Electronic device for bluetooth source switching, and operating method thereof

Abstract

An electronic device and an operating method are provided. The method comprises the operation of: connecting to a sink device on the basis of a Bluetooth communication protocol; acquiring, from the sink device, a source device list including information related to one or more source devices to which the sink device has been connected; selecting a target source device from among the one or more source devices included in the source device list; and transmitting, to the sink device, information related to the target source device, the information indicating that the sink device performs a connection operation with the selected target source device.

Description

Electronic device for Bluetooth source switching and method of operation thereof

[0001] Various embodiments relate to electronic devices and methods of operating the same, and more particularly, to electronic devices and methods of operating the same that facilitate source switching in Bluetooth communication.

[0002] For a Bluetooth sink device to receive and output data from a Bluetooth source device, it must communicate with the Bluetooth source device through pairing and connection steps. When a Bluetooth sink device is connected to one Bluetooth source device and outputs data, switching to another Bluetooth source device requires searching for and connecting to the new Bluetooth source device.

[0003] An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device and an operating method thereof that facilitate switching of a Bluetooth source device according to the disclosed embodiment.

[0004] According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a communication unit, a memory storing one or more instructions, and at least one processor executing the one or more instructions stored in the memory. According to one embodiment, when the one or more instructions are individually and / or collectively executed by the at least one processor, the electronic device can connect to a sink device based on a Bluetooth communication protocol. According to one embodiment, when the one or more instructions are individually and / or collectively executed by the at least one processor, the electronic device can obtain, from the sink device, a list of source devices including information related to one or more source devices to which the sink device was connected. According to one embodiment, when the one or more instructions are individually and / or collectively executed by the at least one processor, the electronic device can select a target source device from among the one or more source devices included in the list of source devices. In one embodiment, when the one or more instructions are individually and / or collectively executed by the at least one processor, the electronic device may transmit information related to the target source device to the sink device, indicating that the sink device performs a connection operation with the selected target source device.

[0005] According to one embodiment, a method for operating an electronic device executed by one or more processors may include an operation of connecting to a sink device based on a Bluetooth communication protocol. According to one embodiment, a method for operating an electronic device executed by one or more processors may include an operation of obtaining, from the sink device, a list of source devices including information related to one or more source devices to which the sink device was connected. According to one embodiment, a method for operating an electronic device executed by one or more processors may include an operation of selecting a target source device from among the one or more source devices included in the list of source devices. According to one embodiment, a method for operating an electronic device executed by one or more processors may include an operation of transmitting, to the sink device, information related to the target source device, the information indicating that the sink device performs a connection operation with the selected target source device.

[0006] In one embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon at least one instruction, wherein the at least one instruction is executed by a processor of an electronic device to cause the electronic device to connect to a sink device based on a Bluetooth communication protocol, obtain from the sink device a list of source devices including information related to one or more source devices to which the sink device was connected, select a target source device from among the one or more source devices included in the list of source devices, and transmit to the sink device information related to the target source device, the information indicating that the sink device performs a connection operation with the selected target source device.

[0007] The foregoing and other aspects, features and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a reference diagram illustrating a system for switching a source device connected according to a Bluetooth communication protocol according to one embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates a system including an electronic device, a sink device, and a target source device according to one embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a sink device according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart of a method of operating a source device according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method for operating a source device according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 7 illustrates a flowchart of a pairing operation between devices according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 8 illustrates a flowchart of a connection operation between paired devices according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 9 illustrates an example of a source device list according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 10 illustrates an example of a list of source devices according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchart of a method for operating a source device according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a graphical user interface that enables source device switching according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 13 is a reference diagram for explaining an example of the operation illustrated in FIG. 11 according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 14 illustrates a flowchart of a method for operating a source device according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 15 is a reference diagram for explaining an example of the operation illustrated in FIG. 14 according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 16 illustrates a flowchart of a method for operating a source device according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 17 illustrates a flowchart of a method for operating a source device according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 18 is a reference diagram for explaining a user interface for setting macros in a source device according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 19 illustrates an example of macro settings for a source device to be automatically connected to a sink device according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 20 illustrates a flowchart of a method for operating a source device according to one embodiment.

[0028] The terms used in this disclosure will be briefly explained, and the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0029] The terms used in this invention have been selected from widely used, current terms, taking into account the functions of the invention. However, these terms may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Furthermore, in certain cases, terms may be arbitrarily selected by the applicant, in which case their meanings will be described in detail in the relevant description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in this invention should not be defined simply as names, but rather based on their inherent meanings and the overall content of the invention.

[0030] When a part of the specification is said to "include" a component, this does not exclude other components, but rather implies the inclusion of other components, unless otherwise specifically stated. Furthermore, terms such as "part," "module," etc., used throughout the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0031] In this disclosure, the expression “at least one of a, b or c” may refer to “a”, “b”, “c”, “a and b”, “a and c”, “b and c”, “all of a, b and c”, or variations thereof.

[0032] Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In addition, in the drawings, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted to clearly explain the present invention, and similar parts are designated with similar reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0033] In the embodiments of this specification, the term "user" means a person who controls a function or operation of a computing device or electronic device using a control device, and may include a viewer, an administrator, or an installer.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a reference diagram showing an example of a system for switching a source device connected according to a Bluetooth communication protocol according to one embodiment.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, the system may include an electronic device 100 connected to a sink device 200 according to a Bluetooth communication protocol, a sink device 200 connected to the electronic device 100 according to the Bluetooth communication protocol, and source devices 300a including at least one source device that can be connected to the sink device 200 according to source device switching. The source devices 300a may include, for example, a first source device 301, a second source device 302, and a third source device 303.

[0036] The electronic device 100 can be connected to the sink device 200 according to the Bluetooth communication protocol and provide data to the sink device 200.

[0037] The sink device 200 can be connected to the electronic device 100 according to the Bluetooth communication protocol and receive data from the electronic device 100.

[0038] In order for an electronic device 100 and a sink device 200 to establish a connection according to a Bluetooth communication protocol and to transmit and receive data, the electronic device 100 and the sink device 200 must perform a pairing operation and a connection operation. In addition, in order for the sink device 200 and another source device to establish a connection according to a Bluetooth communication protocol and to transmit and receive data, the sink device 200 and the other source device must perform a pairing operation and a connection operation. For example, if an electronic device 100 and a sink device 200 are connected and the sink device 200 receives and consumes data from the electronic device 100, and a user wants to switch the source device to a first source device 301, the sink device 200 must disconnect from the electronic device 100 and perform a pairing operation and a connection operation with the first source device 301. For example, let's say that the electronic device 100 is a TV, the sink device 200 is a headset, and the first source device 301 is a smartphone. When a user wants to listen to audio data from a TV via Bluetooth on a headset at home and then go out, the user may want to switch the source device providing the audio data from the TV to a smartphone. In this case, even if the smartphone is a device that has already been paired with the headset, the user may need to operate the smartphone again to connect it to the headset in order to switch the source device from the TV to the smartphone. According to the embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure, a method for switching source devices connected according to the Bluetooth communication protocol can be provided in a simpler and easier manner.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the sink device 200 may store a source device list 400 that includes information about one or more source devices to which the sink device 200 has been connected in a history of connection according to a Bluetooth communication protocol. This list may include source devices to which the sink device 200 has recently been connected, as well as source devices to which the sink device 200 has been connected in the past. The list may also include source devices to which the sink device 100 is currently connected. Whenever a connection is established with a source device, the sink device 200 may include and store information about the source devices to which the connection was made in the source device list 400. For example, in FIG. 1, the source device list 400 may include information about a first source device 301, a second source device 302, and a third source device 303.

[0040] In one embodiment, the sink device 200 may provide a list of source devices 400 to the electronic device 100.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may select one target source device from a list of source devices 400 received from the sink device 200 when a predetermined requirement is satisfied and transmit information about the selected target source device to the sink device 200. The sink device 200 may perform a connection operation with the target source device using the information about the target source device.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may receive a user input for selecting one of one or more source devices included in a source device list 400 when a predetermined event occurs, and may transmit information about the source device selected according to the user input as a target source device to the sink device 200. The sink device 200 may perform a connection operation with the target source device using the information about the target source device.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may search for connectable source devices around the electronic device (e.g., within a predetermined distance or a specified range), and display at least one connectable source device based on the search result from among the at least one source device included in the source device list.

[0044] According to one embodiment, when a predetermined event occurs, the electronic device 100 may automatically select one of the one or more source devices included in the source device list 400 and transmit information about the selected source device to the sink device 200 as a target source device.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may select a source device registered as a preferred device by a user from among the at least one source device included in the source device list as the target source device.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may select, as the target source device, the source device that was most recently connected to the sink device among the at least one source device included in the source device list.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may select, as the target source device, the source device most frequently connected to the sink device among the at least one source device included in the source device list.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 obtains mapping information including one or more location information and a corresponding source device, and when the electronic device detects that the electronic device is at a location corresponding to the location information, the electronic device may select a source device mapped to correspond to the location information from among the at least one source device included in the source device list as the target source device.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may provide or display a user interface that can set location information and a corresponding source device, and store the mapping information based on user input received through the user interface.

[0050] According to one embodiment, when the sink device 200 receives information about a target source device from the electronic device 100, the sink device 200 may terminate the connection with the electronic device 100, transmit a connection request to the target source device according to the Bluetooth communication protocol, and receive a connection acceptance from the target source device, thereby establishing a connection according to the Bluetooth communication protocol. For example, when the sink device 200 receives information about a first source device 301 as a source device, the sink device 200 may transmit a connection request to the first source device 301 by referring to the information about the first source device 301.

[0051] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a system including an electronic device 100, a sink device 200, and a target source device 300 according to one embodiment.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 2, the system may include an electronic device 100, a sink device 200, and a target source device 300 connected to a communication network.

[0053] The electronic device 100 is a device that can display images or data according to a user's request, and may include a communication unit 110, a display 120, a memory 130, and a processor 140.

[0054] The communication unit 110 may include various communication circuits that enable communication with at least one external device. Here, 'communication' may mean an operation of transmitting and / or receiving data, signals, requests, and / or commands.

[0055] The communication unit 110 can perform wired or wireless communication with at least one external device. The external device may be a sink device 200 or a target source device 300, etc.

[0056] For example, the communication unit 110 may include at least one of a communication module, a communication circuit, a communication device, an input / output port, and an input / output plug for performing wired or wireless communication with at least one external device.

[0057] For example, the communication unit 110 may include at least one wireless communication module, wireless communication circuit, or wireless communication device that performs wireless communication with at least one external device.

[0058] For example, the communication unit 110 may include a short-range communication module capable of receiving control commands from a remote controller located at a short distance, such as an IR (infrared) communication module. In this case, the communication unit 110 may receive a control signal from the remote controller.

[0059] As another example, the communication unit 110 may include at least one communication module that performs communication according to a wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), NFC / RFID, Wi-Fi Direct, UWB, or ZIGBEE. Alternatively, the communication unit 110 may further include a communication module that performs communication with a server for supporting long-distance communication according to a long-distance communication standard. For example, the communication unit 110 may include a communication module that performs communication through a network for Internet communication. In addition, the communication unit 110 may include a communication module that performs communication through a communication network according to a communication standard such as 3G, 4G, 5G, and / or 6G.

[0060] As another example, the communication unit 110 may include at least one port for connecting to an external device via a wired cable in order to communicate with the external device via a wired connection. For example, the communication unit 110 may include at least one of an HDMI port (High-Definition Multimedia Interface port), a component jack, a PC port, and a USB port. Accordingly, the communication unit 110 may communicate with a wired external device via at least one port. Here, the port may refer to a physical device configuration into which a cable, communication line, or plug can be connected or inserted.

[0061] As described above, the communication unit 110 may include at least one support element for supporting communication between the electronic device 100 and an external device. Here, the support element may include the above-described communication module, communication circuit, communication device, port for input / output of data, cable port for input / output of data, plug for input / output of data, etc. For example, at least one support element included in the communication unit 110 may include an Ethernet communication module, a Wi-Fi communication module, a Bluetooth communication module, an IR communication module, a USB port, a tuner (or broadcast receiver), an HDMI port, a DP (display port), a DVI (digital visual interface) port, etc.

[0062] The display 120 can output images or data processed in the electronic device 100.

[0063] The memory 130 can store a program for processing and controlling the processor 140, and can store data input to or output from the electronic device 100. In addition, the memory 130 can store data necessary for the operation of the electronic device 100.

[0064] The memory 130 may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read-Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk.

[0065] The processor 140 controls the overall operation of the electronic device 100. For example, the processor 140 may perform the functions of the electronic device 100 described in the present disclosure by executing one or more instructions stored in the memory 130.

[0066] Processor 140 may include various processing circuits and / or multiple processors. For example, the term "processor" as used herein, including in the claims, may include various processing circuits, including at least one processor. At least one processor, one or more processors, may be individually and / or collectively configured to perform various functions described herein in a distributed fashion. As used herein, "processor," "at least one processor," and "one or more processors" may be configured to perform various functions. However, these terms encompass, for example, but not limited to, situations where one processor performs some of the functions and other processor(s) perform other parts of the functions, and situations where a single processor may perform all of the functions. Furthermore, at least one processor may include a combination of processors that perform various of the disclosed functions in a distributed manner. At least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform various functions.

[0067] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor 140 can store one or more instructions in an internally provided memory, and control the execution of operations of the display device by executing one or more instructions stored in the internally provided memory. That is, the processor 140 can perform a predetermined operation by executing at least one instruction or program stored in the internal memory or memory 130 provided within the processor 140.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the processor 140 may perform operations of the electronic device 100 disclosed in the present disclosure by executing one or more instructions stored in the memory 130.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the processor 140 may be configured to execute one or more instructions stored in the memory 130 to connect to a sink device according to a Bluetooth communication protocol, obtain a source device list including information about at least one source device to which the sink device was connected from the sink device, select a target source device from among the at least one source device included in the source device list, and transmit information about the selected target source device to the sink device so that the sink device performs a connection operation with the selected target source device.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the processor 140 may be configured to display at least one source device included in the source device list based on a user input by executing one or more instructions stored in the memory 130, receive an input for selecting one source device from the source device list, and determine the source device selected according to the input as the target source device.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the processor 140 may be configured to search for connectable source devices around the electronic device (e.g., within a predetermined distance or a specified range) by executing one or more instructions stored in the memory 130, and display at least one connectable source device based on the search result among the at least one source device included in the source device list.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the processor 140 may be configured to detect the occurrence of a predetermined event by executing one or more instructions stored in the memory 130, and select a target source device from among the at least one source device included in the source device list based on the detection.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the processor 140 may be configured to select, as the target source device, a source device registered as a preferred device by a user from among the at least one source device included in the source device list by executing one or more instructions stored in the memory 130.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the processor 140 may be configured to select, as the target source device, a source device most recently connected to the sink device from among the at least one source device included in the source device list, by executing one or more instructions stored in the memory 130.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the processor 140 may be configured to select, as the target source device, a source device most frequently connected to the sink device among the at least one source device included in the source device list by executing one or more instructions stored in the memory 130.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the processor 140 may be configured to obtain mapping information including one or more location information and a corresponding source device by executing one or more instructions stored in the memory 130, and, when the electronic device is detected to be at a location corresponding to the location information, select a source device mapped to the location information from among the at least one source device included in the source device list as the target source device.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the processor 140 may be configured to provide a user interface for setting location information and a corresponding source device by executing one or more instructions stored in the memory 130, and to store the mapping information based on user input received through the user interface.

[0078] The electronic device 100 may be any type of device that performs a function, including a processor and memory. The electronic device 100 may be a stationary or portable device. For example, the electronic device 100 may refer to a device that has a display and can display image content, video content, game content, graphic content, etc. The electronic device 100 may include various types of electronic devices that can receive and output content, such as televisions such as network TVs, smart TVs, internet TVs, web TVs, and IPTVs; computers such as desktops, laptops, and tablets; smartphones, cellular phones, game players, music players, video players, medical equipment, home appliances, and various other smart devices. The electronic device 100 may be referred to as a source device in that it provides content, and may also be referred to as a content providing device, electronic device, or computing device.

[0079] The block diagram of the electronic device 100 illustrated in FIG. 2 is a block diagram for one embodiment. Each component of the block diagram may be integrated, added, or omitted depending on the specifications of the electronic device 100 actually implemented. For example, two or more components may be combined into one component, or one component may be subdivided into two or more components, as needed. In addition, the functions performed by each block are for the purpose of explaining embodiments, and the specific operations or devices thereof do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0080] Although FIG. 2 illustrates the electronic device 100 as including a display, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device 100 may be a device that provides content to an external display device including a display. The content may include, but is not limited to, images, videos, audio, text, games, applications, etc. The electronic device 100 may include a set-top box (STB), a Blu-ray Disc (Blu-ray Disc) player, a Digital Versatile Disk (DVD) player, a game device, a digital camera, a camcorder, a streaming device, a home theater, etc. In this case, the electronic device 100 may be connected to the external display device through an input / output port such as an HDMI port, and configured to transmit video / audio signals to the external display device. Alternatively, the electronic device 100 may be connected to the external display device through wired communication, short-range wireless communication such as wireless LAN (W-LAN), Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth, or long-range wireless communication.

[0081] Now let's describe the sink device 200.

[0082] The sink device 200 may include a communication unit 210, an output unit 220, a memory 230, and a processor 240. However, the sink device 200 may be implemented with more components than the illustrated components and is not limited to the examples described above.

[0083] The communication unit 210 may include various communication circuits included in one or more modules that enable wireless communication between the sink device 200 and a wireless communication system or between the sink device 200 and a network in which another device is located. In one embodiment, the communication unit 210 may perform communication with the electronic device 100 or the target source device 300 according to a short-range communication technology. The short-range communication technology may include, for example, Bluetooth communication, Wi-Fi communication, infrared communication, etc.

[0084] The output unit 220 can output data received from the electronic device 100 or the target source device 300. For example, the output unit 220 can include an audio output unit capable of outputting audio data received from the electronic device 100 or the target source device 300.

[0085] The memory 230 can store a program for processing and controlling the processor 240, and can store data input to or output from the sink device 200.

[0086] The memory 230 may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read-Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk.

[0087] Processor 240 controls the overall operation of sink device 200. For example, processor 240 may perform the functions of sink device 200 described in the present disclosure by executing one or more instructions stored in memory 230.

[0088] Processor 240 may include various processing circuits and / or multiple processors. For example, the term "processor" as used herein, including in the claims, may include various processing circuits, including at least one processor. At least one processor, one or more processors may be configured to perform various functions described herein, individually and / or collectively, in a distributed fashion. As used herein, "processor," "at least one processor," and "one or more processors" may be configured to perform various functions. However, these terms encompass, for example, but not limited to, situations where one processor performs some of the functions and other processor(s) perform other parts of the functions, and situations where a single processor may perform all of the functions. Furthermore, the at least one processor may include a combination of processors that perform various of the disclosed functions in a distributed manner. The at least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform various functions.

[0089] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor 240 can store one or more instructions in an internally provided memory, and control the execution of the one or more instructions stored in the internally provided memory so that the aforementioned operations are performed. That is, the processor 240 can perform a predetermined operation by executing at least one instruction or program stored in an internal memory provided within the processor 240 or in the memory 230.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the processor 240 may perform a communication connection with the electronic device 100 using a short-range wireless communication technology by executing one or more instructions stored in the memory 230. The short-range wireless communication technology may include Bluetooth communication technology or Wi-Fi Direct technology.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the processor 240 may control the communication unit 210 to establish a communication connection with the electronic device 100 according to a Bluetooth communication protocol by executing one or more instructions stored in the memory 230.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the processor 240 may store a list of source devices in the memory 230, including information about at least one source device that has a history of communication connection according to a Bluetooth communication protocol, by executing one or more instructions stored in the memory 230.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the processor 240 may control the communication unit 210 to transmit a list of source devices to the electronic device 100 by executing one or more instructions stored in the memory 230.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the processor 240 may control the communication unit 210 to receive information about a target source device from the electronic device 100 by executing one or more instructions stored in the memory 230.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the processor 240 may control the communication unit 210 to transmit a connection request to the target source device 300 by referencing information about the target source device by executing one or more instructions stored in the memory 230.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the processor 240 may control the communication unit 210 to receive a connection acceptance from the target source device 300 by executing one or more instructions stored in the memory 230.

[0097] The sink device 200 may be any type of device that performs a function, including a processor and memory. The sink device 200 may include various electronic devices capable of Bluetooth communication. The sink device 200 may be referred to as a sink device in that it receives data from the electronic device 100, and may also be referred to as various other electronic devices, computing devices, content receiving devices, Bluetooth communication devices, etc.

[0098] Meanwhile, the block diagram of the sink device 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 is a block diagram for one embodiment. Each component of the block diagram may be integrated, added, or omitted depending on the specifications of the sink device 200 actually implemented. For example, it is understood that two or more components are combined into one component, or one component is subdivided into two or more components. In addition, the functions performed by each block are for the purpose of explaining embodiments, and the specific operations or devices thereof do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0099] Now let's describe the target source device 300.

[0100] The target source device 300 may include a communication unit 310, a display 320, a memory 330, and a processor 340. However, the target source device 300 may be implemented with more components than those illustrated, and is not limited to the examples described above. For example, the target source device 300 may include a separate image processing unit for image processing of application images executed on the target source device 300.

[0101] The communication unit 310 may include various communication circuits included in one or more modules that enable wireless communication between the target source device 300 and a wireless communication system or between the target source device 300 and a network in which other devices are located. In one embodiment, the communication unit 310 may perform communication with the sink device 200 according to a Bluetooth communication protocol.

[0102] The display 320 can output images or data processed by the target source device 300.

[0103] The memory 330 can store a program for processing and controlling the processor 340, and can store data input to or output from the target source device 300.

[0104] The memory 330 may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read-Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk.

[0105] Processor 340 controls the overall operation of target source device 300. For example, processor 340 may perform functions of target source device 300 described in the present disclosure by executing one or more instructions stored in memory 330.

[0106] Processor 340 may include various processing circuits and / or multiple processors. For example, the term "processor" as used herein, including in the claims, may include various processing circuits, including at least one processor. At least one processor, one or more processors, may be individually and / or collectively configured to perform various functions described herein in a distributed fashion. As used herein, "processor," "at least one processor," and "one or more processors" may be configured to perform various functions. However, these terms encompass, for example, but not limited to, situations where one processor performs some of the functions and other processor(s) perform other parts of the functions, and situations where a single processor may perform all of the functions. Furthermore, at least one processor may include a combination of processors that perform various of the disclosed functions in a distributed manner. At least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform various functions.

[0107] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor 340 can store one or more instructions in an internally provided memory, and control the execution of the one or more instructions stored in the internally provided memory so that the aforementioned operations are performed. That is, the processor 340 can perform a predetermined operation by executing at least one instruction or program stored in an internal memory provided within the processor 340 or in the memory 330.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the processor 340 may control the communication unit 310 to receive a connection request according to the Bluetooth communication protocol from the sink device 200 by executing one or more instructions stored in the memory 330.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the processor 340 may control the communication unit 310 to transmit a connection acceptance in response to a connection request from the sink device 200 by executing one or more instructions stored in the memory 330.

[0110] The block diagram of the target source device 300 illustrated in FIG. 2 is a block diagram for one embodiment. Each component of the block diagram may be integrated, added, or omitted depending on the specifications of the target source device 300 actually implemented. For example, it is understood that two or more components are combined into one component, or one component is subdivided into two or more components. In addition, the functions performed by each block are for the purpose of explaining embodiments, and the specific operations or devices thereof do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0111] FIG. 3 illustrates an example block diagram of a sink device according to one embodiment.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 3, the sink device 200 may include a communication unit 210, an output unit 220, a memory 230, and a processor 240, as illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0113] The communication unit 210 may include a Bluetooth communication module 211 for operation according to the embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure.

[0114] The memory 230 may include a Bluetooth application 231 that enables the sink device 200 to communicate according to the Bluetooth communication protocol.

[0115] The Bluetooth application 231 includes one or more instructions that enable the sink device 200 to communicate according to the Bluetooth communication protocol, and can also collect information about one or more source devices to which the sink device 200 has been connected in accordance with the disclosed embodiment, thereby forming a source device list 232.

[0116] The source device list 232 may include information about one or more source devices to which the sink device 200 has a history of connection. For example, if the sink device 200 has a history of connection with a first source device 301, a second source device 302, and a third source device 303, the source device list 232 may include information about the first source device, information about the second source device, and information about the third source device.

[0117] The processor 240 may update the source device list to store information about the connected source device whenever a connection with the source device occurs. The information about the source device may include identification information about the source device. The identification information about the source device may include at least one of a BT MAC Address or a BT Friendly Name. The information about the source device may further include connection time information indicating information about the time when the sink device 200 connected to the source device. The connection time information may include at least one of the time when the sink device 200 initiated a connection with the source device, the time when the sink device 200 terminated a connection with the source device, or information about the number of times the sink device 200 connected to the source device during a certain period of time.

[0118] FIG. 4 is an example block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 4, the electronic device 100 may include a communication unit 110, a display 120, a memory 130, a processor 140, an image processing unit 150, an audio processing unit 160, an audio output unit 170, a receiving unit 180, and a detection unit 190.

[0120] The communication unit 110 may include various communication circuits included in one or more modules that enable wireless communication between the electronic device 100 and a wireless communication system or between the electronic device 100 and a network in which another electronic device is located. For example, the communication unit 110 may include a mobile communication module 111, a wireless Internet module 112, a Wi-Fi communication module 113, and a Bluetooth communication module 114.

[0121] The mobile communication module 111 transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network. The wireless signals may include various forms of data, such as voice call signals, video call signals, or text / multimedia message transmission and reception.

[0122] The wireless Internet module 112 refers to a module for wireless Internet access, which may be built into or external to the device. Wireless Internet technologies that may be used include WLAN (Wireless LAN) (WiFi), Wibro (Wireless broadband), Wimax (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), and HSDPA (High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access). Through the wireless Internet module 112, the device can establish a Wi-Fi P2P (Peer to Peer) connection with other devices.

[0123] The communication unit 110 may include a short-range communication module for short-range communication. Short-range communication technologies such as Bluetooth, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), IrDA (Infrared Data Association), UWB (Ultra Wideband), and ZigBee may be used. The communication unit 110 may include a Wi-Fi communication module 113 and a Bluetooth communication module 114 as short-range communication modules.

[0124] The WiFi communication module 113 can establish a communication connection and perform communication according to the WiFi communication protocol under the control of the processor 140.

[0125] The Bluetooth communication module 114 can establish a communication connection and communicate with the sink device 200 according to the Bluetooth communication protocol under the control of the processor 140.

[0126] The Bluetooth communication module 114 can transmit data to the sink device 200 under the control of the processor 140.

[0127] Display 120 can display video signals on the screen.

[0128] Memory 130 can store programs related to the operation of the electronic device 100 and various data generated during the operation of the electronic device 100.

[0129] Memory 130 may store at least one instruction. Furthermore, memory 130 may store at least one instruction to be executed by processor 140. Furthermore, memory 130 may store at least one program to be executed by processor 140. Furthermore, memory 130 may store an application for providing a specific service.

[0130] Specifically, the memory 130 may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read-Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk.

[0131] In one embodiment, memory 130 may store a Bluetooth application 131 and a source device list 132 received from a sink device 200.

[0132] The processor 140 controls the overall operation of the electronic device 100. For example, the processor 140 may perform the functions of the electronic device 100 described in the present disclosure by executing one or more instructions stored in the memory 130.

[0133] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor 140 can store one or more instructions in an internally provided memory, and control the execution of operations of the display device by executing one or more instructions stored in the internally provided memory. That is, the processor 140 can perform a predetermined operation by executing at least one instruction or program stored in the internal memory or memory 130 provided within the processor 140.

[0134] Processor 140 may include various processing circuits and / or multiple processors. For example, the term “processor” as used herein, including in the claims, may include various processing circuits, including at least one processor. At least one processor, one or more processors, may be individually and / or collectively configured to perform various functions described herein in a distributed fashion. As used herein, a processor, at least one processor, or more than one processor may be configured to perform multiple functions. However, these terms encompass, for example, but not limited to, situations where one processor performs some of the functions and other processor(s) perform other parts of the functions, and situations where a single processor may perform all of the functions. Furthermore, at least one processor may include a combination of processors that perform various of the functions described in a distributed manner. At least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform various functions.

[0135] According to one embodiment, the processor 140 may perform operations of the electronic device 100 disclosed in the present disclosure by executing one or more instructions stored in the memory 130.

[0136] The video processing unit 150 can process a video signal received from the communication unit 110 and output it to the display 120 under the control of the processor 140.

[0137] The audio processing unit 160 can convert an audio signal received from the receiving unit 180 or the communication unit 110 into an analog audio signal and output it to the audio output unit 170 under the control of the processor 140.

[0138] The audio output unit 170 can output audio (e.g., voice, sound) input through the communication unit 110 or the receiver unit 180. In addition, the audio output unit 170 can output audio stored in the memory 130 under the control of the processor 140. The audio output unit 170 can include at least one of a speaker, a headphone output terminal, or an S / PDIF (Sony / Philips Digital Interface:) output terminal, or a combination thereof.

[0139] The receiving unit 180 can receive video (e.g., moving images, etc.), audio (e.g., voice, music, etc.), and additional information (e.g., EPG, etc.) from the outside of the electronic device 100 under the control of the processor 140. The receiving unit 180 may include one of an HDMI port (High-Definition Multimedia Interface port, 181), a component jack (component jack, 182), a PC port (PC port, 183), and a USB port (USB port, 184), or a combination of one or more thereof. In addition to the HDMI port, the receiving unit 180 may further include a DisplayPort (DP), Thunderbolt, or MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link).

[0140] The detection unit 190 detects the user's voice, the user's image, or the user's interaction, and may include a microphone 191, a camera unit 192, and an optical receiver unit 193.

[0141] Microphone 191 receives the user's spoken voice. Microphone 191 can convert the received voice into an electrical signal and output it to processor 140. The user's voice may include, for example, a voice corresponding to a menu or function of electronic device 100.

[0142] Camera 192 can receive images (e.g., consecutive frames) corresponding to a user's motion, including a gesture, within the camera recognition range. Processor 140 can use the recognition result of the received motion to select a menu displayed on the electronic device 100 or perform a control corresponding to the motion recognition result.

[0143] The optical receiver 193 receives an optical signal (including a control signal) from an external control device. The optical receiver can receive an optical signal corresponding to a user input (e.g., touch, press, touch gesture, voice, or motion) from the control device. A control signal can be extracted from the received optical signal under the control of the processor 140.

[0144] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a method of operating a source device according to one embodiment.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 5, in operation 510, the electronic device 100 can connect to the sink device 200 according to a Bluetooth communication protocol.

[0146] In operation 520, the electronic device 100 may receive a source device list from the sink device 200, which includes information about at least one source device to which the sink device 200 has a history of being connected. The source device list may include information about at least one source device to which the sink device 200 has a history of being paired and connected. The information about the source device may include at least one of a BT MAC Address or a BT Friendly Name of the source device as identification information about the source device to which the sink device 200 has a history of being connected.

[0147] In operation 530, the electronic device 100 may select a target source device from at least one source device included in a list of source devices received from the sink device 200.

[0148] According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may select a target source device based on a user input selecting one source device from among at least one source device. The electronic device 100 may provide a graphical user interface that allows the user to select one source device from among at least one source device included in a list of source devices. Upon receiving a user input selecting one source device through the graphical user interface, the electronic device 100 may determine the selected source device as the target source device.

[0149] According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may select, as a target source device, the source device with the most recent connection history among at least one source device. For example, information about at least one source device included in the source device list received from the sink device 200 may include information about the connection time. The electronic device 100 may identify the source device with the most recent connection history by referring to the information about the time at which each source device was connected to the sink device.

[0150] According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may select, as a target source device, the source device with the most frequent connection history among at least one source device. For example, information about at least one source device included in the list of source devices received from the sink device 200 may include information about the number of times each source device has been connected. The electronic device 100 may identify the source device with the most frequent connection history by referring to the information about the number of times each source device has been connected to the sink device.

[0151] According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may select a source device registered as a user-preferred device among at least one source device as a target source device. For example, the electronic device 100 may store information about a source device registered as a user-preferred device, and may select a source device registered as a user-preferred device among the source devices as a target source device.

[0152] According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may obtain mapping information including one or more location information and a corresponding source device. When the source device is detected to be located at a location corresponding to the location information included in the mapping information, the electronic device 100 may select, from among at least one source device included in a list of source devices, the source device mapped to the location information as a target source device. For example, the mapping information may include information that a home is mapped to a TV and an office is mapped to a smartphone. When the electronic device 100 detects that the electronic device 100 is located at home, the electronic device 100 may select the TV as the target source device. When the electronic device 100 detects that the electronic device 100 is located at the office, the electronic device 100 may select the smartphone as the target source device.

[0153] In operation 540, the electronic device 100 may transmit information about the selected target source device to the sink device 200 so that the sink device may perform a connection operation with the selected target source device. Then, the sink device 200, which has received the information about the target source device, may transmit a connection request to the target source device according to the Bluetooth communication protocol by referring to the information and receive a connection acceptance in response, thereby performing a Bluetooth communication connection.

[0154] FIG. 6 illustrates an example flowchart of a method for operating a source device according to one embodiment.

[0155] Referring to FIG. 6, in operation 601, the sink device 200 can perform pairing and connection operations with the first source device 301 according to a Bluetooth communication protocol.

[0156] Pairing is the process of authenticating and exchanging encryption keys between two Bluetooth devices to ensure secure communication. This is typically performed when two devices first attempt to communicate with each other. The pairing process allows the two devices to establish a shared secret key that can be used to securely encrypt and exchange data during future communications. This process can include authentication, which verifies the existence of the other device and authorizes the user to pair with it; key exchange, which exchanges encryption keys between the two devices for secure communication; and encryption settings, which establish communication encryption based on the exchanged keys.

[0157] The connection process establishes a communication channel between the two devices for actual data transfer after successful pairing. During the connection process, the two devices recognize each other and can securely exchange data using a shared encryption key. Connection is a less complex process than pairing and typically occurs automatically without additional user intervention.

[0158] Bluetooth is a standard that can be used for communication with various types of devices, and there are separate protocols called profiles that can be used depending on the type of each device. Communication using the same profile is possible between devices that want to communicate. Representative Bluetooth profiles include A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile), which is used to transmit voice to audio devices with a receiver, HFP (Hands-Free Profile) for hands-free calling, HSP (Headset Profile) for communication with headsets with built-in Bluetooth, HID (Human Interface Device Profile) for wireless connection with input devices such as computer mice or keyboards, and SPP (Serial Port Profile) for serial communication between devices and all data transmission between devices.

[0159] A2DP can be used for pairing and connection of Action 601.

[0160] The pairing and connection operations are specifically described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0161] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a pairing operation between devices according to one embodiment.

[0162] Referring to Figure 7, a pairing operation between an initiating device and a target device is described. The initiating device may be, for example, a first source device, and the target device may be a sink device. The initiating device and the target device may operate according to the A2DP profile.

[0163] In step 710, devices can initiate discovery and identification operations. During the device discovery and identification phase, typically, one device is set to discovery mode and the other device is set to discoverable mode. The device in discovery mode scans for all nearby Bluetooth devices, and the user can select a specific device to pair with. When a device activates Bluetooth discovery mode, it begins searching for other nearby Bluetooth devices. Each device broadcasts its BT MAC Address. The BT MAC Address serves as a unique identifier for the device and can be used to distinguish each device on the network. The device performing the discovery may receive the BT MAC Address of the nearby device, along with its BT Friendly Name, if available. The BT Friendly Name is a more user-friendly name that allows the user to easily identify the device, and the user can use this name to identify and select the device to connect to.

[0164] In step 720, the paired devices can exchange device information. During the device information exchange phase, the paired devices can exchange information about each other's device type, such as the Bluetooth profiles and functions supported by the devices. This information allows the two devices to determine what types of data they can exchange.

[0165] In step 730, the paired devices can request and accept authentication. In the authentication request and acceptance step, one device requests authentication from the other, and if this request is accepted, a secure connection between the devices is established. This process may typically involve entering a PIN or key. For example, a user-defined PIN or an automatically generated key can be entered to complete the authentication process between the two devices. This ensures that communication between the two devices is secure.

[0166] At step 740, the devices can generate and exchange link keys. In step 740, the two devices generate and exchange a unique link key. This key is used to encrypt all communications between the two devices and can be used continuously while the pairing is maintained. Since communication between the two devices is encrypted using the link key, data can be transmitted securely.

[0167] This process establishes a secure communication channel between Bluetooth devices. Once pairing is successfully completed, the devices can securely exchange data over an encrypted link, and the link key can be reused for subsequent communications to quickly reestablish a secure connection.

[0168] Figure 8 illustrates a flowchart of a connection operation between paired devices according to one embodiment.

[0169] Referring to FIG. 8, in operation 810, paired devices, i.e., the initiating device and the target device, can be automatically connected through a connection operation and confirmation.

[0170] When devices reconnect after pairing, the process of exchanging device names or supported profiles is generally less complex than the initial pairing process. Because this information has already been exchanged and authentication completed during the pairing process, the reconnection process can primarily be performed by reconfirming the secure connection using the previously shared link key. However, the devices may exchange some basic information to ensure connection quality and compatibility. Specifically, the devices can verify each other's identity using the link key generated and stored during the previous pairing process, ensuring secure communication between devices. Furthermore, during the reconnection process, the devices may re-exchange their device names or supported profile information to reflect any changed settings or updated software profiles.

[0171] Returning to FIG. 6 again, once pairing and connection are established between the sink device 200 and the first source device 301 in operation 601, the sink device 200 can receive and process data from the first source device 301.

[0172] In operation 602, the sink device 200 may store information about a first source device in a source device list. The sink device 200 may store information about source devices that are paired with the sink device 200 and have a connection history in the source device list. The information about the source devices stored in the source device list may include identification information about the source devices with a connection history. The identification information about the source devices with a connection history may include at least one of a BT MAC address used to identify a Bluetooth device and a BT Friendly Name used to allow a user to easily identify the Bluetooth device. For example, the sink device 200 may store at least one of a BT MAC address and a BT Friendly Name of a first source device 301 with a connection history in the source device list.

[0173] In operation 603, when pairing and connection are established between the sink device 200 and the second source device 302, the sink device 200 can receive and process data from the second source device 302.

[0174] In operation 604, the sink device 200 may store information about the second source device in the source device list. For example, the sink device 200 may store at least one of the BT MAC address and the BT Friendly Name of the second source device 302 with a connection history in the source device list.

[0175] In operation 605, when pairing and connection are established between the sink device 200 and the third source device 303, the sink device 200 can receive and process data from the third source device 303.

[0176] In operation 606, the sink device 200 may store information about the third source device in the source device list. For example, the sink device 200 may store at least one of the BT MAC address and the BT Friendly Name of the third source device 303 with a connection history in the source device list.

[0177] In this way, the sink device 200 having a connection history with the first source device 301 to the third source device 303 can store a list of source devices as illustrated in FIG. 9.

[0178] Figure 9 illustrates an example of a source device list according to one embodiment.

[0179] Referring to FIG. 9, the source device list 900 may include the BT MAC address and BT Friendly Name of the first source device, the BT MAC address and BT Friendly Name of the second source device, and the BT MAC address and BT Friendly Name of the third source device. In this way, the sink device 200 may store information about the connected source device in the source device list whenever it is paired with a new source device and connected. In addition, the sink device 200 may provide the source device list stored in this way to the connected source device, thereby allowing the source device to use the source device list when switching source devices.

[0180] In operation 607, pairing and connection can be performed between the sink device 200 and the electronic device 100. After connection is performed between the sink device 200 and the electronic device 100, the sink device 200 will store information about the source device as described above, but this will be omitted for convenience of explanation.

[0181] At operation 608, the electronic device 100 may transmit a source device information request to the sink device 200.

[0182] In operation 609, the sink device 200 can respond to the request by transmitting a list of source devices stored in the sink device 200 to the electronic device 100 in response to the request for source device information from the electronic device 100.

[0183] In operation 610, the electronic device 100 can transmit data to the sink device 200 according to the Bluetooth communication protocol.

[0184] As illustrated in the operation illustrated in FIG. 6, the sink device 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can store and manage information about source devices with a connection history in a source device list each time it performs a connection operation with a source device. In addition, the sink device 200 can provide the source device list to the source device each time it is connected to the source device so that the source device can utilize such information about the source device.

[0185] In one embodiment, the sink device 200 storing information about the source devices in a source device list and the sink device 200 providing the source device list to the connected source devices may occur not only when the sink device 200 is paired and connected to the source device, but also when the sink device 200 is already paired and reconnected.

[0186] Figure 10 illustrates an example of a list of source devices according to one embodiment.

[0187] While the source device list disclosed in FIG. 9 includes the BT MAC Address and BT Friendly Name of the source device, the information about the source device illustrated in FIG. 10 may further include connection time information in addition to the BT MAC Address and BT Friendly Name. The connection time information may include at least one of the time at which the connection between the source device and the sink device was initiated, the time at which the connection between the source device and the sink device was terminated, and the number of times the connection was made during a predetermined period. By referring to the time at which the connection was initiated or the time at which the connection was terminated, the source device can determine which source device is the source device with the most recent connection history. By referring to the information about the number of times the connection was made, the source device can determine which source device is the source device with the most frequent connection history.

[0188] For example, the connection time information may include the time at which the connection between the source device and the sink device was terminated. If the connection time information of the first source device indicates 15:30:30 on February 21, 2024, the connection time information of the second source device indicates 16:40:20 on February 21, 2024, and the connection time information of the third source device indicates 20:10:20 on February 20, 2024, the electronic device 100 may identify the second source device indicating the most recent time as the source device with the most recent connection history.

[0189] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a method for operating a source device according to one embodiment.

[0190] The operation illustrated in FIG. 11 can be performed after the electronic device 100 and the sink device 200 are connected according to the operation illustrated in FIG. 6 and the electronic device 100 receives and stores a list of source devices from the sink device 200.

[0191] Referring to FIG. 11, in operation 1101, the electronic device 100 may receive a user input requesting a source device switch. For example, the electronic device 100 may provide a graphical user interface that enables the source device switch. Based on this graphical user interface, the electronic device 100 may receive a user input requesting a source device switch. For example, the electronic device 100 may provide a graphical user interface as illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0192] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a graphical user interface that enables source device switching according to one embodiment.

[0193] *Referring to FIG. 172, electronic device 100 may include an item 1200 that enables switching of a source device. When a user input is received selecting the item 1200, electronic device 100 may determine that a user input requesting switching of the source device has been received.

[0194] Returning to FIG. 11 again, at operation 1102, the electronic device 100 may display a list of source devices upon receiving a user input requesting a source device switch. The electronic device 100 may display information about the source devices included in the list of source devices received and stored from the sink device 200.

[0195] For example, referring to FIG. 12, electronic device 100 can display information about a first source device, a second source device, and a third source device included in a list of source devices. Then, a user can select one of the devices included in the displayed list.

[0196] At operation 1103, the electronic device 100 may receive an input for selecting one source device from a list of source devices.

[0197] At operation 1104, the electronic device 100 may determine the selected source device as the target source device to be source switched.

[0198] In operation 1105, the electronic device 100 may transmit information about the target source device to the sink device 200. The information about the target source device may include at least one of a BT MAC Address or a BT Friendly Name of the target source device. For example, the electronic device 100 may use the SPP (Serial Port Profile) protocol when transmitting information about the target source device to the sink device 200.

[0199] At operation 1106, the sink device 200 may transmit a connection termination request to the electronic device 100 upon receiving information about the target source device from the electronic device 100.

[0200] At operation 1107, electronic device 100 may transmit a connection termination response to sink device 200. Accordingly, the connection between electronic device 100 and sink device 200 may be terminated.

[0201] In operation 1108, the sink device 200 may transmit a connection request to the target source device based on information about the target source device received from the electronic device 100. And in operation 1109, the first source device 301 may transmit a connection response to the sink device 200. The sink device 200 and the first source device 301 may be automatically connected based on the connection request and connection response. For example, if the target source device is the first source device, the sink device 200 may transmit a connection request to the first source device 301. Since the sink device 200 has a history of connecting to the first source device, it may be automatically connected to the first source device 301 with only a connection operation as illustrated in FIG. 8 without having to go through a pairing operation again.

[0202] FIG. 13 is a reference diagram for explaining an example of the operation illustrated in FIG. 11 according to one embodiment.

[0203] Referring to FIG. 13, when the electronic device 100 and the sink device 200 are connected according to the Bluetooth communication protocol, the sink device 200 can provide the electronic device 100 with a source device list 1330.

[0204] The electronic device 100 and the sink device 200 can transmit and receive data according to Bluetooth communication. When a source switching request is received from the electronic device 100, the electronic device 100 can provide a graphical user interface 1300 for selecting a source device to be switched by outputting information about source devices included in a source device list 1330 received from the sink device 200. For example, when the source device list 1330 includes a TV, a PC, and a tablet as source devices, the electronic device 100 can include the TV, the PC, and the tablet in the graphical user interface 1300. When a user selects, for example, a TV among the source devices included in the displayed graphical user interface, the electronic device 100 can transmit information indicating that the selected target source device is a TV to the sink device 200. Then, the sink device 200 can terminate the communication connection with the electronic device 100, transmit a connection request to the TV 304, and receive a connection response, thereby establishing a connection with the TV 304.

[0205] FIG. 14 illustrates an example flowchart of a method for operating a source device according to one embodiment.

[0206] The operation illustrated in FIG. 14 can be performed after the electronic device 100 and the sink device 200 are connected according to the operation illustrated in FIG. 6 and the electronic device 100 receives and stores a list of source devices from the sink device 200. The operation illustrated in FIG. 14 is similar to the operation illustrated in FIG. 11, except that operation 1102 illustrated in FIG. 11 can be replaced with operations 1402 and 1403 illustrated in FIG. 14. Among the operations illustrated in FIG. 14, operations corresponding to the operations illustrated in FIG. 11 will be briefly described.

[0207] Referring to FIG. 14, at operation 1401, electronic device 100 may receive user input requesting a source device switch.

[0208] In operation 1402, the electronic device 100 may search for a peripheral device to determine a connectable source device. The electronic device 100 may display information about a source device to be switched based on a source device list received from the sink device 200. However, the information about the source devices included in the source device list may also include information about source devices to which the sink device 200 is not currently connectable. That is, since the source device list provided by the sink device 200 includes information about all source devices to which the sink device 200 has a connection history, the source device list may include information about source devices within a connectable range of the sink device 200 and also information about source devices within a connectable range of the sink device 200. Since it is meaningless to provide information about source devices that the sink device 200 cannot connect to, the electronic device 100 can check the source devices that the sink device 200 can connect to, and output only the information about the source devices that the sink device 200 can connect to from the list of source devices as information about the switchable source devices. To this end, the electronic device 100 can search for Bluetooth devices based on the Bluetooth communication protocol and confirm the searched source devices as connectable source devices. For example, the electronic device 100 can perform the device search process 710 as illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0209] In operation 1403, the electronic device 100 can display connectable source devices from the source device list. That is, the electronic device 100 can compare the source devices included in the source device list with the connectable source devices that the electronic device 100 confirmed in operation 1402. In addition, the electronic device 100 can display connectable source devices included in the source device list as devices for source switching selection, and can exclude unconnectable source devices from the display from the source devices included in the source device list. In this way, since the sink device 200 displays currently connectable source devices as devices for source switching selection, it is possible to prevent a user from uselessly selecting an unconnectable source device.

[0210] The following operations 1404 to 1410 correspond to operations 1103 to 1109 illustrated in Fig. 11, and therefore further description thereof will be omitted.

[0211] FIG. 15 is a reference diagram for explaining an example of the operation illustrated in FIG. 14 according to one embodiment.

[0212] Referring to FIG. 15, when the electronic device 100 and the sink device 200 are connected according to the Bluetooth communication protocol, the sink device 200 can provide the source device list 1330 to the electronic device 100.

[0213] The electronic device 100 and the sink device 200 can transmit and receive data according to Bluetooth communication. When a source switching request is received from the electronic device 100, the electronic device 100 can provide a graphical user interface 1300 for selecting a source device to be switched by outputting information about source devices included in a source device list 1330 received from the sink device 200. For example, the source device list 1330 may include a TV, a PC, and a tablet as source devices. In this case, the electronic device 100 can search for peripheral devices in advance and confirm that the TV and tablet are connectable devices. The electronic device 100 can include the TV and the tablet in the graphical user interface 1500 as information about switchable source devices and not include the PC because it is not currently a connectable device. When the user selects, for example, a TV among the source devices included in the displayed graphical user interface, the electronic device 100 can transmit information indicating that the selected target source device is a TV to the sink device 200. Then, the sink device 200 can terminate the communication connection with the electronic device 100, transmit a connection request to the TV 304, and establish a connection with the TV 304 by receiving a connection response. In this way, the electronic device 100 does not output information about the source devices included in the source device list received from the sink device 200 as switchable source device information, but only outputs information about devices connectable by the sink device 200, thereby preventing the user from uselessly selecting a source device that is not connectable by the sink device 200.

[0214] FIG. 16 illustrates an example flowchart of a method for operating a source device according to one embodiment.

[0215] The operation illustrated in FIG. 16 can be performed after the electronic device 100 and the sink device 200 are connected according to the operation illustrated in FIG. 6 and the electronic device 100 receives and stores a list of source devices from the sink device 200.

[0216] Referring to FIG. 16, in operation 1601, the electronic device 100 may detect a predetermined event. The predetermined event may be determined in various ways, but may be, for example, an event indicating a situation in which the electronic device 100, which was connected to the sink device 200 and transmitting data to the sink device 200, is no longer able to transmit data. For example, the electronic device 100 may be powered off, enter standby mode, or an error may occur in the electronic device 100, making it difficult to transmit data any longer.

[0217] In operation 1602, when a predetermined event is detected as described above, the electronic device 100 can select one source device from the list of source devices. That is, the electronic device 100 can select one source device from the list of source devices to switch to another source device capable of data transmission when it is suddenly unable to transmit data to the sink device 200 for some reason.

[0218] According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may select a source device pre-registered as a preferred device from a list of source devices. For example, the electronic device 100 may receive a user's preferred device and register it as a preferred device. In this case, if a device registered as a preferred device by the user is present in the list of source devices, the electronic device 100 may select it as the device to switch to.

[0219] According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may select a source device with a most recent connection history from a list of source devices. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, when the sink device 200 stores a source device with a connection history in the list of source devices, the sink device 200 may further store information about the time of connection with the source device in addition to the BT MAC Address or BT Friendly Name of the source device. The connection time information may include at least one of information about the time at which the sink device 200 started connecting to the source device or information about the time at which the connection with the source device ended. When receiving a list of source devices including information about the connection time, the electronic device 100 may identify the most recently connected source device based on the information about the connection time. The electronic device 100 may select the most recently connected source device from the list of source devices.

[0220] According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 can select a source device with the most frequently connected history from the source device list. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, when the sink device 200 stores a source device with a connection history in the source device list, the sink device 200 can store not only the BT MAC Address or BT Friendly Name of the source device, but also information on the number of times it has been connected to the source device. For example, the sink device 200 can store information on the number of times it has been connected to the source device in the source device list by incrementing the counter each time it is connected to the source device during a certain period of time. In this way, when receiving a source device list including information on connection times, the electronic device 100 can identify the source device with the most frequently connected history based on the information on connection times. The electronic device 100 can select the device with the highest number of connections as the most frequently connected source device from the source device list.

[0221] In operation 1603, electronic device 100 may determine the selected source device as the target source device.

[0222] In operation 1604, the electronic device 100 may transmit information about the target source device to the sink device 200. The information about the target source device may include at least one of a BT MAC Address or a BT Friendly Name of the target source device.

[0223] At operation 1605, the sink device 200 may transmit a connection termination request to the electronic device 100 upon receiving information about the target source device from the electronic device 100.

[0224] At operation 1606, electronic device 100 may transmit a connection termination response to sink device 200. Accordingly, the connection between electronic device 100 and sink device 200 may be terminated.

[0225] In operation 1607, the sink device 200 may transmit a connection request to the target source device based on information about the target source device received from the electronic device 100. And in operation 1608, the first source device 301 may transmit a connection response to the sink device 200. The sink device 200 and the first source device 301 may be automatically connected based on the connection request and connection response. For example, if the target source device is the first source device, the sink device 200 may transmit a connection request to the first source device 301. Since the sink device 200 has a history of connecting to the first source device, it may be automatically connected to the first source device 301 with only a connection operation as illustrated in FIG. 8 without having to go through a pairing operation again.

[0226] In one embodiment, a user may preset a source device that he or she wishes to connect to the sink device 200 at a specific location using a macro, so that when the user is at that location, the source device set corresponding to that location is automatically connected to the sink device 200.

[0227] FIG. 17 illustrates an example flowchart of a method for operating a source device according to one embodiment.

[0228] The operation illustrated in FIG. 17 can be performed after the electronic device 100 and the sink device 200 are connected according to the operation illustrated in FIG. 6 and the electronic device 100 receives and stores a list of source devices from the sink device 200.

[0229] Referring to FIG. 17, at operation 1701, electronic device 100 may provide a graphical user interface for setting user macros.

[0230] In operation 1702, the electronic device 100 can receive user input based on a graphical user interface and register a macro setting based on the user input.

[0231] A method for registering macro settings is specifically described with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19.

[0232] FIG. 18 is a reference diagram for explaining a user interface for setting macros in a source device according to one embodiment.

[0233] Referring to FIG. 18, the electronic device 100 may provide a menu 1800 that enables automatic connection of a source device based on location to a headset, which is an example of a sink device 200.

[0234] When receiving an input from a user to select menu 1800, the electronic device 100 may output, for example, a first user interface 1810. The first user interface 1810 may output a list of source devices for selecting a source device to be connected at home. For example, the first user interface 1810 may output a list of source devices connected at home, such as a TV, a PC, and a phone. Based on a user input selecting a TV from among the displayed source devices, the electronic device 100 may set the TV as the source device to be connected at home.

[0235] The second user interface 1820 can output a list of source devices for selecting a source device connected in the office. For example, the second user interface 1820 can output a list of source devices to be connected in the office, including a TV, a PC, and a phone. Based on a user input selecting a PC from the output source devices, the electronic device 100 can set the PC as the source device to be connected in the office.

[0236] FIG. 19 illustrates an example of macro settings for a source device to be automatically connected to a sink device according to one embodiment.

[0237] Referring to FIG. 19, a macro setting screen 1900 is shown, which is generated for automatic connection settings for a headset according to user input as in FIG. 18. The macro setting screen 1900 shows settings in which a headset, as an example of a sync device, is automatically connected to a TV when the electronic device 100 detects that it is located at home, and in which a headset is automatically connected to a PC when the electronic device 100 detects that it is located at an office.

[0238] FIG. 20 illustrates an example flowchart of a method for operating a source device according to one embodiment.

[0239] Referring to FIG. 20, in operation 2001, the electronic device 100 may detect that the electronic device 100 is located at home.

[0240] In operation 2002, the electronic device 100 may perform a connection operation with the sink device 200 upon detecting that the electronic device 100 is located at home.

[0241] In operation 2003, electronic device 100 may request source device information from sink device 200 based on its connection to sink device 200.

[0242] At operation 2004, electronic device 100 may receive a response from sink device 200 including a list of source devices.

[0243] In operation 2005, electronic device 100 may obtain information about a source device mapped to the home based on automatic connection setup information. Referring to FIG. 19, for example, since a TV is mapped to the home, electronic device 100 may identify the TV as a source device mapped to the home, for example.

[0244] In operation 2006, the electronic device 100 may transmit information representing a TV as information about a target source device to the sink device 200.

[0245] In operation 2007, the sink device 200 can terminate the connection by requesting termination of the connection to the electronic device 100 and receiving a response thereto.

[0246] In operation 2008, the sink device 200 can connect to the TV 304 by sending a connection request to the TV 304 based on information about the target source device and receiving a response thereto from the TV 304.

[0247] In operation 2009, sink device 200 can receive data from TV 304.

[0248] In action 2010, electronic device 100 can detect that electronic device 100 is located in an office.

[0249] In operation 2011, the electronic device 100 may perform a connection operation with the sink device 200 upon detecting that the electronic device 100 is located in an office.

[0250] In operation 2012, electronic device 100 may request source device information from sink device 200 based on its connection to sink device 200.

[0251] In operation 2013, electronic device 100 may receive a response from sink device 200 including a list of source devices.

[0252] In operation 2014, electronic device 100 can obtain information about a source device mapped to the office based on automatic connection setup information. Referring to FIG. 19, for example, since PC 305 is mapped to the office, electronic device 100 can identify PC 305 as a source device mapped to the office, for example.

[0253] In operation 2015, the electronic device 100 may transmit information representing a PC as information about a target source device to the sink device 200.

[0254] In operation 2016, the sink device 200 may terminate the connection by requesting termination of the connection to the electronic device 100 and receiving a response thereto.

[0255] In operation 2017, the sink device 200 can connect to the PC 305 by sending a connection request to the PC 305 based on information about the target source device and receiving a response thereto from the PC 305.

[0256] In operation 2018, sink device 200 can receive data from PC305.

[0257] A method of operating an electronic device according to one embodiment may include connecting to a sink device according to a Bluetooth communication protocol.

[0258] A method of operating an electronic device according to one embodiment may include obtaining, from the sink device, a list of source devices including information about at least one source device to which the sink device was connected.

[0259] A method of operating an electronic device according to one embodiment may include selecting a target source device from among at least one source device included in the source device list.

[0260] A method of operating an electronic device according to one embodiment may include transmitting information about the selected target source device to the sink device so that the sink device performs a connection operation with the selected target source device.

[0261] According to one embodiment, a method of operating an electronic device may include an operation of displaying at least one source device included in a source device list based on a user input, an operation of receiving an input for selecting one source device from the source device list, and an operation of determining the source device selected based on the input as the target source device.

[0262] A method of operating an electronic device according to one embodiment may include searching for connectable source devices around the electronic device (e.g., in proximity, within a predetermined distance, or within a specified range), and displaying at least one connectable source device based on the search among the at least one source device included in the source device list.

[0263] A method of operating an electronic device according to one embodiment may include detecting an occurrence of a predetermined event, and selecting a target source device from among at least one source device included in a list of source devices based on the detection.

[0264] According to one embodiment, a method of operating an electronic device may include an operation of selecting a source device registered as a preferred device by a user from among the at least one source device included in the source device list as the target source device.

[0265] According to one embodiment, a method of operating an electronic device may include selecting, as the target source device, a source device most recently connected to the sink device from among the at least one source device included in the source device list.

[0266] According to one embodiment, a method of operating an electronic device may include selecting, as the target source device, a source device that has been most frequently connected to the sink device among the at least one source device included in the source device list.

[0267] According to one embodiment, a method of operating an electronic device may include obtaining mapping information including one or more location information and a corresponding source device, and, upon detecting that the electronic device is at a location corresponding to the location information, selecting a source device mapped to correspond to the location information from among the at least one source device included in the source device list as the target source device.

[0268] A method of operating an electronic device according to one embodiment may include providing a user interface that can set location information and a corresponding source device, and storing the mapping information based on a user input received through the user interface.

[0269] According to one embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having at least one instruction recorded thereon may be configured to cause the electronic device to connect to a sink device according to a Bluetooth communication protocol, obtain a list of source devices from the sink device including information on at least one source device to which the sink device was connected, select a target source device from among the at least one source device included in the list of source devices, and transmit information on the selected target source device to the sink device so that the sink device performs a connection operation with the selected target source device.

[0270] Some embodiments may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, executed by a computer. Computer-readable media may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer, and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. Computer-readable media may also include computer storage media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data.

[0271] The disclosed embodiments can be implemented as a S / W program including commands stored in a computer-readable storage media.

[0272] A computer may include an electronic device according to the disclosed embodiments, as a device capable of calling a command stored from a storage medium and performing an operation according to the called command according to the disclosed embodiments.

[0273] Computer-readable storage media may be provided in the form of non-transitory storage media. Here, "non-transitory" simply means that the storage medium does not contain signals and is tangible, but does not distinguish between whether data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0274] Additionally, the control method according to the disclosed embodiments may be provided as a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer.

[0275] A computer program product may include a software program and a computer-readable storage medium on which the software program is stored. For example, the computer program product may include a product in the form of a software program (e.g., a downloadable app) distributed electronically by a device manufacturer or through an electronic marketplace (e.g., Google Play Store, App Store). For electronic distribution, at least a portion of the software program may be stored on a storage medium or temporarily created. In this case, the storage medium may be a storage medium of a manufacturer's server, an electronic marketplace server, or a relay server that temporarily stores the software program.

[0276] In a system comprising a server and a device, the computer program product may include a storage medium of the server or a storage medium of the device. Alternatively, if a third device (e.g., a smartphone) exists that is communicatively connected to the server or device, the computer program product may include a storage medium of the third device. Alternatively, the computer program product may include a software program itself that is transmitted from the server to the device or the third device, or from the third device to the device.

[0277] In this case, one of the server, the device, and the third device may execute the computer program product to perform the method according to the disclosed embodiments. Alternatively, two or more of the server, the device, and the third device may execute the computer program product to perform the method according to the disclosed embodiments in a distributed manner.

[0278] For example, a server (e.g., a cloud server or an artificial intelligence server, etc.) may execute a computer program product stored on the server to control a device in communication with the server to perform a method according to the disclosed embodiments.

[0279] As another example, a third device may execute a computer program product to control a device in communication with the third device to perform a method according to the disclosed embodiments. When the third device executes the computer program product, the third device may download the computer program product from a server and execute the downloaded computer program product. Alternatively, the third device may execute a computer program product provided in a preloaded state to perform the method according to the disclosed embodiments.

[0280] Additionally, in this specification, a “part” may be a hardware component such as a processor or circuit, and / or a software component executed by a hardware component such as a processor.

[0281] The above description of the present disclosure is provided for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that modifications to other specific forms can be made without altering the technical spirit or essential features of the present disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. For example, components described as being single may be implemented in a distributed manner, and similarly, components described as being distributed may be implemented in a combined manner.

[0282] The scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the claims described below rather than the detailed description above, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalent concepts should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. In electronic device 100, Communications Department 110, Memory 130 storing one or more instructions, and At least one processor 140 for executing one or more instructions stored in the memory, When the one or more instructions are individually and / or collectively executed by the at least one processor 130, the electronic device 100, Connects based on the sink device and Bluetooth communication protocol, Obtaining a list of source devices from the sink device, the list including information related to one or more source devices to which the sink device was connected; Select a target source device from among one or more source devices included in the above source device list, An electronic device that transmits information related to the target source device to the sink device, indicating that the sink device performs a connection operation with the selected target source device.

2. In paragraph 1, When the one or more instructions are individually and / or collectively executed by the at least one processor 130, the electronic device 100, Displaying one or more source devices included in the source device list based on user input; An electronic device that receives an input indicating selection of the target source device from the list of source devices.

3. In paragraph 2, When the one or more instructions are individually and / or collectively executed by the at least one processor 130, the electronic device 100, Search for connectable source devices within a predetermined distance of the above electronic device, An electronic device configured to display at least one connectable source device based on a search result among the one or more source devices included in the source device list.

4. In paragraph 1, When the one or more instructions are individually and / or collectively executed by the at least one processor 130, the electronic device 100, Detect the occurrence of a predetermined event, An electronic device that selects the target source device from among the one or more source devices included in the source device list based on the detection.

5. In paragraph 4, When the one or more instructions are individually and / or collectively executed by the at least one processor 130, the electronic device 100, An electronic device that selects a source device registered as a preferred device by a user among one or more source devices included in the source device list as the target source device.

6. In paragraph 4, When the one or more instructions are individually and / or collectively executed by the at least one processor 130, the electronic device 100, An electronic device that selects, as the target source device, the source device most recently connected to the sink device among the one or more source devices included in the source device list.

7. In paragraph 4, When the one or more instructions are individually and / or collectively executed by the at least one processor 130, the electronic device 100, An electronic device that selects, as the target source device, the source device most frequently connected to the sink device among the one or more source devices included in the source device list.

8. In paragraph 4, When the one or more instructions are individually and / or collectively executed by the at least one processor 130, the electronic device 100, Obtaining mapping information including one or more source devices and one or more location information associated with each of the source devices; An electronic device that selects a source device associated with the location of the electronic device as the target source device from among the one or more source devices included in the source device list, upon detecting that the electronic device is at a location corresponding to the location information.

9. In paragraph 8, When the one or more instructions are individually and / or collectively executed by the at least one processor 130, the electronic device 100, Display a user interface for associating one or more location information with each source device, An electronic device that stores the mapping information based on user input received through the user interface.

10. A method for operating an electronic device by being executed by one or more processors, The action of connecting based on the sync device and Bluetooth communication protocol, An operation of obtaining a list of source devices from the sink device, the list including information related to one or more source devices to which the sink device was connected; An operation of selecting a target source device from among one or more source devices included in the above source device list, and A method comprising an operation of transmitting information related to the target source device to the sink device, the information indicating that the sink device performs a connection operation with the selected target source device.

11. In paragraph 10, An action of displaying one or more source devices included in the source device list based on user input; A method further comprising the action of receiving an input indicating selection of the target source device from the list of source devices.

12. In paragraph 11, An operation of searching for connectable source devices within a predetermined distance of the electronic device, and A method further comprising an action of displaying at least one connectable source device based on the search result among the one or more source devices included in the source device list.

13. In paragraph 10, An action to detect the occurrence of a predetermined event, and A method further comprising an operation of selecting the target source device from among the one or more source devices included in the source device list according to the detection.

14. In paragraph 13, A method further comprising an action of selecting a source device registered as a preferred device by a user among the one or more source devices included in the source device list as the target source device.

15. In a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having at least one instruction recorded thereon, the at least one instruction is executed by a processor of an electronic device, thereby causing the electronic device to: Connects based on the sink device and Bluetooth communication protocol, Obtaining a list of source devices from the sink device, the list including information related to one or more source devices to which the sink device was connected; Select a target source device from among one or more source devices included in the above source device list, A computer-readable recording medium configured to transmit information related to the target source device to the sink device, the information indicating that the sink device performs a connection operation with the selected target source device.

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