Audio output device for continuous playback of sound content and operating method thereof

Abstract

Disclosed is an operating method for an audio output device and system for continuous playback of sound content. The audio output device for continuous playback of sound content comprises: an audio output station tagged with a sound device and playing back sound content matched with the tagged sound device; a processor; and a memory operatively connected to the processor. The memory, when executed, causes the processor to: transmit, to a server, tag information identified by tagging a first sound device of a user; receive information about the first sound content from the server to identify a first output state; allow the first sound content to be played back in the first output state; stop the playback of the first sound content on the basis of the occurrence of a playback stop event in the first output state; identify first playback time information including a first playback time at which the playback of the first sound content has been stopped; and transmit the first playback time information to the server in the first output state.

Description

Audio output device for continuous playback of sound content and its operating method

[0001] The present invention relates to an audio output device for continuous playback of sound content and an operating method thereof, and more particularly, to an audio output device capable of continuously playing sound content even when the audio output device is moved, and an operating method thereof.

[0002]

[0003] This study was supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Korea Creative Content Agency, as part of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Research and Development Project (Project Name: Development of a Children's Audiobook Player System Using Artificial Intelligence-Based Storybook Recognition Technology, Project Number: RS-2024-00398248, Contribution Rate: 75%).

[0004] The content described in this section merely provides background information for the present embodiment and does not constitute prior art.

[0005] 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.

[0006] 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.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for a system that stimulates the curiosity of infants and toddlers, provides an easy-to-use operating environment for infants and toddlers to play various sounds without going through their parents' digital video devices, and allows continuous output of sound content even when infants and toddlers use multiple audio output devices.

[0008]

[0009] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an audio output device for continuous playback of sound content including an operating environment that allows users including infants and toddlers to easily play various sounds, and an operating method thereof.

[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 for continuous playback of sound content according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises an audio output station for playing back sound content that matches a tagged sound device, a processor, and a memory operatively connected to the processor, wherein the memory, when executed, causes the processor to transmit tag information identifying a first sound device of a user to be tagged to a server, receive information about first sound content matching the tag information from the server, identify that it is in a first output state, and in the first output state, cause the first sound content to be played, and in the first output state, stop playback of the first sound content based on the occurrence of a playback stop event, identify first playback time information including a first playback time at which playback of the first sound content was stopped, transmit the first playback time information to a server in the first output state, and receive second playback time information including a second playback time from the server, identify that it is in a second output state, and in the second output state, cause the first sound content to be played based on the second playback time information. Stores instructions.

[0013] Additionally, the instructions cause the processor to transmit third playback time information including the current playback time being played to the server at regular intervals while the first sound content is being played, and to identify and transmit the first playback time information including the first playback time to the server regardless of the regular interval based on the occurrence of the playback stop event.

[0014] Additionally, the instructions cause the processor to identify that the playback stop event has occurred when either the server receives a stop request indicating that the user's second sound device has been tagged by another audio output device, or the audio output device has stopped recognizing the tag information of the first sound device.

[0015] An operating method of an audio system for continuous playback of sound content according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a step of allowing a first audio output device to play back sound content matching a sound device based on a sound device being tagged to the first audio output device; a step of allowing the first audio output device to stop playback of the sound content based on a playback stop event occurring, and identifying and transmitting to a server first playback time information including a first playback time at which playback of the sound content was stopped; and a step of allowing the second audio output device to play back the sound content based on the first playback time information received from the server based on a sound device being tagged to the second audio output device.

[0016] In addition, based on the fact that the sound device is tagged to the second audio output device, the server further includes a step of determining whether the first audio output device and the second audio output device are registered to the same user, and a step of the server transmitting the first playback time information to the second audio output device based on the fact that the first audio output device and the second audio output device are registered to the same user.

[0017] In addition, the server further includes a step of transmitting the first playback time information to at least one audio output device including the second audio output device registered to a user of the first audio output device.

[0018] Additionally, the above playback stop event is when recognition of the tag information of the sound device in the first audio output device is stopped.

[0019] In addition, the step of causing the second audio output device to play the sound content based on the first playback time information received from the server based on the fact that the sound device is tagged to the second audio output device includes the step of causing the sound content to be played from the first playback time included in the first playback time information based on a case where a difference between a tag time point at which the sound device is tagged to the second audio output device and a time point at which the first playback time information is identified is less than or equal to a threshold value, and the step of receiving a user input regarding whether to play from the first playback time or from another time when the difference exceeds the threshold value.

[0020] In addition, the first audio output device further includes a step of transmitting second playback time information including the current playback time being played to the server at regular intervals while the sound content is being played.

[0021] In addition, based on the occurrence of the playback stop event, the step of the first audio output device stopping playback of the sound content and identifying and transmitting to the server the first playback time information including the first playback time at which playback of the first sound content was stopped is to identify and transmit to the server the first playback time information regardless of the predetermined cycle based on the occurrence of the playback stop event.

[0022]

[0023] The audio output device for continuous playback of sound content 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 to play various sounds without going through their parents' digital video devices.

[0024] In addition, the audio output device and its operating method for continuous playback of sound content of the present invention can increase user convenience by providing an operating environment in which sound content can be continuously enjoyed even if the sound device is recognized by another 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] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining steps S140 and S150 of FIG. 5.

[0033] Figure 7 is a drawing for explaining step S170 of Figure 5.

[0034] FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an operation method of an audio system for continuous playback of sound content according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 9 is a drawing for explaining step S230 of Figure 8.

[0036]

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042]

[0043] Hereinafter, an audio output device (hereinafter, audio output device) for continuous playback of sound content according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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).

[0046] The audio output device (100) is configured to output sound content matching the sound device.

[0047] The audio output device (100) may include at least one audio output device. The at least one audio output device may be a device registered to the same user. The audio output device (100) may include, for example, a first audio output device (100_1) and a second audio output device (100_2). The first audio output device (100_1) and the second audio output device (100_2) may be devices registered to the same user.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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).

[0051] 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.

[0052]

[0053] 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).

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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).

[0058] 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.

[0059]

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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).

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067]

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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).

[0072] 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).

[0073] 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).

[0074] The audio output device (100) outputs sound content corresponding to the sound device (102) as the sound device (102) is tagged to the audio output station (101). The sound content output process of the audio output device (100) is composed of only simple tags, so that even infants and toddlers can sufficiently operate it.

[0075] Additionally, even if a young child user tags a current audio output device (e.g., a first audio output device (100_1)) while the sound content is being played, and tags another audio output device (e.g., a second audio output device (100_2)), the sound content can be played on the other audio output device from the time when the playback was stopped.

[0076] 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).

[0077]

[0078] Figure 5 is a drawing for explaining the operation of the processor of Figure 2.

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the processor (110) of the audio output device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention can transmit tag information identified by tagging a user's first sound device (e.g., any one of 102 of FIG. 4) to the server (12) (S110).

[0080] The first sound device may have an NFC tag embedded in a portion thereof. The tag information may include an identifier that identifies the first sound device itself.

[0081]

[0082] The processor (110) can identify whether the data received from the server (12) is information about the first sound content (S120). The first sound content may be sound content that matches tag information.

[0083] Based on the fact that the data received from the server (12) is information about the first sound content (Y in S120), the processor (110) can play the first sound content (S130). In addition, the processor (110) can identify that the data received from the server (12) is the first output state based on the fact that the data is information about the first sound content (Y in S120).

[0084] The first output state may be, for example, a state in which the first sound device is tagged as the first audio output device, so that the first sound content should be played from the beginning.

[0085]

[0086] The processor (110) can stop playback of the first sound content and identify the first playback time information based on the occurrence of a playback stop event (S140).

[0087] The first playback time information may include a first playback time at which playback of the first sound content was stopped. The first playback time may be the last playback time at which playback of the first sound content was stopped.

[0088] A playback stop event may occur when tag information recognition has stopped. For example, this may occur when the first sound device is disconnected from the audio output station (101), causing tag information recognition to stop.

[0089] When the user's second sound device is identified as being tagged by another audio output device, a playback stop event may be generated by the server (12) sending a stop request to the processor (110). For example, if the first sound device is different from the second sound device, and if the sound devices are registered to the same user, even if the recognition of the tag information of the first sound device is not stopped, when the user's second sound device is identified as being tagged by another audio output device, the server (12) may send a stop request to the processor (110).

[0090]

[0091] The processor (110) can transmit the identified first playback time information to the server (12) (S150).

[0092] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining steps S140 and S150 of FIG. 5.

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, when a playback stop event occurs, the processor (110) can identify first playback time information at the point in time when playback of the first sound content is stopped and transmit it to the server (12).

[0094] For example, while the first sound content is being played, the processor (110) may transmit playback time information including the current playback time being played back to the server (12) at regular intervals (e.g., T1, T2, T3). For example, while the first sound content is being played, the processor (110) may transmit the playback time when the first cycle (T1) arrives and the playback time when the second cycle (T2) arrives to the server (12). When a playback stop event occurs and playback of the first sound content is stopped, the processor (110) may transmit the first playback time information including the first playback time at the time of stop to the server (12) regardless of the regular cycle, even if the cycle has not arrived.

[0095]

[0096] Referring back to FIGS. 1 to 5, based on the fact that the data received from the server (12) is not information about the first sound content (N in S120), the processor (110) may receive second playback time information including the second playback time from the server (12) (S160). For example, if the data received from the server (12) is not information about the first sound content (N in S120), this may be a case where the processor (110) receives second playback time information, which is not information about the first sound content, after transmitting tag information to the server (12). In addition, the processor (110) may identify that the data received from the server (12) is the second output state, based on the fact that the data received from the server (12) is not information about the first sound content (N in S120).

[0097] The second output state may be, for example, a state in which the first sound device is tagged to an audio output device (100) when the first sound device has been tagged to another audio output device and the first sound content has been played on the other audio output device.

[0098]

[0099] The processor (110) can play the first sound content based on the second playback time information (S170). The processor (110) can play the first sound content starting from the second playback time included in the second playback time information, or can cause the first sound content to be played based on a user input.

[0100] Figure 7 is a drawing for explaining step S170 of Figure 5.

[0101] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5 and 7, when the processor (110) receives second playback time information in the second output state, it can receive a playback command from the server (12) (S171).

[0102] The playback command may include a first playback command and a second playback command.

[0103] The processor (110) can cause the first sound content to be played from the second playback time included in the second playback time information (S175) based on the fact that the playback command received from the server (12) is the first playback command (Y of S173).

[0104] The processor (110) can play the first sound content based on user input (S177) based on the fact that the playback command received from the server (12) is a second playback command (N of S173). Through the user input, the user can cause the first sound content to be played from a desired location.

[0105]

[0106] An audio output device according to an embodiment of the present invention can enable continuous playback of sound content by allowing sound content to be output from the audio output device from a playback time at which the sound content was stopped when the sound device is tagged in another audio output device and the sound device is tagged in the audio output device while sound content is being played. In addition, an audio output device according to an embodiment of the present invention can enable playback from a desired time at the audio output device according to a user input when the sound device is tagged in another audio output device and the sound content is being played when the sound device is tagged in the audio output device while the sound content is being played, thereby increasing user convenience.

[0107]

[0108] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, an operating method of an audio system for continuous playback of sound content according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. For clarity, any details that overlap with those previously described will be simplified or omitted.

[0109] FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an operation method of an audio system for continuous playback of sound content according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 8, the operating method of an audio system for continuous playback of sound content according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a step (S210) in which the first audio output device (100_1) plays sound content matching the sound device (102 of FIG. 4) based on the sound device being tagged to the first audio output device (100_1).

[0111] In some embodiments, the method of operating an audio system for continuous playback of sound content according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a step of transmitting playback time information including the current playback time being played to a server (12) at regular intervals while the first audio output device (100_1) is playing the sound content.

[0112]

[0113] An operating method of an audio system for continuous playback of sound content according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a step (S220) in which, based on the occurrence of a playback stop event, a first audio output device (100_1) stops playback of sound content, and identifies first playback time information including a first playback time at which playback of the sound content was stopped, and transmits the information to a server.

[0114] A playback stop event may be, for example, when recognition of tag information of a sound device is stopped in the first audio output device (100_1).

[0115] The first audio output device (100_1) can transmit first playback time information including the first playback time at the point in time when playback of sound content is stopped, to the server (12), regardless of a certain period, based on the occurrence of a playback stop event.

[0116]

[0117] In some embodiments, when a sound device is separated from a first audio output device (100_1) and tagged to a second audio output device (100_2), the method of operating an audio system for continuous playback of sound content according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a step of determining whether the first audio output device (100_1) is separated from a second audio output device (100_2) and is registered to the same user.

[0118] Based on the fact that the first audio output device (100_1) is separated from the second audio output device (100_2) and is not registered to the same user, the server (12) can transmit sound content information matching the tagged sound device instead of playback time information to the second audio output device (100_2).

[0119] Based on the fact that the first audio output device (100_1) is separated from the second audio output device (100_2) and is registered to the same user, the server (12) can transmit the first playback time information to the second audio output device (100_2).

[0120]

[0121] In some embodiments, when the sound device is separated from the first audio output device (100_1) and tagged to the second audio output device (100_2), the method of operating the audio system for continuous playback of sound content according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a step in which the server (12) transmits playback time information including the current playback time in step S210 to at least one audio output device registered to the same user as the first audio output device (100_1). The at least one audio output device may include the first audio output device (100_1) and the second audio output device (100_2). When the server (12) receives the playback time information in real time or at regular intervals, it may transmit the information to at least one audio output device in real time or at regular intervals. Even if a playback stop event occurs, since the second audio output device (100_2) is receiving playback time information from the server (12) in real time or at regular intervals, the second audio output device (100_2) can play sound content based on the first playback time information already received.

[0122]

[0123] The method of operating an audio system for continuous playback of sound content according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a step (S230) of causing the sound content to be played based on first playback time information received by the second audio output device (100_2) from the server (12) based on the sound device being tagged to the second audio output device (100_2).

[0124]

[0125] Figure 9 is a drawing for explaining step S230 of Figure 8.

[0126] Referring to FIGS. 1, 8, and 9, the method of operating an audio system for continuous playback of sound content according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a step (S401) in which a server (12) identifies a difference between a tag time point tagged to a second audio output device (100_2) and a time point at which first playback time information is identified. For example, a difference between a first playback time point at which output of sound content is stopped in the first audio output device (100_1) and a tag time point tagged to the second audio output device (100_2) may be identified.

[0127]

[0128] The method of operating an audio system for continuous playback of sound content according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a step (S403) of comparing a difference and a threshold value.

[0129] The method of operating an audio system for continuous playback of sound content according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a step (S405) in which the server (12) transmits a first command to the second audio output device (100_2) to cause the sound content to be played from the first playback time on the second audio output device (100_2) based on a case in which the difference is less than or equal to a threshold value (Y in S403).

[0130] The method of operating an audio system for continuous playback of sound content according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a step (S407) of transmitting a second command to a second audio output device (100_2) to cause the server (12) to receive a user input regarding whether to play from a first playback time or from another time, based on a case where the difference is greater than a threshold value (N in S403).

[0131]

[0132] In some embodiments, the method of operating an audio system for continuous playback of sound content according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a step of the server (12) transmitting a third command to the second audio output device (100_2) to cause the sound content to be played from the beginning based on a case where the difference is greater than a threshold value (N in S403). Depending on the setting, the server (12) may transmit either the second command or the third command to the second audio output device (100_2) when the difference is greater than the threshold value.

[0133]

[0134] In some embodiments, when the difference is greater than the threshold value (N in S403) and no user input is received by the server (12), the method of operating the audio system for continuous playback of sound content according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a step of the server (12) transmitting a third command to the second audio output device (100_2) to cause the sound content to be played from the beginning. For example, the user input may not be received by the server (12) for a certain period of time. Based on the fact that no user input has been received for a certain period of time, the server (12) may transmit the third command to the second audio output device (100_2).

[0135]

[0136] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an operating method of an audio system for continuous playback of sound content can enable continuous playback of sound content by, when a sound device is tagged in another audio output device and the sound content is being played, the sound device is tagged in the audio output device, and the sound content is output from the audio output device from a playback time at which the sound content was stopped. In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, an operating method of an audio system for continuous playback of sound content can increase user convenience by, when a sound device is tagged in another audio output device and the sound content is being played, the sound device is tagged in the audio output device, and the sound content is being played, the sound device is tagged in the audio output device, and the sound content is being played from a desired time at the audio output device according to a user input.

[0137]

[0138] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., memory) readable by a machine (e.g., an audio output device (100)). For example, a processor (110) of the machine (e.g., an audio output device (100)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0139] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0140] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a single or multiple entities. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0141]

[0142] 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. In an audio output device for continuous playback of sound content, An audio output station that plays sound content that matches the tagged sound device and is tagged with the sound device; processor; and comprising a memory operatively connected to said processor; The above memory, when executed, causes the processor to: The user's first sound device is tagged and transmits the identified tag information to the server, Receive information about the first sound content matching the tag information from the server, and identify that it is the first output state, In the above first output state, the first sound content is played, In the first output state, based on the occurrence of a playback stop event, playback of the first sound content is stopped, and first playback time information including the first playback time at which playback of the first sound content is stopped is identified. In the above first output state, the first playback time information is transmitted to the server, Receive second playback time information including a second playback time from the server, and identify that it is a second output state; In the second output state, instructions for playing the first sound content are stored based on the second playback time information. Audio output device.

2. In paragraph 1, The above instructions cause the processor to, While the first sound content is being played, third playback time information including the current playback time being played is transmitted to the server at regular intervals, Based on the occurrence of the above playback stop event, the first playback time information including the first playback time is identified and transmitted to the server regardless of the schedule cycle. Audio output device.

3. In paragraph 1, The above instructions cause the processor to, When a stop request is received from the server that the second sound device of the user is tagged by another audio output device, and when recognition of the tag information of the first sound device by the audio output device is stopped, the playback stop event is identified as having occurred. Audio output device.

4. A step of the first audio output device playing sound content matching the sound device based on the sound device being tagged to the first audio output device; A step of the first audio output device stopping playback of the sound content based on the occurrence of a playback stop event, and identifying and transmitting to the server first playback time information including the first playback time at which playback of the sound content was stopped; A step of causing the second audio output device to play the sound content based on the first playback time information received from the server, based on the fact that the sound device is tagged to the second audio output device. A method of operating an audio system for continuous playback of sound content.

5. In paragraph 4, Based on the fact that the sound device is tagged to the second audio output device, the server determines whether the first audio output device and the second audio output device are registered to the same user; and Further comprising a step of the server transmitting the first playback time information to the second audio output device based on the first audio output device and the second audio output device being registered to the same user. A method of operating an audio system for continuous playback of sound content.

6. In paragraph 4, The server further includes a step of transmitting the first playback time information to at least one audio output device including the second audio output device registered to a user of the first audio output device. A method of operating an audio system for continuous playback of sound content.

7. In paragraph 4, The above play stop event is, In the case where the recognition of the tag information of the sound device in the first audio output device is stopped A method of operating an audio system for continuous playback of sound content.

8. In paragraph 4, A step for causing the second audio output device to play the sound content based on the first playback time information received from the server, based on the fact that the sound device is tagged to the second audio output device. A step for causing the sound content to be played from the first playback time included in the first playback time information based on a case where the difference between the tag time point at which the sound device is tagged to the second audio output device and the time point at which the first playback time information is identified is less than or equal to a threshold value; and If the difference exceeds the threshold, a step of receiving a user input regarding whether to play from the first playback time or from another time is included. A method of operating an audio system for continuous playback of sound content.

9. In paragraph 4, The first audio output device further includes a step of transmitting second playback time information including the current playback time being played to the server at regular intervals while the sound content is being played. A method of operating an audio system for continuous playback of sound content.

10. In paragraph 9, Based on the occurrence of the above playback stop event, the step of the first audio output device stopping playback of the sound content and identifying and transmitting to the server the first playback time information including the first playback time at which playback of the first sound content was stopped, Based on the occurrence of the above playback stop event, the first playback time information is identified and transmitted to the server regardless of the schedule cycle. A method of operating an audio system for continuous playback of sound content.

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