Method for processing voice signal and electronic device performing same

Abstract

Disclosed are a method for processing a voice signal and an electronic device performing same. The electronic device, according to various embodiments, may comprise: a processor; and a memory electrically connected to the processor and storing instructions executed by the processor. The processor, when the instructions are executed by the processor, may enable the electronic device to receive a voice signal from a user. The processor may enable the electronic device to determine an optimal device for processing the voice signal, among a plurality of external electronic devices communicatively connected to the electronic device. The processor may enable the electronic device to transmit a request for processing the voice signal to the optimal device so as to process the voice signal. The processor may enable the electronic device to perform an operation according to the result of processing the voice signal received from the optimal device.

Description

Voice signal processing method and electronic device performing the method

[0001] The disclosure below relates to a method for processing a voice signal and an electronic device for performing the method.

[0002] When using a voice assistant, when a user's speech is input into a terminal, the terminal generally transmits the speech to a server, and speech recognition operations such as speech recognition, interpretation, and execution are performed by the server.

[0003] Recently, terminals equipped with on-device functionality have been adopting methods that allow the terminal to perform voice recognition, interpretation, and execution of speech without transmitting part or all of the speech to a server. When a terminal equipped with on-device functionality performs voice recognition operations, there are numerous advantages in terms of security, performance, and cost.

[0004] The process of recognizing, interpreting, and executing user speech within a device requires extremely high performance. Therefore, it is typically supported only in high-end models.

[0005] The above information may be provided as background art to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above is applicable as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0006] An electronic device according to various embodiments may include a processor and a memory electrically connected to the processor and storing instructions executed by the processor. The processor may cause the electronic device to receive a voice signal from a user when the instructions are executed. The processor may cause the electronic device to determine an optimal device to process the voice signal among a plurality of external electronic devices that are communicably connected to the electronic device. The processor may cause the electronic device to transmit a request for processing the voice signal to the optimal device so as to process the voice signal. The processor may cause the electronic device to perform an operation based on a result of processing the voice signal received from the optimal device.

[0007] According to various embodiments, an electronic device may include a natural language platform for processing a voice signal, a processor, and a memory electrically connected to the processor and storing instructions executed by the processor. The processor may cause the electronic device to transmit a state of the electronic device to an external electronic device with which the electronic device is communicably connected when the instructions are executed by the processor. The processor may cause the electronic device to receive a request for processing a voice signal from the external electronic device when the external electronic device determines the electronic device to be an optimal device for processing the voice signal. In response to the processing request, the processor may cause the electronic device to transmit a processing result of processing the voice signal received from the external electronic device using the natural language platform to the external electronic device.

[0008] A voice signal processing method according to various embodiments may include an operation of receiving a voice signal from a user, an operation of determining an optimal device to process the voice signal among a plurality of external electronic devices that are communicably connected to an electronic device, an operation of transmitting a request for processing the voice signal to the optimal device so as to process the voice signal, and an operation of performing an operation based on a result of processing the voice signal received from the optimal device.

[0009] A voice signal processing method according to various embodiments may include an operation of transmitting a status of an electronic device to an external electronic device connected to a communication connection, an operation of receiving a request for processing a voice signal from the external electronic device when the electronic device is determined by the external electronic device to be an optimal device for processing the voice signal, and an operation of transmitting a processing result of processing the voice signal received from the external electronic device using the natural language platform to the external electronic device in response to the processing request.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an integrated intelligence system according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a form in which relationship information between concepts and actions is stored in a database according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a user terminal displaying a screen for processing voice input received through an intelligent app, according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of an electronic device and an external electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an audio signal processing method performed by an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an electronic device performing communication connection with a plurality of external electronic devices according to various embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are diagrams illustrating audio signal processing methods according to various embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation in which an electronic device and a plurality of external electronic devices receive information about a device to perform voice recognition from a server according to various embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an operation of an electronic device performing voice recognition using an external electronic device 1 according to various embodiments.

[0020] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an electronic device performing an audio signal processing method according to various embodiments.

[0021] FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are diagrams showing a user interface (UI) provided by an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0022] FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 are diagrams showing a UI provided by an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the description with reference to the attached drawings, identical components are assigned the same reference numerals regardless of the drawing numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0024] In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0025]

[0026] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100) according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1, in the network environment (100), the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of the electronic device (104) or the server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0027] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result data in a non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together with the main processor (121). For example, when the electronic device (101) includes the main processor (121) and the auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0028] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0029] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0030] The program (140) may be stored as software in the memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0031] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0032] The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0033] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0034] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), output sound through the sound output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

[0035] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0036] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0037] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0038] The haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0039] The camera module (180) can capture still images and moving images. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0040] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0041] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0042] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0043] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0044] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device via the at least one selected antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

[0045] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. In one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

[0046] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).

[0047] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0048]

[0049] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an integrated intelligence system according to one embodiment.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 2, an integrated intelligent system of one embodiment may include an electronic device (101), an intelligent server (200) (e.g., server (108) of FIG. 1), and a service server (300) (e.g., server (108) of FIG. 1).

[0051] The electronic device (101) of one embodiment may be a terminal device (or electronic device) that can connect to the Internet, and may be, for example, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop computer, a TV, white goods, a wearable device, an HMD, or a smart speaker.

[0052] According to the illustrated embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include an interface (177), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), a memory (130), or a processor (120). The above-listed components may be operatively or electrically connected to each other.

[0053] An interface (177) of one embodiment may be configured to connect to an external device and transmit and receive data. An input module (150) of one embodiment may receive sound (e.g., user speech) and convert it into an electrical signal. An audio output module (155) of one embodiment may output the electrical signal as sound (e.g., voice).

[0054] The display module (160) of one embodiment may be configured to display an image or video. The display module (160) of one embodiment may also display a graphical user interface (GUI) of a running app (or application program). The display module (160) of one embodiment may receive touch input via a touch sensor. For example, the display module (160) may receive text input via a touch sensor in an on-screen keyboard area displayed within the display module (160).

[0055] In one embodiment, the memory (130) may store a client module (151), a software development kit (SDK) (153), and a plurality of apps (146). The client module (151) and the SDK (153) may constitute a framework (or solution program) for performing general functions. In addition, the client module (151) or the SDK (153) may constitute a framework for processing user input (e.g., voice input, text input, touch input).

[0056] The plurality of apps (146) stored in the memory (130) of one embodiment may be programs for performing a specified function. According to one embodiment, the plurality of apps (146) may include a first app (146-1) and a second app (146-2). According to one embodiment, each of the plurality of apps (146) may include a plurality of operations for performing a specified function. For example, the apps may include an alarm app, a message app, and / or a schedule app. According to one embodiment, the plurality of apps (146) may be executed by the processor (120) to sequentially execute at least some of the plurality of operations.

[0057] The processor (120) of one embodiment can control the overall operation of the electronic device (101). For example, the processor (120) can be electrically connected to an interface (177), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), and a display module (160) to perform a specified operation.

[0058] The processor (120) of one embodiment may also execute a program stored in the memory (130) to perform a designated function. For example, the processor (120) may execute at least one of the client module (151) or the SDK (153) to perform the following operations for processing user input. The processor (120) may control the operations of multiple apps (146), for example, through the SDK (153). The following operations described as operations of the client module (151) or the SDK (153) may be operations executed by the processor (120).

[0059] The client module (151) of one embodiment can receive user input. For example, the client module (151) can receive a voice signal corresponding to a user utterance detected through the input module (150). Alternatively, the client module (151) can receive a touch input detected through the display module (160). Alternatively, the client module (151) can receive a text input detected through a keyboard or a visual keyboard. In addition, the client module (151) can receive various forms of user input detected through an input module included in the electronic device (101) or an input module connected to the electronic device (101). The client module (151) can transmit the received user input to the intelligent server (200). The client module (151) can transmit status information of the electronic device (101) to the intelligent server (200) together with the received user input. The status information can be, for example, execution status information of an app.

[0060] The client module (151) of one embodiment can receive a result corresponding to the received user input. For example, the client module (151) can receive a result corresponding to the received voice input when the intelligent server (200) can produce a result corresponding to the received user input. The client module (151) can display the received result on the display module (160). In addition, the client module (151) can output the received result as audio through the audio output module (155).

[0061] In one embodiment, the client module (151) can receive a plan corresponding to the received user input. The client module (151) can display the results of executing multiple operations of the app according to the plan on the display module (160). For example, the client module (151) can sequentially display the results of executing multiple operations on the display and output audio through the audio output module (155). The electronic device (101) can, for example, display only some results of executing multiple operations (e.g., the result of the last operation) on the display module (160) and output audio through the audio output module (155).

[0062] According to one embodiment, the client module (151) may receive a request from the intelligent server (200) to obtain information necessary to produce a result corresponding to a user input. According to one embodiment, the client module (151) may transmit the necessary information to the intelligent server (200) in response to the request.

[0063] The client module (151) of one embodiment can transmit result information of executing multiple operations according to a plan to the intelligent server (200). The intelligent server (200) can use the result information to confirm that the received user input has been processed correctly.

[0064] The client module (151) of one embodiment may include a voice recognition module. According to one embodiment, the client module (151) may recognize voice inputs that perform limited functions through the voice recognition module. For example, the client module (151) may execute an intelligent app to process voice inputs to perform organic actions through designated inputs (e.g., "Wake up!").

[0065] An intelligent server (200) of one embodiment can receive information related to a user voice input from an electronic device (101) via a communication network. According to one embodiment, the intelligent server (200) can change data related to the received voice input into text data. According to one embodiment, the intelligent server (200) can generate a plan for performing a task corresponding to the user voice input based on the text data.

[0066] In one embodiment, the plan may be generated by an artificial intelligence (AI) system. The AI ​​system may be a rule-based system, a neural network-based system (e.g., a feedforward neural network (FNN) or a recurrent neural network (RNN)), or a combination of the above or another AI system. In one embodiment, the plan may be selected from a set of predefined plans or may be generated in real time in response to a user request. For example, the AI ​​system may select at least one plan from a plurality of predefined plans.

[0067] An intelligent server (200) of one embodiment may transmit a result according to a generated plan to an electronic device (101), or transmit the generated plan to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may display a result according to the plan on a display module (160). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may display a result of executing an operation according to the plan on a display module (160).

[0068] An intelligent server (200) of one embodiment may include a front end (210), a natural language platform (220), a capsule database (230), an execution engine (240), an end user interface (250), a management platform (260), a big data platform (270), or an analytic platform (280).

[0069] The front end (210) of one embodiment can receive user input from the electronic device (101). The front end (210) can transmit a response corresponding to the user input.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the natural language platform (220) may include an automatic speech recognition module (ASR module) (221), a natural language understanding module (NLU module) (223), a planner module (225), a natural language generator module (NLG module) (227), or a text to speech module (TTS module) (229).

[0071] The automatic speech recognition module (221) of one embodiment can convert voice input received from the electronic device (101) into text data. The natural language understanding module (223) of one embodiment can identify the user's intention using the text data of the voice input. For example, the natural language understanding module (223) can identify the user's intention by performing syntactic analysis or semantic analysis on user input in the form of text data. The natural language understanding module (223) of one embodiment can identify the meaning of words extracted from the user input using linguistic features (e.g., grammatical elements) of morphemes or phrases, and can determine the user's intention by matching the meaning of the identified words to the intent. The natural language understanding module (223) can obtain intent information corresponding to the user's utterance. The intent information may be information indicating the user's intent determined by interpreting text data. The intent information may include information indicating an action or function that the user intends to execute using the device.

[0072] The planner module (225) of one embodiment can generate a plan using the intent and parameters determined by the natural language understanding module (223). According to one embodiment, the planner module (225) can determine a plurality of domains necessary to perform a task based on the determined intent. The planner module (225) can determine a plurality of operations included in each of the plurality of domains determined based on the intent. According to one embodiment, the planner module (225) can determine parameters necessary to execute the determined plurality of operations or result values ​​output by the execution of the plurality of operations. The parameters and the result values ​​can be defined as concepts of a specified format (or class). Accordingly, the plan can include a plurality of operations and a plurality of concepts determined by the user's intent. The planner module (225) can determine the relationship between the plurality of operations and the plurality of concepts in a stepwise (or hierarchical) manner. For example, the planner module (225) can determine the execution order of a plurality of actions based on the user's intention based on a plurality of concepts. In other words, the planner module (225) can determine the execution order of a plurality of actions based on parameters required for the execution of the plurality of actions and results output by the execution of the plurality of actions. Accordingly, the planner module (225) can generate a plan including association information (e.g., ontology) between a plurality of actions and a plurality of concepts. The planner module (225) can generate the plan using information stored in a capsule database (230) in which a set of relationships between concepts and actions is stored.

[0073] The natural language generation module (227) of one embodiment can convert specified information into text format. The information converted into text format may be in the form of natural language speech. The text-to-speech conversion module (229) of one embodiment can convert information in text format into information in speech format.

[0074] According to one embodiment, some or all of the functions of the natural language platform (220) may also be implemented in the electronic device (101).

[0075] The capsule database (230) may store information on the relationships between a plurality of concepts and actions corresponding to a plurality of domains. According to one embodiment, a capsule may include a plurality of action objects (or action information) and concept objects (or concept information) included in a plan. According to one embodiment, the capsule database (230) may store a plurality of capsules in the form of a concept action network (CAN). According to one embodiment, the plurality of capsules may be stored in a function registry included in the capsule database (230).

[0076] The capsule database (230) may include a strategy registry that stores strategy information required when determining a plan corresponding to a voice input. The strategy information may include reference information for determining a single plan when there are multiple plans corresponding to a user input. According to one embodiment, the capsule database (230) may include a follow-up registry that stores information on follow-up actions for suggesting follow-up actions to a user in a given situation. The follow-up actions may include, for example, follow-up utterances. According to one embodiment, the capsule database (230) may include a layout registry that stores layout information of information output through the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the capsule database (230) may include a vocabulary registry that stores vocabulary information included in capsule information. According to one embodiment, the capsule database (230) may include a dialog registry that stores information on dialogue (or interaction) with a user. The capsule database (230) may update stored objects through a developer tool. The developer tool may include, for example, a function editor for updating action objects or concept objects. The developer tool may include a vocabulary editor for updating vocabulary. The developer tool may include a strategy editor for creating and registering strategies that determine plans. The developer tool may include a dialog editor for creating dialogues with the user.The developer tool may include a follow-up editor that activates follow-up goals and allows editing of follow-up utterances that provide hints. The follow-up goals may be determined based on currently set goals, user preferences, or environmental conditions. In one embodiment, the capsule database (230) may also be implemented within the electronic device (101).

[0077] The execution engine (240) of one embodiment can produce a result using the generated plan. The end user interface (250) can transmit the produced result to the electronic device (101). Accordingly, the electronic device (101) can receive the result and provide the received result to the user. The management platform (260) of one embodiment can manage information used in the intelligent server (200). The big data platform (270) of one embodiment can collect user data. The analysis platform (280) of one embodiment can manage the quality of service (QoS) of the intelligent server (200). For example, the analysis platform (280) can manage the components and processing speed (or efficiency) of the intelligent server (200).

[0078] A service server (300) of one embodiment may include CP service A (301), CP service B (302), and CP service C. The service server (300) of one embodiment may provide a service (e.g., food ordering or hotel reservation) specified for an electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the service server (300) may be a server operated by a third party. The service server (300) of one embodiment may provide information for generating a plan corresponding to a received user input to the intelligent server (200). The provided information may be stored in the capsule database (230). In addition, the service server (300) may provide result information according to the plan to the intelligent server (200).

[0079] In the integrated intelligence system (10) described above, the electronic device (101) can provide various intelligent services to the user in response to user input. The user input may include, for example, input via a physical button, touch input, or voice input.

[0080] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may provide a voice recognition service through an intelligent app (or voice recognition app) stored internally. In this case, for example, the electronic device (101) may recognize a user utterance or voice input received through the microphone and provide the user with a service corresponding to the recognized voice input.

[0081] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may perform a designated operation, either alone or in conjunction with the intelligent server and / or service server, based on the received voice input. For example, the electronic device (101) may execute an app corresponding to the received voice input and perform a designated operation through the executed app.

[0082] In one embodiment, when an electronic device (101) provides a service together with an intelligent server (200) and / or a service server, the user terminal may detect a user utterance using the input module (150) and generate a signal (or voice data) corresponding to the detected user utterance. The user terminal may transmit the voice data to the intelligent server (200) using the interface (177).

[0083] According to one embodiment, an intelligent server (200) may generate a plan for performing a task corresponding to a voice input received from an electronic device (101), or a result of performing an operation according to the plan. The plan may include, for example, a plurality of operations for performing a task corresponding to a user's voice input, and a plurality of concepts related to the plurality of operations. The concept may define parameters input to the execution of the plurality of operations, or result values ​​output by the execution of the plurality of operations. The plan may include association information between the plurality of operations and the plurality of concepts.

[0084] An electronic device (101) of one embodiment can receive the response using an interface (177). The electronic device (101) can output a voice signal generated within the electronic device (101) to the outside using the audio output module (155), or can output an image generated within the electronic device (101) to the outside using the display module (160).

[0085]

[0086] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a form in which relationship information between concepts and actions is stored in a database according to various embodiments.

[0087] The capsule database (e.g., the capsule database (230) of FIG. 2) of the intelligent server (e.g., the intelligent server (200) of FIG. 2) may store capsules in the form of a CAN (concept action network). The capsule database may store operations for processing tasks corresponding to a user's voice input and parameters necessary for the operations in the form of a CAN (concept action network).

[0088] The capsule database may store a plurality of capsules (capsule (A) (401), capsule (B) (404)) corresponding to each of a plurality of domains (e.g., applications). According to one embodiment, one capsule (e.g., capsule (A) (401)) may correspond to one domain (e.g., location (geo), application). In addition, one capsule may correspond to at least one service provider (e.g., CP 1 (402), CP 2 (403), CP 3 (406), or CP 4 (405)) for performing a function for a domain related to the capsule. According to one embodiment, one capsule may include at least one operation (410) and at least one concept (420) for performing a specified function.

[0089] The above natural language platform (e.g., the natural language platform (220) of FIG. 2) can generate a plan for performing a task corresponding to a received voice input using capsules stored in a capsule database. For example, the planner module of the natural language platform (e.g., the planner module (225) of FIG. 2) can generate a plan using capsules stored in a capsule database. For example, a plan (407) can be generated using actions (4011, 4013) and concepts (4012, 4014) of capsule A (410) and actions (4041) and concepts (4042) of capsule B (404).

[0090]

[0091] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a screen for processing voice input received through an intelligent app by a user terminal according to various embodiments.

[0092] The electronic device (101) can execute an intelligent app to process user input through an intelligent server (e.g., the intelligent server (200) of FIG. 2).

[0093] According to one embodiment, on screen 310, when the electronic device (101) recognizes a designated voice input (e.g., wake up!) or receives an input via a hardware key (e.g., a dedicated hardware key), the electronic device (101) may execute an intelligent app for processing the voice input. For example, the electronic device (101) may execute an intelligent app while executing a schedule app. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may display an object (e.g., an icon) (311) corresponding to the intelligent app on the display module (160). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may receive a voice input by a user's speech. For example, the electronic device (101) may receive a voice input such as "Tell me my schedule for this week!" According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can display a user interface (UI) (313) (e.g., an input window) of an intelligent app displaying text data of received voice input on a display module (e.g., the display module (160) of FIG. 2).

[0094] According to one embodiment, on the 320 screen, the electronic device (101) can display a result corresponding to the received voice input on the display module (160). For example, the electronic device (101) can receive a plan corresponding to the received user input and display 'this week's schedule' on the display module (160) according to the plan.

[0095]

[0096] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of an electronic device (101) (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2) and a plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-4) (e.g., the electronic devices (101, 102, 104) of FIG. 1 and the electronic device (101) of FIG. 2) according to various embodiments. In the following FIGS. 5 to 12, the electronic device (101) and the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-4) are described according to an example in which the electronic device (101) does not include a natural language platform (e.g., the natural language platform (220) of FIG. 2), but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0097] For example, even if the electronic device (101) includes a natural language platform (220), the descriptions of the electronic device (101) and the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-4) illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 12 below may be substantially equally applied to the electronic device (101) and the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-4).

[0098] For example, a plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-4) (e.g., TV, speaker, refrigerator, hub, edge device) may represent various devices that can be connected to and communicated with the electronic device (101). A plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-4) may represent various devices that can be connected to and communicated with other electronic devices in an IoT (Internet of Things) environment.

[0099] An electronic device (101) can receive a voice signal from a user using an input module (e.g., an input module (150) of FIGS. 1 and 2, a microphone). If it is determined that the voice signal received from the user includes a set utterance (e.g., a wake-up word), the electronic device (101) can perform a communication connection with a plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3). A local network (510) can be formed by communication connection between the electronic device (101) and the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3).

[0100] The electronic device (101) can determine the optimal device for processing a voice signal among a plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3). For example, the electronic device (101) can determine the optimal device based on the status and set policy of the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3).

[0101] The electronic device (101) can receive the status of the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) from the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3). For example, the status of the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) can include hardware performance, network performance, operating status (e.g., utilization), and supported device type.

[0102] Hardware performance may indicate the performance of the processor and memory of the external electronic device (102-1, 102-2, 102-3). Operating status may indicate the utilization rate of the processor and memory of the external electronic device (102-1, 102-2, 102-3). Network performance may indicate the performance of the network connected between the external electronic device (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) and the electronic device (101).

[0103] The supported device type may indicate the type of device to which the natural language platform of the external electronic device (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) corresponds. For example, the supported device type may be categorized by type of electronic device, such as a speaker, refrigerator, or mobile phone.

[0104] The type of device supported by the natural language platform can be determined based on the type of external electronic device (102-1, 102-2, 102-3). Depending on the type of device supported by the natural language platform, the voice command to be processed and the plan to be generated based on the result of the voice command processing can be determined.

[0105] If the external electronic device (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) is a speaker, the support device type of the natural language platform included in the external electronic device (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) may be a speaker. If the support device type includes a speaker, the natural language platform of the external electronic device (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) may process the voice command “Turn up the volume” and generate a control signal to increase the volume of the audio being played.

[0106] If the supported device type of the natural language platform does not include a speaker, as in the example above, even if the voice command "Turn up the volume" is processed, it may not generate a control signal to increase the volume of the audio.

[0107] As described above, the support device type can be classified according to the type of the electronic device (101) (or external electronic device (102-1, 102-2, 102-3)). The electronic device (101) can process voice commands and generate a result of processing the voice commands (e.g., a plan) according to the support device type of the natural language platform.

[0108] The policy may include priorities for determining the optimal device. For example, the policy may set the highest priority for an external electronic device with the highest network performance among external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) whose supported device type includes the type of electronic device (101). The priorities included in the above policy are exemplary and are not limited to the examples above. For example, the policy may include weights set for network performance, hardware performance, and operating status among external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) whose supported device type includes the type of electronic device (101). The priority of multiple external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) can be determined based on weights set for network performance, hardware performance, and operating status among the external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) whose support device type includes the type of electronic device (101).

[0109] For example, as network performance and / or hardware performance increases, the priority of the external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) may increase. As the operating state of the external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) approaches a sleep state or an idle state, the priority of the external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) may increase. As the operating state of the external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) approaches a busy state, the priority of the external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) may decrease. Whether the operating state is a sleep state / idle state or a busy state may be determined based on the processor usage occupancy rate and the memory usage occupancy rate. For example, if the processor usage rate of an external electronic device (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) is about 100%, it may indicate a busy state, and if the processor usage rate is about 0%, it may indicate an idle state.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 5, an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment can receive the status of an external electronic device (102-4) from an external electronic device (4) (102-4) that is not connected to a local network (510). For example, the external electronic device 4 (102-4) can be connected to an external electronic device 3 (102-3). The external electronic device 4 (102-4) can receive a control signal to transmit a status from the electronic device (101) through the external electronic device 3 (102-3), and can transmit the status to the electronic device (101) according to the received control signal. The external electronic device 4 (102-4) can perform a communication connection with the electronic device (101) and directly transmit the status to the electronic device (101), or can transmit the status to the electronic device (101) through the external electronic device 3 (102-3).

[0111] An electronic device (101) according to an embodiment can transmit a voice signal to a determined optimal device. For example, in FIG. 5, the electronic device (101) can determine external electronic device 2 (102-2) as the optimal device based on the status and policy of a plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-4). The electronic device (101) can transmit a voice signal to external electronic device 2 (102-2) determined as the optimal device.

[0112] For example, the electronic device (101) may be a speaker. The external electronic device 1 (102-1) may be a device that does not include a natural language platform. The external electronic device 2 (102-2) may include a natural language platform whose supported device types are speaker, mobile, and TV. The external electronic device 3 (102-3) may include a natural language platform whose supported device types are mobile and refrigerator.

[0113] For example, the electronic device (101) can use a policy to determine the priority of the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) depending on whether the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) can process a voice signal.

[0114] For example, if the support device types of a plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) correspond to the type of the electronic device (101), the electronic device (101) can determine that the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) are capable of processing a voice signal.

[0115] An electronic device (101) according to an embodiment may determine an optimal device based on whether a support device type of an external electronic device corresponds to a type of the electronic device (101). In the above example, the electronic device (101) may determine an external electronic device 2 (102-2) whose support device type includes a speaker as the optimal device.

[0116] According to one embodiment, when there are multiple external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) among the multiple external electronic devices whose support device types correspond to the type of the electronic device (101), the electronic device (101) can determine the optimal device according to the policy.

[0117] For example, if the supported device types of external electronic device 1 (102-1) and external electronic device 2 (102-2) correspond to the type of electronic device (101), the electronic device (101) may determine an optimal device based on the hardware performance, network performance, and / or operating status of external electronic device 1 (102-1) and external electronic device 2 (102-2). The electronic device (101) may determine an external electronic device with high hardware performance, high network performance, or low utilization rate as the optimal device according to the policy.

[0118] For example, the policy may include weights for hardware performance, network performance, or operating status. The electronic device (101) may use the weights for hardware performance, network performance, or operating status to determine priorities for external electronic devices among a plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) whose supported device types correspond to the type of the electronic device (101). Based on the determined priorities, the electronic device (101) may determine the external electronic device with the highest priority as the optimal device.

[0119] For example, if the hardware performances of external electronic device 1 (102-1) and external electronic device 2 (102-2) are substantially the same and the network performance of external electronic device 1 (102-1) is higher than the network performance of external electronic device 2 (102-2), the electronic device (101) may determine external electronic device 1 (102-1) as the optimal device.

[0120] For example, if the hardware performance and network performance of external electronic device 1 (102-1) and external electronic device 2 (102-2) are substantially the same, and the operating state of external electronic device 1 (102-1) is an idle state and the operating state of external electronic device 2 (102-2) is a busy state, the electronic device (101) can determine external electronic device 1 (102-1) as the optimal device.

[0121] For example, if the hardware performance of external electronic device 1 (102-1) is lower than that of external electronic device 2 (102-2) and the network performance of external electronic device 1 (102-1) is higher than that of external electronic device 2 (102-2), the electronic device (101) can determine an optimal device among external electronic device 1 (102-1) and external electronic device 2 (102-2) based on weights. For example, if the priority of external electronic device 1 (102-1) is higher than that of external electronic device 2 (102-2) based on weights regarding hardware performance and network performance, the electronic device (101) can determine external electronic device 1 (102-1) as the optimal device.

[0122] The weights included in the above policy are exemplary and are not limited to the examples above.

[0123] According to one embodiment, an external electronic device determined as the optimal device may process a voice signal and transmit the result of processing the voice signal to the electronic device (101). In FIG. 5, external electronic device 2 (102-2), determined as the optimal device, may process a voice command using a natural language platform. External electronic device 2 (102-2) may transmit the result of processing the voice command to the electronic device (101).

[0124] An electronic device (101) according to an embodiment may operate based on the result of processing a voice command received from an optimal device. The electronic device (101) may provide an interface for providing a result of processing the voice command to a user. The electronic device (101) may control the configuration of the electronic device (e.g., the processor (120), the memory (130), and the audio output module (155) of FIGS. 1 and 2) to perform the result of processing the voice command.

[0125]

[0126] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an audio signal processing method performed by an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 5) according to various embodiments.

[0127] In the following examples, the operations may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily sequential. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0128] According to one embodiment, operations (610) to (640) may be understood to be performed in a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 5).

[0129] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may receive a voice signal in operation (610). For example, the electronic device (101) may receive a voice signal from a user using an input module (e.g., input module (150) of FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0130] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may determine an optimal device to process a voice signal among a plurality of external electronic devices (e.g., the electronic devices (101, 102, 104) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (101) of FIG. 2, and the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-4) of FIG. 5) that are in communication with the electronic device (101) in operation (620).

[0131] For example, the electronic device (101) can perform communication connections with a plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-4). The electronic device (101) can receive the status of the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-4) from the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-4). The electronic device (101) can determine an optimal device based on the status of the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-4) and the set policy.

[0132] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) includes a natural language platform (e.g., the natural language platform (220) of FIG. 2) and can determine an optimal device among external electronic devices whose supported device types of the natural language platform (220) include the type of the electronic device (101). When there are multiple external electronic devices including the natural language platform (220) and whose supported device types of the natural language platform (220) include the type of the electronic device (101), the electronic device (101) can determine an optimal device according to a policy. The policy can represent a criterion set for determining an optimal device among the multiple external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-4) according to the status (e.g., hardware performance, network performance, and operating status) of each external electronic device. The policy may include weights for the status of external electronic devices, and the electronic device (101) may determine priorities of a plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-4) according to the policy. The electronic device (101) may determine the external electronic device with the highest priority determined according to the policy as the optimal device.

[0133] For example, the electronic device (101) can determine a set external electronic device as the optimal device among a plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-4).

[0134] For example, a policy may include a configured external electronic device. The electronic device (101) may determine the configured external electronic device as the optimal device among a plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-4) according to the policy.

[0135] For example, if the external electronic device 2 (102-2) of FIG. 5 is a configured external electronic device, the electronic device (101) can determine the external electronic device 2 (102-2) as the optimal device among the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-4). If the external electronic device 2 (102-2) is not connected to the electronic device (101) for communication (e.g., not included in a local network (e.g., local network (510) of FIG. 5)), the electronic device (101) can determine the optimal device among the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-3, 102-4) for communication connection according to the policy.

[0136] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may transmit a request for processing a voice signal to an optimal device to process the voice signal in operation (630). The external electronic device that receives the request for processing the voice signal may process the voice signal and transmit the result of processing the voice signal to the electronic device (101).

[0137] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may perform an operation based on the result of processing the voice signal received from the optimal device in operation (640). The electronic device (101) may provide information regarding the result of the voice processing to the user in various ways (e.g., voice notification, screen display using a display module (e.g., display module (160) of FIGS. 1 and 2), vibration). The electronic device (101) may perform an operation based on the plan, which is the result of processing the voice signal.

[0138] An electronic device (101) according to various embodiments may perform communication connection with a plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-4) at set points in time (e.g., cycles) and update the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-4) connected to the communication.

[0139] For example, when the electronic device (101) receives a voice signal in operation (610), the electronic device (101) may perform a communication connection with a plurality of updated external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-4) and operate according to operation (620), operation (630), and operation (640).

[0140] For example, the electronic device (101) can determine an optimal device among the plurality of updated external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-4). For example, when the electronic device (101) receives a voice signal in operation (610), the electronic device (101) can transmit a request for processing the voice signal to the optimal device determined among the plurality of updated external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-4).

[0141]

[0142] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 5) performing a communication connection with a plurality of external electronic devices (e.g., an electronic device (101, 102, and 104) of FIG. 1, an electronic device (101) of FIG. 2, and a plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3, and 102-4) of FIG. 5) according to various embodiments.

[0143] In the following examples, the operations may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily sequential. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0144] According to one embodiment, operations (710) to (730) may be understood to be performed in a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 5).

[0145] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can determine, in operation (710), whether the voice signal received in operation (610) includes a call word.

[0146] For example, the electronic device (101) may determine, in operation (710), whether the voice signal includes a wake-up word. The wake-up word may include a word set to indicate that the user's utterance is a voice command (e.g., "wake up," "Hi, Bixby") or a user-defined wake-up word. If the voice signal received from the user includes the wake-up word, the electronic device (101) may change the state of the electronic device (101) from an idle state to an active state. The electronic device (101) may receive a user utterance input after the wake-up word as a voice command.

[0147] Substantially the same as the electronic device (101), a plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) can also receive a voice signal from a user, determine whether the voice signal includes a wake word, and set the state of each of the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) to an activated state.

[0148] According to one embodiment, if it is determined in operation (710) that the voice signal does not include a call word, the electronic device (101) may receive the voice signal in operation (610).

[0149] According to an embodiment, an electronic device (101) can perform communication connections with a plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) in operation (720). For example, the electronic device (101) can perform communication connections with a plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) according to a wireless network (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth) connection method.

[0150] According to an embodiment, an electronic device (101) and a plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) can identify that the target of an operation according to a voice signal is the electronic device (101). For example, the electronic device (101) and a plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) can each share the magnitude (e.g., signal to noise ratio (SNR)) of the voice signal they received. The electronic device (101) and the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) can each identify that the electronic device (101) is the target of an operation according to the voice signal based on the magnitude of the voice signal they shared. For example, when a user speaks while in the closest position to the electronic device (101), since the size of the voice signal received by the electronic device (101) is the largest, the electronic device (101) and a plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) can identify that the electronic device (101) is the target of an action according to the voice signal.

[0151] According to an embodiment, an electronic device (101) may receive the status of a plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) from a plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) in operation (730). For example, the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) may each transmit their status to the electronic device (101) that is the target of the operation according to the voice signal.

[0152] According to an embodiment, an electronic device (101) may determine an optimal device to process a voice signal among a plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) connected to the electronic device (101) in operation (620) based on the states of a plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) received in operation (730).

[0153]

[0154] FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are diagrams illustrating audio signal processing methods according to various embodiments.

[0155] In the following examples, the operations may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily sequential. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0156] According to one embodiment, operations (805-1) to (850) may be understood to be performed in a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 5) or in each processor of an external electronic device (102-1, 102-2, 102-3).

[0157] Referring to FIG. 8, an electronic device (101) according to an embodiment can receive a speech from a user (103) in operation (805-1). An external electronic device 1 (102-1) can receive a speech from a user (103) in operation (805-2). An external electronic device 2 (102-2) can receive a speech from a user (103) in operation (805-3). An external electronic device 3 (102-3) can receive a speech from a user (103) in operation (805-4).

[0158] The speech signal may include a wake word. The electronic device (101), the external electronic device 1 (102-1) (e.g., the external electronic device 1 (102-1) of FIG. 5), the external electronic device 2 (102-2) (e.g., the external electronic device 2 (102-2) of FIG. 5), and the external electronic device 3 (102-3) (e.g., the external electronic device 3 (102-3) of FIG. 5) may determine whether the speech signal includes a wake word. If the speech signal includes the wake word, the electronic device (101), the external electronic device 1 (102-1), the external electronic device 2 (102-2), and the external electronic device (102-3) may set their respective states to an activated state.

[0159] According to an embodiment, an electronic device (101), an external electronic device 1 (102-1), an external electronic device 2 (102-2), and an external electronic device (102-3) may be communicatively connected to each other in operation (810). The electronic device (101), an external electronic device 1 (102-1), an external electronic device 2 (102-2), and an external electronic device (102-3) may be communicatively connected to each other to form a local network (e.g., a local network (510) of FIG. 5).

[0160] For example, external electronic device 1 (102-1) can transmit a state to electronic device (101) in operation (815-1). For example, external electronic device 2 (102-2) can transmit a state to electronic device (101) in operation (815-2). For example, external electronic device 3 (102-3) can transmit a state to electronic device (101) in operation (815-3).

[0161] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can determine an optimal device in operation (820). For example, the electronic device (101) can determine an optimal device based on the status and set policy of external electronic device 1 (102-1), external electronic device 2 (102-2), and external electronic device (102-3).

[0162] The policy may include a priority determined based on at least one of whether the external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) are capable of processing voice signals, and the hardware performance and operating status of each of the external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3). The electronic device (101) may determine an optimal device based on the priority.

[0163] An electronic device (101) according to an embodiment may provide a notification to a user (103) at operation (825). For example, the electronic device (101) may provide information regarding processing a voice signal using an optimal device at operation (825).

[0164] An electronic device (101) according to one embodiment may transmit a request for processing a voice signal to an optimal device (e.g., external electronic device 1 (102-1)) determined in operation (830).

[0165] According to one embodiment, external electronic device 1 (102-1) can process a voice signal in operation (835). For example, external electronic device 1 (102-1) can process a voice signal using a natural language platform (e.g., natural language platform (220) of FIG. 2).

[0166] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (101) can receive a result of processing a voice signal from an external electronic device 1 (102-1) in operation (840).

[0167] An electronic device (101) according to an embodiment can perform an operation based on the result of processing a voice signal in operation (845). The electronic device (101) can provide the result of processing the voice signal to a user (103) in operation (850).

[0168] According to one embodiment, operations (905-1) to (950) may be understood to be performed by a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIGS. 1 and 2) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIGS. 1, 2, and 5), a processor of each of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, and 102-3), or a processor of a server (108).

[0169] Referring to FIG. 9, an electronic device (101) can receive a speech from a user (103) in operation (905-1). An external electronic device 1 (102-1) can receive a speech from a user (103) in operation (905-2). An external electronic device 2 (102-2) can receive a speech from a user (103) in operation (905-3). An external electronic device 3 (102-3) can receive a speech from a user (103) in operation (905-4).

[0170] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (101), an external electronic device 1 (102-1), an external electronic device 2 (102-2), and an external electronic device (102-3) can be each connected to a communication circuit in operation (910).

[0171] For example, external electronic device 1 (102-1) can transmit a state to electronic device (101) in operation (915-1). For example, external electronic device 2 (102-2) can transmit a state to electronic device (101) in operation (915-2). For example, external electronic device 3 (102-3) can transmit a state to electronic device (101) in operation (915-3).

[0172] An electronic device (101) according to an embodiment can determine an optimal device in operation (920). In operation (920), the electronic device (101) can determine that there is no optimal device among a plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3).

[0173] For example, if the supported device types of the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) do not correspond to the type of the electronic device (101), if none of the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) include a natural language platform (220), or if speech signal processing is impossible depending on the status (e.g., hardware performance, network performance, and operating status) of the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3), the electronic device (101) may determine that there is no optimal device among the external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3).

[0174] An electronic device (101) according to one embodiment may provide a notification to a user (103) in operation (925). For example, the electronic device (101) may provide a notification regarding processing a voice signal using a server (108).

[0175] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (101) may transmit a request for processing a voice signal to a server (108) that is connected to the electronic device (101) in operation (930).

[0176] For example, the server (108) may process a voice signal in operation (935) and transmit the result of processing the voice signal to the electronic device (101) in operation (940).

[0177] According to an embodiment, an electronic device (101) may perform an operation in operation (945) based on the result of processing a voice signal received from a server (108) in operation (940). The electronic device (101) may provide the result of processing the voice signal to a user (103) in operation (950).

[0178] The descriptions of operations (805-1), (805-2), (805-3), (805-4), (910), (915-1), (915-2), (915-3), (925), (945), and (950) of FIG. 8 can be substantially equally applied to operations (805-1), (805-2), (805-3), (805-4), (810), (815-1), (815-2), (815-3), (825), (845), and (850) of FIG. 8, respectively.

[0179] For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a natural language platform (e.g., the natural language platform (220) of FIG. 2), the electronic device (101) can process a voice signal using the natural language platform (220). For example, if the electronic device (101) determines that there is no optimal device among a plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3), the electronic device (101) can process a voice signal using the natural language platform (220).

[0180]

[0181] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation in which an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 5, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9) and a plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, and 102-3) (e.g., an electronic device (101, 102, and 104) of FIG. 1, an electronic device (101) of FIG. 2, and a plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, and 102-3) of FIG. 5, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9) according to various embodiments receives information about a device to perform voice recognition from a server (108).

[0182] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which an electronic device (101) and a plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) identify that the electronic device (101) is a device that performs a voice command, based on information received from a server (108).

[0183] In the following examples, the operations may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily sequential. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0184] According to one embodiment, operations (1005-1) to (1015-4) may be understood to be performed by a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIGS. 1 and 2) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIGS. 1, 2, and 5), a processor of each of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, and 102-3), or a processor of a server (108).

[0185] According to an embodiment, an electronic device (101) can receive a speech from a user (103) in operation (1005-1). An external electronic device 1 (102-1) can receive a speech from a user (103) in operation (1005-2). An external electronic device 2 (102-2) can receive a speech from a user (103) in operation (1005-3). An external electronic device 3 (102-3) can receive a speech from a user (103) in operation (1005-4).

[0186] According to an embodiment, an electronic device (101) can transmit a speech (e.g., a voice signal) to a server (108) in operation (1010-1). An external electronic device 1 (102-1) can transmit a speech (e.g., a voice signal) to a server (108) in operation (1010-2). An external electronic device 2 (102-2) can transmit a speech (e.g., a voice signal) to a server (108) in operation (1010-3). An external electronic device 3 (102-3) can transmit a speech (e.g., a voice signal) to a server (108) in operation (1010-4).

[0187] For example, the server (108) can determine a device to operate according to a voice command based on voice signals received from the electronic device (101), external electronic device 1 (102-1), external electronic device 2 (102-2), and external electronic device 3 (102-3). For example, the server (108) can determine a device to operate according to a voice command using the magnitude (e.g., SNR) of the voice signals received from the electronic device (101), external electronic device 1 (102-1), external electronic device 2 (102-2), and external electronic device 3 (102-3).

[0188] For example, when a user (103) approaches an electronic device (101) and speaks, the size of the voice signal received by the electronic device (101) may be the largest, and the server (108) may determine the electronic device (101) as a device to operate according to the voice command spoken by the user.

[0189] For example, the server (108) can transmit the result of determining a device to operate according to a voice command in operation (1015-1) to the electronic device (101). The server (108) can transmit the result of determining a device to operate according to a voice command in operation (1015-2) to an external electronic device 1 (102-1). The server (108) can transmit the result of determining a device to operate according to a voice command in operation (1015-3) to an external electronic device 2 (102-2). The server (108) can transmit the result of determining a device to operate according to a voice command in operation (1015-4) to an external electronic device 3 (102-3).

[0190] For example, the electronic device (101), external electronic device 1 (102-1), external electronic device 2 (102-2), and external electronic device 3 (102-3) can identify that the electronic device (101) is a device that operates according to a voice command based on the results received from the server (108).

[0191] External electronic device 1 (102-1), external electronic device 2 (102-2), and external electronic device 3 (102-3) can transmit states such as operation (815-1), operation (815-2), and operation (815-3) of FIG. 8 or operation (915-1), operation (915-2), and operation (915-3) of FIG. 9, respectively.

[0192] The electronic device (101) can determine the optimal device as in operation (820) of FIG. 8 or operation (920) of FIG. 9.

[0193]

[0194] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an operation in which an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 5, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, and FIG. 10) performs voice recognition using an external electronic device 1 (102-1) (e.g., the external electronic device 1 (102-1) of FIG. 5, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, and FIG. 10) according to various embodiments.

[0195] In the following examples, the operations may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily sequential. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0196] According to one embodiment, operations (1105) to (1160) may be understood to be performed by a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 5) or a processor of an external electronic device 1 (102-1).

[0197] The electronic device (101) can receive a speech input from a user (103) in operation (1105). The electronic device (101) can be connected to an external electronic device 1 (102-1) through a front end (210-1) of the external electronic device 1 (102-1) (e.g., the front end (210) of FIG. 2). For example, the electronic device can transmit a BLE (Bluetooth low energy) advertising signal to the front end (210-1). The external electronic device (102-1) that receives the BLE advertising signal can be connected to the electronic device (101) through the front end (210-1) through a communication connection (e.g., a WiFi connection).

[0198] For example, the electronic device (101) can create a conversation with the front end (210-1) in operation (1110). The electronic device (101) can create the conversation using the user's voice and context.

[0199] For example, the front end (210-1) can generate a conversation with a natural language platform (220-1) (e.g., the natural language platform (220) of FIG. 2) in operation (1115). The electronic device (101) can transmit an audio stream to the front end (210-1) in operation (1120). The front end (210-1) can transmit the audio stream to the natural language platform (220-1) in operation (1125).

[0200] For example, the natural language platform (220-1) can transmit an utterance to the front end (210-1) in operation (1130). The front end (210-1) can transmit the utterance to the electronic device (101) in operation (1135). The electronic device (101) can provide the utterance to the user (101) in operation (1140).

[0201] In actions (1130), (1135), and (1140), the utterance may include text information converted from a user's (103) voice signal using an audio stream by a natural language platform (220-1). For example, the electronic device (101) may provide the text information to the user (103) through a display module (e.g., the display module (160) of FIG. 1).

[0202] According to one embodiment, the natural language platform (220-1) may transmit the result of processing the audio stream in operation (1145) to the front end (210-1). The front end (210-1) may transmit the result of processing the audio stream in operation (1150) to the electronic device (101).

[0203] The result of processing the audio stream may include a plan generated by processing the voice command.

[0204] An electronic device (101) according to an embodiment may perform an operation based on a processing result received in operation (1155). The operation based on the processing result may include various operations such as controlling a configuration of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120) and memory (130) of FIGS. 1 and 2), outputting an audio signal, displaying a screen, executing a program or application, and is not limited to the examples described above.

[0205] The electronic device (101) can provide the result of the operation (1155) to the user (103) in the operation (1160).

[0206]

[0207] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (102, 104) of FIG. 1, a plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) of FIG. 5, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, and FIG. 10) performing an audio signal processing method according to various embodiments.

[0208] In the following examples, the operations may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily sequential. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0209] It may be understood that it is performed in a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 5) or in each processor of an external electronic device (102-1, 102-2, 102-3).

[0210] The external electronic device (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) can transmit the status of the external electronic device (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) to an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 5, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 10) to which it is connected in operation (1210).

[0211] For example, the external electronic device (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) may set the state of the external electronic device (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) to an activated state based on a wake word included in a voice signal received from a user (e.g., user (103) of FIG. 8) prior to operation (1210).

[0212] For example, external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) can be connected to the electronic device (101) in an activated state and form a local network (e.g., local network (510) of FIG. 5). External electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) can identify that the electronic device (101) is a device that performs an operation according to a voice command, based on a voice signal received from a user (103).

[0213] For example, in operation (1220), when the external electronic device (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) is determined by the electronic device (101) to be the optimal device for processing the voice signal, the external electronic device (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) may receive a request for processing a voice signal from the electronic device (101).

[0214] For example, an external electronic device (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) may receive a request to transmit a status from an electronic device (101) in operation (1220) and transmit the status to the electronic device (101).

[0215] For example, an external electronic device (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) may transmit a status to the electronic device (101) based on the identification in operation (1220) that the electronic device (101) is a device that will operate according to a voice command.

[0216] For example, in operation (1230), an external electronic device (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) may process a voice signal received from an electronic device (101) using a natural language platform (e.g., the natural language platform (220) of FIG. 2) in response to a processing request and transmit the result to the electronic device (101).

[0217]

[0218] FIGS. 13 and 14 are diagrams showing a user interface (UI) provided by an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 8, 9, and 10) according to various embodiments.

[0219] According to one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the electronic device (101) can provide the result of recognizing a voice signal received from a user on a screen (1300) through a notification window (1310). In FIG. 13, the voice signal received from the user is “Hi Bixby, play music,” and the electronic device (101) can provide the result of recognizing the voice signal through the notification window (1310).

[0220] In FIG. 13, the interface through which the electronic device (101) provides the result of recognizing a voice signal through a notification window (1310) is one example among various embodiments and is not limited to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13. For example, the electronic device (101) may convert the result of recognizing a voice signal into an audio signal and provide it through an audio output module (e.g., the audio output module (155) of FIG. 1).

[0221] According to one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the electronic device (101) can provide the result of processing a voice signal using an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101, 102, 104) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (101) of FIG. 2, and a plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) of FIGS. 5, 8, 9, and 10) on a screen (1400).

[0222] As shown in FIG. 14, when a voice signal is processed by an optimal device determined to process the voice signal among a plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3), the electronic device (101) may provide a notification window (1410). The electronic device (101) may display, through the notification window (1410), that the voice signal is processed by an optimal device (e.g., TV), as shown in the notification window (1410).

[0223] In Fig. 14, the electronic device (101) indicates that it is connected to and responding to the determined optimal device through a notification window (1410), but the information provided through the notification window (1410) is not limited to the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 14. For example, when the processing of a voice signal is completed by the determined optimal device and the processing result is received from the determined optimal device, the electronic device (101) may display through the notification window (1410) that the processing of the voice signal is completed by the determined optimal device.

[0224] For example, FIG. 14 may represent a screen (1400) that provides a result of the electronic device (101) processing the voice signal ("Hi Bixby, play music") of FIG. 13. In FIG. 14, the electronic device (101) may execute an application for playing music in response to a voice command (e.g., "play music") included in the voice signal. The electronic device (101) may provide a notification window (1420) (or pop-up, control window) of the application for playing music.

[0225] For example, in a voice signal (“Hi Bixby, play some music”), “Hi Bixby” can respond to the wake word.

[0226] FIG. 14 illustrates an example in which an electronic device (101) provides a result of performing an action corresponding to a voice signal (e.g., “Hi Bixby, play music”) through a notification window (1420). However, the UI for providing a result of performing an action corresponding to a voice signal by an electronic device (101) is not limited to FIG. 14.

[0227] For example, if the voice signal is “Hi Bixby, call A,” the electronic device (101) can execute an application for voice calls and make a call to A’s contact stored in the address book. In addition, the electronic device (101) can also switch the screen according to the executed application.

[0228]

[0229] FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 are diagrams showing a UI provided by an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 5, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, and FIG. 10) according to various embodiments.

[0230] As shown in FIG. 15, the electronic device (101) may provide an interface (1510) for setting whether to process a voice signal using a plurality of external electronic devices (e.g., the electronic device (101, 102, 104) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (101) of FIG. 2, and the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) of FIGS. 5, 8, 9, and 10) on a screen (1500), and an interface (1520) for setting the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3).

[0231] For example, if the settings of the interface (1510) are activated based on a user's input, the electronic device (101) may process a voice signal using an optimal device determined from among a plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) as described in FIGS. 5 to 11, and operate according to the result of processing the voice signal.

[0232] For example, if the setting of the interface (1510) is disabled based on a user input, the electronic device (101) may process a voice signal using a natural language platform included in the electronic device (101) (e.g., the natural language platform (220) of FIG. 2), or transmit the voice signal to a server (e.g., the server (108) of FIG. 1, the intelligent server (200) of FIG. 2), and operate based on the result of processing the voice signal received from the server (108).

[0233] In FIG. 15, when an interface (1520) is selected according to a user's input, the electronic device (101) can provide a device that can be connected to the electronic device (101) through communication as shown in FIG. 16 on a screen (1600).

[0234] For example, the electronic device (101) may provide a list (1610) of external electronic devices that can be connected to the electronic device (101) through a screen (1600).

[0235] For example, when two or more devices are selected from a list of external electronic devices (1610), the electronic device (101) can determine the optimal device to process a voice signal from among the plurality of selected external electronic devices.

[0236] For example, when one external electronic device is selected from the list of external electronic devices (1610), the electronic device (101) can determine the selected external electronic device as the optimal device to process the voice signal.

[0237]

[0238] An electronic device according to various embodiments (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 8, 9, and 10) may include a processor (e.g., the processor (120) of FIGS. 1 and 2) and a memory (e.g., the memory (130) of FIGS. 1 and 2) that is electrically connected to the processor (120) and stores instructions executed by the processor (120). The processor (120) may cause the electronic device (101) to receive a voice signal from a user when the instructions are executed by the processor (120). The processor (120) may enable the electronic device (101) to determine an optimal device for processing the voice signal among a plurality of external electronic devices (e.g., the electronic devices (101, 102, 104) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (101) of FIG. 2, and the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) of FIGS. 5, 8, 9, and 10) that are communicatively connected to the electronic device (101). The processor (120) may enable the electronic device (101) to transmit a request for processing the voice signal to the optimal device so as to process the voice signal. The processor (120) may enable the electronic device (101) to perform an operation based on a result of processing the voice signal received from the optimal device.

[0239] The processor (120) may enable the electronic device (101) to receive the status of the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) from the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3). The processor (120) may enable the electronic device (101) to determine the optimal device based on the status of the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) and the set policy.

[0240] The above-described set policy may include a priority determined based on at least one of whether each of the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) can process the voice signal, and the hardware performance and operating status of each of the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3).

[0241] The above processor (120) can enable the electronic device (101) to determine an external electronic device set among the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) as the optimal device.

[0242] The processor (120) can cause the electronic device (101) to update a plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) that are connected to the electronic device (101) based on a set cycle.

[0243] The processor (120) may cause the electronic device (101) to establish communication with the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) when the electronic device (101) identifies a call word from the voice signal. The processor (120) may cause the electronic device (101) to receive the status of the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) from the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3).

[0244] The processor (120) may cause the electronic device (101) to transmit the voice signal to a server (108) that is connected to the electronic device (101) in communication with the server (108), if the electronic device (101) determines that there is no optimal device among the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3). The processor (120) may cause the electronic device (101) to receive the result of processing the voice signal from the server (108).

[0245] An electronic device according to various embodiments (e.g., an electronic device (101, 102, 104) of FIG. 1, an electronic device (101) of FIG. 2, a plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) of FIGS. 5, 8, 9, and 10) may include a natural language platform for processing a voice signal (e.g., a natural language platform (220) of FIG. 2), a processor (e.g., a processor (120) of FIGS. 1 and 2), and a memory (e.g., a memory (130) of FIGS. 1 and 2) electrically connected to the processor (120) and storing instructions executed by the processor (120). The processor (120) may cause the electronic device (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) to transmit the status of the electronic device (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 8, 9, and 10) with which the electronic device is connected when the command is executed by the processor (120). The processor (120) may cause the electronic device (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) to receive a request for processing a voice signal from the external electronic device (101) when the electronic device (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) is determined by the external electronic device (101) to be the optimal device for processing the voice signal. The processor (120) may, in response to the processing request, cause the electronic device (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) to process the voice signal received from the external electronic device (101) using the natural language platform (220) and transmit the processing result to the external electronic device (101).

[0246] The processor (120) may set the electronic device (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) to an activated state based on a wake-up word included in a voice signal received from a user by the electronic device (101). The processor (120) may enable the electronic device (101) to establish a communication connection with the external electronic device (101) in the activated state.

[0247] A voice signal processing method according to various embodiments may include an operation of receiving a voice signal from a user, an operation of determining an optimal device for processing the voice signal among a plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) that are connected to an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 8, 9, and 10) for communication, an operation of transmitting a request for processing the voice signal to the optimal device so as to process the voice signal, and an operation of performing an operation based on a result of processing the voice signal received from the optimal device.

[0248] The operation of determining the optimal device may include an operation of receiving states of the plurality of external electronic devices (e.g., the electronic devices (101, 102, 104) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (101) of FIG. 2, and the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) of FIGS. 5, 8, 9, and 10) from the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3). The operation of determining the optimal device may include an operation of determining the optimal device based on the states of the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) and a set policy.

[0249] The above-described set policy may include a priority determined based on at least one of whether each of the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) can process the voice signal, and the hardware performance and operating status of each of the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3).

[0250] The operation of determining the above optimal device can determine the external electronic device (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) set among the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) as the optimal device.

[0251] The above voice signal processing method may further include an operation of updating a plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) that are connected to the electronic device (101) based on a set cycle.

[0252] The above voice signal may include a wake-up word for setting the operation states of the electronic device (101) and the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) to an active state. The voice signal processing method may further include an operation of connecting communication with the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) when the wake-up word is identified. The voice signal processing method may further include an operation of receiving states of the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3) through the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3).

[0253] The above voice signal processing method may further include an operation of transmitting the voice signal to a server (108) that is connected to the electronic device (101) in a communication connection when it is determined that there is no optimal device among the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1, 102-2, 102-3). The above voice signal processing method may further include an operation of receiving a result of processing the voice signal from the server (108).

[0254] Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0255] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0256] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0257] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0258] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0259] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and arranged in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. In an electronic device (101), Processor (120); and A memory (130) electrically connected to the processor (120) and storing instructions executed by the processor (120) Including, The above processor (120) When the above command is executed by the processor (120), the electronic device (101) receives a voice signal from a user; Among a plurality of external electronic devices (102-1; 102-2; 102-3;) that are connected to the electronic device (101), the optimal device for processing the voice signal is determined; To process the above voice signal, a request for processing the above voice signal is transmitted to the optimal device; To perform an action based on the result of processing the voice signal received from the above optimal device. Electronic devices (101).

2. In paragraph 1, The above processor (120) The electronic device (101) receives the status of the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1; 102-2; 102-3;) from the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1; 102-2; 102-3;); The electronic device (101) determines the optimal device based on the status and set policy of the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1; 102-2; 102-3;). Electronic devices (101).

3. In either of paragraphs 1 and 2, The above-mentioned policy is: Including a priority determined based on at least one of whether each of the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1; 102-2; 102-3;) can process the voice signal, hardware performance and operating status of each of the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1; 102-2; 102-3;), Electronic devices (101).

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, The above processor (120) The electronic device (101) determines the external electronic device (102-1; 102-2; 102-3;) set among the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1; 102-2; 102-3;) as the optimal device. Electronic devices (101).

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, The above processor (120) The electronic device (101) updates a plurality of external electronic devices (102-1; 102-2; 102-3;) that are connected to the electronic device (101) based on a set cycle. Electronic devices (101).

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, The above processor (120) When the electronic device (101) identifies a call word from the voice signal, the electronic device (101) establishes communication with the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1; 102-2; 102-3;); The above electronic device (101) receives the status of the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1; 102-2; 102-3;) from the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1; 102-2; 102-3;). Electronic devices (101).

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, The above processor (120) When the electronic device (101) determines that there is no optimal device among the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1; 102-2; 102-3;), the electronic device (101) transmits the voice signal to a server (108) that is connected to the electronic device (101); The electronic device (101) receives the result of processing the voice signal from the server (108). Electronic devices (101).

8. In electronic devices (102-1; 102-2; 102-3;), Natural language platform for processing speech signals (220); Processor (120); and A memory (130) electrically connected to the processor (120) and storing instructions executed by the processor (120) Including, The above processor (120) When the above command is executed by the processor (120), it causes the electronic device (102-1; 102-2; 102-3) to transmit the status of the electronic device (102-1; 102-2; 102-3;) to an external electronic device (101) connected to the communication; When the electronic device (102-1; 102-2; 102-3;) is determined as the optimal device to process the voice signal by the external electronic device (101), a request for processing the voice signal is received from the external electronic device (101); In response to the above processing request, the processing result of processing the voice signal received from the external electronic device (101) using the natural language platform (220) is transmitted to the external electronic device (101). Electronic devices (102-1; 102-2; 102-3;).

9. In paragraph 8, The above processor (120) To set the electronic device (102-1; 102-2; 102-3;) to an activated state based on a wake up word included in a voice signal received from a user by the electronic device (102-1; 102-2; 102-3;); The above electronic device (102-1; 102-2; 102-3) is in the activated state, and is connected to communicate with the external electronic device (101). Electronic devices (102-1; 102-2; 102-3;).

10. An action of receiving a voice signal from a user; An operation of determining an optimal device to process the voice signal among a plurality of external electronic devices (102-1; 102-2; 102-3;) that are connected to the electronic device (101); An operation of transmitting a request for processing the voice signal to the optimal device to process the voice signal; and An action for performing an action based on the result of processing the voice signal received from the above optimal device. Including, A method for processing voice signals.

11. In paragraph 10, The operation of determining the above optimal device is: An operation of receiving the status of the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1; 102-2; 102-3;) from the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1; 102-2; 102-3;); and An operation of determining the optimal device based on the status and set policy of the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1; 102-2; 102-3;) Including, A method for processing voice signals.

12. In either of paragraphs 10 and 11, The above-mentioned policy is: Including a priority determined based on at least one of whether each of the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1; 102-2; 102-3;) can process the voice signal, hardware performance and operating status of each of the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1; 102-2; 102-3;), A method for processing voice signals.

13. In any one of paragraphs 10 to 12, The operation of determining the above optimal device is: Among the above multiple external electronic devices (102-1; 102-2; 102-3;), determining the set external electronic device (102-1; 102-2; 102-3;) as the optimal device, A method for processing voice signals.

14. In any one of paragraphs 10 to 13, An operation of updating a plurality of external electronic devices (102-1; 102-2; 102-3;) that are connected to the electronic device (101) based on a set cycle. Including more, Electronic devices (101).

15. In any one of paragraphs 10 to 14, The above voice signal is, Including a wake up word for setting the operation status of the electronic device (101) and the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1; 102-2; 102-3;) to an activated state, When the above call word is identified, an operation of establishing communication with the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1; 102-2; 102-3;); and An operation of receiving the status of the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1; 102-2; 102-3;) from the plurality of external electronic devices (102-1; 102-2; 102-3;) Including more, A method for processing voice signals.

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