130.

[0109] In addition, the processor 330 can control the operation of the demultiplexing unit 310, the image processing unit 320, etc. in the signal processing device 170.

[0110] On the other hand, the audio processing unit 370 within the signal processing apparatus 170 can perform speech processing on the demultiplexed speech signal. For this purpose, the audio processing unit 370 can be equipped with various decoders.

[0111] In addition, the audio processing unit 370 within the signal processing device 170 can process bass, treble, volume adjustment, etc.

[0112] The data processing unit (not shown) within the signal processing apparatus 170 can perform data processing on the demultiplexed data signal. For example, if the demultiplexed data signal is an encoded data signal, it can be decoded. The encoded data signal may be electronic program guide information, including broadcast information such as the start and end times of broadcast programs played on various channels.

[0113] on the other hand, Figure 3 The block diagram of the signal processing apparatus 170 shown is a block diagram for one embodiment of the present invention. The various components of the block diagram may be integrated, added, or omitted according to the specifications of the actual implemented signal processing apparatus 170.

[0114] In particular, in addition to the image processing unit 320, a frame rate conversion unit 350 and a formatter 360 may also be configured separately.

[0115] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for an image output device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] In a control method for an image output device according to an embodiment of the present invention, a step of setting the device to output sound via an external speaker is performed (S410).

[0117] The signal processing device 170 can wirelessly connect to an external speaker via an external device interface, according to user requests.

[0118] In this case, the signal processing device 170 can be configured such that the sound of the image output from the display 180 of the image output device is output through the external speaker 400.

[0119] In this case, the signal processing device 170 can perform a synchronization operation with the external speaker 400 by delaying the time of the image output from the display 170 by delaying the time of the sound output from the external speaker 400 (i.e., keeping the two synchronized).

[0120] The external speaker may be a Bluetooth speaker that is connected via Bluetooth through a wireless communication unit included in the interface of the external device.

[0121] The setting to output sound through the external speaker can be a state where Bluetooth connection is used so that the sound of the image output from the image output device is output through the external speaker instead of through the audio output unit.

[0122] Then, in the control method of the image output device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the following steps are performed: receiving a user request to output sound through the external speaker and the audio output unit together when the state is set to output sound through an external speaker (S420).

[0123] Specifically, when set to output sound through an external speaker, the signal processing device 170 can receive user requests to output sound through both the external speaker and the audio output unit. For example, such requests can be received via a remote control device 200 (or a remote control, mobile terminal, etc.).

[0124] Then, in the control method of the image output device according to an embodiment of the present invention, information about the external speaker can be transmitted to the server 500 according to the user request (S430), and audio delay information related to the external speaker can be received from the server (S440).

[0125] The signal processing device 170 can transmit information about the external speaker to the server through the network interface unit according to the user request, and at the same time request the server for audio delay information associated with the external speaker.

[0126] Information about the external speaker may include at least one of the external speaker's device name and the device's Media Access Control Address (MAC Address).

[0127] Then, in the control method of the image output device according to an embodiment of the present invention, synchronization of the sound output of the external speaker and the audio output unit can be performed based on the received audio delay information (S450).

[0128] When the signal processing device 170 receives audio delay information related to the external speaker from the server, it can adjust the sound output time of the audio output unit according to the delay time of the audio delay information.

[0129] Here, when synchronizing the sound output of the audio output unit according to the audio delay information, the signal processing device 170 can perform the synchronization of the sound output of the audio output unit without disconnecting from the external speaker.

[0130] Furthermore, when synchronizing the sound output of the external speaker and the audio output unit according to the audio delay information, the signal processing device 170 can adjust the image output time of the image output from the display and the sound output time of the sound output from the audio output unit according to the delay time of the audio delay information.

[0131] That is, the signal processing device 170 can adjust the alignment of the image output time and sound output time output from the display 180 and the audio output unit 185 according to the output delay time of the external speaker, so as to match the delay time of the external speaker. In other words, the alignment reference can be the delay time of the external speaker.

[0132] Figure 5 and Figure 6 To explain in more detail Figure 3 The flowchart of the control method is shown.

[0133] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the scenario where the server lacks information about external speakers.

[0134] The image display device 100 and the external speaker 400 (hereinafter referred to as the Bluetooth device output speaker) can be connected to output sound through the wireless communication unit (S502).

[0135] Here, upon user request, the sound output mode can be changed from the first mode of outputting sound through the speaker of the Bluetooth device to the second mode of outputting sound together through the speaker of the Bluetooth device and the audio output unit of the video output device (hereinafter referred to as the TV speaker) (S504).

[0136] In this case, the image display device 100 can transmit the connected speaker information (i.e., the Bluetooth device outputs speaker information) to the server 500 (S506).

[0137] The server 500 can query information based on the received speaker information (S508), and if there is no connected device in the server, it notifies the image display device 100 that no information was found (S510).

[0138] If no audio delay information about the external speaker (Bluetooth device output speaker) is received from the server, the signal processing device 170 may disconnect from the external speaker (Bluetooth device output speaker) (S512) and measure the delay time of the audio output time of the external speaker (Bluetooth device output speaker) (S514).

[0139] Then, the signal processing device 170 can align the Bluetooth device output speaker and the TV speaker according to the measured delay time and enter the second mode (S516).

[0140] That is, the signal processing device can set the sound output time of the audio output unit according to the measured delay time, so as to output sound together through the external speaker (Bluetooth device output speaker) and the audio output unit (TV speaker), and reconnect with the external speaker to output sound together through the external speaker and the audio output unit (S516).

[0141] Then, if no additional setting changes are made within a specified time, sound is output together through the external speaker (Bluetooth device output speaker) and the audio output unit (TV speaker) (S518), the signal processing device 170 can transmit information about the external speaker and the measured delay time information (Audio delay value) to the server 500 (S520).

[0142] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the scenario where information about external speakers exists on the server.

[0143] Steps S602, S604, S606, and S608 can be applied in the same or similar way to the contents of S502, S504, S506, and S508 described above.

[0144] Then, server 500 can transmit the delay time information associated with the external speaker (Bluetooth device output speaker) connected to the image display device to image display device 100 (S610).

[0145] When synchronizing the sound output of the audio output unit (TV speaker) according to the delay information, the video display device 100 can perform the synchronization of the sound output of the audio output unit without disconnecting from the external speaker.

[0146] As described above, synchronization can be understood as a sync operation, and can refer to the operation of keeping the output time of the image and sound output from the display and audio output unit of the video display device consistent with the output time (or delay time) of the sound output time of the external speaker.

[0147] According to the present invention, the external speaker and the audio output section of the image output device can output sound together.

[0148] In this invention, when sound is output together by the external speaker and the audio output unit of the image output device, the synchronization of the sound output of the external speaker and the audio output unit of the image output device can be performed even without performing an additional sound synchronization process.

[0149] In this invention, when the audio output of the external speaker and the audio output unit of the video output device are output together, the process of disconnecting the connected external speaker and performing synchronization in order to perform synchronization can be omitted, thereby shortening the time for changing the sound output mode and simplifying the change process.

[0150] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention as claimed in the claims. Such modifications should not be understood separately from the technical concept or prospect of the present invention.

Claims

1. An image output device, characterized in that, include: monitor; The network interface unit exchanges data with the server; The external device interface section allows for wireless connection to an external speaker. Audio output section; as well as The signal processing device controls the sound output of the external speaker and the audio output unit; When the device is set to output sound through the external speaker, the signal processing device receives a user request to output sound through both the external speaker and the audio output unit. The signal processing device transmits information about the external speaker to the server according to the user request, and receives audio delay information related to the external speaker from the server; The signal processing device performs synchronization of the sound output of the external speaker and the audio output unit based on the received audio delay information.

2. The image output device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The external speaker is a Bluetooth speaker connected via Bluetooth through a wireless communication unit included in the external device interface.

3. The image output device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the system is set to output sound through the external speaker, it is connected via Bluetooth so that the sound of the image output from the image output device is output through the external speaker instead of through the audio output unit.

4. The image output device according to claim 1, characterized in that, According to the user's request, the signal processing device transmits information about the external speaker to the server through the network interface unit, and requests audio delay information associated with the external speaker from the server.

5. The image output device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Information about the external speaker includes at least one of the device name of the external speaker and the media access control address information of the device.

6. The image output device according to claim 1, characterized in that, If audio delay information related to the external speaker is received from the server, the signal processing device adjusts the sound output time of the audio output unit according to the delay time of the audio delay information.

7. The image output device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When synchronizing the sound output of the audio output unit according to the audio delay information, the signal processing device performs the synchronization of the sound output of the audio output unit without disconnecting from the external speaker.

8. The image output device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When performing synchronization of the sound output of the external speaker and the audio output unit according to the audio delay information, the signal processing device adjusts the image output time of the image output from the display and the sound output time of the audio output unit according to the delay time of the audio delay information.

9. The image output device according to claim 1, characterized in that, If no audio delay information about the external speaker is received from the server, the signal processing device disconnects from the external speaker and measures the delay time of the audio output time of the external speaker.

10. The image output device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The signal processing device sets the sound output time of the audio output unit according to the measured delay time, so that sound is output together through the external speaker and the audio output unit. The signal processing device is reconnected to the external speaker and outputs sound together through the external speaker and the audio output unit.

11. The image output device according to claim 10, characterized in that, If sound is output through the external speaker and the audio output unit together without any additional setting changes within a specified time, the signal processing device transmits information about the external speaker and the measured delay time to the server.

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