Electronic device and control method therefor

Abstract

An electronic device and a control method therefor are provided. The electronic device comprises: a first communication interface; a second communication interface; a memory storing instructions; and a processor, wherein, when executed individually or collectively by the processor, the instructions instruct the electronic device to: acquire first SSID information and first communication channel information of a first external device connected to the electronic device through the first communication interface; acquire an optimal channel list on the basis of the first communication channel information; and control the second communication interface such that a communication connection is performed with a second external device through one of communication channels included in the optimal channel list.

Description

Electronic device and method of controlling the same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device and a method for controlling the same, and more particularly, to an electronic device and a method for controlling the same for performing a communication connection with an external device using an optimal communication channel.

[0002] Nowadays, communication with external devices is performed through various communication interfaces (e.g., Wi-Fi). Furthermore, a single electronic device can now connect to various external devices through multiple communication interfaces.

[0003] However, when communicating with multiple external devices through multiple communication interfaces, a problem occurs in which signal attenuation due to noise occurs when communication with multiple external devices is performed through the same or close communication channels in the same frequency band.

[0004] Previously, after confirming signal attenuation due to noise, a Fast Channel Switch (FCS) was used to change channels and secure wireless strength. However, because changing the communication channel after confirming signal attenuation could result in packet delays and the time required to switch channels.

[0005] The above information may be provided as background art to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above is applicable as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device includes: a first communication interface; a second communication interface; a memory storing instructions; and a processor; wherein the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the processor, cause the electronic device to obtain first SSID information and first communication channel information of a first external device connected to the electronic device through the first communication interface, obtain an optimal channel list based on the first communication channel information, and control the second communication interface to perform a communication connection with a second external device through one of the communication channels included in the optimal channel list.

[0007] The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the processor, may cause the electronic device to obtain an optimal channel list based on the first communication channel information while the electronic device is not connected to the second external device through the second communication interface or while the electronic device is in a standby state.

[0008] The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the processor, may cause the electronic device to identify information about a first frequency band connected to the first external device through the first communication interface based on the first communication channel information, and obtain the optimal channel list including information about a communication channel that is farthest from the communication channel connected to the first external device among a plurality of communication channels included in the first frequency band.

[0009] The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the processor, may cause the electronic device to receive a beacon signal from the first external device through the first communication interface, and to obtain second SSID information and second communication channel information including a predetermined number or more of identical texts as the first SSID information through the beacon signal.

[0010] The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the processor, may cause the electronic device to identify information about a plurality of communication channels included in a second frequency band that can be communicatively connected to the first external device through the first communication interface based on the second communication channel information, identify information about a communication channel having the greatest signal strength among the plurality of communication channels included in the second frequency band, and obtain the optimal channel list to include information about a communication channel having the greatest signal strength and a communication channel that is farthest from the communication channel.

[0011] Among the plurality of communication channels included in the second frequency band, a communication channel whose signal strength has temporarily increased may be excluded when identifying information about the communication channel with the greatest signal strength.

[0012] The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the processor, may cause the electronic device to receive a beacon signal from at least one peripheral device through the first communication interface, obtain SSID information and third communication channel information corresponding to the at least one peripheral device through the beacon signal, identify information about a communication channel that is capable of communication connection with the at least one peripheral device through the first communication interface based on the third communication channel information, and obtain the optimal channel list based on the information about the communication channel that is capable of communication connection with the at least one peripheral device.

[0013] A third communication interface of a different type from the first and second communication interfaces; further comprising instructions which, when individually or collectively executed by the processor, can cause the electronic device to transmit information about the optimal channel list to the second external device via the third communication interface.

[0014] The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the processor, may cause the electronic device to control the second communication interface to perform a communication connection with the second external device based on the optimal channel list transmitted to the second external device through the third communication interface when the second external device detects an event for a communication connection between the electronic device and the second external device.

[0015] The first and second communication interfaces may be Wi-Fi communication interfaces.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for controlling an electronic device including a first communication interface and a second communication interface may include: obtaining first SSID information and first communication channel information of a first external device connected to the electronic device through the first communication interface; obtaining an optimal channel list based on the first communication channel information; and controlling the second communication interface to perform a communication connection with a second external device through one of the communication channels included in the optimal channel list.

[0017] The step of obtaining the above optimal channel list may obtain the optimal channel list based on the first communication channel information while communication with the second external device is not connected through the second communication interface or while the electronic device is in a standby state.

[0018] The step of obtaining the above optimal channel list may include identifying information about a first frequency band connected to the first external device through the first communication interface based on the first communication channel information, and obtaining the optimal channel list so as to include information about a communication channel that is farthest from the communication channel connected to the first external device among a plurality of communication channels included in the first frequency band.

[0019] The control method may include: receiving a beacon signal from the first external device through the first communication interface; and obtaining second SSID information and second communication channel information including a predetermined number or more of the same text as the first SSID information through the beacon signal.

[0020] The step of obtaining the above optimal channel list may include: identifying information on a plurality of communication channels included in a second frequency band that can be connected to the first external device through the first communication interface based on the second communication channel information; identifying information on a communication channel having the greatest signal strength among the plurality of communication channels included in the second frequency band; and obtaining the above optimal channel list so as to include information on a communication channel that is farthest from the communication channel having the greatest signal strength.

[0021] Among the plurality of communication channels included in the second frequency band, a communication channel whose signal strength has temporarily increased may be excluded when identifying information about the communication channel with the greatest signal strength.

[0022] The control method further includes a step of receiving a beacon signal from at least one peripheral device through the first communication interface; and a step of obtaining SSID information and third communication channel information corresponding to the at least one peripheral device through the beacon signal; wherein the step of obtaining an optimal channel list may identify information on a communication channel through which communication connection is possible with the at least one peripheral device through the first communication interface based on the third communication channel information, and obtain the optimal channel list based on the information on the communication channel through which communication connection is possible with the at least one peripheral device.

[0023] The electronic device may further include a third communication interface of a different type from the first and second communication interfaces, and may include a step of transmitting information about the optimal channel list to the second external device through the third communication interface.

[0024] The controlling step may include controlling the second communication interface to perform a communication connection with the second external device based on the optimal channel list transmitted to the second external device through the third communication interface when the second external device detects an event for a communication connection between the electronic device and the second external device.

[0025] The first and second communication interfaces may be Wi-Fi communication interfaces.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a communication connection system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

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

[0028] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating a method for performing a communication connection with an external device based on an optimal channel list according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating a method for updating an optimal channel list according to a change in a communication channel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are drawings for explaining a method for obtaining an optimal channel list based on communication channel information of at least one peripheral device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and

[0031] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for performing a communication connection with an external device based on an optimal channel list according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0046]

[0047] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a communication connection system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the communication connection system includes an electronic device (100), a first external device (200), and a second external device (300).

[0048] Here, the electronic device (100) may be implemented as a TV as illustrated in FIG. 1, but this is only one embodiment, and may be implemented as various devices such as a desktop PC, a notebook PC, a projector, etc. In addition, the first external device (200) may be implemented as a wireless router as illustrated in FIG. 1, but this is only one embodiment, and may be implemented as various electronic devices that can serve as an access point (AP), such as a Wi-Fi router, a wireless bridge, a home gateway, etc. The second external device (300) may be implemented as a wireless set-top box as illustrated in FIG. 1, but this is only one embodiment, and may be implemented as various electronic devices that can provide content to the electronic device (100), such as a sound bar, a speaker, an AI speaker, a projector, etc.

[0049] The electronic device (100) may include a plurality of communication interfaces, and may perform a communication connection with a first external device (200) and a second external device (300) through the plurality of communication interfaces. For example, the electronic device (100) may perform a communication connection with a first external device (200) through the first communication interface, and may perform a communication connection with a second external device (300) through the second communication interface. Here, the first and second communication interfaces may be Wi-Fi communication interfaces, but are not limited thereto.

[0050] Meanwhile, the electronic device (100) may be in a state of communication connection with a first external device (200) through a first communication interface. The electronic device (100) may obtain first SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​information and first communication channel information from the first external device (200) that is communication-connected through the first communication interface. Here, the SSID information is unique identification information that identifies a wireless network, which allows the network to be distinguished from other networks, and may be used when the electronic device (100) selects a network to which it is to connect. The communication channel information is information about a specific frequency band that the wireless network uses for data transmission. Here, when the communication interface is a Wi-Fi communication interface, the Wi-Fi communication interface may operate in frequency bands of 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz, and the electronic device (100) may perform a communication connection with the first external device (200) through one of a plurality of communication channels included in each frequency band.

[0051] The electronic device (100) may obtain (or generate) an optimal channel list based on the first communication channel information. Here, the optimal channel list may be a list including information on the optimal communication channel used when performing a communication connection with the second external device (300). Specifically, the electronic device (100) may identify information on a first frequency band (e.g., 2.4 GHz) connected to the first external device through the first communication interface based on the first communication channel information, and may obtain an optimal channel list including information on a communication channel that is furthest from the communication channel connected to the first external device among a plurality of communication channels included in the first frequency band. In addition, the electronic device (100) may obtain an optimal channel list including information on communication channels of other frequency bands. This will be described in detail later with reference to the drawings.

[0052] Meanwhile, when the electronic device (100) obtains the optimal channel list, the electronic device (100) may not be connected to the second external device (300) via the second communication interface or may be in a standby state. Here, the standby state may be a state in which the electronic device (100) is not completely turned off, consumes only a minimum amount of power, and activates only some components (e.g., a remote control signal receiving unit, etc.). In other words, the electronic device (100) may obtain the optimal channel list when the electronic device (100) is not connected to the second external device (300) via the second communication interface or when the electronic device (100) is in a standby state.

[0053] The electronic device (100) can control the second communication interface to perform a communication connection with the second external device (300) through one of the communication channels included in the optimal channel list.

[0054] That is, by obtaining an optimal channel list in advance while the electronic device (100) is not connected to a second external device (300) and performing communication with the second external device (300) using the optimal channel list, the electronic device (100) can immediately perform a communication connection with the second external device (300) without a time delay for searching for a communication channel. In addition, by setting an optimal communication channel in advance, the frequency of FCS that may occur while viewing content can be reduced.

[0055] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the electronic device (100) may include a display (110), a communication interface (120), an input / output interface (130), a user interface (140), a memory (150), and a processor (160). However, this is merely an example, and it is understood that some components may be removed or added depending on the type of the electronic device (100).

[0056] The display (110) may include various types of display panels such as, but not limited to, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel, an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes) panel, an AM-OLED (Active-Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode), an LcoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon), a QLED (Quantum dot Light-Emitting Diode), a DLP (Digital Light Processing), a PDP (Plasma Display Panel) panel, an inorganic LED panel, and a micro LED panel. Meanwhile, the display (110) may also configure a touch screen together with a touch panel, and may also be formed of a flexible panel.

[0057] In particular, the display (110) can display content received from various sources (e.g., a communication interface (120), an input / output interface (130), etc.).

[0058] The communication interface (130) includes at least one circuit and can communicate with various types of external devices or servers. In particular, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication interface (130) may include a plurality of communication interfaces.

[0059] For example, the communication interface (130) may include a first communication interface (121), a second communication interface (122), and a third communication interface (123), as illustrated in FIG. 1. Here, the first communication interface (121) and the second communication interface (122) may be communication interfaces of the same type as Wi-Fi communication interfaces, and the third communication interface (123) may be a Bluetooth communication interface of a different type from the first and second communication interfaces (121, 122).

[0060] The first communication interface (121) can perform a communication connection with the first external device (200), and the second communication interface (122) can perform a communication connection with the second external device (300). Here, when a communication connection is performed with the second external device (300), the second communication interface (122) can perform the role of an access point.

[0061] In addition, when the electronic device (100) performs a connection with a second external device (300) through a second communication interface (122), in order to minimize interference with a communication channel connected to the first external device (200) through the first communication interface (121), the electronic device (100) may generate an optimal channel list including information on an optimal communication channel and store the list in the memory (150).

[0062] The third communication interface (123) can transmit information about the optimal channel list to the second external device (300). That is, before performing a communication connection with the second external device (300), the electronic device (100) can transmit the optimal channel list to the second external device (300) in advance through the third communication interface (123).

[0063] It goes without saying that the communication interface (120) may include various communication interfaces (e.g., IR communication interface, cellular communication module, 3G (third generation) mobile communication module, 4G (fourth generation) mobile communication module, 4th generation LTE (Long Term Evolution) communication module, 5G (fifth generation) mobile communication module, NFC communication module, etc.) in addition to the first to third communication interfaces (121, 122, 123).

[0064] The input / output interface (130) is configured to input / output at least one of audio and video signals. For example, the input / output interface (130) may be an HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface), but this is only one embodiment, and may be any one of an MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link), a USB (Universal Serial Bus), a DP (Display Port), a Thunderbolt, a VGA (Video Graphics Array) port, an RGB port, a D-SUB (D-subminiature), and a DVI (Digital Visual Interface). Depending on the implementation example, the input / output interface (130) may include a port that inputs / outputs only audio signals and a port that inputs / outputs only video signals as separate ports, or may be implemented as a single port that inputs / outputs both audio signals and video signals.

[0065] In particular, the input / output interface (130) can receive various contents from a second external device (300).

[0066] The user interface (140) may include a button, a lever, a switch, a touch interface, etc. In this case, the touch interface may be implemented in a manner of receiving input by the user's touch on the display (110) screen of the electronic device (100).

[0067] In particular, the user interface (140) can receive various user commands, such as a user command for a communication connection or a user command for playing content.

[0068] The memory (150) may store an operating system (OS) for controlling the overall operation of the components of the electronic device (100) and instructions or data related to the components of the electronic device (100). In particular, the memory (150) may include various modules for communication connection with the second external device (300). In particular, when an event for communication connection with the second external device (300) occurs, the electronic device (100) may load data for performing various operations by the various modules for communication connection with the second external device (300) stored in the non-volatile memory into the volatile memory. Here, loading means an operation of loading and storing data stored in the non-volatile memory into the volatile memory so that the processor (160) can access it.

[0069] Additionally, the memory (150) can store information about the optimal channel list generated by the processor (160).

[0070] Meanwhile, the memory (150) may be implemented as a non-volatile memory (e.g., hard disk, SSD (Solid state drive), flash memory), volatile memory (may also include memory within the processor (160)), etc.

[0071] The electronic device (100) may further include other components (e.g., microphone, camera, sensor, etc.).

[0072] The processor (160) can control the electronic device (100) according to at least one instruction stored in the memory (120).

[0073] In particular, the processor (160) may include one or more processors. Specifically, the one or more processors may include one or more of a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), an Accelerated Processing Unit (APU), a Many Integrated Core (MIC), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a Neural Processing Unit (NPU), a hardware accelerator, or a machine learning accelerator. The one or more processors may control one or any combination of other components of the electronic device, and may perform operations related to communication or data processing. The one or more processors may execute one or more programs or instructions stored in a memory. For example, the one or more processors may perform a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure by executing one or more instructions stored in a memory.

[0074] When a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of operations, the plurality of operations may be performed by one processor or by a plurality of processors. That is, when a first operation, a second operation, and a third operation are performed by a method according to an embodiment, the first operation, the second operation, and the third operation may all be performed by the first processor, or the first operation and the second operation may be performed by the first processor (e.g., a general-purpose processor) and the third operation may be performed by the second processor (e.g., an artificial intelligence-only processor). For example, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an operation of identifying a corner in a handwritten image using a neural network model or correcting a space in a handwritten image may be performed by a processor that performs parallel operations, such as a GPU or NPU, and an operation of generating / editing a floor plan image or a post-processing operation may be performed by a general-purpose processor, such as a CPU.

[0075] One or more processors may be implemented as a single core processor including one core, or may be implemented as one or more multicore processors including multiple cores (e.g., homogeneous multicores or heterogeneous multicores). When one or more processors are implemented as a multicore processor, each of the multiple cores included in the multicore processor may include internal processor memory, such as cache memory or on-chip memory, and a common cache shared by the multiple cores may be included in the multicore processor. In addition, each of the multiple cores (or some of the multiple cores) included in the multicore processor may independently read and execute a program instruction for implementing a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, or all (or some) of the multiple cores may be linked to read and execute a program instruction for implementing a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] When a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of operations, the plurality of operations may be performed by one core among a plurality of cores included in a multi-core processor, or may be performed by a plurality of cores. For example, when a first operation, a second operation, and a third operation are performed by a method according to an embodiment, the first operation, the second operation, and the third operation may all be performed by a first core included in the multi-core processor, or the first operation and the second operation may be performed by a first core included in the multi-core processor, and the third operation may be performed by a second core included in the multi-core processor.

[0077] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor (160) may mean a system on a chip (SoC) in which one or more processors and other electronic components are integrated, a single-core processor, a multi-core processor, or a core included in a single-core processor or a multi-core processor, wherein the core may be implemented as a CPU, a GPU, an APU, a MIC, a DSP, an NPU, a hardware accelerator, or a machine learning accelerator, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0078] In particular, the processor (160) obtains first SSID information and first communication channel information of a first external device (200) connected to the electronic device (100) through the first communication interface (121) by executing at least one instruction stored in the memory (150). The processor (160) obtains an optimal channel list based on the first communication channel information. The processor (160) controls the second communication interface (122) to perform a communication connection with a second external device through one of the communication channels included in the optimal channel list.

[0079] In one or more embodiments, the processor (160) may obtain an optimal channel list based on the first communication channel information while the second external device (300) is not connected to the communication via the second communication interface (122) or while the electronic device (100) is in a standby state.

[0080] In one or more embodiments, the processor (160) may identify information about a first frequency band connected to a first external device (200) through a first communication interface (121) based on the first communication channel information. The processor (160) may obtain an optimal channel list including information about a communication channel that is farthest from the communication channel connected to the first external device (200) among a plurality of communication channels included in the first frequency band.

[0081] In one or more embodiments, the processor (160) may receive a beacon signal from the first external device (200) through the first communication interface (121), and may obtain second SSID information and second communication channel information including a preset number or more of the same text as the first SSID information through the beacon signal. Here, the processor (160) may identify information on a plurality of communication channels included in a second frequency band that can be communicably connected to the first external device (200) through the first communication interface (121) based on the second communication channel information. The processor (160) may identify information on a communication channel having the highest signal strength among the plurality of communication channels included in the second frequency band. The processor (160) may obtain an optimal channel list that includes information on a communication channel having the highest signal strength and a communication channel that is the furthest from the source. Meanwhile, a communication channel having a temporarily increased signal strength among the plurality of communication channels included in the second frequency band may be excluded when identifying information on the communication channel having the highest signal strength.

[0082] In one or more embodiments, the processor (160) may receive a beacon signal from at least one peripheral device via the first communication interface (121). The processor (160) may obtain SSID information and third communication channel information corresponding to the at least one peripheral device via the beacon signal. Based on the third communication channel information, the processor (160) may identify information on a communication channel that is capable of communication connection with the at least one peripheral device via the first communication interface (121). The processor (160) may obtain an optimal channel list based on the information on the communication channel that is capable of communication connection with the at least one peripheral device.

[0083] In one or more embodiments, the processor (160) may transmit information about the optimal channel list to the second external device (300) via the third communication interface (123).

[0084] In one or more embodiments, when the second external device (300) detects an event for a communication connection between the electronic device (100) and the second external device (300), the processor (160) may control the second communication interface (122) to perform a communication connection with the second external device (300) based on an optimal channel list transmitted to the second external device (300) through the third communication interface (123).

[0085] In one or more embodiments, when a communication channel connected to the first external device (200) is changed, the processor (160) may update the optimal channel list based on the changed communication channel information.

[0086] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating a method for performing a communication connection with an external device based on an optimal channel list according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0087] In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the operations may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0088] According to one embodiment, S310 to S380 may be understood to be performed in a processor (160) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (100) of FIG. 2).

[0089] First, the electronic device (100) can establish a communication connection with a first external device (200) (S310). Here, the electronic device (100) can establish a communication connection with the first external device (200) through a first communication interface (121) (e.g., a Wi-Fi communication interface).

[0090] The electronic device (100) can obtain first SSID information and first communication channel information (S320). That is, the electronic device (100) can obtain first SSID information for the network to which it is currently connected and information about the communication channel (e.g., information about the frequency band of the communication channel, the number of the communication channel, the bandwidth of the communication channel, and the signal strength of the communication channel).

[0091] The electronic device (100) can receive a beacon signal from the first external device (200) (S330). Here, the beacon signal may be a beacon signal of a frequency band other than the currently connected frequency band. For example, if the frequency band of the communication channel currently connected to the first external device (200) is 2.4 GHz, the beacon signal may be a signal of 5 GHz.

[0092] The electronic device (100) can obtain second SSID information and second communication channel information via a beacon signal (S340). Here, the second SSID information may include a preset number or more of the same text as the first SSID information. For example, if the first SSID information is "Sals92m01", the second SSID information may be "Sals92m01_5GHz". In addition, the second communication channel information may include information on a plurality of communication channels included in a frequency band corresponding to the beacon signal. Here, the information on the plurality of communication channels may include information on the signal strength of each of the plurality of communication channels.

[0093] The electronic device (100) can obtain an optimal channel list based on the first and second communication channel information (S350).

[0094] In one or more embodiments, the electronic device (100) may identify information about a first frequency band connected to the first external device (200) through the first communication interface (121) based on the first communication channel information. For example, the electronic device (100) may identify that the first frequency band connected to the first external device (200) through the first communication interface (121) is “2.4 GHz” based on the first communication channel information. In addition, the electronic device (100) may obtain an optimal channel list including information about a communication channel that is farthest from a communication channel connected to the first external device (200) among a plurality of communication channels included in the first frequency band. Here, the communication channel that is farthest from the connected communication channel may be a communication channel that performs communication through a frequency that has the greatest difference from the frequency of the connected communication channel. For example, if there are communication channels 1 to 13 in the "2.4 GHz" frequency band, and the communication channel between the electronic device (100) and the first external device (200) is channel 10 in the "2.4 GHz" frequency band, the electronic device (100) can obtain an optimal channel list that includes channel 1, which is the farthest from channel 10. At this time, in addition to channel 1, channels (e.g., channel 2 and channel 3, etc.) that are farther from channel 10 by a preset value or more may be further included in the optimal channel list. Here, if multiple channels are included in the optimal channel list, the electronic device (100) can set the communication channel that is the farthest from the communication channel between the electronic device (100) and the first external device (200) as the highest priority communication channel.

[0095] In one or more embodiments, the electronic device (100) may identify information about a plurality of communication channels included in a second frequency band that can be communicatively connected to the first external device (200) through the first communication interface (121) based on the second communication channel information. For example, the electronic device (100) may identify information about a plurality of communication channels included in a "5 GHz" or "6 GHz" frequency band. In addition, the electronic device (100) may identify information about a communication channel having the highest signal strength among the plurality of communication channels included in the second frequency band. For example, if channels 149 to 165 exist in the "5 GHz" frequency band, the electronic device (100) may identify channel 152 as the communication channel having the highest signal strength among the plurality of communication channels included in the "5 GHz" frequency band. In addition, the electronic device (100) may obtain an optimal channel list that includes information about the communication channel having the highest signal strength and the communication channel that is the furthest away. For example, the electronic device (100) can store information about communication channel 152, which has the strongest signal strength, and communication channel 165, which is the farthest communication channel, in the optimal channel list. At this time, in addition to channel 165, channels that are further away from channel 152 by a preset value or more (e.g., channel 163, channel 164, etc.) may be further included in the optimal channel list. Here, when multiple channels are included in the optimal channel list, the electronic device (100) can set the communication channel with the strongest signal strength and the communication channel that is the farthest away as the highest priority communication channel.

[0096] Meanwhile, among the multiple communication channels included in the second frequency band, communication channels whose signal strength temporarily increases may be excluded when identifying information about the communication channel with the strongest signal strength. For example, the signal strength of some of the multiple communication channels included in the second frequency band may temporarily increase depending on the user's movement. If the signal strength of a communication channel temporarily increases due to the user's movement, signal attenuation may occur only temporarily. Therefore, communication channels whose signal strength temporarily increases (i.e., communication channels whose signal strength increases and then decreases within a preset period of time) may be excluded from the communication channel with the strongest signal strength when identifying information about the communication channel with the strongest signal strength.

[0097] That is, the electronic device (100) can obtain an optimal channel list including information on an optimal communication channel (or a top priority communication channel) for each of a plurality of frequency bands.

[0098] Meanwhile, while communication with the second external device (300) is not connected through the second communication interface (122) or the electronic device (100) is in a standby state, the electronic device (100) can obtain an optimal channel list based on the first or second communication channel information.

[0099] The electronic device (100) can transmit information about the optimal channel list to a second external device (300) (S360). Here, the electronic device (100) can transmit information about the optimal channel list to the second external device (300) through a third communication interface (123) (e.g., a Bluetooth communication interface) rather than the second communication interface (122). The second external device (300) can store information about the optimal channel list.

[0100] Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, since only the channel information of the AP of the electronic device (100) can be changed, step S360 can be omitted. That is, the electronic device (100) may not transmit information about the optimal channel list to the second external device (300) in advance.

[0101] The second external device (300) can receive a user input for a communication connection (S370). Here, the user input for the communication connection may be one of a user input for performing a communication connection with the electronic device (100) through the second communication interface (122), a user input for transmitting content to the electronic device (100), a user input for changing the mode of the second external device (300) from standby mode to content playback mode (or content transmission mode), and a user input for turning on the power of the second external device (300).

[0102] In response to a user input, the second external device (300) and the electronic device (100) can perform a communication connection (S380). Here, the second external device (300) and the electronic device (100) can perform a communication connection based on a previously stored optimal channel list. Specifically, the second external device (300) and the electronic device (100) can perform a communication connection using a communication channel with the highest priority stored in the optimal channel list among a plurality of communication channels included in a frequency band.

[0103] That is, the second external device (300) and the electronic device (100) can perform a communication connection based on the previously acquired optimal channel list without a separate communication channel search process. As a result, the second external device (300) and the electronic device (100) can perform a communication connection more quickly.

[0104] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating a method for updating an optimal channel list according to a change in a communication channel, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0105] In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the operations may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0106] According to one embodiment, S410 to S495 may be understood to be performed in a processor (160) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (100) of FIG. 2).

[0107] Meanwhile, steps S410 to S460 of FIG. 4 are identical to steps S310 to S360 of FIG. 3, so overlapping descriptions will be omitted.

[0108] The electronic device (100) and the first external device (300) can change the communication channel (S470). In one embodiment, the electronic device (100) and the first external device (300) can change the communication channel within the same frequency band. For example, if the communication channel to which the electronic device (100) and the first external device (200) are currently connected is channel 10 of the "2.4 GHz" frequency band, the electronic device (100) and the first external device (200) can change the communication channel to channel 3 of the "2.4 GHz" frequency band. In one embodiment, the electronic device (100) and the first external device (300) can change to a communication channel of a different frequency band. For example, if the communication channel to which the electronic device (100) and the first external device (200) are currently connected is channel 10 of the “2.4 GHz” frequency band, the electronic device (100) and the first external device (200) can change the communication channel to channel 152 of the “5 GHz” frequency band.

[0109] The electronic device (100) can obtain information on the changed communication channel (S480). That is, the electronic device (100) can obtain information on the frequency band of the changed communication channel and information on the changed communication channel. In one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can obtain information on the frequency band of the previously connected communication channel and signal intensity information on each of the multiple communication channels included in the frequency band of the previously connected communication channel.

[0110] The electronic device (100) may update the optimal channel list based on the changed communication channel information (S490). Specifically, the electronic device (100) may update the optimal channel list to include information about the communication channel that is furthest from the communication channel connected to the first external device (200) among the plurality of communication channels included in the changed frequency band. For example, if the communication channel between the electronic device (100) and the first external device (200) is changed to channel 3 of the "2.4 GHz" frequency band, the electronic device (100) may update the optimal channel list to include channel 13, which is the farthest from channel 3. At this time, in addition to channel 13, channels that are farther from channel 3 by a preset value or more (e.g., channels 11 and 12, etc.) may be further included in the optimal channel list.

[0111] The electronic device (100) may transmit information about the updated optimal channel list to a second external device (300) (S495). Here, the electronic device (100) may transmit information about the updated optimal channel list to the second external device (300) via a third communication interface (123) (e.g., a Bluetooth communication interface). The second external device (300) may store information about the updated optimal channel list.

[0112] Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, since only the channel information of the AP of the electronic device (100) can be changed, step S495 can be omitted. That is, the electronic device (100) may not transmit information about the optimal channel list to the second external device (300) in advance.

[0113] And, the electronic device (100) and the second external device (300) can perform a communication connection through one of the communication channels included in the updated optimal channel list.

[0114] Meanwhile, in the above-described embodiment, it has been described that the optimal channel list is updated when the communication channel between the electronic device (100) and the first external device (200) is changed, but this is only one embodiment, and the optimal channel list can be updated in other cases as well. For example, when a communication channel having a signal strength greater than a threshold value is detected in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band including the communication channel between the electronic device (100) and the first external device (200), the electronic device (100) can update the optimal channel list. As another example, the electronic device (100) can update the optimal channel list at a preset cycle.

[0115] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a method for obtaining an optimal channel list based on communication channel information of at least one peripheral device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0116] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the IoT environment within a home may include at least one peripheral device (500-1, 500-2) in addition to the electronic device (100), the first external device (200), and the second external device (300). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the IoT environment within a home may include various peripheral devices that utilize a wireless network, such as another wireless router (500-1), an AI speaker (500-2), and the like.

[0117] In particular, when communication is connected between the second external device (300) and the electronic device (100), at least one peripheral device (500-1, 500-2, etc.) in addition to the first external device (200) may also affect signal attenuation. Therefore, the electronic device (100) may obtain an optimal channel list by also considering the communication channel information of at least one peripheral device (500-1, 500-2, etc.). Hereinafter, a method for obtaining an optimal channel list based on the communication channel information of at least one peripheral device will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

[0118] In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the operations may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0119] According to one embodiment, S410 to S495 may be understood to be performed in a processor (160) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (100) of FIG. 2).

[0120] Meanwhile, steps S610 to S640 of FIG. 6 are identical to steps S310 to S340 of FIG. 3, so overlapping descriptions will be omitted.

[0121] The electronic device (100) can receive a beacon signal from at least one peripheral device (500) (S650). Here, the beacon signal is a beacon signal received through a Wi-Fi communication interface, and may include SSID information and third communication channel information of at least one peripheral device (500).

[0122] The electronic device (100) can obtain SSID information and third communication channel information through a beacon signal (S660). Here, the SSID information may be information indicating identification information of a communication network of at least one peripheral device. In addition, the third communication channel information may include information on a plurality of communication channels included in a frequency band corresponding to the beacon signal. Here, the information on the plurality of communication channels may include information on the signal strength of each of the plurality of communication channels.

[0123] The electronic device (100) can obtain an optimal channel list (S670). In particular, the electronic device (100) can obtain the optimal channel list based on at least one of the first to third communication channel information.

[0124] Specifically, when the frequency band of the third communication channel information is different from the frequency bands of the first and second communication channel information, the electronic device (100) can obtain information on the highest priority communication channel for the frequency band of the third communication channel information. Specifically, the electronic device (100) can identify information on the communication channel with the highest signal strength among the plurality of communication channels included in the frequency band of the third communication channel information. In addition, the electronic device (100) can obtain an optimal channel list that includes information on the communication channel with the highest signal strength and the communication channel that is the furthest away.

[0125] If the frequency band of the third communication channel information is the same as the frequency band of the first communication channel information (or the second communication channel information), the electronic device (100) can obtain information on the highest priority communication channel for the first frequency band based on the first and third communication channel information. Specifically, the electronic device (100) can identify information on the communication channel with the highest signal strength among the plurality of communication channels included in the frequency band of the third communication channel information. In addition, the electronic device (100) can identify information on the communication channel connected to the first external device (200). In addition, the electronic device (100) can obtain an optimal channel list that includes information on the communication channel with the highest signal strength and the communication channel that is farthest from the communication channel connected to the first external device (200). For example, if the communication channel between the electronic device (100) and the first external device (200) is channel 10 of the "2.4 GHz" frequency band, and the communication channel with the strongest signal strength is channel 2 of the "2.4 GHz" frequency band, the electronic device (100) may include channel 6, which is the farthest from channel 10 and channel 2, in the optimal channel list. However, if the communication channel with the strongest signal strength is a communication channel with a temporarily increased signal strength or a communication channel with a signal strength below a threshold value, the electronic device (100) may exclude the communication channel with the strongest signal strength from the judgment target.

[0126] And, the electronic device (100) and the second external device (300) can perform a communication connection through one of the communication channels included in the optimal channel list obtained in the manner described above.

[0127] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for performing a communication connection with an external device based on an optimal channel list according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0128] In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the operations may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0129] According to one embodiment, S710 to S730 may be understood to be performed in a processor (160) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (100) of FIG. 2).

[0130] The electronic device (100) obtains first SSID information and first communication channel information of a first external device (200) connected to the electronic device (100) through a first communication interface (121) (S710).

[0131] The electronic device (100) obtains an optimal channel list based on the first communication channel information (S720). In one or more embodiments, the electronic device (100) may obtain the optimal channel list based on the first communication channel information while the electronic device (100) is not connected to the second external device (300) via the second communication interface (122) or while the electronic device (100) is in a standby state.

[0132] In one or more embodiments, the electronic device (100) may identify information about a first frequency band connected to the first external device (200) through the first communication interface (121) based on the first communication channel information, and may obtain an optimal channel list including information about a communication channel that is farthest from the communication channel connected to the first external device (200) among a plurality of communication channels included in the first frequency band.

[0133] In one or more embodiments, the electronic device (100) may receive a beacon signal from the first external device (200) through the first communication interface (121). The electronic device (100) may obtain second SSID information and second communication channel information, which include a preset number or more of the same text as the first SSID information, through the beacon signal. Based on the second communication channel information, the electronic device (100) may identify information on a plurality of communication channels included in a second frequency band that can be communicably connected to the first external device (200) through the first communication interface (121). The electronic device (100) may identify information on a communication channel with the highest signal strength among the plurality of communication channels included in the second frequency band. The electronic device (100) may obtain an optimal channel list that includes information on the communication channel with the highest signal strength and the communication channel that is the furthest from the source. Meanwhile, a communication channel with a temporarily increased signal strength among the plurality of communication channels included in the second frequency band may be excluded when identifying information on the communication channel with the highest signal strength.

[0134] In one or more embodiments, the electronic device (100) may transmit information about the optimal channel list to the second external device (300) via a third communication interface of a different type than the first and second communication interfaces.

[0135] The electronic device (100) controls the second communication interface (122) to perform a communication connection with the second external device through one of the communication channels included in the optimal channel list (S730). In one or more embodiments, when the second external device (300) detects an event for a communication connection between the electronic device (100) and the second external device (300), the electronic device (100) may control the second communication interface (122) to perform a communication connection with the second external device (300) based on the optimal channel list transmitted to the second external device (300) through the third communication interface (123).

[0136] In one or more embodiments, the electronic device (100) may receive a beacon signal from at least one peripheral device through the first communication interface (121). The electronic device (100) may obtain SSID information and third communication channel information corresponding to the at least one peripheral device through the beacon signal. Then, the electronic device (100) may identify information about a communication channel through which communication is possible with at least one peripheral device (500-1, 500-2, etc.) through the first communication interface (121) based on the third communication channel information. The electronic device (100) may obtain an optimal channel list based on the information about the communication channel through which communication is possible with at least one peripheral device (500-1, 500-2, etc.).

[0137] In one or more embodiments, when a communication channel connected to the first external device (200) is changed, the electronic device (100) can update the optimal channel list based on the changed communication channel information.

[0138] When establishing communication between an electronic device (100) and a second external device (300) or when the communication connection between the electronic device (100) and the second external device (300) is changed to a different frequency band (e.g., 2.4 GHz -> 5 GHz), by using the optimal channel list, it is possible to quickly establish a communication connection or change the frequency band without going through a separate communication channel search process.

[0139]

[0140] Meanwhile, the methods according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0141] The methods according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software including commands stored in a machine-readable storage medium that can be read by a machine (e.g., a computer). The device is a device that can call commands stored in the storage medium and operate according to the called commands, and may include an electronic device (e.g., a TV) according to the disclosed embodiments.

[0142] Meanwhile, a device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory storage medium" simply means a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0143] When the above instruction is executed by the processor, the processor may perform the function corresponding to the instruction directly or by using other components under the control of the processor. The instruction may include code generated or executed by a compiler or interpreter.

[0144] Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains without departing from the gist of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or prospect of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. In electronic devices, First communication interface; Second communication interface; Memory for storing instructions; and Processor; including; The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the processor, cause the electronic device to: Obtaining first SSID information and first communication channel information of a first external device connected to the electronic device through the first communication interface, Obtain an optimal channel list based on the first communication channel information, An electronic device that controls the second communication interface to perform a communication connection with a second external device through one of the communication channels included in the above optimal channel list.

2. In paragraph 1, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the processor, cause the electronic device to: An electronic device that obtains an optimal channel list based on the first communication channel information while communication with the second external device is not connected through the second communication interface or while the electronic device is in a standby state.

3. In paragraph 1, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the processor, cause the electronic device to: Identifying information about a first frequency band connected to the first external device through the first communication interface based on the first communication channel information; An electronic device that obtains the optimal channel list so as to include information about a communication channel that is farthest from the communication channel connected to the first external device among a plurality of communication channels included in the first frequency band.

4. In paragraph 3, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the processor, cause the electronic device to: Receive a beacon signal from the first external device through the first communication interface; An electronic device that obtains second SSID information and second communication channel information including a preset number or more of the same text as the first SSID information through the beacon signal.

5. In paragraph 4, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the processor, cause the electronic device to: Based on the second communication channel information, information on a plurality of communication channels included in a second frequency band that can be connected to the first external device through the first communication interface is identified, Identify information about a communication channel with the greatest signal strength among a plurality of communication channels included in the second frequency band, An electronic device for obtaining the optimal channel list, wherein the optimal channel list includes information about the communication channel with the greatest signal strength and the communication channel with the greatest distance.

6. In paragraph 5, An electronic device in which a communication channel whose signal strength has temporarily increased among a plurality of communication channels included in the second frequency band is excluded when identifying information about the communication channel with the greatest signal strength.

7. In paragraph 3, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the processor, cause the electronic device to: Receives a beacon signal from at least one peripheral device through the first communication interface; Obtaining SSID information and third communication channel information corresponding to at least one peripheral device through the beacon signal, Based on the third communication channel information, information on a communication channel capable of communication connection with at least one peripheral device is identified through the first communication interface, An electronic device that obtains the optimal channel list based on information about a communication channel capable of communication connection with at least one peripheral device.

8. In paragraph 1, further comprising a third communication interface of a different type from the first and second communication interfaces; The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the processor, cause the electronic device to: An electronic device that transmits information about the optimal channel list to the second external device through the third communication interface.

9. In paragraph 8, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the processor, cause the electronic device to: An electronic device that controls the second communication interface to perform a communication connection with the second external device based on the optimal channel list transmitted to the second external device through the third communication interface when the second external device detects an event for a communication connection between the electronic device and the second external device.

10. In paragraph 1, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the processor, cause the electronic device to: An electronic device that updates the optimal channel list based on the changed communication channel information when the communication channel connected to the first external device is changed.

11. A method for controlling an electronic device including a first communication interface and a second communication interface, A step of acquiring first SSID information and first communication channel information of a first external device connected to the electronic device through the first communication interface; A step of obtaining an optimal channel list based on the first communication channel information; and A control method comprising: a step of controlling the second communication interface to perform a communication connection with a second external device through one of the communication channels included in the optimal channel list; 12. In paragraph 11, The step of obtaining the above optimal channel list is: A control method for obtaining an optimal channel list based on the first communication channel information while communication with the second external device is not connected through the second communication interface or while the electronic device is in a standby state.

13. In paragraph 11, The step of obtaining the above optimal channel list is: Identifying information about a first frequency band connected to the first external device through the first communication interface based on the first communication channel information; A control method for obtaining the optimal channel list so as to include information on a communication channel that is farthest from the communication channel connected to the first external device among a plurality of communication channels included in the first frequency band.

14. In paragraph 13, The above control method is, A step of receiving a beacon signal from the first external device through the first communication interface; and A control method comprising: a step of obtaining second SSID information and second communication channel information including a predetermined number or more of the same text as the first SSID information through the beacon signal.

15. In paragraph 14, The step of obtaining the above optimal channel list is: Based on the second communication channel information, information on a plurality of communication channels included in a second frequency band that can be connected to the first external device through the first communication interface is identified, Identify information about a communication channel with the greatest signal strength among a plurality of communication channels included in the second frequency band, A control method for obtaining the optimal channel list so as to include information on the communication channel with the greatest signal strength and the communication channel that is the furthest away.

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