Audio output device and operating method thereof

Abstract

The present invention discloses an audio output device. The audio output device comprises: an audio output station in which a sound device is tagged and which outputs sound content matching the tagged sound device; a processor; and a memory operatively connected to the processor, wherein the memory, when executed, causes the processor to: identify the type of the sound device on the basis of tag information identified as the sound device is tagged; output the sound content in each of a first state, in which the tag information is continuously recognized, and a second state, in which recognition of the tag information is stopped after the tag information is recognized, on the basis that the sound device is a first type; and output the sound content when the sound device is in the first state, on the basis that the sound device is a second type.

Description

Audio output device and method of operation thereof

[0001] The present invention relates to an audio output device and an operating method thereof that provide an environment in which audio can be easily played back to users, including infants and toddlers, and that enables audio playback even while the user is using a sound device.

[0002]

[0003] The content described in this section merely provides background information for the present embodiment and does not constitute prior art.

[0004] As electronic devices like smartphones and tablets become more sophisticated and miniaturized, screen time for users of digital display devices is steadily increasing. Screen time refers to the time spent sitting or lying down while using a digital display device, excluding time spent physically or learning. This increased screen time can have adverse health effects for adult users and can have even more negative effects for infants and toddlers. In particular, prolonged exposure to visual information in infants and toddlers under 24 months of age can have detrimental effects on brain development. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also recommended that children under 1 year of age should not be exposed to electronic screens, and that children aged 2 to 5 years should be limited to one hour per day.

[0005] On the other hand, auditory stimulation can have a beneficial effect on the growth and development of infants and toddlers, who begin to perceive and understand the world through auditory stimulation from the fetal stage. A variety of auditory stimuli significantly influence infants' language development as well as their creativity and imagination. However, while parents want to provide auditory stimulation to their infants and toddlers, they lack the means to stimulate their curiosity and provide an easy-to-use environment for them. Consequently, parents end up relying on digital visual devices (TVs, smartphones) to provide auditory stimulation along with visual information.

[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for a system that stimulates the curiosity of infants and toddlers, provides an easy-to-operate environment for infants and toddlers to play various sounds without going through their parents' digital video devices, and enables audio playback while infants and toddlers are playing with or using sound devices that enable playback.

[0007]

[0008] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an audio output device and an operating method thereof that include an operating environment that can easily reproduce various sounds to users including infants and toddlers.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide an audio output device and an operating method thereof that include an operating environment in which sound can be enjoyed even when the sound device is separated from an audio output device.

[0010] The objectives of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above. Other objectives and advantages of the present invention not mentioned above can be understood through the following description and will be more clearly understood through the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the objectives and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0011]

[0012] An audio output device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises an audio output station for tagged sound devices and for outputting sound content matching the tagged sound devices, a processor, and a memory operatively connected to the processor, wherein the memory stores instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to identify a type of the sound device based on tag information identified by the tagged sound device, output the sound content in each of a first state in which the tag information is continuously recognized and a second state in which recognition of the tag information is stopped after the tag information is recognized, output the sound content when the sound device is in the first state based on the sound device being in the second type, stop outputting the sound content when the sound device is in the second state, and identify the sound device as in the first state when the tag information of the sound device is recognized again within a predetermined time after the tag information of the sound device is recognized based on the sound device being in the second type.

[0013] Additionally, the instructions cause the processor, while outputting the first sound content as the sound content, to identify new tag information, and based on the identification of second tag information as the new tag information, to stop outputting the first sound content, to identify whether the second tag information is identical to the tag information, and to output second sound content that matches the second tag information based on the second tag information being different from the tag information.

[0014] Additionally, the instructions cause the processor to identify a type of a second sound device as the sound device based on the second tag information, output the second sound content as the sound content in each of the first state and the second state based on the second sound device being the first type, output the second sound content as the sound content in the first state based on the second sound device being the second type, and stop outputting the second sound content in the second state.

[0015] Additionally, the instructions cause the processor to stop outputting the sound content based on the tag information being identified again during output of the sound content.

[0016] In addition, the instructions cause the processor to identify tagging type information related to the tag information, associate and store the tagging type information and the tag information, identify new tag information, and, based on the identification of third tag information as the new tag information, identify whether the third tag information is identical to the stored tag information, output the sound content based on the third tag information being identical to the tag information, identify the type of the third sound device as the sound device based on the third tag information being different from the tag information, and, based on the third sound device being of the first type, output the third sound content as the sound content in each of the first state and the second state, and, based on the third sound device being of the second type, output the third sound content as the sound content in the first state, and stop outputting the third sound content in the second state.

[0017] Additionally, the tagging type information includes information about the type of the sound device and the sound content.

[0018] In addition, the audio output station includes a docking space in which the sound device is docked, recognizes the sound device docked in the docking space, and outputs the sound content corresponding to the sound device, and the audio output station identifies the docked sound device through short-range wireless communication.

[0019] A method for operating an audio output device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a step in which the audio output device transmits, to a server, tag information identified by tagging a sound device, a step in which the audio output device receives, from the server, tagging type information corresponding to the tag information, a step in which the audio output device identifies a type of the sound device based on the tagging type information, a step in which the audio output device outputs sound content in each of a first state in which the tag information is continuously recognized and a second state in which recognition of the tag information is stopped after the tag information is recognized, based on the sound device being a first type, and a step in which the audio output device outputs the sound content when the sound device is in the first state and stops outputting the sound content when the sound device is in the second state, based on the sound device being a second type, wherein, if the tag information of the sound device is recognized again within a certain period of time after the tag information of the sound device is recognized based on the sound device being the second type, the sound device is identified as being in the first state.

[0020] In addition, the method includes a step of identifying new tag information while the audio output device is outputting first sound content as the sound content, a step of stopping output of the first sound content based on the identification of second tag information as the new tag information, a step of identifying whether the second tag information is identical to the tag information, a step of transmitting the second tag information to the server based on the second tag information being different from the tag information, a step of receiving second tagging type information corresponding to the second tag information as the tagging type information from the server, and a step of outputting second sound content matching the second tag information based on the second tagging type information by the audio output device.

[0021] In addition, the audio output device includes a step of identifying a type of a second sound device as the sound device based on the second tagging type information; a step of outputting the second sound content as the sound content in each of the first state and the second state based on the second sound device being the first type; and a step of outputting the second sound content as the sound content in the first state and stopping output of the second sound content in the second state based on the second sound device being the second type.

[0022]

[0023] The audio output device of the present invention and its operating method can stimulate the curiosity of infants and toddlers and provide an easy operating environment for infants and toddlers, allowing them to play various sounds without having to use their parents' digital video devices.

[0024] In addition, the audio output device of the present invention and its operating method can increase user convenience by providing an operating environment in which sound content can be enjoyed even when the sound device is separated from the audio output device.

[0025] In addition to the above-described contents, the specific effects of the present invention are described together with the specific matters for carrying out the invention below.

[0026]

[0027] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an audio output device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an audio output device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 illustrates an example of the external appearance of an audio output station.

[0030] Figure 4 illustrates an audio output station and a sound device as an example.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of an audio output device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 6 is a flowchart for explaining an operation method of an audio output device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram for explaining an operation method of an audio output device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034]

[0035] The terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted based on their general or dictionary meanings. In accordance with the principle that inventors can define the concepts of terms and words to best describe their inventions, they should be interpreted in a way that is consistent with the technical concept of the present invention. Furthermore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations depicted in the drawings are merely examples of how the present invention can be realized and do not fully represent the technical concept of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents, modifications, and applicable examples may exist as of the time of filing.

[0036] The terms first, second, A, B, etc. used in this specification and claims may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be referred to as the second component, and similarly, the second component may also be referred to as the first component. The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related listed items or any item among a plurality of related listed items.

[0037] The terminology used in this specification and claims is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit the present invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It should be understood that terms such as "comprise" or "have" in this application do not preclude the presence or addition of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification.

[0038] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs.

[0039] Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with their meanings within the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein. Furthermore, each component, process, procedure, or method included in each embodiment of the present invention may be shared within the scope of non-contradictory technical aspects.

[0040]

[0041] Hereinafter, an audio output device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0042] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an audio output device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an audio output device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 exemplarily illustrates the external appearance of an audio output station. Fig. 4 exemplarily illustrates an audio output station and a sound device. Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an audio output device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 1, an audio output system (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an audio output device (100), a user terminal (11), and a server (12).

[0044] The audio output device (100) is configured to output sound content matching the sound device.

[0045] The user terminal (11) is connected to an audio output device (100) and can control the audio output device (100). The user terminal (11) refers to a communication terminal that can use a web service in a wired or wireless communication environment or operate an app that provides a service of a server (12). For example, the user terminal (11) may be a user's personal computer or portable terminal.

[0046] Here, the users of the audio output device (100) and the users of the user terminal (11) may include infants and their parents. In this specification, the "infant user" may refer to an infant under the age of 3 and a child between the ages of 3 and 8. The audio output device (100) may be primarily used by infants and children, and the user terminal (11) may be primarily used by parents. However, this is merely an exemplary description, and the embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0047] The server (12) provides a service environment in which a user terminal (11) controls an audio output device (100), and can provide sound content to be output by the audio output device (100). That is, the server (12) hosts sound content, and can provide sound content matching information recognized by the audio output device (100) to the audio output device (100).

[0048] The communication network can connect the server (12), the audio output device (100), and the user terminal (11). For example, the communication network provides a connection path so that the user terminal (11) can transmit and receive packet data after connecting to the server (12) and / or the audio output device (100). The communication network can encompass wired networks such as LANs (Local Area Networks), WANs (Wide Area Networks), MANs (Metropolitan Area Networks), and ISDNs (Integrated Service Digital Networks), or wireless networks such as wireless LANs, CDMA, Bluetooth, satellite communication, 3G, 4G, and 5G, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0049]

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the audio output device (100) may include a processor (110), a memory (120), and an audio output station (101).

[0051] The audio output device (100) may include one or more additional components (e.g., a communication module). In some embodiments, some of these components may be implemented as a single integrated circuit.

[0052] The memory (120) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (110)) of the audio output device (100). The data can include, for example, input data or output data for software (e.g., program) and commands related thereto. The memory (120) can include volatile memory or non-volatile memory.

[0053] The memory (120) may store commands, information, or data related to the operation of components included in the audio output device (100). For example, the memory (120) may store instructions that, when executed, enable the processor (110) to perform various operations described in this document.

[0054] The processor (110) may be operatively coupled to the memory (120) to perform the overall function of the audio output device (100). The processor (110) may include, for example, one or more processors. The one or more processors may include, for example, an image signal processor (ISP), an application processor (AP), or a communication processor (CP).

[0055] The processor (110) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the audio output device (100) connected to the processor (110), and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or calculation, the processor (110) may load a command or data received from another component (e.g., a communication module) into the memory (120), process the command or data stored in the memory (120), and store the resulting data in the memory (120). According to one embodiment, the processor (110) may include a main processor (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor), and an auxiliary processor (e.g., a graphics processing unit, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together therewith. Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary processor may be configured to use less power than the main processor, or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor may be implemented separately from the main processor, or as a part thereof. The program may be stored as software in memory (120) and may include, for example, an operating system, middleware, or an application.

[0056]

[0057] A user can tag or dock a sound device (102) to an audio output station (101), and as the sound device (102) is tagged to the audio output station (101), sound content matching the sound device (102) is output through the audio output station (101). In other words, the sound device (102) serves as a key for sound content playback.

[0058] The audio output station (101) may have an exterior in which a docking space (D) in which a sound device (102) can be tagged is formed. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the audio output station (101) may include a certain area in which a sound device (102) can be tagged.

[0059] The audio output station (101) may include a speaker (S) for outputting sound content, a volume control device (V) for adjusting the volume of the speaker, an operation status light (L) for indicating the operation status of the audio output station through color changes, and a playback track controller (C) for changing the sound track being output. For example, the operation status light (L) may light up in different colors depending on whether the sound device (102) is tagged. In addition, the audio output station (101) may have an appearance that may stimulate the curiosity of infants and toddlers.

[0060] The audio output station (101) may have an exterior shape like a house in which a docking space (D) is formed, and it can be seen that the volume control device (V) is configured as a chimney of the house, and the playback track controller (C) is configured as part of the roof of the house. Young children can place the sound device (102) in the docking space (D) of the audio output station (101) while purely recognizing that the sound device (102) resides in the audio output station (101). The house-shaped audio output station (101) can provide emotional stability and satisfaction to young children. However, it is not limited thereto, and the audio output station (101) can of course have various exterior shapes as long as it can recognize the tag of the sound device (102).

[0061] The sound device (102) may correspond to sound content configured for auditory stimulation of infants and toddlers. In an embodiment, the sound content may be one of the following: content for language learning, such as counting, bilingual repetition, onomatopoeia repetition, and mimetic repetition; content that enhances the user's imagination and creativity, such as melodies, sound theater, and traditional fairy tales; content that encourages the user to perform physical activities through rhythm, such as animal nursery rhymes and rhythmic nursery rhymes; and content in which a parent's voice is recorded for the user's emotional development. A single sound content may be composed of multiple sound tracks, and each sound track may be the same type of auditory stimulation sound.

[0062] In an embodiment, the sound device (102) may be configured in multiple ways with different external shapes, and when the sound device (102) is configured in multiple ways, the multiple sound devices (102) may correspond to multiple different types of sound contents, respectively. That is, the multiple sound devices (102) with different external shapes may be configured to correspond to different types of infant / toddler auditory stimulation sound contents. One of the multiple sound devices (102) may be selected by the user and placed in the docking space (D) to be tagged or placed in an area where a tag can be recognized.

[0063] The plurality of sound devices (102) may be formed to a size that can be held with one hand by a young child, and the docking space (D) may be formed to a size that can sufficiently accommodate the sound devices (102). The plurality of sound devices (102) may be formed to have different shapes, but may be formed in one of the following shapes: an animal shape, a cute character shape, and a popularly known character shape so as to stimulate the curiosity of young children. In addition, the plurality of sound devices (102) may be formed to have rounded corners without sharp edges for the safety of young children.

[0064]

[0065] Referring to FIG. 4, it can be seen that the plurality of sound devices (102) are formed to have a generally round shape and are configured to have different shapes, such as a cute character (102A), a rabbit (102B), a bear (102C), a tiger (102D), and a chick (102E). In addition, the cute character (102A) is configured to correspond to content in which a parent's voice is recorded, the rabbit (102B) is configured to correspond to content with world-famous fairy tales in Korean and English, the bear (102C) is configured to correspond to nursery rhymes in Korean and English, the tiger (102D) is configured to correspond to traditional fairy tales, and the chick (102E) is configured to correspond to rhythmic nursery rhymes, so that they can correspond to different infant and toddler auditory stimulation sound content.

[0066] Infant and toddler users can safely select a sound device (102) with one hand, easily tag the selected sound device (102) to the docking space (D) or tag area of ​​the audio output station (101), and can also remove the sound device (102) that has been placed with one hand.

[0067] The audio output station (101) can identify a tagged sound device (102) via near field communication (NFC). Each of the plurality of sound devices (102) may include an NFC tag, and the docking space (D) may include an NFC reader. Alternatively, if a tag area is included in a separate location other than the docking space (D), the tag area may include an NFC reader.

[0068] The audio output station (101) may include a data processing unit, a data storage unit, and a communication unit. The data processing unit may recognize whether a sound device (102) is tagged, identify the NFC tag of the tagged sound device (102) through an NFC reader, and control a process of outputting sound content corresponding to the identified sound device (102). The data storage unit may store data required for the operation of the data processing unit. The communication unit may perform data exchange between the data processing unit and the server (12).

[0069] Although the tagging method of the sound device (102) is described as Near Field Communication (NFC), it is not limited thereto. For example, if the sound device (102) can be recognized using a wired communication method or a wireless communication method such as RFID, it goes without saying that the sound device (102) can be recognized using various suitable methods. Depending on the method employed, a suitable reader may be included in the tag area.

[0070] The data processing unit can check whether the sound device (102) is tagged and reflect this in the operation status light (L). In addition, the data processing unit can control outputting sound content corresponding to the identified sound device (102) through the speaker (S). Specifically, the data processing unit can check whether the sound content corresponding to the identified sound device (102) is stored in the data storage unit of the audio output station (101). If the corresponding sound content is not stored, the data processing unit can request the corresponding sound content from the server (12) through the communication unit, and can receive the corresponding sound content from the server (12) and store it in the data storage unit. The data processing unit can receive the sound content corresponding to the identified sound device (102) from the data storage unit and output it through the speaker (S).

[0071] In another embodiment, sound content may be included in a sound device (102). The data processing unit may receive the sound content included in the sound device (102) via short-range wireless communication and output it through a speaker (S).

[0072] The audio output device (100) outputs sound content corresponding to the sound device (102) when the sound device (102) is tagged to the audio output station (101). The sound content output process of the audio output device (100) is configured with only a simple tag, so that even young children can sufficiently operate it. In addition, even if the young children detach the sound device (102) from the audio output station (101) after tagging the sound device (102), playback can be maintained depending on the type of the sound device (102).

[0073] In addition, since sound content can be stored in advance in the audio output station (101) even if there is no connection with another device, output of sound content corresponding to the sound device (102) can be possible with only the audio output device (100).

[0074]

[0075] Figure 5 is a drawing for explaining the operation of the processor of Figure 2.

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the processor (110) of the audio output device according to an embodiment of the present invention can maintain or stop outputting sound content in different states depending on the type of the tagged sound device (102).

[0077]

[0078] The processor (110) can first identify tag information of the sound device (102) (S101).

[0079] The sound device (102) may have a tag embedded in a certain portion that can identify the sound device (102). The tag information may include an identifier that can distinguish the sound device (102) itself and the type of the sound device (102).

[0080]

[0081] The processor (110) can determine whether tag information is stored data (S103).

[0082] Based on the non-stored data (N in S103), the processor (110) can identify the identified tag information and tagging type information related to the tag information (S104). The processor (110) can associate and store the tag information and tagging type information. The tagging type information may include, for example, information regarding the type of sound device (102) and sound content.

[0083] In some embodiments, the processor (110) may receive tagging type information from the server (12). For example, the processor (110) may transmit tag information of a sound device (102) to the server (12) and receive tagging type information from the server (12).

[0084]

[0085] The processor (110) can identify the type of the sound device (102) based on the tag information (S105), based on whether the tag information that has not been stored (S104) or whether the identified tag information is already stored data (Y in S103). In addition, the processor (110) can play back sound content that matches the sound device (102) based on tagging type information according to the tag information.

[0086] The sound device (102) may be one of the first type and the second type.

[0087] When the sound device (102) is of the first type, even if the tag information of the sound device (102) is not continuously recognized, the playback of the sound content can be maintained. For example, even if a user tags the sound device (102) to the audio output station (101) and then separates it from the audio output station (101), the playback of the sound content being played can be maintained.

[0088] When the sound device (102) is of the second type, if recognition of the tag information of the sound device (102) is stopped, playback of the sound content may also be stopped. For example, if a user tags the sound device (102) to the audio output station (101) and then separates it from the audio output station (101), playback of the sound content being played may be stopped.

[0089]

[0090] The processor (110) can determine whether the sound device (102) is of the first type (S107).

[0091] The processor (110) can maintain the output (playback) of sound content in each of the first state and the second state (S109) based on the sound device (102) being of the first type (Y in step S107).

[0092] The first state may be, for example, a case where tag information of a sound device (102) is continuously recognized. For example, the tag information may be continuously recognized when a tag is maintained between the sound device (102) and the audio output station (101). For example, the tag information may be continuously recognized when the sound device (102) is placed in space (D) or when the sound device (102) is continuously in contact with a tag area.

[0093] The second state may be, for example, a case where the tag information of the sound device (102) is not continuously recognized. The second state may be, for example, a case where the tag information is recognized after the sound device (102) is tagged and the tag information is recognized, and then the recognition of the tag information is stopped. For example, the tag information may not be continuously recognized when the sound device (102) and the audio output station (101) are separated. For example, the tag information may not be continuously recognized when the sound device (102) is not placed in the space (D) or is not in continuous contact with the tag area.

[0094] When the sound device (102) is of the first type, the output of sound content can be maintained not only in the first state but also in the second state.

[0095] In some embodiments, the processor (110) may transmit an output status according to the output of sound content to the user terminal (11).

[0096]

[0097] The processor (110) can output sound content in a first state and stop outputting sound content in a second state (S111) based on the fact that the sound device (102) is of the second type (N in step S107). If the sound device (102) is of the second type, the processor (110) can identify a case in which tag information of the sound device (102) is recognized again within a certain period of time after the tag information is recognized as the first state.

[0098]

[0099] The processor (110) can determine whether tag information is re-identified (S113). For example, after a user tags a sound device (102) to an audio output station (101) (e.g., after S101, S103, S104, S105, S107, S109, and S111 are performed), it can be determined whether tag information is re-identified.

[0100]

[0101] The processor (110) may terminate the step if the tag information is not identified again (N in S113).

[0102]

[0103] If tag information is identified again (Y in S113), the processor (110) can determine whether the identified tag information is identical to the existing tag information (S115). If the sound device (102) is of the first type, the processor (110) can maintain the output of sound content even if the recognition of tag information is stopped after tag information is recognized, and if the tag information is recognized again (Y in S113), the processor can determine whether the identified tag information is identical to the existing tag information (S115). If the sound device (102) is of the second type, the processor (110) can determine that the first state is established by maintaining the output of sound content if tag information is recognized again within a certain period of time after tag information is recognized, and can determine whether the identified tag information is identical to the existing tag information if tag information is recognized again after a certain period of time has passed since tag information was recognized (Y in S113) (S115). When the processor (110) determines that the sound device (102) is of the second type, if recognition of tag information is stopped, it determines that it is in the second state and stops outputting sound content, and when tag information is recognized again (Y in S113), it can determine whether the identified tag information is the same as the existing tag information (S115).

[0104] If tag information is identified again while the first sound content is being output as sound content (Y in S113), the processor (110) can stop outputting the first sound content and determine whether the currently identified tag information is the same as the existing tag information identified in step S101.

[0105]

[0106] The processor (110) can stop the sound content being output or play back the sound content that was stopped (S117) based on whether the currently identified tag information is the same as the existing tag information identified in step S101 (Y in S115).

[0107] For example, if the same tag information is identified once more (Y in S115) while sound content is being output based on the tag information identified in step S101, the output of the sound content can be stopped. For example, if the same tag information is identified once more (Y in S115) while sound content is being output based on the tag information identified in step S101 and has been stopped, the output of the sound content can be played again.

[0108] Based on the fact that the currently identified tag information is the same as the existing tag information identified in step S101 (Y in S115), the sound content being output is stopped, or the sound content that was stopped is played again (S117), then step S113 can be performed.

[0109] In some embodiments, the processor (110) may transmit an output status according to the output of sound content to the user terminal (11).

[0110]

[0111] The processor (110) may stop the sound content being output or maintain the stop of the sound content that was being output (S119) based on whether the currently identified tag information is different from the existing tag information identified in step S101 (N in S115). For example, if the sound device (102) is of the first type, since the output of the sound content is maintained in both the first state and the second state, if the tag information is re-identified (Y in S113) and the newly identified tag information is different from the existing tag information (N in S115), the processor (110) may stop the output of the sound content that was being output. For example, if the sound device (102) is of the second type, since the sound content was being output if it was in the first state at the time the tag information was re-identified, if the tag information is re-identified (Y in S113) and the newly identified tag information is different from the existing tag information (N in S115), the processor (110) may stop the output of the sound content that was being output. For example, if the sound device (102) is of the second type, and if it was in the second state at the time when the tag information was re-identified, it is because the output of the sound content is being stopped. Therefore, if the tag information is re-identified (Y in S113) and the newly identified tag information is different from the existing tag information (N in S115), the processor (110) can keep the output of the sound content that was being stopped in the stopped state.

[0112] Additionally, the processor (110) can output new sound content that matches the newly identified tag information based on the fact that the currently identified tag information is different from the existing tag information identified in step S101 (N in S115).

[0113] The processor (110) can perform the process again from step S103 for the new sound device based on the newly identified tag information.

[0114] In some embodiments, the processor (110) may identify the tagging type information of a new sound device based on the stored data without going through the server (12) if the newly identified tag information is stored data (Y in S103).

[0115] In some embodiments, the processor (110) may transmit an output status according to the output of sound content to the user terminal (11).

[0116]

[0117] An audio output device according to an embodiment of the present invention can maintain or stop output of sound content in a state (e.g., a second state) in which the audio output station and the sound device are separated, depending on the type of sound device. In the case of a type in which output of sound content is maintained in a state (e.g., a second state) in which the audio output station and the sound device are separated, the sound content can be played even if the user does not necessarily recognize the sound device in the audio output station, thereby increasing user convenience.

[0118]

[0119] Hereinafter, an operation method of an audio output device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0120] Fig. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an operation method of an audio output device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram for explaining an operation method of an audio output device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0121] For clarity of explanation, any details that overlap with those previously described are simplified or omitted. The operations described as being performed by an audio output device may be implemented as instructions (commands) that can be performed (or executed) by a processor (110 of FIG. 2) of the audio output device. The instructions may be stored, for example, in a computer storage medium or in the memory (120 of FIG. 2) of the audio output device.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 6, the operating method of an audio output device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a step (S200) in which the audio output device transmits tag information identified by tagging a sound device to a server. The operating method of an audio output device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a step (S210) in which the audio output device receives tagging type information corresponding to the tag information from the server.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 7, the audio output device can identify tag information of a sound device (S101) and determine whether it is stored data (S103). Based on the fact that the identified tag information is not stored data (N in S103), the audio output device can transmit the tag information to the server (12) (S301). The audio output device can receive tagging type information from the server (12) (S303) and store the identified tag information and tagging type information in the audio output device (S104).

[0124]

[0125] Referring again to FIG. 6, the operating method of the audio output device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a step (S220) in which the audio output device identifies the type of sound device based on tagging type information.

[0126] Referring to FIG. 7, the audio output device can identify the type of sound device based on tag information (S105) and determine whether it is the first type (S107).

[0127]

[0128] Referring again to FIG. 6, the operating method of the audio output device according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a step (S230) of outputting sound content in each of the first state and the second state based on whether the audio output device is a sound device of the first type.

[0129] Referring to FIG. 7, the audio output device can output sound content in each of the first state and the second state (S109) based on the sound device being of the first type (Y in S107). The audio output device can transmit the output state of the sound content to the user terminal (11) (S305).

[0130]

[0131] Referring again to FIG. 6, the operating method of the audio output device according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a step (S240) of outputting sound content when the audio output device is in a first state and stopping output of the sound content when the audio output device is in a second state based on whether the sound device is of a second type.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 7, the audio output device can output sound content in a first state and stop the sound content in a second state (S111) based on the sound device being of the second type (N in S107). The audio output device can transmit the output status of the sound content to the user terminal (11) (S305).

[0133]

[0134] After the type of sound device is identified, the audio output device can determine whether tag information is re-identified (S113). If the tag information is not re-identified, the step ends (N in S113). If the tag information is re-identified (Y in S113), it can be determined whether the newly identified tag information is identical to the existing tag information (S115).

[0135] The audio output device can stop the sound content being output if the newly identified tag information is identical to the tag information identified in step S101 (Y in S115), or can restart the stopped sound content (S117). The audio output device can transmit the output status of the sound content to the user terminal (11) (S307).

[0136] If the newly identified tag information is not identical to the tag information identified in step S101 (N in S115), the audio output device can stop the sound content being output, or maintain the stop of the stopped sound content (S119), and determine whether the newly identified tag information is stored data (S103). The audio output device can perform the steps again from step S103. The audio output device can transmit the output status of the sound content to the user terminal (11) (S309).

[0137]

[0138] An audio output device and its operating method according to an embodiment of the present invention can provide a desired audio output environment to a user by operating differently depending on the type of sound device.

[0139]

[0140] The above description is merely an example of the technical idea of ​​the present embodiment, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the present embodiment. Therefore, the present embodiments are not intended to limit the technical idea of ​​the present embodiment, but rather to explain it, and the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present embodiment is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present embodiment should be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical ideas within a scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of rights of the present embodiment.

Claims

1. For audio output devices, An audio output station that tags a sound device and outputs sound content matching the tagged sound device; processor; and comprising a memory operatively connected to said processor; The above memory, when executed, causes the processor to: Identifying the type of the sound device based on the tag information identified by the tagged sound device, Based on the fact that the sound device is of the first type, the sound content is output in each of a first state in which the tag information is continuously recognized and a second state in which recognition of the tag information is stopped after the tag information is recognized, Based on the fact that the sound device is of the second type, the sound device outputs the sound content when it is in the first state, and stops outputting the sound content when the sound device is in the second state. Based on the fact that the sound device is of the second type, instructions are stored to identify the sound device as the first state when the tag information of the sound device is recognized again within a certain period of time after the tag information of the sound device is recognized. Audio output device.

2. In paragraph 1, The above instructions cause the processor to, While outputting the first sound content as the above sound content, new tag information is identified, Based on the identification of the second tag information as the new tag information, the output of the first sound content is stopped, Identify whether the second tag information is identical to the tag information, Based on the fact that the second tag information is different from the tag information, the second sound content matching the second tag information is output. Audio output device.

3. In paragraph 2, The above instructions cause the processor to, Based on the second tag information, identify the type of the second sound device as the sound device, Based on the second sound device being of the first type, outputting the second sound content as the sound content in each of the first state and the second state, Based on the second sound device being of the second type, outputting the second sound content as the sound content in the first state and stopping the output of the second sound content in the second state Audio output device.

4. In paragraph 1, The above instructions cause the processor to, Stopping the output of the sound content based on the re-identification of the tag information during the output of the sound content Audio output device.

5. In paragraph 1, The above instructions cause the processor to, Identifying tagging type information related to the above tag information, Store the above tagging type information and the above tag information in association with each other, Identify new tag information, Based on the identification of the third tag information as the new tag information, it is identified whether the third tag information is identical to the stored tag information, Outputting the sound content based on the third tag information being the same as the tag information, Identifying the type of the third sound device as the sound device based on the fact that the third tag information is different from the tag information, Based on the third sound device being of the first type, outputting the third sound content as the sound content in each of the first state and the second state, Based on the third sound device being of the second type, outputting the third sound content as the sound content in the first state and stopping the output of the third sound content in the second state Audio output device.

6. In paragraph 5, The above tagging type information includes information about the type of the sound device and the sound content. Audio output device.

7. In paragraph 1, The above audio output station is, including a docking space in which the above sound device is docked; Recognize the sound device docked in the docking space and output the sound content corresponding to the sound device, The above audio output station identifies the docked sound device through short-range wireless communication. Audio output device.

8. A step in which the audio output device transmits tag information identifying the sound device to the server; A step in which the audio output device receives tagging type information corresponding to the tag information from the server; A step of identifying the type of the sound device based on the tagging type information by the audio output device; A step of outputting sound content in each of a first state in which the tag information is continuously recognized and a second state in which recognition of the tag information is stopped after the tag information is recognized, based on the sound device being of the first type; and The audio output device includes a step of outputting the sound content when the sound device is in the first state based on the sound device being of the second type, and stopping the output of the sound content when the sound device is in the second state, and a step of identifying the sound device as the first state when the tag information of the sound device is recognized again within a certain period of time based on the sound device being of the second type. How the audio output device operates.

9. In paragraph 8, A step of identifying new tag information while the audio output device is outputting first sound content as the sound content; A step of the audio output device stopping output of the first sound content based on the identification of second tag information as the new tag information; A step of the audio output device identifying whether the second tag information is identical to the tag information; A step in which the audio output device transmits the second tag information to the server based on the second tag information being different from the tag information; A step in which the audio output device receives second tagging type information corresponding to the second tag information as the tagging type information from the server; The above audio output device includes a step of outputting second sound content matching the second tag information based on the second tagging type information. How the audio output device operates.

10. In paragraph 9, A step of identifying, by the audio output device, the type of the second sound device as the sound device based on the second tagging type information; A step in which the audio output device outputs the second sound content as the sound content in each of the first state and the second state based on the second sound device being of the first type; and The audio output device includes a step of outputting the second sound content as the sound content in the first state and stopping the output of the second sound content in the second state based on the second sound device being of the second type. How the audio output device operates.

Images