Bluetooth device

Abstract

According to an embodiment, a Bluetooth device including a master module and at least one slave module is provided, wherein the master module operates in an active mode when a mobile communication device is located within a preset range, and switches to a power saving mode when the mobile communication device leaves the preset range; in the active mode, the master module connects to a mobile communication device located within the preset range to perform data communication and periodically exchanges packets with the slave module to operate the Bluetooth device; and in the power saving mode, the master module operates in at least one of a first mode in which the packet exchange period between the slave modules is adjusted from a first interval to a second interval, and a second mode in which the connection between the master module and the slave module is released.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a Bluetooth (registered trademark) device.

Background Art

[0002] Bluetooth (registered trademark) is a short-range wireless technology standard for wirelessly connecting various devices at short distances. For a Bluetooth connection, a user searches for a Bluetooth device using the user's device, for example, a host device, and requests a connection.

[0003] For such a connection between a host device and a Bluetooth device, the user must directly search for and request a connection. For this reason, there has been a problem that the user has to search for a Bluetooth device for pairing between the host device and the Bluetooth device, that is, perform an operation for pairing between the host device and the Bluetooth device.

[0004] In addition, when a large number of Bluetooth modules operate in conjunction, a large amount of data transmission and reception is required, and there is a problem that additional current is continuously consumed during wireless connection maintenance and operation.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to provide a Bluetooth device in which a large number of Bluetooth modules can operate in conjunction.

[0006] Another object is to provide a Bluetooth device that can expand the degree of freedom in design.

[0007] Another object is to provide a Bluetooth device that can reduce the amount of current consumption required for operation by automatically controlling the operation mode according to the positional relationship with a mobile device.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0008] According to an embodiment, in a Bluetooth device including a master module and at least one slave module, the master module operates in an active mode when a mobile communication device is located within a preset range, and switches to a power save mode when the mobile communication device goes out of the preset range. In the active mode, the master module is connected to the mobile communication device located within the preset range to perform data communication, and periodically exchanges packets with the slave module to operate the Bluetooth device. In the power save mode, the master module operates as at least one of a first mode for adjusting the packet exchange period between the slave modules from a first interval to a second interval and a second mode for disconnecting the connection between the master module and the slave module, thereby providing a Bluetooth device.

[0009] The second interval can be set to be longer than the first interval.

[0010] The ratio between the second interval and the first interval can be set to be different depending on the type of data exchanged between the master module and the slave.

[0011] The more important the type of data is, the relatively shorter the length of the second interval can be set compared to the case where the type of data is not important.

[0012] In the power save mode, the master module can disconnect the connection with the mobile communication device.

[0013] When the mobile communication device goes out of the preset second range, the master module switches to the power save mode to manage the slave module, and when the mobile communication device re-enters the second range, the power save mode can be cancelled.

[0014] When the mobile communication device enters the preset first range, the master module can switch to the active mode.

[0015] The second range can be set wider than the first range.

[0016] In the active mode, the Bluetooth device can perform tasks under the control of the mobile communication device.

[0017] Based on the time when the mobile communication device goes out of the preset range, the master module and the slave module can operate in the first mode during the first period and in the second mode during the second period after the first period.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] The Bluetooth device of the present invention enables a number of Bluetooth modules to operate in conjunction.

[0019] Also, the degree of freedom in design can be expanded and the costs required during manufacturing can be reduced.

[0020] Also, by automatically controlling the operation mode according to the positional relationship with the mobile device, the amount of current consumption required for operation can be minimized.

[0021] Also, frequent discharges of the vehicle or product due to current consumption can be minimized, and the battery life can be increased.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] However, the technical idea of the present invention is not limited to some of the described embodiments, can be implemented in various forms, and within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention, one or more of the components among the embodiments can be selectively combined and replaced for use.

[0025] In addition, terms used in the embodiments of the present invention (including technical and scientific terms) can be interpreted as meanings generally understandable to those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains, unless specifically defined and described otherwise, and commonly used terms such as those defined in a dictionary can be interpreted in consideration of their meanings in the context of the related art.

[0026] Also, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are for explaining the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0027] In this specification, the singular form may also include the plural form unless otherwise specifically mentioned in the language, and when described as "at least one (or one or more) of A, B, and C", it may include one or more of all combinations of A, B, and C combined.

[0028] In addition, when explaining the components of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. can be used.

[0029] These terms are for distinguishing the components from other components and are not limited to the essence, order, or sequence of the components by those terms.

[0030] And when a component is described as "connected", "coupled", or "joined" to another component, that component may include not only the case where it is directly connected, coupled, or joined to the other component, but also the case where it is "connected", "coupled", or "joined" by still another component between that component and the other component.

[0031] Also, when described as being formed or disposed "above or below" each component, above or below includes not only the case where two components are in direct contact with each other, but also the case where one or more other components are formed or disposed between the two components. Further, when expressed as "above or below", it may include not only the upward direction but also the downward direction with respect to one component.

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the same or corresponding components will be given the same reference numerals regardless of the reference signs, and duplicate descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a Bluetooth device according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the Bluetooth device according to the embodiment.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in the embodiment, the Bluetooth device 10 can be a device on which a plurality of Bluetooth modules such as a vehicle, a home theater, a game machine, a desktop, a tablet PC, a notebook computer, and a smartphone are mounted to perform tasks.

[0035] Hereinafter, in the embodiment, a vehicle will be taken as an example for explanation, but it is not limited thereto.

[0036] The Bluetooth device 10 according to the embodiment may include a master module 11 and at least one slave module 12.

[0037] The master module 11 operates in an active mode when the mobile communication device 1 is located within a preset range, and can switch to a power save mode when the mobile communication device 1 goes out of the preset range.

[0038] The master module 11 is connected to the mobile communication device 1 located within a preset range, and can operate the Bluetooth device 10 by periodically exchanging packets with the slave module 12 in an active mode for data communication. The mobile communication device 1 can be, for example, a smartphone. However, it is not limited to this, and can mean various mobile devices that can perform Bluetooth communication with the Bluetooth device 10 at a short distance.

[0039] In an embodiment, the mobile communication device and the Bluetooth device can perform data communication in a Bluetooth manner at a distance within 100 m with an output of up to 100 mW using a frequency band of 2.4 to 2.485 GHz.

[0040] In an embodiment, the active mode can mean a state in which the mobile communication device 1 and the Bluetooth device 10 are connected and tasks are being performed by the Bluetooth device 10 under the control of the mobile communication device 1 by performing data communication in a Bluetooth manner. Or, it can mean a state in which tasks previously requested from the mobile communication device 1 are being performed by the Bluetooth device 10. In the active mode, the mobile communication device 1 and the master module 11 are interconnected and performing data communication in a Bluetooth communication manner, and the master module 11 and the slave module 12 can exchange data packets periodically.

[0041] In the active mode, the Bluetooth device 10 can perform various tasks such as music playback, video playback, voice call, video call, and navigation guide.

[0042] In an embodiment, the preset range can mean the maximum range within which the master module 11 can recognize the mobile communication device 1 and maintain the connection state. The preset range can be set variously depending on the type, purpose, operating environment, etc. of the Bluetooth device 10.

[0043] In an embodiment, the Bluetooth device 10 and the mobile communication device 1 can measure the distance between each other based on the receive signal strength indicator (RSSI) of data packets exchanged via Bluetooth communication.

[0044] When the mobile communication device 1 goes out of the preset range, the master module 11 can switch to the power save mode and manage the slave module 12. The power save mode may include at least one of a first mode that adjusts the packet exchange period between the master module 11 and the slave module 12 from a first interval to a second interval and a second mode that disconnects the connection between the master module 11 and the slave module 12.

[0045] When the mobile communication device 1 goes out of the preset range, the master module 11 can release the active mode and enter the power save mode. In the power save mode, the connection between the master module 11 and the mobile communication device 1 is released, and the Bluetooth device 10 can stop the execution of tasks. Also, in the power save mode, the master module 11 and the slave module 12 can operate according to at least one of the first mode and the second mode.

[0046] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the Bluetooth device 10 according to the embodiment. Referring to FIG. 3, in the first mode, the master module 11 can change the data packet exchange period while maintaining the connection state of the slave module 12. In the first mode, the master module 11 can adjust the data exchange period from a first interval to a second interval. The second interval can be set to be longer than the first interval.

[0047] In the active mode, the Bluetooth device 10 is in an operating state, and the master module 11 can periodically exchange data packets with the slave module 12 at a first interval for the operation of the Bluetooth device 10. However, in the first mode, the Bluetooth device 10 stops operating, and the master module 11 can only exchange a minimum number of data packets to maintain the connection with the slave module 12. Therefore, in the first mode, the master module 11 can reduce the current consumption for maintaining the connection by adjusting the data packet exchange period with the slave module 12 from the first interval to the second interval.

[0048] At this time, depending on the type of data exchanged between the master module 11 and the slave module 12, the ratio of the second interval to the first interval can be set to be different. That is, the type of data can be determined by the type of task performed by the Bluetooth device 10 in the active mode, and the ratio of the second interval to the first interval can be set to be different depending on these types of data.

[0049] For example, define the length of the first interval as 100 ms. At this time, when the task performed by the Bluetooth device 10 is a relatively important task such as music playback or video playback rather than a navigation guide, the length of the second interval can be set to 500 ms. In comparison, when the task performed by the Bluetooth device 10 is a relatively unimportant task such as music playback or video playback, the length of the second interval can be set to 1000 ms. In an embodiment, the ratio of the first interval to the second interval can be set variously depending on the type of device, purpose, operating environment, etc.

[0050] When the type of data is relatively important in this way, the second interval can be set shorter compared to the case where the type of data is not relatively important. The higher the importance of the data type, the shorter the second interval can be set, and the lower the importance, the longer the interval can be set. That is, the importance of the data type can be set as being inversely proportional to the length of the second interval.

[0051] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the Bluetooth device 10 according to the embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4, in the second mode, the master module 11 can disconnect from the slave module 12. In the second mode, the connection between the mobile communication device 1 and the master module 11 is disconnected, and the connection between the master module 11 and the slave module 12 is also disconnected, and the current consumption for maintaining the connection can be minimized.

[0052] Also, in the power save mode, the master module 11 and the slave module 12 can operate according to the first mode and the second mode.

[0053] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the Bluetooth device 10 according to the embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5, the master module 11 and the slave module 12 can operate in the first mode during the first period based on the time when the mobile communication device 1 goes out of the preset range, and can operate in the second mode during the second period after the first period.

[0054] That is, during the first period after the mobile communication device 1 goes out of the preset range, the master module 11 can exchange data packets at the second interval while maintaining the connection state with the slave module 12. After that, if the mobile communication device 1 does not enter the preset range even after the first period has elapsed, the master module 11 can disconnect from the slave module 12.

[0055] According to this, during the first fixed period after entering the power save mode, it operates in the first mode and can maintain the connection state between the master module 11 and the slave module 12. After that, if the power save mode state continues without being released, by entering the second mode and releasing the connection between the master module 11 and the slave module 12, the current consumption can be minimized.

[0056] When the mobile communication device 1 re-enters within the preset range, the master module 11 can release the power save mode and enter the active mode. When the mobile communication device 1 enters within the preset range, the master module 11 can be connected to the mobile communication device 1 to perform data communication and release the power save mode.

[0057] At this time, when the master module 11 and the slave module 12 are operating in the first mode, the master module 11 can adjust the data exchange cycle with the slave module 12 from the second interval to the first interval. Or, when the master module 11 and the slave module 12 are operating in the second mode, the master module 11 can be connected to the slave module 12 to exchange data packets with the first interval as the period. At this time, the master module 11 can send a wake-up signal to the slave module 12 to establish a connection with the slave module.

[0058] Also, when the mobile communication device 1 re-enters within the preset range, the Bluetooth device 10 can enter the active mode and perform tasks.

[0059] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the Bluetooth device 10 according to the embodiment. Referring to FIG. 6, in the embodiment, when the mobile communication device 1 goes out of the preset second range, the master module 11 switches to the power save mode to manage the slave module 12, and when the mobile communication device 1 re-enters the second range, the power save mode can be canceled. Further, the master module 11 can switch to the active mode when the mobile communication device 1 enters the preset first range. In the embodiment, the second range can be set wider than the first range.

[0060] According to the embodiment, when the mobile communication device 1 goes out of the preset second range, the master module 11 can cancel the active mode and enter the power save mode. In the power save mode, the connection between the master module 11 and the mobile communication device 1 is released, and the Bluetooth device 10 can stop the execution of tasks. Further, in the power save mode, the master module 11 and the slave module 12 can operate in at least one of the first mode and the second mode.

[0061] When the mobile communication device 1 re-enters the second range, the master module 11 can cancel the power save mode. When the mobile communication device 1 enters the preset range, the master module 11 is connected to the mobile communication device 1 to perform data communication and can cancel the power save mode.

[0062] At this time, when the master module 11 and the slave module 12 are operating in the first mode, the master module 11 can adjust the data exchange cycle with the slave module 12 from the second interval to the first interval. Or, when the master module 11 and the slave module 12 are operating in the second mode, the master module 11 can be connected to the slave module 12 to exchange data packets with the first interval as the period.

[0063] When the Bluetooth device 10 re-enters within the preset first range of the mobile communication device 1, it can enter the active mode and perform tasks. That is, the Bluetooth device 10 is in a standby state where it does not operate until the mobile communication device 1 re-enters within the first range. When the mobile communication device 1 re-enters within the first range, the Bluetooth device 10 can enter the active mode and perform tasks. That is, the standby state means that the connection between the mobile communication device 1 and the master module 11 is established, and the master module 11 and the slave exchange data packets at the first interval, but the Bluetooth device 10 is not operating.

[0064] Figure 7 is an operation flowchart of a Bluetooth device according to an embodiment.

[0065] Referring to Figure 7, first, the mobile communication device is located within the preset range of the Bluetooth device. The Bluetooth device can perform tasks under the control of the mobile communication device in the active mode or perform tasks requested by the mobile device S701.

[0066] Next, when the mobile communication device exits the preset range, the connection between the master module and the mobile communication device is released, and the Bluetooth device can abort the running task S702.

[0067] Next, the master module and the slave module can enter the first mode. In the first mode, the master module can adjust the data exchange period from the first interval to the second interval S703.

[0068] Next, when the mobile communication device enters the preset range, the master module can establish a connection with the mobile communication device S704.

[0069] Next, the master module can release the first mode and adjust the data exchange period with the slave module from the second interval to the first interval S705.

[0070] Next, the Bluetooth device can enter the active mode to perform tasks. The Bluetooth device can automatically perform the tasks being executed in the active mode before entering the first mode (S706).

[0071] FIG. 8 is an operation flowchart of a Bluetooth device according to an embodiment.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 8, first, the mobile communication device is located within the preset range of the Bluetooth device. The Bluetooth device can perform tasks under the control of the mobile communication device in the active mode or perform the tasks requested by the mobile device (S801).

[0073] Next, when the mobile communication device goes out of the preset range, the connection between the master module and the mobile communication device is released, and the Bluetooth device can abort the tasks being executed (S802).

[0074] Next, the master module and the slave module can enter the second mode. In the second mode, the master module can release the connection with the slave module (S803).

[0075] Next, when the mobile communication device enters the preset range, the master module can establish a connection with the mobile communication device (S804).

[0076] Next, the master module can release the second mode and establish a connection with the slave module (S805).

[0077] Next, the Bluetooth device can enter the active mode to perform tasks. The Bluetooth device can automatically perform the tasks being executed in the active mode before entering the second mode (S806).

[0078] FIG. 9 is an operation flowchart of a Bluetooth device according to an embodiment.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 9, first, the mobile communication device is located within the preset range of the Bluetooth device. The Bluetooth device can perform a task under the control of the mobile communication device in the active mode, or perform a task requested by the mobile device (S901).

[0080] Next, when the mobile communication device moves out of the preset range, the connection between the master module and the mobile communication device is released, and the Bluetooth device can abort the running task (S902).

[0081] Next, the master module and the slave module can enter the first mode. In the first mode, the master module can adjust the data exchange period from the first interval to the second interval (S903).

[0082] Next, the master module checks the elapsed time based on the time when the mobile communication device moves out of the preset range. If the first period has not elapsed since the mobile communication device moved out of the preset range, the master module can maintain the first mode (S904).

[0083] If the first period has elapsed since the communication device moved out of the preset range, the master module can operate in the second mode and release the connection with the slave module (S905).

[0084] Next, when the mobile communication device enters the preset range, the master module can establish a connection with the mobile communication device (S906).

[0085] Next, the master module can release the second mode and establish a connection with the slave module (S907).

[0086] Next, the Bluetooth device can enter the active mode to perform tasks. The Bluetooth device can automatically perform tasks being executed in the active mode before entering the first mode S908.

[0087] Figure 10 is an operation flowchart of a Bluetooth device according to an embodiment.

[0088] Referring to Figure 10, first, the mobile communication device is located within a preset second range of the Bluetooth device. The Bluetooth device can perform tasks under the control of the mobile communication device in the active mode or perform tasks requested by the mobile device S1001.

[0089] Next, when the mobile communication device moves out of the preset second range, the connection between the master module and the mobile communication device is released, and the Bluetooth device can abort the tasks being executed S1002.

[0090] Next, the master module and the slave module can enter the first mode. In the first mode, the master module can adjust the data exchange period from the first interval to the second interval S1003.

[0091] Next, when the mobile communication device enters the preset second range, the master module can establish a connection with the mobile communication device S1004.

[0092] Next, the master module can exit the first mode and adjust the data exchange period with the slave module from the second interval to the first interval S1005.

[0093] Next, when the mobile communication device enters the preset first range, the Bluetooth device can enter the active mode to perform tasks. The Bluetooth device can automatically perform tasks being executed in the active mode before entering the first mode S1006.

[0094] FIG. 11 is an operation flowchart of a Bluetooth device according to an embodiment.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 11, first, the mobile communication device is located within a preset second range of the Bluetooth device. The Bluetooth device can perform a task under the control of the mobile communication device in the active mode, or perform a task requested by the mobile device (S1101).

[0096] Next, when the mobile communication device moves out of the preset second range, the connection between the master module and the mobile communication device is released, and the Bluetooth device can abort the running task (S1102).

[0097] Next, the master module and the slave module can enter the second mode. In the second mode, the master module can release the connection with the slave module (S1103).

[0098] Next, when the mobile communication device enters the preset second range, the master module can establish a connection with the mobile communication device (S1104).

[0099] Next, the master module can release the second mode and establish a connection with the slave module (S1105).

[0100] Next, when the mobile communication device enters the preset first range, the Bluetooth device can enter the active mode and perform tasks. The Bluetooth device can automatically perform the tasks running in the active mode before entering the second mode (S1106).

[0101] FIG. 12 is an operation flowchart of a Bluetooth device according to an embodiment.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 12, first, the mobile communication device is located within the preset second range of the Bluetooth device. The Bluetooth device can perform a task under the control of the mobile communication device in the active mode, or perform a task requested by the mobile device, S1201.

[0103] Next, when the mobile communication device goes out of the preset second range, the connection between the master module and the mobile communication device is released, and the Bluetooth device can abort the running task, S1202.

[0104] Next, the master module and the slave module can enter the first mode. In the first mode, the master module can adjust the data exchange period from the first interval to the second interval, S1203.

[0105] Next, the master module checks the elapsed time based on the time when the mobile communication device goes out of the preset range. If the first period has not elapsed since the mobile communication device went out of the preset range, the master module can maintain the first mode, S1204.

[0106] If the first period has elapsed since the communication device went out of the preset second range, the master module can operate in the second mode and release the connection with the slave module, S1205.

[0107] Next, when the mobile communication device enters the preset second range, the master module can establish a connection with the mobile communication device, S1206.

[0108] Next, the master module can release the second mode and establish a connection with the slave module, S1207.

[0109] Next, when the mobile communication device enters within a preset first range, the Bluetooth device can enter the active mode and perform tasks. The Bluetooth device can automatically perform the tasks being executed in the active mode before entering the first mode (S1208).

[0110] The term "~ part" used in this embodiment means a component of software, FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or hardware such as ASIC, and the "~ part" performs some role. However, the "~ part" is not meant to be limited to software or hardware. The "~ part" can be configured to be in an addressable storage medium and can be configured to reproduce one or more processors. Thus, as an example, the "~ part" includes components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, and processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. The functions provided in the components and the "~ part" can be combined into fewer components and "~ part" or further separated into additional components and "~ part". Furthermore, the components and the "~ part" can be implemented to reproduce one or more CPUs within a device or a security multimedia card.

[0111] As described above with reference to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be variously modified and changed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention described in the following claims.

Claims

1. In a Bluetooth (registered trademark) device including a master module and at least one slave module, when the mobile communication device is located within a preset second range, the master module operates in an active mode, and when the mobile communication device goes out of the preset second range, the master module switches to a power save mode; in the active mode, the master module is connected to the mobile communication device located within the preset second range to perform data communication, and periodically exchanges packets with the slave module to operate the Bluetooth device; in the power save mode, the master module operates in at least one of a first mode of adjusting the packet exchange period between the master module and the slave module from a first interval to a second interval and a second mode of disconnecting the connection between the master module and the slave module. A Bluetooth device.

2. The Bluetooth device according to claim 1, wherein the second interval is set to be longer than the first interval.

3. The Bluetooth device according to claim 2, wherein the ratio between the second interval and the first interval is set to be different according to the type of data exchanged between the master module and the slave module.

4. The Bluetooth device according to claim 3, wherein the more important the type of data is, the relatively shorter the length of the second interval is set compared to the case where the type of data is not important.

5. The Bluetooth device according to claim 1, wherein in the power save mode, the master module disconnects the connection with the mobile communication device.

6. The Bluetooth device according to claim 1, wherein when the mobile communication device goes out of the preset second range, the master module switches to the power save mode to manage the slave module, and when the mobile communication device re-enters the second range, the master module releases the power save mode.

7. The master module according to claim 6, wherein when the mobile communication device is set within the second range and enters a preset first range narrower than the second range, the master module switches to the active mode.

8. The Bluetooth device according to claim 1, wherein in the active mode, the Bluetooth device performs tasks under the control of the mobile communication device.

9. The master module and the slave module of the Bluetooth device according to claim 1 operate in a first mode during a first period and in a second mode during a second period after the first period, based on the time when the mobile communication device exits a preset second range.

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