Electronic device, sink device, and control method thereof

Abstract

An electronic device, a method for controlling the electronic device, a sink device, and a method for controlling the sink device are disclosed. Specifically, the electronic device may include: a communication unit; a memory for storing audio content; and a processor for broadcasting a first signal including the audio content in an encrypted state through the communication unit, wherein the processor: controls the communication unit to transmit a second signal including identification information of the audio content to a sink device; and when a third signal corresponding to a user input related to a request for the audio content is received from the sink device through the communication unit in response to the second signal, controls the communication unit to transmit a fourth signal including information on a password used for the encryption of the audio content to the sink device.

Description

Electronic devices, sink devices and control methods thereof

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device, a sink device and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to an electronic device, a sink device and a control method thereof capable of efficiently transmitting and receiving audio content while maintaining security.

[0002] Recently, with the advancement of wireless communication technology and the Internet of Things (IoT), it has become commonplace for different devices to send and receive various data.

[0003] In particular, technologies for efficiently transmitting audio content to multiple devices, such as LE Audio Broadcasting (Low Energy Audio Broadcasting) technology supported by Bluetooth 4.0 or higher versions, are attracting attention.

[0004] LE Audio Broadcasting technology allows for low-power, high-speed transmission of audio content from a single transmitter to multiple receivers, such as smartphones, speakers, wearable devices, and beacons, located in a specific location.

[0005] However, according to the prior art regarding LE Audio broadcasting, when it is necessary to transmit the content of audio content only to authorized users for security or privacy reasons, each receiving device requires the user to directly input a pre-shared password to prevent the audio content from being transmitted to unauthorized users, which causes inconvenience to the user.

[0006] Embodiments according to the present disclosure are in response to the technical problems described above, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide an electronic device, a sink device, and a control method thereof that can efficiently transmit and receive audio content while maintaining security without requiring a user to input a password.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device includes a communication unit, a memory for storing audio content, and a processor for broadcasting a first signal including the audio content in an encrypted state through the communication unit, wherein the processor controls the communication unit to transmit a second signal including identification information of the audio content to a sink device, and when a third signal corresponding to a user input related to a request for the audio content is received from the sink device through the communication unit in response to the second signal, the electronic device may control the communication unit to transmit a fourth signal including information on a password used for the encryption of the audio content to the sink device.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described object, an electronic device includes a communication unit, a memory for storing audio content, and a processor for broadcasting a first signal including encrypted information of the audio content through the communication unit, wherein the processor controls the communication unit to transmit a second signal including identification information of the audio content to a sink device, and when a third signal corresponding to a user input related to a request for the audio content is received from the sink device through the communication unit, the processor controls the communication unit to transmit a fourth signal including information on a password used for the encryption to the sink device.

[0009] Here, the processor broadcasts the first signal using a BLE (Bluetooth low energy) audio protocol, and the fourth signal can be transmitted to the sink device based on a communication method different from the BLE audio protocol.

[0010] Meanwhile, the processor may receive at least one of first feedback information on the intensity of the first signal and second feedback information on the quality of the first signal from the sink device through the communication unit, and adjust the intensity of the first signal being broadcast based on at least one of the first feedback information and the second feedback information.

[0011] Meanwhile, the processor controls the communication unit to transmit a fifth signal to the sink device for identifying a distance between the electronic device and the sink device, and when third feedback information on the intensity of the fifth signal is received from the sink device through the communication unit, the processor can adjust the intensity of the first signal based on the third feedback information.

[0012] Meanwhile, the fourth signal may be an ultrasonic signal or a UWB (Ultra-Wideband) signal.

[0013] Meanwhile, the processor may control the communication unit to transmit the fourth signal to the sink device when the sink device is connected to an access point (AP) connected to the electronic device, and may control the communication unit to transmit data corresponding to non-provision of the password to the sink device when the sink device is not connected to the AP connected to the electronic device.

[0014] Here, information about the password may be included in the fourth signal in an encrypted state based on the password for the AP.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a sink device includes a communication unit, a display, a memory storing at least one instruction, and a processor for receiving a first signal from an electronic device through the communication unit, the first signal including encrypted information of audio content broadcast by the electronic device and being encrypted, wherein the processor controls the display to display identification information of the audio content when a second signal including identification information of the audio content is received from the electronic device through the communication unit, and controls the communication unit to transmit a third signal corresponding to the user input to the electronic device when a user input related to a request for the audio content is received in response to the display of the identification information of the second signal, and when a fourth signal including information about a password is received from the electronic device through the communication unit, the processor can provide the audio content by decrypting the audio content in the encrypted state using the password.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described object, a sink device includes a communication unit, a display, a memory storing at least one instruction, and a processor for receiving a first signal from an electronic device through the communication unit, the first signal including encrypted information of the audio content broadcast by the electronic device, wherein the processor controls the display to display the identification information of the audio content when a second signal including identification information of the audio content is received from the electronic device through the communication unit, and controls the communication unit to transmit a third signal corresponding to the user input to the electronic device when a user input related to a request for the audio content is received, and provides the audio content based on the encrypted information decrypted using the password when a fourth signal including information about a password is received from the electronic device through the communication unit.

[0017] Here, the first signal is broadcast using a BLE (Bluetooth low energy) audio protocol, and the fourth signal can be received from the electronic device based on a communication method different from the BLE audio protocol.

[0018] Meanwhile, the processor controls the communication unit to transmit at least one of first feedback information on the intensity of the first signal and second feedback information on the quality of the first signal to the electronic device, and can receive the first signal, the intensity of which is adjusted according to at least one of the first feedback information and the second feedback information, from the electronic device through the communication unit.

[0019] Meanwhile, the processor may receive a fifth signal for identifying a distance between the sink device and the electronic device from the electronic device through the communication unit, control the communication unit to transmit third feedback information on the intensity of the fifth signal to the electronic device, and receive the first signal whose intensity is adjusted according to the third feedback information.

[0020] Meanwhile, the fourth signal may be an ultrasonic signal or a UWB (Ultra-Wideband) signal.

[0021] Meanwhile, the sink device can be connected to the same network through an access point (AP) connected to the electronic device.

[0022] Here, information about the password may be included in the fourth signal in an encrypted state based on the password for the AP.

[0023] Meanwhile, the processor can provide the audio content by controlling the communication unit to transmit the decrypted information to an audio output device connected to the sink device.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described object, a method for controlling an electronic device may include the steps of broadcasting a first signal including encrypted information of audio content, transmitting a second signal including identification information of the audio content to a sink device, receiving a third signal corresponding to a user input related to a request for the audio content from the sink device, and, when the third signal is received, transmitting a fourth signal including information on a password used for the encryption to the sink device.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described object, a control method of a sink device that receives a first signal from an electronic device, the first signal being broadcast by the electronic device and including encrypted information of the audio content, may include the steps of: receiving a second signal including identification information of the audio content from the electronic device; displaying the identification information of the audio content when the second signal is received; transmitting a third signal corresponding to a user input related to a request for the audio content to the electronic device when the user input is received; receiving a fourth signal including information about a password from the electronic device; and providing the audio content based on the encrypted information decrypted using the password when the fourth signal is received.

[0026] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium may be provided comprising a program for executing any method of controlling substantially as described below.

[0027] The subject matter of the present disclosure can best be understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 2 is a block diagram briefly illustrating a configuration of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 3 is a block diagram detailing the configuration of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 4 is a block diagram briefly illustrating a configuration of a sink device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 5 is a block diagram detailing the configuration of a sink device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining in detail an embodiment related to adjusting the intensity of the first signal;

[0034] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, and

[0035] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a sink device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] The present embodiments may be modified and have various embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the scope to specific embodiments, but should be understood to encompass various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the embodiments of the present disclosure. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar components.

[0037] In describing the present disclosure, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known function or feature may make the description of the present disclosure unnecessarily lengthy, a detailed description of the known function or feature is omitted.

[0038] Additionally, the following embodiments may be modified in various other forms, and the scope of the technical concepts of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. Rather, these embodiments are provided to further faithfully and completely convey the technical concepts of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0039] The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the rights. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0040] In this disclosure, expressions such as “has,” “can have,” “includes,” or “may include” indicate the presence of a corresponding feature (e.g., a component such as a number, function, operation, or part), and do not exclude the presence of additional features.

[0041] In this disclosure, expressions such as “A or B,” “at least one of A and / or B,” or “one or more of A or / and B” can include all possible combinations of the listed items. For example, “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” or “at least one of A or B” can all refer to (1) including at least one A, (2) including at least one B, or (3) including both at least one A and at least one B.

[0042] The expressions “first,” “second,” “first,” or “second,” etc., used in this disclosure can describe various components, regardless of order and / or importance, and are only used to distinguish one component from another, but do not limit the components.

[0043] When it is said that a component (e.g., a first component) is “(operatively or communicatively) coupled with / to” or “connected to” another component (e.g., a second component), it should be understood that said component may be directly coupled to said other component, or may be coupled via another component (e.g., a third component).

[0044] On the other hand, when it is said that a component (e.g., a first component) is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), it can be understood that no other component (e.g., a third component) exists between said component and said other component.

[0045] The expression "configured to" as used in the present disclosure may be used interchangeably with, for example, "suitable for," "having the capacity to," "designed to," "adapted to," "made to," or "capable of." The term "configured to" may not necessarily mean only "specifically designed to" in terms of hardware.

[0046] Instead, in some contexts, the phrase "a device configured to" may mean that the device, in conjunction with other devices or components, is "capable of" performing A, B, and C. For example, the phrase "a processor configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C" may refer to a dedicated processor (e.g., an embedded processor) for performing those operations, or a general-purpose processor (e.g., a CPU or application processor) that can perform those operations by executing one or more software programs stored in a memory device.

[0047] In the embodiments, a 'module' or 'part' performs at least one function or operation, and may be implemented as hardware or software, or as a combination of hardware and software. Furthermore, a plurality of 'modules' or 'parts' may be integrated into at least one module and implemented as at least one processor, except for a 'module' or 'part' that needs to be implemented as a specific hardware.

[0048] Meanwhile, the various elements and areas in the drawings are schematically drawn. Therefore, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited by the relative sizes or spacing depicted in the attached drawings.

[0049] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail so that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present disclosure pertains can easily implement the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG. 1 is a diagram briefly illustrating the configuration of a system (1000) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0051] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a system (1000) according to the present disclosure may include an electronic device (100) and a sink device (200). As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the system (1000) may further include an audio output device (300), but below, a system (1000) comprising an electronic device (100) and a sink device (200) will first be described.

[0052] The term "electronic device (100)" refers to a device capable of broadcasting audio content. In particular, the electronic device (100) can broadcast a signal for audio content using the BLE (Bluetooth low energy) audio protocol. In the description of the present disclosure, the signal for audio content broadcast by the electronic device (100) is briefly referred to as a "first signal."

[0053] For example, the electronic device (100) may be implemented as a TV, but is not limited thereto, and any device capable of broadcasting audio content, such as a PC, server, set-top box (STB), or edge computing device, may correspond to the electronic device (100) according to the present disclosure regardless of its type.

[0054] When the electronic device (100) is implemented as a device including a display, such as a TV, the electronic device (100) can display video content on the display and broadcast audio content corresponding to the video content while the video content is displayed on the display.

[0055] 'Broadcasting' refers to a method of transmitting data (or information, signals, content) to all devices within a certain range without specifying the address of a specific receiving device. In particular, broadcasting of signals using the BLE audio protocol can be simply referred to as 'LE Audio Broadcasting'. LE Audio Broadcasting refers to a method of transmitting data in one direction while minimizing signal delay at low power using Bluetooth communication.

[0056] The present disclosure can be applied not only to transmitting audio content using LE Audio Broadcasting, but also to various communication technologies related to screen mirroring or data / content sharing. However, for convenience of explanation, various embodiments will be described below on the premise that audio content is transmitted using LE Audio Broadcasting.

[0057] A 'sink device (200)' refers to a device capable of receiving audio content. In particular, the sink device (200) can receive a first signal for audio content broadcast by an electronic device (100) and provide audio content based on the received first signal. Providing audio content may include providing audio content by the sink device (200) outputting the audio content and providing audio content by transmitting information about the audio content as audio content so that an audio output device (300) outputs the audio content.

[0058] For example, the sink device (200) may include a smart phone, a smart watch, a tablet PC, a speaker, etc., and any other device capable of receiving audio content broadcast by the electronic device (100) may correspond to the sink device (200) according to the present disclosure regardless of what device it is implemented as.

[0059] The electronic device (100) may be replaced with terms such as 'source device' or 'transmitting device' in the sense that it is a device that transmits audio content, and the sink device (200) may be replaced with terms such as 'sink device' or 'receiving device' in the sense that it is a device that receives audio content. In addition, as described below, when the sink device (200) receives audio content and transmits the audio content to the audio output device (300), the sink device (200) may be referred to as an 'assistant device' or an 'intermediary device'.

[0060] Below, various embodiments are disclosed along with a description of the configuration of an electronic device (100) and a sink device (200).

[0061] FIG. 2 is a block diagram briefly showing the configuration of an electronic device (100) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing in detail the configuration of an electronic device (100) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0062] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the electronic device (100) may include a communication unit (110), a memory (120), and a processor (130). In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the electronic device (100) may further include an interface unit (140), an input unit (150), and an output unit (160). However, the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 are merely exemplary, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, in implementing the present disclosure, one or more new configurations may be added (or added) or one or more partial configurations may be omitted in addition to the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0063] The communication unit (110) includes a circuit and can perform communication with external devices including a sink device (200). Specifically, the processor (130) can receive (or receive) various data or information from an external device connected via the communication unit (110), and can also transmit various data or information to the external device.

[0064] The communication unit (110) may include at least one of a WiFi module, a Bluetooth module, a wireless communication module, an NFC module, and a UWB module (Ultra-Wide Band). Specifically, the WiFi module and the Bluetooth module may each perform communication in the WiFi or Bluetooth manner. When using a WiFi module or a Bluetooth module, various connection information, such as an SSID, may be first transmitted and received, and then communication may be established using this, after which various pieces of information may be transmitted and received.

[0065] In addition, the wireless communication module can perform communication according to various communication standards such as IEEE, Zigbee, 3G (3rd Generation), 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), LTE (Long Term Evolution), 5G (5th Generation), etc. And, the NFC module can perform communication in the NFC (Near Field Communication) method using the 13.56MHz band among various RF-ID frequency bands such as 135kHz, 13.56MHz, 433MHz, 860~960MHz, 2.45GHz, etc. In addition, the UWB module can accurately measure ToA (Time of Arrival), which is the time it takes for a pulse to reach a target, and AoA (Ange of Arrival), which is the pulse arrival angle at the transmitting device, through communication between UWB antennas, and accordingly, precise distance and location recognition is possible within an error range of several tens of centimeters indoors.

[0066] In particular, in various embodiments according to the present disclosure, the processor (130) can broadcast audio content using the BLE audio protocol via a Bluetooth module. The BLE audio protocol has been described above with reference to FIG. 1, so a duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

[0067] The processor (130) can control the communication unit (110) to transmit the first signal, the second signal, the fourth signal, and the fifth signal to the sink device (200). In particular, the first signal and the second signal can be broadcast. In addition, the processor (130) can receive the third signal, the first feedback information, the second feedback information, and the third feedback information from the sink device (200) through the communication unit (110).

[0068] The communication unit (110) can perform communication with the sink device (200) via a Bluetooth module, and can also perform communication with the sink device (200) using at least one of a WiFi module, a wireless communication module, an NFC module, and a UWB module. For example, the processor (130) can transmit a first signal to the sink device (200) using a Bluetooth module, and can transmit a fourth signal to the sink device (200) using a UWB module, and thus, different signals can be transmitted and received using different communication modules or different wireless communication channels.

[0069] At least one instruction regarding the electronic device (100) may be stored in the memory (120). In addition, an O / S (Operating System) for driving the electronic device (100) may be stored in the memory (120). In addition, various software programs or applications for operating the electronic device (100) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be stored in the memory (120). In addition, the memory (120) may include a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory or a magnetic storage medium such as a hard disk.

[0070] Specifically, the memory (120) may store various software modules for operating the electronic device (100) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, and the processor (130) may control the operation of the electronic device (100) by executing the various software modules stored in the memory (120). That is, the memory (120) is accessed by the processor (130), and data reading / recording / modifying / deleting / updating, etc. may be performed by the processor (130).

[0071] Meanwhile, in the present disclosure, the term memory (120) may be used to mean a memory (120), a ROM (not shown), a RAM (not shown) in a processor (130), or a memory card (not shown) (e.g., a micro SD card, a memory stick) mounted on an electronic device (100).

[0072] In particular, in various embodiments according to the present disclosure, the memory (120) may store a first signal, a second signal, a third signal, a fourth signal, and a fifth signal, first feedback information, second feedback information, and third feedback information. In addition, the memory (120) may store various information such as audio content, information related to audio content, a password for audio content, a password for an AP, and the like.

[0073] In addition, various information for achieving the purpose of the present disclosure may be stored in the memory (120), and the information stored in the memory (120) may be updated as received from an external device or input by a user.

[0074] The processor (130) controls the overall operation of the electronic device (100). Specifically, the processor (130) is connected to the configuration of the electronic device (100) including the communication unit (110) and the memory (120), and can control the overall operation of the electronic device (100) by executing at least one instruction stored in the memory (120) as described above.

[0075] The processor (130) may be implemented in various ways. For example, the processor (130) may be implemented as at least one of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an embedded processor, a microprocessor, hardware control logic, a hardware finite state machine (FSM), and a digital signal processor (DSP). Meanwhile, the term "processor (130)" in the present disclosure may be used to mean a central processing unit (CPU), a graphic processing unit (GPU), and a microprocessor unit (MPU).

[0076] In one or more embodiments, the processor (130) may transmit information about a password used to encrypt the encrypted audio content to the sink device (200) while broadcasting the encrypted audio content.

[0077] The processor (130) may broadcast a first signal including encrypted audio content through the communication unit (110). That is, the processor (130) may be configured to broadcast a first signal including audio content in an encrypted state through the communication unit (110). Specifically, the processor (130) may broadcast the first signal using a BLE (Bluetooth low energy) audio protocol, and the first signal may include audio content in an encrypted state. The process of encrypting the audio content may be performed by the processor (130), but may also be performed by an external device or external server that provides the audio content.

[0078] The processor (130) can broadcast the first signal for a preset period of time (or at regular intervals). Meanwhile, in order for a device within the reachable range of the first signal to receive the broadcasted first signal, a communication connection must be established based on a request and response for the communication connection.

[0079] The processor (130) can control the communication unit (110) to transmit a second signal containing identification information of audio content to the sink device (200). Specifically, the processor (130) can periodically broadcast the second signal, and can also broadcast it when a request for identification information is received. The broadcasted second signal can be received by the sink device (200).

[0080] Here, the term 'second signal' refers to a signal including identification information of audio content, and the 'identification information' may include identification information unique to the electronic device (100) and identification information of the audio content (e.g., universally unique identifier, UUID). The term 'second signal' may be replaced with the term 'advertising packet'.

[0081] The processor (130) may receive a third signal corresponding to a user input related to a request for audio content from the sink device (200) via the communication unit (110). Specifically, when the second signal is transmitted to the sink device (200), the sink device (200) may provide identification information of the audio content to the user based on the second signal. Thereafter, in response to the identification information of the provided second signal, the user may input a user input related to a request for the corresponding audio content broadcast by the electronic device (100) to the sink device (200). For example, the user input may be input based on a touch input of the user selecting the electronic device (100) and / or the audio content.

[0082] When a user input is input into the sink device (200), the sink device (200) can transmit a third signal corresponding to the user input to the electronic device (100), and accordingly, the processor (130) can receive the third signal from the sink device (200) through the communication unit (110).

[0083] The 'third signal' refers to a signal corresponding to a user input related to a request for audio content, and can be said to be a signal including a request for a communication connection between an electronic device (100) and a sink device (200).

[0084] When the third signal is received, the processor (130) can control the communication unit (110) to transmit a fourth signal including information about a password used to encrypt the audio content to the sink device (200). That is, the processor (130) can transmit information about a password used to encrypt the audio content included in the first signal in an encrypted state, i.e., a password capable of decrypting the audio content included in an encrypted state, to the sink device (200). For example, the processor (130) can transmit the fourth signal to the sink device (200) using SPP (Serial Port Profile), but the protocol for transmitting the fourth signal is not limited to a specific type, and there is no particular limitation on the type of packet transmitting information about the password.

[0085] The 'fourth signal' is a general term for a signal containing information about a password used to encrypt audio content, and can be said to be a signal containing a response to a request for communication connection between an electronic device (100) and a sink device (200). In addition, there is no particular limitation on the type of 'password', and the term 'password' can be replaced with terms such as 'password', 'password key', etc.

[0086] In particular, the processor (130) may control the communication unit (110) to transmit the first signal and the fourth signal to the sink device (200) using different communication methods. Specifically, the first signal may be broadcast using the BLE audio protocol, and the fourth signal may be received from the electronic device (100) based on a different protocol than the BLE audio protocol. The processor (130) may transmit information about the password to the sink device (200) using a separate communication method / protocol / channel that is different from the communication method / protocol / channel for broadcasting audio content. The 'different communication method' includes both wired communication methods and wireless communication methods, and may include various types of wireless protocols as follows.

[0087] For example, the processor (130) can transmit a first signal to the sink device (200) using a Bluetooth module, and can transmit a fourth signal to the sink device (200) using a UWB module. In addition, the processor (130) can transmit a first signal to the sink device (200) using a first protocol through the Bluetooth module, and can transmit a fourth signal to the sink device (200) using a second protocol through the Bluetooth module.

[0088] Meanwhile, the first signal and the fourth signal may be transmitted and received between the electronic device (100) and the sink device (200) using the same communication method / protocol / channel, and there is no particular limitation on the communication method / protocol / channel through which the second signal and the third signal, and the fifth signal, first feedback information, second feedback information, and third feedback information, etc. described below are transmitted and received between the electronic device (100) and the sink device (200).

[0089] Meanwhile, as described above, the third signal includes a request for a communication connection between the electronic device (100) and the sink device (200), and the fourth signal includes a response to the request for a communication connection between the electronic device (100) and the sink device (200). Then, when the third signal and the fourth signal are exchanged between the electronic device (100) and the sink device (200), a communication connection for data exchange between the electronic device (100) and the sink device (200) can be established. Accordingly, the first signal broadcast by the electronic device (100) can be transmitted to the sink device (200). For example, GATT (Generic Attribute Profile) can be used for transmission of the first signal, but is not limited thereto.

[0090] When the first signal is received by the sink device (200), the sink device (200) can provide audio content by decrypting the audio content included in the first signal in an encrypted state based on information about the password included in the fourth signal.

[0091] According to one or more of the embodiments described above, the electronic device (100) may transmit information about a password to the sink device (200) separately from broadcasting audio content, thereby allowing the user to receive audio content without manually entering a password using the sink device (200). 1

[0092] In one or more embodiments, the fourth signal may be an ultrasonic signal or an ultra-wideband (UWB) signal. Specifically, ultrasonic signals or UWB signals are signals with high frequencies and short wavelengths, and thus have difficulty passing through obstacles such as walls. In addition to ultrasonic signals or UWB signals, any signal that has difficulty passing through obstacles such as walls may be used in place of the ultrasonic signals or UWB signals.

[0093] High-frequency signals have more waves per unit length, so they experience stronger absorption and reflection when interacting with obstacles like walls, making them more difficult to penetrate. Furthermore, because signals with shorter wavelengths tend to interact with smaller objects, they may have difficulty penetrating large objects like walls.

[0094] By transmitting information about encryption using an ultrasonic signal or a UWB signal according to the above-described embodiment, only a sink device (200) within a space where the ultrasonic signal or the UWB signal can reach can decrypt the audio content, thereby improving the security of audio content transmission in an efficient manner.

[0095] In one or more embodiments, the processor (130) may transmit the fourth signal only to a sink device (200) connected to the same access point (AP) as the electronic device (100). This is because the fact that the sink device (200) is connected to an AP that requires a password may indicate that it is a trusted device.

[0096] Specifically, the processor (130) can identify whether the sink device (200) is connected to the same AP as the AP connected to the electronic device (100). If the sink device (200) is identified as being connected to the same AP as the AP connected to the electronic device (100), the processor (130) can control the communication unit (110) to transmit a fourth signal to the sink device (200). If the sink device (200) is identified as not being connected to the same AP as the AP connected to the electronic device (100), the processor (130) can control the communication unit (110) to transmit a guidance message indicating that a password cannot be provided or data corresponding to non-provision of a password to the sink device (200). For example, the processor (130) can transmit the fourth signal through a Wi-Fi network of an AP to which both the electronic device (100) and the sink device (200) are connected. However, it should be understood that the fourth signal may be transmitted through a communication method other than a Wi-Fi network.

[0097] According to the above-described embodiment, by transmitting information about a password only to a sink device (200) connected to the same AP as the AP connected to the electronic device (100), the security of audio content transmission can be improved.

[0098] In one or more embodiments, when the processor (130) transmits the fourth signal only to a sink device (200) connected to the same AP as the AP connected to the electronic device (100), the information about the password included in the fourth signal may be encrypted with the password for the AP. That is, the information about the password may be included in the fourth signal in an encrypted state based on the password for the AP.

[0099] Specifically, the electronic device (100) and the sink device (200) connected to the same AP may store a password for the AP. Accordingly, the processor (130) may encrypt information about the password for decrypting audio content using the password for the AP, include it in a fourth signal, and transmit it to the sink device (200). When the fourth signal is transmitted from the electronic device (100) to the sink device (200), the sink device (200) may decrypt information about the password for decrypting audio content based on the previously stored password for the AP, and decrypt the audio content based on the information about the decrypted password.

[0100] According to the above-described embodiment, if information about the password of audio content is encrypted with a password for the AP and then the information about the password is transmitted only to the sink device (200) connected to the same AP as the AP connected to the electronic device (100), the security of audio content transmission can be further improved.

[0101] In one or more embodiments, the processor (130) may receive at least one of first feedback information on the strength of the first signal and second feedback information on the quality of the first signal from the sink device (200) via the communication unit (110), and may adjust the strength of the first signal based on at least one of the first feedback information and the second feedback information.

[0102] Here, the 'first feedback information' refers to information indicating the intensity of the first signal, and the processor (130) can obtain information on the distance between the electronic device (100) and the sink device (200) based on the information on the intensity of the first signal. For example, the information on the intensity of the first signal can include a so-called RSSI (received signal strength indicator) value, and a higher RSSI value means a stronger signal intensity, which means a closer distance between the electronic device (100) and the sink device (200).

[0103] For example, if the intensity of the first signal according to the first feedback information is greater than or equal to a preset threshold value, or if the distance between the electronic device (100) and the sink device (200) according to the information about the intensity of the first signal is less than or equal to the threshold distance, the processor (130) may reduce the intensity of the first signal to prevent the first signal from being transmitted to unnecessary or unwanted devices. On the other hand, if the intensity of the first signal according to the first feedback information is less than or equal to a preset threshold value, or if the distance between the electronic device (100) and the sink device (200) according to the information about the intensity of the first signal is greater than or equal to the threshold distance, the processor (130) may increase the intensity of the first signal to improve the quality of the first signal.

[0104] 'Second feedback information' refers to information indicating the quality of the first signal. The sink device (200) can obtain second feedback information on the quality of the first signal by calculating the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), bit error rate (BER), etc. of the received first signal, and transmit the second feedback information to the electronic device (100).

[0105] For example, if the quality of the first signal according to the second feedback information is below a preset threshold, the processor (130) may increase the intensity of the first signal to improve the quality of the first signal. On the other hand, if the quality of the first signal according to the second feedback information is above a preset threshold, the processor (130) may decrease the intensity of the first signal to prevent the first signal from being transmitted to unnecessary or unwanted devices.

[0106] Meanwhile, the processor (130) may adjust the intensity of the first signal based on a combination of the first feedback information and the second feedback information. For example, even if the intensity of the first signal according to the first feedback information is equal to or higher than a preset first threshold value, the processor (130) may reduce the intensity of the first signal only when the quality of the first signal according to the second feedback information is equal to or higher than the preset second threshold value. In addition, the process of adjusting the intensity of the first signal based on a combination of the first feedback information and the second feedback information may be performed in various ways.

[0107] According to the above-described embodiment, the intensity of the first signal to be subsequently broadcast can be adjusted based on the intensity or quality of the first signal. Meanwhile, as in the following embodiment, the processor (130) may receive a separate signal for identifying the distance between the electronic device (100) and the sink device (200), and adjust the intensity of the first signal based on the received signal.

[0108] In one or more embodiments, the communication unit (110) may be controlled to transmit a fifth signal to the sink device (200) for identifying a distance between the electronic device (100) and the sink device (200). When third feedback information regarding the intensity of the fifth signal is received from the sink device (200) through the communication unit (110), the processor (130) may adjust the intensity of the first signal based on the third feedback information.

[0109] The 'fifth signal' refers to a signal transmitted from the electronic device (100) to the sink device (200) separately from the first signal, the second signal, and the fourth signal to identify the distance between the electronic device (100) and the sink device (200). For example, the fifth signal may be, but is not limited to, a UWB or Wi-Fi Aware signal.

[0110] The process of obtaining information about the distance between the electronic device (100) and the sink device (200) based on the third feedback information about the intensity of the fifth signal and the process of adjusting the intensity of the first signal based on the information about the intensity or distance of the first signal have been described above, so a duplicate description of the same content will be omitted.

[0111] Information about the first feedback information, the second feedback information, and the third feedback information, and the intensity of the first signal adjusted based on at least one of the first feedback information, the second feedback information, and the third feedback information, can be stored in the memory (120), and can be updated based on at least one of the new first feedback information, the second feedback information, and the third feedback information.

[0112] According to the embodiments of the first signal intensity adjustment described above, the electronic device (100) can prevent audio content from being transmitted outside the space where the user is located by minimizing the intensity of the first signal, thereby more faithfully protecting the user's privacy.

[0113] Meanwhile, it is also possible to implement various embodiments by performing at least some of the operations of the processor (130) described above by an external device (e.g., a server or an edge computing device) connected to the electronic device (100), and having the electronic device (100) receive information according to the operations performed by the external device. For example, encryption of audio content may be performed by an external device, and the electronic device (100) may transmit information about the encrypted audio content and information about the password used for encryption to the sink device (200) after receiving the information about the encrypted audio content and information about the password.

[0114] The interface unit (140) can transmit and receive video data and / or audio data in relation to an external device. Specifically, the interface unit (140) may include an input port capable of receiving video data and / or audio data from an external device and an output port capable of transmitting video data and / or audio data to the external device. In particular, when the interface unit (140) can transmit and receive both video data and audio data, input / output ports capable of transmitting and receiving video data and audio data may be implemented separately. The interface unit (140) may connect the electronic device (100) and the external device wiredly via a cable, but additionally or alternatively, may also connect the electronic device (100) and the external device wirelessly.

[0115] For example, the interface unit (140) may include an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) module, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) module, etc. The HDMI module is one of the uncompressed digital video / audio interface standards and may provide an interface between the electronic device (100) and an external device providing content. The USB module may provide a communication system between the electronic device (100) and the external device providing content using a predefined input / output standard protocol. In addition to the HDMI module and the USB module, the interface unit (140) may of course be implemented with various modules for providing input / output of video / audio data between the electronic device (100) and an external device, such as a DP (Display Port) module, an RGB module, a DVI (Digital Visual Interface) module, and a Thunderbolt module.

[0116] In particular, in various embodiments according to the present disclosure, the processor (130) can transmit video content to an external device connected to the electronic device (100) through the interface unit (140). While transmitting the video content to the external device through the interface unit (140), the processor (130) can transmit audio content corresponding to the video content to the external device through the interface unit (140), and can also transmit audio content corresponding to the video content to the sink device (200) through the communication unit (110). In addition, the interface unit (140) can transmit and receive various information / data, including control signals, between the electronic device (100) and the external device in various embodiments according to the present disclosure.

[0117] The input unit (150) includes a circuit, and the processor (130) can receive a user command to control the operation of the electronic device (100) through the input unit (150). Specifically, the input unit (150) can be configured with components such as a microphone, a camera, and a remote control signal receiving unit. In addition, the input unit (150) can also be implemented in a form included in a display as a touch screen. In particular, the microphone can receive a voice signal and convert the received voice signal into an electrical signal.

[0118] In particular, in various embodiments according to the present disclosure, the processor (130) may receive various user inputs, such as a user input for broadcasting a first signal, a user input for changing a password used for encrypting audio content, etc., through the input unit (150). The user input may be input in various types, such as a touch input through a display, a voice input through a microphone, a motion input through a camera, etc.

[0119] The output unit (160) includes a circuit, and the processor (130) can output various functions that the electronic device (100) can perform through the output unit (160). In addition, the output unit (160) can include at least one of a display, a speaker, and an indicator.

[0120] The display can output image data under the control of the processor (130). Specifically, the display can output an image previously stored in the memory (120) under the control of the processor (130). In particular, the display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can also display a user interface stored in the memory (120).

[0121] The display may be implemented as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display Panel), an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes), etc., and in some cases, the display may also be implemented as a flexible display, a transparent display, etc. However, the display according to the present disclosure is not limited to a specific type.

[0122] The speaker can output audio data under the control of the processor (130), and the indicator can be turned on under the control of the processor (130).

[0123] In particular, in various embodiments according to the present disclosure, the processor (130) can control the display to display video content, and can control the communication unit (110) to broadcast audio content corresponding to the video content while the video content is displayed on the display.

[0124] FIG. 4 is a block diagram briefly showing the configuration of a sink device (200) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, and FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing in detail the configuration of a sink device (200) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0125] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the sink device (200) may include a display (210), a communication unit (220), a memory (230), and a processor (240). In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the electronic device (100) may further include an input unit (250) and an output unit (260). However, the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 are merely exemplary, and it is to be understood that, in implementing the present disclosure, one or more new configurations may be added (or added) or one or more configurations may be omitted in addition to the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0126] The display (210), communication unit (220), memory (230), processor (240), input unit (250), and output unit (260) of the sink device (200) may basically have the same configuration as the display (210), communication unit (220), memory (230), processor (240), input unit (250), and output unit (260) included in the electronic device (100). Therefore, in the following description of the display (210), communication unit (220), memory (230), processor (240), input unit (250), and output unit (260), any description overlapping with that of FIGS. 2 and 3 will be omitted.

[0127] The display (210) can output image data under the control of the processor (240). In particular, when a second signal including identification information of audio content is received from the electronic device (100), the processor (240) can display a user interface including identification information unique to the electronic device (100) and identification information of the audio content.

[0128] The communication unit (220) includes a circuit and can perform communication with external devices including the electronic device (100). Specifically, the processor (240) can receive various data or information from an external device connected through the communication unit (220) and can also transmit various data or information to the external device.

[0129] The processor (240) can receive the first signal, the second signal, the fourth signal, and the fifth signal from the electronic device (100) through the communication unit (220). In addition, the processor (240) can control the communication unit (220) to transmit the third signal, the first feedback information, the second feedback information, and the third feedback information to the electronic device (100).

[0130] In addition, the processor (240) can provide audio content through the audio output device (300) by controlling the communication unit (220) to transmit the first signal and the fourth signal to the audio output device (300). In addition, the processor (240) can provide audio content through the audio output device (300) by controlling the communication unit (220) to decrypt encrypted information included in the first signal based on a password included in the fourth signal and transmit the decrypted information to the audio output device (300).

[0131] The memory (230) may store a first signal, a second signal, a third signal, a fourth signal, and a fifth signal, first feedback information, second feedback information, and third feedback information. In addition, the memory (230) may store various information, such as audio content, information related to audio content, a password for audio content, and a password for an AP.

[0132] In addition, various information necessary to achieve the purpose of the present disclosure may be stored in the memory (230), and the information stored in the memory (230) may be updated as received from an external device or input by a user.

[0133] In one or more embodiments, the processor (240) may receive audio content broadcast by the electronic device (100) and may also receive information about an encryption of the audio content from the electronic device (100).

[0134] The processor (240) may receive, from the electronic device (100) via the communication unit (220), a first signal including encrypted audio content broadcast by the electronic device (100). That is, the processor (240) may be configured to receive, via the communication unit (220), a first signal including encrypted audio content. As described above, the 'first signal' refers to a signal for audio content broadcast by the electronic device (100).

[0135] The processor (240) can receive the first signal broadcast by the electronic device (100) by transmitting and receiving the second signal, the third signal, and the fourth signal through the process described below, and can also receive information about a password for decrypting encrypted information included in the first signal. That is, the first signal can be periodically broadcast through the electronic device (100), but can be transmitted to the sink device (200) after a communication connection is established between the electronic device (100) and the sink device (200), and can also be provided by the sink device (200) after the sink device (200) obtains information about the password.

[0136] When a second signal including identification information of audio content is received from the electronic device (100) through the communication unit (220), the processor (240) can control the display (210) to display the identification information of the audio content. As described above, the 'second signal' collectively refers to signals including identification information about the audio content, and the 'identification information' can include identification information unique to the electronic device (100) and identification information about the audio content.

[0137] Specifically, the processor (240) may provide a user interface that includes unique identification information of the electronic device (100) and identification information of audio content. Furthermore, user input related to a request for audio content may be received through the user interface. For example, the user input may be input based on a user's touch input selecting the electronic device (100) and / or audio content.

[0138] When a user input related to a request for audio content is received, the processor (240) can control the communication unit (220) to transmit a third signal corresponding to the user input to the electronic device (100). As described above, the 'third signal' collectively refers to signals corresponding to the user input related to the request for audio content, and can be said to be a signal including a request for a communication connection between the electronic device (100) and the sink device (200).

[0139] The processor (240) can receive a fourth signal including information about a password from the electronic device (100) through the communication unit (220). When the fourth signal is received, the processor (240) can decrypt the encrypted information based on the password and provide audio content based on the decrypted information. As described above, the 'fourth signal' is a general term for signals including information about a password used to encrypt audio content, and can be said to be a signal including a response to a request for a communication connection between the electronic device (100) and the sink device (200).

[0140] In particular, the first signal and the fourth signal may be received from the electronic device (100) using different communication methods. Specifically, the first signal may be broadcast using the BLE audio protocol, and the fourth signal may be received from the electronic device (100) based on a protocol different from the BLE audio protocol.

[0141] For example, the processor (240) can receive a first signal from the electronic device (100) using a Bluetooth module, and can receive a fourth signal from the electronic device (100) using a UWB module. In addition, the processor (240) can receive a first signal from the electronic device (100) using a first protocol through the Bluetooth module, and can receive a fourth signal from the electronic device (100) using a second protocol through the Bluetooth module.

[0142] Meanwhile, providing audio content may include providing audio content by having the sink device (200) output the audio content and providing audio content by transmitting information about the audio content as audio content so that the audio output device (300) outputs the audio content. For example, the processor (240) may provide audio content by controlling the communication unit (220) to transmit decrypted information to the audio output device (300) connected to the sink device (200).

[0143] According to one or more of the embodiments described above, the sink device (200) receives information about a password from the electronic device (100) separately from receiving the broadcasted audio content, thereby enabling the user to provide audio content without having to manually input a password using the sink device (200).

[0144] In one or more embodiments, the fourth signal may be an ultrasonic signal or an ultra-wideband (UWB) signal. In addition to the ultrasonic signal or UWB signal, any signal that has the property of having difficulty passing through obstacles such as walls may be used in place of the ultrasonic signal or UWB signal.

[0145] According to the above-described embodiment, when information about a password is received as an ultrasonic signal or a UWB signal, only a sink device (200) within a space where the ultrasonic signal or UWB signal can reach can decrypt the audio content, thereby improving the security of audio content transmission in an efficient manner.

[0146] In one or more embodiments, the sink device (200) may be connected to the same network as the electronic device (100) via an access point (AP). Additionally, information about the password may be included in the fourth signal in an encrypted state based on the password for the AP.

[0147] According to the above-described embodiment, if only the sink device (200) connected to the same AP as the electronic device (100) receives information about the password, and further, if only the sink device (200) connected to the same AP as the electronic device (100) receives information about the password after encrypting it with a password for the AP, the security of audio content transmission can be further improved.

[0148] In one or more embodiments, the processor (240) may control the communication unit (220) to transmit at least one of first feedback information regarding the intensity of the first signal and second feedback information regarding the quality of the first signal to the electronic device (100). In addition, the processor (240) may receive, from the electronic device (100) through the communication unit (220), a first signal whose intensity is adjusted according to at least one of the first feedback information and the second feedback information.

[0149] In one or more embodiments, the processor (240) may receive a fifth signal from the electronic device (100) via the communication unit (220) to identify a distance between the sink device (200) and the electronic device (100). The processor (240) may control the communication unit (220) to transmit third feedback information about the intensity of the fifth signal to the electronic device (100), and may receive a first signal whose intensity is adjusted according to the third feedback information.

[0150] According to the embodiments of the first signal intensity adjustment described above, the sink device (200) can prevent audio content from being transmitted outside the space where the user is located, thereby more faithfully protecting the user's privacy.

[0151] Meanwhile, it is also possible to implement various embodiments by having at least some of the operations of the processor (240) described above performed by an external device (e.g., a server or an edge computing device) connected to the sink device (200), and the sink device (200) receiving information according to the operations performed by the external device. For example, a user input related to a request for audio content may be input by an external device, and the sink device (200) may receive a third signal corresponding to the user input and transmit the received third signal to the electronic device (100).

[0152] The input unit (250) includes a circuit, and the processor (240) can receive a user command to control the operation of the electronic device (100) through the input unit (250). Specifically, the input unit (250) can be configured with components such as a microphone, a camera, and a remote control signal receiving unit. In addition, the input unit (250) can be implemented in a form included in the display (210) as a touch screen. In particular, the microphone can receive a voice signal and convert the received voice signal into an electrical signal.

[0153] In particular, the processor (240) may receive user input related to a request for audio content via the input unit (250). For example, the processor (240) may receive a user's touch input for selecting the electronic device (100) and / or audio content via the input unit (250). The processor (240) may also receive a user input for entering a password for decrypting encrypted audio content via the input unit (250). Additionally, the processor (240) may receive a user input for selecting an audio output device (300) for transmitting audio content via the input unit (250).

[0154] The output unit (260) includes a circuit, and the processor (240) can output various functions that the electronic device (100) can perform through the output unit (260). In addition, the output unit (260) can include at least one of a display (210), a speaker, and an indicator.

[0155] In particular, the processor (240) can output audio content through the output unit (260). Specifically, the processor (240) can decrypt encrypted information based on a password and output audio content through the output unit (260) based on the decrypted information.

[0156] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining in detail an embodiment related to adjusting the intensity of the first signal.

[0157] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the system (1000) according to the present disclosure may further include an audio output device (300) in addition to an electronic device (100) and a sink device (200). The audio output device (300) refers to a device capable of outputting audio content, and may be implemented as, for example, a Bluetooth speaker, an artificial intelligence speaker, a smartphone, a tablet PC, etc. In other words, any device capable of receiving audio content from the sink device (200) and outputting it through a speaker may correspond to the audio output device (300) according to the present disclosure.

[0158] Meanwhile, in order to clearly show that various embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to a system (1000) further including an audio output device (300), the following description will be given on the premise of a system (1000) including an audio output device (300), but the embodiments described below are not limited to cases including an audio output device (300), and the various embodiments described above can also be implemented under a system (1000) further including an audio output device (300).

[0159] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the electronic device (100) can broadcast a first signal including audio content (S610). Here, the audio content can be broadcast by being included in the first signal in an unencrypted state. That is, although the descriptions of FIGS. 2 to 4 described embodiments in which the audio content is broadcast by being included in the first signal in an encrypted state, the audio content can also be broadcast by being included in the first signal in an unencrypted state.

[0160] The electronic device (100) can transmit a second signal containing identification information of the audio content to the sink device (200) (S615). The second signal can also be broadcast by the electronic device (100) and transmitted to the sink device (200).

[0161] When the second signal is received, the sink device (200) can transmit the received second signal to the audio output device (300) (S620). For example, the sink device (200) can output identification information included in the second signal through the display of the sink device (200), and by transmitting the second signal to the audio output device (300), the identification information included in the second signal can also be output through the speaker of the audio output device (300).

[0162] After receiving the second signal, the sink device (200) may receive a user input related to a request for audio content (S625). Upon receiving the user input, the sink device (200) may transmit a third signal corresponding to the user input to the electronic device (100) (S630). At this time, the electronic device (100) may transmit a fourth signal containing information about a password used to encrypt the audio content to the sink device (200) in response to the third signal, as described above with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 .

[0163] However, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the electronic device (100) may transmit a first signal containing audio content to the sink device (200) in response to the third signal (S635). Depending on the embodiment, a separate signal containing a response to a request for a communication connection between the sink devices (200) may be transmitted from the electronic device (100) to the sink device (200) prior to the first signal.

[0164] When the first signal is received, the sink device (200) can transmit the first signal to the audio output device (300) (S640). Furthermore, when the first signal is received, the audio output device (300) can output audio content (S645). If the audio content is transmitted to the sink device (200) and the audio output device (300) in an unencrypted state, the audio content may be provided to unauthorized users, potentially compromising the privacy of authorized users.

[0165] Accordingly, when the first signal is received, the sink device (200) can transmit feedback information regarding the intensity of the first signal (S650). Specifically, when the first signal is received, the sink device (200) can obtain feedback information regarding the intensity of the first signal, referred to as the so-called received signal strength indicator (RSSI) value, and transmit the obtained feedback information to the electronic device (100).

[0166] When feedback information is received, the electronic device (100) can adjust the intensity of the first signal based on the feedback information (S655). That is, after the feedback information is received, the electronic device (100) can adjust and transmit the intensity of the first signal that is broadcast periodically or continuously, and accordingly, the sink device (200) can receive the first signal with the adjusted intensity (S660).

[0167] When a first signal of adjusted intensity is received, the sink device (200) can transmit the first signal of adjusted intensity to the audio output device (300) (S665). When the first signal is received, the audio output device (300) can output audio content (S670).

[0168] Meanwhile, the above has described an embodiment of adjusting the intensity of the first signal based on feedback information on the intensity of the first signal. However, as described above, it is also possible for the electronic device (100) to transmit a separate fifth signal to the sink device (200) prior to transmitting the first signal, and to receive third feedback information on the intensity of the fifth signal from the sink device (200) to adjust the intensity of the first signal. In addition, it is also possible for the electronic device (100) to transmit a fourth signal to the sink device (200) prior to transmitting the first signal, and to receive fourth feedback information on the intensity of the fourth signal from the sink device (200) to adjust the intensity of the first signal.

[0169] Meanwhile, the feedback information described in FIG. 6 refers to the first feedback signal defined in the description of FIGS. 2 to 4, but it may also be possible to adjust the intensity of the first signal based on the second feedback signal and the third feedback signal as described above with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4.

[0170] According to one or more of the embodiments described above, audio content can be prevented from being transmitted outside the space where the user is located, thereby more faithfully protecting the user's privacy.

[0171] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an electronic device (100) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0172] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the electronic device (100) can broadcast a first signal including encrypted audio content (S710). That is, the electronic device (100) can be configured to broadcast the first signal including audio content in an encrypted state. Specifically, the electronic device (100) can broadcast the first signal using a BLE (Bluetooth low energy) audio protocol, and the first signal can include the audio content in an encrypted state. The electronic device (100) can broadcast the first signal for a preset period of time (or at each cycle).

[0173] The electronic device (100) can transmit a second signal containing identification information of audio content to the sink device (200) (S720). The electronic device (100) can periodically broadcast the second signal, and can also broadcast it when a request for identification information is received.

[0174] The electronic device (100) can receive a third signal corresponding to a user input related to a request for audio content from the sink device (200) (S730). Specifically, when a user input for selecting the electronic device (100) and / or audio content is input to the sink device (200), the sink device (200) can transmit a third signal corresponding to the user input to the electronic device (100), and accordingly, the electronic device (100) can receive the third signal from the sink device (200).

[0175] When the third signal is received, the electronic device (100) may transmit a fourth signal containing information about the password used for encryption to the sink device (200) (S740). The electronic device (100) may transmit the first signal and the fourth signal to the sink device (200) using different communication methods. Specifically, the first signal may be broadcast using the BLE audio protocol, and the fourth signal may be received from the electronic device (100) based on a protocol different from the BLE audio protocol.

[0176] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a sink device (200) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0177] FIG. 8 relates to a control method of a sink device (200) that receives a first signal from an electronic device (100) that is broadcast by the electronic device (100) and includes encrypted audio content information. The first signal may be periodically broadcast by the electronic device (100), but may also be transmitted to the sink device (200) after a communication connection is established between the electronic device (100) and the sink device (200), and may also be provided by the sink device (200) after the sink device (200) obtains information about a password.

[0178] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the sink device (200) can receive a second signal including identification information of audio content from the electronic device (100) (S810). When the second signal is received, the sink device (200) can display identification information of the audio content (S820).

[0179] Specifically, the sink device (200) may provide a user interface including unique identification information of the electronic device (100) and identification information of audio content. Furthermore, user input related to a request for audio content may be received through the user interface. For example, the user input may be input based on a touch input of a user selecting the electronic device (100) and / or audio content. When a user input related to a request for audio content is received, the sink device (200) may transmit a third signal corresponding to the user input to the electronic device (100) (S830). Furthermore, the sink device (200) may receive a fourth signal including information about a password from the electronic device (100) (S840).

[0180] Specifically, when a third signal is transmitted to the electronic device (100), the electronic device (100) may transmit a fourth signal to the sink device (200) in response to the third signal. In particular, the first signal and the fourth signal may be received from the electronic device (100) using different communication methods. Specifically, the first signal may be broadcast using the BLE audio protocol, and the fourth signal may be received from the electronic device (100) based on a protocol different from the BLE audio protocol.

[0181] When the fourth signal is received, the sink device (200) can decrypt the encrypted information based on the password (S850) and provide audio content based on the decrypted information (S860).

[0182] Providing audio content may include providing audio content by having the sink device (200) output the audio content and providing audio content by transmitting information about the audio content as audio content so that the audio output device (300) outputs the audio content. For example, the processor may provide audio content by controlling the communication unit to transmit decrypted information to the audio output device (300) connected to the sink device (200).

[0183] Meanwhile, the control method of the electronic device (100) and the control method of the sink device (200) according to the above-described embodiment may be implemented as a program and provided to the electronic device (100) and the sink device (200). In particular, the program including the control method of the electronic device (100) and the sink device (200) may be stored and provided in a non-transitory computer readable medium.

[0184] Specifically, in a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium including a program for executing a method for controlling an electronic device (100), the method for controlling an electronic device (100) may include a step of broadcasting a first signal including encrypted information of audio content, a step of transmitting a second signal including identification information of the audio content to a sink device (200), a step of receiving a third signal corresponding to a user input related to a request for audio content from the sink device (200), and a step of transmitting a fourth signal including information about a password used for encryption to the sink device (200) when the third signal is received.

[0185] Meanwhile, in a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium including a program for executing a control method of a sink device (200), the sink device (200) may receive, from an electronic device (100), a first signal including information that the electronic device (100) broadcasts and that includes encrypted audio content, and the control method of the sink device (200) may include a step of receiving a second signal including identification information of the audio content from the electronic device (100), a step of displaying the identification information of the audio content when the second signal is received, a step of transmitting a third signal corresponding to the user input to the electronic device (100) when a user input related to a request for audio content is received, a step of receiving a fourth signal including information about a password from the electronic device (100), a step of decrypting the encrypted information based on the password when the fourth signal is received, and a step of providing the audio content based on the decrypted information.

[0186] In the above, a method for controlling an electronic device (100) and a computer-readable recording medium including a program for executing the method for controlling an electronic device (100) have been briefly described, but this is only to omit redundant descriptions, and it goes without saying that various embodiments of the electronic device (100) can also be applied to a method for controlling an electronic device (100) and a computer-readable recording medium including a program for executing the method for controlling an electronic device (100).

[0187] A device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory storage medium" simply means a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0188] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed in the present 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) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) 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.

[0189] Each of the components (e.g., modules or programs) according to the various embodiments of the present disclosure as described above may be composed of a single or multiple entities, and some of the sub-components described above may be omitted, or other sub-components may be further included in the various embodiments. Alternatively or additionally, some components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single entity, which may perform the same or similar functions as those performed by each of the respective components prior to integration.

[0190] According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively or heuristically, or alternatively, at least one operation may be executed in a different order, omitted, or at least one other operation may be added.

[0191] Meanwhile, the terms "part" or "module" used in the present disclosure include units composed of hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A "part" or "module" may be an integrally composed component, a minimum unit performing one or more functions, or a portion thereof. For example, a module may be composed of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0192] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software including instructions stored in a machine-readable storage medium that can be read by a machine (e.g., a computer). The device is a device that can call instructions stored in the storage medium and operate according to the called instructions, and may include an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (100), a sink device (200)) according to the disclosed embodiments.

[0193] When the above instruction is executed by the processor, the processor may perform the function corresponding to the instruction directly or by using other components under the control of the processor. The instruction may include code generated or executed by a compiler or interpreter.

[0194] Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains without departing from the gist of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or prospect of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. In electronic devices, Department of Communications; Memory for storing audio content; and A processor for broadcasting a first signal including the audio content in an encrypted state through the communication unit; The above processor, Controlling the communication unit to transmit a second signal including identification information of the audio content to a sink device; An electronic device that controls the communication unit to transmit a fourth signal including information about a password used for encryption of the audio content to the sink device when a third signal corresponding to a user input related to a request for the audio content is received from the sink device through the communication unit in response to the second signal.

2. In paragraph 1, The above processor, The first signal is broadcast using the BLE (Bluetooth low energy) audio protocol, An electronic device in which the fourth signal is transmitted to the sink device using a communication method different from the BLE audio protocol.

3. In paragraph 1, The above processor, Receive at least one of first feedback information on the strength of the first signal and second feedback information on the quality of the first signal from the sink device through the communication unit, An electronic device that adjusts the intensity of the first signal being broadcast based on at least one of the first feedback information and the second feedback information.

4. In paragraph 1, The above processor, Controlling the communication unit to transmit a fifth signal to the sink device for identifying the distance between the electronic device and the sink device; An electronic device that adjusts the intensity of the first signal based on third feedback information received from the sink device through the communication unit regarding the intensity of the fifth signal.

5. In paragraph 1, An electronic device wherein the fourth signal is an ultrasonic signal or an ultra-wideband (UWB) signal.

6. In paragraph 1, The above processor, When the above sink device is connected to an AP (access point) connected to the electronic device, the communication unit is controlled to transmit the fourth signal to the sink device, An electronic device that controls the communication unit to transmit data corresponding to non-provision of the password to the sink device when the sink device is not connected to the AP connected to the electronic device.

7. In paragraph 6, An electronic device in which information about the password included in the fourth signal is encrypted using the password for the AP.

8. In the sink device, Department of Communications; display; a memory storing at least one instruction; and A processor for receiving a first signal including encrypted information, the audio content being broadcast by the electronic device and being encrypted, from the electronic device through the communication unit; The above processor, When a second signal including identification information of audio content is received from the electronic device through the communication unit, the display is controlled to display the identification information of the audio content, When a user input related to a request for the audio content is received in response to the display of the identification information of the second signal, the communication unit is controlled to transmit a third signal corresponding to the user input to the electronic device. A sink device that provides the audio content by decrypting the audio content in the encrypted state using the password when a fourth signal including information about a password is received from the electronic device through the communication unit.

9. In paragraph 8, The above first signal is broadcast using the BLE (Bluetooth low energy) audio protocol, The fourth signal is received from the electronic device using a communication method different from the BLE audio protocol.

10. In paragraph 8, The above processor, Controlling the communication unit to transmit at least one of first feedback information on the strength of the first signal and second feedback information on the quality of the first signal to the electronic device; A sink device that receives the first signal, the intensity of which is adjusted according to at least one of the first feedback information and the second feedback information, from the electronic device through the communication unit.

11. In paragraph 8, The above processor, Receive a fifth signal for identifying the distance between the sink device and the electronic device from the electronic device through the communication unit; Controlling the communication unit to transmit third feedback information on the intensity of the fifth signal to the electronic device; A sink device that receives the first signal, the intensity of which is adjusted according to the third feedback information, from the electronic device through the communication unit.

12. In paragraph 8, The above fourth signal is a sink device which is an ultrasonic signal or an ultra-wideband (UWB) signal.

13. In paragraph 8, The above sink device is a sink device connected to an AP (access point) connected to the above electronic device.

14. In paragraph 13, A sink device in which the information about the password included in the fourth signal is encrypted using the password for the AP.

15. In paragraph 8, The above processor, A sink device that provides the audio content by controlling the communication unit to transmit the decrypted audio content to an audio output device connected to the sink device.

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