Display device and operating method therefor

Abstract

A display device and an operating method therefor are disclosed. The display device according to at least one of various embodiments of the present disclosure comprises: a memory; and a processor for controlling the output of a second audio output device requested to be connected, if a request for the connection of the second audio output device is received, while a first audio output device is connected, wherein the processor can determine an output control method of the second audio output device according to whether the second audio output device is the same model as the first audio output device.

Description

Display device and method of operation thereof

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display device and a method of operating the same.

[0002] The functions of recent terminals are becoming more diverse, including data and voice communication, taking pictures and videos through a camera, voice recording, playing music files through a speaker system, and outputting images or videos to a display.

[0003] Some terminals have added electronic game play capabilities or perform multimedia player functions.

[0004] As terminals become more diverse in their functions, they are being implemented in the form of multimedia players with complex functions such as taking photos or videos, playing music or video files, playing games, and receiving broadcasts.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a display device and an operating method thereof that can appropriately control audio output even when at least one audio output device is additionally connected to the display device while one audio output device is already connected.

[0006] A display device according to at least one of various embodiments of the present disclosure comprises: a memory; and a processor that controls output of a second audio output device to which a connection request has been made when a connection request for a second audio output device is received while a first audio output device is connected, wherein the processor can determine an output control method of the second audio output device depending on whether the second audio output device is the same model as the first audio output device.

[0007] According to at least one of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor may set a volume value of the second audio output device to the same value as a volume value of the first audio output device when the second audio output device is the same model as the first audio output device.

[0008] According to at least one of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor can control the PCM gain to be maintained despite the connection of the second audio output device.

[0009] According to at least one of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor may determine one of a volume value control method or a PCM gain control method of the second audio output device when the second audio output device is not the same model as the first audio output device.

[0010] According to at least one of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, if the second audio output device is not the same model as the first audio output device, the processor can read a volume value corresponding to a volume value of the first audio output device from a volume table pre-stored in the memory and set it as the volume value of the second audio output device.

[0011] According to at least one of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, when the second audio output device is not the same model as the first audio output device, the processor may set a volume value of the second audio output device to be the same or similar to a volume value of the first audio output device.

[0012] According to at least one of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor can change and control the PCM gain when only the first audio output device is connected so that a volume value equal to or similar to a volume value of the first audio output device is set in the second audio output device.

[0013] A method of operating a display device according to at least one of various embodiments of the present disclosure may include: connecting to a first audio output device; controlling output of the first audio output device; receiving a connection request from the second audio output device; and determining an output control method of the second audio output device based on whether the second audio output device to which the connection request has been made is the same model as the first audio output device that has already been connected.

[0014] According to at least one of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, when the second audio output device is the same model as the first audio output device, the volume value of the second audio output device may be set to the same value as the volume value of the first audio output device.

[0015] According to at least one of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the PCM gain can be controlled to be maintained despite the connection of the second audio output device.

[0016] According to at least one of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, when the second audio output device is not the same model as the first audio output device, the output control method may be determined by one of the volume value control method or the PCM gain control method of the second audio output device.

[0017] According to at least one of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, if the second audio output device is not the same model as the first audio output device, a volume value corresponding to the volume value of the first audio output device may be read from a pre-stored volume table and set as the volume value of the second audio output device.

[0018] According to at least one of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, if the second audio output device is not the same model as the first audio output device, a volume value that is the same as or similar to a volume value of the first audio output device may be set as the volume value of the second audio output device.

[0019] According to at least one of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the PCM gain when only the first audio output device is connected can be changed and controlled so that a volume value identical to or similar to that of the first audio output device is set for the second audio output device.

[0020] According to at least one of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, even if at least one audio output device is additionally connected to a display device while one audio output device is already connected, the audio output can be appropriately controlled to minimize user inconvenience, thereby improving user satisfaction.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Fig. 3 shows an example of an actual configuration of a remote control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 4 shows an example of utilizing a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining the horizontal mode and vertical mode of a stand-type display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an audio processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figures 7 to 9 are drawings illustrating a method for controlling the volume of an audio output device.

[0028] FIGS. 10 to 12 are drawings illustrating an operation method of a display device connected to audio output devices according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 13 is a graph illustrating a method for controlling the device volume of an audio output device in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating operations between audio output devices and display devices according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments related to the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. The suffixes "module" and "part" used in the following description for components are assigned or used interchangeably solely for the convenience of writing the specification, and do not in themselves have distinct meanings or roles.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 1, the display device (100) may include a broadcast receiving unit (130), an external device interface unit (135), a storage unit (140), a user input interface unit (150), a control unit (170), a wireless communication unit (173), a voice acquisition unit (175), a display unit (180), an audio output unit (185), and a power supply unit (190).

[0034] The broadcast receiving unit (130) may include a tuner (131), a demodulation unit (132), and a network interface unit (133).

[0035] The tuner (131) can select a specific broadcast channel according to a channel selection command. The tuner (131) can receive a broadcast signal for the selected specific broadcast channel.

[0036] The demodulator (132) can separate the received broadcast signal into a video signal, an audio signal, and a data signal related to the broadcast program, and can restore the separated video signal, audio signal, and data signal into a form that can be output.

[0037] The network interface unit (133) may provide an interface for connecting the display device (100) to a wired / wireless network including the Internet. The network interface unit (133) may transmit or receive data to or from other users or other electronic devices via the connected network or another network linked to the connected network.

[0038] The network interface unit (133) can access a predetermined web page through a connected network or another network linked to the connected network. In other words, it can access a predetermined web page through a network and transmit or receive data with the corresponding server.

[0039] In addition, the network interface unit (133) can receive content or data provided by a content provider or network operator. That is, the network interface unit (133) can receive content such as movies, advertisements, games, VOD (Video on Demand), broadcast signals, etc., and information related thereto provided from a content provider or network provider via a network.

[0040] Additionally, the network interface unit (133) can receive firmware update information and update files provided by the network operator, and transmit data to the Internet or content provider or network operator.

[0041] The network interface unit (133) can select and receive a desired application from among applications open to the public via a network.

[0042] The external device interface unit (135) can receive an application or a list of applications in an adjacent external device and transmit it to the control unit (170) or storage unit (140).

[0043] The external device interface unit (135) can provide a connection path between the display device (100) and the external device. The external device interface unit (135) can receive one or more of images and audio output from an external device connected wirelessly or wiredly to the display device (100) and transmit them to the control unit (170). The external device interface unit (135) can include a plurality of external input terminals. The plurality of external input terminals can include an RGB terminal, one or more HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) terminals, and a component terminal.

[0044] The voice signal of an external device input through the external device interface unit (135) can be output through the display unit (180). The voice signal of an external device input through the external device interface unit (135) can be output through the audio output unit (185).

[0045] An external device that can be connected to the external device interface unit (135) may be any one of a set-top box, a Blu-ray player, a DVD player, a game console, a sound bar, a smartphone, a PC, a USB memory, and a home theater, but this is only an example.

[0046] Additionally, some content data stored in the display device (100) can be transmitted to a selected user or electronic device among other users or other electronic devices pre-registered in the display device (100).

[0047] The storage unit (140) stores programs for each signal processing and control within the control unit (170), and can store signal-processed images, voices, or data signals.

[0048] In addition, the storage unit (140) may perform a function for temporary storage of video, audio, or data signals input from an external device interface unit (135) or a network interface unit (133), and may also store information about a specific image through a channel memory function.

[0049] The storage unit (140) can store an application or a list of applications input from the external device interface unit (135) or the network interface unit (133).

[0050] The display device (100) can play content files (video files, still image files, music files, document files, application files, etc.) stored in the storage unit (140) and provide them to the user.

[0051] The user input interface unit (150) can transmit a signal input by a user to the control unit (170), or transmit a signal from the control unit (170) to the user. For example, the user input interface unit (150) can receive and process control signals such as power on / off, channel selection, and screen setting from the remote control device (200) according to various communication methods such as Bluetooth, Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, Radio Frequency (RF) communication, or infrared (IR) communication, or process the control signals from the control unit (170) to be transmitted to the remote control device (200).

[0052] In addition, the user input interface unit (150) can transmit control signals input from local keys (not shown) such as a power key, channel key, volume key, and setting value to the control unit (170).

[0053] An image signal processed by the control unit (170) can be input to the display unit (180) and displayed as an image corresponding to the image signal. In addition, an image signal processed by the control unit (170) can be input to an external output device through the external device interface unit (135).

[0054] The voice signal processed in the control unit (170) can be output as audio to the audio output unit (185). In addition, the voice signal processed in the control unit (170) can be input to an external output device through the external device interface unit (135).

[0055] In addition, the control unit (170) can control the overall operation within the display device (100).

[0056] In addition, the control unit (170) can control the display device (100) by a user command or internal program input through the user input interface unit (150), and can connect to a network to enable the user to download a desired application or application list into the display device (100).

[0057] The control unit (170) enables the channel information selected by the user to be output through the display unit (180) or audio output unit (185) together with the processed video or audio signal.

[0058] In addition, the control unit (170) allows a video signal or audio signal from an external device, for example, a camera or camcorder, input through the external device interface unit (135) to be output through the display unit (180) or audio output unit (185) in accordance with an external device video playback command received through the user input interface unit (150).

[0059] Meanwhile, the control unit (170) can control the display unit (180) to display an image, and for example, can control the display unit (180) to display a broadcast image input through the tuner (131), an external input image input through the external device interface unit (135), an image input through the network interface unit, or an image stored in the storage unit (140). In this case, the image displayed on the display unit (180) can be a still image or a moving image, and can be a 2D image or a 3D image.

[0060] In addition, the control unit (170) can control the playback of content stored in the display device (100), received broadcast content, or external input content input from outside, and the content can be in various forms such as broadcast video, external input video, audio file, still image, connected web screen, and document file.

[0061] The wireless communication unit (173) can communicate with an external device through wired or wireless communication. The wireless communication unit (173) can perform short-range communication with the external device. To this end, the wireless communication unit (173) can support short-range communication using at least one of Bluetooth™, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), UWB (Ultra Wideband), ZigBee, NFC (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus) technologies. This wireless communication unit (173) can support wireless communication between the display device (100) and a wireless communication system, between the display device (100) and another display device (100), or between the display device (100) and a network where the display device (100, or an external server) is located via a short-range wireless communication network (Wireless Area Network). The short-range wireless communication network may be a short-range wireless personal area network (Wireless Personal Area Network).

[0062] Here, the other display device (100) may be a wearable device (e.g., a smart watch, smart glasses, a head mounted display (HMD), a mobile terminal such as a smart phone) that can exchange data with the display device (100) according to the present disclosure (or can be linked). The wireless communication unit (173) may detect (or recognize) a wearable device capable of communication around the display device (100). Furthermore, if the detected wearable device is an authenticated device to communicate with the display device (100) according to the present disclosure, the control unit (170) may transmit at least a part of the data processed in the display device (100) to the wearable device through the wireless communication unit (173). Accordingly, a user of the wearable device may use the data processed in the display device (100) through the wearable device.

[0063] The voice acquisition unit (175) can acquire audio. The voice acquisition unit (175) can include at least one microphone (not shown) and can acquire audio around the display device (100) through the microphone (not shown).

[0064] The display unit (180) can generate a driving signal by converting a video signal, data signal, OSD signal processed by the control unit (170) or a video signal, data signal, etc. received from the external device interface unit (135) into R, G, B signals, respectively.

[0065] Meanwhile, since the display device (100) illustrated in FIG. 1 is merely an example of the present disclosure, some of the illustrated components may be integrated, added, or omitted depending on the specifications of the display device (100) actually implemented.

[0066] That is, two or more components may be combined into a single component, or a single component may be subdivided into two or more components, as needed. Furthermore, the functions performed by each block are intended to illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure, and their specific operations or devices do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0067] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the display device (100) may receive and play back an image through a network interface unit (133) or an external device interface unit (135) without having a tuner (131) and a demodulator (132), unlike as shown in FIG. 1.

[0068] For example, the display device (100) may be implemented separately as an image processing device, such as a set-top box, for receiving broadcast signals or contents according to various network services, and a content playback device for playing contents input from the image processing device.

[0069] In this case, the method of operating the display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure to be described below may be performed by any one of the display device (100) described with reference to FIG. 1, as well as an image processing device such as a separate set-top box, or a content playback device having a display unit (180) and an audio output unit (185).

[0070] The audio output unit (185) receives a signal processed by the control unit (170) and outputs it as voice.

[0071] The power supply unit (190) supplies power to the entire display device (100). In particular, it can supply power to a control unit (170) that can be implemented in the form of a system on chip (SOC), a display unit (180) for displaying images, and an audio output unit (185) for outputting audio.

[0072] 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.

[0073] Next, a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0074] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 3 shows an example of an actual configuration of a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0075] First, referring to FIG. 2, the remote control device (200) may include a fingerprint recognition unit (210), a wireless communication unit (220), a user input unit (230), a sensor unit (240), an output unit (250), a power supply unit (260), a storage unit (270), a control unit (280), and a voice acquisition unit (290).

[0076] Referring to FIG. 2, the wireless communication unit (220) transmits and receives signals with any one of the display devices according to the embodiments of the present disclosure described above.

[0077] The remote control device (200) may be equipped with an RF module (221) capable of transmitting and receiving signals with the display device (100) according to RF communication standards, and may be equipped with an IR module (223) capable of transmitting and receiving signals with the display device (100) according to IR communication standards. In addition, the remote control device (200) may be equipped with a Bluetooth module (225) capable of transmitting and receiving signals with the display device (100) according to Bluetooth communication standards. In addition, the remote control device (200) may be equipped with an NFC module (227) capable of transmitting and receiving signals with the display device (100) according to NFC (Near Field Communication) communication standards, and may be equipped with a WLAN module (229) capable of transmitting and receiving signals with the display device (100) according to WLAN (Wireless LAN) communication standards.

[0078] Additionally, the remote control device (200) transmits a signal containing information about the movement of the remote control device (200) to the display device (100) through the wireless communication unit (220).

[0079] Meanwhile, the remote control device (200) can receive a signal transmitted by the display device (100) through the RF module (221), and, if necessary, can transmit commands for turning the power on / off, changing the channel, changing the volume, etc. to the display device (100) through the IR module (223).

[0080] The user input unit (230) may be configured as a keypad, buttons, a touch pad, or a touch screen. The user can input commands related to the display device (100) to the remote control device (200) by operating the user input unit (230). If the user input unit (230) is equipped with a hard key button, the user can input commands related to the display device (100) to the remote control device (200) by pushing the hard key button. This will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 3, the remote control device (200) may include a plurality of buttons. The plurality of buttons may include a fingerprint recognition button (212), a power button (231), a home button (232), a live button (233), an external input button (234), a volume control button (235), a voice recognition button (236), a channel change button (237), a confirmation button (238), and a back button (239).

[0082] The fingerprint recognition button (212) may be a button for recognizing a user's fingerprint. In one embodiment, the fingerprint recognition button (212) may be capable of a push operation, and thus may receive a push operation and a fingerprint recognition operation. The power button (231) may be a button for turning the display device (100) on / off. The home button (232) may be a button for moving to the home screen of the display device (100). The live button (233) may be a button for displaying a real-time broadcast program. The external input button (234) may be a button for receiving an external input connected to the display device (100). The volume control button (235) may be a button for adjusting the volume output by the display device (100). The voice recognition button (236) may be a button for receiving a user's voice and recognizing the received voice. The channel change button (237) may be a button for receiving a broadcast signal of a specific broadcast channel. The confirmation button (238) may be a button for selecting a specific function, and the back button (239) may be a button for returning to the previous screen.

[0083] Let's explain Figure 2 again.

[0084] When the user input unit (230) is equipped with a touch screen, the user can input commands related to the display device (100) using the remote control device (200) by touching the soft keys of the touch screen. In addition, the user input unit (230) may be equipped with various types of input devices that can be operated by the user, such as a scroll key or a jog key, and the present embodiment does not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0085] The sensor unit (240) may be equipped with a gyro sensor (241) or an acceleration sensor (243), and the gyro sensor (241) may sense information about the movement of the remote control device (200).

[0086] For example, the gyro sensor (241) can sense information about the operation of the remote control device (200) based on the x, y, and z axes, and the acceleration sensor (243) can sense information about the movement speed of the remote control device (200). Meanwhile, the remote control device (200) can further include a distance measuring sensor, so as to sense the distance to the display unit (180) of the display device (100).

[0087] The output unit (250) can output a video or audio signal corresponding to the operation of the user input unit (230) or to a signal transmitted from the display device (100). Through the output unit (250), the user can recognize whether the user input unit (230) is being operated or whether the display device (100) is being controlled.

[0088] For example, the output unit (250) may be equipped with an LED module (251) that lights up when the user input unit (230) is operated or a signal is transmitted and received with the display device (100) through the wireless communication unit (220), a vibration module (253) that generates vibration, a sound output module (255) that outputs sound, or a display module (257) that outputs an image.

[0089] In addition, the power supply unit (260) supplies power to the remote control device (200), and can reduce power waste by stopping the power supply when the remote control device (200) is not moved for a predetermined period of time. The power supply unit (260) can resume the power supply when a predetermined key provided in the remote control device (200) is operated.

[0090] The storage unit (270) can store various types of programs, application data, etc. required for the control or operation of the remote control device (200). If the remote control device (200) wirelessly transmits and receives signals through the display device (100) and the RF module (221), the remote control device (200) and the display device (100) transmit and receive signals through a predetermined frequency band.

[0091] The control unit (280) of the remote control device (200) can store and reference information regarding the frequency band, etc., that can wirelessly transmit and receive signals with the display device (100) paired with the remote control device (200), in the storage unit (270).

[0092] The control unit (280) controls all matters related to the control of the remote control device (200). The control unit (280) can transmit a signal corresponding to a predetermined key operation of the user input unit (230) or a signal corresponding to the movement of the remote control device (200) sensed by the sensor unit (240) to the display device (100) via the wireless communication unit (220).

[0093] Additionally, the voice acquisition unit (290) of the remote control device (200) can acquire voice.

[0094] The voice acquisition unit (290) may include at least one microphone (291) and may acquire voice through the microphone (291).

[0095] Next, Figure 4 is described.

[0096] FIG. 4 shows an example of utilizing a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0097] Figure 4 (a) illustrates that a pointer (205) corresponding to a remote control device (200) is displayed on a display unit (180).

[0098] The user can move or rotate the remote control device (200) up and down, left and right.

[0099] The pointer (205) displayed on the display unit (180) of the display device (100) corresponds to the movement of the remote control device (200). As shown in the drawing, the pointer (205) moves and is displayed according to the movement in 3D space, so the remote control device (200) can be called a space remote control.

[0100] Figure 4 (b) illustrates that when a user moves the remote control device (200) to the left, the pointer (205) displayed on the display unit (180) of the display device (100) also moves to the left in response.

[0101] Information about the movement of the remote control device (200) detected by the sensor of the remote control device (200) is transmitted to the display device (100). The display device (100) can calculate the coordinates of the pointer (205) from the information about the movement of the remote control device (200). The display device (100) can display the pointer (205) to correspond to the calculated coordinates.

[0102] Figure 4 (c) illustrates a case where a user moves the remote control device (200) away from the display unit (180) while pressing a specific button within the remote control device (200). As a result, a selection area within the display unit (180) corresponding to the pointer (205) can be zoomed in and displayed in an enlarged manner.

[0103] Conversely, when the user moves the remote control device (200) closer to the display unit (180), the selection area within the display unit (180) corresponding to the pointer (205) may be zoomed out and displayed in a reduced size.

[0104] Meanwhile, when the remote control device (200) moves away from the display unit (180), the selection area may be zoomed out, and when the remote control device (200) moves closer to the display unit (180), the selection area may be zoomed in.

[0105] In addition, when a specific button within the remote control device (200) is pressed, recognition of up, down, left, and right movements may be excluded. That is, when the remote control device (200) moves away from or toward the display unit (180), up, down, left, and right movements may not be recognized, and only forward and backward movements may be recognized. When a specific button within the remote control device (200) is not pressed, only the pointer (205) moves in accordance with the up, down, left, and right movements of the remote control device (200).

[0106] Meanwhile, the movement speed or movement direction of the pointer (205) can correspond to the movement speed or movement direction of the remote control device (200).

[0107] Meanwhile, the pointer in this specification refers to an object displayed on the display unit (180) in response to the operation of the remote control device (200). Therefore, objects of various shapes other than the arrow shape illustrated in the drawing can be used as the pointer (205). For example, the pointer may be a concept including a point, a cursor, a prompt, a thick outline, etc. In addition, the pointer (205) may be displayed corresponding to one point on the horizontal or vertical axis on the display unit (180), or may be displayed corresponding to multiple points such as lines or surfaces.

[0108] FIG. 5 (a) and FIG. 5 (b) are drawings for explaining the horizontal mode and vertical mode of a stand-type display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0109] Referring to (a) and (b) of FIG. 5, a stand-type display device (100) is illustrated.

[0110] A shaft (103) and a stand base (105) can be connected to the display device (100).

[0111] The shaft (103) can connect the display device (100) and the stand base (105). The shaft (103) can extend vertically.

[0112] The lower end of the shaft (103) can be connected to the edge of the stand base (105).

[0113] The lower end of the shaft (103) can be rotatably connected to the periphery of the stand base (105).

[0114] The display device (100) and shaft (103) can rotate around a vertical axis with respect to the stand base (105).

[0115] The upper part of the shaft (103) can be connected to the rear of the display device (100).

[0116] The stand base (105) can serve to support the display device (100).

[0117] The display device (100) may be configured to include a shaft (103) and a stand base (105).

[0118] The display device (100) can rotate around the point where the upper part of the shaft (103) and the rear part of the display (180) meet.

[0119] Figure 5 (a) shows that the display (180) operates in a landscape mode in which the horizontal length is greater than the vertical length, and Figure 5 (b) shows that the display (180) operates in a landscape mode in which the vertical length is greater than the horizontal length.

[0120] The user can move the stand-type display device (100). That is, unlike a fixed device, the stand-type display device (100) has improved mobility, so the user is not restricted by the placement location.

[0121] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an audio processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 6, the audio processing system may include a display device (100) and m audio output devices (601 to m) (where m is a natural number).

[0123] m audio output devices (601 to m) can be directly paired and connected to the display device (100).

[0124] Meanwhile, at least one of the m audio output devices (601 to m) may be paired and connected to the display device (100) via the server (300).

[0125] Pairing and connection between the display device (100) and the audio output device (601 to m) may be performed through, for example, BLE among the aforementioned communication methods, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0126] Although not shown, the audio processing system may further include a remote control device (200) as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 linked to the display device (100), a dedicated remote control device (not shown) for each audio output device, etc.

[0127] The display device (100) can provide an image (e.g., content, application execution screen, etc.) through a screen and provide audio for the image through at least one of the m audio output devices (601 to m) described above.

[0128] Audio has typically been provided through audio output devices (e.g., speakers) built into the display device (100), but recently, the use of external audio output devices, such as speakers and headsets that can be connected to the display device (100), has been rapidly increasing. As such, interest in audio has rapidly increased, and attempts have been made to enjoy high-quality sound, leading to an increase in demand for audio output devices, and various models of audio are being used.

[0129] The present disclosure relates in particular to a display device (100) and an operating method thereof that responds to an additional connection request of another audio output device in a situation where at least one audio output device is connected to the display device (100) and is already in use.

[0130] For the sake of convenience, the following description will illustrate only two audio output devices as examples, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. As described above, m audio output devices may be connected to the display device (100). In this case, it is preferable that the m audio output devices belong to the same network as the display device (100), for example.

[0131] The operation of the display device (100) according to the present disclosure may be determined or changed, for example, depending on the model (or type or kind) of the audio output device for which additional connection is requested.

[0132] In other words, the display device (100) according to the present disclosure may have different operation methods when the audio output device (hereinafter, “first audio output device”) already connected to the display device (100) and the audio output device (hereinafter, “second audio output device”) that has additionally requested connection to the display device (100) are the same model and when they are different models.

[0133] First, an example of an operation for controlling the volume of an audio output device in a display device (100) is described as follows.

[0134] Figures 7 to 9 are drawings illustrating a method for controlling the volume of an audio output device.

[0135] Here, the method of controlling the volume of the audio output device (710) may refer to, for example, controlling the volume of the audio output device (710) in the display device (100).

[0136] These volume control methods may include a method of adjusting the size of PCM (Pulse-Code Modulation) as shown in (a) of Fig. 7 and a method of controlling the volume of the device itself as shown in (b) of Fig. 7.

[0137] Referring to (a) of FIG. 7, the display device (100) can adjust the PCM gain according to the volume value and transmit the PCM signal to the audio output device (710). Accordingly, the volume of the audio output device (710), i.e., the sound volume, can be adjusted.

[0138] Referring to (b) of Fig. 7, the display device (100) can control the volume by transmitting a command corresponding to the volume value to be controlled as a PCM signal to the audio output device (710). At this time, the user can also directly control the volume through a button provided on the audio output device (710).

[0139] Meanwhile, in the case of (b) of Fig. 7, unlike (a) of Fig. 7, the PCM gain may not be adjusted (i.e., fixed).

[0140] Additionally, the command in (b) of Fig. 7 may be, for example, an AVRCP (Advanced Audio / Video Remote Control Profile) command, but is not limited thereto.

[0141] In (a) of Fig. 8, a volume control method is shown when only one audio output device is connected to the display device (100), and in (b) of Fig. 8, a volume control method is shown when two audio output devices are connected to the display device (100).

[0142] Referring to (a) of Fig. 8, when a user requests a volume change to the display device (100) through a remote control device (200), the display device (100) can request a volume change to the connected audio output device (710).

[0143] At this time, signals can be transmitted and received between the display device (100) and the remote control device (200) via IR or RF. On the other hand, the aforementioned AVRCP method can be referred to between the display device (100) and the audio output device (710).

[0144] Referring to (b) of FIG. 8, when a user requests a volume change to the display device (100) via a remote control device (200), the display device (100) can request a volume change to the connected audio output devices (710, 720). At this time, the volume change request from the display device (100) may be, for example, a method in which the display device (100) changes the size of audio data and transmits it.

[0145] Referring to (a) of FIG. 9, only one audio output device (headset A) is connected to the display device (100), and an audio output device (headset B) can be additionally connected to the display device (100).

[0146] In cases where only one audio output device (headset A) was originally connected to the display device (100), the device volume can be changed using AVRCP when a volume change request is made. In this case, the PCM gain can be, for example, 100.

[0147] However, if an additional audio output device (headset B) is connected to the display device (100) and a volume change request is made, the volume size of each audio output device (710, 720) may change.

[0148] For example, the first audio output device (headset A) originally had a volume of 30 and a PCM gain of 100, but as the second audio output device (headset B) is additionally connected to the display device (100), the volume may be set to 75 (default) and the PCM may be set to 10 (default).

[0149] In other words, the first audio output device (headset A) is already connected to the display device (100) and has its volume set, but its volume setting may be changed simply by the second audio output device (headset B) being additionally connected to the display device (100). This may ultimately cause inconvenience to the user of the first audio output device (headset A) due to an unwanted change in volume. Similarly, the second audio output device (headset B) may also be changed to a default setting value regardless of its own setting value.

[0150] A situation like this can occur, for example, when an audio output device (headset B) additionally connected to a display device (100) is in a predetermined relationship with an audio output device (headset A) already connected, as in (a) of FIG. 9. Here, the predetermined relationship can indicate, for example, whether or not they are the same model.

[0151] In other words, if the audio output device (headset B) additionally connected to the display device (100) is the same model as the previously connected audio output device (headset A), the output of each audio output device (headset A, headset B) may change after the additional connection, which may result in undesirable results for both.

[0152] Meanwhile, if the audio output devices (headset A, headset B) illustrated in (a) of Fig. 9 are each headsets, the audio output devices (speaker A, speaker B) illustrated in (b) of Fig. 9 may be speakers. Accordingly, the contents described in (a) of Fig. 9 may be applied or applied to (b) of Fig. 9.

[0153] However, when an audio output device of the same model, i.e., a second audio output device, is connected to the display device (100) while one audio output device, i.e., a first audio output device, is already connected to the display device (100), the volume values ​​of the first audio output device and the second audio output device may be different from each other after the connection. This may cause inconvenience, especially to a user using the first audio output device, due to unwanted volume control.

[0154] In connection with the present disclosure, a method for determining whether the devices are of the same model can be, for example, determined by the name of the headset / speaker found during a Bluetooth (BT) search.

[0155] In the present disclosure, for example, when a volume value is changed, the PCM gain can be controlled so that it is applied simultaneously to two devices. For example, from the perspective of a first audio output device, the PCM gain can be changed from 100 and the volume value 30 to 10 and the volume value 75. This is to prevent a situation where the volume of the first audio output device is changed when a second audio output device is additionally connected.

[0156] Meanwhile, the use of PCM gain in the present disclosure is intended to enable simultaneous volume control of the additionally connected second audio output device with a single remote control device (200), for example, when the first audio output device supports AVRCP but the second audio output device does not support AVRCP. In addition, if the desired sound volume is different, the headset / speaker individual volume can be changed.

[0157] FIGS. 10 to 12 are drawings illustrating an operation method of a display device connected to audio output devices according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0158] FIG. 10 shows a case where a second audio output device (720) of the same model as the first audio output device (710) is added to the display device (100), and FIGS. 11 and 12 show a case where a second audio output device (720) of a different model is added.

[0159] First, referring to FIG. 10, a second audio output device (720), which is a headset / speaker of the same model as the first audio output device (710) connected to the display device (100), is additionally connected.

[0160] In this case, when there is a volume change request, the display device (100) can change the volume of the devices with AVRCP, that is, control the device volume so that the device volume of the additionally connected second audio output device (720) is the same as the volume value of the first audio output device (710) that is currently connected. At this time, the PCM gain value can maintain the PCM gain of the first audio output device (710). In other words, when an audio output device of the same model is additionally connected, the PCM gain can be maintained and the volume value of the existing connected audio output device can be controlled to be inherited as the volume value of the additionally connected audio output device.

[0161] Next, FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate cases where speakers of different models are additionally connected to the display device (100) as audio output devices. In this case, the display device (100) can control the additionally connected audio output devices differently in FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0162] First, when connecting speakers of different models, the volume setting or the Gain value can be changed to change the PCM gain. For example, if two audio output devices are different, the output difference may differ, resulting in different volume levels even with the same volume setting. Furthermore, in the above case, the volume curve of the audio output device is not linear, making it difficult to adjust it arbitrarily.

[0163] Accordingly, in this disclosure, the output of each audio output device is adjusted by adjusting the device volume value.

[0164] To this end, the display device (100) can measure, for example, the volume table of the connected device, i.e., the second audio output device. This can measure the voltage value through a microphone provided in the display device (100) at each volume level of the second audio output device by giving, for example, a sine wave (input sensitivity -20 dB) signal corresponding to 1 kHz. At this time, the relative dB value can be measured, for example, through the following mathematical expression 1, based on the voltage of the maximum volume value (Max Vol).

[0165] For example, the first audio output device may measure 1 Vrms and the second audio output device may measure 2 Vrms (same volume).

[0166]

[0167] According to another embodiment, the output size of the default setting state of each audio output device can be measured (measured as a voltage value Vrms) through a microphone equipped in the display device (100). At this time, a sine wave signal corresponding to 1 kHz can be given to measure the voltage value through the microphone equipped in the display device (100) for each volume level of each audio output device. Then, the voltage value measured above can be converted into a dB value through the above mathematical expression 1, and the volume value corresponding to that value can be found through the above-mentioned table to set the final volume value.

[0168] In relation to this, a relationship curve between the volume value and dB is shown in Fig. 13. At this time, the x-axis can represent the volume value (volume level) and the y-axis can represent dB (Max 0dB).

[0169] Referring to FIG. 11, a 20W speaker (first audio output device) with a device volume of 75 is already connected to the display device (100), and an additional 40W speaker (second audio output device) is connected.

[0170] In this case, the display device (100) can control the volume value of the additionally connected speaker to correspond to the volume value of the previously connected speaker, as shown in FIG. 10 described above. However, unlike FIG. 10, in the case of FIG. 11, a speaker of a different model (e.g., 40W) rather than the same model (i.e., 20W speaker) is connected, so if the volume value of the additionally connected speaker is controlled to be the same as the volume value of the previously connected speaker, as shown in FIG. 10, the output for the corresponding value may be different because the models are different. Accordingly, although the volume value of the previously connected speaker was 75, the additionally connected speaker of a different model may be controlled to be controlled to a different volume value (e.g., 55) rather than 75. In this case, the PCM gain may be maintained as shown in FIG. 10 described above.

[0171] Meanwhile, in the above case, if the model is different, the volume value controlled by the additionally connected speaker can be easily applied by calling the value stored in the database in advance.

[0172] Meanwhile, in the present disclosure, unlike the above, the PCM gain can be adjusted to match the output of each audio output device.

[0173] For example, the output size of the basic setting state of each audio output device can be measured (measured as a voltage value Vrms) using a microphone equipped in the display device (100). As described above, a sine wave signal corresponding to 1 kHz can be given and the voltage value can be measured through the microphone equipped in the display device (100) for each volume step of each audio output device.

[0174] As mentioned above, if the first audio output device measures 1 Vrms and the second audio output device measures 2 Vrms (same volume), using the above mathematical expression 1, i.e., 20 * log(2 / 1) can be calculated to be approximately 6 dB. Therefore, if the PCM gain value corresponding to the value reduced by 6 dB as measured in this way is set, each audio output device can actually have similar output.

[0175] In Fig. 12, under the same conditions as Fig. 11, the device volume of the additionally connected speaker is also controlled to be changed to 75. However, in this case, since the output is different depending on the model, as described above, even if the volume value is the same, the output of the two speakers becomes different. To compensate for this, the PCM gain can be adjusted in Fig. 12. For example, if the PCM gain was 100 when one speaker was connected, the PCM gain can be adjusted depending on the additionally connected model. The adjustment can be adjusted to a smaller PCM gain if the output of the additionally connected speaker is higher in power than the output of the previously connected speaker (for example, the PCM gain can be adjusted from 100 to 80).

[0176] Likewise, by learning in advance and storing in a database the PCM gain values ​​to be adjusted according to the output power, it is possible to easily respond to additional connection requests from at least one audio output device by calling and applying the appropriate PCM gain adjustment values ​​according to the additional connection requested model.

[0177] Meanwhile, FIGS. 11 and 12 are both cases where an additional connection request is made for an audio output device of a different model. Whether to process as in FIG. 11 or as in FIG. 12 can be determined by the display device (100). For example, if the difference in output power between the first audio output device and the second audio output device is less than a threshold, the PCM gain may not be changed and only the device volume may be changed. If the difference is greater than the threshold, the PCM gain may be adjusted without changing the device volume. In other embodiments, the opposite of the above may be true.

[0178] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation between audio output devices and a display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0179] For convenience, Fig. 14 is described based on the processor of the display device (100), but is not limited thereto.

[0180] The processor can be connected to a first audio output device (S10).

[0181] The processor can control the output of the connected first audio output device (S20).

[0182] The processor can receive a connection request from a second audio output device (S30)>

[0183] The processor can determine whether the second audio output device requested for connection is the same model as the first audio output device that is already connected (S40).

[0184] The processor can determine the output control method of the second audio output device based on the S40 operation judgment result.

[0185] For example, if the processor determines that the second audio output device is the same model as the first audio output device based on the S40 operation judgment result, the processor can control the output of the second audio output device in the first manner. That is, the processor can control the volume value of the second audio output device to be set to the same value as the volume value of the first audio output device in the first manner. In this case, the processor can control the PCM gain to be maintained as is despite the connection of the second audio output device.

[0186] If the processor determines that the second audio output device is not the same model as the first audio output device based on the S40 operation judgment result, it can determine either volume value control or PCM gain control of the second audio output device.

[0187] For example, if the processor determines that the second audio output device is not the same model as the first audio output device based on the S40 operation judgment result, the processor can read a volume value corresponding to the volume value of the first audio output device from a pre-stored volume table and set it as the volume value of the second audio output device.

[0188] Alternatively, if the processor determines that the second audio output device is not the same model as the first audio output device based on the S40 operation judgment result, the processor may set the volume value of the second audio output device to be the same or similar to the volume value of the first audio output device. In this case, the processor may change and control the PCM gain when only the first audio output device is connected so that the second audio output device is set to have a volume value that is the same or similar to the volume value of the first audio output device.

[0189] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the figures mentioned in this disclosure are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. Furthermore, the order of at least some of the operations disclosed in this disclosure may be performed simultaneously, in a different order than the previously described order, or some may be omitted or added.

[0190] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the above-described method can be implemented as processor-readable code on a medium in which a program is recorded. Examples of processor-readable media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, and optical data storage devices.

[0191] The display device described above is not limited to the configuration and method of the embodiments described above, and the embodiments may be configured by selectively combining all or part of each embodiment so that various modifications can be made.

[0192] The present disclosure relates to a display device and an operating method thereof for controlling a plurality of audio output devices when they are connected to a single display device, and is applicable to controlling connected audio output devices in a device to which a plurality of audio output devices are connected, and thus has industrial applicability.

Claims

1. Memory; and When a connection request from a second audio output device is received while the first audio output device is connected, a processor is included that controls the output of the second audio output device to which the connection request has been made. The above processor, The method for controlling the output of the second audio output device is determined based on whether the second audio output device is the same model as the first audio output device. Display device.

2. In claim 1, The above processor, If the second audio output device is the same model as the first audio output device, the volume value of the second audio output device is set to the same value as the volume value of the first audio output device. Display device.

3. In claim 2, The above processor, Controlling so that the PCM gain is maintained despite the connection of the above second audio output device, Display device.

4. In claim 1, The above processor, If the second audio output device is not the same model as the first audio output device, the method of determining either volume value control or PCM gain control of the second audio output device is determined. Display device.

5. In claim 1, The above processor, If the second audio output device is not the same model as the first audio output device, a volume value corresponding to the volume value of the first audio output device is read from the volume table stored in advance in the memory and set as the volume value of the second audio output device. Display device.

6. In claim 1, The above processor, If the second audio output device is not the same model as the first audio output device, the volume value of the second audio output device is set to a volume value that is the same as or similar to the volume value of the first audio output device. Display device.

7. In claim 6, The above processor, Controlling the PCM gain when only the first audio output device is connected so that a volume value identical to or similar to that of the first audio output device is set for the second audio output device. Display device.

8. In the method of operating the display device, Step for connecting to the first audio output device; A step for controlling the output of the first audio output device; A step of receiving a connection request from the second audio output device; and Including a step of determining an output control method of the second audio output device depending on whether the second audio output device for which the connection request is made is the same model as the first audio output device that is already connected. How the display device operates.

9. In claim 8, If the second audio output device is the same model as the first audio output device, the volume value of the second audio output device is set to the same value as the volume value of the first audio output device. How the display device operates.

10. In claim 9, The PCM gain is controlled to be maintained despite the connection of the second audio output device. How the display device operates.

11. In claim 8, If the second audio output device is not the same model as the first audio output device, the output control method is determined by one of the volume value control method or the PCM gain control method of the second audio output device. How the display device operates.

12. In claim 8, If the second audio output device is not the same model as the first audio output device, a volume value corresponding to the volume value of the first audio output device is read from the pre-stored volume table and set as the volume value of the second audio output device. How the display device operates.

13. In claim 8, If the second audio output device is not the same model as the first audio output device, a volume value that is the same as or similar to the volume value of the first audio output device is set as the volume value of the second audio output device. How the display device operates.

14. In claim 13, The PCM gain is changed and controlled when only the first audio output device is connected so that a volume value identical to or similar to that of the first audio output device is set for the second audio output device. How the display device operates.

Images