Image display device and control method therefor

Abstract

The present invention relates to an image output device and a control method therefor. The image output device comprises: a display; a network interface unit that exchanges data with a server; an external device interface unit that is wirelessly connected to an external speaker; an audio output unit; and a signal processing device that controls the sound output of the external speaker and the audio output unit. The signal processing device, when configured so that sound is output via the external speaker: receives a user request for the sound to be output via both the external speaker and the audio output unit; transmits information about the external speaker to the server on the basis of the user request; receives audio delay information related to the external speaker from the server; and, on the basis of the received audio delay information, performs synchronization of the sound output from the external speaker and the audio output unit.

Description

Video display device and its control method

[0001] The present invention relates to a video display device and a method for controlling the same, and more specifically, to synchronization of sound output between an external speaker and a speaker of the video display device.

[0002] A video display device (VD) is a device that provides video for users to view. Users can watch broadcasts through VDs. VDs provide users with selected broadcast signals from broadcasting stations, and these broadcast images are displayed on a display. Currently, broadcasting is transitioning globally from analog to digital.

[0003] Digital broadcasting refers to broadcasting that transmits digital video and audio signals. Compared to analog broadcasting, digital broadcasting is more resistant to external noise, has less data loss, is more prone to error correction, and offers higher resolution and clearer images. Furthermore, unlike analog broadcasting, digital broadcasting allows for two-way communication.

[0004] Recently, it's become possible to connect external speakers to video display devices to enjoy enhanced audio quality. However, with external speakers, the video transmission time and audio output time can sometimes be out of sync due to the time it takes for the signal to be transmitted from the video output device to the external speakers. In such cases, synchronization is performed to ensure that the video transmission time and audio output time are in sync.

[0005] One object of the present invention is to provide a video output device capable of outputting sound simultaneously through an external speaker and an audio output section of the video output device, and a method for controlling the same.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a video output device and a control method thereof that can synchronize the sound output timing in an optimized manner when outputting sound together through an external speaker and an audio output section of the video output device.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object, a video output device includes a display, a network interface unit for exchanging data with a server, an external device interface unit wirelessly connected to an external speaker, an audio output unit, and a signal processing unit for controlling sound output of the external speaker and the audio output unit, wherein the signal processing unit receives a user request for simultaneously outputting sound through the external speaker and the audio output unit in a state where sound is set to be output through the external speaker, transmits information about the external speaker to the server based on the user request, receives audio delay information related to the external speaker from the server, and performs synchronization of sound output of the external speaker and the audio output unit based on the received audio delay information.

[0008] In an embodiment, the external speaker is characterized in that it is a Bluetooth speaker connected via Bluetooth through a wireless communication unit included in the external device interface unit.

[0009] In an embodiment, the state in which sound is set to be output through the external speaker is characterized in that the sound of the image output from the image output device is output through the external speaker rather than the audio output unit, and is connected via Bluetooth.

[0010] In an embodiment, the signal processing device is characterized in that, based on the user request, information about the external speaker is transmitted to the server through the network interface unit, and audio delay information linked to the external speaker is requested from the server.

[0011] In an embodiment, the information about the external speaker is characterized in that it includes at least one of the device name of the external speaker and MAC address information of the device.

[0012] In an embodiment, the signal processing device is characterized in that, when receiving audio delay information related to the external speaker from the server, the signal processing device adjusts the sound output time of the audio output unit based on the delay time of the audio delay information.

[0013] In an embodiment, the signal processing device is characterized in that, when performing synchronization of sound output of the audio output unit based on the audio delay information, synchronization of sound output of the audio output unit is performed without terminating the connection with the external speaker.

[0014] In an embodiment, the signal processing device is characterized in that, when performing synchronization of sound output of the external speaker and the audio output unit based on the audio delay information, the signal processing device adjusts the image output time of the image output from the display and the sound output time output from the audio output unit based on the delay time of the audio delay information.

[0015] In an embodiment, the signal processing device is characterized in that, if audio delay information for the external speaker is not received from the server, the signal processing device disconnects the connection with the external speaker and measures a delay time for audio output time of the external speaker.

[0016] In an embodiment, the signal processing device is characterized in that, based on the measured delay time, the sound output time of the audio output unit is set so that sound is output together through the external speaker and the audio output unit, and the sound is output together through the external speaker and the audio output unit by reconnecting to the external speaker.

[0017] In an embodiment, the signal processing device is characterized in that, when sound is output together through the external speaker and the audio output unit without additional setting changes for a predetermined period of time, information about the external speaker and the measured delay time information are transmitted to the server.

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to output sound together with an audio output section of an external speaker and a video output device.

[0019] The present invention can perform synchronization of sound output of an external speaker and an audio output unit of a video output device without performing a separate sound synchronization process when outputting sound together with an external speaker and an audio output unit of a video output device.

[0020] The present invention can omit the process of disconnecting a previously connected external speaker and performing synchronization when outputting together with an audio output section of an external speaker and a video output device, thereby shortening the time for changing the sound output mode and simplifying the changing process.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an environment including an image output device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an image output device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a signal processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of an image output device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figures 5 and 6 are flowcharts for explaining the control method discussed in Figure 3 in more detail.

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, identical or similar components will be given the same reference numbers and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing the specification, and do not in themselves have distinct meanings or roles. In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a specific description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are only intended to facilitate easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0027] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0028] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0029] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0030] In this application, terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood not to exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0031] The video output devices described in this specification may include mobile phones, smart phones, laptop computers, digital broadcasting terminals, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), navigation devices, slate PCs, tablet PCs, ultrabooks, wearable devices (e.g., smartwatches, smart glasses, HMDs), etc.

[0032] However, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the configuration according to the embodiments described herein may also be applied to fixed terminals such as digital TVs, desktop computers, digital signage, etc., except in cases where it is applicable only to video output devices.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an environment including an image output device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] An image output device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an audio output unit (185) that outputs sound, an external speaker (or Bluetooth speaker) (400) that is configured to output sound by being connected wirelessly via Bluetooth technology, and a server (500) that performs communication with the image output device (100) via a mobile communication network.

[0035] The audio output unit (185) may be a speaker provided in the video output device (100).

[0036] An external speaker (400) is provided independently from the video output device (100) and can be configured to output sound of content output from the video output device by being connected to the video output device via wireless communication technology (e.g., Bluetooth technology, Blu-ray or Wi-Fi technology, etc.) / wired connection.

[0037] The external speaker (400) may experience a certain amount of output delay as it takes time to receive a sound output signal.

[0038] To solve this problem, the signal output device (170) of the image output device (100) can perform a task of matching (or synchronizing, syncing) the output timing of the image output from the display and the sound output from the external speaker. This task may mean aligning the synchronization, and since aligning the synchronization is a general technique, a detailed description will be omitted.

[0039] Meanwhile, the image output device (100) of the present invention, when connected to output sound through an external speaker (400), can enter a mode in which the external speaker (400) and the audio output unit (185) (own speaker) provided in the image output device (100) output sound together.

[0040] In this case, in the past, in order to synchronize the sound output of the external speaker (400) and the audio output unit (185), there was the inconvenience of having to disconnect the external speaker (400) that was previously connected, perform a separate sound synchronization process of the external speaker (400) and the audio output unit (185), and then reconnect the external speaker and the audio output unit.

[0041] The present invention can simply solve this problem through data communication with a server.

[0042] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining an image output device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining a signal processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 2, an image display device (100) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an image receiving unit (105), an external device interface unit (130), a network interface unit (135), a storage unit (140), a user input interface unit (150), a sensor unit (not shown), a signal processing unit (170), a display (180), and an audio output unit (185).

[0044] The video receiving unit (105) can receive an input video. For example, the video receiving unit (105) can receive an external input video such as a broadcast video, an HDMI video, or a streaming video.

[0045] The video receiving unit (105) may include a tuner unit (110), a demodulation unit (120), and an external device interface unit (130).

[0046] Meanwhile, unlike the drawing, the video receiving unit (105) may also include a tuner unit (110), a demodulation unit (120), an external device interface unit (130), and a network interface unit (130).

[0047] The tuner unit (110) selects an RF broadcast signal corresponding to a channel selected by the user or all pre-stored channels among RF (Radio Frequency) broadcast signals received through an antenna (not shown). In addition, it converts the selected RF broadcast signal into an intermediate frequency signal or a baseband video or audio signal.

[0048] Meanwhile, the tuner unit (110) may be equipped with multiple tuners to receive broadcast signals of multiple channels. Alternatively, a single tuner that simultaneously receives broadcast signals of multiple channels is also possible.

[0049] The demodulation unit (120) receives the digital IF signal (DIF) converted from the tuner unit (110) and performs a demodulation operation.

[0050] The demodulator (120) can output a stream signal (TS) after performing demodulation and channel decoding. At this time, the stream signal may be a signal in which a video signal, an audio signal, or a data signal is multiplexed.

[0051] The stream signal output from the demodulator (120) can be input to the signal processing device (170). The signal processing device (170) performs demultiplexing, image / audio signal processing, etc., and then outputs an image to the display (180) and outputs an audio to the audio output device (185).

[0052] The external device interface unit (130) can transmit or receive data to or from a connected external device (not shown), for example, a set-top box (50).

[0053] For this purpose, the external device interface unit (130) may include an A / V input / output unit (not shown), a wireless communication unit (not shown), etc.

[0054] The external device interface unit (130) can be connected to external devices such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), Blu-ray, game device, camera, camcorder, computer (laptop), set-top box, etc., via wired / wireless connection, and can also perform input / output operations with the external devices.

[0055] The A / V input / output unit within the external device interface unit (130) can receive video and audio signals from an external device. Meanwhile, the wireless communication unit (not shown) within the external device interface unit (130) can perform short-range wireless communication with other electronic devices.

[0056] Through this wireless communication unit (not shown), the external device interface unit (130) can exchange data with an adjacent mobile terminal. In particular, the external device interface unit (130) can receive device information, running application information, application images, etc. from the mobile terminal in mirroring mode.

[0057] The network interface unit (135) provides an interface unit for connecting the video display device (100) to a wired / wireless network, including the Internet. For example, the network interface unit (135) can receive content or data provided by the Internet, a content provider, or a network operator via a network.

[0058] Meanwhile, the network interface unit (135) may include a wireless communication unit (not shown).

[0059] The storage unit (140) may store programs for each signal processing and control within the signal processing device (170), and may also store signal-processed image, voice, or data signals.

[0060] In addition, the storage unit (140) may also perform a function for temporary storage of video, audio, or data signals input to the external device interface unit (130). In addition, the storage unit (140) may store information regarding a specific broadcast channel through a channel memory function such as a channel map.

[0061] Although the storage unit (140) of FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment in which the storage unit (140) is provided separately from the signal processing device (170), the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The storage unit (140) may be included within the signal processing device (170).

[0062] The user input interface unit (150) transmits a signal input by the user to the signal processing device (170) or transmits a signal from the signal processing device (170) to the user.

[0063] For example, a user input signal such as power on / off, channel selection, screen setting, etc. may be transmitted / received from a remote control device (200), a user input signal input from a local key (not shown) such as a power key, a channel key, a volume key, a setting value, etc. may be transmitted to a signal processing device (170), a user input signal input from a sensor unit (not shown) that senses a user's gesture may be transmitted to the signal processing device (170), or a signal from the signal processing device (170) may be transmitted to a sensor unit (not shown).

[0064] The signal processing device (170) can demultiplex an input stream or process demultiplexed signals through a tuner unit (110), a demodulator unit (120), a network interface unit (135), or an external device interface unit (130) to generate and output a signal for video or audio output.

[0065] For example, the signal processing device (170) can receive a broadcast signal or an HDMI signal received from the image receiving unit (105), perform signal processing based on the received broadcast signal or HDMI signal, and output a signal-processed image signal.

[0066] An image signal processed by a signal processing device (170) may be input to a display (180) and displayed as an image corresponding to the image signal. In addition, an image signal processed by a signal processing device (170) may be input to an external output device through an external device interface unit (130).

[0067] The voice signal processed in the signal processing device (170) can be output as sound to the audio output unit (185). In addition, the voice signal processed in the signal processing device (170) can be input to an external output device through the external device interface unit (130).

[0068] Although not illustrated in FIG. 2, the signal processing device (170) may include a demultiplexing unit, an image processing unit, etc. That is, the signal processing device (170) may perform various signal processing operations and, accordingly, may be implemented in the form of a system on chip (SOC). This will be described later with reference to FIG. 3.

[0069] In addition, the signal processing device (170) can control the overall operation within the video display device (100). For example, the signal processing device (170) can control the tuner unit (110) to select (tune) an RF broadcast corresponding to a channel selected by a user or a pre-stored channel.

[0070] In addition, the signal processing device (170) can control the image display device (100) by a user command or internal program input through the user input interface unit (150).

[0071] Meanwhile, the signal processing device (170) can control the display (180) to display an image. At this time, the image displayed on the display (180) may be a still image or a moving image, and may be a 2D image or a 3D image.

[0072] Meanwhile, the signal processing device (170) can cause a predetermined object to be displayed within an image displayed on the display (180). For example, the object can be at least one of a connected web screen (newspaper, magazine, etc.), an EPG (Electronic Program Guide), various menus, widgets, icons, still images, videos, and text.

[0073] Meanwhile, the signal processing device (170) can recognize the user's location based on an image captured from a camera (not shown). For example, the distance (z-axis coordinate) between the user and the image display device (100) can be determined. In addition, the x-axis coordinate and y-axis coordinate within the display (180) corresponding to the user's location can be determined.

[0074] The display (180) generates a driving signal by converting a video signal, data signal, OSD signal, control signal, etc. processed by the signal processing device (170) or a video signal, data signal, control signal, etc. received from the external device interface unit (130).

[0075] Meanwhile, the display (180) is configured as a touch screen and can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0076] The audio output unit (185) receives a signal processed by the signal processing device (170) and outputs it as voice.

[0077] A camera unit (not shown) photographs a user. The camera unit (not shown) may be implemented with a single camera, but is not limited thereto, and may also be implemented with multiple cameras. Image information captured by the camera unit (not shown) may be input to a signal processing device (170).

[0078] The signal processing device (170) can detect the user's gesture based on an image captured from a shooting unit (not shown) or a signal detected from a sensor unit (not shown), or a combination thereof.

[0079] Meanwhile, the signal processing device (170) can be implemented in the form of a system on chip (SOC).

[0080] The power supply unit (190) supplies power to the entire image display device (100). In particular, the power supply unit (190) can supply power to a signal processing device (170) implemented in the form of a system on chip (SOC), a display (180) for image display, and an audio output unit (185) for audio output.

[0081] Specifically, the power supply unit (190) may be equipped with a converter that converts AC power into DC power and a dc / dc converter that converts the level of the DC power.

[0082] The remote control device (200) transmits user input to the user input interface unit (150). To this end, the remote control device (200) may use Bluetooth, RF (Radio Frequency) communication, IR (Infrared) communication, UWB (Ultra Wideband), ZigBee, etc. In addition, the remote control device (200) may receive video, audio, or data signals output from the user input interface unit (150) and display or output the same as audio on the remote control device (200).

[0083] Meanwhile, the above-described video display device (100) may be a digital broadcast receiver capable of receiving fixed or mobile digital broadcasts.

[0084] Meanwhile, the block diagram of the image display device (100) illustrated in FIG. 2 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the present disclosure. Each component of the block diagram may be integrated, added, or omitted depending on the specifications of the image display device (100) actually implemented. That is, two or more components may be combined into one component, or one component may be subdivided into two or more components, as needed. In addition, the functions performed by each block are intended to explain the embodiment of the present disclosure, and the specific operations or devices thereof do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0085] Fig. 3 is an example of an internal block diagram of the signal processing device of Fig. 2.

[0086] Referring to the drawings, a signal processing device (170) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a demultiplexing unit (310), an image processing unit (320), a processor (330), and an audio processing unit (370). In addition, a data processing unit (not shown) may be further included.

[0087] The demultiplexer (310) demultiplexes the input stream. For example, when MPEG-2 TS is input, it can be demultiplexed to separate it into video, audio, and data signals, respectively. Here, the stream signal input to the demultiplexer (310) may be a stream signal output from the tuner (110), the demodulator (120), or the external device interface (130).

[0088] The image processing unit (320) can perform signal processing on an input image. For example, the image processing unit (320) can perform image processing on an image signal demultiplexed from the demultiplexing unit (310).

[0089] To this end, the image processing unit (320) may include an image decoder (325), a scaler (335), an image quality processing unit (635), an image encoder (not shown), an OSD processing unit (340), a frame rate conversion unit (350), and a formatter (360).

[0090] The video decoder (325) decodes the demultiplexed video signal, and the scaler (335) scales the resolution of the decoded video signal so that it can be output on the display (180).

[0091] The video decoder (325) can be equipped with decoders of various standards. For example, it can be equipped with an MPEG-2, H.264 decoder, a 3D video decoder for color images and depth images, a decoder for multi-view images, etc.

[0092] The scaler (335) can scale an input video signal that has been decoded by a video decoder (325), etc.

[0093] For example, the scaler (335) can upscale when the size or resolution of the input image signal is small, and downscale when the size or resolution of the input image signal is large.

[0094] The image quality processing unit (635) can perform image quality processing on an input image signal for which image decoding has been completed in the image decoder (325), etc.

[0095] For example, the image quality processing unit (635) may perform noise removal processing of an input image signal, expand the resolution of the gradation of an input image signal, perform image resolution enhancement, perform signal processing based on high dynamic range (HDR), vary the frame rate, or perform image quality processing corresponding to panel characteristics, particularly organic light-emitting panels.

[0096] The OSD processing unit (340) generates an OSD signal based on user input or on its own. For example, based on a user input signal, a signal for displaying various information in the form of graphics or text on the screen of the display (180) may be generated. The generated OSD signal may include various data such as the user interface screen of the image display device (100), various menu screens, widgets, and icons. In addition, the generated OSD signal may include a 2D object or a 3D object.

[0097] In addition, the OSD processing unit (340) can generate a pointer that can be displayed on the display based on a pointing signal input from the remote control device (200). In particular, such a pointer can be generated from a pointing signal processing device, and the OSD processing unit (240) can include such a pointing signal processing device (not shown). Of course, it is also possible for the pointing signal processing device (not shown) to be provided separately rather than being included within the OSD processing unit (240).

[0098] The frame rate converter (FRC) (350) can convert the frame rate of an input video. Meanwhile, the frame rate converter (350) can also output the video as is without a separate frame rate conversion.

[0099] Meanwhile, the formatter (360) can change the format of an input video signal into a video signal for display on a display and output it.

[0100] In particular, the formatter (360) can change the format of the video signal to correspond to the display panel.

[0101] Meanwhile, the formatter (360) can also change the format of the video signal. For example, the format of the 3D video signal can be changed to any one of various 3D formats, such as a side-by-side format, a top-down format, a frame sequential format, an interlaced format, and a checker box format.

[0102] The processor (330) can control the overall operation within the image display device (100) or the signal processing device (170).

[0103] For example, the processor (330) can control the tuner (110) to select (tune) an RF broadcast corresponding to a channel selected by the user or a pre-stored channel.

[0104] In addition, the processor (330) can control the image display device (100) by a user command or internal program input through the user input interface unit (150).

[0105] Additionally, the processor (330) can perform data transmission control with the network interface unit (135) or the external device interface unit (130).

[0106] Additionally, the processor (330) can control the operation of the demultiplexing unit (310), the image processing unit (320), etc., within the signal processing device (170).

[0107] Meanwhile, the audio processing unit (370) within the signal processing device (170) can perform audio processing of the demultiplexed audio signal. For this purpose, the audio processing unit (370) can be equipped with various decoders.

[0108] Additionally, the audio processing unit (370) within the signal processing device (170) can process bass, treble, volume control, etc.

[0109] A data processing unit (not shown) within a signal processing device (170) can perform data processing on a demultiplexed data signal. For example, if the demultiplexed data signal is an encoded data signal, it can be decoded. The encoded data signal may be electronic program guide information (EPG) information that includes broadcast information such as the start time and end time of a broadcast program broadcast on each channel.

[0110] Meanwhile, the block diagram of the signal processing device (170) illustrated in FIG. 3 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the present disclosure. Each component of the block diagram may be integrated, added, or omitted depending on the specifications of the signal processing device (170) actually implemented.

[0111] In particular, the frame rate conversion unit (350) and formatter (360) may be provided separately from the image processing unit (320).

[0112] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of an image output device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] In a method for controlling an image output device according to one embodiment of the present invention, a step is performed in which sound is set to be output through an external speaker (S410).

[0114] The signal processing device (170) can be wirelessly connected to an external speaker through an external device interface unit based on a user request.

[0115] In this case, the signal processing device (170) can be set so that the sound of the image output from the display (180) of the image output device is output through an external speaker (400).

[0116] In this case, the signal processing device (170) can perform a task of synchronizing with an external speaker (400), and can synchronize the image and sound by delaying the time at which the image is output from the display (170) by the same amount of delay time as the sound output from the external speaker (400).

[0117] The above external speaker may be a Bluetooth speaker connected via Bluetooth through a wireless communication unit included in the external device interface unit.

[0118] The state in which sound is set to be output through the external speaker may be a state in which sound of a video output from the video output device is connected via Bluetooth so that sound is output through the external speaker rather than the audio output unit.

[0119] Thereafter, in a method for controlling an image output device according to an embodiment of the present invention, a step is performed in which a user request is received to output sound together through an external speaker and an audio output unit while sound is set to be output through an external speaker (S420).

[0120] Specifically, the signal processing device (170) may receive a user request to output sound simultaneously through the external speaker and the audio output unit when the sound is set to be output through the external speaker. Such a request may be received, for example, through a remote control device (200) (or remote control, mobile terminal, etc.).

[0121] Thereafter, a method for controlling an image output device according to an embodiment of the present invention can transmit information about the external speaker to the server (500) based on the user request (S430) and receive audio delay information related to the external speaker from the server (S440).

[0122] The signal processing device (170) may, based on the user request, transmit information about the external speaker to the server through the network interface unit and request audio delay information linked to the external speaker from the server.

[0123] The information about the external speaker may include at least one of the device name of the external speaker and the MAC address information of the device.

[0124] Thereafter, a control method of an image output device according to an embodiment of the present invention can perform synchronization of sound output of the external speaker and the audio output unit based on the received audio delay information (S450).

[0125] When the signal processing device (170) receives audio delay information related to the external speaker from the server, it can adjust the sound output time of the audio output unit based on the delay time of the audio delay information.

[0126] Here, when performing synchronization for sound output of the audio output unit based on the audio delay information, the signal processing device (170) can perform synchronization for sound output of the audio output unit without terminating the connection with the external speaker.

[0127] In addition, when the signal processing device (170) performs synchronization of the sound output of the external speaker and the audio output unit based on the audio delay information, the signal processing device (170) can adjust the image output time of the image output from the display and the sound output time output from the audio output unit based on the delay time of the audio delay information.

[0128] That is, the signal processing device (170) can adjust the synchronization of the video output time and sound output time output from the display (180) and audio output unit (185) to match the delay time to the external speaker, so as to match the output delay time of the external speaker. In other words, the synchronization standard may be the delay time of the external speaker.

[0129] Figures 5 and 6 are flowcharts for explaining the control method discussed in Figure 3 in more detail.

[0130] Figure 5 is a flowchart for a case where information about external speakers does not exist in the server.

[0131] The video display device (100) and the external speaker (400) (hereinafter referred to as a Bluetooth device output speaker) can be connected to output sound through a wireless communication unit (S502).

[0132] Here, based on a user request, the sound output mode can be changed from a first mode in which sound is output through a Bluetooth device output speaker to a second mode in which sound is output through both the Bluetooth device output speaker and the audio output section of the video output device (hereinafter referred to as a TV speaker) (S504).

[0133] In this case, the video display device (100) can transmit speaker information (i.e., Bluetooth device output speaker information) connected to the server (500) (S506).

[0134] The server (500) can retrieve information based on the received speaker information (S508), and if there is no device connected to the server, it can notify the video display device (100) that no information has been retrieved (S510).

[0135] If the signal processing device (170) does not receive audio delay information for an external speaker (Bluetooth device output speaker) from the server, it can disconnect the connection with the external speaker (Bluetooth device output speaker) (S512) and measure the delay time for the audio output time of the external speaker (Bluetooth device output speaker) (S514).

[0136] Thereafter, the signal processing device (170) can synchronize the sync of the Bluetooth device output speaker and the TV speaker based on the measured delay time and enter the second mode (S516).

[0137] That is, the signal processing device sets the sound output time of the audio output unit so that sound is output together through the external speaker (Bluetooth device output speaker) and the audio output unit (TV speaker) based on the measured delay time, and reconnects to the external speaker so that sound is output together through the external speaker and the audio output unit (S516).

[0138] Thereafter, the signal processing device (170) can transmit information about the external speaker and the measured delay time information (Audio delay value) to the server (500) (S520) when sound is output together through the external speaker (Bluetooth device output speaker) and the audio output unit (TV speaker) without additional setting changes for a predetermined period of time (S518).

[0139] Figure 6 is a flowchart when information about an external speaker exists in the server.

[0140] Steps S602, S604, S606 and S608 can be analogically applied to the contents of S502, S504, S506 and S508 described above.

[0141] Thereafter, the server (500) can transmit delay time information linked to an external speaker (Bluetooth device output speaker) connected to the video display device to the video display device (100) (S610).

[0142] When the video display device (100) performs synchronization for the sound output of the audio output unit (TV speaker) based on the delay information, the video display device (100) can perform synchronization for the sound output of the audio output unit without terminating the connection with the external speaker.

[0143] As explained above, synchronization can be understood as a task of aligning the sync, and can mean a task of matching the output time of the image and sound output from the display and audio output section of the image display device based on the sound output time (or delay time) of the external speaker.

[0144] According to the present invention, it is possible to output sound together with an audio output section of an external speaker and a video output device.

[0145] The present invention can perform synchronization of sound output of an external speaker and an audio output unit of a video output device without performing a separate sound synchronization process when outputting sound together with an external speaker and an audio output unit of a video output device.

[0146] The present invention can omit the process of disconnecting a previously connected external speaker and performing synchronization when outputting together with an audio output section of an external speaker and a video output device, thereby shortening the time for changing the sound output mode and simplifying the changing process.

[0147] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications may be made by a person skilled in the art to which the invention pertains without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the claims. Furthermore, such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or prospect of the present invention.

Claims

1. Display; Network interface section that exchanges data with the server; External device interface unit that connects wirelessly to external speakers; audio output; and It includes a signal processing device that controls the sound output of the external speaker and the audio output unit, The above signal processing device, In a state where sound is set to be output through the external speaker, a user request is received to output sound together through the external speaker and the audio output unit, Based on the user request, information about the external speaker is transmitted to the server, and audio delay information related to the external speaker is received from the server. An image output device characterized in that it performs synchronization of sound output of the external speaker and the audio output unit based on the received audio delay information.

2. In paragraph 1, A video output device characterized in that the external speaker is a Bluetooth speaker connected via Bluetooth through a wireless communication unit included in the external device interface unit.

3. In paragraph 1, When the sound is set to be output through the above external speaker, A video output device characterized in that the sound of the video output from the video output device is connected via Bluetooth so that it is output through the external speaker rather than the audio output unit.

4. In paragraph 1, The above signal processing device, An image output device characterized in that, based on the user request, information about the external speaker is transmitted to the server through the network interface unit, and audio delay information linked to the external speaker is requested from the server.

5. In paragraph 1, A video output device characterized in that the information about the external speaker includes at least one of the device name of the external speaker and the MAC address information of the device.

6. In paragraph 1, The above signal processing device, An image output device characterized in that, when receiving audio delay information related to the external speaker from the server, the sound output time of the audio output unit is adjusted based on the delay time of the audio delay information.

7. In paragraph 1, The above signal processing device, An image output device characterized in that, when performing synchronization of sound output of the audio output unit based on the audio delay information, synchronization of sound output of the audio output unit is performed without terminating the connection with the external speaker.

8. In paragraph 1, The above signal processing device, An image output device characterized in that, when performing synchronization of sound output of the external speaker and the audio output unit based on the audio delay information, the image output time of the image output from the display and the sound output time output from the audio output unit are adjusted based on the delay time of the audio delay information.

9. In paragraph 1, The above signal processing device, An image output device characterized in that, when audio delay information for the external speaker is not received from the server, the connection with the external speaker is disconnected and the delay time for the audio output time of the external speaker is measured.

10. In paragraph 9, The above signal processing device, Based on the measured delay time, the sound output time of the audio output is set so that sound is output together through the external speaker and the audio output, A video output device characterized in that it reconnects to the external speaker and outputs sound together through the external speaker and the audio output unit.

11. In paragraph 10, The above signal processing device, A video output device characterized in that when sound is output together through the external speaker and the audio output unit without additional setting changes for a predetermined period of time, information about the external speaker and the measured delay time information are transmitted to the server.

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