Electronic device and control method therefor

Abstract

An electronic device and a control method therefor are provided. The present electronic device comprises: a plurality of communication interfaces; a microphone; a memory for storing at least one instruction; and a processor connected to the plurality of communication interfaces, the microphone, and the memory in order to control the electronic device. The processor executes at least one instruction so as to: transmit an advertising signal including an advertising packet through a first communication interface from among a plurality of communication interfaces; identify an external device for a communication connection on the basis of preset sound when the preset sound generated from an external device is received through the microphone; transmit the advertising signal in the preset pattern through the first communication interface; and perform communication connection with the external device through the first communication interface when a response signal is received on the basis of the advertising signal of the preset pattern.

Description

Electronic device and method of controlling the same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device and a method for controlling the same, and more particularly, to an electronic device and a method for controlling the same that perform a communication connection by ensuring communication connection reliability between the electronic device and an external device.

[0002] Nowadays, electronic devices (e.g., TVs) can communicate with many external devices. In particular, electronic devices can communicate with external devices (e.g., sound bars) to output audio signals from content played on the electronic device.

[0003] In particular, when an electronic device performs a communication connection with an external device via a Bluetooth communication interface, if the communication connection is performed solely via the Bluetooth communication interface, the electronic device may perform a communication connection with an external device outside the home, rather than an external device within the home. To prevent this problem, the electronic device can perform a secure communication connection with the external device by transmitting and receiving a security code via an IR communication interface in addition to the Bluetooth communication interface.

[0004] However, there was a problem that the electronic device and the external device may not recognize the IR signal due to distance and obstacles, and that the accuracy was insufficient due to the distance difference between the electronic device and the external device, resulting in an unwanted communication connection between the devices.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device includes: a plurality of communication interfaces; a microphone; a memory storing at least one instruction; and a processor connected to the plurality of communication interfaces, the microphone, and the memory for controlling the electronic device, wherein the processor executes the at least one instruction to transmit an advertising signal including an advertising packet through a first communication interface among the plurality of communication interfaces, and when a preset sound generated from an external device is received through the microphone, identify the external device for communication connection based on the preset sound, transmit the advertising signal in a preset pattern through the first communication interface, and when a response signal is received based on the advertising signal in the preset pattern, perform a communication connection with the external device through the first communication interface.

[0006] The processor may, after being connected to an external device through the first communication interface, transmit a signal including code information for a secure connection through the second communication interface, and, when a response signal is received from the external device in response to the signal including the code information, perform a secure communication connection with the external device through the first communication interface.

[0007] The processor can transmit information for a communication connection through a third communication interface through the first communication interface after the secure communication connection is performed, and can perform a communication connection with the external device through the third communication interface based on the information for the communication connection through the third communication interface.

[0008] The processor may transmit a control command to at least one peripheral device to control transmission of a signal including code information for the secure connection to the external device through at least one of the first communication interface and the third communication interface.

[0009] The first communication interface may be a Bluetooth communication interface, the second communication interface may be an IR communication interface, and the third communication interface may be a WiFi communication interface.

[0010] The above processor can transmit an audio signal to the external device via the Wi-Fi communication interface.

[0011] Information for communication connection via the third communication interface may include information about an access point to which the electronic device is connected and information about a password of the access point.

[0012] The code information for the above secure connection may include information corresponding to the identified external device.

[0013] The above preset sound may vary depending on the model information of the external device.

[0014] The above preset pattern may be a pattern that turns the transmission of the advertising signal on and off a preset number of times.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for controlling an electronic device includes the steps of: transmitting an advertising signal including an advertising packet through a first communication interface among a plurality of communication interfaces; when a preset sound generated from an external device is received through the microphone, identifying the external device for a communication connection based on the preset sound, and transmitting the advertising signal through the first communication interface in a preset pattern; and when a response signal is received based on the advertising signal in the preset pattern, performing a communication connection with the external device through the first communication interface.

[0016] The method may include: a step of transmitting a signal including code information for a secure connection through a second communication interface after establishing a communication connection with an external device through the first communication interface; and a step of performing a secure communication connection with the external device through the first communication interface when a response signal is received from the external device in response to the signal including the code information.

[0017] After the above secure communication connection is performed, the method may include: a step of transmitting information for a communication connection through a third communication interface through the first communication interface; and a step of performing a communication connection with the external device through the third communication interface based on the information for a communication connection through the third communication interface.

[0018] The method may further include a step of transmitting a control command to at least one peripheral device to control transmission of a signal including code information for the secure connection to the external device through at least one of the first communication interface and the third communication interface.

[0019] The first communication interface may be a Bluetooth communication interface, the second communication interface may be an IR communication interface, and the third communication interface may be a WiFi communication interface.

[0020] It may include a step of transmitting an audio signal to the external device via the above Wi-Fi communication interface.

[0021] Information for communication connection via the third communication interface may include information about an access point to which the electronic device is connected and information about a password of the access point.

[0022] The code information for the above secure connection may include information corresponding to the identified external device.

[0023] The above preset sound may vary depending on the model information of the external device.

[0024] The above preset pattern may be a pattern that turns the transmission of the advertising signal on and off a preset number of times.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium including a program for executing a control method of an electronic device, the control method of the electronic device includes: transmitting an advertising signal including an advertising packet through a first communication interface among a plurality of communication interfaces; when a preset sound generated from an external device is received through the microphone, identifying the external device for a communication connection based on the preset sound, and transmitting the advertising signal in a preset pattern through the first communication interface; and when a response signal is received based on the advertising signal in the preset pattern, performing a communication connection with the external device through the first communication interface.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system for communication connection between an electronic device and an external device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an external device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating a method for communication connection between an electronic device and an external device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram specifically illustrating a method for a Wi-Fi communication connection between an electronic device and an external device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] The present embodiments may be modified and have various embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the scope to specific embodiments, but should be understood to encompass various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the embodiments of the present disclosure. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar components.

[0033] In describing the present disclosure, if it is determined that a specific description of a related known function or configuration may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0034] Additionally, the following embodiments may be modified in various other forms, and the scope of the technical concepts of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. Rather, these embodiments are provided to further faithfully and completely convey the technical concepts of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0035] The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the rights. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0036] In this disclosure, expressions such as “has,” “can have,” “includes,” or “may include” indicate the presence of a corresponding feature (e.g., a component such as a number, function, operation, or part), and do not exclude the presence of additional features.

[0037] In this disclosure, expressions such as “A or B,” “at least one of A and / or B,” or “one or more of A or / and B” can include all possible combinations of the listed items. For example, “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” or “at least one of A or B” can all refer to (1) including at least one A, (2) including at least one B, or (3) including both at least one A and at least one B.

[0038] The expressions “first,” “second,” “first,” or “second,” etc., used in this disclosure can describe various components, regardless of order and / or importance, and are only used to distinguish one component from another, but do not limit the components.

[0039] When it is said that a component (e.g., a first component) is “(operatively or communicatively) coupled with / to” or “connected to” another component (e.g., a second component), it should be understood that the component may be directly coupled to the other component, or may be connected through another component (e.g., a third component).

[0040] On the other hand, when it is said that a component (e.g., a first component) is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), it can be understood that no other component (e.g., a third component) exists between the component and the other component.

[0041] The expression "configured to" as used in the present disclosure may be used interchangeably with, for example, "suitable for," "having the capacity to," "designed to," "adapted to," "made to," or "capable of." The term "configured to" may not necessarily mean only "specifically designed to" in terms of hardware.

[0042] Instead, in some contexts, the phrase "a device configured to" may mean that the device, in conjunction with other devices or components, is "capable of" performing A, B, and C. For example, the phrase "a processor configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C" may refer to a dedicated processor (e.g., an embedded processor) for performing those operations, or a general-purpose processor (e.g., a CPU or application processor) that can perform those operations by executing one or more software programs stored in a memory device.

[0043] In the embodiments, a 'module' or 'part' performs at least one function or operation, and may be implemented as hardware or software, or as a combination of hardware and software. Furthermore, a plurality of 'modules' or 'parts' may be integrated into at least one module and implemented as at least one processor, except for a 'module' or 'part' that needs to be implemented as a specific hardware.

[0044] Meanwhile, the various elements and areas in the drawings are schematically drawn. Therefore, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited by the relative sizes or spacing depicted in the attached drawings.

[0045] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail so that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present disclosure pertains can easily implement the present disclosure.

[0046]

[0047] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system for communication connection between an electronic device and an external device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the system (10) may include an electronic device (100), an external device (200), and a plurality of peripheral devices (300-1, 300-2, 300-3). The electronic device (100) is a device capable of providing content, and as illustrated in FIG. 1, it may be implemented as a TV, but this is only one embodiment, and may be implemented as various devices such as a set-top box, a desktop PC, a notebook PC, a projector, etc. The external device (200) is a device that is connected to the electronic device (100) and may provide an audio signal of the content provided by the electronic device (100), and as illustrated in FIG. 2, it may be implemented as a sound bar, but this is only one embodiment, and may be implemented as various devices such as a speaker, an AI speaker, a projector, etc. The peripheral device (300) is a device that is directly connected to the electronic device (100) or connected through a home network system, and can be implemented as various devices such as an air conditioner (300-2), an AI speaker (300-3), a remote controller (300-3), etc.

[0048] An electronic device (100) can perform a communication connection with an external device (200) to output an audio signal of content provided by the electronic device (100).

[0049] Specifically, the electronic device (100) can transmit (or broadcast) an advertising signal including an advertising packet via a first communication interface (e.g., a Bluetooth communication interface). When the advertising signal is received by an external device (200), the external device (200) can output a preset sound via a speaker.

[0050] The electronic device (100) can receive a preset sound through a microphone. The electronic device (100) can identify an external device (200) based on the preset sound and retransmit (or broadcast) an advertising signal of a preset pattern.

[0051] The external device (200) can transmit a response signal in response to an advertising signal of a preset pattern, and the electronic device (100) can perform a communication connection with the external device (200) through a first communication interface. At this time, the communication connection may be a Serial Port Profile (SPP) communication connection.

[0052] In one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may transmit code information for a secure communication connection via a second communication interface (e.g., an IR communication interface) for a secure communication connection. In this case, the code information may be referred to as a security code or an authentication code. If the external device (200) identifies the electronic device (100) through the code information, the electronic device (100) may perform a secure communication connection with the external device (200).

[0053] After a secure communication connection is established, the electronic device (100) can transmit information for a communication connection via a third communication interface (e.g., a Wi-Fi communication interface) via the first communication interface. Based on the information for a communication connection via the third communication interface, the external device (200) can establish a communication connection with the electronic device (100) via the third communication interface.

[0054] By this, the electronic device (100) can transmit an audio signal of the content played by the electronic device (100) through the third communication interface, and the external device (200) can output an audio signal received from the electronic device (100).

[0055] Meanwhile, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, although the electronic device (100) may transmit code information for a secure communication connection, this is only one embodiment, and the code information for a secure communication connection may be transmitted through a peripheral device (300) connected to the electronic device (100). Specifically, since there may be cases where the external device (200) cannot receive the code information for a secure communication connection received through the second communication interface due to positional constraints between the electronic device (100) and the external device (200), the electronic device (100) may not only directly transmit the code information for a secure communication connection to the external device (200), but also transmit a control command to transmit the code information for a secure communication connection to a plurality of peripheral devices (300) through the second communication interface. Accordingly, the plurality of peripheral devices (300) may transmit the code information for a secure communication connection to the outside through the second communication interface. When the external device (200) receives code information for a secure communication connection from one of the electronic device (100) and a plurality of peripheral devices (300-1, 300-2, 300-3), the external device (200) can perform a secure communication connection with the electronic device (100) based on the code information for the secure communication connection.

[0056] As described above, by performing a communication connection between the electronic device (100) and the external device (200), not only can a more secure communication connection be made possible, but also limitations in receiving IR signals from the external device (200) due to the positions of the electronic device (100) and the external device (200) can be overcome.

[0057]

[0058] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the electronic device (100) may include a display (110), a memory (120), a communication interface (130), an input / output interface (140), a user interface (150), a camera (160), a microphone (170), a sensor (180), and a processor (190). However, this is merely an embodiment, and it is to be understood that some components may be removed or added depending on the type of the electronic device (100). For example, if the electronic device (100) is implemented as a set-top box, the electronic device (100) may not include a display (110).

[0059] The display (110) may include various types of display panels such as, but not limited to, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel, an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes) panel, an AM-OLED (Active-Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode), an LcoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon), a QLED (Quantum dot Light-Emitting Diode), a DLP (Digital Light Processing), a PDP (Plasma Display Panel) panel, an inorganic LED panel, and a micro LED panel. Meanwhile, the display (110) may also configure a touch screen together with a touch panel, and may also be formed of a flexible panel.

[0060] In particular, the display (110) can display content received from various sources (e.g., communication interface (130), input / output interface (140), etc.).

[0061] The memory (120) may store an operating system (OS) for controlling the overall operation of the components of the electronic device (100) and instructions or data related to the components of the electronic device (100). In particular, the memory (120) may include various modules for communication connection with an external device (200). In particular, when an event for communication connection with an external device (200) occurs, the electronic device (100) may load data for performing various operations by various modules for communication connection with the external device (200) stored in a non-volatile memory into a volatile memory. Here, loading means an operation of loading and storing data stored in a non-volatile memory into a volatile memory so that the processor (190) can access it.

[0062] At this time, the memory (120) can store information about a preset sound corresponding to the model information of the external device (200).

[0063] Meanwhile, the memory (120) may be implemented as a non-volatile memory (e.g., hard disk, SSD (Solid state drive), flash memory), volatile memory (may also include memory within the processor (190)), etc.

[0064] The communication interface (130) includes at least one circuit and can communicate with various types of external devices or servers. In particular, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication interface (130) may include multiple types of communication interfaces. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2 , the communication interface (130) may include a Bluetooth communication interface (131), an IR communication interface (133), and a Wi-Fi communication interface (135).

[0065] The Bluetooth communication interface (131) is one of the short-range wireless communication methods that transmits and receives data between devices using short-wave UHF radio waves of 2.4 to 2.485 GHz included in the ISM band. In particular, among the communication interfaces (130), the Bluetooth communication interface (131) can transmit information for performing a communication connection using the Wi-Fi communication interface (135) to an external device (200). At this time, the information for performing a communication connection using the Wi-Fi communication interface (135) may include address information and password information of an access point for the Wi-Fi communication connection.

[0066] The IR communication interface (133) is one of the short-range wireless communications that transmits and receives data using infrared rays, and may be composed of a transmitter (Tx) that transmits infrared rays and a receiver (Rx) that receives infrared rays. The IR communication interface (133) may transmit code information for performing a secure communication connection to an external device (200) using a Bluetooth communication interface (131). At this time, the code information for the secure communication connection may include information corresponding to the external device (200) recognized by the electronic device (100).

[0067] The Wi-Fi communication interface (135) is a data transmission method between different devices based on IEEE 802.11, one of the wireless communication standard technologies. In particular, the Wi-Fi communication interface (130) can transmit an audio signal for content to an external device (200).

[0068] In addition, the communication interface (130) may include various communication interfaces (e.g., a cellular communication module, a 3G (third generation) mobile communication module, a 4G (fourth generation) mobile communication module, a 4th generation LTE (Long Term Evolution) communication module, a 5G (fifth generation) mobile communication module, an NFC communication module, etc.) in addition to the above-described Bluetooth communication interface (131), IR communication interface (133), and Wi-Fi communication interface (135).

[0069] The input / output interface (140) is configured to input / output at least one of audio and video signals. For example, the input / output interface (140) may be an HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface), but this is only one embodiment, and may be any one of an MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link), a USB (Universal Serial Bus), a DP (Display Port), a Thunderbolt, a VGA (Video Graphics Array) port, an RGB port, a D-SUB (D-subminiature), and a DVI (Digital Visual Interface). Depending on the implementation example, the input / output interface (140) may include a port that inputs / outputs only audio signals and a port that inputs / outputs only video signals as separate ports, or may be implemented as a single port that inputs / outputs both audio signals and video signals.

[0070] In particular, the input / output interface (140) can transmit a high-quality audio signal (e.g., a 5.1 channel audio signal, etc.) to an external device (200).

[0071] The user interface (150) may include a button, a lever, a switch, a touch interface, etc. In this case, the touch interface may be implemented in a manner of receiving input by the user's touch on the display (110) screen of the electronic device (100).

[0072] In particular, the user interface (150) can receive various user commands, such as a user command for a communication connection or a user command for playing content.

[0073] The camera (160) can capture still images and videos. The camera (160) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, an image signal processor, and a flash. The one or more lenses may include a telephoto lens, a wide angle lens, and a super wide angle lens disposed on the surface of the electronic device (100), and may also include a three-dimensional depth lens. The camera (160) may be disposed on the surface (e.g., the rear or front) of the electronic device (100), but is not limited to this configuration, and various embodiments according to the present disclosure may be implemented through a connection with a camera (160) that exists separately on the outside of the electronic device (100).

[0074] A microphone (170) may refer to a device that detects sound and converts it into an electrical signal. For example, the microphone (170) can detect voice in real time, convert the detected voice into an electrical signal, and cause the electronic device (100) to perform an operation corresponding to the electrical signal. The microphone (170) may include a TTS module or an STT module.

[0075] The microphone (170) may be included not only as a component of the electronic device (100), but also as a component of a remote control (not shown) that controls the electronic device (100). In particular, the microphone (170) may receive a preset sound generated (or output) from an external device (200).

[0076] Another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a case where a remote control APP is installed in an electronic device (100), detects a user voice command through a microphone (170), and performs operations such as creating / editing a floor plan image through a voice recognition function.

[0077] A sensor (180) can detect a state of an electronic device (100) (e.g., movement) or an external environmental state (e.g., user state) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. The sensor (180) can include, for example, a gesture sensor or an acceleration sensor.

[0078] The processor (190) can control the electronic device (100) according to at least one instruction stored in the memory (120).

[0079] In particular, the processor (190) may include one or more processors. Specifically, the one or more processors may include one or more of a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), an Accelerated Processing Unit (APU), a Many Integrated Core (MIC), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a Neural Processing Unit (NPU), a hardware accelerator, or a machine learning accelerator. The one or more processors may control one or any combination of other components of the electronic device, and may perform operations related to communication or data processing. The one or more processors may execute one or more programs or instructions stored in a memory. For example, the one or more processors may perform a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure by executing one or more instructions stored in a memory.

[0080] When a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of operations, the plurality of operations may be performed by one processor or by a plurality of processors. That is, when a first operation, a second operation, and a third operation are performed by a method according to an embodiment, the first operation, the second operation, and the third operation may all be performed by the first processor, or the first operation and the second operation may be performed by the first processor (e.g., a general-purpose processor) and the third operation may be performed by the second processor (e.g., an artificial intelligence-only processor). For example, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an operation of identifying a corner in a handwritten image using a neural network model or correcting a space in a handwritten image may be performed by a processor that performs parallel operations, such as a GPU or NPU, and an operation of generating / editing a floor plan image or a post-processing operation may be performed by a general-purpose processor, such as a CPU.

[0081] One or more processors may be implemented as a single core processor including one core, or may be implemented as one or more multicore processors including multiple cores (e.g., homogeneous multicores or heterogeneous multicores). When one or more processors are implemented as a multicore processor, each of the multiple cores included in the multicore processor may include internal processor memory, such as cache memory or on-chip memory, and a common cache shared by the multiple cores may be included in the multicore processor. In addition, each of the multiple cores (or some of the multiple cores) included in the multicore processor may independently read and execute a program instruction for implementing a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, or all (or some) of the multiple cores may be linked to read and execute a program instruction for implementing a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0082] When a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of operations, the plurality of operations may be performed by one core among a plurality of cores included in a multi-core processor, or may be performed by a plurality of cores. For example, when a first operation, a second operation, and a third operation are performed by a method according to an embodiment, the first operation, the second operation, and the third operation may all be performed by a first core included in the multi-core processor, or the first operation and the second operation may be performed by a first core included in the multi-core processor, and the third operation may be performed by a second core included in the multi-core processor.

[0083] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor (190) may mean a system on a chip (SoC) in which one or more processors and other electronic components are integrated, a single-core processor, a multi-core processor, or a core included in a single-core processor or a multi-core processor, wherein the core may be implemented as a CPU, a GPU, an APU, a MIC, a DSP, an NPU, a hardware accelerator, or a machine learning accelerator, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0084] In particular, the processor (190) transmits an advertising signal including an advertising packet through a first communication interface among a plurality of communication interfaces by executing at least one instruction stored in the memory (120). When a preset sound generated from an external device is received through the microphone (170), the processor (190) identifies the external device (200) for communication connection based on the preset sound, and transmits an advertising signal in a preset pattern through the first communication interface. When a response signal is received based on the advertising signal of the preset pattern, the processor (190) performs a communication connection with the external device (200) through the first communication interface. At this time, the first communication interface may be a Bluetooth communication interface (131).

[0085] In one embodiment, after establishing a communication connection with an external device (200) through a first communication interface, the processor (190) may transmit a signal including code information for a secure connection through a second communication interface. When a response signal is received from the external device (200) in response to the signal including the code information, the processor (190) may perform a secure communication connection with the external device through the first communication interface. In this case, the second communication interface may be an IR communication interface (133).

[0086] In one embodiment, after a secure communication connection is established, the processor (190) may transmit information for a communication connection through a third communication interface through the first communication interface. Based on the information for a communication connection through the third communication interface, the processor (190) may establish a communication connection with an external device (200) through the third communication interface. In this case, the third communication interface may be a Wi-Fi communication interface (135). In particular, the processor (190) may transmit an audio signal to the external device (200) through the Wi-Fi communication interface (135).

[0087] In one embodiment, the processor (190) may transmit a control command to at least one peripheral device (300) to control transmission of a signal including code information for a secure connection to an external device (200) via at least one of the first communication interface and the third communication interface.

[0088] In one embodiment, information for a communication connection via the third communication interface may include information about an access point to which the electronic device (200) is connected and information about a password of the access point.

[0089] In one embodiment, the code information for the secure connection may include information corresponding to the identified external device (200).

[0090] In one embodiment, the preset sound may vary depending on the model information of the external device (200).

[0091] In one embodiment, the preset pattern may be a pattern that turns the transmission of the advertising signal on and off a preset number of times.

[0092] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an external device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the external device (200) may include a communication interface (210), an input / output interface (220), a speaker (230), memory (240), and a processor (250). However, this is merely an example, and it is understood that some components may be removed or added depending on the type of electronic device (100).

[0093] The communication interface (210) includes at least one circuit and can communicate with various types of external devices or servers. In particular, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication interface (210) may include multiple types of communication interfaces. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3 , the communication interface (210) may include a Bluetooth communication interface (211), an IR communication interface (213), and a Wi-Fi communication interface (215).

[0094] The Bluetooth communication interface (211) can receive information for performing a communication connection from the electronic device (100) using the Wi-Fi communication interface (215). The IR communication interface (213) can receive code information for performing a secure communication connection from the electronic device (100) using the Bluetooth communication interface (211). The Wi-Fi communication interface (215) can receive an audio signal for content from the electronic device (100).

[0095] In addition, the communication interface (210) may include various communication interfaces (e.g., a cellular communication module, a 3G (third generation) mobile communication module, a 4G (fourth generation) mobile communication module, a 4th generation LTE (Long Term Evolution) communication module, a 5G (fifth generation) mobile communication module, an NFC communication module, etc.) in addition to the above-described Bluetooth communication interface (211), IR communication interface (213), and Wi-Fi communication interface (215).

[0096] The input / output interface (220) is configured to input / output at least one of audio and video signals. For example, the input / output interface (220) may be an HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface), but this is only one embodiment, and may be any one of an MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link), a USB (Universal Serial Bus), a DP (Display Port), a Thunderbolt, a VGA (Video Graphics Array) port, an RGB port, a D-SUB (D-subminiature), and a DVI (Digital Visual Interface). In particular, the input / output interface (220) may receive a high-quality audio signal (e.g., a 5.1 channel audio signal, etc.) from the electronic device (100).

[0097] The speaker (230) is configured to output audio signals. In one embodiment, the speaker (230) may include multiple speaker modules to output audio signals of multiple channels. In addition, the speaker (230) may be built into the external device (200), or may be electrically connected to the outside of the external device (200).

[0098] Meanwhile, the speaker (230) can output an audio signal of content received from the electronic device (100). In addition, the speaker (230) can output a preset sound to enhance security while performing a communication connection. In this case, the preset sound can be determined based on the model information of the external device (200) and can have different characteristics (e.g., volume, pitch, tone, etc.) depending on the model information.

[0099] The memory (240) may store an operating system (OS) for controlling the overall operation of the components of the external device (200) and instructions or data related to the components of the external device (200). In particular, the memory (240) may include various modules for communication connection with the electronic device (100). In particular, when an event for communication connection with the electronic device (100) occurs, the external device (200) may load data for performing various operations by the various modules for communication connection with the electronic device (100) stored in the non-volatile memory into the volatile memory. Here, loading refers to an operation of calling and storing data stored in the non-volatile memory into the volatile memory so that the processor (250) can access it. Meanwhile, the memory (240) may be implemented as a non-volatile memory (e.g., a hard disk, a solid state drive (SSD), a flash memory), a volatile memory (which may also include memory within the processor (250)), etc.).

[0100] The processor (250) can control the external device (200) according to at least one instruction stored in the memory (240). In particular, the processor (250) can include one or more processors, as described in the processor (190) of the electronic device (100).

[0101] In particular, when a preset event (e.g., an event in which the first power is applied or an event in which a user input for a communication connection is received, etc.) is detected, the processor (250) can receive an advertising signal broadcast through the Bluetooth communication interface (211).

[0102] When an advertising signal is received, the processor (250) can control the speaker (230) to output a preset sound. At this time, the preset sound can be determined according to model information of the external device (200).

[0103] When an advertising signal of a preset pattern is received again from the electronic device (100) in response to a preset sound, the processor (250) can perform a communication connection with the electronic device (100) through a first communication interface (e.g., a Bluetooth communication interface (211)).

[0104] In addition, after establishing a communication connection with the electronic device (100), the processor (250) can receive code information for a secure communication connection through a second communication interface (e.g., an IR communication interface (213). At this time, information corresponding to an external device (200) can be received in the code information.

[0105] The processor (250) can authenticate the electronic device (100) based on the code information and perform a secure communication connection with the electronic device (100) based on the authentication result.

[0106] After a secure communication connection is established, the processor (250) can receive information for establishing a communication connection using a third communication interface (e.g., a Wi-Fi communication interface (215)) through the first communication interface. Then, the processor (250) can establish a communication connection with the electronic device (100) based on the information for establishing a communication connection using the third communication interface.

[0107] In addition, the processor (250) can receive an audio signal of content played in the electronic device (100) through the third communication interface and output it through the speaker (230).

[0108] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating a method for establishing a communication connection between an electronic device and an external device, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Meanwhile, the method illustrated in FIG. 4 may be performed when the external device (100) is first unboxed and requires a communication connection, or when an event is detected in which a user command for a communication connection is input from the electronic device (100) or the external device (200).

[0109] The electronic device (100) transmits an advertising signal (S410). At this time, the electronic device (100) can transmit an advertising signal including an advertising packet through a Bluetooth communication interface (131). The advertising packet includes at least one of a Device Info field, a Device ID field, a UUID field, a Major field, a Minor field, a Control flag field, a Private Info flag field, and a Data field. The Device Info field contains device information such as a serial number, and includes information necessary for the pairing process. The Device ID field is a field that includes the device ID of an external device (200) to which the electronic device (100) wishes to transmit data. After pairing is completed in the electronic device (100), the user of the electronic device (100) sets and registers an encryption key and device ID, and the user can transmit an advertising packet to a specific external device (200) through broadcasting using the device ID within the Bluetooth range. The UUID field is a field used to prove the identity of the product, such as the company name of the device. The Major field is a field used to distinguish a wide area where the device is used. The Minor field is a field used to distinguish a narrow area where the device is used and individual devices. The Control Flag field indicates whether the data contained in the Data Field is a control message. If the Control Flag indicates a control message, the Data Field contains a control message. The Personal Information Flag field is a field indicating whether the data contained in the Data Field is personal information. For example, if the Personal Information Flag value is 1, it is classified as personal information, and the data in the Data Field may be encrypted.At this time, the electronic device (100) can transmit an advertising signal in a broadcasting manner.

[0110] When the external device (200) receives (or scans) an advertising signal, the external device (200) outputs a preset sound (S420). At this time, the preset sound may correspond to the model information of the external device (200). That is, the external device (200) may output the preset sound based on the model information of the external device (200). For example, when the model of the external device (200) is the first model, the processor (250) may control the speaker (230) to output a preset first sound having sound characteristics corresponding to the first model, and when the model of the external device (200) is the second model, the processor (250) may control the speaker (230) to output a preset second sound having sound characteristics corresponding to the second model.

[0111] Meanwhile, in the above-described embodiment, it has been described that the external device (200) outputs a preset sound when it receives an advertising signal, but this is only one embodiment, and the preset sound can be output when a preset event (e.g., an initial boot event, a user command reception event for communication connection, etc.) occurs without receiving an advertising signal.

[0112] The electronic device (100) detects a preset sound output by an external device (200) (S430). That is, the electronic device (100) can store information on a plurality of preset sounds corresponding to model information of a plurality of external devices stored in the memory (120). Then, the electronic device (100) can identify a preset sound output by the external device (200) among the plurality of preset sounds stored in the memory (120) and identify the external device (200) based on the identified preset sound. That is, the electronic device (100) can identify model information of the external device (200) based on the identified preset sound.

[0113] At this time, the electronic device (100) can identify whether the preset sound output by the external device (200) is above a preset level. That is, if a preset sound above a preset level is detected, the electronic device (100) can recognize that the external device (200) is in close proximity. By recognizing that the external device (200) is in close proximity and performing a communication connection, the external device (200) can more accurately recognize the electronic device (100) to which it is trying to connect when scanning a Bluetooth signal.

[0114] The electronic device (100) transmits an advertising signal having a preset pattern (S440). That is, when a preset sound is detected, the electronic device (100) can transmit the advertising signal so as to have a pattern of turning the advertising signal on and off a preset number of times. For example, the electronic device (100) can perform the operation of turning the advertising signal on and off a preset number of times (e.g., 2 to 3 times). Alternatively, the electronic device (100) can perform the operation of turning the advertising signal on for a first time period and off for a second time period a preset number of times. At this time, the preset pattern can be stored in each of the electronic device (100) and the external device (200) as a predefined pattern.

[0115] The external device (200) transmits a response signal in response to an advertising signal of a preset pattern (S450).

[0116] When a response signal is transmitted, the electronic device (100) and the external device (200) perform a communication connection (S460). At this time, the electronic device (100) and the external device (200) can perform an SPP communication connection. At this time, SPP (Serial Port Profile) communication is a service that performs serial communication using a virtual serial port and can perform the same function as RS-232. When an electronic device supporting SPP communication is connected to a device such as a desktop, a virtual COM port is created on the device and RS-232 communication can be performed wirelessly.

[0117] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram specifically explaining a method for a Wi-Fi communication connection between an electronic device and an external device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. First, steps S505, S510, S515, S520, S525, and S530 disclosed in FIG. 5 are identical to steps S410, S420, S430, S440, S450, and S460 described in FIG. 4, and therefore, redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0118] After SPP communication is established, the electronic device (100) may transmit an IR signal to the external device (200) (S535). At this time, the IR signal may include code information for secure communication. At this time, secure communication may include the electronic device (100) identifying or authenticating the external device (200) to perform communication. That is, the IR signal may include code information for authenticating the external device (200).

[0119] The code information may include information corresponding to the external device (200) identified in step S515. For example, if the identified external device (200) is model A, the code information may include "0X11", and if the external device (200) is model B, the code information may include "0X21". At this time, the code information is information predefined according to the model information of the external device (200), and the code information may be stored in each of the electronic device (100) and the external device (200).

[0120] At this time, the electronic device (100) can request the peripheral device (300) to transmit an IR signal (S540). Specifically, the electronic device (100) can identify a directly connected peripheral device (e.g., a remote control, etc.) or a peripheral device connected via a home network (e.g., an air conditioner, an air purifier, a robot vacuum cleaner, etc.). In addition, the electronic device (100) can transmit a request signal including a control command for controlling the transmission of code information for a secure connection to an external device (200) via at least one of a first communication interface (e.g., a Bluetooth communication interface) and a third communication interface (e.g., a Wi-Fi communication interface) to at least one identified peripheral device.

[0121] At this time, the signal for requesting IR signal transmission may include code information for secure communication and information about the electronic device (100). In particular, the electronic device (100) may transmit the request signal to one peripheral device, but this is only one embodiment, and the electronic device (100) may transmit the request signal to multiple peripheral devices.

[0122] The peripheral device (300) may transmit an IR signal to an external device (200) in response to a request signal for IR signal transmission (S545). At this time, the IR signal may include code information for secure communication, and the code information may include information corresponding to the external device (200) and information about the electronic device (100).

[0123] The external device (200) can identify the electronic device (100) based on an IR signal received from the electronic device (100) or an IR signal received from a peripheral device (300) (S550).

[0124] When the electronic device (100) is identified by the external device (200), the electronic device (100) and the external device (200) can be connected through secure communication (S555). That is, the electronic device (100) can authenticate the external device (200) and perform Bluetooth communication with enhanced security with the external device (200).

[0125] After secure communication is established, the electronic device (100) can transmit information for a Wi-Fi communication connection to the external device (200) (S560). At this time, the electronic device (100) can transmit information for a Wi-Fi communication connection through the first communication interface through which the secure connection is established. The information for a Wi-Fi communication connection may include information about the access point to which the electronic device (100) is connected and information about the password of the access point.

[0126] The external device (200) can establish a Wi-Fi communication connection with the electronic device (100) based on information for a Wi-Fi communication connection (S565). Specifically, the external device (200) can connect to an access point to which the electronic device (100) is connected based on information for a Wi-Fi communication connection. The electronic device (100) can create a P2P group operation and establish a Wi-Fi direct connection with the external device (200) via a P2P interface.

[0127] Thereafter, when a command to play content is input, the electronic device (100) can display the image of the content through the display (110). In addition, the electronic device (100) can transmit at least a portion of the audio of the content to an external device (200) through a third communication interface (e.g., a Wi-Fi communication interface), and the external device (200) can output at least a portion of the audio of the content through a speaker (230).

[0128] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0129] The electronic device (100) transmits an advertising signal including an advertising packet through a first communication interface among a plurality of communication interfaces (S610). At this time, the electronic device (100) may transmit the advertising signal in a broadcasting manner.

[0130] The electronic device (100) receives a preset sound generated from an external device (200) through a microphone (170) (S620). That is, when a preset sound is generated by the external device (200), the preset sound may vary depending on the model information of the external device (200).

[0131] The electronic device (100) identifies an external device (200) for communication connection based on a preset sound (S630). That is, the electronic device (100) can identify the external device (200) based on a preset sound determined according to model information of the external device (200).

[0132] The electronic device (100) transmits an advertising signal in a preset pattern through the first communication interface (S640).

[0133] The electronic device (100) receives a response signal in response to an advertising signal of a preset pattern (S650). At this time, the preset pattern may be a pattern that turns the transmission of the advertising signal on and off a preset number of times.

[0134] The electronic device (100) performs a communication connection with an external device through a first communication interface (S660).

[0135] In one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may establish a communication connection with an external device (200) through a first communication interface, and then transmit a signal including code information for a secure connection through a second communication interface. When a response signal is received from the external device (200) in response to the signal including the code information, the electronic device (100) may perform a secure communication connection with the external device (200) through the first communication interface. At this time, the code information for the secure connection may include information corresponding to the identified external device.

[0136] In one embodiment, after a secure communication connection is established, the electronic device (100) may transmit information for a communication connection through a third communication interface through the first communication interface. Furthermore, the electronic device (100) may establish a communication connection with an external device (200) through the third communication interface based on the information for the communication connection through the third communication interface. At this time, the information for the communication connection through the third communication interface may include information about an access point to which the electronic device (100) is connected and information about a password for the access point.

[0137] In one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may transmit a control command to at least one peripheral device to control transmission of a signal including code information for a secure connection to an external device (200) via at least one of the first communication interface and the third communication interface.

[0138] In one embodiment, the first communication interface may be a Bluetooth communication interface, the second communication interface may be an IR communication interface, and the third communication interface may be a Wi-Fi communication interface.

[0139] In one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can transmit an audio signal to an external device (200) via a Wi-Fi communication interface.

[0140]

[0141] Meanwhile, the methods according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0142] The methods according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software including commands stored in a machine-readable storage medium that can be read by a machine (e.g., a computer). The device is a device that can call commands stored in the storage medium and operate according to the called commands, and may include an electronic device (e.g., a TV) according to the disclosed embodiments.

[0143] Meanwhile, a device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory storage medium" simply means a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0144] When the above instruction is executed by the processor, the processor may perform the function corresponding to the instruction directly or by using other components under the control of the processor. The instruction may include code generated or executed by a compiler or interpreter.

[0145] Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains without departing from the gist of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or prospect of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. In electronic devices, Multiple communication interfaces; mike; memory that stores at least one instruction; and A processor connected to the plurality of communication interfaces, the microphone, and the memory for controlling the electronic device; The processor, by executing the at least one instruction, Transmitting an advertising signal including an advertising packet through a first communication interface among the plurality of communication interfaces, When a preset sound generated from an external device is received through the microphone, the external device for communication connection is identified based on the preset sound, and the advertising signal is transmitted in a preset pattern through the first communication interface. An electronic device that performs a communication connection with the external device through the first communication interface when a response signal is received based on the advertising signal of the preset pattern.

2. In paragraph 1, The above processor, After establishing a communication connection with an external device through the first communication interface, a signal including code information for a secure connection is transmitted through the second communication interface, An electronic device that performs a secure communication connection with the external device through the first communication interface when a response signal is received from the external device in response to a signal including the code information.

3. In paragraph 2, The above processor, After the above secure communication connection is performed, information for a communication connection through the third communication interface is transmitted through the first communication interface, An electronic device that performs a communication connection with the external device through the third communication interface based on information for a communication connection through the third communication interface.

4. In paragraph 3, The above processor, An electronic device that transmits a control command to at least one peripheral device to control transmission of a signal including code information for the secure connection to the external device through at least one of the first communication interface and the third communication interface.

5. In paragraph 3, The above first communication interface is a Bluetooth communication interface, The above second communication interface is an IR communication interface, An electronic device wherein the third communication interface is a Wi-Fi communication interface.

6. In paragraph 3, The above processor, An electronic device that transmits audio signals to the external device via the above Wi-Fi communication interface.

7. In paragraph 3, Information for communication connection through the above third communication interface is: An electronic device comprising information about an access point to which the electronic device is connected and information about a password for the access point.

8. In paragraph 2, An electronic device including information corresponding to the identified external device, the code information for the above secure connection.

9. In paragraph 1, The above preset sound is, An electronic device characterized by different characteristics depending on the model information of the external device.

10. In paragraph 1, The above preset pattern is, An electronic device that is a pattern that turns on and off the transmission of the above advertising signal a preset number of times.

11. In a method for controlling an electronic device, A step of transmitting an advertising signal including an advertising packet through a first communication interface among a plurality of communication interfaces; When a preset sound generated from an external device is received through the microphone, a step of identifying the external device for communication connection based on the preset sound and transmitting the advertising signal in a preset pattern through the first communication interface; and A control method comprising: a step of performing a communication connection with the external device through the first communication interface when a response signal is received based on the advertising signal of the preset pattern; 12. In paragraph 11, A step of transmitting a signal including code information for a secure connection through a second communication interface after establishing a communication connection with an external device through the first communication interface; and A control method comprising: a step of performing a secure communication connection with the external device through the first communication interface when a response signal is received from the external device in response to a signal including the code information; 13. In paragraph 12, After the above secure communication connection is performed, a step of transmitting information for a communication connection through a third communication interface through the first communication interface; and A control method comprising: a step of performing a communication connection with the external device through the third communication interface based on information for a communication connection through the third communication interface; 14. In paragraph 13, A control method further comprising: a step of transmitting a control command to at least one peripheral device to control transmission of a signal including code information for the secure connection to the external device through at least one of the first communication interface and the third communication interface; 15. In paragraph 13, The above first communication interface is a Bluetooth communication interface, The above second communication interface is an IR communication interface, A control method wherein the third communication interface is a Wi-Fi communication interface.

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